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 [...]

When I was in eighth grade, probably 13 years old, I discovered tweezers. I had had very heavy eyebrows my whole life. It was a family trait I did not like. Being the fashion-forward Personal Styling tween I was I plucked my brows until they were a slim, sleek line. Promptly after that, I had my school photos. I was proud. I was wearing a purple, yellow and black silk dress I had made and sporting new brows. Personal Styling Then VS Now Looking back, I looked like a blonde Morticia from The Adams Family. I don’t think my parents really said anything about it. They were cool in that way. Then after that into my 20s and even 30s, I let my brows just grow out. They were very heavy and unshaped. One day I was getting my hair cut and my stylist said – why don’t you get your brows shaped. It will make a huge difference. I was not in the fashion field at the time and thought why not. Can this really be true? Well, that is history and I am now a firm believer that eyebrows are an extremely important part of our style and overall image. It did make a huge difference. The fullness of brows goes in style and out, but I recommend doing what is best for your brows and their texture. Personal Styling For Your Brows There is a specific way to know how your brows should be shaped. There is a “how-to” for that as well as countless Google articles and YouTube videos on it. Research it and don’t always rely on your stylist, etc. As I got older my brows tended to be less full and [...]

When should I wear a suit is a question that guys may need to think about these days. Everyone knows – our society’s dress is quite casual – and wearing a suit is more of an exception that than a rule. That being said, there are those among us who really might not know how to answer this question. Age is not a factor for this – it’s just that we don’t wear suits that much anyone. Advice from Your Indianapolis Men's Stylist What has changed is that there are different kinds of suits and suit-look options beyond the tired navy blazer and khaki pants and a blue button-down shirt. When I say wear a suit in this story -- it could be interpreted as a sport coat and pants -- for some situations. So why should we care about this question – and the “right” occasion to wear a suit.  Let me tell you a true story: the pastor of our church told this story recently. He was invited to a very well-known event in Washington, DC, with our vice president. Many other heavy hitters in the capital would be there as well. This individual did not wear a suit and tie; he wore dress slacks, a dress shirt and a sweater vest—which seems like a reasonable outfit. However, when met the group, he was the only one there who was not wearing a suit and tie. Momentarily he felt out of place. Considering his experience and knowing there are going to be other times when a suit and tie might be appropriate, let’s review some possible times when a suit/tie, suit, and dress shirt, or a sport coat, dress shirt and pants are needed. [...]

Believe it or not, summer is coming to a close. If you're anything like me, you're sick of the heat and ready for boots and lots of layering. To get you ready for the upcoming season, here are some of the biggest men's fashion trends. Follow this guide, and you'll be the most stylish man of the season. Golden Rules from Your Indianapolis Men's Personal Stylist Playful Knits For those cooler fall days, it is essential to have the perfect fall sweater. If you grow tired of your basic grey or navy sweater, perhaps try a more artistic approach. During the FW 2019 men's runway shows a variety of designers showcased illustrated knitwear. Not only is it functional and able to keep you warm, but it also looks extremely cool. I would pair a pullover with some dark jeans and a pair of boots or sneakers for a casual look. Scarves can be a great way to update a boring outfit into something much higher fashion. They also serve as a great way to stay warm. On the runway, designers showcased scarves in a variety of ways, however, extra-long scarves are most likely going to be the trend of the season. Extra-long scarves not only keep you extra warm, but they look impossibly cool. I suggest throwing a scarf on with a crewneck sweatshirt and some joggers for a relaxed weekend look.  Acid Wash I know, I know, the 80s were a scary time for fashion. But it was also a great time for self-expression. That being said, acid wash is back and bigger than ever. On the FW 2019 runway shows it was a big hit. Dsquared2 showed head to toe acid wash looks, and [...]