Your Best You

Do you have a style?

2011-10-22T15:01:00.000-06:00

Justin Fenner wrote an article about Iris Apfel (Styleite) "Like a shaman stylist, she worked her magic, transforming her workaday black dress into a smashing cocktail outfit. Her talismans were shoes and scarves, bags and belts, but most important was her costume jewelry collection", says Justin Fenner in Styleite.

I really admire the style of Iris. It is very colorful and projects a joy of life. Not everyone will feel good in such a bold style. If our outfits look very much like what we wore during our high school years, we may want to consider what our personal brand and image projects to others. Have we not changed since then? Have we not progressed? Don't we know our self a little more? Yes, - we are busy and it is is probably not on the top of our list at the moment. My friends and family accept me the way I am, right? If we feel down and feel like we are transparent to others, or we are not happy with our situation, or are sick, or......, we may want to spend a little time reconsidering what our priorities are. Adding a little bit of color and wearing garments that actually fit our body can make a great deal of a difference in our life. Could you learn a little more about what shape of garment would fit your body a little better and what color you could wear? Would you need some ideas for outfits? If this is the case, this blog is for you. I will give you tips of how and why on a regular basis (at least once a week). I hope to hear back from your side on how this information is helping you.

How Green is Your Bamboo?

2010-01-22T08:53:00.001-07:00

We are seeing more and more new products into your shelves. We don't always know from what source. As material and goods are traveling from place to place and retails is giving us very basic information about the product, more research may give us more background on the road of the manufacturing of this product. Bamboo is getting more and more popular and is very trendy in the green movement. Jennifer from Awakened aesthetics says it so well on her blog. This article is written on January 12, by Jennifer Nicole.

Keeping up with the Joneses used to mean buying the newest, most expensive car and parking it next to your immaculately-manicured lawn. Now it means getting a hybrid and building a compost bin.

But the idea of sustainable living – the basics of it – is not new. The hippies were doing it in the sixties, the bohemian kids kept it going through the seventies and eighties, and the nineties saw an influx of consciousness that has travelled through the changing of the decade. Now, earth consciousness is not just a movement for a few choice alternative kids; it's a way of life.

Some of us thought that making sustainability "mainstream" would be a big hurdle, but its popularity grew overnight, featuring yoga and solar power, protests and tofu. Instead, the struggle has come down to one small part of the way we live: our beauty, and our aesthetics. The reality is that making enlightened choices has always been possible, but it hasn't always been pretty. As global consciousness grows, however, the community of aesthetics – fashion, design, beauty, perfume – has had to use their creative teams for adapting to the "green trend:" creating beautiful, inventive clothing and textiles out of non-toxic, natural, and earth-friendly materials.

Many companies have turned to organic cotton, but others are using a different plant fiber: bamboo. It's no surprise, as bamboo is one of the most ecologically useful plants in production: it grows up to four feet per day, takes less time to harvest than cotton, and is quite hardy. Once processed and weaved into clothing, it's also incredibly soft. But how does this sturdy grass go from hard wood to soft fabric?

Well, that's where the harmful chemicals come in.

Bamboo: The Good

Bamboo got its eco-friendly reputation because of its naturally human- and earth-friendly properties. Not only is it hardy and fast-growing, but it also does double duty as a major oxygen producer – way more than a forest of comparable size – and its huge root network prevents erosion, even after the stalks have been harvested. It doesn't require pesticides or chemicals to grow (organic!), is naturally biodegradable, and its "forests" regenerate on their own, using that same erosion-avoiding network of roots to sprout new stalks whenever and wherever they're removed. Using the right techniques, it can be used for flooring, furniture, decorative items and, of course, fabric.

When manufactured for clothing, bamboo becomes a powerhouse, boasting ecological, health and beauty benefits. It's softer than most cottons, yet drapes so smoothly and elegantly that it can be used as a cheap alternative to silk. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, and can even be anti-microbial, if it's manufactured mechanically. It will resist the growth of odor-causing bacteria, making it a great choice for socks, exercise clothing, and anything else you could even think of sweating in (like a dress shirt at your annual performance review).

However, if bamboo isn't mechanically produced, it can lose its hypoallergenic, bacteria-killing properties, as well as all of its claims of "eco-friendliness" and, in some cases, the right to even be called bamboo.

Bamboo: The Bad

That's right: some companies use the "bamboo" label much like others use the "organic" label: to make money. It's all part of a marketing ploy called greenwashing, and in this case, it can mean the difference between your skivvies being eco-friendly and eco-harmful.

There are two ways to process bamboo into fabric: mechanically and chemically. The mechanical process is pretty straightforward: the plant is crushed, and natural enzymes are added to break down the woody parts into a mushy compound. A machine "combs out" this compound so it can be spun into yarn. It's a truly eco-friendly process, but it's also labor-intensive and costs more than chemical processing does.

In chemical processing, the same bamboo is "cooked" in acid (among other things). The result isn't an organic bamboo yarn, or even a remotely eco-friendly fabric. Instead, it's called "regenerated cellulose fiber" or, more commonly, bamboo rayon.

Unlike its mechanically manufactured counterpart, this chemical bamboo fabric is soaked toxic chemicals, including lye, bleach, carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid, and "regenerated" into a fiber that can be woven into fabric. It's a long, arduous process that not only harms the environment, but can cause serious health effects for the people that work to create the fabric:

Keep in mind that this process – all of these chemicals, all of these health risks – goes for cotton-based rayon, too. The difference is that, as of now, companies are required to list chemically-manufactured cotton as "rayon" or "cotton rayon," so you can easily avoid them by looking at the label. However, there are still no laws that force companies to make the same kind of distinction for bamboo. Every time you buy bamboo fabric, you run the risk of getting a rayon blend instead – one that may be tainted by the chemicals that pollute our air and destroy health of the workers that created it.

What You Can Do

Until there are more stringent laws requiring companies to list the kind of bamboo their clothing is made of, it's up to consumers to buy responsibly. It may seem like a daunting task – how do you know whether a company uses natural enzymes or harmful chemicals? – but there are a few ways to ensure that the bamboo you're wearing has been produced ethically:

Look for transparency. Many of the most eco-conscious companies are happy to share their sources, both for their raw materials and their manufacturing practices. Check websites and product descriptions: if they proudly list their mechanical manufacturing (or any other sustainable practices), choose to buy your bamboo from them (and share your findings with others).
Choose "organically processed." While some companies tout chemically-manufactured bamboo as "organic," the smart ones will make sure you know that their products aren't just organically grown, but also organically processed. Most won't go into the details, but they will list their products in a way that alerts those in the know.
Use Lyocell. Some manufacturing facilities have found other, more eco-friendly ways to chemically process bamboo in an attempt to eliminate the ecological hazards typical chemical processing can cause. They've modified the same process used to produce lyocell from wood cellulose to produce bamboo cellulose. The process uses chemicals that are non-toxic to humans and can be captured and recycled back into the system, so only trace amounts escape into the atmosphere. Look for the word "lyocell" or comparisons to TENCEL, a similarly-manufactured product, on the label.
Look for outside certifications. While most companies comply with the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) industrial and commercial standards of practice, that doesn't mean they're truly green. Ignore listings like "ISO 9000 and 14000 compliant" and, instead, look for ratings and certifications from SKAL, Soil Association, Demeter, KRAV, and OKO-Tex. These independent companies actually review the practices that manufacturers are using, while ISO just lists guidelines for eco-friendly practices.

We've been battling uphill for sustainable living for decades. From our hybrid cars to our farmers markets, we've certainly come a long way. Without "the beautiful people" behind the movement, though, we'll never be able to create a higher standard of ethical consumerism. We need to begin holding the fashion community accountable for what it creates, from source to production to delivery, to send the message that it's not just about keeping up with the Joneses. It's about a better way of life.

The following sources offer more information:
*Center for Disease Control – ToxFAQs: Carbon Disulfide and Sodium Hydroxide
*General information on bamboo processing: EcoVillageGreen.com
*In-depth information on bamboo manufacturing, including step-by-step processes and links to certification websites: OrganicClothing.Blogs.com

Images via SomdayNeverComes.com and WeHeartIt.com (2).

A New Working Wardrobe for Her

2010-01-05T09:02:00.004-07:00

After an article consecrated to Men, I have to address the Women way to dress up for work. I choose an article from a friend:

Let’s be honest: dressing up for work is way different than dressing up for class. One of the big realities that young professional women face upon graduation is that they will need a whole new wardrobe for work. No fear, Ms. Career Girl is here!Don’t you dare go into debt over starting your professional wardrobe! You can buy one piece at a time. Here’s where to start!

Pencil Skirt. Need I say more?
High quality white collared shirt. Brooks Brothers has shirts that don’t wrinkle. Ann Taylor’s collared shirts are pretty high quality too. The goal is to buy a shirt that you don’t need to dry clean or iron every time it gets out of the wash. Take the time to make sure it fits like a glove. You’ll be wearing this shirt a lot and it will drive you crazy if it doesn’t fit. Don’t be afraid to get a shirt tailored to fit your body if necessary.
Black work heels. Work heels mean they are classic, easy to walk in and worn only at work for the most part. In fact, it might be a good idea to leave this pair of shoes in your desk so they don’t get trashed at the bar, in the mud, or in the snow on your walk in. Make sure your shoes aren’t falling off when you walk. It looks stupid and you’ll be more worried about saving face than focusing on the tasks at hand.
2 pairs of tailored pants. Yes, I said tailored. This means that if you’re short like me, get your pants hemmed! Dragging baggy bottoms are gross and unprofessional. Even worse, you may trip! I would get one nice pair of black trouser pants (Banana Republic’s are awesome)? and one boot cut pair. Make sure they aren’t too tight. If you have to buy a size bigger, do it. If you hate looking at your size on the tag, cut it off. You do NOT want your co-workers talking about your booty because your pants are too tight.
A great belt. Buy a belt that can be worn over your pencil skirt, over your cardigans, with a dress, and to spice up your collared shirt and trouser pants.
Tights/Nylons. Although every office is different, my general rule of thumb is to wear nylons or tights unless it is over 85 degrees. If you work in a law firm, conservative bank, or see clients in the financial world then nylons are a must. If you work in a creative advertising agency nylons may not be necessary but they definitely polish your look. Other things:
Painted nails. Not ones that are chipped and not hot green ones. Yes, details matter and people notice these things.
Lipstick/gloss. There’s nothing that screams Go-Getter more than lipstick. It shows attention to detail, and it finishes your look. We’ve all heard it before: women who wear lipstick to their interviews are more likely to be hired.
Be aware of your roots. If you are not a natural blonde (like me), you know that roots are a scary reality. There is nothing worse than a fake blonde with 2 inches of black roots. Goodbye professionalism! If you can’t afford to be blonde, then it’s time to go darker. Fake-blonde addicts: plan ahead for this expense by setting cash aside after pay day. This may change your mind about being blonde!
Consider buying an in-expensive cropped black blazer so that you can buy fun, cute and cheap tops to go under it. I did this a lot at my last job, and I would always laugh when my co-workers would pull me aside and say, “Oh my gosh you have so many clothes!” No, I don’t. My apartment is tiny and so is my closet! I just buy cheap accessories, wear headbands and fun shirts underneath that same jacket to spice it up, show a bit of personality and change my look!

Nicole Crimaldi is the founder of mscareergirl.com, a personal and professional development blog for ambitious young professional women. Nicole works in Finance in Chicago.

Take 10 Years Off Your Image

2009-12-30T09:45:00.005-07:00

I received this article from the website "The Ladders". The article is written by Stephen Viscusi. He is bringing up many points that will make a difference on the way we project ourselves. I would love to have your comments about this article and/or your thoughts. "How old an impression do you make when you're interviewing? Of course, we all know that an interviewer can just count backwards from the year of graduation printed on your resume. However, here is the truth: Perception is the new reality, like 60 is the new 50. So you need to learn the fine art of being perceived as younger as well as looking younger. It’s more than just the way you look.Is this fair? Is it even legal? And most importantly, should you give in to such nonsense? I'll put it this way: If you are over 40, you need to read on. The recession we've all been feeling for months is now official. So now bosses can use that magic "R" word as a blank check to fire almost anyone for any reason. And pay attention, over-40s: The wounded economy is an especially perfect opportunity for higher-ups to fire those senior workers whose high wages and big egos have outlasted their welcome.For those who are unemployed, you must do whatever it takes to convey to hiring managers that you are employable. What does this mean? No one wants to hire someone who's stuck in the old-fashioned way of thinking that being qualified, working hard and being loyal to a company is enough. Your Princeton degree and enviable references won't get you far if you're that naive. So back to the age thing. While many workers have learned that good looks and a polished appearance go a long way toward success in the workplace, too many of them fail to realize that cultivating the perception of youth and a hip attitude is an equally important part of the equation. It's no secret that we live in an age-obsessed society. Like it or not, "interviewing younger" is the new catchphrase. "Interviewing younger" and being perceived as more youthful at the office is a vocabulary, a body language and a look. And here's a secret: These rules apply even more when your boss is your age or even older. It's not like you are following these rules to impress a young person. Whatever the age of your boss or interviewer, you need to create a youthful perception about yourself. Otherwise, there's someone else waiting in the wings with quicker computer skills and contemporary pop-culture knowledge who will be all too happy to fill your shoes. So how do you do it? Here are some of the secrets in my new book, “Bulletproof Your Job” (HarperCollins), use them to remind yourself how to hold onto your job while those around you are losing theirs):

Rule #1: Crest Whitestrips. Yup, this is a shallow, cosmetic-based tip. But I get so many letters from people who just don't understand that having coffee-stained teeth doesn't do you any favors in the interview department. Stop rolling your eyes; go buy the strips (use the store brand for all I care – I'm not picky); and whiten those teeth. Then smile. Smiling makes you look and feel younger – not bitter, old and unemployed. I don't care if you really are bitter, old and unemployed. It's about perception, remember?
Rule #2: If you are over 40, I want you on Facebook today. No friends? You already have one: just Facebook me. If you don't know how to join, let your kids show you, or even better, have a young person at work "reverse mentor" you on how it works. Let that same person help you choose your profile picture. Seriously. Read our coverage on how social networking plays a role in the job search.
Rule #3: Know about and frequently use Google and Wikipedia. Bookmark them on your computer, and set one as your homepage.
Rule #4: Watch an episode of "Family Guy." Discuss. Repeat.
Rule #5: Peruse your local Apple store. At least learn the difference between an iPod Classic, iPod Touch and iPod Nano and you're on your way. And buy a set of those identifiable white headphones to keep around, even if you don't have the iPod to go with them. It's all about perception.
Rule #6: Do not disclose your SAT scores.If for some ungodly reason you still remember your SAT scores, keep them to yourself. Not only does no one care, but the scoring isn't even the same anymore, and you'll just wind up aging yourself.
Rule #7: Don't talk about how you're so addicted to Starbucks.Or Coffee Bean, or whatever your coffee place of choice is. It seems like this would make you appear younger, but it won't. Starbucks screams "unemployed loser." Besides, you should never walk into an interview with a coffee cup, especially since you just whitened those teeth.
Rule #8: Pick up a copy of “Entertainment Weekly” before an interview. But for God's sake, don't take it in with you and don't let anyone see you reading it. That said, nothing gets you more up to date on the youthful world of pop culture like an issue of EW.
Rule #9: Learn how to text.
Rule #10: Lose the paper. Young people get their news online - they don't read newspapers. So don't carry one into an interview with you or be seen reading it at the office like someone's mom or dad.
Rule #11: Brush up on sports. This is easy; you can still get away with talking about Michael Phelps and get credit for this one. Bonus points for knowing who's in the NCAA tournament.
Rule #12: Make eye contact. Eye contact is so critical to being perceived as young; don't be afraid to use it.
Rule #13: Rarely refer to your children.Never refer to your grandchildren and never ever your great-grandchildren.
Rule #14: Go to the gym.Or at least say that you do.
Rule #15: Never talk about the ’80s or ’90s.Never use words from "your day." Nothing at work is groovy, dy-no-mite, or tubular.
Ever.Rule #16: Get a TiVo or DVR.Know how they work.
Rule #17: Practice "sounding young" on the phone. Take a small survey of how old you sound on the phone, and then practice with a friend sounding younger. (A tip: Talk higher and peppier.) This is critical. In the same vein, make sure your outgoing voicemail message isn't too long or boring. Short and sweet with a positive attitude is all you need.
Rule #18: Dress is very important: always dress age-appropriate. No 40+ man should be wearing an Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirt. For more tips on updating your look without looking too young, review TheLadders’ recent coverage on losing the frump factor.Take 10 Years Off Your Image
Rule #19: Give your hairstyle a long, hard look. No wonder there are so many makeover shows! My advice is to ask an outsider his or her opinion. Someone who loves you won't want to hurt your feelings or may love your look for sentimental or romantic reasons – but sadly, that won't help you find a job. A bad coloring job spells disaster for both men and women, and let's face it, hair weaves for men rarely work. Men, don't go overboard on finding a new hairstyle – just clip your nose and ear hair and you're on the right track. Ladies, pluck or bleach facial hair.
Rule #20: Skip the cologne and excessive perfume. And while we're on the subject, wear deodorant. You may laugh, but many people just don't do it. Okay... Feel any younger, or just berated?

Trust me, I just took 15 years off the way you come across. Yeah, some things I talk about here are cosmetic, but most are not. It's all about perception ... and perception is the new reality.

Stephen Viscusi is the author of “Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Simple Strategies to Ride Out the Rough Times and Come Out On Top at Work” (HarperCollins) and the founder of bulletproofyourresume.com, a resume writing service. You can e-mail him at Stephen@viscusi.com or call him at 212-979-5700. "

Have a healthy holiday with the Chilled Holiday Nog recipe from Rose Cole

2009-11-20T13:28:00.005-07:00

I need to tell you about my experience. I have been on a non-gluten diet for two weeks now. Rose is the one that has inspired me. I have been following her website and her facebook page or a while. Because of her own health issues, Rose started to create recipes. I was already convinced about dairy-free, soy-free and sugar-free recipes. What made the difference for me was.......... the gluten-free. I almost lost 5 pounds in two weeks. Plus, my hair are not greasy on the morning anymore and my skin has changed. Her texture is softer and the tone is clearer. Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.... Don't fool yourself thou, sugar-free doesn't mean it is not sweet. Is this not the sweetest news of the day? Here is the recipe. If you like it. I give you the link at the end of this message so you can go get her e-book, eat delicious recipes, loose weight during this holidays and fit into your little black dress for the new year. (No, the dress does not have to be black, of course). Chilled Holiday Nog - (Raw) This creamy, sweet festive drink is pure holiday comfort. Your family won’t believe it’s dairy-free and actually good for you! Ingredients • 2 cups Almond Cream*, unsweetened • ½ cup date paste (dates blended with a little water) • 2 Tbsp grade B maple syrup • 2 frozen bananas • 2 tsp flax seed oil (*optional) • 2 tsp vanilla extract • ½ tsp nutmeg plus additional for sprinkling • ¼ tsp cinnamon Directions Blend all ingredients except bananas. Add bananas and blend. Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional sprinkle of nutmeg. *To make Almond Cream, soak 1½ cups of almonds in water for 8 hours, drain, and rinse. Then, blend the almonds with 3 cups of water and strain (a small wire strainer works well). Serves 4. I promised you, a healthy, deliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicious recipe. Here is her website to order her book: http://www.rosecole.com/products/holidaycookbook Have a great time trying this recipe and enjoy........

Give your bras and shapewears a longer life cycle

2009-11-18T09:49:00.006-07:00

I realized that most of my customers, do not know how to take care of their underwear. You can give a longer life to your bras when you do several things.

Do not wear the same bra everyday (the fabric need to breath and the elastane need to rest).
Wash your bras and shapewears in a little laundry bag made for this purpose (it will prevent it from rubbing against the tumble and will keep the fabric fresher longer).
Wash your bras in cold water with a soft detergent.
Never dry your bras and shapewears in the dryer, - hang them neatly on a hanger and let them dry.
In your drawer, have your bras laying flat. This will help to keep them fresh for a longer period of time

And remember: "When you wear the right bra, you look fitter and younger".

I am looking forward to read your comments. Thank you for following me.

How to wear earrings?

2009-11-07T07:39:00.012-07:00

Have you ever wondered what king of earrings were best for your face shape and for your complexion? The other day, I watched a video that was made for a small business in the valley. The person had earrings. Earrings are important for a woman, they are the way to enlarge a woman's smile. The problem is that her earrings did not make her powerful. She is the director of this small business. She needs to lead. The way you dress, your jewelry are two important tools to the image your reflect. Today we will only approach your jewelry, in the weeks to come, I will give you more tips. Enjoy your week-end.

As we all know, earrings are jewelry attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear. Earrings are women's favorite. Proper earrings can not only make a female look more beautiful, but also have the function of accommodating defects. So it is necessary to know about how to wear earrings properly. Therefore, before you wear earrings, you must take many factors into consideration, such as environment, your temperament, face shape, hairstyle, and your costume to reach the best effect.

How to wear earrings according to your face shape People with different face shapes should wear different earrings. If you have a round face, then you should wear long drop earrings instead of hoop earrings. This will make your face look less plump. If you are long-faced, then you'd better choose hoop earrings or big earrings to make your face look more fetching. If you have a square-shape face, then dapper stud earrings, long drop earrings or exaggerated earrings can make you look livelier.How to wear earrings according to your complexionEarrings' color should tie in complexion well. Generally speaking, people with pale complexion should not choose bright and colorful earrings. Silvery white, such as pearl earrings can make them more beautiful. While if your have fair skin, red earrings or dark earrings are good setoffs of your skin.How to wear earrings according to your hairstyleLong hair with long drop earrings will make you look gentlewomanly; short hair with finished stud earrings can set off a woman's crackajack; asymmetrical hairstyle with asymmetrical earrings can make a women look pleasing to both the eye and the mind.

Anyway, wearing earrings is an art. As long as you choose the proper earrings according to your own condition, everyone can be a princess.

Information shared rom the blog: www.emitations.blogspot.com

Whatch your balance!

2009-09-16T10:24:00.003-06:00

Proportion is essentially the way various parts of your body relate spatially to the other parts:

how long your legs are in relation to your torso,
how wide your rib cage is in relation to your hips,
how low or high your breasts are on your chest, etc.

All this makes a big difference in how you look in various styles of clothing. Even a simple deviation in shoulder width can affect the way a garment hangs. This is the reason something that looks terrific on your best friend, who wears the same size as you do, can look terrible on your- and vice versa. It's also why some women look better, or worse, in skirts, tube tops, or Capri pants. Next week, we are going to approach the how to fine-tune your balance and we will build from there on. Again, do not hesitate to share your concern and to share this message with your friends.

Body Shapes or Figure Types

2009-09-07T08:02:00.004-06:00

Summer is ending and vacations are over. Schools have began and almost everyone is back to work. - My last published blog said "Size doesn't matter, shape does". What did I mean? Everybody is unique, with few ideal figures existing. Virtually every figure has some figure variations - variations from that so-called ideal figure used as a standard for comparison and for clothing manufacturer. A few specific figure variations occur in typical combinations - those having to do with horizontal width or the size of shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and thighs - combinations so typical that we tend to recognize the stereotypical shapes and give them names. Typical body shape are often called figure types. They define how body parts relate proportionally to one another and to the total figure.

Ideal figure types, rare though they may be, are average in weight, appear similar in width in the shoulders and hips, with medium bust size and a small waist. They have a slightly curved abdomen, moderately curved buttocks, and slim thighs.
Tubular figure types are slim to thin and below the average weight range for their height, with generally straight body lines, and body angles. They have few to no obvious curves, with line movement in the vertical direction.
Triangular figure types are narrower in the shoulders and wider in the hips/thighs, with a low hip curve. They are often smaller in the bust and waist, narrower in the back, and rounder in the buttocks - generally straight lines above the waist and curved lines below. Emphasis is on the lower torso.
Inverted Triangular figure types are wider in the shoulder and narrower in the hips/thighs, with a high hip curve. They are generally large in the bust, wider in the back, and flatter in the buttocks - generally curved lines above the waist and straight lines below. Emphasis is on the upper torso.
Diamond figure types are wider in the midriff and waist area, narrower in the shoulders and hips/thighs, with a high hip curve and slim legs. The bust is often smaller and the buttocks flatter. Emphasis is on the waist area.
Hourglass figure types have full-rounded body lines, with proportionally small waist. Emphasis on the bust and hips/buttocks, but may shift quickly to the contrast in size at the waist.
Rounded figure types are generally above the average weight range for the height. Being larger through the figure, body lines are full-rounded curves, with line movement in horizontal direction and emphasis on width.

To determine Y O U R general figure type, dress in form-fitting clothing, in possibly a t-shirt and tights, swimsuit, or underwear. Wear no shoes. In a mirror, observe your body.

Do you have balanced hip and shoulder with defined waist?
Are your shoulders narrower than your hips?
Are you shoulders wider than hips?
Do you have balanced hip and should, no defined wait?
Are your body lines straight, angular, bony, not to few obvious curves?
Do you have a larger figure with rounded body lines?
What else do you observe?
What are the lines you love?
What are those aspects you least prefer?

Record your observations on a paper. Your basis bone structure is a genetic gift. It won't change with diet or exercise. The good news is that each silhouette type can look evenly proportioned with flattering wardrobe choices. Our mission is to nudge everything into perfect balance. Next week we are going to approach other body proportions. Till then, do not hesitate to share your comments and questions.

Size doesn't matter, shape does

2009-07-08T11:53:00.002-06:00

While fashion mazagines may be full of wait-like models with fragile, stick-thin limbs and bodies as flat as boards, women are actually designed to have curves. It's natural, it's feminine, it's sexy - and most men say they prefer curvy women. When it comes to looking good, it's not your size or shape that matters.......... it's the fit of your clothes. Wearing the right clothes is not about following the latest fashion or fad, it's about choosing what actually suits you - not your best friend - and what makes your feel comfortable and confident. By knowing your basic body shape and understanding the guidelines for choosing the types of clothes that will accentuate your good features and minimize your less-than-perfect areas, you will be able to dress in the way that suits you best. You will also be able to see how to make subtle changes to the way you put your wardrobe together. Today, the choice of clothes is so varied that you should always be able to find something that will complement your body shape, scale, proportions and colouring. Stay tune, next time, we will discuss how do you know your body shape.

You can change your world by changing your thoughts

2009-05-25T08:38:00.002-06:00

"You can change your world by changing your thoughts. You can change your thoughts by what you wear. Choose wisely." - Roberta Hugues

It is so true ....... I told one friend, - who had a lung removed not too long ago, to dress-up in bright colors and she would feel better. She did it and it changed her spirit completely - she is so happy now and she feels much better. She said it changed her life. Yes....... This is the psychological effect of colors. It has a great power on your life. If you don't feel good on the morning, wear something bright that day. If you do not have anything bright in your wardrobe, time for shopping and to change your habits. Get colors that will brighten your day up. Your wardrobe should have a combinations of colors (neutral, your best basic color and your accent colors-I gave you hints about these in one of my earlier message). When you feel down wear more of your best bright basic colors. It will light up your day. - Have a wonderful week.

Flattering fit for short rise body build

2009-05-19T11:35:00.002-06:00

For a flattering fit, wear styles that fit attractively and lengthen the appearance of your rise (waist-to-hip area). What works:

Tops with vertical lines and patterns below the waist
Tops and dresses with high waistlines (empire)
Skirts and dresses worn at any flattering length
Narrow belts, or pants and skirts with vertical lines or patterns
Pants with drawstring waistlines or wide waistbands that can be altered to remove the extra fabric in the rise
Swimsuits with adjustable shoulder straps to allow for length adjustments.

What doesn't work: Styles that hang below or visually shorten your rise make your torso appear shorter and look unflattering.

Tops that are short or have horizontal lines or patterns below the waist.
Pants, shorts and swimsuits with horizontal stripes or patterns in the rise
Pants with detailed waistlines, hemlines or cuffs that can't be altered to provide a better fit in the rise without ruining the look

To know your body type is one important key to dress your best. If you have a question, do not hesitate to contact me, it will be my pleasure to be of service to you.

Five elements of design to help you achieve your figure goals

2009-05-18T07:46:00.005-06:00

Anyone, with any body type, can create the illusion of more perfectly balanced proportions through her choice of clothes. It is largely a matter of revealing assets and concealing challenge areas through optical illusion. Five elements of design can help you achieve your figure goals:

Line - the viewer's eye follows the lines of clothing. Vertical lines draw the eye up and down, adding height and diminishing width. Horizontal lines do the opposite.
Color - light, bright, warm colors attract the eye and make areas they cover appear larger. Weightier, more subdued colors diminish.
Texture - fuzzy, tweedy textures add visual bulk while smooth surfaces minimize. Shiny, reflective fabric enlarge; matter surfaces diminish.
Scale - design details that are proportionally smaller make the body appear larger while larger details make the body look smaller.
Proportion - equal proportions in clothing are less flattering than unbalanced ones.

If you can remember these tricks when you go shopping, you will soon love your wardrobe. -

Winter Clothing Storage Tips

2009-05-07T08:01:00.001-06:00

As the winter weather "lion" makes way for a sunny spring "lamb" you'll need to store your warmer wools in favor of cooler cottons. Here are some helpful tips for effectively storing your winter wardrobe to make way for silky spring and summer attire:

Clean garments before storing
Clean clothes properly
Use the appropriate hangers
Use the right containers
Avoid using plastic bags
Keep your garments away from heat and humidity and moths
Be selective about air fresheners

The Best Investment You Can Make-In Yourself

2009-05-05T09:51:00.003-06:00

I love the content of the latest newsletter of Janelle. It is so true. Dress for you, to build up your self-confidence: Today’s world we are guilty of being obsessed with fashion, looks and makeovers. Even if fashion is not your main interest, your surrounding is looking at you. I was at Miami International Airport on my way to Los Angeles for a business trip. As usual, I was stunned at the way people dare to get out of their house. While walking, I saw track suits with flip flops(too long pants were literally sweeping the floor clean), shocking colour matches, tops so tight I’m surprised she hadn’t hyperventilated, jeans worn so inappropriately low exposing(well your mental picture is clear about what is exposed), and the best one that day, different coloured plastic hair rollers on her head. Besides the terrible clothing choices, I also noticed uncombed filthy hair. Ladies usually have hair that is either styled and sexy, or a hairstyle that is from the pre-historical period, or hair that is not cut nor brushed ever!. Men, on the other hand, have hairstyles that are hot and in style, messy, thinning or disappearing. When it does, gents, please do not attempt to cover the balding area with those last couple of strands. You are just kidding yourself and no one else! What you wear, tells a story about you and your energy level. Go for colour that flatters and complements you. This will aid in sending out positive energy. Remember the law of attraction – like attracts like. Just stay away from boring beige, unless you like eating plain white rice. Wear something red to attract passion, love and romance. Putting on green, represents prosperity and growth. Of course, navy and black are still the power colours of business. Add some colours and flavor in your life to spice things up! Business travel or vacation, you dress the part of a self assured and important person. Think confidence and be it. Fake it, ‘til you make it. To help you get there, wear your good clothes and lingerie, use that expensive perfume, burn those richly scented candles, step out in your best shoes and live and own that luxurious life of abundance. Every day is special, because You Are! Janelle Janelle Consulting Excellence http://www.janelleconsultingexcellence.com/

How do you combine the colors of your wardrobe? (2)

2009-04-30T08:56:00.003-06:00

Work with your color swatches to find exciting new color combinations. Here are some guidelines to get you started.

1. In a multiple-color ensemble, choose

a major amount of one color (the suit, for example)
a secondary amount of another color (blouse)
just a dash of a third accent color (scarf or jewelry)

2. Equal amounts of several colors can create an awkward appearance. Choose a scarf, jewelry or blouse that picks up the skirt or trouser color to balance an ensemble.

Hope you will try these tricks and share your comments - Till next week. - Cheerio

Is your wardrobe full of advancing, receding colors or both?

2009-04-25T08:48:00.002-06:00

How do you create your best illusion?

Light colors advance and can be used to increase apparent body size
Dark colors recede and can be use to decrease apparent body size
Bright and warm colors advance and are most easily seen. Use them to emphasize or increase body areas
Dull and cool colors recede and are less visible. Use them to camouflage or de-emphasize body areas.

I promise you, when you use these principles at your advantage......... the way the other perceives you will change.

Do you wear red or red?

2009-04-20T12:52:00.005-06:00

Do you wear red or red ? Once considered purely a social-occasion color, red is today a mainstray in many women's career wardrobes as well. Everyone can wear red. If you have warm coloring, wear reds tinged with orange; if your skin tone is cool, select blue-based cheery reds.

Your Eye Color and Your Colors

2009-04-19T08:00:00.002-06:00

The composite color of your eyes is one of your most effective wardrobe colors. Worn near your face, it causes people to focus on your eyes - a big plus in any one-on-one communications situation.

What color is your White?

2009-04-11T08:36:00.003-06:00

Few people can wear WHITE effectively. Creamy or softly grayed whites are often more flattering. WHITE attracts attention, so use it to spotlight an area you would like people to notice. It will simultaneously distract they eye from a color or style element that is not so good for you. I would like to quote a famous Image Consultant. Her name is Sandy Dumont, owner of The Image Architect. "Fashion writers and “experts” agree that white can now be worn year round. Pure white shirts have always been worn year round, but it was once “the rule” that a white suit could only be worn in the summer. Depending upon the shade of white, this may still make sense. For example, a stark white suit (or dress) worn in the middle of winter may stand out too much. A suit in “winter white” would look more at home in the dark of winter. Of course, if you have a good eye, you might add black accessories with your stark white suit and get away with “blinking white” in the dead of winter. Sometimes we must respect our natural surroundings when choosing colors, so that harmony is also achieved. That is not to say that we must revert back to the dreadful habit of wearing colors that match our surroundings with each changing season so we blend in and feel safe." Now is the time to check your wardrobe. What color is your white? - Can you clean up the cluster :-).

Neutrals - The Building Block of Your Wardrobe

2009-04-07T10:32:00.002-06:00

Last week, I shared with you how to combine colors between your neutrals, your best basic colors, and your accent colors.

You may wonder what colors are your NEUTRALS? Did you? -

You have a COLD undertones as your coloring, these colors are: Black, Gray, Brown (with a blue undertone), White, Navy, Taupe, Burgundy, Forest, Cherry Red.
You have a WARM undertones as your coloring, your colors are: Grey (with yellow undertone), Brown, Rust, Cream, Camel, Teal, Olive, and Tomato Red.

Why are NEUTRALS the Building Block of Your Wardrobe? They are the most versatile colors and provide maximum fashion mileage because they can be work repeatedly without being remembered. They are also the easiest coordinate. NEUTRALS can be warm or cool. Use the ones with the same undertones, as you own coloring. - Select top-quality basic pieces like jackets, skirts, trousers, and fine blouses in your NEUTRALS. They will provide the building blocks for a versatile wardrobe.

How do you combine NEUTRALS? Dressing in head-to-toe NEUTRALS can be a sophisticated, elegant look if you avoid monotony by using two of the following:

Contrast in light and dark values
Interesting texture (tweed, mohair, brocade, etc.)
Interesting print, or fabric design
Unusual or dramatic design lines.

I hope your wardrobe-puzzle is getting into shape. Do not hesitate to contact me for any question you may have or give your comment and tell me about your tricks.

Next week, the subject will be about white. There is white and.................. there is white. Until then, share this message with your friend and thanks for your interest and companionship.

How do you combine the colors of your wardrobe ?

2009-03-30T07:48:00.005-06:00

To build a good wardrobe well coordinated that meets all your needs, you must be aware and know your best colors, depending on your own natural color. An analysis of colors will either tell you where you make mistakes, or confirm your good flair to detect your most flattering shades while revealing other tones which you did not think of or where you might have prejudices. Whatever your color palette, three tone areas will emerge: THE NEUTRAL These are the basic tones around which the bulk of your wardrobe stands and are to choose for your jackets, skirts and trousers and your leather goods (shoes, bags, business case, belts, etc.). YOUR BEST BASIC COLOR The tones are more candid and stronger and add to your complexion, the color of your eyes and your hair in value. YOUR ACCENT COLOR They are made up of the clearer tones of your palette. Besides some twins, no two women are identical to one another. You all have your favorite colors to suit your own tastes and your own "aura" in some way. This analysis will also help you to identify which colors are really your best to grant them the right importance: • 100% - Your signature colors, colors that give relief to your personality and "boost" your self-confidence. You can wear them from head to toe and from toe to the head • 75% - The colors of your suits and your jackets • 50% - Colors to wear below the belt • 25% - They are not your best allies, do not take them completely away. You can use them as accessories or among the tones of prints. Together with the 50% colors, they can add panache or some interest to your outfits in your color "refuges". Next week, I will give you more tricks on "Neutrals".

Did you know your outer garments can look as good as the garments worn under them ?

2009-03-16T11:41:00.005-06:00

Outer garments can look only as good as the garments worn under them. Body lumps, and bumps can ruin the look of the loveliest dress. And a sagging bust-line adds 10 pounds and 10 years to a woman’s figure. The following site gives you all the tricks to find the best bra for your personal needs: http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html

Your Best You

2009-03-11T08:13:00.002-06:00

This blogg is dedicated to all of you who are looking for the hints and knowledge of "how to dress better", "how to turn your purchases into a real investment", "how to organize your wardrobe" and "how to be "Your Best You"". Saturday, I gave my first seminar. It was great. The room was full. The participants were thirsty for knowledge. I have so much to share with you too. My goal? For you to become "Your Best You". How? As Judith Rasband said: "Accept those features about your face and figure you cannot change - your hereditary bone structure and pattern of weight distribution. Make them part of your individual beauty. Then work to change what you can and will - your posture and weight. Learn to cover, camouflage, or counter what you can to enhance your figure and create the illusion of your ideal face and figure. This is a wonderful growing experience that leads to self-acceptance, sel-appreciation, self-confidence, and self-actualization" - from her book, Wardrobe Strategies for Women - Fairchild Publications, Inc. - Second Printing 2002. - My next post, next week, will give you some tricks about "fitted bras".