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I hate to say it, but time is fleeting for buying the really good Christmas gifts for friends and families. I have learned a lot about giving gifts over the years. I was most impressed with a person I met once who told me his approach to gift-giving is very intellectual: Throughout the year, he takes notes about what his loved ones like, and he refers to it when buying gifts. I like this idea! Personal Styling Your Gift Giving Another gift-giving philosophy is from my husband, Michael, who is the world's best gift giver! (Yes, he does buy me jewelry. It was one of the first things he learned about me when we were dating, which I thought was very sweet.) Anyway, we had a conversation about how he would buy family gifts, and he told me two things: First if someone is an expert on something, let's say vinyl records, don't buy that person that type of gift. Why? He/she knows more about than you do and has certain opinions about what is cool and what is not cool. So, just don't go down that road. Second, Michael told me sometimes he sees a really lovely item and thinks: that would be a perfect present for someone, and he just buys it. Later, he figures out whom to give it to. For instance, we were shopping once and he spied a beautiful cashmere sweater. He looked at it; he could tell by touching that it was very high quality--and it was a neutral color. He bought it and later "gifted" it to his brother. Now, Michael knew his brother Chas appreciated fine clothing. He remembered when Chas was a teenager and he asked [...]

If you are like me, you look forward to holiday parties. I love, love getting dressed up. Men, you can include yourself in this category. What is more handsome than a guy in a suit, really, it's true! If I had my way, I would wave my magic wand and dress every man in some form of a suit. Why? They do so much for you, men! If you are shorter, they can make you look taller and more imposing. If you are heavier, they are slimming. And the list goes on. When it comes to dressing to impress this holiday season, consider these tips from a certified Personal Stylist:  Holiday Gala Fashion Tips From A Personal Stylist When you think about what to wear for your next holiday event, consider this: Is it a dinner party? Cocktail party where you will be standing? It is a dance - maybe even ballroom dancing? Think about what you are doing at the party when you plan your outfit. If you are standing the whole evening, better stay away from your 4.5 inch Jimmy Choo heels, ladies. If you are sitting more, embrace them. I really love beautiful, jeweled shoes for gala events. Also, remember that formal shoes are usually made of fabric such as satin or lace or just jewels. If your main event is a dinner party, be very careful about the dress or shirt you wear. Avoid white and very light colors just because you don't want to be the one with the food stain on your outfit. If you must wear a light color, adjust what you eat: Stay away from dark drinks, entrees with a red sauce or berry desserts. If you're going [...]

When I became a Certified Image Consultant I was really attracted to the training that the Association of Image Consultants International (www.AICI.org) offered. One of the first teachers said she had been a member at one time, but she said the cost was not worth it. I believed her for a while, but started my own research and realized for me, being part of AICI would be very worthwhile. Why?  There are many reasons which I will eventually explain. What Certified Image Consultant Means to Me Fast forward to today, and I find myself in a leadership position for AICI -- President of our local chapter -- AICI Chicago Midwest Chapter. The year before this I was pursuing certification as an image consultant, a level that only AICI offered. One of the many requirements was that you are active in your local AICI chapter so I was happy when I was offered the position of Vice President of Membership. This year, I am president. Like many fields, a Certified Image Consultant is many things. I do think much of it is artistic ability -- putting colors together, finding creative options for clients, finding creative ways to teach others whether individual or in the corporate setting. I say this just having done a presentation for a corporate retreat. I was concerned my talk was going to be too serious and possibly boring after people have been sitting for four hours right before I spoke. I decided not to build in any "fun" to the presentation but did have some stories that were more light. I am glad I planned the presentation that way. As I was waiting to speak, I could hear people laughing and talking so I thought [...]

Even though I don’t embrace all trends for all clients, I do like to keep on them. I, your Image Consultant, like to read Who, What and Wear’s blog and see what they talk about. One of those big trends you can read about here: Who What Wear was Pistachio green, even head to toe. It’s a soft color, and it’s somewhat of a surprise. Your Image Consultant Helping Your Find Your Colors Orange and red and some purple were on the runway as well, and I even favor these combos: pink and red, and red and burgundy. I actually mentioned this at a corporate retreat where I spoke, and I received a somewhat surprising response from my audience. They were appalled and could not see it at all. Like most colors, it all depends on the shade of the color and how bright it is. I, your Image Consultant, will never forget the bridal colors of my co-worker’s (who is an artist and graphic designer) daughter: burgundy, red and plum. It was absolutely beautiful and very unexpected. I also remember last fall, about this time, when I attended a well-known etiquette expert’s seminar. The last part of it was hosted by a local personal stylist. Her clothes were absolutely beautiful, mostly designer and lovely. But – it was what she wore that caught my eye: she had on a medium pink pair pants, a red, burgundy, and a pink silk blouse and bright red pumps. She looked fabulous. Oh, it was so stunning. She was very, very tall and blonde and could pull it off. Ever since then, I have had my eye out for possible red and pink combinations. I, your Image Consultant, think it’s so fresh, and since [...]

As your Personal Stylist, I know that finding a perfect winter coat, that's not a puffer, can take a while. You'll have to try on many coats, but that is key to finding the perfect one. In my mind, the best winter coat will have three things: Be in your best color; be a great fit for your build/shape, and have a great cut/fabric. Personal Stylist's Tips for Finding the Best Wool Coat The first part of finding the best coat lies in knowing your best colors. I would encourage everyone to have a color consult to find your Wow colors (and yes I, Personal Stylist, do this service), but beyond that, just find out if you look better in cool or warm colors. The best way to do this is to try on a black coat versus a navy coat. Which one looks better? Or black and grey versus camel and navy. This will help you decide what colors are better for you. For instance, I am a warm, spring. I have blonde hair and blue eyes but a warm, peachy skin tone. I always look better in brown, navy and blue. Grey and black do not flatter me at all. Second, how does the coat fit you? Are the shoulders lying flat where they should? Are the sleeves too long (while you can shorten sleeves, but for petite women, you might need a petite size). Sit down in it - does it fit closely but not too tight? If you plan on wearing layers underneath it, a little room is okay. Third - what about the fabric? Before you even look at its contents, feel it. Is it coarse? It is soft? Is the fabric pilling? [...]

If you are like many people around the world, having a dressy, wool or even cashmere dress coat is not at the top of your list of priorities. When it’s cold, you reach for you North Face, Canada Goose or Barber, or another brand puffer coat. It braces the elements; it’s warm…it’s practical. Everyone has one! I, your Personal Stylist, would certainly not criticize you for having a warm puffer. We all need one. Last winter when I was in Iceland, you better believe I loved having my three-way coat that was a raincoat and puffer combined. It kept me dry (first priority) and warm (second priority). And, two years ago when Indianapolis had one of the coldest winters on record, I wore my Canada Goose nonstop. Your Personal Stylist's Go-To Coat But I always see a place for a well-made, wool or cashmere coat in your wardrobe: guys and gals! I think it’s the beautiful tailoring I love the most, second to color and softness. You can be wearing jeans and a top, but put on a beautiful coat and your look is transformed into a classic chic vision. Guys, a sharp coat gives you an image that you’re in control and know how to dress. This is important at work and out on the weekends. It makes you feel great: trust me, that’s important. What are some things to think about when you are shopping for a winter coat? 1 – You might not find this “wonderful” coat on the first trip. Like jeans, you will need to try on lots of coats. Also, you’re not going to find a high-quality wool coat at Target, Old Navy or Kohls. You can find a colorful, trendy [...]

I hear this all the time – and I really do relate since my weight is a battle, too. Someone tells me (friend or client) …I can’t buy any more clothing until I lose weight. I , your Certified Image Consultant, just can’t do it. It’s a waste. I can relate, really, I can. But, sometimes, the weight just doesn’t come off as soon as we like. Are we stuck with looking drab and plain, and having very little selections? Advice From YourCertified Image Consultant I say “no” because, along the weight loss journey, you need some incentive that is not food. Believe me, I know. So, here is what I recommend, as a Certified Image Consultant and weight loss recipient…reward yourself with a new style item. It doesn’t have to be a tight-fitting dress or jacket, guys. It can be a new scarf, some fun socks, a pocket square or a fun purse. Accessories can be worn and spice up your wardrobe whether you lose weight that week or not. Write your weight loss goals and some incentives (rewards) you can give yourself. Now I, your Certified Image Consultant, am not giving you license to go outside your budget and get into severe debt, but I am advising you to be kind to yourself and give yourself rewards. Flattering Clothing Types from Your Certified Image Consultant Next, what type of clothing can you buy now that you can possibly keep/alter for after you lose weight. Clothing with clean and simple lines are much easier to alter than complicated clothing with many additions such as ruffles, flounces, different hemlines, etc. These types of pieces will be very complicated to alter. Also, stretchy clothing will more likely stretch to fit [...]

Photo by Jake Colvin Most everyone I know loves fall. We think of Pumpkin Spice Latte, apples (specifically apple pie), caramel corn, and fall in its beautiful colors. Winter, however, is another story. But for today’s blog, let’s talk about fall, and specifically the colors of fall. Fall Styles From Your Fashion Stylist I just went to a two-day conference in Toronto about finding your “Wow” colors. I, your Fashion Stylist,  have been asked more than once: what could you possibly talk color about for two days? Now in my past career, I might have asked the same thing. What is the deal about color and how it looks on me? Really when you think about it, color is actually as important or more important than the specific clothing you wear. Most people choose clothing as cluelessly as I used to do. If I liked it, if the item fit, and looked somewhat flattering, then I bought it. Of course, also what was in the stores heavily influenced my shopping choices as well as budget. This is the way America shops. Now that I have image consulting training and specific training in the colors that look great on me, the way I shop for myself and others has transformed. In many ways, it’s really profound. Anyway, enough for my soapbox. Color analysis is one of the favorite services I, as your Fashion Stylist, offer: you need it! Contact me for a color consult. Fashion Stylist's Colors of Fall On to fall! The colors of this season are warm, toasty and spicy in different levels. Really, we look to nature for these colors that are in the Warm family: spring and fall. Folks in [...]