worth sharing

I just cast my votes in Sephora's "2008 best of sephora" beauty product ballot.  At the end they ask you, "What's your beauty secret/tip?".  Well, I thought since I was willing to share it with Sephora, I should share it with you.

My eyelashes are very straight.  To give my shu uemura eyelash curler a little help, I tilt the eyelash curler (while holding lashes) back towards my upper eyelid.  Instead of pressing and pressing and pressing, I just hold and tilt that curler.

That's just one of my beauty habits.

Any beauty secrets or tips you want to share?

Really?

I just found a great tip in the Real Simple August issue to help all divas prevent sweat stains from ruining their gorgeous summer white shirts.

All you need to do is sprinkle a little baby powder on the underarms and collar of a shirt, then iron. The powder forms a barrier that prevents oil and dirt from seeping into your shirt.

I haven't tried this out yet; but it's so quick and easy I hope it works!!

Thanks to Real Simple for teaching us new ways to take of ourselves.

remember to look down

Summer officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere next week.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind every one to look at their feet, especially their toes, when choosing their shoes for the day. No matter how tempting, if you look at your toes and wouldn't want anyone else to look at them, DO NOT wear open toe shoes.

Here are a few guidelines for summer toes:

You do not have to have the perfect pedicure day after day to show off your toes. You do need to cover up (better yet, remove) chipped nail polish.

You don't need to wear toe nail polish. You do need clean, filed toenails.

Use a pumice stone on your feet at least three times a week.

Know when to call in a professional. If you are completely helpless when it comes to your feet, get a pedicure and watch what the technician does.

Feel free to pass this information along to any "known offenders".

the right one

Choosing your hairdresser should be like choosing the person you want to spend the rest of your life with; when you have the right one, you just know.

I have been in the "growing out my hair" phase for the past 18 months. I have had a few maintenance cuts in the last year and a half, but my hair was lacking style.

My biggest challenge was finding someone I could trust. I was happy enough with the previous person who had cut my hair, but I really wanted some texture. I heard too many horror stories in previous months of haircuts gone bad to just "roll the dice".

I started by asking friends where they got their hair cut. Unfortunately, I didn't get many glowing recommendations. Just when I was going to give up my search and stick to a boring haircut (better safe than sorry), I meet a friend of a friend who was a hairdresser. As Holly and I chatted throughout the evening she mentioned that she thought my hair needed "a little something" and would love to cut my hair.

I liked her and thought if she was bold enough to say that to me, I was brave enough to take a chance. I got my new haircut a few weeks ago. Thanks to Holly, my long, straight Asian hair has pizazz. It's still plenty long, but now it's got style and texture.

up next: new haircut = new styling products

going to Brazil

That's the phrase a friend of mine uses when she's going to get a Brazilian Wax.

Another friend and I were discussing what happens when you "go to Brazil". Actually, she asked questions and I was able to answer them. My girlfriends questions were similar to my own many years ago. Pain level? Irritation? Back there too, how?

I will spare you most of the details of my personal grooming habits. I will tell you that I once had a bikini wax in Chicago and hated it. A few years later, while living in NYC, some friends gave me a gift certificate to get a Brazilian Wax at the place to get one, J Sisters. Since I was technically their boss I wasn't sure if this was a gift or retribution.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. So I took my gift at face value and booked an appointment for a Brazilian Wax. I was in and out of the salon in 20 minutes and had no pain or irritation. And I've never been the same since then. I was so thrilled by how "clean" I felt that I wanted to show the world. Seriously.

I told my girlfriend there's nothing like that feeling. I even "demonstrated" the pose for "getting back there". She has been waxing at home for 20+ years and is looking forward to finding a reputable person near her so she too can "go to Brazil".

I did warn her that once you start, you never want to go back.

diva tip: If you think you might be sensitive take an over the counter pain medicine before your appointment. And even seasoned waxees don't get waxed near that "time of the month".

Think happy thoughts.

How does a diva sit in the sun?

I told you I was going to the Caribbean. I didn't tell you that I haven't really sat in the sun much in the last 20 years. I like sunshine, I just don't stay in one spot for hours on end with the sole purpose of getting a good tan. Skin cancer is super scary and would really effect my vanity (if it didn't kill me).

My plan when I'm in sun the next few days is to heavily arm myself with sunscreen. For my face I just purchased MD Skincare's Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion. I decided to try this for my face because it's formulated with iron-encapsulating technology that binds to iron left on the skin by tap water and perspiration and prevents the iron from doing damage to collagen. It's also loaded with antioxidants.

I can be sensitive to sunscreens so tried it at home for a couple of days. No use in bringing it if it's going to wreck havoc on my skin (and I'd rather find that out before a trip instead of during). I didn't have any problems with this sunscreen so it makes the cut. I liked the lightweight texture and didn't notice any type of scent.

My body will be slathered with Neutrogena's Ultra Soft Hydrating Sunblock with SPF 30. It lives up to it's label of "feels like a body lotion". It's a non-greasy, lightweight lotion that's hydrating and offers UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreens. It's also waterproof and sweat-proof; great for an occasional cooling off pool dip.

Neutrogena is available at most grocery and drug stores and online at drugstore.com. MD Skincare is available at select Sephora and Nordstrom stores, and online at beauty.com, sephora.com and nordstrom.com.

If you're looking for me, I'll be by the pool. Reapplying my sunscreens every 90 minutes.

why spring cleaning is a good idea

I wrote a post last week about Spring Cleaning. After following my own advice and tackling boxes and bags of clothes and other miscellaneous items that seemed to just be hanging out, I not only have more space and less clutter, I have removed some past fashion mistakes.

Not in any particular order, here are a few no-no's that went bye-bye.

High Rise pants. These don't stop at your belly button, they actually cover it and hit the smallest part of your torso just under your ribcage. I found a few pairs and thought, "high rise is making a comeback, let's see just see what they look like". The good news is that they still fit. The bad news is that they not only look hideous but they are so uncomfortable I can't believe I once wore pants like this for 12 hours a day.

Tops that stop at your hips. The surefire way to emphasize the widest part of your body. And leaving these tops untucked with those high rise pants certainly couldn't have been a very good look.

Crop tops. These definitely only worked with the high rise pants. I haven't worn these in at least seven years (hopefully longer). The fact that I moved a few times and just couldn't part with these is just silly.

This was a case when I had no problem getting rid of a fashion faux pas, or three. I couldn't get to Goodwill quick enough.

What fashion mistakes are you hiding?

Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. Celebrate by "Spring Cleaning" your wardrobe.

Get rid of the winter clothes you didn't wear this past season. Chances are that if you didn't wear it this winter, you won't wear it next winter either.

Re-assess last year's Spring and Summer items. Are there any trendy items you won't wear? Were there some items that were never right and you found yourself fussing when you were wearing them?

Try clothes on if you're pulling them out of storage. Do you still like the fit? Did you miss a stain? Does anything need to be repaired? Is it still in fashion?

Take any shoes or handbags to the cobbler for repair. It's much less expensive to repair or re-sole your favorite leather sandals than it is to buy a new pair. By taking them in early, your shoes will be ready to wear on the first warm (and dry) day.

If you're struggling with the "getting rid of it" aspect, think of positive things to do with your purges. Donate it to a local woman's shelter, give it to a friend who would love to wear it or drop it off at Goodwill. Just don't hold onto it.

Still seem like to much to handle? Call in a professional. A Professional Organizer. They can help you make those decisions you've been delaying. If you happen to live near Stamford, CT, call Professional Organizer Matt Baier (my brother-in-law), otherwise go to NAPO.net for a local referral.

worth noting: I just received my April issue of Real Simple magazine today. Check out what Gail Blanke has to say about clutter in her article "declutter your mind" that starts on page 229. Great insight.

Hope you have a great Spring!

Winter Sweater Care

Finally. My thoughts for taking care of your winter sweaters.

Just follow these few simple guidelines and you'll be able to keep your sweaters looking as good as the day you purchased them.

Read the label. "Dry Clean Only" means just that. Clothing labelled "Dry Clean" can usually be washed by hand or machine (gentle cycle). Visit The Laundress for great tips on how to wash cashmere (there's even a video).

Fold, fold, fold. Folding prevents stretching. You can hang lightweight knits on a padded or wood hanger.

Use the proper tools. If you're going to machine wash your cashmere sweaters, use a laundry detergent made specifically for cashmere (I hate to sound like a broken record, The Laundress has a Wool & Cashmere Shampoo). Your sweaters shouldn't go in the machine unless they're in a mesh laundry bag. Be sure you have a few bags so you can wash multiple items and pack them loosely. Remove unwanted pilling and fuzz by using a fabric shaver (some diva's keep a disposable razor in their closet just for this task).

Pest protection. Use lavender or cedar to prevent moths and carpet beetles from ruining your favorite sweaters. Both keep the pests away and keep your knits smelling fresh. You can make your own lavender sachet by tying up loose lavender in a piece of cheesecloth. Cedar needs to be replaced annually and shouldn't be stored with your cottons or linens (those fibers are vulnerable to the wood acids).

diva tip: I like to "air out" my sweater before putting it back in my closet. I drape it over the back of a chair overnight, then fold and put away the next day. This actually gives my sweater a chance to "bounce back" from any stretching it underwent during the day. Some pests are drawn to animal and human hair, so I run a sticky lint remover over my sweater, before I put it away, to get rid of any hair it may have picked up. That also picks up any crumbs that can attract other pests.

I hope you found that information worth the wait. Stay warm!

Denim Basics: Fit and Care

I was having dinner the other night with some girlfriends and we started talking about jeans. I ended up "holding court" when I started revealing most of what I've learned in the last three years selling premium designer denim. Finding the proper fit and how to take care of your jeans seemed to be the most interesting.

Here's the most helpful of what I know.

Fit

By far the most important factor in whether or not you should purchase. When you're ready to take the plunge, here are a few ways to make jean shopping a positive experience.

Do some research. Almost every fashion magazine writes an article once a year about the best fitting jeans. Read it and see if there's a particular brand you'd like to try. Visit a couple of stores just to see what they brands they carry.

Ask for help. Go to the salesperson you hear your friends raving about. Ask a friend you know you can trust to go shopping with you. If you notice someone wearing a pair of jeans you like, find out where they got them.

Be honest and willing to listen. When a salesperson asks you a question, it's not to judge you. They are trying to gather information to help them help you. Seriously. Tell your salesperson what you like (i.e. clean wash, trouser leg) and previous roadblocks (i.e. they tend to gap at waist and are too tight in the thigh). Then try on their suggestions. It also helps if you show them when something isn't working. A good salesperson can find other options based on how a specific brand or style fits you.

While trying on: be sure you sit down in the pair(s) you like the most for a minute or two; you'll be able to see how far they "ride down" your backside and always check what your booty looks like in a three way mirror.

Avoid these common mistakes:
Getting caught up on size. If a larger number in one brand fits better than a smaller number in four other brands, remember that the fit is what matters. Not only can size vary between different brands; size can vary in different styles within one brand. You won't know until you try it on.

Nixing a jean because it's too long. You can get your jeans shortened. And most tailors these days know how to re-attach the original hem if needed. That way you won't lose any cool distressing. Trust me, I've had up to four inches hemmed and you can't tell.

Expecting one pair of jeans to work with every shoe in your closet. If you're buying a pair you want to wear with heels, don't expect them to work with ballet flats. Instead, get a jean just to wear with your lower heeled shoes.

Care

If you want your designer denim to look brand new every time you wear them, you'll have to take them to the dry cleaner after every one or two wearings. Not in your budget? Heed the following tips and you'll be able to keep your denim looking great for a long time.

Wash inside out in cold water only. When clothes rub against each other in the washer, the abrasion can cause fading. Warm or hot water will shrink your jeans.

Use a laundry detergent made for denim. The Laundress makes a great one. A detergent made for dark laundry works too.

AVOID the dryer. Especially in stretch jeans. Drying will cause the stretch to deteriorate over time. If you put your jeans in the dryer because you want them to shrink back down, STOP. They will do this if you just let them air dry. Don't believe me? Try it with your first wash on your next new pair and see if I'm right. The dryer also causes fading.

Hope this helps in your quest for the perfect pair of jeans.

Winterize Your Skin

Now that Winter is in full swing here in Maine, I find myself itching dry legs by the end of the day. It's time to tweak some daily routines.

Here are some guidelines I try to follow this time of year.

It's all about HYDRATION. It's more important than ever to drink those 6 to 8 glasses of water everyday. You'll be able to skip the bloody noses and waking up with a dry throat.

Use hand lotion after washing your hands. Especially after washing the dishes and before going to bed.

Put your facial moisturizer on immediately after patting your face dry from cleansing. If you use a toner, put your moisturizer on when your face is still slightly damp (think of it as "sealing in" the water).

Fine tune your shower habits. Don't use super hot water. Take your shower as quickly as possible. The best way to avoid dry scaly skin: use a dry oil before you towel off, then gently pat yourself dry and apply your regular body lotion. A dry oil is meant to be applied to damp skin and after you've toweled off it will dry quickly and won't stain your clothes.

You may be tempted to exfoliate your dryness away; that's fine, just be gentle. Scrubbing harder will just irritate your skin. Also, try using a scrub blended with oils; that way you can't inflict too much damage.

The habit I simply can not break in Winter is taking baths. Last year I took the small space heater we keep in the bathroom and aimed it at tub while I was bathing. That helped serve two purposes: the water did not cool down much in thirty minutes and I wasn't chilled when stepping out of the tub. During Winter, I like to use a sugar scrub (blended with oils of course) when I first get in the water and then I enjoy my soak without feeling like I'm shrivelling up like a prune. I also mix a bath oil in with my bath gel, that way I get moisture and bubbles!

Gotta go, I think I hear my tub calling me now, stay warm!

Worth the Price You Pay

You would probably agree with me that some things are worth the price you pay. That being said, it’s worth a little leg work to get the best.

These three are worth doing some investigating to make sure you get quality work that meets your standards.

Shoe Cobbler
Tailor
Dry Cleaner

You may not need the shoe cobbler very often, but having a good one that saves your favorite pair of designer shoes after you break the heel is definitely worth knowing. And if you have a great tailor, you won’t mind buying pants that have a great fit but are two inches too long. You now know someone who can alter them for you.

They best way to find the top tailor/cobbler/dry cleaner in your city is to ask around. A word-of-mouth recommendation can be your greatest lead to finding exactly who you're looking for. Start by asking friends or co-workers. If they don't know either, try your favorite clothing boutique. Chances are they use a specific tailor and know other quality establishments.

Ask a few questions of whoever gives you the recommendation.
What do you like about the tailor?
How long have you been using him/her?
How was the quality of the work you had done?
Have you ever had any problems? If so, were they resolved?

If you happen to get a bad review, but are willing to give that particular person a chance, take one thing to get repaired. Then judge the quality of the work and decide if you want to take the rest of your items there or look for someone else.

Diva tip: be prepared for a stain emergency, keep a Madame Paulette Stain Remover Kit in your handbag, briefcase or suitcase. Each stain remover kit comes with instructions and 3 different formulas that treat the 3 primary stain groups. They also list steps to remove complex stains like pizza, gravy and red wine. The price may seem a little steep at $50 for 5, but when you save your new sweater or pants from being ruined, you'll know it's worth the price you paid.

holiday considerations

The holiday season is right around the corner. If you've been in any major department store or discount retailer lately, you'll notice their holiday shops are already set up with ornaments, tree decorations and everything you need to wrap a present.

Gift shopping can create a lot of unnecessary, totally understandable, stress. Who's getting gifts this year? What am I going to buy them? How much money is this going to cost me? Where am I going to find the time to shop?

Diva to the rescue. Here are some guidelines I use so I can enjoy the holiday time spent with my friends and family.

Decide who gets presents. You won’t forget anyone important.

Decide what you’re going to spend on each person. I know you can’t put a price tag on Aunt Sally, cousin Joey or best friend Emily. Do it anyways. If it’s $20 or $2,000, decide how much you want to spend on each person on you list. This will help you see the overall picture. You’re less inclined to overspend on presents when you know that you’ve budgeted $1,000. The key to this rule is actually sticking to your budget and not feeling guilty about what you are or aren't buying. It's a gift, they'll appreciate it. (If they don't, don't buy them one next year.)

IF YOU FOLLOW ONLY ONE RULE, FOLLOW THIS: SHOP EARLY. Especially for the most important person/people on your list. You don't want to wait to buy that something special for your best friend/child/significant other/sibling/parent/grandparent/favorite uncle only to find every store sold out 2 days ago.
I can't emphasize this rule enough. During my 17 years (yikes) in Retail, those who shopped late always ended up spending too much or couldn't find the items they wanted. They also seemed frustrated and unsure of their decisions.

Avoid the crowds, shop online. This should also make shopping early easier.

Create a “wish list” at Amazon.com. Then have all your friends and family do the same. Seriously. Amazon.com offers free shipping (on most items) if you spend over $25; they also gift wrap for a fee. Amazon.com is especially helpful if you live in a small town and don't have great shopping options in your area. And you avoid duplicate gifts because once someone purchases something from your wish list that item is removed from your list.

If you are travelling, ship presents. You don't want to risk getting your luggage, that had all your presents in it, lost on Christmas Eve. You can also ship gifts directly to your final holiday destination with online shopping.

Happy Shopping!!

diva on a budget

Discovering your Diva does not have to break your bank. Here are some hints on ways you can save money for the things you really need.

There are some great makeup lines sold at drugstores. If you're looking for good brushes but don't want to spend more than $15 a brush, check out Sonia Kashuk at Target. Her brushes rival any you'll find at a department store. My favorites are the 03, 04 and 09 eyeshadow brushes. Kashuk also offers a set of 4 smaller brushes in a compact case with a snap clasp for your purse at a mere $12.99. Another line I like is Rimmel (available at Wal-Mart, select Target stores). Rimmel's Vinyl Gloss and nail polish formulas have amazing staying power and a great variety of colors.

For those who wax, save money by doing this yourself. Yes, I know this sounds scary. There are lots of great easy to use products on the market. My favorite is Sally Hansen's No Heat Gel Hair Remover. I have used it on my arms, legs and bikini area and it worked great on all surfaces. Divas devoted to their Brazilian waxing have permission to continue to see a professional for that particular service. I know that once you start having Brazilian's done it's hard to stop and you'll never get the same results doing it yourself.

A couple of tips for virgin waxers. Your hair has to be long enough. I know you think 5 to 7 days of hair might be long enough, it's not. You should wait at least 3 weeks after your last shave before you wax. The wax needs enough hair to "grab" on to. If you can resist your shaver for 7 days you'll notice that your hair is softer when you pass the stubble stage.

If you have a friend who waxes, ask for her help the first time (that's how I learned). Make sure you read and follow the instructions with whatever wax you buy. Some waxes are meant ONLY for face or body.