You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for January 2009

Don’t Worry Be Happy

January 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

This time of year it seems as though the winter will never end.  I suppose that is why designers created “Resort Wear”.  If you are fortunate enough to spend time away from the cold and snow during the winter that’s great, but what if you aren’t?  Why not put some “happy clothes” in your closet.  “Happy Clothes” are clothes that look good and feel great on you, but most importantly they have color.

 Color is energy.  From the shortest wave lengths to the longest color has an impact on your mood.  What are your happy colors?  What colors make you feel good, and what colors do other people say look good on you? 

Our current economic phase necessitates the NEED for positive energy right now.  Pastels and soft colors aren’t going to do it.  Saturated, bright colors are the only way to feel the power behind the color.  The colors that give powerful energy are easy to recognize:

  • Yellows are sunny, happy colors.

  • Reds are intense, exciting colors.

  • Whites are peacekeeping colors

  • Blues are trusting colors

Don’t forget that too much red can be exhausting.  Try mixing these colors or selecting a top or accessory piece with pattern.  Either will create movement and an energy that will sustain you through the dullest of days.

Pay attention when someone says you look good.  Try it on during the dark days of winter and see what happens.  Don’t worry, have a happy color day!

____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

Filed Under: Articles, Color, Trends

10 Steps to a New You Checklist

January 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

? I am ready and willing

? Write down how you spend the majority of your time (do you work full-time, stay at home, retired?)

? Write down who are you? (What is your Style Personality . How do you want others to perceive you?)

? Attend Style Camp

? Begin to create an “Image Bank” ( physically put money away to be able to use to purchase key pieces for your wardrobe)

? Write down 3 words that describe you

? Get a Color Analysis to understand what you need in your closet to look your very best

? Clean your closet (Closet Cleaning 101)

? Organize your closet by color and item

? Get a closet audit or audit your closet to see what you need

REWARD YOURSELF FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Never, ever, ever give up. It most cases it takes a year and more to build a great working wardrobe and realize the enefits of implementing key choices you have made. Color is immediate, style takes time to build. So, allow yourself to develop your sense of style by trying new things. Always enjoy the process of understanding who you are!

____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Articles, Goal Setting, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , ,

How to Dress Taller & Slimmer

January 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Everyone wants to look taller and slimmer, right?  Well, you can very easily if you know how to use color for illusion and how to dress for your body type.  There are very simple rules that will make it easy to go to your closet each day and not just dress in black all the time. 

Rules for Dressing Taller:

1.       Go for one color (monochromatic)

2.       Break it up with a pop of color-this adds interest and texture ( add a blazer, over-shirt or cardigan)

3.       Create vertical lines-leave your blazer or cardigan unbuttoned

4.       If you wear stripes, make sure they are vertical.

5.       Match hose to skirt or pants and shoes. (This creates a fluid look)

6.       V-neck tops will elongate the neck

7.       Stay away from anything that will create a horizontal line (belts, stripes, etc.)

8.       Choose accessories and are long-scarves tied loosely at the neck or simply hanging freely, long necklaces, pendants, etc.  Avoid anything that is tied close to the neck or choker)

9.       Make sure your shoes have at least 1” heel, taller if you are comfortable wearing them.  This creates a long leg look.

10.   Show some skin with necklines (v-necks), ¾ sleeve, ankles, knees, etc.  This keeps everything interesting.  Don’t cover up your body.

11.   Mix textures. Leather and knit, wool and silk.

12.   If you are proportioned petite (5’3” or under) do make sure to scale everything proportionately.  You will want to make sure that your prints, pockets, collars, etc don’t overpower you.

13.   Mix it up:  go for opposite proportions.  If you wear a long jacket, choose a short skirt; if you wear a shorter jacket, wear slacks, etc.

Rules for Dressing Slimmer:

1.       The core of your wardrobe (pants, jackets, dresses) should be dark.  Don’t limit it to black though.  Go for navy, brown, charcoal gray.

2.       Always wear foundation pieces (body shapers, control-top pantyhose, etc.)

3.       Know what your best feature is and highlight it always.  If you have great legs, show them off with a knee-length skirt.

4.       Wear fabrics that don’t cling.  You want soft fabrics that drape.

5.       Avoid fabrics that are too boxy or stiff, they add bulk.

6.       Always draw attention upward with accessories and scarves.

7.       Choose your accessories scaled to your body.  This means from your earrings to your handbag to your shoes.

8.       A small shoulder-pad can help sweaters and knits hang away from your body.

9.       Minimize or eliminate all tops that have oversized embellishments or buttons.  Opt for clean straight lines.  You can add interest with your accessories.

10.   Make sure to look for prints that do not have huge spacing between them.  Opt for prints with overlapping images.

11.  Don’t think by covering everything up  you will look slimmer.  IN many cases, just the opposite will happen.  Follow the shape of your body an choose fabrics that drape but don’t cling or snug the body.

____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

Filed Under: How To, Style Tagged With: , , ,

The Best Hair Style For You – Match Your Celebrity Style

January 5, 2009 By 1 Comment

Although the perfect face shape is considered to be oval, there are cuts that look best for every face shape.  Most people actually have a combination of two face shapes.  Consider this:  the object of every haircut is to create the illusion of an oval face shape.  So before you go in with a decision on a new style, consider and consult with you stylist.  You’ll want to make sure the shape of your face as well as the shape of your head will work.  Here is a quick guide of what to look for and things to avoid for the 5 most common face shapes.

OVAL:  Considered the most versatile face shape.  Fortunately for you, just about any look is great for you.  Whatever length you decide to go with, you will look best with layers nearest your cheekbones, lips or chin.  If any of these features are ones you want to highlight, go with a layer here.  Avoid:  anything that will add height to the top of your head.  You don’t want to elongate your head. (i.e. short layers at the crown)  Famous celebrities with oval face shapes:  Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Jada Pinkett Smith

LONG/OBLONG:  Your objective if you have an oblong or elongated face shape is to create balance with width.  Long, side-swept bangs are currently very modern and chic.  If you like to wear your hair a moderate length, try a chin-length bob.  Waves, curls and layers will also add width, but do avoid short layers.  Short layers will add more length and volume on top of your head.  Avoid:  extremely long or extremely short haircuts.  Both will elongate your face.  If you do have long hair (past your shoulders) make sure to cut in some layers to create interest and width.  Famous celebrities with long or oblong face shapes:  Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Giselle Bundchen.

ROUND:  The best style if you have a round face shape is one that falls right below your chin or a style that can add a bit of volume to the top of your head.  Your objective with a round face shape is to use styles that will add length to your face.  You can use soft, graduated layers – they will remove some of the weight from the sides and visually make your face appear longer.  Bangs are also and option, but make sure to keep them long, side-swept or wispy.  Avoid:  Blunt cuts or all one length hairstyles.  These will only accentuate your roundness.  Famous celebrities with round face shapes:  Kate Bosworth, Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

SQUARE:  You strong angular lines will need to be softened if you have a square face shape.  Get some texture with curls or choppy ends.  Long, sleek styles with layers that begin at the jaw line and keep moving down as well as short, spiky cuts will work for you.  Notice the two extremes you are able to wear.  Avoid:  One-length haircuts and anything that is ‘squared off’. (Chin-length bobs/blunt cut bangs)  They will only serve to make your face more square.  Famous celebrities with square face shapes:  Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Mandy More, Rosario Dawson.

HEART:  With your pointed chin you will want to draw attention up to your eyes and cheekbones.  Try some wavy layers that graze your cheekbones, and if you have short hair, keep the layers soft and long.  Keep bangs soft and fringe like at your brow.  (Drawing attention to your eyes)  Your hair should fall either at or below your jaw line to keep attention away from chin.  Avoid:  Blunt-cut bangs and hard, choppy layers-keep everything soft.  Famous celebrities with heart face shapes:  Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, Ziyi Zhang.

____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Hairstyle, How To Tagged With: , , , ,