by Contributing Editor Melina Papadakis
Love is in the air: Valentine's Day is a time for chocolates and candlelit dinners! But if you are like most people, the doldrums of carpool drop-offs, client meetings, and shopping lists have left you feeling anything but romantic. New York-based image consultant Marla Tomazin says that's exactly why February 14th is the perfect chance to give your look, and your confidence, a little boost.
"We spend so much time being caught up in the everyday rat race that we often forget to take the time to make ourselves and our partners feel special," said Tomazin. "That's why Valentine's Day is the perfect time to put a little extra effort into how you look."
Tomazin noted the trick to looking romantic for this special day is simple: just shake things up a bit. She says that straying from your usual wardrobe, whether through vibrant new colors or special accessories and styling, will make you look and feel sexier.
Get dressed from the inside out. Before you go out for the evening, take a few minutes to relax and focus on your inner beauty. It's hard to feel sexy when you are frazzled from rushing around. Tomazin suggested planning ahead so you can take your time getting ready, calming your inner self. Clear your calendar and send the kids off to the sitter a little early. Not only will you feel more confident, you'll look more refreshed.
Focus on the first layer. Before deciding on the perfect outfit, spend some extra time getting ready by layering on your favorite perfume and body lotion. Choose a new nail polish color, and finish off your preparations with elegant undergarments. Tomazin says that focusing on the details of your foundation will make you feel great and put together, and it will show.
Opt for not-so-basic black. Many of us love to wear black: It's slimming, sophisticated, and sexy. Because of this, most people have a lot of black in their closets already. This Valentine's Day, opt for something a little different in your favorite shade: Try a shirt with a lower neckline, a pencil skirt with a ruffled hemline, or a tailored jacket in a sexy silk or satin.
Wrap yourself in winter white. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to wear winter white. Whether you choose a dress, pantsuit, or a top and skirt combination, Tomazin said to choose your accessories carefully. Pearls or crystal jewelry make a great pairing with this wintry hue, as does a simple metallic or neutral color shoe and handbag. If you're wearing a skirt or dress, be sure to opt for nude stockings. You will look glamorous and feel beautiful.
See red. Red is a bold, sexy color that is often admired, and yet few people dare to wear it. Try incorporating a little red into your Valentine's Day ensemble and tone down the accessories to balance its boldness. Wear a simple black strappy shoe, simple earrings, and choose a small black handbag. If red is not a color you feel comfortable in, Tomazin suggested trying a pink or purple hue.
Shake things up a bit. There are plenty of tricks to make your look extra special that can be done without busting the budget. For example, Tomazin said that styling your hair in soft curls or a sleek up-do creates a romantic look and costs no more than a little extra time. Try a new shade of nail polish or a darker eye shadow to create a sexy, smoky look for your eye. Consider a trip to your favorite department store to visit a makeup artist – a service most stores offer for free. The trick is to do something different.
"Looking great on Valentine's Day all comes down to how you feel," said Tomazin. "If you feel confident, relaxed, and happy, it will show – no matter what your outfit looks like. Take some time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself when Valentine's Day rolls around this year."
What do you do to pamper yourself, or give yourself a bit more confidence? Share what you are planning to do for yourself this Valentine’s Day!
Love is in the air: Valentine's Day is a time for chocolates and candlelit dinners! But if you are like most people, the doldrums of carpool drop-offs, client meetings, and shopping lists have left you feeling anything but romantic. New York-based image consultant Marla Tomazin says that's exactly why February 14th is the perfect chance to give your look, and your confidence, a little boost.
"We spend so much time being caught up in the everyday rat race that we often forget to take the time to make ourselves and our partners feel special," said Tomazin. "That's why Valentine's Day is the perfect time to put a little extra effort into how you look."
Tomazin noted the trick to looking romantic for this special day is simple: just shake things up a bit. She says that straying from your usual wardrobe, whether through vibrant new colors or special accessories and styling, will make you look and feel sexier.
Get dressed from the inside out. Before you go out for the evening, take a few minutes to relax and focus on your inner beauty. It's hard to feel sexy when you are frazzled from rushing around. Tomazin suggested planning ahead so you can take your time getting ready, calming your inner self. Clear your calendar and send the kids off to the sitter a little early. Not only will you feel more confident, you'll look more refreshed.
Focus on the first layer. Before deciding on the perfect outfit, spend some extra time getting ready by layering on your favorite perfume and body lotion. Choose a new nail polish color, and finish off your preparations with elegant undergarments. Tomazin says that focusing on the details of your foundation will make you feel great and put together, and it will show.
Opt for not-so-basic black. Many of us love to wear black: It's slimming, sophisticated, and sexy. Because of this, most people have a lot of black in their closets already. This Valentine's Day, opt for something a little different in your favorite shade: Try a shirt with a lower neckline, a pencil skirt with a ruffled hemline, or a tailored jacket in a sexy silk or satin.
Wrap yourself in winter white. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to wear winter white. Whether you choose a dress, pantsuit, or a top and skirt combination, Tomazin said to choose your accessories carefully. Pearls or crystal jewelry make a great pairing with this wintry hue, as does a simple metallic or neutral color shoe and handbag. If you're wearing a skirt or dress, be sure to opt for nude stockings. You will look glamorous and feel beautiful.
See red. Red is a bold, sexy color that is often admired, and yet few people dare to wear it. Try incorporating a little red into your Valentine's Day ensemble and tone down the accessories to balance its boldness. Wear a simple black strappy shoe, simple earrings, and choose a small black handbag. If red is not a color you feel comfortable in, Tomazin suggested trying a pink or purple hue.
Shake things up a bit. There are plenty of tricks to make your look extra special that can be done without busting the budget. For example, Tomazin said that styling your hair in soft curls or a sleek up-do creates a romantic look and costs no more than a little extra time. Try a new shade of nail polish or a darker eye shadow to create a sexy, smoky look for your eye. Consider a trip to your favorite department store to visit a makeup artist – a service most stores offer for free. The trick is to do something different.
"Looking great on Valentine's Day all comes down to how you feel," said Tomazin. "If you feel confident, relaxed, and happy, it will show – no matter what your outfit looks like. Take some time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself when Valentine's Day rolls around this year."
What do you do to pamper yourself, or give yourself a bit more confidence? Share what you are planning to do for yourself this Valentine’s Day!
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