Ways for Women to Look and Feel Better in 2008!

Every woman wants to look her best, especially when going back to work or school after the holiday season! Here are some tips to slim, brighten, and make yourself over for a decent price!

1 - Dare to wear a brighter color!

My wardrobe has far too many dark or neutral colored shirts in it. This year, I went out and got some brighter shirts and sweaters. When I wore a sky blue sweater, people told me it brought out my blue eyes! People also told me I looked happier, healthier, and younger! Go into a store and try on different colors, and find one that suits you. Then get a couple different shirts or sweaters, and be brave! You will be surprised how a little color can go a long way!

2 - Accessorize!

This is the perfect way to spice up your business casual wardrobe while still staying within your work's guidelines of attire. Find a great pendant, or a ring (avoid bauble type rings, or anything large!). Get a new silk scarf, or even a great pair of heels! The key to making this work is, only wear these things on work days. That way you will be more excited to get dressed and be able to wear that new accessory that you bought!

3 - Ditch your boring pantyhose!

This is harder to pull off, so be careful and use your best judgment! Do you have flaws on your legs that regular pantyhose don't cover up? Don't feel trapped into wearing slacks or pants all the time! Try getting a pair of textured tights! These cover up more flaws than traditional pantyhose and leave your legs looking great. Or try a longer tunic with leggings. Leggings are a bit harder to pull off, but if you have nice legs, go for it! Just pick a long enough tunic top so that it looks more like a short dress length.

4 - Wake up your skin!

Nobody likes starting their day feeling sluggish, and the cooler winter weather can do this. Try a coffee body scrub with your morning shower! The coffee in the scrub will exfoliate your skin, leaving you soft, and the scent is sure to refresh you on those drowsy mornings! You can buy it in several different stores, or save money and make your own by adding mixing coffee grounds, sea salt or sugar, and a little olive oil!

5 - Buy a new bra!

A lot of women fall into a bra rut, where they were the same couple of dependable bras until the straps are frayed and the bras are a color nobody has seen but you. It happens to the best of us, because we like our comfortable, worn in bra. But if you want to feel sexy, splurge on a bra that is both pretty and has good support! Try going to Victoria's Secret of Fredericks of Hollywood and find that one bra that you love. It doesn't need to be the laciest, frilliest thing in the store. Try on a variety and find the one that makes you look and feel fantastic! When you wear it, it will give you a little "pick me up" all day, and only you will know why you are smiling!

6 - Have a weekly beauty night!

Take an hour once a week and devote it to you and your beauty routine! Do your nails, put on that face mask, soak your feet. Put on some relaxing music while you do all of this. It's so easy to get wrapped up in our busy lives that we don't take time to take care of ourselves and have "me" time. I take my one hour a week and do the following:

Short, hot bath to open up my pores

Exfoliation

Clay face mask

Manicure and pedicure

My favorite scented lotion to soften up

I also set all my jewelry in cleaner to soak while I take my hour. That way my jewelry comes out looking as good as I feel!

7 - Clean out your closet!

If you are stuck in a rut wearing the same old clothes, clean out your closet! If you haven't worn something in the last three months, and it isn't a seasonal item (like a heavy winter coat), or a special occasion item (like a formal dress) put it in a large trash bag. Do the same with your old shoes. This will not only clean up your closet, but leave you room to buy new things that you are more likely to wear! Donate your trash bag of clothes and shoes to either a local thrift store, of pass them on to family members or friends (as long as they are in wearable condition). This will give your wardrobe a much needed boost and inspire you to try new things!

8 - Find a multi-vitamin that works for your lifestyle!

There are tons of vitamins out there that can improve your life by making you feel great! Oil of Olay sells a box of multi-vitamins that come individual daily packs that target your skin and hair. One-a-day makes weight loss targeted multi-vitamins. Supplements like biotin can help your skin, hair, and nails look great! Consult your doctor, do some research, and find a combo that works for you! You will be surprised at how much better you will feel.

I hope these tips help you look and feel better this year!