I began to notice this when they were my wardrobe sponsor when I went to NY Fashion Week in September 2011.  I was delighted to add their new motorcycle-inspired jacket to my staple wardrobe selections.  The jacket was hot!  Even my stylist friend, Brian (who is NOT a Dressbarn fan) had to admit it.  Many others commented on how cool the jacket looked, and wanted to know where I purchased it.  However, when I mentioned that I got it from Dressbarn, they would give me the *Side Eye*, and say something like “Really?”, as if I was lying.

I’ve noticed this several times as I get compliments on my (Dressbarn) look.  I’m finding that others, too are quite surprised that the store has such stylish pieces.  I believe it has more to do with people’s perception of the clothing store itself.  Some have told me, it’s the store their grandmother shops at, so they don’t shop there.  Because we all know that shopping where old ladies shop isn’t cool and hip (-_-).

Well, apparently, the Dressbarn marketing peeps got the “Our-store-is-looking-old” memo, and is changing up their style.  This is good because it’ll keep women like me (professional in her early 30′s) as a customer.  It’ll also keep them competitive and relevant to the styles of today’s woman.

I recently hosted a makeover event at their store in Columbia, SC with a few women.  At the event, we tried on selections from the store’s current dress collection.  The style options were figure flattering and affordable.  Here are a few pics from the shopping event.

So, do you think Dressbarn has dressed it up? Can you see yourself adding these dress options to your wardrobe?

When I ran/walked my first 5K last year, I thought I was gonna pass out!  However, when I reached the finish line and heard my friends scream my name, it was a boost! Since then, I’ve been inspired to run a little more, even if it’s a cold and wet outside.

Running at the Columbia Riverfront Park

To help me work on my endurance and strength, I’ve started doing interval training. Interval training is where you run a little, then walk a little until you can run longer than walking (or something like that). What I’ve noticed since last year, is that I’m not as winded, and I actually like the work out.  I’ve also noticed that my legs are getting stronger and firmer.  This makes for a great look for my legs while wearing heels.  Yes the work outs are always about improving my physical appearance (and overall health).

If you’re interested in running, but not sure how to start, there are many a running groups that can assist.  Here area some that have inspired me:

Couch to 5k – www.c25k.com – Tips on how to go from a couch potato to running a 5K race.

Black Girls Run – www.blackgirlsrun.com – The mission of Black Girls RUN! is to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority.

Runners World – www.runnersworld.com – The site name says it all.  They have advice for newbie runners and pros!  They even tell you want to eat before a running workout.  Yes, they encourage you to eat! Gotta love that!

Strictly Running - strictlyrunning.com – Details of races in South Carolina.  Most races go to support a local charity.  So you get your work out and charity on at the same time!  Their motto is ‘See ya!’

What inspires you to get your work out on?

Tatyana, Clinical Esthetician at Hair Visions, was happy to demonstrate what cupping was on Justine, fellow cosmetologist in the salon.  Of course I had to try this out for myself, so Tatyana demonstrated the cupping technique on my hand and arm.  After experiencing this gentle treatment, I did notice a difference in how my hand and arm felt

• If you are on Facebook, like the Facebook pages of Make Me Over, Eb, and Dressbarn
• If you are on Twitter, follow Make Me Over, Eb and Dressbarn on Twitter
• Post the following comment on my blog that says, “Thanks @makemeovereb for telling me about @Dressbarn style”.

Winners will be chosen at random Friday, February 3rd, 2012 and posted to my blog.

Last year, when I made my first trip to New York Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2012 shows), I was excited to have Dressbarn as my clothing sponsor.  As you can see in the video posted below, I had a great time picking out my outfits for the shows I was scheduled to attend.

Since I was able to find several fashionable pieces for my wardrobe, I thought I might share the shopping experience with my readers.  So on Friday, February 3rd, I will be hosting a shopping event at the Dressbarn Two Notch Rd location (Sparkleberry Square, 10136 Two Notch Road ,Columbia SC 29204).  All my invited (RSVP’d) guests will receive 10% off on their purchases during the event.  I will also share some of my style and makeup tips.

Please RSVP for the event to let me know if you are attending.  Thanks.

Takin it to the house in my BK hat!

Yessir, ya girl is lifting weights this week! I actually enjoyed this, and will likely follow the program starting back on week one. Ya’ll nothing can hold a sista down, but a 30lb barbell! I’m not letting that stop me! Because I’m still building my strength, I used weights that I could actually lift (which should be a no-brainer).

I did like the fact that I had Philip there to provide training for me. The hour we were at the gym flew by! I did feel some soreness the next day, but I hear that’s a good thing because that means the muscles are building (or something like that).

Last year, I actually spoke with personal trainer, David Robinson regarding tips on choosing the right weight.

On a side note, ladies, there is something cool about going to the gym with your man and working out together. Just sayin’.

What do you think of this quick makeover?

I have one more “Quick Change with Brian Maynor” left until I take a short break to work on some other projects. However, you can always check out our past episodes if you haven’t done so already

1. Be ready to strip down in ya skivvies to try on the clothes you brought in:  Don’t just assume that you know how much your pants or dress need to be hemmed.  The tailor will want you to try on these garments to make sure to have an accurate measurement.

2. If you lose/gain weight, your tailor will give you the side eye.  Um, yeah, so I bought in a bridesmaid dress that I wanted to convert to a cocktail dress.  I needed the dress to be “enlarged” because I had gained weight since the wedding (that happened 8 years ago).  I tried on the dress at the location (see #1), came back in for a fitting, and have loss weight.  So now the dress is too big.  Thus the side eye from Rose the seamstress.

3. The tailor isn’t a miracle worker (all the time).  The tailor may be good, but don’t expect them to create miracles for you when the piece of clothing is way past its (and your) time.  If the fabric is worn out, or is several sizes too small (or big) for you, you might need to get another garment.  Be reasonable with the type of items you bring in to get altered.  Accept the fact that the clothing may need to be passed down to someone in your family who can actually wear it, or it may need to be a dust rag.

Rose is altering a dress for me.

4. The tailor is a miracle worker (most of the time).  I’ve been delighted to know that a  former bridesmaid gown can be turned into a cute cocktail dress.  I have also had a dress that I outgrew, was able to be salvaged by adding more fabric to the sides to now fit me.  (The key was that the additional fabric came from a shawl made of the same fabric.)  Only I know the dress had more fabric added to it

5. Make an appointment.  Be courteous and let the tailor know you’re coming in.  Depending on the number of garments you have, it may take more than 5-10 minutes to try them on for correct measuring.

I chose MOJO City Salon because it is the first place I saw the Brazilian Blowout treatment being done.  The Brazilian Blowout is a chemical process that eliminates frizz and smooths the hair cuticle.  Results last up to 12 weeks.  I’ve heard many a women rave and rant about the whole Brazilian Blowout treatment.  If you have questions regarding it, the BB website has a nice set of FAQ’s posted, or you can ask Michelle Leitner, salon owner at MOJO City.  She will be happy to answer any questions you have on this service at her salon.

Video of the Brazilian Blowout being done

Is there a salon you think ‘Make Me Over, Eb’ needs to visit? Let me know via the Salon to Check Out Submission Page.

Yet, I find myself signing up for Planet Fitness, a gym that promises to be a zone of no judgement, no contracts, and a comfortable atmosphere.  I figured I’d try Planet Fitness out, since my other gym membership at the local wellness center had expired in December.  Since it’s a new year, I wanted to try something new (or maybe it was all the promotion during the Biggest Loser this season and Planet Fitness is in my subconscious mind).

At any rate, I’ve joined and I like it, especially the 30-minute workout express station. Who knew that I could get a total body workout in 30 minutes?! Of course anyone who is an exercise enthusiast knows that, but I ain’t that so, whateva! I absolutely LOVE this whole concept! (Exercise enthusiasts stop rolling your eyes!)

My Planet Fitness 30-minute Workout

In the 30-minute session you work out at 20 stations alternating between 10 step stations for cardio, and 10 weight machines (5 for arms, 5 for legs). Time at each station is under 2 minutes. When the traffic light in the area is on green you can do about 12 reps. When the traffic light is red, you switch to the next station in numerical order.

I like this concept because it gives me direction, and 30-minutes can go by pretty fast. This is great if you think you have no time to work out.

I think I might kinda like this working out thing.

Flo Hair Studio, located at 701 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (Ph: 803-361-2515), is the salon to check out this week.  They have captured my attention with Hotheads Hairwear, a new (to me) style of weaving.  Women with thinning or fine hair can have Hotheads applied “permanently for 4 – 6 weeks at a time and can be used for up to 12 months”, according to the Hotheads website.

Video of Hotheads application

Of interest:

They offer wine to their guests while they wait on services.  Talk about a relaxing atmosphere!

The salon carries the Davines hair care products

Ronnie and Lindsey (stylists at Flo Hair Studio)

Is there a salon you think ‘Make Me Over, Eb’ needs to visit? Let me know via the Salon to Check Out Submission Page