The Warning Signs that Your Relationship is Failing

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I've been in enough relationships to realize when one is slowly coming to an end. Here are some major signs that both men and women should pay attention to when it comes to failing relationships.

1. An unreachable partner.  He/she spends more time becoming involved in activities that he/she knows you are not interested in and forgets to call you or is anxious to end the call when you do speak. Another sign of avoidance is claiming to be working late on a regular basis when you clearly know that that he/she has a 9-5 job that wouldn't require those late night deadlines.

2. Loss of interest. He/she refuses to participate in activities that you once enjoyed together and begins to spend important occasions such as holidays or birthdays with people that you hardly know. A rapid decline in intimacy in the bedroom may also occur when your relationship is about to end.

3. Changes in style or wardrobe. A sudden and drastic change in his/her appearance signifies that your partner is attempting to attract another lover or may already be having an affair.

4. More or less arguments. Your partner begins to act irritated over small things that never used to bother him/her about you. On the other hand, he/she could suddenly stop arguing altogether.  Surprisingly, this isn't a good sign, but rather shows that he/she no longer cares at all about the relationship and has therefore emotionally "checked out."

5. Lack of talk about the future. When you try to plan that summer vacation and he/she changes the subject , makes up obvious excuses about why he/she is unavailable or completely ignores you, then you definitely know that it is time to move on with someone new.

Day Makeup Versus Evening Makeup

Any woman knows that makeup is our life line. We simply can't exist without out it any more than we could without oxygen. Unfortunately, though, some females are ignorant to the fact that there is a major difference between the makeup that is appropriate for the daytime and the makeup that should be worn at night. Below are some essential rules to follow when putting on your face.

Daytime

1. Light and fresh is the way to go ladies!  Stick to neutrals, such as browns and greys with a semi-natural blush and lip color.
2. Eyeliner is acceptable as long as you don't overdo it. The goal is to use it to frame your face so that it looks seductive yet not as noticeable.
3. A single coat of mascara is sufficient enough to draw attention to the eyes but keeps you looking professional in the workplace.

Evening

1. Add two to three coats of eyeliner. It will create a seductive effect and will make you stand out in a crowd.
2. Use bold colors, such as blues, greens and reds. Frosts and glitter are also acceptable.
3. Go for the smoky look. Use a deeper shade in the crease of the eye and smudge it out to reach the length of the line of the eyebrow. This dramatic smoky effect, when paired with lighter shades on the lid and highlights just below the brow makes for a picture perfect night look.

How to Get Any Man You Want

Some women don't realize that there is an art to flirting with the opposite sex. Here are some helpful tips to get any man, any time, any place.

1. First, think of a woman who always gets noticed by every man in the room (like me of course) and attempt to channel her best qualities and appearance.

2. When choosing an outfit, make sure that it is only 20 to 30 percent sexy, otherwise you may give men the wrong impression. You don't want to be mistaken for a call girl.

3. Positive thinking helps.  Spend a few minutes each day staring at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself how sexy and desirable you are.  If you go out into the world acting as if you are the next best thing since Marilyn Monroe, the men will think so too!

4. The killer move is to make eye contact, linger and smile. This signals the guy across the room that you're interested and that he won't get rejected if he approaches you.

5. Walk the Walk. An elegant, feminine gait will excite him and keep him focused on you as his target. Swing those hips and watch his eyes follow you.

6. Do not fall all over him. We all know that men like a challenge. Talk to him and be friendly but don't devote all of your attention to him. A guy cannot want you if he feels that he already has you. He needs to believe that he has to work to get you.

Animal Print Do's and Dont's

Animal print may be the fashion these days, but some women aren't aware that there is a fine line between looking fabulous versus foolish in it. Here are some major Do's and Don'ts that I suggest you follow.

DON'T wear animal print from head to toe. It is too overpowering and you will end up appearing as if you just escaped from the local zoo!

 

DO wear something classy and a bit subtle in the office environment. Remember less is more to the male admirer.

DON'T mix different animal prints. Can I say tacky?

DO wear animal print that accentuates your features. In my case, I chose a tailored dress that hugs my curves.

DON'T wear animal print with teased hair or too much makeup. Remember, the goal is to exude sexiness, not sleaziness.

 

DO wear your prints with solids.  For a night out on the town, I would suggest you pair it with a red skirt for a fun, sensual look.

The Top Five Worst Gifts that Men Buy Women

Men often come to me for advice on what to get that special someone in their lives.  Here are the top 5 gifts they should AVOID at all costs.

1. A wad of cash. This signifies that you are too lazy or disinterested to actually shop for something special or unique.

2. Kitchen appliances. What do you think we are, your domestic servants?

3.Stuffed animals. This is only acceptable if you are dating a teenage schoolgirl.

4. Clothes. Leave it to the ladies to figure out what is fashionable!

5. A framed picture of yourself. Women do not want a man that is self-absorbed.  All of  the focus should be on us ladies rather than yourself.



Here is something that I would recommend for the woman in your life. You can pick it up at @RachelMenkenNY's department store.

Here's a sneak peek of my new wardrobe for the new season.

How to Get My Signature Updo

Many of you ladies have asked how to create my signature hairstyle that you see me wearing everyday at SCDP. Here is a step by step guide on how to do it.



You will need:
A curling iron or you can set your hair in large sized hot rollers
A teasing comb
A natural bristle hair brush like a Mason Pearson
Bobby pins
Clips
Hairspray
Setting spray like White Sands Liquid Texture Thermal Styling Spray

This style is best for long hair, at least shoulder length or longer. I like to set my hair with my favorite, White Sands Liquid Texture Thermal Styling, and then with a 1 inch large barrel curling iron, curl the entire head. Clip each curl and let the hair cool off before you style.

Once hair has cooled off, brush out with your natural bristle brush: I like my Mason Pearson.

Section hair into two sections ear to ear, so you have a front section and a back section. Then make a third section: a ponytail piece in the mid, crown section of the head and secure with an elastic. That pony tail will be your volume and height at the top of the head. Clip this hair out of the way.

Starting at the back, nape of head, tease the hair with a comb and then sweep up all the hair with a brush and pin with bobbies. Pin the section all the way up to the ponytail, so you have an upswept look.

Then move to the front sections, start on one side, tease the section of hair and smooth with your brush then pin each side up just as you did in the back until all hair is pinned up all around the head. If you have bangs, you can spray and smooth them off to a side and secure with a pin. Otherwise you can create a side sweep with your longer hair and pin.

Then release your ponytail, tease it with your comb, smooth with your brush and arrange it in any shape you like, either tousled or controlled. Bobby pin into place, spray with a good holding spray.