Don’t Want to Be a Glamour-Puss…Or Do You?

Once upon a time — a long, long time ago in the ‘90s — we had a dream. It began at the top of our noggins with an ice-straight blowout and then we worked our way down to the D&G dress, Gucci purse and the fabulous jewelry that we couldn’t afford, but our benefactor Visa seemed to support.

No matter what the cost, we wanted one thing: To be glamorous. Even if we worked at the local mall stocking Haines tighty whities, we wanted to look like a movie star.

A funny thing happened after the economy collapsed. My clients are saying words that could have sent you to style penitentiary a few years ago.

“Tamara,” they lean in and confide. “I want to look good, but I don’t want to be too glamorous.”

This is an interesting phenomenon because while women want to be pretty – or even very pretty – they don’t want to be too much.

This leads me to ask you: When it comes to looks and style, what do you want? Do you want to be pretty or glamorous? A head turner or a heart breaker? Or are you still humming that U2 song when it comes to style -“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?”

I think I can give you some resolve on this issue even if your own style has been in flux since you turned five. You do want to be pretty, but more importantly, you really need to step into who you are as a woman. Then the rest will fall into place.

Style isn’t an exercise in looking like Demi, Michelle or any number of these Jennifers or Jessicas floating around out there. Style is about finding the best shapes for you along with the best colors, best hair style, best clothes, best shoes… the best everything for just you. It’s not about what Reese is doing. Again, it’s about how you are as a woman.

Just a little side note: you might just get a little glamorous along the way when you figure this one out. Sorry, it’s the fallout of finally finding your unique style. Glamour is that little pouch of makeup samples they offer you with the big purchase. You could turn it down, but why would you?

When you finally figure out the real you,  how to pull it all together and polish up what you have..you just can’t stop it. The glamorous, gorgeous, glowing version of  YOU will be on display for all to see.

You will become that woman.

You know that women.

She’s the one who shows up at the PTA meeting in the black pants, simple white shirt, the great layered haircut and looks absolutely stunning.

Everything she’s done seems right. Her skin glows; her eyes shine and that damn hair swings in the right direction even when she sits by the air-conditioning vent. She isn’t worried about buying 10 pairs of black pants (because they all fit differently). One really is enough.

She is confident in her body. Even if it’s not perfect.

This blog is dedicated to you finding your best self. It’s not about vanity because there is a vast difference between vanity and beauty. Vanity is standing in front of a mirror and getting so lost that you can’t come up for air. The type of beauty we’ll find here is the type where you say, “This is what I have to work with in life. I’ll do my best with it. I’ll own it.”

Look at Jackie O. She was never the most gorgeous, but with those trademark sunglasses, classic cardigans, slim Capri’s and that perfect dark bob, she was stunning and classic.

Look at Michelle Obama who looks so much different since she has moved to Pennsylvania Avenue. During the campaign, she was beautiful, but now she has a new rock-solid confidence and has transformed into gorgeous. What could possibly be different other than she sent out change of address cards?

Answer: She owns her beauty.  She wears clothes from J. Crew and looks like she just stepped off a runway.

She’s not a perfect beauty, but most of us would be happy to feel that good about ourselves.

By the way, she looks quite glamorous to me now.  It’s just part of the deal.

Stylish Education & Entertainment!

Modern Salon TV goes behind the scenes! They bring you beauty news on demand in 8 minutes of less! All you need to know in under 10 minutes. Perfect. This weeks episode features a hip Toronto salon where the stylists recreate this years favorite Oscar hairstyles. Watch the extraordinary talent of the newly appointed Fashion Director of Intercoiffure America/Canada, Vivienne Mackinder and her American in Paris series. Mackinder is the first women to hold this position! Now here is one talented women stepping into her power and inspiring us all.

Love this short video series. Reminds me of Style with Elsa Klench. Check it out.

RLR Weekly Style

Our Favorite Blogs and Sites 2.13.2010

Who What Wear: Black + White Trend Report
Rue La La: Stuart Weitzman
New York Fashion Week: Mercedes Benz
Writer’s Digest: Tip of the Day
Fashion Week Daily: Daily Front Row
Flavor Pill: Daily Dose Pick – I Don’t Care About Your Band

7 Simple Style Strategies

Busy women, with businesses and families, still want to look great, but may find it hard to juggle it all and still look fabulous. The don’t want to spend too much time thinking about their looks, but they know it makes a difference when it comes to their business. First impressions do matter, but spending time on their wardrobe, isn’t a priority. Building a solid wardrobe can help you feel more confident and in the lng run, save you time and money.

1. Purchase the best quality you can afford. Good quality clothing will last longer and over the long run save you money.

2. Go for shapes and designs that are flattering on your body type. Stay away from trendy pieces that don’t do anything for your figure. Spend money on pieces that will be staples. Pick up a trend piece to add to your wardrobe for a season, but don’t break the bank on this item.

3. Look at color in a new way. If you usually play it safe by wearing only black and other shades of neutral, add color into the mix buy using your eye color. Buy a shirt in your eye color and notice how people compliment  you and listen to what you have to say.

4. Edit your closet. Get rid of anything that doesn’t speak to your soul, makes you feel sloppy, or doesn’t represent who you really want to be. Be ruthless. Too many clothes hanging in your closet can actually make it more difficult to get ready when you’re in a hurry.

5. Create a Style File. Look through magazines and catalogs and pull images of items you would like to own or ensembles you could duplicate on your own. Keep your Style File in your closet, in a binder, and flip through it whenever you need a little inspiration putting together a chic new look.

6. Be Creative. Mix and match pieces in a new way. Add a pair of texture tights, accessorize your outfit in a new way. Think outside the box. Outfits don’t have to be matchy-matchy. An unusual piece in the mix can add flair and interest.

7. Layer pieces to add interest to an outfit. A dress you’ve worn before will have an entirely different feel if you pair it with tights, add a short fitted jacket and a pair of boots.

Keep in mind that it should be fun to play with your style. If it’s not, you can hire a Wardrobe Stylist. Nordstrom’s Department Stores have a wonderful personal shopper system set in place.  Give them a call; make an appointment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have great style. Wear your clothes with confidence and remember, style is an every evolving process.

Danielle LaPorte shares her white hot truth

Listen now to an inspiring interview with author, writer and speaker, Danielle LaPorte from white hot truth. LaPorte shares her thoughts about your authentic style,

Shop and adore LaPorte’s new stationary line. The ultimate white space. Make it more personal and send your clients hand written thank you notes.  A great gift item for friends and family. This clean, classy and sassy stationary set includes 10 “great, fulls” $34. Available at whitehottruth.com

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