Beauty/Fashion Mistakes and How to Fix Them!

Shhhh…. I won’t tell anyone. This is a safe place to read about them and decide if you’re guilty as charged. You can spend as much money as you want on clothes and cosmetics, but if you’re doing one of these numbers, it isn’t going to matter.

       1. Wearing the same make-up for years and years: As time goes on, our skin and hair changes and likely if you’re doing the exact same make-up routine you were doing 10 or 15 years ago, it can definitely make you look older than you are or at least outdate you. You should lighten up your make-up colors with time, with the exception of red lips on occasion. And please make sure your foundation matches your skin tone! Getting a make-over is a great way to see how you should be wearing your make-up at any age.

2. Over processing your hair:  How do you know if this is you? Well, I admit my picture is a bit exaggerated,  but if your hair doesn’t have any swing anymore or feels light as cotton, it’s probably over-processed. One great way to tell is by taking a picture of yourself in natural light. Take a good look at just your hair. Does it look damaged? Is the color still right for your skin tone? Let’s face it, we get used to what we seen in the mirror everyday, so go to a professional hairdresser and colorist and have them assess what color and cut you need to get your hair back into top shape! Spending money on a professional colorist is well worth it as store bought hair color definitely damages your hair a lot more.         

3.  Wearing the wrong shape clothes for your body type: One of the biggest faux pas women make is wearing clothes that are too big and shapeless when we feel overweight. If you’re top heavy and you wear the wrong neckline or too large of a top, you will carry the silhouette of your chest all the way down as long as your top goes, making the rest of you look bigger too. With a myriad of different clothing shapes available, don’t just pick the same one every time. Take the time to experiment with different styles and necklines. Look closely at celebrity and fashion magazines and pick out the women with your same body type and note what styles they wear.  If you just can’t figure it out on your own, hire a personal stylist.

4. Wearing the wrong undergarments:  Your body can’t look it’s best if you’re wearing a misshapen bra that doesn’t support you or you’re showing obvious panty lines.  How do you fix this? Go to a nice store and spend time trying on different bras. Ask the salesgirls to assist you. Many times they are trained to help you find the right fit for your body type and get your bust measured! You may have been wearing the wrong bra and cup size for a long time! I’ve noticed that even when body weight fluctuates up and down, women keep buying the same bra size. You should also consider purchasing shapewear that you can slip on under your form-fitting tops and dresses to cinch in your waist line and give you more body confidence!

    5. Showing too much skin or tattoos: What’s considered the norm in recent years is certainly not news, but there is a time and place for all things. Use your good judgement. If you work in an environment that is not creative and uber casual like a café or a coffee shop, then showing off your tattoos is probably not a good idea. The same goes for showing too much skin. It’s fashionable to wear bare legs with skirts these days, but don’t wear them to work with a mini skirt. And the same rules apply to cleavage in the workplace. It is distracting and not in a good way as far as advancing your career.  A good rule of thumb is if it’s questionable whether it’s okay for business or work, it’s probably not!

We’re all crazy busy these days, and it’s hard to have objectivity with ourselves, so it’s good to have reminders like this every once in awhile. We need to take the time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not working anymore for us. Repeat after me; “Change is good.”

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

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Color Confidence- Get it and wear it like you mean it!


I admit it. I am a classics kind of gal. I will always choose solids over patterns any day of the week. I love suits, sweater sets, nice slacks and cute skirts- with great heels, of course! Consequently, a lot of my wardrobe consists of classic colors as well; black, gray, white, brown and navy. I throw in color strategically like a colorful scarf, a bright top, or maybe just a splash of color in my shoes. But this year, one of the changes I’m going to implement is to wear a shock of color on the other half of my body; in my pants and skirts. It’s fresh and unexpected.                   
A lot of my clients will say that they don’t like to wear a bright color on the bottom because they feel it will make them look bigger, but if you’re uncomfortable bringing that much attention to your bottom half, then just wear a longer cardigan or a blazer. You should also balance out the color on the lower half of your body with classic colors or patterns on the upper half of your body. And keep the accessories simple as well!

Style savvy is all about knowing what you’re doing and knowing what you’re looking for when shopping. If you’re still unsure if you can add that much color, start small like just shoes or a bright handbag. Remember one style victory leads to another and pretty soon you’ll have the confidence to incorporate your own style into whatever trend you’ve been admiring!

 
The choice is always yours, make it a good one!
 ~ Lani

A Special Offer

 For my Portland, Oregon clients, Etcetera is back in town and will be available in a private trunk show on February 15-22nd! You will receive a 1-hour customized fashion consultation as a gift ( $50.00 value) just for scheduling an appointment to view the private showing.
To receive an invitation or if you have questions, please email: [email protected] and visit Etcetera.com and click on “Looks”, to view the full collection.

For Khakis to Jeans and Everything in Between- The White Jacket!

Aside from it being fabulous and functional, this is one thing you could buy for spring that will make you look feel polished, updated and instantly refresh whatever you put it over.  Wearing white when it’s cold outside is always unexpected, but always chic no matter what season you wear it. But how do you wear a white jacket?

With this one piece, you can create so many different looks:

  • Nautical.
  • White on white /white on neutral.
  • With jeans and fun accessories.
  • Over a mini cocktail dress for going out.
  • Classic black and white with Jackie-O glasses  (my favorite).

 

Take a look at this versatile piece in action!

                                                                                                                                  

 

  Clean lines, black and white with awesome glasses- No other explanation needed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                              Tailored classic/fave jeans!

 

 

 

 

Looking fabulous is all about know-how and there are little tricks to wearing white. White is not created equal on all women.  For some looks like nautical, you need a crisp true white, but for most other looks, you can go with an off-white shade if that suits your skin tone better.  Now go into your closet and see what you already own that could use a great white jacket to update it!

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

 A Special Offer

For my Portland, Oregon clients, Etcetera is back in town and will be available in a private trunk show on February 15-22nd!

You will receive a 1-hour customized fashion consultation as a gift ( $50.00 value) just for scheduling an appointment to view the private showing.

To receive an invitation or if you have questions, please email: [email protected] and visit Etcetera.com and click on “Looks”, to view the full collection.

 

The Job Interview: Dressing to Seal the Deal

 With the national joblessness rate at 9.5%, a 26-year high, many women are looking for a good job these days. Even if you’re not looking for a job, you probably know someone who is. And with rates this high, you should also consider what it will take to keep your job or maybe impress your boss to get that promotion.

Having had many years as a hiring manager, I personally know that first impressions count a lot. You should keep in mind that an employer will make decisions on you based not only on what you say in your interview, but your body language, as well as your attire. That first impression happens within the first 30 seconds of contact!  Since hiring managers know nothing about you, your attire reflects your socioeconomic status and can actually impact your salary offer. If you look like you really need a job, any job, you will not get the job. It’s your responsibility to convey to the employer that you will be an asset and hiring you would benefit the company, not the other way around!

You should consider putting some effort into the perfect interview outfit and here are a few guidelines:

Do your homework: Research the company you want to work for and learn what the company values. Try to match that theme with your outfit. They need to instantly visualize you in that position.

Interview attire no-no’s: Don’t wear open-toed shoes, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, obvious trends and labels, or too much skin. And don’t ever show cleavage!

Style: Do wear professional clothes that are somewhat conservative, but yet shows your personal style. This shows creativity as well as personality and confidence. 

Details: Please make sure all your clothes are pressed and clean. Your handbag should look nice as well as your shoes. Buy a good bag; you don’t have to spend a lot, but these little things show the employer that you care about details.

Hair/makeup:  Keep your make-up on the conservative side as well, but definitely do wear some make-up to look polished. Get a good haircut and put some effort into styling your hair for the interview. Your nails should be at least clean and well-manicured. As a rule, if you feel ashamed of your hands, fix them!

Always remain on the traditional  side with your interview dressing. You want to convey that you respect the interview process and are eager to land that position.

Whether you’re looking for a job, or trying to keep the one you have, looking great is always going to be to your obvious benefit.

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

A Special Offer

For my Portland, Oregon clients, Etcetera is back in town and will be available in a private trunk show on February 15-22nd!

You will receive a 1-hour customized fashion consultation as a gift ( $50.00 value) just for scheduling an appointment to view the private showing with no purchase necessary.

To receive an invitation or if you have questions, please email: [email protected] and visit Etcetera.com and click on “Looks”, to view the full collection.

 

Pretty Little Things for Spring!

 

There are thousands of different kinds of accessories and embellishments available at all times, but how do you sort through them to know what is going to instantly update your look? You start by knowing what in for the moment. I go through through my client’s accessories and we put away or donate what is out of style because wearing something that is very outdated can instantly outdate your whole look. While buying what’s currently in style is fun, every accessory doesn’t work for every woman at any age. You need to take the “idea” and translate it to work for your personal style!

Accessory news for Spring 2012:   

Hottest Skin for Spring: The crocodile- It’s hard to ignore the price tag that the crocodiles come with, but there are always good knock-offs available. What makes it fun and new is that it comes in all palettes and inventive shapes and details!

The Earring: While earrings have always been a great accessory, for spring, you’ll see them bigger, louder and more expressive than ever! You should invest in great earrings that match the color palette in your own closet so they update and glamorize many different outfits that you already own. For daytime work-wear, tone them down and buy smaller sizes of similar earrings for your office setting. Tip: If you feel like wearing bigger earrings overpowers you, try wearing a little more make-up!

The Great Belt: The new belts are less traditional and more courageous! Wearing them slung low at your hips or high on your waist, the belts this season will be jeweled, mixed with metals and in newer textures than you’ve seen before. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add them to solid colors so they are more the focal point of your outfit.

Modern Heels: Watch the mixology of traditional textures combined with unconventional textiles to create the hottest heels of the season. For all you girls who love shoes, you’ll love spring and summer 2012. Shoes are a great way to kick up your wardrobe to the next level and make you love looking at your feet! 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about the accessories. I mix up pearls with biker chick and heavy chains with traditional knits. At home in Portland, I lounge in sweats like everyone else, but I also know how to bring it when the occasion arises! The key is to know what to wear and when to wear it. It doesn’t matter how much you spend, if you take all the above hot accessories and wear it on the same outfit, it will look out of balance and make you look like you’re trying too hard.  You should take one or maybe two of the bold accessories and implement them into your look, keeping the focus on making it all look classy.  Read the fashion magazines and keep in mind what the whole fashion statement is supposed to look like, but most of all, have fun!

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

 

Ask a Stylist!

Do you have questions about fashion?  I often get comments and questions about fashion or make-up in my blog.  Here are some of my favorites!

Q I really like the look of putting different patterns together, but I never know what really goes together other than what is displayed on the manequins in the stores.  Is there a trick to this? 

A There are some basic rules to think about. First, the color scheme should be the same; ie, black/white or red/black, etc. Second, the two patterns should not be the same scale. One print should be a different size than the other. A good analogy would be using different font sizes! Thirdly, there should be an anchoring piece in a solid color like a jacket or a cardigan to pull it together. If you’re unsure if it goes together, ask a sales associate.

Q I want to wear those new bowed blouses, but how do I keep it from looking too formal and old lady-ish?

A It’s all in how you wear the top. Ruffles and bows are still going strong and you’ll see a lot of it going into spring. If you pick a solid color and wear it with a slim skirt, it’s great for work with a pair of really great heels and a nice belt. For dressing it down, wear it with some fitted jeans to balance the casualness of the jeans and the proper look of the blouse. You can wear this look with the bow untied and wear heels with your jeans. I really like these blouses with casual hair. Don’t wear your hair too prim and proper to balance out the look .  It’s all the little details that can make or break this romantic look!

Q I am in my 30’s and I have never worn make-up regularly. I just got a job that is more like a “career” and I need to look professional. How can I wear make-up and not look overdone? 

A  You can look professional and polished and not feel overdone by sticking to natural tones in your  cosmetics. Start with a lightweight foundation that matches your skin perfectly and apply all over, including your eyelids. Groom your brows and use a skinny brush to apply eyeshadow to fill in your brows. Next, brush on a light  brown eyeshadow as shown in the picture and apply mascara on upper and lower lashes. Add a rose-colored cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend back towards the hairline. Finally, choose a naturally rosy lipstick or lipgloss for the finishing touch. Your make-up will look polished, but still remain very natural looking. 

Q I was recently downsized at my company and am back on the job market. I want to look good, but I am very conservative and maybe even a little outdated. I have gained some weight and I need to buy some new clothes, but I don’t want to spend very much money. Do you have any suggestions?

A I always tell my clients it’s better to buy a few nice outfits than have a lot of ill-fitted clothes that are bargains. You can get great deals if you take the time, but you should stick to some basic guidelines.  Purchase a dark- colored suit and pair it with dark hose to give the illusion of being taller and slimmer. Add color around your face with solid colored tops and blouses under the jacket. Purchase nice trousers as well, but make sure to wear some heels with them as that will give your legs an elongated look. For updating your overall look, consider getting a new haircut and style that looks professional and make sure to ask your hairdresser how to style it every day! And get some new make-up and start wearing lipgloss- it’s an instant make-up updater.

That’s it for now, but I always welcome questions or comments to my blog!

~ Lani

 

Wear Spring-Worthy Fashions in the Winter!

 

The holidays are over; it’s now January and you’ve been wearing fall clothes since September and you’re over it. All the fashion magazines are showing their amazing spring lines, but it’s 40 degrees outside! What’s a girl to do? You can start working in the spring trends into your winter wardrobe! But first you need to know what to look for.

What’s hot for Spring 2012: 

Techno Craft – styles filled with modern-edged craft details in a range from biker chick to sexy, fitted suit with a little edgy hardware. Yes, even leather this spring!

Pop Culture: Brights, The new IT-shades. Clean and flashy shades that give your wardrobe a punch of color.

Innocence – An overtly feminine trend with delicate boudoir sheers and pretty patterns. 

African Beat – Simple shapes in colorful ethnic & animal patterns.

Natural World – Natural patterns and fabrics in nature’s designs. Think cotton eyelet and canvas skirts mixed with soft classics. So pretty!

Scuba Gear– Sexy, body defining lines inspired by the curves of a wet suit. Interpretations of this style are often seen in jackets and dresses.

How do you mix it together?

Start with your winter classics you’re already wearing like slacks, jeans, boots with skirts, etc. You just add the spring pieces in the colors that match the classics you already are wearing.

Here are a few examples of transitioning you can do right now. 

Innocence: Wear the new sheers over a tank finished with a fitted blazer with skinny jeans and boots. When the weather warms up, belt the sheer blouse and wear over a fitted skirt, lose the jacket and wear with romantic jewelry and sandals.

Techno Craft– This look has strong textiles like leather, so it’s easy to wear in the winter. In the spring, wear a soft biker jacket over a sheer or feminine skirt and pearls for a cool contrast.

Pop Culture– Wear it in the winter over boots or with slacks and jacket. In spring, wear it with capris or a skirt, bright sandals, cuff bracelets and bright nail polish!

Remember that whenever you see a new trend and it looks over the top, you can always take a piece of that style and make it your own and interpret it for your body type and occasion. Wearing something new and fun when the weather is bleak outside can make you smile a little more and give you a little more sass to your step. Be one of the first to rock the spring fashions and give them something to talk about!

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

Top 10 Best Beauty Bargains of 2011!

 

As you know, not all products are created equal. We all spend a lot of money on products that we don’t really like and stick with the ones that we do. These products below are a compilation of great products that have been recommended to me, that are my personal favorites and have the highest consumer ratings.  These are beauty must-haves and yet are also a great value! What more can you ask for?

  1. Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55, $9.99. Available in drugstores and Walgreens.com.  This lightweight formula you can wear with or without daytime moisturizer. You’ve heard it before, but a sunscreen is your best defense against premature lines, wrinkles and discoloration of your skin. Tip: Always apply to your face, neck, décolletage and hands as well.
  2. At Home Hair Color:  Clairol Natural Instincts, $8.99. Available at mass retailers. This brand has great staying power. Always make sure to rinse the product out at the roots very thoroughly. Tip:  Go to a beauty supply store and pick up a small pan with a brush for applying hair dye for best application and coverage!
  3. Skin Brightener: Esoterica Fade Cream with Moisturizers, $ 7.00. Available at drugstores.  This will lighten dark areas, blemishes, freckles, and spots on your skin and give you a more even complexion. This is an oldie but goodie and an excellent value!  It contains 2% hydroquinolone- the same active ingredient found in skin lightening creams that sell for up to $ 75.00. Tip: Use as a moisturizer in the a.m. and p.m. and don’t forget your hands, neck and décolletage. Be patient; it takes a minimum of 4 weeks to see a difference.
  4. Teeth Whitener: Crest Whitestrips Premium, $34.99. Available at mass retailers. This product will whiten your teeth with professional results in 7 days. It’s worth the price. Tip: Brush your teeth after drinking coffee/tea and red wine.
  5. Make-up concealer: Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes, $ 8.99. Available at mass retailers.  Smooth and creamy with great coverage, but doesn’t apply cakey. Tip: Apply as an eyeshadow base as well!
  6. Hair oil: Pureology Shine Max, $ 34.00. Available at Drugstore.com or your hair salon. This is how I keep my hair in top condition. You can waste a ton of money on hair oils that don’t perform like this one.  It’s feather-light, alcohol free and also contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect your hair.  Even at $34.00, this bottle lasts me about a year!  Apply to hair to protect it from heat styling. Tip:  After you’re done styling, rub a small amount on your palms and smooth onto your ends for a thick, shiny look to your hair! 
  7. Leg cover:  Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, $ 12.95. Available at drugstores or beauty.com. This spray on product is a leg make-up that evens your skin tone and lightly covers imperfections on your legs and gives you that beautiful finished look to bare legs. Tip: Moisturize legs first, then apply and blend in with your hands.
  8. Eye Cream: Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-aging Triple Response System, $ 24.99. Available at drugstores or beauty.com. This product is a bargain and will moisturize the dry skin around your eyes and really helps puffiness as well!  This is one of those products you have to try. You’ll be impressed. Tip: Apply eye cream by patting the cream on with your ring finger, which has a lighter touch.
  9. Facial Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $ 11.99. Available in drugstores. This is a deep facial cleanser that is gentle, but removes make-up and oil really well. Tip: Always cleanse your face morning and night and exfoliate daily with a gentle facial scrub.       
  10. Eyelash curler: Shu Uemura, $ 19.00. Available at Sephora or Sephora.com. This is the BEST eyelash curler I have ever tried. I will not buy anything else. Using an eyelash curler will give you that wide awake look to your eyes and Shu Uemura’s has just that right angle that really makes a difference. Tip: For longer lasting effect, apply one light coat of mascara and let dry before you curl your lashes, then apply the second coat! 

Even in this tight economy, women still want to look and feel their best and these products speak for themselves. My mission is to bring you the best tips, best products and best value the beauty industry has to offer. Use this blog to learn the insider tricks of the trade to look your best and save money!

Now go out and make 2012 your most beautiful year ever!

Happy New Year!

 ~ Lani

Old Rules, New Rules!

Let’s face it, many of us think we already know a lot about fashion and have heard it all before… But no matter how much we think we’ve learned about style in the past, if we keep using all the same fashion information, it’s definitely going to outdate us.

Let’s compare!

Old Rule:                                                         New Rule:

Always match your handbag to your              Too much matching will outdate your look.
shoes.

Metallic pieces are for evening only.             Metallics are for day as well. They‘re the new neutral.

Stockings should be flesh toned.                 Shoes should be flesh toned, legs should be bare.

Don’t wear cheap jewelry.                              Faux jewelry is “In” and can be fabulous.

Never mix two different prints or                   Mixed patterns look great when the color tones match.
patterns in the same outfit.   

Don’t wear white after Labor Day.                 Wear white in the winter and black in the summer- so 
                                                                             fresh!

One of the easiest ways to look updated is to loosen up! There are a few professions that wearing a suit definitely is the norm, but in many of today’s workplaces, the new norm is called “business casual.” This doesn’t mean that you can wear ripped jeans, shoulder-baring halter tops or tight message T-shirts, but it does mean you have a lot more freedom in the workplace to be more casual. The modern way to dress is much less conforming; less strict.

By dressing less matchy-matchy, you’ll even look younger! Imperfection looks so much better and makes you feel so liberated. Take that beautiful suit and break it up. For instance, wear the suit jacket with jeans and a sexy top underneath with strappy sandals to a dinner party. Wear the slacks with a cardigan twinset, metallic pumps and bold earrings and you’ve got another great outfit!

Every season, the fashion industry is going to serve up the new trends. Some of them are great, some of them silly and some are just plain crazy-looking.  Your job is to figure out which trends you will wear and what works with your wardrobe. I work with my clients to help them figure out their style so they can recognize what works for them when they see it!

We’re on the cusp of 2012 and it’s time again to look at your closet and figure out what’s hot and what is not. My job is to educate you in all things style and help you find your personal best.

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

P.S. If you like this blog, please share it with your friends so they can sign up too!

Looking and Feeling Great this Holiday Season!

There is so much to get ready for in this season, but what are you doing for yourself these days? Taking good care of ourselves first will give us even more emotional energy for taking care of others and all the projects and tasks that come with the season.

Here are some things you can be doing right now that will also give you a great start for the new year:

Give yourself a facial. Wash your make-up off and while the skin is warm and moist, gently blot off the excess water and apply a facial mask that dries on your face. Leave it on as directed and gently rinse off. This will unclog those pores and exfoliate the dead skin on the surface, revealing a new , fresh layer of skin that glows!  Follow up with a hydrating lotion or cream.

Get your hair trimmed or get a new cut! Don’t underestimate what having a great head of hair will make you feel like. Go to your hairdresser and communicate clearly what kind of cut you want, what your lifestyle is and most importantly how much time you are willing to put into your hair every day. After your haircut, ask your stylist to teach you how to maintain that look and what products to use.

 Easy Holiday Updo. I love wearing my hair in what I call a “messy bun.” Simply gather your hair in a high ponytail, but instead of pulling it all the way through the elastic on your couple go-arounds, stop halfway and pouf it out. Now carefully pull some wisps down the nape of your neck and framing your face, then spray with hairspray. This hairdo visually lifts your face and is an easy transition fix from office to holiday party instantly.

Whiten your teeth.  Stop by your local drug store and pick up a teeth-whitening product. If your teeth are stained, a tint with blue undertones will brighten your smile. I like to use Crest Whitestrips.

Wear a make-up bronzer. You may think that this is not the time of the year to wear this, but it will actually give you just the right extra color to your skin if you choose the color correctly. Choose a shade that mirrors your natural base color (does your skin have yellow or pink undertones?). After preparing with moisturizer and foundation, use a large, fluffy brush and apply very lightly to areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.  Don’t forget to apply to your décolletage, neck and tops of your feet if you’re wearing going stockingless.

Get your nails done, or do them yourself!   There is something about looking at your fingernails when they are  polished. Because our hands are something we can see all the time, it’s just a small detail that makes us feel good. Keep the length short and don’t match your manicure and pedicure colors unless you are using  red or wine.

Exercise!  With busy schedules, exercise is sometimes put on the back burner, assuming it was there at all! Exercise helps relieve stress (a big factor in aging your skin) and increases the oxygen flow, thereby promoting younger looking skin.  More importantly, vigorous exercise releases endorphins and this process can create feelings of euphoria , happiness and a general sense of well-being.   Don’t tell me you don’t have time, fit people MAKE the time.

 It isn’t going to matter what clothes or make-up you put on if the blank canvas underneath isn’t in good shape. Taking care of yourself is key in this season of giving and all year round as well. This holiday give yourself the gift of prioritizing yourself and you’ll be surprised how much more you have to give to others!

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!

~ Lani

P.S. If you are enjoying this blog, please take a moment to forward it to a friend so they can sign up and start getting it too!