FORGET back-to-school for the kids – it’s time to address your inner “shlumpadinka,” a term Oprah has made the latest makeover catchphrase.
What’s a shlumpadinka?
As Oprah says on her Web site: “I made this word up a long time ago. It represents, for me, a woman who dresses like she has completely given up . . . and it shows.”
It’s an epidemic that is seen “most seriously in the ‘has-been’ celebrities on reality-TV shows or the most popular cheerleader in high school that has never moved on or progressed,” explains Rick Wellman, color director at Patrick Melville Salon in Midtown.
“We all know her . . . and now you can actually help.”
From a subtle-but-not-too-trendy hairstyle that turns heads to simple fashion choices that wow your friends, The Post did just that, taking one willing staffer and giving her the Total Shlumpadinka Makeover.
“I’m fully aware of how I look, and when I’m in a hurry, I definitely can go for the shlump look,” admits 30-year-old Sara Garafalo, whose wedding photos prove that, at heart, she’s a bona fide head turner. “I figured with the new fall season, I should learn how to turn a new leaf and get rid of some of the frump.”
But the real question here: Are you a frump?
Read along to discover the fiercest shlumpadinka-over tips Sara followed, how you can get the look, and the most crucial de-frumping tips that every girl, woman and governor of Alaska should follow.
Or, as Sara said when she saw the traffic-stopping results: “I saw that by simply taking a little more time, I was able to look so
much better.”
But don’t take her word for it. Listen to the reaction of her husband, Andy, whose jaw dropped when he walked in to see the final results.
“It was definitely eye-opening,” he says. “She wouldn’t normally wear those kinds of clothes, and it was a different style than I was used to seeing, so it was just like, ‘Wow, she looks phenomenal.’ “
HAIR DO-OVER
From Rick Wellman, Patrick Melville Salon
What she got: “I got rid of her overprocessed, faux-blond color and brought her back to her natural brunette with rich tones and excited it with deep auburn.”
What you can do: “If you have freckles . . . go for gold and copper! Don’t be afraid of coppers and reds, which will compliment your skin (avoid wine colors in the hair). Just remember, red is one of the most eye-catching colors. Be ready for the attention and embrace it.”
What you should avoid: “If you have rosy or pink skin, steer away from the reds, gold or coppers as it may exaggerate flushed skin. Go for more natural beige tones.”
The biggest nonshlumpola tip: “If you want to make your blond look lighter, wear black. To make your red look more intense, top it off with a jade-green blouse. Look at a color wheel and choose a shirt the opposite color of your hair tone to make your hair shade pop!”
BEAUTY SOS
From Tara Zielinski, Sephora
What she got: “To compliment dramatic eyes, I went with a softer lip gloss in a sheer shade. With a touch of bronzer/blush highlighter applied to the contours of her face, the look was complete.”
What you can do: “Pick a feature you love and emphasize it. If you think you have great eyes, experiment with new colors and formulas to find the right shades for you. Cheek stains that can double as a lip gloss are quick and easy ways to brighten up a gorgeous face and make you feel really good about yourself in no time!”
What you should avoid: “It’s best to accentuate just one feature. For Sara, it was her eyes, so that you don’t overdo the look you are trying to achieve.”
The biggest nonshlumpola tip: “If you don’t have time to wash your hair every day, you’ve got to try dry shampoo. Available in powder or spray form, it works to absorb excess oil, product and grease, and increase hair volume at the roots. Hair is left looking and smelling fresh.”
Products used: Tarte Clean Slate, $27; theBalm Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18, $24; CK Endless Light Brightening Concealer in Cream, $22; Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna, $37; Dior DiorKiss Luscious Lip-Plumping Gloss in Hawaii Coco, $19.50; Tarte Eye Couture Day-to-Night Eye Palette, $44; Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara in Black, $16; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero, $16.
FASHION FIX DAYTIME
From Liza Bychkov, Shadow PR
What she got: “To transform Sara’s laid-back approach, we chose clothes in flattering colors that gave her shape and structure. Pops of color and unique accessories give her effortless style.”
What you can do: “Choose the correct sizes and shapes that flatter your shape.”
What you should avoid: “The key is to dress for your body type. Dark bottoms created a flattering silhouette.”
The biggest nonshlumpola tip: “A basic wide-leg pant paired with a neutral blouse are wardrobe essentials that always look chic and polished.”
FASHION FIX NIGHTTIME
From Alexandra Smith, Armani Exchange
What she got: “We brought glamour and a flirty new look into her life through color, unique fabrics and a modern elegance that sets the mood with casual refinement and city style.”
What you can do: “Bold, rich jewel tones, refined silhouettes and fabrics that flatter.”
What you should avoid: “Fabrics that are too clingy, cuts and fits that highlight least-favorite areas.”
The biggest nonshlumpola tip: “A dress is the best quick fix because it’s a complete outfit. It’s simpler to find one fantastic, perfectly fitting dress than it is to put together multiple pieces.”