AmyYoungblood

My Love/ Hate Relationship with Glasses

FullSizeRender — Loving this funky yet functional Miu Miu glasses I bought at Lense Crafters.

Well, as few people know, I decided to embark on Lasik surgery this February, in hopes that I could simply sit down for dinner with my fiancee, Tom or go to a nice event without pulling out the glasses.

The truth is, my vision starting going downhill I think the day I turned 43 in terms of my reading…so my first step was basic readers. Of course, as a designer, I wanted them to be hip so I searched hard for my first pair and skipped the cheapies at the drug store. Then I discovered progressive bifocals. I was so sick of taking those damn readers on and off that a salesperson in an eyeglass store convinced me of the advantage of this style. I mean it could be cool the keep the glasses on all day at work right? Clear lenses on top and built in readers at top. No blurry vision if I kept them on. Perfect. So I opted for two…yes, way too expensive pairs with custom lenses. Not to mention, two pairs of sunglasses to follow.

The problem now was that my distance vision was getting worse, and after another round of new lenses and NEVER being able to take the glasses off, I was at another crossroad. This Cincinnista was wearing glasses simply too much so it was either contacts or Lasik. I bit the bullet and did the surgery at the the Lasik Institute in Kenwood which was a great experience. Albeit the procedure is a bit weird I must admit, it was a quick recoup and almost instant results.

So here’s the kicker, while Lasik does perfect your distance and general vision, at my lovely age of 48 I still needed the readers…which Dr. Marino was very honest about. After 3 months of cheap readers, once again, I couldn’t take it and went back out to purchase 2 more pairs of prescription progressive bifocals. I know crazy, huh? I couldn’t use my previous ones as my eyes had changed after the surgery and my old prescription was too strong. Does any of this make sense?! Ugh.

In any event, as least now I can do out for a night on the town sans glasses while opting for a cool “smart” pair of functional glasses during the workday. I do have to say, this Cincinnista has certainly contributed to the optometry business here in Cincinnati this year!

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The Co-Op on Camargo!

Well here’s to another great Cincinnista find! The Co-Op on Camargo in downtown Madiera houses three independently owned womens’ boutiques in one great location.

You can find all your fashion needs under one roof. Kennedy’s offers beautiful custom and vintage clothing and accessories. Bling Boutique, owned by Rachael Hamilton has fashion forward staple pieces as well as fabulous jewelry and accessories. JH Shoes, owned by Jill Haney, offers fun, bold, styles that every Cincinnista will covet.

The Co-Op on Camargo is your one stop shop for high fashion and great style at irresistible prices!

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Spring Showers bring in Hip Rainboots!

If you are a typical Cincinnista like me, you have kids playing “god knows what” sports in the rain. While one day is perfect for sandals, the next day can be a sloppy, outdoor mess. That’s why I highly recommend that if you are going to be “stuck in the mud,” why not splurge on a comfy, yet hip pair of rain boots? I bought my pair of rock stud black Valentino rainboots over 2 years ago….and I have more than made my ROI. Still a classic top seller, they go with everything and look hip from messy fields and, yes, to a rainy, casual day of work. Not into Valentino studs? Check out the Burberry check and Gucci’s logo styles. While summer flip fops are around the corner…you will be rocking these boots this spring and in to the fall!

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My White Dress Dilemma

Well, I’m sorry to say that this Cincinnista has little advice to impart on this post….but more of a complaint! As many of you know, I am getting remarried in July to my amazing fiancee, Tom. As many of us know from experience, with the second time around, so much less emphasis is put on the whole wedding “hoopla” right? I mean who wants a complicated, time consuming, costly event that only a 20 something has the time and energy for! Anyway, still being a very aesthetically oriented, visual person, I want to look great on our special day.

Which brings me to the dress: I refuse to wear a long white gown. We are not getting married in a church, but feel like something summery and white (ish?) would be appropriate. Lord knows I have plenty of black but on my wedding day? Hmmmmmm. My fiancee Tom says I have a great poppy colored cocktail dress that should fit the bill, however, I just still can’t get the need to wear white out of my head. Hence, I’ve been looking for white (or off white) cocktail dresses that would be elegant, yet a bit sexy. My waist line might not be tiny but my legs are still trim so I want at least show them off! So far, I’m having no luck. I did order a light pink lace number online from Neiman Marcus only to look like a bridesmaid from the 80’s. So that round was returned. I google women’s white dresses only to find they are either boring, too long, or too lacy….sorry just not in to this white lace thing.

Well, here’s my final shot: a trendy white off the shoulder dress my Milly. Definitely not your typical wedding dress. But have I ever been typical? Anyway, it’s in the mail now and let’s pray it works! Cheers!

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The Surge of the Espadrille!

Whether it’s strappy wedges or closed toed flats, espadrilles are back in with a vengeance. This completely occurred to me while shopping in Denver last week on vacation at the high end Cherry Creek Mall. I was looking for comfy black flats and what did I fall in love with? My first pair of Chanel shoes….black espadrilles with a black metallic fabric and, of course, the stitched Chanel logo in leather at the top….yes, I know, not the cheapest espadrille around. However, while later stuck on a long road trip back, these shoes proved so comfy in addtion to being haute couture. Perfect for a mild, casual, spring day. After that purchase, I keep noticing them everywhere. From less expensive teenage brands to Gucci, that straw woven base and fabric/leather upper is all the rage. I just hope they don’t go out of style before I get my mileage out of my Chanels!

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Off the Shoulder: Back in Style

Remember that off the shoulder ruffled bridesmaid dress you wore in the 90’s? The one you swore you’d never wear ago unless it was too a bridesmaid dress party? Well, that look is back ….kind of like those bell bottom jeans

So here a a couple reasons I like this look:

-It’s sexy, in a shoulder bearing way…especially is you don’t feel comfortable showing your cleavage. My thoughts on cleavage? If you’d got it, show it, but only appropriately in a classy “non-cougar” way.

-It’s flattering to your shape as it gives the illusion of broad shoulders even it you don’t have them. Broad shoulders are slimming as it makes the rest of your body appear narrower.

-It’s can be forgiving. Most of the off the shoulder tops and dresses are looser and flowing in fit….So If you are having a “fat day” give yourself a pass to wear this sexy but comfortable look!

As I look for dresses on my big day, I’m certainly keeping this look as an option!

NMTBVKS_ak — Love the clean lines a sexy back of this runway number by Milly. Also comes in black and oh so comfy!

Screen Shot 2016-03-30 at 11.58.18 AM — This periwinkle number by Ella Moss is flowing and versatile. Wear it to anything from a wedding to a night out. And it won’t break the bank!

alice_and_olivia_NAYATIENECKBLOUSONPEASANTTOP_BLACKWHITE_888819253615_PRODUCT_01--146257045 — I just bought this 70’s looking tie top from Alice and Olivia. Love the graphic pattern and peep hole tie area, which allows for a bit of cleavage if you want it! The loose fit is comfy and flattering.

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Lace and Crochet: Again, Back to the 70’s!

So I must admit, now that my crazy move is over and with an impeding Spring Season and Summer Wedding, here is my lastest….

-Embroidered and knit tops (and bottoms): Yes, I know the days of the embroidered emblem jeans are over (well…not really…just saw some 1K plus jean embroidered skirts on Neiman Marcus’ site..YIPES!) Anyway, the bohemian chic 70’s look is still in. Flowy silk or polyester tops with stitching or embroidery are back with a vengeance. Perfectly paired with flared jeans or skinny jeans and spring closed/open toe booties.

-Lace: Just when I thought we were back to solid fabrics….lace is back in as well…God love you Madonna in the 80’s! (minus the lace gloves..) I’ve been actively looking for a Cincinnista appropriate wedding reception dress and what did I find??? A light pink strapless number in lace….still waiting for the FedEx box…stay tuned!

Screen Shot 2016-03-22 at 9.11.37 PM — A fun embroidered tunic dress by Alice and Olivia. And notice the fringe sandals!

Screen Shot 2016-03-22 at 9.12.28 PM — Another great piece from Alice and Olivia. Perfectly paired with with either traditional or white jeans. Don’t forget the white camisole ladies!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My Obsession with Green…

Don’t ask me why, but I used to hate the color green….perhaps it was all the green paint I used in my artist days painting golf courses (yeah, that’s another story). I obsessed about the various shades in trying to portray the perfect fairway or tree.

But no more! With St. Patty’s tomorrow and Spring in full bloom….yes the tree’s are finally blooming….I’ve come to love Green.

It first hit me when I became obsessed with the emerald as a beautiful jewel stone….hence my engagement ring from my fiancee Tom. Then, check out April’s cover of InStyle Magazine: Lupita Nyongo totally rocks in deep green cold shoulder knit dress!

Keep the green coming, because the grass and trees have just begun!

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