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Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Find Upcoming Fall 2010 Styles Right in Your Own Closet
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Dear Tonia,
I know that fashion repeats itself every ten or twenty years. Over the years I have pretty much stayed the same size and bought good quality clothing. I kept my favorite pieces in hopes of using them again some day. I was wondering what will be in style for the fall and if I can dig out some of my old favorites and still be in style. I am in the business world and very fashion conscious but also on a tight budget right now and don’t like shopping in consignment stores.
Thanks, Beth- New York City
*****
You Can Find Upcoming Fall 2010 Styles Right in Your Own Closet.
Dig out your old vests. This fall you can rest your jackets and layer with vests. Fur, menswear, velvet, sweater: whatever you like, are all good choices. Be sure they are in the correct length for your body or it will make you look boxy. If you are busty, opt for a longer length to elongate your torso, in a textured fabric without embellishment. You can let your shirts or tops hang past the vest but not past your back side, especially if your fullness is at the bottom. Remember to show off the quarter moons for the best look.
Longer skirts are back as well. Be sure they are the right length to flatter your legs. If the skirt is too long and you are petite, it will make you look shorter. Also, when it is too long and you have a very thin ankle, it will look like a chicken leg sticking out. If your ankle is thicker, it will look like a tree stump. Think curvy and use your calf as your guide.
Your skirt, dress, or capri, should hit mid calf or a little longer. The key is to show the difference between the wide part of your calf and the narrow part of your ankle and that will be the correct length for you. Compare the lengths and you will easily see the difference. Go shorter with a kitten heel (also in style) or a flat shoe or boot.
Ankle boots are back and look great with any length skirt or dress. Use with colored or textured hose.
Gray is the color for Fall 2010, everything from soft dove grays to bright silver. It mixes great with other neutrals like camel or black. If you can’t do the all-gray look, you can work it with color pops of yellow, pink, light blue, burgundy and purple as well. Worn in various textures and tones, together it looks stylish and very sophisticated. If gray doesn’t work for you then just use the color as an accessory in belts, shoes, or handbags.
Thin belts are in, wide ones are out. Use a skinny belt to cinch-in a chunky cable knit sweater and define your waist.
Fur features heavily in everything from skirts to coats, hats and handbags and boots are no exception.
Tags: Boots, Fall 2010, fur, Gray, handbags, Kitten Heels, Skirts, Vests
Posted in Dear Tonia, General, Hand Bags, Shoes & Boots, accessories | No Comments »
Why is a Bargain a Bargain
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Dear Tonia, Everything seems to be on sale today. I am confused and not sure what items are genuinely worth. So why does a bargain become a bargain and what guide lines should I follow?
Barbara, a Bargain Shopper from Boston.
Low prices are typically the result of an end-of-season sale, that the demand was less than expected, that the style is going out of fashion, or is damaged or ill fitting. Take advantage of sales being offered because items arrived in the store too early, the weather was not conducive to business, or are being promoted to encourage early buying for the upcoming season.
Never buy something just because you can’t resist the low price. Be sure you like it and more importantly, that it flatters your figure. There are lots of ugly styles out there revealing the mistakes of designers. Manufacturers dump those styles and ill fitting merchandise into discount and outlet stores, so be careful. Don’t be fooled by fancy labels. Trendy pieces on sale are usually an indication that the style is about to fade. Stick to classic pieces of good quality. Buy less but better quality.
Retailers today are using the mark it up to mark it down game. Have a general idea of what the item is really worth by comparing items in stores or on line.
Check the return policy. Too often, I weed out my clients closets and find numerous items with tags still hanging, that are no longer returnable. Try things on at the store or return what is not working right away. Why have hundreds of dollars in sale merchandise that doesn’t suit you. Less is more. Your guidelines are good judgment and taste. Happy hunting.
Tags: Bargains, Damaged Items, ill-fitting, Low Prices, Trendy, ugly styles
Posted in General, Shopping | No Comments »
Avoid Touching Your Flip Flops
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
TODAY, with the help of the University of Miami emergency mobile flip-flop lab tested some footwear and found that there were more than 18,000 bacteria on just one pair of flip-flops. Even more shocking than the number of germs were the type represented — bacteria from fecal matter, skin and respiratory germs. One pair of 6-year-old flip-flops had germs that cause yeast infection and diaper rash. The New York Daily News recently tested two pairs of flip-flops as well, ones that traipsed through bars in New York’s West Village, plodded through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, rode 2 and 3 subway trains, attended a Brooklyn Cyclones game in Coney Island and rode the Cyclone roller coaster. One pair wandered into the Coney Island subway station’s public restroom.
They found that the shoes that flopped their way into that public restroom harbored about 13,900 more bacteria than the other pair. Germs can be especially problematic if you have an open cut or blister on your foot, or if you handle your flip-flops a lot with your hands. (NBC’s Michelle Kosinski )
Avoid touching your flip-flops and your unwashed feet as much as possible. Consider reserving those flip-flops as part of your beach or poolside attire only.
Tags: Bacteria, Feet, Flip Flops, Pool Attire
Posted in General, Shoes & Boots | No Comments »
In response to: The Top Ten Things Men Do That Turn Women Off
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Dear Tonia,
I think that you are missing out on some of the most important turn-offs for women. You are focusing on the superficial, the outer appearance, instead of the essence of what matters between a man and a woman. For instance, one of the biggest turnoffs in a man is the lack of self-sufficiency, a man who cannot take care of himself financially, physically, and spiritually. And there are a lot of men out there like that nowadays, men that are dependent, men that are looking for a free ride. Ahhh, What a HUGE turn-off!!
Elisabeth
Everyones interpretation of what matters in a relationship is different. I agree that everything you said is a real turn off for most women however, some women prefer to be the care takers and some are unable to see the obvious. Unfortunately, these women have provided those men with the option of relying on them. They either want control of the relationship, don’t care about those issues, or are bidding time. Some women with low self esteem who lack self worth and are willing to put up with it rather than be alone. Sadly, I know many women in that position. That is why I am in the business of empowering women.
Men like that are usually good at finding women who they can charm or dance around making promises they can’t keep. And just to be fair, there are many women who are like that as well. Rather than learn how to be self sufficient, they look for a man to take care of them. I am not one who judges a book by its cover. No one knows what really goes on behind closed doors. After all, who are we to say what works well between two people. It’s about satisfying each others needs, whether on a conscious or unconscious level. I suppose what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.
Tags: empowered women, low self esteem, outer appearance, relationships, self worth, Turn offs
Posted in Dear Tonia, General | No Comments »
Dear Tonia,
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Hi Tonia,
I was wondering if you would help “spread” the word. I work with so many women. When I see them spray and re-spray body splash all over themselves, I am like “noooo, don’t spray your neck!” They do not realize it has alcohol in it - a terrible “drying agent”!!! We don’t need any more “drying agents” increasing our risk of losing elasticity. So, we need to spread the word!!
Thanks Tonia!
Maryann Trepiccione, Friend, Fan, & Skin Care Specialist
Dear Maryanne,
Thanks so much for sharing this great information. This was news to me, as I am not a user of body splash, but I am sure many of my readers will find this fashion tip useful. There are probably many products we use which have ingredients in them that increase the aging factor and are harmful. And who needs that, at any age? We need to be be more conscious of what we are using on our skin. Read the labels. Just because it’s expensive or has a fancy label, doesn’t mean it’s better. Natural products, probably found in your own kitchen, are better for promoting healthy skin.
ALCOHOL DENAT
What Is It?
Alcohol, also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. When used in products that are not food, beverages or oral drugs, many countries, including the United States, require that alcohol be denatured. This means that a small amount is added to the alcohol to make it taste bad. Alcohol Denat. is the general name used for denatured alcohol.In the United States, Alcohol and Alcohol Denat. are regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Department of Treasury. They specify how alcohol is denatured and the types of products in which the specific denatured alcohols are permitted for use. Specific denatured alcohols as defined by the TTB that are permitted for use in cosmetics and personal care products include Specially Denatured (SD) Alcohol 3-A, SD Alcohol 30, SD Alcohol 39, SD Alcohol 39-B, SD Alcohol 39-C, SD Alcohol 40, SD Alcohol 40-B and SD Alcohol 40-C. Denatonium Benzoate, Quassin, Brucine and Brucine Sulfate are examples of denaturants permitted for use by the TTB.
In cosmetics and personal care products Alcohol and Alcohol Denat. are used in many product types including makeup, lotions, fragrance, shaving, oral care, skin care and hair care products.
Tags: alcohol, body splash, neck wrinkles, skincare
Posted in General, Skin Care | No Comments »
Is Style Really Something You Can Learn or Either You Have it or You Don’t?
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
There’s no excuse for not looking good with everything that is available in today’s market. I don’t agree with some who say, “Either you have it or you don’t”. It doesn’t matter when you begin, how old you are, or what size you wear.
Some people have a sense of style and a great fashion flair but there’s no reason you can’t learn or get help if you don’t have a clue. It requires knowledge, effort, and the willingness to make change. Getting out of your comfort zone in essential to moving in the right direction, even if you take baby steps. Don’t try to find the time to look great, make the time to get the help you need to look and feel your very best, every day. You can do it if you make up your mind to stop making excuses. You will be surprised how small changes will go a long way. It will be worth your time and effort. Love yourself and stop procrastinating. Start right now. You’ll be glad you did. Be everything you want to be and more.
Tags: Change, Comfort Zone, Fashion, Style
Posted in General, The New You | No Comments »
What to Wear in Your Thirty’s
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Dressing your age means making the most of your body style and not wearing things that make you look like you are trying too hard. You don’t want to dress like you’re in your twenties. That’s just as bad is dressing too frumpy. By the time you reach your thirties you should begin getting a sense of who you are and what your individual style is. There is no reason to stop following fashion trends. Just be sure they flatter your changing body style.
For the thirty-something, slightly structured dresses with simple embellishments close to the neck or at the hemline look great. If the neckline is too low or you are self conscious about your arms, layering woks well and looks trendy.
Wear skinny jeans with a tunic top or a loose fitting top. Don’t wear faded or ripped jeans as they are too young of a look. You want to look fashionable yet classy. Try something other than jeans, like white pants paired with a great black top and fun accessories. Think streamline.
Wear shorter and more fitted jackets with a great fitting pair of dark wash jeans.
Stick with classic shapes.
Show off a bit of cleavage or prance in a shorter skirt but not both at the same time. It looks trashy. One shoulder tops and full sleeves look chic with a pencil skirt.
Get a trendy sophisticated haircut (especially if you haven’t cut your hair in years) and udate frames or sunglasses.
And please, no belly shirts, pig tails, or shirts that say “Sexy”, “Kitten”, or “Victoria Secret”.
Tags: Layering, Short Skirts, Skinny jeans, Style, Thirty's, Trendy
Posted in General, The New You, Thirty's | No Comments »
Organize Your Closet
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
A little organizing and a little planning will help to reduce stress and allow you more time for the things you enjoy doing.
Eliminate the clothes in your closet you haven’t worn in years or are ill-fitting. If it’s stained, frayed, has lost it’s color or shape, get rid of it. Discard anything that is not comfortable to wear, including shoes that are badly scuffed.
Have a well lit closet. Double bar on one side to create more space.
Put accessories in clearly marked containers so you can see what you have. Get rid of belts that don’t fit or mangled or outdated scarves.
Fold knits and tank tops and jeans.
Remove all dry cleaning bags and wire hangers. Face clothing going all one way.
Put all tops together, skirts,and pants by length order.
Every piece should be considered a single unit. Separate suits and keep jackets together. Wear them with jeans.
Decide what you are going to wear the night before if you have to get up early or have a lot to do before you leave your house.
Once you organize it will only take a few minutes to ready yourself for the day even if you are only running to the bus stop or the post office. You are out the minute you leave your house. Make the effort.
Even if you are not in a good mood, make the effort to look good. You will be surprised how quickly your mood will change when someone compliments you.
Stop wearing so much black and add life with color to you wardrobe.
Empty out the closet floor. It will look and feel more organized. What is all that stuff anyway? Oh the treasures you will find.
Tags: accessories, Closet, Eliminate, organize
Posted in General, Organize Your Closet, accessories | No Comments »
Easy Tips on Dressing for Success
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
There’s a lot of competition out there today and that’s why it is important to look professional while projecting confidence. Confidence plays an important role in succeeding. Looking the part makes a lasting impression. Maybe it’s unjust to judge a book by its cover, but we all do.
Here are are few easy tips to help you look professional and feel more confident.
Generally it is a good idea to wear something simple that is neat and clean.
Be sure it doesn’t need pressing. Don’t sacrifice style for comfort but add your own flair. Don’t wear clothing that is too big or too small.
Keep accessories in proportion to your body size. Don’t use more than 3 accessories or less than one.
Develop your own personal style but don’t over do it. I know a woman who wears a different brooch everyday. People remember her because she branded herself with an identifying mark. I also know a gentleman who wears different colored eye glasses each day to match what he is wearing. Don’t use tasteless identifying marks that offend or make others laugh.
Observe the way others dress in your work place and express your own signature style. Mix and match your suits tying in two colors with an accessory like a scarf, tie, or necklace. Make a statement with color combination’s.
Closed toe shoes work best. The heal shouldn’t be more than three inches high. Spikes, wedges, or flip flops, are inappropriate.
Keep your make up simple. Be as natural as possible and you will be recognized as having class and style. Don’t look like you are trying to hard. It’s usually a sign of over compensating in one area to make up what’s lacking in another.
Don’t carry an over sized hand bag even if it is in style. Have an organized med sized bag so you can find things easily.
Keep nail polish in a neutral color with no designs. They shouldn’t be excessively long or chewed down. A man’s nails should be kept sort and clean.
Don’t wear accessories that make noise like bangle bracelets or that are too big like over sized hoop earrings.
Not more that one inch of cleavage. More is too distracting.
Walk, sit, and speak with your shoulders back. Slouching makes you look insecure.
Put a smile on your face and don’t forget how terrific you are. Remind yourself every day. Find something you like about yourself and get into the habit of complimenting yourself.
Tags: Look Professional, Polish, Project Confdence, Style, Success
Posted in Dress for Success, General, Hand Bags, Making a Good Impression, accessories | No Comments »
Dress Sexier Without Sacrificing Your Modesty
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Dress sexy without looking sleazy. There’s a fine line between looking classy and looking trashy. Sexy doesn’t mean you have to reveal your body parts. Subtle sexy goes a long way and leaves a lasting impression. Add sizzle without sacrificing your modesty.
Black may be sexy but shiny metallics like gold, silver, copper and pewter add the wow factor.
Wear more skirts and dresses in soft fabrics. Be sure they are not too long or too short. If you opt for short, cover up on top. Low cut and very short are synonymous with sleazy. If you go longer, wear a pair of sexy heels and a fitted bodice.
A great pair of sunglasses adds mystery and an enticing look. You want to appear intriging.
Wear touchable fabrics like silk, soft suede’s, and delicate cottons.
Wear a red bra and panties. Even if no one sees them, you know you’re wearing them and you will exude your own sensuality.
No need to bare your breasts. Leave a little room for the imagination. It’s all about appearing suggestive not slutty. Just play peekaboo.
Find simple tops or dresses with a dramatic back. Nothing like a surprise as the heads turn.
Beautiful soft earrings that sweep the shoulder (no necklace) with a peasant top, looks soft, sexy and extremely feminine.
Pale lipsticks might be trendy but if they don’t light up your face, choose red or coral with a lip liner letting your lips steal all the attention. Don’t over do the rest of your make up.
Try a touch of exotic in your appearance. Exotic is attractive because it’s out of the ordinary and colorful. Something that is unusual is very striking.
Nothings sexier than a great pair of shoes. At any height, heels naturally sway the hips.
Tags: Classy vs. Trashy, Dress Sexier, Dresses, Exotic, Lipstick, metallic, Red Bra, Sexy, Silk, Sizzle, Sleazy, Sun Glasses
Posted in Dresses, General, Makeup, Making a Good Impression | 1 Comment »
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