8 FREE Ways to Always Look Pretty, Polished and Put Together

When I look and feel good, I am in a better mood, more confident and excited to go about my day. On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, I am sharing how you can look pretty, polished and put together through the creation of a simplified self-care routine that feels effortless because it flows with your everyday life. Let's get into it!

1. How to Make Everything Work to Your Advantage

Look at your current schedule. What do you do in a day? What do you struggle with the most? Odor, hair, nails, fits? Make your “struggle” your priority (we're going to call this your "struggle point") and pair new self-care habits with current ingrained habits.

You can either focus on you struggle point first in the week/day or do other things that make tackling your struggle point easier. Doing this will create flow.

Photography by Vladimir Yelizarov

2. Time-block

Treat your self-care like important events by setting reminders/alarms on your phone to remain consistent with your different routines. This is especially great for self-care that isn’t done daily like exfoliating, waking, checkups, etc.

3. Create a focus day

One day for one self-care action.

Monday’s are my hair days. I wash and style my hair or get it done at the salon. I also restock on any accessories or products I've run out of. By doing my hair on Monday's, I can go into the week feeling & LOOKing my best and have everything I need throughout the

week to maintain the hairstyle that I have.

A example of a "focus day" week can look like this:

Sunday = Hair (wash, treat, restock products)

Monday = Skin (extension of skincare routine - deep clean or treat my skin, masks, get a facial, steam

Tuesday = Nails (soak nails in strengthen oil, coat natural nails in clear polish to keep them long and protected or apply press-ons)

Wednesday = Exfoliation (exfoliate face with BHA, body with dove body scrub, and buff feet with pumice stone)

Thursday = Dental (whiting, schedule appointments, floss if not done daily)

Friday = Hair removal (shave, trim, monthly wax, touch ups)

Saturday = Sleep (sleep in, take naps and rest. You can also be extra by steaming your sheets, deep cleaning your mattress, cleaning under the bed, restocking or treating yourself to new pillow sprays, essential oils, vitamins or other sleep enhancing tools/techniques. The possibilities are endless)

Being put together is not only about you, it's also about your space.

4. Find your go–tos

Life happens. Have a simple hairstyle, nail look, your favorite products and a routine to always fall back. Make it fun and explore various looks and products until you find what fits you and stay stocked up with everything you need to maintain your self-care.

Pro tip: press on nails are where it's at! They're more budget friendly than getting your nails done at the salon and are a great way to maintain a clean look between nail appointments.

5. Ditch the trends

Take a break from all the trends that are circulating to learn and create a look that is for you & your budget. Do research about what clothing, colors and aesthetics flatter your features and highlight your personality. You might find that something you never thought to try is a good fit for you.

6. Be ready so you don’t have to get ready

Get ready even on days you don't have much planned. Practice doing small things that help you feel good on a consistent basis. This can make a big difference in how you move and feel throughout your day. Not only will you feel good, smell and look good, you will also be ready for anything that comes up throughout the day.

7. Keep It Simple & Clean

Always have basic pieces in your wardrobe and nude color palette of beauty items/accessories. When all else fails, this will not.

Nail polish - Stick to clear, whites, nudes, or pinks

Lips - dark brown, nude, pink and/or clear

Clothing - Earth tones (e.g. browns, muted greens) black, white, neutrals)

8. Stick with Stables

You know what else never fails? An ALL black fit! Stick with the stables. My MUST-HAVE black wardrobe staples are: black jeans, black leggings, a black long sleeve fitted top, black boots, a long black leather coat, black sunglasses, a medium black handbag and a little black dress.