Bargain Styling

I think every female likes the idea of a make-over. It’s a way of starting over and presenting a new, improved, hotter you…

But who can afford a pesonal stylist, hair stylist, make-up artist, trainer, therapist, life coach, interior decorator… Okay this is a BIG make-over..

Well here are some tips on how you can get your make-over for 2009 for FREE…

The key to getting all this done for free is to be creative and think of who you already know that is good at what you want to be.

For example:

Personal Stylist: I hardly ever go shopping anymore without my 1 or 2 friends that have a great eye for fashion and will take the time to go with me. I usually offer to buy them a coffee or lunch as a thank you, but neither of them expects that. It can be useful time spent together and it’s so helpful for you. Try starting the day of with a goal. You need work clothes, a pair of black round toe heels, date night outfits. It’s better to get help when they know what you’re looking for.

Hair Stylist: Almost every city has a training school for hair stylist. In Atlanta, I can think of 3 just off the top of my head: Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and Van Michael. You can get a haircut and full highlights for under $50!! I will tell you that the students take a lot longer than a regular hair stylist would but this is a great time to read a book - maybe a self-help one on a goal you’re trying to achieve in 2009.

Make-up Artist: Sephora is my favorite store to get new make-up tips. These employees will practically give you a full make-over by just asking. The great thing about this store is there’s lots of products for sale including the Sephora line that is budget friendly. Also, almost any make-up counter in the mall will let you try out any of their products. Check them out for visiting make-up artists that do full, free make-overs. This was is just too easy not to take advantage of.

Trainer: Okay, so alot of us can’t afford to join a gym. Not a problem. Start in your own den or neighborhood. I suggest work out videos which you can rent from Netflix or Blockbuster Total Access or probably even get from your library for free. Also - if you have cable, there’s tons of work out shows you can do before or after work. Besides the video, if you’re reading this you have internet access, look on youtube. You’d be amazed at all the dances and work out routines available on that site.

Therapist: Alright, now I can’t tell you how to go see a phd therapist for free.. Although, I would guess they are available - maybe through a ministry. But I suggest reading a book about what you’re going through or reach out to a trustworthy friend who’s a good listener.

Life Coach: Here’s another one where getting books from the library will help. But also Oprah loves to talk about finding your happiness and true dream job. Check out her website for seminars and articles on this topic. It’s a great start. I also found another great radio talkshow you can listen to online with some amazing guests. Visit - www.thekathleenshow.com

Interior decorator: Here’s another area where finding a friend who’s really good at this helps. I see objects for their one obvious purpose other people can enter a room and come up with 5 or 6 different places / usages for a decorative object. Also check out some magazines like Domino and tv shows like HGTV. As far as actually decorating for free or c’mon cheaply, do some items from IKEA (but please not a whole room it reaks of IKEA), garage sales, and hit up your relatives too.

Check out the new and improved blog Life Tips Daily where 5 daily tips are listed.