New Name, New Look, New Website

The Clotheshorse has moved and changed it’s name! Your go-to source for the fashionable equestrian is now called Bridles and Baubles and can be find at BridlesandBaubles.com. Please check out the new site!

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Been taking a break from blogging but pinning like crazy on Pinterest. To keep up with my fave fashions, products, recipes and home decor follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/clotheshorseok/.

Draw The Line

I first learned how to apply eyeliner when I was 15 at the Bobbi Brown counter in Neiman Marcus. We were in Ft Worth at the American Paint Horse Association World Show and were doing a little shopping in our down time between showing and riding. It was the first time I had ever had my makeup done by a professional and it was then and there I became a life-long devotee of Bobbi Brown cosmetics. At the time the makeup artist used black eyeshadow and an eyeliner brush to rim my eyes, instantly making them pop and transforming me into a glamourous woman.

For years I have tried different types and brands of eyeliner but always went back to my trusty powder eyeliner applied with the eyeliner brush I bought so many years ago at Neiman Marcus in Ft Worth. The only problem with powder shadow is that it does not always last a full day without re-application so I decided to try the much lauded Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner by Bobbi Brown.

Let me tell you, it is AMAZING! This gel formula goes on so smooth and easy and once it sets, it stays on. My black cat eyes lasted thru a full day in the barn (riding and working horses, bathing horses, cleaning the barn) as well as dinner and drinks with my husband that evening. Use the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush to apply it and off you go with perfectly rimmed eyes.

Cheers and A Good Tip

The weekend is fast approaching and it’s time to get your friends together and hang out in your backyard or by the pool. I have the perfect summer drink to make for all your pals or if you prefer to drink alone this pitcher will last you all weekend. Cheers!

Summer Sangria:

1 bottle of red wine (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, rioja, zinfandel, shiraz)

1 lemon cut into wedges

1 orange cut into wedges

1 lime cut into wedges

2 tbsp sugar

splash of orange juice or lemonade

2 shots of gin or triple sec (optional)

1 cup of raspberries or strawberries (may use thawed or frozen)

1 small can of diced pineapples (with juice)

4 cups gingerale

Pour wine into large pitcher and squeeze the juices from the wedges and toss them into the wine. Add pineapple, sugar, lemonade and gin. Chill overnight. Add gingerale, berries and ice just before serving. You can skip the gingerale, if you wanted it to be richer and less fizzy.

Tip For The Weekend:

If your summer involves spending a fair amount of time in a pool that uses chlorine, your skin can come out very parched and this great tip helps re-moisturize your skin. Salt is a potent hydrator that can help deliver moisture to your skin cells. So if you’re dried out after a day of swimming, soak for 10 minutes in a bathtub of water and 1 cup table salt. Rinse briefly, pat yourself dry, then seal in the remaining moisture with lotion while your skin is still damp.

Boyfriend

I must confess that as a happily married woman, I have a boyfriend. Actually, I keep two boyfriends in regular rotation. I find that having two boyfriends keeps things new and interesting. One is casual and easy-going and the other appeals to my dressier side. AG Jeans and Paige Denim make the best boyfriends; boyfriend jeans that is. What were you thinking? I don’t have two boyfriends just two awesome pairs of boyfriend jeans.

I recently acquired the AG Cuffed Tomboy jean and instantly put it into full-time rotation in my closet. It sits loose on the hips without being low-rise and is cut slouchy through the thighs with a straight, cuffed leg that looks classic yet relaxed. They look great with tees and tanks on top and pair nicely with flip flops, flat sandals and Superga sneakers. Available at Anthropologie.

The Jimmy Jimmy Skinny from Paige Denim was my first pair of rolled boyfriend jeans and to this day remain one of my faves. They are made out of super-soft denim that is slouchy yet slim and can be dressed up or down. Available at Paige Denim.

Summer Essentials – Beauty Edition

My absolute, must-have summer essentials that get me thru the summer with style and grace:

Protect your skin from the sun with La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, it’s the best hands down! Absorbs quickly, non-greasy and loaded with lots of science that protects your skin.

Thick liquid and powder foundations can goop and smear when the temperature rises, so I rely on Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. It provides just enough sheer coverage without being thick or heavy and makes your skin look luminous.

I have very fair skin and refuse to tan naturally so I spend a fair amount of time and money using self-tanners and have tried them all. St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is the best! Provides even, natural-looking color with no self-tanner smell.

I know I have blogged about the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm before, but they are really so good that I must mention them again. Grab a few and keep one stashed in your car, purse, beach bag, desk drawer and the barn (for my fellow equestrians). They provide light-weight, moisturizing color perfect for summer days.

Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara is my new favorite mascara. This long-wearing (ie won’t smudge or melt in the heat), glossy formula reveals lashes you never knew you had.

The Long and Short Of It

Summer is here and I will be the first to admit that summer is by far not my favorite season (the heat, the humidity, the bugs, you get the point). But I survive by reaching for comfy, casual ensembles to get me by until I can reach for my favorite sweaters again.

This summer I am loving the casual combo of a loose button-down shirt paired with shorts. The button-down shirt is loose and easy allowing for good air flow while also providing arm coverage and the shorts can show off your ability to correctly use self-tanner. It’s a win, win. Steal a button-down out of your hubby’s closet and throw on with your favorite pair of denim or chino shorts.

Just a quick word on shorts: If you don’t like showing your legs (or more probable, your thighs) then opt for a longer length that hits above the knee, just keep them more fitted to avoid looking frumpy. However, if you go shorter, say mid-thigh length, look for styles that are a bit wider at the bottom. It will provide an optical illusion making your thighs look thinner.

Loving these looks from Current/Elliott and Hive and Honey available at Piperlime.

Doesn’t this combo look so cute on Tory Burch!

Juicy

So sorry for the lack of posts. I was thrown into the middle of horse show season only to be spectacularly booted out when my horse was diagnosed with EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis). His case is relatively mild and is currently on 30 days of medicine but only time will tell if he will ever make it into the show pen. Hooves, fingers and toes crossed for a good recovery!

Anyway, I am back to blogging! Today, in honor of Memorial Day weekend and the official start to summer, I am going to share my newest lip stick obsession and an amazing recipe for popsicles both of which will keep your lips extra juicy!

I should send Clinique a thank you note for inventing the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm but I think my buying every color they make is probably thanks enough. I haven’t been this obsessed with a lip product since Chanel’s Vamp days. This chubby stick imparts a highly moisturizing, brightly colored pout in one swipe. It stays in place without being too thick and gooey. Easy peasy for hot summer days. Buy one in every color!

 

Nothing says summer quite like popsicles and last summer I got in the habit of making them in my Zoku Quick Pop Maker after a day in the barn. This recipe for Watermelon and Blackberry Margarita Popsicles is divine. Enjoy!

Makes 14 2-and-1/4-oz. popsicles

Ingredients:

20 oz. watermelon (1/2 a small watermelon)

3 oz. blackberries (7-9 regular sized berries; not the giant obscene ones that are the size of a thumb)

4 oz. limeade

4 oz. tequila

2 oz. triple sec

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until well blended. Pour mixture into popsicle wells.

Cover top of popsicle form with foil and cut a tiny hole in the center of each well. Place popsicle stick through the hole.

Place in freezer until frozen. To release popsicles, run hot water over outside of mold for 2-3 seconds.

Equestrian Style Hits The Runway

Well ladies, it looks like your breeches and riding coats won’t be relegated to just the barn this fall. Designers sent equestrian inspired designs galloping down the runway. These couture dandies will filter down through the masses making a definitely equestrian-themed look on trend for fall.

Givenchy’s designer Riccardo Tisci was overheard backstage saying he was inspired by “horse riding” and thus sent models out to the sound of galloping horses wearing small leather riding jackets and jodhpur inspired pants that were elegantly equestrian.

John Galliano’s collection featured exaggerated jodhpurs, sleek tailored jackets and knee-high boots and tights that echoed riding attire.

 

 

Prints Charming – How To Wear Printed Pants

Printed pants and jeans are popping up everywhere and to be honest I don’t love this trend. When worn correctly it can look fresh and chic but if not done properly it can go very wrong.

First and foremost, avoid the wide-leg printed palazzo pant, it just looks wrong and will be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Second, stick with straight-leg or skinny printed jeans or sleek cropped pants. Let the pants be the focus of the outfit pairing it with basic solid tops, simple shoes and very little jewelry to avoid looking garish.

Printed pants can draw attention to problem areas like bigger thighs and bottoms but you can avoid this by pairing them with longer, looser, uneven hemmed tops as well as choosing a more muted print or darker color.

RevolveClothing.com and JCrew.com have a great selection of printed jeans and pants.

I know you can’t see it very well, but I like the way Jessica Alba paired a loose sweater and knee-high boots with her floral printed jeans.

This is a great way to get into the trend in a muted way.