Have you ever had a day in which you didn't check yourself out in the mirror, or glimpse yourself in reflecting surface? Doubtful.
Some say mirrors don't lie.
Others, that the mirror is not you, but, you looking at yourself.
Do we look at ourselves or for ourselves when we stare at the mirror?
Mirrors were called "The Flattering Glass" back in 16th century Venice.
Caroline McHugh, founder of Idology, a mentoring company, wonders "why should our mirror reflection be the sum of us, when there is so much more to us than that?"
Appearance plays a big role in our lives, and with the proliferation of selfies, the time we spend studying, comparing and critiquing ourselves has becoming ridiculous.
DO you think its possible for us to detach our appearance from our self esteem?
A woman looks at herself in the mirror an average of 38 times a day, a man, 18.
We apply lipstick, arrange our hair, remove a piece of parsley from between our teeth.
Mirrors are unavoidable - in elevators, washrooms, hairdressing salons.
Even a glass building warrants a quick glance.
What is it? Vanity? Reassurance? Insecurity? If only beauty could save us from our anxieties!
One woman tried.
Dr.Kjerstin Gruys, went without mirrors for a year.
She hoped the experiment would make her less obsessed with her looks.
According to her book "Mirror, Mirror Off The Wall" she managed to separate her looks from her self-esteem and believed that this was probably the most powerful secret to feeling beautiful.
Beauty encompasses style. Style is timeless, and leaves a deeper impact.
A couple of years ago, we had The Skinny Mirror, which made us look skinnier.
Then it was time for The Truth Mirror, the smartphone app that unreverses your reflection and lets you see yourself as others see you.
Now technology uses mirrors in changing rooms to help clients visualize themselves in different looks without the hustle of trying on clothes. Not fun :-(
As well as mirrors, combined with a camera, that allow for a "delay", so you can watch yourself in the mirror, then share the footage via mail, twitter or instagram for some group feedback. Why?!
In Feng Shui they recommend to never place a mirror at the bottom of the stairs, for fear of cutting off heads and feet; or hanging a mirror opposite the front door because it pushes the energy right out the door.
Back to earth and the practical act of getting dressed, daily. Here are some fast rules, that will make your mirror experience less traumatizing.
25% of your wardrobe should be trendy pieces. They are the "fun injection. Don't overspend on them, unless you see them becoming wardrobe staples. Ex. a bold accessory, a trophy jacket, a new-length skirt or pair of pants.
20% should be coats and jackets. Invest in a good cut and classic shapes.
15% dresses, simple ones in classic colors. The shift dress is a great example.
10% denim. Don't overstock your wardrobe with jeans you won't wear. Always have a straight, skinny or elegantly flared denim. The loose boyfriend and denim jacket are essentials too.
15% basics. A plain white or grey tee, a sweatshirt with an urban touch jumper Breton-striped top.
10% tailored pieces. The right suit for your body shape, pencil skirt, perfect blazer, tailored shirt be it plain or embellished with a Peter Pan collar or a pussy bow.
5% Party clothes. A killer dress with studs, sparkle...a statement pair of stilettoes.
These items will ensure a timeless wardrobe with enough combinations for day and night.
Armed with that knowledge - what will you be doing? Spend less time admiring your reflection, or getting a life?