New
Year's resolutions are funny things. They should be called
"things I wish I could change about myself, but don't have
the willpower, time or energy to do". Every year, I resolve
the same things. I continue to resolve to lose weight and
save more money. Since I resolve the same things year after
year, can they technically still be called resolutions?
If
one of your resolutions was to improve yourself in some way,
and you are feeling a little behind schedule, one way to put
some energy into your resolutions is to see some quick easy
progress toward your goal. Call it an at home makeover if
you will, but the fact is that these tips are the basics that
all Wardrobe Consultants use. Be your own makeover story!
MAKEOVER
YOUR CLOTHING
Clothing
is one area that can quickly date you, making you appear older.
Likewise, clothing is good way to update your overall look.
One cost effective way to put some life into your wardrobe
is to simply wear colors you look good in. A lot has been
said about knowing if you are a "spring" or "winter" with
your coloring, but it is so much easier than that.
Everyone's
skin tone is either warm or cool. Find out if you are warm
toned or cool toned by purchasing a piece of silver (cool
toned) and a piece of gold (warm toned) fabric from the craft
store. This will cost no more than $2. Take a photo of your
hand on the fabric in natural light (without a flash - outside
is best). You will quickly see how your skin looks against
each shade. One photo will show your skin looking more pink
- and the other will show your skin looking more washed out.
On the photo of the color you should stay away from, you will
notice that any blemishes and veins are more obvious. The
right color tone will make your skin look more full-of-life;
in other words, younger.
The
style of your clothing is another step to your makeover. If
I say this once a week, I say it 100 times a week…dress for
your body shape. Really know what your shape is, and show
off your best features. If you have great legs, show them
off by wearing skirts and heels. If your best attribute is
a long neck, then bring attention to it with v-neck tops and
jewelry.
Assuming
your weight doesn't change much, it is smart to invest in
classically tailored pieces. Those that are timeless and will
never go out of style, can stay in your wardrobe for years
to come. However, we all have those things in our closets
that have been there for years, and we never wear them. If
you haven't worn something in the past year, get rid of it.
Take it to a resale shop, give it to a friend or donate it!
MAKEOVER
YOUR HAIR
It
is easy to get stuck in a hair rut. According to the experts
at Nicholas J Salon in downtown South Bend, a good rule of
thumb is that if you haven't updated your hair (cut) in the
past year, it is time for a change. The same holds true with
color - you should change your hair color (even slightly),
twice a year with the change of the seasons. A great service
most salons offer is a free consultation service. Call your
favorite salon, and make an appointment for a consultation
with a stylist (be sure to clarify if the service is free).
They can give you ideas on how to update your look, and offer
some cost options to achieve the look you're going for.
