Summer Dates and How to Dress for Them :)

It may be almost eight years since I went on my last first date, but the near-crippling indecision of what to wear on a date is still all too fresh in my mind. There are so many things going on in a woman’s mind when they’re trying to find that perfect date outfit, and so many variables to consider:

1. I want to look cute, but not like I’m trying to look cute.

2. What on earth do I wear to a baseball game?

3. How am I going to get on his motorcycle in a skirt?

4. If I wear this cocktail ring and he goes to hold my hand, will it be in the way?

5. I am always freezing at the movies, but I don’t want to wear too many layers.

If you’ve had thoughts like these before, then you know exactly what I am talking about. The problem is, we want our date night looks to be completely effortless. We don’t want to be seen tugging on our dress straps, fidgeting with our panty hose or pulling up our bras at any point during the evening; it ruins the illusion of perfection that we’re always trying to create (that is, until we’re on date four or five, and we can start to let little bits and pieces of our real selves show).

Well, now that summer is almost upon us, it’s time to start thinking about all of those great date nights that could be filling up your social calendars very soon. And in order to help put your date wardrobe fears to rest, I’ve put together some outfit ideas for several possible warm weather date scenarios.

For a Ballgame Date …

Just because you’re going on a sportier date doesn’t mean you can't wear a skirt or a dress. Just look for more athletic details and casual, laid-back pieces and you’ll definitely score big points.

For a Beach Date …

If you’re headed for a date in the sand, I love the idea of a fun romper over your swimsuit. And going to the beach is the perfect excuse to break out a fabulous hat and cat eye sunglasses.

For a Flea Market Date …

If you’re headed to a flea market on a date, then some whimsical pieces – think pastels, flowers, lace and polka dots – will be totally charming. Don’t forget a big enough handbag for your purchases

For an Outdoor Concert Date …

Outdoor concerts are a perfect chance to break out your more casual, bohemian pieces. I love the idea of a novelty print dress or an exotic print. And braided flat sandals are the perfect punctuation.

For a Dinner and a Movie date …

If I were headed to dinner and a movie, I’d want to make sure I wore pieces that were feminine, but simplistic. A hint of ruffle, or a tiny bit of sparkle, is just enough to make these pieces stand out.

How to Dress Yourself Slim

I am far from what most people in the fashion industry would call “slim.” I’ve got boobs, hips and thighs that I inherited from my mother (and her mother before that). I’ve floated between a size 10 and a size 12 for most of my life. And instead of trying to fight against what I was blessed with, I have learned to accentuate those curves and – using the sneakiest of wardrobe tricks – dress myself slim.

With most women in this country being a size 14, perhaps it's time for us to try simply changing our clothes instead of constantly trying to change our bodies. I think we could all certainly use a good dose of positivity when we’re getting dressed in the morning. If we’re wearing things that make us feel fabulous, then only good things can happen, right?

I’ve put together some simple rules that I personally always try to follow when I am shopping for clothes and putting together outfits.

Rule #1: Always define your waist.

This is so important! When I try things on that look like a tent, I feel like a tent. It’s that simple. With either the pattern, the cut of the garment or the simple addition of a belt – it’s always wise to highlight your waist and show off how tiny it is. It really does instantly give you an hourglass shape, which is so important. Make sure that you’re defining your natural waist, too. Too high, and it can make either your chest or tummy bigger than it; too low and it can make your top half look larger. I cannot tell you how many women I see on a daily basis who aren’t showing off their small waists!

Rule #2: Think “long.”

Next time you’re out shopping or looking at clothes, look for pieces that have long stripes – either going right down the front or down the sides of the garment. Sure, it’s a visual trick on the eyes, but hey, whatever works! Any kinds of long stripes, panels or piping can all make you look longer. Why? Because your eye automatically goes down the length of the garment, and it creates a very slimming effect. They do the opposite of what we all feel horizontal stripes do J

Rule #3: Practice your Geometry.

This is one of my favorite tricks to employ. Beyond just accenting your natural waist, look above and below at what you’re wearing and think of two triangles. Place them on top of one another, with the top triangle upside down and the bottom triangle right side up. Now picture them meeting in the middle … what do you get? A perfect hourglass silhouette. So, if you’re worried about having a larger chest, accent your shoulders. The eye immediately goes up there, and away from your chest. Then, if your waist is accented, the eye immediately drifts down to that tiny waist. And from there, they’ll see your gorgeous hips as your skirt flows away from your body.

Rule #4: Elongate from head to toe.

I get really annoyed when I see square-toed shoes. Stop it! You might as well be cutting your legs right off! A square or super rounded toe will own make your legs look shorter. You want the line of your leg to continue on gracefully … not end abruptly. Try a pointy toe, which can really make your legs look miles longer. Trust me, it works.

Rule #5: Perfect your proportions.

When I’m looking for outfit inspiration, I love looking at style guides, magazines, lookbooks – anything I can get my hands on that shows how different brands pair their pieces together in unexpected ways. You can see from these examples what a nice full skirt does, how a longer top with a short pair of shorts can make your legs look longer and leaner, and how simply tucking a shirt into a skirt can instantly make you look leaner. Try playing with different proportions like these, and you might discover new outfit combinations that give you a boost.

If you give some of these rules a try, you may just find yourself feeling fabulous instead of frumpy … good luck!

Have a nice day

xoxo

3 Things To Consider Before Getting Ombre Hair Color

1. Consider your profession and future aspirations before you go with the bolder shades.
The A-listers have started a trend that essentially looks like “grown out” color, which, thankfully, makes it easier on those of us who just don’t have the time to traipse to the salon every few weeks for a retouch. However, remember, the more creative a person chooses to be with their color shading, the more attention they may acquire.

2. Choose shades that will compliment your skin tone as well as wardrobe choices.
A person can choose one (1) to three (3) colors to shade for the “Ombre” effect. In the warmer months, shoot for lighter, more vibrant shades and in the winter months, choose cooler, more ash tones.
For a dark chocolate beauty: deep reds, coppers, and cool ash make for beautiful choices.
For the caramel-coated lovely: rich browns, coppers, possibly even violets (depending on career character).
For the fair maiden: ash tones, subdued blondes, golden caramel tones will add warmth to her olive skin

3. If there has been a previous color, you WILL NOT be able to achieve the “Ombre” effect successfully without some color correction (or maybe even more drastic measures).
Though it may look as if this now infamous look can be achieved at home, it is necessary to visit a professional establishment for the best results.