I recently stumbled across Revlon's new Cheek stain gel, Pinch Me. Since I'm always looking for good products to review for this site (yes, I think of you in the Target, dear readers), I picked it up.

The color I chose is Cheeky Cherry, which is just an average pinkish hue that I imagine would look good on most complexions. As with most liquid stains, the trick is to put a tiny bit on your fingers and blend it in slowly. If you get too much, don't worry--Revlon's formula seems to be more forgiving than others I've tried. When I put on too much, I found it easy to blend out by simply applying a little more foundation.

The color is pretty natural and lasts all day. It even can work for your lips, although I found it a bit drying. Here's the downside--it comes in a pump bottle! I don't know what Revlon was thinking, but it is extremely messy and tends to shoot out of the bottle. The best way I found around this was to squirt the stain away from me, onto another surface like a hand held mirror or a plate. I did squirt it onto my jeans once, and the stain came out.

All in all, if you're looking to try a cheek stain but don't want to shell over $30 for one, this is a good alternative.

No one really enjoys talking about what to wear at a funeral, but we all have to go to them at some point. Here are a few tips you can use so you can focus on the departed and the bereaved rather than worrying about wearing the right thing:

-Black is acceptable, but other colors that are flattering to you and not overly flamboyant (fuschia, red, etc.) are fine. If you were close to the deceased and feel they would be honored most by you wearing something they gave you or something they loved, you can feel free to do that, too. Avoid too much white.

-If the deceased was an unconventional person or the funeral is in an unconventional place, you might be able to dress in an unconventional way. For example, I had a family member pass away last summer and her parents wore their motorcycle gear to the funeral because they all used to ride together. This was appropriate. Other people at the funeral wore suits and ties and dresses and others wore jeans--these were all fine in this case. (It was an outdoor, casual, very unconventional service--just the way her family and she would have wanted it). If in doubt, go more formal.

-Leave the sexy clothes in the closet. That goes for fishnet stockings and sexed-up hair, too. Err on the side of looking matronly than on the side of looking provocative. Tone down the glittery eye and lip gloss. If you are attending a memorial service in a place of worship, be prepared to need to cover your arms (with a long-sleeved shirt or dress or with a shawl or cardigan).

-I agree with the adage, "Every woman should have a little black dress," but I would add: every woman needs two or three. At least one flirty one for nights out on the town, and at least one for church events and funerals.

-Keep jewelry to a minimum. Extra adornment is for fun, festive occasions.

-Wear waterproof mascara and avoid eyeliner.

-Purse essentials: breath mints, tissue, powder with mirror (so you can discreetly check your face if you want).

A few more notes: It is appropriate to have flowers delivered to the funeral home or place of worship; it need not be a typical arrangement or anything extravagant. You may also want to bring a card with a note to the family members of the deceased person. Since more and more funerals and memorial services are encouraging "audience involvement," you may want to think about a story or two you may want to share with the departed person's family. Keep the story simple, clean, and encouraging.

Readers, what was that particularly clever thing I always used to say? Something about a faux pas, right? Something about denial, I know. What was it...



Oh, hi Sharon Stone.

You know, having done a blockbuster movie before (even though it was long enough ago that I wasn't allowed to watch it), I assume that you know you'd be in the public spotlight for pretty much the next year or until Britney manages to find some other immodesty with which she might sear the public cornea. And I gotta tell you, girlfriend, you've not done so great with that whole aging gracefully thing (at least not all the time):



Personally, I'd consider firing your stylist, for letting you i) wear eyeshadow that brings out the gray of your complexion, ii) not brushing your hair (friends don't let friends go uncoiffed) and iii) letting you wear that atrocity right out of a 1980's beauty queen reject pile.

So I have to say I'm really happy with your current outfit. It's grownup (face it honey, you're no Rachel Bilson--and that doesn't have to be a bad thing), it's elegant, and everything is covered...






Oh. Guess not.

Now I remember that thing I used to say:

Nothing says fashion faux pas quite like denial.

Denial can take several forms: denial of one's age (check-only 12 year olds can go without a proper bra and by proper I mean ONE THAT COVERS THE HEADLIGHTS), and also there's denial of one's need for proper undergarments. Take a page out of Katie Holmes' book--that broad knows how to cover her bases, crazy husband aside.

So Sharon? Maybe you can lure Katie away from Posh and the marvelous ether that is high fashion long enough to get her to share a few secrets with you, namely the secrets about keeping all lady parts far away from the public eye. That would be great.

Pictures courtesy of Fuggers and Sugar

For foodies and microwave chefs alike, aprons can be fun, functional and a cute way to express yourself in the kitchen, garden or workshop!

Get one that is adjustable in both the waist (long strings will work) and the neck loop. Make sure the fabric that will be touching your neck is soft, not scratchy. Some people prefer pockets in their aprons--get them if they make sense for you. (Pockets can be a good idea for those using aprons when gardening.)

I know it sounds incredibly June Cleaver, but sometimes it's nice to have a "cooking spaghetti sauce/washed a billion times" apron and a more presentable and clean one stowed away for informal dinner parties or to take with you to the church social where you are dishing up tuna casserole.

Where can you find stylish aprons?

-Layla Grace has beautiful and elegant aprons (but doesn't allow anyone to post their pictures). My favorite is this one (I'm on a black and white kick lately) followed by this flirty little number.

-Antique shows and country fairs are great places to find vintage and homemade aprons. This is where living in the boondocks can really be to your advantage. My dad bought a beautiful quiltwork-inspired apron for me last year at a country fair in Arkansas.

-You can design your own cheeky apron or make a couple of matching aprons for some foodie friends at Cafe Press for a convenient price.

-If you find a durable fabric you love, you can make your own apron or ask a crafty friend to make it for you. Here is a fairly easy pattern free of charge.

Have fun, fashionistas!

Photo from Apron.com.

Dear Kat,

Last night, I'm at home minding my own business, indulging in my daily dose of Sex and the City. Carrie's latest quest for love cuts to a break, and all of a sudden, I'm bombarded with a commercial promoting your upcoming album. Your latest single, whatever it's called, blared in the background, but I was distracted by a cheesy montage of your likeness in compromising positions.

Now, I know what kind of pressure record companies put on aspiring female singers to be sexy in order to move the merchandise. But as a photo of your album cover popped up on my television, I stopped to wonder just what kind of goods you are really trying to sell.

Let's start with the boots. Maybe it's a hot, new trend in L.A., but the only women around Nashville sporting thigh-high patent leather boots, work the nightshift at the Brass Stables. Was your stylist aiming for "stripper chic?"

And while we're on the subject of the exotic arts, I see that you've mastered one of the textbook poses. I'm sure your mother is very proud, but my momma always taught me that a real lady keeps her knees together.

Kitty Kat, I think it's a shame that you're pimping out your body when you have a fabulous voice. Classy can mean sexy, but your album cover is just sexual. And I'm sensing a trend in some of your promo photos too...

Remember, Kitty Kat--no one will buy the cow if they can get the milk for free. Best of luck in your quest for credibility!

Sincerely,

F. Nashville

Photos courtesy of Amazon.com and SFF.