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!”

I took a picture of this pine frond to encourage all you allergy sufferers out there that you are almost done! See, there are only a few pods left on the frond…

What is causing your misery in the closet? What is it that you are suffering from?

• It is too many t-shirts?
• Pants that don’t fit?
• Can’t find any dresses that you like for spring and summer.
• Do you even know what looks good on you?
• Are you in a style funk?

Any one of these could be the simple cause of your misery and unlike pollen this cannot go away until you learn the source and understand how to fix it.

You have a chance, one chance this summer to “fix it” or at the very least get a great start to understanding your style misery.

Come to StyleCAMP, June 19th.

We are busy working on new educational opportunities for you so if you have always wanted to come, don’t wait any longer.  The next learning opportunity won’t be until the fall!

Discover the cause of your misery and you’ll learn how 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!”

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!”

There are a lot of young people coming into the market place today.  Especially if you are in your mid-40’s to 50’s, you need to know they are hungry.

They are willing to do what it takes to get the job.  They will move, dress in what is considered “corporate” dress, travel, etc.  It reminds me of the 80’s when John T. Malloy’s Dress for Success was first published.

So what’s a woman to do?  According to Lisa Sarumi Lewis:  “in corporate America, looking/acting the part trumps talent and  intelligence every time.”   There are many things that you can do to keep yourself  in the running without going under the knife.  These are simple, easy steps towards a better look and greater self-esteem, because there is positive energy and people recognize high self-esteem.

1. Whiten your teeth
2. Get a new hairstyle if it has been more than 5-10 years since your last update
3. Hire an image consultant to help you update your look to reflect your position
4. Walk with purpose and stand erect
5. Get a manicure
6. Make sure your shoes are in good repair and heels aren’t too high
7. Dress up, but don’t over dress
8. Please, no cleavage at work
9. Successful women DO wear make-up but not too much (that means lipstick too!)
10. Make sure your body language says that you are open and ready to go

Follow these general guidelines.  Remember, you do have the experience and maturity and there is still great value in this.  Don’t sit on your laurels assuming that just because you have the experience you will get the job.  Look current, vibrant and alive and you will stay ahead of the competition.

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

Kim White has taken all that “old” vintage automotive fabric (remember the 70’s & 80’s seat inserts) and has unearthed an entire warehouse of unused upholstery fabric.  She uses this fabric to create handbags.  The unique part of your handbag is that the handbag is tagged with the model year and make of the car that it was intended to go to.  She is the sole owner of these fabrics, so I’d guess you better get them while they last! 

They range in price from about $95 to over $120.  Not bad for a cool tool!

 Seem them all a www.KimWhiteHandbags.com

____________________
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.

The styles, colors, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak about your ability to do your job. You should be more concerned with looking professional than looking cute or trendy. The more distracting a piece of clothing or jewelry is, the less appropriate it is for office wear.

Things to Watch For

• Jewelry that is noisy is distracting. Select a small to moderate size earring and a single bracelet.
• Large over-sized or slouchy handbags look sloppy. Go with structured style.
• It is the details that make a difference in your appearance: manicured nails, run-free hose, scuff-free shoes, neat hair.
• Fit is everything in projecting a polished image. Pants should be fitted and free of visible pantie lines.  Skirts should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably. Jackets should be able to be buttoned.  And blouses shouldn’t gap between buttonholes.
• Be careful when wearing designer labels. Anything heavily logo-ed looks cluttered and frivolous in the work place. A small designer bag is fine; a logo trench coat looks ridiculous. Choose well-made items that are free from obvious designer labels for the most professional look.

Career Killers

• Too sexy: see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, strappy stiletto sandals.
• Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers.
• Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.

Business Dress Codes

Traditional (Formal) Business Attire - Matched business suits (skirt and if acceptable slacks and blazer), Closed-toe shoes (no sandals), Blouses, hose and conservative hair, jewelry and makeup are expected.

Corporate Casual Looks (Business Appropriate) – Dressy pants and a blouse, sleek jersey knits and skirts and tops are all examples of corporate casual.  Denim, T-shirts and flip-flops — all ’90s phenoms — are only acceptable in the most casual of work environments.

Casual Friday – Depending on the business, this can mean anything from corporate casual instead of formal looks or “Wear your company logo polo and jeans.” If in doubt, ask a superior.

Sorting Shapes

Figure out your face shape by pulling hair back into a tight, structure-revealing ponytail.  Look at the outline of your face — the size and shape of your forehead as it compares to  your cheeks and chin determines its shape.

• ROUND — full with round chin and hairline
  Do: Add volume to the top of head to slim.
  Don’t: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides.
   
• SQUARE — with strong jawline and hairline
  Do: Take the edge off with a softening style featuring a side part and length at nape of neck.
  Don’t: Don’t center-part hair or cut square, straight bangs. Avoid geometric lines.
   
• OVAL — jawline narrower than temples, rounded hairline
  Do: Add volume to the top of head to slim.
  Don’t: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides.
   
• LONG — narrow jawline and hairline
  Do: Layer it on for fullness on sides.
  Don’t: Skip short cuts, jaw-length bobs, or styles that add height on top.
   
• HEART — wide temples and hairline, narrowing at chin
  Do: Try bangs and a length that frames the jawline.
  Don’t: Don’t go too short at the nape of the neck.