Thursday, October 14, 2010

Makeovers


Change your look change your life is a motto I adhere to because the smallest change that you make to your current look can make all the difference.
A splash of colour, an updated hair cut, or some funky statement pieces can totally revive and refresh your cur-rent look. Gravitating to the same garments over and over which I name “outfit repeaters” is why we get stuck in a style rut.
MAKEOVERS
Many of us can be opposed to change because we like routine, struc-ture and formats. Being stuck in a paradigm however, can also cause limitations, both internally and externally, especially when it comes to image. It may take the smallest thing to bring change to your appear-ance which will make an incredible impact on the way you look and how you are perceived.
Your makeover is just that...... YOURS! Most of my clients come to see me because they are either stuck in a style rut or have simply lost their confidence when it comes to what really fits them and flat-ters them. When you recognise the time for change your makeover will be a great investment, helping you achieve your goals and maxi-mising your potential.
A Styledge makeover will educate and equip you giving you all the tools to make the right choices for your body shape, complexion and personality every time.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Focal Points


Hi Girls,
Would you like to accentuate the great and mitigate the not so great. Well you can with focal points.
A focal point will attract the eye to a specific place of the body. Pacing your focal point needs to be strategic. Think of eyes up to focus attention high on the body. Hats, earrings, necklaces, interesting necklines, makeup are perfect for ways to play it up as much as possible.
A focal points are anything on your body that draws attention to itself.
A design element– a motif, pockets, collar or a ruffle
A Colour– a bright shirt, a high contrast or a bright lipstick
An Accessory– a bag, hat, lipstick earrings, necklace or scarf
Focal points are embellishments that are added to an outfit (or body) to add interest and attract attention. They literally draw attention to themselves and the area to which they are applied. It is the placement of focal points where many women make their greatest dressing errors– pulling attention to rather than away from a figure challenge. Your aim should be to attract attention to your “best” areas
To be seen as well put together, your outfit should have no less than one and no more than four focal points. Too few and you may be seen as boring, too many and you may seem to be “too over the top”
Business and professional occasions two or three focal points are optimal.
Styledge Image Consulting
Why look good when you can look Great!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Poor Body Image

Do you hate your body??? So many women suffer from poor body image, no wonder, with all the “beautiful” images we face each day. Often you stand in front of the mirror and pick on every flaw you have. Maybe you avoid mirrors because you really don’t want to confront your reality. Girls, this is not a healthy way to live.
It is so important to love the skin you’re in and embrace your shape.
Take my client Debbie (not her real name) for example. She suffered from low self esteem and wore the same clothes over and over because she did not like her triangular shape. Her clothes swam on her and she was denying herself and the world a view of her voluptuous figure because she did not know how to dress for her shape. Hiding under her clothes may have given her a quick fix but it certainly did not give her any confidence.
Debbie had such issues with her body image she would refuse to attend business functions with her husband because she felt so ashamed of her look.
BUT!!!!! Underneath the baggy jumper and the frumpy skirt was a gorgeous woman who took on board all the rules of line and design and used her colour swatch to accentuate the great and camouflage the not so great. Debbie was shown how to select the right garments in her best colours to more effectively reflect her personality.
We were able to show off her flat tummy and balance out her hips with the help of some tailored jackets and tops with cut out sleeves. Her self assurance soared and her new wardrobe became a source of inspiration rather than a place of frustration.
Debbie’s dilemma was overcome by building substantial, confidence building pieces which fitted and flattered her shape.
TRIANGLES should:
Wear lighter, brighter colours, shiny fabrics and patterns up top

Wear darker / quiet clothing below (no shine)

Use shoulder pads

Wear horizontal stripes above the waist

Avoid jackets that sit at your widest part of your hip/ thigh
Styledge Image Consulting
Why look good when you can look great!
www.styledge.com.au
Below is Kristen Davis,definitely a triangle shape. Using triangle design lines on her upper body she is creating the balance between her upper and lower body.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Image Impacts


There is no such thing as a neutral image. The way we dress plays a vital role in the way we are received. Our image impacts our world dramatically, it effects the way we are perceived and received. Society today assumes that if you look a particular way you are going to act a particular way. It is what it is!
Imagine visiting a dentist and he is dressed like a Rastafarian, with dread locks, happy pants and is poorly groomed. Would you feel confident in letting him work on your teeth? I think not! His image does not convey the right message and we would therefore not put our trust in his abilities simply because of what he looks like.
Let’s look at four ways our clothes make an impact on our image...
Your Image
Sends a MESSAGE: They say a picture paints a thousand words and how true that is. We can’t help but form opinions of others based on how they look. It is a fact that 55% of our first impression is based on our appearance. Our clothes convey a message; what do your clothes say about you and do they represent who you are today?
Should be APPROPRIATE: Consider the climate, the occasion, the audience, our physical appearance and job at hand. The question most women ask their friends before attending an event is ‘what are you wearing’? No one likes to be the odd one out. Being in sync with others makes us feel comfortable and confident.
Should be ENHANCING: Our clothes should embody and enhance who we are as a person, both our physique and our character.
Also be GOAL EFFECTIVE: what do we want to achieve from the meeting or occasion we attend.

Friday, May 7, 2010

It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it!


It’s not just what you wear that matters, it’s how you wear your clothes. A successful visual image requires that you co-ordinate your wardrobe to work in harmony, with colours, fabrics and patterns reinforcing your intended message.
Cheap fabrics in garish patterns and poor colour combinations will detract from your image. Take your time in selecting confidence building garments that will help you achieve your desired look.

Let’s look at some basic guidelines to follow:

1 When combining prints and patterns never mix three together unless they are of similar colour and theme and one is more dominant than the other two.
2 Ensure all items of clothing are going to the same place eg, an outfit of a dark tailored suit, sequined low cut top, heavy shoes and no make up will look out of sync. You want your total look to speak the same language.
3 Fabrics of like quality work well together, smooth with smooth, tex-ture with texture.
Must haves for Autumn are:
Stripes are back in but beware, the larger the stripe wider and shorter you may appear. BUT....Stripes are a great way to bring balance for a triangular body shape.
We Canberran’s never need an excuse to lash out when it comes to buying a magnificent coat. Move away from black and try a neutral colour which will go with everything!
Lastly, a scarf in your best colour will add some life to a dull day or a dark coat.So have fun putting your Autumn wardrobe together and be true to you!
Why look good when you can look GREAT!!!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

It's not what you wear it's how you wear it!




It’s not just what you wear that matters, it’s how you wear your clothes. A successful visual image requires that you co-ordinate your wardrobe to work in harmony, with colours, fabrics and patterns reinforcing your intended message.
Cheap fabrics in garish patterns and poor colour combinations will detract from your image. Take your time in selecting confidence building garments that will help you achieve your desired look.
Let’s look at some basic guidelines to follow:

1 When combining prints and patterns never mix three together unless they are of similar colour and theme and one is more dominant than the other two.
2 Ensure all items of clothing are going to the same place eg, an outfit of a dark tailored suit, sequined low cut top, heavy shoes and no make up will look out of sync. You want your total look to speak the same language.
3 Fabrics of like quality work well together, smooth with smooth, tex-ture with texture.
Must haves for Autumn are:
Stripes are back in but beware, the larger the stripe wider and shorter you may appear. BUT....Stripes are a great way to bring balance for a triangular body shape.
We Canberran’s never need an excuse to lash out when it comes to buying a magnificent coat. Move away from black and try a neutral colour which will go with everything!
Lastly, a scarf in your best colour will add some life to a dull day or a dark coat.So have fun putting your Autumn wardrobe together and be true to you!
why look good when you can look GREAT!!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Love your wardrobe!


LOVE YOUR CLOTHES
Styledge Image Consulting is all about saving you time and money and helping you look and feel great
Our clothes should represent who we are and therefore reflect our personality.

Besides your wardrobe fitting and suiting your shape, colouring and proportions, you really should absolutely love what you wear. Our clothes represent who we are, so buy clothes which are compatible with you.

Do you LOVE it?
Our wardrobe should be an exciting place to visit rather than a place of constant frustration but unfortunately the latter often applies. To love something means that garment or accessory makes you feel amazing or inspires you in some way.

Your wardrobe tells a story, and to figure out the plotline, you need to see its heroes and villains. How do we spot those items that once looked fantastic but may not be age appropriate anymore? Simply remove all items that don’t flatter you or represent your current image and replace them with ones that do.

You can make a statement everyday by the choices you make. Whether you have a little drama in your shoe, or a signature piece of jewelry that really makes a statement. Perhaps a cute ruffle here and there revealing your romantic side, these can be the subtle or not so subtle ways of expressing your individuality.

Find ways to have fun with your clothes, take some risks. Less is more. Better to have less and love more than to have more and to love less!



Always remember when shopping…
Does it suit and flatter you?
Does it fit you?
Do you love it?
STYLEDGE Image Consulting
Why look good when you can look GREAT!!
0262889262

Monday, April 12, 2010

Psychology of Image


What you wear has a direct effect on the way you think, feel and behave and how you project yourself. Your image influences your thinking, what you feel, your behaviour, and how others interact with you. Your image also affects their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Styledge Image Consulting believes when you look good you feel good.
Your clothes speak; they send a message about who you are.

Social psychologist says our first impression is made up of three things.

55% visual
38% tonality
7% the words we use
Within 6 seconds a person has formed an opinion of us and we have made an irreversible impression.

You have all heard the phrase you have only one opportunity to make a first impression Why is Image so Important? Why does your appearance matter?

Do you know why it first impressions count –

In those first 6 seconds judgements are made:
1.If we like them.
2.If we trust them.
3.If we want to do business with them.
4.Spend time with them.

Image really works on perceptions and what how we stereotype people.If people look and dress a certain way then they are expected to behave a certain way.

Halo effect – first impression is believed even if not true. Why, because we all like to be right. And we like the comfort that being right brings into our lives. We are in control.

Our mind also likes to pigeon hole, we like to understand things. We are very quick to notice things which are not right or different. Our eye likes to be aesthetically pleased.

For example, how would you feel going to the dentist or doctor and he had on hippie tie dyed baggy pants and no shirt. We would be out of the surgery so quick.
Think about your image today and the impact it has on your world.
You can control the opinions of others based on how you look.
Based on your complexion, bodyshape, lifestyle and personality Styledge Image Consulting will help you achieve your desired image and maximise your potential.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

How to always have something to wear

Styledge Image Consulting has taken on the mantra of the wonderul Gok Wan "Shop less and wear more" Let's take a look at how you can always have something wear!

1 Find out once and for all what really suits you. Invest in a colour and style consultation (of course).
2 Decide on a look that's right for you. One that works with your personality, budget and lifestyle.
3 Decide on three basic colours. These need to either match or will co-ordinate with what you own and buy only those three colours for your basic pieces.
4 Establish a workable budget. Remember the cost per wearing formula. Things you wear the most are worth extra dollars.
5 Make a list of all the items you need in your wardrobe e.g., a solid blazer, wool pants, white shirt etc.
6 Set aside an hour of time each week to shop.
7 Think carefully about each purchase. Will it go with at least 3 other things in your wardrobe? Can it be dressed up and down? Is it trans-seasonal? Will it date quickly?
8 Avoid trendy items. Or at least spend very little on them.
9 Buy fabrics that will span two to three seasons — like wool, crepe or matt jersey.
10 Add punchy colour and fashion flare with accessories!
Why look Good when you can look Great!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

E-style - style, feeling, looking, everything, program


E-style - style, feeling, looking, everything, program: "STYLE IS NOT ABOUT BEAUTY, AGE, SIZE, WEALTH, OR EVEN FASHION. IT'S KNOWING AND RESPECTING YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE (WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED). IT'S HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO DISCOVER AND PROJECT YOUR UNIQUE STYLE IN A CONSISTENT AND CONFIDENT WAY.
Life is about constant change, and change is the catalyst for new discoveries and beginnings. With each change, comes the opportunity to grow into a more beautiful and confident woman. When you learn to accept and work with all the changes that come your way, you can clearly focus all your attention toward creating a fantastic look and life. By learning how to dress in a way that will make you and others smile, your confidence and self-esteem will soar, your future outlook will improve and others will notice you for who you are and what you can achieve."
Styedge Image Consulting is about helping you achieve your desired look by analyising your body shape, colouring and defining your personality style. Understanding all three elements will give you the tools to shop with the utmost confidence, making shopping a breeze.
Whether you need to update your style or have a complete makeover Styledge Image Consulting can help you create a working wardrobe which fit in with your lifestyle, age and personlaity.
So what are you waiting for... Why look good when you can look great!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

eStyle Your Personal Style Solutions

STYLEDGE Image Consulting is very excited about a very unique style program created and researched by Ann Reinten, CEO of The Australian Image Company. It has all those in the image business buzzing.
Introducing the brand new Your eStyle Personal Solutions which will help you:
1 Become Style Confident
2 Know Your Body Shape
3 Discover What Suits You
4 Define Your Unique Style
If you can’t come to Styledge then let Styledge come to you! This is great tool if you do not have the time for a one on one consultation or you live in a remote area and can’t get to me.
Don’t waste another second trying to work out what clothes suit you!! With Your estyle Personal Style Solutions you will KNOW what looks great!
We are so excited about this state of the art program STYLEDGE is offering you the special price of $79.96. Be one of the first 50 women who log in to purchase their very own eStyle Your Personal Solutions and SAVE!!!!


Why look good, when you can look GREAT!!!

Friday, February 12, 2010

WARNING: Some of your clothes may be making you look older!



It easy to become lazy with the way we dress as we age. Life is busy and as we get older it becomes harder to find clothes that suit our changing body shape. Often something major such as a divorce or even a simple negative comment can spark a rethink about our wardrobe.
What we wear has a dramatic impact on how young or old we appear to be, and some styles and colours make us look instantly older by their association with the elderly.
Stereotyping is an interesting phenomena. When we think of a little old lady what image comes to mind? It is amazing how quickly we can list a whole range of items that we would see on the elderly.
Take an inventory of your wardrobe to check to see if you are a wearer of these items!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

What is in your closet?


Cleaning out closets are not fun especially as you scrutinize over each item wondering whether to keep or throw away.
But are your clothes following or breaking the rules? Do some outfits make you look heavier or slimmer than the other? Is the fabric too shiny, is the hemline the right length and does the neckline flatter your face shape? Here are few tips on what to keep and what to throw out when giving your wardrobe a serious workout.
Keep
Any garment that you feel great in. Clothes can be likened to rela-tionships. If they can be trusted, forgiving and forever loyal, they can stay as long as they remain in good condition and in style.
Throw
Anything that does not fit you. All the too’s need to go. Too tight, too big, too small, too short, too long, too old or too dated.
Keep
If it has sentimental valuable or if it is a collectable.
Throw
Big prints will make you look bigger, no matter what size you are.
Keep
If it is something you could hand down to your children or even grandchildren.
Throw
Anything with holes, rips, frays, pilling or just plain tired.
Treat your wardrobe as an investment “create a closet full of must have pieces rather than just make do ones”

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Are you an Image Breaker??


The way you dres sends a message about who you are and how you want the world to see you. Clothes are the biggest form of non-verbal communication. So imagine as you prepare to get dressed everyday, project yourself on a giant billboard. How will people respond to your image and what impression will you give?

An image breaker will let you down more than you know. Not that you have to be perfect, but attending to the finer details of your total look maybe the difference between getting that promotion you have been preparing for.
Here are my top 5 for both women and men.

Image Breakers for Women
1 Too much make up.
2 Bra straps showing.
3 Clothes that are too big or too small.
4 Poor grooming.
5 Dark hosiery with light coloured shoes.

Image Breakers for Men
1 Comb-over’s
2 Ties too long or too short.
3 White socks with dark pants.
4 Pants too short.
5 Short sleeve shirts with ties.
No No NO!!!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Love the skin you're in.


Perception is reality and often, when we face our mirror each day, we tend to only focus on the bad bits. This is not healthy for our self esteem and our already poor body image. But we are so used to picking out all the bad bits and forgetting that we all have great features too!
Styledge Image Consulting is all about accentuating the great and mitigating the not so great.
Next time you are getting dressed take a good look at yourself naked, if you dare, and really check yourself out. Yes you may have some flaws but look harder and take an inventory of all your assets and make it a must to accentuate them. Whether it be great ankles, gorgeous eyes or slender shoulders please do not hide yourself under your clothes concealing all. Be proud and flaunt your best features and love the skin you’re in!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Style Factors


As much as we love Kath and Kim and we can laugh at their sense of ‘umour but their dress sense is less than desirable.
We all see or know people (including ourselves, shudder the thought) who have on the odd occasion got their look totally wrong! So how do we avoid making those mistakes?
First of all we have to really know and understand our body shape because certain styles will suit certain body shapes. This is what we call our silhouette.
Secondly, the garment has to fit well and thirdly it must be in proportion, which is determined by our vertical shape. When we understand these three important components the art of dressing becomes easier.
In addition to body shape, fit and proportion, it is just a matter of your own sense of style, quality and taste that will define your own look.
It takes a lifetime to develop your individual style. Booking in for your very own personal colour and style analysis, STYLEDGE Image Consulting will help you discover your unique style, giving you the all the confidence you need for every occasion.
Are you loving your look right now? If not why not book in today and let me empower you to be the best you can be!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

How to shop like a DIVA!!


We have all been there and bought things that we have never worn, but don’t fret, there are some clever ways to look stylish and current anywhere at any time - even on a budget. Here’s how:
1. Never buy on impulse.
2. Every $20 you don’t spend on that sale item which clutters up your closet is $20 lost towards something far more fabulous, like a designer outfit or that brilliantly made garment that you will always look great in.
3. Save that $20 in a special place, hold that impulse 10 times and bingo you can suddenly afford that $200 Cue dress that you've been drooling over.
4. Don’t be a slave to trends and current styles. Avoid grabbing the latest look off the floor before thinking it through. Score all garments, anything below a 6 out of 10 should remain on the rack.
It will mean delayed gratification but oh, the joy of purchasing that “must have” item over a silly little top that will be thrown out in 6 months. So my little diva’s, start spying and saving and let me know how you go.