Will it EVER quit snowing?  One day soon, I’m sure but until then, I must keep “thinking spring”.  It  puts me in the mind of perfumes that waft through the air,  going for a walk  outdoors and  going “natural” with my makeup!

This spring that’s the hottest trend in cosmetics.…the “natural” look.  Getting a “natural” look doesn’t mean going w/o makeup.  Au contraire!  It takes a bit of “work” to look great “naturally”.

So, how do you wear makeup for a fresh “natural” look?  The key is in the preparation of your skin. Your skin is just like an artist’s canvass.  Start with a great MRP Program (Maintenance-Repair-Protect).

• Maintain your skin daily by cleansing, toning and properly moisturizing
• Repair damaged skin at night by using alpha-hydroxy and poly-hydroxy acids and retinol based products and always
• Protect it during the day from sun exposure and extra oxidation.

Using the latest in mineral makeup is step two.   Mineral makeup has been all the rage for several years now and  comes in a variety of colors.  Because it contains natural ingredients, everyone can use it.  Even those with sensitive skin have found it to give them a great look.  When products do not have added oils, it keeps the pores smooth and open.

Colors this spring range from light pinks to soft corals.  Beautiful cheeks, eyes, lips, and nails can be yours come spring.  So regardless of whether you have cool or warm undertones, there is Great Color for you.

Posted by Karen Hughes on March 8th, 2010 in Articles, BeautiControl, Beauty, Color

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One of the biggest and most inspiring challenges that I have as an image consultant is helping someone create their. unique wardrobe.  Style that is “uniquely” yours separates you from the competition and allows you to be yourself, feel confident and reach your goals.

In order to discover your unique style, I need to “get inside your head” to see who you really are.

I have trained myself to become acutely aware of what makes you “tick”.  It’s not easy, but you too can learn what it is that makes you unique through using your 5 senses!  As you hone your skills, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and feeds on itself.  It grows as you grow in confidence.  Start by becoming more aware in the following ways and see where it takes you!

1. Touch -  When you touch fabric, how do you respond?  Do you like the way fabric feels on your hands when you touch it?  How does it feel on your body?
2. Hear – Does it bother you when you “hear” fabric swishing?  Remember the old warm up  suits of the 90’s?  They sounded like paper scratching and being crumpled.
3. Sight - How do respond when you see color?  Color can make us feel calm or excited.  Pattern can speak very loudly or elicit a quiet emotional response.
4. Taste – Sometimes color just “looks” yummy.  I know you know what I mean!  For you chocolate lovers out there, do you love deep dark chocolate or milky chocolate?
5. Smell - Have you ever noticed out raw silk, wool or fresh cotton smells?  Fabrics have smell.  What memories are brought to mind when you smell your favorite fabric?

All of your senses fine tuned can help you choose the best fabric for your body.  That’s why I say it must “fit, flatter, and feel good” or it just won’t work!  Become more cognitively aware of your selections of fabric and you go a long way towards creating a wardrobe that will:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on March 5th, 2010 in Articles, Fashion Tips, Style, success

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A native New Yorker, Isaac’s creativity was instilled as the son of a children’s clothing manufacturer and a mother who was passionate about fashion.  He often created costumes for his puppet shows in his youth.

A leader in design for over 20 years, he has received 4 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards!  His 1995 movie UNZIPPED debut the behind the seams look at fashion

Perhaps he is best known for revolutionizing the fashion industry when he teamed with Target to launch a stylishly chic collection for every woman.

Multi-talented, Isaac has created costumes for movies, theatre, dance and opera in addition to writing a series of comic books in 1997. On TV he is a favorite on the Oxygen Channel and Style Networks as well as Bravo and in 2008, Gotham published his book How to Have Style.

By December of  2009, Mizrahi launched a new collection on QVC called ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! It is a key lifestyle collection that showcases his favorites from handbags to dresses and cheesecakes.  Currently he oversees the design and development of Liz Claiborne New York as its Creative Director.

I don’t think he sleeps much, but when does find free time he loves to cook and watch the Yankees play ball!

Check out his Fall 2010 Collection now!

Isaac Mizrahi designs for every woman! I think he’d like my motto:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on March 3rd, 2010 in Articles, Designers

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A new season of American Idol is underway, and although I normally catch the final rounds, I tuned in this past week to see the top 12 women compete.

The women range in age from 16 to  24.  Their talent is pretty amazing-it was the first time the audience had the opportunity to see each contestant perform and vote.  As one would expect,  Simon Cowell’s critiques were harsher than the other judges  This time though something that he said resonated with me in a different way.

At one point Simon said:  “quite frankly I thought it was boring” and “I don’t know who you are”.

It hit home with me in a new way when crafting your image, your personal style and your unique wardrobe.  Admiring someone’s style is a starting point in creating your style.

“Copying” someone’s style is just that a copy.  It is not you.  Just like Simon said, it is boring, something you have heard/seen before.  Does it look good?  Sure but are you really being unique?  Maybe not.   In order to make yourself unique you must discover not  “copy”  style.

We all have a “Simon”, an inner critic.  Make it easy on yourself when creating a unique style.  Start with something that you can identify with.  Start with music!  What music do you love?  Is it “rock and roll” or is it “country”.  Is it loud or soft, lilting or intense?  All of this will help you to become more aware of who you are on the most intimate level.  Watch as the season progresses.  Each contestant that makes it to the top will connect with and discover their inner music style.

Next time you are admiring someone’s style, pick it apart.  Look at it from head to toe.  What exactly is it that you like about the look?  Is it hair, makeup, shoes, accessories, body line, etc.  Use your 5 senses to connect to your true style and don’t settle with copying someone’s look!  Grab onto an icon to begin – connect with your inner style.  Become your own American Idol-step into your style and remember:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on March 1st, 2010 in Articles, Fashion Tips, First Impresions, Style, Wardrobe

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Up to now I’ve talked a lot about things that may be expired or pieces that are exhausted in your closet.

We’ve looked at the “cracks” in your closet.

All of this is in great anticipation for cleaning out your closet and getting ready for SPRING.  Are You Ready to get DRESSED???

If you haven’t been shopping in a while the biggest trend that you will notice on the clothing racks is the quantity of dresses.

Retailers have loaded up on dresses in everything from

• pretty prints, butterfly motifs, breezy, billowy sheer & netting to
  
• tribal, color blocked, geometric psychedelic patterns & cutouts.

Where once were rows and rows of pants, suit jackets and jeans you’ll find dresses.  There are a few skirts right now but dresses are the trend.

If ever you wondered how the tides of fashion changes, you had only to reflect on the last year and you could see.  It’s rather like Malcom Gladwell’s book The Tipping Point.  It started with a little ripple last year.  I wrote about it last spring in a blog called “Obsess the Dress”. This trend will continue for the foreseeable  future.

So, if you are dress-adverse, don’t fight it anymore, there is one out there for you!  This season ya, “gotta getta dress” and:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 26th, 2010 in Articles, Designers, Dresses, Fashion Tips, Style, Trends, Wardrobe

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I love to walk and listen to my iPod while walking.  Sometimes I am inspired and motivated to write when I listen.  If you haven’t heard the singer Adele, the YouTube link here is what inspired my latest post!  It’s called Hometown Glory.

Although I am certain she in NOT talking about fashion, I couldn’t help making the correlation to “doing the same thing”.

We get complacent and do the same thing in the same way ALL THE TIME!  If you have been doing the same thing in the same way for the last few years, you are probably missing the cracks in your closet!

Instead of replacing the same pieces with the same things this season, focus on finding the cracks in your closet.  Be wardrobe specific, only buy what is missing, cracked or broken!

Where are the cracks in your closet that you need to fix?

1. Lingerie Closet
2. Shoe Closet
3. Pants & Jeans Closet
4. Jacket or Outwear Closet
5. Dress Closet
6. Handbag Closet
7. Jewelry Closet
8. Top or T-shirt Closet
9. Blouse or shirt Closet
10. Belt Closet

When you look at each specific area, you will begin to think and be more cognitively aware of the cracks in your closet and be more focused on buying just the right piece that will fill in that space.  Don’t forget StyleCAMP if you need more help with getting it right this season!

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 22nd, 2010 in Articles, Fashion Tips, Style, Trends, Wardrobe, success

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I’ve been in a lot of closets over the past few weeks and I wanted to share with you some of my observations.

Whatever stage of life you are in-whether you are:  at home with your children, in the midst of your career or retired, everyone is in search of great looks every day.

You see your clothes every day, you may get tired of them; but, you are missing a great opportunity. Your clothes need to be be friends with each other!

I was in the closet of a lovely retired lady last week. She had quite a few clothes in her closet but they weren’t communicating!  Above is a first look at what I saw.  Lots of variety!

Clothes just like friends must compliment each other or else they will not be happy!  Someone (something) has to take charge to create a healthy balance.  What do you have that is a strong personality in your closet?  Maybe a jacket or a great pair of shoes?  Pick something and go with it.

Make friends with the neutrals in your closet.  Make those your core pieces. Then invite some color into the relationship to give it some spice and life.  Finally, create interesting conversation with your relationship by adding accessories.  It will give you and everyone else something to talk about and remember:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 19th, 2010 in Accessories, Articles, Color, Fashion Tips, Style, Wardrobe, style camp, success

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Everything in life has a  shelf life-the time when it no longer tastes good, looks good or works for you.  Credit cards “expire” so why don’t we think that our clothes expire?

When was the last time that you took a good hard look at your hair style or  the clothes in your closet?

I wish that manufacturers would put an expiration date on our clothes!  I understand when your clothes are “well-loved”, worn to just to the right softness and the feel really good against your body.  But, honestly, how do we know if our clothes have ‘expired’?

To see if your clothes  may have passed their prime, check in with these tips:

1. Just because the 80’s look is back doesn’t mean that “old” jacket you had still works.
2. Is the fabric shiny from dry cleaning?  Fabric does expire (wear out)
3. Check the heel and toe of your shoes.  Out-dated shoes will date your outfit.
4. Are you still wearing a “Farrah Fawcett” hairstyle (shag)? News flash it has expired.
5. Be careful when you are matching denim, it is coming back but it can look very dated on a mature woman.

The 80’s fashion is having a revival of sorts and if you have already been in that decade, I caution you to proceed with a great deal TLC.  Once your clothes are past their prime and you are over the age of 30 you stand the real risk of looking OL (old lady).

If you are one of those who like to keep clothes forever because it will come back in style you  need to be especially cautious!  When styles come back, they NEVER come back exactly in the same way.  If you keep a piece make sure it is a classic piece from that decade NOT a trendy piece from that decade.

Now that we are ending a season, it is the perfect time to assess what worked and what didn’t.  If they didn’t work, move them out of your closet and out of your sight.  Click here for closet cleaning tips to help you get going.  Hope springs eternal with less duds in your closet and remember……

“Look Good, Feel Great & Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 15th, 2010 in Articles, Fashion Tips, Image, Style, Trends

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Accessories are said to be the “icing on the cake” . They finish your look.  They can change your style and make an otherwise boring, simple outfit chic and trendy.

So, what’s the latest accessory trend?  We’ve seen cage shoes, chunky jewelry, big bold belts, even skinny belts.  The latest trend in accessories in NAILS!  Yes, that’s right, all the stars are getting “minxed”!   Extend “fashion to your fingertips!”  You heard it here first…

A few years ago artificial nails became passe.  Everyone who was stylish and on trend began to adhere to a more “natural” clean look to their nails.  I wondered at the time how long it would last simply because a true natural nail takes so much more upkeep.  Well, it didn’t take long.  Introducing Minx nails.

So what exactly is “Minx”?  Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heat gives Minx the ability to confom to fit over the compound curves of nails and seals it onto the nail bed.  Think of it as “shrink wrap” for your nails!  It is created in San Diego, California and there is a patent pending on the product.  It can be easily removed with heat by you or your manicurist.

Check out the video on YouTube to see how it is applied.  It’s the latest in nail fashion and I suspect will be sweeping the country this spring.  Match your nails to your new dress and you’ll

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 12th, 2010 in Accessories, Articles, Fashion Tips, Stars, Style, Trends

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Dresses continue to be all the rage in trends right now and with spring coming, why not work on the prefect dress for you!  Feminine dressing is chic and dresses can hide a multitude of sins.  Finding a flattering dress really isn’t that hard.

Remember the perfect shape is considered an hour glass figure.  Your goal in dressing is to create the illusion of an hour-glass!  Follow these general guidelines and you’ll look stellar this spring.

• A-line dresses are universally flattering to any figure.
• V-and Scoop necklines create a visual balance and highlights your décolletage

Triangle Shape Body (wide or curvy hips)- Draw attention up to your face with a high waist, 2 color dress.  This Rebecca Taylor dress draws attention to the face with the light color and de-emphasizes the hips,  creating an hour-glass look by having dark on the bottom.

Full-Bust-Opt for a scoop neckline and empire waist that will discreetly emphasize without being too revealing.  This dress from Nordstrom creates emphasis with the  scooped neckline and gentle draping of fabric.  The floral print is so chic this spring.

Petite-To create a longer look, opt for a wrap dress that hugs and flares the body.  A shorter length and deep v-neck will show some skin and call attention to your legs and upper body making you appear taller.  This dress from BananaRepublic has all the right moves for spring.  It’s pink, it has soft ruffles and it creates a great long look for the petite woman.

Step out this spring and try on something new!  You’ll be glad you did and you will:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on February 8th, 2010 in Articles, Dresses, Fashion Tips, Style, Trends, Wardrobe

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