Extreme Makeover Advice That Works!

[w332]

Hi Ladies!


I am in my early 30's, and I am at a point where I have finished graduate school and started working in my field, and I need a new look! I am working hard to finance a new image, and I even work extra hours doing office work part-time. But all the years of focusing on studying (almost to the exclusion of everything else) has landed me in a bad rut. I feel like a literal diamond in the rough...like I need to really spend a lot of time to make myself over (plus, none of the women in my immediate family are into their appearances...I'm the one who really cares, so it's a lonely struggle).


But I didn't know it would be so hard. After a long day at work, I don't have much energy, and I want to crawl into bed to be well rested for another long day.


Has anyone ever had to dig themselves out of a rut after letting themselves go?? Did you come back looking more beautiful than EVER?!!! IF so, how did you do it?


How would you go about it if you were me?!! Any suggestions are appreciated! :yep:

[GodivaChocolate]

I've never let myself go, I've always been concerned about my appearance even as a little girl but I would suggest you look at various blogs, magazines and find a personal shopper or even befriend a sales person whose style you admire at your favorite store to achieve your "look". Don't make this process a chore, have fun with it and purchase things that make you feel good about yourself and things that you like.
I would also focus on quality and not quantity (quality can be found at any store, you just have to know what your looking for) and buy things that you can mix and match with others, and don't forget to add color to your wardrobe. The best advice of all in my opinion is to find a good tailor/seamstress and have your clothes tailored to fit your body. That'll make just about any outfit look like a million bucks!

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

[metro_qt]

I reinvent myself every so often...
here's how i go about it...

1. make a 'map' of where you want to go...
this is the look of what you want to achieve to look the best 'you' can..
not anybody else... YOU.

-what's your goal hair colour and style
-what's your goal clothing style (neutrals, fresh and flirty, office appropriate, etc)
-what's your goal makeup look (soft, natural, look-at-me, fresh, etc)
- how will you be caring for nails, toes, skin, upkeep

2. When... What month and day do you want to achieve all of this by?
(i suggest buying pieces and doing things gradually everyday until you get to a goal end date... you'll look at yourself and be very happy/wowed.

3. treat yourself!
make one day to actually get a makeup consultation to support your makeup style for these next couple of months, get a mani/pedi and hair appt all on one day...
make it a spa day and pamper yourself with love.

4. Don't forget the gym and an eating plan to support your changes...
not only do these make you fit into your clothing better, but they give you great self confidence...

5. Post this 'map' of your goal you and track/chart your changes to see how well you're doing.
LOL this is optional, but if you're serious, you'll actually have a real plan of how to go about things, what you need to focus on and what you're currently happy with.

In my opinion, it allows you to not waste your time on the small stuff that you already like about yourself, or the things that are already working...
EX: your shoe game is already tight, so you don't have to focus on it...
when you come out, you'll be fabulous!

[w332]

Great tips Ladies!! Thank you!

[GodivaChocolate]

I reinvent myself every so often...
here's how i go about it...

1. make a 'map' of where you want to go...
this is the look of what you want to achieve to look the best 'you' can..
not anybody else... YOU.

-what's your goal hair colour and style
-what's your goal clothing style (neutrals, fresh and flirty, office appropriate, etc)
-what's your goal makeup look (soft, natural, look-at-me, fresh, etc)
- how will you be caring for nails, toes, skin, upkeep

2. When... What month and day do you want to achieve all of this by?
(i suggest buying pieces and doing things gradually everyday until you get to a goal end date... you'll look at yourself and be very happy/wowed.

3. treat yourself!
make one day to actually get a makeup consultation to support your makeup style for these next couple of months, get a mani/pedi and hair appt all on one day...
make it a spa day and pamper yourself with love.

4. Don't forget the gym and an eating plan to support your changes...
not only do these make you fit into your clothing better, but they give you great self confidence...

5. Post this 'map' of your goal you and track/chart your changes to see how well you're doing.
LOL this is optional, but if you're serious, you'll actually have a real plan of how to go about things, what you need to focus on and what you're currently happy with.

In my opinion, it allows you to not waste your time on the small stuff that you already like about yourself, or the things that are already working...
EX: your shoe game is already tight, so you don't have to focus on it...
when you come out, you'll be fabulous!

Oooh! I love how you put it in terms of goal setting! Great post!

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

[LoveisYou]

Doing a complete makeover on your own can be a daunting task, so enlist help. This thread is a great start on getting others to help you on the path. I suggest youtube for makeup application techniques and following bloggers whose looks you want to emulate for inspiration.
If time is an issue, you can make small changes at a time by focusing on one area to improve then adding another etc. as you go along.

[Bun Mistress]

I redid my look a few years ago and lost a lot of weight, ect.

I wouls uggest the follwing. Set reasonable goals and do things for yourself. You are the only person you should be concerned about.
Dress for your body type now and don't live in the future.

Find looks you like.

I keep my make up simple to ensure I will do it on a daily basis. Eye shadows are fun but on the daily can look a little much in some situations.

Start off we key pieces.

Don't think of this as a chore. Your beauty time should be your time to relax.

And think about your doing this. You spent all this time in class now its time for you to get out their and live. You can't do that alone in sweats under the covers.

[w332]

All great advice! I will be keeping these things in mind as I make changes...you ladies are a wonderful source of information!

[ryanshope]

One rule I live by: Bye what I LOVE; not on sale. I used to get stuff just cuz it was a good deal; but I would end up with things that either didn't fit right, terrible color match or I didn't feel good in. So I tossed everything doesn't make me feel good and look good. I would rather have 5 great outfits versus 30 so-so/terrible ones.

Good luck.

[awhyley]

I would also focus on quality and not quantity (quality can be found at any store, you just have to know what your looking for) and buy things that you can mix and match with others, and don't forget to add color to your wardrobe. The best advice of all in my opinion is to find a good tailor/seamstress and have your clothes tailored to fit your body. That'll make just about any outfit look like a million bucks!

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

THIS! :yep:

[caribeandiva]

*subscribing*