Investing in Your Smile

Seems like I recently posted on the importance of a great smile. Well, it can’t be said enough – a winning smile sends a host of positive messages. Don’t underestimate the power of your smile to broadcast a well-adjusted, positive attitude. A warm, genuine smile is a strong signal of a confident image and an approachable personality. It’s almost impossible to ignore a smile – the default response is to smile back and this exchange elevates the mood of both parties!
But sometimes I meet with clients who are not maximizing the power of their smile. Why? I frequently hear “I don’t like my smile!” or “I don’t have a good smile” – when pressed, they often admit they don’t like the looks of their teeth. Do you have this feeling? Here are some thoughts:

There’s a new standard. When I started in this business nine years ago, I rarely talked about teeth. But today, there’s an expectation that everyone will have a great smile. People in the media have perfectly straight and white teeth, and there’s a strong pressure for everyone to conform.

Corrective action at any age. Orthodontics are not just for teens. If your teeth are not reasonably straight, there are more options than ever to line them up. Traditional braces, the clear Invisaline product, and even retainers to realign drifting teeth are increasingly seen on adults through middle age. Veneers, pricey as they are, are a great solution for misshapen or undersized teeth or those permanently discolored from Tetracycline, for example.

The easiest improvement. Want a really quick way to improve your smile? Get your teeth whitened! If you're like me and have had a long love affair with coffee, tea, colas, and red wine, your teeth are showing the aging effects of stains. Over the years I’ve tried white strips from the store (mediocre results) and trays and bleach gel from the dentist (better results). I’ve been looking for a great process for a reasonable price and it’s now here! I just did the Beyond™ WhiteSpa® procedure – it took one hour and my teeth (already pretty white) came out really white. See my mouth in the picture! I highly recommend this fast, effective, well-priced option.
So take a look in the mirror and smile! Don't love what you see? Consider some improvements -- it's a great image investment!

First Day of Summer--Are You Ready?

Ladies-It's the first day of summer! How do you continue to look professional and not melt in the heat? We are here to help!
If you have been fortunate enough to attend one of Kathryn’s presentations, you know that she highly encourages the use of “the third piece” to pull together that professional, confident look. This is most usually a jacket, but they can be hot and cumbersome in the summer heat. So how do you help keep your “cool”, and wear that third piece? Here are a few tips:
Look for the right fabrics. Natural fibers like linens, cottons and silks never go out of style. Despite the introduction of synthetics, these natural fibers remain as popular as ever. The natural fibers allow for air to flow, your skin to breathe and will therefore keep you cooler.
Look for ¾ length sleeves. These will be cooler simply because there is less fabric. Your arms are still covered (a must for that “third piece”), but it’s cooler. Another plus for ¾ length sleeves-they rarely require any alterations!
Look for unlined, but structured jackets. Just be certain the seams are finished and lay flat. A well-made jacket will include that detail.
Look for a camisole. Wear a cami (or even a lightweight, short-sleeved sweater) under your third piece. The less clothing under a jacket, the better in the heat!
Look for a great blouse. By placing a cami or lightweight sweater under a blouse that is left open, the blouse becomes your “third piece”. Because blouses are generally lighter weight than jackets, you aren’t as hot, but still have that pulled together look.

Enjoy your summer, stay cool and look fabulous!