Not Everyone Loves to Shop
Not Everyone Loves to Shop
“That moment. That instant when your fingers curl round the handles of a shiny, uncreased bag – and all the gorgeous new things inside it become yours. What’s it like? It’s like going hungry for days, then cramming your mouth full of warm buttered toast. It’s like waking up and realizing it’s the weekend. It’s like the better moments of sex. Everything else is blocked out of your mind. It’s pure, selfish pleasure.”
- Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
If you are like me you can relate to this. If you are like most people you just don’t get it. (Don’t worry, we can still get along.) Many people walk into a store and get overwhelmed. they see what’s on the mannequin, grab it in the size they [think they] are and run for the checkout. Sound like your shopping style? This is just for you!
Avoid making purchases that:
-
-are just going to hang in your closet
-
-make you feel guilty for wasting money on it
-
-damage your confidence
-
-just don’t work on you
Use just a few simple techniques to confidently shop and avoid those costly mistakes.
1.Shop on purpose.
This is just like making a grocery list. (Even you can do that, right?) Know what you are shopping for. This is your List of 5. This isn’t just thinking, “Oh I need a new shirt.” Go ahead, get out the paper and pen. Write it down. Just like any other goal, it doesn’t work if you don’t write it down.
-
2.Ignore the mannequin.
Just because it looks good on a tiny, unrealistically proportioned inanimate object does NOT mean it will look good on you. Learn what cuts flatter your figure and don’t get sidetracked by pretty displays or salespeople trying to meet the day’s quota.
-
3.Honor your style.
You have a sense of style. Really, I promise, you do. know what you feel confident in and what makes you feel just plain silly. I love animal prints, but you won’t find but one in my closet. Be true to to who you are.
-
4.Skip right to what you need.
Even large department stores are broken down into smaller departments. Do not, I repeat, do NOT wander thorough the whole store. You’ll get some serious sensory overload and run away empty handed, screaming for mercy. If you are not sure where to look for the item(s) on your list, ask. Don’t be afraid of the salespeople…. just don’t always trust their opinion. A sales associate can point you to women’s suiting, shoes, men’s casual wear or the misses department. This is a much more efficient use of your time than looking frustratedly through the teeny bopper section only to realize nothing in that section is going to fit your real, adult butt. Ahem, I mean body.
What are your shopping strategies?
May the SPARKLE be with you,
Brassiere Basics
Okay ladies, this one is just for you. Let’s talk about the “girls.” Where are your breasts? Hanging closer to your belly than they used to be? Miss the days of cute and perky? Don’t worry, it is a common situation, and you are not alone. But don’t worry, I’m NOT going to tell you that you need to run out and get a surgical lift or breast implants. In reality, you just need a well-fitted bra. When your breasts are in the right place on your chest, your entire body looks more attractive. Your torso appears elongated, which instantly makes you appear slimmer.
EVERY woman needs a professional bra fitting at least once a year, preferably twice. Each of my female clients knows the first thing I recommend is a professional fitting and a good bra. Here are a few reasons why:
· 80% of all women are wearing the wrong size bra.
· The average woman will wear six different bra sizes in her lifetime. (Pregnancy, weight changes, and gravity all have an impact on size)
· If a woman hasn't been fitted for a bra recently, or ever, she will tend to buy bras in the size she WANTS to be, not the size she is.
· Most women wear the same bra for 2 or 3 days before laundering.
When was the last time you were fitted for a bra? I happen to love JC Penney’s lingerie department, or you can try your local bra shop. The little “Secret” in the mall is NOT my favorite place for a woman with a real body to be fitted. If you live in Utah, join me for my BRA EVENT.
May the SPARKLE be with you,
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Spring is in the Hair
It has been a cold and rainy Spring. But here in Utah, the next few days will be delightfully warm and sunny. The renewed sense of freedom that sunshine brings always spurs me to pull out thoughts of warm weather clothes,new hair styles and lighter shades. Yesterday was my “every 10 weeks” appointment with my hair stylist. (Yes, I go 10 weeks between my cut & color. I may be high maintenance but not enough to go every 4 – 6 weeks. Every girl has her limits.)
There is always a sense of energy and excitement that runs through you when you sit in the chair and your stylists asks, “So what are we doing today?” These words strike fear into the hearts of many people. Answers vary from cut by cut instructions to “do whatever you want.” And that last one is the answer that scares me. If you don’t go in knowing exactly what what you want, let me share some tips for how to work successfully with your hair care professional.
1. Be HONEST
This is not the time to pretend you spend more time on your hair than you really do. A good stylist with ask questions about your lifestyle, budget and desires. These will be used create a look and style that is realistic for you.
2. ASK for suggestions
Your hair care professional is just that a PROFESSIONAL. (Or at least they should be.) A good stylist will be able to look at your hair type and texture, your facial shape, neck length and overall body to suggest styles that will be flattering to you. You don’t have to agree with them but at least think about it. This is what they do… make people look fabulous. When you walk around receiving compliments, you are likely to return and give them referrals. So of course a professional is going to want what is best for you.
3. TRUST your stylist
Any stylist that I bring my clients to will refuse to do things that are not in my clients best interest. They will not do things know it will severely damage a clients hair or cause it to fall out by patches. (No matter how much the client insists it is what they want.) They will also recommend products to use. I will admit I used to be one of those that thought the stylist were just trying to sell me more. But I have learned, when I use what my stylist tells me: I have a lot more happy hair days.
4. HOW to use tools and products
If you are not sure what product they are putting in your hair, ask. Ask what it does and how exactly to apply it. A good professional will be happy to show you and explain in detail so that you can do it yourself. (Again, you are a walking advertisement for their fabulous-ness.) Have your stylist put the flat iron, dryer, curling iron or whatever other tool in your hand and show you how to angle it or position it and use it.
Yeah, ya ya, I know some of you are thinking, “But my time in the chair is just that MY time. I get to relax and be pampered.” Well that is all good and well once you know what you are doing. And if you don’t learn, you haven’t earned the right to complain about not having a good hair day or not being able to recreate the look your stylist gave you. Oh and by the way, your hair looks fabulous today!
May the SPARKLE with be with you,
Tressa Branin
www.totalstylesolutions.com
Who Are You Today?
Who are you today?
Do your clothes reflect the person you are today? Sometimes we unconsciously let our past govern our present. Maybe you still dress dowdily, although you feel confident and don't mind being noticed; or you still dress like you did when you were in your twenties, although you're now forty and your life is filled with responsibilities at work and home. When your clothes no longer reflect your life, you will feel uncomfortable with your appearance. If this is the case, there a few simple things you can do to change your wardrobe style.
1. What does NOT fit your lifestyle?
Used to clubbing 5 times a week but you haven’t danced in 15 years? Used to wear suits to work everyday but no longer go into an office? What used to be typical but is no longer needed is just that: no longer needed!
2.What DOES fit?
What is your life’s dress code? How often do you “go out” or get dressed up? What do you wear most often? What percentage of your time is spend in work wear vs. leisure wear? Your wardrobe should reflect your life’s dress code. I wear business wear 3 times a week, business casual 2 times a week, workout clothing 3 times a week and dressy casual wear up to 5 times a week. (Oh, add in a pair of PJs since I lounge around all day Sunday in them.)
3.Clean it out!
Go ahead and get rid of what no longer works for the current you. For tips on how to clean out your wardrobe click here.
4.Make a list.
Once you’ve cleaned out your wardrobe don’t freak out thinking you need to go buy a whole closet full of new clothes. Create your List of 5. This is your wardrobe and shopping plan, the next 5 things you need to add to your wardrobe.
5.Update with trends.
More than likely what you have will feel a little outdated. Use the trends to keep those basics feeling current. Not sure what the trends are? Come to one of my workshops, check the calendar for the next workshop or contact me for more information.
May the SPARKLE be with you,
Not Everyone Loves to Shop
Not Everyone Loves to Shop
“That moment. That instant when your fingers curl round the handles of a shiny, uncreased bag – and all the gorgeous new things inside it become yours. What’s it like? It’s like going hungry for days, then cramming your mouth full of warm buttered toast. It’s like waking up and realizing it’s the weekend. It’s like the better moments of sex. Everything else is blocked out of your mind. It’s pure, selfish pleasure.”
- Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
If you are like me you can relate to this. If you are like most people you just don’t get it. (Don’t worry, we can still get along.) Many people walk into a store and get overwhelmed. they see what’s on the mannequin, grab it in the size they [think they] are and run for the checkout. Sound like your shopping style? This is just for you!
Avoid making purchases that:
- -are just going to hang in your closet
- -make you feel guilty for wasting money on it
- -damage your confidence
- -just don’t work on you
Use just a few simple techniques to confidently shop and avoid those costly mistakes.
1. Shop on purpose.
This is just like making a grocery list. (Even you can do that, right?) Know what you are shopping for. This is your List of 5. This isn’t just thinking, “Oh I need a new shirt.” Go ahead, get out the paper and pen. Write it down. Just like any other goal, it doesn’t work if you don’t write it down.
2.Ignore the mannequin.
Just because it looks good on a tiny, unrealistically proportioned inanimate object does NOT mean it will look good on you. Learn what cuts flatter your figure and don’t get sidetracked by pretty displays or salespeople trying to meet the day’s quota.
3.Honor your style.
You have a sense of style. Really, I promise, you do. know what you feel confident in and what makes you feel just plain silly. I love animal prints, but you won’t find but one in my closet. Be true to to who you are.
4.Skip right to what you need.
Even large department stores are broken down into smaller departments. Do not, I repeat, do NOT wander thorough the whole store. You’ll get some serious sensory overload and run away empty handed, screaming for mercy. If you are not sure where to look for the item(s) on your list, ask. Don’t be afraid of the salespeople…. just don’t always trust their opinion. A sales associate can point you to women’s suiting, shoes, men’s casual wear or the misses department. This is a much more efficient use of your time than looking frustratedly through the teeny bopper section only to realize nothing in that section is going to fit your real, adult butt. Ahem, I mean body.
What are your shopping strategies?
May the SPARKLE be with you,
Tressa Branin