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Archive for the ‘General’ Category
For All the Single Ladies
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
People, especially men, assume who you are by the way you dress and treat you accordingly. The first rule is choosing the appropriate outfit for the occasion. Find out where you are going and get a feel for how other women would usually dress in that environment. Don’t copy them, just get an idea of what you might see, then choose clothing that reveals your true or desired persona.
Don’t show too much skin. Less is always more. There’s a fine line between classy and trashy. You will look sexier in a classy outfit rather than a trashy one and you will be sending the right message. Your goal is to attract men but not encourage a sexual invitation. Men are driven by their hormones and only need to see a little bare skin to feel motivated. Revealing too much will attract a lot of men, but the wrong men. Remember you are just looking to attract the right man. You only want to allure and arouse his curiosity or interest. Men are hunters and are wired to enjoy challenges. Provide that to get the results you desire.
The colors you wear are important as well. Wearing your best colors will dramatically enhance how you look and how others relate to you. If you are trying to attract a man always dress feminine and never wear deep red or burgundy. Strong colors will not make you look unapproachable and will scare him away. Shades of pink are very inviting to a man and work for many completions. Wearing a little red in your accessories is okay. It looks sexy but not intimidating. Stay away from yellow and certain greens that change your skin tone or can tend to make you appear sallow.
Showing your bare legs, neck and ears will signal your availability but won’t invite a sexual attack. High-heeled shoes are very sexy but make sure you can walk properly as you don’t want to appear awkward or uncomfortable.
Be yourself and don’t put on airs. You want to attract someone who likes you for who you really are. Don’t try to be what you feel they want you to be. Just be the fabulous you that you are.
Men get a lot of satisfaction from just looking at a woman. They love when a woman smiles, shows her feminine curves, and appears confident. In your first encounter, don’t discuss your “baggage”, complain about your ex, or put yourself down. It’s a big turn off. Images of flipping your hair, wiggling your butt, or bouncing boobs will leave a lasting impression for a man… well at least for several days. Be selective. Good choices will produce long successful, happy relationships. Never settle. It’s better to be alone, than wish you were.
Tags: attracting men, colors, less is more, single, what's appropriate
Posted in General, Making a Good Impression | No Comments »
10 Fashion Trends You’ll Love for Spring 2011
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
According to fashion week, there are ten fashion trends that we are going to love this Spring. As styles tend to repeat themselves about every 20 years, you can probably look in your closet to find some of these 70′s inspired looks.
1. THE RETURN OF THE WIDE LEG PANT
For some of us the wide leg pant is a must to create balance and proportion and should never go out out style. It’s more important to wear what works for your body style rather than what’s in style. You can always add the accessories or color of the season to update your look.
If you tend to have your volume at the base, the wider leg will be more flattering than last seasons skinny jeans. If you tend to have fullness at your shoulder and bust line, this pant will do wonders in creating the illusion of an hour glass figure. The key is to balance the width of the pant with the right top and heels.
What shoes to Wear. Wear a heel unless you are very tall, then you can get away with flats. Oxfords, mary janes and shoe boots are the newest looks. Wide trousers look great when the tip of the shoe peeps out.
2. THE RE-RETURN OF THE HIGH-WAIST PANT
This is a great pant to help tuck you in and eliminate the very unattractive “muffin top”. It will also help to accent a small waist. Tuck your shirt into high-rise pants to elongate your legs and give the appearance of a longer waist line. Be careful with pockets. Side pockets will add volume to a fuller hips.
3. MILITARY LOOK
Although fashion repeats itself, the designers always add a new twist to give you a reason to buy new. This Spring’s military look is more futuristic with straps and harnesses for a more abstract look. Adding white will keep it light and delicate looking.
4. ORANGE ZEST
A fresh slice of citrus. Bold orange, rich mango or pumpkin, will take the place of the corals this Spring. Always best worn with white but if you can’t wear white on the bottom, khaki, brown or navy can be an alternative to black. Black and orange remind me too much of Halloween.
5. LONGER SKIRTS AND DRESSES
Easily worn by all sizes and ages, longer skirts and dresses are paving the runways. Unless you are wearing one that skims the floor, choose a length that flatters you. Think curvy. Find the point between your ankle and your mid calf that best shows off your legs. If the skirt is too long, it will tend to make skinny ankles look even thinner and wider ankles look wider. If you are petite, lengths worn too long will tend to make you look shorter.
6. PAJAMA PANT
Please don’t mistake this pant for something you would wear to bed, like the ones with the little clouds on them. Think slouchy, comfortable, unconstructed, but still glamorous. Pair them with a more fitted or shorter top and add volume and style by using chunky accessories.
7. HALTER NECK LINES
Halter necks with necklace-like cinching are feminine and fabulous. Picture yourself on vacation in the south of Spain or the Caribbean. You’ll see this look on short dresses but it looks sensational on longer relaxed dresses. Sheer soft fabrics look awesome with this neckline. Great for reducing a fuller shoulder line.
8. NEUTRALS
No stranger to warm summer days, neutrals simplify palettes and give a soft clean look. Structured styles in sand, camel, ivory with a hint of black look classic with an added twist. Great with gold sandals even for day time.
9. CHARTREUSE
A pale green or yellow like the liqueur made from brandy which was discovered in France. This color is not very flattering on many but does look great if you are tan. You don’t need a lot of it but just a hint introduced as a color blend or an accessory, which will look chic.
10. DOLMAN SLEEVES
The classic dolman sleeve is back. This sleeve with a large armhole and tight cuff is seen on fuller, boxier, shorter cut tops. These fuller silhouettes help balance and offset a fuller bottom or can create a long leggy look with a narrower pant. But this style will not flatter a fuller shoulder or bust line. Also, if you have rounded shoulders, add a slight shoulder pad for better balance. From surf hoodies to evening wear, dolman sleeves are comfortable and stylish.
Tags: 2011 Fashions, halter, high-waist pant, military look, neutrals, pajama pant, tops, wide leg trousers
Posted in 70's, accessories, Body Styles, General | No Comments »
Clothing Dream Interpretation
Monday, December 27th, 2010
To dream of your clothes, is symbolic of your public self and how you feel you are being perceived. It is indicative of the act you put on in front of other people. Clothes are also an indication of your condition and the status of your life. If you dream that your clothes fit too tightly, then denotes that you feel restricted in some way that doesn’t make you feel comfortable. You may feel constrained in a relationship or held back at work.
Tags: Clothing, dream interpretaion
Posted in General | No Comments »
How to Deal With the Ugly Sweater You Got as a Gift
Monday, December 27th, 2010
Did you receive an ugly sweater as a gift that is itchy, doesn’t match your taste, or frightens small children? Whether you like it or not, remember the real gift is that the person you got it from spent time and money on you and had good intentions. Also consider that people tend to see you differently than you see yourself, which is not necessarily always a bad thing.
We’ve all been stuck with gifts we don’t know what to do with so here are a few suggestions.
Don’t re-gift it. Chances are if you don’t like it, they won’t either and it will not feel good to give them something you hate. If you do save it to re-gift in the future, make note of who gave it to you so you don’t give it back to them by mistake.
If it doesn’t fit PERFECTLY, without an alteration, you can simply say it doesn’t fit, without lying, and ask for a gift receipt so YOU can do the exchange. That is acceptable.
If the gift giver lives out of town, ask in an excited way, where they purchased the gift and call the store and ask them if they have any annex stores in your area or the best way to manage a return or exchange.
You can always save an ugly sweater for an “ugly sweater” party. They have made a big come back this year.
Donate it to someone who just needs to stay warm and is not concerned with fashion or fit. That will make you feel good.
Wear it only when you are going to see that person. It will be worth a little discomfort knowing you put a smile on their face, especially if it’s from an elder loved one or your children.
However you mange it, be careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Tell them how much you appreciate and love them for thinking of you. And when you are buying gifts, keep it basic, you can never lose. It might not be as exciting to give but at least they won’t have to refer to these tips.
Tags: re-gift, Ugly gift, ugly sweater
Posted in General, Tops and Sweaters | No Comments »
The Appearance of Sexy Knee High Boots
Monday, November 1st, 2010
One of the best things about the fall season is that you get to wear all your sexy boots from ankle boots to knee high and above the knee. Fabulous boots look stylish, keep you warm, and cover up any lower leg flaws. The only challenge is finding the perfect pair that flatter your legs.
For a romantic feminine look, wear them with a longer skirt and for a sexy sophisticated look, wear them with short skirts. Black knee high boots with a heel, can go from the office to an evening out. Flat knee high boots look great with leggings and will help balance your figure if your fullness in on top or in the midriff. Flats also look fabulous with casual or preppy skirts and jeans. If you are tucking them into your jeans, be sure they are skinny jeans to avoid the “ballooning” effect.
If your skirt is shorter, wear thicker pantyhose with Lycra, but never ultra sheer.
Knee high boots help make wider calves look slimmer. Stretch boots look and fit well once you master the “scrunching down the shaft” process of getting them on, like you would a stocking. Chunky heels also make the calf appear slimmer.
Women with skinny ankles need a boot with more structure or bulk like slouch boots. Opt for a thinner heel. A chunky heel makes the ankle even thinner looking. Keep looking till you find a pair that is not too big for your calf.
Stylish, comfortable boots are flattering as well as practical.
Tags: ankle boots, Boots, flats, heels, knee high, Sexy, slender calves
Posted in Boots & Shoes, General, Shoes & Boots | No Comments »
What is Appropriate To Wear To a Funeral?
Monday, November 1st, 2010
Dear Tonia, After attending several funerals in the past few months and seeing everything from suits to blue jeans to “sexy” club wear, I was appalled and felt compelled to write. I just can’t believe how people dress today! It’s so disrespectful not to dress properly. So please tell your readers what is appropriate to wear to a funeral, maybe some just don’t know better.
Catherine, Poughkeepsie, NY
Funerals are respectful occasions, and part of being respectful is dressing appropriately. Dressing appropriately for the service is important because it shows respect for the deceased and for the other loved ones attending the service. Age and position in the family should dictate a higher degree of dress.
Wearing strictly black no longer applies unless you are a family member. Traditional colors like navy, purple, gray, and earth tones, work well.
Although a person’s death should be grieved, it is appropriate to celebrate the person’s life with a subdued color. It is also nice to wear what the person who passed would have liked to see us in.
Denim and athletic wear may be comfortable or appropriate for casual activities but should never be worn to a wake or a funeral. Shorts or sandals are never acceptable. Wear what is tasteful and conservative.
A sexy dress, even in black is not appropriate. The most important thing women should remember when dressing is not to wear anything too tight or low-cut. Not only is it disrespectful, but you also look trashy. You want to be remembered as being supportive to the family not for what you wore.
The rule for skirts and dresses is knee length or longer. Think basic simple pencil skirt, trouser, or a suit like you were going on an interview for a job. It is acceptable to wear dress pants with a nice top although wearing a jacket will pull the outfit together. Your shoulders should be covered for some churches.
Keep your jewelry and accessories simple, traditional, and to a minimum. Your shoes should be in a subdued or dark color and not show your toes. Keep make up understated.
Men should wear a sport coat or a dark suit paired with a white or subdued color shirt and a solid color tie or a conservative pattern. Your socks should match the color of your pants and your belt should match your shoes. Your shoes should be polished.
No matter what creed or culture you follow, a funeral is a somber occasion that demands a certain level of conservative dress. At the end of the day, your being there is all that really counts, as I learned. More importantly, this is no time for people to be judgmental. But for your own peace of mind, it’s nice to not have to think about it, know you’re ready to go, and that you can devote your energies to grieving — or celebrating — a life.
Tags: Appropriate Dress, Club Wear, Funeral Attire, Sexy Black
Posted in accessories, Dear Tonia, General, Makeup, Making a Good Impression, Tips for Men | No Comments »
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 accessories, Dear Tonia, General, Hand Bags, Shoes & Boots | 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 »
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