Don’t Be Stingy With Your Smiles – You Need Them And We Need To See Them
October 14, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Continuing our theme of celebrating ourselves, few things have the ability to work wonders instantly like a smile.
Happy, authentic, friendly and credible are just some of the characteristics that come through with the singular act of smiling, but there is also a healing effect for both us and for others. Think about when you’re having a bad day or feeling down and how seeing an encouraging smile goes a long way to taking that deep breath and picking yourself back up and moving forward.
Last week I had the pleasure of presenting at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Pink Tea celebrating breast cancer survivors, and while we talked about the connection of looking good and feeling better the question that rang the most true was, “what to do when it’s physically impossible to sacrifice comfort for fashion.”
Whether you are under the weather; recovering from surgery, or in rehabilitation from an injury there are times when your health and practical limitations trump fashion choices, but that doesn’t mean you should just give up. Here are a few tips that place no undue pressure, stress or burden on a recovering body but hopefully will bring about a smile:
1. Fix your hair. Whether it’s just washing it, which always seems to make us feel better; styling it in a fashionable yet functional way, or covering it all together with a hat or scarf when we take a few minutes to run our fingers through our hair we feel better. It sounds simple, but the effects are undeniable.
2. Add some accents. It doesn’t really matter if you’re stuck reclining most of the day or just wish you were, sometimes light, loose pants with an elastic waist are all you can manage. If you have to leave the house keep them dark and solid. And while you may want to reach for a plain white or black top instead grab one in a bright color or print. If you’re clothes are dark and dull that will carry over into your mood and the goal is to lift it, not play into it. It’s easier to keep your spirits up when you look down and see a bright color.
3. Pamper your hands. Does everyone feel aggravated when you look at your hands and see broken, uneven nails with dirt underneath them or is that just me? Washing my hands constantly doesn’t always do the job, because nothing makes them feel cleaner than seeing freshly filed and buffed nails. If you have a favorite color find it in a polish and give yourself a mani. It’s a great distraction and the act alone is an investment that will make you feel better.
4. Break out the jewelry. Another option for lightening your mood is wearing your favorite piece of jewelry or a something whimsical. Even if you have to find an unconventional way to wear it, when we see something we’re fond of or just fun brings a smile to our face and that can only make us feel better. It also has the added effect of making whatever we’re wearing feel dressed up. Simple outfits are often transformed into unique styles entirely by accessories, so give your outfit a boost by adding some.
While a smile may not be a cure, it sure does make us feel better and the compounding effect really helps our mood. The fact that it’s infectious helps the moods of the people who see us smile.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
