New Year, New Look, New You!

Here we go with the start of a new year.  Some of you are working hard to maintain those resolutions, while others struggle to even begin them.  I remember reading that people's desires lie with body image and appearance, meaning you want to look good. Nike sneakers and yoga mats are in tote for the first month of the new 365 day cycle.  Yet, somehow by February, gyms are abandon and resolutions are forgotten.  Wait, what happened?  

I will tell you what happened, nothing!  But not to worry ladies, there are still many ways to maintain your image.  I'm not suggesting that anything can take the place of exercise and it should be something you strive to do if only for a few minutes a day, but what I am suggesting is that there are alternative ways that can enhance your overall look and appearance.  What is it you ask?  Simple, it's your wardrobe!

Yes that's right, wardrobe can make or break your first impressions and they definitely play a role on your personal confidence, so let's start there.  Let's get you to a place that makes sense esthetically and financially, because let's be honest... the gym can be a little costly, especially for someone who is unmotivated.

Here are some tips on how to make an outfit pop:

1. A pop of color is ALWAYS a go.  Add a pair of electric blue shoes to your all black outfit or trade out your everyday bag for a statement piece like a clutch.
2. Have fun with your looks.  Who said a suit had to be boring?  I think it is awesome when I see a woman (or man) rocking a logo tee under their stuffy black or grey suit.  It adds character and personality, but still looks professional and chic.  Pair it with pretty studded earrings and a gaudy ring.
3. A cocktail dress doesn't have to be a formal thing.  Throw a pair of combat boots and add a leather jacket and sunglasses, look here.  Take your look from night to day.  What a way to capitalize on your clothes.
4. Rock the comfy-cute look.  Just because you are wearing a sweatshirt, doesn't mean you have to look like a slob.  Wouldn't it be fun to add a pair of diamond teardrop earrings or how about cool sneakers?

For more outfit ideas, check BaitApparel.bigcartel.com  and remember to always play around with your looks.  What works for me, may not work for you so make sure you get it right.  Clothing can make such a huge difference in your confidence.  Who knows, maybe your new found confidence will motivate you to use that gym membership after all.

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How to Look Comfy-Cute

To my ladies on-the-go, the secret to looking discreetly delicious is quite easy, but let me say... not quite as simple as tossing on old scrubs and a VCU sweatshirt. Although being understated takes little effort, it does take some effort. For me, I find myself in my favorite stretch pants or jeans, hair pulled back into a nice ponytail, and a slightly over-sized sweater grazing my buttock! And in case you are wondering, this look is easy to change up with a simple change of cardigan or shoe. See below how I simply changed my boots and sweater.

Quick, easy, and extremely comfortable! What on-the-go mom or student in a rush couldn't benefit from such a put together, yet, carefree look? And for those of you who cringe at the idea of taking the time to do your makeup, let me assure you, on most days it takes me less than 5 minutes to do mine. Determine your best feature, mine are my eyes, so I always line them up and apply a little mascara. Next I wisp on a bronzer to warm up my cheeks and lastly apply a little tinted gloss or chap stick to complete my look.

Movie star sunglasses always gives your look a more polished effect, but they aren't necessary.

Tips to fast, get your butt out of the house, looks:

1. Make sure you always have black t-shirts, tank tops, and leggings on hand. They are always a great base for a fast, put together look.
2. Invest a little money in some cardigans (which you can use for work as well) and comfy (but cute) sweaters or tee's (for the warmer months).
3. Be sure to have a go-to hair style for those days when you need to get up and move. Mine is a messy bun or pony tail, some of my readers may even appreciate me including the idea of throwing on a wig.
4. Have a makeup regimen that takes no longer than 5 minutes to apply. This is easy to do: As I said before, determine your most prominent feature. If it is your lips (for example), make sure you always apply a gloss, lipstick, or lip conditioner. Then, if time permits, tackle your eyes and/or cheeks.
5. Last, but not least, accessorize a little. Sunglasses or nice earrings will do the trick!

Viola. Hope this helps ladies!

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How To Paint Your Nails Professionally

Ladies, like me, I know you find pretty nails a fashion "must have!" I can't go without an amazing manicure and color to match, but how do we achieve that look? The nail salon maybe a very likely option for you, but let me give you a couple tips on how to do a manicure. You should be able to go at it alone... but with salon-like results.

Side Note: May I suggest you do this while watching one of your favorite movies or TV shows since you will need a couple of hours.

First, make sure your nails are clean, buffed and free of acetone. Do so by washing your hands and drying them with a paper towel before the first application.

Next, ALWAYS use a Base Coat. This is a must. It is the first layer that allows the polish to adhere to your nails properly while smoothing any ridges in your nails. No one likes bumpy nails.

Third, apply first coat of polish, make sure it is a thin coat, even if it goes on transparent. The second coat will make the color pop. Sometimes a third coat is needed. After your first coat is thoroughly dry (wait at least 20 mins), apply second coat. Repeat only if needed. The color pictured is Revlon Really Red.

Lastly, you want to apply your Top Coat. Your top coat is the product you should invest in. I like OPI's Top Coat best. It has an amazing lasting shine and it is the most durable I have tried, and I have tried them all! Once again, it is imperative that you allow this coat to dry all the way through, give yourself a minimum of 45 mins once top coat is on.

Once this is complete, you are ready to go. If you have polish on your skin, no worries. Once nails are dry, the excess polish will peel right off in the shower or sink.

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TRICKS OF THE TRADE: Simplistic Beauty

Call me crazy, but it really is not that hard to look like a million bucks with just a few dollars. Ladies, the trick is knowing where to spend and where to skimp. This piece is dedicated to my little mommies who need to know how to take that basic pair of jeans and tee shirt to another level.

Point blank, NEVER underestimate the power of accessories! If you cannot afford to purchase a whole new outfit, just seek out new pieces of custom jewelry. They will make a statement, revamp your look, and cost you next to nothing. Picture this; you're invited to an early dinner at this hot new lounge on a Sunday afternoon. You aren't quite sure who will be there, but chances are, there will be some cuties in the building. The look you want to achieve is something very chic, but effortless. You want to appear beautiful without having to try. So, this is an option. Take one of your best pair of jeans, preferably a darker denim. Pair it with a white fitted baby tee (simple enough). Take a handful of bangles and lace your arm with them. You can usually find these at Forever 21, H&M, or a local beauty supply store for around $5. Next, you want to add earrings. If you want bling, do a studded diamond earring OR the other option would be a basic hoop earring. Throw on a long necklace... nothing too gaudy, but it should be noticeable. You should definitely put on a heel. Be a bit playful, slip into a colored pump or studded strappy sandal. Lastly, put an over sized bag on your arm and guess what, you're ready to go! TIP: Your bag does not have to match anything else that you have on, but it should be the same 'feel' as your shoe. So if you do a blinged out stiletto, make sure you have a bag with some glitz to it (pattern leather, studs, etc). If you do a red pump, you can pair it with a snake skin bag, for example. Get it?!

P.S. For hair and makeup: Long Hair: Either a pony tail or hair straight down. This is NOT the time to break out that 'Bump-it' (although I'm not sure there is ever a time for that... LOL). Short Hair: Try pushing your hair off your face. I would recommend a hoop earring with this look!

Now you're all set to go.! Simplistic Beauty at its best!

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Wear it Again

So ladies, some of us are guilty of it... wearing our cute little dresses only once, in fear that someone will notice our "re-run." BIG MISTAKE. Let me show you how to remake that little dress over again.

Go for solid colors, basic dresses with little or no detail. Example, say you buy a black, $13, H&M, stretch dress (yes, they do exist); on the first night you wear it, pair it with basic black heels, an over sized hobo bag, and a pair of gold or silver hoop earrings. Simple, you're done! So the next week rolls around and your best friend wants you to go with her to this industry party (doesn't everyone, LOL). What's the first thing that comes to mind... "Hmmm, what to wear?" Take that same black dress, put on a pair of colored strappy sandals (let's say pink) and finish it off with a clutch and diamond clustered stud earrings. Voila! Don't be afraid to mix colors, just be careful to not go overboard.

There are so many ways to remix a look... this is one of my favorite re-dos with my Sean John, satin blue dress. Never underestimate the powers of a new hair style and accessories. Just have fun with it!

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