10 Things to Do to Get Ready for Fall

Yes, Fall is here – both on the calendar and the weather.  While there may be another week or two of Indian Summer, it’s time to get your wardrobe and beauty routine ready for the season change.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Reconsider self tanner – Sure, it made you look sun-kissed during the summer, but think about whether that faux glow is a look you want to continue on into fall and winter.
2. Be careful with the bronzer – Along the same lines of the self tanner, an overuse of bronzer this time of year looks like you’re trying to hard to let go of summer.  A little highlight is one thing, the all over bronzy look is another.
3. Check your makeup – Chances are that you have a few things left over since last fall.  Take a long hard look at these items and make sure that nothing is past its prime.  Toss mascara out after 3 months.  If something smells funky, out it goes.  If it looks like it’s changed colors or is contaminated in some way, toss it.  When applying something to my face, my adage is, if in doubt – toss it out.
4. Check your colors – There are classic eye shadow and blush shades that never go out of style.  That’s why they’re called classic.  Other colors can be combined with new shades to give an updated look.  Some were just mistakes to purchase in the first place.  This is a good time to throw them out.  Make an appointment with your favorite make up counter for a new fall look.  Be sure to bring along any favorites so that you learn how to incorporate them into your look.
5. Take a hard look at your hairstyle and color – Is it time for a change?  How long has it been since you’ve changed (updated) your hair cut or color.  Nothing says old like clinging to a style that looked great – five years ago.  Schedule a consultation with a stylist and get some ideas, and then make an appointment later if you decide to go ahead with the change.
6. Dig out your fall and winter clothes – Try things on, and if they don’t fit, give them to a women’s shelter or back-to-work program.  If things need mending or altering, arrange to have that done.  If you didn’t wear it last fall, you probably won’t this fall either, so save yourself some closet space and give it away.
7. Check your shoes and boots – Get repairs made, heels repaired, new soles put on, or slip guards put on the bottom.  Shine them up.  If they’re too tight, have them stretched to see if they’ll fit.  If they’re uncomfortable, give them away to a new, loving home.
8. Try a new fragrance – You may have loved those floral scents for spring and summer, but try something new for wall and winter.  Go a little woodsier, maybe a bit more exotic.  The weather may be cooling down, but there’s no reason that you can’t heat up the place.
9. Get out the fall handbags – Time to retire the straw and lighter weight fabric bags, and get out the hearty leather for every day wear.  Satchels, bucket bags, slouch bags, and other classic shapes are always a good choice come fall.  Make sure that you take care of any repairs, too.
10. Adopt a new attitude – Be confident, even when you’re not.  Be happy, even when you have struggles.  Give to others, even when all you can afford is a smile.  Be thankful, for every day that you’re given.

Do you have any tips for fall?

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