Posts Tagged ‘Looking in the Mirror’

Avoiding Looking At Your Body In The Mirror?

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

When was the last time you looked at yourself in a full length mirror? I am asking this because the more “over fat,”  you are or “out of shape,”you are the harder it is to look good in your clothes.

I must confess, that for some time now I have been looking at myself in the mirror only from the chin up. Yes, I use my full length mirror before I leave the house but  recently I only quickly glance at my self from head to toe.   The other day I had to get a pictures taken of my silhouette in fitted non-camouflaging clothing  for a sewing project I am doing. I am still in shock.

I have always had an apple shaped body with narrow hips, flat bottom and muscular legs. When I gain weight its usually in my stomach and waist area.  My previously flat derriere is no longer flat.   Because I know how to dress for my body shape I had even fooled myself, until I saw those pictures of me without camouflaging clothes.    I know I must take action for my health and of course I am concerned about how I look and finding clothes that fit me.  The areas I need to work on are my eating habits, exercise and sleep.

My eating habits are better than most of the other people I know, but they aren’t perfect.  I consider myself a flexitarian.  I eat mostly steamed vegetables plus small amounts of chicken and fish and dairy such as non-fat yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, almonds and walnuts.  My weakness is rice tortillas and gluten free cookies.   Also, because I am a night owl and stay up late at night, I tend to eat a snack before I go to bed.   I have read that this is not good because those calories are not burned off and eating right before bedtime disrupts sleep because the body is busy digesting food and can not completely relax.

I have been watching the Dr. Oz show lately.   Dr. Oz says  to be healthy a woman should not have a waist over 32.5 inches. If your waist is larger than this, it means your belly fat is beginning to crush your other organs, especially your kidney function.  One way to determine a good waist size is to take your height in inches and divide it in half.  According to Dr. Oz your waist size should be half your height or less than half your height.

What is your waist size in relation to your height? How do you make time for exercise?  What do you eat that isn’t good for you?  When was the last time you looked at yourself in a full length mirror with only your under ware on?

Because I needed a “jump start,” to start exercising again, I applied to be in a research study at Johns Hopkins Hospital Bayview in Baltimore, Md.  Its called “Shape Up.” There are two components to this study a nurtrition component and an exercise component.  I am hoping to be assigned to both the nutrition and exercise parts.  The exercise would be at the Hopkins facility. As I write this, I am realizing that besides getting more sleep,and not eating before bedtime what I really need is, help with “building in” exercise to my daily life for a long term change in my habits.

How have you built exercise into your busy daily life?

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How to Choose Flattering Glasses & Sunglasses:

Friday, June 26th, 2009

 

For those of you who need new glasses or plan to buy sunglasses here are a few tips for choosing flattering styles.

I learned about choosing flattering styles of glasses from JoAnna Nicholson, my teacher and  co-founder of Color 1 Associates an International Image and Style Company.

When choosing glasses or sunglasses, choose shapes that repeat your eyebrow shape.   If you have a rather straight eyebrow, choose glasses that have a softened rectangular shape.  If you have a more naturally curved eyebrow choose glasses that are more curved.  This is especially important if the glasses are small and your eyebrows show.  JoAnna says if you choose glasses that have a different shape than your eyebrow, it will look like you have a double eyebrow.

As we get older our eyes lose their definite shape.  When you put glasses on, its like putting on eyeliner or mascara because glasses can give our eyes  definition.  This is another reason that its helpful to choose a shape that compliments your face.

I know some people wear glasses to make a statement. One trend that may be dying is the “Buddy Holly,”  black eyeglass frame nerd look.    However, if you want people to look at you, instead of your eyeglasses, I suggest choosing glasses that look like they are a part of you.  A very thin frame in a flattering color will show off your eyes and is more likely to to look like it is part of you.

In choosing frame color consider choosing your natural hair color or the natural highlights in your hair or a combination of hair and skin color.   Our eyes automatically search for color repetition.  When you repeat your body colors in your apparel and accessories you create visual harmony and a pleasing appearance.

For example, if your hair has copper highlights, a copper frame would probably look good on you.   My friend Judy used to have copper frames when her hair was reddish brown but now that her hair is white,  a non shiny silver frame is more flattering on her.    If you have no hair, think about the color your hair used to be.  If you can’t remember what color your hair used to be, look at your natural eyebrow color or if you have a child or relative who has the same color hair you used to have ask for a lock of their hair.   Keep the piece of hair in a ziplock bag in a dark place for future purchases.

A tip for trying on sunglasses.

I have noticed that frequently the mirrors on sunglass displays is up high.  This may be done because its a convienient place to put the mirror but it can be deceiving.    When looking up at a mirror that is higher than eye level you will always look better.  When you look up some of your face and neck wrinkles disappear.   On the other hand, if the mirror is lower than eye level you will always look worse because your wrinkles and any sagging skin will be exaggerated.    I suggest you bring your own mirror and hold it at eye level to get a more accurate impression of how you look in the eyeglasses or sunglasses.

What is your biggest challenge in choosing glasses or sunglasses?  Feel free to ask questions on this blog.  If I can’t solve your problem, perhaps someone reading the blog can.

Nancy Goldblatt, “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a professionally trained personal image consultant.    She works with both individuals and groups.  She can be reached at nrgoldblatt at gmail dot .com/ WWW.WardrobeWiz.com

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What do you say to yourself when you look in the mirror?

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

Years ago there was an episode of Sesame Street on television called “Pick Your Pet.”    It was  a version of the “Dating Game,,”    The contestant was a little girl muppet and behind the curtain were 3 pets.   Number one was a bird, number two was  a dog and number three was a big shaggy monster muppet.

  The little girl asked the bird do you like milk?  The answer was no.  She asked the dog will you purr?  The answer was no.  She then asked if number one or two would sit in her lap, and the answer was no.  Time ran out and she never got to ask the monster muppet any questions..  She had to choose number one, two or three.   She choose number three, the monster muppet.  The audience booed.  The bird came out and gave her a peck on the cheek, the dog came out and licked her face and then it was time for number three, her choice to come out from behind the curtain.  The audience continued to boo.  The poor monster muppet  lumbered out from behind the curtain with shoulders hunched over looking at the ground as the audience continued to boo and  make fun of him.

The little girl looked at the monster muppet and said “You are Bou tee ful.”  The monster muppet stood up straight, lifted his head, smiled and said ” I like milk, I can purr, and I will sit in your lap.”    Words can transform how we feel about ourselves 

When you  focus on what’s wrong , its hard to feel good about yourself.  Look in the mirror and focus on what you like about your looks.    Remember “You are Bou tee ful.”

 

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