size does indeed matter!

First things first, I have to apologize.  I said I would get a floor length mirror and I didn’t.  I promise that I will be out looking for one this week.  I will hold myself accountable until I get one.  Then I will hold you accountable so go…get a floor length mirror!  Beat me to it!

Ok, now back to the subject at hand.

I am a people watcher.  Whenever I’m in a position to observe people, I will.  I’ve noticed another disturbing trend in recent years.  There are many people (men and women) who insist on wearing clothes that just don’t fit.  In most cases, the clothes are too tight but I do see people wearing clothes that are too big as well.

This is a bad state of affairs because ill fitting clothes are never fashionable no matter how expensive or trendy the clothes are.  If you are a size 10, don’t feel the need to squeeze into a size 8 because you want to be skinnier.  Take steps to actually become a size 8.  On the other hand, if you are a size 10, don’t hang on to those size 12 clothes.  There are many low cost options for those of you who are losing weight or those of you who may have put on a few extra pounds.

I am a huge fan of bargain shopping.  I have a preference for Target but Walmart, Kmart and Burlington Coat Factory are also great places to find inexpensive and cute clothes.  Don’t walk around in clothes that make you look uncomfortable.  I must say that I am a victim of it as well.  As a woman that is currently a size 14 working to get down to a size 12, I often find myself wearing clothes that are both too small and too big.  When I get dressed in the morning, I have to be brutally honest with myself.  If the clothes I am wearing are too small, I put them in the charity pile.  If they are too big, I put them in the charity pile.  Now, that does mean that my closet is a bit on the light side but it also means that I get to make a visit to my local Target every so often to find some cute, bargain basics that will fit me while I work on shrinking my waist line.

One of the easiest steps you can take to becoming more fashionable is to start wearing clothes that fit and flatter your figure rather than constrict or hide it.  If you need help on what clothes to buy, drop me a line.  Post a comment with your question and I will get the answer for you.  I think we all deserve to look good!

A full length mirror…go buy one!

As I move about my daily activities I often notice people’s outfits and clothing choices.  Some people make great choices and look totally pulled together at all times.  Other people aren’t so skilled.  When I look at some people, it’s often painfully obvious that they got dressed in the bathroom mirror.  You know, the one where you can only see the upper half of your body.

That’s not a good way to make sure that your total look is all pulled together.  One simple way to start improving your wardrobe is by increasing your awareness of how you look before you leave the house.  A full length mirror is a must in any fashionista’s arsenal to looking fabulous.

I must admit it, I’m guilty of getting dressed from the neck up myself.  I don’t currently own a full length mirror so my goal for the next week is to go out and buy one.  That should be your goal as well.  If you don’t own one or the one you own is in disrepair from years of use, get a new one!  The great thing about these mirrors is that you don’t have to spend lots of money on them.  You can go to Walmart, Target, Kmart or even the Salvation Army and pick up a reasonably priced full length mirror.

So go!  Buy a full length mirror!  I’ll post a picture of mine when I get it and I invite you to do the same with yours.

Image is indeed everything

As much as we hate to admit it, our image plays an important role in how we are perceived by others and how successful we can be in life.  Being image conscious doesn’t mean you are vain or self-absorbed.  In fact, being more conscious about the image that you are presenting is very smart.  I wrote a how to article about how to create the image you want to have.  I speak entirely from experience in this article because I followed these steps to create the image that I have maintained since college.  Growing up, I was always a shy kid that rarely spoke my mind.  People seemed to think I was a mousy person and I resented that at times because I wasn’t mousy at all.  I hope that this article can help some of you ladies that may want to change how the world perceives you.

“Image is Everything” is one of the most true sayings. Your image is an important part of how you are perceived. Perception is reality and the image you have affects how successful you will be overall. Here is how to create the image that you want for yourself.

1.  Determine what kind of image you currently have. A good way to do this is by asking your close friends and family to give their perception of you. Make sure that they are being frank in this description. You would be surprised at how you are viewed as opposed to how you view yourself. Another way to determine your current image is by paying close attention to how people deal with you. If you take some time to step outside of yourself a bit and observe how the people around you react to you, it would give you some interesting insight into your current image.

2.  Determine the type of image you would like to have. The way you would like people to perceive you will affect how you go about creating your image.

3.  Determine how your current image differs from your desired image. This includes taking a long hard look at your wardrobe as well. You have to see the areas you need to change so that you can work on actually changing them. This requires being very objective about your perceived image and your desired image.

4.  Start taking steps to changing your perceived image. The easiest way would be to start with your wardrobe and go from there. It’s usually easier to focus on dressing the part first. Besides, once you start dressing the part, you will begin to feel the part and then ultimately you will become the part.

5.  Work on making your new image a direct reflection of who you are. This isn’t an easy or quick process but it is important and must be done. Take your time with it and enjoy the journey.

Tips and Warnings

Be honest with yourself. If at any time the image you are creating starts to feel forced or false, take a step back. It is important that your image be an extension of your true self and not simply a mask.

To read the article in it’s entirety, visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2246147_image-want-have.html

How to spice up your wardrobe while on a budget

I am still being inspired by the Sex and the City movie.  A while ago, I wrote a how-to article for a website called www.ehow.com with the same title as this post.  I figured I could share that article with you because this a great way  to add to the last post about Sex and the City and how to add some fabulous to your wardrobe.

Many people get bored with their current wardrobe and want to change, however their budget doesn’t always allow for a total wardrobe overhaul. You don’t necessarily need thousands of dollars to give your current wardrobe some kick. Here is how to update your look for less.

1.  Determine what budget you have to update your wardrobe. Adding some spice to your current wardrobe does require doing a bit of shopping but not necessarily a lot. Figure out how much you can currently spare.

2. Organize your wardrobe. Go through your current wardrobe and take inventory. If necessary, write everything down. Determine how many shirts, blouses, pants, skirts and jeans you own. Then categorize them by color to get an idea of what color is the base of your wardrobe.

3. Go shopping; this is the fun part. Take a weekend and visit a few stores. Discount stores like Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart are great places to pick up low-cost items. Also, thrift stores are great places to find low-cost wardrobe pieces. If necessary, map out the weekend. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

4. Focus on small pieces like accessories and simple shirts. Since you are on a budget, you don’t want to try to purchase whole outfits. Depending on your color base, find accessories that best compliment your wardrobe as a whole. Orange and yellow colors look great mixed in with different browns. Greens and reds look great with a black based wardrobe. Look for jewelry in different metallic colors. If you typically wear gold, go for the bronze and copper pieces. If you prefer silver, look for clear and black pieces but don’t be afraid of mix it up.

5. Make sure you stick to your initial budget. When you do decide to purchase something, make sure it is something that can be worn with a lot of different outfits. Your main goal for this shopping trip is to find a few great accessories that will compliment your entire wardrobe, not just one outfit. You want universal pieces.

Tips/Warnings:

• Don’t get set on one color palette. Be willing to experiment with splashes of color and prints, however be realistic with yourself. Don’t buy colors that obviously wash you out or make you look dowdy. When it doubt, take a friend.
• If at all possible stay away from the malls and boutiques. These places are usually full of wonderful pieces that may be priced outside of the budget you set for yourself and could lead to overspending.

More Sex and the City talk…

Hi there!  I’m sure that many of you have already been to the movies to see the Sex and the City movie.  For those of you who haven’t had the chance to check it out, I won’t ruin it by discussing what happened.  What I will say is that it’s a lovely movie that will please the fans of the show and create new fans.

What I would like to talk about are the fashions that are a major part of the movie.  Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should have seen the ads and commercials for the movie.  You will notice that the ladies ALWAYS look fab-u-lous.  I have a suggestion for how we can work on adopting the Sex and the City style into our own wardrobe on a realistic budget.  As I watched the movie two things stood out to me most.  The ladies wore to most wonderful dresses and accessories.

What’s the lesson here?  You can make your wardrobe more fabulous by expanding your accessories and adding bright, colorful dresses.  You can visit stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Target to find reasonably priced dresses of all types.  These stores also sell a wide variety of accessories along with stores like Claire’s and Wal-Mart.  Don’t feel pressured to go out and buy everything all at once.  Take your time and add to your wardrobe slowly.  Keep things manageable so that you don’t become overwhelmed.  Fashion shouldn’t be overwhelming (unless you’re in the tents of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, which would be a wonderful type of overwhelming).  It should be enjoyable.  Go out, and enjoy shopping for your dresses and accessories!

No more muffins, ladies…and gents!

I’ve begun to notice a common problem among men and women of all sizes.  As I go through my day and observe the different types of people that I see, I am noticing more and more the presence of the dreaded muffin top.  For those that aren’t familiar with that term, here is a definition.

Muffin top-adjective, a word used to describe what happens when someone wears bottoms that are too small and cause a spillage of flesh over the top of your pants, skirt, shorts, etc.

Typically this problem was something that was more often seen on people that tend to be deemed overweight, however I’ve begun to notice it on a much broader variety of people, including those people that would be considered skinny.  It really bothers me because this issue can be taken care of by just wearing larger bottoms or a longer belt.  Just because your pants can be buckled doesn’t mean you should wear them.  Take a moment and look at yourself in a full length mirror (this is a must for any fashionista to have).  If your lines are bumpy in any way, make some adjustments.  If you see any portion of your stomach or waist bulging over the top of your pants, skirt or shorts, make a mental note to visit your nearest store and try on some of those pieces in a larger size.

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, if it doesn’t fit properly, you will not look your best.  Let’s work on eliminating the dreaded muffin top.  If you don’t want to move from a size 8 to a 10, do something about it.  Make some lifestyle changes.  Start working out.  Eat better.  Accept that you’ve gained a bit of weight and while you are making those changes, suck it up and move up a size.  It’s ok.  No one will judge you if you wear larger clothes that fit you well and make you look fabulous.  They will judge you if you insist on wearing clothes that are too small and make you look sausage-y.

Don’t do this.

The fashion industry continues to expand…

I any of you watch America’s Next Top Model as faithfully as I do, you are fully aware of the current winner of cycle 10 was the resident full figured model, Whitney.  Whitney was 5′10 and a size 12, which is definitely on the larger size of the fashion industry that typically leans towards women sized 2-4.  She made it through the long competition and lasted through the weekly panels of being judged alongside models that were clearly more befitting of the fashion industry’s standards without doubting herself or losing confidence.  She represents the further expansion of the fashion industry.  It’s wonderful to see the industry embracing models that represent the majority of the population of women.  Check her out in her glory!

Lashes anyone?

Long, lovely lashes are a sure fire way to glam up any look at any time. If you want to go from cute to fab, just add lashes! I found this video on youtube by one of the experts at Sephora that shows you a really easy way to apply false lashes. Check it out! I plan on working in some of the tips myself. I can’t wait to test drive my lashes.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend…along with emeralds, rubies, pearls, etc…

Nothing makes an outfit look more polished than a well placed piece of jewelry. However, some of use don’t have the deep pockets to purchase that lovely Harry Winston bauble. Don’t fret. You can still add the sparkle and glimmer of jewels, golds, silvers and bronzes to your wardrobe as you work on creating your dream shopping nest egg. Here are two websites that will feed your jewelry longing without emptying your bank account.

www.overstock.com

www.overstockjeweler.com

Overstock.com is a website that sells different types of discounted goods such as clothes, bedding, purses and jewelry (of course!). Check it out. I’m sure you’ll find something you like. Overstockjeweler.com is a site that specializes in selling designer inspired jewelry. I recently purchased a ring that was inspired by a Tiffany ring that would normally retail for about $900. The ring I got was a little under $60 and it looks great. It came fairly quickly and was in a lovely little box. One day I will be able to purchase that Tiffany ring (their gold jewelry is SO much more expensive than their silver jewelery) but for now I will be working it out with my Tiffany inspired ring.

Happy jewelry shopping!

The importance of a mani/pedi

Now that we’re officially into the warm weather, with the occasional snow storm in the mountains, it’s time to pull out those sandals and flip flops.  Before you slide your winter weather feet into those cute pair of strappy gladiator sandals that are so hot right now, take a moment and assess your feet situation.  You have been wearing boots and other shoes that cover your feet.  This typically means that you have taken a break from getting regular pedicures.  For those of you that haven’t…kudos!  You can go ahead and slide those pedicured toes into those cute sandals.  For those of you that have…stop before you put on those sandals.  Run don’t walk over to the nearest spa or salon and get yourself a mani/pedi.  You may ask why you need a manicure.  You really don’t but I think it adds to the whole relaxing experience to have someone beautifying your hands and feet at the same time or in the same visit.

If you are a fashionista on a budget, don’t fret.  You can still get those hands and toes whipped into shape.  Do some research for massage/beauty schools in your area.  These students often have a professional or professor overseeing their work and the prices are usually less than what you would pay at a regular salon/spa.  Let’s just make sure we’ve done more than just slap some lotion on those winter toes.  Nothing kills a fierce pair of sandals quicker than unappealing feet.