Tavi: The Style Rookie

Tavi Gevinson teaches me how to dress for fun, in times when I find the management of my appearance to be only an expensive and overly-serious affair. She has a delightfully distinctive sense of style that she never imposes upon me--she leaves me to my own aesthetic, reminded of what I already knew.

Her blog The Style Rookie deals seriously with feminist issues as well as personal style. I'm glad I'm reading now, and I only wish I'd had Tavi around in middle school.

Alexander McQueen - Fall 2010

Alexander McQueen's last collection speaks to the royal dignity of the individual. To some this may seem incongruous, given the circumstances of Lee's death. Yet I would say that an insistence on the truth of individual dignity is what allows someone to fight as long as Lee did.

The automatic dignity and worth of each individual is, without a doubt, the value I hold most dear. I've learned that others don't necessarily hold this value, especially in regards to their own self-worth, which many think to be earned. As of now, this is the point of view I'm (earnestly) working hardest to be able to relate to.

Style Statement

The idea of verbalizing a "statement" to define your personal style isn't new. What's unique about Carrie & Danielle is that they're not into superficial Spice Girls labels like "Sexy," "Sporty," or "Posh" to describe your style.

Style is a broad word for Carrie & Danielle. It's the shoes you wear and your wildest dreams. It's your favorite movies and the way you organize your desktop. It's who you are and who you want to become.

This book will help you sum it all up in two words.

My style statement is at the top of this page: Sound Flow. The first word of a style statement represents your foundation; the second word represents your creative edge.

Whether I'm buying a new t-shirt or recentering myself in the middle of a busy day, I've found my style statement to be incredibly helpful in my every day life. In Sound Flow, I find affirmation, challenge, and ultimately inspiration.

It's both my aesthetic and how I tick. This blog is devoted to everything that says Sound Flow to me.

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Lucy Sun is on vacation until Monday, September 28, when regular posting will resume.

Soul Pancake

Rainn Wilson, the actor who plays Dwight on The Office, helped create the delightful blog Soul Pancake.

The blog explores life's biggest questions in a way that is somehow both serious and light-hearted. Wilson recently signed a book deal to have 'Soul Pancake' the book out in Fall 2010.

Watch the short video for Wilson's own explanation of Soul Pancake.

Bull's Horn Comb

My bull's horn comb was brought to me from China.

Everyone should have one--it detangles without pain, feels cool to the scalp, and combs natural oils from the scalp to the roots.

Harper's Bazaar: Fall Fashion

The September issue of Harper's Bazaar is the best Fall Fashion issue I've seen in my life. I've always admired Bazaar for their clean layouts and, more generally, their ability to clearly communicate the moods behind trends, so that all readers can adapt what they see to their personal budgets and styles.

This issue contains Susan Boyle's first high fashion photo shoot (she looks gorgeous), solid pieces for shopping in a recession, and fashion designers photographed with the cast of Sesame Street.

As always, there's Bazaar's trademark advice: invest in basics. Add a little bling bling, and you're in style.

(On newsstands now)

Good Sunscreen

Even if you’re not worried about getting a sunburn, sunscreen is the best anti-aging agent money can buy.

UV rays go beyond the surface of your skin and break down the collagen underneath. Over time, collagen breakdown results in wrinkles. To delay the arrival of wrinkles, wear sunscreen daily—yes, even when it’s cloudy, raining, or snowing.

Given how much money people like to spend on covering up their wrinkles once they get them--creams, makeup, surgery--a good sunscreen is a good investment.

A good sunscreen is one that you don't mind wearing every day. It should have an SPF of at least 30. You might also consider a non-comodogenic sunscreen (that is, a sunscreen that doesn't clog your pores) to cover the parts of your body that are acne-prone.

I like Neutrogena's sunscreens, as the finish is dry rather than greasy.

What's your favorite sunscreen? Leave a comment.

NOTE: Sunshine is good for you in small quantities! Fifteen minutes of frolicking in the sun without sunscreen on helps you get your vitamin D. In the summer, most of us get our fifteen minutes without even trying. In the winter, it's important to make an effort to get out more, to ward off symptoms of SADD.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is traditionally used by dancers, actors, and athletes--people whose professions depend on being able to move in a graceful, well-controlled way.

I started learning the Alexander Technique because I'd like to learn how to move in a more graceful, well-controlled way.

The Alexander Technique is basically about moving in a way that avoids unnecessary muscle tension--for example, many of us tense our necks while we are getting up from a chair, which serves no function besides making your neck feel sore at the end of the day.

Alexander Technique can be learned by reading books, taking classes, or both. I borrowed Teach Yourself Alexander Technique by Richard Craze from the library, and I'd recommend it.

Hidden Treasure

According to makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the secret to good makeup is not more expensive makeup. The secret is natural-looking application with a set of good makeup brushes.

I'm a lot more comfortable with wearing makeup ever since getting a set of brushes--my makeup looks less chalky, and colors blend more naturally.

Plus, I feel like an artist!

Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Treasure Brush Set contains all the basics--brushes for eyeshadow, blush, eyeliner, and concealer. There are a total of three brushes described as "eyeshadow brushes," but the smallest one also works well as a brush for lip-color.