do I need a MAKEOVER? (Walter D. Joseph)

1. Admit it- This is the first and most important step in your transformation. You took a long and lasting look at yourself in the mirror and fell asleep. Stop sleeping on yourself and do something about your since of style. You have no reason to look boring, unless you really want to be perceived as an out of style bad dresser.

2. Believe that you can be beautiful- Looking great for first impressions and more importantly self-confidence. Many women and men feel that they are incapable of having a good since of fashion or style. I see so many people who have tons of potential but they simply lack the confidence to try something new-I feel like they are trapped in the previous decade-like clothes that are in style now. What we must keep in mind is the idea that beauty is subjective. Looking good is nothing more than a state of mind, with some effort to make the most of what you have. Everyone should be their own favorite supermodel!

3. Find a fashion idol- Not everyone can be as stylish as Sarah Jessica Parker or Justin Timberlake but we can take pointers from their wardrobes. What we can do is adapt their style to our own curves, and add our personal style to embrace the look as our own. Whether it is a friend or celebrity, find a fashion icon that inspires you and take note of how their style stands out and what you can do to make it your own.

4. Educate yourself- I encourage you to read fashion magazines, look at designer websites, window shop in the most expensive and stylish stores, try on new and risky clothes, buy those bright colored shoes, try wearing that v-neck tee-shirt, just soak it all up. Jump into this world of fashion until you understand the difference between what is good and what is bad. Eventually, you will know what looks bad, okay and great on you.

5. Take action- Whatever you do, do not settle for less. Resorting to outdated and mediocre fashion is unacceptable. Anyone in the world can find trendy clothing; simply refer to the internet. So stop whining and wishing you could magically be stylish and make today the day you start looking great!

6. Assess what you have and what suits your lifestyle- I really hope that your entire closet is not a fashion catastrophe. You may simply need to understand the different ways you can mix and match the wardrobe you already have. Additionally, you may only need to add a few new pieces to upgrade your style. You may be surprised what a few new items can do to your wardrobe.

7. Set your limits- When shopping for a new wardrobe, be sure to have an idea of what it is you want, need, and can do without. Have a mental list of what it is you truly need and be sure to stick to that list. This way you wont be distracted by items that will not elevate your style.

8. Find your fit- One of my favorite was to look chic is to have my clothing tailored. A great way to make your clothes fit you perfectly is to have them tailored. Removing a few inches of fabric can be all the difference in the world.


9. Don’t be a fashion victim- These days, fashion trends come and go faster than the increase of gas prices. Just because something is trendy does not mean that it is meant for you and your personal style. When trying on new clothes and styles, be realistic and completely honest with yourself and your body’s shape, size and proportion. I advice you to camouflage the flaws in your figure and to highlight the parts of your body that you like; allowing your style to flatter your figure.

10. Understand the fine line between modern and trendy- You want to keep your wardrobe and style fresh and trendy. If finances are an issue, don’t search for super-trendy fashions that are out of style the following week. Often times we will splurge and buy a really nice and expensive garment that is very trendy but can only be worn two times before the trend is over. In those instances buying something less flashy and inexpensive would have greatly benefited our wardrobe and we would still be able to wear it. Instead of looking in the closet at it and asking ourselves “What was I thinking?”

11. Love your fashion awakening- Lastly, take a long glance at yourself and be happy that you know you look the best that you can everyday. You want to constantly tweak your style so that you are always modern and never mediocre. Let your confidence shine through and you will never have to second guess what you are wearing.

If you found yourself second guessing any of the items/tips listed above it may be time for a MAKEOVER! If so, don’t fret simply follow the advice provided and allow your personal since of style to shine through.