Dress to Impress – Find Out How – 2. Installment

Every Sunday I look forward to connecting with you, today it’s about

TELLING THE TRUTH

To see what you like about yourself, you need—besides an open mind—a full-length mirror. Stand in front of it and try to imagine that the person reflected there is someone else. This way your good points become more apparent. Being more objective will make you more generous. You will give yourself credit for what you have instead of being over-critical.

Start with your hair. Does it frame your face the right way? Is it too short to do so? Or, if your hair is long, would a shorter style make it appear thicker and more sensual? Would more frequent brushing add the life that is missing? When looking at your face, it might occur to you that make-up could improve it. If you are not used to wearing any, or if you don’t want to look made-up, relax: having good make-up that enhances your face does not mean a heavy, painted look. It can be very subtle and still create the effect you want.

Now to your body. In order to know what to do about a large bust or thin arms, you must first be aware of your assets and liabilities. And to help you to get to know yourself well, I would like you to fill out the chart below. Standing in front of your full-length mirror, pull in your stomach and stand straight. Start with your shoulders; don’t accuse them of sloping when bad posture is the culprit. Examine yourself carefully and circle the appropriate adjectives.

HEIGHT: WEIGHT:HAIR COLOUR:  DRESS SIZE:
SHOULDERS: Broad Narrow Sloping Just right
NECK: Long Short Fair Just right
BUS Big Small Fair Just right
ARMS: Heavy Thin Fair Just right
WAIST: TORSO: STOMACH: BigLong-waisted Protruding SmallShort-waisted Fair 

Fair

Just right 

Just right

HIPS:, Wide Narrow Fair Just right
DERRIERE: Big Flat Fair Just right
LEGS (length): Long Short Fair Just right
THIGHS: Heavy Thin Fair Just right
LEGS (below knees): Heavy Thin Fair Just right
HANDS: Small Large Fair Just right
My best features (s):

 What I don’t like about myself:                                                       

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Now that you have completed the list, check it thoroughly. You will find that you have more assets than defects. And don’t feel depressed about something like heavy thighs; most defects (or what appear to be defects) can be corrected or minimized through diet, exercise, better posture, better care, or more attention to detail. There are very few things that are impossible to correct, and even those are easier to live with once you know them . Being aware of your body will help you buy the clothes that will make you feel and look more attractive and confident.

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Until next Sunday when we start to look at  The Importance of Colour, Prints and Fit

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

Tip of the Day- Wardrobe Update

Most of the time I am happy with my wardrobe

– I think I have enough clothes

– I think I am following fashion trends

  • – I think my clothes fit my lifestyle
  •  -I think my clothes are nice.

But all this changes when I go and stroll through a clothing store like Zara, or any other store for that matter and see the latest arrivals. Suddenly I  remember my 4 year old raincoat – wow – what a difference! The one I am looking at seems to be from another planet – and it makes me wonder –  am I really so ignorant about what is in or out. And look at all those uneven hemlines on blouses, knit top, and dresses. The ones hanging in my wardrobe are all straight – and what are all these new fabrics clothes are made of?

A real eye-opener – but it doesn’t make me throw out everything I have, yet it makes me realize that my raincoat needs replacing and adding a few new tops will give a fresh touch to my wardrobe. 

So if you are not sure that your closet needs a little update take a walk through your favorite boutique or department store, the new arrivals for the season will answer all your questions.

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!                          


 

The Language of Jewelry

bijoux-first-batch-016Jewelry has its own language. A language all women speak and even when we get older it still whispers to us do not to forget to put on your earrings, or that special necklace!

Long ago, when women protected their bodies with hides against the elements, jewelry was made from bones, shells, feathers, and berries, or pebbles. And since those prehistoric times no woman has ever been without wearing jewelry. So what attract us to these objects? And what can it do for us:

 

  • it adds glamour to an otherwise conservative wardrobe
  • it accentuate sensuality
  • it makes a woman look prettier
  • it can change a day time look to evening glamour
  • it makes a statement about a woman’s personality
  • it can be a token of love from that special man in your life
  • it can be an heirloom representing your families heritagebijoux-march-2-018

But to fulfill all this and realizing that jewelry is a very personal and individual accessory, it has to be chosen with great care. Just because a ring is beautiful doesn’t mean it will suit your hand. Likewise don’t let the beautiful workmanship of a pendant influence you. It might be too large or intricate for your personality. Every piece of jewelry must be judged and considered on the person wearing it – which translates to – you must try it on! It might look great laying on the counter of a store, but not that great once on your neck. (have you ever wondered why a lot of jewelry received as a gift is never worn?)

And when you get dressed in the morning the same applies. You might have to try on several of your necklaces to see which one really goes with the blouse you are wearing. I can say from my experience that it takes me often longer to find the right piece of jewelry than it took me to get dressed.

Think of jewelry as the finishing touch to your personality, your outfit, confirming your love of fashion and life.bijoux-march-2-052

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

bn-small-imageBrigitte

 

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Getting the most for your buck!

scan0004-2The other day when I was putting on my favorite black pants, and one of the four sweaters I wear all the time, finishing it with a duffel coat I have worn all winter, it occurred to me that I wear these items all the time. Then I asked myself why? The answer was easy – because I feel very comfortable in them – because I look good in them – because they stand up to wear and tear.   They are like old faithful friends, and I can always rely on them to make my day. The reason? I bought the best quality I could afford.

No, it doesn’t mean we have to buy designer clothes, those are for the rich and famous. But it means choosing between a discount store – yes, I know they carry brands too, but often they are the items they could not sell elsewhere, the rejects – and a higher priced department store, like a Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, or a boutique in your neighborhood.

If you have a  budget, and who doesn’t, you will buy less by buying better,  One advantage here is your wardrobe will be less crowded- and the other advantage is that you won’t have to think so long what to wear, because when you buy better, everything looks good on you.

It is an adjustment to pay $89 for a top instead of $29 but the extra $60 will earn their keep so to speak, over and over by making you feel and look good.

We are still in the beginning of the New Year – could that be one of your New Year’s resolutions? Please let me know, or if  you have a question – leave a comment here and  I will be in touch with you.

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And always remember – A Smile Changed Everything!

bn-small-imageBrigitte