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We are our own worst critics. Every day, I see men and women alike pick their bodies apart into two different categories: parts they like, and the others they don't. Tisk's, sighs, and deep breaths take place as they try on different outfits. This is because they feel frumpy and/or outdated in them or due to the fact that they like certain parts of the outfit and not others. Clothing is meant to make us feel confident, happy, chic, and stylish...all while showing our personality and glow! So why are you buying clothing that make you feel otherwise?

Most people usually tell me that they don't know what looks good on them, or that they are constantly in a rush. Sound familiar? Impulse purchases take place because in their mind, "that's as good as it's going to get", they really like the colour or pattern of the item, or just because it's in fashion. The fact is most men and women have a vague sense of what looks good on them and what doesn't. The problem is that many don't know they reasons why something works for them or doesn't. It's crucial for people to understand their body shape, body type, colouring, personality style, lifestyle requirements and fashion. That is why I highly recommend things like a colour, wardrobe, and style analysis. They are great foundations to helping you understand...you! Having this kind of information will also save you hundreds of dollars, time and frustration. You'll understand what works best for you, your personality, lifestyle and fashion which in turn will make you feel current, strong, fabulous and chic!

So where to start with dressing ourselves? There are a lot of things to take into consideration!

A great starting point to figuring out what works for you is to stand in front of a full length mirror. Look to see what about your body shape you notice first? Are you an inverted triangle? An "A" shape? Do you have a very curvaceous body? No curves? Are you very angular? Do you have broad shoulders? No waist shape? Strong bone structure? Fine bone structure? Sensuous hips? These are all possibilities along with many others. The key is to not pick your body apart; but rather dress the first thing that grabs the eye. For example; if you have a curvaceous body with sensuous hips then wear fabrics that have a nice drape to them. This will flow with the body beautifully and drape in a stunning manner! A general recommendation for a body like this would be to keep details of an outfit towards the upper portion of the body to balance out the hips while leaving the lower portion of the outfit simple and tidy. Once you have this first piece of information, from there you can already begin to scour through your wardrobe and see what you have that compliments that. If you're unable to hire a professional you can always go back to the mirror and ask the second thing you notice about yourself...and work up from there.

Styling yourself doesn't have to be and doesn't need to be stressful...it should be a fun and exciting way of expressing yourself and feeling good! Never anything less.

Photo Credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

Do you have lots of clothing in your closet, but feel you have nothing to wear? Most of my clients answer "yes" to this question. Each and everyone one of us from CEO's to stay at home parents have been faced with this dilemma. Yet, most people rarely take the time out to find what's required in order to have a well balanced wardrobe. Your wardrobe should work for you. It should always create a "put together" look for you effortlessly while giving you an attitude of ease and confidence all at the same time. If yours doesn't do this for you, chances are you've probably had some frustrating 'last minute' shopping experiences while trying to find something appropriate for a certain occasion.

Ninety percent of what people first notice about you is your clothing and grooming! Think about it, how many times have you "sized up" how someone is groomed and put together? Clothing and grooming is not only important for first impressions, but also because if affects everything else about you. It will actually have an impact on your body language and gestures. How many times have you gotten a new outfit, haircut, makeover (you get the idea) and can actually feel a shift in how you carry yourself? All of a sudden you may feel yourself smiling more, feeling confident, and striding (or for some strutting) differently; it's incredible how it affects us!

So in order to make sure we have this positive impact on ourselves on a regular basis it's
important we take time to build our wardrobe appropriately.

The next step is to audit, plan and shop. Take a peak in your closet and take the following
actions steps:

1) You want to remove everything that is not in the correct size. Things that are kept for the possibility of a size increase or decrease should be stored in another area as they are not being currently used.

2) Remove everything worn out.

3) Remove everything outdated. If you look outdated, it is assumed your job skills are also.

4) Remove everything not worn in a year. Don't keep things "just in case", if you do, pack them away in a separate area.

5) Remove everything that does not feel great when worn; remember, if you don't feel good, it will show on you!

6) Remove everything that does not enhance the image. If you aren't sure what works for you and what doesn't, hire a professional to tell you.

Now that you know what you have in your closet and can plan for things you need, the biggest questions now is, "what do I spend"?

Believe it or not, the suggested annual clothing investment for all clothing items (including inner wear, outerwear, and accessories) is 5-10% of the gross annual salary or 5-10% of what you desire to be your income(if you plan on moving up in your job). You don't want to be walking into a job situation wearing a $199 suit when the lifestyle requires something much higher.

Be classic or current in what you purchase and remember that you get what you pay for. The bottom line is your clothing should make you shine in all situations while being appropriate at the same time. Remember, your clothing is there to work for you...not the other way around.

Photo Credit © Edward Bock | Dreamstime.com

1.    Don't Number Crunch - You can find a great piece of clothing at any price; it doesn't have to have a designer price tag to look good.  How you put pieces together is the real trick.

2.    Have Confidence- A little poise goes along way, if you feel fabulous, you will look fabulous.

3.    No Matchy-Matchy- Your shoes, bags, and belts don't have to match each other, trying mixing it up black and brown work wonders together when done right.

4.    Just Say No to Panty Hose- unless they are a great pair of opaque tights, the nude panty hose have to go, try wearing a bronzer over freshly shaved legs to get an up to date look, and please do not wear them with open toe shoes!

5.    Mix and Match- Try adding different textures leather with soft cottons, floral prints with stripes, stay in the same color hue and you will pull it off perfectly.

6.    Strut Your Stuff- Tailor your clothing to fit your shape, don't' just let pieces hang miscellaneously, have them work with your body not against it.

7.     Do White- Whites, creams, beiges are luxurious colors that can be worked into a wardrobe all year round, try white straight leg pants with brown boots in cooler months for a chic look.

8.    Take Care of Your Wear- If you are meticulous with your clothing it will show, there are care instruction tags for a reason.

9.     Splurge on a Bag- A handbag is the best place to put a little extra cash; it is a piece used every day, and deserves a little more attention.

10.    Complete the Look- If you have an amazing dress on or just a basic T and Denim, don't forget to finish the look, accessorize, including your hair, a touch of mascara, gloss, and a manicure.

Photo Credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

It's that time of year when your boots go to the back of the closet and strappy sandals come to the front. Times are tough and a new spring wardrobe may be out of the question, but no need for your style to suffer.

Celebrity stylist and Airplus spokesperson, Tara Swennen, offers insider tips to looking great this season without spending a fortune.
 
MUST-HAVE TIPS FOR RECYCLING LAST YEAR'S SPRING WARDROBE

Quick fix for favorites that feel dull...

Re-dye pieces to bring them back to life.  Shoe repair stores can re-dye most accessories such as shoes and handbags or do it yourself and save even more.  Most convenient stores sell clothing dyes that you can easily use at home.

Recycle footwear for added comfort...

Brands such as Airplus offer affordable products for making old shoes fit like new.
 
Use Airplus 'Sure Steps' for worn out and slippery soles.
Adheres to shoe soles to provide ultimate traction for all shoe types
Helps prevent slipping on most surfaces
Discreet black construction










Airplus 'Steppies' for stretched out shoes.
Targeted relief for forefoot
Tapered design fits into any shoe, casual and formal
Invisigel keeps comfort unnoticeable in open shoes
Guaranteed to stay in place






Airplus 'Ultra Arch'
Instant arch relief
Customized fit and support
Guaranteed to stay in place







Airplus 'Hug My Heels' for shoes that have lost their support.
Contoured design cushions heels
Prevents irritation and heel slippage
Improves shoe fit
Guaranteed to stay in place






Give shoes a good polish and they will be as good as new.

Tailor old pieces for a fresh fit...

Try things on before recycling them to make sure they fit properly.  Most women simply skip over ill fitting pieces but once tailored to fit you will be much more inclined to throw it on again.

Readjust lengths for a new look...

Turn a knee length A-line skirt into a short and sassy mini, make a long sleeved blouse into a cap sleeve top or even add a ruffle to dresses for a new twist.

Look to current trends to rethink your outfits...

Be bold when mixing and matching prints and patterns.  Pair a small print with a larger one or a bright color with a fun graphic or texture for an updated look.  If you think outside the box you can create a multitude of new looks. 

Host a girls "Swap" night...

This is a new trend among friends.  Order pizza, drink cocktails, and bring your least used items to swap with friends.  Remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure.

Find Airplus at these retailers.

After years working in the diamond industry, I realized that most women do not realize when their diamond ring needs to be cleaned.

Months of hand creams, hair products and everyday grime leave a film on your diamond preventing the beautiful sparkle!

To gently and effectively clean your diamond ring, simply get a small bowl of warm water and add a few drops of a mild dish liquid soap such as Joy or Ivory. Soak the ring for a few minutes. Take an extra soft tooth brush (I like the ones for babies) and gently brush away the grime using the warm sudsy water.

 Place the stopper in the sink. Take the ring and run it under a strong stream of warm water to rinse. I also love using a "water pick" that is great at this stage to remove small bits of debris around the prongs & culet (point) of the diamond.