Monthly Archives: June 2010
Monthly Archives: June 2010
Woman Seeking Sole Support
I was recently out at a nice wine bar having a lovely time until my eyes settled on this… And I had to will myself not to walk over and request that she put her shoes on. Plus I had to physically turn around to stop staring. Well, only when I was done taking the photo. We know that most designer shoes are not comfortable or even wearable beyond a few hours. And I would be lying if I didn’t admit wanting to remove the designer torture chambers from my feet and allow my wussy soles some regular relief. Case in point – I was the proud owner of the hottest-most-uncomfortable-toe-numbing-can’t-feel-the-balls-of-my-feet Marc Jacobs pumps. I regularly trotted around for about 5 hours before the circulation was completely cut off below my ankles. What’s a woman to do? I knew my shoes would take me out just like an angry dog biting my feet until I fell over. So I switched to a not-as-hot-but-wearable alternate to save my feet from ruin. There are no excuses for doing what she did. We can’t see into the future but we do know this. We are regularly invited out at the last minute after work or in attendance at an event that goes longer than anticipated. And sometimes when we have the perfect day with blue skies, good hair and ballet flats our feet still throw a monkey wrench in the whole thing. Take your cue from Harrison Ford in Working Girl when he pulled out the shirt and changed in his office. Store an extra pair of shoes or sandals in the office or in the carry-on-sized hand bags that we lug around. It will keep the peace and your feet will thank you.
Clutch This!
Summer is finally here and we can set aside the heavy bags for a while. Pick up one of these affordable clutches that are fun for going out and easy to pack for your next vacation. ANd if you want to splurge….
Afflicted with Muffin Top Syndrome
We are women. We have curves. We are supposed to have curves. We should be proud and flaunt them. We should walk with purpose and with class. Unfortunately, the class has waned over the last several years as females of all ages everywhere have become victim to the advent of low cut waists on skinny jeans and skirts. Bellies (and butts) are literally hanging out of clothing without any acknowledgment that this is a terrible look. I literally have to look away because I find it repulsive to see a big ole belly hanging out for all to see. I will be honest and admit that a catty bitchy comment is always on the tip of my tongue. But if I am being really honest, this isn’t funny and I actually feel bad for them. We now have what is commonly called the Muffin Top. As defined by Urban Dictionary “when a woman wears a pair of tight jeans that makes her flab spill out over the waistband, just like the top of a muffin sits over the edge of the paper case.” The New York Daily News was one of the first publications to highlight this. Don’t you love the visual? Do you know that there were actually articles written in the NY Times about this? And by William Safire no less. I am bringing this topic up because summer is upon us and muffin tops abound. If you can wear the low-waist styles, then have at it. But for the rest of us proud curvaceous females, there are plenty of age appropriate stylish options that will show off our bits without really showing them. For example, high waist jeans that provide support around our challenge areas but elongate our bodies. A-line or pencil skirts with a fitted top are equally as sexy as the elusive mini. Silky harem pants or wide legged trousers are also adept at creating a flattering silhouette. You don’t need to buy all of these looks but find a couple of go-to-outfits that you look and feel fabulous in. And if you have an opportunity to save someone from suffering muffin top syndrome, please do so. If not for their sakes, ours.
7%-38%-55% rule
We are oblivious to the amount of verbal and non-verbal cues that communicate how we are feeling. There are literally thousands of cues that we emit with our hands, eyes, placement of feet, etc. Sometimes cues are in sync but when they are not, the silent conflict can sabotage us and the opportunities we are striving for. If we are in a positive and upbeat mood, the cues are usually in sync. For example, leaning in when speaking to our companions with consistent eye contact and maintaining a relaxed stance indicates a high level of comfort with the situation. If we are in an uncomfortable state, the reverse is true. We could say one thing but our body language indicates an entirely different feeling. For instance, crossing your legs or arms during an interview or meeting indicates you are resistant to the situation at hand. Another example of discomfort is if you cannot meet the gaze of the person(s) you are speaking with. There was a controversial study conducted by Albert Mehrabian in the late 60s and 70s that is still generating conversation and consistently referenced in most image, body language and life coaching resources. 7% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in the words that are spoken. (1) 38% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is paralinguistic (the way that the words are said). 55% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in facial expression. Securing a handle on the subtle yet impactful cues we and others are emitting would help us greatly in both our professional and personal lives. 1. Allen Chapman, BusinessBalls.com “Professor Albert Mehrabian’s communications model”
How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?
It really it depends on the style of the cut. Longer hair requires less maintenance, but when it starts to look and feel rough on the ends, it is a good idea to get it evened out. If you don’t, the ends will continue to split and break off. There is a lot of truth in the old saying trimmed up hair grows more evenly (not faster). Evening out the ends can help to keep the hair looking healthier, and cleaner, but at some point it becomes impossible to catch all of the split ends. Short styles obviously lose shape faster as it grows out, and the frequency of the cut depends on the desired look. So talking to your stylist about frequency is the best thing to do, since they know your hair. By Jeannette Farrell, Master Colorist at Cinta Salon
Weekend Necessities for the Men
Summer is upon us and we have to make sure the men look as good as the ladies. Incorporate some or all of these hip pieces and make the weekend getaway easy to pack for.
Wrist Garnish
We spent all winter adorning our décolletage with bib necklaces of all sizes, shapes and jewels. But summer has finally arrived with gorgeous bracelets in tow. There are many affordable options to beautify our wrists with and here is a sampling for you.
