Just a 'Brief" Comment...

02/17/2012 -

Boxers or Briefs?

What a question...

The other day I happened to be shopping for a client when I saw a man in the mall wearing a nice suit.  The only problem was that he kept "adjusting himself" before he would sit down.  He continued once he got up as well.  Come on guys, I can assure you that it does nothing for you when you conciously or subconsiuosly continue to fix all of the body parts because the pants under the pants are not fitting properly. No one really cares if its boxers or briefs, all the world wants is for you to stop "grasping the groin" and pulling at the rear. You can spend all the money you want on hairstyles, great suits and workouts at the gym and become a joke in public because you can't leave your drawers alone. Take the time to find the right underwear that accomplishes the goals of support and fit. Something to think about the next time you're addiing to your wardrobe - the parts we do not see can be just as important as what we do see.  Invest in good undergarments, they can make or break you!

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Telephone: (615) 218.6831
mila@modaimageconsulting.com
www.ModaImageConsulting.com

Consultations are always complimentary!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

An Ironed Man is a Wealthy Man...

09/05/2011 -

Or so says the September edition of Men's Health...They go on to say that "Prosperous men don't wear wrinkled clothes...Until you make it, fake it."

 I agree with the wrinkled part.  Even an inexpensive shirt can look like a million bucks if it fits well and is clean and pressed.  Many people would be hard pressed to know the difference between a $50 shirt and a $350 shirt if those pieces are in place.  The picture above is from the Men's page on Nordstrom.com - They are absolutely right!  Once you find the right size, you must find the right FIT.

When you have on a wrinkled shirt it speaks FOR you and it rarely has anything good to say...
It might say:

• I don't pay attention to details.
• I am not trustworthy.
• I don't respect the person I'm meeting.
• I am unaware of the need to dress well when I'm meeting someone new.
• I don't care what you think about me.

My tip for you would be to try on a slim, modern or narrow fitting shirt - EVEN IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU CAN.  Most men wear shirts that are billowy and are poorly fitted.  The shirt should fit up against your body but still give you enough room to breathe.  For those men who have problems finding the right shirt, let me help you!  If your dimensions make it hard to find a shirt 'off the rack," that is ok - I work with the most incredible tailor and together we can make you a shirt that says success.

Great Tip: Don't lace your wingtips like a sneaker!

I'm going to borrow another tip from Men's Health since it's one I've always agreed with!  They say that the crisscross lacing style you learned as a kid is ok for your tennis shoes, not for a good pair of leather brogues.  (The ones in the picture are from Johnston & Murphy; Tyndall Wingtip).

Fashion is in the little details.  A good fit, laces done right, groomed properly and so on...You don't have to break the bank to look like you own the bank.

It is the perfect time to book a consultation.  Fall lends itself to investing in the basics that are seasonless as well as a few warmer pieces to get you through the wintery months.

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Telephone: (615) 218.6831
mila@modaimageconsulting.com
www.ModaImageConsulting.com

Consultations are always complimentary!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

Generations of fashion and MALE LEADERSHIP...

08/16/2011 -

MEN AND THEIR CLOTHES.  I always chuckle a bit when I hear men talk about all of the clothes their wives have or the size of the closets of their sisters, daughters etc…SOMETIMES, MEN ACT LIKE CLOTHING IS JUST "not important to them."  This argument quickly falls apart when we attend our favorite sporting events and we see men and boys wearing favorite team jerseys, painting their bodies and spending large amounts of money to make certain they match the uniforms of favorite drivers or players.  Obviously, it is built into the male experience to model some of their stars and men who have the abilities or qualities that each man can relate to - or in many cases, dream to obtain. 

Well let me share that there are some other fans out there that are looking for those same inspiring visions from you, the dads and brothers or young boys who are forming the mental pictures of what a hero should look like.  Men, today you need to understand that people are looking at your uniform, your fashion and style and they want to model the emotions that your fashion telecasts to the viewing world.

How do you dress? What is your uniform saying to your sons, brothers, friends and potential protégés?

You are the role model for the people you love and even people who you rarely see or know.  When you take the time to make certain that your appearance is clean, strong, matching and pressed, you are sending out a message that says "I care about how I look and I want to be the best I can be."  It doesn’t matter if your uniform is a pair of casual pants and a t-shirt, a suit with ties and dress shoes, a baker’s uniform or matching pants and shirts that designate you to a particular task or company.  You can always look great. Your clothes can fit, they can be pressed and neat, they can be clean and they can match.  When you wear clothes that drag off your tail, or tell people it’s just clothing I do not care, or attend the summer picnics and nothing goes together, you are telling the people you believe, "How the world sees you is not important."

You are building a legacy or modeling that will affect everyone that looks up to you.  Today’s rebellious baggy pants or let me show you my underwear dress codes do not say independence or intelligence or even that you are part of the hip crowd.  What poor fashion says is "No one taught me how to dress correctly, I do not care what the system wants and I am a rebel, or I do not respect you so you must look at my butt as I walk away from you."  Fashion is about making a statement, and may I tell you: it’s about making the right statement. Your sons, daughters and friends are looking at you and how you dress and deciding if they TOO can be a part of your team. Tell me, do you think about the role model you are? Do you understand that you are important to the future of the males and younger females in your life?  You see, today’s males are looking for leaders; they want someone to stand out and say, "Follow me, and let me help you navigate the challenges of this world."  Men, time to step up and understand that your fashion does effect generations. Take the time to look your best and be a role model that others can look up too.  It’s not just clothing, it’s not about conforming to the standards of the world but rather about establishing standards that help you and your children and friends stand out in the world!

I hope I can help you create a winning look and make your fashion the uniform of choice for your sons, brothers, daughters, colleagues and even strangers.  This world is yearning for leaders, and that leader can be YOU!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

Are you a gorilla or a man?

07/21/2011 -

Ok men, this is a subject that every woman wants to discuss with you - but few will actually tread.  Why is it as men age they seem to care less about where the hair is growing as long as it is growing on their head?  I am here to tell you about a few areas that need your attention.  We women love our AMERICAN MADE MEN, but we do not want to be seen out with a Gorilla and I can assure you that your employer is not too excited about the image you leave someone when they look at your body as though it reflects a rain forest jungle from the Amazon.  Here are the trouble spots that THE BEAST inside of you must deal with.  Let’s start with eye brows; do notice it is a plural word meaning that you are to have two of them.  Not one eyebrow that covers your entire forehead! Take some time to shape them and please please please trim them down so that loose hairs are not shooting left and right and reaching down to your eyelids.  If your eyebrows can shade the sun on a bright day or work as a visor on a rainy day, then you need to clean them up.  A good pair of tweezers, some grooming scissors and a comb can cure the problem. If you are not certain what to do, then get a beautician or a good hair stylist to get you started.

Next we move down to the nose and ears. What is the deal with the nose hair? Is there some macho sign that you are awarded if you have a bush of hair coming out of your nose.  It looks terrible and no one wants to focus in on the hairs on your lips and confuse them for a mustache.  You can always clean these up with nose trimmers or a pair of grooming scissors. If you can see hair peeking out from the nostrils OR YOUR EARS, then it has to go!

Here we go to one of my pet peeves, the jungle of hair that men seem to ignore that is blossoming from your chest and peaking through your shirts and sprouting out of your collar.  Let’s shave that neck line below the neck and take a good hair trimmer and clean up the rest of the chest. I admit some people like a smooth chest and some like a chest with some hair, but no one likes so much hair that you could loose an earring or coins in it.  The best length is about 1/2 of an inch, so shave, trim and cut down the forest that is growing on your chest.  Of course the next area of discernment is the back: Some of you poor guys have more hair on your back then the biggest Silver Back at the zoo.  If you get out of a pool and you can weave a pattern on your back, then it is time to get that stuff cut away.  You can shave the back every 1 -3 weeks and keep the back clean and smooth and no one will confuse you when your shirt is off as the missing link of mankind.  Finally men, we all have our own issues when it comes to body hair and some of the more intimate areas are worthy of your care.  These same hair clippers and trimmers can clean up the most delicate of areas.

So let’s keep it clean, short and in some cases shaved.  Your body is amazing, so do not hide it behind a jungle of intrigue and bushes.  The neat and clean look is the best look for you.  Take it from me, sexy is not a search party, but rather a clean cut look that says, I care about my appearance, I am focused on details and I want to make the best impression on you, the ones that look at me day in and day out. Good luck and I hope that my advice keeps you out of the dog house and better yet, out of the zoo.
 

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MODAImageCnsltg
Telephone: (615) 218.6831
mila@modaimageconsulting.com
www.ModaImageConsulting.com

Consultations are always complimentary!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

The Boys of Summer

05/09/2011 -

Who are the boys of summer? Well I can tell you they are as American as apple pie and Chevrolet.  That’s right; the boys of summer are on the ball diamonds all over America, playing baseball in crowded stadiums dressed in their game day uniforms.  Men and your uniforms, it’s a known fact that women love a man in a uniform, so the boys of summer have a special place in my heart.  We all have a uniform we wear every day.  In the Military, it’s the uniform that makes the men look so strong and proud.  In football, it’s the uniform that identifies our favorite teams, and we have a uniform in business as well.  For some, the uniform is the great suit that fits just right - for others, it’s the casual clothing and attire worn in a way that says you are put together.  

Every golfer looks great in their golf shirts and custom fit pants. How does your uniform look? What is it saying about you?  Do you even know anymore?  We would all laugh if our ball players came out on the field with mismatched socks, sloppy shirts and ragged pants.   Every day you get dressed and head out the door, you are walking onto your ball field.  Everyone is looking - so be prepared.  Put on the right uniform for the right reasons.  Casual clothing can always look great; there is no excuse for sloppy dress on casual Fridays.  For work, you can wear a sport coat or nicely pressed shirt and pants and make a statement that represents the "real player" in the clothes.  Does your uniform say organized and detailed?  Does your uniform say that you are ready for business, awake and excited?  You need to focus on your uniform and make certain that you are in the game! 

I can help you put together the best uniform for the right game for the right event and for the right experience. Colors are important and say something about your personality.  Just like the colors that define your favorite team.  Shoes, well let’s face it, sloppy shoes mean you’re not steady and you just do not care about the foundation of uniform.  NO good player is ever without good shoes and you should not be either.  So from head to toe, you need the  right uniform and I am here to help you create the winning image and the best look that will increase your odds of winning in the game of life.  SO to all the ‘Boys of Summer,’ I salute you and we are all watching to see just how good your uniform looks.  Call me and let’s turn your closet into the locker room for winners!

(Armani Suit, Saks Fifth Avenue)

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

The Men and Colors of MARCH MADNESS!

03/15/2011 -

Let’s be honest, there are a few times every year that men can wear anything they want, as long as it relates to a favorite sports team. Perhaps the greatest FREEDOM FROM A DRESS CODE is during the infamous month called "MARCH MADNESS.”  This is the month where Tiger orange, Carolina blue, Michigan State green and every known color in our spectrum can have a place in the professional dress code.  I am always excited when I see the bright Gamecock Garnett where our oldest daughter attends, Tennessee orange or UCLA baby blue shining proud and loud in a men’s tie.

While I would normally chastise you saying, “Hey, wait a moment, your dress code is not a time to highlight your favorite school,” this rule is completely off limits during the "March Madness" college basketball month.  Sadly, there are always colleges that do not make the brackets and all of their alumni know they should have – so, for these men and fans you can always enjoy a traditional black suit as you mourn the cheers and coffee room conversations about whose team is winning and the next Cinderella team of the decade.

The best part about "March Madness" is that so many colors are represented and education is not as important as the team on the court and the way young collegiate stars perform in their multi colored shirts and the trendy long shorts.  Ivy League schools, ACC Schools, SEC schools, Big Ten Schools, West Coast schools and schools with 50,000 students or 5,000 students are all a part of the party.

So this month, be certain and wear your colors, and if your school doesn't have a team, then I suggest you like the team that your boss likes!!!  There are all kinds of places you can let your colors shine.  Bright socks, shiny ties, cuff links, obnoxious shirts, and for the true fan, you can even get team logo boxers.  So may I say to the MEN OF MARCH MADNESS, this is your month to let your colors show, and as soon as your team is knocked out of the tournament, you must return to the professional dress that your job demands.  As for me and my family, we will be shining bright with Carolina blue, Vanderbilt gold and my personal favorite - San Diego State’s scarlet red, gold and black!  I hope you enjoy the games and colors as much as I do and celebrate being "real men," for this is the one month out of the year where your personal brand is allowed to "talk some smack.”  Enjoy the games!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

Competition is high for YOU guys!

02/15/2011 -

TIMES ARE A CHANGING

Well men, read on and take charge of your fashion future.  Businesses are starting to grow again and the retail stores are doing all they can to get you shopping the men’s section spending your hard earned dollars.  So understand that YOUR TIME HAS COME.  I have spoken with and read about some of today’s leading retailers refocusing their sales on the next big consumer…and believe it or not, that is YOU!!!  Saks, Nordstrom, Macy's and Belk’s and others are doing all they can to capture the growing men’s sales.  Now what does this mean for you?  Simple, it means that the smart buyer can get some real bargains.  Top brand names like Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Allen Edmonds will be priced differently from retailer to retailer, and of course there are the growing Internet sales where you can almost always find a bargain.  You can save as much as 50% on designer suits, silk ties, exotic leather shoes and belts.  The key word is QUALITY. 

So here is my advice:

Determine what you need.  The essentials are the first place to start.  Great shoes are always a must.

Determine your budget.  Be patient and know where to look for great sales to maximize your investment.

Determine the proper fit for YOU.Do not buy off of the Internet unless you know what your buying will fit you – be familiar with the brands that complement your body type.  There will be very specific designers that will work for you.  Knowing your size and shape (yes guys, your shape) is everything! 

Great fashion means the right clothing for your needs, knowing your body type, matched up with your personal and professional brand.  This is where a REAL FASHION CONSULTANT CAN HELP.  I suggest that you meet with someone who understands personal branding and can match your goals with the right clothing.  Clothing and fashion can be a challenge for most men and this is one time that it is best to ask for help.  Men now have the power when it comes to shopping in 2011! Take advantage of the retail competition for your hard earned dollars and shop wisely...and shop often while building your wardrobe over time.

Call me if I can be of service to you, your company, or the people you care about.  If you are like me, you love to look like a million bucks - the fun is doing it for less than the other guy!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

Pigs, Frogs and Princes!

01/04/2011 -

2011 has begun and it’s time to get real!  We just finished a tough year in 2010 and we all saw the effects of "Faking It Till You Make It.”  Men, you need some true direct and real advice on not just looking your best but being your best.  Like most articles that are for men, the women can learn something here too.  So everyone pay attention and follow along...This story is about Pigs, Frogs and Princes.

I am so tired of reading articles and advertisements that say "Clothes Make the Man.”  Nothing could be further from the truth, or more deceptive.  The fashion world has made millions selling this lie, and women have wasted years trying to fix dead or dying relationships, while hoping if they can repackage their man he will be better.  Let's all finally come clean; whenever you dress up a pig you still have a pig!  You can clean the pig, change his hairstyle, even send him to school in a brand new outfit, but a dressed up, educated pig is still a pig.  So men, if you’re a pig, it doesn't matter what you wear – you’re still a pig.  There is only one cure for you…You must change on the inside, become a "new creature."   This would begin wtih eliminating any bad habits, self-centered desires and narcissistic views on life.

Now, if you’re just a little dirty on the outside, green, sloppy, easily lost in a crowded pond of people, but care about others with a sincere and truthful spirit - then you’re probably a frog.  The great thing about frogs is they want to change - they want to change the outside and improve their inside, but just need a special look and style that helps them standout in a crowd.  They need that perfect fashion wand that can show them their unique and special style.  When you take a frog, give him a new skin, change his perception of himself and who he is, you can turn a frog into a prince!

Do not be confused, everyone can look great.  The right fashion can make even a pig look good, but clothing never changes the man.  A man must want to change.  Fashion is supposed to be a reflection of the inner man.  If you want to be a real prince, you have to appreciate life and become a "Class Act.”  Fashion will not give you CLASS; only the right style matched up with a good hearted man can create a "real prince."

So if you want to create a real change in your life in 2011, it will take more than a diet and a new wardrobe.   Real change starts on the inside.  The PIG needs to become a NEW CREATURE, the frog needs a new skin and the prince just needs to get updated.  Before you head to the store, before you hire a stylist and before you spend your money ask yourself; Am I a Pig, frog or Prince?  If you do not know the answer to that, then ask someone else who is trustworthy, truthful and genuinely cares about you.  Odds are, if you think you're amazing, that the world revolves around you, that you’re important to the world, and that you’re perfect on the inside, then you are most likely a PIG.  I would suggest finding a great Bible based church, seek counseling, search to know your creator, change on the inside first, then head out and find a stylist that can help you celebrate the NEW YOU and match your re-created inside with a new wardrobe that says who you really are!

If you care about others, want to make a difference in the world, believe in truth and honor but seem to disappear in a crowd then you're probably a frog.  Find a good stylist, talk about what you believe and what you want to share with the world, then let that stylists match your goals and ambitions with the right fashion and details and watch as you, (THE FROG) turn into a prince.

If you believe that you have all of the good characteristics described in the qualities of a frog such as; love for your family, respect others, honest work ethic and an appreciative heart - then you're probably a Prince.  All you need is an update on your fashion. Hire a stylist; get the right fit and looks that reflect who you are on the inside and your role in life on the outside.

Clothes do not make the man and fashion cannot make a bad man a good man. ‘Real Men’ are full of love, loyalty, honor and respect.  They care about others and understand that success begins on the inside.  Their fashion only magnifies the good heart that beats within them. Fashion and style only highlight what they believe, it is does not determine who they are. 

Enjoy 2011, look your best, be your best and make a positive impact on the world.  The world is waiting to see and hear the new you.  Get started and make 2011 your year!!!  If your looking for a good fashion consultant, give me a call.  I enjoy helping pigs change, frogs transform and princes Shine.

God bless and I wish you the best in 2011!

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]

Help Help...Where are the 'Real Men?'

11/23/2010 -

Where are the 'Real Men?' Better yet - where is the fashion for 'Real Men?'

Ok, let�s face it, we always hear about the female fashion models and how they just do not fit the mold for today's real woman.  Well, I can tell you that if anyone needs the service of a �Fashion Consultant� it is the men.  I haven�t ever met a male client that clearly understood what he could or could not wear, but after a closet session and a trip to the store, every client was better suited and ready to build a successful wardrobe that was a mirrored image of the personal and professional brand that they wanted to show the world.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Direct Link]   [Share This]