conversation about wiring harnesses.
God. Boys are so lame sometimes.
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Examine those in your social circle who are more popular than others.
Study them.
See where they go.
Observe what they do and how they behave.
Analyze what they wear.
Listen to what they talk about.
These people are your role models. Without “copying them” (no one likes a copycat!), try to be more like them.
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Seven
STILL T - MINUS ONE DAY AND COUNTING
SUNDAY , AUGUST 27, 9 P . M .
Well. This is it. Everything is ready. I have my:
Dark denim stretch jeans (not too tight, but definitely not too loose).
Slim-fit cords in multiple shades.
Simple yet versatile two-piece sweater sets in various flattering tones.
Activewear (with hoodies)—no jogging pants, as drawstrings “draw” attention to your middle.
Jackets in corduroy and denim, nipped in at the waist to reveal my hourglass figure.
Skirts—knee-length pencil, again in corduroy and denim (one in khaki); mini (but no microminis…leave that to Darlene Staggs).
Multiple tops (none belly-baring—a girl shouldsave SOME secrets for the pool, or that special someone), including scoop neck and ruched tees; blouses with just a hint of ruffle at the cuff or neck, to maximize femininity.
Round-toe shoes such as Mary Janes; boots with flattering heel; slim yoga sneaker.
Close-fitting down-filled jacket for casual outings, and coat with flattering (imitation) fur collar for more formal events; matching cashmere scarf and gloves, for winter.
Dresses (not too revealing, full skirt) in black or pink for dances.
Of course, I had to fudge SOME of The Book’s advice a little. I mean, The Book is pretty old. I didn’t think a girdle or something called “pedal pushers” were going to fly in the halls of Bloomville High.
Not to mention the fact that if I walked around in white kid gloves for evening (even “unsoiled, unsplit” ones), I wasn’t going to win any fashion points with Lauren and her friends.
So, obviously, I pretty much had to improvise with the clothes thing.
But with the help of a couple of teen fashion magazines and their back-to-school wardrobe tips, I think I did pretty well. Thank God for T.J.Maxx, is all I have to say. Oh, and the outlet stores outside the Dunes, where Becca’s mom and dad took us that one weekend in July. How else would I have foundBenetton sweaters for fifteen dollars?
Anyway, I really do think I’m ready. Tomorrow morning—and every morning for the rest of my life, as per the instructions in The Book—I’ll:
Shower—shampoo and condition hair, exfoliate, shave legs and underarms, then moisturize.
Use deodorant liberally (clear, quick-drying kind, so as not to leave unsightly deodorant stains on shirts).
Floss AND brush teeth (Crest Whitestrips to be applied for a half hour every morning and night).
Apply mousse, Frizz-Ease, blow-dry, and flat-iron hair.
Put on clean underwear, including bra that actually fits (thanks to saleslady at Maidenform outlet who actually measured me correctly, unlike Mom) and makes me look a size larger than the (wrong) bra size I used to wear.
Have shoes shined, cleaned, scuff-free.
Make sure nails are clean, filed, clear gloss applied, no chips, cuticles all pushed back (check into viability of weekly manicures in mall).
Wear perfect makeup—foundation, lightly applied in problem areas and well blended, with SPF of at least 15; cover-up for any acne flare-ups (to be controlled with Retin-A, prescribed by Jason’s dad, as well as nightly routine of washing,using astringent, and applying benzoyl peroxide before bed) and circles beneath eyes; long-lasting lipstick/gloss, subtle mauve only; eyeliner (lightly applied, soft shades, like gray and lavender); waterproof black mascara.
Make sure clothing is neat, no wrinkles, everything coordinated, nothing showing that shouldn’t be showing. SET OUT CLOTHES THE NIGHT BEFORE!!!
Choose accessories—earrings (small studs or hoops ONLY) match; no more than one
Emiko Jean
Debbie Macomber
Michael Pearce
Sharon Ihle
John Corwin
Tracy Barrett
Sheila Kell
Nikita King
Linwood Barclay
Beth Bishop