As I wind down with the makeover of the new site I was thinking the site looks great and reflects all the services that we offer but some may still wonder, “why should I work with an Image Consultant?”   While I have several reasons of why anyone would benefit from working with an Image Consultant let’s talk about the top 5.

Top 5 Reasons to Work with an Image Consultant:

So, does image consulting cure all the ails of the world? Of course not. But looking good and feeling great about yourself  can be a cure for what ails you.  Don’t put yourself and your personal needs on hold for one more day. You deserve to get dressed – not just in clothes, but also in style – your style.

Ready to have your own Personal Image Consultant?  Give me a  call.  I would love to help give you that special attention you deserve.

With Fall comes the new trends.  There are several hot and exciting trends for 2011.  Here’s a snipet of my 2011 Fall Trend report.

If there is one color that you must have this fall I would make it orange.  Bright, bold, burnt orange is set to return to the mannequins and our wardrobes.  Make sure the orange that you select is right for your skin tone.  If you have darker skin you can try more sunset tones.  If you have lighter skin try more of a coral or peach shade.  Don’t know which is best for you?  Try holding the color to your face.  If it makes you look tired and drained, it’s not the right shade for you.  The right shade will give you a bright, alive look.

Fur and Leather were also hot on the runways.  Working women are you wondering where you fit in?  Suits and pencil skirts are the classic professional look for Fall 2011.

Want more than a peak into what’s hot for Fall?  Be on the look out for my Fall Trends report.  If you are not already on our list and want to receive your trend report make sure you sign up at www.yourtotalimage.net.

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.

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and noticed that your outfit lacked something but you didn’t know what?  I’m sure  you tried adding accessories or playing with different combinations and finally you found something that worked. But,  do you know why it worked?  Understanding the “why”  will help lesson the number of times that this happens to you.

Think of the “why” in terms of  the “Rule of Three’s.”  To give an outfit a finished look three elements or items of interest are needed.  The three can come from any of the following:

1. The number of solid colors (shades of the same hue count as one)

2.  The layering of fabric and/or garments

3. The texture of the fabrics

4. Any accessories on the garment

5. Any prints or patterns.

You can complete an outfit by using the rule of 3 and adding a third design element. Try it and see what a difference it makes in putting together your outfits.  Once you find a combination that works, take a picture of it so you’ll remember what to do next time.  Looking for an app that will help you with your wardrobe?  Try “Closet Lite”.   It’ll help you keep your outfits organized.

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.

White shirts have grown in stature.  The collared, button down crisp white shirt has now become over-sized,asymmetrical, short-sleeved or sleeveless, and it’s in some cases can be large enough to be worn as a dress. These are just a few new inventive ways to wear the classic white shirt.

Pants come in nearly as many versions as shoes.  In warm weather you may go for the cropped pant.  Skinny pants are still going strong but remember, they are not for everyone.  Pants in different colors will be hot as well as shorts and short suits.  So, what pants will you try?

Jackets will be in leather and can be paired with distressed jeans. Oversized jackets are coming out this spring in bright colors as well as black and white. If your style is more classic, go for the double breasted jacket.  Or, if you want to be more ladylike, try a short jacket that just barely hits the waist.  If it’s really hot and you’ve been working on toning your arms, this is the season to try a sleeveless jacket.

Belts are skinny this season.  The minimalist belt will show the shape of your body but is more of an accent piece.  If you want to make a bigger statement, layer the skinny one with a wider belt.  Try a belt with details such as multiple buckles, lace or ruffles.

Stripes-there is a version for everyone.  I know you are thinking, “but I heard some stripes make you look wider.”  If that is a concern for you,we can think of other creative ways to help you wear this trend.  Sailor stripes are classic but this year the stripes go up and down, around and even diagonally in dresses, blouses, pants,shoes and purses.  Try vertical stripes with horizontal ones or try wearing small stripes paired with large stripes.

Are you wondering how you will personalize your look this season?  Don’t wonder for longer. Contact me at Your Total Image and I will help you make friends with some new trends.

Want a complete listing of this seasons trends?  Go to www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up to receive our upcoming Spring Trends newsletter.

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

1.  Keep your wardrobe of separates down to two or three basic colors for maximum versatility and ease.

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

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

4.  Keep impulse shopping to a minimum.  I know, 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.

8.  Develop an accessory wardrobe to vary the look of your clothes.

9.  Never shop last minute for an important or expensive garment.

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

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.