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Style Talk
Dressed for Success
September 2009

There is an important event coming up and you want a polished and professional look. You want your style to express class.  We have all been in this position before.  You have worked hard in your field, received many prestigious awards and your fellow colleagues have much respect for you.  However you have no idea what to wear, well a personal stylist can save the day for you.

It is safe to say  that  wearing  jeans and a sweater to the event is not in the cards.... bulky sweaters, no matter what, make anyone  look heavier.

Personal Stylist tip: large patterns say "large." You will look slimmer and more professional in lightweight cotton or wool tops with uncluttered lines and in solid colors. Slightly fitted tunic tops would be a great alternative.

Beige is a wonderful neutral, however  if you are blonde your hair and face will tend to blend into your clothing.
Personal Stylist tip: Wear colors that provide contrast with the face, so that the face is the focal point.

We all envy the gals that have long following tresses however it looks too much like"teenage" hair.  Its safe to say that  teens don't have a reputation for being worldly and experienced-so that "teenage" hair can give the impression that you are inexperienced and naive.

Personal Stylist tip: A more stylized and up-to-the-minute haircut will enable you to project a polished and professional image.

Makeup is also an important image tool, making subtle changes will have a major impact.

Personal Stylist tip: you might like earth tones but those colors make most people look washed out.  Fair skinned women usually have  cool skin with subtle pink undertones, by changing your lipstick to a fuchsia shade you will look alive and vibrant.

I really enjoy creating my monthly newsletter for you all. Here you can browse through the many articles that range from the power of color, dressing for an interview  and even the dreading question many women ask "do you wear pantyhoes in the summer months". 

I'm positive that you will come across something that you have always wanted to know about but perhaps were afraid to ask.  Should you not see an answer to a buring question, drop me an eMail and I would be happy to answer.....even perhaps post something special.

        ~~~Donna~~~


Expressing Your Style
We now offer HOME STAGING services....it's all about Dressing your House for SUCCESS.

Let me show you how to prepare your home to attract a Buyer.....let me help you SELL your house.
Expressing Your Style             619.851.3753            expressingyourstyle@san.rr.com
Self-Awareness: The Secret to Success
October 2009

Have you ever see someone walking down the street wearing garments that were glaringly wrong or unflattering for that person? I'm sure, like myself, you have pondered the thought...... do they had a mirror at home?  The funny thing is, they probably did. The real issue is usually the lack of concern about one's appearance, or even better the lack of awareness.

Here are a few things to think about......this is where I want everyone to become aware of what you look like before you head out into the world:

1.  Is your hairstyle up to date? Does your hairdo look less than professional? Wash and- wear hair is fine but here is the real test ..... does your hair look like it dried in the car on the way to work and has carelessness to it. If you appear careless with your hair, it will be assumed that you are careless about your work.

2. Do you wear makeup? Or do you feel that you don't have time to spend putting on makeup each morning? How would you feel if Michelle Obama came to your company to speak and showed up without makeup? You might feel that she didn't think your company mattered much because she didn't take the extra time that morning to put her best face forward. Most importantly, she might look unimportant and, therefore, not make as much of an impact.
If you look at the paintings of the great masters from the past, they applied "lipstick" and "eye shadow" to biblical figures, even though these products did not exist at the time. In reality, the artists improved upon Mother Nature and added color to the lips to make the women appear softer and kinder; then they added soft shadows around the eyes to give them more shape. In reality, the figures in the painting would not gain your attention had the masters not improved upon Mother Nature. Without makeup, you may look washed out and, studies have proven, less professional.

3.  Do you wear appropriate colors? Colors affect us on two levels: first, what we see in the mirror; and second, what makes us look more powerful, dynamic, trustworthy. Most people choose colors from the "heart and soul," which has nothing to do with the results in the mirror.  Some colors take away power and cause you to look passive and unimportant....and much less attractive. Take the time to find out about your power color and/or colors.

4. Do you wear the appropriate style of clothing and accessories? Or do you choose items because they look good on someone else? The lines that are created by the clothing and accessories you wear, including the shape of your eyebrows or lips, can make or break you. Line is "read" subliminally in mere seconds. The line of your garments or accessories can cause you to look severe-or dynamic and friendly. And clothing's line or shape can make you look two sizes larger-or smaller....and we all like the two sizes smaller idea. Take the time to get to know your figure from every angle; and then learn how to camouflage every not so flattering figure flaw that you discover. Flaws of any kind create distractions to your message, and camouflaging them improves your communication dramatically.

5. Do you wear accessories? Or do you buy an "outfit" with perfectly-matched top, jacket and pants or skirt and leave it at that? This I must confess is boring. It suggests a lack of imagination or creativity. Unfortunately, you will be judged to be someone who accepts the status quo rather than to be a mover and a shaker. Creativity and imagination are valued assets in all areas of life, including your personal, public and business life. Take the time to discover the accessories that make you look dynamic. Take a serious look at yourself in the mirror and size yourself up. If you entered a room filled with people, would heads turn? If not, your image may need some fine tuning. You owe it to yourself to do the best you can with your image.

There are no unattractive women-only women who have not learned how to look attractive!

Tips for MEN – Looking More Professional
November 2009

The skuddle butt has it that many men want to look better,  we do not fret men we have a few image consultant's tips just for you. The rules of color and “line” in clothing are not just for women. When you know you look good, you perform better.

Large companies are contacting corporate image consultants, because they are beginning to recognize that “corporate casual” and "busines casual" dress have become difficult to define. Secondly, "business casual" dress is being abused.....I see it everyday!

If you work in a small office where the competition for advancement is minimal, or if you rarely come in contact with the public, a suit and tie may not be necessary. However, when you travel to large, cosmopolitan cities, these tips will come in handy. Even with casual wear, it is possible to have a polished and professional image – yes is is!!!  It always pays to have a polished and professional image.

Here are a few tips for enhancing your personal and professional image and looking more polished, professional, successful – and attractive:

Seven Tips for A More Successful Image

1. Wear dark suits. Buy the best quality gabardine suit that you can afford. Tan suits are fine in the summer, but pale grey suits should always be avoided.

2. Avoid brown suits in business settings.

3. Unless you have an expert eye, use caution with black suits.

4. Wear ties in bold colors, please NO pastels.

5. In high-powered business situations, wear white shirts that are superbly cut and made from the finest cotton. They make your image more powerful.

6. Avoid pastel shirts, like pink and blue.......yes, this is the second comment about pastels.

7. Develop good posture. It is worth a million dollars in terms of image. Stand up straight, take a deep breath and get a “proud chest.” Maintain that posture, but let the shoulders relax a little when you exhale. You will look self assured and successful!
TIP: This is the posture you want when your photo is taken.



We now offer HOME STAGING services....it's all about Dressing your House for SUCCESS.

Let me show you how to prepare your home to attract a Buyer.....let me help you SELL your house.