August 9, 2018

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 Style Clinic | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Complete Kit

The kit contains the following:

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

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

July 27, 2018

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

THE INEXHAUSTIBLE WARDROBE: PT2

By Style Clinic | 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.

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.

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.

Source

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.

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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.

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.

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

June 29, 2018

Style Clinic, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe, Wardrobe revamp, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Tools, My Private Stylist, What's Your Style Personality Quiz

THE INEXHAUSTIBLE WARDROBE: PT1

By Style Clinic | Wardrobe Savvy | One Comment

Over the last thirty years, wherever I travel in the western world, most women have the same complaint…they have nothing to wear despite a closet bulging at the seams.

It’s easy to understand why; they’re enticed by sales, friends and fashion trends and they’ve constantly purchased clothes with little thought to what they really need. As a result they’ve ended up with a cluttered closet and nothing they want to wear.

It’s time to stop, take stock and rethink how you’re managing your style and closet.

Looking and feeling your best every time you walk out the house doesn’t come about by accident. Our favourite style icons don’t randomly pick out an outfit, and walk out looking fabulous. They plan everything they wear, in fact Kim Kardashian has been open about her wardrobe process: she creates her outfits for the week down to her earrings. She hangs each complete outfit on their own rack, and sometimes even photographs them in case something gets mixed up. Yes, yes, I see you rolling your eyes and hear you saying ‘good for her, I don’t have the time or space to do that’. I get it, and hope that you can at least agree that when you look our best, you feel your best.

An inexhaustible wardrobe is a big call – I know that, but if you implement my guidelines, I promise your wardrobe will gradually transform into a place of versatility and inspiration which will serve you well every day.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and get things sorted?

Yes? Then let’s get started…

Make a Pie

No, not the type you eat, the type you use to map out the items you to need to met the needs of your lifestyle. Let’s face it, a mother of two can’t be expected to run around in six-inch stilettos all day – if at all, and a professional can’t have a wardrobe full of jeans.

Everyone has a different day-to-day experience, and your wardrobe should reflect your needs. Just as executives have their professional pieces so you also should have a specific set of garments that meet your lifestyle needs. The first step towards gaining a wardrobe that works is to map out your lifestyle, create a pie to reflect it and then buy and build clothing capsules that will work for what you do. For example if 35% of your time is spent a work, then 35% of your wardrobe should be work wear.

Here’s a link to a lifestyle and wardrobe pie chart you can create for yourself. When the two pies are almost alike in percentages you know you’re well on your way to a closet that works for you.

Enhance Your Shape

One of the most important factors of a great wardrobe is possessing styles that work well with your age and the shape you have today. I love the fact that we are no longer limited to our local area to find the styles that are best for us. The Internet can connect you with so many brands that no matter what shape, size or age you are there is plenty of choice. The important thing is to first discover exactly what styles suit your shape. Gaining this invaluable insight is available via online via My Private Stylist. Comment ‘Yes Please’ in the comments below and I’ll send you a 20% discount as a Style Clinic reader.

In addition, be open to wearing shapewear; it has the power to make fitted garments sit on your frame as if you were firm and flat. Celebrity stylists like Rachel Zoe swear by it and insists her A-Listers wear it on the red carpet to ensure they look their best. It’s like Hollywood’s worst kept, best secret.

Style Clinic, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe, Wardrobe revamp, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Tools, My Private Stylist

Flatter Your Colouring

You’ve probably already worked out that some shades of lipstick or blush make your face come alive while others leave you looking flat or dull. The same goes for the colours you chose for your clothes. If you only work with the styles that suit your figure and ignore colour you can quickly come undone. Style and colour are equally as important when it comes to purchasing the right items for your wardrobe. A personal colour analysis is worth every cent as it will teach you not only about the colours that suit you best but also how to wear them.

Express Your Personality

Have you ever tried on a garment recommended by someone else only to say – it’s not me. Sure the fit was fine and maybe even the colour was good, others loved it on you, but to you it felt wrong – that’s your personal style speaking to you.

The clothes we feel truly at home in are those that express our innate style personality. It often takes women until they are past thirty to start feeling secure that they have found their style and experiences and changing lifestyles may cause it to change over time.

Being able to define your personal style is useful, because just like when you decide on a make and model for your new car – suddenly you start seeing that car everywhere. The same is true when you know what styles and accessories you are after. Instantly your unconscious style antennae will be on high alert and you’ll find yourself discovering what suits you all the time. By pinpointing your personal style you’ll be another step closer to achieving a wardrobe that works.

Purge the Past

We all make mistakes, that’s what learning and growing is all about. It’s OK to make them but not repeat them. So now is the time to get honest with your closet and purge it of all the items you seldom or never wear. This way you’ll clear space for the items that are right for you and you’ll be able to more easily see what you have to wear. To learn what suits your shape click here.

Explore and Expand

You can make an item look totally new just by wearing it differently every time. Set a date to play dress-up in your wardrobe – maybe even invite a close friend. Try on your clothes and accessories to find new ways to wear and coordinate them. At the end of the day you’ll be surprised at the number of options you have lurking in your closet. Read more..

Source

Document and Log

It’s too easy to forget all the new outfit options you have it you don’t document or photograph them. There are even apps now that can store a “virtual” closet for you through your snapshots.

You can even keep track of the things you’ve recently worn to be sure not to repeat any obvious items. Also, at the beginning of each season write down the things you need to replenish your wardrobe so you don’t get caught up in all the new merchandise in the store. Don’t sweat it, it happens to the best of us every now and then.

Next time we’ll continue creating your inexhaustible wardrobe.

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

June 3, 2018

HOW TO SHOP ONLINE & LOVE WHAT YOU BUY

By Style Clinic | 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

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?

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.

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.

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!

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

May 4, 2018

HOW TO WEAR BELTS

By Style Clinic | 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.

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.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

March 16, 2018

Style Clinic, My Private Stylist,Trends to Try This Winter, Trends Winter 2018, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Ann Reinten

7 Trends to Try this Winter

By Style Clinic | Trends | One Comment

Now that we are officially in Autumn it’s time to start planning our winter wardrobes. Here’s my pick of the most wearable trends you’ll see over the cold months ahead. Remember, you don’t have to fill your closet with everything that’s ‘in’; just choose the few that spark your interest, match your personal style and work with your lifestyle.

Bell Sleeves

With these little beauties you can channel your inner Stevie Nicks and inject a little bohemian style into your winter wardrobe. They’ll be Bell sleeves in dresses, tops, sweaters and even the occasional coat. Bell sleeves are great for stepping up the drama and adding a touch of boho flair to what would otherwise be a plain old sweater. Try a bell-sleeved piece layered underneath your coat and pull your bell sleeve through it so that there’ll be a glimpse of chicness even when you’re trudging out in the cold. Accessorize with a wide brim hat to protect against the wind for maximum 70′s fashion feel.

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Glitter Boots

This trend is a playful and flirty way to combat the cold. Whether it’s metallic glitter or straight up glitter sparkle, a pair of glitter boots will add a spark to winters traditionally dark appeal. Add them to a simple jean and sweater look and what as people turn their heads and smile. Keep the rest of your look minimalist and elegant, and let these glittery boots do the talking.

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High Collars

Nothing can beat the dark and romantic feel of the Victorian inspired high collars. This detail can go a long way in stepping up your fall/winter looks. To have these high collars peeking through underneath your fall leather jacket or pea coat will be utter style perfection. This high-collar style can be worn from work to play, with jeans or with voluminous skirts—the possibilities of styling this are endless. Bonus points when this high collar is paired with shoulder dusting statement earrings.

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Over-sized Sleeves

It’s all about sleeves this season. The voluminous sleeves on a lot of the silhouettes on and off the runway are going to look stellar when worn with your favorite tailored trousers. Different from the bell sleeve silhouettes, over-sized sleeves are more about the juxtaposition of tailoring in the structure of the garment then the surprised of dramatic volume in the arms. This look can be work appropriate and can also be night-out ready when worn with a sexy pair of stiletto heels.

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Mid Skirts

Midi skirts are, arguably, the trendiest, and one of the most flattering items to be worn on and off the runway. There’s a shape to suit every shape and age so go grab one of these marvels. For the hottest look this season team them with knee-high suede boots. Whether it’s an embellished, lace, or pleated skirt, a midi skirt will be your closet work horse this season.

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Mustard and Chocolate Brown

OK, I’ll admit, it’s not the world’s favorite color but you must have noticed by now, that mustard is already everywhere. I’ve bought myself a fabulous knit from Next Direct that I can’t wait to wear. It’s a huge trend this season and if you’re timid just try a touch with shoes or a bag.

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Chocolate brown will be enjoying a resurgence this season and is oh so wearable suiting almost everyone. It will bring elegance and delicious warmth to your winter ensembles. Team it with lighter camel hues and jewel tones, for extra sophisticated and don’t be afraid to wear it with black, this former faux pas is the new tonal pairing du jour.

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Polka Dots

Polka dots are commonly thought of as a summer print, but designers are flipping the script this season and adorning the runways with polka dots for fall/winter. The way to don the winter polka dot is choose it in an unconventional piece. Summer is about breezy polka dot sundresses and tank tops, while the winter polka dot is about dotted faux fur and polka dot pants or a trench. Polka dotted pieces just add a pop into your winter layering look.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

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

March 16, 2018

Style Clinic, My Private Stylist,Trends to Try This Summer, Trends Summer 2018, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Ann Reinten

7 Trends to try This Summer

By Style Clinic | Style Clinic, Trends | One Comment

When the sun comes out to play, it’s time to bring the latest spring and summer fashions out in the light of day. There is no time of the year better than summer (says me who is about to enter winter ). Summer is the time to have not only outdoor adventures, but also fashion adventures.

Here are the trends I’m envious of; you lucky northerners.

Yellow Dresses

Yes, white dresses are the quintessential summer go to but if you want to shake things up a bit this year be bold and opt for a yellow dress. Whether it’s a pastel yellow or a bright lemon yellow, you are sure to find a shade of yellow that goes with your skin undertones. A yellow dress with a cute straw hat, a light scarf, and perhaps wedges or skimmers, that’s the ideal recipe for a dreamy summer outfit. You can go saturated for a true fashionista look, or you can have your yellow dress be your focal point and keep the rest of your ensemble neutral.

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Pencil Skirts

No longer strictly confined to the office; this spring and summer, pencil skirts are the new go-to piece of choice. Pencil skirts for summer may seem counter-intuitive, but when worn with a cropped top or with a billowy tank top it’s the going to be your unexpected fashion MVP for the summer. Complete your pencil skirt ensemble with low heel or ankle strap flats, and you’re good to go. If you want to go big, wear your pencil skirt with a statement t-shirt and sneakers for the ultimate cool girl factor.

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Tailored Shorts

Forget those jorts or those short shorts, this summer and spring will be about tailored shorts. These will be boxier in cut and end either just above the knee or mid-thigh. These tailored shorts can be easily dressed up or down. While these may not be entirely appropriate for the office, these tailored shorts can be elevated to just more than casual. Pair with a blazer and heels, these tailored shorts can take you on your next big night out. Most of the tailored shorts are high-waisted, so the most flattering way to wear them would be with a blouse tucked in. If you have a larger midsection you want to camouflage, you can still pull this off by simply adding a blazer and jacket over to make the eye dance.

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The Slip Dress

This trend was around not so long ago so it’s interesting that it’s back again so soon. This time it’s primarily worn over T-shirts, but don’t be stuck with just that – be innovative and try out some of your own styling wizardry. Instead of a plain white tee, try a striped tee. Instead of heels, why not dress a slip dress down with sneakers or a bandanna? In the end it’s all about sartorial contrast which in this case is balancing the overt sexiness of the slip dress with casual essentials.

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Waist Belts

Cinching your waist is the quickest and easiest way to make a more flattering silhouette. Adding a belt around a flowing sundress or trousers is often all the finishing touch you need to make an outfit look and feel complete. Belts are an often-overlooked accessory that actually makes a huge difference in making an ensemble look polished.

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Kitten Heels

Arguably the most ladylike of all the heels. The kitten heel is extra sweet when worn with a sundress. Mix up the femininity of kitten heels with ripped jeans and plaid to add an unexpected and alluring edge. The best part about kitten heels is that it combines vintage inspiration with comfort and modern chic style. The kitten heels can also be a real wardrobe workhorse as it can be worn for multiple occasions and times.

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Retro Poolside Florals

Instead of feminine and soft florals, this summer try seeking out resort-inspired vintage florals that hark to the times of 60s poolside, palm beach glamour. You don’t need to be at the beach or the cabana to don these whimsical and statement making prints. Wear them top to toe or choose either a top, bottom, or accessory to sport your resort floral, either way you’ll be gorgeous. Don’t forget your sunglasses, your sunhat, and your SPF, of course.

Source

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

February 2, 2018

Valentines Day, Image Innovators, Ann Reinten, Image Consultant Training, My Private Stylist, Style Clinic

ALL FOR LOVE: A History of Valentines Day

By Style Clinic | History of | No Comments

Are you a Valentine’s Day sceptic or a supporter?

Did you know an astounding 150 million cards are exchanged on Valentines day every year and it’s not only celebrated in western countries; Japan, and the AEU are just two of the many countries that have fallen in love with this day. But have you ever wondered how the holiday originated?

I did and that’s the reason for this Style Clinic topic.

Saint Valentine: Fact of Fiction?

Most people say think February 14 is the feast day of Saint Valentine who it is believed died on this day. Saint Valentine was a Catholic martyr, who it is said was a priest who defied Roman law by marrying couples in secret. That’s certainly a romantic endeavor but how true is it?

The first thing that sprang to mind was: why did the Romans outlaw marriage? And was Saint Valentine a real person?

There seems to be three recognized saints named Valentine in the Catholic Church. However, it’s seems somewhat of a historical mystery or myth whether Saint Valentine existed at all, and officiated marriages in secret.

During Ancient Rome (around the third century), Claudius II, outlawed marriage because he needed more soldiers in battle and husbands were unwilling and unhappy about leaving their homes and families for the perils of war. This is where Saint Valentine allegedly stepped in and performed covert marriage ceremonies for love-struck Roman couples, and when Claudius II found out Valentine was put to death.

Another legend has Saint Valentine a prisoner who helped other prisoners escape. While in prison, he was rumored to have wrote to his beloved and signed it ‘your Valentine,’ therefore creating that modern phrase ‘your valentine’. Of course, neither story can really be verified, but both are highly likely since Emperor Claudius II executed two men named Valentine on February 14 sometime in the 3^rd century. Either myth of Saint Valentine supports our modern idea of romantic love. So regardless of whether its fact or fiction, Saint Valentine remains to be the symbol for the power of love. Saint Valentine acts show us that love can’t be stopped by the wrath of an emperor or the four walls of a prison, and it can’t get more romantic than that.

Unexpected Pagan Origins

Digging even deeper, Valentine’s Day can be traced further back than the Roman with evidence showing that the feast day of Saint Valentine was decidedly placed in the middle of February by the Church to overshadow the pagan ritual of Lupercalia. In fact, Valentine’s Day may very well have been orchestrated to christianize Lupercalia.

Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to the pagan Roman god Faunus as well as the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. This festival was much less touchy-feely than our modern day Valentine’s celebration. It was less chocolates and fancy candlelit dinners, and more animal sacrifices and blood. Sounds too gory for me. Roman women celebrated the fertility festival with fervor believing that getting gently slapped by the bloody hides of the animal sacrifices would grant them a prosperous marriage and great match – Eek! Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. The ritual and festival were outlawed and then eventually eclipsed by the traditional Valentine’s Day around the 5^th century established by Pope Gelasius. I know which one I prefer!

Lovestruck: The Traditional Valentine’s Day

The Middle Ages and Renaissance ushered in the Valentine’s Day tradition that we know and love today. Handmade paper cards and poems paved the way for factories churning out ‘roses are red, violets are blue’ when the printing press and industrialized printing began. From medieval Europe to the new world, Valentine’s Day became a global holiday that we commemorate today. The Victorians are largely responsible for popularizing this holiday and ushering it into the modern era since they embraced the writing and exchanging of cards on the 14^th of February during the mid-1800s. This era also made the floral and hearts motif de rigueur for Valentine’s day.

Improvement in technologies and speed of mail are the two factors that have led to the commercialization and widespread commemoration of February 14 as a holiday. The efficiency and modernization of the postal service also led to Valentine’s Day being the second busiest and second most lucrative holiday for postage and commercial cards. The 1800s saw the birth of mass production of valentine’s cards and greetings by Esther Howland, who popularized ornate valentine’s cards in America with lace cut outs and pop up designs, which spread worldwide.

The 2000s and Beyond

Moving past the traditional tokens and celebration for Valentine’s Day, changing times have necessitated alternative ways to celebrate this day of love. February 14 celebrations around the world have become more inclusive. No longer is the day just for couples, it’s used to celebrate all kinds of love. The love between friends, girlfriends most especially, have been the latest modern reincarnation of Valentine’s Day.

Since the beginning women have been the most enthusiastic about this holiday; so, it’s only natural that the day has evolved to reflect the needs and interests of the modern woman. We celebrate the beauty of female friendships and the empowerment that comes from being single and in control of our own life.

We’ve all come a long way from putting our names in an urn.

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

January 19, 2018

Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Work Style, Ann Reinten, Image Consultant training

APPEARANCE: The Resume that Matters – Pt 3

By Style Clinic | 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.

Image Innovators, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image Consultant Training, Work Style

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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ALL FOR LOVE: A History of Valentines Day

APPEARANCE: The Resume that Matters – Pt 3

Color Up for Authority

Color-Up for Impact

Color Hierarchy

Contrast for Attention

A Touch of Spice is Nice

Be Current, Be Clever

Say What?

Turn Offs

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