May's Good Buys

Let’s see…

Sunglasses? Check!
Denims? Check!
Spring and summer shoes? Check!
Dresses? Check!
Tanks and tees? Uh….won’t mine from last year work?

The answer, my friend, is ‘no!’ As we enter the month of May – the last official month of spring – we must insure that we’ve our warm-weather wardrobe intact, and that includes the little, lightweight things.

We must purge our tank and tee collection right now. Sure, those white t-shirts purchased a year ago might look okay, but hold one up to a shiny, bright new one and you’ll see the difference. Some tees lose their shape after a few spins in the washing machine. Trust me, you’re better off saying ‘sayonara’ to them all and welcoming in a new batch.

Tees and tanks reign supreme as the most versatile items in our wardrobe and the most affordable. (Personally, I go with Hanes Her Way – the three pack – that I can easily pick up at my neighborhood Target for around $10). We can wear these little miracles just about everywhere and with everything: Pair one with a jacket and skirt for the office; get rid of the skirt and jacket and put on a pair of jeans or lightweight trousers – viola – you’ve got your weekend look together!

Layering t-shirts and tank tops is also a really good styling trick and a great way to get different looks. Open yourself up to colors you normally wouldn’t choose: Layering two colors that pick up the print in a skirt make for a visually interesting look.

Do consider your bras when shopping for tanks and tees. Calvin Klein’s T-shirt bra still reigns supreme, in my humble opinion. The smooth texture and extraordinary fit are the only way to go underneath your t-shirts.

Gals of a certain shape will benefit from a Lycra cami with a built-in bra and adjustable straps. Wear it under anything, and notice the support and smoothness you’ll get in return. Word or caution: Lycra fits snugly, so it won’t be as cool on those sweltering summer days.

The temperature is rising, so stay cool, my friends – literally and figuratively!

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!
online consultations available!

Repainting the Barn

Several years ago, I witnessed a woman reapplying her lipstick. Her husband looked at her and said, “The barn sure does look better with a fresh coat of paint.” At the time, I thought it funny that he compared his wife to a barn. Looking back, it’s a little sad, but I think he meant well by it. And his phrase about the new coat of paint stuck with me….

Chalk it up to spring fever (particularly following a REAL winter down here in Houston), but this is the time of year in which I ‘repaint the barn’ by taking a very careful inventory of my current style. I’m discovering that certain outfits I bought just a year ago simply don’t work for me anymore, my winter skin-care regimen must be replaced, and it’s time to lighten up in certain areas (my hair), and darken others (hello, tan!) I’m also taking heed of new makeup tips thrown my way.

Evolving is part of life, and while it’s important to grow as humans, I think it’s equally important to grow in style. You haven’t changed a bit is not a phrase I want to hear.

Does that make me a vain person? Yes, of course it does – I’ll own up to the fact that I’m probably far too focused on how I present myself to others than I should be.

Trust me, though, on this: there’s a certain rush that comes from tweaking one’s look. An incredible excitement comes into play when we try a new lipstick, wear a color other than black, and go bold with a new haircut.

Of course, my outlook on style need not mirror your outlook on style. Your priorities may be far different than mine. I do, however, encourage you to utilize this wondrous time of year and at least reflect upon your current look and perhaps consider ‘repainting the barn’.

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!