StyleWorks of Union Square

We all lead busy lives.  Chances are you can’t remember the last time you slept for eight hours straight.  If that isn’t bad enough, the tell-tale signs are quick to show up on your face.  While you may not know when you’ll actually catch up on your zzzz’s, rest assured you can look well-rested in the interim.  For a few simple tips, read on my sleepy compadres.

Take three.  A lack of sleep can lead to dull, sallow skin.  To help your skin restore its healthy glow from the inside out, follow these three steps.  First, start your morning with a tall glass of water and repeat several times throughout the day.  Then scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and visually revive tired skin.  Follow up with a rich hydrating moisturizer to plump up fine lines and sooth dehydrated skin.  For an extra boost of brightness, add a drop of illuminating lotion to your regular moisturizer.  One to try is NARS Skin Illuminator in Copacabana).

Keep cool.  Tired, puffy eyes beg for a little TLC to shrink the capillaries and reduce inflammation.  While placing a used tea bag on the eyes will tame the puff, putting something cold on the eyes is just as effective (and probably less messy).  Cool cucumber slices, a bag of frozen veggies or a cooling eye gel pad (available at any beauty store) will all do the trick.  The five minutes of sitting still and relaxing probably won’t hurt either.

Conceal to reveal.  Show off a well-rested you.  An under eye concealer can be your BFF.  Make sure the texture is light and creamy.  (Anything thick or dry can bring attention to tired eyes.)  Opt for one that’s yellow-based and slightly lighter than your skin tone.  Use a concealer brush to help you reach the inner corners, where shadows create the darkest areas.  One to try is YSL Touche Eclat.

Open wide.  Use an eyelash curler to visually open up tired eyes.  Simple yet effective, makeup artists believe this one small step can have the biggest impact on a tired face.  Finish with a coat or two of mascara and you’re good to go.

Get the red out.  Bloodshot eyes are easily treated with drops like Visine that contain special ingredients to shrink blood vessels.  In tandem, line the inner rims of your lower lash line with a pale neutral or light blue eyeliner.  Both will brighten the eye area and deemphasize glossy and bloodshot eyes.

While these are great tips, let’s not forget…a little caffeine and a catnap can go a long way (smile).

You may know how to dress for success…and how to build a suitable (no pun intended) work wardrobe.  But, are you guilty of being so focused on work that you’ve completely neglected your feminine, flirty side?  Do you have a style recipe – or even the right ingredients – for expressing that part of yourself??

I know that there are different degrees of sexy – and that every woman has her own way of expressing it. The great news is that this is a recipe where you decide how much of each ingredient feels right to you. And some of the ingredients may already live in your ‘cupboard’ (aka your closet). Take a look below as you consider what can go into your own sexy recipe.  There’s no better month than February…and no better time than now.

Alluring Accessories - Save the stud earrings for work. Instead, opt for chandelier earrings with movement.  Think about sparkle and shine with bracelets or necklaces that showcase rhinestones, beading, or gems that capture the light.  Shoes should be higher than you might normally wear, but still comfortable.  (Note: anything uncomfortable is decidedly unsexy!)  As the cold weather is upon us, high-heeled boots in black or bright colors are a great choice. Additionally, hair ornaments or clips create an easy up-do and bring the attention to the neck.

Captivating Clothing – Say yes to the feminine yet sexy little black dress! Add points for a deep or strapless neckline.  Look for flirty tops with one-shoulder or illusion details. A bustier or lace cami peeking out from under a sheer blouse is also an enchanting option. While shaped skirts (pencil or mermaid) also score high on the sexy scale, one cannot underestimate the impact of a well-cut, slim trouser. Note: the fit is important here.  (It’s hard to be sexy in oversized clothing.) Stretch can be a best friend in this category of clothing, so look for bottoms blended with a small percentage of spandex.

Magnetic Makeup – One cannot deny the ‘wow’ factor of a red lip or nail color.  Opt for your best shade for an instant ‘wow.’  For additional impact on the lip, add your favorite gloss.  Consider a smoky eye or black eyeliner with a wing that extends out and up from the lid.  Ditto for shimmering eye color. Add a second coat of mascara, or for those more talented amongst us, false eyelashes.

Lovely lingerie -Nothing says sex appeal like a well-fitting bra – especially those of the push-up variety!  Don’t forget, a little lace cami goes a long way.  We all know that thong underwear adds a certain allure, but don’t underestimate the playfulness of boy-short cuts.  Some of your well-cut clothing may require special shapers that create smooth lines under slimmer silhouettes.  Seek out a lingerie or specialty store instead of a larger department store for some pretty versions of these wardrobe wonders.

If you’re someone who thinks looking sexy is not your ‘thing,’ you may be ignoring this playful, fun part of dressing.  Why not embrace it…if not for someone else’s sake, but for your own?   colleague shared a quote from Dita Von Teese, contemporary burlesque performer and fashion icon. Dita said: “It’s not about seducing men, it’s about embracing womanhood.”

What are you waiting for?  Get cooking!

When you think of the month of February, what comes to mind? To some it’s a month of romance and friendship. For others, it’s a time of chocolate or flowers. Whatever pops into your head first, there is probably a color associated with it… the color red. You may be familiar with some of the messages behind this fabulous hue: exciting, assertive, stimulating, dramatic and passionate. It’s a power color for sure, not only mentally but also physically. It’s been known to increase enthusiasm, raise blood pressure (and possibly one’s heartbeat and pulse rate), as well as encourage action and confidence.

As some of you may know, I loovvee the color red – any time of year. (It’s no accident it’s part of my logo.) However, rather than take the meaning of the color so seriously, I thought it might be fun to showcase a few whimsical items that incorporate red. Caution: even if you don’t usually wear red, you might just be tempted!

Gray skies are going to clear up. But until they do, you’ve still got to protect yourself from whatever Mother Nature has in store. It’s simply not possible to let the pesky precipitation get to you with this transparent bubble umbrella, detailed with sweet polka dots and a playful face graphic. What’s more is that it will probably put a smile on the faces of others as well. ($65 at www.shopbop.com)

It’s not what you think. But it may be what you need: a tote that’s roomy enough to carry life’s little necessities, in a seasonally appropriate fabric (who doesn’t love felt), at a price that won’t break the bank. Sure it reminds you of an iconic classic, but it’s done tongue-in-cheek and doesn’t take itself so seriously. And to that I say, Kelly who? $60 at www.chicwish.com)

Stripe on! Wide or narrow, stripes are a strong part of the equation this season. Somewhere between a cozy pullover and a tailored jacket, this stripe blazer is so great for so many reasons. It rocks the stripe trend that’s so big right now, plus the vertical lines are slimming. And it can easily be dressed up or down. What’s more, it doesn’t take itself so seriously. Can you say love? ($270 at www.stylebop.com)

Leave nothing to chance. After months on the pop charts, the lyrics of Carly Rae Jepsen’s song still play in our head: “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy. But here’s my number, so call me maybe.” Why not take the uncertainty out of the equation and lend a playful touch with this plastic iPhone cover? You can’t say it’s not clear. ($55 at www.shopbop.com)

It’s the best of all worlds. Don’t let the name fool you. Tarte’s LipSurgence™ lip tint delivers nondrying, sheer color while keeping lips hydrated and refreshed. This award-winning tint is goofproof-it goes on like a lip gloss, stays on like a stain and hydrates like a dreamy balm. ($24 at www.tartecosmetics.com)

Can you hear my heart go pitter-patter? Everyone needs an evening bag and chances are you already have one in your closet. But does it make your heart sing (or at least hum)? A hard-framed metal clutch swathed in shimmering metal mesh features a fab, faceted, stone clasp closure. Work it back to your evening ensemble with a bodycon dress or skirt for a look that is sure to break hearts. ($149 at www.mimco.com)

These days many of us have the option of conducting some or all of our business from home a few days a week. Tempting as it may be to stay in your pajamas or workout clothes all day, it begs the question…Are your comfy clothes really the best uniform for work attire?

 Sure, your home office can have a more casual dress code. However, to eliminate a dress code altogether would be a mistake. Paying attention to your grooming and your attire – even if no one will see you – could give structure to your workday that benefits you and increases your productivity. The routine of getting ready and getting dressed for work is one worth keeping, if for no other reason than to mentally (and visually) distinguish between a work and personal day.  

Did you have a morning ritual when you used to go into the office? I encourage you to keep all or part of it. Take the time to shower or wash your face. Apply makeup, even if it’s minimal, to make you feel like you’re showing up to work looking your best. Get dressed for the day before you get consumed by email. Have your morning cup of tea or coffee. Read the pape r or review your goals for the day. In short, p-r-e-p-a-r-e yourself for work, even if your office is located in the next room.

When it comes to getting dressed, be intentional. Don’t pull clothes from your workout pile or grab something that’s been tossed into the back of your closet. You can bridge the transition from y  our home life to your work life using the language of clothes. Instead of throwing on an old, dingy T-shirt, wear a non-iron blouse in a pretty color instead. Skip the cardigan with the missing buttons or holes; wear one that is in tip-top condition. Say “no” to your sloppy pajama bottoms and “yes” to your best-fitting jeans. Substitute comfortable fl ats instead of slippers.

 If you are not sure about the clothing boundaries for a home office, imagine yourself in three scenarios.

1. You are expecting something in the mail and your mailbox is a distance from your front door. You are wearing your “work” attire. Would you be mortified if your neighbor or doorman caught a glimpse of you at your mailbox?
2.  A friend or colleague knows you are working from home today and calls you with a last minute lunch invitation. Would you be able to say yes, hop in a cab as soon as you hang up the phone, and head to the restaurant?
3.  Your boss sends an email and wants to set up a videoconference in thirty minutes. Are you scrambling to shower and get dressed, or are you able to take the time and prepare for the call?

 Celebrate the fact that you have the freedom to create your own dress code! Think about what makes you loo k and feel great, and what will motivate you to do the best job you can. Perhaps it’s a pair of crisp jeans with a silky jersey T and cascading front cardigan? Or maybe it’s a simple dress, boots and a long necklace? What about a tunic, legging and some statement jewelry?

 Regardless of where you work, your work attire deserves thoughtfulness and respect. If you’d like help developing yours, just let me know!

It’s a New Year, filled with new possibilities.   2013 has the potential to be your (and your clients’) most stylish year ever.  Read on for 13 opportunities (aka resolutions) to help you make that happen.  While I hope that you (and they) will take advantage of them all, there’s no pressure here.  You may want to start with one or two and add more as the year progresses. They are at your disposal, to use or to share.

 1.  Clarify your own unique style. Look in magazines or online and begin to assemble a file of items that appeal to you.  Think about what they share in common – perhaps it’s the colors, silhouettes, styles or manufacturers?  Begin to cultivate (or refine) your style so that you know what to look for and consistently love your look.

2.  Identify your assets – and then flaunt them!  I’m not sure why,   but we all seem to dwell on the negative. Why not take the time and energy you’d use to hide a challenge area and instead think about your assets and how you can best show them off?

3.  Assess your wardrobe.  Try to understand what works and what doesn’t, and why.  Let go of the things that are simply not useful.  To quote a phrase from Nike, “Just do it.”  Give discarded items a second life by donating them or giving them to a friend.

 4.  Don’t put off alterations or repairs.  There is nothing more frustrating than having an item that you could wear and enjoy, if only… Just as you schedule everything else in your smart phone, take the time to schedule these activities as well.

 5.  Organize your closet.  Does this seem overwhelming?  Split this task into one or two hour chunks, over the course of several weeks. Think about your wardrobe routine.  Would it make sense to organize your closet by item, by color or by outfit?  Play some music and focus on creating a sanctuary of organized items that make you deliriously happy!

 6.  Find new ways to combine your clothes.  Pick one item each    week and challenge yourself to come up with a new way to wear it.   (FYI, many of our cients don’t really need more items…just some fresh ways to wear what they own.  That’s where you come in!)

 7.  Mak e a shopping list.  Do not – I repeat – do not – go into a store without a list of what you need.  This will keep you from coming home with the ‘nice-to-haves’ as opposed to the ‘need-to-haves.’

 8.  Make a conscious decision to make wiser choices.  Assuming an item fits both your budget and your body, ask yourself:  Do you love it?  Does it flatter you?  Does it represent you at your best?

 9. Make a point to add color.  No one can live in all neutrals all the time.  Easy ways to add a splash of color are by way of a bag, shoe, nail color or as part of a print.  Not only will color add visual interest to any outfit, it can help you get through these gray winter days.

 10.  Discover that comfort and style need not be mutually exclusive.  Take the time to search out items that hit the mark in both categories.  No one should suffer for fashion.  However, no one should  sacrifice it for comfort, either.  (This point may need to be driven home with your clients.)

 11.  Give yourself permission to shop for the whole outfit.  So many clients are frustrated because they have orphan items (aka items that don’t have a companion piece) in their closet.  When considering a new item, either make sure that you own two to three items to go with it, or take the time to hunt for the complete ensemble.

12.  Shop twice a season, once at the beginning of the season for wardrobe essentials (i.e. a well-fitted black trouser or great-looking snow boot) and again at the end of the season to fill in or add items that tug at your heart.

 13.  Learn to accept compliments graciously. They will come!