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One:
Try something new! Use your date night to try that new restaurant or bar downtown that you have been hearing so much about. Instead of reading about it, get your butts up, and try it yourself! Mike and I tend to have the most fun when we are in a new environment, having a unique experience. Granted, we all have our usual date night spots (which are of course clutch), but sometimes it's good to open up, and break outside of your comfort zone. When we pick a new spot, we try to find a place with the perfect blend of ambiance, and rave food reviews. Recently we dined at Eddie V's in downtown Pittsburgh. We had a wonderful time listening to a live jazz band while we dined and sipped on some cocktails.
Two:
Compromise! Sometimes picking a place or activity for date night can be a task. He wants a low key dinner and movie night at home, and you want a night on the town, or vice versa. Compromise is key when it comes to date night, if you don't want to cause stress in your relationship. There are two people in your relationship with wants and needs, and its important to make sure both of you are feeling fulfilled in your activities together. Mike and I have been taking turns picking new places to try out. I love this because Mike often picks places that I likely would not pick on my own, but we always end up having so much fun.
Three:
DISCONNECT! This is the most important tip of all. Be present with one another, and enjoy each other's company. Work and social media are constantly gripping your attention. Date night should be a time for the two of you to disconnect, unwind, and have a fabulous time together. Enjoy your experience - the food, the cocktails, the music, and most importantly the company you keep. Don't take your time together for granted.
I hope these tips help you when planning your next date night.
Thanks for reading!
-Nikki Grimm
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I must admit, I was very hesitant to buy my first pair of red bottoms. The thought of spending such a large amount of money on shoes that would lose their beautiful red sole in just a few wears was mind boggling. It wasn't until a gloomy Saturday morning, spent cuddled up on my couch, watching the news, that I had a complete change of heart. There was a segment on about red bottoms, and different ways to care for them. They interviewed a well known, very experienced cobbler in New York, and he shared the dirt on how to care for your gorgeous red bottoms. I am so glad I watched it, because I learned quite a few care tips that lifted my fear of purchasing these gorgeous shoes.
If you're anything like me, buying a pair of designer shoes is an absolute treat, and not something I get to do every day. Therefore, I want to make sure I am taking the best care of my designer items so that they last me for years and years to come. I hope these tips and tricks help you as much as they did me. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way recommending that you do any of the below care tips. I am simply sharing tips that have worked great for me. Your shoes are your property, and you are to care for them as you see fit.
1. FIND AN EXPERIENCED COBBLER
The most important thing to me was finding a cobbler that had plenty of experience working with Christian Louboutins, as well as other designer items. I did heavy research, read reviews, and thoroughly "creeped" on instagram to view past work of my cobbler. I was talking to one of my friends the other day, and she said to me, "I didn't even know cobblers still existed"! Ha! If you don't have a cobbler, you should get acquainted with one. Not only can they help you restore and maintain your tired old soles, but they can help you with a wide variety of leather goods - purses, and jackets for example. Leather goods require expert care in cleaning and maintenance.
2. RED RUBBER SOLES
Pictured here you will see a red rubber sole on my Louboutins. My cobbler showed me his recommendation for my soles, and I went with it! He said, so many of his customers will try to buy their own product on Amazon, and it ends up being garbage. Trust your cobbler ladies! They work on shoes all the time, and have seen many different types of soles. A good cobbler will have many options. Why? Because not all Louboutins are the same red! Some are more orange in tone than others. Thus, it's good to have options. This picture was taken after wearing my shoes out a couple of times. As you can see, the sole holds up nicely!
This option is my personal favorite, because the rubber sole helps your grip when you walk, and lasts for a very long time. Additionally, you don't have to worry about the chipped paint look on the bottom of your shoes.
If you're like me, you wear your shoes girl! I didn't spend all this money on my shoes to have them sit in my closet on display. I spent my hard earned money on these babies so I could wear them.... A LOT! Not just once or twice.
3.REPAINT YOUR SOLES
An experienced cobbler can repaint your soles for you, so that they look brand new. If you don't like the rubber sole idea, and have money to blow, this is an option! Repainting your red soles is going to require a lot more money, time, and patience, as the red lacquer does tend to wear off after just a few wears. I personally like the red rubber sole, because the lacquer is pretty slippery to walk on, and the red rubble sole requires very little maintenance. However, you do you honey! :)
4. LOVE YOUR SHOES & STORE THEM PROPERLY
Whether you are buying a pair of Christian Louboutins, or any other designer, make sure you really love your shoes. I can not stress this enough. You are spending a lot of your hard earned money on these beauties, and they should be worth every penny. I do not believe that buying a designer items should be something to take for granted - i.e. something you feel you will get one or two wears out of. No matter your style, buy shoes that you know you will love, and get a lot of wear out of. To conclude, store your shoes in the dust bag that they come with, or keep them in the box they came in (if you can) to make sure they do not get dry or damp.
I hope these tricks were helpful! I am also interested to know what tips and tricks you have for your designer shoes! Comment below, and share.
Thanks for reading today,
Nikki Grimm
1. Quality Over Quantity
The realization struck me a few years ago, before I moved into my new house. I walked in to my closet, and got that feeling you get when you shop at a discount retailer. How am I ever supposed to find something great to wear in this mess? It was overwhelming, unorganized, and a complete cluster. It was overflowing with trendy pieces, that I rarely ever wore, so I just kept buying new. I realized I didn't actually love most of what I was buying. I just liked the price tag, and the fact that it was new. This is a terrible way to shop.
From that moment on I vowed to change my shopping habits, and with that change I introduced higher quality pieces to my wardrobe, that last, and consistently make it into my rotation. I shop the same amount as I did before, I just buy a lot less. I bought the Gucci belt pictured here in Florence, Italy (ahhh yes, the motherland), in 2016. I have worn this belt probably over 100 times since then, and it looks just as beautiful now, as it did when the sales associate at Gucci, packaged it up, and handed it to me over 2 years ago. I learned to invest my money in pieces that I truly feel phenomenal in. This lesson has introduced pieces into my wardrobe that I wear year after year, and truly enjoy wearing.
2. Love your Tailor
This is the most important style lesson that I have learned over the years! Unfortunately, most clothing isn't made to fit us perfectly. This means our favorite pieces are going to require some alterations from time to time, and it certainly pays off. No one wants to have a jacket or dress with sleeves that are too long, and no one wants to be the girl whose tripping over her pants at a party, because they are too long. Tailoring your clothing can turn your look from average (or possibly sloppy, let's be honest), to polished. You will find yourself constantly going back to the pieces in your closet that you got tailored, because.......wait for it....they actually fit you. Mind blowing, I know. You can make an inexpensive piece, look like a million bucks with the right tailoring. I am not saying buy expensive pieces, and have them tailored. I am saying tailor, what doesn't fit you, if you really like the piece. You will be glad you did, and I promise you, you will look amazing.
3. Read The Label
If you are a semi health conscious human, chances are you are probably reading at least some of the labels on the foods you eat, and the drinks you drink. I encourage you to do the same when it comes to your clothing. Your skin will thank you, and so will your wallet. If you want to buy clothing that doesn't fall apart, or pill into a mess after one wash/clean, than you need to started reading your labels. Not only do natural fibers feel better on your skin, but they wash better. Try to buy items that consist of natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, (if I could live in cashmere I would), etc. If you are buying items that are 100% synthetic fiber, chances are, it will fall apart a lot faster, than if you buy something that is at least blended with a natural fiber. Pay attention to the label, and don't overpay for products that are made of 100% synthetic fibers. Cotton blend tee's, cotton and wool blend sweaters, will last you a lot longer than something that is 100% synthetic. Another part to this lesson, is caring for your garment's. Read the label on your garment's so you know how to properly care for your piece. This is extremely important. If you want your garment to last, then you need to care for it properly.
I used to never pay attention to the label, but I eventually got sick of spending $70 on a 100% polyester sweater that pilled into a mess after one wear.
4. Less is More
Admittedly, I made some questionable fashion decisions. What it really comes down to though, is knowing how to accessorize your look. And trust me - less really is more. If you are looking to have an effortless, polished, and put together look, you have to learn how to accessorize. I have learned that subtly in prints, and in jewelry can completely change your entire look. Your accessories need to complement what you are wearing. If you are wearing prints, your jewelry should not make a statement. Your garment already has that covered. Your accessories should be very simple. Alternatively, if you are looking to wear a statement necklace, let the necklace do what it was intended to do. Do not cloud the statement piece by wearing a complicated outfit. Stick with a solid color.
5. Shopping Online
When it comes to shopping online, shop retailers that have a local store front, and try to shop brands you already know and love. We all know someone that has clicked on an ad for an online store, waited over a month for their order to arrive, all to find a package full of what appears to be baby doll clothes. Shopping online is so convenient, and a great way to shop endless inventory. But with that, you need to shop smart. Look for authentic reviews on the brand and the item. You can usually spot the fakes. If you stick to the brands you love, or to retailers that have a storefront near you, returning an item you dislike will be a lot easier.
To conclude, don't shop online all the time! As Carrie Bradshaw once said, "shopping is my cardio". Get out of your house, meet your girl friends, or your mom, for lunch and some cardio. :)
I have learned a lot since my early 20's, and look forward to how my style and wardrobe will evolve in the coming years.
What are some style lessons you have learned over the years?
12.17.2018
The Red Lip
Trust me. I know the struggle with a red lipstick. The running nightmare that ruins your entire face of makeup. One minute you feel like Gwen Stefani, and the next you look like you should be at a harlequin casting. Thankfully, it only took me several years, and hundreds of dollars worth of trial and error, to find the perfect red lip color. I would like to contribute this remarkable discovery to BareMinerals, GEN NUDE Liquid Lipstick in shade Naughty. Perfect theme for the holidays, right ladies? Thank you Bareminerals, for finally creating a liquid lipstick that does not run all over my face. Also, I do have a sheer gloss on over top of the lipstick, just to add a little extra sparkle. Your favorite sheer gloss will do.
Eye Lashes
Now I know eyelashes aren't everyone's cup of tea, but eyelashes, in my opinion, are what take your look from average to, "wow"! Eyelashes are now like shoes - there are styles for every occasion. I personally like a natural, wispy looking lash, that adds a little extra fullness, and length to my natural lashes. I recommend House Of Lashes, and Sephora's personal brand the most. The ones I am wearing are Sephora's brand of lashes in the style "craze". The key to really making your lashes look natural is your application. ALWAYS cut them to fit your eyes, and use tweezers to help you place the lashes as close to your lash line as possible. Now go give lashes a shot, you saucy minx!
Shimmer Eye Shadow
Tis the season to shine! You just had an awesome year, full of ups and downs, and unexpected adventures. You are getting ready to see all of your family and friends, sip on seasonal cocktails, and dance to Mariah Carey, N'sync, and Wham (only the holiday favorites). It is time to celebrate, and that calls for you to be just a little "extra". I am a fan of the copper and the gold tones this time of year, and you can never go wrong with a great champagne shade. I try to stick to the natural colors. I am wearing shades from the Urban Decay Smokey Palette in this look.
Natural Foundation
I like to use a foundation that I can build up if I need extra coverage. Last thing you want is to have cake face at a holiday party. They have cake there, you don't need it on your face. You want to have good coverage, but not too much. I recommend Bareminerals BarePro Liquid Foundation. It will give you nice, even, buildable coverage. I am wearing the shade Champagne. And for reference, I have combination, oily skin, with some old acne scars that need good covering.
Brushes
Ahhh, yes, the Coup de Grace. This my friends, is the most important thing if you want flawless makeup - holiday's or not! Every artist needs the right set tools to paint with, and so do you! All of these tips would be for not, if you do not have the right brushes to put them to use! Ever try to put your eyeshadow on with a foundation brush...no, because they make a brush for that! I personally like to paint my face on with IT cosmetic brushes. They are nice and soft, wash well, and are durable. Worth every dollar.
Now that you have all of these tips, go get yourself ready! I would also love to know your holiday beauty faves! Leave them in the comments below.
Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
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