Discovering Your Personal DC Style

You schedule regular beauty appointments so you're skin, hair, nails and body will project the best image to the people you meet. But what about your clothing and accessories--what do they say about you?

Image consultants can offer valuable advice and services to make sure you're entire appearance is sending the right message. I caught up with one local expert to explore the ways we can have it all together from head to toe.

Celena Gill, AICI www. dcimageconsultant.com is an image consultant, etiquette trainer and executive trainer who combined her experiences in education, fashion, beauty, law, business and communication to establish Style DC, LLC, an image consulting firm based in Washington.

Q: Celena, if someone can't afford high priced designer clothes and accessories do you have some tips on how to look trendy without spending a fortune?

A: Most of the trends that you see on the runway and on your favorite celebrities can be found in your local retail and franchise stores. Many stores have a "dress for less" version of higher-priced trendy items.

Bargain basement stores such as Filene's Basement, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx have "recessionista" prices for the frugal yet trendy shopper. Also, stores such as Express, The Limited, Forever 21, Gap, and Banana Republic have lower priced versions of the looks seen on the runways.

Additionally, department stores like Macys, Nordstroms, JC Penny, Bloomingdale's usually have the higher priced and lower-priced versions of the latest trends to contrast and compare. If you are looking for high designer/couture fashion or accessories, try the clearance store versions of luxury department stores like Sak's Off Fifth Avenue or Nordstom Rack.

An easy way to find lower priced frocks is to simply ask the salesperson. I always advise my clients to create a "look book" of the trends that they love. Then, take it to one of the bargain stores and have a sales assistant help you find the pieces. They will work their hardest to find the items and make a sale!

Q: Are there some key pieces of clothing we should have?

A: I believe that there are key pieces that every person should have in their wardrobe. Each woman should have one of the following:a blouse, a pair of slacks,a pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater, a dress, and a great pair of heels. All of these items must be suited for their body type and proportions.

If you can only choose one of these, make sure that you have a great dress. It doesn't have to be a LBD, but it does have to be wearable to both a professional or social event with the exchange of a few accessories (to make it appropriate).

Q: Which items are better to splurge on and which ones can we get away with finding less expensive versions of?

A: You should always splurge on your shoes and outerwear. Your feet have to be comfortable, especially if you are in a profession where you might walk for a good portion of the day.

Shoes, if worn and maintained properly, can last throughout your entire adult lifetime.(Great way to save money!)

Additionally, outerwear should be of the best quality that you can afford. Your outerwear should be a mix of classic pieces that will last the test of time...and fashion trends.

Q: What are the advantages of hiring an image consultant?

A: Within the first seven seconds that someone looks at you, perceptions are created about your intelligence level, your profession, your educational background, your home neighborhood, the type of car you drive, etc. If a picture is a thousand words, don't you want your picture to say exactly what you intend it to say?

An image consultant can assist you in creating that picture and assist you in discovering your own personal style. You are a visual brand of your goals and objectives. If your visual look is not aligned with your stated goals, it creates confusion to those who you meet. When you look great, with the proper fit and proportion, wearing the colors best suited for you....you feel great and act with confidence.

You can read Celena's blog called Strictly Fabulous at www.strictlyfab.com.
You can contact her through her website www.dcimageconsulant.com or by calling 202-340-1895.


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Skin Tight For the New Year!

As you make your New Year's party plans and even ponder your resolutions for looking great in 2010, you might like to know your options to take care of a number of aging skin issues. Most of us want a nice , tight jawline, less wrinkles and age spots. And we'd like to do it quickly and in the least invasive way.

It gets confusing sorting out all the different options but Kim Asack, who is a master aesthetician at Vitalia Medspa www.vitaliamedspava.com in Falls Church gave me a great description of their skin tightening procedure called ReFirme plus some other services that you can use for a complete anti-aging program.


Q: What is your training in skin care?

A: I have had a Va. Cosmetologist license for over thirty years. Skin care and laser treatments have always been covered under that license until recently, but I have been "grad fathered in" to being a master aesthetician based on the years of experience of being one the the most experienced technicians nationally.
I received laser training starting in 1999, when I attended Light Speed Institute, in Naples Fl. It was one of the first laser schools that opened nationally.
I have attended more than 40 aesthetic medical conferences since that time to keep up with the newest technology and techniques.

Q: What is the ReFirme? What steps and products do you use?

A: ReFirme is considered a medical procedure. It is used predominately on faces to tighten skin with the use of radio frequency.

It can also be used in other areas for instance the abdominal post pregnancy.

The class two medical device has a hand piece that emits a polarized current over the surface of the skin that tightens skin. It slides over an aloe vera gel that acts as a conductor to create a thermal reaction to effectively tighten lax skin. It's particularly effective on the lower jowl area and neck and is safe enough to be used on upper eye lids.

I tend to treat one side on the face for about 30 minutes and let the patient see the difference which is subtle, but very effective.

I give realistic expectations during consultations. It's not a face lift by any means but it is safe, comfortable and works consistently on all skin types.

In my opinion, it is by far the most effective skin tightening treatment on the market for those who are not wanting a surgical procedure.

Q: Who is a good candidate for one--what skin type or problems would they have?

A: Anyone who is concerned with loose skin. ReFirme is safe for all skin types.

As skin ages, skin become lax, sags, and has spots (broken veins, lines, age spots, sun damage).

Most patients over the age of 40 most likely would be a good candidate for a combination laser series that would address all the aspects of aging.

That would be ReFirme (for sagging) Skin rejuvenation (for spots)and Matrix (for lines).

Skin rejuvenation is our only tool that may not recommend to our darker skin patients.

Q: What is the cost?

A: A combination package cost approximately $1800. It would be customized for the patients concerns.

ReFirme alone cost $450 per treatment or a package of 5 can be purchased for $1800.

Both are an excellent value.

Q: How will your skin look after wards--will there be any redness or blotchiness or can you get one right before an event?

A: These are considered "no down time" treatments". Only a slight pinkness may happen in the very short term.

Make up can be applied following the treatment.

Q: How often should you get treaments for optimal results?

A: It is recommended a patient receive three to five treatments based on how lax the skin is and the age of the patient. The treatments are spaced three weeks apart.

After the original series a the patient is recommended to maintain the tightness with a one time treatment every six months.

Vitalia Medspa 7506
Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22043
703-356-SKIN (7546)
www.vitaliamedspava.com


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Great Skin Between the Pages

Why have you heard the names Rodan + Fields? Do the words infomercials, ProActiv or acne solution ring any bells...

They are actually renowned female dermatologists
Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields
http://cpadgerson.myrandf.com/ who developed that well known product and now have a direct selling brand of prestige skin care products to combat everthing from sun damage to aging to rosacea and acne.

Since they're California based getting an appointment might be tough, but the next best thing is their new book "Write Your Skin A Prescription For Change."


The inspiring idea behind it is that no matter whether you are 18 or 81 you can change your skin's destiny--nice to hear to those of us who baked in the sun one too many summers as teenagers.

Rodan + Fields' philosopy is that we can gain control over our skincare issues and it's easier than we think. And that once we do we'll be transformed by the gain in self esteem and confidence.

It's a big challenge but the doctors do it all through case studies, charts, lists, interactive exercises and insider tips.

Here are some of the key points that the book addresses:

** How to assess your complexion like a dermatologist
** What the most common skincare concerns are and options for treatment
** How to combat the key aging culprits
** How to reverse sun damage and restore a healthy, clear, even-toned complexion
** About the latest cosmetic procedures and if they are right for you
** When to self-treat and when to visit a dermatologist

It really is a pretty universal concern that spans so many age groups so it's another idea for stocking stuffers or holiday gifts to family, friends and co-workers.

The book is getting good reviews and is available in book stores and Amazon for $24.95 but you can get a copy free in a special promotion going on through December. Become a Rodan + Fields skincare preferred customer and order $150 or more of products through December 31 and receive the book, "Write Your Skin A Prescription for Change."

You can order from a local consultant by going to the website http://cpadgerson.myrandf.com/ or emailing cpadgerson@myrandf.com.


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Keeping it Bright Till Your Next Hair Appointment

Seems that almost every female of every age colors her hair these days. Some do it to color the grey, some to improve on mother nature and some just because it's our perogative to change our looks when we get the urge.

Coloring products have improved over the years and seem to do the job well with little damage to our locks.

But the current recession mind-set has many of us are waiting longer between appointments and trying to stretch out the benefits of our last trip to the salon.

With that in mind I spoke to Michael Hok, a stylist at Salon Roi who is a real pro at both color and cuts.

Salon Roi not only has a large and varied selection of products at their store in Woodley Park, they now have a large online store on their website www.salonroidc.com, so you can order with a click of the mouse.

Michael told me which lines and products that do the job of keeping our color fresh until we have our next one on one with the stylist.


Phyto is a well known name in hair products with a huge line and a product for just about every hair type. So it's not surprising they are at the top of the list for products to reduce color fading.

Their Phytocitrus Vital Radiance Shampoo works for both color-treated and permed hair with plant-based properties that close up the hair shafts opened by hair color to prevent damage and vulnerability of the hair. Grapefruit extracts add shine and brilliance and a Wood Cellulose extract helps retain moisture making the product both good for the hair as well as preserving the color. The shampoo is $24.00.


For double protection pair the shampoo with the their Soin Vital Radiance Mask that has the same Grapefruit extract along with rich Plant Butters to restore your hair's beauty. This condition sells for $38.00.




Practically a household name, Paul Mitchell is another company that makes shampoos and conditioners specifically to keep haircolor fresh.


Their Color Protect Daily Shampoo is gentle enough to use everyday and will protect the hair's structure while providing UVA and UVB protection which is so important to protect your color from fading in the sun.


You can pair the shampoos with Paul Mitchell's Color Protect Daily Conditioner which will smooth, detangle and add moisture.

Beyond shampoos and conditioners you might want to consider styling products that are formulated to protect your color.


Dullness and lack of shine are problems associated with processed hair so Goldwell has created their Dual Senses Color Leave-In Gloss Spray. The company calls their Pomegranate Extract and UV-filter technology their Brilliance System and shining hair is the result. The product sells for $15.00.




They also have a mousse-lovers product that is color sensitive called the Inner Effect and Color Live Volume Mousse. It uses the latest technology to protect hair from damaging outside influences and maintains color and shine while adding volume and hold. It sells for $22.00.





All of the products are available at Salon Roi, 2602 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 or call 202-234-2668.

You can also order them online on their website at http://salonroidc.com/sunshop/index.php.


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Georgetown Spa Joins Merriment This Weekend!

Georgetown will be the spot this Sunday where the holidays will be in the stores and the streets.

They're calling it "Merriment in Georgetown" www.merrimentingeorgetown.com and the festivities include special sales and events (more on that in a minute) live entertainment, children's activities and culinary treats.

The event is scheduled from 3 to 6pm this Sunday, December 6th.

Caroling and live performances by community choral groups, the kids' rock band Milkshake, free photos with Santa and horse drawn carriage rides will all be featured in the Wisconsin and M Street area.

Make sure you stop by Qi Spa www.qispadc.com as they kick off their holiday specials that day which you'll need to relax and rejuvenate during this busy time of year--not to mention taking care of your friends and family who would love a spa gift.

As part of their Customer Appreciation Month in December, Qi Spa will be offering 10 percent off on services, products and gift certificates! That is everything at the spa and a fantastic deal if you are looking for a way to give your skin a boost before holiday parties or relieve stress with a massage or one of their soothing winter treatments. They also have many seasonal gifts and fashion accessories and are happy to help you put together a holiday gift that someone will love to get!

In addition, BeautyInDC.com readers exclusively get a $20 discount on their popular Glowing Collagen Facial. This is an hour and twenty minute treatment that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles and really does give the skin a glowing look as the name implies. Regularly $140, print out the special coupon http://beautyindc.com/offer.php?serial=393 to receive the facial for $120 in December.


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Beauty 360 Birthday Means Gifts for You!

When I enter the Beauty 360 www.beauty360.com store near Dupont Circle I worry that all sense of time will be suspended and I'll miss my appointments for the rest of the day--there is just so much for a beauty junkie to see and try!

When CVS launched this flagship store a year ago the concept was to offer prestige beauty brands and a luxury shopping experience in a convenient neighborhood and they have succeeded.

The store at 1350 Connecticut Avenue, NW is a gorgeous store to look but it's the great mix of brands and products that make it such a fun place to shop!

And tomorrow is Beauty 360's first annual holiday party and with amazing discounts and gifts with purchase so head there during lunch hour or after work.

This Thursday, December 3rd only you'll receive 10% off your purchase of $125, 15% off purchase of $175 and 20% off your purchase of $250.

All day enjoy lavish gifts with purchase, free samples, demonstrations and personalized consultations as well as refreshments from 4 to 9pm.

And the brands they carry at Beauty 360 are the ones you want--the best and trendiest of the makeup and product world-Paula Dorf, Laura Geller, POP Beauty, Ahava, Bloom and Borba. I was once on a mission to find a concealer I had read about by IT Cosmetics and the only place in the entire Washington, DC area that had it in store was Beauty 360--that's when I was hooked!

The staff is trained and available makeup applications, hand massages and polish changes and mini facials and it's all complimentary.

For a more thorough facial they've now added a spa room and you can purchase a 60 minute facial with an esthetician.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.