November is all about changes!

Step outside your comfort zone and try something new this month! Whether the change is as drastic as chopping off lengthy locks or testing a new lip gloss, switching it up every now and then refreshes you and keeps your look current!

Beauty

1.Hair

Fall is the perfect time to try a new haircut, because if it doesn’t quite cut it, you can cover it up or let it grow out underneath winter layering items such as hats and scarves!

 If you’re not daring enough to try Rihanna’s mohawk, opt for a more subtle approach – add bangs or chunky auburn highlights. I got an asymmetrical cut (short and layered in the back and longer on the sides). The layers grow out prettily and the maintenance is simple. I was hesitant at first, but after seeing it under my favorite Aldo newsboy hat, I knew this was just the change I needed. Hair already short? Try extensions, which look cute under a crochet beenie or scarf.

Where can you get these looks in Charlotte?

Try the stylists at Varji and Varji in Southpark! They did all the hair for Charlotte Fashion Week and the models looked amazing! They have an excellent reputation. They are on the pricey side, but well worth it if you save your bucks! 

I can also vouch for Carmen and Carmen, which has locations in Ballantyne and Southpark. Brandi did a wonderful job on my hair for my wedding day!

Don’t forget The Hair Down There!

Ladies, this is not the place for a winter coat! Because we are so layered during the winter, sweat builds up just as it does in the summer, which can lead to several ingrown hairs and other issues. Be sure that you don’t skip your wax or shaving routine just because the temeprature has dropped! Salons and spas notice a drop in business in the winter months due to the “you can’t see it, so don’t bother it” mindset. 

Want professional waxing tips? Visit http://www.mywaxing.com/ This website helps you find the best estheticians in the business, and has great at-home waxing tips! Taking care of the hair down there is definitely something we don’t need to change! Don’t feel guilty if you’ve left things undone down there – make a change to make it a part of your regular routine or if you’re new to the game, pledge to make this a habit.

Try Salon Cielo & Spa and ask for Gabby at the Southpark location! She is the best, trust me! Be sure to tell her Danielle from B.L.I.S. sent you!

 2. Make-up

 I decided to leave the comforts of home (MAC cosmetics) and find new products to add to my personal collection. I ventured to the benefit counter and am now hooked! Click here for my exclusive interview with Maggie and Annie Danielson, the owners of benefit! benefit’s parent company is Louis Vuitton and seems to be the boutique among make-up lines. Though counters are not available in every mall, they appear to have quite a cult following, in love with all its ‘bad gal’ ways.

They seem to specialize in brows! Start with Bad Gal lash (pictured below, left) mascara and California Kissin’  lipshine, which is supposed to make your teeth appear whiter. No lines and awesome customer service was a pleasant change from MAC. Mix it up!

There are two benefit counters in Charlotte – one at Southpark Mall and one at Carolina Place Mall. I went for a complete makeover and walked away a happy client! Shout out to the wonderful ladies at Southpark Mall (Jennifer, Ms. Wanda and Heather) and Susan, the feisty manager at Carolina Place who did my eyes for a recent sorority event!

Still want a change but can’t afford department store brands? Try a new eyeshadow shade from Cover Girl or L’oreal. The pigments in drug store makeup are neck and neck with  department stores. Quick tip: Don’t assume you have to match your eyes with your outfit! If you’re wearing black, try a smoky, purple eye or even a pearl shimmer. Just apply it to the brow bone for a different look.

 3. Nails

Painting each nail a different color is all the rage! I usually maintain a French manicure but have committed to trying this trend. If anything, it makes you feel better. Some celebrities have their significant other’s name airbrushed on their nails! Go for the best. This is the season for green. Green is the color of change and is synonymous with spring. Try O.P.I. shades sold in your local nail salon or Sally Hansen shades at the local drug store.

Here is an excerpt from O.P.I.’s beauty blogger, Suzi, about their newest fall nail color:

“You heard it here first, and you’ll keep hearing it in this fall’s fashion pages.  Green is the new black for fall.  W magazine  finds  the trend to be eminently wearable, from emerald to bright olive to grassy, pine, and blackened greens, and chooses OPI’s Here Today … Aragon Tomorrow as one of its faves.  And Cosmo gives the trend a green thumbs up, naming Here Today … as one its picks for “lush green nails.”  Seems like getting your daily greens is a great for nails too.”

Living

Start preparing for the holidays now and get your Christmas shopping done early, a drastic change for many of us lol! Below are a few people who help us live B.L.I.S.fully that you must remember to put on your list if you have a great relationship with them! A nice Christmas card, extra tip or any small gesture will do just fine. This also improves the quality of service because people love to feel valued and appreciated.

1. Teachers

2. Nail techs

3. Postal workers

4. Garbage collectors (they love cookies!)

5. Hairstylists

6. Financial planners

7. OB/GYNs

Enter the B.L.I.S Get Gorgeous Giveaway!

B.L.I.S is getting in the Christmas spirit and offering you a chance to win a gift set from Carol’s Daughter or Sephora, and entering couldn’t be easier! (exact prizes are pictured below).

 

Simply comment on and about this month’s blog and you will automatically be entered. Or, enter by e-mailing a photo of yourself in styles or at hotspots mentioned in the September, October or November B.L.I.S. issues to bliskiss1@gmail.com.  Commenting and submitting a photo count as TWO entries, thus increasing your chances!

The winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the December 2009 issue. Select photos may also be used in the December 2009 issue.

 In style

Since this month is about changes, your closet is a great place to start. Take a moment to evaluate your life – does your wardrobe reflect your current status? Are you a college senior about to plunge into corporate America? Maybe it’s time to take six of those 16 party tops to Plato’s Closet and exchange them for a couple pairs of slacks and a great interview suit. Switching from corporate to a more relaxed job setting? Incorporate some really chic accessories like a bracelet with rhinestone accents and a clutch purse. Want to change your state of mind and your body? Make room in your closet for great yoga and workout gear! Target has an array of stylish, yet comfortable workout apparel to help keep you motivated.

1. Change essentials

Seen the new slouch boot? I have a feeling this trend won’t change anytime soon! These boots look great with jeans, dresses and skirts! I have the boots pictured to the left in gray and can’t go anywhere without getting compliments! I can wear them knee-high or slouch them almost to the ankle for a different look. I normally go for a traditional knee high boot during colder months but this is a great change!

 My gray boots!

2. Retro changes

Plaid: From Country to Couture!

Plaid shirts with a cute belt are in! This is both a fashion upgrade and change.  How to wear it? Try checkboard plaid that is one color and black. Once you’ve found the perfect plaid shirt/dress, tweak it for work and play. At work, wear with creased black slacks and a skinny belt for sensible sophistication.

Meeting friends after class or after work? Lose the slacks and go for sexy black leggings, slouch boots or gladiator platform stilettos. Opt for a wider, eye-catching belt and you’re ready to go. For a simpler look, wear with boyfriend cut jeans and great heels, or a sexy boot cut jean and peep-toes! I’ve seen them in several colors at Francesca’s Collections and at LA East in Fort Mill.

  The Comeback of the One-Strap

The one-strap top may be back! I’ve seen supporters of the look in several issues of fashion magazines, which can be worn under a blazer during the day, or worn out for a night on the town. Check area boutiques or forever 21, which has a great selection. I got my top from a local botique uptown calle Belle Veille! It was maybe $30.00 and they only had 3. I love one of a kind great buys.

Also, a great place to find retro ways to change your wardrobe is to check your mother’s closet! Yes, I said it! You usually can find great styles at no cost to you!

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