Has summer finally arrived?
The temperatures are rising but ladies like their image to stay light and fresh - not like a wilted flower; men, you want to look cool and buff, not rumpled and sweaty. Here are some foolproof "Beat the Heat" strategies for your wardrobe and beauty regime that will boost your image without costing you a fortune. These tips are simple, quick, and easy.
Wardrobe Strategies
Fabrics: avoid polyester, rayon, or nylon. They trap heat against your body that causes you to feel hot and sticky. Instead, choose a breezy, light-weight cotton, cotton blend, linen, or wicking fabric when appropriate. With this season's cotton and linen fabrics, wrinkled clothing is an image BUSTER! Your garments must be pressed for a polished, neat, and crisp appearance to "bust" the wilted, melted look of sweat-crinkled clothing.
TipTop Tailors offer a service called Supercrease that puts a permanent crease in men and women's trousers. It only costs an amazing $8 per garment. Supercrease stays crisp even when wet. It lasts the life of the garment and is formulated to withstand washing, dry cleaning, and normal wear and tear. This is a must for everyone. Only at TipTop's West Edmonton Mall, Phase I location, mention that Shirley Borrelli sent you. Although Tip Top is a men's store, all the merchandise in the store is 10% off by mentioning Shirley Borrelli sent you. Call TipTop at 780.444.1290 for more information.
Hate to iron? Dry cleaners will press clothes for 75% of the dry clean price. Consider an eco-friendly cleaner that uses green practices. Visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca for a Hangers Cleaners location near you.
Fit: Avoid clothes that are too tight or too small - not only will they prevent your skin from breathing and cooling naturally, they will also show every drop of perspiration. Also avoid oversized baggy clothes in the name of comfort. You will look sloppy and wilted. Instead, choose tailored, fitted pieces that will help you look more pulled together while still being able to move freely and easily. Don't be controlled by the number on the size tag or garment. Try a size up or a size down because different brands and even different colours will fit differently on your body. Try everything on. No one will know the size you're wearing; only how good it looks on you. Make it a good fit for your best wardrobe boost.
Colour: Avoid head-to-toe dark neutrals. Freshen up by adding a light, neutral bottom like white, cream, or beige pants. Or try a skirt and a lighter, brighter colour on top to give your wardrobe a boost of energy. Keep your colours light, bright, and fresh in the heat. If black is a must, wear it with white for a crisp summer style. Add a pop of colour with a coral necklace, deep sea-blue oversized handbag, or a stack of colourful bracelets that make a statement.
Wardrobe Strategies for Women
Short shorts are for young girls only. Upgrade your summer wardrobe with knee-length Bermuda or city-length shorts. Try an A-line cotton or linen print skirt to boost your flirty side while still keeping it office worthy. Wear them with a stacked heel rather than a flip flop. Try a polished flat to give your flip flops a break; flip flops may be easy and comfortable, but they are really a casual slipper meant for the beach or the pool.
Replace teeny-weeny accessories with a statement necklace, big earrings, or a stack of colourful bracelets that stand out. Wear 2 of these 3 items at one time.
Cover your bra and straps. Showing your bra under your arms or the straps is in bad taste. Shorten the straps of your tank tops for a quick remedy to this image blooper. A pretty dress is always a boost for your summer wardrobe. You'll have it for years so choose wisely. Pick a flattering colour - one that covers your bra straps without the use of a pashmina or topper, and with an A-line skirt for a flattering, fit.
Replace your black leather handbag for a fresh fruit-coloured bag with interesting hardware. This is one of the least expensive ways to boost a drab wardrobe. Typically, a larger handbag allows for room for your water bottle and a magazine for those spontaneous breaks from the sun at the park under the shade of a tree.
Beauty Strategies for Women
Lighten up your fragrance; replace heavy musks and spices for citrus and floralscented lotions. Rethink your makeup routine for summer. Heavy liner and bold lips are too harsh when the sun is bright. Switch to a waterproof mascara to avoid looking like Alice Cooper when water damage is only a sprinkler away. Wear mineral cosmetics for a fresh glow all day and night. Mineral cosmetics are good for your skin.
Shirley is proud to offer Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics and U B U mineral cosmetics. Available for purchase. By appointment only or if you know your colours send an email to place your order info@shirleyborrelli.com.
Call (780) 451-0661 for more information.Shirley Borrelli, B.Ed is Founder and President of Looking Your Best Image Consulting located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
To contact her or for permission to use or quote this article call (780) 451-0661;
email info@shirleyborrelli.com or visit www.shirleyborrelli.com.
#214, 10310 - 124 St. NW,
Edmonton, AB, T5N 1R2 | 780-451-0661 |