The Holidays are over, but it’s still snowy and cold. Some days it’s sunny and cold, and other days it’s kind of warm, and then cold. Light lingers a few more minutes each day, but it’s fair to say we are, right now, in the dead of winter. These conditions may lead to what’s commonly referred to as the winter blues.

 If you’re lucky enough to jet away to warmer territory, take the brief respite. I always know that by this time every year I’ll have had just about enough of these freezing temperatures and short daylight hours. That’s why I planned ahead.

 To celebrate our 30^th anniversary, last week my husband and I flew down to the warm waters of the Caribbean. What can I say; it’s a big anniversary. Many folks don’t get anywhere near this number, so hey, it’s definitely reason enough to celebrate with a trip to Rasta land.

 There are other ways to cure the winter blues besides escaping. My number one recommendation: get out of the blues and into the greens! Emerald green, kelly green, and lime green are all great accent colors to give a pop to a drab, dull outfit of black or grey. Try a bright green scarf, sweater, or shiny shoes. Color is fun! Not sure of your most flattering colors? Have a color analysis done by a professional AICI image consultant. 

 Creating a Personal Style Inspiration Board can catapult you to a 2012 update and rescue you from the blues. Get three or four age-appropriate magazines and/or catalogues. Go through and cut out photos of anything that you love; hairstyles, outfits, polished faces, separates, shoes, etc. Create your own inspiration board by putting those pictures up on a bulletin board that hangs in or near your closet. Use lots of pictures and add to your board every month or so. Observe the over-all fashion style and color scheme of the looks you love.

 Apply your newly discovered personal style to outfits that you put together. See your clothes with objective eyes to create new outfits in ways you hadn’t previously thought of.

 Colors don’t need to match exactly any more; I love two different shades of the same color worn together. Try pairing two different shades of greens, corals, blues or teal and aqua. Jewelry doesn’t have to match exactly either. But the different pieces do need to relate to each other. For example, don’t mix wooden beads with stones, and all metals should match. The purpose of accessories is to tie the outfit together, add a pop of color and accent.

 Try a new hairstyle, maybe with highlights or lowlights. Plan your next trip to the hair salon fully armed; bring two or three photos of desired hairstyles and a list of questions. Ask your professional if the new style you’ve brought photos of suites your face shape and hair texture. Also ask your hair stylist to explain as he goes along, how to blow dry, what size brush to use, how to manipulate the straightening iron, curling iron, etc.

 Another way to cure the blues: have a makeup lesson to update your makeup products and application technique.  Several professionals in the area offer this service. As time goes by things change, but maybe your manner of application hasn’t… since high school.

There you have it. Updated elements of your personal style can give you a put-together look that pulls you straight out of the mid-winter blues. These tips are much easier and less expensive than traveling to the Caribbean.  No sun block required.

 

Marian Rothschild is a Personal Image and Wardrobe Consultant with Look Good Now in Boulder, CO., specializing in helping you feel more confident and genuine by looking your best for every situation. Please visit her website at www.marianrothschild.com.

 

 

 

 

It’s Party time, but it’s cold outside! I have never, ever seen a woman wear a skimpy, sleeveless cocktail dress to a Christmas or New Year’s Party. Why then, do catalogues and fashion magazines show pictures of dresses that are for a hot August night, in their Holiday issues? Who wears those dresses? Not real women.

Anyone I know who has ever gone to a Holiday party in Chicago, New York,  or Colorado, wears something warm. You gotta be warm, otherwise you’re uncomfortable, and then what’s the point?

Too many women wear all black, thinking it makes them look slimmer. Black makes you look dark, and dreary, and mournful. If you must wear black slacks or a black skirt, this style consultant recommends wearing a light or bright color on top, preferably a color that flatters your skin tone (coral) or eye color ( blue, green, or teal). Putting a bright, flattering hue next to your face will brighten, liven, and add some welcome glow. (Styles by Juicy Couture.)

Be sure to add cheek and lip color in the same color family as whatever red color you’re wearing. Also, some eye liner and mascara will give your eyes definition, while concealor blends and evens out skin tone.

Craving more beauty tips and a lesson on applying makeup? Contact professional image consultant Marian Rothschild to have a color analysis, style makeover, makeup lesson, and personal shopping: 720-933-9247. Don’t wait, Look Good Now!

 So many gifts to buy, so little time!  What’s a shopper to do?

Here are seven ways to make your Holiday gift shopping go smoothly in a short amount of time. (And get the gift that they’ll love!)

1) Ask what they want ahead of time. Get several ideas. Know the recipient’s interests; hobbies, taste in music, clothes, stores, sizes, weekend activities.

2) Make a list. Write each recipient’s name along with several gift possibilities for each person.

3) Ask for other people’s advice on what you should give your loved one, co-worker, or best friend. Sometimes other people, like your husband or daughter, can give you ideas that you hadn’t thought of. Sometimes they know if the person already has something, or what they would love to have but are reluctant to tell you.

4) Shop on line whenever possible. Sit down at your computer with your credit card and your list. Google the name of the item, brand, and any other specifications needed to find the desired gift on line. Buy on line to save time. Have the item shipped directly to the recipient with a gift card attached.

5) If you must go into the stores, go early, 10:00 a.m. on a weekday. Sales people are fresh and eager first thing in the morning. The stores are clean and uncrowded. There are parking spaces, and the racks haven’t been picked over yet.

6) Plan your shopping trip. Bring your list that you created. Know what you need and where you are going to go, exactly which stores, in what order. Ask for a Gift Receipt for easy exchanges.

7) Hire a personal shopper, (like me) to do your shopping for you. Personal Shoppers are familiar with all the different stores, merchandise, and sales people. We are so very different from the personal shoppers who work for a department store. Those people are simply sales clerks who have met a quota! They will want you to spend the most money per item and they can only shop in their store, nowhere else! When I go shopping for a client I ask tons of questions about whomever you are buying for. I’ll ask your budget and where you’d like me to shop. You’ll have options, and your loved one will receive gifts that they’ll absolutely love. It’s a personal touch, if you simply don’t have time. I’ll even wrap and deliver them, if you’d like!

Call right away to arrange personal shopping for your Holiday gifts: Marian Rothschild 720-933-9247. Bookings are limited, call today!

Image Consulting, Personal Styling, Color Analysis, Wardrobe Consultations, Makeup Lessons, Personal Shopping; Marian Rothschild, AICI, Look Good Now Image Consulting, 2497 Keller Farm Boulder, CO.

With fall underway, it’s time to prepare your wardrobe for cooler weather. In department stores and on designer websites, fall trend collections are featured. You’ve got to take a look at https://www.my-wardrobe.com/barbour. This super cute British site features a number of great casual, rugged options for men and women in both classic and trendy styles. My favorite piece is the gorgeous CHOCOLATE LEATHER WEEKEND BAG. It’s like butta.

 The Barbour men’s selection features a number of high-quality, classically rugged items, primarily coats and jackets. Barbour also offers a number sweaters, vests, hats, ties, and even weekend bags. All of their pieces are aimed at updating your fall style and making your appearance convey “Upgrade!” Many of the options are also a bit more affordable than some comparable high-end designer fashion, making them extremely attractive for fashion-conscious consumers.

 The current women’s collection from Barbour is a bit more limited, but includes several beautiful, well-made coats and jackets. Much like the men’s selection, it includes primarily darker, fall colors such as blacks and browns, and is designed to keep you warm in temperature and cool in style. Whether you are looking for a bulkier down jacket, or a trench coat, Barbour offers a variety of great options.

Barbour is just one of many high-end fashion brands offering fall collections this year. While respected designer brands generally have higher prices than the things you might find in a local department store, they also offer unmatched quality. A few items from one of these designers can go a long way toward helping you to establish your genuine personal style this year. Think quality over quantity to establish your personal brand look.

If you’d like help putting together your own head-to-toe, authentic personal style, to feel confident, attractive, and successful, contact fashion stylist and image consultant Marian Rothschild with Look Good Now. (720) 933-9247, 2497 Keller Farm Dr. Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Beauty tips, color analysis, how to apply makeup, and personal shopper. Complete, head-to-toe style makeover and image update. Don’t wait, Look Good Now!