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Snakes and Animals for Fall

August 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the forest the snakes and animals are back!  Give it up, don’t fight the trend anymore because snake and animal prints have become a classic. 

The species may change, but the animal kingdom will always be with us.  I once was told by a decorator that animal print in a room brings life, energy and character to the room.  So it is with your wardrobe. 

Sometimes it’s a zebra, cheetah or lizard.  Sometimes is a leopard or a snake.  Sometimes it’s just a touch with a belt or a shoe and sometimes it’s a statement piece with a jacket or pants.  Pay attention to the intensity and class of the species on display because going wrong with an animal can reek havoc with your style!

This fall it’s more about touches of animal.  Get it in a handbag, shoe, belt, even a bracelet, but add some snakeskin or animal into your wardrobe this season to pump it up.  Don’t do animal this season in a statement piece…put those away for now. 

Check out the latest trends from designers such as Calvin Klein, Tod’s, Gianni Bini, Miu Miu, BCBG and more.    Keep it subtle this fall to support all those vibrant colors you’re seeing and you’ll be all about style.

 

                

 

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

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: Fall Trends, Trends Tagged With: , , , , ,

Petite Focus-Skinny Jeans

August 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

My latest question is from a petite client, she asks the following:

Petite Skinny JeanThis question “can petite people wear skinny jeans?” has me puzzled.  Can someone short and curvy like me pull off the skinny jean/pant look this fall? I’m seeing this style pant loads of places but recall you saying that a boot cut would be better to “balance my hipper curves.” Am I correct?

The quick answer is “yes”, a boot cut does balance curvier body line. But let’s take it from there.  Here are some quick tips to have you wearing those “skinnys” and still looking great.

  1. Wear a longer top or layer the look (See photo)
  2. Do not wear your top tucked in.  This will make you look more petite.
  3. Wear some new stilettos or a shoe with a higher heel or event boots with pant tucked in .
  4. Don’t forget to add some accessories at your neck to draw the eye upward.

The key to “breaking the rules” is to know how to work the rules.  As a petite person you are always trying to elongate your body and draw the eyes upward.  When you are doing something that may make you appear visually more petite you will need to focus on other techniques to balance that out and create more length.  In this case you are balancing your curvy hips with a longer top and elongating your legs with a higher heel, drawing the eye upward with something at your neckline.  Keep it simple and keep it balanced.

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, Jeans, Petite Tagged With: , , , ,

First Lady Style-Suggestions from an Image Consultant

August 20, 2009 By 2 Comments

O.k. up to this point, I have been on the sidelines regarding the First Lady’s emerging style.  I have applauded the fact that she looks young and fresh and brings a casual yet stylish new look to the White House.  I love her new hairstyle and the support she has given main stream retailers.  This week though, I must say that I need to speak out. 

This photo was sent to me and people have asked my opinion about her choice of clothing in this particular outing.  Part of me wants to agree with the crowd that says “geesh-she’s going hiking”, the other part of me wants to say whoa-you ARE the First Lady. 

So let’s back it up here a minute.  Yes, she is going hiking and NO a dress would not be appropriate attire.  She does seem to have an affinity for tanks-at least she covered herself with a shirt albeit it open!

As an image consultant the problem I see is the combination of the goods that she chose.  It simply looks like she pulled last summer’s shorts out and put an old top with it.  She needs  a “uniform” for occasions such as this.  (All of her events should be approached with the attitude of what should the uniform be-it’s first impressions, remember!)

So, Michelle, try this on for size the next time you go hiking.

  • Instead of a camisole & “over shirt” go for a real hiking shirt like this Columbia shirt.
  • Instead of what appears to be “regular” shorts that show way too much leg for a real hike, try these Columbia Hiking Shorts-you can even choose a 10 or 12″ inseam!
  • Add some hiking boots with some fun hiking socks, a bandana and a hat to finish off the look.  (Get my drift?  HIKING is the word!)

           

It would be interesting to see what the general public would have said had she approached this “outing” in a well orchestrated outfit!  Where was her image consultant? 

I say it all the time, people don’t tend to get it ALL wrong, they just get little pieces wrong until it is WAY WRONG!  Seriously, she gets off of Air Force One and expects no one to notice what she has on?  Come on Mrs. Obama, you are and will be under the microscope for the next  4 years….Think!  People naturally like your easy going style. Ditch the tanks and camisoles.  Get it together and think about where you are going and what you will be doing, AND what people will be saying about you!

So, that’s my 2-cents worth.  Let me know what you think and remember:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: Style Tips, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Thigh High & Over the Knee Boots-Could You? Should You?

August 17, 2009 By 2 Comments

I received an email today asking the following question:

“I’m working on my Fall 2009 wardrobe, and love everything I’m seeing in the magazines. What is your take on the “over-the-knee” boots that seem to be everywhere? How would you suggest a 40-something woman wear them and not look ridiculous? (or is that not possible… )”

My first thought was welllll…. My next thought was, “great question”.  So what’s the answer?  As you have come to read in my blogs, nothing is ever as easy as a yes or no, black or white.  This is definitely a younger look.

Let me ask you this:

  1. Where do you live (metro, surburban, rural)
  2. How old are you?
  3. What is you core style (do you have a dramatic style?)
  4. Where are you planning on wearing them?

Now, I’ll give you my answers to the above questions.

  1. If you live in a major metropolitan area (think big City) you might be able to wear the thigh high or over the knee boots while out at night or shopping with friends,but NOT to work.
  2. If you are pushing 40 or over 40, then think again. After a certain age it is very difficult to carry off a look that is as extreme as the “dominatrix” look without looking foolish.  Leave these looks to the 20-somethings that can risk the opportunity of making.
  3. Is your “core” style Dramatic?  This is not as “trendy” as it may seem.  This look pushes the edge and requires all the accoutrements that belong with this look.  Dramatic makeup, dramatic colors, leather, etc.  In the photo below Kate Moss has successfully carried it off, but look at how she has paired it with other pieces.  (oversized glasses & bag, large scarf, bold sweater)  (Get the picture-oversize, bold, large, etc.) If you can’t successfully work the entire look you’d better leave it alone.
  4. Where are you planning on wearing this look?  To work, to school, out on a date, dancing?   This definitely doesn’t project a successful business image so don’t try to make it look like one.  You will miss the boat if you try.  Missing the boat will make you look like a fashion disaster.

As a last comment, when you see new fashions in the magazines, take a look at how they are staged.  Look at the styling and the clothes that are combined with the look.  Look at the lighting of the photo shoot, look at the background.  For this look you will most likely see Hollywood types, runway shots and extreme locations to support the overall feeling of dominatrix.

The  legs get a lot of attention.  Tights or jeans, the leg is accentated.  So, if you don’t have great legs, even if you are 20 something, run away from this look.

So, here’s my final answer: “If you are 40′sh, have great legs, can pull off the entire look, want to wear it out on the town or shopping in the city, I say you go girl”. I’ll be leaving this one alone!

To learn more about adapting the latest trends to your own style click on the following link.  Adapting Trends to Your Wardrobe

“Look good,  feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: Boots, Style Tips, Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

5 Ways to Adapt Trends to Your Wardrobe

August 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Each season magazines are all over the newest trends.  You see high fashion, street fashion and everything in between.  Knowing how to adapt the runway trends can be a challenge even for the most fashionable among us.

Everything seems so extreme it’s hard to know what to do and so you just stay the course and do what you do every day.  I challenge you this season to pick up a new trend, try to adapt it to your style and get in style and on trend for Fall 2009 

Pay attention when you look at photographs and take these 5 clues when looking at the latest trends to be sure that they will work for you.

Fabric Embellishment . Runway trends are rarely street trends.  Fortunately, by the time they get to the retail market, they have been watered down somewhat so the average person can wear it.   Take the trend for Fall09 of Russian Influence.  Notice the entire outfit.  Note not just the fur trim, but all the cording and little extras on the jacket, the hat, the boots, etc.  Fur is a big trend for fall-get something with some fur on it-fake or real-fur is in.

 Fabric Texture. Here is another example of extreme runway trends.  This photo shows the fabrics to pay attention to.  Velvet and damask are going to be popular trends for fall and especially holiday.  You’ll be seeing velvet bustiers, velvet pants, jackets and vests.

 

 

 Shoes.  Don’t just look at the outfit, pay attention to the shoes that are with the outfit.  Here you see a metallic dress with slouchy boots.  “Slouchy, oversized looks are an emerging trend. You’ll see this with the coccon jacket as well.  Two important trends this season.

 

 

 

 

 
Accessories.  Hats will be strong again this season.  Note the leather, vest, oversized glasses.  All of these are continuing trends this fall 2009.

 

 

 

 

Fabric Pattern.  Always pay attention to the pattern detail in fabrics.  Impressionist detail is an emerging trend that you will see carried over into jewelry with a cameo ring, brooch, etc.

 

 

 

 

The trick is not to get caught up in the “over the top” detail that the designers create.  It is their artistic interpretation of what is happening in the world. 

Take a piece of the current fashion, be it in your color, fabric texture, detail or even embellishment in your shoe and you are sure to be on trend  and remember:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, Trends, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Demystifyng Detoxifcation

August 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Detox is all the rage right now.  Why, you might ask should you detoxify?  Your skin is your body’s largest and perhaps most complexorgan.

According to Gary Jones, VP of  Marketing/R&D  and Leader of the BeautiControl Research Institute, your skin needs to rid itself of toxins and replenish itself with nutrition to help maintain skin health.  It keeps your body functioning correctly by blocking external toxins and releasing internal toxins. 

 If you can think of your skin as an air filter, it makes complete sense.  When the filter is clogged with pollutants, it cannot pull in fresh air.  It can no longer pull in beneficial nutrients or relieve itself of congested toxins.

 Each detoxifying product is developed to be used to help detoxify, neutralize and re-mineralize the surface of your skin.  They are developed to “purge” toxins while allowing beneficial nutrients to “surge” or re-mineralize into your skin’s surface.  Check out the latest Spa Detox Products and get to know what ingredients are in each and how they can help you get a cleaner body.

Detoxifying Cladetox_masque_07y Masque Includes:
(Kaolin, Black Silt, Sea Buckthorn, Sea Kelp)
Kaolin and Black Silt from fresh water lakes in Easter Europe help pull toxins and impurities from skin. Sea buckthorn and Sea Kelp condition and purify the skin. Only $35 Order #15335

Detoxifying Bath Soak:detox_bath_07
(Sea Buckthorn, Sea Kelp, Green Tea Extracts, Copper, Zinc & Magnesium)
In addition to sea buckthorn and sea kelp to detoxify and purify your skin, green tea extract are added to neutralize free radicals and copper, zinc, and magnesium re-mineralize skin.  Only $30 Order  # 15336

Detoxifying Body Crème:detox_body_07
(Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Olive, Shea Butter, Green Tea Extracts.)
More than just hydrating, this will re-mineralize your skin with copper, zinc, and magnesiumand chelating agents to neutralize heavy metals.  Olive and Shea Butters hydrate while green tea extract neutralized free radicals.  Only $35 Order #15334

Detoxifying Foot Crème:detox_foot_07
(Sea Kelp, Safflower Oil, Grape Seed Oil)
The rich crème is a luxurious blend that detoxifies hydrates and exfoliates and smoothes the skin.  The rich creamy formula produces immediate results and long-term benefits with continued use.  Only $25 Order #15506

Refreshing Mist detox_mist_07
You will become totally relaxes as you spray this mist on your face and body.  It rejuvenates your senses with a scientific blend of natural ingredients and aroma therapeutic essential oils.  Only $12 Order #15531

 Get all your BC Spa Dextox here

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, How To, Makeup Tagged With: , , ,

3 Steps to Instant Cheekbones

August 11, 2009 By 1 Comment

If you have not been blessed with high cheekbones, did you know that you could create “instant” cheekbones simply with contouring tricks all the beauty experts know.

Everyone has cheekbones; yours just may not be well defined.  So first you must define (find) your natural cheek line.   Follow these easy steps for a beautiful, totally natural look.

1. Contour first-looking in the mirror, open your mouth slightly and find the hollow of your cheekbone. Using a brush, apply powder a shade darker than your skin tone diagonally about a ¼” thick.

2. Blend using a blush brush, blend back toward your ears.  You shouldn’t be able to see a noticeable line and just a faint shadow should be visible.  Now at the top of the blended blush, apply a highlighter with a bit of sparkle (goldish-white). Be careful with the application of this as a little goes a long way.  (eye shadow highlighter sometimes can double as your highlighter)

3. Smile naturally.  The apple of your cheeks (full or fleshy part) is where you will then just swirl a rosy toned powder blush.  Finish your great cheekbones by adding one smaller swipe of highlighter and blend together well.

Check out the latest in mineral blush

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, Makeup Tagged With: , , , , ,

Susan Boyle Makeover Update

August 6, 2009 By 3 Comments
    
Photo Credit-Hugh Stewart

Photo Credits-Hugh Stewart

I wrote a blog about Susan Boyle when she first came on the entertainment scene.  Here she is again.  She keeps getting better and better! 

In this month’s Harper’s Bazaar Susan Boyle has shown yet another side of her ever changing self.  I don’t know who has her, but I say they are doing a fabulous job and I say “you go GIRL!” 

 I don’t know about you, but I really, really want her to succeed.  I want her to have what she wants and just exactly how she wants it.

I love this photo because you can still see her “cheeky” charm.  I hope that she doesn’t lose that side of her with all the ‘handlers’. 

Most of all   I hope that she has good people all around her!  I hope someone is “watching her back”.   Good luck Susan I hope to see you on the stage somewhere soon!
Filed Under: Articles, Makeover Tagged With: , ,

5 Tips for Fall to be In Style and On Trend

August 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you are like most people, there are items in your closet that you have a love-hate relationship with.   You know… those soft, comfy, clothes you just love to put on.  Maybe they are colorful and make you feel beautiful.  They just feel like YOU when you put them on.  Save that visual!  Say to yourself this season will be different!

Then there are those pieces that make you feel ah, not so good.  You have to wear extra special under garments with them to even slip them on and can’t wait to peel them off when you get home. I love Spanx but I have this visual of a sausage in a casing when I am getting ready to release my loins after wearing them!   You may event tug and pull all day long to keep them in the right place.  Or maybe you bought Hollywood Tape instead!  They whisker, gape, pull, and are stretched at the seam.  I just want to know ONE thing:

“What are they doing in your closet?” 

Give them AND you the freedom they want and you need by releasing them from your clutches and your closet.  They do not belong to you!  I want you to L-O-V-E everything in your closet.  I want you to be able to wear 100% of your clothes 100% of the time.

We are at a turning point in the seasons.  It is time to make some changes.  You have the opportunity to start fresh with a new eye for style.  Check out these 5  tips to make sure you are in style, on trend and loving everything in your closet.

  1. Gray is the new black.  A gray pantsuit will take you anywhere you need to go.  Keep it simple and free of excessive embellishments.  Buy the best quality you can afford.  (Bonus Tip:  Split the jacket and slacks up in your closet and you will wear them separately-it’s o.k.!)
  2. Dreses are all the rage right now.  I have said it for 2 seasons now, please go out and get a dress.  Styles are plentiful and there is a style made for your body.  As with your suit, keep it neutral (black, dark navy, brown, etc.) A dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can own.  Dress it up for a special event or wear it to work with a blazer. Either way you go, you can’t go wrong with a simple dress. (Bonus Tip:  The right dress will hide a multitude of sins!)
  3. Boyfriend jackets and long “boyfriend” sweaters top the trends this fall.  They are called “boyfreind” because they are looser and a bit oversized.  It looks like your “boyfriend’s” jacket.  Choose a cardigan over a jacket for ultimate versatility make sure you can wear it with your dress and slacks and you have built a wonderful ensemble.  It’s all about shape now.  Don’t get them too oversized.  Shape doesn’t mean tight or body hugging.  Think body conforming and following the natural curves of your body.  It’s trendy, it’s stylish and it will make you feel less bulky.  (Bonus Tip:  Make sure you get it in a solid color that will work back to your dress and gray suit).
  4. Belts, belts  and more belts.  We’ve seen it with the First lady; they come in wide medium and skinny widths.  If you don’t have much space between your bust and waistline, opt for a skinny belt.  Even a chain belt will give you a cinch and be “on trend”.   Belts this season are studded, furry, punched with spikes, grommets and more.  Here’s one place you can go for some edge and show your stuff.  (Bonus Tip:  Wear your belt outside of your boyfriend jacket or sweater topping your dress or slacks for a trendy look)
  5. Accessories are hot and fun.  It’s not just bracelets and belts anymore.  Accessories this season are focused on statement rings, an oversized cuff, huge cocktail rings, statement necklace, even a fur or feather collar.  It is no longer “cool” to be wearing designer labels everywhere.  Mix and match your baubles but don’t overdo it.  Make a statement with one oversized piece or find a piece that you love and it can be your “signature” piece for the season.

And as always remember to:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: Fall Trends, How To Tagged With: , , , , ,