Makeovers...

[jenniferma432]

Hello folks, I just wondered if any of you fashion mavens can give me some tips on how I can cheer myself up since I'm somewhat demoralized after just getting dumped by the guy I was dating. Its not that I'm terribly heartbroken, since we only dated for 2 months, not nearly enough time to fall in love. Its just the manner in which it happened that dealt a blow to my self esteem...he gives me the news completely out of the blue and on a dinner date at a fancy restaurant.

I was thinking a complete makeover might give me a nice diversion from the blues. I'm talking hair, makeup, new wardrobe, etc. I just recently moved to the Washington DC area. Any recommendations on types of places or specific places I should check out? If it would be helpful to know what I look like to make any recommendations I can give you a brief profile. I'm of Asian descent, so as you would expect I'm short (5"2) and petite (110 lbs), and have long black hair. The only anomaly is that I'm on the busty side (34D), weird genetics I guess. Sorry if that was too much info ;-) Many thanks for any tips you can provide.

By the way, to make things even more humiliating, I actually have to swallow my pride and apologize to him for making a scene at the restaurant and causing him much embarassment. I guess in my old age (34) I've just lost my patience with insensitive men and I was just so annoyed by his business-like tone. The moment got the best of me and my frustration just took over. I sarcasticly thanked him for the "wonderful dinner", leaned over the table and gave him a passionate kiss goodnight, and then slapped him across the face and stormed out. I know, I should have shown better self restraint...

Jennifer

 

[SophieKawaii]

Don't feel bad about your scene. The most important thing is to make you feel better. New hair, makeup, wardrobe is a nice idea, but i'm not good in this question. There are enough professionals here.
Wish you the best!

 

[tgp]

I agree! Don't feel bad about the scene. Just go get a makeover, mani/pedi, massage and new duds! Good luck!

 

[MoMoCiTa]

i think that sounds like a great ideaa! i would probly doo the samee get an awsome makeover that will make yah feeel great! btw im sure you will have no problems meeting another guy cuz you sound like a pretty girll!
and i must say your very lucky cuz im asian and like many of us not so lucky in that region..... lol

 

[dramatique]

Good girl. I would have done exactly the same and I am 18

Yes, yes, a day of pampering yourself is in order. Pretty thyself up, I order you and then when you see him again. Strut pass him and show him what he lost

 

[SophieKawaii]

Originally posted by MoMoCiTa@May 30th, 2004 - 2:19 am
and i must say your very lucky cuz im asian and like many of us not so lucky in that region..... lol

What do you mean exactly?

 

[ihbrcw]

Hi, I have a question for you all. I am not the most attractive or stylish guy in the world, and I am planning on having some cosmetic surgery in a few years, but I am hoping to make a major change in my style soon. Right now, I'm an undergrad student, and don't care too much about my image (except for at work), but I need to start getting dates and have the confidence to approach girls at clubs. I think that changing my image will help a lot.

Can anyone here recommend a reasonably priced makeover site, where you send in your photos and they write you back with several suggestions about how to look YOUR best? (I know some people have these makeover sites online, but they are all so expensive.)

Thanks!
ihbrcw

 

[*Happiness*]

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy on Showtime. You should maybe watch that show and get some pointers.

 

[Yasmin]

Tips for a Style Newbie?

Okay, I breathed in, and I did it - I bought a magazine for the explicit purpose of figuring out what on earth is in fashion. And, I registered on this site.

I know this is probably the kind of stage everyone here all went through at age 12 (or earlier), but I'm 25, and this is the first time I have some idea of what's in fashion. I even know many of the names of the designer fashions which I will not be buying anytime soon due to my budget and other priorities like rent and food

But I did this all a specific reason. And that reason is not to magically transform into !!!TREND QUEEN!!!

The other day my boyfriend referred to my "look" as "Mousy Librarian". Let me just say that's not the way I see myself as a person.

Of course, as I was wearing no makeup, my nerdy glasses (though I usually wear contacts), my (roots showing) hair tied in a careless ponytail, faded old t-shirt, and raggidy old favorite jeans and sneakers (no accessories at all), you could almost see his point!!

All my life I always felt like most girls understand fashion way better than I do, I am always reluctant to try because I don't want to look trashy, like I'm trying too hard, etc. But dressing boring/out of fashion makes it harder to start up friendships with women, who I think, might tend to prefer other women with similar fashion sense.

Almost anything you put on "says" something to people around you, and usually I have no idea what I'm "saying" so I'd rather not risk it!

But, now I have a little idea of the basic fall trends, (and don't worry I won't be piling up my closet with nothing but purple and green skinny pants and velvet and furs), and I'm here to ask you fashion masters here, for some BASIC TIPS to start to change that from "mousy librarian" to "stylish hottie" B)

 

[northernsky]

first of all, i have a feeling you should have your hair done.

i'm not an expert in fashion but maybe you should start with getting rid of all those clothes that you describe as faded and ragged and so on, after that it's probably easier to build up a new wardrobe because you'll see what is missing the most (missing the most? i'm not a native speaker, sorry.) and what to combine the clothes you already have with.

 

[Yasmin]

Thanks, well I already bought dye to touch up my hair, but I should get it cut again, I have a hard time asking for the right thing from the hairdresser. Last time I wanted something with choppy layers and I got really soft feathery layers. Maybe choppy is too difficult to take care of anyway. My haircare system involves shampoo, conditioner and brushing, so far

I have a hard time throwing away my old favorite clothes, I get attached you know! I am always kind of shy and awkward to wear something new (sometimes I wait a very long time after buying it before actually wearing it) No one else has that problem?

 

[cloud9]

you might want to check out
The Lucky Shopping Manual : Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece

ive flipped through it and its a decent book for beginners imo...

anyways. dont worry too much..

you are not supposed to buy everything magazines tell you to buy..
magazines should be your source of inspiration.. flip through some magazines and see if theres anything that feels "familiar" and would go well with your favorite clothes.

about shopping for basics that would transform your look from librarian->hottie, start from buying a pair of jeans. from what you wrote, it looks like you are really laid back and wear casual clothes most of the time.. so investing in a pair of well fitting jeans would make all the difference imo..

if you want more help, why dont you post a pic of yourself? and describe your current style? then it will be easier for ppl to understand your style and make specific suggestions.

 

[Erin]

It's fun to get into fashion at any age. I didn't start really appreciated it until a couple of years ago, a little into college (though I've always appreciated clothing). It's not going to be an overnight transformation, but you have to realize little-by-little, it's possible for a great fashion makeover.

For a first big purchase, I would invest in a nice, polished handbag - great at pulling together any outfit.

Next, I'd invest in an excellent pair of jeans, followed by a great sweater (cashmere, if you're willing to invest).

But the fun is really discovering what you love. When I flip through my magazines, whether it's Organic Style or Vogue, I ALWAYS tear out a look that I absolutely love - this can be dealing with clothing, hair, makeup, whatever - and glue it in my scrap book. It's sooo fun to go through, and it gives you inspiration for maybe what you want to wear yourself.

 

[BabyJ]

I'm actually in a similar situation to you. Its only been these last couple of years where I really care about fashion and clothing. Don't get me wrong, I never dressed like a bum off the streets or anything. Its just that now, I take extra long putting together the perfect outfit. My biggest downfall was shoes and accessories. I really perferRED (see past tense) casual comfortable flats to beautiful outfit making shoes, and hateD (past tense again) belts, earrings, braclets... you get the point no?

I don't recommend that you throw out your "comfort clothes", you know the ones that no matter how bad you feel you know you look like a million dollars in. You should get rid of everything that you described as dindgy, ragged, faded, or OLD. Once your closet is cleared out you will see what you are missing and you should slowly build your collection back up. This time of year is the perfect time to buy some pieces for next spring/summer. Although the fashions do change, there are always some staple pieces that will always be in style or fashionable.

Don't go crazy and buy everything you see in the magazines. See what they are showing and see if you have the right components to build that outfit. There are some magazines that actually show you like 10 ways to wear one piece of clothing--isn't that economical!

You mentioned that you didn't want to feel like a fashion trend victim so I don't recommend that you try every single style you see. When flipping through the magazines you bought mark the pages of things that you see yourself wearing or trying out.

Hope I helped!

Jen

 

[fashionista-ta]

It's fun to get into fashion at any age. I didn't start really appreciated it until a couple of years ago, a little into college (though I've always appreciated clothing). It's not going to be an overnight transformation, but you have to realize little-by-little, it's possible for a great fashion makeover.

For a first big purchase, I would invest in a nice, polished handbag - great at pulling together any outfit.

Next, I'd invest in an excellent pair of jeans, followed by a great sweater (cashmere, if you're willing to invest).

But the fun is really discovering what you love. When I flip through my magazines, whether it's Organic Style or Vogue, I ALWAYS tear out a look that I absolutely love - this can be dealing with clothing, hair, makeup, whatever - and glue it in my scrap book. It's sooo fun to go through, and it gives you inspiration for maybe what you want to wear yourself.

That's *exactly* what I was going to suggest--a scrapbook.

I wouldn't throw anything out just yet btw ... we don't want you naked

I would also suggest ... who says a mousy librarian can't also be hot? I've seen a bit of the librarian on various runways ...

I would go to a big bookstore or newsstand and buy all the current fashion magazines. Go thru and tear everything that appeals to you--no need to analyze. Once you've got a stack, sit down with the paste and make a collage. Now's the time to analyze and group things, see where your taste is trending.

Next, pick a color scheme, and work on one outfit, either all new, or incorporating stuff you have already.

Once you've got that, you can start getting rid of stuff, because you know you've got something to wear

Btw, you can do the same thing with hairstyle (magazines/scrapbook). A good hairstylist, though, will have good suggestions for you

 

[Kimkhuu]

But dressing boring/out of fashion makes it harder to start up friendships with women, who I think, might tend to prefer other women with similar fashion sense.

Don't force it, if you like your style, you don't need to change it.... as long as you're comfortable in your own skin.

 

[Arug]

Yasmin, don't worry about it too much.
It has been already suggested: a scapbook is a good way to see what you like, if you are not sure.
In time, you will see similarities in those looks or pictures you have added there, and figure out something about yourself.
A few very simple rules to remember when buying new clothes: FIT!!!
And comfort, you'll never feel good if you are wearing something uncomfortable.
And never refer yourself as a Trend queen, that shows you haven't got your own style.
Never wear too much trend, or you end up looking like a clown.
Keep your own style and taste with you always.
Good luck, I know by experience it's very hard.

 

[susie_bubble]

Agree with Kimkhuu. Your is style is YOUR style. Magazines might help but KNOW what you like and what suits you. I think establishing what suits your body type and colouring is a good start. Sounds like a really old-fashioned method but there's no point in buying a whole new wardrobe if id doesn't show off your assets.

 

[jdurangosgirl]

I need a makeover

all my friends tell me I need makeover. Anyone know where to start. My friends say I still dress like a teenager with my jeans, tshirts, and sweatshirts. I dress up when necessary, but ugh!!! Any suggestions on where to begin. I'm figuring with the clothes, but I think I'm fashionably inept!!

 

[softgrey]

i would need more info...
age, occupation, location...budget...
basic body type and colouring...