Holiday B.L.I.S!

CONGRATULATIONS BRANDI COLLIER of Lake Wylie, SC!

She is the winner of November’s Get Gorgeous Giveaway and received her pick of a Carol’s Daughter or Dylan’s Candy Bar Retreat gift pack!

“Thank you so much for giving helpful reminders on how to keep the ladies looking their very best from top to bottom. I started using the bronzer that you mentioned in the October blog and I love it! “

Brandi

Beauty

1. Skin

Let’s be honest ladies: have you ever jumped out the shower and decided to skip your lotion regimen because it was so cold? I must admit, it is very tempting at times. I did it one morning, forgetting I planned to go shoe shopping later with my friend, Rosalynn. I raised my jeans up to try on a great pair of knee high boots, and it looked like I had dusted my legs with flour! Yikes! 

Dehydrated skin can be a major issue during the winter. The cold, windy temps rob the skin of natural moisture.  And the time we spend covered up in layers doesn’t help.

The key to avoiding snowskin is plain diligent moisturization. While on your holiday shopping spree, hit up the stores for great buys at great prices! Bath & Body Works’ Aromatherapy line is discounted at several outlets and is always a great choice.

I am a loyal customer of Olay all day moisture rich lotion. It literally keeps me moisturized for 24 hours. When I take my evening shower, I can tell it’s still is working! Want something a little more high-end? Hit your nearest Sephora or Ulta beauty store and ask for philosophy moisture products.

Also, remember exfoliation is key to keeping a smooth, sultry, snow bunny body! Exfoliators work especially well around the bikini line and underarms, which at times may flake due to dryness. My fave? Almond Delicious Paste by L’Occitane. It provides a perfect balance of moisture and a delicious scent! According to the manager of L’Occitane’s Southpark Mall location, this has been the top selling exfoliator for the last three years!

2. Face issues

According to all the beauty mags, Neutrogena Acne Wash gets rave reviews! If Proactiv works for you, then stick with it. But if you’re still looking, I would try Carol’s Daughter Bring in the Moisture! I use Wash Away the Oil, because my T-zone is oily all day, every day!

 3. Holiday party make up tips

Don’t look like a clown at the office Christmas party! While glitter and sparkles are all around you, don’t overdo it! Opt for make up that has a foil shimmer but is still relaxed!

Still on a foundation hunt hunt? I love Bare Minerals! Give the twirl, tap and swirl tactic a try! The time to try this is during the holidays when the gift specials are out and about! There is nothing wrong with buying a gift for yourself!

 I am convinced this one of the best daily foundations out there. Where can you find it in Charlotte? Try the Bare Essentials store in Southpark Mall or Ulta cosmetics. It provides a quick holiday glow with a little bronzer! It also absorbs oil and serves as a great matte for problem skin! It gets five stars from B.L.I.S!

Living

The holidays are filled with gift giving, parties, travel and best of all, time with family and friends. Vow not to get caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle without taking in the small things that make the season bright.

Take your mother-in-law shopping and ask her about all her favorite holiday memories! Working late at the office? Bring in piping hot apple cider or cocoa and warm it up! If you’re not too busy, treat your colleagues to a batch of homemade (or store-made) Christmas cookies. It’s the thought that counts!  

Exams got you stressed? Challenge your study buddies/roommates to a holiday sing-off in between study sessions!  Schedule a Christmas craft or gift wrapping party to spend more time with girlfriends and make a dent in your to-do list.

Most importantly, set aside time to serve someone else less fortunate!

Establish traditions: Every holiday season, Andre and I get together with Emily and Bret, friends of ours, to see the “Nutcracker.” I look forward to it every year! I never thought of myself as someone who would enjoy the ballet, but it’s one of the highlights of my holiday season! Pick something you enjoy, that you can do share with family or friends

 Holiday Shopping: Short on cash? Here are some other great holiday shopping ideas!

The holidays also give us an excuse to break away from ”uptown” dining and take in some comfort food. If banging pots and pans isn’t your style, try these great soul food options that make anyone feel home for the holidays. These are the Queen City’s finest Soul food stops!

La’Wan’s Soul Food Kitchen

This resturant was a perfect choice for warm food on a cold December day! It’s located on S. Tryon. While it has a humble overhead the treasure is in the food. The portions are generous and not overly flavored. It has a “Cheers” feel, as customers are greeted on a first name basis. Lawan’s also won a Steve Harvey Hoodie award for Best Soul Food restaurant.

 Sadie’s Soul Food Resturant

Also a Hoodie award recipient, Sadies restaurant has beautiful curb appeal along with original soul food. It is one of the few places you can get chicken and sweet potato waffles in the Queen City! Everything is served with perfection!

 Instyle

I don’t know if you guys heard, but all the glamour mags and fashion blogs say boot cut jeans have officially gone by the wayside. The boyfriend jean reigns. I almost lost it! I only have one pair of boyfriend jeans and to be honest, I don’t want my ankles out in the cold!

If you’re not ready to jump feet first into the trend, compromise. Wrap the bootcut part around your ankle, simulating skinny jeans, then don your favorite knee or thigh high, boot over the jeans. I learned this trick at a shoe store in Dothan, Alabama!

Holiday office parties: What’s too much?

Stay away from really, really trendy looks. In an office setting you want to look playful (you’re not at work) but at the same time, you don’t want to look like you are a “workin’ girl” on the weekends.

I opted for a silk black dress from H&M. It’s above the knee, which keeps it trendy, but with an empire waist that flatters my petite shape. It has the new “sweetheart” neckline that is gracing all the magazine covers. I have a black cover up short cardigan to tame it down, and a pair of my steve madden black and gray shoes with a great bow.

To add some spice, I paired it with a purple purse to complement my smoky purple and gray make up. To add sass, I added subtle fake eyelashes with a nude lip! And for pop, I wore rhinestone chandelier earrings and a vintage neclace that was a gift from my husband while we were dating. I’ll make a statement without being the talk of my huband’s office the next morning! It was a hit!

I recommend The Limited, Banana Republic, Ross, Old Navy, Steinmart and H&M for holiday looks.  This is my dress for the holiday Christmas party! Please excuse my cute puppy in the background!

I want to hear from you! Post your fashion questions, dilemmas, or ideas! I also do one-on-one consultations for your fashion needs!

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