Doesn't Hurt to be Beautiful: August 2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Boost Fiber to Slim Down

I found this article worth sharing

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By EatingWell on Aug 26, 2009 12:00 PM in Healthy Eating

Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D.

The average American adult gains one to two pounds each year, according to various reports. But new research in The Journal of Nutrition suggests a way to prevent this weight gain or even encourage weight loss—without dieting. The secret: eat more fiber.

Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah followed the eating habits of 252 middle-aged women for nearly two years and found that those who increased their fiber intake generally lost weight. Women who decreased the fiber in their diets gained.

The scientists boiled the findings into a single weight-loss formula: boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories consumed resulted in losing about 4½ pounds over the course of the study. And this held true whether a woman was eating 3 or 25 grams of fiber a day at the start of the study. While it helps you feel full, "fiber has no calories," says Larry Tucker, Ph.D., lead researcher and professor in the Department of Exercise Sciences at Brigham Young. So if you fill up on high-fiber foods you crowd out less-healthy foods, explains Tucker.

Try it for yourself. If you’re consuming 2,000 calories per day, aim to increase your fiber by 16 grams. Here are four foods that will help you get your fill.

Raspberries: 1 cup = 8 grams
Green Beans: 1 cup = 4 grams
Chickpeas: 1 cup = 12.5 grams
Blueberries: 1 cup = 3.5 grams

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Myth: Certain foods can burn fat and make you lose weight

Myth: Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup, can burn fat and make you lose weight.

Fact: No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may speed up your metabolism (the way your body uses energy, or calories) for a short time, but they do not cause weight loss.

Tip: The best way to lose weight is to cut back on the number of calories you eat and be more physically active.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

6 Beauty Mistakes that Age You

1. Heavy eye makeup on the lower lashes. Thick liner or mascara on your lower lashes draws attention to crows feet and dark circles. Go for a smokey look. See this previous post to learn.

2. Washing your face with rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. One of my sisters is a culprit of this. She thinks that prevents acne. It really just dries out your skin. Dry skin = wrinkly skin. If you want prevent acne use a product with salicylic acid; it will prevent acne and exfoliate your skin, while keeping it young. I use a pretty pricey item-- Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, which I get from SkinCareRx.com. It's about $54.00, however it will keep you youthful & acne free for 6 months.

3. Too thick foundation. It covers up your natural complexion. It's what old ladies do. Opt for a mineral makeup or tinted moisturizer. I use bareMinerals you can get the bareMinerals Starter Kit for only $60. It lets your natural colors show through, while still giving you a finished look. Also doesn't clog your pores and cause breakouts.

4. Foundation that is too light. It draws attention to the fine lines. It's always better to go a tad darker than lighter. It gives a glow to your skin. Bronzer can also work wonders, as long as you use it sparingly. If you get the bareMinerals starter kit, it comes with an awesome bronzer.

5. Fake looking blush. Stick to a shade that looks natural. Think about the color your cheeks get after you sprint a mile. NARS Orgasm is an AMAZING blush that looks natural on most skin colors. I highly recommend it.

6. Too thin eyebrows. They make you look like a 1997 adult film actress.

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Monday, August 24, 2009

How to: Create the Smokey Eye Look

Great video I found that will teach you how to create the smokey eye look:

Click here for other blog posts on favorite cosmetics

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Foods that help you fall asleep

You can't be beautiful without enough sleep. Nibble on one of these 10 high-carb calmers an hour before bedtime, and you'll be yawning in no time.

1. Half a whole-wheat English muffin or raisin bagel drizzled with honey.

2. Two cups of air-popped popcorn.

3. A small slice of angel food cake topped with berries.

4. A toasted frozen whole-wheat waffle with maple syrup.

5. A half-cup of pretzels.

6. Fresh strawberries dunked in a little fat-free chocolate syrup.

7. A half-cup of pasta topped with marinara sauce.

8. A 4-ounce baked potato topped with salsa.

9. A handful of oyster crackers and a piece of fruit.

10. Canned mandarin oranges sprinkled with crystallized ginger.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Sephora vs. Ulta

Has anyone heard of Ulta.com? I just heard about it a year ago when one of them opened near my house. I was very impressed, it's basically the same as Sephora, but not as well known. However, at the time I was a very loyal Sephora fan, so I really didn't think about Ulta again.

Last week I noticed I was out of my bareMinerals foundation, so I went to Sephora.com to order it. Out of stock at Sephora!!WTF?? So I checked out Ulta's website. I was very impressed--not only did they have my foundation, but it was cheaper!!! Many of the products were cheaper at Ulta than they were at Sephora! I guess Sephora thinks they rule the market.

Here are some other things to take into account:

Ulta: Free shipping over $50.00 + 3 free samples.
Sephora: Same

Ulta: receive purchase in 3 - 5 days
Sephora: receive purchase in 5 - 10 days

Ulta also sent me a free gift on top of the free samples, a 10 day travel size of my foundation! cool!

Check it out. See ya Sephora.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Does drinking lots of water help you lose weight?

NO. Fact: If your daily drinking habits consist of sweetened teas, juice drinks and sodas, then replacing them with water can result in consuming fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. But simply upping your water intake will not help you shed pounds. Though drinking water may make your belly temporarily feel fuller, you have to remember that hunger is not simply a function of your stomach -- your body is crying out for nutrients in food, so filling up on water won't satisfy you for long. Of course staying hydrated is important for maintaining your overall energy and body functioning, but contrary to popular belief, drinking it in excess won't boost your metabolism or flush away fat.

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Huge Lips Skinny Hips

Huge Lips Skinny Hips is a lip gloss made by Purple Lab that is supposed to curb your appetite while plumping your lips. Very interesting concept. It has an added natural appetite suppressant, Hoodia.

The company describes it as a “ground breaking lip gloss offering non-invasive access to the lips and hips women have always dreamed about”.

The Hoodia, the same substance that can be found in many slimming pills, works by mimicking the effects of glucose on the brain, tricking it into thinking you’ve just eaten. While Vitamin B3 stimulates blood flow to the lips surface and diminishes wrinkles around the lip edge. There’s also lemon peel oil to cool lips and extracts of meadow foam plant moisturize.

I initially thought this was a very suspect marketing scheme. However, I did buy it to see what the deal was. I have been trying it out for about a week, and I have to admit, I felt fuller quicker and it did take the edge off the hunger pangs.

As for the plumping, it works well. It doesn't have a painful burn that most plumpers have. It has a great smell and taste to it like a starburst candy. It's also not too slick. You won't have to be constantly picking your hair off you lip on a windy day. Also, they colors are very nice. They aren't too obvious, but add a nice natural pigment.

All in all, I say great product. However, it's no miracle worker.. better keep working it at the gym.

Here is a video I found on youtube that gives you all the details:

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Left your cell charger at home? No problem!

This post has nothing to do with beauty, but something that I thought everyone would appreciate. I was traveling with Brittany and my good friend Victoria this past weekend. Brittany is hopeless about remembering her cell phone charger. Sometimes I think she does it on purpose. This time was extra annoying because Victoria also forgot her cell phone charger. Victoria mentioned that she read somewhere that most hotels usually have a ton of cell phone chargers that have been forgotten by past guests - like a cell phone charger lost and found. So we went to the front desk of our hotel an asked them if they had any extra cell phone chargers. The concierge comes out with a huge bucket of different cell phone chargers! It was amazing. They had chargers for both of their cell phones! In the past when I have traveled somewhere and forgotten my charger, I would either sparingly use my cell phone or just bite the bullet and buy a new one. Take my advice, next time you forget your charger just ask the hotel and save your money for something better.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Jeans for RECTANGULAR Body Type

If you aren't sure if this is your body type, visit: Identify Your Body Type to find out. This is part of a series for finding the right jeans for your body type compliments of http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com/, which is the source of my information.

Finding the best fitting womens designer jeans for the straight / rectangular body type is not an impossible task. There are many options for you to work with. The right choices can help create a curvier appearance where you want it.

Goal
Your goal should be to create curves and attract attention to those parts of your body that need "spicing up". One of the most common questions that we get is, "what can I do to enhance a flat butt". Well, some of the tips on this page should set you on the right course. If you are short waisted, elongating the appearance of your torso should also be part of your goal.

Do's:

Look for a relaxed flared fit that hugs and lifts your butt
A straight fit from the hip to the knees with a slight flare and the end should serve you well
Low rise jeans with a high back and low front are a good choice if you are short waisted
If you are well balanced or long waisted, a higher rise pair of womens designer jeans can help accentuate the curves on your hips. You may even venture to try on a tapered cut
A contoured waistband will help create curves
Strategically placed washes or embellishments in the back pocket areas will attract attention to your hips
Smaller or pointed back pockets spread far apart make your butt look fuller
Flaps in the back pockets can also be helpful, as they "add some bulk"
Lighter washes or fades along the legs and knees add shape to thighs

Don'ts:

By all means avoid a straight cut
Avoid baggies
Avoid cuts with excess material at the bottom, that's what womens designer jeans do best!
Don't hold back and use all the means at your disposal (washes, shades, embellishments)

Accessories:

Attract attention to your neck, use V lined tops below collarbone
Use necklaces, scarves or other accessories to attract even more attention upwards
Longer tailored and tapered jackets that hug the waist
Mix and match colors
Use shoulder pads
Avoid tightly fitted blouses
Avoid wide belts, especially contrasting colors
Use thin belts the color of your top, if you want to elongate your torso
Avoid bundling fabrics at waist
Try knitwear that can be belted
Bold prints add to the illusion of curvier shapes, either in tops or bottoms

**This article is reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com/

Jeans for DIAMOND Body Type

Goal:
Your goal is to elongate, while detracting attention from your waist and placing some emphasis on your bust and shoulders.

Do's:

A boot cut fit with some stretch is your best bet, and is usually a staple cut of most womens designer jeans
Opt for a relaxed fit
Use dark denim and pair them with dark high heels and dark tops
Try to find a pair in which the outseam is brought further to the front (This gives the illusion of a thinner thighs)
Look for pockets that sit higher as they will make your legs appear to be longer
Look for larger pockets for they will make your butt appear smaller
Allow hem to reach the ground when wearing jeans with high heels
Same color on shoes, socks and jeans will make your legs look longer
If you are slightly short waisted, a slightly low rise cut will help make your torso look longer

Don'ts:

Avoid tapered or ultra-tapered legs, as they call attention to the hips
Avoid capris, as they re-enforce the diamond shape
Avoid cuts that will rise above your natural waist
Avoid Small pockets as they may make your rear end look larger
Avoid washed out areas in rear and thighs
Avoid embellishments in rear pockets as they attract attention to that area
Find a fit that contours, not hugs your body
Avoid saggy or baggy cuts as well as excess fabric in the rear, this is what womens designer jeans do best
Remember, designer blue jeans are all about making your rear end look good!

Accessories:

Shoulder pads are a must
Attract attention to your neck with necklaces, scarves
Avoid thick belts (especially if you have no waist)
Tops should be fitted over the bust and spread over hip area
Never wear a jacket that ends at the butt

**This article is reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com/

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Jeans for FULL ROUNDED Body Type

Goal:
To take focus away from the hip, thigh and bottom area. Elongate, do not cut in half.

Do's:

Boot-cut jeans give a long and lean look, which is flattering to most women
Darker color womens designer jeans
Look for pants that fit your waist and are relaxed in the hip and thigh areas without adding bulk
Look for jeans with the seam closer to front, this gives the impression of thinner thighs
Try medium to high rise, but stay at least one inch below your belly button
Wide waistbands can be very helpful in holding back your belly
Look for styles that contour, and soften your outline
Diagonal front pockets also have a slimming effect
Look for large loosely spaced pockets
Monochromatic dressing should add to the slimming effect

Don'ts:

Pleats widen the look of hips and thighs, so avoid them
Avoid womens designer jeans that are tapered or ultra-tapered legs, as they call attention to the hips and thighs
I shouldn't have to even mention capris
Avoid saggy or baggy pants, especially in the rear end
Never use cuffs
Avoid jeans with small pockets.
Avoid jeans that are tight in the knees
Avoid distressed jeans with faded bottoms and thighs no matter how fashionable
Avoid styles that hug your body.
Don’t wear belts too tight
Avoid high waisted womens designer jeans, they will make your butt look huge
No "whiskers" in the front, they will make your hips look wider

Accessories:

Tops should emphasize long-line (Never wear a jacket that end at the butt)
No cropped tops
V necklines
Jackets should be slightly fitted, shaped
Handbags should be at hip level, preferably lower
Attract attention to your neck and bust
Avoid fitted tops and wide lapels
Avoid a contrasting hip line (different color belt)
Use narrow belts, same color as your top to elongate the torso,or same color as your pants, to elongate the lower body
Avoid wide collars and lapels
Use small scale patterns on tops, avoid animal and large prints
Avoid horizontal features, emphasize verticality
Use light accessories and details

**This article was reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com.

Jeans for INVERTED TRIANGLE Body Type

Goal:
You must divert attention from your shoulders and bust, and show off your narrow hips.

Dos:

Boot-cut and flared legs give a long and lean look, which is flattering to most women
Look for patch pockets
Look for styles that enhance your backside without sagging in the rear, as womens designer jeans are meant to do
Slim frames can benefit from side pockets, which create a fuller thigh
Look for jeans with a yoke in the back, which can make your backside look fuller
Consider a low rise jean with a contoured waistline
Tapered legs to the knees but not with exaggerated flare will also work well
Strategically placed washes or embellishments in the front and back pocket areas will attract attention to your hips
Also lighter washes or fades along the legs and knees add shape to thighs

Don'ts:

Never use tapered jeans or any that are tight in the knees
Avoid standard straight legged jeans
Avoid jeans with very small waistbands
Avoid pocket-less jeans
Avoid big rear pockets
Womens designer jeans in darker colors will make your hips appear smaller

Accessories:

Longer Tunics
Low slung belts help attract eyes to hip area
Look for raglan sleeves or any high sleeve cut
Never use shoulder pads
Avoid very fitted suit jackets and shoulder pads
Patch pockets in blouses
Avoid strapless, full sleeved or sleeveless tops
V-necklines will pull the eye away from your shoulders
Darker colors in jackets and tops will minimize shoulders

**This article was reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com/ .

Jeans for HOURGLASS Body Type

Goal:
Work with your shape. Draw attention to your waist, don’t complain!

Dos:

You have the “ideal” figure, and almost anything goes.
Look for a good fit
Try those that give a smooth fit at the waistline and hips and aren't bulky in the thighs
Look for jeans that run straight from the hips to the knees, with a good flare at the end of the legs
Look for a cut with larger hip and smaller waist to avoid an opening in the back
If you don't find pants with this fit, be willing to buy a pair that fits around the butt and is loose at the waist. Some tailoring will be needed.
Go for stretch denim, it will hug your curves and work with them
Most womens designer jeans are designed with this ideal body type in mind, take advantage of that
Low rise jeans will help balance your proportions if you are slightly short waisted

Don'ts:

Don’t conceal your delicate structure in oversized pants
Avoid baggy as well as too tight jeans
Even though you may still look great in straight cut jeans, it's a shame not to get some more mileage from your natural curves
You have no need to embellish your jeans, but if you must, it won't hurt......

Accessories:

Go for belts and waistbands, they draw attention to your waist
Low slung belts
Wrap tops with tie at waist

**This article was reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com.

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Jeans for PEAR Body Type

Goal:
To enhance your upper body and detract attention from your bottom. Within reasonable limits, to mold your hips and rear end with well cut designer's jeans.

Do's:

Boot-cut and flared legs give a long and lean look, but the gentler flare of the bootcut will serve you better
Womens designer jeans in stretch fabrics will make any fit more comfortable
Look for dark washes
As obvious as this may sound, it is especially important for women with a tummy: buy jeans that are the right size! You do not want to have a “belly spill over”
Try to find a pair in which the outseam is brought further to the front. This gives the illusion of a thinner thighs
Avoid pockets that sit too low, near the beginning of the butt, as they will shorten the look of your legs
Avoid excess fabric in the rear-end area
Low rise jeans can help make your rear end appear shorter and your torso longer

Don'ts:

Pleats widen the look of hips and thighs
Avoid small pockets in rear, as well as pocket-less jeans and pockets placed too wide apart
Avoid tight jeans, especially those that are tight at the knees
Avoid bundling fabrics at waist
Avoid horizontal detailing at hip level, such as contrasting pockets
Even if this is the rage in womens designer jeans, avoid washes in the back pocket area, as well as any embellishment
Don't even consider capris (nobody should)

Accessories:

Look for Flowing fabrics and blouses with a lot of detailing
Long jackets, never to the hip
Semi fitted or Tailored tops
Jackets should end below the hips
Shoulder pads
Loose or dropped belts
Keep handbags above hip level
Look for cowl necks and square necklines
Use belt the color of your blouse, narrow and draped
Dark colors on bottom and bright colors on top

**This article is reposted from http://www.jeans-and-accessories.com/

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Step ONE to finding the right jeans: Identify Your Body Type

Since the posting Favorite Jeans, I have been getting many questions about what jeans are good for each body type. First thing first... STEP ONE: identify your body type. In the following postings, I will go into what works for each body type. Each day will be another body type, so stay tuned... !

Here is a very helpful guide for identifying your body type that I picked up from www.jeans-and-accessories.com :

Rectangular: This body type is not common. Shoulders and hips are of equal width, with little waist definition. Bust size is average, rib cage large, waist not marked, flat butt, and thin legs. Tend to gain weight in the abdomen, thighs and love handles, and tend to have a little pot belly. Click here to find out what jeans work for a rectangular body shape.

Pear Shape: Rounded hips with defined waist. Full rounded hips and bottom. Narrow shoulders and small bust. Tend to gain weight in bottom and thighs and are prone to saddle bags while their stomachs remain relatively flat and their waists small. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to camouflage a large rear end. Click here to find out what jeans work for a pear body shape.

Hourglass: Balance of curves and angles, straight shoulders, defined waist, curvy bottom. Bust and hips in proper proportions. Shapely legs and usually fine boned. Weight gain is usually in the love handles, stomach and thighs. Even for this "ideal" body type, it's not easy to find the best fitting jeans, as you will see in the link that follows. Click here to find out what jeans work for an hourglass body shape.

Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders, medium to full bust, average waist, narrow hips and shapely long legs. Weight gain usually is apparent in the stomach, midsection, breasts and arms. Rear usually remains flat and thighs slender. The best fitting jeans in this case may require handling optical illusions! Click here to find out what jeans work for an inverted body shape.

Full Rounded: Round body with fuller shorter waist, wider rib cage, rounded neck and back. Lower hips and slender legs. A great deal can be done to find the best fitting jeans for an oversized rear end. Click here to find out what jeans work for a full rounded body shape.

Diamond: Narrow shoulders, small bust, broad hips generous thighs and slender calves. Click here to find out what jeans work for a diamond body shape.

Source of this information: www.jeans-and-accessories.com

Monday, August 3, 2009

Celebrities without makeup

This video is mesmerizing...

Light vs. Regular Starbucks Frappuccino®

Getting your Frappuccino® Light makes a 200+ calorie difference. And always beware of the whipped cream, it adds 110 calories.

Here is the info for a Venti® (large):

Mocha Frappuccino® Light: 210 calories, 2g of fat
Regular w/whip: 500 calories, 17g of fat

Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino® Light: 210 calories, 1g of fat
Regular w/whip: 490 calories, 16g of fat

Caramel Frappuccino® Light: 220 calories, 1.5g of fat
Regular w/whip: 500 calories, 16g of fat

Java Chip Frappuccino® Light: 300 calories, 4g of fat
Regular w/whip: 600 calories, 23g of fat

Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino® Light: 310 calories, 3.5g of fat
Regular w/whip: 590 calories, 22g of fat

Mocha Frappuccino® Light: 210 calories, 2g of fat
Regular w/whip: 500 calories, 17g of fat

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino® Light: 230 calories, 1g of fat
Regular w/whip: 540 calories, 16g of fat

White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino® Light: 280 calories, 3.5g of fat
Regular w/whip: 550 calories, 18g of fat

For more Starbucks nutritional info visit: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Make your own highlights

I was at the beach with my future sister-in-law

and we decided to be old school and put a little lemon juice in our hair to give us some highlights. It was disgusting. After the lemon juice dried our hair got hard like it had a pound of hair gel in it, and looked greasy like that too. However, the next day I did realize my hair had some streaks.

I recently discovered a remedy to this, and it's so simple:

LEMON JUICE + 1 tablespoon of HAIR CONDITIONER = same highlighting effect, but doesn't make your hair crunchy and dried out

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Appropriate Office Attire

to: ariana@doesnthurttobebeautiful.com

date: Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 12:34 PM

subject: Question for your blog about work clothes

Dear Ariana,

I am starting a new job soon that has a "business professional" dress code. What is appropriate for a twenty-something to wear in the office? I don't want to stand out too much, but at the same time I don't want to dress like and old lady either.

Please help!

--------------------------

I think this is a great question. For anyone who knows me well, I was definitely very guilty of professional business attire no no's. However I have refined myself in the past years. Typically it depends on your profession. In this case, "business professional" typically is what is required in most office / corporate jobs.

#1) All companies are different in their definition of what's appropriate. Stay on the conservative at first, then ease up after you figure out what is acceptable. Take a look at the highest woman executive in the company. Check out what she is wearing. Use her as a point of reference- DO NOT use your peers as your point of reference. You never want to dress for the job you have. You always want to dress for the job that YOU WANT.

#2) Invest in some basics that can be mixed and matched. Professional clothes are expensive when you get them to fit right, however it's worth the money. Stick with one color scheme and then everything will look good

together. Try and keep your work clothes wardrobe as minimal as possible. It saves you money and eliminates the "what to wear??" stress in the morning. I have a rotating 8 outfits.

Here is my rule of thumb for dressing for work in any corporate atmosphere:

Jewelry: Stick to studs or pearls. Never large hoops or anything dangling. A very small hoop or "cuff" earring is OK as well. One item of jewelry per each wrist. Never anything the clinks together and makes noise. It's distracting, and you can't type effectively with too many things on your wrist. Less is more here.

Shoes: Personally, I say always closed toe. An exception being in the summer "peep toe" shoes are OK. Anything that shows too much of your toes, I would stay away from. There is something very casual about showing your toes. Stick to a standard pump or a ballerina shoe.

Nylons: Yes when it's "business professional". However in the summer, it depends on how uptight your company is. Yea, I know it's annoying.

Skirts: A couple inches above the knee is OK. Try sitting down in your skirt, if it's showing enough of your leg to turn your coworker on... don't wear it. I personally wear a lot of pencil skirts. They are very flattering, and look professional. Work dresses are also awesome. A simply sleeveless black dress can be worn to work in the summer with a suit jacket or cardigan over it in the summer, and a turtleneck under it in the winter.

Shirts: Never show cleavage or anything close to it. If you are wearing a button down shirt, make sure there is no gapping in between the buttons in the chest area.

Underwear: Never let your bra straps show. Always wear nude color underneath light colored clothes because it won't be seen through them.

In summary, don't let your outfit overshadow your skills. Just because something might seem conservative to you, it might not be conservative to your boss, or your boss' boss. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Use your own judgement, and just because your peers are showing cleavage and wearing flip flops, doesn't mean you should too.

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