Monday, October 29, 2007

Hiring a Style Consultant

Style consultants are professional image experts. We are fashionistas, image artists and stylists. Our clients include women AND men. My personal goal is to improve the quality of your life, without changing who you are. Through style, you can enhance your life more than you may have thought possible.

Ask yourself the following questions: How often do I see myself? How often do others see me, professionally and socially? How many more people see me more times than I see myself in one day? What are they looking at? How would others describe my style and appearance? How do people perceive me? Do people smile at me often? Am I easy to approach? Do I project confidence and professionalism?

Now, when you look in the mirror, what do you see? How would you describe your style and appearance? Take the time to describe it; write it down objectively. Do you love what you see? If not, call me or seek a style consultant in your area immediately! Sometimes, even if you love what you see, but your style is actually inappropriate for your lifestyle, then you should seek a style consultant. Would you like to enhance your style, wardrobe and appearance? If the answer is 'yes,' then I recommend calling a style consultant in your area. I work mostly in the St. Louis, MO/ Edwardsville, IL area. However, I will travel outside the area for a possible extra charge, depending on the location.

As a StyleLife consultant, I will share with you the beauty of style for life, including clothing, makeup (if applicable), hair, shoes, accessories, etc. that will work with your needs and your lifestyle. I will show you how to find clothes that look and feel great on you and your figure. I will help you realize your style potential and to help you feel fabulous about yourself and your life. Learn to love your body right now and to define your style for your needs and your lifestyle right now. Focus on the present you.

If you would like to contact me with questions, comments or to schedule a consultation, please leave a comment or email me at the address shown at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!


(c) 2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

Product Quality vs. Product Price

Let's a take a look at seven common products and services. Does a higher price mean higher quality? What are you really paying for?

1. Hair products. Sometimes it is true with hair products that a little more money gets you a little higher quality of product. Let's take Paul Mitchell for example. Paul Mitchell products are not the most expensive products, but they are higher in price than say, Suave or Herbal Essences. I prefer Paul Mitchell because the quality is amazing.

Keep in mind that with hair products, as with many beauty products, 'quality' can really only be determined by your trial and your satisfaction with the product. Defining quality depends on individual hair needs and hair type. A product that works well on you may not work well on me because we may have different needs, hair types, etc. For instance, I would never use shampoo for regular hair because my hair is very dry, and I dye it regularly. However, you may say that you never dye your hair and that you love Herbal Essences' shampoo for normal hair. Our hair is different, and that means our hair requires different treatment and care.

Since I have thick, brittle, dyed blonde hair, I need products that nurture extra dry hair. Paul Mitchell, Sunsilk Thermashine, Aussie (3-minute Miracle), Infusium 23 (detangler), and Matrix are examples of high quality products in a low to moderate price range for extra dry hair. Paul Mitchell and Matrix also make quality products for other hair types.

2. Makeup. This is a tricky one because sometimes it does pay off to pay more for quality, but how do you know when you are paying more for quality and not just paying more for packaging and reputation? Trial and error! When you try on makeup or sample products, ask yourself these questions. Does the product feel amazing when I apply it? Does it look nice with my skin tone? Does it cause irritation? Is it easily removed with cleanser? How long does the product wear without smudging or fading? The quality of makeup depends on what you are looking for in each product. I search for great colors, long-lasting wear, convenient design and easy application.

CoverGirl, Loreal, Revlon, Maybelline, Jane, and Mary Kate and Ashley cosmetics can be found at most drugstores, Wal*Mart and Target stores nationwide. These brands are all fairly inexpensive and great quality. American Beauty, Flirt! and bareMinerals are great quality, but in a slightly higher price range. I usually do not spend more than a moderate amount on makeup because I can find high quality makeup for a lower price. Department store lines, which are usually good quality as well, typically cost the most. Are these products worth every dollar that you pay? Have you tried less expensive makeup? If so, what are the differences? Are there any noticeable differences? What are the similarities? What do you like about each product that you try?

The Mary Kate and Ashley product line really surprised me because it seems aimed at teens. I am in my mid twenties and found that the products work great at my age also. The Mary Kate and Ashley line includes great colors, long-lasting wear, convenient designs AND easy application. I especially love Mary Kate and Ashley Double Cover 2-in-1 Concealer because it includes a liquid and a solid concealer. This product is great for me because I want to cover blemishes and under-eye circles, and the product does both very nicely. I would recommend Mary Kate and Ashley to women in their teens and twenties.

American Beauty is aimed at a more mature audience and is an example of high quality makeup. American Beauty is a little more expensive, but not break-the-bank pricey, and is available at Kohl's. American Beauty makeup colors are conservative, beautiful and classy. American Beauty also has a line of foundation that aims to help diminish the appearance of fine lines. The foundation has a slight shimmering, not glittery, effect to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. I would recommend American Beauty for most ages.

bareMinerals (Bare Escentuals) is another great example of high quality. bareMinerals is more expensive than drugstore brands, but seems well worth the money. bareMinerals provides great coverage, a range of colors and easy application. I would recommend this line of makeup for all ages.

I prefer not to spend a lot of money on makeup because I love trying all sorts of products. Makeup application is an art form, and I am an artist! With makeup, an important part is to compare ingredients. Many products include similar ingredients across the board of makeup brands. If products include similar ingredients, why pay for the product from the more expensive line? Remember that trial and error is very important with makeup, for your skin and for your satisfaction.

***Be careful when trying on makeup at stores. Are there disposable applicators, alcohol, cleansers and an attendant who can help you select and clean products? It is possible to spread nasty germs at the makeup counter (ESPECIALLY during flu season) so I recommend trying colors and other products on the back of your hand, not your face and washing your hands immediately. However, to find the perfect shade of foundation, it is recommended to apply the foundation to your jawline in order to perfectly match your skin tone. Trying display makeup on your face is at your own risk. I recommend washing your face immediately after finding your perfect shade.

Some stores even offer an exchange program for makeup. Check with your local stores about exchange/return policies on makeup. If you can exchange slightly used makeup, simply guess at your shade, purchase it, try and exchange if necessary. This way you can avoid playing with 'contaminated' makeup.

3. Clothes. Paying a little more for clothes does sometimes mean you are paying more for quality. Better stitching and better materials usually cost more than items with fair (or not-so-good) materials. Now, of course there are exceptions, such as Abercrombie, which is pretty pricey but not always worth the money. There is such a thing as high quality but over-the-top prices as well. If you can truly afford Armani, then go for Armani. But if you prefer to stick to a lower price range, you can find amazing pieces at Macy's, specialty boutiques and online. Paying more does not ensure that you will receive higher quality items, especially online when you don't have the option to feel or look up close at the piece before you purchase it. Make certain that you can easily return or exchange the item if needed.

Purchasing a nicer suit usually means spending a little more money since the materials and stitching are probably of higher quality than a less expensive suit. Keep an eye out for details, stitching, fit, fabric, etc. to determine if the suit you are trying on is worth the money. Also keep in mind the following questions. How are you supposed to wash it? Is that convenient for you? How does the fabric feel against your skin? How does the suit (or other piece of clothing) fit when you stand, sit and walk? Can you wear a button-down under the jacket? Does the jacket (or shirt) button up all the way or does it pull in areas?

4. Jewelry. This one depends on you. Do you have to have authentic diamonds or would you feel comfortable wearing costume jewelry? How often will you wear each piece? If you purchase real diamonds and precious metals, do you have a safe place to store them and clean them? Will you wear them enough to make the purchase worth your money? Of course, real diamonds will last longer than costume jewels. If you plan to wear a piece only a few times, then it would probably be better to purchase a moderately priced piece of 'costume' jewelry, not an expensive piece with real diamonds. Department stores usually have a large variety of jewelry from which to choose. They are usually moderately priced and of moderate quality, which would be a great buy if you do not plan on wearing the pieces on a daily basis.

5. Shoes. Shoes of higher quality are almost always a little more expensive. However, as with the above products, it is possible to buy something that is over-priced and of low quality. In order to ensure good quality, try the shoes on in the store. Look at the stitching and materials used. Will these shoes be weather resistant? Are they simply worth the money in looks and style? How often will you wear these shoes? Are they comfortable or at least comfortable enough for what you need them? Can you afford them? Could you buy a whole outfit instead? If so, which would you prefer to have? Do you absolutely love this particular pair of shoes? How many outifts will coordinate with these shoes? Why do you want these shoes at this time? These are things you need to ask yourself while deciding whether the purchase would truly be worth the money.

6. Professional Hair Care. You pay for experience here! Higher quality salons will most likely charge more per cut/style/color/etc. However, you may also pay for atmosphere, status and reputation in addition to quality stylists. However, not all stylists at expensive places are worthy of the price they charge. Your best bet is to try several stylists at different locations and then decide which stylist/ salon you prefer to visit regularly. Don't forget, good etiquette means leaving a tip at most salons (which hikes up the price).

7. Purses. Is it worth your money to pay $300 for one purse? Well, if you plan to wear it regularly, then yes, it may be worth your money. Coach is a perfect example of priciness and very high quality. The purses are expensive but worth the money for style, status and quality. Obviously, you should not break the bank for one purse, but if you can afford Coach or Louis Vuitton, then purchasing one or two purses/bags may be a good investment for you if you plan to wear them often. There are good quality purses that cost much less also, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Liz Claiborne and Guess. It really depends on how often you plan to wear the purse, where you would wear the purse and with what outfits you would wear the purse. I love my Coach purses because they look classy even after I wear them regularly to all sorts of functions! I would highly recommend Coach, Louis Vuitton and Guess for regular wear. Check out specialty boutiques, department stores and online for elegant clutches that would be worn less often.

The keys to the quality vs. cost analyis is trial and error and deciding how you feel about the products and/or services. There are no set standards. What matters is what your desires and needs are for a particular product or service. What do expect from each? How much are you willing to pay? How often would you use it? Is it really worth what you would pay? How long will it last? Do you love it? Will you still love it in two weeks?

Shopping can be fun, but be careful not to become convinced that spending more money always means higher quality. Additonally, just because a product or service is higher quality does not mean that you need the more expensive, or higher quality, product or service. Look at your needs and desires. Keep it all in perspective!

(c) 2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

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.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

10 Glamorous Secrets REVEALED

What if you could feel like a million bucks in 20 minutes or less? We all like to be pampered, and who doesn't like to look and feel fabulous? Isn't it time for you to treat yourself?

The following list includes 10 tips from my book-in-progress, Glamorous Secrets REVEALED (c).
If you have any questions, please post a comment or email me at the address located at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you, and enjoy!

1. Elusive Smoky Eyes
This look does seem more difficult than most, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. Simply use one shade or multiple shades of black, gray and/or charcoal eyeshadow and dark eye liner. Use one end of the cotton swab to apply a dark eyeshadow under your eyes, and then use the other end to blend, soften and create the “smoky” effect. OR use black eye liner and smudge with a cotton swab. For maximum results, use eye liner first, and then apply dark eyeshadow on top of liner and smudge with a cotton swab. This look may require a few practice runs. “Practice makes perfect!”

2. Flirty, Come Hither Eye Lashes
For perfectly long and thick eye lashes, you can use two kinds of mascara, one for lengthening and one for thickening. Apply either mascara focusing on the outer lashes most; use a slight twirling motion. SLOWLY pull the applicator through your eyelashes, focusing on the tips. This will give the mascara time to stick to your lashes. This also prevents tarantula eyes. Immediately after you apply the first coat, go back and apply the other kind of mascara or double up on the same kind of mascara. More than one coat really does help achieve that sexy, smoldering look! If you put mascara on your lower lashes, keep it minimal. Remember that mascara application takes some patience.

3. Bronze Beauty
For a summery glow, apply bronzer to cheeks and lightly over the rest of your face (think where the sun would hit), neck, collar bone, shoulders and cleavage to achieve a stunning effect! This one may take some practice to achieve a natural look.

4. Basic Applicators
Try using cotton swabs and cotton balls to apply eyeshadow powder and cream for an amazing effect! Cotton swabs are great for the crease of your upper lids and under your lower lashes.

5. The Perfect Shave
Exfoliate before you shave. It will help give you a smooth, clean shave and super silky legs. Moisturize legs thoroughly after you pat dry legs.

6. Smile!
Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. Whitening strips (such as ones from Crest) are an amazing way to amp up your smile! These strips are quick, simple to use, and they work! Are you a coffee drinker, smoker or Mountain Dew drinker? If you want a brighter smile, using home whitening strips may be right for you. Talk with your dentist about options.

7. Change with the Seasons
During summer, you probably want to use a darker shade of tinted moisturizer/foundation/powder than what you use in the winter IF your skin is darker in the summer (usually because of more sun exposure) and lighter in the winter.

8. Youth in a Bottle
Always use moisturizer. If you have normal skin, consider using a lighter (oil-free) lotion in the summer and a heavier cream in the winter. Moisturizer is the key to healthy skin! Talk with your dermatologist to see which products work best for your skin type.

9. Tired of the Tired Circles
For dark under eye circles, apply a liquid or cream-to-powder concealer that is one shade LIGHTER than your skin, or use a yellow concealer to neutralize the blue circles.

10. Fabulous Hair, Fabulous You
Switch shampoo and conditioner brands every so often. I recommend sticking to your two favorite kinds and alternating between those every other month. I alternate between Paul Mitchell and Sunsilk Thermashine (formerly Thermasilk).

Always remember that you are beautiful and fabulous! You deserve to feel beautiful and fabulous as well! If you have any questions, please post a comment or email me at the address located at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you!

(c) 2007 CB All rights reserved.

Contact Me Today

Would you like to enhance or update your wardrobe? Do you have questions about style? Are you hosting a large dinner or event and would like to find the perfect outfit? Are you interviewing for a new job, going on a blind date or dating unsuccessfully? Would you like some closet organization assistance? Have you ever wanted a personal stylist to assist you with your style needs and desires?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, then I can help! I am a style consultant and life coach. I want to help you improve the quality of your life, without changing who you really are. My goals are simple. I want to help increase your confidence in yourself and in your style, to help you help yourself and to help you look and feel fabulous. I want to work with you!

I offer many consultation options and packages for the St. Louis, MO and Edwardsville, IL (62025) area. *I will travel outside of the area but may charge extra for travel time, mileage, flights, etc. Email me for more details.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation for yourself or as a gift, please email me at the address located at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you, and I will get in touch with you immediately. I look forward to working with you!