How to Look 10 Years Younger Without Going Under a Knife

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All my life I have been told that I look young for my age. Although I really appreciate it now, when I was young I spent a lot of time and energy trying to make myself appear older or at least my age. Now that I am in my mid 40’s maintaining a youthful look has become a primary concern. I know… it’s impossible to make me happy.

Some people say that I was blessed with good genes. And although I know this is true, it also takes work. The following suggestions are inexpensive fixes that will instantly make you look younger.

Hair that is too long or outdated – Shorter styles above the shoulder will draw the eye up and make you appear younger. Hair with a side part, slightly layered around the face and with a little volume is usually more flattering and youthful than straight hair in one length.

Hair that is too grey or the wrong colour – Gray hair is automatically perceived as older. However, when hair is coloured too dark, the wrong colour or when it appears all one colour it can make us appear older as well. Choose a colour that will compliment your softened features or use a combination of colour and highlights to add natural looking highlights to the hair.

Yellowed teeth – Over time our teeth become more yellow and stained. For whiter more youthful looking teeth, use an over the counter whitener like Crest Whitestrips to lighten your teeth or have them professionally whitened.

Sagging bust- As we age our torso gradually shrinks. This along with gravity taking it’s toll will make us appear older. A good fitting bra will instantly give you a lift and make you appear younger. Many independent lingerie stores and department stores like Sears and the Bay have certified bra fitters.

Slouching – Good posture makes all the difference. Your clothes will fit better. You will appear slimmer and more youthful.

Outdated or over the top clothing and accessories – Choose good quality, up-to-date clothing styles with simple details. Keep your look up-to-date with updated accessories that suit the size of your bone structure and personality. Use one main accessory to create a focal point drawing attention to itself or an area or you choice.

Wearing the wrong colours – The wrong colours will cause the skin to appear sallow, pale or grey. They will also make lines and age spots stand out. Choose colours that flatter you. They will make you appear more youthful and vibrant.

Filed Under: Look Younger , Wardrobe , Women

What Does Your Clothing Imply About You?

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In my last blog post I talked about how grooming, certain clothing styles, combinations or the condition of your clothing will have a strong impact on the perceptions others have about you and how they can damage your credibility for business. However everything we wear and the way we groom ourselves not only have an impact in a business setting, they also have an impact on anyone who sees us no matter what the setting. If the garment fits the activity or setting, the garment will harmonize and we will look like we belong. If it doesn’t fit the activity or setting, it and us will be distracting and out of place.
What settings do you think the following items harmonize in?

• Wrinkled or stained clothing
• Yoga pants
• Uncoordinated clothing and accessories
• Clothing that needs repair
• Basketball shoes
• Novelty t-shirt that says, “Life is Hell.”
• Delicate clothing with ruffles and tiers
• Ski suit
• Wool suit

Many of us would think the answers are obvious. A ski suit would be worn for skiing. A wool suit would be worn for business or at a conservative event. But what if the ski suit was worn to the beach on a hot August day? Although after thinking about it for a minute, most of us would question the person’s sanity, initially, most of us would consider the oddity of a ski suit at the beach among others in bathing suits and shorts. Now I know this is an extreme case and quite unlikely… I hope. But there are other situations similar to this that we see all the time. Basket ball shoes and yoga pants in fancy restaurants; Wrinkled and stained clothing while out on a date; or thread worn clothing or clothing with a fallen hem at a job interview.
As I mentioned before there is a time and place for everything. However, clothing that isn’t in-sync with its environment draws attention to itself and you and creates questions about your personality and lifestyle.  For Example: Dirty, stained or wrinkled clothing worn out on a date or at work, may imply that that you are lazy or don’t care about yourself.  However, when worn while working in the garden they might imply that you have been working hard or that you don’t want to ruin your good clothes. Or it may imply that you are lazy and don’t care about yourself. Remember, perception is always in the eye of the beholder.

Filed Under: Business Dress , Men , Wardrobe , Women

Looking the Part Isn’t Just for the Office

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When times are tough economically, the impulse to let go of the little things becomes greater. We may get up in the morning and throw on the first thing that looks comfortable, without giving it much consideration. Or we disregard our concerns thinking, “Oh well nobody will notice.” Or, “I am just running to the grocery store, nobody will see me anyway.” And then it happens. You run into that most important client or what might have been a potential employer. Unfortunately you never know where you will bump into someone important to your career. And although I truly believe that we all deserve time to let our hair down and to demonstrate our personal style, be aware that the impression we make, even during our personal time, can add or take away from our business success. I am not saying that you need to spend your weekends in business clothing. Every outfit has it’s time and place and casual clothing is expected in casual environments. However, certain items can be distracting, diminish your credibility and create a strong impression about you. During tough economic times, looking well groomed, coordinated and appropriate for the setting can be your strongest business asset. For a great business impression leave the following at home:

• Wrinkled or stained clothing
• Mismatched clothing and accessories (colours or styles)
• Clothing and shoes that are worn out or in poor condition
• Clothing that needs repair: missing buttons, fallen hems, spots, etc.
• Garments that are too tight or too big
• Body Baring Garments – Cleavage showing, midriff showing (unless at the beach or pool)
• Mini Skirts (more than 3 inches above the knee)
• See-through garments
• Undergarments that show (but please wear some)
• Brightly coloured hair or extreme styles
• Extreme prints and patterns
• Extreme Fads
• Cutesy clothing and accessories
• Shoes that are too high or throw you off your balance
• Athletic shoes or clothing (unless in an athletic environment)
• Digital watches (unless in a very casual or athletic environment)
• Visible tattoos
• Logos, slogans or novelty prints on clothing & accessories (except your companies apparel)

In other words… Anything that might be Distracting!

Filed Under: Business Dress , Men , Wardrobe , Women