“You are what you eat.”  ”Sit like a lady.”  “Walk tall, remember who you are.”  Do any of these comments sound familiar?  How about the one that says, “sooner or later we all quote our mothers”? Each of us are a product of our environment, and we soak up more wisdom from our mothers than we realize.  Some of this was spoken, but much of what we learned is unspoken.   As our tribute to all of the beautiful mothers out there, we decided to ask the fashion and image experts from Conselle what their mothers or grandmothers taught them about beauty.  We’d love to hear your comments as well!

“My mom loved to dress me up when I was a little girl, and I still love to dress up!  She taught me to take care of yourself, have fun doing it, and enjoy looking your best.”  Ann Johnson

“Lucky for me, I’ve had an wonderful mother as a teacher.  When I was 12, my mother took me to the Clinique Counter to have my make-up done and learn about skin care.  Although I wore little more than mascara and lip gloss, I gained an understanding of how to take care of myself as a young woman.  Later on, when I had the opportunity to travel, my mother taught me the “Dress for Success” concepts of having basic, versatile pieces, enabling me to pack light, but efficient, and effective, prepared for a great trip. ”  Dani Slaugh 

“Always be true to yourself, carry yourself with confidence, and wear the right  clothes to the right place.”  Cristina Johnson

“My mom never dyes her hair and rarely wears makeup. My sisters and I tease her that she didn’t give us girl lessons, but she taught us that if your appearance is neat and coordinated, you don’t need a lot of makeup. (She also taught us how to sew and mend, which is very important when it comes to looking neat and coordinated…)”  Heidi Lynn Chochran

“From my grandmother about the importance of a slip, ‘Because ladies wear underwear, that’s why!’”  Cheryl Obermiller

“NEVER chew gum in public! She was right–statistically, people who chew gum in front of others are perceived as less intelligent and less economically stable.” Beth Yvette Strange

“‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes,’ is what my mother taught me regarding clothing fit, feel, and hem length.  Touch your head, shoulders, knees, and bend over and touch your toes.  If you can’t reach comfortably or bend modestly, you need a better fit.”  Judi Rasband

“I learned more from watching my mother, than from any particular thing that she said.”  Kathy Adams

How about you?  What did your mother teach you about fashion and beauty?

Spring is a great time to update your wardrobe.  Adding whites and bright colors is a great way to create the look and feel of Spring.  Choose pieces that match your lifestyle, personal style, coloring and figure.  Beware of articles and advertisements that list those things you “must have” this season.   No matter how trendy the style may be, there are no “must haves.”    Why?  Because we each have our own, unique lifestyle, personal style, coloring, and figure.  What may be a harmonious look for one person, can be completely awful for another.  Here are a few examples of “must haves” that relatively few can wear well, and many can just plain do without.  The photo above shows a popular trend right now, short shorts, pastels and polka-dots.  All of these characteristic reflect a personal style that is very Yin oriented.   If your coloring is fair, your figure is just right, and your personal style is playful and whimsical, then this look may work for you.  If not, you may end up looking like you’re trying to be someone else.  More trend tips:

The big bold print in the red shirt would completely drown out a petite woman or someone with lighter hair and skin.

Jumpsuits can be fun, but not if you are looking to minimize larger shoulders and arms. Not to mention that the mid-section must be the same size as the garment, not too long or too short.

A short, wrap style dress would only attract attention to larger legs.  If you’re going strapless, get rid of the tan lines.  (This model has a distracting line on her right shoulder.)

Nude heals blend in with the color of the legs, giving the illusion of no shoes. The look can be unbalanced. With a heavy black sweater, this model looks very top heavy.

Next time you see a list of “must haves”, ask yourself, “Does this print / color enhance my own coloring, or does it fight with it?  What is the first thing others see when they look at me?  Is their attention going where I want it to go?”  Remember that you can pick and choose the trends you want to adopt this season.  Choose those that will enhance your wonderful features, if the “must have” look doesn’t do that, then let someone else have it.

Want to know exactly what your personal style is?  Your coloring, lifestyle, or body type?  Conselle has the right person to get you focused.

Call us at (801) 224-1207 to set up an a free discover call.  

We also have the right materials! Get them at http://www.conselle.com/fashion-consulting-books.php

CLICK: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DS28F88

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate

Notice the increasing number of fashion models positioned pigeon-toed, intended to make women appear childish, off-balance, and incapable of taking care of ourselves.

 

Looks like we are not going to have the shortest winter in history.  As winter continues with freezing temps, rain, snow, and biting winds, your skin may reflect the unsettled weather.  The result can mean dry, flaky, rough skin prone to chapping, cracking and sometimes infection.

To help you look your best, here are some  mid-winter skin savers – solutions to those cold weather skin problems.

1. Take fewer, faster baths or showers in warm – not hot – water.  Long soaks in hot water strip our skin of the natural oils it needs.  Add bath oil in the tub or put on before a final rinse in the shower.  
2. Allow at least half an hour before going out if you bathe or cleanse your skin.  Your skin needs time to replace its natural protective oils. Just before bed is best.
3. Increase your use of moisturizer or switch to a heavier one that has more oil than water in the formulation.  While moisturizers do not add water to your skin, they do form a protective film of oil to seal in water and slow its evaporation from your skin.  Apply moisturizers while your face or body is still damp – not dry.
4. Turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees or below for healthier skin.  When you feel chilly, put on more clothes, not heat.
5. Surround yourself with plants to help humidify the air.  Or buy a humidifier for your home or office to add moisture.

Taking care of the environment is important! Start with the environment you live in….your skin.

Never a lip is curved with pain
That can’t be kissed into smile again.
~Brete Harte

Valentine’s is a great day to share the love and give someone you care about a smile.  We’ve put together a list of famous lips and common tips on what your smile says about you. But first, guess which celeb belongs to these lips! (answers at the bottom)

   A

   B

   C

   D

   E

   F

   G

3. The Drop-Jaw Smile

4. Sideways-Looking-Up Smile

5. The George W. Bush Grin

1. Tap into the instant cheer of a bright colored sweater.
2. Send handmade Valentines – a labor of love.
3. Give your hair the glow the sun can’t this time of year. After washing and conditioning your hair, add a spritz of hair oil, such as L’Oreal’s Mythic Rich Oil, and finger through your hair.
4. Go for the polish of perfect finger or toe nails. Those toes may not see the beach soon, but give them a splash of color and your spirits may be sunnier.
5. Give into the pleasures of those sensory luxuries, such as a silky shirt, soft knit scarf, or leather gloves – more easily affordable at end of season sales.
6. Delve into a long, absorbing novel, such as Victory Hugo’s Les Miserables or Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina….or take yourself to the movies.
7. Get out and work out. Exercise is a great anti-depressant. Bundle up and go for a walk. If you enjoy hiking in summer, rent some snow shoes and try hiking it in the winter.