I’m not posting about outfits this time….we covered alot of those in the weeks approaching Christmas. And very possibly, you got cute things for Christmas and your outfit is ready to go. You know all about glamming it up for out on the town or cozy, warm outfits for home with friends by the fire….which we won’t need this year in Nashville, too warm! So, we need to talk about the details….those pesky little things that need to be paid attention to before you walk out the door.
Let’s talk hair. Since mine is just growing back out from being bald….not fun, trust me….I am having to really spend time using hair “stuff’; products, dryers, and most importantly a handheld mirror. Although I can do a finger fluff, a mirror tells me where I need some product or curling or brushing in the back. Even if you have long hair you pull back into a clip or ponytail, etc., check the back. You can look great from the front and have a mess from behind!
The second thing to check before leaving are the pieces of clothing themselves. If it’s new…probably no worries. But if you are pulling something out of the closet check each item. Those beautiful loosely woven, glittery sweaters are notorious for thread pulls. They’ll catch on anything. Fix them (pull the thread back to the inside or gently stretch material the direction of the pull til back in place) as best you can then put a small dab of clear fingernail polish on the inside of the garment at the place, hopefully that will hold it. If you are wearing something sheer, make sure you have the proper undergarments. This includes checking for panty lines. We are not tramps! Pants need to have the hems checked regularly. I many times see women walking around with pant hems falling out. It’s so unsightly. If you are wearing jeans, they need to be examined for dirt and fit. Jeans are pieces of clothing we wear all the time and it’s easy to forget to throw them in the wash. Plus, washing and drying, if you can (I don’t dry most of mine, they’ll be too tight), keeps them fitting as they should.
Another thing to check is of course your shoes. They should be clean and well-kept. Whether you think so or not, fit is important to the total look with shoes also….sandals especially should not be flopping about on your foot. Too small is not a very neat look either. And while we are talking shoes, let’s talk feet. A good pedicure is priceless when wearing sandals, peeptoes, or slingbacks. If there’s no time, then touch up what you can if you have on polish. And a mixture of lotion and baby oil gel on legs and feet will work wonders for warding off what the drying heat and freezing cold can do to skin. Plus, the gel gives a little shine.
If makeup is a mystery, stop by a favorite makeup counter in a department store or a free-standing retailer like Origins or Sephora and have them show you what looks best on you and also how to apply it. And a magnified mirror helps here too! Going the natural route will never be wrong but a little glitz is fun also. Or maybe you just want a bold red lip. Have an expert show you how. Some places require appointments or purchases. Ask for all the info beforehand.
After you’ve finished all the above, decide what accessories are going to finish your look best. Gloves, scarves, jewelry? Too much can be overwhelming so add these pieces with a critical eye.
And lastly, leave with a plan to get home safely. There are some crazies out there!!
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and enjoy the last holiday of 2011. It’s been an eventful year for me. I am definitely ready to greet 2012 doing what I love, helping my clients, and staying away from doctors….although I do have enormous respect and thanks for mine. Thank-you to all of you also that have hired me to help you and that follow this blog. My gift to you…..a painting by one of my favorite painter’s.
Happy New Year!
Normal Rockwell for The Saturday Evening Post, 1944
Tags: accessories, make-up application, New Year's Eve style advice, Norman Rockwell, shiny sweater, shoe fit
