Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Fact...

This is my new secret. 


I don't know too much about beauty tips, tricks, or products, but I do know this: Dior Blackout Mascara is the best thing I've ever spent $30 on (other than maybe an Erykah Badu album that has barely come out of my car player since the day I purchased it). I used it for the first time last night to go to a big Gala and my eyelashes touched my eyebrows. No lie! Don't wait for your current bottle to run low, don't finish reading the rest of this post. Go. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Dressing Like Yourself

It's no secret that we all want to be the coolest cats around town. Sometimes you may think "well, who cares what I look like, only my personality matters". Although your personality matters MOST, first impressions are based 70% on appearance, so if you think someone new is going to stick around to hear the amazing things you have to say while you look like a bum, you might be wrong in your assumption. You're not a bum or lazy in your life, so why make people believe that you are with your appearance?

I've recently been working with some people that have different needs image-wise. Although they were looking to portray a particular image, I still knew it was most important to still keep them look like themselves. Have you ever seen a picture of a celebrity in a movie or part that just totally isn't "them"? You can see right through it and it is just a bad scene. The most important part of getting dressed in the morning is making sure that you feel completely comfortable -- as in "I feel like myself today", not "I love wearing track pants to work". 

Wondering how to show this if you are you laid-back and relaxed? Skinny jeans are not for you! Hop on that wide-leg jean trend train! throw a funky scarf around your neck and go for wedges. 


Control freak? Blazer. Any fabric that has lots of structure and is stiff. 


Nerd? Suspenders! Do it, they look so funky and cool. Tuck your t-shirt into your jeans. 


Funkster? Belt your dress with an opposing colour, high-heel it up and grab an outrageous bag. 


Class clown? Colour, colour, and more colour! Pass on the red foam nose and gigantic plastic shoes. 


Most importantly: have fun, and make conscious fashion decision. Don't let the snooze button ruin your morning fun! 


B

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Cost Per Wear

Cost Per Wear is a formula used to determine the actual value of a piece of clothing. I think if you use this formula instead of looking only at the price tag, you could really end up saving money in the long run. 


This example truly happened to me this week (I finished two classes in a row at the gym and then a woman comes up to me and says "did you know there's a tiny hole in the bum of your pants?"). So I bought a pair of gym pants about 4 weeks ago at $30. I wore them probably 6 times. $30/6 wears = a cost per wear of $5. I also have a pair of lululemon pants that I bought for $100. I've had them since November, they are still in perfect condition and I wear them at least twice a week. That is approximately 42 wears so far, and I expect them to hold up for a long time. To date their cost per wear is $2.38 and that number will keep decreasing the more use I get out them.


I would definitely recommend investing in pieces that would like to last a long time and that are classic pieces to your wardrobe (e.g. blazers, jeans, dress pants, blouses, etc.). Do not spend a lot of money on pieces that are trendy and won't be in style the next season (maxi dresses, shoulder padded jackets, etc).   

Thursday, April 7, 2011

The Top 10 Psychology Studies of 2010

So you may be wondering why I am posting this because it doesn't have to do with fashion or style. Although this is true, it has EVERYTHING to do with image. I hope you take an hour (or the entire night like I did) and read an article or two... ok ten. 

Just to entice you -- here are the article topics: 

1. How to Break Bad Habits
2. How to Make Everything Seem Easier
3. How to Manage Your Time Better
4. How to Be Happier
5. How to Have More Willpower
6. How to Choose a Mate
7. How to Feel More Powerful
8. How to Tell If He Loves You
9. How to Make It Easier to Cut Your Losses
10. How to Fight With Your Spouse

Courtesy of Psychology Today