Reflections on a Beauty Make-Over.

Just recently I was asked by a client “Where do I go to get my make-up done?” As always, I was honest…I said “Oh God, I haven’t done that in so long!” I felt a little guilty admitting that. I mean, I’m a stylist. I help women look and feel fabulous. “How could I stop at clothing and let my make-up or skin care go?” So, I started searching out different lines and make-up artists and decided to try one.

I normally don’t have my make-up done for events. I usually just do my own for fear I’ll head out to the event not looking like myself. So, I avoided it until a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to give it a go because it honestly has been over 4 years since I had my make-up refreshed and for that matter my skin care. I pick up skin care products here and there but haven’t gone through a start to finish routine with a line in forever.

I found Christina, in Palm Beach Gardens, at the YSL counter in Nordstroms. She was recommended by Tina, the great lady who helps me with my perfume obsession! Christina asked me questions about my lifestyle and my comfort zone. I told her looks I like but hesitate to try because it seems like “too much make-up.” She really listened and I felt very comfortable with her. I left that counter feeling so good. I felt refreshed and certainly myself, just updated!

I was so pleased with my make-up and with the way my skin felt the day after my event, that I talked to Christina about hosting a “YSL Master Class.” I was to invite some friends, and Christina and two other YSL colleagues would guide us through a tutorial on the YSL skincare routine and make-up application.

I think it’s safe to say we all felt refreshed and beautiful. Everyone left with goodie bags of YSL products and Tina even had perfume samples for us to take home! It was so much fun being pampered. And, 5 of us( who really don’t know each other all that well), enjoyed some much needed girl time!

The most thought provoking comment I heard after the event was “Theo, I just didn’t realize how much I let myself go.” And, I felt the same way. Self care means different things to different people. The way I look and dress says a lot about how I feel about myself.

If you read my post “I. Feel. Pretty,” (you can read it here,) you would see why this type of self care is important to me. We all get busy. We put off things like facials or manicures because they fall so far down the priority list. I came away holding on to that incredible feeling of being refreshed and updated. I also felt this from the women who were with me. It was fun watching one another transform. I loved listening to the compliments and suggestions.

So, whatever it is that may rejuvenate you…I suggest doing it more often! Go for the make-over and then to lunch with some friends. Take a hike with the love of your life. Spend time reading or picking out a new outfit. Find that “thing” that puts a spring in your step and do more of it.

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Effortless Hostess Outfits for the Upcoming Spring Season!

Alice and Olivia Denim Romper

Are you hosting a celebration at home this Spring? a Graduation Party? or even just a gathering? I like to have some “go to’s” to make hosting effortless (at least the outfit part!)

I love hosting gatherings and it doesn’t even have to be for a specific occasion or holiday. I prefer having company over so that we can relax and spend some quality time together without rushing out of a restaurant and cutting a visit short. Ever since we moved to Florida, it has been especially important for us to host dinners or cookouts. It has been a nice way to get to know other families and make new friends.

I enjoy making the evening a little more special by adding some small touches.

I like to try out some tasty apps or a unique novelty drink. It almost always is something Greek so that people have a little taste of our ethnicity. I like guests to feel welcome here and want them to look forward to another visit.

The same applies to my outfits. I like to put thought into what I’m wearing because I feel putting effort into my outfit says “This is special and I’m so glad you came!”

I’m going to list some do’s and don’ts and then at the end show you some of my fav hostess outfits. I’m going to make this quick because I bet if you’re hosting you already have enough to do!

Choose…

• Something that doesn’t make you hot! If you’re like me and experiencing your own personal Summers you don’t need to wear something that doesn’t breathe! I try to choose short sleeves, sleeveless or sleeves that once rolled up, stay up!

• An outfit that doesn’t require uncomfortable shoes. I always try to pick an outfit that coordinates with a platform, flatform, ballet flat or sandal.

• An outfit that isn’t fussy. For example, if you’re using your oven you don’t need long flowy sleeves that will get in the food or in the dishwater!

• Choose an outfit that you have worn before so you know how comfortable it is.

  Stay away from…

• Clothes that need to be dry cleaned.

• Necklines that are low. If you’re serving your guests an appetizer that is all you want to serve them!!

• Clothing that needs altering and you just haven’t had the chance to get it done. If pants need to be hemmed and you are dying to wear the outfit make sure to do it prior to your company. You don’t want to be tripping over them!

• An excess of jewelry. Long necklaces and lots of bangles can get in the way.

• Don’t pick something that is so dressy your company will feel like they missed the memo.

  Here are some suggestions from this season and my most fav stores and designers…

Check out Blessed Boutique.for this look.

You may have seen this outfit from one of my posts about Blessed Boutique. Ecru shorts-The most flattering bottoms, every woman should own. Kanna shoes-like walking on pillows-another wardrobe must-have! Comfy and cute…any tee or top will pair so well with these shorts.

This outfit is great for a cookout and the wedge sandal takes the casual feel up a notch. Cute for hosting a ladies lunch for mom’s (before school is released for Summer!)

James Perse knit shirts are so comfy and have been on their line for a long time. They are tried and true…I wear them back with so many bottoms. I enjoy any khaki pant but especially this one from Zadig et Voltaire. The black and gold stripe adds some fun interest and so do the Meline sneakers.

I love this feel for something a little more casual. I would wear this when hosting the kids friends and families.

And, when we want to celebrate an accomplishment, like 8th grade moving up, this is how I would get Spring Festive. A little funky with the sequin Rolling Stone tee and Leopard Skirt, from Alice and Olivia. (Of course I’d leave the leather jacket out).

This outfit screams “Let’s celebrate!”

I hope you enjoyed my selections…there can be so many more to choose from. Still stuck? Check out Ways to Work With Theo…I’d love to help!

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I'm all about dusters!!

I am drawn to these! I love long cardigans.

I guess by now you can tell I have lots of obsessions! Dusters have always been something that stops me in my tracks.

JOHNNY WAS

Pair them with jeans, shorts, dresses and/or trousers to elevate the look of your outfit. One of the best things about these accent pieces is that no matter where you live they are super versatile.

I love them in Florida because the air conditioning is always cranked and a layering piece is a necessity. By using a duster you get a whole different look than a shawl or basic cardigan. A duster adds so much more interest!

SHOW ME YOUR MUMU

In areas where the weather can swing from Summer to Fall or Winter to Spring, quickly and often sporadically, a duster offers warmth and style. AND, your outfit doesn’t have to be hidden under that coat! It’s out there for all to see, especially when the weather is in transition stages.

JOHNNY WAS

The best thing about dusters is that you don’t have to have full length ones. If you feel swallowed up in something longer there are great options in 3/4 length. I especially like those for traveling and for my clients who can’t carry off the length of the long ones. They may not necessarily be called “dusters” but they offer the same effect with “dressing up” an outfit.

Why not give one a whirl? If you have trouble styling these check out the ways to work with me! And, let’s chat about it! I’d love to help you!

AND, Keep an eye out on my insta and FB this week for some of my favorite picks!

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I am camouflage obsessed!

I have always been drawn to Camouflage. I love the combo of colors. I’ve actually come to think of it as a neutral.

I often wonder if I’ll ever tire of it? But, I keep going back! Designers have mixed the color combinations of this fun print and I love the freshness of that! I also love that I can find and wear it year round which means I really get my money out of it.

The funny thing about this is, I’m normally not a print person. I wear a lot of solids and usually throw in some sort of accent piece to add a bit of excitement.

Maybe camo isn’t your thing? I get it! It’s not for everyone. But, are you drawn to a particular print? Or do you shy away from prints altogether?

There are so many prints out there and I have often found that people are drawn to some more than others or one in particular. Ditsy florals, geometric prints, Ikat patterns and animal prints just to name a few. Some patterns are more bold and are better as accent pieces. Others are not so overwhelming and can be worn all over. It takes a strong attraction for me to wear a print all over!

So, whether you’re a “camo freak” or not here are some cute ways of adding a fun print to shake up an everyday outfit!

I like toppers (except for the heat of Summer, and this little jacket (from Curate, North Palm Beach, FL) is a fun way of mixing some camo into my casual looks. The hood is removable and the gold stars add some fun! The jacket has some stretch and a cute little drawstring on the inside to cinch in the waist. Gold stars are on the front!

Here’s where I get into trouble…I love the print in pants…so I have a few pairs of camo printed bottoms! (insert eye roll!)

This particular pant is super soft and from “Mother Denim” I like the flair that the stripe gives and they are sooooo soft because they are a cotton/linen mix. They look just as good with converse as they do a pump or shoe boot. No, that is not a sandwich in my hand it’s a tray of Christmas ornaments!!!

And, who doesn’t love a fun accessory??

Another item from one of my favorite haunts, Curate! (North Palm Beach, FL). I love the pink version of the camo print. It adds a little bit of spice to any of my basic jean and tee combos.

You may have seen this India Hicks scarf on my Instagram. It’s super soft and I love all the “lucky” bugs embroidered on it! It’s a great square size so I can do lots with it!

So, find some prints and add some interest to your wardrobe! Don’t be afraid to experiment with them! Life’s too short to always wear solids!!!

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I. Feel. Pretty.

How often do you say “I feel pretty” to yourself? There is more negative talk running through my head sometimes than I care to admit. We all know why we shouldn’t say things to ourselves that we wouldn’t say to our best friends. The more we say it the more we believe it and what a vicious cycle it becomes.

I really struggled with writing this particular post because I truly believe that I am the last person to give advice on this topic. I was recently inspired by a movie that we watched as a family.  “I Feel Pretty” is a movie about a young woman, Renee, who wrestles with major insecurity issues. She believes that she is judged solely by her physical appearance. She looks at herself in the mirror and she doesn’t even have to speak for you to know the amount of self loathing going on in her head.  She thinks tall, gorgeous models don’t grapple with the same insecurities. Sound familiar? Renee has a bad fall in her Soul Cycle class and comes to with an incredible new confidence. It is amazing the power it gave her over her career and love life. WOWZA! I thought it was great and maybe not in the way of an Oscar nomination but because it could resonate with so many women.

So, what does it take to silence those negative voices in our heads?

Wouldn’t it be nice if  all it took was a little knock in the head  to come to with this new found confidence? Were we all born with massive self confidence and somewhere along the way lost it? Do many women have a great deal of it and Renee and I are not the norm? Either way, this movie got me thinking...I tried to pay attention to the times that “I felt pretty”. Quite honestly because I like “liking myself” much more than “loathing myself” and I want to feel that way more often. I would like to clarify here what “I feel pretty” means to me. “I feel pretty” doesn’t just mean that I feel like I look good.  It means I feel strong, I feel confident, I have my act together and I’m doing a good job raising my kids. It means I don’t have trouble speaking up and I can be taken seriously because I’ve taken time to care for myself and I am important.

Fashion excites me...it’s how I express myself. When I make an effort “I feel pretty.”

Soon after this movie, I began the  painful process of packing for a trip to Italy with my husband. We would be with 150 of his colleagues and their spouses on an exclusive cruise starting in Rome. We would have private tours, fine onshore dinners, wine tastings and lots of special events. So what’s so terrible about that?  Full disclosure...I stress about being with people outside of my element. I guess it means that I stress about being with people who are working and are “successful”.  I realized how important it is to me to feel “put together” when on these sabbaticals. I feel my best and most confident when I love what I’m wearing and don’t have any hesitation about how it looks or if it makes me comfortable! Out came the rolling rack, itinerary, suitcase, accessories and shoes. I really took the time to think through what I was bringing and it didn’t matter if I had a suitcase that was a little heavier or if I wasn’t going to wear the item with more than one outfit.   Fashion is how I express myself. It excites me! And, when I’m dressed, “I feel pretty.” When I make an effort…”I feel pretty.” Even on excursions when we were hiking or doing meditative yoga on the ship  I was careful to pack clothes that I felt really good in. This planning was so worth the time. And now I remind myself of this daily!

Fashion affects us

So, of course there comes the argument that beauty and confidence should come from within. What would I want to teach my daughter? Do I want her to believe that her worth comes from her “style”?  NO, but what I do want her to know is that fashion can affect your self confidence. It actually has been studied and is called “enclothed cognition”.  Adams and Galinsky, the researches, basically found “clothes can have profound and systematic psychological and behavioral consequences for their wearers.”  They also stated “although the saying goes that clothes do not make the man our results suggest they do hold a strange power over their wearers.”

Every day we are faced with the decision of what to wear, right?!

Why not make the most of it?

Don’t dread the process...pick the items that make you feel fabulous. We all have certain items in our closet that make us feel at ease when we wear them.  Certainly don’t pick the things that make you question yourself or make you uncomfortable! Life’s too short for that!

Don’t wait for the trip or the movie to make you think of what makes you feel pretty. You don’t have to be going to a special place or event. Just know that what you have on has an impact on your self confidence.

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