remodeling this life

I am a firm believer that if you look good, you have taken one large step toward feeling good. I always feel better, more energized and more productive if I look good. Here are 10 quick ways to look good, that don’t cost a lot of money or take a lot of time, but make a big impact.

1.  Get dressed – by this I mean don’t hang out in sweats, exercise clothes, or pajamas all day. I love my early morning and late evening time lounging in my yoga pants and a tank top (like right now) but I think it’s important to get dressed in real clothes to feel good and to remind me that my day is not for lounging it away.

2. Exercise – the after exercise glow is better than any makeup. Exercise is good motivation for eating well too (I always eat better on days I exercise) and I always get a self-esteem boost from a good run or an hour of pilates. I feel more confident and prettier.

3. Wear clothes that fit - clothes that are too sloppy make you look, well…sloppy. And clothes that are too tight make you look uncomfortable. What good is a cute outfit if you have to tug on it all day and it’s impractical? Wear clothes that fit well and are right for your lifestyle. I personally live in well-fitting jeans and fitted tees. A few well-fitting sweaters for winter and a blazer and some dress pants thrown in to my wardrobe and I’m all set. This is also why when I do buy clothes, I tend to buy higher quality that costs a bit more and lasts longer. Quality clothes maintain shape better, and good shape looks good.

4. Accessorize – Small touches like a cute belt, a pretty necklace or earrings (or both!), a scarf…all small touches that can make a difference in any outfit.

5. Wear makeup – I don’t mean you have to spend every morning putting on a 24-step regimine of makeup. A little lipgloss and some mascara can go a long way – especially with that post exercise glow.

6. Smile – everyone looks better with a smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, smile at someone and have them smile back and tell me it didn’t improve your mood. I dare you!

7. Tweeze – nothing makes me feel frumpier than some bushy eyebrows. It drives me crazy when I have gone too long between tweezing sessions. I make a couple trips per year to the salon for a wax and then shape them up on my own in between trips. Nobody looks good with bushy eyebrows. Really.

8. Drink Water – there are so many reasons to make sure you drink enough water. This is one I struggle with and have to force myself to do, but am always thankful when I take the extra effort. From improving digestion to giving your skin a healthier glow, drinking water will make you look better and feel better.

9. Be Yourself – know what looks good on you: from makeup to clothes, shoes, and accessories – by being yourself and knowing your style and what works for your body, you can be sure you’ll look good. Don’t try to wear clothes not meant for your body type and don’t try to wear makeup that only looks good in magazines. Work with your body type and coloring and stick with what works.

10. Eat Well – by caring for what you put into your body, you’ll both improve what you look like on the outside and feel better inside. I eat 4 small meals/day with snacks mixed in between. Eating well – lots of fruits and veggies (I love greek salads), a lot of protein, and heaping helpings of peanut butter (my weakness) – I can stay energized, focused and productive.

What are some things you do to look good and in turn feel good? I would love to hear what works for you!

This post was inspired by Simple Mom’s 10 Tips For Looking Your Best. Check it out – you’ll find lots of ideas in her post and in the comments!