Your teeth can tell someone how you live your life. Teeth can tell how young or old you are, whether you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, tea, wine or other porcelain staining drinks.

One of the least expensive ways for you to lift 10 years off your appearance is to brighten your smile, whiten your teeth. There are a plethora of at-home treatments in addition to procedures that can be performed at a dentist office, but first do your homework. To achieve smile success know what you’re talking about.

We can help you do your homework. We’ve defined the terms and given you some of the latest at-home treatments. Do know that often the professional visit can sometimes be comparable in the end to most at home treatments depending on the depth of your treatment.

Crest Pro White Strips:  $35-$50,

Supersmile: $35, Icing by Bling: $169

Bleaching vs. Whitening:

• Bleaching generally refers to “at-home or in the office procedures that brighten beyond the natural tooth color with an agent such as hydrogen peroxide.
• Whitening is the restoring of the tooth’s enamel to its original color by removal of plaque and stains with at-home over the counter toothpastes and mouth washes

The reason that you will get greater results at the dentist’s office is because they are able to use a bleach content of a higher strength.  For example the legal limit for over the counter treatments is 6%.  The dentist’s office is much higher.  Over the counter and at-home treatments are great for maintaining that white smile once you have achieved your ideal shade.

Although I don’t have any experience with the above at-home treatments, they have gained a following and have been around long enough to have been tested.

A bit of red lipstick can improve the look of your teeth too, but make sure that it is the right shade or it will counteract the brightening effect.  Always be an informed consumer and you’ll have greater style success, you’ll:

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

Think about it.  In the spring if you are  good about maintenance around your home, you will do “spring cleaning”.  Wash the windows, freshen everything up and move things out, fix things that are broken.  Giving the feeling of starting over, a fresh new approach to things, it give us the permission, a reason to make changes.

Momentous birthdays, anniversaries and promotions are ways that we celebrate changes in our lives.  May is the month for graduations, June is considered the month for weddings.

Why do we have to ‘wait’ to make changes?

• Too busy
• No Money
• Need to lose weight
• Fear

Great Basketball Coach John Wooden once said:

“When opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare”

If only for a crystal ball!  What life might be after….maybe we’d jump right in and do it!.

Sometimes it’s best NOT to wait for an event or transition to make that change.  Learning about and getting the right image for a career  is one of those times.

So I ask you, what are you doing to prepare for  your success in life? Are you waiting to a life event to bring changes to your wardrobe?  Do you need a “reason” to make changes?

If you need a reason, I’ll give you 3! In less than 10 seconds people decide:

1. How successful you are or will be (how much money do you make)
2. How smart you are or whether or not you can “handle” the job
3. Whether or not they will be able to work with you (are you going to be a new connection/colleague/friend?)

Your credibility starts with your visual image.  It’s sad but true, we do really judge a book by it’s cover.  Not just in today’s slow economy but when the economy does turn around your current as well as future success depends begins and ends with your ability to communicate in such a way that you are seen as successful!

So as the Nike commercial says, Just Do It! And remember to:

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

Most of them are too young to really know who they are; they haven’t had enough life experiences to really know.  There are two women that are connecting connecting with the heart and soul of who and what they are all about.

Crystal Bowersox, 24 from Elliston, Ohio for example, comes into the game with dreadlocks, a single parent, and a huge tattoo of a sunflower on her back!  From the very beginning she has “known” who she is and the types of music that she likes to sing.  Being one of the oldest singers, age has brought her wisdom.  There is a soul you connect with deep within.  Recently, trying to shake it up a bit she played the piano.  Simon encouraged her NOT to try to steer away from her image, who she is and the people she connects with.  Although her performance that night was good, I would have to say that I agreed with Simon.  Staying true to herself she radiates confidence.  She knows her style and is one of the contestants that has already made it in the industry regardless of what may happen in the votes.

An then there’s Siobhan Magnus, 20 from Cape Cod.  She seems so sweet, kind and demur.  She shines and sparkles with a quiet confidence.  She is a care giver to her sisters.  You can sense her sensitivity in the way that her energy emanates on stage.  I don’t know who is helping contestants dress, but they are also helping to build the image and develop that inner personality coming to the stage.  Siobhan last night had a skirt that was full of lace and fabric.  It was ethereal-almost angelic in its look coupled with a denim vest.  She’s edgy yet sweet.

What about you?  Have you ever really thought about what makes you tick?  Finding your perfect style isn’t about being karaoke.  You can emulate a personality up to a point.  To truly have a perfect style YOUR style you must dig deep and get to the heart and soul of who and what may YOU tick.

Check it out and may the best contestant win!

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

I arrived early to get a tour.  Opening the front door I began to relax as I smelled “spa”.  You know what I mean-the calming scents of eucalyptus, verbena and lavender.  These smells combined with soothing music and natural sounds and textures send me somewhere other than where I am.  I was anxious to see the facilities.

All  of a sudden my sensory reverie was robbed, stolen as I entered the hallway.  Someone was eating CHINESE FOOD. Not only were they eating it, they were walking down the hall eating it.  YUCK.  Mood gone, soothing smells gone.  Music no longer important.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Chinese food!  What I don’t like is the smell of soy and lo mien at my spa appointment.  You see, scents matter…..EVERYTHING matters when it comes to establishing and maintaining a consistent image.

On the surface it would appear that everything was right on.  The right ads had been placed, the best magazines exposure was paid for.  The music was set, the walls were painted a soothing color.  From the “outside” (first impressions) everything was great!

I will never ever go back into that spa without first remembering my sensory experience there.  Consistency matters when creating AND maintaining a relationship with anyone or anything.

Next time you are wondering whether or not it is “OK” to eat at your desk or even what to eat for lunch…THINK…think about scents you may leave behind.  Think about who you will be meeting and whether or not the residue of lunch will be on your body.

By all means, if you are going to eat something at your desk that has residual odor, please, please take it to an outside waste can to throw it out.  Spare your cubicle mates the misery of your lunch.

By the way, the massage was good, but do me a favor next time…..please THINK!

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

It is NOT unusual for me to analyze the dress of people,  but I think someone forgot to tell V.P Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi that they weren’t the center of attention.

Their “matched” uniforms, made them look like an old married couple on a date in their coordinating purple/lavender outfits.  Who in the world did that?  Do you think they saved money on their stylist?  Yes, purple is considered a color people relate to, but was it “appropriate” in the setting staged last night?

Don’t get me wrong, it was refreshing to see all the color.  I really like color.  I won’t talk about Michelle’s outfit here; but even Isaac Mizrahi knew enough to be understated with her color.  (I would have liked to have seen her with a jacket to show support of the serious tenor here).  Seriously, what were they thinking???

George Stephanopoulos mentioned that the “color” was to show unity or lack of bi-partisianship.   As soon as I saw Joe Biden’s purple tie and then Nancy Pelosi’s lavender suit my attention was no longer on the Presidents message, rather what everyone was wearing!  Did anyone else notice this?  A video pan of the house had large swaths of Canary Yellow, Vibrant Blue, Fuchsia and Red.  It looked like a bunch of Easter Eggs ripe for the picking.

Did they look nice?  YES, were they appropriately dressed for the occasion?  NO!  Do they think that just by wearing “color” we will be appeased, comforted and moved to think that all is well?  I just don’t get it…

This is the worst economic time in recent history and serious times take serious measures.  Adorning yourself with “color” does not convey the meaning of seriousness.  What “strategist” influenced THIS decision?  I’m hoping it was NOT one of my color colleagues!   I would suggest that a study in the psychology of color is in order.

Playful, vibrant hues are not serious colors.  If we want to be taken seriously we need to take ourselves seriously.  Let’s get down in the trenches, roll up our sleeves and remember who we are and who we are here to serve.  This IS serious business.  Now let’s get on with the business at hand and JUST DO IT!

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

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.

I use to say my brother was “lucky”.  It seemed as if he was born with an uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time.  My mother use to say “you make luck happen”.  I didn’t understand this until I was older and began setting goals for myself.   Do you know anyone who you’ve said is “lucky”?  Maybe they aren’t really lucky but more perceptive  and simply move to action more quickly.

What kind of person do you consider yourself to be?  Do you find that your life is “in sync” right now?  I wrote about balance earlier in the year.   When things are in balance, we don’t feel resistance, we’re happy with the way things are.  Change is forced when our life is out of sync - off balance.  Think of the beautiful results that occur in an oyster from the constant abrasion.

How is your job going?  Are you where you want to be in your career or just floating along?  What impact are you making with your first impressions? Are your first impressions opening doors for you? 

Most image consultants get calls from individuals and companies when something is NOT working.  Don’t wait for your life to get out of sync to force you to change.  Embrace making small steps to create synchronicity!  Step it up and make room for your success!  

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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

Most of us think that communication is simply the words we say.  Sure, we communicate when we speak.  But, we also communicate by how we live our lives (our character).  We communicate in the way that we write and we communicate when we listen (or not).  Finally, we communicate by how we show up. 

In a well known study by Albert Mehrabian, it was discovered that in order for your words to be absorbed by the listener, they have to be “packaged” completely.  It is not only the written word, but also the tone in which it is delivered.  Most importantly 55% of words being delivered are being received first through body language.  Non-verbal queues.

So, what is it that you are communicating?  Are you communicating that you are bored?  Are you actively engaged?  Do you have good eye contact?  What are communicating when you show up by the way you are dressed?  Are you ready to get business going by your attire or are you ready to play?  Are your clothes cleaned and pressed?  Shoes clean and shined or dirty and scuffed?  Ladies are you ready for business or showing too much skin?  Do you have too much cologne or make up on? Remember, it is all in the ‘packaging’. 

Package yourself for success and those around you will sense your energy and desire for success.  Dream of success.  Learn to “live well, speak well, write well, listen well.” - communicate well.  Package yourself for success everyday.  Learn to communicate well and your dreams will come true.

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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.

The single greatest thing that separates an otherwise average wardrobe from an outstanding wardrobe is the emphasis on the details.  A wardrobe of excellence doesn’t focus as much on quantity of product, but quality of product.  How does the garment fit your body?  Is the fabric draping appropriately for your body line?  What about your accessories-ties, belts, handbags and shoes?  Are your shoes shined, pants cleaned and pressed and is your hairstyle up to date?

No matter what you do, you must put your hand to it with absolute excellence.  This excellence comes from painstaking attention to detail.  If you do not have the passion for details in your wardrobe, you must search out and find that excellence in someone to help you.  It is the beauty of the details and the standard of excellence -the mastery- that will separate you from the average.

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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.

It’s been said “you can’t judge a book by its cover” but today and especially in slow economic times, there is no time for a ‘do-over’.  People make snap decisions about your ability to help them be successful.   It’s all about the bottom line.  By your visual presence people will  evaluate you on three levels:

1. Knowledge (how smart or teachable are you?)
2. Success (do you look successful?)
3. Relationships (are you relatable and can you make friends?)

When you meet someone new or are presenting yourself for the first time, how do you appear?  Are you prepared for the meeting, having spent time understanding the company, group or person you are meeting?  Do you know the dress policy?  Even if the policy is denim or business casual everyday, I would be hesitant to wear denim to an interview or first meeting.  For example, I wouldn’t suggest you meet with a law firm in clothing that would be acceptable in an advertising or design firm.  Mirror as best as possible the company or person you are meeting. 

Create the presence that you want by simply preparing for success every time.  In the time it takes you to polish your shoes, comb your hair and iron your shirt or slacks, you set yourself up for unlimited opportunities.  Before your next event, check the tips below to ensure you are set for success:

• Knowledge is power 
  • Educate yourself about the person, group or company
• Successful looks (prepare your outfit properly)
  • Groom your wardrobe (polish your shoes, iron or dry clean your clothes)
  • Keep it simple (no cologne, minimal jewelry, men no earrings)
  • Wear hose if you are wearing a skirt
  • No heels over 3” and keep the animal prints at home
  • Wear a suit, sports coat or jacket – the jacket is your ‘power’ piece
  • Brush your teeth and hair
  • Women wear make up and remember the rule – emphasize your lips or eyes, not both
  • Carry a briefcase, handbag or portfolio not all three and bring a quality pen
• Relationships count (be on time – it shows respect)
  • Smile
  • Stand up straight
  • Shake with a firm but not a bone crushing handshake
  • When networking, scan the room upon entering to see what the crowd looks like.  Remember, it is easier to join a group when there are 3 or more people engaged in conversation.

Regardless of whether you are interviewing for a new job , networking to develop contacts, or presenting to a company always, always, always, be prepared.  Pay attention to the “small stuff”.  Besides, when opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.

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.