January 2008 Newsletter
2008 can be your MOST STYLISH year ever…What I truly love most about fashion is that it can transform us, change our moods, inspire us to reach new heights, and give us a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. Fashion, done properly can make us feel powerful, unstoppable, sexy, beautiful, adventurous and glamorous.
Do you feel this way? Does your clothing represent what you want it to? If not why not? Change is a frightening thought to many people, but stepping out of one’s comfort zone may be one of the best decisions you will ever make. The common misconception about determining your personal style is the idea that it is a financial burden. In truth, finding your style is the one thing you can do to ensure you save money once you know what your clothing needs to say’ about you, it is harder to make a mistake by making an impulse purchase. This knowledge saves you money, but it also saves you valuable time and the frustration of not knowing what purchases to make.
I have recently had the honor of speaking to several groups of businesses and college graduates. In both cases I speak about the importance of knowing what your BRAND is, and how your image can damage the brand that you want to portray.
To my younger clients and readers who are just graduating from colleges across the country You need to know how essential it is that you make your first impression the right impression for potential employers. You have spent large amounts of money on your education make sure your clothing and the fashion’ you wear represent your intelligence and the education you have. The true yet distressing fact is that when you walk into a room for the first time whether it is for a business meeting or in a social setting nobody says, “WOW, look how intelligent you are.” Your image is the first thing potential employers see that influences them on whether or not they even decide to interact with you in order to find out how bright you might be…They will decide within a few seconds if they believe you are fit to do the job, if your current image is a benefit to them, and if you are worth listening to…A quick glance will determine how professional, detailed, organized and smart’ you are.
Your resume may get you in the door, but it is what you do with that opportunity that matters. Your image and brand create presence, giving you the advantage others may not have. Owning your personal brand will influence whether or not you are successful in obtaining the second interview. This is the chance you need to show your intelligence and shine.
Whether you are a homemaker, an attorney, thinking about returning to the work place or seeking new career opportunities; it is vital that you understand the significance of creating a consistent brand through the fashions’ you wear. If you are having a tough time determining your brand and personal style, or would like to discuss making a change in your image – Please do not hesitate to call me for a complimentary consultation.
I hope I have the opportunity to be a part of your success!
Warmest Regards,
Mila
Please don’t forget to pick up the February edition of At Home Tennessee magazine. (www.athometn.com) I have written about the basic essentials every woman should have in her closet. Happy shopping!!
The Look for Less
One of the most common questions I am asked during seminars is how to look great on a budget. My answer is always the same…It can be done, but you will have to make a ‘time’ investment by searching the Internet, waiting for end of season sales and knowing where to go.
Here are a few tips I’ve found and used on how to shop ‘intelligently,’ especially if you are on a budget!
Redefine the word sale
Sounds basic, but to really save a bundle on clothes you have to be willing to pass up enticing promotions (15% off; free shipping; gift with purchase) and hold out for the hard-core sales (40% off is good; 50% and up will land you a buy for almost what it cost the retailer).
Don’t stop buying
I constantly tell my clients and friends to shop often, yet shop sparingly. One common mistake we make is to panic and run to the mall ‘needing’ everything from underwear to jeans. I have seen many of my own friends spend tremendous amounts of money on items that may not suit them well, are not on sale and will not be in style for the next season – This is truly shopping panic! You will save money if you shop every so often for updates to your wardrobe. Compare this idea to dieting – how we pass on sweets and carbs until we binge. Scary, but it can happen with pent-up shopping desires, too (and credit card debt racked up in a binge will end up costing you a fortune). Satiate the fashion lover in you with a very small treat, and try to add only one or two well thought out items per month.
Shop in season
And that’s fine if you’re just looking for any old thing to wear. But if you love fashion (and you do, or you wouldn’t be here), you should shop as close to the season as possible. Otherwise, you’ll just waste your money on trends that will be out of style by the time the next year rolls around.
Swap with pals
Friends that wear your size (and share your taste) are a gold mine. You can even go large scale and organize a swap meet where everyone can switch shoes, clothes, etc.
Clean out your closet to determine what you NEED.
In the first step of cleaning out your closet, eliminate everything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a year. (A few weeks later, go back and get rid of all the stuff you fudged on the first time around).
Identify your personal style ‘theme.’
With what’s left, begin identifying a theme to your wardrobe, relying on favorite looks, colors and lifestyle pieces. Decide on three colors that either match or will coordinate with what you own and buy only those three colors for apparel.
Establish a workable budget – Write it down so you don’t cheat!
Make a list of all the items you need in your wardrobe. (For example: black pants, GREAT pair of jeans, white shirt)
Invest your time
Set aside some time each week or at least every other week to shop — online or off.
Avoid trendy items
Invest in clothing that will span two to three seasons at minimum these are the basics.
Create a comprehensive wardrobe
Purchase only clothes that work with something that you already own if you are buying separates. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a blouse with an intricate pattern and only end up looking at it for a year because you have nothing to wear it with.
Avoid the ‘maybe one day’ trap
Pass on anything that doesn’t fit — no matter how great a buy.
Trends
One way to be trendy on a budget is with accessories. You can play with colors and textures through scarves, shoes, and handbags. This will save you money by not buying more expensive pieces that will only last one season.
Stop impulse buying.
Every $10 mistake you would have picked up in the bargain bin goes to a really great wardrobe.
Designer Look for Less – Yes, it can be done with a bit of time and effort…
(Jill Stuart) (Halogen, $58) (Gap jeans)
Here is a simple way of picking out an outfit if you are confused about what your personal style is…Find a designer look that you love and copy it (for less)…print out the picture from the Internet or rip one out of your favorite fashion magazine and take it with you to the mall. The Jill Stuart look costs thousands, but you can find it for less by investing some of your ‘time.’ Take a few hours to go through sales racks at the mall or your favorite discount store like TJ Maxx. You aren’t looking for an exact copy, but the idea of the outfit is what you’re searching for. Pay attention to texture, fit and color. If you know you do not look good in skinny jeans, improvise the look by buying a pair of straight leg slacks or jeans that you know look fabulous on you! Use the designer outfit only as a guide.
Creating a Signature Style
The best way to save money is to KNOW your own personal style…I can hear the moans and groans as you read that line, but it is the truth! If you know what styles, colors and clothing lines look good on you – it is difficult to make another costly mistake by buying something that you simply won’t wear. Creating a consistent and comprehensive wardrobe begins with the foundation of knowing your style.
Through many seasons and trends, Anna Wintour (Editor of Vogue and icon) has her dark sunglasses and classic bob, Donatella Versace (Designer) has her long blonde hair – and Karl Lagerfeld (Best known as designer for the Chanel brand) is known for his black sunglasses, white hair and pony tail. Learn from these style arbiters and find your own signature style guaranteed to make a statement.
Here’s How:
- Take a serious assessment of your overall current style, deciding if you are traditional, modern, fashion-forward, casual, hippie natural, etc.
- Determine what you are trying to accomplish with your signature style — to be more memorable, develop an always chic look, have more fun with fashion and so on.
- Study famous tastemakers — from all of the ones mentioned above to Carrie Donovan and her oversized glasses, black clothes and blond hair.
- Don’t hesitate to imitate a look and make it your own, making sure it fits into your current style and personality.
- Decide what you would be most comfortable changing — your hair, wardrobe colors or accessories.
- If you’re choosing a striking new hairstyle or color, try the new look in stages to see how it works.
- If you are choosing a bold new wardrobe color, start by incorporating it as a tie or scarf color to see how well it works for you.
- Relying on accessories — sunglasses, big pins, bright hosiery or fabulous handbags — is a safe, easy and inexpensive way to start a personalized look.
- Experiment and alter your signature style pieces as you grow more confident.
Tips:
1). Use your signature style to camouflage flaws or draw attention to your best features.
2). Try not to cross the fine line between signature style and affectation