StyleWorks Newsletter                                   May 2013

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"To the people who love you, you are beautiful already.

This is not because they're blind to your shortcomings but

because they so clearly see your soul. Your shortcomings then

dim by comparison. The people who care about you are willing to

let you be imperfect and beautiful, too."

 

~Victoria Moran
2013.05 Mothers Day

Greetings! 

 Carol Davidson - Red Glasses Looking Right 

Have you seen the video of the Dove Real Beauty Sketches With the help of a forensic artist, this compelling social experiment confirms what many of us have long suspected...women are their own worst beauty critics.  It begs the question, why do we invest so much energy criticizing the things we feel aren't quite right, instead of appreciating what's good and pleasing...and beautiful?

 

It's kind of sad when you think about it, but the good news is that with a conscious effort, we can change the recording that we play in our heads and the way we see ourselves.  As an image consultant, I feel that one of the biggest gifts I give my clients is the ability to not only see, but also embrace, what's wonderful about them.  Over the years I have found that it is never just about the clothes, but rather what the clothes can do for a person's confidence and self-esteem.

 

As I think about my own mom this month, I am reminded that there was not a day that went by that she did not tell me how beautiful and amazing I was.  I can't say I believed it all the time, but I can say that it had a significant impact on the woman that I've become today and my need to help others feel this way.  So thank you, Mom...and to all of the amazing women in my life that continue to build me up long after she's gone.  I am very lucky to have such a wonderful support system.

 

In the articles that follow I share with you some of the best style advice my mother ever gave me, plus some tips on how to appear well-rested (and vibrant), even when you are not.  I hope you enjoy them.  And, I also hope you take time to celebrate your mom, sister, cousin, best friend...and yourself.  Know that you are all beautiful and have a profound impact on the lives of others.

 

With warm and stylish regards,

  

CD

  

Carol Davidson

 

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Style Advice from Mom

The best wardrobe advice I ever received did not come from a magazine...it came from my mother.  I loved to shop with her.  She could spot the word 'sale' across a selling floor, knew whether an item would work (or not) without trying it on and understood that you can be both comfortable and stylish.  Whether in my personal wardrobe or my professional consultations, I find that her wise words often come out of my mouth.  Read on for some of her tips and wisdom.  

 

InvitationHave the right outfit and the occasion will follow.  My mom was a tough fit so when she found something that fit right off the rack and looked great, she never concerned herself with where/when she would wear it.  She trusted that the right occasion would present itself...and it always did. (This pairs nicely with my mantra that it is always easier to say 'yes' to an invitation when you have something to wear!)Buy Two

 

When you love something and it works, buy two.  Mom felt that there was nothing worse than finding a clothing item that was really great and then not being able to find it again.  So our home was like a mini-boutique with things that we wore hanging in our closets, plus a "back stock" of items at the ready should something wear out. Today I find this works very well for the classic wardrobe stapes: a shaped cardigan, crisp white blouse, great looking flats, and so on.

 Sale

Pay retail only when necessary.  My mom believed in only paying full price on an 'investment' item like a winter  coat or suit.  For the other items she believed that you should shop on sale or discount.  I keep this sage advice in mind when I advise clients that they should shop twice a season, at the beginning for the items they must have to complete their wardrobe and at the end for the items that are not critical, but rather nice-to-have.

 

Don't settle for less than great.  I learned at a fairly young age that "good enough" rarely was when it came to my wardrobe.  If the item wasn't a winner (color, fit, style, etc.) and I didn't love it (or at least really like it), then the item stayed in the store. (I grew up on LI - the land of the shopping malls, so there were always other options!) Growing up my mom taught me to be discerning and I still am today...both for myself and my clients.Inside of a Handbag

 

 Carry a bag that's big enough to hold life's essentials.  More often than not, my mom carried a bag big enough to qualify as a carry-on by airline standards today (smile).  While the size of her bag may have been questionable, the contents were not... aspirin, band aids, breath mints, an emery board, hand lotion, safety pins and so on.  Call it the "nurturer" in me, but I like the idea of having whatever I - or those around me - might need at any given time.

 

If you have to ask, don't wear it.  This was my mom's party line, whether the question centered around the length of a skirt, if something went with something else, if the outfit was appropriate for _____ (fill in the blank) and so on.  This taught me that if I had even the slightest hesitation, I probably shouldn't be wearing the clothing item/accessory/outfit in question.  Ironically enough, I deliver this same message every time I speak to corporate groups about image and professionalism.

 

Don't save good clothes, wear them!  My mom believed that clothing should be worn and enjoyed...not saved in the closet for some 'special' occasion.  She believed that there was no day more special than today... and I couldn't agree more.

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Hello, Sunshine! 

Whether you're a mom on-the-go, a busy professional or both, chances are you can't remember the last time you slept for eight hours straight.  If that isn't bad enough, the tell-tale signs are quick to show up on your face.  While you may not know when you'll actually catch up on your zzzz's, rest assured you can look well-rested in the interim.  For a few simple tips, read on my sleepy compadres.

 

Nars Skin Illuminator  Take three.  A lack of sleep can lead to dull, sallow skin.  To help your skin restore its healthy glow from the inside out, follow these three steps.  First, start your morning with a tall glass of water and repeat several times throughout the day.  Then scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and visually revive tired skin.  Follow up with a rich hydrating moisturizer to plump up fine lines and sooth dehydrated skin.  For an extra boost of brightness, add a drop of illuminating lotion to your regular moisturizer.  One to try is NARS Skin Illuminator in Copacabana).

 

Cucumbers on the eyesKeep cool.  Tired, puffy eyes beg for a little TLC to shrink the capillaries and reduce inflammation.  While placing a used tea bag on the eyes will tame the puff, putting something cold on the eyes is just as effective (and probably less messy).  Cool cucumber slices, a bag of frozen veggies or a cooling eye gel pad (available at any beauty store) will all do the trick.  The five minutes of sitting still and relaxing probably won't hurt either.

 

Conceal to Reveal Conceal to reveal.  Show off a well-rested you.  An under eye concealer can be your BFF.  Make sure the texture is light and creamy.  (Anything thick or dry can bring attention to tired eyes.)  Opt for one that's yellow-based and slightly lighter than your skin tone.  Use a concealer brush to help you reach the inner corners, where shadows create the darkest areas.  One to try is YSL Touche Eclat.Eyelash curler

 

Open wide.  Use an eyelash curler to visually open up tired eyes.  Simple yet effective, makeup artists believe this one small step can have the biggest impact on a tired face.  Finish with a coat or two of mascara and you're good to go.

 

Eye DropsGet the red out.  Bloodshot eyes are easily treated with drops like Visine that contain special ingredients to shrink blood vessels.  In tandem, line the inner rims of your lower lash line with a pale neutral or light blue eyeliner.  Both will brighten the eye area and deemphasize glossy and bloodshot eyes.

 

While these are great tips, let's not forget...a little caffeine and a catnap can go a long way (smile).

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Trade Secret 

       

ABC Carpet and Home    

ABC Carpet and Home

888 Broadway

212.473.3000

www.abchome.com     

 

Moms (and other nurturers) never seem to want for anything.  So this Mother's Day, instead of trying to buy her a gift that you think she will n-e-e-d, why not instead buy something that you think she'll w-a-n-t?  The more frivolous, luxurious and special, the better.  And, where better to look than ABC Carpet and Home?  A visit to ABC has often been compared to taking a fantasy tour of your very rich and very well-traveled ancestor's attic.  The parlor floor boasts an eclectic collection of beautiful gift items including jewelry, apparel, accessories, books, CDs, decorative pillows, housewares, stationery, and so on.  A dynamic mixture of old and new, East meets West, formal and country, traditional and modern, classic to funky, their selection is tasteful and well-edited, not to mention filled with things she never would have bought herself.  Invariably she'll say that you shouldn't have, but she'll be so glad you did. Bonus: they do a bang up job with gift wrapping (smile).

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Buy a gift...

  

Get a gift.

 

It fits and flatters.  It gets redeemed and not returned.  Give the gift of image enhancement and you give Mom (or any other amazing woman in your life) a gift that makes her not only look, but feel terrific!

 

StyleWorks Gift Certificates are available for any of our services (image assessment, wardrobe analysis, and personal shopping).  Custom packages are available as well.

 

And, best of all...give a StyleWorks gift certificate (minimum two hours) and receive a complimentary hour of image assessment, closet analysis or personal shopping for you.

Finally, a 'gift with purchase' that you will actually use and enjoy!

 

For additional details, please contact Carol Davidson.

Offer expires 6/15/13.

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