Trapped in a Fashion Rut? Here's the Secret to Getting Out!

You want to get out of your fashion rut and feel good about how you look, but every time you go shopping you leave discouraged or overwhelmed. The reason has as much to do with your mind as it does with your body and by incorporating two very important changes to your shopping experience, you can find new success every time you shop.

Think about it. You have been in a fashion rut for years (or maybe it just feels that way!). Nothing you buy ever feels right any more. You've resorted to reading fashion magazines with titles like "99 Little Ways to Your Best Body" or "200 Secrets to Looking Great Now" with less than flattering results, and you even allowed your two best friends to take you shopping. Yes, they helped you choose new clothes, so why don't you feel any better? Even after that intervention, you are still in a rut (you can't remember what you are supposed to do with that long flowy plaid vest anyway?). You feel like an imposter every time you look in the mirror where a poor imitation of your friend stares back at you. You're $500 lighter and no closer to finding a wardrobe that makes you happy. A cloud of hopelessness is descending so now what, you wonder!

The key here is that you don't feel confident choosing clothes that you feel good wearing because you don't love your body and you think nothing looks good on you. You feel like your body parts are shifting nearly daily or you've gained weight (or both) and somehow clothes just don't fit the way they used to. You hyper focus on the parts of your body you don't like and when you do go shopping all you see are things that don't look good. You walk into a store and walk out again empty handed or you take those two well-meaning friends with you and walk out with clothes, but you don't really feel any better when you get dressed than you did before you went shopping. Fashion magazines aren't helping -- they are all written for svelte twenty year olds who could be your daughters -- and you don't know where to turn. All you can think is that nothing works and that you're doomed to look frumpy and boring for the rest of your life.

You're left wondering that if magazines and makeover TV shows (where all the style gurus are handing down valuable fashion advice) and even your stylish friends can't help, what hope is there for you? Wow... with that kind of attitude I can see where shopping would not be fun and it certainly wouldn't be productive.

I promise, however, there is plenty of hope. First of all, when you look out into the real world, do you see women (be they female friends, family or strangers you've seen at the mall, work or grocery store) whose image you admire -- women who look like they are well put together whether it's for work or leisure? Of course you do. Get a picture in your mind's eye of two or three of them and ask yourself this one important question: Are they all built like a super model? No, of course they are not and this is good news! Chances are good you are not shaped like a super model (I know I'm not!) and you just confirmed that you do not have to be super model tall, thin and very young to look great. You can look great no matter what size you wear, how tall you are or how young or old you are. These women prove it -- they are just like you with things they like and don't like about their bodies.

What these women do have that you don't is two things:

1. Fashion guidelines to help you identify garments/outfits that have potential, and
2. The belief that you CAN create a look you love.

These two things lead to increased self-confidence and the well put-together look you want for yourself.

Is this learnable? Yes.

Did they learn all of this in one day? No.

So, give yourself a break, use the information I'm about to share with you to move you step-by-step closer to having that put-together look you long for and the self-confidence will grow with each positive step.

So, where do you start?

Begin with your mindset. Otherwise, the fashion tools will be ineffective. Why? Because you get what you expect and if you expect not to find anything you love or you find something you love but they don't make it in your size or you approach the shopping experience as if you were going into a losing battle, guess what you'll get: nothing you like (everything will seem ugly, shapeless and too trendy) and things that don't fit. You will prove yourself right.

Even if this has been true in the past, you must find a glimmer of hope in your shopping experience because if your expectations are based on the past and the past wasn't good, then guess what you'll get now? That's right... more of the same.

Or, if your past shopping experiences were terrific, but now your body has changed (and not in a way that makes you happy) and you can no longer wear what you used to, but you wish you could and berate your body for not staying the way it was (you can see where this is going... ), then you will go in with frustrated energy and all you will see are things that were created for your former body. Your mindset is crucial to a successful shopping experience.

Okay, you say, but how do I do that when I can feel my anxiety rising when I simply think about shopping, never mind step into a store!

Create a positive affirmation and visualize success. You have to train your mind to approach the shopping experience from a different place. Here's a great one for starters: "More and more I find clothes I love and that look great on me." Notice I didn't say, "Everything looks good on me." Or "I look great in everything I try on." Even I (who knows what I am doing when it comes to shopping for clothes) do not look great in everything I try on and I won't even think about shopping when I'm crabby or don't think I'll find anything I like. My results will be the same as yours would be -- my mind will say, "You think you'll only find things you don't like or that don't fit you well or are too young or badly made? Great... let me go find those things for you so you won't be disappointed!" I've had this happen and I now know to laugh at myself and realize I went in with a bad attitude!

Create a positive affirmation that you can relate to. Then, don't just say the affirmation once and wait for fairy dust to sprinkle down on your head and the perfect new store to open next door (although, hey, wouldn't that be nice if it happened!). Say it over and over. Say it with as much joy and positive expectation as you can muster. Your mind/body believes what you tell it, so tell it something good and positive. Give your mind the assignment of finding things that will make you happy rather than prove you right that there's nothing out there that looks good on you.

Then, as you are heading out to shop, visualize yourself having a great experience finding things you love in your size and color. Picture yourself trying something on and feel amazing. (It's less about the specific item -- so you don't have to visualize exactly what that amazing piece is -- and more about the feeling attached to it.) If you start to get overwhelmed and some of that old history comes flooding back (which it will from time to time), take a deep breath and repeat the affirmation and visualization.

Getting your mindset heading in a positive uplifting direction first is critical. Once that is flowing we can add in a few fashion tools to get you started.

Most of us, myself included, need to have guidelines when we shop. Understanding how to create a look you love takes more than just walking into a store and grabbing something random off the rack hoping it will work because it looks good on the mannequin or you saw it in a magazine. It is important to make your selections with intention. Knowing what to look for helps you ignore the parts of the store that don't work for you and concentrate on the parts that do. Follow these rules for more success when you shop:

• Search for colors that look great on you. If you don't have a personalized color palette here are some basic guidelines. Do not buy light gray, yellow, army green or beige unless you are absolutely sure it is your perfect color. When in doubt (which should be most of the time with those colors), choose one of these colors: emerald to forest green, deep periwinkle, medium to deep teal, or watermelon. These colors all look good on a lot of people.
• Make sure it fits. While this is not the only criteria for choosing a garment, it is very important. For instance, be sure the fabric skims your body and doesn't cling too tightly or look too big and messy (lift your arms and if there is a lot of excess fabric there that creates buckling at the bustline, then the top is too big). And, if it doesn't fit consider whether it can be altered by a tailor. Yes, if you love the garment it is ALWAYS worth having it tailored. A word of caution: a current trend is for oversized, shapeless tops. I generally recommend avoiding these, but if you love them, try wearing one with a pair of skinny jeans or leggings.
• Make sure you love it. There is no substitution for loving something you are wearing. Look for patterns that make you smile, textures that feel good and fabrics that feel nice on. Never buy something because you think you should (remember how that worked out when your friends took you shopping). You will never feel happy wearing it unless you are excited about it.

When you combine these tools with positive affirmations and visualizations, you are setting yourself up for success -- one step at a time.

Remember, keep these ideas in mind when you shop:

• Look for color, good fit and things that make you smile when you look at them.
• Don't go shopping until you have done your affirmations and visualizations. Don't just say them rotely -- they won't work. Say them with passion, desire, as much positive belief as you can muster and say them often!

You WILL make progress if you do this.

You have to start somewhere or you'll stay mired in doubt and frustration for the rest of your life -- never feeling good about how you look and envying the women who do. That is no way to live and, better yet, it's absolutely unnecessary. You CAN look great. I have just shared several steps you can take in your journey towards feeling like one of those women whose image you admire. Just take it one step at a time and celebrate each success no matter how small. You will get there!

Ginger Burr believes that your image represents the best of you, not some ideal that makes designers happy. As an expert personal image consultant working with women from all walks of life, she has crafted a remarkable process of nurturing your inner beauty and discovering your personal style. Whether it's the "dynasty" shoulder pad era, the never-ending confusion of business casual, or the low-rise pant controversy, she has helped women navigate through (and sometimes completely ignore!) the styles of the season and feel good about how they look.

A notable speaker and leader in the field of fashion and style, Ginger's adroit understanding of beauty trends and fashion has been celebrated by Fox TV News, The Boston Globe, and CNN.com. In addition, Ginger recently launched her body image, self-esteem, and style virtual coaching program "Who Taught You How to Dress?" This innovative program allows women to overcome internal obstacles and learn the practical (as well as soft) skills they need to create a wardrobe they love -- all in the comfort of their own home!

Ginger has distinguished herself in several untapped niches, including her image work with the transgender community and was recently recognized by VegNews Magazine as one of the "25 Most Fascinating Vegetarians" in the world for her innovative and groundbreaking work as a vegan image consultant.

Breast Reduction Surgery - A Smart Choice

A breast reduction procedure is an ideal option for women who have large, oversized breasts. The surgery involves removing excess breast fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breasts to improve shape and minimize the difficulties caused by oversized breasts. With breast reduction surgery performed in a reputable surgical center, women can expect well-shaped breasts that are more proportionate to their body and an attractive bustline.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery in a Reliable Practice

• Top plastic surgery practices have a good reputation in providing effective and natural looking results for breast surgery procedures.

• Plastic surgeons employed in reputable practices are quite experienced in providing advanced reduction surgery techniques for women. They have extensive training and surgical experience in handling different breast reduction/ breast lift surgery to provide patients with breasts of the desired shape and size.

• Reputable plastic surgery centers are AAAASF-accredited and focused on providing optimal results and patient safety. The surgeons use advanced technologies and proven techniques to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals.

Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques Available

Reputable surgery practices offer the latest surgery techniques to help to address issues such as heavy, pendulous breasts and enlarged areolas.

• Vertical only Reduction Mammoplasty: This surgery technique involves making 'lollipop' shaped incisions - one around the around the areola and other mainly in the inframammary fold. This breast surgery technique is appropriate for patients who want to remove approximately 1.7 pounds (800 grams) from each breast. This technique can result in a projecting, attractive breast shape with limited scarring. Considerable sensory innervation to the nipple-areola complex is also maintained in this procedure. Another important aspect of vertical reduction mammoplasty is related to the body's ability to shrink skin and thereby reshape the breasts. In certain cases, a revision procedure may be needed based on the amount of skin that was unable to shrink.

• Liposuction only Breast Reduction: This surgical technique is a safe procedure which removes extra fat stored in the breasts. Scarring is minimal major cuts or incisions are not required. The liposuction cannula is inserted through a small incision which heals soon without leaving any major marks. There are also no sensory changes in the nipple-areola complex. This technique is ideal for younger patients with adequate skin tone. Moreover, this technique is best for those patients who are looking for a complete solution for heavy, oversized breasts. The surgical procedure helps to lift the breasts by a significant degree, thereby reducing breast size by more than fifty percent.

Locate a Reliable Surgery Practice

Before considering a breast reduction surgery, it is important to thoroughly research the surgical centers in the area, learn about the plastic surgeons and the different procedures they offer. Choose to have your procedure performed by a reputable plastic surgeon in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center. With a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, you can expect a safe, comfortable surgical experience and satisfactory results.

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, a plastic surgery center in Houston, Texas provides you the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. Our plastic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in breast reduction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, DIEP flap breast reduction, microtia/ear reconstruction, and more. Here you will receive personalized and comfortable care from our plastic surgeons.

Tips on Maintaining a Wrinkle Free Skin

Wrinkle free skin has become one of the most sought after and needed beauty assets by many women in today's world. Wrinkles are usually associated with aging but with current trends where women stress too much due to the demands at work and home; young women have also been spotted with wrinkled skin. This is because these women put too much stress on their bodies and rarely get enough time to treat their skin in the proper way.

Your skin is a reflection of your health. Healthy looking skin indicates a healthy individual while pale and wrinkly skin can indicate poor body health. The skin is also what meets the eye when you look at someone. It is therefore important to have healthy looking wrinkle free skin.

Getting rid of wrinkles is almost impossible in most cases. Wrinkles can however be delayed and prevented through some time tested methods that will leave your skin soft glowing and wrinkle free; making you feel young and confident.

What you eat will determine the heath of not only your inner body but your skin too. Higher intakes of vitamin C and a lower intake of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better appearance as your skin ages; enabling you to maintain a wrinkle free face. This should also be coupled with a lot of water intake to moisturize your skin and help flush out toxins from your body.

Regular exercise is also very important if you want to keep healthy and benefit your skin which plays a big role in guarding your whole body. The activity helps your blood circulation improve, flushing out toxins from your body. Better blood flow also brings more oxygen and nutrients and may help your skin produce collagen, which staves off wrinkles.

As you grow older, all your body parts; skin included age too. Your body doesn't produce as much collagen, and the elastin that allows skin to spring back into place gets weaker. The rate at which you lose and recreate skin and other body cells also drops. To boost aging skin, exfoliate to remove dead skin, use a nondrying soap, and moisturize often. Most of all stay out of the sun as its effects might not be favorable to your skin.

You can also choose to use anti-aging cream but it's available to use that which may contain vitamin C or E. Put these antioxidants to work from the inside, too. Eating foods rich in these vitamins, plus the mineral selenium, can help protect your skin against sun damage. They may even help reverse signs of aging, like wrinkles and skin discoloration.

Some people have also resorted to surgery to get their skin wrinkle free but hey! Why pay so much for surgery when you can get wrinkle free skin in a cheaper way?

Breast Reduction Surgery

A breast reduction procedure is an ideal option for women who have large, oversized breasts. The surgery involves removing excess breast fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breasts to improve shape and minimize the difficulties caused by oversized breasts. With breast reduction surgery performed in a reputable surgical center, women can expect well-shaped breasts that are more proportionate to their body and an attractive bustline.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery in a Reliable Practice

• Top plastic surgery practices have a good reputation in providing effective and natural looking results for breast surgery procedures.

• Plastic surgeons employed in reputable practices are quite experienced in providing advanced reduction surgery techniques for women. They have extensive training and surgical experience in handling different breast reduction/ breast lift surgery to provide patients with breasts of the desired shape and size.

• Reputable plastic surgery centers are AAAASF-accredited and focused on providing optimal results and patient safety. The surgeons use advanced technologies and proven techniques to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals.

Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques Available

Reputable surgery practices offer the latest surgery techniques to help to address issues such as heavy, pendulous breasts and enlarged areolas.

• Vertical only Reduction Mammoplasty: This surgery technique involves making 'lollipop' shaped incisions - one around the around the areola and other mainly in the inframammary fold. This breast surgery technique is appropriate for patients who want to remove approximately 1.7 pounds (800 grams) from each breast. This technique can result in a projecting, attractive breast shape with limited scarring. Considerable sensory innervation to the nipple-areola complex is also maintained in this procedure. Another important aspect of vertical reduction mammoplasty is related to the body's ability to shrink skin and thereby reshape the breasts. In certain cases, a revision procedure may be needed based on the amount of skin that was unable to shrink.

• Liposuction only Breast Reduction: This surgical technique is a safe procedure which removes extra fat stored in the breasts. Scarring is minimal major cuts or incisions are not required. The liposuction cannula is inserted through a small incision which heals soon without leaving any major marks. There are also no sensory changes in the nipple-areola complex. This technique is ideal for younger patients with adequate skin tone. Moreover, this technique is best for those patients who are looking for a complete solution for heavy, oversized breasts. The surgical procedure helps to lift the breasts by a significant degree, thereby reducing breast size by more than fifty percent.

Locate a Reliable Surgery Practice

Before considering a breast reduction surgery, it is important to thoroughly research the surgical centers in the area, learn about the plastic surgeons and the different procedures they offer. Choose to have your procedure performed by a reputable plastic surgon in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center. With a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, you can expect a safe, comfortable surgical experience and satisfactory results.

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, a plastic surgery center in Houston, Texas provides you the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. Our plastic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in breast reduction, rhinoplasty, DIEP flap breast reduction, microtia/ear reconstruction, and more. Here you will receive personalized and comfortable care from our plastic surgeons.

Women's Health and Acupuncture

Women of all ages can benefit from acupuncture

Acupuncture is a valuable tool in promoting women's well-being, both for general optimal health and for treating specific gynecological concerns, including infertility. It works by restoring the flow of qi, or energy, and the balance of the opposing qualities of yin and yang within the body. Using tiny stainless steel needles placed on certain points on the body, this treatment is a painless way to correct health issues.

For young adolescent women just beginning to menstruate, acupuncture can help relieve cramps and PMS. The menstrual cycle can be comfortable and regular so that it won't interfere with normal day to day activities. Your mother may tell you that her period was difficult until she had her first baby, but you don't have to wait that long. PMS symptoms usually begin to disappear quickly after an acupuncture session.

Although menstruation is a natural and normal process it can be a difficult one for many women. The symptoms may include pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, breast tenderness, insomnia and gastro-intestinal disturbances. These symptoms may have a significant impact on normal daily life. Acupuncture and herbs produce good results in the treatment of PMS. Your practitioner should take the time to Implement natural remedies, diet changes and herbs to enhance the treatment outcome.

Acupuncture also offers physical and emotional support for childbirth. In the three weeks preceding your due date, Acupuncture treatment encourages softening and thinning of the cervix. These treatments reduce your chance of going beyond 40 weeks and can shorten labor. It can also be used during childbirth as it reduces the need for pain medication and augmentation. For women who are trying to become pregnant, acupuncture can help solve problems of infertility. After childbirth, acupuncture and herbal medicine are very helpful in restoring and replenishing the new mother's energy. In addition, whether for pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum, acupuncture provides powerful relief from anxiety.

For women in menopause, hot flashes and night sweats can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much more comfortable. Treatment focuses on stopping excessive sweating and restoring restfulness.

Acupuncture is effective for other Women's health problems:

Endometriosis, fibroids, vaginal discharge, menstrual problems, acne, amenorrhea, bloating breast distention, cramps, depression, heavy flow, irregular period, irritability, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), skipped periods, menopausal symptoms, dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, pregnancy, constipation, hemorrhoids, infertility, low back pain, morning sickness, postpartum depression and exhaustion sciatica.

Give Yourself A Natural Beauty

Fortunate are those who are born with beauty and who gets Preferential treatment over those who are not. It is evident that men and women alike, appear more concerned than ever; with some even more obsessed--over their looks and of perceived physical imperfections. Indeed, who does not want to be eternally young and gorgeous?

Celebrities like the wealthy and famous, are ever so willing to indulge and to fork out a fortune, subjecting themselves to cosmetic surgery... just to attain the "Fountain of youth" and the coveted perfection of beauty. But why pay for such a hefty price, unless you can afford it, if there were alternatives that you can give yourself?--a Natural Beauty Boost with these affordable and natural ingredients.

1. Coconut oil - Virgin coconut oil is the best as it can be consumed orally, for all its health benefits as antioxidants and antibacterial. It can be used as a local application, as a natural SPF4 sunscreen. Topically, coconut oil kills yeast and fungal infections. When used consistently, it helps to get rid of Cellulite and aid in weight loss. It also reduces the appearance of unsightly varicose veins.


2. Licorice Root - It has a natural ability to lighten pigmentation from sun damage. Licorice root is essential for those who don't use sunscreen.


3. Probiotics - It balances your skin similarly in the way good bacteria when found in the yogurt, helps to balance your gut. It evens out skin complexion and keeps your face looking young. Additionally, it destroys the bacteria that causes dental decay and reduces the harmful effects of gingivitis... so you can have that lovely smile on your face!


4. Argireline - This is Acetyl hexapeptide-3, which is truly a substrate of Botox without injections or toxins. Known commonly as Argireline, it is used to decrease the visible effects of aging, by reducing deep wrinkles around forehead and eyes, when applied as a cream or solution to specific areas of the face. Argireline inhibits muscle reactions to move or contract, when forming facial expressions like frowning or smiling.


5. Camel's milk - For a more moisturized and supple skin, camel's milk functions best when formulated into creams, ointments and masks. It has anti-aging benefits, thanks to elastin, vitamin C and lanolin. These soothing properties help to treat inflamed or skin allergies. What is cool? It can even be used to treat Psoriasis!


6. Plant stem cells - These stem cells have the capacity of self-renewal, to periodically repair and regenerate tissue when it is damaged. Plant stem cells constitute a versatile and innovative material for skin and hair care. A promising example is the Butterfly Bush stem cells. They not only protect, but defend the skin against the sun's damaging UV rays and pollutants. Apart from this, they also preserve and promote collagen and elastin production.

At an Initial glance, appearance certainly matters, based on Beauty. Not only does physical beauty attracts, but also one's grooming and style. Survival of the most Good looks, is the ability to stand out in the crowd... exuding confidence with poise and a winning Smile! Beauty is an attracting magnet and is worth all one's efforts to maintain it at all costs.

Women Beauty Tips

The very basic difference between a fake perfume and an original perfume is that while both will smell good in the beginning, the fake one will lose its scent in a matter of minutes. The authentic one on the other hand will last for some hours. While purchasing you only get a few minutes to test the perfume and since the fake one does last for a few minutes, you may believe that it is authentic. Furthermore, a fake perfume loses all of its scent in a few days. Even the initial fragrance after spraying the perfume is lost. You will only get an irritating chemical smell after that.

The reason for such misbehaviour of the fragrance depends on the materials used to create that fake perfume. In a lot of cases, there is a greater water content in the fake perfume. Appropriate concentration of water is essential for a good fragrance. The extra amount of water is added to make the bottle appear as if it is filled.

The reason why it is very important to avoid such a fake perfume is that you do not know the chemicals that are added to it and the effects those chemicals will have on your body. In a few cases, these chemicals can be hazardous and can cause skin diseases or trigger allergies. Sure, you can go to the shop from where you purchased the perfume and scream at them but that is all just a waste of time, money and your precious health. There are a few simple steps by which you will be able to avoid such fake perfumes. They are as follows.

The first and foremost and the most important thing that you need to keep in mind is that when you buy a perfume it should always be from a trustworthy source. There are a lot of shops that offer a big discount on branded perfumes but that is something that you should overlook if you do not think that the shop can be trusted. Once again, you can always go back to a shop when you think you have purchased a defective product but that is a huge waste of time and money. It is better to avoid such unpleasant experiences by taking simple steps. If you see a shop that is offering a huge discount at great perfumes, something that is too good to be true, then you need to put on your guard. Ask a friend who has been to the shop for a review. Go online and try to find some reviews of that shop. If people are saying that the shop is good, you can check it out. If you are not able to find good reviews or find negative reviews, then it is best to consider other options.

That being said, if you still want to go around and have a look then here are some small things that you would like to know. The surest way to confirm that authenticity of a perfume is to have a look at the bottle that is containing it and the box it is packed in. However, you will only be able to do this if you already know how the bottle and the box looks like. If you are looking at a new perfume, then go on the internet to find a picture of the bottle. If the bottle was made by someone other than the manufacturer, there will be some anomalies that you will be able to spot. Things like improperly shaped edges and cheap plastic for the cap. If an authentic bottle was refilled with a fake perfume, then there will some indications on the bottle portraying its old age, things like scratches on the base.

While testing, you must give the perfume quite some time. Perhaps you can sprinkle some on your wrist and see how long it lasts. Come back the next day and buy it if you are satisfied. However, in no case should you spray some, smell it and decide that the perfume is real because it smells appropriate. You know better than that now.