what’s happening now!

I remember a time, when I was a young makeup artist, just starting out, how much I would have loved to have seen what was happening behind the scenes at the fashion shows during New York Fashion Week. My favorite show was “Style” with Elsa Klench on CNN. Klench would take you behind the scenes of fashion shows and talk to the designers about what inspired them, how the created their collections, new makeup looks, and so much more about style and beauty. It was fascinating to watch Klench! I never missed an episode.

Now, we have virtual access to what is happening in the world of beauty, fashion, and style, at the touch of our fingers. We can see what is being created, get inspired,  see the masters at work, no matter where we are in the world. Smashbox, has always been one of my favorite lines because from the beginning, they built their brand around fashion, and what went on behind the scenes. They always worked with the best makeup artists to create stunning new looks, videos, tutorials, products and more.

I had the chance to work with Davis Factor many years ago, when he was just starting his career as a photographer and I had just moved to L.A. to work as a makeup artist. It was a very, very long time ago, and not sure he’d remember me if I bumped into him but, what I do remember is how he loved what he was doing – taking pictures.  You could feel it when you watched him shoot. Now, Davis Factor takes you behind the scenes for the inside scoop on fashion week via technology. Now, you can get a front row seat, a glimpse behind the fashion curtain and experience fashion week from an entirely new perspective. f you’re not into twitter, but you’re into fashion, this might be the perfect place for you to step into the twitter world. Enjoy!  follow smashbox on twitter

Jump on to Smashbox twitter + keep up with what’s going on behind the scenes…and be ready for next fashion week!

There’s a great book that all pending moms read called, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” I read it cover to cover, over and over, during both of my pregnancies! The author gives you great tips, calms your nerves and offers up what’s going to happen during the next nine months.

If only we had a life manual that did this from ages five through 90. Then again, I guess it’s up to us to write that book on a daily basis. You’re the author and all you have is many, many blank pages. How will you fill them?

My point is what you anticipate or expect to happen usually does happen. If you expect that this will be your best week ever then it probably will be for you. You will live your rock star life. Clients will be attracted to you; the jobs pour in; your husband gives you that romantic look and backs it up with words and actions. Even your kids are letting you know in their own ways that you’re the best. It’s no wonder that everyone just wants to be around you.

And by the way, things seem to go so easily. Those skinny jeans even fit and you’re having three good hair days… in a row. Amazing!

What gives?

It’s simple. You’re expecting a great week and the universe is delivering your order. Since you’re expecting things to go well, your behavior has also changes. You feel really comfortable in your own skin and you’re not sweating the small stuff. Your ease is also making the good things roll in because you’re not busy just wading through your pools of self doubt and self criticisms.

The confidence from this kind of week can’t be packaged. You’re not arrogant about it, but you have a vibe of expecting the best to happen and attracting good things to you. Some might even say that there is a “change in vibration” about you that’s attracting all of this positivity and others naturally feel it.

The flipside is the woman who expects everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Call her Ms. Doom and Gloom or as my kids call her; Debbie Downer! Wah, wah, wah.

The universe responds with dark clouds including a bad work week, kids who trip and fall over everything,  that heel that breaks off in the morning and the coffee she spills on her new white pants. She picks a fight with her husband and he’s still sulking three days later. She’s unhappy, so she’s eating cookies in the afternoon and now nothing seems to fit. At her wit’s end, she doesn’t have the patience to stand there and do good hair and makeup. Now, she feels frumpy on top of the rest of it.

Meanwhile, Ms. Positivity isn’t even using bronzer to add that glow to her face! It’s just a perk of being in the sweet zone.

My point here is to choose what side of the line you want to live on.  I’ve been on both sides of this line, and let me tell you.. the landscape looks remarkable different  and brighter on one side than it does on the other!   I prefer to stay as positive and as realistic as possible. Which is not always easy to do, but why not try? What can it hurt? In fact, it helps in ways that most people don’t ever understand

Of course, unexpected things will come up on a daily basis, they usually do. And, you will deal with them on a “need to take care of it” basis. That’s just how it is.

But I try not to always “awful-ize” those either. I take a deep breath, and look at the big picture. “Is it worth it? Will it pass? Does it  really matter ?”  I just wiggle my way through them, put a smile on my face, slip on my big sun glasses and look toward the bright side. I expect the best and know in my heart that things will work out for the best, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment.

Wanna grab your movie star glasses and join me?

WANT TO USE THIS  INTERVIEW IN YOUR E-ZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE?
Please do and be sure to include the complete little bio below.

Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, and Style Consultant, Tamara Gold is the publisher and editor of the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Beauty & Style. News & Reviews for Real Women. Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business. If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TheRedLipstickReport.com

OPEN DOOR POLICY

By Tamara Gold

So, here’s a reason to love the artist known as Jenny from the Block. I’m talking about working mother of two-year-old twins, Jennifer Lopez, who hit home for me when she talked about her beauty routine — or lack of one on many days.

“I’m taking a bath and my son Max climbs in the bath or the shower,” J Lo told my Red Lipstick Report Hollywood correspondent. “Literally, I don’t have a minute for myself. Even if I’m going to the bathroom, my daughter will wander in and stand at my knee. I’ll be busy and she will say, ‘Go outside?’ Play, Mommy, play!”

“You can’t spend tons of time on the hair and makeup. You have to go with the flow,” J Lo says.

This made me smile because even Mrs. Mark Anthony, I-Look-Skinny-in-Beaded-Catsuits struggles with trying to look gorgeous, do everything and take care of the kids.

I felt for her. But let’s face the truth pretty mommies: The bathroom is our one last sanctuary.

I remember when my kids were little. I used to go into the bathroom, lock the door and then put on my mascara just praying I wouldn’t hear a big crash from the outside. Yes, I was selfish and stayed in there a whole four or five minutes….six or seven, if I had to pee and put on lip-liner during the same trip.

I’ll never forget the day when I was the makeup artist for a major national TV commercial for Heinz gravy.  A Thanksgiving table  was beautifully set and the chairs were filled with the most ideal TV family including adorable children. Well, the director thought that one of the kids had huge ears, so he told me, “Pin that kid’s ears back.”

I did everything I could to ease this little kids nerves, not to mention mine and then ran to the trailer bathroom. Not one of the more glamorous locations on set. I stayed in that tiny, icky room with the cracked sink and dirty mirror. Are you kidding me? It was a bathroom and I was the mother of young children. How could I not lose myself in the peace and quiet?

But our kids are wise to us, ladies, when it comes to our hideout. Maybe they overheard Kate Hudson tell my Hollywood reporter that she used to sneak into the john for her Kate Only Time when Ryder was a toddler. Or maybe they heard my own son explain bathrooms. When my son was little, he would see me come out of the bathroom dressed up for work with nice make-up on. He would say, “When my mother goes to work, she be Tamara Gold, the makeup artist. When she come home, she be Tammy Rosenberg, my mudder.”

That just about killed me.

And this brings me back to J Lo who is gorgeous to me in every single way now. It’s not just that perfect glowing skin or the hair she wears slicked back in a pony-tail. It’s not just that she wore a little bit of beautiful spring lilac and grey eye-shadow and tons of mascara during her press junket in Beverly Hills last week for “The Back-Up Plan.”

She’s even more beautiful because of why that hair was up in a ponytail and not long, fussed and perfect.  “I was in my bathroom trying to leave for this event when my kids both started crying and saying, ‘Mommy, no, no! Don’t go, Mommy!’ So I spent time making sure they were okay and that they knew Mommy would be home while the sun was still shining.”

Oh, there was no time left for the flat iron.

Guess what?

It doesn’t matter.

Check out this inspiring Momma in her new flick; The Back Up Plan.

A DOZEN DIRTY LITTLE BEAUTY TRICKS
By Tamara Gold

Shhhhh, we need to keep this strictly on the QT. Look over your shoulder pads and make sure no one is watching.

I’m about to violate the Secret Stylist Code of Ethics by telling you the little Hollywood tricks we do to make our clients look extra fabulous including treatments stars regularly do before they sit down with us.

Remember that you didn’t hear it from me.

1. No Panty Hose.

Take a little bit of your favorite luminizer and mix it with an amazing moisturizer. Gently apply it on your legs and it looks like you’re wearing beautiful hose, but instead you have soft, natural, glowing legs. Amazing! My favorite for this…Laura Mercier. It rocks for your legs.

2. Shine on? Forget it!

If you’re shiny because of too much running around just hit the ladies room and grab the toilet seat paper cover. ( A new one of course.)  Tear off a piece and blot your face. It’s a great way to get rid of the oil without taking off your makeup. But, those of you have worked with me personally, know I love those tiny little blue oil-blotters from Clean & Clear.  Keeps you from looking shiny and helps you steer clear of that cakey look you get when you powder over your face to keep your shine at bay.

3. Spanx under it all.

Okay, Okay! I know….It’s not always comfortable, ladies, but hike ‘em up. If you have waist, hip, tummy or thigh issues – or all of the above, damn it all to hell – then get out the Spanx because they will suck in it for you. And, if you were wishing you could wear Spanx to the beach, your in luck!  This just in… Spanx Swimwear

4. Botox

A lot of the stars are  doing it. It’s true.  Same with plastic surgery.  I’m sure you knew that, right? You either think it’s okay or you don’t.  If you decide to give Botox a try…make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing! Yikes.  And, remember…Just don’t go too far. A little bit at a time will avoid those horrid cat eyes. Who wants that look.

5. Hair extensions

No one over 40 has the same thick, long to your butt locks that they did when they were younger. Ask your stylist about extensions if you want that look. Discuss the ones that are the least harmful to your regular hair. There are so many different techniques. Try clip in extensions before you invest the big bucks. Again, go to the pros that do this kind of thing all the time. Extensions need to match your color and blend into the cut of your hair. There is nothing worse than being able to see where the extensions start and that the hair looks fake.

6. Visit your dentist and get your teeth bleached.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous smile without the old lady yellowish I-drank too-much-Starbucks teeth. No time today? Try baking soda on your toothbrush and Crest White Strips are another favorite of mine.

7. Get out of your lawn chair.

For those ladies who are still tanning (and I know you’re out there), just know that stars never expose their faces. It’s horribly aging. If you’re out always use sunblock, but also wash it off the minute you get in the house. If you want that tan look then just use an amazing self-tanner on your face. And, go easy. I’ve been a little too “tan” ( read- orange!) in the past from a little more self-tanner than necessary. There are new organic self-tanner’s out there today. Stars do opt for the tan look because less makeup is needed to give them that glow and well, the lights on some sets can really wash you out.

8. Pad it, Baby.

If you’ve got a little tush envy..You don’t need to toss down more carbs to get Kim Kardashian’s curves….because you might also develop a gut at the same time. You can buy butt pads and add them into your jeans the way certain stars do. It’s also fine to pad your bra a bit with those chicken cutlet type pads that look natural. Can you believe we actually add padding to give the right curves? But, it’s available if you need it. Make sure their are securely in place! Nothing worse than a little bra pad playing peek-a-boo when you’re feeling oh-so-sexy…only for your admiring friend to point and say, “What’s that?” Hmmm. Been there. Done that. Laugh it off. That’s the only way out of this one.

9. Wear nude shoes to make your legs look longer.

Check out the pictures on the Web of the “Sex and the City” gals at the recent Showest event in Vegas to hype the movie. They were in gorgeous slinky dresses with nude heels. Even shorter girls will look like tall models. It works! You don’t get the break in the line that you get when you slip on a dark shoe.

10. Buy fabric tape.

You can take a hem when your pants don’t fit perfectly or you wear flats. It’s also a way to change up  a skirt- make it longer or a mini without alterations.You need to do this one while not wearing your clothing. Taping while in the clothing leads to wrinkles, rumples, and uneven hemlines. Still in doubt; Get a second opinion,and make sure you’ve taped it all up evenly. www.hollywoodfashiontape.com

11. Splurge on false individual lashes at your salon if you have a big event.

It’s about $40 to $50 to have a professional makeup artist put them in and they will only last a few days. But if you’re going to a reunion or on a big date or a wedding then they’re absolutely worth it. Your eyes will pop. You’ll feel like a movie star and won’t even need to wear as much eyeshadow. Individual lashes look more natural if applied in between your real lashes. Applied on top of your lashes, a little more glam. Strip lashes really pop the look and take it way up to the max.

12. Smile!

So many of us are so serious (worried, frantic, busy, etc.) Your smile is your best beauty secret of all.

Thou shalt not cheat on your husband. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not wear the wrong color foundation!

Okay, that last one might not be Biblical, but it should be known to all women because a bad coat of face is one of the 5 Deadly Makeup Sins. I’m using a word as strong as SIN because these mistakes take all the fabulousness right out of your day.

Below are a collection of several beauty sins. Please repent now!

First Sin – Wearing the Wrong Color Foundation.

You’ve seen the woman at the mall or in a restaurant who is wearing someone’s else foundation color. It looks SO fake or as though she’s starring in a revival of “Cats.” Stop the insanity!  Instead, throw out that bottle and find what’s right for you. How do you know if your foundation color is wrong?

The Golden Rule: You will see that your neck and cheeks don’t match . This is called the line of demarcation. When you try on foundation at a makeup counter, don’t buy it right away. Walk around and go out in natural light so you can see if the color really matches. You won’t test it on your arm or hand, but on your jaw line. The right color dries clean and the line between the makeup and your skin disappears completely.

Remember that foundation that’s too heavy or opaque will make you look older because, it won’t blend into your skin, but sit on top of it. Your foundation should also feel like silk on your skin while it hides all your flaws.

Second Sin- Wearing Concealer That’s Too Light Under Your Eyes — Or Too Much.

Hello, raccoon eyes! Concealer that’s too light for your skin tone will look like you’re on your way to your own heavyweight boxing match or your child took a yellow crayon and colored under your eyes.  Instead of hiding your fine lines or wrinkles, you will be shining a spotlight in that direction.

The Golden Rule: Make sure that your concealer blends perfectly with your natural skin tone. Before buying from a makeup counter, ask for a sample, bring it home and try it out for a day or two in different lights. Test it under your foundation to make sure everything blends. Buy a concealer that’s creamy with a nice neutral tone. You can also add a drop of your foundation to your concealer before you put it on to make it appear unnoticeable. Make sure the foundation is not too white for your skin. My favorite comes from Kevyn Aucoin called The Senusal Skin Enhancer $31.50 (www.kevynaucoindirect.com)

Third Sin – Clumpy Mascara.

You need three coats of a mascara for that perfect look, but make sure you don’t create clumps because you put it on the wrong way. Clumps are often created when you “take a little break” to let each coat of mascara dry.

The Golden Rule: Put on your three coats of mascara quickly and one after each other, so it doesn’t dry sticky and create clumps. If it clumps do happen, use a tiny little eyelash comb to separate the lashes. Remember that my rule is to put on the mascara before your shadow, so you can easily do a quick fix if the mascara ends up in the wrong place.

Fourth Sin – Lipliner on the loose!

You know what I’m talking about here…the solid line that somehow sneaks outside your lipstick.

The Golden Rule: Find a good nude liner like my favorite from Chanel (www.Chanel.com). The next step is to color the entire inside of your lip, blot with a Kleenex to take off any excess and then apply lipstick or lip-gloss on top.  The nude liner is key because it will give you definition even if you use a red lipstick. If you’re doing on-camera work, be careful with the gloss. In this high-definition age, a little lipgloss can look like an oil slick on film and it’s distracting. Try a nice nude liner on your lips with  cream lipstick instead.

Fifth Sin - Too Much Bronzer.

Ooompa loompa, doopity don’t, indeed! Been there! Done that! Go easy on the color. And, make sure you blend.

The Golden Rule: First, don’t put bronzer everywhere. It’s not necessary. Use it to add a little sun-kissed look just where the sun would naturally tan your face.  Second, make sure to find a great blush brush and lightly dust your bronzer on your cheeks. You can use a bit of it to go down both sides of your neck and use a little swirl on your chest. If you’re going sleeveless then hit the top of your shoulders with a bit of bronzer.  For my ladies on camera, skip the  sparkling bronzer, which is distracting when filmed. Use a matte powder bronzer if you need a little more color.

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.

There are many things in life that are singular sensations: Your first kiss, hiking the Great Wall and that one-time-only amazing dream where you’re in a love tryst with George Clooney who announces to the global media, “I found The One. It’s Sally from Wisconsin.”

Okay, wake up now.

Sometimes, you need more than just one time. This brings me to your eyelashes because they need three times the love on the daily basis.

Many letters pour into this website asking me, “Tamara, how can I get that look of false eyelashes without the pain of trying to put them on or the expense of going to a professional makeup artist?”

First tip: The key is great mascara and three coats of it. Not one or two…but three.

That’s not the only way you can achieve those delicious thick lashes that all the movie stars have as their most fabulous accessory. Here is the way to have luscious lashes on a daily basis:

1. Most Important: Buy a Great Mascara

One of the best is Dior’s Diorshow in basic black, which retails for about $35 and will last at least eight months. It’s worth it because it’s thick black mascara and the wand is beyond amazing because it’s long, sturdy and will hit every little lash. It’s one of my favorite products for creating major lash action.

Tamara TIP: Often the applicator in the more expensive mascaras makes the price point worth it. Wash and save it when you use your cheaper brands.

2. Apply Mascara Before Anything Else!

Yes, I’m serious here. I promise,  you will use far less eye makeup and it will be a better look. In the studio, I always do lashes first and then the shadow. Plus, this will also save time on cleanup. There’s nothing worse than spending forever on shadow only to ruin it by missing your lashes and hitting your lids with mascara. It’s 6 a.m. and you’re on the way to work. No blame.

3. Use a Wet Q-tip Remove Fallout

My favorite are those pointed little q-tips! I think there so cute, but  don’t under estimate their power! While swiping on three coats of mascara before your shadow has been perfectly placed might just lead to a false sense of  “I don’t need to think about this anymore!” And, you really don’t, but when you find little black specks on your lid; here is your solution. Add a little water to the q-tip to dampen first.  ( This will  get rid of all fuzzies before you make another move) Then, gently glide over your eyelid where ever fallout has occurred.  Ick fact: Eye boogers should also go at this point.

4. Guidelines Baby, Guidelines!

Take a black liner pencil and go really tight onto the part of your lid that touches the lashes. Apply on the top of your lash line.

Tamara TIP: Lift your eyelid up to make sure you’re really getting to the L-spot where you’re almost jamming (I use this term loosely. Please don’t injure yourself ) the liner into the spaces between your lashes.  This is a key technique when you’re applying false lashes. It will save you the naked crack line that may appear if you don’t get the glue in tight enough to the lash line. We all know no one needs to see that, now do they? If you feel confident enough, then use a liquid liner on this spot. This one step will make your lashes appear super dense and ultra lush.

5. Curl Those Lashes Ladies

I’ve read magazine articles that say you should curl after you put on mascara. This becomes a big mess and can even break off your lashes. Always curl before you put on mascara.

Tamara TIP: Once I got a hysterical call from friend who curled while the mascara was still wet and all her lashes stuck to the curler. Permanently. There is no 911 for this tragedy. Only tears.

6. Walk This Way

Here’s the technique the pro’s use. Apply like this…. Go up and then out. Up and out! Do this fast and don’t let the mascara dry between coats or it will get all gunky. If the gunk does accumulate, grab a trusty lash separator….not a pin! Use it to  brush and comb your lashes to separate and get rid of any lumps & clumps. Make sure your lashes aren’t sticking together.

7. Save Yourself from Black Eyes!

Grab  the waterproof version of your favorite mascara when the heat starts risin’. Remember … always wash off all the mascara at night. You’ll not only save your 500 thread count Calvin Klein pillowcases, but when you don’t wash off mascara and sleep in it then your lashes have a good chance of breaking off.

Oh, you might want to save face when you roll over and see George Clooney cuddled up on the pillow next to you.

FAB FIX: So now you have the fab false lashes from just using mascara. One of my favorite stunning looks is to use a neutral, almost skin tone color  eye shadow and blend it into the crease of your eyes and the outer edges. (Don’t use shimmer, but a matte that’s a bit more than nude, but not dark enough to be brown) This tip is how you can achieve that amazing movie star look where it appears as if Gwyneth or Jennifer Garner are not really wearing shadow, but we know they did something. This is that something! I’d add a fuchsia or red lipstick – matte or sheer-  with a bit of clear gloss over it. Fabulous!

Don’t even get me started about how you romp around with hot Scot Gerard Butler in your new movie “Bounty Hunter” only to dump him and then have him rekindle.

Even worse is that after he stuffs you into a trunk while doing his bounty hunter duties, you emerge looking professionally fluffed and sleek, all killer legs flashing, in the world’s most perfect little black dress.

I couldn’t even focus on your hair. Instead, I was forced to say, “Oh my God. That dress!”

Of course, being a style sleuth, I found out it’s not even really a dress, but a top and a skirt that’s so perfect on Jen and she wears it well. For the whole frickin’ movie! The specifics aren’t important because it looks like the prefect black dress. Why? It fits her body, it’s very streamlined and it works for her style.

Now, let’s pick apart why it works. The top is very casual and its scoopy neck almost looks like a T-shirt while the skirt hits her at exactly the right spot on her thigh. Sweet!

Just in case this sends you to the racks to buy your own trunk worthy LBD, (little black dress) I have a few helpful hints.

Tamara’s Tactics for Your Perfect LBD:

1. Watch the length of the LBD

Everyone will be different here. There are some of you Red Lipstick mavens who need that LBD to hit at the knee or below. If you’re in your 40′s and the skirt is two or three inches above the knee, it might just be too short. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, but it’s tricky. Make sure you feel comfortable in the length. If you have that awkward ick moment (be honest) then go a bit longer. No matter what age, please don’t go six inches above the knee so a slight breeze means we get to see your crotch. Not attractive unless you’re doing a Showtime Late Late Night movie. At the knee or an inch or two above should be just right.

2. Find a neckline that works best for you like our style sister Jen.

Consider that Jen has round features, the scoop neck works great on her by complimenting and repeating her natural geometry. She’s a softer type with a great set of arms, so she can go sleeveless. If you have a bit more meat on your bones than opt for a longer sleeve. A V-neck can also be quite flattering and will accentuate your pretty face, especially if it’s a rounder one. Your best shirt style should be reflected in  the neckline of  your LBD.

3. Make sure your LBD is fitted to your body, so we can see your shape.

But it can’t be so fitted that it looks like you need oxygen or we see the exact shape of your kidneys. Please don’t get one that’s too big, so it looks like a maternity tent. That’s not the point here. It should gracefully skim your body and then drape over your form. You can go skin tight if that’s your personality. If you’re a glamour puss who loves the nightlife then a form-fitting black dress is your perfect LBD and wear it proudly!

4. Pay close attention to the fabric knowing that a medium weight material is the most versatile.

You will be able to wear it in summer with nothing over it or in the cooler weather months with a great jacket. If you’re very petite and tiny boned then lighter weights will work better for you. If you have stronger features including curly hair then you can go heavier fabrics because you can wear clothes with more visual weight to them.

5. Buy a classic, simple, streamlined dress without too much detail.

If it has all those studs or necklaces attached to it then it’s harder to work with in the future, plus people will think, “She’s wearing the stud-y, necklace dress again.” The perfect LBD is just the dress with maybe a hint of detail like a gorgeous stitching or detailed draping,  but don’t buy one that is too “souped up” with stuff because that’s not the point. You want to wear this dress a million different ways and  no one will know it’s the same dress because you will be able to create a faux hemline with hollywood tape, make it into a tunic, dress it up with jewelry or even use it at work under a jacket.

Five ways you know you have the WRONG LBD:

1. It screams disco queen.

2. It’s cutting off circulation to your pelvis and other important body areas.

3. You need girlfriends to help you get into it or men friends to help you get out of it. You’re empowered women and your clothes shouldn’t need assistants.

4. You can’t eat a bite of food in it or it will burst off you like Superman’s street clothes.

5. It makes noise when you walk in it. Your clothes shouldn’t talk back.

Five ways to know you have the RIGHT LBD:

1. You don’t have to wear any accessories and you still feel magnificent and sexy.

2. People stop and do double takes. Yes, they’re looking at YOU!

3. It packs easily.

4. You can wear it with almost anything in your closet plus any shoes. It looks great with boots, flats and the big girl pumps.

5. Our gal pal Jennifer Aniston might wear it to seduce Gerard in the sequel.

To Your Beautiful Life!

Tamara