Quick and Easy Tips for Being a Stylish New Mom

Having a newborn at home can be one of the most stressful times in your life. You are dealing with this new little human you are responsible of taking care of as well as suffering from lack of sleep.

Being stylish and fashionable is probably the last thing on your mind until the day you have to go to some special event or make your first real outing and realize  that just since you have a new baby you can still take care of yourself and like what you see.

Here are some quick and easy fashion tips for being a stylish new mom that won't take a lot of extra effort but can definitely help you feel a little more put together and stylish.

Wear What Fits Your Body the Way It Looks Now

It can be tempting to want to squeeze into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away, but truthfully you will feel a lot more comfortable as well as be able to flatter your body better if you wear the clothing that fits your body no matter what size it may say.

Wearing too small of clothing can actually make you look heavier than you are. When you invest in a few staple pieces to get you through until you are down to pre-pregnancy size you can actually flatter your body and make yourself look slimmer even if you are carrying a few extra pounds.

Don't invest a huge amount of money into new clothing, but check out some of your transition pieces from your first trimester as well as maybe a new pair of jeans that can get you through the first months until you comfortably fit back into your regular clothing.

Buy Stylish Baby Gear

Nowadays there are so many stylish diaper bags and other baby gear that you can choose from that you shouldn't be lugging around a bag that features Winnie the Pooh or some other awful pink color that says "Baby" on it.

Instead opt for a stylish diaper bag that looks like a purse instead. These bags can be great for adding some style to your outfit and best of all they carry all your baby gear as well as your gear that you may need for outings with your new baby.

There are also some stylish baby wraps and carriers that you can choose from that can actually add to your outfit and they are functional as well. If you are choosing any type of baby gear that you may be wearing or carrying with you, opt for a stylish, grown-up feel instead of something that speaks from the 90's.

Opt for a Quick Makeup Routine

You probably won't have as much time as you used to have when it comes to putting on makeup so you will want to abbreviate your makeup routine and go for a quick and easy face that also makes you look fresh.

Go for a tinted moisturizer that also has SPF to cut back on how many layers you may have to apply. This will help to give your face a fresh glow but won't look too heavy and won't take you having to apply sunscreen, foundation and powder.

If you want to hide those dark circles under your eyes, you can take a good quality concealer and simply just apply it under your eyes after you apply your tinted moisturizer.

A quick application of mascara as well as some lip gloss and you can be ready to walk out the door in about 5 minutes. If you do have some extra time, take a few minutes to apply a natural toned blush for some color on your face.

Use Accessories for a Quick Hairstyle

You may not have the time every morning to straighten or curl your hair so you will have to work with what you got. This means accessories like clips, headbands, and even ponytails can become your best friend for a quick but fashionable hairstyle.

A low ponytail with a side part may be a quick way to pull your hair back and get in under control and it looks cute as well. Or a cute little headband for those says your hair may not be lying the way you want it to. There are plenty of quick hairstyles that you can do in only a few minutes.

One thing you should do before baby comes is to get a fresh haircut that is easy and quick to style. Now is not the time to get a complicated cut that takes forever to style.

How to Look Like You Have Long Legs Simply By Choosing the Right Outfit

Whether you truly do have shorter legs or you simply want to make yourself appear longer and leaner, there are certain ways that you can look like you have long legs by simply choosing the right outfit.

Check out these 5 clothing style tips below for some easy ways to make your legs appear longer without having to do anything but put on some beautiful clothes.

1. Wear a Nude Colored Shoe

A nude shoe will help elongate the line of your legs without disrupting cutting them off at the ankles with a different color.

Any shoe, especially high heeled pumps, that match the color of your legs will elongate your legs. If you happen to be wearing tights in a different color keep this tip in mind as well as it can be used for something like black tights paired with a black shoe as well.

2. Avoid Wearing Shoes with an Ankle Strap

Any shoe with a strap around the ankle, no matter how high the heel is, is going to cut off the line of your leg. This make your legs appear shorter instead of longer.

Instead go for a pump that is lower cut so you can see your entire ankle going down into your leg. This works very well for elongating your legs when wearing a skirt or dress.

3. Go For a Longer Hem on Your Pants

Instead of choosing an ankle length pant hem, choose one that grazes the floor instead. This helps to lengthen your leg as much as possible and can make them look incredibly long.

Pair your longer hemmed pants with a high heel and you may just be amazed at how long your legs appear.

4. Choose a Taller Boot

If you are looking to wear some killer boots, then opt for a knee high boot instead of something that ends at your calf or especially not ankle boots.

This tips sort of goes back to wearing items that don't cut off the length of the length or don't bisect them into different areas and colors. If you really want to extend the length of your leg, opt for something like a pair of black leggings tucked into knee high boots or a black skirt that goes to to the top of your boots.

5. Avoid Wearing a Tunic Top

By wearing a long tunic top you can easily cut your legs shorter instead of making them look longer. If you want your legs to look longer, choose a top that ends at the top of your hips and no further down as it will start to hide the length of your legs.

If you do choose a longer top, make sure it is more of fitted one rather than a loose, blousy one so that you can tell where your legs start.

5 Tips for Wearing a White Dress This Summer

This summer why not branch out a little bit and choose white instead of black for your dress?

White dresses are really quite popular right now and you can see plenty of celebrities sporting white frocks this spring and summer. But, you don't have to look like a celebrity to be able to pull off a white dress.

Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when choosing a white dress this summer.

1. Make Sure You Wear the Proper Undergarments

I know that one of the reasons why I often stray from white clothing is because a lot of the clothing pieces I come across you can easily see-through them. This means it is really important that you choose the right undergarments when wearing a white dress even if you don't think you can see through the dress.

This means choosing a bra and underwear in a nude color that matches your skin tone. It can be tempting to go with a white bra or underwear but it may show more than you think and instead stick with a nude skin color.

You also want to wear a slip or camisole underneath the dress if it is really see-through or sheer in any area. I know that a lot of women my age are turned off when it comes to slips and think are just for old ladies but you really don't want to be showing off everything you own to everyone you meet. Look for a slip that fits properly under your dress so that you don't have to worry about any lumps or bumps peeking through. You can even find shape wear slips that will help slim your body and provide some coverage as well.

2. Choose a Flattering Shape for Your Body

Since lighter colors like white are a lot more unforgiving than say black or navy blue, you definitely want to make sure you choose a dress that flatters your body shape.

An A-line dress is usually the most flattering for just about any body shape as it has a closer fit on top and then starts to flare away from the body around the waist and hip area.

You may have to try on different dress styles before you find the perfect one on your body.

3. For a More Feminine and Sweet Style Go with Lace or an Eyelet Dress

If you want to pull off that feminine and sweet style with a white dress, look for one that has a touch of lace or even an eyelet dress. These dresses can easily be dressed up for evening events and date nights out but still have that fresh, summery look.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Color

If you are afraid that you are going to look washed out or simply boring, then don't be afraid to add some color to your outfit by the way of your accessories.

Items such as a bold statement necklace, or even a darker colored blazer over your dress can easily add some color and style to your white dress and still give you that fresh look. You can even add a pop of color with some funky print pumps or even a long necklace.

5. Choose a Dress with Some Interesting Accents

Instead of just sticking with a plain white dress, look for one that has interesting accents and elements such as a sheer panel or gold hardware accents. This can easily take your look from boring to super stylish and adds a fun aspect to the dress.

I have seen plenty of white dresses that are super cute and stylish with some funky accents or even just simple touches like lace cap sleeves or a crocheted accent at the neckline.

So this summer, don't stray away from all the pretty white frocks you run across, but instead play it smart and choose the right white dress for you and it may just become your favorite outfit this summer.

5 Quick Tips for Looking Slimmer in Photos

How many times have you been tagged in a photo on Facebook and you just want to scream because of the way you look.

I know that I have been caught unprepared or not looking my best for some photos so I decided to find the best way to take pictures so you don't have to worry about "untagging" yourself when your friend posts some pics of you.

These tips work for just about any photos and are great tips if you plan on taking professional family pictures or even special pictures like wedding or engagement photos.

5 Tips for Looking Slimmer in Your Photos

Place Your Arm on Your Hip

This not only helps your arms to look thinner but also helps define a waist as well. Sometimes you may notice that you look like you are a simple straight up and down blob because you can't see a defined waist in the photo. By placing your hand on your hip you define the waist area which can definitely shed some pounds from your middle section.

Check Your Posture

When taking a picture it doesn't matter if you are sitting down or standing up, just make sure that you have your shoulders back and your back is as straight as can be. When you hunch over and your shoulders slouch forward it makes you look frumpy and when you put your shoulders back and have a straight spine you elongate your body, making yourself look much thinner.

Slightly Angle Your Body

Standing straight on shows you at your widest angle, while slightly twisting your body so that you aren't straight on but not completely to the side will make you appear much thinner. This can be done when standing or sitting to achieve the same effect.

Keep Your Chin Up

Get rid of any double chins in your photos by keeping your chin up and out. You can even slightly lift your chin upwards as long as you aren't completely sticking it up in the air. When you look down or have your chin facing downwards it can actually make a double chin appear that you don't actually have. Check out this site for more tips on avoiding a double chin in photos.

Try To Never Stand on the End

This is a tip when you are taking a group photo. Instead try to get in the middle and slightly angle your body towards the person next to you. They will help to cover up some of your body instead of it showing everything when you are on the end. Also you can always put a kneeling or sitting person in front of you or even a kid to help block some of your body, which can make you appear thinner as well.

What are some of your tricks for appearing thinner in your photographs?

Hair Care Tips for Beating the Frizz on Humid and Rainy Days

I naturally have frizzy hair, so when it comes to rainy days you an just imagine the problems I have.

Normally, running a hair straightener through my strands as well as maybe some styling spray you wouldn't even notice that the frizz at all.

But, on those humid or rainy days, it takes a bit more to tame my hair.

Here are some tips that I recommend when it comes to taming the frizz on humid or rainy days.

Use an Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner

I actually use an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner on a regular basis and can really notice the difference between this shampoo and using a regular shampoo. There are several different brands that offer this type of shampoo but I would recommend that you go with a higher quality brand that will actually work rather than waste your money on a drugstore brand that you probably won't notice a difference with.

One brand that I would recommend is Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo. Although your hair won't look as smooth as if you got a real Brazilian Blowout at the salon, it will definitely help to tame the frizzies.

Use a Weather Proof Spray After Styling Your Hair

There are holding sprays as well as hairsprays that are designed to be weather proof and actually will help repel any humidity or moisture away from your strands. If you are looking for a holding spray to help hold your style in place, then you will want to find a weather proof spray that also has holding power. On the other hand, if you want your hair to simply be soft and not worry about holding your style as much, look for a spray that simply is weather proof but not a holding product.

I recommend Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Spray for anyone simply looking for a good finishing spray to repel the humidity.

Avoid Brushing Your Hair Once It Is Dry

Brushing your hair when it is dry can actually make your hair even frizzier. Brushing can damage your hair's cuticle, which is the part of the strand that makes it look frizzy. If you have frizzy hair, you will want to simply stick with combing/brushing when it is wet and then simply letting it be once you have it styled and dry.

I know that I notice if I brush my hair when it is dry it may not look as frizzy as first, but then about 5 or so minutes later it looks even frizzier.

Use a Frizz Ease Serum for a Quick Fix

If you find that your normal routine is not cutting down the frizz on a really humid day, then you may want to keep a good frizz ease serum on hand for a quick fix. These serums or lotions help to add some oil into the hair to help tame your tresses, but you do need to be careful to not add too much as it can also make hair look greasy.

I have used John Frieda Frizz Ease Sheer Solution as well as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and both have been okay products although I currently am using the Paul Mitchell serum now.

Cute Ponytails and Buns Make Great Hairstyles

Sometimes I simply let nature win and gather my hair back into a cute ponytail or a bun. This works well for those hot and humid summer days when you don't want your hair down on you neck anyways. You can definitely find some cute styles that are professional and mature and won't make you look like a 12 year old girl going to cheerleading camp.

What are your hair care secrets to taming the frizz on those rainy or super humid days?

How to Hide Pimples with Makeup

It can be a real pain to wake up one morning and realize you got a big pimple staring back at you.

No matter if you are 16 years old or 36 years old, dealing with pimples is no fun.

The good part is that there are ways that you can hide a pimple with the right makeup. There are ways that makeup can easily conceal your pimple if you know how to properly apply your makeup and what makeup you need to be using in the first place.

If you are looking to hide a pimple with makeup, check out my tips below.

Use a Green Color Corrector For a Bad Breakout

If the pimple is really noticeable, especially if you find that it is really red, you are going to want to start out with a green color corrector. This helps to even out more of your skin tone and takes a lot of the redness away from the pimple.

Use a Thick Concealer

When it comes to hiding a pimple with makeup, you are going to need heavier makeup then if you weren't trying to conceal the spots on your face.

Use a thicker concealer first (if you didn't use the green color corrector). Use a small brush or even a Q-tip to apply the concealer and make sure that you do blend it in so that it doesn't make the pimple even more noticeable.

Use Your Normal Foundation

Apply your normal foundation like you usually would, just making sure that you dab it and blend it well over the area where you already applied the foundation.

Do make sure that your concealer or color corrector is completely dry before you apply the foundation or it will just smear the concealer off.

Finish Off with Some Loose Powder

Set the concealer and foundation in place with a light dusting of loose powder all over your face. This helps to keep the makeup in place and make sure it doesn't rub off right away.

Consider Mineral Makeup for Hiding Acne

If you suffer from acne breakouts on a regular basis you may want to consider buying a quality mineral makeup for covering up the pimples. The mineral makeup is heavier but doesn't have all the oil and chemicals that other makeups have, which can actually lead to more pimples.

For more makeup tips and really an amazing transformation with covering up acne, check out the video below.

Can You Use Face Wipes with Sensitive Skin?

Face wipes are a really nice beauty tool to have on hand at all times. They can be used on the go as well as for regular cleansing of your face at night and in the morning.

Facial cleansing wipes are really the easiest way to freshen up and clean your skin. In fact you can use them on more than just your face but other parts of your body as well.

If you have sensitive skin you may wondering if you can use face wipes especially if you have a problem with most other facial products.

The good news is that there are actually several facial wipes on the market that are made for sensitive skin. If you do have sensitive skin and tend to have bad reactions to most makeups or cleansers I would recommend that you stick to these face wipes rather than trying ones that aren't designed for sensitive skin.

A facial cleansing wipe that I would recommend for sensitive skin is Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes.

These wipes are made from all natural ingredients including aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, and vitamin E. These wipes don't have the harsh chemicals that other face wipes do so they would less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

They are great for cleansing your skin and are quite refreshing due to the aloe vera and vitamin E. There is no burning or redness that other wipes cause especially for people with sensitive skin.

The Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes also smell pretty nice as well. With some other facial cleansing wipes I have tried they had that chemical or "peroxide -like" smell to them. But these wipes smell sort of fruity but don't have a strong fragrance to them.

One other suggestion that I would have for people with sensitive skin is to actually try baby wipes that are labeled "Sensitive." All of the major baby wipes brands have a sensitive line as well as store brands like Target as well.

It may sound sort of funny to use baby wipes on your face, but think about how well they clean off a baby's bottom and they are completely safe for your face as well, but just avoid getting them in your eyes. And the sensitive wipes are specifically designed with no fragrances and to be gentle on the skin.

Lastly, if you are going to try face wipes on your sensitive skin it is a good idea to simply start out only using them on a small area of your face like around your chin area were it may not be noticeable to other people if you do have a bad reaction. Just like any other beauty product it is a wise idea to test out the product on a small area of your skin first to see how you react.

Do you use face wipes to cleanse and refresh? What is your favorite brand?

5 Skin Care Tips for the Summer

Although it may just be the beginning of spring, summer will be here before you know it.

With each season, you should adjust your skin care routine. During the summer you especially want to make sure you are protecting your skin from the sun's rays as well as keeping it hydrated.

Check out these 5 skin care tips for the summer time.

1. Use a Foundation That Has SPF Protection

Make sure to use a foundation makeup that also has a SPF in it as well. Even if you aren't going to be spending time outdoors it is still a good idea to just use a foundation that also has SPF protection on a daily basis. It only takes a few minutes out in the sun for your skin to start feeling the effects.

If you have fair skin you may need more protection than the foundation offers, but it is still a good idea to have the extra SPF protection for times that you know you won't be outside for more than a few minutes.

2. Use Lip Balm to Protect Your Lips

Just like you want to protect your face from the sun's rays, you can't forget about your lips as well. Use a clear lip balm or even a color lip gloss that has protection in it as well to help your lips from drying out and keep them moisturized.

3. Make Sure To Use Sunscreen On Any Exposed Skin

If you know that you are going to be outside for more than a few minutes running in and out of buildings, then you need to make sure you use sunscreen on any skin that may be exposed.

Even though being "tan" may be popular, a tan is actually not healthy and a sunburn is even worse. When the color of your skin changes, that means it is reacting to the sun's UV rays. Some people don't realize that a tan is actually proof of sun damage.

Prevent sunburns and sun damage to your skin to help your skin look young and fresh as well as protect yourself from increasing your chances of skin cancer.

Look for a sunscreen that not only moisturizes your body but also has a SPF of at least 25. And don't be afraid to reapply often.

4. Use a Face Mask to Hydrate your Skin and Make It Glow

You should consider using a face mask at least once  a week to help clean away dead cells from your skin as well as hydrate your skin.

Being in a hot climate can really dry out your skin and then being in air conditioning can also mess with your skin as well. A good rejuvenating face mask will help to properly cleanse your face as well as hydrate it to make it glow.

Check out my recommendations for face masks you can make at home.

5. Choose a Moisturizing Lotion for Your Morning and Night Beauty Routine

If you don't already use a moisturizing lotion for your body, then you definitely want to start this summer. The skin and hot weather can completley dry out your skin, so you need to make sure that you are moisturizing both in the morning and at night and especially right after your shower.

This helps to keep your skin smooth and glowing and we all know that we show a lot more skin in summer than in the other months.

You can even take inspiration from the summer time and use a lotion with a coconut or citrus smell. It will give you a hint of fragrance and leave with a warm attitude.

Have fun this summer and enjoy the sun, but remember to take care of your skin.

What Type of Skin Do I Have: How to Determine Your Skin Type

Knowing what skin type you have is essential for buying any type of beauty products from makeup to face wash.  For example, if you have oily skin you are going to want to stay away from any products that will add excess oil to your face.

Knowing your skin type can help you better take care of your skin so that you can look your best.

There are 5 basic classifications of skin tones. These include: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.

There is a very simple way to determine your natural skin type and all it involves is a facial tissue or even a piece of paper if you don't have tissues. When you first wake up in the morning, wipe your face with the tissue and then take a look at the tissue to see which category you fall into.

You will also need a mirror that you can examine your face in to really determine your skin type along with the tissue test.

Normal Skin

If your tissue has no traces of oil on it or only a very, very tiny bit, then you most likely have normal skin.

When you look in the mirror when you first wake up, you will notice that your skin will still look healthy and vibrant. Your skin is smooth and you most likely won't notice any dry spots on your face but you may still have somewhat of an oily t-spot, which is completely normal for everyone.

Normal skin is the easiest to take care of as you can use just about any product with good results. Most women find though as they age, their normal skin disappears if they don't take care of their skin and their diet.

Oily Skin

If you look at your tissue and you notice quite a bit of oil spots on it, then you most likely have oily skin.

When you look in the mirror in the morning you may notice that your face looks shiny and may even look greasy even though you may have cleaned it before you went to bed. Oily skin is usually prone to acne and blackheads and you may have larger pores as well.

Although oily skin can be problematic, most women with oily skin find that they don't have to worry about wrinkles as much as other women.

Women with oily skin want to avoid products that add more oil or moisturize into their skin. Look for oil-free products and makeup for your face.

Dry Skin

If you take a look at your tissue and notice not one spot of oil on the it, then you may have dry skin, but could also have normal skin. You should inspect your skin in the mirror to determine if you have dry skin.

When you look in the mirror you may notice that you have dry, flaky spots on your face. You may notice that even though you just washed your face it still looks dry and you may also look older than you are as well. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles and aging because it lacks the moisture and hydration to keep it supple.

If you have dry skin, look for ways that you can moisturize your skin such as foundation with a moisturizer as well as face creams. Also, people with dry skin should really protect their face from the skin as this can dry it out even more.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin you may notice that your tissue has oil spots in the common areas such as your nose area and your forehead but will be dry around your cheeks and other areas.

Combination skin is really one of the most popular skin types and can often be confused with normal skin. The difference is that combination skin will have different areas of the face that are oily and then may also have dry patches as well. Normal skin will look completely healthy with no really oily spots or dry spots.

Combination skin can be difficult to deal with when choosing facial products because you are working with both dry areas and oily areas. The dry areas on your face should be treated with quality creams that help moisture while the oily spots on your face should be properly cleansed and conditioned to keep them oil free.

Sensitive Skin

With sensitive skin you probably will notice no oily spots on your tissue but instead may notice regular red spots, dry, itchy spots and even inflamed areas on your face.

Sensitive skin can be really problematic and often times women have trouble finding beauty products and makeup that won't make their face worse. You may want to look into finding a quality moisturizer that uses all natural ingredients and testing it out on a small area of your face first. Avoid beauty products with scents and fragrances as these can irritate sensitive skin even more.


Have you determined what type of skin you have? If you are having trouble still determining your skin type, check out this quiz from Fitness Magazine.

Any advice for fellow women that you have found help take care of your skin type?

Homemade Face Mask Recipes for Acne

You may be surprised to find that there are items right in your home that can help you fight your acne problems.

It's not a bad idea to try a homemade face mask for acne to see if it works as well or even better than the masks or products you are currently using. You can save a ton of money and best of all ensure you aren't putting unnecessary chemicals on your face.

Here are 3 face masks that help with acne that you can try on your face.

Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask

The reason why this face mask works so well, is that the cinnamon helps reduce redness and inflammation as well as helps to clean out pores. Honey is a great way to moisturize your skin and give it a healthy glow and can be used for so many different facial and skin care products.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. organic, pure honey
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 juice of a lemon

Warm the honey slightly so that it can easily be poured. Mix all the ingredients together until you get a smooth paste. Make sure your face is clean from any makeup or other products and massage the mask onto your face. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and then use warm water and a wash cloth to remove it.

You can store any left over mask for up to a week in a sealed jar. Use it 3-4 times a week for regular acne prevention or use it when you have any acne flare ups.

Aspirin, Lemon and Honey Face Mask

This mask may sound sort of funny, but there are lots of people that swear by this mask as it helps to dry up pimples and can also be great for a person with oily skin and blackheads. Aspirin has salicylic acid, which is great for the skin and the lemon helps is a natural antibiotic for the face. The honey of course helps give the skin a clean and healthy glow and leaves it feeling refreshed.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 aspirin tablets
• Juice of a lemon
• 2 tbsp warm honey (optional)

Crush up the aspirin tablets using a rolling pin or even a coffee cup until you get a fine powder. Squeeze the lemon juice over the aspirin and allow it to dissolve into the liquid, forming a paste. Add in the warmed honey if you are going to use it. If you have oily skin along with acne, you may want to try the mask without the honey as some people find it adds too much moisture.

Apply the mask to your face or you can use it for spot treatments as well. Let it sit for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it is completely dried. Remove the mask with a warm wash cloth and if needed you can use a tiny bit of baking soda to remove the mask as well.

Milk of Magnesia Face Mask

Years ago I first heard about using milk of magnesia to help clear up your acne and after trying it as a spot treatment a few times, I do have to say that it does work just as well as some acne products do and it is a lot cheaper. This is actually liquid magnesium, which is like a clay that helps to absorb oil and also has cleansing properties as well.

Ingredients:

• Milk of Magnesia - traditional kind with no flavors

Apply the milk of magnesia to your entire face or use it on your trouble spots. Let it dry and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Use a warm wash cloth to wash off the mask. 

I have seen some people complain that milk of magnesia does dry out their face too much, so if you have acne but your skin isn't super oily, you may only want to use this one once a week or so instead of every other day.

10 Quick Clothing Style Tips to Make You Look Thinner In Minutes

Can the way you dress really make you look that much thinner?

If you don't believe that the right outfit can easily take 10 pounds off your body, then do a little experiment.

Dress in your normal clothes and take a picture of yourself standing in a normal position. Then, follow my clothing tips below to get the perfect outfit to make you look thinner in minutes and take another picture. Compare the pictures side by side.

Unless you are already following these tips when you dress on a normal basis you will see a difference in the way you look in picture 1 from picture 2. You may just become a believer and start dressing like this all the time.

Here are 10 quick style tips that can absolutely make you look thinner in an instant.

1. Choose a dark wash jean or even go for black pants instead of a lighter wash or khaki color. It is true that darker colors especially black are more slimming and this is especially true when it comes to pants.

2. Add a structured jacket or blazer to your outfit. Not only will your outfit look a lot more polished and put together but the jacket can help define your waist and show off your curves but also hide some trouble spots on your body as well.

3. If you going to wear a pump, choose a skinny heel with a pointy toe instead of a large chunky wedge shoe. A chunky wedge when paired with a dress or skirt tends to make the legs look chunkier as well while a skinnier stiletto heel extends the length of the leg and slims out this area.

4. Show off some skin on top, if you feel comfortable doing so. Drawing attention upwards is a great way to distract the attention away from your stomach and hip area, if this is problem area. Choose a lower cut v-neck top or blouse to give off a hint of cleavage but not too much.

5. Don't be afraid to wear some kind of shape wear underneath your clothing. There are shape wear lines that don't feel like you are wearing a corset but instead just smooth out bumps and lines you may have. This is especially true when wearing a dress or skirt.

6. Opt for lightweight layering pieces to help you look slimmer. Layering can be a great way to hide some body parts you may not like that much, but it needs to be done right with lighter weight fitted items such as cardigans, scarves, and lightweight knit sweaters. Chunky pieces will only make you look chunkier.

7. Instead of capri length pants opt for a slim fit pair of pants that hit right at your ankle. Pair them with a cute pair of heels or even a flat shoe for summertime and you won't have to worry about your pants cutting you off at the wrong spot on your leg and making your legs look stumpy and short.

8. When choosing a skirt, a black A-line skirt that falls right above the knee is probably the universal skirt that looks great on just about every woman. Plus you can pair it with all kinds of different tops and accessories to make new outfits all the time.

9. If you are going for a maxi skirt, then go for a solid colored one that hits right above the ground when you pair it with shoes. Skip any maxi skirts that have stripes, patterns, pleats, or pockets as these can make you look unshapely and bigger than you may actually be.

10. If you have curves and want to accentuate your waist, then use a skinny belt around any loose tunic or blouse as well as dresses.  A skinny belt helps to define your natural waist and make you look thinner. Be sure to stay away from thicker belts though as they can cut your body off and can actually make you look shorter and wider.

Keep these styling tips in mind next time you go shopping or start picking out your clothes for a date or night. You may just be surprised at how much thinner you look.

Any other tips you would add?

How Much Do You Tip a Hair Stylist?

For some reason, I get asked this a lot as well as "Why do you have to tip a hairdresser?"

So, I thought I would take some time and answer both of these questions here on my blog to let others know what my opinion is.

Now, right up front, I will tell you, that I am not, nor ever was a hair stylist, hairdresser or ever worked in a hair salon, so my opinion may differ from someone who has worked in this profession.

Why Do You Have To Tip a Hairdresser?

My simple answer, "You don't!"

When it comes down to it, you aren't forced to tip any hair stylist anything. There is no rule that says you must leave a tip.

That being said, the reason why tipping in a hair salon is so popular is because hair stylists are performing a service for a customer. If you like the service that you received, it is a good idea to tip that person to recognize the good job that they did.

Lately, it has become traditional to automatically tip your hair stylists no matter what kind of service you receive. In fact, some hairdressers will flat out refuse to work on a customer who has not tipped or tipped well in the past. Even some salon owners may not be able to get you in for an appointment if you are known as a customer who doesn't tip. This is just the way it has become.

But, I don't believe in tipping well when it comes to a botched hair job or when a hair stylists doesn't listen to a word you say or doesn't want to put in the extra effort to make your hair look right. In that case, I say don't leave a tip or a very small one and just never go back.

How Much Do You Tip a Hair Stylist?

When it comes to actually tipping amounts it is going to range dramatically depending on what type of salon you go to as well as what type of services you have done.

My normal hair cut that I get every 3 months cost approximately $50 for the stylist that I normally go to. My normal tipping amount is $10, which works out to 20%.  I tip this much because I really like my stylists and it took me a while to find one that has never disappointed and that I really enjoy going to.

That being said, if you are satisfied with your service from your hair dresser a tip in the amount of 10% - 20% would suffice. I do believe that if you are going to a cheaper salon that doesn't wash/blow-dry your hair, then you can even go lower than the 10% and maybe just make it an even $3 or $5.

Again, this is all up to. You should never feel obligated or pressured to have to tip 15% or 20%. Tip what you want and if the hair dresser doesn't like it, then find a new one that deserves a bigger tip.

Check out more opinions on tipping a hair stylists here.

How Much Do Hairdressers Make?

There are usually two types of hair stylists. The first is one that is an actual employee of the salon and receives a commission based on the price of the service performed. For example, if you get a $45 hair cut, the hair stylist will receive anywhere from 30% - 50% of the $45 and then be taxed on top of that.

The other type of hair stylist is an independent contractor who rents out a booth at the salon. They pay to have a chair there along with paying for their own hair color, supplies, shampoos, and other products. But, they get to keep all of the money they charge for the service. So, in this example, your stylists may charge $45 for a hair cut and gets to keep all of that  money but then pays taxes on it as an independent contractor as well as pays a monthly fee to the salon to rent the chair.

If you are curious which one your hair dresser is, a company will usually tell you if the person is an actual employee or if they rent the space. This may sway your tipping amount as well.

Some people may disagree with me, but I do think that we have become "tip hungry." I completely understand tipping waitresses and waiters as they only make around $2.10 an hour. They need those tips to live.

But I am seeing tip jars all over the place from Dunkin Donuts to my local dry cleaners. I know that when my sister recently moved, the moving guys she hired expected a tip as well. Um, isn't that why you get paid from your company? Total tangent, but there are definitely some situations that I don't believe necessitate a tip, so keep that in mind when taking my word about tipping!

5 Dresses That Will Make You Look Slimmer

Wouldn't you like to be able to lose 5-10 pounds in only a few seconds? Sounds too good to be true, right?

Some women don't realize the clothes that they put on can really make or break them, especially when it comes to dresses. Some dresses do a great job at disguising any body parts you may not want to show off and can actually make you look 10 pounds thinner, while other dresses can do a good job at accentuating the wrong parts of your body, making you look 10 pounds heavier.

If you are in the market for a new dress or you simply love buying new dresses on a regular occasions, check out these 5 dress styles that can make you look slimmer in an instant.

Wrap Dress 

Wrap dresses are a classic style that was popular when they first came on the scene in the 70's and are still very popular today.

These style dresses are great for camouflaging a larger tummy to help you appear slimmer. If you aren't sure about a wrap dress, then look for a faux wrap dress that doesn't actually tie on the side but still has that front wrap style to help slim your stomach area.

A-Line Dress 

An a-line dress is basically what it sounds like because it is shaped like the letter "A." The top half of the dress is going to be smaller and fitted while starting after the waist, the dress will slightly start flaring out. 

These dresses are usually universally flattering because they flare out and can help hide larger hips and butts and help define a smaller waist. There are all kinds of different a-line dresses that you can choose from. There are some that are shorter that hit above the knee and you can also have a longer one that hits past the knee or around the calf area. Some of these dresses are more fitted on the top than others while some may flare out more than others at the bottom.

It may take some trying on for you to see which exact a-line dress style best fits your body shape.

Belted Dress 

If you want accentuate your small waist, try a dress that has a small belt where the smallest part of your waist is.

By defining your waist you can make yourself appear slimmer especially if you have the body shape in which you have a small, defined waist. This is especially true for women who have an hourglass figure or even pear shaped women. If you have a larger chest this may also work in your favor to help define the difference between your chest and your stomach.

Color Block Dress 

Color block dresses are quite popular right now and you have probably seen a few celebrities even wear these on the red carpet. These dresses can come in a variety of different styles but most of them are more figure hugging dresses.

The key to choosing a color blocked dress is to choose one that distracts the eye from your problem areas and helps to slim your body. For example, a red dress that has color blocking on the sides around the hips and thighs can help draw attention away from large hips and thighs.

Little Black Dress 

There is not way around it, a black dress can instantly make your look slimmer when comparing it to a lighter colored dress. If you choose a black dress in one of the above styles, you can instantly take off about 10 pounds when you combine these two clothing tricks.

Plus, black dresses can be worn in a variety of different situations and you can usually dress them up with the right accessories and even dress them down with a cardigan or sweater.

When choosing a dress, here are some other things to keep in mind to make you appear thinner.

• Make sure that the dress fits the largest part of your body properly. A dress that is too tight will only make your look bigger than you no matter what style it is. If you have to get a larger size to fit an area of your body, then take it to a tailor so that they can alter the dress to fit perfectly. 

• Make sure that you wear the proper undergarments under your dress. Spanx and other body slimming garments are great for hiding any lumps or bumps that you may see through your dress. If you aren't into wearing body slimming garments make sure that you are wearing ones that aren't visible under the dress. Panty lines in a dress is definitely a no-no.

• Don't forget to accessorize your dress to help draw attention away from any problems areas you may think you have. Draw attention upwards with a beautiful necklace or even a pretty scarf. Or do the opposite and draw attention downwards with some awesome heels or wedges with your dress.

• Lastly, your posture can have a lot to do with how thin you appear. Standing straight up with your shoulders back can make you instantly lose 5 pounds when you compare it to slouching or standing with hunched over shoulders. This is a tip that you can follow at all times, and not just when wearing a dress.

Best Jeans for Pear Shaped Women

Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans is definitely not an easy task. There are so many different styles, lengths, rises and washes to choose from it can be confusing to what jean best flatters your body.

If your hip measurements are larger than your bust and waist, you are classified as having a pear shaped body. Pear shaped women have wider hips and thighs, with usually a defined, smaller waist.

*If you aren't sure if you are pear shaped, check out this body shape calculator were you can enter your measurements to see what exact shape you are.

When it comes to dressing your pear shaped body you definitely want to take the attention off your hips and thigh area and focus it elsewhere like your small waist or your up to your face or on your long legs.

I've come up with some tips to follow to find the best jeans for a pear shaped woman.

Jean Shopping Guide for Pear Shaped Women

Choose a Darker Wash Jean 

Lighter color washes will just draw attention to your hips and thighs and can actually make them appear larger than they are.

When choosing your denim stick with darker washes that help slim your hips and thighs. You don't have to go really dark if you don't want to, but you should stay away from the lighter shades.

Avoid Whiskering or Fading On the Hips and Thighs

Look for a jean that doesn't have any whiskering or fading in the hip and thigh area. This may be actually harder than you think, since this is really popular at the moment, but any type of fading or whiskering around your thighs will make your bottom half only look larger.

If you are unable to find a pair of jeans that doesn't have any fading around the thighs or hips, go with a pair were it is the least noticeable then. There are some jeans that are very obvious and then you have some denim that it is very subtle and doesn't attract your eyes as much.

Choose Jeans That Have a Straight Or Slightly Flared Leg

If you want that streamlined, slimming look, you have to find a pair of jeans that is not too tight in the thips and thighs and goes straight down the leg or slightly flairs out like a boot cut style. This helps to balance out your wider hips and won't make them appear larger.

If you want to go with a skinny jean, it may be a little harder for you to pull off if you are a pear shape. Look for a skinny jean that isn't as tapered at the bottom but instead sort of goes straight down. This will help with offsetting your hips and won't make you look so wide.

Go with a Mid Rise Jean

A mid rise jean will help elongate your longs which helps to make you appear slimmer. Unlike low rise jeans, which pear shaped women can have a hard time fitting into correctly, a mid rise is still trendy and young but won't draw attention to your hips.

Avoid a high rise waisted jean. The high waist sits right at the smallest part of your waist and the difference between your waist and hips in the jeans can only make your hips look even larger. Instead use a fitted top to draw attention to your small waist and leave the high waisted jeans at the store for non-curvy women.

Make Sure Your Jeans Fit Your Hips 

When choosing the right size for your jeans, you want to make sure that the pants fit the widest part of your body properly, which would be your hip area.

I know some women won't be able to find a pair of jeans that fit their hips but doesn't gap at the waist. That is okay, because you can always spend the couple extra dollars and take it to a tailor to take in the waist so that it fits as well.

If you choose to smash yourself into a smaller size so that the pants fit your waist instead, you will end up the "rolls" and "creases" on your hips and thighs that will only accentuate this area and can easily make you look bigger than you are. This is definitely something to stay away from.

There are all kinds of different brands of jeans that you can choose from, but you may want to stick with a designer brand or at least one that has a quality feel to it. Cheaper jeans tend to have more stretch or elastic in them, which tends to stretch out easier and doesn't fit your body properly.

Some of the brands of jeans that I recommend are Express ReRock Jeans, J Brand Jeans, and Levi's Curve ID Jeans.

How to Make a Face Mask At Home - 3 Recipes You Need to Try

There is no need to pay big bucks for a store bought face mask when you can make your own with some common ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Face masks can be great for cleaning out your pores as well as moisturizing and nourishing your skin. They can even help you get a more youthful appearance and help with blemishes that you may have on your skin as well.

Here are 3 easy homemade face masks that I have used that I would recommend for any woman.

Oatmeal and Yogurt Face Mask

This is a very simple face mask that is great for cleansing your skin and helping to clean out your pores. I would recommend this one for all skin types.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. fine ground oatmeal 
• 1 tbsp. of organic yogurt (unflavored)
• a drop of warmed honey (optional)

Mix all of the ingredients and apply the face mask all over your face. Leave the mask on for approximately 10 minutes and then use a washcloth and lukewarm water to rinse it off. 

Easy Egg Face Mask

If you want something really easy and cheap and best of all probably something that is sitting right in your kitchen already, try this egg face mask. This mask helps to moisturize your skin as well as gives a soothing touch as well.

If you have oily, skin you may want to consider only using the egg whites but if you have normal or dry skin, you can use the entire egg.

Ingredients:

• Raw egg
• Honey, warmed  or lemon juice (optional)

Beat the egg along with the honey or lemon juice until it appears that it is properly mixed. Apply the egg mixture to your face and leave on for approximately 10-15 minutes. Use warm water and a washcloth to clean the mask off your face. 

Yogurt Facial Mask

This face mask has a variety of different things it can help from sunburn to helping to moisturize your face as well as cleanse it. Plus, it does make your face feel pretty fresh and clean afterwards.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. organic, natural yogurt (unflavored)
• 1 tsp. honey, warmed and runny

Combine the yogurt with the honey until it is well mixed together. Apply the mask to your face and allow it to sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Then use warm water and a washcloth to remove the mask.

These face mask are a great way to save you money on your beauty regimen as well as use all natural products that don't have added chemicals to get fresh, moisturized, clean skin.

Lipstick Vs Lip Stain: Why I Prefer Lip Stains and Will Never Go Back to Lipstick

I sort of have a love/hate relationship with lipstick.

I love being able to have a bright or bold look for my lips especially for special occasions, but I hated that I could not find a lipstick that I didn't have to reapply all night. I mean what was the point of wearing it if it was worn off after two hours into the night?

One of my friends recently introduced me to lip stains and I have to say that I am once again excited about my lips. I've been using lip stains for a few months now and I have to say that I probably won't go back to lipstick again.

Here are just some of the reasons why I prefer lip stain over lipstick and why you may want to try some lip stains as well.

Lip Stain Lasts Much Longer

I have bought long lasting lipsticks and I have to say that they really aren't that long lasting. Yes, they usually last longer than a normal lipstick but I am still usually re-applying every 2-3 hours, which can be quite a lot.

Lip stains actually dyes your lips so they won't simply rub off easily or wear off after a few hours. You can get a lot more than 2-3 hours of color from them and there are even some lip stains that last up to 10-12 hours.

You Don't Have to Carry It Around With You

Since you don't have to re-apply your lip color all the time, you don't need to carry your lip stain around with you. Although this may not seem like a big deal to some women, the less I have to carry with me, the better. I'm sort of a minimalist when it comes to going out and if I only have my cell phone, keys and wallet, I am good to go.

Lip Stain Doesn't Get On Your Teeth or Other People

How embarrassing is it when you are all dressed and made up and think you are rocking it, to only have someone tell you that you have lipstick on your teeth?

This has actually happened a few times and luckily it is usually my husband who lets me know before anyone else sees it, but still with lip stain I don't have to worry about it anymore.

The lip stain won't transfer off your lips onto your teeth like lipstick will. This also means it doesn't come off and transfer to other things like cups and your shirt and other people.


The thing about lip stain is that I not only use it for special occasions and nights out, but there are also nude and other more subtle colors that you can were on a daily basis. Since you don't have to worry about reapplying it all the time you can simply put it on in the morning and go about your day.

One thing that I do have to say about lip stains is that some will dry out your lips if you don't apply a gloss or moisturizer over it. Usually I only have to do this when I apply the lip stain and don't have to worry about reapplying the gloss. There are some lip stains that are double ended and have the stain on one end and the moisturizer on the other so you have an all-in -one product.

3 Simple Ways to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

If you aren't happy with how big your eyes are or you simply want to make them pop and be the center of attention on your face, there are certain tips and tricks you can do to make your eyes appear larger.

There are actually several things you can do to make your eyes look bigger but some of them require more effort and time than others.

Here are 3 simple and quick ways that you can make your eyes look larger.

 

Use White Eyeshadow to Enhance Your Eyes

This may sound strange to some women, but a few strategically places dots of white eye shadow can actually make your eyes look much larger.

Place a small smudge of white or a very light eyeshadow right near your tear duct in the corner of your eye. You can also use a white eyeliner but just make sure that you blend it in some so it doesn't look so harsh.

The white in the corner of your eye widens your eyes and really opens it up. You can then continue with your normal eye makeup to finish off your look, but just make sure you don't cover up the white in the corner.

Curl Your Eyelashes

Most women don't have naturally, long, curled eyelashes so you need to curl them to open up your eyes. An eyelash curler will cost you less than $10 but can make a complete difference.

Be sure that you curl your lashes before applying the mascara otherwise you may break off your lashes and your curler will get quite dirty really quickly.

When you curl your lashes upwards it opens up your eyes even more and draws a lot more attention to them. After curling be sure to use a good mascara that doesn't clump and be sure to only go upwards when applying the mascara to continue the line of the eyelash.

Shape Your Eyebrows

If you don't currently take care of your eyebrows and shape them according to your facial structure it may actually make your eyes look smaller.

Although the whole thicker eyebrows thing is in right now, thicker as  well as unshaped eyebrows can actually do your eyes a disservice. They draw attention away from your eyes and actually close them off so they look smaller.

Simply taking about 10-15 minutes to shape your eyebrows can dramatically affect the way your eyes look. Once you have them shaped properly, be sure to keep up the regular routine, which shouldn't take you more than about 10 minutes a week to pluck stray hairs or to wax your eyebrows.

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Closet

Spring is right around the corner and I have started mapping out a plan to madness of spring cleaning.

Every year I like to get things really organized and cleaned around the house and one of the areas that I like to get done first is my closet.

The reason why I believe it is so important to spring clean your closet is to see what exactly you have for the upcoming warmer months and any pieces that you may need.

I like to shop on a budget so once I have organized and purged the old clothes, shoes, and accessories I make a list of must-have items so I can do my research and look out for some good sales on these items.

Some people get overwhelmed when it comes to cleaning out their closet or have a hard time parting with clothes. If you are one of those people, I have 5 simple tips for you to get your closet cleaned and organized for spring and summer this year.

Take it from me, who has done this closet cleaning thing every spring for the past 5+ years, you will be thanking me because you will find pieces you forget you had and be able to quickly put together a cute outfit in about 2 minutes because everything will have it's proper place.

Get Rid of Anything You Haven't Worn In the Past 12-16 Months

If you haven't worn the item in over a year, it is very doubtful that you will wear it anytime soon.

Now, there are some exceptions for things like a little black dress that you may not have had the occasion to wear it to yet or some other formal wear that you may need to keep around for important events like weddings.

Otherwise, pitch the item or give it away to charity. It is most likely just taking up space and is not something you need to keep around.

If you are having a hard time getting rid of it, choose 1 or 2 of your favorite items from this pile and only keep those but get rid of the rest.

Toss Any Clothes or Accessories That Are Damaged or Stained

Unless you are going to invest some money into the item to get it repaired, you need to toss any damaged or stained pieces into the garbage pile.

This includes items that may have holes, zippers that are broke, stains that won't come out, and are pilling so bad it looks like you have worn the item at least 1,000 times.

If something is really that sentimental to you, consider putting it away in storage or somewhere else in your home like the attic or basement to keep as a memento but not in your closet taking up space.

If It Doesn't Fit It Doesn't Belong In Your Closet

Unless you are in the process of losing weight or you are pregnant or was recently pregnant, get rid of items in your closet that don't fit.

This is especially true for items that may not fit your body type as well. For example, if a shirt fits your body but is too tight in the arms, you are never going to be able to wear it no matter how much you like the shirt. You need to let it go.

Unless the clothing is worth getting altered you need to get rid of it now.

Utilize Every Single Space In Your Closet for Organization

If you are short on room in your closer or you simply have a hard time finding what you need, you are going to have to adjust the layout of your closet to utilize every free space.

This could mean getting some organizational items like storage cubes and boxes or getting a closet organizer at least some sort of shelving.

A lot of people have wasted space in their closet and many other women tend to just hang their clothes instead of actually organizing and making the most out of the space.

For example, you could get a few stackable storage cubes so that you can fold your sweaters so that they retain their proper shape and don't get "hanger shoulders". You could also use a double closet rod for smaller items such as tops so that you don't waste any room below the normal closet rod.

There really are all sorts of ideas for organizing your closet and utilizing it properly.

Check out this article by Real Simple on how to make over your closet for more organizing tips.

Choose How You Want to Organize your Clothing

There are several ways that you can organize your clothing and it all depends on your creativity and how you pick out your outfits.

I organize my closet by separating the clothing into different categories. For example, I will put all my cardigan sweaters together and then hang all my sleeveless shirts together. Within those categories I will pair the same colors together. So going even further with my sleeveless shirts I would have all the white ones first then black, then blue and then so on.

I like doing it this way because it can literally take me 20 seconds to pull a shirt and a pair of pants that match and have an outfit ready to go.

I know other people who like to simply pair all of the same colors together or even make outfits with their clothes and hang them like that in their closet. These options don't work well with me, but they may be an option for you.

Once you are all done, you should have a garbage pile of items that are damaged or worn out and then a donate or sell pile. There are places that you can make a few extra dollars from selling gently used or even new clothing items or you could always try selling them on eBay. This can be a great way to fund your new shopping trip to get some new clothes in your closet that you may need to have this spring.

How to Do a Low Messy Bun Hairstyle

We all have our days were we just want to pull our hair back and get it out of the way.

A low messy bun can be a stylish and practical way to pull your hair back if you just don't have to time to style it properly or you just want something a little different.

I like to do a messy bun or low ponytail when it's hot and I don't want my hair in my face and on my neck but I still want to look stylish and cute.

How to Do a Low Messy Bun

It's not difficult at all to do this hairstyle probably because it is meant to look a little messy and not perfect like a chignon. You will find that the more you practice doing it the easier it will become because you will learn the way your hair looks best in this style.

I like to part my hair on the one side for this hairstyle or you can simply pull it straight back as it all depends on your face shape as well as what you prefer for your hair.

This works great on both curly hair as well as wavy hair. If you have pin straight hair it may be a better option for you to do just a low ponytail instead of a bun.

You can do a low bun like this if you have shorter hair or if you have longer hair. You may just need more bobby pins if you have shorter hair to pin back some of the strays that don't fit. Your hair should be at least around shoulder length and be able to be pulled back into a low ponytail to get this style.

Check out the step by step tutorial below so that you can get achieve this cute and functional hairstyle.



A tip for getting this style to look right is that hair works better when it is actually somewhat dirty instead of freshly washed. If have just washed your hair and want to accomplish this hairstyle I recommend you use a dry shampoo or some styling spray to get your hair to work better.

5 Must Have Fashion Items for Spring 2014

I'm really hoping that old man winter is going to stop his madness some time soon and that spring will be arriving soon.

If you want a head start on your spring wardrobe this year, check out these 5 must have items for your closet this year.

Stylish Rain Boots

Spring brings quite a bit of rain with it and in some places spring is still on the chilly side weather wise.

A great pair of stylish rain boots can really be your friend for not only a great outfit but also functionality of the boots as well.

Look for rain boots in fun patterns and colors. Things like floral prints and polka dots are great as well as colors like turquoise, green, and even red.

White Button Down Blouse

A white button blouse can be paired with so many different items in your closet and is perfect for a spring day at the office or even running errands.

Look for a blouse that fits your correctly especially over the bust area so that it flatters your figure.

Some ideas for styling your white button down include pairing it with skinny jeans, cute flats, and a lightweight blazer. You can also tuck it into a maxi skirt for something a little more dressy and trendy.

A Great Pair of Flats

Flats are great for the spring because they can help you transition your wardrobe from colder weather into warmer weather.

Flats can be worn with a variety of different outfits from a cute skirt to a pair of skinny jeans. You can wear them around the city running errands, on a casual date or even in a casual business atmosphere. And best of all they are comfortable.

Look for a pair that really draws your attention such as leopard or zebra print flat or something in a bold color like red or green flats.

Pastel Colored Clothing

Pastel colors are really hot for spring 2014. Colors like light pink, baby blue and lilac are straight off the catwalks but can easily be incorporated into an everyday woman's wardrobe.

Look for great tunic tops or blouses that can be paired with jeans or even dress pants. Or if you want to get a little brave look for a pastel colored dress to rock this spring.

You can even go for a pastel colored bottom with some cute capri pants or trousers as well as shorts or even a skirt. Pair a lilac colored short with your white button down and you have a super cute casual spring outfit that hits all the right notes.

Black and White Top

Along with pastels, black and white seems to be hot this spring as well.

Black and white paired together in a top looks cool and simple with the contrasting colors but also looks put together and trendy.

Look for a blouse with color blocking or something with a black and white print.

White tops with black cut out areas are also hot as well as a black top with white cut out areas. These tops look great with jeans or pair them with a skirt for a hot night on the town.

Get these must have fashion items for spring 2014 and incorporate them into your wardrobe with some classic pieces and you will have some beautiful outfits to rock this year.

What to Wear On a First Date

If you are like me and many other women a first date means combing through your close and whipping your clothes around to find the "perfect" outfit.

Even though I am married now, I can remember the first dates I used to have before meeting my husband and I cringe at what I put myself through trying to find a great outfit. In fact I remember one time going to the mall two hours before the date because I could not find anything to wear in my closet.

If you are having trouble finding a great outfit for your upcoming first date, fret no more, because I am here to help.

Here are some great tips to keep in mind when choosing what to wear on your first date so not only do you impress your date but you feel confident and beautiful as well.

Take Into Consideration Where and When the Date Is Before Choosing an Outfit

Before you even start looking at your clothes be sure to take into the consideration of where your first date is taking place. If it is at a restaurant, is the restaurant fancy dress or more of a casual spot? If it at a coffee shop you definitely will want something a little more on the casual side.

You don't want to be dressed in your best little black dress for a date at your local café or sports bar. You also don't want to be wearing leggings and a tunic for a date at a 5 star restaurant.

Not only should you consider where the date is, but when it is. For example a Wednesday night date at a small local café is not going to warrant the same type of outfit as a Friday night 7 p.m. dinner at the best restaurant in town.

Also, if your date is outside plan according to the weather and make sure you bring extra clothes just in case as well.

Play Up Your Accents As Best As Possible

Most women have at least one area of their body that they really like. Some women love their chest while others like their butt or legs.

When choosing an outfit for your date, play up your best accents. If you love the way your legs look, then slip on a pair of high heels and a short dress to show them off.

Leave Something to the Imagination

It can be tempting to want to dress sexy and proactive for your date, but you want to leave something to the imagination. As I mentioned, play up your favorite part of your body but that may mean cover up the rest of it.

If you are wearing a short dress with some high heels, then opt for a dress that has a higher neckline or wear a blazer or cardigan over your dress to cover up on top.

You don't want to come across as too slutty and let him see everything on the first date. Instead give him a hint of what he can expect if he impresses you.

Examples of First Date Outfits

Dress with a Blazer or Jacket

If you are comfortable wearing dresses, then by all means wear a cute dress on your first date. You can choose a cute little short dress or even opt for a longer maxi dress.

Pair your dress with a blazer or a jacket for a complete look that not only looks hot but looks very put together.

Jeans and a Blouse

If you want to go a little bit more casual but still have a dressier feel to your outfit, wear a pair of your best jeans with a cute feminine blouse.

You can add a pair of high heels or a pair of wedges to complete the outfit. This is probably the best first date option because it is comfortable but still sexy and hot enough to really impress your date.

When choosing your outfit for your first date just remember that he is most likely as nervous as you are about your date and you have the advantage because you are the beautiful woman. Dress your body to accent your strengths but still be completely appropriate for the date and you will find that you will knock his socks off.