Get it together
You can have a polished look when you head out By CRYSTAL K. WIEBE Josephine magazine
Y
ou know who she is.
The woman who always looks so together, even on the days when you know she doesn’t feel that way. How does she do it? According to Erin Barnes, a thirtysomething mom and personal style consultant based in Olathe, Kan., organization is a key to looking the way you want. Achieving your best look is the inspiration behind her website, pretty polishedperfect.com. She says: “There’s nothing worse than being in a hurry (or being asked to do three things at once) and not being able to find what you need or want!” We all know how having to walk out the door without that finishing touch can impact a day. As clothing expert Debbie Swope says, “I just feel like getting the day over with and trying again tomorrow.” 14
January 2013
Swope, 50, has a textile design background and currently develops apparel for a major corporate merchandise company based in Overland Park. See what tips Swope, Barnes and other area women have for achieving a polished look every day.
Head to Toe
Step 1: Do your hair. This doesn’t have to take an hour. “An updo always gives the appearance of more elegance — even if it’s a messy bun,” says Barnes. If you have long hair, always keep ponytail holders on hand, too. Have short hair? A headband or pretty barrette could be a solution on a not-sosmooth hair day. Kara Ames, a stylist at Edmond Street Parlor in St. Joseph, would agree on the role one’s locks can play in personal style. She also knows a polished look extends from head to toe. “I do love getting pedis,” Ames says. Of course, a gal need not change her polish with every outfit, but, whether
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you do your own nails or go to a salon, do maintain the paint. Chipped nails are a style detractor.
Makeup
Long before she had kids of her own, Jacquie Fisher received some advice from her grandmother that she still uses today: “Make sure some part of your pretty face is darker than the circles under your eyes.” Translation: Use make-up to cover up an unflattering area or draw attention to a flattering one. Fisher of Olathe, Kan., promotes family activities around Kansas City, at the website KCEdventures.com. Putting your face on doesn’t have to take all morning. As Barnes says, “Mascara, blush and lip gloss make a world of difference, and it only has to take one to two minutes of your time.” Want a look that will last through the years? Swope advises keeping lip color on hand for anytime someone breaks out a camera. “You should always put lipstick on before someone decides to take your
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