Fashion, Beauty and Life Lessons Learned in My First 30 Years.
- Every woman should own a LBD (little black dress) that makes her feel sexy.
- Everyone pretends to look bored at fashion week, but very few people actually are. Go figure.
- Drinking too much isn’t attractive.
- Pair your attention-grabbing clothes or accessories with understated ones. A sequined silk jacket looks stunning paired with distressed skinny jeans and heels.
- Invest in your lingerie. Having exactly the right pair of knickers will add pep to your step and make you feel confident! Hanky Panky and Cosabella panties are da bomb - perfectly sexy AND comfy.
- Dress to fit your personality. You do not NEED to follow the trends that grace the catwalk each season. Fashion is meant as a guide but not a rule book - never take it too seriously.
- Connect with classics and invest in staple pieces. Spend more on a trench coat, premium denim, school boy blazers, a timeless handbag and a crisp white blouse.
- Dry shampoo.
- Black opaque tights make everyone’s legs look good! My favorite brands are Wolford and Commando.
- Aviator sunglasses will always be cool.
- Make time for yourself. Sleep in, read a book, go to the spa, take a yoga class, relax in front of a fireplace, immerse yourself in a hobby...you get the idea.
- Never lose your sense of adventure or curiosity.
- Use a primer. Your makeup will last 10x longer.
- Travel. Tips from my favorite Travelista.
- A hand-written note will always be 100x more thoughtful than an email, text or (God forbid) Facebook message. Some of my favorites are from www.redstamp.com and www.paperista.com
- Support local designers. Anne Cramer, Scout by Tracy Bennett, Nelle Handbags and Joynoelle are a few of my favorites.
- It is okay to not “love vintage.” It isn’t for everyone and that doesn’t make you less cool! Vintage clothing only fits certain body types, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t hang with the vintage peeps.
- No beauty product can do for you what 9 hours of sleep can!
- Indulge occasionally. Nothing beats a butterscotch sea salt scone from Jack’s Cafe or French fries at Barbette.
- Smoking is nasty and it gives you wrinkles.
- Don’t shop for clothes when you are on vacation. Why? Most people spend hours at the gym prior to a trip...so you are tan, thin and on vacation. What doesn’t look great when you are tan, thin and on vacation?
- Never listen to a salesperson when buying an important item. Their job is to SELL, not give you honest advice. Trust your gut instinct or bring an honest friend along shopping.
- Find a great tailor.
- If the shoes are only sorta comfortable when you try them on at the store, you can be sure they will kill your feet later.
- The best flea market in the world is in northern Paris. (Les Puces de Saint-Ouen)
- Don't waste time on jealousy. Life is too short and chances are you have something that he/she longs for anyway.
- Every Twin Citian should head north and spend time on Madeline Island. It is incredibly quaint and romantic.
- What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your body. Kale, blueberries, salmon and lots of water will make your skin radiant - I promise.
- Take time to organize your closet. Donate items that you haven’t worn in two years or don’t fit anymore. And group items (pants, coats, tops, etc) by color. This will save you time in the morning.
- Stay grounded. We all spend plenty of time primping so it is important to make just as much time for selfless acts of kindness - Volunteer for a non-profit, help your elderly neighbor shovel snow, comfort a friend in need, etc.
I can't wait to see what I learn in the next 10 years of my life. Please post what you have learned in your lifetime!