Doing Our Part to Take a Stand: Back-to-School Style Boot Camp for Girls GoodLiving magazine teamed with local style expert Wendi Braswell for a Back-to-School Style Boot Camp for Girls, held July 29. The first part of the event involved a contest that would give two lucky young women an all day makeover experience with Wendi. Their “reveal” would happen at an event open to other ‘tween and teen girls, and their mothers, that same evening. “Girls are naturally attracted to fashion and they want to be beautiful,” explained Wendi during the planning. “So we will talk about fashion and beauty, but we will also talk about some practical rules that encourage self respect and good choices.” Alexis Economis, a high school freshman this year, entered the contest because, “being a teenager is one of the hardest times in a girl’s life because of peer pressure to be perfect.” She goes on to say that her athletic build doesn’t fit the image for “ideal” teen. “I’m always afraid that the clothes I pick out aren’t cute enough or they’re from the wrong store… I also worry that if my hair and makeup aren’t the same style as the ‘cool’ girls then they will make fun of me. I’m not looking to fit in with their group, I just want to be able to walk the halls and be comfortable with the way I look.” Genesis Mondt, 13, entered the contest because she wanted help with her look and confidence. “I am going into 8th grade. I have naturally wavy hair, brown eyes and am 5’8. I want to know what I could do to make myself stand out from others and look beautiful. I’m going to be a teenager and it’s time for a fresh look that will inspire me to look good everyday.”
“Both girls were tall for their age and had really beautiful features and hair. Throughout the course of the day, while they had their mani/pedis, facials and hair styling, I was able to talk with them about how to accentuate their own beauty with some tips and style advice. But more importantly, I was able to build their confidence by talking about the value of who they are on the inside,” said Wendi about the makeover day. The highlight of the Back to School Style Boot Camp event was showing their new look to family and friends. “I am so proud of her. She looks so beautiful,” said Genesis’ dad with an ear-to-ear grin. In addition to the reveal and the presentation on style, Patricia Rossi, a local etiquette expert and author played games with the girls to teach them the importance of a good introduction and first impression. Sponsors of the makeover day were Venus and Mars Day Spa and Soonye & Company Salon and Day Spa both in Westchase; Crosspointe Church in Clearwater for the facility; Urban Exchange for the girls’ clothing and Brandi Morris for photography.
Wendi Braswell’s Style Tips for Girls A label is more than a brand. Your clothes can label you in ways you may not want like “easy” or “lazy.” Think about who you are on the inside and dress to reflect it on the outside. Like everything else in life, style also requires a balanced approach because it’s just a part of who you are. First impressions are a reality, so find ways you can look your best and do it within your budget. But don’t tie your self esteem to how you look and don’t obsess over your external appearance. Use it for your benefit. You are in control and you make your own choices! Follow my 3 B’s for style that respects who you are as a young woman and focuses attention on your inner beauty: No Belly Lift up your arms to be sure your shirt is long enough No Bust A low cut neckline is not flattering and sends the wrong message No Butt Squat to make sure you’re covered and no letters on the backside! Have a plan for your style and work at it: Know Your Style such as romantic or classic and buy pieces that build your wardrobe Know Your Body and dress accordingly. An outside opinion is always helpful. Know Your Accessories Often overlooked, sunglasses, scarves and jewelry can stand out more than the clothes. Know Where to Shop for the best bargains and quality.
AFTER
Know Your Skin and take care of it.
Back to School ‘11
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