Get a Makeover on the Inside First

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished for a complete and total makeover? I sure have! When the woman staring back at you is no longer recognizable and you really don't like the image your showing the world. It's almost as if they can see how you're really feeling on the inside, which is tired, run-down and frumpy. Uh-oh!

Feeling frumpy and disconnected from yourself are results that most women relate to on the outside. When you don't like what you see your first thought is probably to go shopping, get a new haircut or call a style expert like myself. But wait! Before you pick up the phone to make your first appointment there's something you should know: what you first need to makeover isn't your appearance, but really your mindset.

Say what? You may be wondering what in the world your mindset and your outer image have in common, but believe me, they are joined at the hip. If you're not liking what you see in the mirror, the work you should be starting with isn't a makeover in a traditional sense, but a makeover of your spirit. When you can makeover your mindset and your attitude the results will be much more meaningful, and when you do get that gorgeous new look it will feel much more right for you.

If making over your mindset sounds like too much work, and far less fun than being primped and preened by a team of professionals, hear me out. Getting a makeover on the inside is about personal growth, which leaves you with results that are much longer lasting than a physical makeover, and can have profound changes that affect every aspect of your life. Some things to consider next time you utter the words "I need a makeover":

1/ What's your motivation for wanting a new look? Perhaps you've been last on your list lately and it's time for a little self-care in the form of pampering. If this is the case, chances are your self-worth could use a boost. Carve out time each week for a special treatment, or simple just time to relax with a friend or a good cup of tea. When you make time to do those things that help you recharge, you send the message that you are important and can help you to have more to give back to others.

2/ What's Being Comfortable Costing You? If you sacrifice comfort for the sake of style, let me be the first to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way. But if you're staying comfortable in your life because you're afraid of change, ask yourself what it's costing you. If you're hiding out and playing small, chances are it's costing you some self-esteem and is leaving you feeling less than you're capable of, not to mention missing the financial and other opportunities that await you.

3/ Are You Letting Fear Hold You Back? You know what fear is, don't you? False evidence appearing real. You could be afraid of what others think of you, afraid you'll fail if you really try or afraid of the unknown. I'm going to tell you what I tell my daughter - feel the fear, and do it anyway. Once you're on the other side, the feeling is one of the biggest confidence boosters you can get!

Recently I heard a speaker talk about the differences between taking baby steps and playing small, and about the world of difference there is between the two. Taking baby steps each day to move you closer to your goal will get you there just fine. However, playing small doesn't serve you or those around you, and will only hold you back from your goals of looking and feeling fabulous! Making a little progress each day towards your goal of feeling great and looking great can result in a new look, but more importantly, and new mindset. So do what it takes to make you feel great and move you in the right direction because as my mentor says, 'without change comes stagnation'.

Skip (the black) and Go Nude!

Ok, ladies, let's talk. We all have our closets full of black shoes but this spring I'd like to ask you to set them aside for a few months. Black is such a harsh color and, although it theoretically does go with everything, what it really doesn't flatter quite so much is YOU! Black sandals, pumps or flats can look really harsh against pale bare skin and create a contrast that, especially for those of you with fair skin, hair and eyes, can be overpowering and downright ugly. Now if you're dark skinned they're going to look a little better, but I really want to encourage you to break out of the box so I'm here to offer an alternative - the nude shoe.

While wearing a nude colored shoe may not seem like an earth-shattering revalation, you may not yet realize just how fabulous they can be! First, when you wear a shoe that's close to the color of your very own skin, it can elongate your legs and make you look taller. Really, ladies, this is a very simple trick. But the best part is that they will go with literally everything in your closet! My favorite pair of nude shoes is a fabulous pair of platforms with gold studs and I am hard pressed to find an outfit they don't make more chic. Who doesn't need more items like that in their closet? Here are my best tips for wearing nude shoes and looking your best:

1/ Keep the shade close to your natural skintone for best effect, whether light or dark. If your skintone is cool, opt for a cool shade. If you're more warm, go for a warmer tone. Opting for a shade or two darker can give the same effect, so if you're on the pale side, go for something that's just slightly darker to ground the look.

2/ To continue the elongating effect of nude shoes, wear a shoe with a wedge or heel. Sure, flats and flat sandals will give a similar effect but if you want to kick that effect up a notch, a couple extra inches does make a difference.

3/ For a contemporary effect opt for a nude metallic or patent leather shoe, or a shoe with these as accents. It will give your look a boost and take it to the next level.

4/ Play peekaboo. It's fun to show some skin and have your nude shoes be open-weave sandals, have cut outs or be open-toe for a sexy look.

5/ Your nude shoes can complete an entire nude look, or be the balancing point to a bright and colorful top or dress.

Whether dressed up or dressed down, nude shoes have a definite place in your wardrobe and, if you're willing to let them, will become your new go-to shoes. You'll soon wonder what you did without them!

5 Easy Steps to Upscale Casual

One issue I see so many clients dealing with is bridging the gap between looking professional and looking casual. Often, after coming home from work (looking polished and pulled together) they slip into sloppy sweat pants and a nondescript tee shirt that is devoid of shape. Basically, they go from all to nothing in the blink of an eye, when it comes to style, and don't even look like the same person. Just hope no one drops by to say hello!

While I am a big believer in having your favorite comfy clothes to lounge around the house when you know you won't be seen by anyone, I'd like to encourage you to build a wardrobe that has plenty of casual options that you'll feel great about being seen in! Think it can't be done? Think again! I want to show you just how easily you can have a wardrobe that goes from dressy to casual without missing a beat.

First, let's redefine casual. I like to think of casual clothes as jeans and a t-shirt, perhaps a pair of sneakers and little else. Casual to me is what you wear around the house or to work in the yard. I realize that it's my nature to be a little overdressed (when I as little, I wore my smocked dresses and Mary Janes to play in the dirt!), but what I've found is that when women are dressed casually for an event, they typically feel underdressed, and not quite as confident as they'd like to feel. So let's talk about one of my favorite forms of dress, which is what I refer to as Upscale Casual.

Now upscale casual is a great form of dress for women that can be appropriate for both the workplace and the weekends, and leave you feeling as if you can get more done during the day because you don't have to stop and change your whole look. The beauty of upscale casual is there are a few small, but very important, details that make this look what it is. Read: it's simple! However, like any great wardrobe, it just takes a little planning. Let me take you through the process and you'll see what I mean!

1/ First, start with a great pair of jeans. Now if you're not a jeans gal, by all means find a pair of pants that feel great, fit you to a tee and are versatile. However, for this example, I'm going to talk about jeans. Forget that faded pair of 'mom' jeans you've had for a few years. You want your jeans to look fresh and modern. This is key because the wrong kind of jeans (light wash, high waisted, pleated, or holey) will ruin in the look. So let's start with my favorites, trouser jeans. I think all women over the age of 40 should have a pair of trouser jeans. They're cut like khaki's, or trousers, and have a look that's more chic than the five pocket style. You want them to be a dark wash for a more contemporary look, and to fit you like a glove. Not too tight, but not too loose. These go from day to night, from work to weekend, with just a few changes. Take note.

2/ Next you want to choose the right top. Start with a solid knit top in one of your best colors. Skip the beefy-tee's and opt for something more feminine that shows your shape. If you're feeling bold and want to wear a print or texture, you'll get a bit more of a boost. Simple works just as well here. That's the beauty of this look! Try a solid tee from Target, one with a sheen from Michael Stars or your favorite top that puts your own touch on it.

3/ Now it's time for my favorite item, the third layer. You want to choose a third layer that is going to be right for what you're doing. Wear a blazer or fitted, belted cardigan if you're heading to the office or a meeting. Opt for a more casual jacket if you'll be running errands, or just skip it altogether. A sweater vest can also work well here. The third layer is what takes this look to the next level and creates a look that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's magical!

4/ Accessories are last, but definitely not least! If you're puttering around the house, all you need are a cute pair of athletically inspired flats (skip the big sneakers). If you're heading to the office or out for dinner try adding in a fab pair of earrings, a chic belt, a par of heels and a great scarf that enhances your eye color. This dresses up your look and takes it to a completely new level! The accessories really are the icing on the cake. Change them out and you can transform the look from simple to more dressy.

5/ Makeup and hair are what you should always have in place if you're heading to work, but even on the weekends you want to opt for a casually elegant style that helps you feel great while still looking like you didn't do a thing! Master the art of the chic ponytail or the wash and go style for weekend chic. Keep your makeup simple and just do the basics--lips, mascara and brows--and you'll look polished without looking like you tried too hard.

While the beauty of the upscale casual look lies in its simplicity, feel free to put your own spin on it! If you want to elaborately layer a couple of tops and a funky jacket that's just your style, go for it! Add in a great pair of heels or if flats are more your style, find a chic yet comfortable pair that make you feel great! This look is open to interpretation, so find the strategy that makes you feel fabulous while helping you to get dressed with ease!

Want help to create a wardrobe strategy of your own? E-mail me at Michele@OneChicMama.com to discover how I can help you to get dressed with ease!

Banish Back Fat and Win

As women age, one thing that seems to happen is that we have more loose skin around our braline. Between gaining or losing weight, having kids and fluctuating hormones, it just seems to appear. Yet as natural as it may be, bumps and bulges around the braline can be pretty unsightly - especially under clingy knits.

One of the best tricks I've found recently for creating a smooth line is the Unbelievabra. The right undergarments make all the difference in finishing off your look, and the Unbelievabra is sure to help you to have a smooth foundation. Priced from $75 to $95, it comes in three lengths: the Ultimate, the Mini and the Shortee. The Ultimate is a one-piece cami with a molded-cup bra and built in tummy-control that gives you a sleek appearance under tops and dresses. The first time I wore mine out I was hooked! I wore it under a very clingy knit dress with shapewear on the bottom. Although I exercise and eat right, I've got a few pounds to spare on my frame - but with these garments, I looked flawless! And felt super comfy, too! The Mini is great if you've got a flat tummy but have some extra skin around the bra line, and the Shortee is a nice alternative to a regular bra or a sportsbra.

For a smoother look, give the Unbelievabra a try. With a silhouette this smooth and sleek, you'll look ten pound thinner!

Win an Unbelievabra (Up to $100 Value!)
We're giving one lucky winner their choice of Unbelievabra. To enter, 'Like' us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/onechicmama and leave a comment on our page telling us your biggest style challenge. Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 17th, 2011.

Do You Give Your Power Away? I Did!

There is a great quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that I love, "No one ca n make you feel inferior without your consent." Her perspective is so true, yet all too often I see women who put themselves into the role of victim and they give their power away. They don't do it so overtly, but very often it begins with their appearance. Maybe they've gained a few pounds and don't like the way their body looks, so they grab any old thing that fits and settle for the dirty tee shirt they wore yesterday. If they must go out, they hide behind a big, boxy jacket and slip on the most comfy shoes they can find. Makeup is non-existent and their hair, most likely, hasn't been cut in 6 months or more and their roots are beyond showing. Sound familiar?

Now don't get me wrong - I am not here to judge anyone. I am here to support women and to help them step into their power by expressing their authentic selves. So few things drive me more crazy than seeing a beautiful woman 'hiding out' and playing small. Why is this so? Well, because this used to be me. There was a time when I had absolutely zero confidence in who I was as a person, and thought I had nothing to offer. I had a good childhood, so there wasn't anything traumatic behind this. But I grew up being overweight in elementary school and through high school, and the effects this had on my self-esteem have been lifelong. It wasn't until I was in college that I got a handle on my weight issues, but my low self-esteem that I left me dressing in a way that totally hid my body, my emotions and my true self. And because of having such low self esteem, I totally gave my power away. To friends, to boyfriends, to stylish women whom I admired. It's been a journey for me to reclaim my power and to feel great in my own skin. I guess this is why I am so passionate about what I do because I know that it's not just about how you look on the outside, but that in many cases, that's where transformation can begin.

So when you look in the mirror how do you feel? Frumpy, fat and fatigued? How would it make you feel to look in the mirror and give yourself a high five for looking so great? It would affect your entire day and make an impact on everyone you come in contact with! You may be feeling overwhelmed and wonder where you even begin...

Reclaiming your power doesn't have to take lots of hard work. Often it starts with a commitment to yourself that you will value YOU and not put everyone else first. Taking steps to look your best will get you off on the right foot and help you to feel great, no matter what your size or shape. Here are my 5 top tips for stepping into your power through your personal image:

1/ Wear clothing that truly fits your body. If you've gained weight, it can be depressing to squeeze into something that's too tight, but hiding behind a tent can make you look even bigger. Clothing that skims the body and shows your shape can be more flattering and helps keep you from getting 'lost' or looking sleazy.

2/ Get a great haircut - color too! This makes a huge impact on your appearance and is something you'll enjoy every single day. Make sure you discuss your lifestyle, face shape and coloring with your stylist to be assured you'll get the perfect look. After all, if you're a busy woman you want to look great but don't have all morning to spend on your hair.

3/ Wear clothing that you LOVE! Wearing something that is a 'should' or that you just happen to have in your closet does nothing to inspire you. However when you put on a jacket that is so very YOU, you just can't help but feel good in it!

4/ Reconnect with your Current Style - If you're still dressing like you were in college, that's likely to bring you down (however, if you can still fit in the clothes that's awesome). Reevaluate who you are, what you like and what your lifestyle is. If you've made a change in recent years, ensure you're dressing to suit that and not stuck in a rut from decades ago.

5/ The Devil's in the Details - A little makeup goes a long way. Bring some color into your face with a pretty lipstick or gloss, brighten your eyes with pretty shadow and make them pop with mascara. It'll make you smile! Add in some accessories that you just love and it will personalize your look while adding interest.

6/ Dress for the Body You Have Right Now - If you've had kids, lost weight or gained weight (be honest, nobody minds) then dress to enhance your assets and downplay your flaws. When you do you'll look like a million bucks and feel great to boot! If you don't know what your assets are try asking a trusted friend to point out what's great about you!

Now that you know how to get dressed, it's time for a little inner reflection. I want you to look at your self image and ask who you compare yourself to? Who do you give your power away and why? When did that start, and what belief about yourself did you form? If you grew up feeling like you were never pretty enough, take a look at yourself now and feel grateful for all your gorgeous assets! If you felt like you weren't good enough, try feeling thankful for all your gifts and the ability to help others. It will help you to shift your perspective and to see that you are beautiful, you are valued and you are LOVED!

Marianne Williamson wrote, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." Her beautiful words have inspired me to feel great about who I am and to know that I can make a difference in women's lives. I'd like to encourage you to embrace your power, however it might look and feel how beautiful you truly are!