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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: , , , , , , ,

“A”- List Style

July 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The “A” list” Stars typically lead what is hot in fashion and this particular “A” list has a look just for you.  Check out what these “A” listers are wearing and see if you can adopt a few of these pieces to get your “A” game on. 

Angelina “LBD” Jolie:  She looks great in everything, but the impeccable LBD (little black dress) is one piece to add right now to round out your date night wardrobe.  Make sure to “make it work” with sexy pumps, a patent clutch and big sunglasses for daytime.

The Olson “Extreme” Twins:  For them everything is an expression in the extreme.  If your personality can wear it try a Fedora-the latest spring accessory, something vintage, and a large oversized handbag.  Easy!

Katie “Boyfriend” Holmes:  Here is one “A” lister I love to watch.  She kicked off the boyfriend sweater and baggy -rolled jean look earlier this year.  Often paired with a belt, be sure to wear them with flats and don’t forget the ubiquitous scarf wrapped around your neck and big sunglasses.

Posh “Dress” Spice:  Is all about the fitted dress-wear it below the knee and accessorize with a big handbag, platform pumps and oversized sunglasses and you have it all going on.

Lindsay “Leggings” Lohan:   Well, my daughter wore these when she was a toddler.  Please choose this look only if you have long, slim legs.  Wear it with an oversized (again) and layered top but don’t stop here.  This one look is probably the easiest to go wrong with.  Not accessorized correctly, you will definitely date yourself.  Pair your leggings with boots and a fringed handbag. (Tread lightly going with this look)

Rocking Rihana:  If “rocker” girl is your style this is a fun way to update your look.  Pair your leather jacket or get a short sleeved leather jacket with neon- one of the hottest new trends.  This is a trend you will see moving into the fall.  Wear aviators, lots of chains around your neck and you are good to go.

Most people fail miserably when they are trying to adopt a look because they do not complete the look with accessories.  If you have a style icon that you follow, watch carefully and look at everything from top to bottom about the look you like.  Make sure you are comfortable in the look and that it is your style personality otherwise you run the risk of looking “o.l.” (old lady). 

The bottom line is you are never too old to get your “A” list look.  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: Stars, Style Tips 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”!

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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: , , , , , , , ,

The Power of One

March 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Too often we focus on the things that are weigh us down and are all wrong.  Especially today it is easy to get caught up in a world of dispair and ill-fated choices.  When you begin your day why not think about the 1 thing that will make you look at yourself in a new way.  It is the power of ONE thing, and it is a powerful thing.

Think about Sara Blalkely, the originator of Spanx.  She invented the “Power Panty”.  If you have tried them, you know how powerful they are in smoothing your bumps and curves!  How about your “Power Suit”?  Isn’t that the suit you wear when you go into an interview or need to feel in control in a selling situation or presentation?  Then there is your “Power Color”, the color that makes you look and feel your very best.  It can also make you look 10 years younger just by reflecting the right color against your skin.

Finally, never underestimate the power of accessories.  Both men and women can show their style personality through accessories.  Ties, pocket scarves and even shoes or jewelry are just a few ways for men to release the power of one good thing.  Women have greater versatility with accessories.  This season, consider adding color to your accessories to create a new look.  Pull in the season’s best color for you in a handbag, match a scarf with it.  The power of one color will unify and personalize your outfit to make it uniquely yours.  So, when all else fails, don’t forget to accessorize and remember the Power of 1 Good Thing and make you glass always “half-full”! 

….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: How To, Style Tips, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , ,

Are You a Fashion Emergency?

September 4, 2008 By 2 Comments

If you answer yes to 5 or more of the following questions, you might be headed for a fashion emergency.

  1. Are you over 35 and still wearing jeans that are frayed and pocked with holes?
  2. Does your midriff show when you are wearing tops?
  3. Does your thong or granny panty show or do you have vpl (visible panty lines) when you wear slacks?
  4. Do you wear your pajama bottoms or baggy sweats to the grocery store all the time just because they are comfy?
  5. Has is been more than 10 years since you changed your hairstyle?
  6. Do you wear your college, themed or charity t-shirts as casual shirts?
  7. Do you wear your dirty athletic shoes on casual Friday?
  8. Do you think that just because you have a few extra pounds on you that ‘baggy’ makes you look better?
  9. Do you wear your hair parted down the center and all one length just because it is “easier”?
  10. Are your breasts approximately at your elbows or has it been more than 5 years since you had a bra fitting?
____________________
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 Tagged With: , ,

Color That Makes You Look Younger

April 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

For the past several years, I have been thinking about going with an ‘all-over’ color to keep my life simple and easy as I embrace my 50’s. Through many conversations with hair colorists (literally dozens) and research, I have decided that it just won’t work-for me at least. I know as a color analyst that color is one of the most effective ways to keep your hair natural and youthful looking. After all I don’t necessarily want to look ‘younger’, I want to look ‘youthful’ and ‘vibrant’. Choosing the right color is a task that I leave to the hair color experts. Celebrity hair colorist Rita Hazan offers some words of advice for women who want to maintain natural and youthful-looking tresses!

Choose the Right Color for Your Skin Tone

Extreme colors may have been o.k. in your 20’s but now they tend to make you look older. Follow this guide to determine the right shade for you:

  • Reds: Pick a more auburn tone—not a fiery red.
  • Browns: Pick a more chocolate brown. As we mature, our skin color changes and we lose pigment in our skin. Stay away from very dark colors like black or dark brown. Lighten up your color a few shades—this will take years off!
  • Blondes: Pick more of a honey blonde—never baby or platinum blonde. Blondes especially need golden tones to add a rosy and sun-kissed glow to the face.

Highlighted Hair Looks Natural

Stay away from monotone (single color) hair color. Multidimensional, tone-on-tone highlights add movement to the hair. They keep hair looking natural and healthy, not fake.

  • Too many highlights can look artificial and fake.
  • Choose a pretty base color and accent your base color with a few highlights. This will give you a more sophisticated but modern and sexy look.

Be Careful with Trends

If you like to keep up with fashion and beauty trends, don’t go full force. You can always accent your color with a little trend. For example, with highlights, go warmer.

Wash That Gray Out!

When you start to notice gray hairs, start using a vegetable dye in your natural color family. This will wash out rather than grow out, and it will last about three months. Never let your grays show—this is very aging! Vegetable dye also helps if you are trying to grow out a color you don’t like. Also, the combination of darker roots and light ends is never a youthful look.

Don’t Forget the Eyebrows

Lighten your eyebrows a shade or two. This will help soften up your face. If you have gray in your eyebrows, color it—this will help give you more color and brighten up your face!

Filed Under: Color, Hairstyle, Style Tips Tagged With: , , , ,
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