Let's Talk Jeans

Back in the day jeans were not near the quality or style as they are today!

Today jeans are an absolute staple in your wardrobe.  You can wear them to a cocktail party, to dress down Friday's, weekend get-aways...anywhere!

I only offer the highest quality denim on my blog.

I prefer a darker wash - they make a nice slim line on the body.  I also prefer the length to be low on a pair of high heels, and a nice mid rise.  No more thong views ladies!!  

Lighter washes such the Joe's Jeans "Rocker" style are a great idea for Spring...aren't we all just dying to get out of parkas and turtlenecks!  

The Rules!!

1.  No more hi-rise, mom style jeans please ladies!  It makes you look older than you are.

2.  Darker rinses typically look better.

3.  You want them to fit close to your body without cutting off your circulation!

4.  Wash inside out - to help color remain intake. Hang to dry - do not put in dryer!!

5.  Check your length carefully - the longer the better.... petite women make sure take notice - try on your heels and make sure the jenas come within a half an inch on the back of the heel of the shoe.  

6.  NO PLEATS ever!!!!!!!  They make you look like you have a big belly even when you don't!!

7.  Stone washed, ripped, holes, stains, cat whiskered - just say NO!!

8.  Trouser styles are great - for casual work days.

Requests!!

 So I officially launched my blog/store this week to all of my friends and family!!  YEAH!

I have had great feedback thus far - thank you peeps!!

If you want to make a purchase from my blog b/c you like me, trust me, like my blog, or whatever your reason I say THANK YOU!!!!

All you have to do is CLICK the picture on the right side of my blog and go to the store that you love...you then just make the purchase from there.  

KEEP SCROLLING DOWN - tons of items that keep coming!!

Check back often for discounts and new items offered!! Please send to all of your friends and family!!  

Thank you all for your support!  Keep the questions and comments coming - mreese@realtracs.com

Hair Care

I take great care of my hair  - I think hair can be used as an accessory!!  Most of us color, straighten, blow dry, brush, wash, and repeat daily.  Especially if you sweat or go to a restaurant where you then smell like food or worse....

Here are some ways to make your locks look luscious!!

1.  Try to be as GENTLE as you can with your hair.  If possible wash at night and don't blow dry.

2.  Use color appropriate products  - try to wash every other day - this will make your color last much longer!!

3.  If your hair smells like a bar/restaurant - try dry shampoo spray - you won't have to shampoo and your locks will still smell yummy!

4.  When blow drying use one that is ionic and has a cool shot setting on it.  Use the cool shot after you finish drying this helps to lay your frizzy pieces down/the cuticle of the hair.

5.  For extreme breakage/damaged hair - use a night time renewal product.  I use the Frederic Fekkai Protein PM repair.  It will not make your hair greasy and it works wonders for damaged hair.  2 squirts is all you need.

3 ways to show your age!

1.  Yellow teeth!!  

2.  Unruly brows!!

3.  Cakey/Dry Lipstick!!

Ok ladies and gentlemen - these are sooo easy to fix!!  I have seen them all this past week and wow do they make you look older than you really are.

#1  Yellow teeth - a HUGE ager!!  

Have your teeth professionally cleaned - great for the health of your teeth and breathe.

Start using a a whitening toothpaste.

Use the GOSMILE or the SUPER SMILE kit that I have available on my site.  They work sooo well for those coffee stained teeth.  In one week you will see such a huge difference.

Wear a lighter colored lip stick - makes your teeth look whiter!!

#2 Unruly brows - being that I am an aesthetician I notice this on people all of the time and it is sooo easy to take care of.

Have your brows professionally waxed.  If you don't have an aesthetician already)which you should:)...then ask someone that you like their brows.  This will help you keep up them at home.  OR use the stencils that I have on my site.  They work really well for first timers.

Then to keep your brows in place throughout the day use the Brow Boost that I have on my site also.  It helps to define your brows which frames your face and keeps them that way all day long.  Great for those of you trying to grow them out or when they are sparse.

#3  No more dry/cakey lips please!!

Another ager!! 

Throw those old nasty dry lipsticks away today ladies!!  Now I know you are thinking but I don't want to use those bubble gum glosses that I used in 8th grade.  No worries here - lip glosses have much better formulas than they used to.  Plumpers, shiny, soothing, help with lines around your lips, gives your face a nice glow.  I love Duwop, Stila, Philosophy, LipFusion!

Guaranteed ways to gain weight!!

1.  Drink lots of soda!  No diet drinks - I mean the real thing!

2.  Eat full fat ice cream...add chocolate sauce, carmel, candy pieces. sprinkles, and a waffle cone!!  YUMMY!!

3.  Eat Mayo, sour cream, full fat salad dressing, hydrogenated oils....

4.  Add salt to everything you eat!  Don't be shy a pinch won't do!  Great for water retention! 

5.  Consume only items that are in packages.....no fresh fruits of veggies...just additives and preservatives.

6.  Eat as much sugar as you can - chocolate bars, candy, pies, cakes....eat up!

7.  Drink lots of alcohol!!  Being that any alcohol is one molecule away from a gram of fat it is basically liquid lard .........go for it!!  I know you love that bloated puffy look!!

8.  Fast food - burgers, fries, fried chicken...all excellent choices for weight gain!

9.  Eat/drink that full fat ice cream I mean "coffee" beverage....iced mocha, whipped, mocha, caffe latte, syrupy, sprinkled....what ever you call it.  Don't worry these really do count - you may think they are no calorie drinks...no so true!!

10.  Last and certainly not least...do nothing!!  This one is sooo easy!!  No walking, running, weight training, spinning, biking, strength training, yoga, hiking, just stay on your computer all day, watch at least  5 hours of TV per night....do this for the rest of your life!!

OK if you follow these steps I bet you will feel horrible, look awful, have high blood pressure, feel sick all of the time, be over-weight, possible have diabetes, pick up ever cold or flu around, complain constantly, hmmmmm not much fun huh??

Now if you do the opposite of this list - I wonder what would happen??  

My guess is you would feel much better, look rested, have a positive out-look, have no blood pressure issues, be fit....and most of all love your life!!

Best SKIN Ever!!

For really great skin there really are only a few items that you need.   I have ALL of these products for sale on my site!!  Just click on pictures to the right to purchase!!

1.  Gentle cleanser/makeup remover - no need to spend more than $10 on this one

2.  Treatment cleanser - for acne, wrinkles, sun spots, blackheads. With glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

3. Daily antioxidants - my favorite is topical Vitamin C.

4. Daily SPF 30!!!  This should be worn on face, neck and chest EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

5.  Nightly renewal - Using retinol, Retin-a, Tazorac, glycolic acid, and/or salicylic acid.

6.  Use Benzoyl Peroxide (pm) if dealing with acne issues.

7.  Use moisturizer sparingly in dry areas ONLY - over moisturizing can impede cellular turnover.

8.  For serious sun spots - use a hydroquinone 2-6%.  Only use this for 2-3 months then stop for several months.  Start back if necessary.

That's all you really need!!

****If pregnant you can ONLY use gentle cleansers and SPF!!!****

Shopping 101

1.  Buy clothing that is made of quality fabrics.  Cashmere, modal cottons, wool, silk, tweeds, twills, crisp cottons, look for details on clothing such as lining, double stitching, buttons sewn on completely.

2. Pay cash only!!  

3.  Buy quality over quantity.  You may not have as many clothes but you will have quality pieces that last a lifetime.

4.  Have your shoes repaired.  Buff out scratches - polish them each season.

5. Every season replace worn cotton tees and turtlenecks. 

6.  Hand wash when you can - this will make fabrics last longer.

7.  Do not dry jeans or items that are of darker fabrics.  Hang them to dry.  Always wash these items wrong side out.

8.  Stay away from trends.  Try to buy classic pieces.  Blazers, suits, quality button-downs, pencil and a-line skirts, trench coats.

9.  Dry clean only when needed.  If the tag states "Dry Clean" you can hand wash this piece.  If it states "Dry Clean ONLY" you must dry clean.

10.  Know your closet.  Get rid of items you do not need.  Keep a running list of items you need to pick up.

Living debt FREE!!

Truly this is not that hard....you just have to decide what is important to you and what you can do without.

For me - I must have my hair hi-lighted but I can do without pedis.  I must have splenda for my coffee but I can give up buying candy. I must have fresh fruits and veggies but can do without eating out.  These small changes make a real difference.

So you have to decide what is important to you and what to give up.

I live completely debt free.  That means no credit cards, no college debt, I ONLY pay cash or use a debit card for all transactions.  I live below my means.  I make choices daily on what I need and what I can do live without.  I live guilt free when it comes to money.  I have for many years.  I paid cash for my car.  I paid cash for my plush cat and dog.  Everything in my home is paid for - all appliances, all furniture, all bedding, EVERYTHING!  

I have not always been this way.  I used to have credit cards.  I used to spend my paycheck on ridiculous things.  I had debt.  

 I got feed up and decided it was time for a change a BIG change.  

I took my lunch to work.  I lived in a crappy apartment.  I worked 2 sometimes 3 jobs at a time. I never ate out.  I never went out with friends.  I did not have a gym membership or cable.  I did not ever take a vacation.  I sold everything that I did not want or need.   People made fun of me.  They thought I was crazy - when I ate tuna for about 2 years straight.  I brought my water in a jug to work instead of buying it.  I only turned on the heat and ac when I really needed it.  I took everything to the extreme but it paid off.

When I look back and now that I can pay cash for everything - all of the sacrifices that I made for soo many years were so worth it. 

You too can live debt free!  It takes a lot of stress out of your life!!

SO excited!!

I am sooo excited to be able to offer such new, stylish cute clothes, jewelry, jeans...etc!!

All from Couture Candy!!!!

Buy today and SAVE 25%!!!

Check out all their new cool items to the right on my blog!  Just click on photos!!

BUY OMNI PEACE CLOTHING HERE!!!

I am sooo excited to be able to offer the greatest shirts ever on my blog!!  CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF THE SHIRT!!  Many different sizes, colors, short-sleeve, or long-sleeve available.

OMNI PEACE by Signorelli!!  The money for these shirts help to end poverty in Africa by 2025!

I received one of these for Christmas and it is the cutest, softest, most easy to wear - dress up or down! I have washed mine at least 3x and it still looks fantastic!!  It has not faded a bit!!!

I wear it with jeans, with heels, with a cute blazer over it!  

Theses are all over Hollywood!!  A true favorite with celebs!!  

From Naomi Campbell to Courtney Cox!  

Also available are tees that help benefit Breast Cancer, Autism, Conservation, the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen,....  wherever you heart takes you!!

Email with any questions about sizes - mreese@realtracs.com

I am 5'8" about 120 pounds and I wear a small.

Why I am NEVER sick!

I have never had the flu, have had VERY few colds, have not had the stomach flu since I was 17, and pretty much have not had any other illnesses!! 

It is NOT just luck.....

I am healthy - I am obsessed with being and staying healthy!  

Here are Tips for you and your family to stay healthy this 2009!

1.  Wash your hands like crazy!!!  I can't tell you how many times I have been in a public restroom and the people do NOT use soap or they just walk out...UGGGGG  GROSS!!  Wash your hands with soap and water, lather for 30 seconds getting in between each finger and rinse - I know it seems easy but sooo many people don't do it long enough or at all.  I promise it works!!!!  I wash my hands a lot and keep lotion by my bedside table to use for dryness.  This one is soooo easy!!

2. Clean your kitchen DAILY!!!  You should be cleaning the kitchen and the kitchen sink every time you eat and GET RID OF THE sponges!!!  These things carry sooo much bacteria t is unbelievable.  I use paper towels (I buy ones that are NEW but recycled)...so not as much guilt.

3.  Clean your computer keyboard, the mouse, your cell phone and home phones with alcohol. DAILY!!  Or at least 1-2x a week.....tons of germs stay on these areas and get in between the keys and holes on your phone.

4.  Vacuum more often - this not only cuts down on dusting but gets rid of airborne bacteria.

5.  Water - Drink more!!!  I drink over 100 ounces daily....more if I do cardio.

6.  Veggies and fruits!!  At least 6 servings a day - ohhh soooo yummy!!!  This is a great time for fruit - I have been loving strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries!!  

7.  Exercise - walk , run, the elliptical, strength training, weight lifting.....ANYTHING!!  Just sweat for goodness sakes!!   Get out those bad toxins....it makes you sleep better, feel better, not to mention weight loss!!

8.  Kick smoking, too much alcohol, sodas including diet sodas.....more water!!!

9.  Sleep!!!  I know many of you have small children that keep you up at night....well let's shoot for 7 perhaps 8 per night - you will feel sooo much better!!

I do ALL of these things!  

If you are sick a lot - what do you have to lose?  Just try these things - let me know what happens!  

New Products added!!

Hi Bloggers!!

I have added TONS of new awesome skin products!  ALL of these have been Mindy tested and Mindy approved!  

Please comment and ask me any questions you may have!!  

Paula's Choice for ACNE!!!

I love Paula Begoun, her products, books, and articles.

I discovered her when she wrote her first book many years ago - "Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me".  It is a break down on individual products - from over the counter to the most expensive product out there.  She rates products on their effectiveness.  

I have read all of her books cover to cover.  

I then discovered her products about 9 years ago while I was dealing with my own acne.  They work soooo well.  Gentle cleansers, excellent bacteria killers, salicylic products for dealing with stubborn blackheads.... 

She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the beauty industry - her articles are incredible!!!

If you are suffering with any kind of acne check out her site through my site - 

Paula's Choice!!

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have - 

ACNE - YUCK!!! What to do!!

Acne is not fun!  Believe me I have struggled since I was 12 years old. 

I have tried over the counter, all makeup brands, prescriptions, Accutane, anti-biotics, spot treatments and the list goes on and on!!  

First of all STOP the following today!

1.  Picking your face - you will be left with scars I can promise you this!!

2.  Using any kind of "scrub" on your face or any other area where you have acne.  No granules!!

3.  Washing more than 2x a day!

4.  Using products with the wrong ingredients (list to come).

5.  Getting sun on your face or area where you have acne.

Start the following today!

1.  Washing your pillow cases - at least 2 x per week.

2.  Clean your cell phone with alcohol DAILY!!!!

3.  Wearing SPF daily!!

4.  Find an excellent acne specialist in your area - ask around I bet you can find great referrals!

5.  Pat your face dry.

Giving up something for 2009!

Well last Saturday was my last day to eat my favorite.....CANDY!!!  

I am what you would call a candy addict.  Today I am day 6 out and feeling better.  It was a rough couple of first days coming off my old friend - SUGAR!!

But now I am 3 pounds down from just getting rid of that one food group :)

So goodbye old friend- goodbye Cotton Candy Jelly Bellies, goodbye Hershey Kisses, goodbye M&M's, goodbye MilkDuds, goodbye Rollo's......

They were my last vice.....I miss you soo (sob sob)!  

The "SECRET" to being FIT!!

CONSISTENCY!!!

That is my "secret"!!  I have been a size 2, a size 14 and all sizes in between.  I have found for myself the BEST way to stay fit and in shape is to be consistent with EVERYTHING!!

Top 5 ways to be more consistent with your fitness!!

1.  Measure the amount of WATER you take in - I drink over 100 ounces per day of water.  Adding a pack of PROPEL to each 25 ounces makes it much easier to get down.  My favorites are lemon and kiwi strawberry!!

2.  4 days of cardio - at least 45 minutes each session.  One day of 60 minutes.

3.  Buy a heart rate monitor to see exactly what you are burning per session - everyone's body is different therefore everyone burns at a different rate.  THIS IS A MUST!!  

4.  Stop eating at night - after 6:30/after dinner - the KITCHEN is closed!!!

5.  For one week write down everything you put in your mouth.  Use CalorieKing.com to see how many calories you are consuming - I promise you will be amazed at the amount you have eaten.  I did this and I could not believe it - I was having over 2 POUNDS of sugar a week!!! GROSS!!  Thus I am off candy - 6 days now!!  

For me the reason I continue to exercise, lift weights, strength train, eat properly, don't drink any alcohol, count calories, drink my water is for one simple reason - VANITY!!!!  That is the truth!!!!

3 New MUST HAVE products!!

I have added 3 products to the right on my blog that I am a HUGE fan of!!

Yes - they are all available on my blog!!

The Fake Bake is the best tanner that I have found!!  LOVE IT - it lasts for days and days!!  Read my instructions on SELF TANNING 101 for best results!!

The Alpha Beta Peel Kit by Dr. Dennis Gross - is MY ALL TIME FAV!!!!  This actually works sooooo sooooo soooooo well - for brown spots, oily skin, acne, blackheads, dry patches fine lines it gives you that GLOW- everything!  I have been using these for at least 10 years - I have tried less expensive options and they NEVER measure up!  NEVER!!

The daily MD Forte Environmental Protection Cream has been my SPF 30 for about 12 years!  I wear it EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!  You have to wear sunscreen ladies - all year long!!!  Tanning is waaaayyyy out!!!  The sun is the worst thing for your skin (along with smoking)!!  You absolutely must wear a sun block!!  This is my favorite!!!

More to come!!!

Products that actually work! Let's Get REAL!!

I have been a licensed MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN for over 8 years in 2 different states.  I have worked for top plastic and cosmetic surgeons, worked in laser centers and spas, have done extensive research on skin care products and makeup, and have suffered with problem skin myself since I turned 12.

With my background in the beauty industry and having a passion for skin  - I am hear to tell you what works and what does not.  I have tried just about everything out there ....some great products and some totally not worth the money.  

I am soo thrilled to be able to offer 3 skincare stores on my blog - that I use myself to order my own products through!  

I will ONLY recommend products that I know work and that I feel extremely strong about!!  

Why trust me you may ask??? 

#1  Because I tell the truth!

#2  I have been told I am "honest to a fault".

#3  I have told clients to go to drug store to purchase a different product that I did not have to offer.

Familiarize yourself with the 3 stores on the right side of my blog.  They all offer excellent products, with outstanding ingredients, at affordable prices!!  

CLICK ON THE ICONS ON THE TOP RIGHT OF MY BLOG!!

Through this blog I will tell you about products that I know actually change your skin!

BEST PRODUCTS TO THE RIGHT!!

Getting Your Makeup/Skin care Organized

New year - new makeup and skin care!!

Items to throw away

1.  Mascara that is over 6 months old

2.  Sponges that are on their last leg....can you say bacteria (mom I am talking to you)!!

3.  Any eyeshadows, powders, or blushes that have crumbled into a complete mess..TRASH IT!!

4.  Lotions, moisturizers, spf's or sunscreens that have separated or are over 1 year old...if you look at the expiration date on the SPF - I bet it has expired

5.  Do not throw your brushes away but PLEASE wash them!!  Mild soap and water is just fine - lay them flat to dry or stand them up if possible

****STAY TUNED FOR ITEMS YOU MUST HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST SKIN POSSIBLE!!****

5 items to get rid of today!!

By getting rid of these items can make you look at LEAST 10 years younger!!!

1.  Lose the cakey powder!!!!  Ladies over powdering your skin can make you look more wrinkled than you are and make dry patches look worse.  Use oil absorbing sheets to remove excess oil and then ONLY powder your nose, chin, and forehead.  

2. Heavy black eyeliner.  Try a nice shade of plum or saffire blue on the top only.  Black is so harsh especially for day.

3.  Mall bangs and poodle perms - ok it 2009 not 1987!!  ENOUGH SAID!!

4.  Mom jeans - high waisted, tappered, light denim!!  BAD BAD BAD!!!

5.  Dark lip liner!!  AHHHH!!  This is just not a good look.

Welcome to 2009!

Ask you you shall receive...Self Tanning 101

Ok so I am more like Edward from Twilight  - I rarely get into the sun at all!  My skin is pasty and not a pretty milky white more like a splotchy, red, sun spotted mess!!  Therefore I self-tan. 

Self-tanning can minimize the look of cellulite, sun damage, and redness.

I am pretty much obsessed with self-tanning!!  Here is the routine that I have found to work the best for me...

1.  Exfoliate in the shower with a soft type of loofa. Paying special attention to dryer areas - elbows and knees.

2.  After showering - completely dry off!!  This helps to eliminate any possible streaking.

3.  Do not put any types of perfumes or lotions on.

4.  Go to someplace that it does not matter if the tanner gets on the walls or floors.  I prefer outside if it is a private area or a garage (make sure you are away from walls and your car).  Out down paper towels or old newspapers to stand on.

5.  I usually do this in the buff but feel free to wear undies but know that they will turn yellow/brownish from the tanner.

6.  I prefer aerosol types of tanners for a look that lasts.  There are really nice formulas out there so you may have to try a few to see which one works the best for you.  

7.  Start out spraying your legs (for now leave out your FEET, HANDS, and FACE!!)

8.  While you are spraying continue to move.  Be approximately 8 inches away from your body using up and down motions. 

9. Move on to your stomach, sides, and each arm.  If using a spray that has a built-in bronzer in it (meaning it is brown as you spray it) then check to see if you have missed a spot and don't worry this brown color will wash off when you shower.  

10. Next is your chest and back which can be tricky.  Try to lightly spray your chest about 10 inches away holding each arm out making sure to get the spots by your underarms which can soak up more than you may want.  Hold the can above your head and spray downwards towards your back moving constantly.  Then bring your arm around your back to try to get the middle and sides which can be hard.  

11.  Check for any areas you may have missed - go inside and look into a mirror.  Blot any areas which may have run or look streaky - work quickly here as tanners dry really fast!!

12.  Wash your hands - make sure to get in between your fingers really well.  

13.  Next work on your feet and hands and face (which I do not do myself).  By using an old makeup sponge - lightly spray the sponge with the aerosol and work on your feet and hands. Lightly dab on toes and fingers - less is WAY more here.  If you chose to spray your face, do so by spraying the sponge and extremely lightly using upward movements apply to face.  I prefer to use a separate bronzer on my face and not using self-tanner.  

14.  Give yourself a glance from all areas to make sure you have not missed any areas.  If you do have any splotches use another makeup sponge or cotton balls with a bit of rubbing alcohol on them try to lightly blot away the mistake.  

15.  For a fast dry - use a hair dryer and dry each area for about 5 minutes.  Then dress in something that does not matter if you get tanner on it and DO NOT SHOWER for at least 8 hours.  I prefer to tan at night and then go to bed.  White sheets beware - tanner can sometimes get on them.  Do not put anything else on your skin until morning after your shower off any excess tanner.

*** For better staying power - use a separate moisturizer lotion tanner for daily use.  This way you only have to "spray" once a week. ***

Your closet is neat and organized so now what??

Hopefully your closet now looks similar to this one!!  All hangers are facing the same way. I prefer either padded hangers or plastic ones of all the same color.  Wire hangers can damage fabrics and cause unnecessary snags.  Pants are hung, all bags from the dry cleaners have been removed, you have all long sleeve shirts together, all tanks and short sleeve tops together. Everything should be easy to view at a quick glance.  

You have the bags in your car ready to go to your favorite charity and another separate bag ready to go to the tailor.

Organization!!!!  You did it!!

So now what??

Time to use the paper and pen and take notes of what you are needing.  

Start looking at your clothes and decide what you need.  

Here is a list of some essential items that every closet needs.

1.  Jeans - dark wash, long enough to go with your favorite heels, excellent fitting.  Jeans are a staple to have - the ultimate "go to" item.  

2.  a trench coat - the classic coat that goes with everything.  A nice crisp white or khaki - whatever color looks best on you.

3.  button down shirt - you definitely need a white fitted one.  These look great under sweaters, by themselves, under a dress....dressed up or down.  Need to be fitted NOT boxy.  Ask yourself does it accentuate my waist?

4.  a great bag or 2 - be bold here!  Do a hot bright color or an animal print - one for day that can easily fit work items or baby bottles.  A smaller clutch - these are a perfect way to go from day to night.  They can easily fit into your larger day bag and then be whipped out when it is time for dinner.  

5.  "strappy" heels - I truly believe that you really only need one pair.  I know you are saying how can one pair go with everything??  You have to do a neutral color that goes with most everything!  I actually prefer a bronze or a nice dark gold.   These dress up all clothing with a nice POP of something different and unexpected.  I have worn the same heel for the past 4 years - by taking good care of them they can last for many years!!

6.  an awesome dress and NO I am not going to say the usual "little black dress"....it most certainly does not have to be black.  In fact, I believe that a jewel tones color can be a fantastic way to go!!  You are going to accentuate your waist here no matter what size you are.  Not too short - no more than 3 inches above the knee.  It should hit you either right above the knee or directly on the kneecap.

7.  a suit - a jacket and a nice pair of slacks.  Charcoal grays works well, pin stripes, look for detailing - covered buttons, double collars, lining inside. PLEASE not too short  on the pants or the sleeves..... that can absolutely look horrific!!  Suit jackets are perfect for throwing on after work when you add jeans and a cute top.  Break the suit up - hot tees with the pants.  There are sooo many ways to make this work into many different outfits.  Suits are not just for work.

8.  tees and camis - you will need several colors here.  The basic colors of white, tan, and black. I  prefer camis under my button downs.  Good quality fabrics are a MUST - modal cotton, combed cotton, jersey knits, something with a bit of stretch.  These should fit close to the body - they should not be baggy.  Tees should not be boxy - they need to be fitted.  Boxy styles actually make you look bigger than you are.  Every closet needs a white tee!!  They can be great with jeans, under your trench, or under your suit jacket.  

This is your list to check against your own closet.  Write down the items that you need.  Keep this list in your purse so that when you are shopping you can easily grab it when you see a sale or have a few minutes to spare.  Some of these items you may already have.  Be patient  - you don't have to run out and buy all of these items at once.  

How to Get a NEW Wardrobe for FREEEEEE!!

OK girls it is time to REDISCOVER your closet!!  I know you were wanting to shop for free well it is sort of like that except you won't be leaving your home.

Grab these things before you go in:

1.  three large bags or sacks - labeled mend, charity, or resale.

2.  pen and paper

3.  a friend that WILL tell you the truth - kids and husbands/boyfriends won't be as honest

Give yourself from 1-3 hours of time, this will depend on how many clothes you have.

Now it is time to get busy.  

I want you to go through each piece by hand.  Check your emotions at the door!!  Now it not the time to start saying to yourself - "oh I got this dress when I had my first date with my husband 12 years ago...." You get the picture.  This also helps with having an honest friend to help you through this.

CHARITY or TRASH/RAGS

You are going to immediately put clothes in the charity pile(or maybe trash/rag pile if they look absolutely horrible) that have the following problems:

1.  Stains of any kind - spit up and pit stains are a NONO!!  Time to go!

2.   Tears, rips, or they have been hanging on the hanger so long that they have lost their shape completely.

3.  Pills that you can't remove in a few seconds - these are showing toooo much wear so get rid of it.  

4.  Clothes that are faded - blacks that look gray or whites that look yellow.

*If in doubt then that means it needs to go - this is when you use your friend - they will tell you the truth here*

MEND IT

This pile is going to need some TLC:

1.  Hems that have come loose

2.  Buttons that have come off

*If it is something that is relatively new and it has a tiny tear or rip that a tailor can mend then OK but if it is over 2 years old it needs to go in the TRASH pile*

TRY IT ON 

I want you to try on ALL of your clothes in front of your friend - I know how mortifying well get over this and use them as your fashion advisor.  You are too get rid of the following:

1.  Clothes that are toooo tight!!  Skirts and pants that ride up in the front - shirts and blouses that stretch too tightly across your chest. 

2.  BUTT sweaters (the kind that cover your butt - we all know your butt is there that sweater is not hiding it)

3.  Any kind of top, sweater, pant (GOD forbid) that is a theme - Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Charlie Brown, Disney Characters....we are adult women not 7 year old girls - they MUST go they are UGLY!!

4.  Pants that are too short - this is a huge pet peeve of mine- and I could have an entire blog on pant length...let's just do the basic today .....try them on with heels and if they come to the top of the heel where your foot is on the back of the shoe then they are too short.  Check the hem if they can be "let out" then put them in the men pile.  If not it is time to go.  

5.  Jeans that are too high (more then an inch above your belly button), show your crack when you bend over,  too tight or too loose, too light in color, white washed, have those awful cat whisker marks, or holes in them.   Again if in doubt give them away.   * I will have an entire post on jeans later this week, if you have questions*

* I am not there to tell you if you should keep it or not - use your friend if she says it looks bad, fits wrong, too matronly, or is too "young" looking for you then it MUST go!! * 

OK THAT WAS A LOT OF WORK!!  

If any of these clothes that you tried on look like you could sell them at a resale store then put them in that bag.  Note on resale shops - items must be in really good condition and not out of style.  I have made a decent amount of money by doing this over the years.  One good one for these stores - clothes that you forgot about and still have the tags on them.  These stores have been overloaded in the past few months because of the economy so you may not have as much luck.  

Now the items that you are keeping let's take a look at them.  They all should fit well, be shaped appropriately for you, and make you look awesome!!

Put the bags going to charity in your car immediately and take them to your favorite organization.  Find a great seamstress and make it your goal to take these clothes by the end of next week.  

You should also do the exact same things with all of your drawers.  Panty hose, lingerie, workout clothes, t-shirts etc.  It is fantastic way to stay organized and too never buy an item you already have.

****STAY TUNED THIS WEEK FOR MORE INFO ON JEANS, A LIST OF ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR YOUR CLOSET!!!****

First post of my new blog on January 1, 2009!!!

Today is my first post!  I thought what a perfect "segway" to a New Year!! 

So you ask why am I doing a new blog??  I was given the name Trendy Mindy by some high school friends about 20 years ago (ekkkkk!!).....my mother owned a children's and women's clothing store.  One was called Trendy.....  I was always dressed to the nines as a child and a teen thus the birth of "Trendy Mindy".  When the stores eventually closed I had to find a way to continue the tradition of being in the know of the newest coolest clothes and accessories but being that mom paid wholesale prices I was not used to having to pay full price and was SHOCKED to find out how much things really cost in stores.......

I then became OBSESSED with finding the cheapest best quality EVERYTHING!!  From bags, to skincare, to makeup and everything in between without paying retail prices.  

So welcome to my blog - I hope it helps women and men of all ages, shapes, and sizes to feel their very best and to look and feel stylish without paying retail prices. I hope it encourages you to step out of your box of cracky pancake makeup, ugly coral lipstick, brand names, hair styles stuck in 1990, and unflattering  jeans and STEP into 2009 looking absolutely fabulous!!!