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Part 2 – A Wardrobe Based on Purpose – Your Accent Colors

January 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Now, the fun begins!  Up to know, we’ve been talking all about creating a wardrobe based on purpose and  building a foundation.  Much the same as a house is build, you cannot have a well-build wardrobe without key core foundational pieces.  If you have truly invested in this process you are about to reap the rewards by adding your accent colors!

Accent Colors: Are key focused colors in your wardrobe that will become your “support” staff.  They are the pieces that will go next to your skin.  They are your blouses, shirts and t-shirts.  They consist of colors that are next to your face and therefore will have an impact on the way you look and the way that others perceive you.  You MUST put focus on selecting your accent colors.

  • Based on skin tone
  • Feel good color
  • Color you receive compliments on
  • 1-2 colors seasonally
  • Buy depth not breadth

Each season, I peruse the retail markets and research magazines to see what color trends are out there.  The fact remains that sometimes there are simply not any colors that are stellar on you.  BUT, when your colors are in the market, select 1 or 2 colors that you want to “be” this season.

Focus on buying depth in each of these colors.  Most people will find a top that they like and buy it in 16 different colors.  I want you to think differently and go deep!  Buy that top in a t-shirt, in a sweater, in a blouse, in a shirt with a stripe in it, in a v-neck, 3/4 sleeve etc.  Don’t forget to get a variety of fabrics as well.  You get the picture.  Because it is NOT about the quantity of color that you have but the quality of the color that you are wearing next to your skin.

You’re almost there!  Your next step in your purposeful wardrobe is accessories! Who doesn’t like accessories?  Follow us for the next installment Part 3 of A Wardrobe Based on Purpose – Accessories.

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


Filed Under: Articles, Color, How To Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

10 Things to Know Before You Hire an Image Consultant

January 8, 2010 By 1 Comment

The advent of “What Not To Wear”, “America’s Next Top Model” and “Project Runway” has heightened awareness of  personal appearance.  That’s the good news.  The not so good news is that “everyone” seems to think they are a personal stylist.

The challenge for the consumer is to know what to expect from a “personal stylist” or Image Consultant/Coach.  An important distinction should be made between the two.

A Stylist is often someone who has a “passion” for fashion, a talent or skills in creating a “look”.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that this person has been formally trained in all aspects of your physical appearance.  Most stylists will bill you at an hourly rate.

An Image Consultant, more specifically, a Certified Image Consultant is someone who has been through an education path that will equip them to create a “look” that you desire in addition to helping you develop a “personal brand” image.  Most Image Consultants, specifically Certified Image Consultants will bill in a number of different ways (hourly, day or package rate).  Services may include color analysis, closet audits, style analysis, education, shopping, personal branding, etc.

If you are in search of a personal shopper, very often a Stylist will accomplish your needs quite well.  But, if you are struggling with your wardrobe, “who” you really are and want to propel yourself to the next level in business, a life change, or want to reach greater goals, I encourage you to consider interviewing a Certified Image Consultant.

I work as a Style and Certified Image Consultant/Coach, and have been formally trained in all aspects of your personal image.  My passion is to help you reach your unique style and equip you with the knowledge to build the wardrobe to support the lifestyle you lead.

Approach your partnership with a Stylist/Image Consultant just as you would any other contractor and do your research:

  1. Interview at least 3 individuals
  2. Are they willing to meet with you prior to working with you?
  3. Is there synergy between you and the Stylist/Consultant?
  4. Does the Stylist/Consultant truly understand your needs?
  5. Do you want a plan of action?
  6. Are you looking for a “personal shopper”?
  7. Do you know “why” you would like to engage a Stylist/Consultant?
  8. What is your time-frame?
  9. What are YOUR expectations of the Stylist/Consultant?
  10. Finally, do you have a budget?

Working with a Stylist/Image Consultant can and should be a grand experience.  Both Stylists AND Certified Image Consultants add value to your life.  The experience working with either should begin a partnership that opens your eyes to great potential and possibilities in you.  Do your homework and you will:

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

Filed Under: Image, Style, success Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Part 1 – A Wardrobe on Purpose-Your Key CORE

January 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you have read about creating a wardrobe on purpose, you know that you must have 3 components:  core, color, accessories.  Let’s talk about your Key Core.

The concept of a “key” core is not new.  Women who know how to dress have done it for years.  Now it’s time for YOU to do it.  First a definition is in order.

Key Core:  A core stable base of garments that contains at least 3 pieces in a suit-jacket, slacks and skirt.  Yes, a suit…You may not wear any of the pieces together, but they will form the best foundation for building a wardrobe on purpose.   One additional piece might be a dress.  The key to this core will be the neutrality of the color.  It must be a good color on you that is perceived as a neutral (navy, brown, black, tan, taupe, beige, etc). Since we have 2 style seasons, you should focus on 2 key core foundational bases.

  • Spend as much and get the highest quality you can afford
  • Keep the detail classic and simple
  • Minimize embellishments (no bling, minimal fringe or any detail too trendy)
  • Quality 3-Season Worsted Wool

Your Key Core Neutral provides the foundation for your creativity and accent colors to follow.  Interior decorators have always used this methodology when decorating homes.  I once continued to buy sofas in search of the perfect fabric/color/design.  After about 7 sofa purchases (I’m NOT kidding), I realized that all I had to do was buy a “boring” solid, neutral color and change my pillows and paint whenever the mood struck me!

Voila!  That’s it!  Consider your Key Core your “sofa”.  Yes, buy a “boring”, neutral color.  The excitement will come next!  With selecting your fun, exciting, personally expressive accent colors!  Come back tomorrow to read Part 2 A Wardrobe on Purpose – Your Accent Color.

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

Filed Under: Articles, How To, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

3-Parts to a Wardrobe on PURPOSE

January 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Surprise!  Creating a purposeful wardrobe is NOT that difficult!  Trust me, I’ve been doing it most of my life!  In short, there are 3 components to a “purposeful” wardrobe.

  1. Key Core Neutral Foundational Pieces
  2. Accent Colors
  3. Accessories

That’s it, I promise!  Let’s look a little more closely at this concept.  Over the years, I have noticed that men more often than women create wardrobes with purpose.  Men look to their wardrobes as functional whereas, women want more expression and creativity.  I’d say it is the “nature of the beast!”  I’m going out on a limb here and will say that women are more complex by nature than men.  Men want to know 3 things:

  1. What’s the problem
  2. How can we fix it
  3. How much does it cost

Women on the other hand (including myself) take some time to peel back the layers to discover the problem or true need.  Therefore, women often take many different paths to get to the final end result.

Building a purposeful wardrobe will help you eliminate some of the narrow streets that you get stuck on in the process in search of true expression.  It really doesn’t matter who you are or where you are in your life-cycle, a wardrobe based on purpose will take you to ANY life event.  So, whether you are a career women, stay-at-home mom, or a retired woman, stay on purpose and create your wardrobe with foundation, color and accessories.  Come back tomorrow and follow us over the next few days as we explore more about creating a core wardrobe.

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

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

Setting Resolutions or Goals?

January 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Several years ago I quit setting New Year’s Resolutions.  It wasn’t until recently that I thought about it and figured out why.

Resolutions seem like lofty, arbitrary statements spoken or written without any real promise to them.  They never seemed to change.  You know what I mean, exercise more, loose weight, eat better….These are things most of us need to do.  I don’t even like the word—it has a negative connotation…A resolution sounds like something you have to “fix”, like something is broken.

I heard recently that by February 16Th, most New Year’s Resolutions are broken.  That’s a pretty sad statement.  So, my question is why set yourself up for failure?

Instead, why not look at each year in terms of goals.  Goals are achievable because they have a process.  Resolutions on the other hand are the end result-and don’t always have any measurable steps tied to them.

Rather than setting arbitrary resolutions this year, why not claim a few goals.  Goals can be managed, reflected upon and reset.  At the end of the day your reward is the steps completed in the achievement of that goal!  Sounds like a plan to me!

Follow us next as we explore a Wardrobe Built on Purpose!

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

Filed Under: Goal Setting, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , ,
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