1.  Keep your wardrobe of separates down to 2 or 3 basic colors for maximum versatility.

2.  Do not spend a lot of money on here today gone tomorrow trend items.

3.  Buy your wardrobe foundation garments and shoes in the best quality you can afford.

4.  Keep impulse shopping to a minimum.  I know, that is sometimes easier said than done.

5.  Only shop when you know what you want.

6.  Don’t go into debt over clothes!

7.  Shop designer labels when on sale.  You can find good deals at stores like Nordstrom’s Rack, Saks Off Fifth,TJ Maxx and Marshalls to name a few.

8.  Develop an accessory wardrobe to vary the look of your clothes.  You can dress an outfit up or down with the right accessories.  Try adding some color with a bold bracelet or necklace.

9.  Never shop last minute for an important or expensive garment.  You are bound to buy something that you really don’t like and is over priced.

10.  Consider the price beyond the price tag.  If you can’t afford to dry clean the garment and prefer to wash and wear, pass it by.

Now that you are armed with the 10 Shopping Strategies go out and have some fun!!!  Let me know how they work for you.

Every day new looks hit the fashion scene.   Maintaining a wardrobe that is current takes a discerning eye, forward planning and the ability to know when to walk on by and let something pass.

Shopping trips need to be carefully planned if your goal is to come home with things you like and want to wear.

The 3 biggest reasons why women cannot find what they want are:

• They do not know what styles their body requires to look good.
• They do not leave themselves enough time to find what they need.
• They do not plan where they will need to go to find what they want or need.

Do any of these sound familiar?  Stay tuned for the first step in  Shopping 101, Getting Ready. We will explore tips on how to make shopping work for you.

In the meantime, contact me if you want to go shopping now but need a little help.  I would be glad to help you find the right outfit.  Be sure to contact me at www.yourtotalimage.net.

I said yes and quickly had to figure out how to transform my home look to a public look in mere minutes.  Having gone through this a time or two recently I thought I’d share tips with you that will have you looking cute in five minutes!

Lipstick and mascara make a world of difference and take less than 2 minutes. Put on a hue of bright red or pale pink and already you look more polished.

A dramatic scarf can be an easy go-to accessory and take less than thirty seconds to put on. Pick one with bright, loud colors or one with a pretty patterned print or interesting texture. Wrap it around your neck, around your shoulders, or around your handbag and that extra detail will add interest to any outfit.

Bangles on your wrist add movement and an additional fashion focal point. Store a stack of them on a decorative paper towel holder so you can see your collection in one spot. Layer multiple metallic hues together or colorful jewel-toned ones one on top of the other and move onto the next step in 30 seconds.

A cute bag is a great addition to a put together look. Grab one (not your work bag!) that has a color, texture or shine that is repeated in your outfit and  you’ve outdone yourself. Take one minute to choose and transfer the important necessities: keys, wallet, phone, and lipstick.

Cute shoes will keep your best fashion foot forward and have you looking great from your pretty face down to your pretty toes. Go ahead and choose an open-toed pair,only if your toes are polished. Otherwise, go for a cute ballet flat or one of those statement pairs of shoes, the ones that you’ve been waiting for the right moment to wear. This is that moment! There’s no time like right now to look fabulous and ready to join your friends.

Don’t forget the hair.  Now is the time to sport that trendy cap or try a pony tail with a fashionable hair ornament.

See?  That only took five minutes!

If you’re not so sure you can pull this fashion feat off, then call me! I’ll be there to help you create several five-minute outfits that you feel fabulous in.

5  Tips that will help you look Fashionable, Stylish and Confident.

1.   Wear what you love.  They say when you look good, you feel good.  Make sure that your clothes fit properly.    Select clothing that flatters your figure.  Understanding your body shape can help you prevent spending money on items that you will never wear.  Only purchase items that will enhance your shape.

2.    Bring a new color into your wardrobe.  Color can boost your mood and get you noticed.  Choose colors that are bright and uplifting.  You can add a splash of color to an outfit by adding a scarf, jewelry or a blouse.  You will look more vibrant with a great color mix.

3.   Keep in mind that your face is a focal point. You don’t want to leave the house with a great outfit and neglect the face.  Make sure your makeup is a part of your overall polished look.

4.   A good hairstyle is an important aspect of your professional look.  Find a hairstylist that will help you put together a look that is easy to maintain. Commit to allowing time each morning to make sure that your “new do” looks good.

5.   Remember to add accessories.  Accessorizing your outfit gives the finishing touch.  Your accessory could be a nice necklace and your favorite bracelet.  For that perfect business look don’t forget to add a stylish leather briefcase or laptop bag.

Successful people dress today for the position they want tomorrow.  When you combine a stylish professional image with a commitment to continuous growth in your knowledge and skill, you will put yourself on the fast track in your career.

“When you dress like a winner, you think, feel and act like a winner.”  Brian Tracy

You are staring at a bunch of clothes with sales tags still attached to them. Gather up the items that you’ve never worn and try them on. Now tell the truth – would you buy them again? If the answer is no and they’re still pretty current, take them to a consignment store and let someone else enjoy them while getting back part of your investment. If you’re still attracted to them, take a few minutes to create some outfits and wear them as soon as possible. You may have just forgotten about the gems you have in there!

Clothes you won’t wear for another six months are crowding out clothes you should be wearing right now. Remove the out-of-season clothing. You don’t need to visually edit out the Capris and halter tops if you’re in the season of cashmere sweaters and wool trousers.  Focus on the season you’re in and store everything else out of sight.

Your clothes are hanging on wire hangers or mismatched plastic, wood and padded hangers in multiple colors. Your closet deserves as much order as you can give it. While mismatched dinnerware can be very stylish at a dinner party if done right (especially if you’ve got the talents of an interior designer), the same does not hold true for your closet! Everything looks better when hung on hangers that are the same color and style. Please, no wire hangers! Hang all the hangers in the same direction, and that goes for your clothes too.

On laundry day, you hang your clean clothes wherever you can find a gap in your closet. Organize your closet in a way that makes sense to you. You can hang clothes by color from light to dark or hang them by item – pants, blouses, skirts, etc. Then on laundry day, you put your clothes back into the section you’ve created for them. If you open your closet and see order, getting dressed will be a daily pleasure.

Your closet has several-to-many items that are in the “aspiration” category – anything two sizes smaller than your current frame. Focus on the now. Remove all the aspiration clothing and either drop them off at a charity or box them out of sight. It’s easier to relax and be yourself when those aspiration clothes are out of your closet.

You are hanging onto your “fat” clothes long after you’ve reached your goal weight. Accept your new frame by removing all the ill-fitting clothing. You aren’t wearing those items anyway. If you’re hesitant about embracing the reality of your new size, then at least pull out the oversized clothing and store them away.

You’re unhappy when you open up your closet because you know you’re not maximizing what you have. You’re just not sure how to make it all work. Getting help! Making the act of getting dressed one that you can derive pleasure from on a daily basis is worth investing in . . . pronto! This is my area of expertise and it would be my pleasure to show you how to transform your daily experience of getting dressed. It can be the favorite part of your day. Call me and we’ll get started right away.

• “This old thing? I’ve had it forever!”
• “I got this at a garage sale.”
• “Oh gosh, I just threw this together. Really, it’s nothing.”
• “I got this at Marshall’s.”

The funny thing is that I found myself doing this the other day.  I was complimented on my hair and because I thought I was having a bad hair day I quickly responded to the person by  thanking them and proceeding to tell them that I was having a bad hair day.  No, this was not the reaction that I should have had.

While someone has chosen to give us the gift of a compliment, what we give back in a statement like one of the above is equivalent to a used handkerchief or a handful of cookie crumbs. Someone was lightened by the image of you, perhaps inspired or pleased by it and would like to thank you for giving them that pleasure. What if you just let them?

Let’s face facts. If you use the services of an image consultant who helps you understand your proportions, your personal style or what colors flatter you most, you won’t make the mistakes you used to. You’ll make choices that are smarter than ones you made before. You’re in a better position to be noticed for all the right reasons.

Yet in many ways, you’re still like everybody else. You have things about yourself that you consider to be flaws or imperfections. What’s changed is that it’s so much easier to accept the way you are since working with an image consultant. You have new knowledge that helps you dress your best in spite of perceived flaws. Everything looks so much better on you. You look like a million bucks even though you haven’t spent a million bucks.

When the compliments come your way, as they will, go with the very simplest and most elegant response. Just say, “Thank you.” Those two words will demonstrate respect for the person who gave you the compliment. If someone does happen to ask you for an explanation, as close friends often do, you can tell them the truth. “I had a session with an image consultant and I learned what I was doing wrong. She showed me how to dress my best without spending a fortune.” You aren’t obligated to give any more details than you wish to. It’s nobody’s business but your own!

Whether looking good is a sensible hobby for you in an otherwise stressful life, a business investment that will get you noticed and promoted, or something you do to pamper yourself, it’s okay!

So, instead of rejecting a compliment, accept it. And then turn around and see whom you can compliment. Everyone loves to hear those simple words: “You look great!” It’s a gift that never gets old. Giving compliments makes it easier to receive them. Who can you compliment today?

Transitioning from one fashion season to the next can be challenging. It’s hard to decide when to pack up your summer gear when the weather continues to play tricks on us. We face unpredictable patterns, like when it’s chilly in the morning, feels like summer by noon, then temperatures plummet again by dinnertime. What do you do? The solution lies in layers.

1. A legging as pants is a no-no. However, a legging as a layering piece is a great solution for warming up your summer dresses and bringing them into colder weather. Wear calf-length or ankle-length leggings under your dresses or skirts with cute closed toe flats. If the temperature climbs up unexpectedly, go into a bathroom and take that layer off.
Extra warmth: A pair of thin leggings can be worn under a pair of jeans or trousers and won’t create extra bulk.

2. High Boots are a great way to keep your legs warm while wearing a dress, skirt or even over skinny jeans. Keep a second footwear choice in your car or at your office in case the temperature rises.
Extra warmth: Add warm wool socks underneath your thigh high boots for extra insulation.

3. Leather jackets don’t scream winter the way thick wool plaid ones do. They can be that extra layer that turns your transitional outfits into fashion hits. If you can’t get enough of your favorite fitting short-sleeved t-shirt, there is no need to pack it away just yet. Wear it with that lightweight leather jacket on warmish days. If the weather dips, exchange it for a long sleeved t-shirt or a cashmere sweater.
Extra warmth: Have a tube scarf or a small woolen scarf ready to wrap around your neck.

4. Capes can be your go-to item when the winter winds blow your way. They are easy to throw over an outfit and are as efficient as a blanket for keeping you warm. They can be great over a sleeveless jersey knit dress. If it’s colder, pair with camel trousers, oxford shoes and socks and a classic white blouse.
Extra warmth: Get a great pair of to-the-elbow gloves and make this outfit look 60s chic.

5. Thick shawls are a transitional necessity. Have a go-to shawl that stays in your car. It’s your backup plan for when you forget to layer.  Keep it in a solid color so it can go over anything. This shawl will be the one you grab and use when you go to a movie, stay late after work and go for drinks with colleagues, find yourself at a high school football game or share with a friend.

Extra warmth: If you really were at that football game, you’d love to have two shawls—one for over your shoulders and one for over your lap. Go ahead and pack two. Better to be prepared than not.

Recently I had a client ask me for some tips on what “to” wear to a business casual work environment.  Here are my top five.

1. First and foremost, remember that image matters, even on casual days.  You should keep yoru neckline, hemline and waistline appropriate for work.

2. Keep a basic suit jacket handy as you never know when you might need to give the appearance of a more professional look.  Even jeans and a simple t-shirt professional can look authoritative when worn under a jacket.

3.  Wear well- made accessories to create an impact on casual days.  Silk scarves or fine jewlery are just a couple of items that can upgrade a basic outfit.

4.  As mentioned earlier, casual doesn’t mean sloppy.  Make sure your clothes are stain free, pressed and not torn.

5.  Remember to dress appropriately for the situation.  If you have a meeting with an important client, perhaps wearing regular business clothes would be more professional. 

It is not necessary to wear a suit in order to look professional and polished.  Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll look great every time.

Wearing white after Labor Day is just as acceptable as wearing black.  As a matter of fact, depending on the climate in which you live, you can wear white all year long.   You may want to put up the white linen in exchange for something a bit heavier for the fall.

Here are a few keys pieces that will work well in fall and winter:

1. Sweater or Cardigan

2.  White jeans or a white dress with boots                                                  

3.  A white jacket worn over a black turtleneck looks sharp

4. White wool pants

5. White shoes?  Actually trade those in for nude.  It’s hot for the fall and also makes you look thinner and longer.

Now go ahead and enjoy wearing your white through the change of season.

Want to know what else is hot for the fall?  Visit Your Total Image on the web and sign up to receive our upcoming Fall Trends Report.

7.  Learn the secrets of Fabulous Grooming: Grooming is one of the most essential and important rules of all.  Your hands and nails should be clean and neat whenever you go out and present yourself.   Although summer is almost over, it is important to remember our feet.  Feet should be clean, moisturized, toe nails trimmed and if polish is used make sure it is not chipping.  You would not believe how many people pay attention to our feet. Makeup is also a part of the grooming process.  These days the trend is “less is more.”   The right makeup can take years off your look.

8.  Be Gracious, Well Mannered and Charming: We talk about feeling and looking self confident.  We must go that extra step and also behave in a “stylish” manner. This completes the entire picture.   Some things may seem to be common sense but believe me, not everyone has a clue.  For instance, do you know the correct etiquette for introducing people or even  for mobile phone usage in public?   Knowing a few social graces never hurts.  They say beauty is only skin deep.  True grace and style takes alot more effort but this is what people will remember and respect.

9.  Get Professional Advice: It’s not always easy to know how to be confident and stylish, how to enhance your appearance through the right clothing or how to use proper etiquette in the right situations.  This is a process of continual learning.  We should all strive to improve ourselves and sometimes the best way to do this is to seek professional help.  Always know that I am here to help you with your image needs.

I hope you have enjoyed the 9 Style Secrets mini series.  You might need to go back and review secrets 1-6 as a refresher.  Keep them handy if you need a reminder.   It was actually good for me to revisit some of these tips.  If you’ve been following along you know that these came to me in the midst of a basketball tournament.  Well,  summer basketball is over so I will need to find new avenues of inspiration for writing ideas.

Until next time

About the Author: Valerie Hatcher, owner of Your Total Image works with professional women who enjoy clothing and understand the importance of their image to their success.   She teaches them how to dress for success-enabling them to look fashionable, stylish and confident.   Visit Your Total Image at www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up for the monthly newsletter filled with tips.