Good Housekeeping Oct-14

Fresh NEW LOOK YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD the phrase "Change is as good as a rest." And who doesn't feel invigorated by the idea of a makeover? But real change often requires big effort — and can take some time to get used to, especially when it involves stepping outside your comfort zone. Take my new haircut, for instance. Having always admired the "lob" (long bob), I'd been toying with the idea of going shorter for a while. I knew lopping off six inches would make my hair healthier, but I'm so used to the convenience of long hair (it's easier to put up on bad hair days, and lately there have been many). Last week, I finally gritted my teeth and got it chopped. Thankfully, no regrets…only compliments. Which…

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A flesh-toned mani is the perfect detox from last season's over-the-top nail art craze. The trend makes fingers appear longer and hands look younger and more elegant, says Julie Kandalec, creative director of Paintbox nail studio. To find your neutral, hold a finger up to one of these color swatches. It's a match! Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Alabaster, $6; crabtree-evelyn.com Essie in Sandy Beach, $9; essie.com Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat, $19; Ulta Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat, $19; Ulta Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Color Coat in Truffle Shuffle, $10; drugstores OPI Nail Lacquer in Going My Way or Norway, $10; salons HIPPxRGB Nail Tint in T3, $18; rgbcosmetics.com HIPPxRGB Nail Tint in T4, $18; rgbcosmetics.com +BRUSH EXPOSED NAIL EDGES WITH POLISH TO PREVENT…

What we're excited about this month STYLE GAME CHANGERS PERSONAL STYLE is important to all of us, no matter where we are in our lives or how much time/money we can devote to the effort. And, like yours, mine is ever evolving (never more so than since I had a second baby a few months ago!). In between sizes and struggling with a new look, I'm thankful for the tips I've learned on the job — like the power of one key piece (see "The Blazer," page 22) or how rethinking a beauty classic (see bobby pins, right) can be a game changer. We stress about enough as it is, right? Style should be fun! So our pages aren't mandates, but a guide to what we're loving — and what…

MONDAY A.M. MEETING Pair a fitted skirt with a roomy blazer and a white T-shirt (that's right, a tee!). Fit tip: A longer hem on an oversize jacket minimizes hips. BLAZER, $129, CALVIN KLEIN; MACYS.COM. TEE, $12, THREADS 4 THOUGHT. SKIRT, $44, DAISY FUENTES FOR KOHL'S. NECKLACE, $76 (WITH CODE GH20), JULIET & COMPANY. RING, $7, FOREVER 21. SHOES, $140, DUNE LONDON. DINNER DATE The new dressed-up jogging pants look date-night-ready with a sophisticated blazer and animal-print pumps. BLAZER, $198, BANANA REPUBLIC. CHAMBRAY SHIRT, $24, OLD NAVY. PANTS, $60, ARITZIA. NECKLACE, $11, MONSOON USA. SHOES, $129, DUNE LONDON. BRUNCH WITH IN-LAWS "Fall-ify" your white jeans (yes, you can wear them after summer) and a nautical striped top by adding a wool plaid blazer. BLAZER, $149, TOMMY HILFIGER. TEE, $74, SPLENDID.…

Jazz things up for a night out with an unexpected sparkly sweatshirt. TOP, $25, MANGO Wear your hair up to flaunt classic shades with camo'd temples. SUNGLASSES, $175, RAY-BAN A silky blouse in a decidedly refined navy camo begs to be worn to the office. TOP, $169, TOMMY HILFIGER TOP, $79, ANN TAYLOR. PANTS, $69, LANDS' END. EARRINGS, $27, MY JEWEL CANDY. NECKLACE, $58, JULIET & COMPANY. BAG, $98, DANIELLE NICOLE; AMAZON.COM. SHOES, $79, NINE WEST; ZAPPOS.COM. Balance borrowed-from-the-boys oxfords with a pleated black midi-skirt. SHOES, $118, VINCE CAMUTO Test-drive the trend with gold-trimmed bracelets. BANGLES, $58 EACH, C. WONDER Neon pink makes it girly. So pretty with a fall jacket! SCARF, $28, STUDIO S; sears.com Two trends in one: a military print and a bucket bag. Love it! BAG,…