News

New Year should be about what we want to achieve in the New Year, filled with positive thoughts. This means wearing colours that uplift us. Unfortunately David Cameron was looking very depressing in his dark colours on BBC, not the most inspiring or uplifting.

New Year is a new beginning and a chance to think about what we want to positively achieve in the New Year.  Wearing colours that uplift us can make a big difference to how well we achieve this.  Unfortunately David Cameron’s dark colours on the BBC, made him look rather depressing and neither inspiring nor uplifting for his New Year message.

I think he receives advice from PR consultants not image consultants and he seems to have a small selection of plain colour ties.

With the current economic climate being so distressing I would suggest he thinks of wearing:

Yellow with navy – this is an uplifting colour, the closest to sunshine. It also stimulates the brain helping you to be decisive, clear-headed and alert.

Purple or violet –  a colour closely linked to creativity and arousing us into activity.

I would suggest he changes his shirt to a light blue or a stripe with green and blue in the evening.  Blue is a quiet, calming and relaxing colour, whilst green creates comfort and relaxation.

It is surprising how much colour can affect our emotions and influence people. Knowing the correct shades of colour to wear and how to combine them to compliment our skintone can make a great difference to how we look and feel.

During the holiday season is an opportunity to relax and chill out and wear relaxed style clothes. However, it is not the time to look scruffy and unkempt. Ensure you look good for your partner, family and friends.  It is an ideal time to have the right image and make an effort to look your best,  for the most important people in your life.

It is important you dress to suit your wardrobe personality so you are comfortable and feel good. When you look good you will also feel good and people will react to you in a more positive way.  Dress sloppy and you attitude will be more sloppy. Dress to suit the occasion whether it is relaxing at home, going for a walk, down the pub with friends or out for a nice meal.  It is key to have your clothes fitting you well and that you are clean, tidy and presentable. This includes your hair, nails and shoes.

Last of all smile, be happy, make the most of the break and have a great time!

For years I have done wardrobe makeovers for clients and now is a good time to refresh your wardrobe. As summer draws to an end and the new season starts it is the ideal time to check out your wardrobe and get it organised for what you need for the new season. It never ceases to amaze me how many people go shopping before they check what they have and need in their wardrobe. It doesn’t matter how many times I say it I always need to remind people. Before you shop check what you need for your lifestyle for the season. Otherwise, you will purchase the wrong items, have too much of the same, or you may have a panic when you need something for an occasion or for an important event at work. Know your wardrobe personality you will then understand what styles you like, what fabrics and accessories you enjoy wearing.

Think OPS - organise – plan – shop.

Organise the clothes you wear into groups, then colour and get rid of what you don’t wear . Either sell them, give them to charity or a clothes bin, or store them elsewhere. Do not put the items back in the wardrobe to clutter up this season’s items .

You should also put away your summer clothes.

Tips to store your summer wardrobe:

1. Wash all your summer items e.g. t-shirts, swimwear you only use on holiday, sarongs, kaftans, beach towels and store them.
2. Ensure all items are clean and that there are no hidden stains as they can leave a permanent mark as well as attract moths.
3. Fold all your holiday garments and pack them neatly into a case, a breathable box or hang them in storage bags.
4. Pack all of your sandals, summer shoes and flip flops into breathable shoe boxes. Take a photo and put it on the outside so you can easily locate the items.
5. Ensure you get rid of worn out and old clothes that you will not wear again.

Now plan what you need for the season and then shop!

There is a lot of talk in the news about the new book “Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital” by Dr Catherine Hakim. As a social scientist Dr Hakim believes that the most attractive with beauty, intelligence and potent charm are the most successful and have far fewer problems than the rest of us. I would disagree with some of this. You just have to look at our MPs, members of the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet in the House of Commons and Prime Minister’s Question Time and see how attractive and charming they are.  Plus many famous film stars have big personal issues and deep down have low self-esteem. Dr Hakim thinks we all need to have a blend of beauty, sex appeal, liveliness, social skills, sexuality and skills of self-presentation, physical fitness and charm.

Many of Dr Catherine Hakim’s comments seem a bit feminist and quite controversial. However, I do believe that if we portray a good personal image we will look good, feel good and this in turn will help our confidence and self –esteem. Many stars are not naturally beautiful, but look very attractive as they have learnt to make the most of their beauty, social skills and charm. We mustn’t forget either that when magazines have done surveys asking people what they look for in a date or future partner a sense of humour is high on the list.

As an image consultant, who enjoys helping people make the most of their personal image, here are some suggestions for what you need to think about to make the most of yourself:

1. Learn to understand what styles of clothes compliment your shape.
2. Learn what your wardrobe personality types are. It will help you to understand what styles of clothes, fabrics and accessories makes you feel good as well as look good.
3. Wear colours of clothes that compliment your skin tone, eyes and hair, so you look healthy and glowing.
4. Always be well groomed.
5. Regularly sort, organise and plan your wardrobe to suit your lifestyle and the season.
6. Give yourself a budget for your clothes and plan what you need each season.
7. Ensure you have good social skills – good manners, communication skills.
8. Have Good Body Language – good posture, be friendly, approachable and smile!
9. Keep fit as possible and eat healthy.
10. Have a sense of humour, be enthusiastic and have fun. Life is too short not to enjoy it!

Basically, it comes down to making the most of what you’ve got, update yourself for your age and lifestyle, always be well groomed and regularly work on your social skills. Keep yourself fit and healthy as best you can. Finally, always be polite, considerate to your friends, colleagues and those you meet. You will then receive better service, people will like and trust you and therefore you will achieve more of what you want in life.

The Royal Wedding was a great example of how well the British do pageantry and celebrations but it also showcased the strengths of many of our industries, particularly in fashion. From the designer of the wedding dress, the embroidery, the fabrics, the wedding ring and jewellery, to the tailoring of the two Princes Army outfits, which were made by the renowned coat and uniform makers Kashket & Partners Ltd in London. So much of the work that went into these has a long history in the UK.

With all the various problems happening in the world, the costs of oil, materials and freight going up and even labour charges increasing in the Far East, the UK is gain looking  increasingly attractive for retailers to source clothing manufactured here in the UK. The quality of overseas goods is also becoming a greater issue.

We, as consumers, also need to be supportive of buying British and should choose British items where possible.

Why?

1. The standard and quality of clothes made in the UK is extremely high. Items for a particular clothing brand are likely to be of a consistent standard size, rather than the variation we often find with those manufactured in the Far East.
2. We need to ensure the expertise of our pattern cutters, trained machinists, plus specialist skills such as embroidery and tailoring are not lost.
3. Obviously the more of home made products we buy will generate more work and jobs for the people in this country and, therefore, will be better for the UK economy.

Sir Philip Green’, of  Arcadia group (BHS and Topshop, ) at the Retail Week conference came out in support of a return to British manufacturing, stating the time is right to examine opportunities to re-open UK factories and that Arcadia will try to bring more production to British shores.  Clarks Originals has joined forces with the Scottish manufacturer Thistle & Broom to produce a limited-edition women’s desert boot for autumn 2011.

Draper’s magazine also launched an SOS campaign earlier in the year to help bring back grass-roots dressmaking skills, such as for students at the University for the Creative Art’s (UCA) through the Hand Embroidery foundation degree that was delivered by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) at Hampton Court Palace. Unknowing to them, they worked to create the bespoke lace used on Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, veil and footwear, which was designed by Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton. Hopefully this will give a great boost
in people being interested in learning this skill.

Some people own only a few pairs of shoes, whilst others cannot seem to have enough. My experience has taught me that the amount and the styles of shoes we choose, more than anything else, are influenced by our wardrobe personality. Friends and family may persuade us to purchase a different shirt/blouse, tie, jumper or dress, etc, but with shoes, it is a different matter.  We are unlikely to be persuaded if we are not happy with the colour or style. Some of us will put comfort over everything whilst others will put up with discomfort for style and look.

Example of Wardrobe Personalities

Casual personalities are inclined to purchase practical and comfortable shoes in neutral colours.  Romantic personalities will like lots of shoes, often in various colours and with some detail. A Dramatic or Fashion Fad will like the latest styles and want brands such as Jimmy Choo, Prada or Gucci or replicas if these are not within their budget. A Classic person will go for black or brown traditional styles that will last and tone in with their outfit – nothing fussy.

Whatever our wardrobe personality and as with all clothing we need to avoid buying shoes that we will not wear and will only sit in the back of the wardrobe. So next time you shop think:

1. When and where will I wear these shoes?
2. Will I find them uncomfortable to wear?
3. CPW (cost per wear) – this is essential.  If they are expensive, will I wear them a lot? If yes, then on a CPW basis they will have become cheap by the time I finish wearing them – good value. Whereas even if they cost less, if they are a shoe I do not wear much they will ultimately become a more expensive shoe!

Looking and feeling good from head to toe is a great confidence booster. Whether wearing a casual, fashionable or classic shoe, in plain or colours, paying close attention to even the smallest detail makes an enormous difference to our overall impression. Take particular care with colour-coordinating and matching shoes with our outfit. What we wear reflects our own unique personal style and shows the world who we are and what type of personality we have.

If you want to know more about your wardrobe personality, I suggest you read, “Being Truly You – Discovering Your Own unique Wardrobe Personality”. There is a questionnaire, description of ten wardrobe personality types and a section on brands to suit your personality. As an image consultant, I wrote these books to help people understand why they like some styles and not others and feel happy showing the world who they truly are.

Why do so many football presenters on television wear such dark clothing, black ties and often black shirts, when many of them need to be in bright and light or warm tones (particularly red heads)?

I regularly watch football with my husband and like to hear what the panel have to say at half time or at the end of the match.  It is good to hear their informed views and is something different to what I hear ringing in my ears during the match itself (yes Stuart, my husband, gets rather excited, especially when his team is losing). It’s amazing how men who watch football think they could do it so much better!

Anyway, back to their clothes.  I get very distracted, instead of listening to their comments I notice the wrong colours (and sometimes wrong styles) of the clothes the panellists are wearing which looks like “the clothes are wearing them not them wearing the clothes”!

What these men may not realise is that wearing the wrong colours and in particular opposite to what they should wear will make them look pale, tired, more drawn and even older!  As most footballers seem to be rather vain why don’t they make sure they are in their best colours? They need to have an image consultation including colour analysis.

Black absorbs all colours and when worn is often an indication that people are opinionated, unwilling to relinquish control and can appear intimidating, unfriendly and unapproachable.  It is also often seen as a sign of low confidence and can be worn at times to hide from the world around us.! However, all of us do wear black at some stage, often if we have had a bereavement and are feeling down or insecure. Black also means power and control.

Considering their earning power I can’t understand why they don’t get professional help. Adrian Chiles has no doubt had professional help recently and now wears great bright light colours, medium tone suits and looks great.

Whereas Jamie Rednapp only seems to know black and navy and with his great bright looks could wear some strong contrasting colours, obviously allowing for TV. He can easily get some image advice as I  live down the road!

Let me have your views.

Is men’s stylish look revived? At last we may well see young men dressed in suits and wearing ties rather than jeans showing their underwear and looking like they were caught short in the loo.

More suits are being purchased as well as shirts and ties and many men’s boutiques are increasing their formal wear range. This can be for several reasons, job hunting, attending interviews, the new fashion on the catwalks. The recent Autumn Winter catwalks in Milan and Paris had double breasted suits, shirts with white collars plus the less formal was layering of fine sweaters under jackets. The heritage fabric tweed may well be popular which will give a different twist if you want a more modern look.

The film and TV programmes also make an impact so “The King’s Speech” and “Mad Men” are encouraging a more stylish 1940s and 50s look.

Jay Kay, singer of the group Jamiroquai, looked very dandy and great in his suit, shirt, tie and black shiny shoes on BBC Breakfast a few weeks ago. Many of the groups are wearing suits as part of their brand.

7 Tips to think about when purchasing a suit:

1. Choose a style that flatters you, consider-  high or low button jacket, vents -  none, single or double
2. Choose a shade of colour that compliments your complexion and enhances your natural colouring
3. Choose patterns that are in proportion to your frame
4. Consider alterations – ensure the sleeves and trousers length are correct
5. Buy the best quality you can afford, 100% wool is the best
6. Ensure trousers fits correctly on the waist
7. The jacket is a correct fit having it checked on shoulders, back and arms length

If you need help or advice then pleae contact Angela at Appearance Management  Before and After – Men

 Looking great when with someone special, especially on Valentine’s Day is important. To make the occasion extra special:

 Dress to Impress

1. Ensure you are well groomed e.g. clean shoes, hair neat, nails clean and well manicured, neat and tidy clothes
2. Choose items of clothes that show your physique and fit you well
3. Wear your favourite item to show your Wardrobe Personality  (if he or she doesn’t like it then you may not be compatible!)
4. Make sure you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes and shoes
5. Wear an accessory you love, show who you are
6. Have positive body language e.g. smile and look happy, have lots of energy in your voice and good posture, with your head up and shoulders back
7. Wear something with pink, the most loving of colours, or red for passion – romance

Valentine’s Day (Saint Valentine’s Day) is an occasion celebrated on February 14th. It is the traditional day on which people express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.

With the cost of clothes going up as well as everyday expenses it is difficult to have a wardrobe of clothes that suits your budget. Yet it is vital to also look your best for work as well as your social life. By understanding some key points you will achieve a great wardrobe on a budget.

5 Tips on What to Avoid:

1. Stop overspending on items you do not need
2. Buying clothes off the cuff, know what you need and plan your wardrobe
3. Buying clothes that you do not wear and just sit in your wardrobe.
4. Paying for clothes you cannot afford, paying on credit and being charged interest.
5. Buying too much of the same items from the same shops.

To look good you do not have to spend lots of money. The key is to identify what you need and where and when to go for items. Understand what suit you, your colouring and fits in with your budget. Often you can get great bargains either in the High Street or online shopping.

 5 Tips on What to Do:

1. Develop your own style to suit your personality, lifestyle and body shape
2. Know what shops suit you although check out new ones as well
3. Recognise when is the best time of year to purchase items to suit your colouring and lifestyle
4. Keep up to date with offers and new brands
5. Understand your Wardrobe Personality – what suits you and you enjoy wearing

As an image consultancy company, Appearance Management services can:

1. Sort, organise your wardrobe to make more use of your clothes and help you plan what you need.
2.  Inform you what combination of shades of colours will suit you,
3. What shapes and proportions of styles will compliment your shape
4. What fabrics, styles and accessories you will enjoy wearing to suit your wardrobe personality
5. Provide an eshopping service, by receiving regular eshopping newsletters and finding items via online . Often with offers and big discount.

A consultation will explain and help you to have a mix and match wardrobe for your lifestyle and budget. The cost of a consultation will be more than saved. Contact Angela Marshall for further information or if your company requires a Professional Speaker on Personal Image.

 Quote: Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein,