A Makeover Is Not a Metamorphosis...

We've all seen the makeover shows and witnessed what seems to be an instant transformation that takes place over a couple of days, and sometimes even in an couple of hours. While it's a wonderful way to boost your image for a big event, typically these makeovers result in very short-lived changes that often do NOT create any lasting changes. Does this surprise you?

I want to debunk the myth that a makeover, at least those as we witness on TV and in magazines, is a long-term solution to all your style issues. At least not without a little more support around it. The reason for this is that a style transformation is a process that a woman must step into. Just because you've had an expert cut your hair, do your makeup and give you some great new clothes does not mean that you're going to maintain your new style for longer than a few weeks. Now sometimes it does happen, but often women are left feeling disappointed and that they can't live up to the great look created for them, so why bother. Now this doesn't mean that you shouldn't jump at the chance to get a makeover, just that you may want to shift your mindset and your expectations around the process so that you can gain the most benefits. I'd like to offer my tips to help you step into your new look and keep the transformation going strong for years to come!

1/ Be Realistic - Whether you win a makeover contest (lucky you!) or pay a professional to help you with a new look, realize that a true transformation takes some time. Time to develop new habits, time to see yourself in a new way and time to let it sink in that yes, you really are gorgeous! After all, Rome wasn't built in a day!

2/ Be Open-Minded - Going into a makeover with the mindset that you're going to learn new ways of doing things you've done for years will serve you well. After all, there's a reason you're getting a makeover and generally it's not just for a quick fix. To learn how to make your new look last, you must be open to new ways of shopping, applying makeup and putting together an outfit. This will help the transformation to continue.

3/ Pay Attention and Ask Questions - Whether you're getting your face made over or your wardrobe overhauled, it's important to gain an understanding of what's being done so that you can replicate it. If you don't know why your stylist chose certain items for you, chances are you won't be able to do it on your own. Ask questions so you can know how to do these things for yourself once you're back in the groove of life.

4/ Commit to It - While a makeover leaves you looking great for a few hours, even a few weeks, if you fail to commit to your new look and see it just as a phase, chances are you'll go back to looking the way you did when you started. If you have your hair cut and colored, ensure that you schedule your next appointment so you don't sport 2" of roots and a shaggy style months later. If you can't do your full makeup, don't skip it altogether - do what you can. Keeping your new look up will require some effort on your part, but the investment in your image and self-image is so worth it!

5/ Take Stock - While there's nothing like having a new look to help you feel fabulous, don't feel that you're locked into this new look for years to come. Periodically taking stock of your style and making small tweaks to your hair, your makeup, your skin, your wardrobe...will keep you looking great and help you to keep the spirit of your makeover alive!

Another wonderful way to help you step into, and maintain your new look, is with the support of a style coach. A new service that I've begun offering to my clients all over the world is virtual support in the form of email, phone calls and Skype sessions. This helps you to step into their new style at your own pace, and gives you the ongoing support to feel confident in your choices and learn how to shop (and create new outfits) in a way that works for you. Would you like my support to make small changes to your style, or to take your image to a whole new level? Email me at michele@onechicmama.com and find out how you can step into your new style with ease and grace.

What Have You Done for YOU Lately?

Now that the holidays are over it's time to take a breather. We've all been so busy doing everything for everyone else that we may have neglected ourselves. Well, ladies, it's time for a little TLC!

As women, we are often the caregivers for our family and we work hard to take care of those we love. Yet when we are constantly caring for others our tank becomes empty and our batteries need to be recharged. Taking time out to take care of ourselves can help us refill our tanks so that we have more to give. When we’re replenished we’re happier, more relaxed and able to take on life with a more positive attitude. Plus when we boost our image we boost our self confidence!

But where to start? If it's been so long since you've taken time out just for yourself you don't even know where to begin, here are a few suggestions to get you started. But don’t just stick to my list, take these and run wild!

1. Have your makeup updated for the new season - try new colors, techniques and products. Choose an afternoon where you have time to relax and indulge yourself so you're not feeling rushed and ask for the works. Take note of application techniques and ask questions. Then buy only those products you know you’ll really use.

2. Reassess your lingerie – do you still have bras from ten years ago? Ditch ‘em and take yourself for a bra fitting. Most lingerie boutiques and many department stores have knowledgable sales people who can help and make recommendations just for you. But don’t stop with bras. Take stock of your panties and give shapewear a try. Along with another year come new bumps and bulges. Shapewear can help smooth these out and have you looking slimmer and trimmer than ever!

3. Have a fit – do you have pants that drag the ground? Skirts that graze mid-calf? Jackets that are just enough too long that they make you look shorter? Then go through your closet and have those items that need alterations taken to the tailor. It’s amazing what alterations can do to boost your image and help your clothes fit like a glove.

4. Adorn Yourself – are you afraid of wearing accessories or don’t know where to start? Well it’s time you became in the know! Jewelry, scarves, handbags, hats and shoes are the quickest (and most fun!) way to update your look and create a polished image. Start small and create a “signature” item: if you find you really love bracelets then start a collection and wear several at once. If you love handcrafted earrings then build your outfits around them. You’ll create your own unique style in the process.

5. Don’t Lose Weight – yes, you read that right! No matter what your weight, you’re beautiful right now! What, you can’t see it because you’re hiding behind that muu muu? Well it’s high time you packed those baggy sacks away and put on clothes that show YOU off. Focus on your best assets (your eyes, your legs, your hair, your smile!) and the rest will just melt into the background. Don’t forget accessories, but most importantly, wear your confidence - you are gorgeous! Don’t be surprised if you get asked, “have you lost weight?’ Simply smile and relish the attention!

6. Make a date with yourself – when’s the last time you put YOU on your schedule or your to-do list? I want you to schedule some time just for you this week. On your calendar, in pen. It could be an afternoon of shopping or just browsing, a trip to the spa, or just some time spent at the bookstore reading magazines. My point is that you don’t have to spend any money but you do need to take some time.

7. Start a style journal – write down ideas for outfits, paste in pictures of things you think are very YOU, record any drawings of details or accessories you’d like to look for. Take some time to think about your personal style and reflect on how it’s changed over the years. What common elements do you see? Do you feel your style needs an update? If so, what could you quickly and easily change that would give you a boost?

8. Pretend you’re a tourist – dress up and wear your nicest dress, that hat you've been saving or that expensive blouse out on a lunch date with your girlfriend, your man or even yourself. You don’t have to be in New York or Paris to dress like it! Wear things in a way you wouldn’t normally in your home town. Book a reservation at that little bistro you’ve been wanting to try. Sip champagne or have a cappuccino. Take the rest of the day off for sightseeing and shopping. Stop for tea and a pastry. Take pictures and see things in a new way. You’ll go home with a fresh perspective and an appreciation for being right where you are.

9. Have a spa party – invite your girlfriends over or just powwow with your daughter. Have a special snack and do nails, tweeze brows, brush hair, play with makeup and give massages. It’s a nice “girls’ night in” and a great way to catch up on some personal grooming.

10. Play with color – if you have a closet filled with black, try experimenting with color. Wear your best colors around your face and see what kind of effect they have on your appearance and your attitude. Have your colors done so you can know for certain which blue is your very best and find the right yellow for YOU.

When Should a Trend Be Ignored?

As an image consultant and style expert, I get a little giddy upon hearing about the new trends for a particular season. It's almost like Christmas, waiting in anticipation and excitement. Yet once I discover the trends for any given season I am almost always met with a feeling of disappointment. Once the trends are unveiled on the runway, they seem so fresh and exciting, and of course look amazing on the runway models! But then reality sets in and I realize that not only could I never wear half of the trends, but the majority of the population shouldn't, either.

Case in point: one of the 'hot' trends for Spring 2011 is neon brights in makeup. Now don't get me wrong - I can appreciate a good neon pink, especially when it is on my daughter's Barbie or even her skirt. But for me? No, thank you. Been there, done that, and even at the age of 15 it wasn't all that flattering.

This is a great example of when a trend should be left on the runway. Neon makeup, in my humble opinion, really does nothing for most complexions. These models, pictured, look hideous in this shade of neon pink lipstick, but, hey, it's trendy, right? Well, to me it's just plain wrong. Look at how it makes their skin look washed out in comparison and really doesn't enhance their natural beauty. It overshadows their soft features and gives them a hard edge that is just not flattering. They would do better to go with a soft pink that let their natural beauty shine through!

I am not saying no one can or should wear neon makeup, but am advising you to exercise caution when stepping up to the makeup counter. Sure, it's the latest and greatest, but don't let a young twenty-something convince you that it's going to make you look fabulous - unless you're going to an 80's costume party!

So who can wear neon?

Those with African-American complexions can carry off some of the stronger neon shades, but I would recommend them for eyes rather than lips. With a darker complexion, the colors come across more subtly and are not so arresting to the eye. Also, those with an olive or pale can try some of the brights on eyes, but do so sparingly. With neon, a little goes a long way. Don't overdo it and you'll look fabulous this spring!

But here's a word to the wise: if you don't feel like this trend is for you, by all means, overlook it and move on to something that makes you feel fabulous! I, for one, will not be sporting any type of neon makeup this season - unless there's a Xanadu party somewhere!

New Year, New Rules

As we welcome in 2011, it's time to rethink our style. One of the easiest ways to give your style a boost is to give it a little bit of a re-frame. That is to say, not just look at the trends but look at the rules you have around fashion.

While fashion can be quite fickle and open to interpretation, most of us have 'rules' around style that dictate what we can wear and what we can't. But with a quick review of those rules, you'll notice that many of them are outdated or are in need of a little upgrade. I'd like to provide you with guidelines for resetting your rules around style - or breaking them altogether - to help you look your best this year!

1/ Monochromatic Looks - While this look can be popular in an I-don't-have-to-think-about-it kind of way, I want to encourage you to embrace monchromatic looks for 2011 in a whole new way. Instead of mixing black pieces (that may or may not match), try tone-on-tone as in lighter gray mixed with medium gray and topped off with charcoal. Then pop your monochromatic look with an accent of color for a fresh perspective. Also, add in texture - velvet, corduroy, jacquard or lace in the same color - to add a subtle sophistication to a simple, yet chic look.

2. White Denim - Generally saved for the summer months, white denim is now a great look year-round. Just add a turtleneck in a deep hue and a chic pair of boots to give them a cold-weather spin. Jackie O made this look fresh way back when, now you can too!

3. Trouser Jeans - These are gonna be hot this year, but in my book they're a classic. Women of every age can benefit from having a pair of these in their closet: they're flattering to all body types, they can be dressed up or down and can even make an appearance at the office other than casual Fridays. Eat your heart out, five-pockets!

4. Mixing Prints - I love to mix prints and am often surprised that so many women don't feel that they can do it. Mixing prints and/or textures is a great way to add interest to your outfit without looking overdone. The key is to have one dominant print and one supporting print. If you have more than one, just let one take center stage for best effect. As long as the colors relate, you're golden.

5. Daytime Glitz and Glam - Not just for parties anymore, sequins, beaded clothing and anything with a little sparkle is now perfect for daytime. But here's the catch: it must be dressed down. You don't want to be strolling down the aisles of the grocery looking as though you're ready for a black-tie affair. It's all in the mix: try a sequin or beaded tank under a casual cardigan and a pair of trouser jeans for an understated yet unexpected look. Or add in a shimmering scarf to your basic black for a festive touch.

6. Less is More - When it comes to accessories, step away from the matchy-matchy look of earrings and a necklace set (too matronly) and opt for a statement piece instead. Go for a bold statement necklace, then if you must wear earrings stick with simple studs. If you'd prefer statement earrings, skip the necklace and wear a pretty scarf instead. Let your jewelry get the attention it deserves without having competition.

7. A New Neutral - My clients and readers have all heard me say that black is not everyone's best color. If it's not yours, pick a new neutral that makes you shine and find ways to work it into your wardrobe in any way that you'd wear black - a coat, shoes, boots, pants, etc. Try different shades of it (see #1) to create depth. How to find your best neutral? Easy. Just look at your haircolor(s). If you have brown hair, opt for shades of espresso, chestnut, or mocha. Blonde tones? Caramel, camel, beige. Salt and pepper? Charcoal, black, light gray, white. Redheaded? Opt for rust, caramel and warm colors with reddish undertones. When you repeat your personal coloring it's incredibly flattering and only makes you look better!

If your style needs a re-boot for the new year, contact me at michele@onechicmama.com to set up a complimentary 15-minute Get Acquainted session to find out how you can look your best!

What Does Your Perfect Wardrobe Look Like?

Have you ever thought about what your perfect wardrobe would look like? I have and I feel that, after years of shopping and planning, I'm very close to achieving it. But many women never have the opportunity to experience their perfect wardrobe. It's not that it's out of their reach, but simply because they haven't defined what it looks like.

Most women are not taught how to build a wardrobe. Often we just hit the shops in search of inspiration and wind up purchasing the first thing that we like, regardless if it's a good match for us. It may seem odd to hear that many of my clients who really do not like to shop have come the closest to building their perfect wardrobes. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that a lack of shopping will result in a closet filled with your ideal items. But for my clients who either don't like shopping or don't have the time for it, they understand the importance of having the right pieces that work for them and they can avoid those last minute shopping trips because they plan in advance.

Let's talk for a minute about what your perfect wardrobe looks like. Sure, it's going to be different from mine or from your best friend's. But there will be certain common elements that will carry you through right in style. First, it will probably contain versatile pieces that can take you through a season (and sometimes through the year). Second, imagine it filled with pieces that mix and match, based on a strategy that will support in getting dressed quickly and easily time and again. And third, envision it filled with items that you just can't wait to wear! Getting dressed becomes a joy and something that you even find yourself looking forward to. Sound too good to be true? Read on!

Now don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that to have the perfect wardrobe you must NOT shop. Quite the contrary. But this time of year when the sale season begins, I want to give you a few guidelines to help you add in the pieces that you truly need! To build your perfect wardrobe, here are some things to think about:

1/ Does it Feel Good? If your ideal outfit is yoga pants and a tank, yet you must wear suits to work, there's gonna be a problem. But take cues from your preferences and find suits that have some stretch and even incorporate some knit elements for comfort. Wearing clothes that feel good is a must!

2/ Does it Work for Your Lifestyle? You may find the most gorgeous formal dress on sale and absolutely love it. But if you haven't worn anything formal for the past 10 years, chances are it will just take up space (and whittle down your budget). Skip it and opt for items you can wear day in and day out and dress up or down for maximum versatility.

3/ Does it Make You Feel More Like You? When you get dressed you want to feel more like yourself, not like the saleswoman who sold it to you, your mother or your daughter. Ask yourself this question before you take the item home.

4/ Does it Flatter Your Body? I know I'm guilty of having bought items in the past that were a particular designer or were such a great deal but, in all honestly, really were not cut for my curves. Guess what happened to them! They never made it out of the house. This is money down the drain right here, ladies. And please don't buy anything to wear AFTER you lose those 5 or 10 pounds. It's simply self-sabotage! Dress for who you are right now and feel fabulous!

5/ Does it Make You Look Great? Ok, so it fits you and plays up your curves. But is the color right? Are the details well-placed to create balance? What will you wear it with?

Your Assignment: Take stock of your wardrobe and what you really need. Then begin adding in one piece at a time, seeing how many outfits you can make using each item. When you're discerning in the fitting room you'll reap the rewards for years to come.

Bonus: Take pictures (Polaroids work great here, but digital are fine too) to capture the looks and give you inspiration on those days you need it.