"An Independent Spirit"

"Are you a leader or a follower"?

Growing up in New Jersey in the 60's was difficult to say the least. These were times of change. My parents constantly complained of my being "different from others".
I certainly had a mind of my own and hated to be told what to do.

As I became an adult, this rebellious side of me, led me to realize that this quality I embody is not a rebellious streak, but one of an "Independent Spirit".

I raised my son this way, and I am happy to share that he is now raising his two daughters with the very same mindset.

I call it "Being a Unique Individual". Thinking for oneself and not always following the crowd, may be difficult, but shows that you cannot be easily swayed and therefore shows your strength.

We are all Unique souls and we must take pride in that we are all special!

"Accessories / Jewelry"

"How To Update Your Outfits"

What a year for fabulous accessories. They glamorize everything we wear.
The range of merchandise in the stores is outrageous.

From Scarfs in every color imaginable, to Belts in various styles and shapes, to large Earrings, Rings, and Bracelets. Pantyhose and Leggings are also a must.

Where does one begin to choose our favorite find? The more I see, the more I want.
Whatever arrives in the stores, does not remain there very long. Women seem to be on a buying frenzy.
 
It is obvious that "Fashion does matter."
Whatever your Style, accessorizing personalizes your outfit and makes it even better!

"Department Store vs. Drug Store Cosmetics"

So many products, how do you select those that will work for you?

First you must determine your skin type. Next, is to decide what concerns you may have and what you will need to make your skin look its best.

Facial Care Products are based from Normal skin to Dry to Anti-Aging Products. Choosing one that works with your skin type, be it Normal, Dry, or Oily, is essential.

Dry skin needs moisture. Creams with a sunblock work best for the Dry skin type. Both in the cleanser and moisturizer.

Normal skin responds well to a lighter weight cleanser and can use a light-weight moisturizer with a sunblock. Oil-free is also an appropriate way to eliminate the possibility of breakouts or developing enlarged pores.

Oily skin can have problems. For a cleanser, use oil-free, gel based products only. Use an oil-free/oil-control moisturizer with sunblock. Acne skin would benefit by using products containing Salicylic Acid. Keeping your skin clean, not overly drying it out, and eating properly, is the best way to balancing the Oily skin type.

There are a broad range of Anti-Aging products on the market. If you have Dry or Normal skin, you can choose from a variety of brands. However, if you are looking for a good product and have Oily skin, this becomes a challenge, to find Anti-Aging Products that are not too heavy.
Once again, go by your particular skin type. Check to see if it is Oil-free or of a light-weight nature.

To find a good Eye Cream, you may have to experiment to see which one works best for you, and one that will not irritate your eye area.

Shopping for your Foundation :

Normal /Dry /Oily

Liquids, Cream To Powder
Oil-free Liquid, Powder, Powder/Plus foundation
Whatever you choose, you must match it as close as possible to your neck. This way, your face will match your neck and look natural. Department Stores have a great selection, offer better coverage, and you have the benefit of trying on the makeup, before purchasing products.

Some great brands I would recommend:

Revlon Color Stay liquid makeup--- Dry/Normal or Oily/Normal
Cover Girl Liquid Clean Makeup for each skin type
These are two good products, with nice coverage and the matching Powders are equally wonderful.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, is my very favorite. With super coverage, oil free, this one-step application, is easy, natural-looking and long-lasting.

All Eye Liners are not created equal.
Almay Automatic Pencil, that lasts for 16 hours is a great find, that will not melt or disappear until removed.

Mascara
L'oreal  Telescopic in the Gold or Black tube. This mascara not only lengthens, but also thickens your lashes.
The best one ever!

Eye Shadows, Blushers, Lipliners, Lipsticks, Lipglosses,
there are so many wonderful choices.

Department Stores or Drug Stores selections, there is something for everyone.

Even though you cannot try on the Drug Store cosmetics, you may be able to return them if they do not work for you.

Creating an "Image"

Changing your style of clothing, hair color, or cut, may be what you would consider, when you want to change your Image. However, there is really more to changing one's Image.

Changing your Image is about changing the way you see yourself. If you are not happy, then you must visualize yourself in a totally different way.

My theory is:

First you must change you Posture, and way you carry yourself.
Do you have a strong presence? How do you relate to others? Do you look people in the eye while speaking to them?

Creating a wonderful posture, helps to create a strong presence.
Becoming a confident individual, does wonders for you.
Now, you can begin to make any physical changes you wish to explore.

Is your hair color and cut best suited for your skin tone and facial structure?
Do you have a preferred clothing style?
Do your clothes show off your best features?
Does this total package meet your expectations?

Now, to your wonderful makeup.
The correct colors for your skin tone, can not only be corrective, but give you a lift.

Since  "Your Thoughts Create Your Reality", change your mindset, and by doing this you will evolve to "Be The Best You Can Be".

These are all examples of how to change an Image. It is never easy, but a place to begin.

Relating to others and being beautiful on the inside as well as your outer being is a real place to begin your evolution.

"Men's Wear" "How to spruce up your wardrobe"

Shopping for a man may seem easy, compared to choosing clothing for a woman. This is somewhat true.
Following several simple strategies can make it a lot easier and put you on the right track.

The proper fit in your clothing is essential, regardless of your size. Garments that fit properly will enhance your look and body shape. The baggy, relaxed look of the past few years has evolved into a more slimline, tailored fit.
Next, you may want to add your personality into the mix. Choosing colors or prints that look great with your skin tone make it your own "special look".

So, simplicity, proper fit, and personal touches, especially using Neutral colors will bring you into the New Year.
Wearing neutral colors allows you to mix and match the clothing in your wardrobe, thus giving you more choices.

"What Not To Wear"

Never wear Athletic shoes with dress pants

Never wear low socks with dress shoes

Never wear sandals with socks

"West Coast vs East Coast Style" "Dressing for the Occasion"

Growing up in New Jersey, in the 60's, I remember how excited I was to "dress up" when going out for a special
occasion. Dressing appropriately and following the various rules for each season was quite important during those years. We were more formal in our attire during that time.

Is the East Coast more formal in their dressing, and the West Coast very lay back or are we just lazy about taking the time to get that "special " look?

Living in Southern California since 1965, I have seen how the different trends have come and gone. We live a more relaxed, casual way of life. We have no hard and fast rules regarding our choice of dress.

"Dressing for the Occasion"

Attending my husband's 50th High School Reunion, which was scheduled as "Cocktail Attire",
I was stunned as I walked into the room seeing almost all the women wearing pants, and some of the men dressed for the beach. What is wrong with this picture? My beautiful husband and I were dressed to the "9's".
Was it because we were both raised on the East Coast where people take pride in looking their best, or is it the West Coast lifestyle?
Working in the Fashion business, I was disappointed, but had a good time anyway! 

"Creating Your Special Image"

What is an Image? An Image is an Attitude.

When we look in the mirror, what do we see? We see ourselves looking a certain way. If we are happy with what we see, that is great. If we want to change our appearance, then first we must change our mind set. For our thoughts create our reality.

What we think and how we feel also plays a part in how the world views us.
Creating a new outward image is similar to playing a role.

We must first visualize how we want to look and then must follow through.
If we do not have the capacity to do this alone, sometimes we must ask for help. Whether it be to lose weight, get a complete makeover, or help us with everyday challenges, never be ashamed to ask for help.

"LA Style"

Los Angeles fashion captures our different lifestyles. From the Pacific ocean to the downtown club scene, our looks can vary from casual beachwear to the hard edgy rock and roll club scene, to Valley chic.

We definitely have our own special fashion sense in Los Angeles. Whatever look one chooses, we can certainly do it with flair.

The styles of the moment include leggings, which are a staple in every wardrobe. Pair that with a long tunic top, a faux leather jacket, and high heel Platform shoes, and you are good to go anywhere.

Accessories include large hanging earrings, bracelets up the arm, large rings, perhaps a scarf, and you have the
"LA" look.

Be it day or night, "We love LA".

"Signature Style"

As an Image Consultant,when a client is interested in a makeover, the first question I ask is "What is your Signature Style"?  Most people have no idea what that means. We basically know what we like to wear and usually choose the same styles in clothing every time we shop.

Knowing the style we like, and one that looks best on us, can help us find our best look.

I break it down to several different looks. Classic, Tailored, Sporty, Trendy, Sexy, and Edgy.
Not every style works well with very body shape. It makes all the difference in selecting one that enhances your figure.

The next area I concentrate on is that of Color. Certain colors lift us up, bringing light to our face.
Beginning with a great hair color, brings out your features and frames your face.

Follow that with beautiful makeup which will enhances your skin tone.

All of these aspects go into helping you create your best look.

To reiterate:
The best hair color, makeup, and your signature style according to your body type and coloring work together in bringing out the "Best You".

"Age Appropriate"

Age Appropriate, what exactly does that mean?

Do we reach a certain age and decide that we can no longer wear our hair long, or wear our favorite bikini?

Why do we have the preconceived notion that when we get older we must conform to a conservative mindset and change our love for style?

Doesn't that limit us of our choices, activities, and life style? I believe that restricts us of a joyous life.

As long as we dress in good taste, according to our body shape, coloring, and our favorite style, we can still enjoy being open and looking our best. Most people gravitate towards the same look over and over again.

We project our image through our dressing, and most of us know our limits.

Take pride in yourself, ask for help if you are not sure about your selections, open your heart, and yourself to all the possibilities!