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Tired of looking like a slob
Alright ladies, I'm tired of looking like a slob. I haven't done my hair or makeup on a daily basis since I quit my job. Help me out here. How do you guys manage to get ready in the morning? Getting up before Kate is highly unlikely. I shower at night if that makes a difference. Right now I have mineral makeup but I never wear it. Ugh.
I'm vaguely trying to grow my hair out because it's been long for most of my life and I know what to do with it then. Whenever I cut it short it looks great when the stylist does it and then I can never make it look good again. What can I do with it as it's growing out? The pony tail is definitely contributing to the lack of cuteness. I just wish it was long again already.
Also, none of my cute clothes fit. I'm committed to losing some weight, but I'm tired of feeling like a slob *now*. I don't want to wait months for the weight to come off to start looking better, but I also don't want to spend $100s of dollars on clothes right now when I really am committed to losing the weight.
I'm not sure what kind of response I'm looking for here... I feel like Tai in Clueless. Where's my Cher?
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Re: Tired of looking like a slob
If I shower at night I always blow dry my hair so that it isn't frizzy/wavy in the morning (I don't know if you have this problem or not.) I feel like that small step is enough to make me want to style my hair. I also wear a ponytail 98% of the time, to dress it up I take a small section of hair from the underside and wrap it around the hair elastic and secure it underneath with a bobby pin - I feel like it makes my ponytail look more polished, less gym chic.
As for wardrobe I found a pair of cute shoes that are still practical and where them out. So instead of going out in a sweats and tennis shoes, I put on jeans and a comfortable non-tennis shoe (but still feels like a tennis shoe.)
I don't know if this helps, but these two things always put a little more pep in my step, and I feel less like a slob.
I don't ever "get ready" unless I'm seeing someone I know. I dropped DS off at school today, went to 3 grocery stores, picked him back up, all in my jams with my hair and makeup like I had it last night when I went to bed. Stacy and Clinton would be so disappointed. LOL And I don't really care. I don't have time to make myself look like I'm on top of things when I'm really not. And who am I trying to impress? Other moms at preschool? RIGHT.
Have you tried different/new products in your hair? A different style maybe? Curly instead of straight (or viceversa)? And honestly, I usually just put a swipe of mascara on and call it a day. Unless we have actual plans.
But I get it. I feel so much better when I'm all put together, I really should make more time for it.
I've been there since I work at home and am basically chained to a computer. Do you have a flat iron or curling iron on hand? Try running those through your hair in the morning - it'll help! Even a little bit of hair-did goes a loooooong way when you have no one to see most of the day.
I'd actually forego the mineral makeup for one reason - it takes too long. A tinted lotion goes on way faster and looks good. Add some mascara quickly and that'll help as well!
The clothes.. hmm.. even though you are committed, it won't hurt if you buy a couple of cute well fitting shirts at Target! Or maybe, a thin belt that you can cinch things at the waist at?
Don't forget to sing the line "Rollin with the homies" with a waving hand motion.
I don't really have any help when it comes to hair/makeup. I shower at night, too, but my hair is permanently stuck in a messy bun. It is too convenient for me to actually take the effort to "do" it. My makeup routine is tinted moisturizer & eyeliner. Maybe mascara if I'm feeling fancy.
Also - I read on a blog somewhere (I honestly don't remember where) that even if you're working on losing weight, you should still invest in a couple key wardrobe items that fit you right now. Wearing ill-fitting and/or out of style clothes 100% of the time does nothing for your self esteem and makes it that much harder to motivate yourself to stay on your workout path. Especially if you hit a plateau and the weight doesn't come off as quickly as you would like. Spend some money (and it doesn't have to be a lot - I always find cute clothes on the cheap at Target & Old Navy) and buy a pair of jeans that look great on you now. Get a couple cute tops. You don't have to completely re-vamp your entire wardrobe but even a couple cute outfits can do a lot to make you feel better, KWIM?
I got some cute shoes and it did help!
I could straighten my hair at night, and I think I will once it's longer. Right now it's at this funky growing out stage.
Yeah, right now I'm just sitting here in jeans that are too big (that's a plus though, at least they're not too small!
) and an old t-shirt from college. Blah. I kept trying different things with my hair and I just wasn't happy with it. I really wanted to do something new and have it be all hip and trendy, but in the end I think I like it best long and straight. A bit boring, but easy. It's naturally wavy/ curly but I have yet to actually be able to make it look nice in its natural state. I would need a professional to do my hair every day. lol.
Well, you're doing better than I am. I'm STILL in my jams.
Waving hand motion, check.
I have a chi somewhere. I need to find it... Notice a trend? lol.
As like the only really puffy gal on the board
You need a night out to go shopping. Macy's has a big selection of jeans in all sizes and cuts. Take a pair in the size you think you are, a size bigger and smaller and don't get upset. Try them all on until you hopefully find a pair that looks great, no pressure though. I've done this before and after 45 pairs of jeans, left with nothing, but at least I didn't settle for meh jeans.
Lane bryant also has a few sets of jeans including fancy sevens and dkny as well as their own line. Ask the gal for help. Again, you'll be there for a long time, but hopefully you will find a pair, don't settle.
Once the jeans have been found, get some tops. not just t-shirts (though, get a few NICE ones not the 10 dollar target ones that loose shape in10 minutes). Get some cotton blouses/tops they are easy to wash and not hot and clingy like polyblends. Try some stuff you've never tried on before, a new color etc.
I'd also get a nice cardigan or two they are great bridges up and down in weight. I love lands end and if you look online, you can see if a sears near you carries the clothes in store. Otherwise, I'd buy a bunch of stuff online and return it (sears grand on parmer should still be on the returns ok list) then you don't have to pay shipping back.
Oldnavy is also pretty good. read the reviews though they have free shipping and free returns so buy a bunch of stuff try it on and send back what doesn't fit.
So, fall/winter you need:
2 pairs of jeans (maybe a pair of khakis)
few good quality t's
cardigan
long/short sleeved cotton tops/blouses
maybe a sweater or two
Just some basics that will feel nice to put on. I don't do make-up, but if i'm feeling down, I'll swipe on some mascara and maybe powder
I have insane curly hair that I have to wet every day.
If O isn't home when I shower (in the am) H takes a bath in the bathroom while I shower. I pair or two of cute shoes (I'm looking for these myself) help too.
It's not about looking like you have your life together when it isn't, it's about feeling good about yourself and that making other things in life feel better.
I don't do anything to impress anyone else, it's to make me feel better.
I just started putting more effort towards this topic. I only put up to 4 quick things on my face on a regular basis: a great moisturizer (I have a shimmery one from mac), concealer only on the dark parts under my eyes and in the corner by my nose, seal it with powder (i keep a poof loaded with some powder so it's quick, i brush it on out of my big powder container now and then) then mascara. Everything is easy to get to in my bathroom. I think that is important, to make it quick and easy on yourself to get to. (makeup suggestions: Rae cosmetics, Laura Mercier, maybelline lash discovery mini-brush in brownish black) Natural is in for hair and makeup so you don't need to do much!
As for clothes: tights with flats or boots. I love big loose fitting shirts. A big fun necklace or scarf. I wear a scarf almost everyday in the fall/winter. A flowy skirt or dress can be quick and comfy.
Start a system and almost a uniform. Figure out one or two ways to wear your hair that are easy.
The only reason I'm not is that I don't sleep in pajama bottoms.
That would have made our errands more interesting!
I'm sorry
I really know how you feel because I have been right there. I wouldn't worry too much about having all done up hair and make up every day. Maybe find some nice lip gloss that you like and do that - I know I instantly feel better with some lip gloss! Also, I have curly hair too. My daily routine is to shower, only pat dry with a towel - no rubbing at all, very minimal scrunching with mousse (I try to mess with it as little as possible because I find the curls look nicer that way), and then let it at least partially dry wrapped up in a turban. I wouldn't say my hair looks amazing, but it's finally at least presentable when left curly instead of straightened.
Also I agree with pps that say to buy at least one nice outfit for now. It will be such a boost mentally, and that helps a lot with weight loss, imo
Doing makeup doesn't have to be a huge ordeal. I think I spend more time in the shower than I do putting on my makeup in the am and good word the hair. My hair takes forever. But lately I've been on a hair washing strike so it makes mornings oh so much easier.
I say if you don't want to spend a whole lot of money on clothes, buy a few key pieces like a good fitting pair of jeans, a few t-shirts and some cardigans and then dress them all up with accessories. Accessories make the outfit and you don't have to replace them when you get to your goal weight.
Ha! They'd be disappointed in me as well.
I honestly think it's all in the accessories. Have you seen celebrity moms and how they dress? Usually really simple, not too baggy and in solid colors but with amped up accessories. Leggings and a long sleeved shirt = plain. But add some cute flats, a scarf, sunglasses, earrings and a big bag and it looks fab. lol Jessica Alba is one I follow, just because she makes comfortable look so mom-chic. (you may have to scroll to the right to see the other two pics).
As far as makeup, I'm usually one to wear a full face, but lately it's just been tinted moisturizer and gloss.
I think you got a lot of good advice! A few simple (but well-fitting) pieces can be key. And accessories can totally make it! I just bought a leopard scarf that I'm planning to wear with everything. It will look awesome with a white t-shirt and dark jeans (or my complete abominal snowman suit when we move to Mass). A statement necklace with a simple outfit is another great dresser-upper.
As for hair. When my hair was a wee bit longer I had someone cut it who knew how to cut wavy hair. I had NO idea i could wear my hair wavy but with the right cut and the right products, all i had to do was scrunch it and go.
As for the time -- well, that's honestly when V watches t.v. Otherwise, she's spreading make-up all over her face and knocking stuff over while i'm trying to get ready.
My fast face is tinted moisturizer (I use vitazing from Origins and it is AMAZING), blush and mascara, and lip gloss. Two minutes, probably but makes me feel better.
Oh, and for shopping, I never find anything at target, but i'm not a patient searcher. Most of my stuff comes from the Gap brand family or the Loft. And I watch the sales. They frequently have 40% off (and if it's sale item that can be cheap). I'm on their email lists so I always know!
One more thing - Forever 21 often has great accessories for super-cheap!
Photo by Melissa Glynn
You need to come on over to my house soon--I have some clothes that I want to purge that you can go through.
Every morning I act like I'm going to work. I get up, shower, blow dry my hair. Griffin and Jackson play while I'm doing this and I leave the bathroom doors open so I can see what they are doing in the mirror. I don't wear makeup daily, but I have been meaning to start. I also use mineral makeup, and when I apply it, foundation, mineral veil, mascara, and a little lipstick/gloss/balm takes less than 5 minutes. I found that when I didn't do this, I slipped into a funk. I pretty much wear what I used to wear when I was working--jeans, nice tops, cute but comfy shoes. I think we need to go shopping and find you some fun shoes for the fall!
:-)
You know who always looks great with (seemingly) minimal effort? Boxermomma. Maybe she should teach a class or something. Lord knows I'd sign up.
That's not a lot of help, I know. The thing that helps me most is that I've found a "wash & go" hairstyle. I kinda lucked into it, but what if you spent money on a FABULOUS hair stylist and asked them to give you a cut that's cute and momma/toddler friendly?
I also like the idea of investing in cute & comfy shoes that make you "dress up" in jeans and a non-tshirt.
How long is your hair? I tried THIS technique before I cut mine (it was a little past my shoulders) and it worked great. You would be able to sleep in it and then take it down in the morning. There is also THIS technique, although I haven't tried that one.
I would hit up the outlet malls for a few key wardrobe pieces. A few nice fitting jeans (that don't have to be $$) always help me feel better. New York and Company normally has great deals and if you join their email list they'll send you more coupons and specials. NY&CO normally has great accessories as well.
I also love cardigans with a lace-y camisole underneath (although I am a teacher
). Or a nice fitting blazer or jean jacket with some khakis. Last winter I got into tights and really liked that I could wear my skirts, and not feel like I have to shave or worry about how white my legs are. Target had some a few weeks ago for $5, I think.
I actually did this and lord knows they tried. Through no fault of the hairstylist (seriously every other person who's had her do their hair looked AWESOME), I just didn't like the way it looked curly. I don't have pretty curls, I have a half wave/ half spiral curl mish mash of yuck. It's a frizzy mess without being straightened.
you need to find someone that does a dry curl cut. I can (when it's freshly cut) get up and spritz some curl stuff in it and go, but I've not gotten a cut in 6 months not so that's a no go. Most of the gals I talked to at my salon have had amazing results going from a mixture of textures to solidly curly looking hair
This is pretty much me. I use this stuff on my hair when it's wet, scrunch with a towel and let it air dry. It looks pretty cute, if I do say so myself.
If you buy it from the Beauty Store here in town, they'll let you try it and return it if it doesn't work for you.
I am totally trying that sock thing once my hair is longer.
ulta carries a travel size pack of deva curl and ouidad products if you want to try w/out the commitment of a big bottle.
I use both on my hair and they both work really well.
What fabulous responses. These are great tips. I'm going to do the sock curl tonight!
I wanted to add that the best thing I did for my overall look was to get highlights. I'm a brunette and have always dyed my own hair. I never realized how much highlights add dimension and compliment one's coloring. I only get them once every 3 months, because they are a bit expensive, but they go far, imho.
I'm late to this post, but I'll had my two cents.
First, Kia, you are lovely, beautiful!
I'm not sure if my response is appropriate but here's what I do. I have no claim on being super stylish, so take it for what it's worth.
I've lost 15 pounds since Molly was born. That made a difference in how my clothes were fitting. Wearing clothes that didn't fit (too big or too small), were only making me feel dumpier. So, I decided to invest in a great pair of jeans that fit. Then I went through my closet and looked at everything I have and pulled out the things that I wear the most (camis/tanks and drapey cardigans.) Everything else I just pushed to the back.
I figure with about six pieces that I wear all the time, I have a fairly diverse every-day cool weather wardrobe. I wear the same pair of flats nearly everyday. They're comfortable and cute.
As for hair, I have a stacked bob. I wash it every other day and flat-iron it on those days. A spray a little Hair Tonic (bumble & bumble) on the days I don't wash and give it a once through the a round brush and hair dryer. When I had a long hair, I wore it in a ponytail or low, messy bun. Long hair was so much easier for me, too!
Make-up -- First, I'm religious about my skin. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize. I use all drug store brand products, so it's muy cheap. For make-up, I usually just brush on a little bit of mineral powder, curl my lashes and use clear mascara (I rub my eyes a lot and this prevents the raccoon eyes look), a bit of cream blush on the apples of my cheeks, and Kiehl's lip balm (the best lip balm in the world!) And done.
Liar! I'm a fluffy-puff, too!
I love this post!
What has helped me:
- Drop the mineral makeup. It's a PITA to use if you are short on time. My morning makeup is liquid foundation (because I like full coverage - if you don't, get a tinted mouisterizer), eyebrow pencil, mascara, tinted chapstick. This takes me less than 5 minutes.
- Shower at night, and blowdry your hair. In the morning, run the Chi through it. Find that Chi (pun intended)!
- Get a uniform. Mine is black yoga pants, casual cute top, and black wedges. Or jeans, sweater, comfy shoes. Buy the key pieces (jeans and yoga pants) and then you can match your existing shirts around it.
- Dresses! I was so uncomfortable in dresses for a while because my calves and my arms are fat. And I've just gotten over it. I feel so much more confident in a dress despite my fatty deposits
, and it's quick and easy. If I'm worried about flashing someone when playing with the kiddo, I throw some short leggings underneath.
- Accessorize. I heard this for years, but never thought I could do it. I started buying one under $10 accessory a paycheck (or your DH's paycheck, since you don't work) and it's made a HUGE difference. They're cheap, so I can get more and my outfits looks so much more put together.