The Family Groove Fashion & Beauty

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN
GIVES YOU THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS

Can you recommend a perfume that doesn’t smell like perfume? I know it’s a weird request, but I’m looking for something that smells nice and clean—and not all heavy and flowery. —Amber, Knoxville, TN
	A good, clean scent is hard to find. They do exist, however, and the ones that are out there are exceptionally light and feminine, yet substantive in their own rights. My two favorite shower-fresh fragrances are actually both from Bobbi Brown: Almost Bare, which she recently introduced, and Bath, which has been around for a little while. Almost Bare contains notes of Italian bergamot, violet leaves, jasmine, cedar and amber, while Bath features water hyacinth, neroli, orange flower, white lily, sage and sandalwood with hints of patchouli. In plain English: Both blend clean, soft smells that result in a scent that’s not only fresh and pretty, but also the height of subtlety. Almost Bare is $60 for 1.5 oz., and Bath is $40 for 1 oz. Both are available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

I’m tired of my boring black winter coat. If I’m looking to buy a colorful one this winter, can you recommend a shade that won’t clash with too many other colors and will be suitable to wear both to work and on the weekends? —Bryn, Provo, UT
		Since I can’t actually take a peek into your closet, Bryn, I’m going to assume that your winter wardrobe contains mostly neutrals (black, gray, tan, cream) with some colored and/or printed tops, bottoms and accessories thrown in there for good measure. If I’m correct (and even if I’m not!), I advise going with a bright fuchsia coat. I know, I know— you were probably thinking I was going to say red, but fuchsia is way better; it’s red’s more unique, cooler, edgier cousin. A coat in fuchsia will add an unexpected, refreshing pop to all of your basics, yet not compete too much (I promise!) with your more colorful pieces. A great one to check out: Valentino Red’s fuchsia Pleated-Back Coat, a sleek, modern peacoat/trench coat/car coat hybrid ($995, www.saks.com). Granted, it’s pricey, but as it’s something you’ll wear every day, it’s so worth the splurge.

The product I’m loving this month:

BedHead Pajamas Pink Blossoms robe ($158, bedheadpjs.com)

I live in Washington, D.C., so I love scooping up anything that features cherry blossoms, the city’s signature flower. It’s hard to find robes that don’t scream “Grandma!”, but this ultra-comfy cotton sateen one is very “chic new millennium gal.” Whether you live in our nation’s capital or elsewhere, you’ll adore this feminine, whimsical pajama topper.

Need a good laugh? Click here to read all about Chelea's life with two little ones—in her blog, “The Momtourage”