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. [...]

Hello Fashionistas! For some reason, in December, I look around at my home and think about ways to make it more attractive and appealing. It may seem strange, but I focus so much on Personal Styling and brand, I don't give much thought to how my house looks. It is what it is! However, as I decorate for the holidays I do tend to think about it more. We drag out the holiday decorations, and like my closet, I pare them down. If something looks worn, hopelessly old, I toss it. I don't, however, toss out Christmas ornaments and cherished gifts, even if they have tarnished since they have a special meaning. For instance, believe it or not, I still have a little elf my first-grade teacher from North Liberty Elementary School, Mrs. Mobley, gave me for Christmas. It was such a sweet gesture, and I sometimes think of her when I hang it. Sometimes I see an ornament that brings back a less than happy feeling -- such as an ornament from my brother's first wife. It says 1976!! That's a long time ago. It's still a nice ornament, and we've all moved on since then. It still goes on the tree. Making Your Home Reflect Your Personal Styling Beyond the holidays, when you look at your home and consider your Personal Styling, I do think there is a connection. What colors we like, what colors we wear and what colors look good on us, in part are internal to us. I have always loved spring and summer and bright, happy colors. Dark, moody colors and neutrals are not my favorite. Similarly, when I had my "Wow Colors" analyzed, I was a spring. This [...]

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? [...]