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Beauty Bound

12.26.2010 Beauty Bound

As women, we more than likely are constantly on the go.  I can bet, that your schedule barely allows you to consistently make time for you! Here at Couture Living we have a few ways to make beauty an easy integration into that calendar of yours! 

1:  Personalize your services…Find a personal makeup artist, beautician, massage therapist and nail technician. Look for those who are up to date on current trends, manage time well, within YOUR budget and will accommodate your needs. Also, find the professional that will provide excellent knowledge on their specialty and has available access, should you need guidance.

2: Be loyal! Once you find the people who will service you in these areas, follow their instructions for care, maintenance and applications.  If they recommend products use them (unless there is valid reason to do otherwise i.e. allergies or reactions). Often times we find ourselves thinking we know what is best but there is a reason why we go to professionals.

3: Ask questions, if you are uncertain about something ask your professional in that field. No matter how simple you think it may be, ASK.  You may be surprised by the answer, there are a lot of myths and faux pas that some assume as facts.  So be sure!

Now I bet you are wondering;   how does this tell me how I can incorporate beauty? Well…truth is... if you do these things, you will find your professional who will teach you the appropriate look or technique that best suites you.  

Your makeup artist will get you on their products and show you how to apply.  Your beautician and nail technician will show you how to maintain the look until your next s scheduled appointment and your massage therapist will show you how to unwind.  We usually schedule doctor appointments, business meetings and our laundry days…so schedule your beauty days.  Having personal professionals will also enable you to gain knowledge of what to do should you have to skip a few appointments for the sake of budget.

Everyone has their own beauty and we are all about being one of a kind so find the professionals that will guide you through the wonderful world of beauty that best fits you!

12.19.2010 Inspirations PUSH!

 Inspirations:  P.U.S.H.

 This acronym has been used by many!  It has stood for Pray Until Something Happens or Push Until Something Happens, whichever one suit's you best, still requires you to keep going until we get a result!  Life has a way of continually trying to knock us down, but in this season it is time for us to PUSH and be determined to speak the positive outcome until we achieve it…we have to go beyond where we have went before, reaching the point we thought we could not get to.  This often brings upon some uneasiness because we are out of element, but many times we have to be pushed to receive that blessing at the end of the pressing through!  Our individual stories are unique and diverse, but we all have challenges, we all seek to be better in some area and we can.  I challenge you to do something different, go beyond your normal.  Occasionally we find ourselves exhausting a lot of negative energy into circumstances, but believe you can obtain the happiness you deserve and push through those challenges and make wise decisions.  Fight to your victory and accept it humbly. Take chances and have faith! Believe in yourself and know life is limitless when you work hard! Leaving you with this…

“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success, and if there is, I have not found it for if I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.”

-Madam CJ Walker

Fashion: What's in for Winter 2010

What’s in for Winter 2010!

It’s that time to bundle up! For some of you it means a sweater and light jacket…For others…well, we have to go for the whole kit and caboodle…Coat…Scarf… Gloves…Hat…and of course a great Boot!

Winter season often brings about more clothes and layers! Unfortunately, that results in some of us looking larger, and bulkier! I think we all can agree...this certainly isn’t our goal! Here are some tips to help you compliment your figure, as well as look sleek and stylish in the brisk weather.

Ladies…now listen carefully! With these tips some may work better for your silhouette than others…IT IS OKAY! That’s what makes us and style so unique…So figure out what works for you…mix and match, have fun and try new things. So here we go!

Outerwear: For our lighter weather wanderers…there is the classic blazer. Always go with a structured fit that contours towards your torso. This will give you a sliming waistline. Should you need something warmer…grab the heavier military blazer or the cape coat which is ever so adorable…this is a fashionable way to stay warm and have a versatile look. If you need to fight off the whipping wind, stacking snow, and freezing rain…you would look amazing in the worst weather with a chic modern short trench or pea coat! There are so many lengths and designs from which to choose. Have fun with print; try a scarlet red or simply go classic with black, gray or nude. With any of these styles you can dress them up or down with your accessories.

The Core Ensemble: Go for the Cowl Neck! Cowl neck sweaters are a fashion staple in my opinion! You can wear them with jeans and a wide waist belt…or utilize those many pairs of leggings and wear a great boot. Now should you pull out the leggings make sure this look flatters your figure. If you are curvier, throw a tank top under your sweater to extend the length at least below your rear, this way it best compliments. If you are slimmer go for a cowl neck that is not too bulky, we don’t want to lose your figure in the knit. Should you choose jeans or slacks no matter the size make sure they are fitted. We are made to have shape, a slim fit in the appropriate size or go bigger and have them tailored to the perfect fit.

What would our outfit be without a great shoe!!!....The shoe boot, knee boot and over the knee boot are amazing! Try rocking animal prints or fun colors that are bold or shiny, but, I will warn you not to overdo it…be tasteful! We want to look trendy not busy!

Accessories are the key! For classy go pearls, edgy swing the stones and bangles, for statements…YES...go for the diamonds and rhinestones, but again in moderation…we don’t need rings on every finger, one ring on each hand is sufficient. If you go with a dramatic necklace go easy with the earrings…if you are sporting the hottest earrings…skip on the necklace. If you wear a wide waist belt, make sure the width accentuates your waist where you like. Always take in consideration our shape, size, and height and find the pieces that express your personality best!

Just a few tips to make your look scream…YES... I am “Fierce”! Yes that gleaming confidence that we know we look good!

Good Luck Ladies!

Encouragement: FUTURE Behavior is often a result of PAST Behavior!

Want a better future? Evaluate your past! Often times we repeat cycles that are oblivious to us because we have not revisited our past.  Previous circumstances hinder our current and future decisions because the unawareness of different options that could better us. We have not acknowledged and healed from those past situations or simply did not realize that our plan is not working and we keep trying it.

Do you find yourself asking these questions…Why is my situation not changing? Why can I not seem to move up in areas we want to? When will things get better?

Our past, affects all areas of our lives because we are creatures of habit. So, YES, it affects your Business, Marriage, Relationships, Children, Friendships, your Job and many other areas, but occasionally, we are blind to that because we accept it as a part of “us” or just how our life has came to be, but we DO have the power to change it.

Do you look at your current situation and are confused by everything you are working hard for and still feel stagnant?

Well there is good news..... It can and will change! There are many options to make that change. It may take few tries but DO NOT GIVE UP! Take a look at past decisions. See where the mistake happened or notice where the plan took a wrong turn.  Or in certain cases you may have to return to that hurtful, unfortunate circumstance, that you have put in the back of your mind and be determined to not let it hinder you anymore.  These occurrences all differ in each individual; some are more devastating and emotional.  Other issues in the past may be more light but necessary to improve upon.  Once you address the problem, then you can begin the solution or the process of healing!  This may consist of many things, so don’t count out any positive options!  There are frequently areas we neglect to look at because we do not want to revisit the emotional pain or address the damage caused. In other areas being humble, prideful and getting real with our situation is a challenge. Set attainable goals, which are realistic to your situation. It may require counseling, professional advice or help, feel the pain we never want to feel again, sacrifice of the things we “just have to have”; it may require us to down grade or simply slow down on some areas.  Occasionally, we have to go back a little to get a good running start for that great leap towards our goal. It will not happen overnight, it is a process… so do NOT get discouraged, be consistent, patient, seek helpful sources that best fit you to help you along your journey and watch your life begin to change before your own eyes!