Archive for the ‘Helpful Tips’ Category

Fall Trends To Suit You

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

A dear friend of mine, Michelle Phillips (who has a beauty segment on local talk shows around the country), asked me to offer some fall fashion advice to women in that 12 – 14 size range. She said, “You know, not all of us are sure what trends are right for us. We’d love to be fashionable, but we need to know what’s appropriate. Being a Trend Forecaster, can you help me out with this?”

I thought it was a great question, and I’ve decided to share my thoughts with you here. (She’s also posted them on her website: www.mindbeautyspirit.com)

1) Don’t be afraid of bright colors. The strong jewel tones and citrus brights are hot commodities this fall, and those colors do wonders to brighten up your face. (They are also easy to pair with dark pants or skirts for a sleek silhouette below the waist)
2) Dresses. The importance of the dress carries from summer on into fall this year and can offer a slenderizing physique. (Think 60’s style popularity featured on “Mad Men”) Just be careful with the pervasive wide belt. It can cut you right in two and exaggerate a wide waistline. Not all dresses look best belted (even the ones that COME with a belt!)
3) Denim. The jean jacket is back, and there are more popular jeans styles than ever (high-waisted, low-waisted, cuffed, boot-cut, boyfriend). Embrace denim, but be wary of the acid-washed, wholly variety. Always the most flattering, regardless of your size, is dark denim…. and it can be dressed up or down.
4) Jewelry. One of the easiest ways (especially on a tight budget) to update your wardrobe is with sterling silver. It’s affordable; it’s a long-lasting investment; and it’s bright and cheerful. You can layer your necklaces, or a multitude of cuff bracelets, without breaking the bank, and that trend looks great on every sized woman.
5) We’re starting to see an influx of patterns again for fall … argyle, plaid, floral, animal … and that can be scary regardless of your size. If you don’t want to be covered head to toe in leopard, choose interesting tone-on-tone “textures” instead. If you want to introduce patterns without too much commitment? Go with scarves. Tied at the neck or wrapped around the handle of a handbag, the look is chic.
6) The jacket is back! (Many of us who ditched them last year because they sat in our closet for too long are kicking ourselves.) Good news for those of us in that 12-14 size range is that they cover a multitude of sins. Look for the “boyfriend” jacket which has the longer silhouette. It covers the hips, gives us a waist and flatters the figure no matter what our shape.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

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Denim Does Dallas…and New York And Miami and L.A….

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

We’re having a love affair again with the jean jacket. (Yay!)

I, for one, was so sad when this useful, seasonless, go-anywhere staple ended up in magazines’ “LOSE,” “OUT” or “STORE” columns. I refused. I had accumulated them over many years, and appreciated each one for a different feature!  Beaded, plain, fitted, loose, gray, white, blue (of course) and even ones with fur and faux fur collars. I LOVE THEM! And, they’re back for Fall.

So, what’s new and updated about them? Wear your jean jacket over your …. well, your other jean jacket! (if you’re 30-something or younger anyway). And, check out the jean jacket on the cover of LUCKY Magazine over a shimmery cocktail dress! (And, we were told to let these precious things GO!) Here’s a thought. If you didn’t hang onto yours, run, don’t walk, to your nearest upscale consignment shop. There may still be a bargain out there somewhere on these denim delights.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

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New Summer Beauty Routine

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Every once in a while a new product comes along that gets my curiosity up enough to want to try it. This summer’s find? Something called NutraSonic, a Facial Cleansing tool. It’s not the first electronic facial cleanser ever to be introduced, but the others I’ve tried that vibrate? bore me. THIS seems to really slough off the grime of the day, makeup and all, without being rough. (I’m leery of too many harsh exfoliators that, I think, strip the skin’s important protective layers and leave my skin vulnerable…. I’m a Florida Girl. I need to be really careful!)

So, here’s this tool that they say is gentle enough to use twice a day, every day. (I’m not that disciplined) But, two to three times a week? Okay. I’ve decided to see if it’ll make a difference in the way my skin looks and feels. Soft, soft soft are the attachment brushes, so that’s a good thing making it a great massage, too.

I’ve turned into a total electronics junkie in the bathroom … electric toothbrush, electric mirror, electric blow dryer, electric flat iron …. I’m starting to horn in on my husband’s bathroom counter space just for his outlets! “Honey, do you think you could use the Guest Bathroom this morning? I’ve got this new Cleanser that needs charging ….. “

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Summer Inspiration ‘10

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Thanks to the World Fashion Council, I’ve discovered some pretty inspirations for the hot summer months ahead.  The hues are neutral and soft. Pare them with linens, whites and khakis. Bold but featherweight necklaces are a nice finishing touch to plain tunics, and any floral or animal print accents will add flair.

When it comes to those girly, feminine styles, baby doll tops are airy and cool. Combined with bermuda shorts or straight leg jeans, you’ll avoid looking as if you’re expecting. But, if you ARE expecting, it’s also the perfect, flattering silhouette.

Notice, too, the summer inspiration below borrowed from the trench. Shown sleeveless and short; belted and layered, this is safari style at its most stylish!

I just happened to purchase a top the other day with long ties in the front. It’s a bit bohemian, really. But, see how this same safari blouse is adorned with ties on the side. Look for that fun detail on clothes all summer long.

Yours in Good Taste ~ Judy

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Take Time Out for YOU

Monday, June 7th, 2010

I made a decision yesterday about this new routine I’m going to adopt. Taking time out for me! Not a lot of time, but its going to be dedicated. I’ll call it my weekly appointment with wellness!

Just once a week, my 30-minute morning workout will be followed by: a 10-minute hair mask; a deep cleansing facial with gentle exfoliation; and a 30-minute teeth-whitening touch-up. (These cucumbers aren’t required, though they’re very good for you both internally and externally.)

Our daily intentions may be good….. thoroughly clean off our makeup every night; floss every day; brush our hair 100 strokes before bed (NOT!), but it’s easy to let things slide. THEN, if we don’t get enough sleep, and the stresses and frustrations of the week get us down, this lack of care really shows. And, the effects over time become harder and harder to undo.

Perhaps a goal of once-a-week “me time” is like Meditation. It’s good for the soul, and it puts us back in harmony (just like a good glass of wine!) I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ve already made my ‘appointment’ for next week.

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Summer Workouts

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

If you’re getting back into your workout routine now that summer’s coming (and those bathing suits and shorts are looming), first ~ congratulate yourself. You’ve made a wise decision for both your health and your self-confidence. After every work out, I give myself mental gold stars! It takes discipline, as you know, but you always feel better for it.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
~ Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water! That is important advice year-round, but in the intense summer heat your body sweats even more, attempting to regulate your body temperature. It’s important to replace those lost fluids.
~ Headaches are not uncommon hours, if not minutes, after strenuous exercise. I find that alternating water with a sports drink during tennis matches or after a long run can help me avoid them. Replacing lost electrolytes with your favorite flavored sports drink can keep those headaches at bay.
~ Prior to a morning workout, get a little bit of food in your system… an egg, a protein shake, some yogurt with fruit…this will help fuel your system and keep your blood sugar levels from dropping. Your workouts will also be more effective, because you’ll have more energy for the duration. (Wait 1/2 hour after eating before beginning your exercise)
~ Pick up the latest issue of FIRST FOR WOMEN, the May 24th Edition with Denise Austin on the cover. There are some great ideas for maximizing your workouts and staying on track. Yours in Good Health ~ Judy

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In Need Of A “Pink”-Me-Up

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Feeling underwhelmed, lately, by your fashion choices? Uninspired when you open your closet? It may not be that your clothes are tired. It may just be that you keep putting them together the same old way. It’s time to change it up a bit for Spring.

1) Try using belts differently… instead of always through the belt loops, put them on the outside of a tee or a sweater. Try even crisscrossing two thin belts over one another for added texture.
2) Layer two tanks together to wear underneath a blazer instead of just wearing one.
3) If you loved scarves for their warmth (and their look) last season, break out some of your lighter-weight ones and use them this season. Color up next to the face is always flattering. And,
4) Instead of that same ole’ (when all else fails) black blazer, treat yourself to a pretty sherbet pink or pistachio green one. Pastels are hot this season, and that will quickly update your look. See the Judy Crowell Collection on http://www.shopnbc.com for fresh new options.

Consider this, too. We seem to leave plenty of time to style our hair and put on makeup, but then we hear that clock ticking and panic sets in. “Aaah, what am I going to wear?” We grab the first thing we can find, throw it on, and we’re out the door.

Solution? If you give yourself back some of that “getting ready” time when selecting your clothes and accessories, you’ll find that you feel much better about yourself and your look all day long. It’s that “pulled together, in control” feeling that brings out the best in all of us.

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Subscribing To My Blog

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

I had a wonderful conversation with “Leslie” this morning. We were talking about the fears people have of ’subscribing’ to a blog. (See the word SUBSCRIBE over to the right) I mentioned to her that while I love my website, and really enjoy writing in my blog and answering questions in the forum, I’m afraid that some people are well, still afraid.

I shared with her the fact that I have, unsolicited, subscribed my entire family and nearly every friend I have! (They forgive me, of course, and to my knowledge have not yet ‘unsubscribed!’) Anyway, “Leslie” and I concluded that I should BLOG about it.

CONCERNS:

1) The author will ’sell’ your email address

2) You will no longer be anonymous

3) Your privacy will be invaded

4) You’ll be bombarded with emails from said Blogger.

THE TRUTH:

Nothing could be further from the truth. You can subscribe and unsubscribe as often as you’d like, and I’ll never even know! (There goes my theory about thinking the family is all still subscribed) It’s true, though. I would love for you to sign up for notifications, but if it drives you crazy, UNsubscribe. As for selling email addresses…no way. Truth is, I won’t even know your email address. You remain anonymous. You’ll always maintain your privacy AND anonymity as far as my blog is concerned. I’m just glad you’re a part of it, and I hope you’ll tell all your friends. :)

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Glamour Do’s And, Please, Don’ts

Thursday, December 17th, 2009


Airport Baggage Claim

Originally uploaded by crowell.judy

The boots are cute. The suit is a good color. The tee is a great layering piece. The purse matches. With all of these elements, she’s got the makings of success. So, what went wrong?

As they say, it’s the thought that counts. She thought, “I’ll be comfortable.”  And, we’ll give her that. There’s nothing like velour loungewear for comfort (especially when you travel). But, my goal is to help you in your quest for style, so while she’s waiting for her bags, let’s examine what could have been avoided.

This is not an inexpensive velour suit. She spent good money on this brand, and it’s a great color. As we know, black is slimming. Where it goes wrong is how it’s accessorized. The white tee is just too long. If you’re going to wear a short jacket over a long tee, don’t let the tee ride much more than an inch or two below the jacket. This look is sloppy, and it cuts her up in too many places. As a result, she looks shorter and heavier than she needs to.

Speaking of cutting the body in too many places, tucking the pants into her boots doesn’t help. She’s drawn a horizontal line at the top of her boots cutting her legs at the widest part, the calf. A horizontal line cuts her again at the bottom of the tee shirt right across her hips. And, a third horizontal line, the bottom of the jacket, cuts her once more at the waist. If she’d tucked the tee in, the black of the jacket would have extended into the black of the pants, and the only visual place she would cut the body is at the top of the boot.

Always check the full-length mirror before leaving the house, and try a couple of different ways of arranging all the pieces.  A better combination of these very same elements could have made this outfit a head-turner.

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For The Girls On Your List

Monday, November 30th, 2009

ShopNBC Shawl Graphic

If you’re looking  to give inexpensive, but greatly appreciated, gifts this year, here are some good suggestions.   A Colorful Scarf – (yes, it’s a shameless plug for a pretty scarf on ShopNBC.com from the Judy Crowell Collection) Let’s face it, they are always useful; add color to your face; and, are good for a woman/girl of any age.  Perhaps, most important?  They’re never the wrong size!ShopNBC Scarf Graphic

A Gift Card – If you know her pretty well, then you’ll know where to get the card. You already know where she shops (She’s always sharing her great finds with you from those sources). There’s also the gift card to a great restaurant; a day at a Spa; or, one to get a massage (try Massage Envy where you can buy a massage for $39. I know I’d sure appreciate that).

A Gift Certificate to the Movies – My darling mother-in-law has 7 children and 18 grandchildren, so she gives us each $10 at Christmas. She knows it’s hardly enough for a theater ticket, so she calls it our popcorn money. I look forward to that gift every year!

A Daytime/Evening Clutch – If you see her out at parties, or at lunch on a Saturday, and she’s struggling with her massive tote from the work week, you can probably assume she doesn’t have something smaller, more convenient to carry. You can’t get much of any quality for $29, but this season, check out ShopNBC.com. My Judy Crowell Collection clutch in black or champagne is large enough for a full size wallet AND your cell phone, but small enough to be lightweight and chic.ShopNBC Clutch black GraphicShopNBC Clutch Graphic

ShopNBC Clutch Interior Graphic

ShopNBC Gemstone book GraphicA Colored Gemstones book by Paul Deasy – And, there’s that magic number again … under $30. This is a coffee table book that anyone would enjoy (well, unless they’re not of legal age), and especially those trying to decipher what in the world they inherited in their grandmother’s jewelry box!

A 2-Pack of Ahhh Seamless Leisure Bras – Rhonda Shear has given women a reason to celebrate in comfort. If you decide to buy these for your Mom, daughter or a good friend, you’d better get a pack for yourself. Great color options make them  less underwear-like and more fashion-like, and there’s an easy fitting sizing selection. They’re so forgiving, you can’t buy the wrong size!Style Tricks Graphic

Fashion Advice GraphicAnd, the truth is, if you’re really stuck? (And, some years are just like that) It can just be what you say in a card that means the most!

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