GO CONFIDENTLY INTO SPRING By Guest Blogger Tina Hamilton

 

FringeBag-CloseupMy trademark spring look, boho chic.

Spring is here and everyone is getting excited for the change of the season. Spring not only means that the weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming, but also that there are new fashion trends to peruse. With all of these great new beginnings, it’s impossible not to get excited for spring!

Even though there are so many great things about this season, many women dread the change because warmer weather usually means more revealing clothes. It can be difficult for any woman to shed her winter layers and expose herself to the world.

Here are some tips to help women confidently wear this spring’s fashion trends:

Start with basics that fit perfectly

Every woman needs to have a few essential items in her closet that she can pair with any outfit and feel fabulous in. some of these basics usually include a great pair of jeans, thong underwear, and a few layering t-shirts. Starting with these basics can help any woman rock a new trend with confidence.

Add a new twist to a trademark look

Most women have a trademark look, or a go-to style that they loved last spring and summer. Anyone can use these looks to create a new and fun trend that they will be able to wear easily and comfortably. For example, if last year a woman could not be separated from her maxi dresses, this year, she could try wearing a crop top over the dresses to create a new style.

Use light layers to cover up

Even though the weather is warming up, women can still use some layers to make each outfit a little less revealing and more comfortable. Most women will use sheer fabrics that are lightweight but still solid enough to cover any areas they are less comfortable with. This year’s mesh trends are perfect for this.

Focus on quality over quantity

Many women make the mistake of buying trendy pieces that are made of cheap fabrics and overall poorly made. Though this may seem like the best financial decision at the time, it is almost always better for women to invest in higher quality items. These pieces will not only last longer, but they will also be more flattering to a woman’s figure.

Only wear the trends you really love

Even though the media may tell a different story, not all trends are made for everyone. Women should recognize when a certain trend does not fit their style and avoid wasting money on something they will never wear. Instead, a woman can use her own style to make new trends and fads that she can feel proud of.

Take a chance on color

One of the best trends that always makes its way into spring fashion is bright color. Every woman can find one bright color that they love and that flatters their skin tone. This season, many women are trying out bright pink or coral, which is great on almost every skin tone.


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Finishing touch with accessories 

The best way to put the exclamation point to your new spring outfits is with fun accessories. Adding a great pair of sunnies, gemstone earrings and necklaces and a festive handbag lightens up your look after all the heaviness of winter.

 

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Tina Hamilton HeadshotTina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on Twitter

 

 

 

 

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How to Start 2015 with More Confidence by Guest Blogger Tina Hamilton

ConfidentWoman

There are a lot of excitements and pressures that women feel at the beginning of a new year. Every woman feels the need to instantly dump bad habits, make a lot of New Year’s Resolutions and suddenly be a different person once that clock strives twelve. Of course, this is just not realistic. Goal setting is a great idea to help any woman achieve her dreams, but no one can change completely overnight.

One of the most important traits that any woman needs in order to set realistic goals and achieve those goals is confidence. So many women struggle with not feeling like they are important or capable of achieving greater things, but this is not true! Every woman should create the power within herself to make 2015 her best year yet.

Here are some tips to help you gain more confidence in 2015:

Start with positive self-talk

Every woman is guilty of it from time to time. Putting oneself down and saying negative things is simply not productive. Every woman should focus instead on building herself up, not tearing down with negative self-talk. This can be a difficult process for a lot of women, but it is something that everyone should be working on constantly in order to become the best version of themselves.

Create a comfortable and expressive style

It may sound silly, but dressing cute actually does help a woman’s self-esteem. More importantly, the saying ‘dress the part’ still holds true. If a woman wants to be more confident to impress a man, get a promotion at work, or for any other reason, she should dress appropriately to help get to that goal. Women should forget about following trends and wear things that make them feel beautiful and comfortable, investing in t-shirt bra styles and well-fitting items that will last a lifetime.

Move every day

Exercise is an important aspect of staying healthy and happy. People who get regular exercise are not only happier with their lives, but they are also more confident and outgoing. Everyone should make a point to get up and move every single day. This can range from a ten minute walk around the block to a 2 hour sweaty yoga session.

Find a teammate

Women often feel like they have to do everything on their own, and there is no one out there who would be willing to help them even if they asked. This is an unfortunate misunderstanding. Every woman can and should work to find a teammate or partner who can help them feel better about themselves and achieve their goals this year. This can range from a life coach to a good friend.

Try something new

It sounds a little ironic, but it is true that one of the best ways to feel more confident is to do something that one is not confident doing! By getting outside of their comfort zone and trying new things, women can empower themselves and gain the confidence they need to take on any new challenge 2015 has to offer.

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Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on Twitter

KEEPING THE “HAPPY” IN THE HOLIDAYS By Guest Blogger Tina Hamilton

HAPPY

There is no doubt that the holiday season is crazy for everyone. From entertaining family to buying holiday gifts, there seems to be so many things to do and never enough time to do it. However, many women tend to feel like this any time of the year. Women are selfless in nature, always wanting to give more and do more for the people they can about. These desires are often the most intense around the holidays when women want to make everything perfect for their friends and family.

Many women forget that the holidays are about so much more than just giving the best gift and having a perfectly decorated home. The holiday season first gained its popularity because it was a time for friends and family to relax and enjoy each other’s company, being thankful for everything they have been blessed with that year. Every woman should take some time to stop worrying about pleasing everyone in her life with tangible things and think more about how she can show appreciation for them.

Here are some ways women can stay grounded during the holiday season:

Make a list

No, not talking about a holiday gift list. Women should make another list, a list of all the things that they were grateful for this year. This can be a great activity for women to do with their families to bond or on their own for some self-reflection. This list can be a great way to remind women of all the special things in their lives and help them appreciate everything they are blessed with.

Use some props

Many women can benefit from using some tools to help them remember why the holiday season is important. Tangible items can be very helpful as reminders for women of their goals and blessings. Women can use pictures around their home, an inspirational app on their phone or even a piece of  jewelry that has special meaning to help remind women of their goals and what it most important in their lives.

Take some weight off those shoulders

Women are often left feeling like that they have to do everything during the holiday season. Women feel they have to take care of everyone, but that is not always practical. Women should try to take some of that pressure off by delegating some other friends or family members to take on some of the holiday responsibilities. For example, instead of cooking an entire meal for a group of people along, women can ask each guest to bring an item to the dinner to take away some of the stress. This adds more personality to the dinner and makes for good table conversation for the holiday meal.

How to Stay Grounded During the Holiday Season

 

Focus on new goals instead of failures

Women can sometimes beat themselves up too much for not accomplishing everything they wanted too. They think that they should have been there for their family more over the past year, or they should have lost more weight before those holiday parties arrive. Instead of beating themselves up over and over for ‘failing’, women should focus on the goals they can set for the next year and what they have accomplished this year. This can help women feel more confident as they face old family and friends over the holidays and help them stay positive when entering into the New Year.

Never let guilt rule holiday decisions

Women forget sometimes that they always have control over their decisions, especially during the holidays. Women feel guilty to turn down a party invite or not give someone a gift, but they need to keep the big picture in mind. Women need to remember not to spread themselves too thin over the holidays and instead focus their attention on a few things. When giving gifts, women should not focus so much on the price of each gift, but instead on the meaning behind each gift. Giving an inexpensive gift that preserves a special memory is much more meaningful than an expensive gift that will be forgotten about by next year.

Stay happy this holiday! 

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Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on Twitter

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MIX & MINGLE LIKE A PRO: Common Mistakes Women Make At Holiday Parties by Guest Blogger Tina Hamilton

The Most Common Mistakes Women Make at Holiday Parties1

Photo Courtesy of DailyWorth

The holiday season is nearing fast, which can send many women into a sense of panic. There are a lot of things to do before the holiday season is over, from buying presents to securing travel plans, the holidays can be a hectic time for any woman. One of the things that women often stress about the most is attending their holiday parties.

Holiday parties are meant to bring people together to celebrate, but often women create a lot of anxiety around these events. From finding the right thing to wear to deciding what to bring to even deciding how long to be at a party, there are a lot of little details that women feel the need to work out before the day of the holiday party. Most importantly, women should let themselves have fun at their holiday party. However, there are a few simple rules that women should follow to ensure that their holiday parties are a success.

Here are some of the most common mistakes women make at holiday parties:

Wearing something too sexy to an office party

Office parties can be a little confusing for women to dress for. Women can get confused between dressing work appropriate and dressing for a party. This is a balance that is not always easy to find. So many women just let loose and wear what they would wear to a club. Women have to remember that even though it is a party, it is in a workplace setting, so the attire should be festive, but still work appropriate.

Relying too much on the LBD

A good LBD, or little black dress, is always a great option for any special occasion. A LBD that makes a women feel beautiful and confident is always a good choice, but women should not let it be their only fashion statement. Holiday parties are about sparkle and fun, so a woman’s outfit should reflect that. Women can add some statement jewelry or a bright handbag to their LBD for a more festive look.

LBC_holiday

Spending too much time at the bar

Drinking is a part of almost any holiday party, and there is nothing wrong with a woman having a few cocktails to celebrate, but they should be enjoyed in moderation. There is nothing worse than being the annoying woman at a party who has had one too many drinks. Women should limit themselves and have a glass of water after each drink.

Doubling up on gifts

Many women make the mistake of combining birthday, anniversary or even wedding gifts with holiday gifts. Women should instead give appropriate groomsmen gifts and birthday gifts at the appropriate time, and give a new gift for the holiday party. Each gift may need to be smaller or less expensive because of this, but the gesture will mean a lot more to the recipient.

Spending too much time with one group of people

Women are often time invited to holiday parties where they might not know everyone, or even very many people. This can be uncomfortable and nerve-racking for any woman (avoid the excessive drinking here!) and she might want to just stick around the people that she knows. Holidays are meant for gathering and mingling, and holiday parties can be the perfect opportunity to meet new people and network. Women should step outside their comfort zone and talk to some new people at their holiday parties, they might just get a great opportunity or new friendship out of it!

Inviting guests who were not invited by the host

Women want to have their ‘entourage’ with them as they head to their holiday parties. This may seem harmless, but it can be a big issue for the host if a woman brings other people who were not invited to the party. Women should put themselves in the position of the host and see if they would do the same thing. The host might not have enough food, drinks or even space for extra people, so women should leave the entourage at home and enjoy the people already at the party, taking advice from the previous point.

All of these tips can help any woman have a fantastic time at all of her holiday parties this year and make her a total pro at mixing & mingling! 

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Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on TwitterTina Hamilton Headshot

 

 

 

BE FAB FRIDAY: 5 Ways To Layer Without Getting Lost by Guest Blogger, Tina Hamilton

How Women Can Avoid Getting Lost in Fall Layers

Photo courtesy of Cosmopolitan

Beautiful fall is finally here and everyone is getting excited about getting cozy with a cup of hot chocolate and their family in front of the fireplace. This year’s fall fashion is also something to look forward to, embracing a lot of new trends and some bolder colors that every woman can get excited about. However, a lot of women don’t get as excited about fall because the weather means they need to start layering their clothes. Layering can be a great way to create a beautiful & feminine shape and make a woman feel confident about her style, but many women still shy away from layers.

The most common reason why women try to avoid layering is because they think that it will make them look bigger than they actually are. Though it is true that layering does add more weight to the body, it can actually make a woman look a lot smaller and more perfectly proportioned when utilized correctly. Every woman should know the basics of layering to stay warm and look great this fall.

Here are some tips to help women avoid getting lost in fall layers:

1. Start with thin, fitted layers

When a woman starts layering, it is important that she start out with layers that are fitted to her body to create the best base. This even starts with appropriately fitting bras and the best fitting panties. Adding light tank tops and t-shirts will make warm layers effortless and comfortable. These kinds of layers can be topped with anything to create casual or work appropriate looks for fall.

2. Utilize color, texture and pattern to add dimension

Women tend to layer a lot of basic neutral colors for fall. This look can turn any woman into a lifeless blob, so instead, women should take some time to mix up their basic layering pieces with other pieces that utilize color, texture or pattern. An example of this would be layering a basic brown t-shirt with a tweed jacket and a chunky tan sweater-style scarf. This is a classic fall look that combines textures in the same color palette to create an interesting and elegant look. This can also easily be done with accessories, like a bright jeweled necklace over a basic sweater.

3. Don’t forget about hemlines

Hemlines are very important for women to keep in mind when layering clothes. Choosing the wrong hemline can take a layered look for put-together to frumpy. Women should choose hemlines based on their body type and the features they are trying to accentuate. For example, petite women should avoid long tunic shirts and instead opt for structured layers that sit above the hips. Hemlines can also be used to hide or accentuate certain body parts. For example, pear shaped women can layer a full skirt with tights to camouflage a wider lower half and balance out their body.

4. Balance loose layers with structured pieces

This season’s trends involve a lot of loose and flowy fabrics that are void of a lot of structure. To avoid getting lost in a lot of loose layering pieces, women should try to balance a loose trendy piece with a structured piece to balance out the look. For example, maxi skirts have become a great option for fall, and when paired with a structured boot and a tailored blazer, the look becomes sophisticated and trendy. For women who are more apple shaped, skinny jeans with a long loose sweater is the ultimate comfort look perfect for fall and winter.

5. Add accessories to create shape

Accessories are always the perfect way to take a boring or lifeless outfit to the next level. Women can use popular fall accessories to liven up their look and stay warmer in the fall. Scarves are a great way to add color, pattern, texture and an extra layer of warmth to any outfit. To make things simple, women can opt for infinity scarves that don’t involve as much fuss or know-how to tie in order to look fabulous. An additional fall favorite is a belt that can create a waistline in even the thickest outerwear. This helps women maintain their feminine figure while staying warm and cozy.

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Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on Twitter.

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BE FAB FRIDAY: 4 Fashion Rules the Media Doesn’t Tell You By Guest Blogger Tina Hamilton

Fashion Rules the Media Doesn't Tell You

Image Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

It starts at a very young age for most of us with your mother telling you that you can’t go to school in your ballerina tutu. It continues when you hit middle school and your friends tell you that braces are dorky and weird. The issue furthers in high school when you are told that you need to look like all your favorite celebrities or you won’t be popular. Just when you think it would get better, it only gets worse as you reach your twenties and thirties when you are supposed to maintain a perfect look, the ideal corporate job and a stable relationship. We don’t even need to talk about the brutal scrutiny that women over the age of 40 are under!

Women are constantly given rules by our peers and the media telling us how to look. These standards seem impossible to maintain, and for many of us, they are simply unrealistic. We all have different bodies, different needs from our style and different tastes that do not always fit into the mold that the media creates.

Instead, we should create our own set of rules, rules that focus on the true meaning of style; to make every woman feel beautiful and confident every single day. Here are the fashion rules that the media doesn’t tell you, and why you should ditch everything else and follow them instead.

1. The garment should work for you, not the other way around

Every piece of clothing and every accessory should work only to enhance you and your beauty. You should never feel the need to squeeze into a tight pair of jeans in order to look skinnier if you are not comfortable doing so. Instead, take those jeans in the next size up. You will feel better and look better in clothes that fit you properly.

2. You should never cast out a style because of your size

Many girls are told they cannot wear certain styles and trends because of their body. For example, girls who are small on top are told they cannot wear sheath dresses. These ideas should be cast out for every woman, you need to try the look on yourself and find the right fit before you determine that the look works well for you or not.

3. Never buy anything before trying it on

Some big changes have been made in the world of online shopping, so the need to spend hours in a department store dressing room is no longer necessary. Most online stores offer free returns and exchanges and free shipping, so you can get the same items at lower prices without leaving the house. You can even buy bras online with new bra sizing apps that ensure that you will get the best fit possible.

4. You can wear trendy looks at any age

Celebrities today have proven that age does not need to determine your style anymore. You can still pull of trendy looks no matter what your age is. Look to celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Stacy London for trendy looks that are still age appropriate so you can maintain your fashion forward style.

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Tina Hamilton Headshot

Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. Look for her on Twitter.