Image Enhancements through Plastic Surgery

Women will often go to great lengths to seek beauty advice, often without even realizing it. After all, we all want to look our best, and these days there are many ways to enhance beauty and improve style. In fact, every time you take note of a fashion model on a billboard, or flip through a clothing magazine, or even observe celebrities on the red carpet, you are probably taking note of different ways that other women enhance their appearances. Indeed, from makeup to clothing and everything in between, there are a number of ways to perfect your look. But have you ever thought of looking elsewhere for more complete, long-lasting changes? A quick visit to AboutPlasticSurgery.com may give you some new ideas that you never considered before.

Now, like many other women, you may think that plastic surgery simply isn’t for you. After all, the way that a lot of people talk about it, plastic surgery seems as if it’s reserved for drastic cases and dramatic changes. However, if you really think about it – what is so bad about having a simple procedure one time versus carefully applying makeup each and every day, or every time you go out? Besides that, there are a number of surgeries that can accomplish common goals in very subtle but effective ways. Here are a few worth considering:

o Facelift – A facelift can take years off of your face by essentially making your skin as tight as it was in your youth, getting rid of problems like forehead wrinkles or bags under eyes. This can save you a lot of cover-up!

o Breast Augmentation – Let’s face it, many women consider this at one time or another, and while there is no need to have large breasts to be beautiful, changing your shape or size may help you to feel better about your own personal image.

o Rhinoplasty – More commonly known as a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty procedure can effectively alter the shape and size of your nose to help you to gain a more proportional, or more beautiful face. This too is a very common procedure.

Of course, these are just a few of the many different kinds of plastic surgery that there are. However, a bit of research on these procedures can show you just how common, and how effective, they are. This is not to say that you should definitely go out and have plastic surgery – but, the next time you are considering your look, and how to enhance your beauty, you may want to at least look into these and other procedures.

Having Your 'Colors Done' Has a Bad Rap

Have you ever had your colors done? If so then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you've never been privy to the experience, then you may be totally in the dark about what this means, so let me explain.

Having your 'colors done', or rather having a personal Color Analysis, is a process of determining your best personal colors based on your skin, hair and eye colors. While there are several systems out there, the system I use matches up your personal coloring to master coordinates. These coordinates are entered into a computerized program and your particular combination determines your personal color harmony, often based on the four seasons.

Now, as a style expert it is extremely clear to me why knowing your best colors is absolutely essential to looking your best. It's the first place to start, and just by changing the colors you wear (and ditching the black!) you can breathe new life into your style, make yourself look vibrant and alive and create a personalized look that brings out your best. Enough said, right? Yet over the years I have encountered more than a few skeptics when it comes to the color piece. After further discussion I have discovered that many women (and men, too) think that having your colors done seems hokey, primarily because of the way it was presented back in the 80's. I'd like to ask you to reconsider.

Read what my client, JJ Virgin, had to say:

"Honestly, I had heard about getting my colors done years ago but it always seemed a bit hokey and silly to me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I know realize this is the starting point to building a great “success” wardrobe. Michele took me through the process of finding my 40 best colors and then showed me how to integrate my colors into my wardrobe and completely shifted my perspective. I understood why I gravitated towards certain items in my wardrobe and realized I’d wasted money on other pieces that just didn’t “feel right”. Had I only had this tool years ago I would have saved loads of money and time by not wasting both on searching for and buying pieces that just didn’t work for me. My color palette and checklist of basics makes shopping a breeze and amplifies my confidence on TV and the stage because I know what I have on is totally working for me. Thanks Michele!"

- JJ Virgin
Celebrity Health and Nutrition Expert, Co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and author of “Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy”www.JJVirgin.com

Having your 'colors done' became the trendy thing to do in the 80's. I remember clearly when my mom had hers done - she was a winter at the time - and had her own little color palette and just the 'right' makeup for her coloring. Color parties swept across suburban America like Tupperware parties and were a fun way for women to get together and learn about their coloring while trying new makeup. Wearing the 'right' colors became something that women thought was interesting but because of the presentation, many didn't take it too seriously. It was a fad, just like legwarmers and shoulder pads - one day it was here and the next day it was just a distant memory.

Fast forward thirty plus years later and having your colors done is something that, in my humble opinion, is absolutely essential to your image. Why? Several reasons. First, regardless of what you do during the day, wearing the right colors can boost your mood and your energy level. Color has the power to make you feel great - or make you feel drained. It can light your face up and make you look years younger. Knowing the right colors to wear can have a positive impact on your life from many aspects.

But also, in this day and age personal branding is tantamount to success. When you can create your Signature Style to help you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, you create a look that is memorable. When your picture is all over Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. wouldn't you rather be known for looking fabulous as opposed to the woman in the unfortunate color combination? Often times our first introduction to someone these days is online and that first image leaves a lasting impression. Wearing colors that make you look your best can influence how much a person wants to get to know you/do business with you/refer you and can make a difference in your career as well as your personal life.

So if you've had a not-so-positive opinion about having your 'colors done' I'd like to ask you to reconsider. After all, the color you wear is one of the first things people notice about you, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

If you'd like to learn more about having a personal color analysis and how to transform your style to be authentically you, email me for more information.

Does Your Wine Match Your Shoes?

Now that might be a funny question, yet when they're both from Salvatore Ferragamo, the answer just might be yes!

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar just released its newest private label wine: Forty-Six Diamonds Toscana 2009. Now you still might be wondering where the connection between wine and shoes comes in. Well, it just so happens that this label is the product of a collaboration between Flemings’s Wine Director, Maeve Pesquera, and Il Borro, the winery of quintessential luxury designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian footwear designer.

This Forty-Six Diamonds Toscana 2009 label is now available in all of Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 64 restaurants across the country, including the Raleigh location. Unfortunately, you can't order a pair of chic shoes with your chic glass of wine, but you CAN get a taste of high-end fashion in a glass!

For our Local Readers:To celebrate the launch of Ferragamo's Forty-Six Diamonds Toscana 2009 Label, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar located at Crabtree Valley in Raleigh, NC is giving two of our lucky readers each a $25 gift certificate. To enter, simply Like our Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment there telling us about your favorite pair of shoes. The deadline to enter is October 31, 2011 at Midnight.

For fun, try Ferragamo's online outfit maker and see what chic creation you can come up with to wear on your night out!

[Look Fabulous for Le$$] Update Your Look

With the economy in a state of flux, many of us are left feeling the need to hold on to our cold, hard cash. But life as we know it hasn’t come to a halt - we still want to dress well for business, date night, activities with the kids, and girls' night out. There’s got to be a way to look great without spending a lot of money! Actually, there are many ways to look great while keeping your bank account in check.

At the beginning of each season you want to do things to bring your look current. If you know anything about what I teach you know that I am NOT a big fan of going out and buying a brand new wardrobe each season. While there is a place for 'fast fashion' that is disposable by nature, I want you to think of your wardrobe as an investment that will last you for years to come. Once you have some great core pieces to start with (a suit, dark wash jeans, caramel trousers, items in your best basic colors) then you can do a quick assessment to decide what to bring in to help them look up to date. Each season there are a few small tweaks you can make to keep your look up-to-date, as opposed to dated, without spending a ton of cold hard cash. The small details make a big difference, so learn what’s in and get rid of what’s out. A little tough love in your closet will help you keep your wardrobe pared down and looking top notch, rather than drown in a sea of clothes you don’t like or never wear.

To start off, pay attention to the trends. Take note of women you see who are fashionable dressed, images you see in magazines or catalogs, and begin thinking about what look you'd like to create for the season.

Then take stock of what's already in your closet. Do any items need to be altered to fit you better or look more contemporary? Sometimes a minor alteration can produce major changes such as having that pair of jeans that drag the ground hemmed even if just 1/2". It can mean the difference between frumpy and fabulous!

I recommend that you create a LookBook of items you have in your closet already. Snap pics using your digital camera or smartphone so you have a quick reference guide. When shopping, refer back to these photos to know what will work in with what's in your closet right now. Then pull in a few items in some of the season's best brights (and your best!) to make your core items pop. Think tops, cardigans, a pair of bright trousers, a scarf and some great jewelry. Sometimes even just a little item can give you a lot of bang for your buck.

If you could only buy two items each season I recommend it be a fabulous pair of shoes and a great handbag. These can make or break an outfit and make a person look dated faster than anything else (except a dated hairstyle or makeup that’s not flattering). If you have a wardrobe full of core basics in solid colors, treat yourself to a great pair of wedges, booties or heeled loafers in a chic color (try either a nude or a bright). Invest in a great handbag – it doesn’t have to be a designer bag but select something stylish and chic. Try one in a bold hue or with a texture (your shoes and bag do not have to match, ever!). Then see how just these two elements bring a whole new perspective to your wardrobe!

*Crossed Moonbeams shoes $90 from Anthropologie. Big Buddha Tyler Python handbag $80 from Baghaus.

Look Fabulous for Le$$

Women love clothes (and shoes, and accessories)! That's a fact that I know from my own experience as well as that of my clients. Yet as much as we love those things that help us to look chic, we appreciate a bargain even more! And why shouldn't we? With so many necessities competing for our hard earned cash, getting the best price on our finds helps us to stretch our budget a bit further.

So I want to introduce you to a new resource here at OneChicMama.com called Look Fabulous for Less. I'll be sharing my best tips for building a wardrobe, keeping your existing wardrobe looking up to date and treating yourself to a fabulous new pair of shoes - all on a budget! So keep an eye out every Wednesday, I may even be sharing my own shopping haul videos where I answer the often asked question "so, where do you shop?"

Great Jeans for a Song

Premium denim has entered into mainstream culture and there's no sign of it fading. Yet what happened to being able to get a good-quality, well-fitting pair of jeans for a decent price? It seems like it's all about labels lately, but there's one label that has stood the test of time and that's Levi's.

Loved by people around the world, Levi's are the go-to jeans for many men, women and children - and with good reason. The were the pioneers in their industry, way back in the days of the gold-miner. So it stands to reason that Levi's, holding true to its roots, is still a pioneer in its industry. dENiZEN is Levi's new line created exclusively for Target stores that bring a line of fashionable AND well-fitting jeans at a very affordable price.

Crafted from premium denim, the dENiZEN line comes in women's sizes 2 - 18 (also men's and children's sizes) and are priced under $29.99. So if you've been debating whether or not to ditch your mom jeans and treat yourself to a new pair, wait no more!

Editor's Note: I received a pair of dENiZEN jeans for review.

Dresses for Every Body Type

In my opinion there is no easier item to wear than a dress and this season dresses are everywhere! With the seasonal palette including colors ranging from nudes and neutrals to eye-poppping vibrant hues, you're sure to find gorgeous dresses in all shapes and styles. But do you know which style is right for your body type?

Take a peek at my guide to buying the dress that will be the most flattering on you. Once you're armed with this important information, dressing will be a breeze.

Hourglass figures are very curvy with balanced hips and shoulders. The most important thing an hourglass can do is to find a dress that has waistline emphasis. Sack dresses are not for you. You've got the curves, now go flaunt them! Show off your shoulders in this bombshell halter dress and you'll show off your assets a la Marilyn Monroe, a classic hourglass figure.

Pear Shape figures have a smaller upper body with most of their weight in the hips, thighs and buttocks. Choose a dress that visually creates balance with a sleeve or high neckline atop a full skirt that gracefully grazes the body. Avoid sleeveless dresses because they'll create a visual un-balance and can emphasize your heavy bottom half.

Apple Shape figures have a larger upper body than lower half with little waist definition. Create the illusion of a slim waistline with a self-belt or tie in the same color as the dress, or simply a fitted column-style dress that elongates the body. A V-neckline draws the eye downward, creating visual balance.

Rounded body types have a large chest, a protuding tummy and fullness through hips. Choose a dress in a darker solid for a sleek, minimizing effect. An open neckline helps to elongate the body and a soft tie at the waistline gives the illusion of a defined waist.

When it comes to hemlines, forget about what's "in" and what's "out" and go with the most timeless, flattering length - knee length or slightly above. This shows off great legs and will make you appear taller. If you must go longer, take care to ensure your hemline does not hit at the widest point of your calf. It will make your legs appear shorter and longer.

Happy dressing!

Is Going Cheap Making You Spend More?

When you look in your closet what do you see? A thoughtfully planned wardrobe rich with investment items and peppered with those less expensive items that bring in a dash of style? Or do you see a hodge podge of items bought on the clearance rack at a department store, Old Navy or even Target, that don't actually go with anything? And they haven't been worn, like, ever. In fact the price tags are still on and you cringe every time you see that glaring $29.99 in red and think of how many lattes or fresh flowers you could have bought for that price (or even stashed away some of that money towards the $300 jacket you REALLY wanted).

Many women go shopping without any real goal in mind. You drift aimlessly from store to store in search of that 'perfect something', even though you have never defined what that is. Oh, you already know that you'd love to have those perfectly tailored camel trousers that could be worn 12 months a year and would go with just about every top in your closet, but they're $250 and that's way too much to spend on a pair of pants. So instead, you buy things to temporarily satisfy your desire but, like a craving for food, it never really does the trick. So you buy more to fill the void. You’ve overspent (much more than the $250 those pants would have cost) but all you have to show for it is a closet full of sale items that are just ok. Help!

Well, the good news is you're not alone. In my experience as an image consultant I see it all - the good, the bad and the ugly (so no need to be embarrassed). Most women don't grow up knowing how to build a wardrobe (yes, I said build - not just throw together) so we do the best we can. Trust me, I've been there. But instead of carefully planning out your wardrobe you end up with a random assortment of items that may (or in most cases, may not) go together. It can be an exercise in frustration to get dressed. But the worst part is how much money you throw away. When I show up at a client's home for a closet clarity session we get rid of all those items that don't suit them, don't flatter them or they just don't wear. My clients are often amazed at how many items they are able to let go of, but the biggest surprise is how much money they basically "threw down the drain" in items they never, or barely, wore.

Really, when you think about what you have in your closet versus what you actually wear, the truth might surprise you! When I leave a client's home after a closet clarity session, I leave with hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars' worth of items that will be donated to Dress for Success or other charities, or taken to a consignment shop (where they'll get back maybe 1/4 of what they actually paid for an item). So next time you go out shopping, think long and hard about what you buy. Because going cheap is costing you WAY more money than actually investing in a nice wardrobe would.

Here are some tips to help you plan your wardrobe and get the most bang for your buck:

1/ Buy items you truly LOVE and can't wait to wear. You'll relish each time you put them on and ensure that you get your money's worth.

2/ Do a cost-per-wear analysis - Figure up how long you might keep an item and how many times you might wear it during that time. For example, if you bought the $250 pair of pants and kept them for 5 years, wearing them 50 times per year, that's 250 times and comes out to be $1 per wear - a real bargain! Conversely, if you spend $40 on a trendy top that you keep for 1 season and wear 4 times, that's $10 per wear. Not such a bargain!

3/ When you buy something ensure that it goes with at least 3 items you already own (and wear).

4/ Learn your best colors and styles so you can be assured that you're buying what's right for you.

5/ Plan your wardrobe. I’m a big believer in creating a wardrobe strategy that supports you through days, weeks, months…When you look at your wardrobe as a comprehensive whole rather than just what you’re wearing at any given moment, it brings a new perspective to it and helps you to approach it more effectively. Working with an image consultant can save you valuable time and money. While it is an investment up front, the dividends will pay of handsomely for years to come! Invest your wardrobe dollars wisely and you'll reap the return.

Change your wardrobe and you can truly change your life!

Is Your Wardrobe Dragging You Down?

When you go to your closet to get dressed in the morning it can become an automatic response to just reach for the first thing you see that is clean, doesn’t need ironing or that you feel is appropriate for the occasion without even stopping to think if it’s what you really want to wear. If you’re not fashion-minded then getting dressed may be one of your least favorite activities of the day. You reach for the basic, yet somewhat matronly combination of black pants and a deep red jacket without a second thought, glad you don’t have to put any more thought into your outfit. Getting it done and moving on to the next task is how you approach it. But what if there was more?

When it comes to shopping and outfit coordination, many women would rather have a root canal than be subjected to the overwhelming selection of available choices. Double-breasted or single? Pleated pants or flat front? And where exactly should the hem of the pants hit? So many choices can leave an otherwise sane woman throwing her hands up and saying ‘just be done with it already.’ Her attitude is slightly defeatist and leaves little or no room for self-expression. What happens is that this approach leads to a closet filled with items that are ill-fitting, uninspired and - gasp - matronly. What if there were a better way?

When it comes to building a wardrobe, many women are so focused on the outcome that they completely miss the process. The result is that they end up with clothing that could just as easily be worn by their mother or any other woman give or take 20 years, yet it does nothing to bring out her best. It’s clothing and does its job, but little else.

Expressing oneself authentically, I’ve found, is essential in feeling connected to who we are. Just throwing on that boxy jacket in a color that leaves you looking ill is not doing anything to show off your assets and show the world what an amazing woman you are. In fact, the message it sends is that you don’t matter. Oh, but you so do! So let’s look at how you can approach your wardrobe from a different perspective to give you better results:

1/ Scenario – you have a meeting with an important client so you reach for your go-to suit. It’s black and boxy and something you’ve had for, oh, 10 or more years. You figure it’s a classic and never goes out of style, yet the high-rise, pleated pants with tapered legs and the long, boxy blazer visually add 15 pounds or more, wash you out and leave you looking frumpy. You show up feeling less than confident and disconnected with yourself. Client is not impressed.

Solution – You take stock of your current situation, looking at your body type (the way it is RIGHT NOW), your personal coloring (your hair is lighter than it used to be) and your lifestyle and set out to buy a suit that reflects who you are at this stage in your life. Your perfectly tailored camel suit fits you to a tee. Its classic styling is the perfect look for your office environment and you know it will be a go-to option for years to come. You mix in tops in your best brights to give it personality and bring color and light to your face. You take time to put on your personalized locket with pictures of your kids. You show up feeling fabulous and looking effortless. Client is more than impressed, asks to see your kids’ pictures and you two connect on a whole new level.

2/ Scenario – You have a wedding coming up for a distant relative. You really loathe shopping so you decide to wear the same dress you wore to the last family wedding 6 years ago, along with the same shoes, the same purse and even the same jewelry. You figure “It works, why not?” But what you don’t realize is that the dress was never flattering to begin with. Now it’s too snug, needs to be hemmed about 2” and with its navy floral print, probably isn’t the most contemporary choice. Family you haven’t seen since the last wedding will remember your outfit and think they’re stuck in a time-space continuum. You can’t wait until the wedding is over so you can take this outfit off.

Solution – Instead of going with a dated and frumpy choice that was so wrong years ago, you decide to show up looking sleek and chic. Wanting a dress that will wow, but will also offer versatility (you can also wear it to work with a cardigan or jacket) you opt for a simple and elegant sheath dress in a gorgeous shade of violet. Your style is classic, so you love that pearls are hot this season. You pile on several pearl necklaces to give your dress a punch and then opt for a great pair of gray snakeskin pumps to take your look to the next level. Family and friends you haven’t seen in years all tell you how amazing you look and ask if you’ve lost weight. You feel so fabulous that you dance the night away and are one of the last guests to leave. This wedding will be a very memorable occasion for all the right reasons.

I’d like to invite you to approach building and planning a wardrobe as a fun process that lets you express who you are and helps you to look amazing. When you have all the right tools and information, it can be broken down into a simple process that can easily be followed for years to come. And, dare I say, it might even become something you enjoy!

If you’d like to bring your wardrobe current and need to start with a great foundation, email me at Michele@onechicmama.com to discover how I can help you take your look to the next level.