7 Easy Ways to Avoid Looking Frumpy Dump the Frump! It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like comfort and style can’t coexist, but I’m here to show you how to stay comfortable and still look fabulous.  How to Dump the Frump: 1. Avoid Clothes That Are Too Loose or Too Tight Tip: Look for items with a little structure or defined waistlines, like a blazer or a wrap dress. These can add dimension to your figure while keeping the overall look balanced. 2. Avoid Excessive Layers Tip: Layer with purpose—don’t just throw on pieces to cover up. A good rule of thumb is to layer items that show off your shape, like a jacket with a waist-cinching belt or a long, slim cardigan. 3. Steer Clear of Outdated Styles Tip: Swap out older pieces that have lost their shape or are too baggy, like oversized sweatshirts or dated prints for more polish options like a structured blouse or a modern pencil skirt. 4. Avoid Too Much Bulk Around the Midsection Tip: A well-fitting pair or trousers or jeans with a slight high-rise can also help create a more defined waistline and elongate your figure, avoiding [...]

Dynamic Duo: The Bold Power of Black & Red Understanding clothing choices means not only defining your personal style but also appreciating how colors, silhouettes, and fabrics come together to create great looking outfits. Clothing opens up the world of self-expression. Each outfit you choose is an opportunity to play with colors, textures, patterns, and lines that flatter your body and reflect your individuality. Clothing colors have the power to convey a wide range of emotions. Consider the color black. We often choose it to reflect our feelings or suit particular occasions, such as wearing all black for elegance or mourning. An all-black outfit exudes effortless chicness and timeless sophistication, making it a staple in fashion for its versatility and elegance. The monochromatic palette creates a sleek, polished silhouette, whether in tailored pieces or flowing fabrics. Black’s understated nature allows you to play with textures, accessories, and details, adding depth without losing its refined appeal. Perfect for everything from casual outings to formal events, an all-black ensemble remains a go-to choice for  simplicity & understated style. Black epitomizes sophistication, offering a timeless & effortlessly polished look, and can be worn anytime & anywhere. But it’s also associated with [...]

Elevate Your Look With Simple Accessories & Beautiful Colors Accessories and your best colors are important tools to use when creating outfits. Adding just the right details enhances your look, and wearing flattering colors draws attention to your best features. When color & accessory pieces are paired thoughtfully together, they work seamlessly together to create terrific wardrobe choices. When it comes to choosing accessories such as jewelry, scarves, hats, belts, shoes & purses, think about Coco Chanel’s famous advice, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." Coco’s statement highlights the value of simplicity in fashion. Accessories should enhance, not distract. Wearing too many baubles may diminish an outfit’s impact. However, an outfit won’t look complete with too few trinkets. Striking a balance is crucial. The same principle applies to colors: wearing hues that compliment your natural undertones will effortlessly elevate your look & style, while the wrong colors can wash you out, clash with your complexion, and even make your skin look dull. The Harmony of Accessories and Color Pair bold accessories with clothing in neutral or flattering colors that don’t compete for attention. For example, a colorful statement necklace worn with [...]

Does My Lipstick Expire? Here’s What You Need To Know Have you ever wondered if lipstick expires? Do you have a lipstick or two that you’ve been using for quite a while? If a tube has been in your purse or drawer for months or years, is it still safe to use? How do I know when it’s time to throw out my lip color? Here's the scoop. Lipstick does expire. A lip product’s expiration date depends on the ingredients used. Normally, lipsticks contain waxes, oils, and pigments which all have varying shelf lives. They also have some type of preservatives like parabens or Potassium sorbate which fight mold and bacteria. Naturally, a lipstick with fewer preservatives will not last as long. Bullet lipsticks last longer than lip gloss and liquid lipstick. As a general rule, you can use a lipstick for a year. If you have one that’s older than that, it’s a good idea to go ahead and buy a fresh replacement. If you have a lip gloss or liquid lipstick that starts to get really sticky, dry out, smell different, or the color has changed, toss it. All of these are signs that’s it most [...]

Are You Wearing the Right Clothing Colors? Take the Quiz! When you put on a piece of clothing, ask yourself: 1.How does my skin look when I wear this color? a) My skin tone looks even & fresh. b) I look dull or washed out, with shadows or unevenness. 2. How does this color affect my eyes? a) They look bright and stand out more. b) They become less noticeable. 3. Does this color make me feel confident? a) Yes, I feel more vibrant and self-assured. b) No, I feel withdrawn or invisible. 4. How does this color affect the appearance of any lines, wrinkles, or imperfections? a) My skin looks smoother & I see less imperfections. b) My dark spots, lines, or wrinkles show up more. 5. When I wear this color, what comments do I get? a) People tell me how great I look. b) People compliment the color or piece, but not me. 6. Does this color flatter or clash with my hair color? a) It complements my hair color and makes it look richer. b)It makes my hair look dull or brassy. 7. How does my makeup look when I wear this color? [...]

4 vs 12 Season Color Palette: Which Color Analysis Model Is Best? In the world of color analysis, there are different models widely used to identify someone’s most flattering shades & colors. I’m going to talk about two of them. First, there’s the classic 4 Season model which categorizes people as Winters, Summers, Springs, and Autumns; and has been used since the 1980s. Next, we have the more refined 12 Season Color Palette model which breaks down each of the 4 season into subcategories, creating a more comprehensive palette of appropriate colors. I think it’s helpful to see a breakdown of the pros and cons for each model. 4-Season Color Analysis Advantages: Simple and straightforward: Easy to understand, uses the broad categories of Winter, Summer, Spring, and Autumn. Quick results: Faster to categorize someone into one of the four seasons. Good starting point: Presents a basic understanding of which colors might generally flatter cool or warm undertones. Disadvantages: Lack of nuance: Doesn’t account for the subtle variety of contrast, depth, or softness of an individual's coloring. Limited accuracy: May leave some people with colors that are “almost right” but not fully flattering. Broader categories: Individuals with complex [...]