Are You Getting Dressed in the Dark?

When you go to get dressed in the morning do you pull on your old stand-by's without batting an eye? Or do you give careful consideration to each item you choose, making sure it fits, is in great shape, and really flatters you?

Pulling on an outfit that's passed its expiration date may very result in the discovery that the knees of your pants are worn thin, your cardigan is too small and, when you look closely, really doesn't flatter you anymore. Do you feel like you're getting dressed 'in the dark'? If so, take a peek at my easy solutions to illuminate your wardrobe and your image!

1/ Know Thyself - Ok, this may seem like a no brainer. But have you taken stock of, well, YOU lately? What do you really look like, right here, right now. Have you lost weight, gained weight, has your coloring changed, have things shifted? Like it or not, when you can take a hard look and really acknowledge where you are, both physically and personally, then you're halfway to looking great already. Many wardrobe mistakes and misalignments occur when we ignore our current situation and still think of ourselves as we did 5, 10 or more years ago. Get current with yourself and you'll get current with your wardrobe.

2/ Be Honest - Now that you know who you are, do you know how to dress for it? Look closely and notice if you're wearing something that, perhaps, you ought not wear. Is your top bursting at the buttons, your pants splitting at the seams? Perhaps you just need some shapewear to smooth out the lumps and bumps under your dress. Whatever it is, take note, but be kind to yourself. You're your best asset!

3/ Take Stock - If your last shopping trip dates back to when the kids were in middle school, or if you can't remember the last time your wardrobe got a boost, then this step will help you uncover some real reasons why you're not feeling fabulous when you get dressed. Give yourself a judicious closet audit (or hire a professional) and get clear on what's in your wardrobe - and why! You want to have items in there that make you feel great, not those things that you feel you 'should' have, or clothes you haven't worn in 10 years but you just can't bear to part with. Ladies, when you go to your closet, it should be filled with items that you love, or help to create outfits that you love. Anything else is just filler and will lead you on a fast path to frustration if not remedied. Remember, having more clothes does not always equal having plenty that you want to wear.

4/ Make and Do - If the thought of crafts bores you to tears, then having a closet that's a 'project' will not do much to inspire you. Go shopping immediately and do not pass Go. Just kidding - sort of! But if you're a little creative and like to experiment I'd like to encourage you to get in your closet and look at it with a fresh perspective. Are there any items you could bring in to make new outfits with what you already have? Take note and look for these on your next shopping trip. Are there any alterations or changes you could make to update certain pieces? Think new buttons on your favorite jacket or cardigan, shortening a skirt to knee-length, taking in a jacket that's always been too big or boxy. Consult an alterations specialist to have the more complicated things done.

5/ Shop 'til You Drop - While you're the midst of shopping for everyone else on your list, make some time for you. Whether it's a new winter coat that would make you feel fabulous, or a whole wardrobe, now is a great time to invest in yourself so you can look and feel great. After all, over the next few weeks you'll likely be seeing many more friends and family members than you have all year. Don't you want to look your best? Schedule some time during the week to hit a few stores and plan your strategy. Wandering aimlessly may result in you coming home with an outfit that looked better on the sales girl than on you!

Eyebrow Threading

Yesterday I had the experience of having my eyebrows threaded for the second time, and I must say that I, once again, was very pleased with the effect it produced.

If you're not familiar with eyebrow threading, it's a popular method of facial hair removal that has been used for centuries in the Middle East, Europe and Asian countries. Unlike waxing, brow threading removes even those short, stubbly hairs that can be tricky, while leaving skin silky smooth. While this method is safe, it is not pain-free, but it is less painful than waxing.

Triangle Eyebrow Threading by Chandni's in Raleigh is where I went and she did an amazing job! I love the shaping and my brows look fabulous (if I do say so myself). Plus, they take walk-ins so if you're in the area and have a few minutes you can just swing by and for $7 your brows can look like those of an Egyptian queen!

One Dress, Three Ways

Believe it or not, Christmas is a week from Friday. That means that the festive holiday season, or the 'holiday roll' as friends deemed it years ago, is well under way and will last through New Year's Day. What that means is that our wardrobe will begin working overtime to make it to all the parties, luncheons and get-togethers that happen in a very short period of time. If you haven't' already, I want to help you start planning your outfits now so you're not rushing around at the last minute, reaching for the ubiquitous (but B-O-R-I-N-G) 'little black dress'. Why not try something with a little more color to brighten up your look? Turns out color can be just as versatile as black, and here are three different looks to prove it.

We gave this gorgeous dress in a luscious purple three different spins. Substitute your favorite style (or color) dress and see how far you can go with a classic, even in a vibrant hue!

This look is perfect for a dressier occasion such as a cocktail party or the annual office holiday party. Instead of black as the focus, it's the accent color, adorned with crystals, studs and beading to create a play on texture. The beaded sweater is pretty worn on top of the dress, or substitute a pretty shawl for a more classic look.

Try adding a metallic touch and see how you'll sparkle! These sassy, strappy heels have some great detail, while providing a very sophisticated look. Add a pretty beaded belt in lieu of a necklace (very unexpected) and grab this fab leopard print metallic clutch. For added punch, top it off with this stunning pewter jacket for a shot of urban chic. A pashmina or shawl would give this ensemble a more feminine touch.

This third grouping is my favorite! It dresses the purple dress down a bit and takes it to a cocktail party, your child's school open house or to a friends' home for dinner. The boots add a sexy touch and the necklace and clutch put a funky spin on it. I couldn't resist adding two options - both a jacket and a sweater - for two different looks. I love this fitted denim jacket with waistline detail for a funkier night out (dancing 'til dawn!) or top the dress of with this cozy cardigan with ribbon detail for a night of caroling or a cookie exchange.

See how easy it is? You don't always have to reach for black. Just have a fabulous alternative in your closet, ready at a moment's notice, and you'll soon find yourself moving beyond the little black dress.

Functional Luxury for Your Feet

It's that time of year for many of us when the weather not only turns chilly, but amplifies the effect with a combination of rain, sleet or snow. It makes venturing out into the icy climes more challenging than ever before. However challenging it may be, you can rest assured that your choice of footwear won't completely throw your style right out the window with some of these chic boots from Aquatalia.

Bridging the gap between functional footwear and chic styling, Aquatalia marries graceful Italian design with technology to keep your tootsies toasty and dry.

With the chic styling options from this family-operated footwear designer, you can brave the elements and feel confident that your feel will look fabulous without having to suffer!

5 Ways to Look Amazing this Holiday Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone and, like it or not, the holiday season is now officially in full swing. No matter what you're celebrating, this is the time of year for parties, open-houses, school performances, gift-exchanges and so much more! If all this holiday cheer has you feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than it does Jolly Old Saint Nick, then keep reading.

It can be a challenge to look great at the seemingly non-stop barrage of festive gatherings, so I've put together my best tips to keep you looking fabulous, day after day. But more than looking fabulous, this season is all about enjoying time with friends, family and the spirit of sharing. Here's how to make it more enjoyable all around:

1/ Get Plenty of Rest Sure, easier said than done, you may say. But let's get real. Not getting enough sleep does more than leave you with bags under your eyes - it wears down your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections, it often makes you overeat, but most of all it makes you grumpy. So do what it takes to get those 7-8 hours in nightly and take good care of you!

2/ Personal Care You can't look good if you're not taking good care of yourself. This includes everything from eating well to exercising to getting a massage to help ease stress. If you find it impossible to take time out for you, create appointments on your calendar for a 15-minute meditation session, a healthy lunch or even a nap! If you're not healthy than you're not going to look good, no matter what! But even worse, you're not going to enjoy the holidays if you let them take their toll on your health. Ask for help, hire a personal chef or trainer and do what it takes to feel great!

3/ Create a Beauty Plan Looking great doesn't just happen, it takes maintenance. If you haven't been keeping up with personal beauty appointments such as a mani/pedi or having your hair done,don't despair. Simply make a list of everything you would like to have done and then mark those non-negotiables in red! These are the items you wouldn't think of showing up at a party without having done. Then schedule your appointments PRONTO! Better yet, go ahead and book the next couple of appointments, mark them on your calendar and breathe easy knowing they're already set up. If you aren't able to get in with your regular stylist, don't be afraid to try someone new – but always get a recommendation first to avoid any regrets.

4/ Create a Wardrobe Strategy No, you can't just wear the same black pants, black top and pretty sweater to EVERY event. I want to encourage you to think outside the box and get creative. Spend a little time with your wardrobe this weekend (or whenever you have some spare time) and see what you can come up with that's creative.

Sure, you can wear the same core items a few times in a row but try to mix it up a little bit. A few tips:

a/Mix in metallics with your neutrals for a festive, sophisticated and subtle look.
b/Opt for charcoal gray, caramel or camel in place of black. Mix in your best red, purple or even turquoise for an on-trend look that amps up your style.

c/ Add new accessories to an 'old' outfit. The easiest way to jazz up your classics is to bring in new accessories - add a belt, a colorful cardigan or jacket, some chic jewelry and a great pair of boots--and you'll be looking fabulous in no time flat!

5/ Get Happy The holidays are no fun if you're not enjoying them, and if you're cranky or feeling like the Grinch, you're putting a damper on everyone else's enjoyment too! Do what it takes to get in a good frame of mind, whether it's taking a walk, calling a friend, or just having five minutes to yourself. If you find this hard, focus on what you're grateful for. Then get out there and get happy - or go home (and that's OK too - we all get burned out at times).

Whether you're party hopping this season or enjoying many quiet nights at home, I hope it's a wonderful time to remember.

Mary Michele LittleYour Signature Stylist^(TM)

www.onechicmama.com

What to Wear to a Football Game

It's that time of year where there's a chill in the air and football games abound. Whether you prefer high school, college or pro, dressing appropriately is one thing that can make the experience much more fun. But this can also pose many challenges. First of all, once the weather turns cold, as it is in many parts of the country, looking chic while sitting outdoors in freezing temps for several hours can seem next to impossible. But don't despair - with a few tricks up your sleeve you'll be looking fabulous at your next football game! Follow these simple steps and you'll create a look that's chic while keeping you warm and showing your team spirit!

1/First, start with a good pair of jeans. I prefer dark-wash, trouser cut for women over 40 for the most flattering look. But whatever style you choose, make sure they fit well. You're going to want to be comfy as you indulge in hot dogs and nachos or tail-gate favorites such like fried chicken and barbecue (for us Southerners).

2/ Think layers. You're going to be outdoors where it may be chilly, but if you're in direct sunlight you may find yourself burning up. Also, if you're in a shady part of the stadium, or it's an evening game, bundle up. A long sleeve shirt, a sweater, and a very warm jacket will ensure that you're well insulated.

3/ Color: while bundling up may not easily lend itself to sporting your team's logo, you can wear their colors in multiple ways - think a scarf, gloves, hat, even pom poms. Or go for a jacket or boots in their color if you're feeling bold.

4/ Comfortable shoes that also look chic can really make your look. Why not try a pair of boots with a wedge heel? Boots come in all colors, textures and heights and are a wonderful way to be on trend while staying warm.

5/ Don't forget the sunscreen! Even if it's freezing outside, if you're attending a day game the sun will hopefully be shining. And that means sun-protection is essential! Yes, you can get sunburned even in November.

6/ If you're going to a game and the weather's not very cold, try wearing a lightweight neutral color jacket and boots with jeans and add in a top in your team's color, add a chic necklace or a scarf and you'll look elegantly appropriate for tailgating and enjoying the big day!

When it's time to kick-off, rest assured that you'll look chic, casual and oh-so-appropriate. Go Team!