Saturday, October 20, 2007

More Glamorous Tips

The previous post reviewed 10 beauty secrets for skin, hair and makeup. Now, let's review tips that cover clothes and accessories. The following tips are also from my book-in-progress Glamorous Secrets REVEALED (c). If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post a comment or email me at the address shown in the top right corner of this blog. Your feedback is important!

Accessories
The key to any outfit is confidence and a smile. This is a killer combination with any outfit.

For a stylish touch (to any hairstyle), add a scarf as a headband.

If you don’t already wear heels, try them out. If you’re not used to wearing heels, take some time (10 minutes or so) each day to carefully practice walking in heels, and before it you know it, you’ll be walking like a runway model. Remember, confidence is the key! Obviously, heels are not for everyone, but give them a try before you say they’re not for you. If you’re worried about comfort, you can buy insert cushions for heels, which work wonders especially if you end up wearing them often or for long periods! Heels have an amazing effect on any outfit, especially when paired with jeans and a blouse. This is one of my favorite looks!

In moderation, jewelry, clutches, sunglasses and hats are a perfect way to accessorize and complete any look. Simply by switching accessories around, you can transform your style. Trade in the purse you always wear for a classy clutch and a string of pearls (real or faux).

Denim Diva

Sometimes we choose stylish over practical, and that’s okay! Practicality is important, much of the time, but who doesn’t like to get all dolled up once in awhile? Try mixing practicality with not-so-practical pieces to create a stylish look that is still practical. If you can’t wear heels to work because you are on your feet all day, then wear comfortable shoes that still coordinate with your outfit and add a dressier handbag or other accessory. You can buy very stylish flats at almost any shoe store.

Who doesn’t love jeans? They can be dressed up or down. Heels, flats, sandals…black, white, brown, pink…tanks, blouses, tees…they all work with jeans! You can buy denim in so many colors, styles and textures that your wardrobe options are endless. Wearing fitted dark blue jeans with a dressier top and shoes can help create a sexy, sophisticated look.

Jeans are hard to shop for because not all brands, designer lines and styles are made equally. Try on jeans at the store before you buy them so you can be certain that they are comfortable and flattering on you before you get them home. And just because you look and feel fabulous in one size, color or style does not mean that you should stick to that size, color or style across the board of brands and designer lines. I can wear three different sizes depending on where I shop…

Fitting
Some women believe that by wearing looser-fitting clothes that they “hide” their alleged imperfections, but much of the time it actually does the opposite. If you have curves, show them off with fitted clothes that skim or glide over, but not cling to, your curves. You’ll look and feel so much sexier than you already are!

For the most part, choose only one body part to accentuate at a time. If you show lots of leg, keep the girls covered. If you wear a tight shirt, wear slightly looser pants (wide leg pants are very hot).

Wardrobe Basics
Versatile staples for almost any wardrobe: a black dress, fitted dark blue jeans, a pair of dressy black pants, classic black heels, comfortable flats in a neutral color, a pair of dressy neutral pants, a fitted white long-sleeve oxford, a pencil and/or A-line skirt, sexy red shoes and a smile!

You don’t have to break the bank to treat yourself to some new pieces! Get together with your girlfriends and go bargain shopping. Set a limit before you leave your house. I find it helpful to take a limited amount of cash and no plastic… You’ll be surprised what you can find when you make yourself stick to a smaller budget. Keep in mind that many stores have a sale or clearance section. But remember, don’t cheat yourself out of quality. Sometimes it is best to pay a little more to get a little more!

You can choose comfort and still be stylish at the same time. If you’re comfortable and confident in your outfit, it will show. Confidence completes any look. You are beautiful; now show the world!

(c) 2007 CB All Rights Reserved.