We're going to continue our discussion about closet cleanout. After you've cleaned out the clothing you don't like and clothing that doesn't fit, you're heading for the next step: pulling out clothing you like but don't know how to wear. You might not wear it for a variety of reasons: So often times when we have a garment we just don't like, 9 out of 10 times it's the wrong color. Color Advice from Your Personal Stylist You think it's a strange color: Maybe it is! Or maybe you need help in figuring out how to wear it with a new piece I find for you or the basics you already have. When I work with clients, the very first service I like to do a color analysis: I think it is the most important service I offer. Why? Many of us are clueless as to what colors flatter our skin tone,  hair, and eye color. When we don't know what colors flatter us, we might buy what is in fashion at the moment. This is true for men and women! For instance, this past fall and winter, earth tones and leopard prints have been hot. If you have a warm complexion such as I do, earth tones are very flattering--although I try not to wear too dark a color. I can rock brown, rust, camel, warm red, color, etc. However, if you are a Cool tone and are very fair with cool tones in your hair and skin, you don't want to wear these warm earthy colors in clothing that is close to your face! You can, however, buy these colors in accessories such as a purse or even pants, as long as you pair [...]

This blog is Part 2 of my guest blogger’s thoughts and exercise clothing and how to approach your purchase. I think it’s such a timely issue as everyone focuses on the New Year and making new exercise goals, hitting the gym and signing up for spring races, whether it’s a 5K or a marathon! Do you always wear sunblock? Rain, snow, sun: always wear sunblock! Try to stay in the shade as much as you can in the summer and wear a hat or visor for extra protection against the sun. I might add that even if you have some fun protection in your makeup, ladies, it’s just not enough. Please don’t skip this part! Case in point: I must have gotten a lot of sun this year since when I had my twice-yearly skin peel from my esthetician, I couldn’t believe all the dead skin she took off and how many spots she removed. (By the way, I highly recommend Danielle at The French Pharmacy Salon in Broad Ripple!) What fabrics wick best and what do not? What does wick mean? Can you really get a bargain in running clothes? Moisture-wicking fabrics (sometimes also referred to as “technical” fabrics, since they are a high-tech polyester) help wick sweat away from the skin to help keep you dry; they also help to keep you cooler since the fabric’s texture promotes airflow. For running and other sports try to stay away from cotton fabrics which can hold moisture in (which can both weigh you down and cause chafing!). You can always find bargains in running clothes! Whether it’s clothes that have a higher price point that you find on sale or even brands that already have [...]

Undergarments that Help You Look Fabulous! Ladies – it’s time to give shapewear a second look! Shapewear is nothing like the constricting girdle of yesterday. Thank goodness, right? However, even though we’ve come a long way with improved and even “comfortable” shapewear, we still need some education on how to choose it. Advice From Your Favorite Certified Image Consultant I, your Certified Image Consultant, am going to talk about shapewear in general and what I have found to be useful in my own lingerie wardrobe as well as what I often recommend for my personal clients. One main tip is that when you try on clothing such as dresses or even ballgowns, you need to wear your shapewear since it will affect how the garment hangs on your body. One of your most important pieces of undergarments, ladies is the bra. You should be fitted every 1-2 years because our size changes. I am trained to fit bras, and hands down, I almost always find that women wear too big a band size. Also, they often don’t change bra sizes when they gain weight. That is a mistake – you should never spill out of your bra. This is a good time to buy and get fitted for a bra since it’s winter, and stores are having many sales. I like Nordstrom and Von Maur for bra fittings. It’s free, and the advice you get is invaluable. Now back to other important thoughts...Shapewear is made of Elastane, known for being stretchy, breathable and adjustable. One option is a piece by Olikeme. I admit I have not worn this type of shapewear, but it does get the job done basically because of the amount of area it covers: [...]

In our last blog, we discussed some basics of self-care and personal style. We didn't even talk about clothing -- the reason is -- your Indianapolis Personal Stylist believes clothing is only part of the equation. Grooming, caring for clothing and yourself is also very important to your personal style. More Recommendations from Your Certified Image Consultant Getting into more details, I often discuss hairstyles with men and women in my consultation -- I, your Certified Image Consultant,  have often recommended a new hairstyle, and set the appointment and accompanied the client to the haircut. I wanted to make sure the stylist agreed with and carried out my direction. One client, in particular, was in the C Suite, in his mid-40 with a nice head of hair--yet it was cut strangely almost like a child's haircut. First of all, he was happy he still had a great head of hair. So true. His hair was thin and fine, however, so it required a certain type of haircut. We went to a salon that was not a barbershop, yet they styled men's hair. I thought that was a good, in-between vendor to use. The results were mind-boggling. He looked completely different: more professional, looked his age and sophisticated in an effortless way. Keep in mind: with style, the goal is not always to start out. For men, it's to blend in and then purposely stand out for a reason. Many men have told me this: I want to fit but be memorable. It's a little different with women. They often want to stand out. The way I, your Certified Image Consultant,  would approach a style to consult about hair and makeup with a female client is to first do [...]

As a style and Image Consultant, I am often brought into people's lives during a point of change: it might be the first job, going back to work after a lapse, trying to improve appearance or just dress better to help secure a promotion. Sometimes, it can be more personal such as a divorce, widowhood or a life change such as retirement. In all these times, our clothes and appearance say something about us. There is not a doubt in my mind that the clothing we wear is our "walking billboard." And our appearance such as grooming, hairstyle, makeup, etc, speaks just as loudly. What does your appearance say about you? Sad, late, too busy, dated, trying too hard or not trying at all? Recommendations from Your Image Consultant It's funny that when I do a company presentation I always start with the basics, and that means not your clothing, but your hygiene. Talking to an employee about grooming is probably the most dreaded thing a supervisor has to do. Not to mention the possible legal ramifications. Anyway, I can certainly have that employee talk to you. I, your Image Consultant,  do it in a professional and non-personal way via a checklist. Then it seems the person is just one of many people I work with on these issues -- I am not targeting just one person. Beyond hygiene, the next big issue is how we take care of our clothing. Are they wrinkled, dirty, worn out, and ill-fitting? These issues can make even more expensive, high-quality clothing look cheaper. These issues are important, too. I often mention this is a Dress for Success presentation since I can't assume everyone knows how to care for clothing, etc. [...]

In our last blog, we talked about whether our personal style colors. What we wear and the best colors that complement ourselves showing up in our home decor. I think it does, but I don't think we are even aware we are doing it. Color is an internal aspect of our lives. It definitely has an effect on our mood. Some people, however, love more neutral, moody and muted colors. Others like bright, bold colors as I do. Neither one is right or wrong, it's just our preference. When styling your home, look beyond the color, furniture style, and home accents, and instead, think about if your home organizational techniques help you accomplish your Personal Styling goals. I had to really think about this one, so I think this topic deserves a blog. How An Organized Home Can Reflect Your Personal Styling What do I mean? Do you have the tools handy and ready as you get dressed in the morning? Even if you work at home or perhaps do not work at all and don't go to an office, you will need to think about your appearance and Personal Styling. The easiest way and most in-you-face way to do that is to have a full-length mirror in your bedroom or near your closet. Then, you can look at your total look, head to toe. Make sure you have enough lighting so you can truly inspect what you see. I have an oval mirror near my jewelry box. I recommend this as well since you see the close-up look at the jewelry you have on. I also like it for those delicate, sometimes hard-to-see clasps for necklaces or earring backs. I have mirrors in all [...]