April 2

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Where Did I Leave That Glass Slipper?

By Celeste DeCamps

April 2, 2014

Cinderella, Makeovers, Self worth

I am fascinated with makeovers. I think it stems from reading Cinderella and watching the Disney movie so many times. I loved watching her transform from a dirty scullery maid into a lovely princess. Obviously, I’m not the only one. Talk shows and even news programs are getting into transforming women from dull to fabulous. It now extends to men who also are wanting a change for the better. It’s amazing what a new haircut, clothes, and makeup can do for us average Joes. We hear the same story from the person who is getting remade. “I spend my money and my time on my children, and on my job.” These people are not trying to be martyrs. For them, it’s a simple reality that the luxury of a hair salon and buying new clothes is not in the budget. What I find so wonderful about this process, is the real emotion that is felt when a person sees him/herself for the first time. Most don’t even recognize themselves. It’s hard for them to believe that they really are beautiful. It also helps that making them feel and look good is a priority. Many of us rarely experience that kind of attention. The change in their attitude before the makeover and after is also fun to watch. When the fashion victims are first introduced, they can barely look at the camera or the people around them. When they return so we can see their new look, their whole body language has changed. Their posture is stronger, their heads are held up, they smile, and you can see their newfound confidence. That’s the part I love. It also makes me wonder why most of us don’t go to more effort to present our best selves.

I don’t believe we have to dress up to go to the grocery store. I do believe people should look nice for a Broadway show on a Saturday night. I was surprised to see most of the audience wearing sweat pants and T-shirts. My friends tell me that people don’t dress up anymore. If that’s the case, then why as a culture are we obsessed with fashion? Is it only the rich and famous who should look their best? I know at one time our society took pride in its appearance. I know men aren’t going to wear a suit and tie to the ball game these days and women aren’t going to wear gloves and a hat to go to the market.

I understand wanting to be comfortable but somehow dressing down has become the norm. What I don’t get is needing to be so comfortable that you show up to the airport wearing pajamas.  I believe what we wear out is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. I know that looking my best makes me feel good about myself. I like putting on makeup and fixing my hair. I do my own version of the transformer at home. I enjoy picking out an outfit that I will wear shoes with and not sneakers. I like the confidence I have in myself when I go out to meet friends at a restaurant or seeing a show with my husband. I think special occasions warrant the extra effort. I try to make most days a special occasion. My mother liked to tell me that I should wear all the cute outfits I can because at some point I won’t be able to. The image of having to wear a housecoat in my old age gave me nightmares. The fact is, beautiful, older celebrities have proven that you can dress up at any age. It’s more than just feeling pretty, it’s a sense of self-worth. I may not have a fairy godmother or a team of professional stylists, but I do plan on looking and feeling like a princess to the very end. 

About the author

Celeste DeCamps has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Miami. She worked in radio and television, was a professional belly dancer, drummer, percussionist, nightclub owner, and a sales rep for Southern Wine and Spirits for 12 years. Throughout her different career moves, speaking to and teaching women how to be more confident is Celeste's most fulfilling job.

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