ShopTalk: How can I prepare to make it hurt less?

Lisa Lazarra: First, stop worrying. The number one thing we hear from customers at The Pretty Kitty is, “Wow, that’s it?” Second, avoid caffeine before your waxing appointment. I love those vanilla iced lattes like the next girl, but caffeine increases sensitivity at the follicle level.

Should I apologize that I haven’t shaved my legs?

We are in the hair removal business, so I assure you, your legs will not frighten us! If at the appropriate hair length, it may be a great opportunity for a leg wax.

How many days in an advance of an event (wedding, vacation, etc.) should I wax?

We recommend getting waxed three days before leaving for vacation. Waxed skin is more photosensitive and much more susceptible to burning. For a special event or wedding, coming in 2 -3 days prior is best to allow for any possible inflammation to subside.

How do I prevent any little red bumps post wax?

Our estheticians apply a series of soothing products, including a post-waxing serum, to calm the skin and reduce the likelihood of any skin irritation. Hydrocortisone cream may also be used at the end of the service or at home.

It’s difficult laying butterfly style on the waxing table. You sure you’re not judging me?

(Laughter.) No – no judgements! As estheticians, skincare is our life. We are here for you. And while I will not go into the exact procedure, clients are made comfortable from beginning to end.

Can I drink a bottle of wine before?

If your girls’ lunch gets a little loose, we understand. But honestly, it’s not necessary. At The Pretty Kitty, our Brazilians are done in 10-15 minutes, with the least amount of discomfort. You’ll be fine!

What if you lay some wax down and I decide I can’t go through with it?

May I remind you, the Brazilian is our specialty.

photography courtesy of National Laser Institute

“I just moved here from California and I need a recommendation for a place to go for Botox. Help!” –Calissa

Here’s a short list of local med spas personally approved by the lovely ladies (and their crows feet) of D Magazine. Rejoice, rhytiphobics.

Skintastic Medical & Surgical Rejuvenation
The D staffer says: “I’d never had any needles put into my face before, and Dr. Adelglass totally put me at ease. A nurse even humored me and held my hand. His technique is subtle but noticeable, so I walked away looking better, but no one could tell exactly what I had done. (Restalyn and Botox.)”

Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
The D staffer says: “Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is who I use and love for BOTH Restalyn and Botox. Dr. Bassichis is helping me keep my youthful look as I get older!”

Regional Plastic Surgery Center
The D staffer says: “I’ve had Botox numerous times over the years with various physicians and most recently had it done in the fall with Dr. Watumull at Regional Plastic Surgery. Not only was it almost pain free, he did a great job of not “over doing it” and making the look very naturally improved. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and will be certain to return later in the spring when I need refreshing.”

photography courtesy of vendors

Unsurprisingly, a few recent Ask Raya questions have included a plea for health counseling. Like this question below:

“It’s the new year, and I’m already ready to break my resolution to get healthy and shed a couple pounds! I can’t afford a nutritionist, but I need help with meal planning. I thought you might know an expert that can help with some healthy meal pointers!” –Elisa

I immediately contacted Cooper Clinic. From the brain of resident dietician Cynthanne Duryea, RD, LD, to your plate, here is a list of delicious healthy meal and snack suggestions worth their weight in chocolate, er, gold.

Ditch the rumored “rules.” Instead, work with Cynthanne’s three important strategies:

1. Every meal should be PCF balanced. (That is, protein, carbohydrate, and fat.) Check your plate for fiber-rich carbs, heart healthy fats, and lean meats for protein.
2. Go for three meals and two snacks each day. Snacks offer another opportunity to fuel your body wisely. See examples of great snacks below.
3. Consider this question: Why do we eat? The answer is to fuel and nourish our bodies. Before you put something in your mouth ask yourself, “what can this food do for me?” Concentrate on purposeful eating.

Now, welcome to a day of eating in Cynthanne Duryea’s life. Below are some meal ideas that she frequently uses, as well as some go-to snack ideas that she finds to be remarkably satisfying and keeps her fueled throughout the day.

BREAKFAST

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Uncle Sam Cereal (toasted whole-wheat flakes and Flaxseed- a 100% whole grain cereal)
-1 cup skim milk (used on cereal and to “cream” coffee)
-1 banana sliced on cereal
(Note: This fiber rich breakfast contains 15 grams of protein, giving real staying power throughout the morning.)

Option 2:
-Quaker Oats Old Fashioned rolled oats cooked with pears, apples, dried apricots and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
-½ cup of Vanilla Strained Low-Fat Greek yogurt, scooped on top of oatmeal
-½ ounce almonds (11 almonds to be exact!)

(Note: I prefer to batch cook this hot breakfast on the weekends, when I have more time. I start with 2.25 cups of dry rolled oats which will yield 3 heart-healthy portions of oatmeal. There are 3 grams of soluble fiber in each of the heart-healthy portions, which is an amount that can effectively lower LDL cholesterol, as part of a diet low in saturated fat. I add 1 apple (chopped), 1 pear (chopped) and about 9 apricots (cut into quarters) and about ¼ tsp. cinnamon to add a nice flavor to the cooked fruit and oats. The Vanilla Low-fat Greek strained yogurt I add lends about 11 grams of protein, giving a lot of bang for the 80-calorie buck. The almonds that top this delicious breakfast add heart healthy fat and a lot of satiety.)

MID-MORNING SNACK

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Kashi TLC Bar- The Honey Almond Flax is a personal favorite!
(Note: What a tasty and convenient way to enjoy 4 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein, in a whole grain source that only has 140 calories.)

Option 2:
-Clementine
-Mozzarella String Cheese stick
(Note: The clementine is the perfect portable fruit: it is easy to carry to work and peels effortlessly, unlike a thick skinned orange. Combining it with the string cheese adds about 6 grams of protein to this snack, making it more complete. The flavor and texture combination of these two simple items is quite nice.)

LUNCH

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
A lunch that I have at the office has to be quick and easy, as I typically work through my lunch. Therefore, I gravitate towards a healthier version frozen meal:
-Either a Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Kashi or an Amy’s Organic frozen meal
-Triscuit Crackers
-Piece of fruit
(Note: Many of the patients I see believe that the sodium content of these meals is extremely high. However, when I compare the sodium content of these above frozen meals to the sodium content of their usual sandwich ordered at their local sandwich shop, they are shocked to learn that a 6” sub sandwich is about double to triple the sodium content of any of these frozen meals, with just the bread, lunch meat and cheese….and any pickles or dressings would add much more sodium.)

Option 2:
If lunch is at home, I love to throw together a salad, using washed and trimmed baby spinach, the kind in the bag that is ready to go. Components that would go into the salad would be:
-2-3 ounces of left over turkey, pork tenderloin or extra lean ground beef (often leftovers from taco night!)
-1 Roma tomato, diced
-¼ avocado
-½ cup black beans
-bell pepper strips
-shredded carrots or whatever colorful vegetable I may have in the refrigerator to add nutrients and color to this salad.
-¼ cup shredded cheese – for a heart healthier choice I aim for a 2% milk-fat cheese or a shredded partially skimmed mozzarella
(Note: The salad is quick and easy because there is very little preparation needed. Also, I find that the avocado adds enough creaminess to the salad, I often do not even add a salad dressing.)

AFTERNOON SNACK

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
-Chobani Greek Non-fat yogurt – I love the fruit varieties! The 14 grams of protein in an individual 6 ounce container really has staying power. I have found that purchasing them by the dozen at Sam’s Club is a smart economical way to buy them!
Option 2:
If I have a sweet tooth in the afternoon, I have two favorites that I alternate and enjoy with a glass of skim milk:
-Either a Corazonas Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square (It’s pluses are its 5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and it contains plant sterols in a daily amount that can effectively reduce cholesterol….it does have 190 calories, which may be a little high in calories for some women though.)
-Or a Kashi TLC Soft-Baked Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip cookie
(Note: both of the above snack ideas are great whole grain sources, and they truly fulfill a sweet craving. By washing either one down with an 8 ounce glass of skim milk, you get an additional 8 grams of protein and 300 mg of calcium.)

DINNER

photography courtesy of vendors

Option 1:
Dinner often consists of
-A lean meat prepared in the crock pot cooked on low, while I am away from home during the day- examples would be pork tenderloin, lean center cut pork chops, or chicken pieces without skin….even flank steak can be prepared in the crock pot with a marinade, to make fajitas or to be used on top of a salad.
-Frozen vegetables are a constant “go-to” to assure that a colorful vegetable is included at this meal.
-Almost always there is a salad made with the washed and trimmed salad mixes that are “ready to go.” I dice up tomatoes and whatever raw vegetable I might have in the refrigerator. Olive oil based vinaigrettes are most commonly used for these.
-One fiber rich starch food completes the meal. Examples are brown rice; fresh corn; quinoa; a bean variation like pinto, black, or lima; a sweet potato or red skin new potato; or a piece of Ezekiel bread, which is especially good toasted.
-If my time and energy allow, I will cut up fruit and make a quick fruit salad. If I am more pressed for time, I will literally bring the fruit bowl to the table, and set out a piece of fruit for each family member, to encourage its consumption.

Option 2:
An easy dinner that feels “gourmet” is:
-I steam a white fish like tilapia in an old electric rice and vegetable steamer (I was given a Black and Decker electric steamer as a wedding gift 22 years ago….and it is still going strong. To steam 4 fillets takes only about 20 minutes)
-As the fish fillets are steaming, I heat slivered almonds in a non-stick skillet, until just lightly golden, to lend a slightly toasted flavor to the almonds. Then I remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
-In the same non-stick skillet that I used for the slivered almonds, I heat 1.5 tbsp. olive oil. Then I add washed and trimmed baby spinach (about a 2 pound bag) adding small amounts at a time, until it wilts and decreases in volume, and I continue to add until it is all wilted and fits within the pan. Then I add sliced mushrooms and allow the spinach and mushrooms to sauté together until heated and the mushrooms become tender. I may splash just a bit of soy sauce to add some flavor to the sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
-After the fish is done, I plate the steamed fillets on the plate, and then I cover each fillet with the sautéed spinach and mushrooms, and then I sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top.
-Wild Rice is served with this meal as the starch component.
-Adding a yellow/orange vegetable such as steamed carrots or sliced yellow squash, adds nice color and more nutrients.
(Note: this meal feels gourmet somehow- although it is incredibly easy and simple. It is especially nice to have a glass of Pinot Grigio with it.)

photography courtesy of vendors

Beverages that are nice alternatives to just water:
Le Croix Carbonated Fruit flavored beverages- these give you the kick of a carbonated soda, but without sugar or artificial sweetener…just a nice clean fruit taste with bubbles.
Celestial de-caffeinated herbal teas- on cold winter days these are a great comfort beverage.
Adding 2 Tbsp. POM (pomegranate juice) to 12 ounces of ice water. In the summer, I often have this as a dinner beverage. The concentrated juice lends a lot of flavor to the water, in just a small amount.

Cynthanne has worked in the Cooper Clinic Nutrition Department since 1998 and specializes in preventive health, cardiovascular nutrition, weight management and women’s health. Personally committed to exercise and fitness, she especially enjoys helping others with wellness and sports nutrition. Cynthanne is the lead dietitian for recipe analysis, working with restaurants, food companies and individuals. She received a Bachelor of Science in food and nutrition from Texas Tech University and interned at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Contact her.

We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

It’s no surprise Amy became a wardrobe consultant. She was already pointing out the flaws in her teachers’ ensembles as a kid. She went on to study fashion and business at Baylor and started with personal shopping before founding her own company, Dallas Wardrobe. Today she’s an affordable closet expert who helps people clean our their closets, fill in the blanks, and build and maintain a wardrobe they love. The process is easy. Meet with Amy. Consultations are complimentary. You’ll discuss your style, how your closet and wardrobe disappoint you, and how much you’re looking to spend. (Pricing is based on each scenario, but she’s an affordable bet in town.) Then you’ll meet to do some clutter control, take a look at your existing wardrobe, see what’s missing, and then, “hit the stores if needed.” Above all, the mission for Amy is to make shopping fun and discover how easy it is to love your closet and all its glorious contents.

1.

Mix up your garments. Physically. Simply moving hangers around on the racks can inspire new looks and uncover hidden pieces you once loved.

2.

Organize your closet. “If your closet doesn’t work for you, you can’t work with it.”

3.

Feel comfortable. If you’re not comfy in an outfit, you’re never going to wear it. Period.

photo of Amy Havins courtesy of Dallas Wardrobe

photos courtesy of retailer

A reader wrote this:
“What can I wear to transition into fall while it’s still too hot for full-on fall fashion?”

The goods news is this:
It actually is doable to look autumn-inspired and not sweat your clothes off when you step outside. Stephanie Quadri, former fashion editor for D Magazine and stylist at Sisterbrother Mgmt, answers this burning (get it?) question.

Says Stephanie, “There are some light-weight basics like sheer blouses or soft blazers you can add into your wardrobe now. Soon you can start to incorporate slightly heavier pieces, like thicker blazers and booties, which can be worn with shorts or dresses.” Jump to see her favorite pieces and how to wear them.

THE BLOUSE

Wear this sheer blouse by Equipment with a pair of black shorts now and leather pants or jeans when temps cool. $188/Merge Boutique (or online here)

Worn with colored denim here, this white blouse can be paired with shorts during the day for an easygoing look or tucked into a skirt for work or evening looks. Find this Greylin version for $97 on piperlime.com/

THE BLAZER

There’s nothing I love more than a chic black blazer. It immediately adds polish to any look. I love the leather lapels on this one by BB Dakota. $115/shopbop.com

Throw this sequin blazer over a little black dress at night or pair with a white tank and khaki shorts for a more casual look. $129/Zara.com

Add a pop of color with this tangerine-hued soft blazer to add interest to any look. Wear over a tank or tank dress while it’s still warm. $110/topshop.com

THE ANKLE BOOTIE

These Miu Miu lace-ups are on my list of fall must-haves. The open-toe makes them bearable to wear now with a dress or skirt. Pair back with tights or skinny jeans later. $795/net-a-porter.com

Wear these Alexander Wang cutout ankle booties with shorts or a skirt now and pair back with skinny jeans or pants when temps cool down. $262 (on sale)/theoutnet.com

photo courtesy of Molly Thayer

I cannot, for the life of me, find a pair of classic black flats that are stylish AND comfortable. I’ve bought countless pairs that always leave blisters on my heels or pinch my toes. I’ve spent way too much money on at-home fixes like inserts, moleskin, etc. trying to make my flats work. I just want a timeless, Audrey Hepburn-esque pair that works from the moment I buy them. Please help! –Caitlin

I checked with Molly Thayer, owner of Lou Lou, and she’s got a great pair in store now. Check out the Vince Camuto “Ellen” flats, $79, above. Black patent covers the classic look, and according to Molly, they’re “so comfy.”

“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”

Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.

What’s a damaged moisture barrier?

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation.) All the moisturizer in the world won’t help fix her dry, flaky, sensitive skin until her skin’s protective barrier is repaired.

What’ s the cause of a damaged barrier?

The cause could be genetics, over-exfoliation from too many acids and facials scrubs, overuse of the Clarisonic brush or harsh products.

How do you fix a damaged moisture barrier?

- For starters, avoid washing your skin with anything that leaves it feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredient Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate as these only further damage the skins barrier. f you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping the moisture out of the skin which is the worst thing you can do for sensitive skin. See our collection of sulfate-free cleansing gels and cleansing lotions.

- Always use a toner to give your skin extra hydration, but make sure it’s alcohol-free. (Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner)

- Use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum daily. They can have excellent anti-redness properties but make sure it’s a no-sting formula formulated with stable Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, like our Vitamin C&E Complex.

- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock every day is a must. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 is perfect! UV rays from daylight cause inflammation in the skin which only makes sensitive skin more sensitive.

- Use a moisturizer with lipid-rich oils to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. This one is really important as regular moisturizers will hydrate but not necessarily fix a damaged barrier if they don’t use these special repairing ingredients.  Look for moisturizers with Linoleic Acid, Soybean Sterols, Jojoba Oil, Phospholipids, Borage Oil, Merospheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis), Kukui Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Glycolipids, Squalane and Rose Hips Seed Oil. Many of these are found in our Phytolipid Comfort Cream which is formulated to repair the skin’s protective barrier down deep, where damage begins. Within weeks, visible redness and skin sensitivity will be greatly reduced – if not eliminated. Trust me, this cream works!

- Be sure to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin. What’s your skin type?

Within 4-6 weeks (if not sooner), the skin will be less red and sensitive and back to a healthier, hydrated state.

-Smile big
-Stamp one finger (Raychel recommends the ring or middle finger) with the cream blush, and dot it onto the fattiest part of your cheek (the “apple”). To find this, imagine a vertical line running through your pupil and a horizontal line running across your face at the tip of your nose. Where these lines intersect, stamp away.
-Using a clean finger, blend outward, using up, out, and down motions. (Cat whiskers, if you will.)

I’ve avoided cream blush like the plague to avoid looking like a Nutcracker doll (or a cockatiel), but I tell you, very honestly, after getting this pointer, I went home with my sample and applied it to myself and my sister, and was pleased. Not only did it smooth out quite evenly, but it gave me and sis a natural flush that literally lasted all day. I’m now using La Prairie’s cream blush on a regular basis and I’m thrilled. The downfall is the price tag. La Prairie is one of the most expensive skincare and cosmetic lines I know. The upside is they’ve earned it. Sciencey stuff goes into each product, and results match the claim. Plus, with this $55 blush, it’ll last you until your 70 years old. Find it at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

orange = eyeliner

That brings me to this week’s “Ask Raya” question. A reader wrote in, asking, “How do you get the perfect shaped cat eye? Is there a trick to getting the liner in the right place every time?”

To that we answer, yes, and Ivan Castro gave us the key at our last week’s meeting:

To figure out where to put the winged tip, follow the shape of your lower lash line. (Notice in our illustration how the orange line is basically an extension of the natural curve of the lower lash line.) If you use this technique, not only should you be able to create the same shape on both eyes, but you should also be able to repeat this every time you’re in the mood for this sultry look. I like that this trick adds a dash of flirt, making the liner look like a lash extension. Go home and give it a shot. If you’re looking for a great liner, try Le Métier’s seriously smudge-proof formula.

Bobette says:
“Have patience and be prepared to dig through a bunch of junk.” She suggests setting aside plenty of time to sort through all the things you’ll see in a vintage shop.

————————

Charlotte's skirt is a thrift store find.

Charlotte says:

“Observation is key. I found a Christian Dior bag on a random table in a thrift store in Denton after who knows how many people walked by without seeing it.”

“Don’t go in searching for a specific item. I have found the more openminded I am, the cooler and more unique things I discover.”

Check the label. It can help you discern a few things:
a) whether or not the item warrants the price it’s given
b) how authentic the item is
c) how to care for the item (“For me polyester is a no go, which rules things out.”)

“Try the garment on, even if it’s over your clothes. You don’t know how it will look unless it’s actually worn.”

Charlotte's belt is a Salvation Army find.

“Don’t be discouraged by minor signs of disrepair. Broken zippers and the like can be cheaply repaired and might be a factor in driving the price down. (It never hurts to ask!) Also, if the garment is well made, tailoring is always a option, especially if it is a piece that you will be able to wear forever.”

————————

I say:
If you’ve found a piece with fabric you love in a shape you hate, and you’re into sewing, why not try what Bobette does and rework garments into something more modern?

If you’re looking for vintage shops in the area, hit up the vintage and resale section of our shopping guide. Check back often. We’re constantly updating it!

Skip wearing vintage clothing and decorate with them! Get inspiration from Cath Kidston’s book, Brilliant Ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home. I picked up a copy at The Gypsy Wagon.

I turned to stylist Stephanie Quadri, who has dressed everyone from models to celebs, and here’s what she has to say:

“Suede can be worn any season. Just think of it like leather. You wouldn’t necessarily wear leather pants in the summer (way too hot in Texas), but leather and suede shorts are a big hit this summer. Just be sure to pair them with a lightweight t-shirt and sandals.

Jerome Dreyfuss "Billy" suede tote

I was just at Neiman’s doing a pull for a swimwear editorial and came across several suede shoes. My personal favorite and must-have for the season is the YSL cork wedge in mustard. If you aren’t comfortable wearing the material in dark shades, there are plenty of bright colored options out there that are well-suited for spring/summer wardrobes. Wear a pair of shoes or a bag in lilac, orange, green, or yellow to add a pop or color to neutral looks and you’ll be right on trend for the season.”

Thanks, as always for your genius, Steph. Got a question. Ask away!

More Expert Advice:
-Should you tip your makeup artist?
-Can I be any hair color I want?
- What’s the best tinted lip balm?

Any makeup artist will always appreciate a tip, and it is definitely appropriate in most situations.  Especially if you get your makeup done at the mall or a salon, where the makeup artist probably doesn’t make as much money as a freelance makeup artist.  The one situation where it would not be neccesary is if you are a model doing a shoot for a catalogue or something like that.

Can I be any hair color I want? Or are there rules?  –Bored Blondie

Marie says she’s part of the “anything goes” school of thought. According to her, anyone can be almost any color.

“There’s a way to make it work,” she says.

The requirements are dedication (commitment to caring for the hair and keeping up with the color touch-ups) and willingness to work with the new look (changing makeup and playing with clothing colors). Marie also suggests “going halfway.” Rather than diving head first into a head full of jet black hair, try going a little darker first. Want to be a redhead? Go redder first.

“You can always amp it up,” she points out.

MARIE’S TIPS:
- Listen to the professional. If your hair dresser is concerned about a color selection or style, pay attention. There’s a reason you’re in the chair and the stylist has the scissors.
-Bring a picture. You might say “auburn,” but that can mean different things to different people. A photo with the color in mind can help you and your stylist get on the same page.
-Don’t change your hair color more than twice a year. It’ll prevent too much damage and keep the hair healthy.

Head in to Salon Lucien to get a consultation with a Marie Robinson-trained hair colorist.