Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I recently graduated from college and after spending several months pounding the pavement I (finally!) found a job. The problem is I have to be there by 7:30 AM and its a 45-minute commute from where I live. I've been late a few times already and when I am on time my outfit is noticeably less pulled-together. Do you have any suggestions for ways I can get to work on time and be dressed well?

Signed,

Poor Timing

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Dear P.T.,

First and foremost, congratulations on finding a job. Now the goal is to keep said job! To do that you have to have a game plan for managing your time accordingly. Since you're not a morning person, it would be best to move your alarm clock from arms reach and across the room so you won't be tempted to hit snooze from the comfort of your bed. Another suggestion is that instead of an alarm, use the radio setting so you aren't startled awake. Choose a radio program or station that you like to listen to and it can not only serve as your wake-up call, but background noise while you start moving through your morning routine.

Your next task is to plan your outfits out before wearing them. The most common practice of this is to pick your clothes (including accessories) out the night before, but take it a step further. Take the time out of your weekend to pick out a week's worth of outfits and photograph them so you'll spend even less time agonizing over what to wear. You can put a date on the pictures so you'll know the last time you wore what when, but more than that, now you'll have a 'look book' created from your wardrobe that'll come in handy for more than just work.

Also make sure you're getting the right amount of sleep at night. These tips should help you correct any habits inhibiting a good night's rest. And if you really like this job you may want to start saving and planning to move closer to truncate your commute. Now hurry and put these tips into your routine: time is of the essence.

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

5 Bad Beauty Habits to Break...Now!

Everyone has bad habits; some worse than others. When it comes to beauty there are so many that can be harmful to you - or someone else's - health. Whether done out of nervous habit or you were given bad information, here are five practices that you may not know are causing more harm than good - and now's the time to stop doing them!

1. Over-plucking eyebrows

Eventually the hairs will be so weakened that they won't grow back. When it comes to eyebrow plucking, apply the age-old "less is more" rule. Pluck less to retain stronger, healthier-looking eyebrows. Besides, bold brows are what's hot; virtually non-existent brows? Not.

2. Shaving

While it's generally not spoken about, some women do have facial hair. Plucking can be very painful, and most women don't want anyone else to know about it so they shave. There are a few things wrong with this: A. re-growth appears thicker and coarser because the hair is cut mid-shaft rather than removed at the root and, B. as a result of A, 5 o'clock shadow is in the future of any woman that shaves. Ultimately ladies, you're not alone in the battle against facial hair; bite the bullet and get it waxed or threaded by a professional. You'll find that the embarrassment is all in your head.

3. Using lemon juice to lighten locks

This is bad if it is done regularly and not done properly. If you want hair that looks and feels like straw, use lemon juice on your hair without caring for it. However, if you want to use this as a natural alternative to lighten your hair, be sure to condition hair well and use a little extra TLC.

4. Biting and licking lips

While this can be sexy at the appropriate time, what is not sexy is chapped or bleeding lips. The skin on lips is very delicate and easily broken. Don't bite off skin and don't lick your lips, causing

them to dry out. Instead, moisturize liberally with a (delicious) lip balm to keep them soft, hydrated and healthy.

5. Sharing makeup

She may be your best-friend and you may know everything about each other but sharing makeup is never a good idea. What you don't know about each other is the types of bacteria you could be swapping when you use each other's products and tools. For example, while your friend may not exhibit signs of conjunctivitis now, there may have been a time when she had it and used a particular eyeliner. She didn't throw it away and without thinking, you use it. Now you've got pink eye. Get it?

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