Shop With Style

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Dress for Success.” Well, that’s easier said than done, especially if your budget is a bit thin. It’s a frustrating Catch-22: you need to dress the part to get a better job, but you can’t afford to dress the part until you get a better job. Luckily, there are some things you can do (yes, even on your current anorexic budget) to plump up your work wardrobe while you climb the corporate ladder.

• Sign up for sale alerts – Many websites, such as ShopItToMe.com, provide customized sale alerts. Simply choose which items you are looking for (in your initial wardrobe-building, focus on wardrobe staples such as pencil skirts, trousers, cardigans, etc.), and the site will email you with alerts when those items go on sale across the internet.
• Know what compliments your figure – If you are pear-shaped, you know to pick styles that hug your waist and flow away from your hips (A-line skirts are great). If you have an hourglass figure, you know you can pull off more body-hugging styles (but try to avoid items that are too clingy). If your figure is more boyish, you know to pick more feminine, flowing pieces. Once you know your body shape, a simple internet search will show you the silhouettes that flatter you the most.
• Find a tailor – Now that you know your best silhouettes, and you’ve found the deepest sales, you will be amazed at the difference a good tailor can make. In the skilled hands of someone who can nip, pin, and sew, a good article of clothing can be transformed into a fantastic article of clothing in no time flat. The best use of a tailor can be seen in that all-important professional wardrobe staple…the suit. Great suits can cost a small fortune, but a suit bought at a less expensive retail chain can be made to look as if it cost a small fortune…and made to look as if it was made for just for you… after your tailor has had their way with it.
• Focus on basics, not Louboutins – Sure those leopard print Louboutins look fierce, but when you are just starting out in the working world, spending an entire month’s salary on one or two pairs of shoes is absolutely ridiculous. And even though your feet will look fab, the rest of you will look like an impulsive, childish noob. You need decent quality shoes in black, brown, and nude. Those will work with just about anything in your closet.
• Invest in undergarments – No, we’re not talking about clearing the sale racks at Victoria’s Secret. We’re talking shapewear and bras. These are your foundation pieces for everything, and if they are ill-fitting, everything looks off. They don’t have to look pretty…they have to work. So go for form over fashion here. And don’t just go after the size you think you are… go get fitted for a bra, which is a free service in many stores.
• Know when to splurge and when to scrimp – There are certain wardrobe pieces that will never go out of style: black trousers, pencil skirts, a classic cashmere sweater, a fitted white button-down shirt, a large leather tote, etc. As you begin shopping with a more skilful eye, and as you begin earning more money, start filtering these “splurge-worthy” pieces into your closet. For now though, stick to the basics, and, most importantly… IGNORE LABLES. Besides, after you get through with the targeted sales, the flattering silhouettes, the shapewear, and the tailor, you’ll look like a million bucks!

What is it about Winter weather that makes us just want to get out and enjoy nature? Sure, in the Summer, you can get out and enjoy nature just the same, but as the temperatures rise, you can only remove so many articles of clothing before….well…you get arrested. But in the Winter, you can bundle up and really make the most of the world around you! No matter what you fancy… hiking, camping, or even just enjoying a festive campfire with friends…we’ve got the gear you’re going to need to keep warm and keep going!

• Base layers – Why are base layers so important? Why can’t you just throw on a thick jacket and be done with it? Well, not only do base layers make it easier for you to adjust your body temp as you go, but they can keep you warm without letting you get overheated when enjoying activities outdoors. True base layers (long-sleeved tops and bottoms with fitted ankles) are worn close to the skin and are form-fitting (but not overly tight), made from polyester, wool, synthetics, or a combination of all three, but not Cotton will retain moisture and but will not retain much-needed heat.
• Insulating layers – Worn over base layers, insulating layers should still be made of the same materials – wool, polyester, and synthetics – but are a bit thicker (not so thick you can’t comfortably move though). In more moderate climates, you might be able to skip insulating layers and simply double-up on base layers. This layer will be the one that you layer on and off as your temperature, and that of the outdoors, fluctuates. That means your insulating layer is best comprised of pieces with zippers and/or buttons (like these) for ease of use.
• Weatherproof layers – Your outermost layers will be windproof, waterproof, and breathable. On top, that means you’re looking for a good hard-shell jacket, with plenty of zippers for extra ventilation. Regular jeans or pants will work over your base layer, but in colder climates, you should add a pair of weatherproof or weather-resistant pants. Not only will they keep your pants and under-layer dry, but they help to cut the chill of the wind.
• Hats/gloves –In cold weather, your body first loses heat through your extremities. That means hats and gloves are definitely in order! Again, try to look for fabrics like wool, polyester, or synthetics, since they will hold the heat better than cotton. Hats and gloves should fit snugly …and fleece-lining never hurts. And, in this day and age, look for gloves with smart touch fingertips, so you won’t have to constantly be taking them on and off to use your phone.
• Boots/shoes – Footwear should be waterproof, with thick soles, and have a fit with a bit of room. The extra room not only helps with accommodating the thicker socks (hopefully wool) you’ll be wearing, but it will allow for warm air to circulate and keep those toes warm.

Finally, add a hard-shell, insulated or lined jacket, one designed to take the elements, and you’re set. If you layer-up properly, and choose the right fabrics and fits, your Winter time wanderings are sure to be toasty, warm, and wonderful!

Sure, your green eyes are naturally stunning, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily feel comfortable going without eye makeup altogether. To have the best of both worlds, why don’t you experiment with some natural makeup looks? To gather some inspiration, Google images of some celebrities with green eyes and natural makeup. And once you’ve gotten those creative juices flowing, it’s time to take a try for yourself!

Primer – The first step in creating both bold and natural makeup looks is to start with lid primer. Lid primer (like bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer) will give you an even canvas, and will also cut down on your need to add tons of eye products to cover blotchy coloring. Apply to entire lid, from lashes to brow and blend. You can also run a little under your lower lash line and blend.

Shadow – If you’re after natural looking makeup tips, you should know what we’re going to recommend: natural, subtly hued shadow colors. Think light taupes, tans, peaches, and crèmes. Sweep  a bone, vanilla, or light peach shade onto your lid, from lashes to crease. For a touch of definition, blend a matte tan, light matte gray, or matte taupe through the crease and slightly above it, then out into the outer V, and run some along your lower lashes as well. Remember, your goal is to look natural, not naked, so a little bit of muted shadow is perfect. A lovely all-inclusive kit is the Lancome Hypnose Star Eye Shadow Palette in Color ST3 Terre d’Ivoire.

Liner – The key to using eyeliner in natural makeup looks is that there should be no harsh lines. Some people use a dark brown or gray shadow as liner, while some opt to smudge a soft kohl pencil along the upper and lower lashes. Unless your skin coloring is very dark, try to avoid using black as a liner color. Stick to browns, grays, and plums, and always smudge. A great one to try is the bareMinerals Round The Clock Waterproof Eyeliner. It’s a waterproof formula, but it goes on smoothly and blends like a dream.

Brows – Well groomed brows are one of the most important factors in natural makeup looks. Without them, your face loses all context and balance. Fill them in with a shadow no darker than one shade beyond your hair color, and use a brow wand (basically a bare mascara wand) to soften your strokes after applying product. A pencil can be used here, but it’s very easy to go too dark with a pencil. A pencil can also tend to make the brows appear too “done.” Remember, you’re going for natural. If you are unsure of your best eyebrow shape, you can visit a salon for professional grooming. Or, you can invest in a brow kit (we love Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo) and then take to the Web. There are thousands of valuable tutorials online that will help show you the basics of shaping your brows beautifully!

Mascara – When adding mascara to a natural look, be sure not to pile on the product; a Twiggy-esque tarantula eye won’t exactly be considered “natural.” Also, consider not reaching for the blackest-black mascara you can find. Blondes and light redheads do well with brown mascara, while brunettes and darker redheads can use a soft black. For darker hair and skin, go for a dark black mascara, but try not to over-apply. One of our favorite mascaras also just happens to be one of the best natural mascaras: Physician’s Formula Organic Wear. The formula goes on smoothly, and it is 100% organic and safe for your peepers! We love that!

Contrary to popular belief, effective natural makeup looks can take at least a little bit of effort. Your goal is to highlight and accentuate your natural, beautiful features, while camouflaging imperfections. With the right products and the right application, you will make “natural” look effortless!