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Let Freedom Ring!

June 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Sunday before the 4th of July is known as Patriotic service at the church I attend.  It is a time to listen to powerful music and remember how fortunate we are to live in a country where freedom comes so easy.  Each branch of service is honored when the song symbolizing their branch is played.  It never ceases to bring tears to my eyes as people stand with pride to be acknowledged. 

Who knows what their story is?  All I know is that I have a special place in my heart for the people who protect our country and sustain our freedom.  My dad was in the Air Force and I have 3 brothers all who spent part or all of their career in the service of keeping our country free.

So while we are enjoying time off with family and friends on this holiday weekend, let’s all remember where our freedom came from and say a special “thank you” to everyone who has served and sacrificed to keep us free. 

There was a song the choir sang and the words that inspired me are what I want to leave you with.

“You can be free and you can sing, Let Freedom Ring”

 ____________________
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.
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Understanding and Getting a Great Fit

June 27, 2009 By 2 Comments

After posting numerous articles about why fit is so important, I realized suddenly that I haven’t talked alot about what it takes to get a great fit. First and foremost you must fit the largest part of your body. Your clothes should smooth gently over your curves without pulling. If you notice stress points in the following areas you should try a different size.

  1. Buttons pulling at bustline
  2. Pockets gaping open at hips
  3. Fly or zippers not closing easily
  4. Whiskering at crotch
  5. Buttons stretched or pulling at any point of closure
  6. Seams anywhere that are pulled
  7. Shoulder seams are not at the top of your shoulder bone
  8. Excess fabric in the back of your jacket

If you are having to suck your stomach, slouch, or in any way alter your normal posture to zipper, button or snap yourself  into your clothes that is a big red flag that this may be the wrong size.  Don’t worry as much about the number of the size you are trying on as the fit.  If the number is bothering you, but the fit looks great, cut out the number after you have taken the garment home.

Now, you must alter to fit.   Buying the right size for one part of your body may mean that it doesn’t fit another part-it is probably too big elsewhere.  This is O.K.  You are now going to make your new garment a custom fit for your body by getting it altered.

The alterations that I see most often is the result of a large chest or large hips.  A top or jacket that fits, often has shoulders that are too big.  Your alterations expert will be able to adjust the shoulders and excess fabric in the back to make it fit your body.

Slacks that fit the hips are often too big in the waist.  If you are having this problem, there are two things that you can try to help eliminate this.  One option is to purchase pants that sit a little lower on your waistline.  Another option is to try a side zip pant.

Sometimes just changing the style of the pant will help eliminate the gap found between the hips and the waist.  If all else fails again, your alterations expert can remove the excess fabric.  If you have large hips, steer clear of side pockets and slash pockets.  Not only do they add bulk to your widest part, then never stay closed because it is a significant stress point.  Opt instead for front facing pockets or better yet none at all.

Now that you understand how your garment should fit, go forth and

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”

____________________
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.

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Filed Under: Alterations, Articles, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Peek at Fall Trends

June 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I was in Charlotte, NC this past week for a peek at the fall trends.  Yes, I know we aren’t even through the dog days of summer and here I am talking about fall.  It is exciting I will tell you. 

The prevalence of pink is still really big.  Dresses  are still a big fashion trend as well.  Wrap dresses, chemise, shifts, all different styles of dresses are out there.  I’ve been saying it for a couple of seasons-you need to get a dress! 

As usual in the fall, black  and all shades of gray  fill out the suiting categories and the rest of the pallette embodies all the colors of the leaves including rich oranges, greens, reds and browns. 

I am learning how to upload video to YouTube as I have a new “Flip Video” camera .  Hang in there with me as I  journal different aspects of fashion, shopping, trends and education.  It will prove to be an interesting learning experience for all of us.

Get a quick peek at just some of the fall trends!

Fall 2009 Trends

Remember always “Look Good, Feel Great, and Have Fun Doing It!”

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, Fall Trends, Trends Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preparing for the Harvest

June 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

squareftgardenToday, I am really glad it is Friday!  About 10 days ago, I started having intermittent problems with my technology.  I am now on the road to a new pc, but before it arrived the rabbits ate my snap peas.

If you have been following my blogs, you know that I have an organic square foot  garden.  I am  proud of the construction my son and I did together. (see photo).  Each morning I  go out to check on its progress, feeling pretty smug about the  new growth I see. 

This past Monday was no different.  I had been waiting to put a protective mesh cover on it  until I saw significant sprouts on my newly planted veggies.  The sugar snap peas had begun to pop their little heads above the ground. 

Now I knew that I was in a race against time…..the time when the rabbits might find them.  I was feeling a little like Mr. McGregor in the tale of Peter Rabbit.  Each morning I rose to find all was well, so I went about my day doing “things” knowing that I needed to get the covering taken care of but being glad that I had been granted one more day.

Monday morning came and as usual I went on my walk.  I returned to check on things only to find that my cavelier attitude had finally gotten the better of me.  As angry as I was I realized that I only had myself to blame for what had happened. 

I had been given time each day to get it done only to put it off for another day.  Each day I took advantage of the reprieve I was given to do something else seemingly more important.  Only Monday was different.  The rabbits DID find the veggies and they DID eat all the little buds.

I now have a covering to protect my vegetables, but it made me think about the harvest we should be preparing for when drought in the economy is over.  What are you doing to prepare for the harvest?  What do you need to do to  make sure the rabbits don’t eat your harvest? 

Fortunately for me, I still have time left in the growing season to start over.  Do you?  What does your image say about you?   Are you branding yourself for opportunity that might be around the next corner?  Do you dress each day as if there is an opportunity just waiting for you or do you get up and dress as if you were just coming in from a work out or working in the garden?

What rabbits are eating at your harvest?  Consider starting each day as if you were planting seeds for the next harvest, because you really are!

Remember always

“Look Good, Feel Great, and Have FUN Doing It!”

____________________
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: Business Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Summer Makeup – Keeping it Fresh

June 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The problem with makeup in the summer is that it tends to melt. Added heat and humidity can send you to a wilted, limp and messy look by the end of the day. Try using these simple tips and you will find they help keep makeup meltdown at bay and keep you fresher longer.

  1. Use a natural silicone primer. Prime your face prior to putting your makeup on with a natural based primer.  It will keep your skin looking flawless for hours.
  2. Use a finishing powder.  Heat and moisture cause excess oil on the surface of your skin.  A finishing powder creates a sheer matte finish and helps absorb excess oils on the surface of your skin.
  3. Use eye shadow control creme and a silicone based eyeliner.   If you are having trouble with your eye color and liner fading throughout the day,  these  2 products  will create a smooth barrier for your eye shadow and liner to stay on all day.
  4. Use mineral makeup. Just changing from a liquid foundation to a powder foundation helps during the summer months.  If you find your makeup looks dull, prime your face first with a natural silicone based primer.   A silicone-based primer will help your mineral makeup smooth onto the face flawlessly and keep your makeup looking fresh longer.
  5. Use a hydrating mist.  After you have finished your makeup routine, spritz with a hydrating mist.  It will set the foundation and give you a beautiful dewey, fresh look.

Last but not least, don’t forget your lip color.  Summer is the time to freshen up your lip color and go a little lighter.  Try a pretty pink, something new and different but bold.  Always remember to highlight or focus on your lips or your eyes for a beautiful overall look.  You can check out all these products online at www.beautipage.com/imageassets

For now, as always “look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!”

____________________
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: BeautiControl, Makeup, SkinCare Tagged With: , , , , ,

Getting In the “Know”

June 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Half the problem with getting somewhere is to first know where you want to go. I know that this sounds trite but it really is as simple as knowing where you want to go. Many days the phone calls and emails I receive are full of angst and frustration over what to wear to events or just the condition of a closet because of change-any change birthday, vacation or just a change in the season.

I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t like to look their very best everyday. The challenge is to know where you are going and how to get there! I suppose that is why Style Camp has been so successful. It gets you “in the know”. It helps you learn how to create your own style. Do you want to learn how to create your own style? Uncover these 10 steps and you will be on your way to being “in the know”:

1. Know your shape
2. Know your proportion
3. Know your style personality
4. Know your color
5. Know the trends
6. Know your budget
7. Know your closet (what do you need to round it out)
8. Know a good tailor (remember to alter to fit)
9. Know where you are going (dress for the occasion)
10. Know a good hairstylist

It takes a systematic approach to gathering these knowledge tools to make you look successful everyday. Although it is not difficult, you shouldn’t expect it to be an overnight process. By looking at your image in an objective way you will take the emotion and self doubt away and learn how much fun it can be to “look good, feel great, and have fun doing it”!

____________________
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, Style Tips, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Hosiery Debate Rolls On

June 2, 2009 By 4 Comments

Several weeks ago, I posted another image related question.  This time I wanted to know what people thought about hosiery and asked the following question:

Do you think women should wear hosiery in business to be respected?
(Click Here to Place Your Vote)

The responses were not that astounding.  It confirmed what most people already felt and that was wearing hosiery is not only an age specific choice but also somewhat dependant on the type business you were involved in.

70% of the group that responded felt that it was NOT necessary for women to wear hosiery in business to be respected.  Read below for more detail.

NO                  YES

Age Group 25-34 100%

Age Group 35-54 73% 27%
Age Group 55+ 33% 67%
Company Owner 100%
C-Level & VP 100%
Management 0% 0%
All Other 75% 25%
Large/Enterprise Company 50% 50%
Small Business 67% 33%
Academics 100%
Consulting 50% 50%
Finance 100%
Sales 67% 33%

Finally, I caution you to make sure that you are evaluating each opportunity for ‘exposure’ and choose your “accessories” carefully based on your experience, age, and what you are trying to accomplish.  Wearing hosiery can actually be a positive asset in business and set you apart from your competition.

If you are interviewing for the first time and you have not gained the respect of your peers, it is recommended that you wear hosiery to show that you mean business.

Filed Under: Articles, First Impresions Tagged With: , , , , , , ,