I’ve been working on going more green and more clean with my fashion and beauty choices.  I’ve tried a few 100% Pure Cosmetics products in the past and liked them a lot, so it was natural (pun somewhat intended!) that I would go to them when I wanted to change up my beauty routine and add more clean products.  They were gracious enough to let me try a few products and I’m happy to share and give you honest reviews of each product.

But first of all … Why Go Clean?

Clean beauty products are non-toxic, made without the ingredients that are linked to harmful health effects.  Clean beauty doesn’t have Parabens, BHA and BHT, Coal tar dyes, Formaldehyde, and many other ingredients often found in cosmetics.

About 100% Pure

This company is very strict on their standards; everything is completely non-toxic, cruelty-free, environmentally sustainable, and naturally pigmented.

What I Tried & What I Thought

Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick

I’m loving this lipstick!  It has fabulous coverage, a nice smooth look and finish, and the vibrant color holds throughout the day! The lipstick is colored from antioxidant-packed fruit pigments like raspberry, plum, and grape.  Shea and cocoa butters keep the lips soft and moist. I’ve been wearing the shade Calypso, which is a beautiful saturated berry.  Of course now I want more colors!

Bamboo Blur Powder

As someone with combination skin, and an especially oily T-zone, I really need a powder that I can count on to absorb oil and give me a beautiful matte finish.  This powder contains oil absorbing silica which also support collage formation, and the product is colored with fruit pigments with means it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants for the health of your skin. But as impressive as that is, it doesn’t mean that much if it doesn’t make your skin look great. And … gosh, it makes my skin look amazing! Seriously, it’s such a pretty finish and I’m completely hooked!

Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara

This mascara goes on smoothly and looks great.  I will say that it took two coats to get the effect I wanted, but two coats of clean ingredients is much better than any coats of dirty ones. This mascara has conditioners for healthier lashes which makes it a smart long term choice.  It stayed on, didn’t smudge, and now is my daily go-to mascara.

Shop 100% Pure Cosmetics 

The post Going Clean – 100% Pure Cosmetics appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

I’ve been working on my spring capsule wardrobe. I decided to build the collection around black and white, such a favorite combination, especially for spring. Plus the palette leaves the door open for fun pops of color here and there as well!

The New Pieces

INC Curvy Fit Skinny Jeans 

I’ve been on the lookout for a brand that carries curvy jeans that won’t break the bank. I used to love Old Navy curvy jeans, but they’ve discontinued that fit.  (I’ve tried the new line that is suppose to look great on every body … it does NOT!),  This time around I tried INC and I’m loving their curvy fit.  These black skinny jeans are really flattering and have that perfect combination of stretchy, but not clingy. I would order one size down. Here I’m wearing a size 4 and usually I’m more of a 6 on the bottom, sometimes even an 8. (Why can’t the fashion industry standardize sizes for goodness sake?! …)  Anyway, I will return to INC next time I need jeans and try on some more styles!

Dirty Laundry Lisbon Sedona White Boots

I’ve been wanting some funky white booties and couldn’t resist this cute style for a great price.  Super comfy and easy to take care of too.  And I’m always a fan of the easy shopping experience of Zappos.

Karen Scott 3/4 Sleeve Basic Tee

I bought this tee in white, black, and red. And might go back and get another black one.  Size down for sure. I’m usually a small (sometimes a medium) and I’m wearing the XS and have plenty of room.  Anyway, this is the perfect little basic … something I used to always forget to buy!  Buying basics isn’t always sexy, but it’s the glue that holds your wardrobe together!

Have and still love … moto jacket, black and white sunglasses, leather tote:

The Capsule Wardrobe So Far

What do you think I need to round out my spring capsule, Dolls? Pops of color? Maybe a scarf?  I’d love to hear your suggestions!

The post Working on my Spring Capsule Wardrobe appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

Hey Friends …. I know … it’s getting weird out there. It’s getting scary in a lot of places, including Santa Clara County where I am.  And yes, we’re staying home.  So here’s my list of the good things about staying at home.  And please know that I’m not making light of what we’re going through right now AT ALL.  I’m just trying to keep myself positive.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT STAYING HOME?

#1 Your pets are SO excited to have you home with them.  Look at this girl’s happy face?!

#2 I might learn to cook. Maybe.  I’m the queen of eating out and getting take out, but I actually cooked one night last week: baked salmon with brown rice and vegetables. So healthy!  OMG, who am I?

#3 It’s a great time to take a break from hair products and heat tools.  And now is the time to dig out the hair mask or deep conditioning treatment that you never seem to have time to use.

#4 Along the same lines, it’s a chance to give the skin a break from make up and treat yourself to an at-home mask!

#5 You could try some new exercise.  I’ve been doing yoga on You Tube. There’s plenty of ways to stay active at home.  And walking my dogs on quiet streets seem to be one of the few low risk “out and about” activities I can engage in. It’s a great excuse to get some fresh air and sunshine.

#6 Clean out that closet, those drawers, etc. etc. etc. … Dear Lord, I always need to do this. And maybe this time I’ll tackle places I never get to: like the closet in the spare room, the junk drawer, the shelves in the basement (well … let’s not get too carried away.)

#7  It’s the perfect chance to read!  It’s one of my favorite things to do and I don’t do it enough! Can’t wait to catch up on blogs and indulge in some mystery novels.

#8 Catching up on movies and shows.  Need a good laugh?  If you have Netflix, try Tom Papa’s comedy special “You’re Doing Great” … (the first half is the best).  And … is anyone else excited for the return of Westworld?!

#10 Spending time with your family at home … quiet time, down time, time when you’re not rushing off to some place else … Precious, right?

…

With everyone going through this virus scare together, I’d love to know what you’d like to see on the blog in the next month or two. Are you even interested in fashion right now?  Is a trend report crass right now … or a nice distraction? Maybe you’d like to talk about athleisure for working from home?  I honestly don’t know and would LOVE to hear what you’d like to read about in the comments below!

And most importantly: be safe and stay healthy.

Best to you all always,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce

The post Ten Good Things About Staying Home! appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

It’s a whole new world right now, isn’t it? Everyone is spending more and more time at home to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the community.  In the San Francisco Bay Area we’ve even been called to Shelter in Place, and this new daily reality creates some new wardrobe needs.

This outfit above, from my previous NIC + ZOE post, will come in handy when the weather is a little warmer!

Athleisure

I never got on the athleisure bandwagon.  Athleisure just didn’t seem to fit anywhere exactly in my life and frankly I found it a little boring.  Well, only a couple of days staying at home and I’m eating my words.  Now I know what many of you stay-at-home-moms, retirees, and work-from-homers already knew:  athleisure is something you can put on in the morning and wear all day!  I want an outfit that is comfortable enough for working from home, stretchy enough for yoga, and presentable enough for a dog walk or a quick grocery run … in other words, athleisure!

I have a few things of course.  Some great leggings from Ruti, a few pieces from Chico’s Zenergy collection, miscellaneous hoodies and lots of sneakers!  But now it’s time to build up my athleisure wardrobe. I started today by ordering these classic Adidas track pants.  I’ll let you know how those work out.

Here are some other pieces I found online today that I thought my readers might like …

Now Friends, I need your help and ideas! What are you wearing around the house these days? I’d love to hear your athleisure tips and suggestions … favorite brands, ways to wear, anything!  Please do share in the comments!

And stay healthy & well.

Best to you all always,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce

The post Dressing for Shelter in Place appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

What have you been wearing?!  When I look in my closet right now, I’m looking for something comfortable enough for the whole day.  I want an outfit I can wear for: working from home, doing some yoga, walking the dogs, curling up in my bean bag chair with a good book, and running a quick errand (if necessary).

Here I’m wearing my Ruti leggings, red suede Vans, a long tunic top from Soma, Kendra Scott earrings, and a Nordstrom cozy black cardigan. Recently I heard on the news that if you don’t have a face mask, wearing a bandana over your nose and mouth is better than nothing.  That inspired me to add a bandana to today’s look.

Today’s photos are from in my house and in my yard, Friends.  And well … that’s where I’m wearing them too!

Hope you all are staying healthy and keeping your spirits up!

What have you been doing? What have you been wearing? Let us know in the comments!

Also on the blog lately, let’s talk about athleisure and what’s good about staying home.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Fun & Fashion

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce

The post My Current Outfit Criteria appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

Today I’m taking a break from the news and indulging in some fashion fantasy!  Grab your cup of coffee and come along with me.  Here’s just a fun little glance at the Paris and Milan runways.  Let’s see what’s to come for Fall 2020!

CELINE

Disco queen fabulousness! I want it!

(All photos are courtesy of IMAXTREE.COM)

DRIES VAN NOTEN

Dries Van Noten always brings the unusual color and texture combinations. It’s like … take all the colors of a really nasty bruise … but make it fashion!

AKRIS

Pure class from Akris.

Alexander McQueen

Bold shoulders make me happy!

CHANEL

Any nod to 80’s Madonna is a win in my book.

MIU MIU

40’s ..meets 70’s …meets 90’s? I’m not sure, but it’s cool!

GIVENCHY

Red carpet ready!

VALENTINO

The one earring. The blush bag.  The bold floral. The chunky combat boots.  Just a cool combo!

DIOR

Ladies, the scarf head wrap is having a moment!  Seen on the runways … and the hallways of my school!

SAINT LAURENT

Love the plaid and leather.  And the shag haircut is coming in hot, Dolls!

I gave myself a 10 photo limit or else we’d be here all day!

How are you all coping?  Are you watching the news obsessively or staying away from it?  Today my goal is to get through half the day without checking the news.  I’m thinking of happy things, fun fashion, and all the things that I love the best.

Stay safe & healthy,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce

The post Fashion Fantasy … Let’s Peek at Fall 2020 appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

Here’s my latest update on growing out my gray!  I’m about 16 weeks with no dye at all. I’m starting to get an idea of the color it will be, though I’m not sure what’s you’d call it. I asked my Grey & Proud Facebook group, and my favorite answer is “Champagne Silver” …. I’ll take it!!

I was planning on trimming several inches at least, and maybe more, as well as putting in a few low lights to blend the shades together a bit better. But of course we’re all on a beauty treatment break, aren’t we?  Ladies, if you were ever on the fence about going gray, this could be your window of opportunity. You can’t get your roots done right now anyway. And nobody is going anywhere for awhile! Just a thought!

I’m excited about my natural color and my new hair is so soft and silky!  But I admit, the transition is slooooow.  Ladies, the grow out process is not for wimps!

I don’t think anything really makes your hair grow faster, but just in case I’m taking my Biotin Gummies and Collagen Powder.  I’m also massaging my scalp when I think of it. I figure it can’t hurt and it makes me feel like I’m doing something!

I also bought myself a silk pillowcase which is supposed to be really good for your hair and your skin. And a nice boar bristle hairbrush as well.  I’m going to all this trouble so I might as well treat my hair like gold, right?

My favorite hair products to use right now are Pravana The Perfect Blond Masque, The Dumb Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo, and Celeb Luxury Viral Color Conditioner in Silver.

How are you doing with not having access to a hair salon, Dolls?  Are you freaking out or chill about it?  How about the nail salon?  Your esthetician?  Know what I miss most so far?  Getting my eyebrows done!  Share what you miss in the comments.  And if you have any DIY beauty tips, please share!

Fun & Fashion

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce

The post Gray Hair Transition – 16 Week Update! appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

Well, we’re on week three of lockdown here in Silicon Valley, and I know most of you are now living under some sort of stay at home orders as well.  How is it going?  I’d love to hear from you.

Life looks really different than it did a month ago, but we’re adjusting over here!  The hubby and I each took a spare room to create work-from-home office spaces.  We’re actually preparing meals at home, instead of getting take out. The dogs are getting SO many walks every day.  We’re enjoying the slower pace.  Though watching the news turns everything into a nightmare of course.  After catching up on the news, I find myself doing guided mediations to relax.  For me it helps.

Shop the Look

Along with any new lifestyle comes a change in wardrobe needs.  Athleisure which was never any interest to me is suddenly all I want to shop for.  I’m trying to create a closet of easy-to-wear, work-from-home & play-at-home outfits.  I haven’t done much shopping (yet), but I did invest in these classic Adidas Track Pants. I think they’re winners.  They’re more flattering than I expected and super comfy of course.  I like that the pockets and the hems have zippers.  They run true to size (I’m wearing a medium) and are now 40% off at Nordstrom.  Here I paired them with wardrobe staples like a white tee, denim jacket, and classic Chucks.

Also on the blog lately, the latest in my hair journey, some fashion eye candy, and my current outfit criteria.

Stay in touch by signing up for the weekly Fashion Should Be Fun newsletter. Your email is always safe with me.

Stay healthy, Friends!

Dawn Lucy

Some links in my blog posts generate a bit of commission. I appreciate your support so much!

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce!

The post Athleisure Staple: Adidas Track Pants appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

Gotta be comfortable right now for sheltering at home, but that’s no reason not to add a little edge to my look.  Here’s my weekend look for: playing with the dogs, watching movies, and a little car coffee date!

Shop the Look:

I usually think of these harem pants as a summer option, but I thought they looked fun with a cool sweatshirt and some funky white boots. And of course this look is comfy enough to be pajamas!  The boots were added for our big weekend outing: taking some coffee to go and driving around the neighborhood a bit.  Hey, I even got to see a store … from a distance!

You might notice a little pink tint at the very end of my hair. I had some colors to experiment with and on a whim I decided to try a bit.  I didn’t use much and I didn’t leave it on very long, but it was fun to add a little something different to my look.  Ladies, this is a good time to experiment with hair, makeup, and even outfit choices!  Why not?!

Wearing something I feel good in, putting on my makeup, adding a little color to my hair … all these little things help keep my spirits up!  I’m doing pretty well with the shelter in place. I know a lot of my social butterfly friends are suffering much more than I am.  There ARE so many things I miss, of course.  But I also worry about being forced back out there too soon. Could this lockdown be making me agoraphobic?!  Nah, I just think I want to be super careful and know it’s safe before I venture out.  And let’s face it, no one knows when that will be.

How are you doing, Dolls?  How are your spirits? What are you wearing every day? I always love to hear from you in the comments!

ICYMI check out:

Gotta-Have-Em Track Pants (40% off)

Transitioning to Gray (or whatever I’m calling my hair color this week)

Current Outfit Criteria

Stay safe & well,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce!

The post Comfort Dressing … with an Edge appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.

When the warm weather hits, I always have one favorite pair of sandals … usually something easy to slip on, super comfortable, and sure to go with anything. I think this season my go-to pair will be my Bzees!

Shop the Post

Bzees asked if they could send me a pair to try out and I said “yes please” when I found out that they’re WASHABLE!  I can’t think of a better feature for a pair of shoes right now.  We’re all being super vigilant about bringing any germs into our homes.  It will be so comforting to know that I can just throw these sandals into the washing machine and air dry them whenever I want!

Bzees has many styles to choose from.  I picked the versatile Desire Wedge Sandal in basic black.  Comfortable and easy to slip on, I’m sure they’ll be on constant rotation this spring and summer.  They are true to size, although if you’re between sizes, I would suggest sizing up.

I wore my new sandals with a simple all black look: comfortable harem pants, a basic black tee, and some silver tone jewelry.  I’ve been on a bit of a minimalist kick lately, focusing on simplicity and comfort.

Of course photos will be from in my house or in my yard for the foreseeable future, Friends!  Though I did get one car photo this weekend!

Stay safe & stay well,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce!

The post Comfortable, Washable Shoes – Bzees appeared first on Fashion Should Be Fun.