As modern women, we are in a sad state at the moment when it comes to our self-esteem and our recognition of unique and individual beauty. I deal with this on every episode of What Not To Wear -- when I'm trying to teach women to recognize their own beauty they always fight me on it. Why is it so hard to embrace the positive? With all the awful reality shows on television with women literally tearing each other apart, it makes me sad to think we are destroying each other this way. Even watching it as a form of entertainment is not okay, as all that negativity begins to creep into our subconscious, making us terribly critical of ourselves and others.

We need to celebrate our sisters not defeat them and we need to embrace our natural beauty not loath it! Start practicing what I call "Contagious Compliments," and let's change our attitudes about feminine beauty. Start each and every morning by repeating a mantra like "I am beautiful" to your reflection in the mirror. This positive attitude will start you off on the right foot, and then wherever you go and see a woman with pretty hair, beautiful eyes, great skin, etc., let her know it.

Give her a compliment, and yes, they are contagious. It does not cost you a thing and the boost of self-confidence you give this stranger is priceless and it makes you feel good to make someone feel pretty. You will soon see yourself in a more gorgeous way and feel positively beautiful!