Image Makeovers

On of my Carlisle clients, Lisa Johnson Mandell, has an interesting blog on a career makeover of an older man interviewing of jobs. Take a look at http://www.lisajohnsonmandell.com/ March 19 "Hairy Dilemna". It shows that you do not go to extreme measures to look younger.



I have recently done a makeover or really a touch up on a lovely mid career woman in the financial field being groomed for an executive level position. It was also nothing extreme. her hair was cut to create a more polished look. She needed to pay more attention to the fit of her clothes and have her clothes taylored. So many women do not get their clothes altered to fit their unique body shape. Other advice was also given, but nothing extreme. I did this makeover as a team efforts with my associates at Corporate Icon. Patsy Cisneros worked on her voice and body language and Susan Abrams did her colors, skin care and makeup. I did her style analysis and wardrobe suggestions. http://www.corporateicon.com/

Why Wear A Hat

There are many reasons to wear at hat.

The number one reason to wear a hat is sun protection. Many hats state that they have UV protection, but you'll at least want one that is closely woven to prevent rays from penetrating. I like ones with broad brims that shade my neck. Really broad brims even protect my shoulders when sunbathing. If you will be hiking or doing an active outdoor activity consider one that ties around the chin. Your hat will not only protect your skin, but keep your hair from sun damage and dryness.

The other great reason is glamour. Of course we've admired extravagant hats at events like the Kentucky Derby, but even a simple hat can add glamour to any woman's outfit. On a bad hair day I wear a hat, and I get all these compliments. I have to control myself not to say, "Thank you but actually I did not have time to style my hair today".

Lastly, I hear women say I do not look good in hats. My response is you simply have not found the style that best suits you. Just start trying them on.

Google "women's hats". The above image is from www.coolibar.com which specializes is sun protection.

Fashion Styling Tip

Do you own a pair of pants or a skirt that relates to your hair color? When a blond wears biege pants or a brunette wears a dark brown skirt, they are repeating a color and the effect is always pleasing. Almost any complimentary color on top will also just naturally work.

Another version of repeating a color is to wear an accessory near your face that repeats the color of your pant or skirt. For instance you are wearing a casual blue top with white pants. Now add a touch of white in your necklace such as mother of pearl disk on a white cord.

Sale Shopping

Beware of shopping sales without a plan. Review your wardrobe first to determine what you need. Perhaps you need some tops with color to brighten your basic neutrals, or your basic black pants or your better jeans need replacing. Just having a purpose when you go through those sales racks helps you zip through them. Also beware of buying one piece that you love hoping to find something to go with it. You know what will happen, right!



A certain amount of spontaneity is also called for though. If you see just the right style and color that suits your personal style, go for it. When you really need something special in the future, you will not be out there at the last minute trying to find it.

The Professional Woman's Image vs. Sexy Messages

Gone are the days when women tried to dress like men in the work place. You can certainly dress like a woman, but this does not mean sexy. Where do you want the attention to be when conducting business? On what you have to say and do, right. Therefore avoid any tops that are low cut, tight or sheer. Watch you skirt length and remember that when you sit down it goes up another 2 inches (slits also rise). Avoid long nails that look like they would impede doing work. Watch out for hairstyles that cover your partially eyes. Avoid stiletto heels that not only look too sexy, but affect the way you walk.

What not to economize on

Please do not economize on your skin care. You will regret it years later when this whole mess is over. At the minimum cleanse with a PH balanced product, use a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen and a good night cream. Now I happen to sell a product I researched and love, Arbonne Swiss formulated skin care. But I also like Dermalogica. Both companies use botanically based ingredients, like natural oil. Do avoid mineral oil. Lots of lines use this cheap oil which is often given other names on the list of ingredients. Mineral oil sits on the top of your skin. Now this is great to prevent diaper rash and mineral oil (a petroleum based product) is the main ingredient in baby oil. It act as a barrier to the acid in urine penetrating the skin. You want a oil that goes into your skin. This is what I like about Arbonne it selects only natural oils and uses their nanosphere patent to assure that the product does penetrate the skin to provide the benefits that reduce aging.

My photograph shown here was taken in the last year. It is not retouched. I have been using Arbonne for about four years. I am 62 years old. My skin is moist and elastic. Beyond Arbonne I credit sunscreen and hats, exercise, a healthy diet and flax seed oil daily.

http://www.wardrobeperfect.myarbonne.com/

The Frugal Wardrobe

How does one keep their wardrobe "up to date" while still watching the budget? By planning.

What are the neutral colors you look best in? Is it black and gray, or brown and beige. If it's black do you have columns of this color? That is tops and bottoms in the same color. Do you have your column in both warm and cold weather pieces, dressy and casual? Do you have great accessories in these colors. This is you base upon you can have lots of fun. Since you wear these pieces frequently replace them as necessary and buy the best quality your budget allows.

Over your base you can layer color or even just go monotone. When the new trends are out for a season you can simply add a few pieces like a great colored handbag, a fun belt, the latest costume jewelry, a scarf with the colors that look great next to your face.

Most important is review your wardrobe before you shop and make a list of what you could use to either maintain it or update.