Learning to Love The Way You Look

Does Latisse really make lashes longer

August 6, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt Leave a Comment

In May 2009 I started using Latisse, a new product that is supposed to make eyelashes grow longer. I had some concerns when I first started using it because of the warnings that it could make eye color darker as well as darken the lid. I like my hazel green eye color and I did not want brown eyes. It’s now August and I am starting on my 2nd bottle of Latisse. I am pleased with my longer, darker lashes, and I still have hazel green eyes!

Latisse costs about $99 to$120 for a tiny bottle with applicators. I admit I did not use it everynight as directed. Some nights I was too tired to apply it to my lashes and carefully wipe off the excess with a q-tip so my lids do not darken. Because I did not use it every night, the tiny bottle lasted me 3 months. If I had used it every night, my lashes might be slightly longer and it would have lasted about 60 days.

Is Latisse worth the price and the effort? Maybe

You may be able to buy Latisse on-line for $99. Hopefully the price will come down. The way I used the Latisse, it cost me a little over $33 a month. I wanted longer lashes because my eyes are begining to disappear underneath the weight of my eyelids. Years ago I wore false eyelashes, but these days, I don’t have the eyesight, time or patience for false eyelashes. I have noticed that I seem to need to use my reading glasses more lately. I asked the Dr. if there was a connection between the Latisse and my worsening eye sight and she said she thought it was a coincidence. I want to believe that it’s a coincidence. I could not find anything online about Latisse making eyesight worse. For now, I plan to use it another few months because I like having longer, darker lashes.

Why Is It Important To Know Which Shade of White Is Right for You?

August 4, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 1 Comment

Nancy2-Original 4 — Nancy Goldblatt, "The Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,"

Because only 50% of people look good in “pure bright white.” For the other 50% of you, “bright white,” will look harsh and or wash you out. Everyone can wear “winter white,” which is a less intense white. When wearing “winter white,” be careful not to pick a white that has yellow in it.

Can you guess which shade of white is most flattering to Michelle Obama? Take a look at recent pictures of her in a pure white top. Do you look at her or the top first? Can you guess what shade of white Oprah looks the best in? What about Jessica Simpson and Hillary Clinton?

Find the answers at the end of this post.

How can you determine which white is your best white?

Use the “blink test.” Stand 5 feet from a mirror in good light , put on or drape a pure white item over your top half and close your eyes and then quickly open them. Where does your eye go first? If it goes to the white before your face, the white is too bright for you. If you look at your face and the white at the same time and your eyes sparkle and your skin looks fresh and radiant you may be able to wear bright white.

You need to take something else into consideration when you are choosing the right shade of white. What color are your teeth? Even if the pure white works with your skin, if it makes your teeth look yellow or grey you may be better off wearing “winter white,” at least near your face. Speaking of teeth, if pure white does not flatter your skin, if you ” over whiten.” your teeth this can make your teeth look like they are false teeth. I am not against whitening teeth, I am just cautioning against over-whitening them.

(Answer to questions) Michelle Obama looks better in “winter white.” Bright white is too bright on her because she has “muted.” coloring. Oprah also looks her best in “winter white.” Jessica Simpson and Hillary Clinton both look great in ” bright white.”

*For more information on choosing colors get Joanna Nicholson’s books, “Dressing Smart for Women,” and “Dressing Smart for Men.”

Nancy Goldblatt is a professionally trained, personal image consultant. She was trained by Color 1 Associates. She specializes in working with women in Baltimore and surrounding areas whose weight or shape has changed and or who have lots of clothes and “nothing to wear.” Reach her at Nancy@wardrobewiz.com or 410-235-5325. She offers a complimentary initial telephone consult to help you determine if her services are right for you. She also works with men, and groups in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

Does The Color Black Really Flatter You? If Not, How Can You Wear All Those Black Clothes

July 26, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 1 Comment

When you look in your closet how much black clothing do you see?

Is black really that flattering for your unique body colors?

Keep reading to find out what to do about all that black clothing you own.

Here’s my black clothing story.

My mother wore a lot of black and she told me it was slenderizing, so for many years I wore mostly black clothes.

In my sophomore year of college, my roommate Leslie , who was a good friend, told me if I bought one more piece of black clothing, she was going to strangle me.

She was sick of looking at me in black. At that time I didn’t know what colors looked good on me and black clothes were so easy to find and mix & match.

I bought a few items with color, so Leslie wouldn’t be upset but I continued to wear lots of black.

In 1990, when I had my “color chart done,” by a ” Color 1 Associate” and got a wallet containing 40-50 of my best shades, magic happened for me and I was able to begin adding lots more color into my wardrobe.

I have said in previous blogs that by repeating body colors you can create visual harmony because our eyes automatically search for colors that are repeated. My hair is very dark brown but gives the illusion of looking almost black. Because the color black repeats my hair color it creates visual balance. Now I combine black with my best shades of other colors.

Is black one of your body colors ?

If not, then black is not a dark neutral for you. You may still be able to wear black in small amounts but in large amounts it may drain the color from your face, and it can emphasize your lines and shadows.

What to do with all those black clothes, if black is not your best dark neutral

For my image clients that don’t look their best in black, but aren’t ready to part with their black clothing , I tell them to shows some skin when they wear black. This means v neck lines or scoop neck lines. Or wear a scarf near your face that is a flattering color.

Wondering what your best dark or light neutrals are?

I recommend getting JoAnna Nicholson’s books, “Dressing Smart for Women,” and “Dressing Smart for Men.” These paperback books explain the Color 1 approach to color, which I believe is the most accurate system of color analysis around.

If you are interested in having your colors done and you are located in Baltimore or surrounding areas including Washington, D.C., I am available to work with you in-person. I can do a color analysis on-line if you live in other parts of the country or the world.

I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation to help you determine if my services are right for you. Contact me at Nancy@wardrobewiz.com

Nancy Goldblatt, “The Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a Color 1, professionally trained personal image consultant.

How To Instantly Lose Credibility

July 16, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt Leave a Comment

Earlier this year I went to a women’s networking event. I joined a conversation of two other women and ended up talking to a “20 something woman,”who was a graphic artist. The only thing I can remember about this young graphic artist besides her profession was the blouse she was wearing. She apparently had gained some weight and her blouse was too tight. Horizontal creases had formed where her blouse was especially tight over her bust area and the buttons down the front of her blouse were so strained they looked like they were about to pop open.

My eyes kept being drawn back to those “about to pop buttons.” She had unknowingly created a focal point with the strained buttons and the horizontal creases of her shirt. I was looking for a graphics artist at the time but this young woman’s appearance kept me from trusting her. I never told her I was looking for a graphics person.

My automatic thought was “If she isn’t willing to take the time to put on clothing that fits her, she is not going to take the time to do good art work.” She had managed to “instantly discredit herself,” by wearing clothing that was was too tight.

Wondering what will give you instant credibility? Here are four suggestions.

Create visual harmony by repeating hair, eye and shades of your skin color in your clothing
Wear three layers. This means a jacket or vest over a shirt or blouse. (This will make you look more authoritative and if the jacket or vest follows your body line it can hide figure challenges.) If you have a defined waistline choose a jacket or vest with vertical darts. If you do not have a defined waistline choose a jacket without darts that is not fitted. For a more “relaxed,” jacket look, use a cardigan or an unbuttoned blouse over a shell top.
Before you leave the house look in a full length mirror and make sure your face and eyes are the focus point.
Wear clothing that fits you, not too tight and not too loose.

Do you have any tips to share on how you create ” visual credibility?”

Nancy Goldblatt, the “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,”was professionally trained by Color 1 Associates as a “Personal Image Consultant.” She specializes in teaching people how to shop in their own closets first before they purchase new clothing. She uses color analysis, as well as face and body shape analysis to teach her clients how to create “their own best looks.” She can be reached at Nancy@WardrobeWiz.com/ 410-513-9496, Her website is www.WardrobeWiz.com/ She works with both individuals and groups. She is now offering “Online Makeovers.”

Where Can You Buy A Full Length Mirror That Hooks On To A Door Frame for $5?

July 13, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt Leave a Comment

I just found a place where you can buy a full length mirror that is easy to install because you can hang it over a door frame. The cost, only $5. You will find the name of the place at the end of this short blog.

I have previously suggested getting a full length mirror and placing it some where you have good light. It’s best if you can back up 5 feet from it to look at yourself, so you can do the “blink test,” to determine where your focus point is. Also, a full length mirror will show if something in your outfit is not right.

In the 1970’s one of my aunt’s discovered my grandmother who was in her mid 80’s at the time, standing on a chair. My grandmother had on a pair of my grandfathers trousers. She had never worn pants and pant suits had become popular. She did not own a full length mirror and she was standing on the chair to look in the in the mirror that hung over her dresser. My grandmother who was 5 feet tall, plump and curvy was about 8 inches shorter than my grandfather. My aunt said my grandmother looked like she had clown pants on. My grandmother liked what she saw well enough to agree to get several pant suits and wear them.

You don’t have to risk your life and stand on a chair to see your whole body. Just go out and buy a full length mirror from Wal Mart for $5. The mirror has a frame that comes in several different attractive colors. I believe the colors you can choose from are black, turqoise, orange and green. The mirror is probably a special for the college crowd , so if you don’t have a full length mirror get one quick before they are gone. I have previously seen full length mirrors that hook over door frames for $19 to $39.

What body lotion is a naturally occuring body moisturizer?

July 7, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 2 Comments

I have had seriously dry skin since I was a child, especially on my hands, feet and elbows. As a child my hands and feet were so dry they developed tiny painful cracks. The dermatologist told me I had contact dermatitis. Not only did my hands and feet hurt from the dryness and cracks, but the little cracks made my hands and feet look dirty. The more I washed, the worse the cracks got. During the cold, dry, Chicago winter’s my mother would put petroleum jelly on my hands and cover my hands with socks when I went to bed at night. This did not help me much. As I got older, I tried every over-the counter remedy for dry skin. A dermatologist gave me prescription cortisone lotion which only helped a little.

Finally, about 15 years ago I discovered a lotion that really helped. This was a prescription lotion called Lach-hydrin 12%. This lotion is now available over the counter at CVS drugs. The over the counter name is Amlactin lotion. It comes in a 7.9 oz bottle and costs about $15 dollars. It’s probably available on line if you do not have a CVS drugstore near you. Use it only on your body, especially hands, elbows, and feet, its too strong to use on your face.

This is what the label says “Amlactin moisturizing body lotion is a special formulation of 12% lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to provide a ph of 4.5-5.5. Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is a naturally occurring humectant for the skin. Amlactin moisturizing body lotion moisturizes, exfoliates and softens rough, dry skin.”

It gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin. It prevents calluses from building up on my feet and I am no longer embarrassed by the way my hands look in the winter and in the summer I can wear sandals and my feet don’t embarrass me. It works on elbows too.

I would be interested in hearing what results you have with Amlactin Lotion.

Nancy Goldblatt, is a professionally trained personal image consultant. She has a holistic approach and looks at the whole person. She specializes in working with women whose shape or size has changed and or who have lots of clothes and nothing to wear. She also works with men. If you are in Baltimore or surrounding areas including Washington, D.C. she can work with you “in person.” She offers a 30 minute telephone consult to help you determine if her services are right for you. Contact her at nrgoldblatt at gmail dot com or 410-235-5325.

Get Rid of Your Pimples and Get Back Your Radiance With Two Products

July 6, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 2 Comments

What is your fashion personality? What does that have to do with choice of clothing?

July 4, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 17 Comments

Nancy professional picture — Wardrobe Wizard, Nancy Goldblatt, has a “Sporty-Natural, Dramatic, Fashion Personality”

When people ask me how I became an image consultant, I tell them I owe it to my mother.

My mother was a beautiful woman who never felt beautiful. She was critical of herself and of me, her oldest daughter.

My passion for helping clients look good and feel good about themselves comes from my own journey to look and feel good.

My mother thought her nose was too big and she hated her freckled skin.

She envied all of her friends who could lay in the sun till their skin was a leathery brown. I have my father’s small nose and I only have a sprinkling of freckles, so my mother focused on what I wore and my weight. I will talk about my weight in another blog.

When I was 13, my mother encouraged me to wear lipstick and heels and dress more “sophisticated.”

She told me she wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be an “old maid.” My friends were envious and told me how lucky I was. I did not feel fortunate, because even at 13, heels, lipstick and dressing more “sophisticated,” did not represent my” true self. “

Intuitively I knew that if I presented a false self, I would not attract a compatible boyfriend or future husband.

nancy age 13 cropped — Nancy, age 13, just wanted to be comfortable

My mother did not understand that she and I had different fashion personalities and the clothing that was right for her was not right for me.

She was interested in looking ” sophisticated and elegant,” and I was interested in feeling comfortable, “being my self,” and having low maintenance clothing and hair.

I understand now that we had different “fashion personalities,” but at the time I felt angry and hurt that she did not try to understand me.

As a result of her constant criticism, I felt self conscious about my appearance and stayed angry at my mother for a long time. When I became an image consultant and learned my best colors and styles and found out about fashion personality, much of the early damage to my self esteem disappeared.

Did you feel ever feel self conscious or critical about your appearance because of things said to you when you were growing up?

My hope is that after learning about fashion personality you can begin to be less critical of your self, and not so influenced by the fashion industry.

If you have a daughter who dresses in a way you do not approve of, my hope is that after learning about “fashion personality,” you will try to understand that not only is there a generational difference, but her fashion personality may be different from yours.

It will be easier for her to discover her own fashion personality and feel good about her appearance if you can accept her, instead of trying to change her.

One of the first things I do when I work with a client is give the “fashion personality test.” This test is extremely accurate for women but not as accurate for (straight) men. It can be accurate for gay men.

Fashion personality has nothing to do with your height or weight or how long or short your hair is or what colors you wear.

I believe it is “in-born,” like temperament. You may be a combination of two types but one is usually predominant. Here are brief descriptions of the four fashion personality types and photo examples.

Romantic Top from Roman’s catalog	Sporty-Natural Fashion Personality, blouse from Roman’s
Timeless Classic Suit by Anne Klein	Colette has a “Dramatic, Romantic,” fashion personality

Sporty Natural Fashion Personality: You want comfort and ease. You probably don’t like to iron and prefer a very easy to care for hair style. You may not like to get dressed up. Your friends think you wear the same outfit frequently because you end up wearing the same few comfortable things or have the same style in different colors that you wear over and over. Whoppi Goldberg, Ellen De Generes, and Katherine Hepburn all have this fashion personality

Time-less Classic Fashion Personality: You probably like classic styles. You may prefer tailored clothes. Think Ann Taylor and Ann Klein clothing. You don’t waste your money on fads and may be slow to adopt trends . Diane Sawyer and many anchor women have this fashion personality

Romantic Fashion Personality: You probably like some feminine touches in your clothes like soft flowing fabric, maybe a few ruffles, scarves, perfume, maybe long hair or at least some waves or curls,as well as delicate jewelry. Examples of famous people, Jane Seymour, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly,

High Fashion- Dramatic or Creative Fashion Personality: You like to make a statement with your clothing and jewelry. You may like trying different hair styles and colors. You like trying the latest styles and fads. You don’t mind being the center of attention. Cher, Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and Rhyianna are examples of this personality.

In order to present your most authentic self to the world, I believe it is important to understand and respect your fashion personality. Even if an outfit was a flattering color and fit me, I would still feel uncomfortable if it had ruffles. That’s because ruffles feel too “girly,” romantic on me. I have a “sporty-natural, dramatic.” fashion personality. I am mostly sporty- natural with a little dramatic. I like wearing pieces that breathe, do not need ironing and are super comfortable. I do the dramatic part with big earrings and or a funky lapel pin.

At a recent Wardrobe Wizard presentation one of the participants , a successful woman entrepreneur, wanted to know how she could look more appropriate when she has to go to “dress up affairs.”

I determined she had a “sporty-natural fashion personality.” She loves wearing pants and boots and hates getting dressed up, but she must attend certain important events where she has to look less casual.

I suggested she could do this by wearing a 3 piece pant outfit in a silk or knit fabric all in one color. (When you wear all one color you will always look more elegant and dressed up.) The pants should be soft and flowing with a deep v neck shell and an open jacket.

She could wear simple earrings and comfortable dressy pumps the same color as her hair. If she wanted to look more feminine she could wear a pashmina over her shoulders instead of the jacket. The outfit should be as comfortable for her as pajamas.

It’s important for her to respect her fashion personality because if she were to wear more tailored, high fashion or frilly clothing she would not feel comfortable and would not be at her best.

Joanna Nicholson, “Color 1,’ founder and my teacher, would probably say fashion personality categories are too confining and we can change our looks based on how we are feeling.

I could look a little more romantic, if I put a sheer scarf around my neck, but I would feel very uncomfortable dressed totally in a romantic style.

Think of your fashion personality as a home base where you feel most relaxed and comfortable.

You can leave home for awhile wearing a different style, but eventually you need to return home to your “fashion personality.” to relax and recharge your batteries.

Do you know what your fashion personality is? How has this affected your choice of clothing and accessories? I’d love to hear from you.

Nancy Goldblatt, “The Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a Color One Associate. She specializes in working with mid-life women whose size or shape has changed. She has worked over twenty years as a Personal Image Consultant. She is now working with clients all over the world using the telephone and internet. She can be reached at Nancy@wardrdrobewiz.com, website is : www.WardrobeWiz.com

How to Choose Flattering Glasses & Sunglasses:

June 26, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 10 Comments

For those of you who need new glasses or plan to buy sunglasses here are a few tips for choosing flattering frames.

If you have a strong eyeglasses prescription it may be very difficult or impossible for you to actually see how the frames you are trying on look.

One day I went shopping for glasses with one of my image clients who is very near sighted.

She could not tell how she looked when she took her own glasses off.

Out of desperation she put the frames she was interested in on top of her own glasses. This was a creative solution but it did not work.

A Better Solution

When you go shopping for new glasses, bring a digital camera or use your camera phone. Ask the sales person to take pictures of you with the frames you are interested in.

Even if you are not extremely near sighted this is a good idea. By looking at a picture rather than a mirror, its much easier to see what really looks good.

I learned about choosing flattering styles of glasses from JoAnna Nicholson, my teacher and co-founder of Color 1 Associates an International Image and Style Company.

Eyeglass Shape

When choosing glasses or sunglasses, choose shapes that repeat your eyebrow shape.

If you have straight eyebrows, choose glasses that have a softened rectangular shape. If you have a more naturally curved eyebrow choose glasses that are more curved on the top of the frame.

(You also need to take into consideration your overall face shape)

Most people have more angular faces and you will find more angular eyeglasses frames available.

As we get older our eyes lose their defined shape. When you put glasses on, it’s like putting on eyeliner or mascara because glasses can give our eyes definition. This is another reason that it’s helpful to choose a shape that compliments your face.

Frame Color

Some people wear glasses to make a statement. One trend that may be dying is the “Buddy Holly,” black eyeglass frame nerd look.

However, if you want people to look at you, instead of your eyeglasses, I suggest choosing glasses that look like they are a part of you.

A very thin frame in a flattering color will show off your eyes and is more likely to look like it is part of you.

In choosing frame color, consider choosing your natural hair color or the natural highlights in your hair or a combination of hair and skin color.

Our eyes automatically search for color repetition. When you repeat your body colors in your apparel and accessories you create visual harmony and a pleasing appearance.

For example, if your hair has copper highlights, a copper frame would probably look good on you. My client, Judith, used to have copper frames when her hair was reddish brown but now that her hair is white, a non- shiny silver frame is more flattering on her.

If you can’t remember what color your hair was, look at old pictures of yourself when you were a child.

If you still have color in your eyebrows, what color are they?

If you have a child or relative who has the same color hair you used to have ask for a lock of their hair. Keep the piece of hair in a ziplock bag in a dark place. Take this lock of hair with you when you shop for glasses and try to choose a frame that is a shade of this color.

Trying On Sunglasses

I have noticed that frequently the mirrors on sunglass displays is up high. This may be done because its a convienient place to put the mirror but it can be deceiving. When looking up at a mirror that is higher than eye level, you will always look better.

This is because some of your face and neck wrinkles disappear when you look up.

On the other hand, if the mirror is lower than eye level, you will always look worse because your wrinkles and any sagging skin will be exaggerated.

I suggest you bring your own mirror and hold it at eye level to get a more accurate impression of how you look in the eyeglasses or sunglasses.

What is your biggest challenge in choosing glasses or sunglasses? Feel free to ask questions on this blog.

Nancy Goldblatt, “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a professionally trained personal image consultant. She works with both individuals and groups. She is located in Baltimore, Md. She can now work with you online using digital photos and or a webcam. She can be reached at Nancy@wardrobewiz.com

Her website is WWW.WardrobeWiz.com

What do you say to yourself when you look in the mirror?

June 21, 2009 by Nancy Goldblatt 4 Comments

Years ago there was an episode of Sesame Street on television called “Pick Your Pet.” It was a version of the “Dating Game.” The contestant was a little girl muppet and behind the curtain were 3 pets. Number one was a bird, number two was a dog and number three was a big shaggy monster muppet.

The little girl asked number one, the bird, ” Do you like milk”? The answer was no.

She asked the dog, “Can you purr? The answer was no.

She then asked number one and two,“Will you sit in my lap?” The answer again was no.

Time ran out and she never got to ask number three, the monster muppet any questions.. She had to choose number one, two or three.

She choose number three, the monster muppet.

The audience booed. The bird came out and gave her a peck on the cheek, the dog came out and licked her face and then it was time for number three, her choice to come out from behind the curtain.

The audience continued to boo. The poor monster muppet lumbered out from behind the curtain with shoulders hunched over, looking at the ground as the audience continued to boo and make fun of him.

The little girl looked at the monster muppet and said “You are Bou- tee- ful.” The monster muppet stood up straight, lifted his head, smiled and said “I like milk, I can purr, and I will sit in your lap.”

Words can transform how we feel about ourselves

When you focus on what’s wrong , its hard to feel good about yourself.

What happens when you look in the mirror and focus on what you like about your looks. Remember “You are Bou tee ful.”

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Nancy Goldblatt is available to work with you no matter where you live. If you live in Baltimore, Md or surrounding areas she can work with you in person. If you live other places, she can work with you on-line using digital pictures.

Nancy Goldblatt, “The Wardrobe Wizard,” is a “Color 1,” Personal Image Consultant who specializes in working with mid-life women whose size and shape has changed and who have too many clothes and “nothing to wear.”

After a woman works with “The Wardrobe Wizard,”she will have a wallet of her best colors and styles, and a pared down closet. She will learn how to mix and match her best looks so she can get dressed “lickety split,” and look great everyday.

“The Wardrobe Wizard,” also works with younger women and is available to work with men. She was trained by Joanna Nicholson, founder of Color 1 Associates, an International Image & Style Company.

Nancy@WardrobeWiz.com, 410-513-9496, WWW.WardrobeWiz.com

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