Let your clothes shrink your stomach

I don't know about you but I'm always looking for ways to minimize my waist line. Here are some great ways to help your clothes help you. Thanks Oprah!

"We're driven to believe that it's not possible to have a beautiful body with fat hanging over your waistband," say Trinny and Susannah in their book What Not to Wear. "This is terrible for any of us who have so much as looked at a doughnut or even thought about babies, let alone heaved them out. … So, if you can't beat it, conceal it."

Here are some of Trinny and Susannah's top tricks to camouflage excess tummy fat and give the illusion of a flat stomach.

Tip #1Wear trousers that cut across the middle of your belly. Your stomach will look half the size! And low-waisted pants also help cut the size of your butt down, too.

Tip #2
Wear gathered or ruched shirts. No one will know if it's the fabric or your flesh that's making the waves.

Tip #3Wear wrap dresses and tops. They keep your boobs separated and create a more defined waistline.

Tip #4
Wear low-waisted skirts and your stomach will look half its size.

Daylights Savings Rewind: Top 10 Clothing Items Every Woman Should Have

SO, I woke up this morning and remembered it was Daylight Savings today. While in the Fall I quite like the change, however losing an hour in the Spring always makes me sad. So for my post today I found the post I did exactly one year ago today and decided to revisit it! Now when I posted this list a year ago I did not own a single item on this list, I'm happy to say that today I own 5!
That's progress people :)

I was recently inspired by a post of A Few of My Favorite Things called Frugal & Fabulous. Lately I've been thinking a lot about my sad wardrobe and I wanted to add some class to it. So I thought to myself, 'Self, who will have the answer?' And the answer was quite simple. Oprah.

I grew up in northern Texas, and I'll tell you one thing about Texas people. They love their Oprah. So naturally I gained a great appreciation for the woman, and I loved what she came up with. So here it is:

10 Items Every Woman Should Have

1. Crisp White ShirtThe perfect white shirt can take you anywhere. Try Brooks Brothers no-iron cotton shirt (BrooksBrothers.com ).

2. Black Pencil Skirt
2.This figure-flattering skirt can be paired with countless items in your closet to create an instantly polished look.

You know I love me a pencil skirt!

3. Lightweight Cashmere CardiganGet them in both long and short cuts, and they'll carry you through the seasons. Kelly is a fan of the cardigans by Vince (Vince.com), J.Crew (JCrew.com) and Club Monaco (ClubMonaco.com ).

I LOVE throwing on a cardigan, I always feel classier with one on.

4. Dark Wash Jeans

Find a pair that fits you great, and you'll be able to dress them up or down. Just avoid distressed washes with whiskers!

5. Slim Black Pants
Like the pencil skirt, a pair of well-fitting black pants instantly creates a polished look.

6. Little Black Dress

Change up your go-to black dress with fun accessories, and you'll never be bored.

7. Comfortable, Stylish Flats

Step away from the clunky gym sneakers! Stylish flats are worth the splurge if you wear them every day..

I had to stop wearing heels all the time now that I've got a kid on each hip!

8. Cute PajamasIt's easy to get into the habit of wearing old, oversize T-shirts to bed, but this is one of the simplest changes you can make. She loves the pajama sets at Target (Target.com ).

Yeah......I usually wear old sweats.

9. The Right UndergarmentsWell-fitting, figure-flattering undergarments are the foundation of every outfit. What did we do before Spanx?

Anything to help hide my love handles is ok by me!

10. Khaki PantsKhakis are great multiseason staples that are affordable and easy to update. If you don't have a great pair in your closet yet, Kelly suggests Gap (Gap.com ).

11. Khaki Trench Coat

Ok, so I know Oprah on had 10 items on her list, but through my research this kept popping up and I loved it so much I had to throw it in!Now let me let you in on my shameful secret. I don't own a single one of these items. Pathetic, I know, but hopefully now that I have a list that will change. Although my wallet is a tiny bit smaller than Oprah's, so I will have to keep my eye's open at my regular shopping spots. i.e. Ross, Target, D.I., and outlet stores. But I'm determined to add some class to my rhinestone & polyester wardrobe! (ok, maybe that's not ALL that's in there)

So how many of these items do you own?

The Lazy Woman's Guide To Fabulous Hair

I don't know about you but I sit up and take notice on any style tips that include the two words, Lazy and Fabulous. Yay for Oprah for combining those two words!

Fast Fix 1: Stop Frizz Before It Starts

Use a shampoo and conditioner with argan oil, says hairstylist Jeanie Syfu. It lightly coats hair and locks in moisture, preventing flyaways. Try Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, which contain softening apricot extract and argan oil—for less than $5.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas#ixzz1djsXkEaN

Fast Fix 2: Upgrade Your Towel

A lot of women vigorously rub their hair with a towel thinking it will speed up drying time, but it only roughs up the texture and causes frizz. Blot with a microfiber towel instead and then wrap it around your head to soak up excess moisture. This one from Aquis Essentials (at left) is made of fabric that absorbs water faster than standard terry cloth.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/2#ixzz1djsvvZ00

Fast Fix 3: Make Wet Hair Work

By far the most time-consuming part of hairstyling is the blow-out. Here's how to skip it—and still look put together.

1. Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your ends, like L'Oréal Paris EverSleek Humidity Defying Leave-In Crème; it will seal the cuticle and help your style hold its shape.

3. If your cut is chin length or shorter, make a deep side part with a comb and slick the sides down behind your ears. Add a smoothing balm on the crown to keep stray pieces in place.

4. If you have long hair, pull it into a high ponytail near the crown using a fabric elastic. We like the ones from Emi-Jay that don't cause breakage.

5. Wind the tail around the base of your pony to create a bun and secure it with long, rubber-coated hairpins that won't snag.

6. Once your hair has had a few hours to air-dry, let it down. You'll have a head full of body and waves.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/3#ixzz1djtum7sC

Fast Fix 4: Limit Your Blow-Dryer Time

A high-quality dryer can shave at least 30 minutes off your normal routine. For a smoother finish, look for models that use a combination of tourmaline and ionic technology (like the T3 Featherweight Luxe, at left, or the more budget-friendly T3 Veloce) both of which contain ceramic heating coils that distribute heat more evenly. A good dryer will also have a nozzle that attaches to the front of the barrel to focus the air. If you have curls, look for a diffuser with prongs, which act like fingers to help define waves as you dry, says Syfu. Spritz a volumizing product that contains alcohol (like Redken Rootful 06 Root Lifting Spray) through damp hair to help speed up the process, she adds.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/4#ixzz1djufNLyl

Fast Fix 5: Sleep on It

No time to get to the salon for a trim? Nexxus Split End Binding Overnight Treatment Crème contains polymers that attach to split ends to fuse them together while you sleep. You'll wake up to smoother hair, and the nongreasy formula won't leave residue on your pillow.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/5#ixzz1djv6r9Hn

Fast Fix 6: Extend the Life of Your Blow-Out

Salon hair-straightening treatments can leave your hair looking sleek but may also expose you to toxic formaldehyde (and can cost a small fortune). For a safe alternative that doesn't require a visit to your stylist, we like Living Proof Straight (which doesn't contain silicone that can weigh fine hair down). This spray, which can be used on wet or dry hair, contains a humidity-blocking molecule that prevents frizz on even the muggiest days. If your hair is coarse, apply John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight to it while it's damp and then blow-dry and flatiron to seal in the product. It requires extra effort, but the results last until your next shampoo.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/6#ixzz1djvZpXqa

Fast Fix 7: Control Curls Quickly

Defining curls with a curling iron or hot rollers can eat up a lot of time. Give your natural texture a boost by applying a leave-in conditioner and a styling product for curls, like Pantene Pro-V Curl Enhancing Spray Gel (at left), to damp hair; evenly distribute it with a wide-tooth comb. Use your fingers to twist one- to two-inch sections all over your head to encourage S-shaped curls. Then hands off—touching or scrunching causes hair to frizz. Instead, tilt your head to one side and use a diffuser to push curls toward your scalp as you blow-dry. Even if you don't have time to fully dry hair, five to 10 minutes of heat helps lock in the shape, says Syfu, who has styled models' hair—from the super curly to pin straight—in a hurry during New York Fashion Week. To revive and hydrate waves the next day, try Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist.

Fast Fix 8: Give Yourself a Day (or Two...or Three) Off

Forget firing up your blow-dryer. Use a dry shampoo to get rid of grease, add volume and leave hair looking refreshed. The key to avoiding a filmy residue, says Syfu, is holding the can at least eight inches away from your scalp and spritzing the product in short bursts onto your roots. Give the powder a few seconds to settle and absorb excess oil; then work it in with your fingers and brush it out. We like Tresemmé Fresh Start Strengthening Dry Shampoo, which gives hair a clean, citrus scent.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/8#ixzz1djwsJ994

We've got eight effortless fixes that'll leave you looking polished in no time.

By Amber Kallor

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Hair-Ideas-Easy-Hair-Ideas/9#ixzz1djxUjJSV

Find Your Signature Fashion Style

Do you need some help finding your signature look? I do, I do!!! Oprah to the rescue again!

What do you call it when you know—and love—your body, wear only what you're totally comfortable in, accentuate your best features, and leave the house every day feeling like a million bucks? We call it signature style, and these six women have it in spades. Luckily, they're more than happy to help you find your own. Make sure to find each signature style rule on each page!

Signature Style Rule #1. Stock up. When you find something that suits you perfectly, buy more than one.

Signature Style Rule #2. Don't make things too hard. "Great style enhances your life—it shouldn't rule you," says King. She spent years glued to the Weather Channel, terrified of rain. "I was a slave to my blow-outs. After I'd found the makeup and clothes that worked for me, it was still another ten years before I embraced my curls."

Signature Style Rule #3. Experiment a little. "Once a month, try a different shade of eyeshadow or lipstick, and see how you like it," says Roncal. "If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to wear it again. But maybe it'll feel great."

Signature style rule #4. Find a great salesperson whom you can trust—she can be an amazing resource. Salespeople get to know your taste and your body type. "For me, it's Doris at Barneys New York in Manhattan," says Brown. "I'm not an impulse shopper. I really shop only twice a year, so I tell her exactly what I'm looking for—a new jacket, a blouse I can wear for evening—and she keeps me focused. Without Doris's intervention, I can think of many pieces I would've bought and worn twice."

Signature Style Rule #5. Pay attention to your gut...especially if it's spilling over your waistband. When something's too tight, or too low-cut, and you feel uneasy, you know it. "If you have to psych yourself up to wear something out of the house—or the dressing room—it's not the look for you," says Brown.

Signature Style Rule #6. Play to the positive. What are your best features? Remember them when you go shopping. And catalog compliments—if they start rolling in every time you wear a certain lipstick shade or style of dress, you're onto something.

Signature Style Rule #7. Keep having fun! A signature style has consistency—but it should still have some joy in it. "When you stop thinking about your style, when it just becomes a knee-jerk reaction, you can slide from a signature look into a rut," says Steele.

90's Favorites

Remember the good old days? I sure do! And for me those were the 90's. Here are a few of my favorite things from the 1990's.Oh the scrunchie. I must of had 20 of the large and fluffy wonderful things!
Wow! What teenage girl DIDN"T have a Blossom hat?
Overalls were oh so cute, especially when you let the one side drop. What's cooler than that?
Super sexy body suits!
The oh-so-attractive baggy pants. Who doesn't love to be able to check on the cleanliness of your honey's underpants while they're wearing them? I know I do.
Bright neon colors.
Denim cut offs. The epitome of cool.

What is your favorite 90's artifact?

Choose Clothes for 20's, 30's, 40's

Here is a great article I found here. If you're like me you can use any help you can get in the fashion department!

Choosing clothes in accordance with age mean that you should avoid using an inappropriate fashion. You should choose clothes that suit the tastes of fashion self-image and your age.

Indeed, increased age does not mean you should stop following the latest trends. The secret is to always look trendy appearance and decided to make the analysis more trendy clothing where appropriate. This means you must better understand the shape of the body in accordance with age. If sexy mini skirt is suitable for 23-year-old woman, but it is not suitable for women aged 43 years and have cellulite.

Here are some tips to choose clothing to suit your age, you start from the age of 20, 30′s, and 40′s.

Choosing Clothes for 20s, 30s, 40s

Choose clothes for the 20s: A model of short-sleeved clothes and many ornaments can bring confidence to your 20s. Irregular fashion gives the impression of a young and fresh. You also should wear low-necked dress or without a collar.

Choose clothes for the 30s: a more structured fashion, look better for the women of this age. You may wear a decoration, but wear the shirt collar to make you look chic. If you want to hide the upper arms, do not wear short-sleeved shirt. You can add a scarf if you’re wearing a short-necked dress.

Choose clothes for the 40s: Choose clothing that accentuates the best part of your body. Avoid clothing that is too open. If you’re wearing a short dress at the neck mix with a subordinate who is knee length. If you wear a mini subordinates, wear long-sleeved shirt at the top. Secret charming appearance in their 40s is to make you look classy. If you are curvy bodied, should wear clothing that accentuates the curve of the body. Hide the waist width and big thighs by choosing clothes a little loose and dangling.

Choosing Jeans for 20s, 30s, 40s

Select jeans for 20s: Wear jeans that fit tight or baggy body or, in this age you can wear anything. Baggy jeans look quite fashionable masculine style. You also can experiment with different colors. At this age there is no harm in experimenting, do not have to continue wearing the classic blue and black color. You can wear white jeans in the summer combined with a sleeveless black top.

Select jeans for the 30s: Choose jeans that fit over the body, rather than baggy. Tight jeans can also, if combined with tunic tops or blouses soft fabric. Avoid jeans or denim faded colors that newfangled tatters. Choose a classic style blue or dark gray. You can wear white jeans with a simple boss.

Select pants for 40s: newfangled high-waist jeans suitable for women of this age. High model on the waist can hold it all. Avoid wearing jeans that hang off the waist. Jeans with a large model in the legs was also good, other than looks classy and attractive, also suitable to cover large thighs. As you grew older age, of course, increasingly smart to shop. Based on experience, choose clothes that fit with the budget that was not too expensive.

Window Shopping on Etsy

Oh if only I had bottomless pockets. Here are some of the things I would love to have:
Emmerson's Workwork's Shop
Handcrafted Shaker Inspired Wooden Step Stool
$18
I would love to have this cute little stool for Wes. The poor little guy can never quite reach the top of the counter. I love the natural look so I can personalize it however I want.

Grandma Cinda's Etsy Shop
Custom Rapunzel Dress
$45
These dresses are so much fun! I can't wait until Scarlett is old enough to play dress up. Grandma Cinda also does Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, and she takes requests!

Forty Two Roads Shop
Build a Cardboard Play Kitchen
$12
How cute is this kitchen! They aren't selling the actual kitchen, but a detailed, illustrated guide for how to make one for yourself.

Empressive Designs Shop
Elegant Vinyl Wall Decal
$13.50
I LOVE this sign. It would be a great reminder to me, I'm always slacking in the laundry front.

The Simpson's Shop
Heaven's Above White Flax Sundress
$29
This dress is so cute! I'd pair it with a cute cardigan and be ready to show it off. You don't often find clothes this cute for such a good price.

Carrie Mansk's Shop
Coaster Set
$12
I can never seem to find cute coasters. Here's the answer!

If you have any Etsy favorites please share!