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How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

HOW TO WEAR WHITE

By | Colour, How To... | 2 Comments

What are thoughts about wearing white?

I believe it can be worn all year round. However, clever dressing means not only wearing the white that best suits your natural coloring but also knowing how to coordinate it with other colors to ensure you get the best look possible.

The Basics

The great thing about white is, unlike black, there is a form of white for every type of coloring.  In fact, according to Pantone Inc., there are more shades of white available commercially than any other color. Whites can be found in shades from the purest, brightest whites to off-white, magnolia and ivory and the best places to experience the gamut of whites is a bridal boutique. 

There is a white for everyone, Types of white,How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

 

There 3 main color considerations:

Temperature

How warm or cool it is. Pure whites are best for Cool and Clears (aka Winters), Soft white for Cool and Muted individuals (aka Summers). Cream to Ivory for the Warm color directions (Warm and Clear / Warm and Muted – aka Spring / Autumn) 

Intensity/Clarity

The degree of brightness or dullness of the white. Clear bright forms of white are best for the Clears directions (Cool and Clear / Warm and Clear, aka Winters and Springs).  Softer, muted shades for individuals whose colors demands softer, less bright shades ( Cool and Muted / Warm and Muted – aka Summers and Autumns). 

Contrast

When worn above the waist and as a solid color next to your skin. Some individuals need definite light and shade (contrast) between the color they wear and their skin. I’ll explain this later in the feature.    

Pros of White:

  • In the western world wearing white is seen as summery, youthful, sharp, clean, open-minded and efficient.
  • Pure white is easy to keep clean as it can often be bleached back to its original brightness.  
  • Like black, it is a color that coordinates with all other colors and is a fantastic canvas for accessories of all types.
  • There is always an abundance of white in the stores.

Cons of White:

  • Being a light color it advances and enlarges the area it is worn over.
  • In some countries, white is the color of death and mourning.
  • White can be boring, clinical and unimaginative if worn without accessories or embellishments.
  • For those who have the color direction of Cool and Muted (aka Summer), they will always look best in a color other than white. 
  • Being such a light color it is generally not slimming and therefore, a strategy on how to wear it on your largest area needs to be in place.
  • It’s a one wear, one wash color.
  • It can discolor easily under the arms through perspiration. here are two great features on how to remove stains from and bleach white clothes.
  • It is notorious for being see-through.

When it’s wrong to wear white

I’ve often been asked about the correct timing of wearing white. The only time I feel that white is not right is to a wedding. It’s the bride’s day and she needs, deserves and wants to stand out. I know many do so for what it’s worth I’ve added my thoughts in the images below. 

Not wearing white after Labor Day is one of those old rules that has dissipated over time – winter or summer it’s fine to wear white if you know how to pull it off. 

Other than that it’s really a matter of practicality i.e. wearing white to somewhere you’ll get dirty is very smart 

Practicalities

  • When wearing white above the waist select a white with an Undertone and Clarity that best suits your skin tone.  There’s no getting away from it if you have cool coloring and the white has a yellow tone, the garment will tend to look dull and possibly dirty.How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources
  •  If you are full figured or larger below your waist, when wearing white below the waist either:

a. wear a top with some volume, and in color to draw the eyes upwards.
b. look for a style that has no cuffs and is in a sturdy fabric.
c. if you bum is less than bootylicious – ensure your top covers it – see image below.
d. wear a white open blouse, jacket or vest with a colored top underneath to create a longer neck to hem silhouette.

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

ShopBop

  • White is a color that requires a high quality, opaque fabric to look best.  Because of its tendency to be see-through ensure you hold the garment up to the light to judge how sheer the fabric is and avoid pants with pockets or have them removed and the pocket is sewn shut.

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

  • Wear lingerie that matches your skin color.

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

  • White dresses are best when they are not skin tight white will advertise every lump and bump you possess. The best shapes are those that loose and flow over the body or semi-fitted shape.  

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

  • Wearing unadorned solid white can be visually uninspiring unless the dress has strong design lines/features.
  • If you are a clear color direction it’s a good idea to add a pop of color via embellishments or accessories.
  • If you are a muted season either look for a textured garment or add an accessory or embellishment near your face.

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

  • While white dresses are best kept for summer, if you add a jacket they will often work well into early winter.

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

  • White garments look best when you have a tan or have dark skin. If you are pale skinned try a spray tan for an instant fix.
  • Women with cool, light, muted skins tend to best in a color than they do in white. White tends to be too plain on them – see first model below. 

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources Shopbop

  • Team white in summer with light, bright, metallic or skin toned shoes and in the cooler months team with black or tan.  

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources

ShopBop

Winter White

  • Long gone is the rule of not wearing white in winter. When teamed with, monochromatic highlights, neutral colors and cozy accessories such as fur and boots white quickly becomes a winter highlight. 

How to Wear White, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Image Consultant and Stylist Resources Want More?

Links on the psychology of white.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Style Clinic, How to Run an a Swap and Shop Party, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators. Fashion Tips, Image Consultant Tools, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Online Training,

HOW TO ORGANIZE & RUN A SWAP & SHOP PARTY

By | Fashion, How To..., Shopping | 2 Comments

We all have clothes sitting in our closets that we more than likely will never wear again. With trends always evolving, that polka dot dress you used to love and is now a closet orphan can be turned into someone else’s new favorite! While we seldom need an excuse to invite the besties over there’s never a better one than a Shop, Swap Party.

Send out the word and get everyone cracking cleaning out their closets and finding long lost style treasures to bring along.

Here’s my tips on how to organize and run a clothing swap party.

Invites

The first thing to start the process of your clothing swap party are invitations. Sending out invites at least two weeks prior to the date will give enough overhead time to prepare, a month before is also appropriate. It’ll give everyone time to clean out their closets and go through their goods. Limit the numbers to 5 to 10 people will help in not creating an overwhelming number of items plus it’ll keep everything organized. Creating a theme is also a fun alternative to just calling it a clothing swap party. Sip and Swap, Ladies Shop Swap Night, Swap and Sangria, there’s tons of unique names you can come up with!

Style Clinic, How to Run an a Swap and Shop Party, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators. Fashion Tips, Image Consultant Tools, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Online Training,

Set-up

Set-up and organization is key to show off a cool shopping environment. If you have garment racks and coat racks that’ll be a huge plus. They’ll enable you to be able to hang and group items together. Have a table display to neatly lay out jewelry and accessories. This will give your guests easy access and room to place the items they bring. Eliminating clutter is always the best way to throw a successful clothing swap party.

Create a fitting room area also helps and is great for our more inverted girlfriends. This stays with being organized and gives your party a fun shopping environment. Try to organize at least two full length mirrors to help when more than one person is trying on clothes.

You could even go the extra mile and set up a photo backdrop. This is easy, fun, and is always a hit with guests. There are many ways to create a back drop that fits the theme of your invitation. Think colors, balloons if needed, streamers, and anything else that comes to mind for your designated photo area.

Style Clinic, How to Run an a Swap and Shop Party, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators. Fashion Tips, Image Consultant Tools, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Online Training, Source

Food and Drink

When it comes to what food and beverages to serve, consider the clothes and accessories first, because you never want anything ruined from spills. Finger foods work best as well as non-greasy items. Be careful about liquids and types of alcohol, red wine is never a fun stain to remove. Keep your food area and clothes well away from each other. You can also make your party pot luck style which will make it easy on you with others bringing appetizers and drinks.

Style Clinic, How to Run an a Swap and Shop Party, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators. Fashion Tips, Image Consultant Tools, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Online Training, The Rules

Limit the number of items someone can bring. A minimum and maximum number of items helps maintain the chaos of stuff being all over the place. This also goes along with the shopping process to ensure everyone gets the right number of picks that are quality finds.

All items should be in good to great condition. Be sure to not that the items your guest are bringing are still of good quality. Nothing should be faded, tattered, or basically unwearable. Vintage is always great but to a certain extent.

Take turns shopping. To avoid craziness, draw names and distinguish an order of shoppers. Having someone pick one item at a time, this will help keep things moving in a timely manner. Have this flow going for a couple of rounds then move on to fittings. Fittings will determine if you’ll keep what you’ve picked, if the item doesn’t work then simply have it put back for others to shop.

Everything not swapped needs to be either taken home or you can opt to have a donation box handy which you can volunteer to take to the Op Shop.

Style Clinic, How to Run an a Swap and Shop Party, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators. Fashion Tips, Image Consultant Tools, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Online Training, Source

Shop, Swap, Donate

Once shopping and swapping is complete, gather up the items not claimed and donate them to local charity. Not only have you thrown a successful clothing swap party, but you also are doing it for a good cause!

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Ann2015Blue

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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


How to Manage Fashion Mishaps and Malfunctions, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

SNAP, CRACK, CRINGE: Fashion Emergency Kit

By | Fashion, How To..., Style Clinic, Wardrobe Savvy | 4 Comments


Ever been derailed by a fashion emergency or wardrobe malfunction at the most inopportune time?

I have and it’s a cringe-worthy experience. It even happened to me again this week when someone pointed out that the hanger strap of my top was peeping out of my neckline.

Perfect I thought! Inspiration from above to create a Style Clinic feature about fashion emergencies and what you need to tackle them head-on when they happen.  I’m creating two this weekend, one for my car and another for the office.

I’ve covered the most common wardrobe malfunctions which can be managed if we have the right tools handy. An emergency fashion kit would make a great gift for the person who has everything.

If you know of any I’ve left our please add them in the comments below.

Snagged

You’ve worn your beautiful fine wool sweater or linen pants for the first time and snagged it against a rough wall or caught it on something sharp. The result is an ugly thread hanging unceremoniously for all to see.

This is a quick and easy fix for this emergency if you have a Snag needle handy. I’ve had one of these in my bathroom draw for years and it’s going straight into my kit.

Snag needle, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Creeping Hems and Clingy Clothes

This is one of my all-time irritations. You leave the house looking great and by the time you arrive to the destination your outfit is full of static and creeping up and clinging to you like ivy. There are two solutions for this one; either use Statique Spray or hand cream.

Statique spray can be sprayed up under your dress or you can rub some hand cream over your hands and then rub it into your legs and or bare stomach. Both work a treat. Oh, and the most convenient hand cream will be a travel size sample you get from airlines or hotels.

Static Cling Fix, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Caught Underfoot

You’ve checked your outfit in the full-length mirror before you left home and given it the ‘A’ OK, in fact you think your pant outfit is pretty darn good and your new slingback sandals are cute as hell.  The day ahead looks bright until, something feels a little weird underfoot and you discover the hem of your pant is stuck under your foot. You pull it out, but it just keeps reoccurring. The day ahead is ruined with you forever being distracted by how you look and pulling your pant hem out of your show.

Google this issue and you’ll find thousands of people chatting about it but few good solutions. I also couldn’t find any good explanation to why it happens just lots of conjecture. I did however, find Slingbackers and they look promising. They come in black and clear. I’m ordering a pair today.

Slingbackers, how to fix the hem of pants getting caught underfoot, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Loopy Lou

Your big presentation is just about to start. You’re standing behind your host while he introduces in you. Your clients and colleagues are sitting there looking at you expectantly. Some are smiling, and others are looking a little weird, is that a smirk or maybe amusement? Is something wrong? You try to check yourself without looking to obvious – no, nothing you can see so you carry on.

Later the problem is revealed and worse still it’s in all the photos. Your hanger strap was hanging out of your dress armhole for all the world to see.

This one is easy to solve. You can cut if off but that may cause a problem when you hang the outfit if it has an usual neckline. The best strategy is to pin the loop down, inside your dress with a tiny gold safety pin.

Hanger Straps Hack, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Peek-a-Boo

If you’ve been blessed with ample breasts I’m sure they’re admired by many. But your girls may sometimes have an uncanny ability to make themselves seen at inopportune times, such as when bending over, peaking out between blouse button holes or escaping when you’re braless in a knock’em dead dress,

These issues all have a quick fix-it.

To cover your cleavage, you can use items like mock camisoles available from amazon and eBay in many colors and styles. For blouses which gape you can use Hollywood tape or breast buttons. And Hollywood tape can also be used to prevent nipple escapes when going braless in low cut necklines.

How to hide a bust, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Twist and Shout

Some straight skirts have an uncanny ability to twist around your body as you walk and if you’ve had the experienced it can definitely make you want to shout in frustration. Searching Google, I can’t find a clear answer for why this happens, but most believe it’s either carrying a bag at your side and/or a poor fitting waistband.

If you find this happening grab a medium sized safety pin or two and pin your skirt waistband on the inside to your knickers. It works like a dream.

Stop your skirt twisting, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Tatts be Gone

You’re out and suddenly must meet someone who won’t approve of your visible tattoo. No problem, Wundercover will hide your tattoo in seconds. Emergency avoided!

Hide Your Tattoo, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Whoops a Daisy

That darn bra strap keeps falling down your upper arm; it’s annoying and unsightly. There can be a few causes: your straps are too long and need shortening, the elasticity has gone, and you need to replace the bra, or your shoulders are very slopped.

In the first case simple stop by the ladies’ powder room and shorten the strap. For the other two again stop by the powder room and swap the straps so they lay diagonal over your back. This will instantly stop the problem – no tools required.

Stop Bra Straps Falling Down Arms, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Earring Droop and Lost Lugs

Our face is the central focus of our daily communication and as such our messages should come in clear and free from distraction. A missing earring or one that is hanging limply from your ear and looking as though it may fall out can have people concentrating more on what’s going on with your earring that what you’re saying.

Heavy earrings with tiny backs can cause earrings to drop on the ear rather than sit up in the correct position. Replacing a small clip with one with a large back will instantly improve your look and have the focus firmly back on your message.

Fix Earring Droop, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Dribble Draws

There’s a reason why royalty won’t eat certain foods in public and most of us will have been recipients of the results of food stains on our clothes. Not only is it an embarrassment at the time; we also risky a permanent stain the longer we leave it untreated. For this reason, an emergency kit should have a small pack of baby wipes. You can go the more expensive stain removal pads, but baby wipes are usually just as good and cheaper, I always carry a pack in my handbag.

Remove Stains on the go, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

You Pointing at Me?

It was warm when you left, and you have a light bra on, but the weather turned chilly and now your chest is the center of attention. Or, maybe like Miranda you though nothing could happen to expose your breasts? Consider yourself forewarned.

Nipple shields to the rescue, pop these little treasures on and your head lights will be turn off and any embarrassment from mishaps will be minimized.

Hide your nipples, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Dam that Desk

The underside of desks and cane chairs are among the worst offenders but there are many treacherous hazards in your day waiting to tear or ladder your hosiery. With a goal to get you at the worst possible time it’s best you’re ready with a spare pair of hose if the damage is visible and some clear nail polish to stop a ladder that’s above your hemline.

Hosiery Ladders and Snags, How to hide a bust, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

Blistering Hell

No kit is complete without sticking plaster for when the rub starts and blister pads for when a blister appears. Wearing new heels for the first time? Pop one in your bag – just in case. I always have these on hand when I go on vacation. My husband and I love to find trails and walk for hours on end and blisters can appear when you least expect them.

Blister pads

My Aching Feet

Last on my list is a pair of foldable flat slip-ons. There’s probably not a woman alive who has not hobbled home on feet screaming in agony. I’ve even resorted once to walking bare feet when I’d parked my car ten blocks away after entering the wrong inner-city carpark. Thankfully it was very late and those who spotted me were too drunk on alcohol or love to care.

Foldable footwear can be purchased online through many retailers.

Help for aching feet, How to hide a bust, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

The Complete Kit

The kit contains the following:

  1. Snag needle - $5
  2. Statique spray or travel size tube of hand cream – $11
  3. Slingbackers - $10
  4. Safety pins (supermarket) -.20
  5. Hollywood tape - $8
  6. Mock camisoles - $4
  7. Blouse button pins - $17 
  8. Wundercover shields - $26 
  9. Large earring backs - $2.50
  10. Baby wipes (supermarket) – $2.50
  11. Nipple covers - $6
  12. Spare hosiery (Department store) – Approx $15
  13. Clear nail varnish (supermarket) – Approx $5
  14. Blister pads – $9
  15. Foldable flats - $15

Well, that’s about it.

I’m certain you’ll not want every item on the list and there’ll be other items you’ll think of and I’m looking forward to hearing about them. Oh and, please include a link as well for us.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe.

THE INEXHAUSTIBLE WARDROBE: PT2

By | How To..., Style Clinic, Wardrobe Savvy | 3 Comments

It will come as no surprize that most of us have far more clothes than we wear. In my experience with clients it’s about 90 items and of those 90 or so items, around 51% are either seldom or never worn.  

That’s a lot of money! If you want to calculate how much money you have in clothes and you wear to waste ratio use my calculator

This time we continue our journey towards the creation of an inexhaustible AKA versatile wardrobe.

Covet Clusters

Building a wardrobe around the concept of clusters is an excellent way to ensure you’ll end up with a wardrobe filled with ready-to-go outfits for every occasion in your life.

Clusters are small groups of garments that mix and matched with each other to create many outfits. They can be clusters for work, your casual days or dressy occasions. By adding accessories into the cluster and you can at least double your outfits. Start by creating as many clusters as you can from your present wardrobe. The image below is an example of a professional female cluster. These items create 36 outfits and with every extra garment, on average another 12 outfits are created. Well thought out accessories can add on average another 30 outfits.   

Cluster Guidelines

  • Five to eleven pieces per cluster e.g. three tops, three bottoms and one skirt or dress and several accessories.
  • Each item should coordinate with all the other pieces.
  • One piece should be a print or pattern.
  • Use the colours in a print item piece as the coordinating anchor for the other clothing items. 
  • If you strive to create a cluster where no two pieces are the same style you’ll increase the flexibility in the number of different looking outfits you can create.
  • If you are starting your first cluster go with pieces that are simple in style, line and shape i.e. classic.
  • Each piece in your cluster should work in combination with at least two other pieces.
  • Add items to expand your cluster
  • Once you have completed a cluster start another and look for cross-over pieces i.e. items from other clusters that work in other clusters.

Capsule wardrobe, Versatile wardrobe, Business wardrobe, Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe., Casual Cluster

Establish a Budget

Figure out how much you want to spend on building your wardrobe. The smaller the budget, the more selective and aware of spending you’ll have to be. If your budget is $1000 you certainly won’t want to splurge on a $900 coat if you’re trying to build a wardrobe.

For some women a cluttered wardrobe is the expression of a carefree approach to buying clothes.

Setting yourself a budget allows you to decide what items you need to expand your wardrobe options both with investment pieces and seasonal trend items. Sticking to a budget and a plan will keep you from overspending and suffering from retail regret. 

I often get asked what a professional woman should spend on her professional wardrobe and in rely I suggest the equivalent of 4-5 weeks of the wage you’ll be getting to set it up and 2-3 weeks wages per year replenishing and maintaining your wardrobe. Of that 30% of that should go toward accessories as they have the most power to expand your looks.

Embrace the Classics

There’s a reason they’re called classics–they never go out of style! They are garments and accessories with pure shapes and clean styling which tend to be flattering on most women. To be truly timeless they will also need to be in a neutral colour or reoccurring print e.g. leopard. Some classic garments items:

  • Man-style white shirts 
  • Straight and pencil skirts
  • Classic straight pants
  • Cardigans
  • Blazers
  • Sheath and wrap dresses
  • Closed toe pumps and flat slip-ons
  • Trench coats
  • Jeans
  • T shirts
  • Pearls, gold and silver chains
  • Hand bags and totes

If you feel like a splurge keep 70/30 in mind: 70% of your wardrobe should be classic items and 30% trendy. 

Capsule wardrobe, Versatile wardrobe, Business wardrobe, Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe., Classic garments

Alter for Excellence

Few women can wear clothes straight off the rack and look fabulous. Alterations can make an enormous difference to the way you look and can even make an inexpensive item look couture.

The price you pay for alterations will depend on; what fabric/material it is in, the complexity of the job and how long it will take. The original price paid or your love for the item will determine if it cost is worth it. Most alterations are very affordable and will make a world of difference to how the garment will look in you.

Alterations can take a dress from ho-hum to OMG by raising or lowering a hem, nipping in the waist or adding a darts for a better fit. In essence you will have changed a ready to wear item to a couture item because now it has been totally altered for you. And I’ve seen plenty of high end labels look very ordinary on women because of poor fit and plenty of women wearing everyday labels looking ten times better than wealthier sisters.

Versatile wardrobe, Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible WardrobeSource

Document and Log

By keeping a lookbook, written or photographed log of all the possible outfit combinations in your wardrobe you’ll save hours every week wondering what you’ll wear today. I’ve had days where I’ve discovered a killer combination worn it and then several weeks later have struggled to remember what it was I put together, maybe that’s just my post-menopausal brain. There are also apps like Stylebook that allow you to store a record of your closet.

For important meetings you can date you log to keep track of the things you’ve recently worn to be sure not to repeat any obvious items.

Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe, Clare MaxfieldSource

Update with Trends

It’s important, no matter your age to keep your look current, and the best way to do this is to update your look each season. You only really need a few key trendy pieces and don’t spend too much on them. Splurge on classics and basic items and save on trends. Consider trend items as disposable or fast fashion because it’s likely you won’t want to wear them after a few months.

 Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe. Source

Shop to Enhance & Expand

Finally, when shopping think about what else the item you want to buy will go with. When you can identify at least three items in your closet it will coordinate with and you can dress the item up or down with accessories you’re onto a winner. Your shopping process should always be about enhancing and expanding the clusters in your wardrobe. 

The amount you spend on any item should reflect how often you intend to wear it. High priced items you wear only a few times are not good purchases. Use my Cost Per Wearing Calculator to calculate if the item you’re about to buy is worth the price. 

Cost Per Wear Calculator, Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Online Shopping

HOW TO SHOP ONLINE & LOVE WHAT YOU BUY

By | How To..., Shopping, Style Clinic | No Comments

There’s a good reason why online shopping is growing at an incredible rate and has become a huge threat to brick and mortar stores. Over the years, countless women have turned to online stores to up their style game and add more variety and uniqueness to their wardrobe. I’m just one of the women who buys a lot of my clothes online and that’s why we have launched the My Private Stylist shopping mall and added some very special and unique magic to it…more about that a bit later.

I know that many of you will be rolling your eyes and saying things like: 

  • I don’t know my size in other brands
  • What if I don’t like it
  • How do I find things that will suit me?

I get it…I had all the same fears until I tested the waters.  Sure, there were things that didn’t work out but over the time I’ve learned a lot and now have great success.  So, I’m here are my fear busting, tried and true solutions to shopping online and loving it.

11 Reasons Why Shopping Online Is Plain Smart

You can find your size: This is especially true when it comes to fringe and plus sizes. Large sizes are often the first to get sold out in the stores. Actual stores in the mall or local shopping areas only have a finite amount of space, they don’t have the luxury of having a large warehouse to store product like online stores do and often they have to order in set size amounts and that means they often only get one or two items in larger sizes. Online you are much more likely to find the item in your size. 

It’s easier to see everything that’s available: No need to wade through every rack. With the click of a button or an easy scroll over the page, you can see the selection they have quickly. Most online stores are also divided into sections, so you can easily locate the item or style you’re looking for. Most online stores also have a search bar where you can key in specific things your after or product code numbers. 

How to Shop Online, Style Genie, My Private Stylist, Style Genie, Ann Reinten, Image

How to Shop Online, Style Genie, My Private Stylist, Style Genie, Ann Reinten, Image

Gain styling insights for the season/collection:  Retail websites often show coordinating pieces when taking product photos. Often online retail stores will also release look-books with each season or each collection that showcases all the pieces styled in different ways, this is a great way to gain styling inspiration for pieces that you’ve been eyeing.

Be the first to know when new stock arrives: Once you fall in love with a brand sign up for their newsletter that way you’ll get new collection alerts sent straight to your inbox.

Gain discounts and special offers: If you sign up to a brand’s social media pages or newsletters, you typically get a first-customer discount. You will also be the first to know when things go on sale, and you may even get exclusive access to special deals. I love the fact that when you add an item into a Wishlist many companies will email you when the item goes on sale. 

No need to get in line: Have you ever waited for ages at a register or not be able to find someone to serve you? Exactly. Need I say more?

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You can forget traffic and car parks: Shop in the comfort of your home, on the way to work or snuggled up in bed. You simply can’t beat the convenience of shopping within the comfort of your home. No lines, no traffic, and no stress.

You can find the brands that suit your shape and personality: The internet has boundless possibilities for any specific style or size. Whether you’re a retro fashion lover or a plus size fashionista, there are many online fashion retailers that cater to your needs. All it just takes is a little bit of searching. Google is your best bet, of course. But you should do your research with bloggers too. Seek out bloggers with the same style and shape as you and track down their go-to online shops.

Get to the trends first: Trends tend to show up first in online shops before it appears in your local stores. Be the trendsetter and nab those trends online ASAP.

Dress differently: Shopping online allows you to dress uniquely, since you avoid wearing what everyone else is wearing from local brands. Sourcing wardrobe pieces from online also allows you to wear brands from all around the world.

Shop when you want to: Shopping hours are unlimited. You are no longer restricted to shop hours and can shop whenever the mood or the need strikes. Convenient shipping options also allow for some rush shopping on occasion.

How to Buy the Right Size

The most common reservation women have shopping online is getting the right size. It’s not that difficult – trust me!

Know your measurements: Ask one of your friends to take your measurements and store the information in the notes area of your smart phone for handy access. Then always check them against the measurement/size specs of the garment you’re interested in.

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Know the measurements of garments you own and like best: This is a great guardrail measurement to have when it comes to online shopping, especially when it comes to length. Measuring the length that works best for you is best so that you can compare them with your possible online purchases.

Read the size information: Sizes vary from store to store so it is vital that you read the size information every time you shop online. Shopping on websites from other countries also entail some measurement conversions at times, so be mindful of that as well. I tend to buy mostly from Australia, the USA or the UK and have learned the following size conversions works.

If you are Australian: buy the same size garments from UK items and one size down from US stores

If you’re in the US: buy one size up from Australian and UK stores

If you’re in the UK: buy the same size from Australian stores and one size down from US stores.  

Look at the model: If the item is on a model look for information on the size she is wearing and her height: This detail is important so that you can gauge whether that garment will work for you, comparative to your height and build.

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When in doubt, buy 2 sizes and return the one that doesn’t work: Sometimes by the time you buy an item, receive it and need to return it for another size, it’s already out of stock. Buying two sizes guarantees that you have the item you want in the correct size for your shape and style.

How to Make Sure You Like (and Wear) What You Buy

Even if the size is right, there’s still that slight possibility that you may not like it when you receive it and look at it in person. Here are my tips to mitigate that eventuality:

Know which fabrics you like best: There are certain types of fabrics that you feel comfortable wearing, it’s good to know what these are so you can avoid buying something that you don’t even want to wear.

Know what suits you by getting a personal style program with My Private Stylist: To discover the styles that suit you best it is good to enlist a professional opinion. Much like shopping with your best friend, My Private Stylist will be the online shopping buddy you need to make sure that you’re maximizing your online shopping experience and getting the best finds that fit your personal style and your body type.

Watch the video: If there is a catwalk video available, watch it to get a feel for how the garments move: The flow and the drape of certain styles can’t be reflected in a photo sometimes. This is why a number of online shops have a video look book or catwalk/runway video accompanying their collection releases, so that you can see firsthand how a garment moves and flows on a body.

Shop Smart: Just like shopping at a regular store, it’s smart to think about what you already own to make sure the garment you are buying goes with at least 2 or 3 things you already own. This will help you avoid impulse buys that may end up as closet orphans. 

Employ a Genie: My Private Stylist now has not only a shopping mall but an amazing garment assessment tool we call Style Genie. All you need do is select the item you like, click ‘Assess with Style Genie’ and answer the questions. So simple right? In a few clicks she’ll tell you if the item suits you, how to style it (yes, specifically for you), and if it’s not recommended you’ll learn why by looking at the Garment Insights. I’m chuffed about what we’ve created and it’s a first in the fashion world. It’s literally like having a professional stylist and personal shopper right beside while you shop online.

With all these benefits and the Style Genie right by your side, online shopping definitely trumps offline shopping any day, any time.

Here’s a short video I’ve made explaining how the Genie works.

Happy shopping!

Ann2015Blue

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How to Wear Belts, Belts for Women, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, My Private Stylist.

HOW TO WEAR BELTS

By | Accessorizing, How To... | 7 Comments

Far from being purely utilitarian, belts can be the final sartorial touch that completes and polishes your total look. The addition of a belt can be the equivalent of adding a period to the end of a sentence. In addition, they can add shape and aid in improving the garment’s fit. Of course, like any other accessory, there are factors and elements that come into play to successfully pull off and integrate a belt into your look.

Here’s my guide to wearing belts and looking amazing in them.

Types of Belts

Being knowledgeable about the types of belts available will better equip when it comes to figuring out which one to choose for particular occasions and whether a certain belt style will suit your personal style and body type. Knowing the belt lingo will also make it easier for you to shop and find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Classic

Whether it comes in black or in brown, the classic belt is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This belt is a versatile piece that exceeds its practicality. With a simple design and buckle, the simplicity of this belt makes it adaptable to a gamut of occasions. This belt when in a good quality leather will add polish to your office separates and your denim.

But don’t stop there; why not try some bright colored belts? They are the perfect choice to pep up your LBD or a predominantly monochromatic look. Go to neon belts and you’ll add some youthful vigor and dose of trendy style to classic looks. If you’re up for getting noticed, match one accessory e.g, bag or scarf to the color of your belt.

The next step up is the metallic belt. In finishes such as gold and silver, they are as versatile and easy to style as your traditional neutrals such as: nude, navy, black, and white. If you want to add glam to your look, reach for a metallic belt and watch your glam instantly shine through. Whether you opt for a skinny or wide metallic belt, the versatility of this piece remains constant. A trendy and of-the-moment take on this belt is to buy a belt with a metallic piece on the front; this type of metallic belt gives more structure to your overall look.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Woven/Braided

Typically a boho accessory, the woven/braided leather belt has crossed over to more traditional styles. Leather is the usual material of choice for this type of belt given its earthy style connotations. However, the ease with which this belt can be styled has made it an easy pick for fashionistas to cross over to style even their preppy looks. In my opinion, this belt looks best when worn over flowing tunic tops and maxi dresses as well as more polished pieces like pencil skirts and sheath dresses.

Trend up your belt with no traditional belting.

Belts 2

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Statement

This belt is especially appropriate for evening occasions and can be relied upon to make a major impression. From a belt that sparkles for the glam queens, to a studded belt if you’re more of a rock chick and an animal print if you’re a dramatic gal, the choices are endless.

The key here is to find a style that resonates with your style so you can wear it with confidence.

Belts 3

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Skinny

Skinny belts are subtle accessories that can easily spruce up your outfit and make it look complete. It’s also easier to play around with colorful hues and bolder prints since it’s width makes it understated.

When styling this belt take note of proportion since the belt is so skinny wear it with jeans or skirts that are more fitted. Loose and flowing pieces will drown out the belt and it will lose its chic appeal.

Belts 4

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Wide

Wide belts are another kind of statement belt; from an Obi to add a little oriental flavor to sexy corset style or a classic wide sash style, each makes a unique statement. A wide belt is perfect for creating an amazing hourglass shape and will work wonders for most waistlines.  

If you want to cinch in your waist when wearing shapeless shift dresses or empire waist pieces, a wide belt is your best bet. Invest in a neutral wide belt that you can style different options with, and invest in a fun, trendier version for nights when you’re feeling a little bit funkier. 

Recently there has been an upward spike in the presence of Japanese-inspired fashion trends on the runways. Multiple seasons have passed and the popularity and prominence of obi belts have grown by leaps and bounds. What makes the Obi distinctive is that there is a wide base that serves as the base to wrap around the thinner straps that tie in the front. Obi belts are a hot trend right now and it is a worthy addition to your wardrobe, for sure.

Belts 5

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Rope

Tying a rope around your waist says effortless style to a T. They are an easy way to add structured and shape to your more casual looks. You can tie your rope belt in multiple ways, either in the middle front, the back, or even asymmetrical to one side. It’s just a one-of-a-kind way to finish up a look. This rope belt works especially well for the warmer months with lighter fabrications. You can even personalize this type of belt even further with the way you decide to knot it.

Belts 6

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Elastic

Elasticized belts can have a tendency to look 80s-inspired, especially if they sport an ornate buckle. Fight against that by making sure that your elastic belts serve as a seamless component of your look instead of a focal point. If you do decide to let your beautiful waist and elasticized belt take center stage, keep the rest of your look simple and let the attention be on the belt.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Fabric

Fabric belt or sash belts are another hot trend that emerged from street style this year. Scarves used as belts, either tied at the waist or slung low on the hips, is the ultimate in cool-girl styling. This styling insider trick will give you a definite fashion editor feel.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 

The Right Belt for You

If you are high-waisted with long legs

Your aim is to visually elongate your torso so narrow belts and/or those that sit below your waist is often the best way to go. You can also:

A. Wear a single color above and below the waist and a narrow belt in the same color.

B. Continue the visual length of your torso by wearing a belt in the color of your top.

C. Wear a single color above and below your waist and then add a narrow belt at the waist.

D. Wear a hipster belt.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for long lets, Belts for short torsos, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

If you are low-waisted with short legs

You have plenty of torso to experiment with all manner of belts with medium to wide styles being your best. Avoid wearing belts too low as this will emphasize your long torso. 

A. Wear belts that match your pants to extend your leg length.

B. Wide belts.

C. Contrasting belts.

D. Obi and corset belts.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for short legs, Belts for long torsos, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

If you have little waist definition

The goal here will be to create the illusion of a waist. This can be achieved by:

A. Wearing a medium to narrow width belt in a darker color than the garment you are wearing.

B. Wearing a belt in a color matching your top or dress.

C. Calling attention to your waist with a belt peeping out from an open jacket or sweater.

D. Teaming the belt with tops and bottoms with volume to create the illusion of a waist.

Belts rectangles

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 

If you have a large bust

Often your bust sits lower creating the appearance of being short-waisted with little to no waist definition. You can counter this with:

A. Medium to narrow width belts in the same or darker color than the garment you are wearing and positioned.

B. Belts that sit on the hips.

C. Belts peaking out from under open jackets.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for large busts, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

 Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

If you are full hipped

You are blessed with a waist so belts are a great accessory for showing off your figure and improving the fit of many garments. However, they can also emphasize the size of your hips and buttocks. Your best belts include:

A. Those that sit slightly above your natural waist.

B. Styles in the same color as your pants or skirt.  

C. Belts under open jackets and vests.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing a Belt

Do you think you’re ready to conquer belts now? Before you go armed with your newfound knowledge, here are some do’s and don’ts to bear in mind:

  • Do wear the same color of belt as your dress. It’ll make your look more streamlined. 
  • Do store your belts and clean them properly. A little bit of care goes a long way in making your accessories last. 
  • Do create shape and curves using belts. Belt phobia is worth conquering if only for this one reason. 
  • Do get colorful and bold when shopping for belts. It’s a great way to bring some life into your more basic pieces. 
  • Do show off your belt. Put the attention on your awesome accessory and your amazing figure. 
  • Do declutter your closet and swap ‘out of style’ belts each year. 
  • Don’t fold your belts or curl them tightly when storing them. 
  • Don’t match every single accessory to the color of your belt. 
  • Don’t wear your belt too tight. 
  • Don’t be afraid to wear your belt over your cardigan or cover up. It’s a chic and refreshing way to add shape while wearing outerwear. 
  • Don’t overshadow a statement belt with other large and/or prominent accessories. 
  • Don’t wear lighter belt fabrications (fabric, rope) for the colder seasons. Leather can be worn all year round. 
  • Don’t be afraid to show off your fun personality with an equally fun and fabulous belt. 
  • Don’t ever be scared of belts. No more belt phobia for you!

 

 

 

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
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APPEARANCE: The Resume that Matters – Pt 3

By | Colour, Coordination, How To..., Personal Style, What to Wear, Work Style | 6 Comments

Welcome to part 3, the final instalment of my Appearance series on how to create a positive visual impression at work.

This time I’m primarily concentrating on color and accessories.

Color Up for Authority

Solid colors are the best choice for your foundation work pieces i.e., skirts, dresses, pants and jackets. Subtle patterns are best left for your next tier of work wear. 
Never underestimate the power of color depth – the darker the color the more authority it will bestow on you. If you suffer from dandruff or flaky skin conditions opt for medium colors and seek help for your condition.
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Color-Up for Impact

  • Clear colors are crisp, clean colors which show no signs of grayness/dullness. They create an image of mental clarity, vitality and action.(A)
  • Grayish/dull colors (especially those which are cool) can create a perception of mental dullness, passivity, low energy and mature age.(B)
  • Warm clear colors are seen as friendly, happy, energetic, youthful and playful. (C)  Wear sparingly to work.
  • Cool colors (the darker the better) are generally perceived as trustworthy, reliable and professional. (D)
  • Feminine colors such as pinks, lilac, yellow can diminish authority (E), while colors traditionally associated with men generally provide authority e.g., black, charcoal, navy.(A,D)  Avoid mid greys if you are over 50 as they tend to make you appear older.
  • Warm dull colors are emotionally reassuring however, they can also be perceived as low energy or passive. (F)
  • Bright, vivid or intense colors raise energy and enthusiasm and/or increase tensions depending on the color and situation. (G)
For more psychology of color insights click here.
Image Innovators, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Consultant Training, Work Style
Image Innovators, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Consultant Training, Work Style

Color Hierarchy

Being savvy about what colors to wear to work will help ensure you create the impression you’re after.

Traditional Business Attire: White has long been considered the most professional color for business shirts.  Next in line are the light/icy shades of blue, lilac and pink which are the most recognizable formal business colors (stars in Tradition business row).  Wear solid white when you wish to create the most serious/formal impression.

Business Casual colors are led by mid to dark blues and purples (stars in Business Casual row) and followed by mid shades of pink, orange, yellow and green. Bright, unusual colors not commonly associated with seriousness are best left for after work hours.

Prints and Patterns: For stripes and checks the background color should be considered first for its level of authority followed by the color of the stripes. Also, the narrower and closer together the stripes the more business like your image will be.

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Contrast for Attention 

Another important aspect of color is its ability to subtly solicit attention.  The contrast level of an outfit is created between the colors you are wearing and will be in either a high, medium or low.  In the case of you wearing one color i.e., a beige dress, it will be between the dress and your skin (low contrast if you have light to medium Caucasian coloring). The higher the contrast the more the brain will be stimulated to take notice. Knowing how to manage this secret weapon can give you a real advantage.

  • High contrast is created by strong light/dark or bright color combinations; the kind that make you want to say WOW.  Depending on the colors this contrast can have you being perceived as authoritative (think 80′s power dressing) or eccentric.  It will definitely wake the brain and have you being noticed, but is so loud/strong that it can tend to make others stand back rather and observe rather than to interact with you. 
  • Medium contrast is created when the color contrast comes from colors that are lighter and darker than each other while being easy on the eye.  This level of contrast is professional and people friendly, think navy and white.  This contrast will have you noticed, listened to, taken seriously while remaining approachable.
  • Low contrast is created when different colors of the same or similar depth are combined.  This soft look tends to be perceived as elegant and sophisticated when rich or dark colors are combined and passive, casual, aging or bland when light colors are coordinated together.  If the colors are also close to the depth and of your skin the effect is multiplied. Imagine a dark skinned woman in the navy and black outfit. Low contrast is so quiet it can place you into visual incognito, as such it’s brilliant for observing and letting others take the lead, but when you want to take the reins or be noticed, listened to or taken seriously it’s not the way to dress.

It’s also important to mention that wearing colors that suit your personal coloring is also something to take seriously. The right colors will enhance your skin, hair and eyes, invigorate youthfulness and seriously increase your attractiveness. Image Innovators have many consultants who can help you discover your best colors.

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A Touch of Spice is Nice

Every outfit we wear is accompanied by at least one accessory: shoes, belt, earrings and/or handbag etc.  While it’s easy to just throw them on without a thought, considering them only ‘finisher items’, they are in fact, much more important than just ‘finishers’.
For relatively small cost you can own a minimal wardrobe of basic items and have multitudes of different outfits that will be ready to take you anywhere, anytime when you fully employ the power of accessories.  In other words, accessories can expand your wardrobe by giving your outfits multiple looks, moods and a current look. If you’ve never truly explored your wardrobe’s mix and match possibilities, take a day and pull out all your tried and true outfits. Go through all your accessories to find at least several new outfits. Explore ways to dress each up and down using earrings, necklaces, scarves, hosiery, shoes and bags etc. When it comes to career dressing, understanding what style of accessory and how many to employ at any one time is the key to ensuring a professional presentation. The aim is to create visual interest to your outfits whilst maintaining a professional image and ensuring the attention is firmly focused above your bust line.
Key points
  • By the best quality you can afford. Quality over quantity – your accessories should support your image.
  • Your face is your fortune. If you add several accessories ensure the one near your face is the most dominant.
  • Ask yourself, ‘does this accessory say polished professional?’  If it doesn’t or you’re in doubt, take it off.
  • Limit yourself to 3 visual focal points. More than this and you’ll be in danger of looking too ‘busy’ for businesses.
  • Learn how to accessorize – there are lots of great blog, books and YouTube videos to learn from.
  • Hand carry as few things as possible to avoid looking clumsy or disorganised.  Avoid backpacks.
  • Handbags: The more structured and polished the bag the more professional you’ll appear.
  • Earrings: understated, classic and no larger than medium-large.
  • Shoes: the most professional are – at least medium height, leather with a closed, tapered to pointy toe.
  • Belts: medium to narrow, classic style, understated buckle and leather.
  • Watch: classic style, non-bulky, leather or chain strap.

Be Current, Be Clever

An up-to-date appearance is essential. It says I’m aware of what’s going today in the world around me.  A current appearance puts others at ease and builds credibility and trust.  Wearing clothes, eyewear, hairstyles or makeup that is a decade or more old will give you a look that advertises that you are clearly out of sync with the world about you and if you look out-of-date, maybe so are your skills and knowledge. Remember; we trust that what we see is a reflection of your character and abilities. I’m not saying you need to wear the latest fashion, but you do need to wear clothes and accessories that are recognizable with specific trends that are no more than five years old.  This is especially important for anything that is close to, or on your face/head as these are the areas noticed most.
There’s also no understating the personal confidence and pleasure an up-to-date and impressive image will give you.  When YOU like what you see in the mirror it’s incredibly empowering.
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Say What?

To be heard takes more than putting a great idea/point across at the right time, to the right people.
Your words can dissolve mid-air if you are wearing something, or acting in a way that attracts more attention than what you are saying.  Distractions have the power to totally sabotage what you are trying to say or do. Not only do they cause others to focus on ‘it’ rather than what you are trying to get across, they create an internal dialogue about the item and you or, the item and them.  Whatever you were saying becomes white noise and depending on what the distraction was it may also damage your credibility.Image Innovators, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Consultant Training, Work Style
Examples of distractions:
  • strong perfume
  • ornate/large earrings and rings
  • jangling bracelets
  • low cut necklines
  • very short hemlines
  • visible tattoos
  • dark lingerie under light colored clothes
  • food stuck in teeth
  • weird/inappropriate makeup or hair
  • wardrobe malfunctions eg., fallen hems, bra straps, buttons missing, clothes straining or gaping
  • inappropriate clothes i.e., for weight, age, occasion, people present etc
  • anything out of the ordinary e.g., an earring missing from one ear
  • Before any important meeting where you need to be seen and heard take a last minute full-length look at yourself to check everything is as it should be.

Turn Offs

Similar to distractions, though potentially much more costlier to an individual’s career, is the creation of the perception that a person lacks a degree of self-awareness and/or sensitivity for others. This conclusion having been made from an individual’s experience of the way they dressed, looked or behaved in a given situation. While most of us live in countries where we are blessed with the right to dress and behave as we please (within the limits of the law).  This privilege will backfire if the person is considered to be a maverick that cannot be totally trusted to dress or behave within social norms at important times. We may love them as friends or peers but their ‘loose-canon’ personality will cause us to exclude them from participating in important events.

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 That ends this series, I hope you enjoyed it and have been able to adopt some of it into your wardrobe.
I’d love to hear your comments, stories or questions in the comment area below.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
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FROM CUBICLE TO COCKTAILS: how to go from work to the office party

By | How To..., Work Style | No Comments

As Christmas approaches office parties are in full swing and many minds are on what to wear for the most fun event of the office year.

It will take more than just a cute dress to impress this crowd; it’s all about looking chic without losing sight of the fact that the people you’re about to party and drink with are still your colleagues and those who hold your future in their hands may be among that crowd. How you dress and conduct yourself at events like this are seen as glimpses of the ‘real’ you and indiscretions at this time of year can follow you well into next year.  

OFFICE PARTY DO’S

  • Dress and behave like your boss is in the room. An office party can get crazy, you may or may not see your boss but you should always be prepared for that scenario.
  • Amp up your beauty look. If you don’t have the time to for a complete party makeover, the least you can do is to turn up the volume with your hair and makeup. A swipe of bold colored lipstick and a good blow dry is all you need sometimes. If you’re feeling like you need more glam than that, add in a smoky eye, winged eyeliner, and bouncy curls courtesy of the curling iron you packed.

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  • Leave your huge work tote in your cubicle. Put some essentials into a chic patterned clutch or a gilded minaudiere. This simple purse swap can dramatically transform your look.
  • Red is the go-to color for holiday party dressing. Embrace this tradition and marry it with current trends, since this season tomato red is such a prominent hue for the runways and in the street style blogosphere as well. 

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3.

  • Switch your sensible work pumps for more fun party heels, again within the bounds of elegant taste of course. Opt for jewel toned pumps with embellishments, or heeled sandals in a vibrant color. Steer clear of large platform pumps as they have a tendency to look cheap.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

  • Liven up your suit. You can do this by adding a belt with metallic hardware or an oversized belt in a fun print or, switch out your office blouse with something more festive. Try a silk camisole, or a printed sheer blouse.
  • Exchange your work jewelry and replace it with attention grabbing accessories. This is an area you can really be playful in, and you can be more daring with your choice of statement bling. Just be careful not to over accessorize, remember that you still have to look classy and polished.

Christmas work Party. Christmas Glamour, Ann Reinten, My Private Stylist, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, AICI

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

  • Exchange nude colored office hosiery for sheer black stockings, fine fishnets or something with a muted or small pattern like a small polka dots.
  • Add some fake lashes and to darken your eyebrows a little bit more. You shouldn’t select lashes that are too long though, you still want to look sophisticated. You are just looking for a bit more pop. Also, only do this if you are absolutely comfortable wearing falsies the whole night.
  • Don a statement jacket. Take off that prim office blazer and put on a topper that will go with your work style for the day. Try a leather jacket, embellished boxy jacket, or a cropped printed bomber jacket. The jacket options are endless.
  • Consider a more colorful ensemble – this is the time to have fun, just remember ‘appropriateness’ is still the order of the day.

Christmas work Party. Christmas Glamour, Ann Reinten, My Private Stylist, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, AICI
Source: Image 1Image 2Image 3

OFFICE PARTY DON’TS

  • Don’t get drunk at the office party. Have a few drinks socially and know when to say no.
  • Don’t wear anything too revealing. Only choose to bare skin either on your décolletage or your hemlines. Never do two at the same time, and always keeps elegance top of mind.
  • Don’t go over the top with garish jewelry or kooky accessories.
  • Don’t go home with raccoon smudged eyes at the end of the night. When applying a smoky eye, put a primer and set it properly.
  • Wear proper underwear. Visible bra straps and panty lines are poor form. Invest in shape wear if needed – the only things giggling should be the ice cubes in your drink.
  • Don’t wear anything too tight. You want to feel comfortable throughout the night.
  • Don’t do anything with colleagues you wouldn’t be OK seen doing during office hours. 

Christmas work Party. Christmas Glamour, Ann Reinten, My Private Stylist, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, AICI

 

Want More? Nine Ways to Survive the Christmas Party.

For the Love of Prints Bannerp2

FOR THE LOVE OF PRINTS: pt 2

By | How To..., Understanding Prints & Patterns, Wardrobe Savvy | No Comments

This week I continue my feature on prints by looking at the design elements of prints and how to select ones that are best ones for you. You’ll be surprized that once you know this information your unconscious brain will be ever on the look-out for them.

Design Elements that Impact Size

Size/Scale

The rule is simple here: the bigger the print, the bigger you’ll appear to be. The best prints are ones that are scaled to harmonize and flatter your scale. If you are a petite go for prints that are small to medium, if you are medium to tall and not overly overweight medium-small to medium-large prints are best for you. Tall gals with a likewise weight can wear medium-small to large prints and if you are plus size, go with prints that are medium to medium-large. 


Petite Scale _ Prints

Source

Plus Size_Prints

Color

The overall color of your print will also make a difference to both your size. Light and bright prints tend to be enlarging while darker prints minimize size. Medium depth prints, on the other hand, are neutral in their effect.

Plus Size_Value

 Source

Color Contrast

Another impactor of apparent size is the contrast of prints. The greater the contrast between the colors the larger you will appear general rule applies to color contrast: the higher the contrast, the wider you will appear to be. If you love big prints but find them too enlarging try finding a large print in a low contrast. The subtleness of the low contrast will mitigate the enlarging effect of the print’s size. 

Contrast

Print Direction

Being able to recognize the direction of a print allows to to chose the one that will best work for you.  Send the eye vertically and you’ll make the area appear longer and/or narrower. horizontally and you’ll appear wider and possibly shorter. Multi directional prints are easiest to wear because they do not have a major direction.  

Worth mentioning here too are complex prints.  These are geometric/angular prints which have a complex design that does not allow the eye to rest in any one area.  These are incredible at breaking up the body and can achieve minor miracles in the visual slimming stakes.

Directional Prints

Print Location

Where you place a print is also important.  Are you larger below your waist like Girl with Curves blogger Tanesha Awasthi? Then prints on your top half will flatter you most.  Larger above the waist…yep, prints below your waist are the way to go.

When selecting dresses keep scale, color and direction top of mind.

Print Placement_Triangle

I hope you enjoyed this edition of Style Clinic.

There’s more to learn about prints and the impact they have on your image but I’ll leave that topic for another day.

Do You Love Style and Fashion?

If the answer is yes, a career as an image consultant may be perfect for you.

I have launched my online Style and Image Management course and I’m offering a Special Introductory Price while I add all the video in. The course is internationally certified with CEU’s and comes with 12 months of post course follow-up and 6 months membership as a consultant with Image Innovators (my company). When complete the cost will be $1495.00 but for a limited time it is $950.

This is the link where you can request the topic outline for all our courses.

This is the link to our online academy with discount added.

 

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


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FOR THE LOVE OF PRINTS: pt 1

By | How To..., Understanding Prints & Patterns, Wardrobe Savvy | No Comments

Take a moment to peer into your closet. What do you see, lots of prints or more solid colored garments?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a lover of prints, to me, they’re more interesting than solid colors and my preference for them stems from my coloring and personal style.  

Ann Prints

Like most things, too much of something is rarely a good idea; too many prints and your outfit can appear noisy and/or haphazard, too many solid colored outfits and you risk looking a little boring.

Prints and patterns are design elements which I believe deserve at least twenty percent of your wardrobe. They add interest, can display your personality, elevate or lower the formality of an outfit and even change it’s overall mood. Understanding about prints and patterns and what makes them work is important in working out which ones will work best for you.

Recently, I’ve been writing and recording lessons for our new online image consultant course and thought you may also enjoy some of what I’m teaching.

First off, let’s start with the difference between prints and patterns. A print is a motif or design printed onto a fabric. While a pattern is a motif or design that can either be woven or printed into a fabric. Therefore, all patterns are prints but prints are not patterns.

Prints verses Patterns

Now that we understand prints and patterns a bit better, here some of the major categories of prints :

  • Geometric: shapes made from geometry
  • Linear/Lineal: Straight lines
  • Florals: Flowers
  • Abstract: Images of objects distorted from how they look in reality
  • Animal
  • Ethnic/Tribal: Art that originates from specific regions, ethnic or tribal groups
  • Motif: clearly repeated designs, think shoes, leaves, elephants, butterflies etc
  • Graphic: Images generated on a computer 

Print categories

These categories can further be grouped into classics and fads. It’s important to make this distinction because classics prints and patterns are worth investing in if the garment is also classic in style, while fads are trends that are unlikely to last beyond a season.

Classic Prints and Patterns

The following prints and patterns have withstood the test of time. These kinds of prints and patterns have proven to be, time and time again, wardrobe staples that remain elegant, chic, and sophisticated.

STRIPES

There are three kinds of stripes: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.

Vertical stripes are more flattering when the stripes are closer to each other and thinner. The wider the stripe, the distance between the stripes and/or the higher the color contrast between the stripes, the wider you will seem to appear to be. An especially noteworthy stripe when it comes to work wear style is the menswear-inspired pinstripe. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, are perceived as more relaxed and casual. While diagonal stripes are seen as creative and individual. The same styling rule applies to diagonal and horizontal stripes as they do to vertical stripes.  

Stripes

FLORAL

Floral prints are no longer limited to spring/summer. They can be worn year round. The feel of a floral print or pattern is dictated by its color palette, the closeness of of the images to reality and the type of flowers.

Light or pastel florals convey romance, innocence, and femininity. Dark florals express more strength and are therefore more suited to business wear. Those with a background in a similar depth to your hair will look most at home on you. Bright florals are seen as youthful and fun and are especially appropriate in the summer. Abstract floral prints are creative on trend at the moment. Liberty florals have a retro feel and are typically smaller in scale. Lastly, folk floral prints are bohemian-inspired and have more of a BoHo influence.

Florals

PLAIDS

The major categories of plaid are glen plaid, tartan, windowpane check, madras check and gingham. Both glen plaid and tartan are menswear inspired and are great for office dressing. Meanwhile, madras checks are for more casual occasions. The same can be said for gingham, no matter what the silhouette gingham is a casual and playful print that is best reserved for social occasions.

Windowpane checks are great for your work wear wardrobe. We would advise you to wear only one piece in windowpane check as it can get overwhelming. However, a head-to-toe windowpane check suit can work for those who work in more creative industries. 

Plaids

ANIMAL

A major group within the animal print family is that of the wildcats. Leopard, tiger, and cheetah prints are classics that will never go out of style. Every year and every season, we spot these wildcat prints on major runways. Leopard is practically a neutral!  All jokes aside, these wildcat prints and patterns exude an undeniable drama, sex appeal, and strength. Zebra and giraffe prints are unexpected incarnations of the animal print and express a more creative side. Python prints express that same drama and glamour as the wildcat prints. However, python prints can be too much so to be on the safe side opt for them as accessories. Lastly, cow/pony and dalmatian prints are quirky, unusual and even comical. These two prints are definitely more on the casual spectrum. Cow/pony prints can also be enlarging, so proceed with caution.

Wild Prints 1

WildPrints 2

SPOTS/DOTS

People either love or hate the spot/dot print. A trend that can be traced back to the 40s-50s and still remains relevant today, the spot/dot is certainly here to stay. Even spaced spots are more retro, and smaller, uneven spots look more modern and more suited to wear in a corporate setting. Pop art spots and confetti spots in varying colors are whimsical prints that translate to daytime or party wear.

Spots and Dot Prints

PAISLEY

Originating in India, paisley prints and patterns were made fashionable by the British. This print is very strong in bohemian fashion. When donned as an abstract print, paisley can be appropriate for business casual events.

Paisley

CAMOUFLAGE

The army origins of the camouflage print give it a rugged, masculine and casual image. This print is enjoying a trend renaissance right now. Camouflage is becoming big in the street wear scene. 

Camouflage Prints

FAD PRINTS & PATTERNS

Fads come and go. So while these patterns and prints are fun, it is unlikely that these will last more than a season or two. You’ll be much better off going for these prints and patterns as low investment pieces in your wardrobe. Though their longevity isn’t the best, it makes a great impact for the season.

PALM

Resort wear and summer-inspired, palm prints and patterns are great in fun silhouettes like rompers and cropped tops.

ILLUSION

This may be the only exception to the ‘fads’ rule. Part geometric and part linear, illusion prints can last you more than season especially when done in neutrals.

COMIC

Comic prints are pop art influenced and are typically loud and in-your-face. Proceed with caution, comic prints can make a major statement but can be enlarging.

MOTIF

Motifs occur every season. Repeats of either tropical motifs like birds of paradise for summer, leaves for fall, map prints for winter; all of these are unique motifs that can elevate your look. 

Fad Prints

In part 2 I’ll cover the in’s and out’s of wearing coordinating prints.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author