| How To Look Fabulous in a Recession - March 09 |
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How To Look Fabulous in a Recession by Kandy Russo "Pare Down" has been my catch cry for some time! Pare down everything, your environment, your wardrobe, your life. In these interesting times, we can't afford to look ostentatious on any level. The look now is "Classic Chic", simply achieved by buying better but buying less. There is no reason or excuse not to look and feel fabulous everyday. All it takes is a little thought and planning. You don't have to "put all your money on your back" anymore, as my father would say! Regarding hair, if you can't afford the high maintenance look, don't even try to go there. Your hairdresser is your best friend, so find a good one that you can afford. There's no point "blowing" your hair allowance if you can't maintain it. If things are really tight, remember the KISS principle, Keep It Simple Silly! That means no radical colour changes, and go for simple cuts that require a trim every 6 weeks. Shiny, soft tresses look fabulous, so treat your hair with a Mask of Olive Oil. While you are there, Olive Oil is a great skin moisture boost after a body scrub with a brush or a mit. My favourite is the Riffy Mit. Apply Oil, wrap up in your toweling robe and relax! Shampoo at least twice to remove the Olive Oil, and blow dry soft, shiny hair. Regarding nails, find a nail bar that is affordable for a manicure every week, or stretch that to every 10-14 days by applying a top coat. The best nail product is Revitanail. It's the best nail hardener on the market. Apply this over your manicure to keep the colour at its best. If you "do" your hands and feet yourself regularly, organize your own "Salon" in your bathroom and pamper yourself. Keep nails trimmed, cuticles pushed back and moisturized. Nothing looks worse than dry extremities. Regarding teeth, this is the first thing that people see. Floss twice a day, and always keep your mouth fresh and healthy. It'll add years to your life! We can all spend "forever" on Make-Up, but install the KISS principle here too. Buy basics like mascara in less expensive brands such as Maybelline. But don't buy the waterproof mascara as it pulls your eyelashes out. Replace your mascara every 6 weeks to reduce the risk of any eye infections. Buying blush and lip gloss will not break the bank, and a little effort is all that's required to look polished. A fabulous facial exfoliant is sugar. A teaspoon at the centre of your palm is all you need. Add a little water and apply to face. Simply rinse off to a smooth, polished face... very Eco-friendly! Accessories are the most important part of your overall "look". Invest in the accessory department. Again, buy less and buy better. Care for your leather goods. Protect them with a leather spray prior to their first outing. Keep them polished and loved, and this will extend their life, give you pleasure, and pay dividends on your investment. "Feed" your shoes, bags and belts with Leather Dew or a similar product. When nothing else is on hand, use hand cream. Shoe trees keep your shoes in good shape. No more deep wrinkles! These can be picked up in Ikea in bulk for those of you that are shoe fanatics. Adopt the Classic Chic look for your wardrobe. You will always look fabulous and never overdone --- overdone is so "Not Now"!! Utilise what you have, and edit your wardrobe regularly. Don't over buy or impulse buy. This is when you can make costly mistakes. What looks better than the best fit jeans and white shirt? Classic Chic at its best. Add a Trench, Pea Coat or Blazer and Boots in the Winter. Replace with sandals in Summer or Loafers in Spring, change your belt, add a gorgeous scarf and you are away! My advise to my clients is to spend time finding a pair of jeans that fit fabulously, as there are so many cuts and fits. I make it a point to source the best jean for my clients. Sometimes it can take a couple of hours, but those hours are well spent. Then you will know what to try on next time, saving you precious time and frustration. If you need the retail therapy "zing" to break the boredom, check out Supre, but again be careful not to over buy! Supre is cheap, fun, and often you can pick up the leatest ruched leggings and funky tees to add to your gym wardrobe, or a Black jersey top to update your jeans, skirt or leggings for that Easy Chic look. BASIC WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS:
AND REMEMBER, LESS IS MORE! Kandy Jane Russo is a personal stylist who has been dressing people all her life. She is generous with her expertise and knowledge of how to look and feel fabulous everyday, skilled in shopping equally for the rich or the more financially challenged! Whether you need a Total Wardrobe Rescue, 3 hours of "seasonal shopping", or just wardrobe and styling tips, go to : www.whatwilliwear.com.au
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