How To Elevate Your Look

Do you ever just get bored of your current look and want to do something different and fun? Elevating your look, aka – changing it up, doesn’t need to be expensive, and you don’t have to do anything too dramatic either. Style and beauty all come down to one thing – how it makes you feel. 

 

When you feel confident in what you wear, your hair and even your lip color, you will feel like you can take over the world. But if you’re feeling like your look is tired or just that you want to change what you are doing right now, here are a few tips to help you elevate your look. 

 

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

Tailoring 

The first and most important person in your life when it comes to elevated fashion and style is a good tailor. A good tailor will be able to make almost anything you purchase look like it was made just for you. 

 

They can adjust sleeve length, improve shoulder seams and inseams, and move buttons to be more flattering; plus, many have the skills to make clothing too. 

 

Look for recommendations and reviews for your local tailor, but be prepared to travel and book for the really good ones. 

Salon

The difference between a good hair salon and a great one is the staff. Look for highly-skilled, innovative staff that have a wealth of knowledge. But perhaps more importantly, ideally, you want to have a choice of services too. 

 

Getting your hair done should be something you look forward to, but sometimes you don’t want a cut and color. Salons like thealchemysalon.com are the perfect example of skill, innovation and an excellent hair treatment list if you want a treatment or extensions. 

Beauty 

Many beauty salons are now offering some chemical and sculptural procedures. Face peeling for a refreshed skin look, sculpting of the jawline using botulinum solutions, as well as more typical options like brow shaping and lash lifts. 

 

The great thing about getting semi-permanent beauty treatments is that it gives us less to do. For example, with lash lifts and extensions, if you don’t have time or like the feel of mascara – no problem. If you find filling in your brows a long process, then microblading is for you. 

 

There are many options to elevate your look in beauty without a long-term commitment.

Basics 

The basics are the building blocks of your look, and if you don’t have them nailed, you’ll always need to fill those gaps. Basics include the right underwear (supportive and the correct fit) and staples like great jeans and good t-shirts. Remember that many of the basics are classics, too, and work well together or with additional items. 

Classics V Trends

Fashion is what you wear, and style is who you are – as the saying goes. This means that you shouldn’t feel pressured to hop on fashion trends. Instead, you can choose a key piece to play with but keep your style classic (or classic to you). Trends have a habit of making people feel uncomfortable, and when you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t confident either. 

 

Experimentation is great, but ultimately comfort and confidence will elevate any look. 

 

Lacking confidence from time to time happens, but to get yourself back on track, check out these tips: Style Tips to Boost Your Confidence: Grooming, Colors, and The Right Fit 



TOPICALS SEEKS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY GEN Z FEELS ABOUT SKIN

Today marks the launch of Topicals (MyTopicals.com), a revolutionary new skincare company that seeks to transform the way consumers feel about their skin by making the treatment of stigmatized skin conditions synonymous with the luxury and fun of self-care. Available online, Topicals products are also featured now through October at Pop-In@Nordstrom inside select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com.

Founded by two dynamic young women of color, 23-year-olds Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, Topicals was born out of necessity. One in four Americans live with chronic skin conditions. Costly doctor visits and prescriptions are often avoided because one just “learns to live with it.” As women of color who lived conditions like severe eczema and post-barbae folliculitis, both Olamide and Claudia grew up settling for products that didn’t really serve them or represent how the condition appeared on their skin. They joined together to create effective and luxurious products that are carefully formulated to tackle skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more — but don’t break the bank.

“This is an industry that has not evolved and has used many of the same formulations over the last 30 years,” says Olamide Olowe, Topicals CEO and Co-founder. “Having lived with a serious skin condition myself, I found there were limited treatment options available, and none of the brands looked like me. I could use an over-the-counter product that didn’t address my specific needs as a Black woman with darker skin, or spend thousands on pricey prescriptions. With all of the amazing beauty products out there, I still didn’t find one that helped me with my flare-ups. I knew we could do better.”

“With my background in clinical research and dermatology, I saw firsthand the lack of access to care that existed for these types of skin conditions,” says Claudia Teng, Topicals Chief Product Officer, and Co-founder. “For me, I knew there was a serious opportunity to create something affordable, and that not only educated a broad amount of people but also made their treatment experience more enjoyable. Our mission is to make chronic skincare management synonymous with the fun and luxury of self-care, taking the focus off of perfect skin and helping our community have funner flare-ups.”

The founders of Topicals are focused on creating an inclusive community around real, positive, and authentic discussions about their skin. And since chronic skin conditions often lead to serious mental health issues because of the stigma, shame, and embarrassment often felt by those with them, Topicals is donating 1% of profits to various mental health organizations. Prior to launch, Topicals donated over $10,000 to and partnered with Sad Girls Club, Therapy for Black Girls, and Fearless Femme 100, and are partnering with the JED Foundation at launch.

Among the supporters and investors in Topicals are several high-profile Black women, including Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, entrepreneur and DJ Hannah Bronfman, and the Emmy-nominated stars of the hit show “Insecure” Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji. The initial investment round, led by Lerer Hippeau, also saw participation from Humble Lukanga and Mucker Capital as well as the CEOs of Warby Parker, Allbirds, Casper, Harry’s, Bombas, and Red Antler.

Topicals is launching with two signature products: Like Butter, a hydrating mask for dry, distressed, and eczema-prone skin, and Faded, a serum for discoloration and dark spots. Each and every ingredient is clinically backed, and the power-packed formulas have been tested on all skin tones. In addition, Topicals products are vegan, fragrance-free, made for all shades in mind, and carefully crafted to be eco-friendly with recyclable tubes and packaging.

Like Butter (1.7 oz) – $32

A whipped, hydrating mask that moisturizes and soothes sensitive, dry, stressed out, and eczema-prone skin.

Key ingredients:

  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; reduces itch and redness
  • Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica): accelerates wound healing, fortifies skin barrier through collagen and fibronectin production, anti-inflammatory
  • Colloidal Oatmeal: helps to soothe itch and irritation
  • Chinese Rhubarb Root: decreases levels of hyperactive immune cells, antimicrobial
  • Ginseng Root: anti-inflammatory; reduces itching, inflammation, and swelling
  • Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, shortens wound-healing time, improves collagen deposition

Faded (1.7 oz) – $36

A gel serum that combats dark spots and discoloration from sun damage, scarring, and inflammation.

Key ingredients:

  • Tranexamic Acid: prevents melanocyte tyrosinase activation, and excess vascular development (which can cause melasma)
  • Kojic Acid: inhibits melanocyte tyrosinase function
  • Azelaic Acid: prevents tyrosine conversion to melanin; scavenges free radicals
  • Licorice Root: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, melanin-degrading, and tyrosinase-inhibiting capability
  • Centella Asiatica: anti-inflammatory, scavenges free radicals
  • Niacinamide: limits melanocyte stimulation, scavenges free radicals
  • Melatonin: anti-inflammatory, inhibits melanocyte activity

Clothing Rental Programs: Save Time and Money

I shared this post on Kimberly West Styling Facebook page.  But, it’s such a game-changing piece of advice that I want to post it here on the blog!

Did you know that instead of purchasing new clothing you can rent high-quality pieces?

Some of your favorite brands allow renting options with a reasonable monthly fee and the process is simple:

1. Signup

2. Browse and select styles.

3. Return the items with a pre-paid envelope.

If you love those items, you have the option to keep them with a discounted price!

Below are clothing rental companies:

Infinite Style – Ann Taylor

NY&C Closet – New York & Company

American Eagle Style Drop – Americaneagle.com

Trunk Club – Nordstrom

Rent The Runway

Additional plus-size rental programs:

Stitch Fix

Gwynnie Bee

Stylogic

Plvsh Style

Wantable

I strongly encourage clothing rental services for busy women, last-minute social events, or even to save money!  How often do we wear a dress on multiple occasions?  Also, do we really want an unorganized closet filled with miscellaneous pieces?

Eliminate the hassle of never having anything to wear by subscribing to one of the programs on this list.

Let us know what you think about clothing rental programs in the comment box.  Give us your opinion!

Click Here:  Fashion Consultant and Personal Shopper

 

AUGUST FAB FINDS CHECKLIST: Hair Clips, Denim Jumpsuit, Satin Skirt, and Leopard Accessories

August is the last official month for the summer but that doesn’t mean the hottest trends are ending.  The photos below are items that stand out and definitely eye-catching.

Enjoy shopping and don’t forget to put the upcoming Labor Day sales on your calendar!

Leopard Accessories

 


 

Denim Jumpsuit

 

 

 

Hair Clips

 

 

 

Satin Skirt

 

 

 

Double Breasted Blazer

 

 

Trendy Gold Fashion Jewelry Pieces at Nordstrom

Looking for fun and trendy fashion jewelry pieces that go great with summer-kissed skin?

Whether you’re into hoops, shells, coins or celestial designs, you can’t go wrong with the gold collection from STERLING FOREVER at Nordstrom.com.

All pieces are 14K gold plated sterling silver and under $100.

Nordstrom Spring 2018 Beauty Trend Events

Beginning in March, Nordstrom Beauty will kick-off their seasonal Beauty Trend Events!

 

Every New York Fashion Week, Nordstrom goes backstage to assess the biggest beauty trends and then brings this intel direct to their customers nationwide.  For the Spring 2018 season, they’ve identified trends such as Luminous Skin and  Hi-Definition Lips.

 

Guests can learn how to achieve the freshest runway-inspired looks of the season and get free samples and exclusive gifts with your purchases (while supplies last).

 

Receive one-on-one time with Nordstrom beauty experts, tips tricks to nail the newest trends and receive beauty buzz intel from industry insiders — and it’s free to attend!

Nordstrom Beauty Holiday 2017 Collection

Discover this holiday season’s must-have beauty gifts at the all-in-one shopping destination: Nordstrom! With exclusive festive offerings from top brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Diptyque, La Mer, MAC, Tom Ford, Jo Malone and more, you’ll find everything from impressive luxury sets to mini stocking stuffers – spanning cosmetics, fragrance, skincare and men’s grooming – for all your gifting needs, OR for yourself to get holiday-party-ready!

MORE NORDSTROM NEWS:

YOUR BEST FRIEND IN BEAUTY Nordstrom Beauty Stylists are also what make Nordstrom a unique one-stop shop. Similar to personal shoppers, Stylists offer complimentary services to customers to help them find the perfect makeup, skincare and fragrance products across ALL brands and counters!

These experts are available in-store, by phone at 1.800.7BEAUTY or online at (http://shop.nordstrom.com/beautystylist). Prefer to communicate while you online shop? You can Live Chat with an expert Online Beauty Stylist at (http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/beauty-stylist).

SAMPLING: TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT

Nordstrom Beauty wants you to love your purchase, so why not try it first? We offer in-store samples on almost any beauty product, every day. Nordstrom also offers 3 free samples with any beauty purchase online!

FREE SHIPPING AND FREE RETURNS ALL THE TIME

Nordstrom will ship almost anything on our site to you for free – no minimum purchase ever! Don’t love it? Returns and exchanges are free via mail, in-store or over the phone – it’s that easy.

 

The Ultimate Holiday 2017 Gift Guide For Every Personality

Coming up with gift ideas for everyone on your list can be tough – to make the process a little less stressful, I compiled the ultimate gift guide filled with new Holiday 2017 launches. See below for botanical based and celebrity adorned gift sets for every personality type in your life!

Whether you need something big for your best friends, meaningful for your mom, lavish for yourself, or heartwarming for that special someone, I’m here to help!

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

Flawless Brows & Lashes Limited Edition Set$100 at Nordstrom.com

Skin Research Labs, the leader in effective beauty enhancing treatments and adorned by Hilary Duff, Kelly Ripa, Huda Kattan and more! Brings the ultimate holiday kit this season with the launch of their limited edition Flawless Brows & Lashes Set. The luxurious cosmetic bag contains a 2mL neuLASH®, 6mL neuBROW, and the brand new neuBROW brow defining pen!

Blossoming Beauty Gift Set, $48 at arbonne.com

Let your beauty shine with a new Sparkling Body Powder with a built-in brush and a prismatic Lilac Lip Gloss to show your inner sparkle on the outside too. Super cute pouch that can double as a pencil case included!

Starlight Glow Palette, $75 at arbonne.com

These shades were plucked from the sky to deliver a celestial glow! These multi-use powders can be used to highlight, blush, bronze, or contour with an array of warm to cool pigments to sculpt and shape a starlit glow. Featuring three brand-new shades and guest starring our fan favorite Anniversary Bronzer.

Rosé All Day to Night Lip Set, $70 at arbonne.com

A trio of dual-ended lip colors in blushing nudes, pinks and mauves that keep you rocking that rosé all day and night. This lip bouquet features Arbonne’s new favorite matte lip cream on one end, and a shiny lip gloss on the other. Wear alone or mix-and-match for a full bloom effect!

Spiced Vanilla Chai Candle, $40 at arbonne.com

This artisan-crafted, hand-poured candle made with a coconut wax blend combines sweet cinnamon, baked vanilla, and spicy chai aromas. Slow and clean burning, the scent will have you reminiscing about your favorite holiday moments.

Olive Blossom & Eucalyptus Gift Set, $58 at arbonne.com

Give the gift of fabulous and luxurious personal care with this shea butter, olive and coconut oil infused gift set.  The set includes a softly scented cleansing body polish that exfoliates and whipped body butter that moisturizes with natural essential oils and fragrant blossoms, topped with a cool eucalyptus touch.

FOR MEN

 

RE9 Advanced® for Men Grooming Kit, $75 at arbonne.com

The perfect set for a clean and confident man, complete with our brand new Charcoal Soap Bar that invigorates with spicy notes of turmeric and bergamot, as well as a full size of the best-selling RE9 Advanced® for Men Shave Cream and After-Shave Soothing Lotion. The set is conveniently packaged with a dopp kit that makes traveling and grooming on-the-go a breeze.

 

FOR THE SKINCARE EXPERT

 

Youth Soothing Crème ($74.95, DearbyRenee.comInfused with the skin healing, Arnica Extract, which is known to soothe and calm skin disorders like eczema this soothing crème contains several active components that target chronic itchy, red or problematic skin leaving a radiant and hydrated complexion.

Skin Renewal Serum ($79.95, DearbyRenee.comoffers rejuvenating benefits of five bio-sourced epidermal growth factors from BioPlacenta. This premium rejuvenating serum reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

FOR THE NATURAL HAIR GURU

Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic and Soy Milk Deep Hydration Collection, available at Target.com is a hydration savior for thirsty hair. Experience the benefits of highly concentrated hydrating ingredients such as Burdock Root Oil, Palmarosa Oil Umutanga Oil and Yucca Root that help to promote hair growth, soothe a dry scalp and strengthen the hair strands. The key ingredients saturate the hair with intensive moisture, locking it in for ultimate and deep, long lasting hydration. Includes six products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Pre-poo, Softening Milk, Serum Oil Mist & Mask.

  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-poo, which gently melts tangles to minimize breakage, decreases moisture loss during cleansing and protects hair from cleansing manipulation. $14.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Shampoo, which thoroughly cleanses without stripping, restores hydration in dehydrated hair and reduces breakage. Hair is left soft and tangle-free. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Conditioner, which helps to reduce breakage, restores natural luster and shine and replenishes moisture without buildup. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Mask, which penetrates the strands to restore lasting moisture, visibly calm frizz and improve elasticity, minimizes shedding and breakage and leaves hair feeling soft, supple and tangle-free. $19.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Softening Milk, which deeply penetrates to restore dry thirsty hair. Assists with styling, restores natural luster and shine and improves texture and manageability. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Serum Oil Mist, which imparts lightweight shine to finished styles and aids in nourishing, soothing and supporting scalp health. Lightweight and non-greasy, it seals in moisture and enhances texture while reducing frizz. $14.99

 

NYFW and Nordstrom Beauty Trend Events

In the spirit of NYFW, I’m excited to announce that this month, Nordstrom Beauty Trend Events are back!
If you’re not familiar, Nordstrom goes backstage every New York Fashion Week to bring the hottest trends from the runway to the consumer. For the Fall 2017 season (as previewed in February), they’ve identified the beauty trends as Bold BerriesDecadent Browns and Flawless Skin (see below for the trend images).
Now through December, you can visit the leading beauty retailer and receive one-on-one time with renowned beauty experts (previous special guests have included Jen AtkinCharlotte Tilbury, etc.) who will teach you how to achieve the freshest runway-inspired looks with products specific to you. Plus, you’ll get free samples and exclusive gifts with your purchases (while supplies last)!
To find a Nordstrom location near you and it’s upcoming Beauty Trend Week/Show dates, please follow this link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/fall-trend-week-by-store
*Note, Beauty Trend Week dates vary per location and run from Sunday to Saturday. Only some locations have a Beauty Trend Show, which will always take place on Saturday morning.