It’s only the middle of January, but already many of my big dreams for the New Year have been softened by reality. I’m not one for making resolutions, but can’t resist thinking about all the possibilities the months ahead might hold. When the first day of the New Year dawns anything seems possible, but it isn’t long before the luster is off those bright and shiny new goals. The daily busyness and complexity of our lives seems to tarnish the edges of the most heartfelt plans. But taking stock and considering what we can do to make our lives more rewarding and enjoyable is worthwhile any time of year. If improving your relationship to your reflection or enhancing your wardrobe is on your list of priorities, I have some simple suggestions to help you continue to move forward.

Simplicity is the key here. You can’t tackle your entire wardrobe, but you can spend a short amount of time and still see noticeable results. Focus on what would have the most impact.  We all tend to get bogged down when projects are too big or demand too much of our time.

Where do you start?  Quick problem solving means identifying the key issues.

I bet if you asked yourself what is bothering you the most something specific pops into your head. So, what is your burning issue? Consider what you most want and the best path to get to it.

Below are some of the problems and concerns bugging my clients and some simple strategies to help set them - and you - on the road toward solutions.

There is no color in my closet - Sometimes you just need to affirm that the next thing you buy won’t be black, grey, brown or denim. The calendar says winter but spring has already arrived here in fashion land and fresh, cheerful colors are showing up now. If the darks of fall and holiday now seem depressing, take heart.

My athletic shoes are the only comfortable pair I own - The basis of a workable wardrobe is correct footwear. If you are lacking that, no wonder you are discouraged.  I often start with shoes or boots before we even look at clothes.  When the shoe challenge is met the rest of the wardrobe comes together much more easily. Make a list of what shoes are needed to complete your outfits and shop for a pair that covers the most bases.  Keep an open mind as an unexpected option might surprise you with its versatility.

I have lots of clothes but too few outfits - You are probably missing the key piece needed to complete the ensemble. Everyone has a style category they avoid due to fit or price. For many it is the tops or underpinnings, others are daunted by the bigger ticket item like jackets. Or pants don’t seem to be fitting right. See if you can identify what this is missing and do what you can to fill the gaps.

I wear the same thing over and over - None of us make the most of what we have. Spend some time when you are not rushed to try on new combinations and experiment with accessories. Take digital photos of finished outfits so you won’t forget. If you need inspiration do a collage

I feel drab - Is your make-up the culprit? If so, go warmer. Or cooler! If you always wear blue around your eyes, try gold and brown.  If your foundation looks too yellow, try a more ivory formulation. Foundation primer or a sheer tint illuminator both help with skin that has the winter blahs. Does your hair color seem wrong? Getting your color palette updated can help you find a hue that is pleasing with your skin tone.

I can’t find jeans that fit - Skinny jeans are a nightmare for many body types, and that is mostly what you find in stores right now. If there is a denim manufacturer that usually fits you, look online for additional styles. Last fall I ordered exactly the high rise dark wash boot cut I wanted from the JBrand website and it saved me from a long and frustrating search in the stores.

I’m disorganized - Who isn’t? The inside of your closet doesn’t need to be a showcase. A little bit of clearing or buying some new hangers and organizing by color will make an immediate difference.

My burning desire at the moment isn’t to acquire anything new but instead to make better use of what I have (which admittedly is a lot!). Small snatches of 15 minute increments to organize, strategize and try on new combinations are helping me feel more playful, creative and abundant. Keeping my focus on what I want and being realistic about how much time I can spend is keeping me from getting discouraged. It’s a great way to kickoff 2012!

Let’s do it!

If you would like inspiration on a wide range of beauty topics I think you will enjoy this unique interview from Conversations From the Quantum Age with Marlene Caldes. Click here to listen to the interview!

The idea that you need to buy a fancy dress, fancy shoes, and a fancy wrap for holiday parties is an outdated notion. Many women have not gotten this memo and still struggle with how to dress in a festive way. Dressing up should be enjoyable, not an ordeal. Unless your child is getting married, banish the idea of needing to buy an “outfit.” In almost every closet there is a rarely worn relic that is faithfully trotted out every year until it is hopelessly out of fashion. If you only dress up occasionally this is bound to happen. The secret to special occasion style is pairing a classic separate with something dazzling and unique. There is no need to invest in a garment you’ll only wear once a year when you can mix and match special pieces and come up with something both original and versatile.

December is a great month to add a festive little touch to your daily ensemble. If your schedule is packed with parties, this is your chance to show off your outrageous personal style. Here are some suggestions to fire up your creativity:

Color - Go beyond the traditional green, red, and black. Jewel tones are always wonderful this time of year and look especially fresh with pale neutrals in grey, peach, or champagne. For a luxe look, mix metallics with creamy whites or hues that are in the same color family, like gold with camel, pewter with charcoal and copper with nude. Chocolate brown looks yummy with all the molten hues. Or go wild with shocking pink, peacock blue, electric violet cooled with a touch of glittering silver.

Texture – Any kind of shine says “holiday” and you have dozens of options to choose from: jewels, spangles, sequins, paillettes, lurex, metallic threads, Mix with sheer or silky fabric, ruffles, lace, velvet, fake fur, leather, feathers. Sequins are showing up in unexpected places including super-casual oversized off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and racer back tank tops as well as more classic staples like cardigans and tunics. Woven into knits and jersey they can be worn year round. Shimmering sequins covering the entire garment is the look for New Year’s Eve.

Shape - An ankle length skirt with knife edged pleats is quite a change from the little black dress. Tuxedo jackets look totally new, especially in unexpected colors. Skinny jeans come with hard edged shine or shimmery patterns. JBrand Jeans has a great holiday styling feature on their website. For a softer feel go for leggings and pants in vibrantly colored velvet. The traditional turtleneck turns sexy in an elongated fitted tunic or short sweater dress with bell sleeves. Tissue thin turtlenecks can layer under bare tops and dresses. Capes and ponchos are both glam and cozy.

Accessories – Wraps and shawls are loaded with shimmery lurex threads and can dress up a basic coat for evening. The newest look is the caplet, a tiny wrap that hits above the waist. Look for one with a big cowl neck and fringe or feathers adorning the hem. Layers of jewelry add sparkle or can be a focal point. A sequined scarf or headband adds dazzle to an entire outfit at a reasonable price.

Create a Backdrop - Many of your everyday basics can be successfully put into service. A long skirt, soft pants, slouchy trouser, velvet leggings or dark wash jeans can create the polished look that says “party” when combined with that special sparkling piece. Pair the long shimmery skirt with a down vest, a t-shirt and jeans with a ruffled infinity scarf covered with sequins. Channel Marilyn and wear a fur cape with a straight skirt. Toughen up velvet with leather, calm sequins with merino wool. A mix of textures and shapes allows you to highlight your assets and dress for self expression.

Give Your Man a Hand – A friend recently told me her husband preferred to stay home rather than deal with what to wear. We can’t have that! If your man is reluctant to go out and enjoy the merriment it may be he doesn’t have anything he feels like wearing. Ask him. Some men remember when dressing up meant a suit, and now that they have abandoned their old staple they aren’t sure how to dress in a festive way.

Be Comfy – Heels aren’t necessary to look elegant, so don’t force your feet where they don’t want to go. A metallic ballet flat or a suede platform saves your back from aching. If wearing an elegant heel makes you feel sexy and special, enjoy. If not, don’t let that stop you from dressing to the nines. I don’t. To read my tips on staying warm and cozy while still rockin’ your festive style visit last year’s holiday blog, Baby It’s Cold Outside.
The above suggestions for festive fashion can be used year round. Call me if you need help!

Sparkly dress with sleeves: www.nanwinters.com.

… and five minutes later my appearance on National TV was over. That was it. How had it gone? I had no idea and wouldn’t know until the segment aired later in the week. The host and I continued to chat off camera about fashion for a few moments and then it was time to pack my props and quickly leave the studio.

The taping was the easiest part of a journey that began seven years ago, when I started working full time on my book Growing More Beautiful. The real beginning goes back years earlier to my last visit to New York City in 1988 when I was there to promote my first book, Clothe Your Spirit: Dressing For Self Expression. Coming back to Manhattan to promote my new book seemed to bring the experience full circle.

I like being on TV, talking on the radio, demonstrating painting techniques in front of a live audience. I was an actress until my mid-twenties and am very comfortable in the spotlight. It feels right and natural and always has. But I’ve never wanted to make it “big” or longed to be a celebrity. I’m too anxiety prone and too concerned with being judged to make preparing for an appearance like this fun. If you ever read an interview with a performer who says the same thing (Barbra Streisand comes to mind), I can tell you that this conflicting set of emotions is very real. It’s not stage fright exactly, but rather the perfectionist’s dread of not performing perfectly in situations you can’t control. The air is thick with tension until the moment the camera comes on. Then it’s fun. It’s really odd.

The reason I’m trying to make a big splash isn’t for my ego, but for the same reasons that have been driving me the last seven (really more like twenty-five) years. I want to share with women some ideas I think are life changing and supportive. And I want to draw attention to the work I love to do; color and make-up and wardrobe consulting. My dream isn’t to be on national TV, but to practice my profession.

I don’t know if my five minutes will bring me any closer to those goals. Hopefully a few women will catch the title of the book and be curious enough about it to look for it on Amazon. Maybe someone thinking about experimenting with her natural hair color will be encouraged by my brief appearance. Maybe my publicist can use the tape to interest other media.

I’ve learned not to expect too much but to enjoy the process wherever it may lead me. My first promotional appearance for Growing More Beautiful was when I spoke to the Santa Rosa Sewing Guild. I loved their enthusiasm, as I have loved the generous audiences at libraries and bookstores. You may remember my first television appearance earlier this year, held in the back of an appliance store, filmed with a hand-held camera and a quirky host who kept standing in front of me. I’ve enjoyed it all, stressed over it all, but can also appreciate the bit of perspective I’ve gained over the years. The dark-haired young woman who wanted to take the Big Apple by storm twenty-three years ago thought every little thing mattered too much.

On this trip I also felt supported by a Universal Force that clearly wants me to continue to do this. On my way to the TV appearance I almost didn’t make it. The UN was in session and Obama was in town. Streets were closed and my hotel was located in such a way that taking a cab to the studio was impossible. Jerry and I were unfamiliar with the subway system, I was dressed in my best outfit with full TV make-up on, my hair was damp and I was carrying a big suitcase of props: But what choice did we have? We got on the wrong train. We got off. I asked busy New Yorkers rushing to work how to get to where we were headed. They gave me conflicting answers. We finally got on the correct train fifteen minutes past my scheduled arrival time. No cell service down in the bowels of the Manhattan underground. I struggled not to cry and smear my mascara laden eyelashes. As my hands gripped the subway handrail, a pretty young girl wedged next to me commented “I like your nail color. What kind of polish?” Soon we were off and running, talking hair and makeup and her experiences in acting school. She is 18 and hopes one day to head to Hollywood. She was thrilled to hear I was from California, even the wrong half of the state.

The subway doors opened onto Lexington Avenue, I found the studio, and no one seemed concerned with my late arrival. This was NYC after all, where these things happen. A big celebrity had just arrived and needed attention. I quietly powdered my sweaty face, fixed my frizzy hair, adjusted my grin, and went out and knocked ‘em dead.

See for yourself. Here’s the link to my segment on Better TV, a living show that airs in 140 cities.

I was anticipating being totally inspired by New York street fashion, but as I scurried down the Avenues teeming with people I noticed that most of the women had adopted a uniform of street survival: skinny jeans or leggings, flats or boots, and a jacket topped with a big scarf. Occasionally I spotted a pair of boot cut jeans or an ath-leisure shoe. Very few trousers, wide-legged pants, skirts or dresses, and not much color. People were dressed for utility. Apparently surviving crowded streets doesn’t allow for frivolous fashion. I guess I expected to see Sarah Jessica Parker round the corner in one of her kooky outfits. Luckily the rest of us get to express ourselves in a more relaxed atmosphere!

The other big excitement this week was the wonderful feature that appeared in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. For some great ideas, here are the links to the article Power of color and to Jennifer Robin’s tips on color and style. If you love color, you won’t want to miss this. Orchestrating the photo shoot with my beautiful clients Yvonne, Nancy and Julie was so much crazy fun we are still talking about it. Every decade was represented in our little group (40s, 50s and 60s) but the focus was on style not age.

All the details for the 2011 Fall Fashion Trend Workshop are available on the event page. Hope to see you there!

FALL FASHION TREND WORKSHOP – October 13 in Petaluma (details below)

There are so many trends emerging for fall/winter that it isn’t possible to name them all without it creating a laundry list which basically amounts to “anything goes.” This is good news as there is something for every age, style, and demographic. We love to learn about trends, not so we can “do it right” but to inspire us to try something different. “Trend watching” creates a focus by making you more aware of your own choices about personal style. Imagining how you can work them into what you currently own inspires creative mixing and matching. Creating an outfit that is “on trend” is lots of fun!

• How do you determine if a trend is right for you?
• Is there a trend that you have been admiring but not sure you were ready to take the plunge?
• Are you afraid that an offbeat or unfamiliar style might look silly or like “too much?” How can you adapt it so it suits you?

Here are my suggestions for getting started:

• Ask yourself: What looks fresh and interesting? Go for looks that are new to you NOW. Some of the trends, like animal prints, have been around for a while. If you have been there, done that – move on.
• When you read over a trend report like the one below, notice what gets you really excited. Pay attention to that.
• Evolve: Don’t start over but also avoid repeating yourself. Use a new trend to inspire you to try something different.
• Stick with the looks you feel comfortable with but add a trend note for a twist.
• Adapt a look: Make it younger or more sophisticated depending upon your age or personal style.
• What new item could be combined with something you already have? What were you missing last year that you still need? How can the purchase of that both fulfill that need and take you in a new direction?
• List trends you like and also ones you don’t care for or aren’t “you”.
• Remind yourself of the terms you use to define your style and see how it allows you to express different aspects of your spirit. (See the chapter on “The Language of Personal Style” in Growing More Beautiful or try the “spirit term exercise” here.)
• Don’t worry about looking inappropriate. I think we all have a built in “silly alert” that makes us laugh when we look ridiculous. Trust that. Better that than the alternative of always playing it safe and rating too high on the “frump-o-meter.”

To help you grasp the barrage of fashion information headed your way, I’ve consolidated the trends into color, shape, and look. Use the information to acquaint yourself with what’s new. Once you are familiar with the changes, you will immediately start feeling both curious and more comfortable.

Here is my trend report for Fall/Winter 2011

Color

• Pale Neutrals - Lingerie nudes are beautiful, especially for evening. Nude heels are the shoe choice by Duchess Kate, and for good reason as they go with everything and extend the leg. Pales need a touch of warmth and bit of depth to be flattering.
• Warm and Toasty - Hues of camel, tan and goldenrod are great with deep brown and black. Purple with brown looks new as seen recently in a Ralph Lauren madras plaid.
• Bold and Bright – Strong jewel tones such as emerald green, cobalt blue, violet, ruby red and their brighter counterparts such as tomato red, pea-shoot green and marigold yellow will brighten up a dull winter day. If wearing these vivid hues together seems like too much, go for a richer tone like bordeaux with bottle green- so evocative of the Belle Époque! Or experiment with variations within the same color family such as burgundy with cherry or pine and teal. Cobalt and emerald look smashing together too.
• Grey – Grey lends itself to texture mixing - flannel with translucent fabric and burnished leather is so sensual. Think of gleam of semi-precious stone like hematite and labradorite to inspire. Hues that tend toward blue or lavender are lovely with navy. Grey mixed with brown creates a sumptuous taupe. Metallic accents in pewter and bronze promise a sumptuous holiday season.
• Spice – Sunset tones in paprika, saffron, cinnamon all deliciously resonate with the changing colors of fall.

Shapes

• Wider - A big square cut sweater to be worn over skinny jeans or a slim skirt.
• Longer - Pencil skirts are now several inches below the knee and the popularity of the maxi continues. Thigh high slits for evening are for those who dare.
• Fuller – Pants, trousers, jumpsuits, jeans – wide legs are a change in silhouette from the super skinnies and require a more fitted top.
• Structure – A structured jacket looks best with flowing pants and skirts. Long menswear inspired blazers narrow a loose fitting dress.
• Pattern - Bold geometrics, madras plaid, houndstooth and small checks all look new. Pattern is still coming on strong including florals, Ikat, tribal, animal, reptile, cowboy western, polka dots, plaid – Did I leave anything out? The confident among us are still mixing them together!
• Texture – Sheer fabric and lace mixed with anything, including fur and leather. “Punched” fabric , with cut out instead of printed patterns, mixes retro-future with shabby chic.

Looks

• Last year’s huge plaids opened up to become this year’s color blocking. Seen everywhere, they are a nod to the popularity of Mad Men and the 60s. Especially exciting in accessories, they add a vibrant zing to bags and shoes.
• Colored jeans – The red and yellow brights of summer are toned down for fall. Look for eggplant and paprika jeans worn with denim or grey. Also spotted: unusual colors like mauve worn as a neutral and paired with color.
• Menswear inspired pants suits - Relaxed and elegant with a 40s feel, done beautiful by Michael Kors. Break up the suit and enjoy the full pleated trousers and classic blazers separately.
• Modern romance - Lace and ruffles can go from classic (think Duchess Kate) to edgy with a touch of goth.
• Tough girl chic – Ultra skinny jeans and leather leggings worn with chunky sheepskin lined vests.
• Boho – Flowing shapes and pattern mixing popularized by Free People and Anthropologie continue to allow creative, artsy types then opportunity to express themselves.

Have fun and happy exploring!

Fall Fashion Trend Workshop – October 13, 7- 9 P.M.
Sorella Fashion Boutique, 6 Petaluma Blvd. North (Great Petaluma Mill)
$20 - Reservations, 707-769-1172

That’s my collie Lucky appearing in this ad for fall fashion!

I’m frequently asked for my expert opinion on all kinds of fashion trends. The writer is always on a deadline and my response is needed immediately. This week a national magazine asked me about leaf shaped jewelry! Sometimes the entire piece is used; sometimes just a line or two is quoted. I thought you might enjoy reading a few of my responses to reporter queries.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press Asked : Are Full, Harem Pants Back In Style?

• When it comes to fashion, the pendulum always swings from one extreme to the next before occasionally landing in the middle! This summer, trend spotters in Europe noticed the popularity of wide legged, full harem style pants popularized by MC Hammer. With pants and jeans reaching the ultimate in cigarette skinny there is nowhere for pants to go except wider! It is a relief to get out of skin tight denim for a change and into something more flowing and relaxed. Here is your chance to experiment with a different shape that is oriented to showing off the waist and upper body.
• The runways show this wide fluid pant with a structured jacket and caged sandals, but women everywhere have already adapted this look to everyday by pairing them with a simple T-shirt or tank and flat sandals for warm weather comfort. The overall feeling of these pants fits with the solid trends of tribal and global looks, especially when they are in a colorful print fabric. In a neutral shade paired with other neutrals they follow the trend toward structural and even sculptured shapes. As this trend continues into fall we will see the silhouette in flowing gabardine and heavy silk, worn with a fitted jacket and booties. Expect a jumpsuit version too.
• As with all trends, for the average woman that isn’t 6′ tall or stick thin, this style needs some adapting. Look for a modified version that flatters your figure. If you are fuller on the bottom, watch out for excess fabric that adds too much bulk. A slim fitting, structured top will help voluptuous women from looking big all over, or try belting a loose fitting top to rein in the fullness. If you like this look but can’t make it work for you, give the wide legged trousers or jeans in more classic shapes a try. Longer, fuller skirts are also making a comeback, offering the same ease and comfort.

The Chicago Tribune asked: Are Pantyhose Making a Comeback?

• When my recent blog mentioned the possibility of pantyhose making a comeback, women commented with a resounding “No thanks!” Many of us remember when pantyhose were mandatory, especially in the workplace, and no one wants to go back to the days of discomfort and dealing with embarrassing runs that always happened at the most inopportune moment. For the most part, wearing sheer pantyhose has been replaced with tights, opaque and patterned hose, and leggings. But pantyhose has always been around and is appropriate for certain occasions. Not only does it look more polished, it is more comfortable with closed shoes and heels.
• For a formal occasions covering the leg with sheer hosiery is elegant and appropriate, especially weddings, funerals and certain social events. I also think it is a good idea for job interviews if you are wearing a suit. Any time you ask yourself “Would hosiery look appropriate?” the answer is usually yes. Some women feel more comfortable and confident with the smoothing benefits of wearing pantyhose, both for the uneven pigmentation on the leg and the “control top” benefits. This group has never abandoned this wardrobe staple no matter what the trend.
• There is no doubt that Duchess Kate style is going to have an influence. I’m hoping she is going to bring back modern “day dresses,” and if that happens it is possible that pantyhose will make a comeback as well. I think we will have a better idea next spring. As we go into fall/winter, opaques will still rule. My hunch is that for most fashion savvy women, even if they dapple in classic sheers they will still want unique, playful hosiery. It is too much fun to add a personalized touch with interesting details like pattern, seaming or embellishments like crystals. And most women are too independent minded to ever return to the discomfort of hosiery in hot, steamy weather. There is a segment of the population that has never worn pantyhose, and if they follow “Kate Style” they may give it a try. There is also the influence of Christina Hendricks and “Mad Men” 60s style. It will be interesting to see if that happens! Who knows, if the 70s trend continues maybe we’ll see the return of L’Eggs pantyhose in the suntan shade. But I hope not.
• The classic go-to brand that has been selling for years is DKNY Nudes sheer to waist. There are several “tones” to choose from. I have not seen the selection of nude pantyhose in department stores expand beyond the basics. Wolford is the high end brand, and their Naked brand is beautiful too, but if I was going to invest in their fine line I would rather get something interesting. Good deals abound: Once you know your style and color you can find a better price on-line or during the department store sales.
• I think the bottom line will always be comfort. Some women find that pantyhose help them feel pulled together and polished, and the support of the hosiery feels good, especially if the weather is cool. No one should feel frumpy or “out of it” if that is their choice. I always thought short skirts, high heels and bare legs looked a little silly in the middle of winter, but that was a “look” and some ladies wore it well. Trends influence, but an individual’s preference always defines personal style. Fashion is fun, and if “Royal Style” becomes a trend and takes hold we can experiment with pantyhose in a playful way. I don’t think anyone needs to fear it as the next mandate.

Here is the link to the article in the St. Paul Pioneer. You can read the Chicago Tribune article here. Check out my press page for more articles.

The only thing the lovely Duchess Kate and I have in common is that once upon a time I used to be a brunette. Still, I can’t take my eyes off her, stealthily peeking into magazines that feature her on the cover. All women that love style are transfixed, waiting to see what she will wear next.

One of my clients grumbled, “She is young, pretty, and thin with enormous resources, I’d hope she looks good.” But it is more than that, isn’t it? Plenty of celebrities have the same opportunities to look amazing but choose to wear cut offs with Ugg boots instead. It has been a long time since we had someone with this level of polished perfection to admire. Of course none of us have her assets, but we can learn from her sophisticated choices. Kate knows her personal style and sticks to it. Her tastes are classic, but she is also a trendsetter. Her influence will become more pronounced as she matures into her new role of internationally watched Royal.

What can all of us that love fashion take away from the enjoyable pastime of “Kate Watching?” She has already presented us with quite a few “pointers” that we can scoop up and use in our own pursuit of dressing well. Here are my observations:

• Try different looks but be true to your own style – If Kate is classic, romantic and sporty, how would you define yourself? I like classic, well made clothes too, but I always add a touch of sensuality and artfulness. We’ll never see Kate in anything too exaggerated or bohemian. To learn how to describe your personal style, try the “Spirit Term” exercise.
• Tell a story – Part of the fun of watching her is seeing all they myriad outfits for all the different occasions. She looks cool grocery shopping. We can have fun “dressing for the occasion” even if it is picnic.
• Project your essence – She is a very private person, a Royal after all, but still we feel we know her and we’re rooting for her. We see her. You can do the same with your clothing choices.
• Wear clothes that fit perfectly – You don’t have to be thin or have a perfect figure, you need to be patient when shopping and do necessary alterations.
• Mix high and low – Stylish men and women know this secret not only saves money, it creates an interesting individualized look.
• Repurpose your clothes – We’ve seen her wear the same outfit to different occasions, changing the jacket or accessories. When you buy clothes that you love, you will find ways to wear them again and again.
• Consider dresses – I love dresses but unfortunately great ones are hard to come by, especially with sleeves. Keep looking anyway; perhaps her influence will create a resurgence in what used to be a classic feminine staple.
• Consider nude pantyhose – Not really, unless you want to, but the web is abuzz with the possibility of Kate’s bringing back into fashion this currently “uncool” standby.
• Admire beauty but don’t find yourself lacking – Kate may be a princess in a fairy tale, but one only has to look at her recent weight loss to see the pressure she is under. We’re all human, and only a very few of us live large in magazines and on television. Thank goodness for that!

The final takeaway is to always remember that outer “trimmings” mean nothing without a caring heart. Kate’s warm smile radiates an inner beauty which is why we love to look at her. President Obama had me at hello for the very same reason.