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Part 3 – A Wardrobe Based on Purpose – Accessories

January 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

In Part 1 we discussed, key core pieces, Part 2 we discovered the importance of accent colors. Now in the final installment of a Wardrobe Based on Purpose, we explore Accessories!

Much like the “icing” on a cake, accessories complete the outfit.  To leave the icing off just doesn’t “taste” as good.  Neither does your outfit!  An otherwise boring outfit become stellar with a few simple well-placed and thought out accessories.  Accessories should always bring out your style personality and embrace your inner core.  For those of you who abhor shopping, this will make it more fun, I promise!

There are 6 well-defined style personalities and one of those reflect who you really are!  Don’t hide behind a core piece, don’t hide behind your “accent” color. Bring it on!  Show your style!!

DO you know if you are a classic, traditional, feminine, sporty, dramatic or trendy personality.  I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to be considered stylish, but knowing “who” you are is key.

Accessories: Belts, shoes, handbags, jewelry, scarves -may even be the buttons or embellishments added to a jacket that shows your style

What is it that makes you say that someone looks “put-together”?  Is it that they have a pair of slacks on that fits their body?  Is it the jacket they have on?  I say NO, these are not in and of themselves unique.  It is the accessories added to an outfit that create a dynamic, unique, expressive outfit.

Here are the important components to build a wardrobe on purpose with accessory pieces:

Accessory Key Core:

  • Key Core Neutral shoes and handbags (Ex., if you have purchased a navy suit, then buy key core accessory shoes and a handbag in navy.
  • Two heel heights (minimally) open and closed-toe.
  • Remembering that you have 2 seasons that you are working with, do not forget to have 2 sets of seasonal key core accessory shoes.

Accessory Accents Colors:

  • Know your seasonal accent  “color”
  • Shop only for accessories in your accent color
  • Collect scarves, handbags, bangles, belts, earrings, necklaces, etc.

Make sure that as you select your accent jewelry that it does reflect your personality!  If you have a very sporty personality, you will not feel comfortable in a sweet, delicate necklace or one with lace!  That’s for the feminine personality.  There you have it!  A simple wardrobe created on purpose with focus on 3 easy steps. To read the other parts of a Wardrobe on Purpose click the links below.

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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!”


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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!”

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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!”

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Day #30 in the PINK-Tights and Tutus?

October 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

O.k., I must confess, I tried to wear these PINK tights today and I just can’t do it.  I can’t quite pull it off without looking too Halloween.  Wait, maybe tomorrow.  Yea, we’ll see! 

 I went shopping yesterday to see what was “out there” in the next round of designer inspiration and much as I said this week, if you see it, like it you’d better buy it…..is so very true.

I have been on the prowl for 3 years for the perfect pair of winter white wool flannel slacks.  Not white, not off white, not cream, not beige but true winter white.  I finally found them and saw a beautiful off white flannel skirt as well.  I tried to find a skirt in my size and poof it was G-O-N-E….No stores have it anywhere in the country in my size and there was only 1 size period!  Feeling panicked, I quickly ordered the slacks because they were not in the store either. Now I just hope they fit when they arrive.

TGIF!  Last Friday in the PINK!  I can’t believe that I’ve worn one “color” for an entire month. (well, one more day to go).  It has been a challenge to be  creative but I have learned so much in doing so.  Color is a powerful component in our daily lives and the power that PINK has on everyone is energetic and powerful yet feminine and subtle.

So here’s to your health and well-being, here’s to PINK and here’s to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I hope that you have enjoyed the journey and focused a little more on your personal health this month.  If not, you have 1 MORE Day to take that first step toward your own personal awareness. Tomorrow, I’m going to share with you the TOP 10 Reasons to Wear Color, Use Color, Build your Wardrobe in Color and what exactly I have learned while in the PINK!

Read the WHY? 

“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.
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Day #29 in the PINK-What I Know to be True

October 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

PinkTie I’m going to DO IT today!  I”m going to wear a white shirt with this pink stripe tie!  Put it on with my jeans and see what happens!  Ha! I only have 2 more days in the PINK and the last 2 are going to be OUT THERE! Friday I may even wear my HOT PINK tights! 

  Last night my brother (the oldest one) called.  He lives both in Germany and South Carolina.  He is an engineer, a “geek” my dad would say.  It made me think of all the different personalities in the 6 children in my family-in every one’s family.  Each person is unique and unlike anyone else.  There may be similarities in likes and dislikes but all of us are whole and unique individuals.

When I have people attend Style Camp my ultimate goal is for them to begin to recapture who they were as a child.  For us to understand our style personality we have to dig deep and know who we are.  Yes, I want to be feminine, sexy, sporty, dramatic, classic, traditional and trendy sometimes.  I want for you to be all those things.  Most importantly, I want you to know HOW to be those things within your core personality. 

So, tell me, who were you when you were a little girl?  Were you a “tomboy”?  Did you play dress up and wear those plastic high heels?  Think about your youngest memories as a child and let yourself rediscover that inner style.  This I know to be true…if you can let that girl come out, you will discover who you really are and begin the journey of a great style to last a lifetime!

Read the WHY? 

 

“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.
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Day #28 in the PINK-See It-Like It-Buy It

October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Pink Stripe3 More Days in the PINK!  It’s my PINK stripe one more time.   I was thinking about what is happening with many of the retail stores today and  I don’t know if you have been paying attention to marketing trends. 

I think we all would agree that sales are out there.  What I am noticing is the way the sales are being conducted.  Retailers are getting really savvy in the pursuit of your dollars with how they are introducing new products. 

They are following what I like to call the “Target” methodology of fashion introduction.  Several years ago the retail giant Target begain introducing new fashion designers to the market in short, focused efforts.  They would give a relatively unknown new designer financial support and a goal of 6 weeks to market.  Their product would then be in the market place for a mere 6 weeks and poof – gone!

I want you to notice what is happening with the larger stores.  Yes, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Penny’s, etc are all doing this too, but the ones that I think are really hitting the mark are the re-designed Ann Taylor, Talbot’s, and Coldwater Creek Stores.  They are focused in short snippets.  Talbot’s removed men’s and children’s market from their brand and Ann Taylor is back to it’s roots as well.

This is the shape of things to come, and not a moment too soon for me.  No longer will we look like robots buying the same things at the same stores.  Creativity and uniqueness are in vogue; boutiques will begin to become popular again.  The moral of the story is this:  if you see it and like it now, buy it, for tomorrow it may be gone. 

Thanks for following me and don’t forget why I’m PINK!

Read the WHY? 

 

“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: Articles, Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , , ,

Day #27 in the PINK-Civility

October 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

DSCN19964 more days in the PINK!  A little layering today.  I think I’ll wear my pink tank underneath a shirt and then a sweater on top for some added warmth or maybe my denim jacket. 

Today, I’m off to a new client to work with her on her colors and style.  I was writing this morning how I do love to do this.  It is so much fun to help people discover their colors but really who they are on the inside.  We have a tendency to lose our inner child just a little as we get older and to re-discover that child is so heartening!

I’m reading P.M. Forni’s book called The Civility Solution-What to DO When People Are Rude.   I think that it is interesting the point he makes between focused and unfocused rudeness.  You know we all can be rude at times, so none of us are immune to either sending or received rude behavior.  The difference between focused and unfocused rudeness is the intent. 

Focused rude behavior is mean spirited and it’s sole purpose is to demean and make you feel powerful.  It’s a control thing.  Forni gives the example in his book about a woman who has on white tennis shoes.  How many of us have had the strong desire to step on someone’s new white athletic shoes when we first see them.  I dare say most out there have had a little nudge.  The difference is acting on it.  Domineering, mean spirited people will act on it where as those who are not – won’t.

It has been noted that about 1 million American workers miss work each day simply because of stress.  That stress has been uncovered as being prompted by people issues.  You’ve heard the adage it takes more muscles to frown than to smile!    As we enter the holiday season, let’s try to lean toward focused kindness rather than rude behavior.  Frown and everyone will know what you are up to-smile and people will wonder!  Try it for a day and see how your day ends.

Read the WHY? 

 

“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: Articles, Breast Cancer Awareness, Etiquette Tagged With: , , , ,

Day #26 in the PINK-Getting Ready for the Holidays

October 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

October09Style CampHere’s a picture of the latest Style Camp Graduates!  They were indeed a great group of women. 

But, today is Monday, my last Monday in the PINK.  Hmmm, I don’t have anything PINK to wear for Halloween, I may need to go get a tutu~ Now that’s an idea!  I usually rally for Halloween at the very last minute.  I typically don’t care too much for Halloween.   I think I figured out that it was because once it is over the floodgates open and the fast pace of the holidays begin.

Have you heard the news?  The economy is turning around!  That is great news, especially as we near the Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For some of us it will take a little longer to recover than others.  So while you begin to dream of turkey and dressing, sugar plums and presents under the tree get yourself ready for the holiday’s in style. 

Remember 3 words:  fur, bling, and glitz.  My friend Kyle Young with Multi-Tasking Woman.com is launching the 12 Ways of Christmas.   Helping you Launch Your Holidays, and not just enjoy the holidays but thrive is her goal. 

Be sure to sign up for her free online newsletter today and receive all the latest tips, tricks and sanity-saving strategies for the holidays.  5 More Days in the PINK.

Read the WHY? 

 

“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: Articles, Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , ,

Day #25 in the PINK-Success is Imminent!

October 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

PinkTieA chill is back in the air and I’m glad.  All of my “summer” PINK things are now in the laundry so the only thing I have to wear is my PINK Cashmere turtleneck.  It works for today, happily.  I told my son that I wanted to take a picture of him because he was wearing a PINK and white stripe tie today.  I thought that perhaps it was for me, but alas he has already taken it off-so a picture of the tie will have to do! 

You know, I may have to borrow this tie this week.  I think it might just be the creative surge I need to end the month with!

Yesterday we had 7 people ladies participate in the last Style Camp of 2009.  They were energetic and really showed a passion for learning what NOT to do.  They made some personal goals to start with, just small achievable ones- 30-60-90 day goals!  Success is imminent for them.  If you missed the opportunity this season to join us, no worries, we’re adding more fun things in 2010. 

My goal will be to help you with your STYLE in many ways.  For now, sit back relax and begin to settle in for a long winter!  You know they say it’s going to be a hard one.  So get your woolies out and go clear your closet of all the clutter.  Free your mind and space for wonderful things to come

 

Read the WHY? 

 

“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: Articles, Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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