Greetings!

I thought last month was crazy busy. This month is starting off just as busy.

I mentioned last month my daughter is getting married May 4th on Sanibel Island. This necessitates me shopping for a Mother of the Bride dress. I thought I'd share some shopping tips for those of you who might be looking for a special occasion dress - or just shopping in general.

We all know online ordering is very popular now but there are many of us who want to touch and feel and try on before we buy. My suggestion is to go to your favorite retail store and try on lots of dresses paying attention to the fabric, the construction and the details of each one. When you find a dress that has the fabric you like, the quality you like and the general style you are looking for, note the manufacturer/label and the style name/number of the dresses you like.

Armed with that information you can now go home and search that label/brand online and find many more choices than what's available in the stores and feel pretty certain of what you will be receiving.

I found two gowns in stores that I liked but one was in navy and one was in steel gray. I didn't want either of those colors for a beach wedding in May. But I was able to find both styles online in several other color choices. I won't say now which one I chose but I will include pictures in next month's newsletter.

Also keeping me busy was moving into new office space. As of Monday I am now located inside the IntegraLife Spa - same building, same floor, new space. When you exit the elevator on the first floor of The Terraces building my door is just to the left. My sign is on the door so you can't miss me.

I have been a customer of IntegraLife Spa for a dozen years, getting all my facials and other treatments there. They do an excellent job of keeping my skin as healthy and fresh-looking as possible - and I feel great after every appointment.

In honor of our new partnership, IntegraLife Spa is offering a very special treatment for Image Matters clients. Until May 31st my Image Matters clients can get Micro-Dermabrasion facials - two for the price of one. This top of the line facial is one of their most requested services. I guarantee you will love it! Call the spa directly to book at 239-437-8386 and come say hello to me when you are here.

Change brings new energy and excitement. I hope your month is filled with positive changes.

Christine

When the weather turns warmer, we all want to dress cooler. And that often means turning to shorts and capris. But how to know what styles and lengths will work best?

First, pay attention to your leg/torso proportions. Your legs should measure half your total height. How to measure this? Stand with your back to a wall and bend one knee forward until you see the crease that forms separating your torso from your leg. That spot is called the "break of leg" and ideally it falls in the middle of your height. If your break of leg is more than 2" lower than the halfway point, your legs are proportionately short; if your break of leg is more than 2" higher than the halfway point, your legs are longer.

The most flattering length for bottom pieces, whether you are considering shorts or capris or full-length pants, depends on your leg proportions. If your legs are shorter, you can wear shorts well but they should hit at mid-thigh (or possibly even shorter if your legs are in good shape). Shorts that come to just above the knee will hit at an awkward spot, making the legs seem even shorter. If your legs are longer, short shorts will appear very risque as so much leg will be showing. Your best length will be just above the knee.

Any pant of shorter than ankle length is generally called a capri pant, although technically capris refer to pants that hit at mid-calf and are fitted at the calf. Proportions are even more important to consider when wearing capris as this style can be unflattering for a variety of reasons. A woman with short legs wearing a pair of capris will appear as if she is standing in a hole. A woman with exceptionally long legs wearing a pair of capris will appear as if she couldn't find a pair of pants to fit her. So who can wear capris? They work best for women of average height (between 5'4" and 5'7") whose legs measure half their height.

When wearing capris, you should also pay attention to the top you are wearing. Again, proportion is key. If your torso is longer than your leg length, your tops should be tucked in . This makes the torso seem shorter and the legs longer. If your torso is shorter than your leg length you can wear a longer length top and may even prefer a capri that has a lower rise.

    

Capris are most flattering when they fit closely at the leg opening. A wide leg opening works best in a full length pant.

If you want to stick to a full length pant, look for lighter weight fabrics and a pant style that fits loosely rather than a legging which clings to the body.