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It is importnat to choose the right hat when you attend special occasions whether you are lucky enough to be attending the big Royal Wedding, a friend or family wedding, or one of the social events due in June and July.

10 Key things to consider:

1. The style of your outfit dictates the type of hat you should wear
2. Choose a hat to suit your facial features e.g. long face avoid height, a  round face suits height
3. A hat worn at an angle makes your face appear slimmer
4. The proportion needs to be considered – big hat for large lady and a small hat for a small lady
5. The wider the brim so should the height of the crown
6. Either the hat or your hair should frame your face not both, restyle your hair,  mostly best to be off the face
7. Wear the correct size – too big and it will fall too low,  or too tight will give you a headache.  Tip alter the rim inside.
8. Ensure you are comfortable and feel good in your hat, otherwise you will not enjoy the day
9. The hat needs to reflect your wardrobe personality so you are expressing yourself
10. Use hat pins and/or elastic to hold it firm and finally wear the hat with confidence!

 To appreciate what style of clothes and accessories, including a hat, suit you best, a personal image consultation is a great benefit. It is not just for the event but for the rest of your life. Contact Appearance Management for further information.

The way we dress gives out lots of messages about us. It doesn’t matter what age, size, colour or race we are we need to express who we are – Being Truly You.

Wardrobe Personality – we all have different taste and preferences with our clothes, so it is important we feel as well as look good in our clothes. To do this be aware of what fabrics, style and accessories you enjoy wearing. The clothes you wear and how you wear them are giving out lots of messages about you as an individual. Your style will indicate whether you are trendy, classic, creative, dramatic, conservative, sporty or casual. You clothes even give out a message whether or not you are a tidy or untidy person or whether you pay a great deal of attention to details or are we more looking at the “big picture.”

To look your best in your clothes, whether formal or for casual, you need to ensure you are well groomed and that your clothes compliment your shape and fit you well.

Style of clothes – understand what styles of clothes suit your shape and please avoid bringing attention to your weaker areas.

Alterations – It is so easy to purchase of the peg clothes and to have them look bespoke with alterations. Yet so many people ԁο not think of alterations or appreciate the benefits of having them. Some people just do not want to pay the extra and yet when you do the clothes will look like they have been made for you, flatter your figure and give you greater style.  They will also last longer. Examples are shortening the sleeves of a jacket or length of trousers, taking in a skirt or trousers in at the waist or hip. It is important to purchase clothes to fit your largest part and then have the items altered where they are too big.

Change your lifestyle – when your lifestyle changes then so should your wardrobe e.g. job change to a more informal or formal, going for a job interview, had promotion or looking for promotion, personal life changes – have a family, get divorced, retire.

For more information or if you would like some help then contact Angela at Appearance Mananagement.

Have a good appearance as visual presentation is a must.  It is important to be prepared visually as well as mentally, whether you know in advance or are asked ad hoc to do a presentation either to your staff, bosses or clients .

 As companies have got bigger, the world has got smaller, competition has become fiercer, communication within companies and outside to customers is now more important than ever.   Politicians rely on the media.  Senior level management realise they need to communicate directly with their staff. The employees need to communicate to their customers whether it is internal or external. The best way of persuading and influencing people is face-to-face communication – “People buy from People”.

To progress in your career you may need to increase your profile both internally and externally and speaking in public shows great confidence in your personal image. To avoid the opportunity to present to people will negatively affect your career and promotional prospects. When you make a presentation on a particular subject you are not only informing people about a subject but also about yourself.

 What do you wear?

First of all you need to consider, how do I wish to come across? Who are my audience?  How big is the audience and where will I be speaking? Will the room be hot?  Is there air conditioning? Are you there to persuade, convince, reassure or inform the audience?

Good presenters prepare well and this includes your appearance. This is where a well-planned wardrobe can help you, particularly if you are given short notice. If you need to make a presentation unexpectedly, it proves that every day you should be well dressed and well groomed. Always have in you draw or locker – deodorant, hairbrush, hairspray or hair products, shoe cleaner, stain remover and make up (even for men if going on a stage or under lighting – powder)

Ensure your image is in line with your message:

1. Your outfit suits your Corporate and Personal brand
2. Make sure you are well groomed e.g. hair neat, no dandruff on collar, items well pressed, no dirty marks
3. Have some item of clothes with colour to add interest, but do not let it be overpowering e.g. men – tie, shirt; women – blouse, jacket, jewellery
4. Ensure your accessories do not detract from your image and from you
5. Final Check – Look in the mirror and check you look great!
6. Smile!

Always protect your image – give time and some financial investment in your appearance today will look after your opportunities for success tomorrow.

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

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,

Cashmere is a great classic item to have in your wardrobe that gives you style and elegance and a great image. It is regarded as a luxury and originally only worn by royalty, but it is said that it became more popular in France when Napoleon purchased several items for his second wife Empress Eugenie. The “original sweater girl,” Lana Turner, created a trend when she wore a tight cashmere sweater in a 1937 film called, They Won’t Forget.  Cashmere was originally the wool of the Kashmir goat and now comes from other goats.Over the last few years it has become very accessible to purchase cashmere from many High Street stores and online companies. Cashmere is made in several countries and Italy, Scotland, England and Japan have been known as market leaders, whilst China is the largest producers.

A cashmere garment should be regarded as a treat as it takes a goat four years to produce enough wool to make one cashmere sweater.

Choosing Cashmere

The poorer quality cashmere tends to be lighter in weight and more loosely woven than the best fabric. Look out for densely knitted pieces that have sturdy ribbing on the waist – cheaper pieces tend to have wavy ribbing.

Bobbling

The better the quality, the less your cashmere will bobble. Bobbling generally appears around the sleeves and underarms, but can be pulled away with machines, such as the Clothes Shaver from places such as John Lewis or Bettaware, but care as constant use will eventually wear away the wool.

Cleaning Your Cashmere

As all luxury fabrics it needs a bit of TLC, but cashmere lasts years providing you take care of it and store it well. It is easy to wash, providing you follow instructions and use the correct washing detergent. Washing is much better than dry cleaning as the chemicals can affect the soft feeling, although what is good, moths do not like the dry cleaning chemicals used. Repeated washing can improve the texture over a period of time.

Washing Instructions

1. Wash your garment inside out
2. Ensure you use an appropriate detergent
3. Machine wash on a wool cycle (30 degrees). Use the spin cycle which brings the garment back into shape. Or
4. By hand in lukewarm water, rinse very well and take care not to stretch the fabric when you squeeze out the excess water.
5. Smooth the garment into shape and always dry the item flat away from direct heat or sunlight.
6. Iron on reverse with a cool iron.

Do not tumble dry and never use fabric softener and always fold cashmere – hangers will distort the shape unless you use padded fabric hangers and the item is worn very regularly.

Freezing your cashmere:

If some reason you do not want to wash your cashmere clothing regularly then I suggest you fold it up and put it into a plastic bag and put it in the freezer overnight. This will kill moth larvae, which may be lurking in the cashmere. It will also fluff up the wool.

Moths and Cashmere

Cashmere is a delicacy to moths, so you need to ensure you keep your garments clean and well stored. Persistent care is the only way to prevent moths. Moths love food proteins in wool and skin and hair particles we leave behind. The female clothes moth, the Tinea Pennionella, lay 40 to 50 eggs over a course of 4 to 21 days that hatch into larvae. The larvae cause the damage, not the moths, by feeding on the fibres of your garment. They then become moths who mate and carry on the cycle again, and again, from May until October.

Airing: Moths hate light and being disturbed so open your drawers and shake your cashmere clothes.

Anti moth products such as cedar balls and lavender sachets can help to prevent moths, but need replacing regularly.

Storing Your Cashmere

When you sort, organise and plan your wardrobe for teh season you should store your clean out-of-season cashmere clothing in cotton breathable washable garment bags. Do not store your cashmere in plastic bags as cashmere needs to be able to breathe. You should always wash and thoroughly dry your cashmere sweaters before you store them, as dirty or grubby knitwear is more attractive to insects and moths.

Cashmere repair

If you find you need help with your cashmere then you may like to contact Belinda Robertson.

http://www.belindarobertson.com/shop/luxury-cashmere/cashmere-care/cashmere-repair

My books on wardrobe personality describe what fabrics you will enjoy wearing according to your personality, but there are very few people that will not enjoy wearing cashmere once they have tried it. if you require any further information or help with your wardrobe contact Angela Marshall of Appearance Management.

Enjoy your cashmere and look good in it and feel like royalty!

Credits for photo Pure Cashmere

 Over the last year more people are attending networking events but unfortunately, from my experience, they are not correctly networking. Networking, face to face, is an important part of the way people obtain new business, but people are thinking too much about sell, sell, sell! Instead they should spend time getting to know someone and show interest in their business or profession.  Networking is no different to other projects in that it needs to be planned, organised and appropriately followed up. When attending groups be positive whether it is an existing group or a new one.

7 Tips when face to face networking:

1. Dress to represent your business and brand
2. Walk in with confidence – give yourself a boost by reminding yourself what you have to achieve
3. Smile it will help you to relax and you will look more friendly and approachable.
4. Be a good listener – remember god gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth
5. Be prepared to tell people in short sharp sentences what you do and what type of business you are looking for.
6. Build up a relationship not a sale
7. Spend time with your existing networkers; not necessarily chasing new ones all the time.

During or after the meeting arrange to meet people outside the networking meeting or telephone them.

Wearing the correct clothes means you need to be comfortable but ensure you are well groomed. Your clothes need to reflect your wardrobe personality and your business and the type of industry you are in.

For more advice or if your networking group would like a speaker then contact Angela Marshall at Appearance Management.

It is important to invest in some good quality classic items for your wardrobe, that do not go out of style and are versatile you will then save money by adding them to fashion trends. The clothes will also last you for many years thus save money.

Appearance Management suggested classic items are:

Winter Coat and Rain Coat

If you need a winter coat or rain coat the sales are a good time to purchase one. It is a long term available investment, so buy a style that will look good for several seasons. There are several styles of coat to be had this season from cocoon, military, duffle and in many colours from the neutral black, greys to bright colours in slouchy, shaped and strict tailoring styles.

Tailoring is Back, but More Versatile

The sales are an ideal time to get a good jacket or blazer at a reasonable price that will last you for years. Key is that the jacket has the 3 Fs – fit, fabric and finish. Alterations are important and well worth the money but see a good tailor or seam mistress.

Note: Consider when purchasing a jacket will it suit wearing with a skirt, trousers  or jeans, so that it can be worn in different ways and dressing it up or down to suit the occasion.

Shirt or Blouse

Purchase a good neutral plain colour shirt or blouse to go with all items e.g. white or cream according to your skintone.

A Good Quality Handbag or Briefcase

A good quality handbag or briefcase will make you look like a million dollars. They should be in your best neutral e.g. black, navy or brown in a rich leather. This wardrobe essential will look professional and give you a stylish look.  The handbag in a medium-size, simple-shaped is adaptable and stylish for all occasions.

Finally

Mix and Match Your Items

When purchasing the key classic items ensure you can mix and match the items in colour and style.

Women - skirt with jacket or cardigan, trousers with blouse or jacket, using the various tops and jackets with your smart jeans – modern tailoring is not necessarily about buying suits.

Men – wear a jacket with trousers or jeans; over a shirt or t shirt; add a cardigan  or waistcoat instead of a jacket.

Need help with your wardrobe then image consultant company  Appearance Management  can help you. Call or email now for advice and guidance.

We are based in the south east of London , 25 miles from Central London, Heathrow and Gatwick.

With the Christmas Holiday season coming up it is often the time we meet our partner’s parents for the first time. When going to meet them it can be daunting and you can feel very nervous. All families have their own style, habits and some can be good or bad but none of us are perfect. Some of us are more affluent, better educated, had better opportunities in life, but the one thing we can all be is polite, respectful and friendly. Instead of treating it as something to worry about, think of it in a positive way on how you will see and learn how another family lives, and how great it will be to meet your partner’s parents and learn more about them.

Appearance Management suggestions on what to consider:

1. Wear an outfit you feel comfortable in and represents your personality but not too outlandish, nothing too low cut or too short.  Something simple, tasteful and appropriate for the event e.g. going to a restaurant, visiting their home
2. Be on time – bad manners to be late and disrespectful
3. Address the parents as “Mr” and “Mrs” until they say otherwise.
4. Handshake or hug according to what the parents do, follow them.
5. Take a Gift – flowers, chocolates, plant or wine if suited and they drink
6. Use your Ps and Qs- remember to say please and thank you
7. Body Language – head up, shoulders back, sit upright in chair – look confident and smile!
8. Offer to Help – be useful, wash up, carry food to the table, and help to make the food if necessary. Ask if not sure what to do; all families have their own ways especially the Mum if she is the cook, housekeeper.
9. Compliment where appropriate – like something in the meal, dessert, drink, item in the home

10.     Be Prepared with Answers to Questions

11. Make conversation find out from your partner what they do, like, find some common interest – have they been on holiday, booked their holiday, like sport, watch on TV.

12. Be attentive to your partner but avoid PDA (public display of affection), especially on your first meeting, parents may feel awkward and uncomfortable

13. Follow your partner’s lead, watch if they are more relaxed or more formal than your family

14. Enjoy the day and show you are

15. Write a letter of thank you

The key thing is to be polite, respectful, and friendly and leave them with a good impression that you are a nice person.

Don’t

1. Be too quiet or too talkative or noisy
2. Avoid controversy, be positive, don’t complain about people and things in work or school
3. Talk about politics or religion , especially if you know they have different views or beliefs to you
4. Get drunk
5. Swear or use inappropriate language
6. Help yourself to a drink or food from the fridge or cupboard just because your partner does, wait to be offered
7. Look for all the attention

Enjoy and have fun!

When someone is neat, tidy and well presented whether they are  dressed in formal or informal attire, good grooming is about perfecting the fine details of your appearance. It pays dividends to be well groomed. Regardless of your income, background or lifestyle, modern women and men have no excuse for being badly groomed.  If you are clean, polished and look presentable people straightaway think you are professional in your work and are more trustworthy than someone who looks scruffy.  You will convey confidence and self-esteem and it doesn’t take much time to transform your appearance simply by attending to minor details.  You may have the appropriate clothes that suit you but poor grooming will ruin your entire look.

Make time to examine your clothes regularly for dirty marks, lost buttons, split seams, tears or loose hems.  Always check, before going out, in a full-length mirror how your clothes look on you from front and back and check them during the day when you go to the washroom. Being well groomed some days and not others indicates you are not consistent and therefore not reliable.

To be well groomed all the time you need to create a routine with good habits.

7 Reminders:

1. Good hygiene
2. Clean well manicured  nails and feet
3. Polished shoes in good repair
4. Clean teeth and fresh breath
5. Neatly pressed clothes
6. Clean Hair
7. Skin clean and looking fresh

Contact Appearance Management for further advice on personal image.