beauty
1. Do add a little glitz to your usual work clothes; beaded skirt or cardigan, sequined scarf, or a rhinestone belt will do the trick. (Photo of Embellished Cardigan; available at Spiegel.com, $119).
2. Do buy an orange or hot pink purse to add a punch of color to any outfit.
3. Don’t overindulge in wearable animal prints. If you absolutely love them, try a throw pillow or afghan for your bedroom. Maybe that will satisfy your trip to the wild side.
4. Don’t forget about your shirt dress from a couple of seasons ago; it’s timeless.
5. Do wear Capri’s that hit at the right part of your calf. If they are too low, they look like short pants; too high, and they make you look short. Add some heeled sandals for an elongating affect.
6. Do be a little eclectic this season; mixing lace and military style jackets is more than okay.
7. Don’t pass up that over-sized necklace you keep thinking is “too much.” They were seen on models at New York’s fashion week.
8. Do the black and white thing; so cool for the month of May.
9. Do the Katie Holmes and sport a pair of slouchy trousers; also seen on the runway this season.
10. Don’t forsake your edgy rocker side; see something with zipper trim embellishments, buy it.
1. Do pay attention to where you walk; I once caught my heel in a drainage grate. If only everyone could be rescued by a handsome doctor when they step in a hole. (Photo from Columbia Pictures, The Wedding Planner).
2. Do be honest with a friend if she needs to change something about her outfit. You wouldn’t want her to let you go out in a too-tight dress or a shade of lipstick that makes your teeth look yellow. It’s just good Karma.
3. Don’t leave home in that dress that keeps popping the buttons. There is nothing about the club or restaurant that is going to make it fit right.
4. Do remember if the shoes hurt your feet in the store, they are really going to hurt you after you wear them for the day.
5. Do buy the adhesive tape to keep “the girls” secure if your dress has a deep neckline.
6. Don’t buy evening attire and formal gowns at the department store where everyone shops. Instead, take a mini-trip out of the area and visit a store that your town doesn’t have. It beats arriving at the event wearing the same dress as someone else.
7. Do keep a pair of black flip-flops in your car just in case you have a long night on the dance floor and need a rest from your 4″ stilettos.
8. Don’t cry over spilled milk or soy sauce for that matter. Keep a Tide-to-go pen and some moist towels in your purse for emergencies. Every time I get sushi, I drop it on my pants. I learned.
9. Do carry your “girl” products in your purse at all times even if you think it’s not that time of the month.
10. Do examine that chair, bench, or car seat you are getting ready to sit on. Bobby’s gum won’t look good stuck to the back of your white pants.
1. Do be sexy without being too revealing.
2. Don’t think you have to only wear women’s cologne; give these men’s scents a try (Calvin Klein Euphoria Men eau de toilette ($65, at Macys.com), Sean John I Am King eau de toilette ($74 at, Macys.com), Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme eau de toilette spray ($70 at Saks.com).
3. Do wear polka dots- yes, they’re back in.
4. Don’t wear overly faded out clothing. If you can, dye it to spruce up color; otherwise, pitch it or use for housework.
5. Do give your body a slimmer look by wearing a blazer over a dress or blouse with a small print.
6. Do use an all-over exfoliant like Neutrogena’s Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator ($10, at drugstores).
7. Do seek out jackets with big collars or interesting contours around the neck.
8. Do multi-task your jewelry; wear a necklace as a headband, bracelet, or anklet.
9. Don’t forget to add a well-fitting spring/rain jacket to your wardrobe. Choose one that hits you below the hips and is belted at the waist.
10. Do get out of your matchy-matchy rut; go for unexpected elements to give your outfits a chic edge.
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with rockin’ to your favorite oldies from a bygone era, but let me give you nostalgic gals some advice, keep your music, but bring your hair and makeup into the new millennium. It truly is a good idea to ask someone you trust, “How Do I Look?” So many women don’t reach their beauty potential because they are stuck in a past decade fashion rut. The rut I’m talking about keeps its victims from experimenting with exciting new trends and manages to keep them thinking that they look good in what they wore in college. Dressing for success in your personal and business life is not rocket science, ladies. Here’s a few tips to get you going.
Excuses For Not Changing With the Times
1. I don’t know how to look fashionable. (Buy a magazine.)
2. I can’t afford nice, new clothes. (Goodwill is great!)
3. I don’t feel comfortable dressing that way. (Find something that makes you feel pretty.)
4. I don’t have time to fuss over my looks. (You won’t say that when people notice the change for the good.)
5. I love my long, stringy hair that has no style. (Girl, just let it go.)
6. My husband loves the way I look…has for 25 years. (Are you sure?)
7. I don’t want people to look at me. (Trust me; they’re looking.)
8. It’s a waste of time and money. (Be quick; be frugal.)
9. I’m too fat or skinny to be in style. (There are tricks to help both issues.)
10. I can’t find anything that looks good on me. (You mean, you don’t want to.)
Have you said or thought any of these things? If you have, then its time that you take another look at yourself in the mirror and let go of that mantra that has gotten you where you are today…in a fashion rut.
Your Clothing
First, let’s address your clothing. I know we all have items in our wardrobe that are like family to us. Whether it’s that fave pair of jeans or that cashmere sweater that has seen better days, there is likely something that you have never considered letting go of. Well, maybe it’s time. If you could just see that by replacing those items with new, classic pieces, you will be taking the first step in fashion rehabilitation.
Make Shopping Fun
Make a big deal out of shopping for the updated versions of your favorites. Don’t forget to take a trusted friend or family member with you to the mall. You might need the encouragement and fashion advice. Teenagers are great for this task as they are usually up on the latest trends. It doesn’t hurt to skim the fashion magazines (age appropriate ones) for pictures of outfits that you like. Take them along when you shop so you don’t forget what you are looking for.
Meeting Your New Clothes
In addition to your tag-along shopping buddy, take any undergarments that you will need to try on clothes, like a body slimmer or strapless bra. I also think it is a good idea to wear comfortable, simple clothing so the dressing room experience doesn’t turn into a work out. If you usually wear makeup, apply it before going out, that way you look your best to meet your new clothes.
Build Confidence One Day at a Time
Lastly, be patient, the transformation may not happen overnight. Start slowly and work through any barriers to your new look. Just getting one new piece of clothing may be all you need to get you started toward a greater confidence.
Oh, That Hair!
Remember the Mullet, Shag, and the Beehive, though my wonderfully talented hair stylist would find a way to make all three of those dated styles look hip and polished, I doubt many of us could or should attempt a trip to the bad hairstyle graveyard. Okay, maybe they weren’t so bad in their day, but the key words here are “in their day.” I used the three obvious examples of hair gone wrong to produce a visual for you. Even people with bad hair will chuckle at someone sporting a mullet. The point is it’s time to stop the madness; tell you hairdresser to give you a new look. If they have a mullet, maybe you should get a new hairdresser.
Outdated Hair Will Age You
Like the out-of-style clothing, dated hair can age you. If you are quickly noticing that you don’t get the attention that you used to back in the day, then you likely need to do something about it. Yes, you can start fresh with a haircut and/or a color change. Don’t make it harder than it is. Look through some magazines and find a look that you are attracted to and just do it! It will help to choose a style that looks good on a model with a similar face shape to your own. If you are still unsure, there are computer programs that can show you what you will look like with any hairstyle.
Ask the stylist to show you how to style your own hair so you don’t get frustrated when you try it solo. Again, moral support is good. Take along a friend who is excited about seeing you make some rewarding changes. Enjoy the process. Good things are headed your way!
A Pleasant Experience
While on vacation in Virginia Beach, my oldest daughter treated me to a spa day. After filling up on our favorite sushi, we ventured to the Ambiance Salon &Day Spa for some girlie pampering. I started imagining the wonderful relaxation while still in the parking lot. With my muscles sore from a car ride from the Midwest and a honeymoon period with a Wii, I could hardly wait for the sacred, alone time away from the children…God love them.
The receptionist greeted us with professional enthusiasm that immediately put me at ease and started my experience off on the right foot. She led us to the relaxation room that allowed us to fill out some new client paper work in an ambient, peaceful environment. I wondered which of the two services we had scheduled would be first. Following a shower with a special cleanser that deeply cleaned our pores and prepared our skin for the body wrap, our therapists escorted us to individual treatment rooms.
Feeling Comfortable With the Service Provider
The massage therapist, Christine, started the Set Me Free Body Wrap by measuring my body. The spa guarantees that clients will lose 4-12 inches from the detoxifying and fat cell shrinking treatment. I’m a positive person so I rallied for the whole 12 inches. I chose to go braless during this treatment, which I highly recommend, as most of your lymphatic system is located in the neck and chest area. Christine was professional and had a kind spirit that made me feel comfortable for the potentially embarrassing nakedness. Making small talk with the therapist while she painted on the special aloe vera mixture helped to ease tension, as well. She assured me that in their field they see all shapes and sizes…nothing new in the booby department.
It’s All in Your Head
Clad in my Glad Wrap suit, I laid on the massage table comfortably seeking the Zen of the moment. I could either dwell on life’s not so pleasant issues or proactively attempt to make the most of the rare trip to the spa. Fortunately, I chose the latter. While in a darkened room with gentle music soothing my overused auditory nerves, I envisioned various colors of ribbons flowing through my body, each hue had a different task in the project of cleaning and detoxifying my body. This was a way of distracting my mind from slipping back to stressful thinking.
Ask and You Sha
ll Receive
Following the pleasant body wrap, I was all set for a one hour Swedish massage that primarily focuses on relaxation and muscle detoxification. Every massage therapist uses similar basic techniques likely learned in school but don’t be surprised if you have totally different experiences if you spa hop. As I did with Christine, you should feel comfortable enough to express your specific needs. If they are not using enough pressure or they are killing you with a heavy hand, then you must speak up. They are not mind readers. My communication paid off as my therapy was just perfect. I was also pleased that Christine used the “Energy Work” technique, as she called it. With a
series of pressure and release moves on my head area, she was able to balance my body’s chi (energy).
The Detox Dilemma
Though my spa experience fulfilled my expectations and left me with renewed energy and a feeling of balance, there was an unpleasa
nt aspect. The sudden release of stored toxins can cause a light-headed sensation or even temporary nausea. My daughter experienced some slight discomfort following her massage and I had a minimal headache. These healing crisis symptoms are perfectly normal and should be welcomed as a part of the process. Allow your body time to complete the cycle naturally. Rest, water, and happy thoughts aid your system in efficient cleansing in a timely manner. If you can, resist using Tylenol or other pain aids during this time as they will only hinder the healing process.
Tips from the Massage Therapist
I had the opportunity to speak with Christine to about how women can make the most of their spa experiences. The firs
t thing she shared was the importance of arriving 10-15 minutes early to your appointment to enable time to fill out paper work and mentally prepare for the down time. Also, wearing loose clothing and minimal jewelry will save energy and time. “Drink lots of water before and after to help your body rid itself of toxins,” she said emphatically. “Lactic acid builds up in muscles and causes that sore feeling. Massage therapy releases it.”
A Deeper Healing
We discussed the importance of using your mind to increase the potency of the treatments. “Picture inhaling light and exhaling dark as you breathe,” Christine said. “Controlled breathing is also a key.” Our bodies are subject to the mind’s leading ideas. You can literally visualize what you want to happen. If you have depression or anxiety, then picturing them leaving your body while in a relaxed state can definitely help. The body’s healing abilities are limitless when you tap into the power of the mind. Using these meditation techniques during physical treatments has a two-fold purpose. You not only maximize the effectiveness of the service but you also increase the chances of experiencing a deeper inner healing because of the state of relaxation that is hard to accomplish without help.
Not All Massages are Created Equal
When booking your treatment, ask about the various services available. There is a difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage. Discuss your unique needs with the therapist prior to the service to maximize your time on the table. This is also a good time to point out sore spots due to Arthritis or Fibromyalgia. If you enjoy the services of a particular therapist then stick with him or her. Like the relationship that you have with your hair stylist or nail technician, you can benefit from ongoing communication that allows them to understand your specific needs.
Pampering: A Must for Women
If paying spa prices is not an option then trade out a DIY spa day with a friend or family member. My 13-year-old daughter and I sometimes give each other facials, pedicures, and manicures to save money. It can also be a good time to bond. Also, ask to be informed about upcoming specials and promotions. The Ambiance Salon & Day Spa that we visited offered $40 massages on Tuesdays and even 10% off for military personnel on Fridays. This was definitely a great deal considering most massages range from $50- $100 an hour depending on where you are. The point is, treat yourself to this special time whether you splurge on a day spa or just simply soak in a tub of frothy bubbles. We women are constantly taking care of other’s needs and forget to take care of ourselves. The benefits are worth any time and money you spend for pampering. Remember, you deserve it! By the way, I lost 8.5 inches from the body wrap!
The Whole Picture
Have you ever noticed a beautiful woman whose face glows as someone much younger? Then you look at her neck and hands…not so much glowing going on there. The truth is these two areas, among others, will give away your true age faster than your taste in music! We have all been bombarded by sunscreen ads and warnings about not protecting our faces from the sun’s damaging rays. Well, guess what? Our necks, tops of our shoulders, chests, and our hands are absorbing those same destructive rays. My best advice for this problem is this, do the same skin care regimen for your neck, chest, shoulders, and hands that you do for your face. That’s right, everything! Those fancy crèmes and serums are just as effective on other body parts.
It’s Possible to Reverse the Damage
While enjoying the great outdoors several years ago, I spent too much time out in the sun, and I burnt my ears, of all places. The reason was simple; I didn’t apply any sunscreen to them. Because of the pain and discomfort of the burn, I decided to give my ears some TLC. After treating my red, rough ears with my skin care products in the weeks following the burn, I realized that they were actually looking much better. The extra attention I gave my ears reversed the damage that the overexposure caused. It dawned on me to do the same thing for other over-exposed areas.
There are products made to care for everything but your face, but facial care lines are more concentrated with age-fighting ingredients than your typical lotions. Yes, you will pay more for the good stuff; however, it’s well worth it. I am constantly asked, “What are you doing to have such young looking skin?” At age 42, I’m a walking testimony of how taking care of your skin can pay off, (I still get carded. It’s really funny to see people’s reactions when I tell them I have a 24-year-old).
Start Skin Care Young
I have used full skin care lines (cleanser, toner, lotion, night cream, etc.) since I was about 17. My four older daughters at ages 24, 22, 16, and 13 are following in my footsteps with their own daily beauty regimens. Stressing the importance of consistency, I taught them young to care for their beautiful faces with good products. Some of the best that we have used are Mary Kay, Arbonne, Aveda, Olay Regenerist, Origins, L’Oreal, and Avon. These days you’ll find mostly Aveda products on my bathroom sink, as they are more natural at their base and seem to agree with my older skin.
Skin Care Musts
Regardless of what products you use, it’s a must to follow some basic strategies for younger looking skin.
- Drink plenty of pure water (8-10 glasses a day).
- Limit your time in the sun especially during mid-day when its rays are more damaging.
- Limit your use of tanning beds. It’s so easy to keep going 2-3 times a week because it doesn’t take much time and it’s so accessible. Be aware of how your skin is reacting to the exposure, not just, how brown it’s getting. If you notice a wrinkling at your elbows and knees, deeper sleep lines in the morning, and an overall dry feeling, you probably should cut down on your visits to the tanning salon.
- Always use a foundation that has SPF 15 in it. Most bases have the sunscreen added, but if not, use a lotion that is specifically for your face.
- Don’t forget to put the sunscreen on your ears, shoulders, and chest area if those areas are exposed.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake especially when you know you will be in the sun for an extended time.
- Reduce stress as much as possible. Try yoga, walking, meditation, or anything that gets you to a place of peace.
- Exfoliation is a key to aiding skin’s regeneration. Use a mask 1-2 times per week and a daily exfoliation product like Aveda’s Daily Exfoliant.
- Be kind to your skin, no pulling, popping, stretching, and poking. (A facial massage is good, though).
- Take supplements that have good anti-oxidant properties like the Xocai healthy chocolate drink. Omega fatty acids, B, C, and A vitamins are also essential for great skin. The best ways to get these needed sups are through our food; unfortunately, we don’t always eat what we should. Just make better choices.
