Fashionista: How to Get the Perfect Look

Effortless chic is what marks a Fashionista from the wannabes. It is one of the biggest irony, but all the beautiful people out there labeled "Fashionista" are the ones who looked like they rolled out of bed looking like that each day. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett and Cameron Diaz are the best living examples. On the other spectrum, you have the wannabes with their entourage of stylists, make up artist and hair dressers but still manage to turn out looking like they just rolled out of their beds in the trailer park. Think Paris Hilton and Mariah Carey.

The key, I believe to helping you the achieve the "perfect" look is to achieve maximum impact with minimum work. You may ask how that is possible when you are not allowed a single strand of hair out of place to achieve the status of fashionista. I say, start with a great hair cut. Its life transforming. See how Nicole Richie changed her social standing as Paris's ex best friend" to a style icon in her own right with her new bob. Having a right hair cut not only change the way you look, it can drastically reduce the time you need to spend in front of the mirror fixing your hair. On days where a visit to the hair dresser is the only way to fix your hair, hide it. Fashionistas hide bad hair days with scarves, buns or hats. Easy breezy.

Remember the old adage "Always take a piece off jewelery off before you go out"? That should work for most of us mere mortals. Remember that jewelery is to enhance the look and not distract the attention from YOU. Admittedly layering of jewellery can look very stylish in Vogue, but it's a fine art that very few have perfected. Most of the general population just end up looking like a christmas tree. To play it safe, invest in interesting pieces and let that one or two pieces on you speak for itself.

There are 2 types of fashionistas. The ones that can make anything work on them (Kate Moss) and the ones who pick classic chic pieces that are timeless (Gwyneth Paltrow) and turn it into their look. Identify which you are. While its fun to be adventurous with fashion, again, not everyone is born with the aptitude to throw a sack on and still look good in it like Kate Moss. If your attempts at being a quirky, unpredictable trendsetter has left you with more raised eyebrows than "ooohs and ahhhhs" from your girlfriends, it's time to rethink your strategy. There is always the French to look to for classic, effortless style. Keep your main pieces to neutral colours like cream, black and white. Buy the best shoes and handbags you can afford and don't forget the pearls darling.

Last but not least, do take care of your skin. So just in case you are really pressed for time, you can still step out of the house glowing with with minimal make up. Part of the appeal of the fashionista is their willingness to embrace their natural beauty and merely use cosmetics as enhancement. You need to dare to let your true self shine through or there will be no spirit in the beauty. Taking care of your skin is as simple as washing, toning, moisturizing twice a day and going for facials once a month, It should be as natural a routine as brushing your teeth. Every woman, who aspires to be fashionista or not should take care of their skin religiously. It's self love.

There is a fine line between being a fashionista and a wannabe. The former looking perfect with what seems to be with innate style and minimal effort, the latter coming across as a try hard that is not quite there. You too can be the fashionista you want to be by making little tweaks to your appearance and wardrobe.