Holiday Shopping - Smart & Safe

So the craze of holiday shopping begins this weekend! Before you embark on a trip to the mall or your favorite downtown boutique, consider my tips below for ensuring that you shop SMART and SAFE!

SAFE -Keep your purse zippered/buttoned at all times. With the amount of crowds in the stores and in line, there will be more people standing closer to you than normal. If you are stressed, tired or distracted it makes for the perfect pick pocket opportunity!

SMART - With the current economy, be smart this holiday season and make a list of the people you need to buy for and what you are budgeting for each. Do some online browsing and check all the circulars to find the best gifts at the best prices. Go through your archives of old gift cards and call to check their balances. Why not try to use up those gift cards to purchase some great gifts and keep your cash in the bank!

SAFE - People are often stressed, distracted and in a big rush this time of year! Be alert on the roads. Put the phones down and focus on driving!

SMART - Have financial concerns for the holidays? Instead of purchasing gifts for all of your friends, get your group together for a Clothing Swap! Contact me for help to organize this great event!

SAFE - When you arrive to the parking garage or lot, try to park in an area that is well lit and has people around. Always make a note of where you parked, put a message into your phone or jot down the specific location so that you don't have to wonder around later with all your purchases! If you have kids in tow, be sure that you remind them not to run out of the car until you are out, as the cars around you may be backing out or pulling in. Avoid talking on the phone while walking into the mall or store. This will only cause distraction. You should remain alert of your surroundings and take notice if anyone may be following you. Bottom line- stay focused on what you are doing and where you are going so that you do not become a target!

SMART -  Do not leave valuables in your car, especially in visible places. Remove your GPS and don't leave any money, purses or wallets lying around.

SMART - Buy it used or recycled! Do your kids or parents want a computer? How about a refurbished or used one? Many small shops sell refurbished products and equipment that come with their own warranties or service plans. Not only will you save money, but you'll be helping our planet from additional waste!

SAFE - Try to avoid leaving your purse in your carriage at the store. All it takes is a few seconds for you to reach for your favorite peanut butter and then someone takes off with your bag, into the crowds.

SMART - When possible, make sure to consider your options for gifts that are "Made in America". There are several online sites that you can search by product type to get a listing of stores and suppliers.  This is the biggest shopping season of the year, so why not try to help boost our own economy!

SMART - Not sure what to get that special someone?  How about a Chica Guapa Gift Certificate!

From Sweats To Suits

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting with a fabulous group of ladies from the Quinnipiac University chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. In a mission to re-establish their unique "brand", they requested my presence at their annual Fall retreat to discuss image and branding.

Let me start by saying how impressed I was that a group of college students wanted to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon discussing the reasons NOT to wear sweatpants around their college campus! These women sure were serious about their commitment to their organization, and for that I give them major props!! The ladies of Phi Sigma Sigma are a united group the really care about their unique brand. Each of these ladies will certainly be going places and I know that they now have the additional confidence and tools to put forth their best image each time they walk out of their dorm!

After leaving campus, I thought back to my days in college and remembered the challenge of knowing what to wear to class and socials, never mind an interview! Oh how I wish the seminars that I now give were available to me then.  I wanted to share a few images of "comfortable" outfits that can replace the  go to pair of sweatpants in any college gal's wardrobe. You can still feel good  during your day of trekking around campus while also ensuring that you look put together and can properly represent your brand!

Love this layered look from Gap! Cozy and comfortable, yet
can easily transition from classroom to a dinner date!

Pair your most comfortable pants with a pretty blouse!

Instead of your fleece, throw on this great cotton
blazer from Lands End and you'll be
out the door in a jiff!

Don't forget to always have your career wardrobe
ready to go!

Contact me for help refining your wardrobe or to discuss image and branding with your own organization or team!

Get ready for cold weather skin care!

For those of us in the Northeast, our skin has already been tormented by one chilly, snowy weekend. Unfortunately, there are many more to come. So gear up now and start your cold weather skin care regime!

You may think the Summer sun demands more attention to our skin. However, in the summer months, we are more apt to keep our body hydrated and apply more sunscreen and moisturizers. Unfortunately, these important processes are often forgotten in the Fall and Winter months, when all we want to do is get under the warm covers as quickly as possible!

Take the time to pamper your skin and give it the nutrients it deserves. For some helpful tips, check out this guide from Elle magazine.

Not sure what products or services to start with? Contact one of my favorite Connecticut beauty experts who offer a wide range of skin care treatments and products.

Jennie Fresa Beauty Library - Clinton, CT

Fuzion Medical Aesthetic Boutique - Branford, CT

Integrated Aesthetics - Woodbridge, CT

Happy Moisturizing!