Month: September 2021

Too Lazy to Shop for Clothes? You Are Not Alone!

shop for clothes

My question is: Why do you think of yourself as lazy? Often, what we think is laziness is just a natural response to uncertainty or insecurity.

The entire fashion industry is based on insecurity. It’s their job to get us confused about how we look and to make us relinquish control of our decisions. Don’t give them that power.

Here are some common reasons for fashion “laziness” along with ideas about how to reframe them. How many of these apply to you?

I’m So Busy That I Don’t Have a Lot of Time to Shop

Understanding how to shop intelligently means you won’t need a lot of time to shop. Besides, people who spend too much time shopping possibly have a shopping addiction. Buy fewer, high quality items you truly love, and you’ll cut your shopping time – and likely your budget – dramatically.

I Hate Malls; the Crowds, the Parking, the Sensory Overload

A lot of people hate malls. Among them are highly sensitive people. Malls often offer too many choices with too little guidance. When you learn what works for you, zero in on the stores that serve your style best or avoid malls entirely. A great local boutique or online store could be your solution.

I Get Bleary-Eyed/Anxious/Insecure When I Compare Myself with What I See in Fashion Magazines and on Instagram

The images you see in the media are of manufactured persons. They are not real humans who clean up after baby or dog poo, mow lawns or sweat over bills. They have hairdressers, stylists, makeup artists, personal trainers, chefs, to make them, and their lives, look so “effortless.” Don’t compare yourself with fiction.

How I Look Is Just Not All That Important to Me

Whether we like it or not, we are judged within the first seven seconds of an introduction. But our greatest judgement comes from the mirror itself.

If you really didn’t care about how you look, you wouldn’t be reading this. You do care. You just need the tools to make simple, effortless decisions about how to dress. And that doesn’t have to eat up a lot of time.

I’ve Recently Gained/Lost Weight and Nothing Fits or Looks Good on Me

Weight gain or loss is a very common reason to avoid shopping. By paying attention to your basic body shape and creating pleasing visual proportion and balance, you will be able to clothe your body at any stage of your life regardless of how much space you do or don’t take up.

I’m Over 60 and Feel That Fashion Has Forgotten About Me

Chin up! The times, they are a-changing. You will see more and more fashionable women and men over the age of 50, 60, 70 and beyond in the public eye.

But yes, it is more challenging to find clothing that isn’t designed for 18-year-olds. Recognize your unique style, coloring and the needs of your lifestyle, and build a “uniform” around that – and stick with it.

I’m Actually Depressed, Not Lazy

Depression is often the crux of the matter. Since the purpose of fashion marketing is to keep us insecure, it certainly can create a ripe field for depression. But consider this (it was taught to me by one of my college professors, Dr. Valerie Hunt): depression is anger turned inward.

Take that anger against the world of fashion, and use it to build your self-esteem. Take back your power. Learn your lessons, apply them, create a functional, attractive, stress-free wardrobe and then watch the depression start to lift.

Sometimes the superficial things – like looking good in and loving what we wear – can reinforce or motivate a positive internal change.

Do you relate to any of these excuses to refrain from being stylish? What is your take on shopping? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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Bethenny Frankel’s American Flag Skirt

Bethenny Frankel’s American Flag Skirt on Kelly and Ryan

Bethenny Frankel 2021 Instagram Fashion

Bethenny Frankel curated the perfect Labor Day lewk in her American flag skirt on Live with Kelly and Ryan. She claimed she’s a homebody and usually spends the holiday at home. But that she was glad she got to join Kelly and Ryan so she could wear this amazing outfit. Which we are very glad she did too because otherwise we wouldn’t have known we needed a Style Stealer of this skirt.

 

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

 

Bethenny Frankel's American Flag Skirt

Click Here to See Her Polo Ralph Lauren Nautical Skirt

Click Here to Shop it on eBay  Size 2

Photo Credit: @bethennyfrankel

Originally posted at: Bethenny Frankel’s American Flag Skirt

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OMG: Jennifer Aniston Is Launching a Beauty Brand & Fans Are Losing It

What do Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Becky G all have in common? They all launched makeup and/or skincare companies! Jennifer Aniston is next with her LolaVie beauty brand. The Morning Show actor is already the chief creative officer at Vital Proteins and has long been the face of Aveeno. So, this isn’t her first time getting into the beauty and/or wellness industry.

Back in 2010, Aniston actually released a perfume called LolaVie, but changed it to Jennifer Aniston “It turned out as we were getting close to the launch, there was something out there that was very similar and it was just going to get very confusing in the marketplace,” she told Reuters Television back in 2010. When speaking to WWD at the same event, she declined to explain what the name means to her, saying, “It’s a long story and honestly it’s too personal to tell, but it has a special significance.”

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

This new brand will seemingly have a little bit of everything. She filed a trademark for body care, deodorant, skincare, haircare, soaps, nail care and candles. And it looks like she’s already teasing the first product! When LolaVie first launched its Instagram account, I thought for sure skincare was going to be the first to launch. But this recent picture is of Aniston’s wavy blonde hair, which makes me think maybe it’s actually haircare we’re getting right off the bat. Although it could just be a photo of her in a LolaVie meeting.

Fans seem very excited about this launch, which is already coming on September 8. “I don’t know exactly what this is, but I’m sure it’s going to be awesome! I am excited,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “I’m so in love with this aesthetic,” wrote another.

We’ve reached out to LolaVie for more information and will update you as soon as we know more.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

 

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The CVS Epic Beauty Event Is Back & Includes Even More Wellness Products on Sale

There’s nothing more annoying than going to one store thinking you’ll get everything you need, only to have to hit two other places because the first didn’t have it all. Luckily, the CVS Epic Beauty Event features self-care, wellness, skin care, hair care and cosmetics. From August 29 through September 25, you can score ExtraBucks Rewards, as well as Hot Offers each week on cosmetics (the offers change weekly). Shop everything you need for practically any situation, from a house party with the girls (including new makeup) to a post-spin class refresh.

Not only are there four long weeks of sales with rotating options, but you can score even more ExtraBucks the more you buy. Spend $40 on select beauty and wellness products and get $15 in CVS ExtraBucks Rewards. Spend $30 on select beauty and wellness products and get $10 ExtraBucks Rewards. So, whether it’s nail polish for a DIY manicure or new vitamins, the CVS Epic Beauty Event has got you covered both in-store and online.

There are hundreds of items on sale each week but we got you started with some of our faves, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. CVS is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Week 1: August 29-September 4

shea moisture curl

CVS.

SheaMoisture Coco Shea Curl Glam Sulfate Free Conditioner for Frizz-Prone Hair

This sulfate- and silicone-free conditioner can be used as a cleansing conditioner and/or dry hair treatment for curls so it’s basically a two-in-one.

Flamingo Razor

Flamingo Women’s 5-blade Razor with Replacement Blade Cartridge

Ashley Graham’s favorite razor features a flexible hinge that glides over knees and curves, helping you get the closest shave ever without nicks. Choose from either the Taro or Rose color options to match your bathroom aesthetic. And don’t forget the shave gel!

cvs body wash

CVS.

Beauty 360 Sensitive Skin Body Wash

This hypoallergenic body wash is unscented and soap-free — perfect for those with sensitive skin. And even though it’s gentle, it still makes a creamy lather that gives you a deep cleanse.

L'Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

For bold, look-at-me-lashes, this lifting and curling mascara is exactly what you’re looking for. The mix of long and short bristles separates each lash for tons of length and definition.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

CVS.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

Post-acne marks are no match for this nighttime treatment infused with Retinol SA, a stabilized form of vitamin A.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

CVS.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

Support hydrated, youthful-looking skin with these hyaluronic acid, collagen and sea buckthorn gummies.

Week 2: September 5-11

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

CVS.

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

Why can’t skincare ingredients be in your body products, too? They can with this ultra-nourishing body wash infused with hyaluronic acid to really lock in moisture.

Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls

CVS.

Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Get ultra-soft, touchable curls with this leave-in styling gel. And there’s no petroleum or sulfates — you know Miss Jessie’s cares about the health of your hair, too.

covergirl lash blast wterproof

CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl just launched a waterproof version of its best-selling clean mascara. Hint: we love it.

Nature's Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

CVS.

Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

These yummy jelly beans contain 6,000 mcg of biotin to support hair, skin and nails, as well as keratin and vitamins A, C and E.

 

Week 3: September 12-18

maybelline fit me

CVS.

Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer Natural Coverage Face Makeup

The brand’s Fit Me foundation line is a best-seller so it only makes sense a hydrating tinted moisturizer would be up next. This one lets your skin breathe while still covering any imperfections.

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

CVS.

 

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

Claw clips are back and more fashionable than ever. This one bumps up any casual outfit with ease.

essie color

CVS.

Essie Nail Polish

Perfect-for-summer shades including Ice Cream and Shout (above) and Air Spun Fun (a pale pink) are on sale at just the right time.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

This hydrating eye serum contains pure hyaluronic acid and pure caffeine to plump, brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Gaiam hip bands

CVS.

Gaiam Restore Hip Bands

This set of two fabric bands can help you increase your mobility in your legs, hips, glutes and thighs, as well as build muscle. There are two levels of resistance as well as an exercise guide.

Week 4: September 19-25

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

CVS.

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

Detangle, condition and protect hair with this 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner. It contains a blend of coconut oil, banana and sunflower seed oil to help control frizz and prevent split ends.

revlon eye so fierce

CVS.

Revlon So Fierce! Chrome Ink Liquid Eyeliner

Your nighttime glam is pretty much set with this chromatic liquid eyeliner. Available in three shades, the formula easily glides on and provides full color payoff in just one swipe.

roc retinol

CVS.

RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules Anti-Aging Night Retinol Face Serum

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with RoC’s retinol-infused serum. Each capsule is sealed for optimal retinol freshness.

Hydrant water supplement.

CVS.

Hydrant HYDRATE Blood Orange, 12 CT

Boost your hydration with a blend of essential electrolytes and real fruit juice powder.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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Why More Willpower Isn’t the Answer to Fight Food Cravings

food cravings willpower

Many women I work with in their 60s and beyond are frustrated that after decades of dieting and trying to get food figured out they are still struggling with food cravings.

Perhaps this is you?

You think if only you could have more self-control, discipline, or willpower then you would choose carrot sticks over rocky road, and your doctor would applaud your cholesterol numbers.

This belief that willpower is the answer to food cravings is compounded by personal experience.

You may have had seasons where you were able to exercise an iron will over food and get the results you wanted. But somehow, this season of life is different, and you can’t seem to get back to that fever-dream of a lifestyle.

But the truth is, willpower doesn’t last forever. And that’s especially true when life throws other stressors your way… like, I don’t know… say, a global pandemic?

Unfortunately, the very things you try to control eating, like dieting, can kick food cravings into high gear.

How Dieting Leads to More Food Cravings

Most diet regimens can be boiled down to lists of “good foods” and “bad foods.”

Especially when diets started from a young age, or you’ve been dieting on and off for many years, the list of bad foods can make you feel restricted and deprived, increasing your cravings for those foods.

Furthermore, the stark categorization of foods in our minds leads to “All or Nothing Thinking” where you believe you’ve blown it if you enjoy even small quantities from the “bad” list… causing you to give up altogether or justify larger indulgences.

Dieting Can Also Imbalance Key Hormones That Lead to Foods Cravings

The stress hormone cortisol – a powerful fight, flight, or freeze hormone – can cause intense food cravings which I call “The Cookie Monster” or “Devil on Your Shoulder.” You can learn more about how cortisol gets elevated and how it impacts food cravings in my recent blog post “How to Conquer Food Cravings.

The appetite hormone ghrelin builds up in the body the further you get from your last meal. If you wait too long between meals, ghrelin will signal appetite and food cravings to your brain.

The bottom line is, willpower alone can’t fight these powerful hormones when they cause food cravings.

Emotional Eating Causes Willpower to Crumble in the Face of Food Cravings

Another powerful foe of willpower is using food to cope with emotions. Boredom eating, stress eating, too-tired-to-care eating all share one commonality: using food to numb uncomfortable emotion.

Because food (especially when it is “forbidden food”) activates several pathways in your brain and body that make you feel pleasure and reward, it works to make you feel better.

Subbing out your craving for low-cal popcorn with a walk or a bath isn’t going to work because these activities don’t stimulate the brain in the same feel-good way that food does.

So What’s a Gal to Do About Emotional Eating?

The answer to emotional eating isn’t to have more self-control or go for a walk. The answer is to stop using *anything* to numb your emotions – and actually feel them.

Emotions are transient. If you feel them and practice specific self-care techniques, they eventually let up and move on. (If you want examples of these self-care techniques, check out Michelle’s story).

Feeling your emotions means you don’t have to eat them.

4 Tips to Abolish Food Cravings Without Willpower

Now that you understand where food cravings are coming from, let me offer my top tips to get rid of food cravings without willpower.

  1. Eat regularly – waiting too long between meals causes stress and appetite hormones to increase, making you more likely to reach for a cupcake rather than a salad for dinner.
  2. Pay attention to sabotage words in your mind or speech like “failure,” “blew-it,” “should” – these words are signs of All or Nothing Thinking which makes it hard to have consistent progress towards your goals.
  3. If you realize you are using food to care for your emotions, get help to heal the emotional root of your problem. You can get started by downloading my free guide to help curb sugar cravings.
  4. Reflect on times in your life when willpower was easier to come by. Think about what was different then.
  5. Oftentimes stress and sleep issues are major culprits for food cravings, and by focusing on supporting those areas of your life (or others that you discover while reflecting!) you may find yourself with more willpower after all.

What foods are you craving? What strategies have you tried to eliminate food cravings? Have they worked for you? Why or why not?

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