How To Create an Unforgettable Look

Great news!  You can look fantastic!  Being fabulous is not just for movie stars.  We can shine, too!

If you want to be unforgettable, you better be unique.  You have to be different from everybody else. It's not difficult, you just have to give it some thought.  An outfit that blows people away doesn't have to be a neon purple dress with orange platform shoes, although that would certainly make heads turn!   You have to choose colors that suit you, wear styles that feel and look good on your body, and accessorize creatively!  You don't need a lot of money -  money helps, but we don't always have it.  The most important thing is to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and to give ourselves time.

We begin being unforgettable by creating one outfit at a time.  Don't worry about revamping your whole closet.  Think of an event you'd like to look your best for... it might be an upcoming wedding you're attending, Thanksgiving dinner with your family, or a speech you're scheduled to give at a convention.  It might be a pool party or a beach vacation in Mexico!  The same rules apply to any situation, so once you get the hang of it, you will be creating WOW looks for every aspect of your life.  Don't worry - you can still schlep around in your sweats when you feel like it, but when you want to be amazing, you will be!

We don't all learn how to do this when we're growing up, so don't be mad at yourself for not knowing how.  You can teach yourself!  Go out on a limb a bit.  If you always wear black, you will be very forgettable if you wear black again.  Wear maroon or steel grey with some sequin details, wear a black skirt or slacks with a royal blue top, but get out of your rut!  That's the first thing that will make people notice you.  Predictability is the kiss of death, in fashion and in life.

Next, think about what feels good to you.  Do you like form fitting silhouettes or flowing garments?  Tailored, classic ensembles or more trendy styles?  When you shop, keep those things in mind.  Also, think about the fabric you'll be wearing.  I can't stand anything stiff.  My husband insists on so much starch in his shirts they can literally stand up and walk around by themselves.  Don't waste your time trying on anything that won't feel good.  If you're itchy or scratchy or feel like your clothes are too loose or too tight, it will be apparent to everyone because you'll constantly be readjusting your clothes.  That's not "effortless chic".

When you're choosing what to wear, don't wait until the last minute.  Treat yourself to lunch and a cup of strong coffee, then spend an entire Saturday afternoon looking around - you might need Sunday, too.  Cruise the mall and see what's out there.  If nothing moves you, go to another shopping center or look on line.  If you're on a budget, don't forget about second hand shops.  Once you find a store that has clothes you like, start trying things on.  You'll know the right look for you if you listen to your inner voice.  Sales people can be helpful, but only you know what feels most comfortable and makes you look radiant.  That is what you're going for, so never rush.

Most people stop with a dress or a suit... or a bikini.   That is not unique.  Somebody else could pop into the store, buy the same item of clothing and show up at your event, so you're not finished yet.  You need to make the outfit unique.  That will set you apart.  Think about at least one accessory that is not jewelry, a bag or footwear that will make the look "yours".  Something like a scarf, a jacket, a wrap, a bathing suit cover up or a sarong.

Next, add a minimum of one or two pieces of jewelry.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Everybody will be observing you from at least an arm's distance.  They will not be nosing around an inch from your earrings, shouting, "Aha!  These are not real gold!"  People are much to involved in their own lives to do that.  They'll give you a once over and decide you look wonderful or so-so or dreary.  We want to be in the wonderful category, so pick things that are wonderful.  They don't have to be new.  If you have some wonderful pearls your mom gave you that look perfect with your sweater, put them on!  The mistake to avoid is not accessorizing.  Finish everything off.  Make it special.

If you can afford a suite or set of matching jewelry, that is and was and will always be in style.  It's fun and current to mix your metals, pile on bangles and throw on all the rings you own at the same time.  On the other hand, simple silver hoops worn with a pendant on a silver chain and a silver cuff will always work because a matched set is just visually pleasing.  Keep that in mind when you're in doubt.

Next, think about your shoes and bag.  They don't have to match, but they need to complement each other and your clothes.  To stand out, keep your shoe wardrobe updated and your handbags in excellent condition.  By now you are probably seeing how everything falls into place.  You don't just go out and buy some jeans and a top and leave it at that.  You need boots and a bag, some beads and a leather or denim jacket.  It all has to tie together.  It means investing a little more than you used to perhaps, but the pay off will be the interest - pun intended - that you get!

Now let's think about your hair, nails and makeup.  Good grooming is an enormous part of being unforgettable.  Bad grooming can ruin a flawless outfit and good grooming can elevate a mediocre look.  We've all seen that girl wearing just a T-shirt and shorts, but her hair is shiny and sleek, her nails are polished and her makeup is fresh and clean looking.  She stands out.  She is fabulous in a way we can all emulate.  We can make sure our hair is washed and styled rather than unwashed and pulled back in an unglamorous bun.  We can buff and file our nails or visit the salon.  We can bathe and take our time putting on our makeup instead of rolling out of bed late and trying to whip ourselves into shape in five minutes.  Nobody feels confident that way!  Love yourself more than that!  You deserve it!

It doesn't matter how old you are, how much money you make, or how much you weigh.  You are unique and you can create an incredible, unforgettable look!  Go for it!

For more tips, check out my e-book!

A Basic Skin Care Routine for Mature Women
By Missy Steinfeld

As we age it gets a little more challenging to figure out how to look our best.  We have to deal with dry skin, wrinkles, sagging, and as if that's not enough, we can still get hit with an occasional break out!  Awesome!  Don't despair!  We are older and wiser, and we can do this!

The first step is to have a "can do" attitude!  Look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I love you!  You're gorgeous!"  Optimism is a very youthful quality and love radiates from the inside out.  If you love yourself and have faith that you can solve problems, you will.  One of the good things about being a mature woman is knowing that where there's a will, there's a way!

Another great thing is that we realize that what is most important is our self esteem.  We don't want to be or look twenty again.  Being young has it's own set of heartaches!  As we get older, we just want to feel good about ourselves at our current age.  We're not looking for time travel, just a healthy glow!

There are many things we can do to give ourselves healthy, glowing skin.   You probably already know most of the things I'm about to suggest.  It's time to start doing them again!  When we get busy and forget to take time ourselves, we notice changes we don't like.  All we have to do to turn things around is to begin nurturing ourselves back to where we want to be.

If you have serious issues, I encourage you to speak to a doctor.  It is well worth the price of a twenty or thirty minute consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to see what options are available to you and how much they will cost.  You may want to save your money or use your credit card for a treatment that will ultimately make you feel wonderful.  You will never know what can be done until you ask.  Don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion, either.  I have a friend who had a large birthmark on her face and several physicians told her they could not remove it, but she didn't give up.  Eventually she found some one who was very experienced in the use of lasers who was able to help her.  She was thrilled with the outcome.  It never hurts to check.

After we get our medical problems solved, we need a basic skin care system that works for us.  We need to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious foods, get lots of rest, reduce stress and use sunscreen at every stage of life.  Take stock of those areas, and take action to improve anything you've let slide.  Being aware that we need to be kinder to ourselves gets us back on the right track.

Next, realize that the products you've used in the past may not be working any more and it's OK to experiment and change.  It's OK to use the trial and error method!  Read magazines, research on line, watch TV... and try new things.  If they don't work, try some other things!  When we were young girls, we couldn't wait to use the newest and latest cosmetics!  Go ahead and enjoy that process again!  Treat yourself to something fabulous, lock yourself in the bathroom, and see what happens!  We are more successful now and our kids are more independent, so it's time to indulge in ourselves!

There are many excellent skin care lines to choose from.  Right now I'm seeing great results with Skinn cosmetics, available on ShopHQ.com (or shopnbc.com). I also like Signature Club A, available on hsn.com.  No matter what line you decide to start with, here are the core products you might want to consider:

A make up removing cleanser
An exfoliating scrub
An anti aging serum*
An eye serum*
An eye cream
A moisturizing cream
Sunscreen
A weekly mask
Acne cream, Lip treatments, Night and Neck creams are optional.

*If you buy Signature Club A products, the serums come in capsule form.

Get back into the habit of using your products religiously, morning and night.  They won't help if they're sitting on the counter.  Commit to a complete beauty ritual for thirty days to determine if you can see a change.  Wash your face to begin your day with a clean canvas.  Use an exfoliator once or twice a week to slough off dead skin cells and keep your skin fresh.  Apply an anti-aging serum that is rich in ingredients that address your needs, like brightening or plumping.  Next, gently massage in your moisturizing cream to keep your skin soft and smooth.  Make sure to use it on your throat and decollate, too.  If this is an area where you've noticed accelerated aging, you may want a neck cream.  The skin around our eyes is thinner and more fragile than the rest of our face, so that area develops expression lines easily.  An eye serum and cream are important, and must be applied with a light touch.  If you're noticing vertical lines around your mouth, you may need a special lip treatment.  Finish with sunscreen if your moisturizer doesn't contain SPF.  Repeat the same process at night, without sunscreen.  Using a night cream is optional.  Pamper yourself with a mask once a week.  There are several, such as deep moisturizing masks and pore cleansing masks.  Choose whatever you like.  If you get blemishes once in a while, keep a tube of acne drying cream on hand to spot treat.

This may seem like a lot of products and a lot of work.  Accept that as you age, you need more TLC.  If you don't feel like what you're using is working, try something else, or use what your dermatologist recommends.  Don't get frustrated; beauty is not an exact science!  It's an art!  Dabble with a little of this and a bit of that and create a regimen you love.  As we get older, we realize inner beauty is the only beauty that matters - but there's no reason we can't be beautiful on the outside and feel amazing, too!

How To Plan a Shopping Vacation!
By Missy Steinfeld

I heard that years ago, America's wealthiest debutantes were taken to places like London and Paris every summer to buy their new clothes.  Can you imagine boarding a luxury liner to sail across the deep, blue Atlantic Ocean and returning with trunks filled to the brim with the latest fashions?  Wouldn't that be delicious?  These days, retail outlets in the United States rival anyplace on the globe, so there is no need to go all the way to Europe; unless you want to - and then you absolutely should!  With every one being so busy and shopping being much more convenient, I think we've drifted away from the delightful ritual of an annual shopping trip... and we need to bring it back!  It doesn't have to be a long vacation or very far from where you live; if you have a mall or a downtown area with cute boutiques and restaurants in your town as  well as a comfortable hotel, you can plan a lavish shopping trip at an affordable price.  You won't be paying for airfare or a rental car.  You'll use your own car, call a cab, or take advantage of the public transportation system you're used to.  You don't need to miss work.  Book your stay on your days off.

If you can afford it now, why wait?  Pack your overnight bag this minute!  If you need to save your money and schedule in advance, set aside a bit every paycheck until you have enough for a nice room, a few meals out, and a some shopping!  Avoid the temptation to sleep at home.  That's a regular day at the mall.  You have to actually get away (even if it's just for a night) to make it feel luxurious.  You can go alone or with a friend and split the cost.

Think about what you'd like to purchase and make a list.  You can be at the shopping center when the doors open, pick up a latte, and take a stroll to check out all the window displays.  Go back to the stores that interest you and try things on.  Have a bite of lunch and think things over.  Try on some more clothes, and shoes, and bags. Take your time in the decision making process.  Have fun with it!  Look for scarves and jewelry.  Stop at the candy store or the book shop and treat yourself!

Once you get back to the hotel, take a swim in the pool, have a hot bath or shower and dress up a little.  Visit the lounge and sit at the bar for a drink and an appetizer and socialize.  You could also phone a friend to join you for dinner, or enjoy room service.  Many hotels have salons, so you can make an appointment for a beauty treatment the next day.  When you wake up, have breakfast in bed or go to the restaurant in the hotel or one nearby.  Get your hair done or have a facial.  You can do more shopping or go home and relax, but you will look and feel so much better after taking a little time "away" for you!

My husband and I went to France last spring for the first time and had a wonderful time.  If you'd like to go to Paris, we tried a Viking River Cruise called "Paris and the Heart of Normandy" and it was great.  There are many ways to travel abroad, but what I love about this company is that when you make airline reservations through them, they pick you up at the airport and take you back when you're done.  No panic attacks!  Your meals are included, and they're delicious - beer and wine comes with lunch and dinner, the cost of most day trips are included - and the ones that cost extra are specified.  You generally get to shop for a while at the end of the outings or you can opt out of the group tours and walk around on your own.  We spent quite a bit of time in Paris and saw many other charming locations, too.  The service was terrific.  I felt like it was a very safe way to travel, so if you're going alone or with a girlfriend, you might like it.  They have sales periodically throughout the year, so we took advantage of that.  Considering the length of the cruise and everything that was included, we found it very economical.  Here is what I packed!

How To Do A Weekend Make Over
by Missy Steinfeld

We've all seen those TV shows where some lucky lady gets a brand new look overnight.  Who wouldn't want that?  We all deserve it, but we don't have to wait to be the winner of a national contest.  Let's roll up our sleeves, dig in, and do it ourselves!

We know we have to take care of our hair, our skin, our teeth and our nails.  We know we have to update our clothes, accessories and make up occasionally.  A make over is just doing that all at the same time!  Choose a free weekend and schedule some "me" time!  The first day will be for shopping and finding things you'll need at home; the second day will be for the make over.

If you like to buy things on line or use catalogs, you'll have to order ahead of time to allow for delivery.  Find one complete new outfit that will make you feel confident.  It can be casual or dressy or a work outfit.  Choose something that's different from what you have - maybe a new style or color - and find shoes, a bag, jewelry and a scarf (if needed) to go with it.  Get as many items as you can; you will look for everything else in your local stores.

If money is an issue, "shop" at home.  If you want a date night outfit, go to your closet and pull out what you have.  See if you can combine things in new ways.  Does your old dress go with a newer cardigan?  Do you have a necklace you could wear with your skirt and top that would dress it up?  How about wearing boots and jeans with the top instead of the skirt?  Do you have a clutch tucked away that might look cute instead of your shoulder bag?  Look in thrift stores - you might find a bracelet or a jacket for a very reasonable price that would shake things up a little!

If you haven't gotten anything for yourself in a while and want a new outfit, go to your favorite store and find something you love!  Next, look for shoes, a bag, jewelry and a scarf.  Not all outfits require a scarf.  You may need to go to several places to find what you want, but take your time and enjoy it!

You'll need cosmetics.  You may have some of these items at home, but pick up what you don't have:

Bubble bath or shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, body scrub, body lotion or butter, self tanner (optional), facial cleanser and scrub, a facial mask, facial and/or body hair removal cream and/or a razor and shaving cream, facial serum (optional), moisturizer, eye cream, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, shadow, mascara, lipliner (optional), lipstick and lipgloss, nail polish remover, base and top coat and nail polish and Q-tips.

The next day, treat yourself to a healthy breakfast and an invigorating walk.  Run a bath and use facial hair removal cream, if needed.  Soak in a bubble bath or take a hot shower.  Wash your face and body, then exfoliate with your facial and body scrubs.  Shave your legs or use hair removal cream.  Wash and condition your hair, use the hair mask.  Rinse completely, dry off and wrap your hair in a towel.  Use your tooth whitener and facial mask.  Relax for twenty minutes or so to let everything work.  Next, apply your facial moisturizing products and body lotion.

Take a break.  Have a bite to eat.  Spread out a towel and get comfortable in front of the TV.  Do your nails and wait an hour for them to get totally dry.

Style your hair, tweeze your eyebrows and apply your make up.  Slip into your beautiful new outfit and shoes, add your accessories, and check out the "new you" in the mirror!  You look great!  Be proud of what you've accomplished!  Go downtown, take a stroll, browse in your favorite boutiques... or meet some friends for a class of wine.  You deserve a toast.  Cheers to you!

How to Look Younger at Any Age

Ever notice how young girls just seem to look fresh and glowing?  Why is that?  Sure, it's because their skin is firm and smooth, but there's more to it than that.  They have moms who work hard to be certain they have everything they need, who drive them to dance class and cheerleading and their friends' houses, who ensure they get proper nutrition, emotional support and enough rest... these girls have fewer responsibilities and way more time than mature women!

They have time to take care of their skin, experiment with make up, fix their hair and look cute!

Don't worry, life is fair.  These youthful beauties get married, have kids, and become frazzled just like the rest of us!  Here is the blessing: as our daughters grow up and leave the nest, we are the ones with more time!  We've just forgotten how to pamper ourselves!

I was watching a make up artist on one of the shopping channels who was selling a line of cosmetics.  I was fascinated by the before and after shots that showed how the models' appearances were dramatically improved with the use of the make up that was being featured.  I wished I could have this great collection of products that seemed to transform average looking ladies into sexy seductresses.  As I sat there on the couch feeling sad because I couldn't afford the price of these items, I thought, I have make up.  I have some foundation and blush and eyeshadow and mascara.... I wonder... if I used what I already have in that box under the sink, would make any difference?  Well, guess what!  It did!

I had gotten into the habit of running around with nothing but a smidgen of lip gloss on my face and twisting my hair into an unattractive bun on top my head.  No wonder I felt depressed!  I think it started when I had my first baby; I was happy if I got to take a shower and brush my teeth!  Life took off at warp speed and I was holding on with a death grip.  At some point, things began to slow down, but I was still looking and dressing like I was in some sort of a race for survival.  It was time to take time for me.

That's the first step, if you want to look and feel younger.  Take time for you.  Put your make up on.  Fix your hair.  Just for fun, wear some jewelry and one of your nice outfits sometimes instead of always grabbing your yoga pants and a T-shirt to go shopping in.  You are still beautiful and you have so much to offer.  As we get older, we get more patient and compassionate.  There is nothing more attractive than a loving spirit.  Celebrate who you've become on the inside by giving yourself a little TLC on the outside!  You'll love the results!

How To Pack for a Relaxing Beach Vacation

If you're feeling a little stressed out and run down, there's nothing like a few days on the coast to clear your head, loosen up your body, and put you in a more calm state of mind.  It doesn't really matter what beach you visit, or the time of year... the sound of ocean waves splashing on the shore is always tranquilizing... the smell of salt water is always invigorating... the feel of a cool breeze on your skin is always refreshing!

In order to have the best beach get away ever, prepare ahead of time by packing everything you'll need in your suitcase and doing a few simple things that will make you feel like a beach babe before you even sink one toe into the sand!

Begin by taking a long, hot shower or bath and using a body scrub head to toe.  If you don't have any body scrub at the moment, just lather up a bath brush or a wash cloth and rub it all over.  Finish with body lotion so your skin feels soft and smooth.  You're going to be wearing a bikini.  If that seems scary, it's probably because you live in a colder climate where nobody runs around in their bathing suit. People who live at the beach don't wear a lot of clothes.  They're used to seeing people in swim suits, so they certainly won't mind if you wear yours!  Don't be shy or embarrassed.

If you want to have a beach wave, you can buy special products for that, but if you don't have time to go out and get something, just use mousse.  Wash and condition your hair.  Towel dry, and apply a serum or leave in conditioner.  Take a large pouf of mousse, massage it into your hair, and scrunch it up with your fingers.  Use your blow dryer to get your hair about half way dry.  Let it air dry the rest of the way, periodically scrunching it all over hour head as it dries.  The result should be sort of wind blown and messy looking.  You're not going for perfection.  You want a natural, free spirited look.

Now you're ready to throw the essentials into your bag and rush out the door!

Take lots of beaded jewelry and rings.
Bring a sunscreen as well as a self tanner.  Use the self tanner under your SPF.  Wash your hands!
Pack a beach bag and a beach towel, flip flops and a small clutch
You'll need several bikinis, to mix and match
Take a scrunchie or a clip for your hair
Don't forget your sunglasses, and a hat if you want one
Take a cover up and a sweatshirt
Some shorts or jeans or leggings, depending on the weather
A denim or tiered skirt is fun to wear at the beach
Tank tops or T-shirts or maybe a peasant blouse
Bring some magazines or something to read
A sun dress or maxi dress
Undies and P.J.s
A sweater, warm coat, scarf and gloves during cooler months
Bring an umbrella if rain is predicted
You may want extra sandals, or some old tennis shoes or boots
In your  cosmetic bag, you'll need:
Bronzer, mascara, lip balm and gloss (foundation is optional), cleanser, moisturizer and body lotion
Bring a wide tooth comb or a brush and a little dry shampoo
Don't forget a plastic bag to put your wet bikini in when you come home

You are going to have an incredible time at the beach!  Have fun!