Read this if you have a hard time deciding what colors look best on you but you’re still not sure how to go about it

“A colorful trend is coming back around and responding to today’s wardrobe crisis. Color analysis — or sharpening one’s personal style game using compatible colors from the color wheel — has been said to lead to more decisive dressing. The idea is that it takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, doing makeup or hair.” ~ Leatrice Eiseman, International Color Expert

Color is everywhere, we can’t escape it. But many times, you may not know what to do with it.

It’s especially stressful when you go shopping, so many choices.

How does one decide?

Color analysis has been around for a long time, making its biggest impact in the 80’s.

I was there. As I was entering the fashion industry in the 80’s I knew it was important to understand how to use color in my profession.

More recently, COLOR has led to illuminating ones “personal brand.”

COLOR plays a big role in your decision making. Everything from website colors to your wardrobe palette to meaningful branding colors. It’s all interconnected.

What is personal color analysis?

It’s a process where one learns what COLORS look best with your eye, hair, and skin tone.

1. You then receive a beautiful COLOR palette that takes the guesswork out of choosing new clothing pieces.

2. It helps you gain confidence and zero in on knowing your most flattering shades.

3. It is not only a confidence builder but gives you the know-how to use color with your wardrobe but in the illumination of your personal brand.

STYLE TIP!  Using personal COLOR analysis for clothing selection can simplify the shopping process and help you zero in on “your colors” and ignore the rest.

Sustainability.

I’m sure you have pieces in your closet you continue to keep because you love how the COLOR makes you look and feel.

Did you know, the average consumer throws away 81.5 lbs of clothes every year (that’s 11.3 million tons of textile waste that hits landfills!)?

STYLE TIP! When you love and embrace certain colors, you hang onto pieces longer.

What is a Colortime System?

I’m honored to be a certified color consultant with More Alive With Color, Color Clock System™.  It is not based on the seasons, but rather on the changing light at certain times of day. 

More Alive with Color, Color Clock System

“This is a more inclusive and international method, as many people live in climates where they cannot relate to “winter” colors; they simply do not experience those cooler color temps in their surroundings. 

Anyone, no matter where they live, can understand — through their own experience — the significance of the cleaner, sharper, jeweled tones of Sunrise hues, the sun-drenched subtlety of mid–day tones (which I call “Sunlight”), or the warmer drama of a beautifully striated Sunset painted across the sky.

Also included is a fourth palette called the Crossover™ colors that contains colors that are so apparent and prevalent in nature that they work with every palette. These include shades like Pantone’s Sky Blue, Sand, True Red, and Black.  Pantone is the most widely-used color system used worldwide, Pantone colors are used throughout the Colortime system.” Leatrice Eiseman

STYLE TIP! COLOR is the foundation of all fashion, and it makes us feel a certain way.  Why wouldn’t you want to understand how to use COLOR to put your best self forward?

Color for Confidence

My Color for Confidence program is a hybrid self-led / in-person, (via Zoom) bespoke customized experience to help women understand and discover her BEST and most flattering colors.  

Through the More Alive With Color, Color Clock System™, you will look at your unique inherent coloring, define your Signature Colors, utilize the goof-proof combinations, all of which allows you to create a wardrobe with ease, simplicity, and confidence.

You’ll then have an individualized 50-minute white-glove color session where we will clarify your best colors, mix-and-match outfits inside your closet, discern what colors are NOT good on you, and expand on how to use COLOR for your personal brand, and any other burning questions you might have about personalized COLOR for your business/personal lifestyle.

Personal Color Analysis: https://www.womenofdefinitivestyle.comcolorforconfidence

With Your Definitive Style in Mind,

💗Annette

 

Happy New Year!

This months message was an article I recently wrote for the International Fashion Feng Shui organization. Enjoy!

2018 is here. How are you going to set in motion the New Year?

Searching the internet I found that only a tiny fraction of us keep our resolutions; University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals.

A new Marist Poll found "being a better person" is the most popular New Year's resolution for 2018.

The thought of being a better person is sincere but what about honoring a better version of YOU as we might say in Fashion Feng Shui. If you became a better version of YOU, I believe you would be a happier better person.

And honoring a better version of you would be a natural progression into achieving your New Year’s resolutions – wouldn’t you say?

My vision for 2018 came upon me about 8 weeks ago as I was putting together a description for a “signature seminar” I am planning to implement in 2018. My goal is to step into the spotlight with more speaking engagements just as adding more Fire into my business has been on my radar.

I passed on the description of my “signature seminar” to a colleague, who is a writer and requested her feedback. When the document was returned, she made several modifications. I respected what she proposed but wondered, was that really me?

In that moment, I realized over the last 7 years I’ve shared a barrage of marketing messages. All good, but realized I was a little confused on what message was appropriate for my 2018 signature talk.

I imagine this is how many of you feel about your wardrobe. Confused, inconsistent and unsure of yourself with a closet full of clothes and so many messages?

With this awareness, it has lead me on a path to dig deeper into my brand. Creating a brand message that is fully aligned with not only my essence but intentions for the coming year.

To guide my intentions, I have found in addition to creating written goals (Wood) for the New Year, I adopt a word or phrase. It allows me to express my individuality (Water) and I can just Be with the word and feel what it means to me.

To further embrace your word, Stefania Rolandelli quotes in Fashion Feng Shui for Life, explore your senses. How does your word for the New Year make you feel? How do you feel hearing your words? Seeing your words in action? Does your word have emotion?

Sharing our personal word and goals can be scary and exciting at the same time.

I’m wondering if because only 8% of the people reach their New Year’s resolutions, are they the 8% who dare go deeper into not only stating their goal with passion (Fire), but taking action on the goal (Wood), committing to the goal (Earth), feeling the goal (Water), and setting up frameworks to support the goal (Metal).

There is a vulnerability to owning our goal 100%.

My new Sassy RED FUR coat makes me feel 100% vulnerable in a very good way as I set into motion my 2018 goals.

As I was out Christmas shopping this season, I came across a red fur waist coat from Zara. I tried it on and immediately LOVED it. It spoke to me. As I looked at my husband, his face was saying, OMG you’re going to wear that? That is BOLD. His hesitancy was all over his face. Generally, I don’t let my husband persuade my buying decision but this time I did.

I left the red fur coat behind. I told myself I needed a fur coat that was more neutral and practical.

How many times have you thought you needed a more practical goal (Earth) instead of the goal that made you stretch (Wood) and maybe got you noticed (Fire)?

When I came home I couldn’t stop thinking about the red fur coat. I knew in my heart that the red fur coat symbolized my Intentions and words (Bold Commitment) to my 2018 signature talks.

I was scared to purchase the RED FUR coat. I would have to wear it (the practical Earth in me could not let it hang in my closet with tags on it). I might be judged (Metalin me).

I knew when I walked into a room that the red fur coat would do the talking, it was sassy (was I ready to add more fun with Fire) and I either needed to own the sassy red fur coat or move on (Wood).

Four days later, I ordered the coat. Making the decision to purchase the Sassy RED FUR coat to align with my 2018 goals, words and intentions has never been so purposeful and powerful.

Loving Stefania’s Rolandelli question in Fashion Feng Shui for Life book, does the clothing piece make you feel vulnerable and why?

When I look in my closet at my Sassy Red Fur Coat, I think of my BOLD COMMITMENT to my 2018 goals and yes I’m feeling a little vulnerable.

Do you have clothing in your closet that is ready to support your 2018 goals/words/intentions and allow you to radiate more of who you are in the New Year?

Are you ready to claim your message and feel it 100%?

If you're in a place of heck yes, I'm ready to ELEVATE and EXPRESS my personal style in 2018, I invite you to join me Saturday, February 3rd for a Fashion Feng Shui Workshop designed especially with you in mind!

Click the Link Below to reserve your spot! 

www.annettebond.com/ffs

With Your Definitive Style In Mind, 

Annette Bond

For those of you who follow color trends, waiting for the BIG announcement from Pantone Color to declare the upcoming color of the year is a big deal.

So drum roll please...2018 Color of the Year is:

About the Pantone Color of the Year

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

What I enjoy most about color is it brings energy to every party.

Color always brings about conversation.

So with that being said, What do you think about the NEW Ultra Violet?

There is not a doubt in my mind that Ultra Violet will bring intriguing conversation.

From my personal color experience, purple in it self always brings up interesting thoughts and feelings for people. Huskies vs. Cougs?

The good news is whether you LOVE the color or reject the color, you will see Ultra Violet in various schemes - designers takes on their own interpretation of the color whether they deepen or lighten the hue or just plain change it to their own liking.

If you're not sure about Ultra Violet - try it on for size. Give it a whirl in the dressing room.

Staying current and relevant each season is a question I am asked over and over. Adding a New Color to your wardrobe is one of the simplest and transforming ways to refresh an outfit.

Not just adding a new color but combining it in a new way.

This is your opportunity to begin thinking how might you incorporate an element of Ultra Violet to your wardrobe as we enter into 2018.

Keep in mind Ultra Violet could be the outfit itself or an element of the color such as a handbag or fabulous pair of shoes.

Click to see ALL my Ultra Violet FINDS!

I hope you've enjoyed me keeping you in-the-know of Ultra Violet!

Have you been in a state of confusion or struggle as to what colors are "your best colors?"

I encourage you to book a "Style Strategy Call" to learn how I can help you be a more purposeful when it comes to choosing your personal colors.

Session #2 with Hannah:

Wow!  My eyeglass session with Annette completely exceeded my expectations. When I arrived at the specialty store, she had already collaborated with the expert there.  

Using all the information Annette had finalized and understood about me specifically up to that point (signature colors, makeup look, my style likes/dislikes, who I am at the core and how I want to come off to others), 

Annette had already picked several glasses to try.  I arrived with a warm, genuinely excited welcome from both of them.  They already had the glasses sitting out, ready to try on. Perhaps this is what royalty feels like?  

I always appreciate that Annette educates me along the way as to what works and doesn't work, and why. 

It's so empowering. She always leaves me craving more since I am learning so much and immediately able to apply it.  I can't wait until the next session!

TIP!  Hannah also chose a burgundy red frame, remember RED is one of her favorite colors. In addition to a gray/slate rectangle shape for her get down to business look. 

 TIP!  You can choose a very neutral frame to wear with all your outfits or use your glasses as an accessory. 

You may be wondering, what does an online course look like?

I will be giving you a glimpse inside the course over the next few weeks and what you will experience in the Reveal Your Radiance…30 Days to Dressing for Success.

But first we’re going to talk about WHY you would want to take the course. I will be sharing how I work with clients and you can decide if this is a good fit for you.

I mentioned last week that I would be sharing a "case study" on a new client that I am working with. I am thrilled to share this process and more excited that Hannah has agreed to take this journey with me and share her story with you.

Meet Hannah P., the owner of Solutions for Impact, LLC.

Hannah has worked in corporate America for the past 18 years and most recently Microsoft. Employees at Microsoft may dress as casually as they like, so needless to say she got into a habit of wearing easy, comfortable clothing without needing to worry or think about a traditional professional image.  Fast forward to the present where she is a business owner working with clients and other businesses, and therefore needs to completely overhaul how she dresses to portray the right professional image. 

For context, here is a little about Hannah’s business.

Solutions for Impact is passionate about empowering business professionals at all levels and owners to grow their businesses and improve performance through consulting, coaching, and training. 

Solutions for Impact differentiates itself by providing solutions that are realistic, actionable, easy to manage, sustainable and impact the bottom line. 

 They also educate clients throughout the engagement, empowering them to build and execute their own solutions in the future. 

Their solutions enable business professionals and organizations locally and globally to increase revenue (secure more clients, increase loyalty, expand markets and innovate), decrease costs (improve productivity and effectiveness, get results faster and do more with less), improve brand image and gain a competitive advantage.

 Upon meeting Hannah, she shared her struggles and objectives of us working together:

·        Finding comfortable professional attire is must!

·        I don’t want to be distracted or fussing with my clothing or accessories.

·        How do I mix and match correctly?

·        How do I know if it actually goes together?

·        Help me to understand how to dress at the right level without feeling like I have to be overly conservative.   

·        I want simple, yet stylish pieces that reflect who I am.

·        I know the value I offer intellectually and also want to feel like my clothes represent me.

·        How do I align my image with my “brand”?

·        I want to “show up” as the best version of myself in every way.

·        I want a makeup routine that isn’t a complicated or time-consuming process but looks professional.

 CAN YOU RELATE TO ANY OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS?

 Many people ask me, "What does an image consultant do?"

 Are you going to come in my closet and throw everything out? 

 Are you like the… fashion police?

Let’s take a peek into Hannah’s journey where you will learn more about how I coach and teach my clients to be the BEST version of themselves.

Hannah: Before our first session, I had a phone meeting with Annette so she could understand more about who I am, including specific words that describe me at the core.  

Using this information and her expertise, Annette guided me in finding the color palette and key signature colors that compliment my eyes, hair and skin, as well as match the person I am at the core.

 I assumed my color consult would be as simple as picking a few colors I love and that are flattering with my skin. Very quickly, I realized that what Annette offers is really an art that goes in far more depth than I would have imagined.

Annette educated me along the way and showed me the true power of color. I now see it through an entirely new lens. 

In just one session, I have a very different understanding of “style.”  Annette customizes every aspect for each individual person so they feel the most true to themselves and that they have brought out their best aspects (internally and externally). 

 I truly believe that Annette already “gets” me and am really looking forward to our next sessions together.

                                                                             BEFORE PICTURE

Annette had me bring my existing makeup to the session.  I really appreciate this approach since we weren’t starting from scratch requiring an entire new makeup collection.

She showed me how to apply it to be the most flattering for my features.

Hannah loves RED – that tells me a lot about someone. Hannah is draped with the Earth Red swatch.

We tempered the redness in her skin and warmed it up with her new color palette – Sunset. We also added a new lipstick color that went beautifully with her color palette and skin tone.

I taught Hannah how to utilize the color wheel when using her eye, hair and clothing colors to be more Impactful. (part of her business name)

                                                                             AFTER PICTURE

Join me next week with Hannah as we:

·        Select updated Glasses

·        Have our closet visit – where we will talk more about color combinations, create outfits that are in harmony with her body type and coloring, find her missing gaps that are hindering her from optimizing her wardrobe and document the “go to outfits” for specific business interactions. 

 The time has come. 

I am approaching my 6 year anniversary with Definitive Style by Annette Bond.  Since conception in January 2011, my vision has been to add an invaluable online service to my offerings but I didn't know exactly what it would look like. 

 I have been waiting patiently and the time is now.

 With today's technology the time is now to step into the world of online and utilize this opportunity to touch more lives and give you the convenience to learn from the comfort of your home.  I am so excited to bring this invaluable new tool to you.

 An Online Personal Style Course is coming January 9, 2017.  More info to come. 

 Reveal Your Radiance...30 Days to Dressing for Success

 I pulled out some old journals to reminisce what I was thinking prior to debuting Definitive Style. I learned that not a lot has changed to where I am currently today.

 I have always had a passion for sharing my gift of helping others to dress they're best, that is be the very best version of you.

 Educating on how to wear color so that it compliments your natural coloring and the psychology associated with each color. 

 Keeping my followers current and educated with the new styles each season through my monthly newsletter.

 And sharing my expertise in make-up application from my Mary Kay days. I wanted to bring all my gifts to one place by helping the entire woman - in 2011 Definitive Style by Annette Bond was conceptualized.

 I discovered early in life that God wired me to help others look and feel more beautiful. 

 He also wired me to work with women, of which I have been doing for the past 30 years. (I do work with men on a referral basis)

 This past year I have begun using a new tagline, Reveal Your Radiance. What I realized is that yes, I help others style amazing outfits but what brings me to "my happy place" is seeing others begin to see themselves as more beautiful and confident than ever before.

 We uncover the "real you" and allow you to shine in your own way.

 What I have learned is that we all ultimately thrive when we can feel comfortable in our own skin, forget about what we're wearing and do what we do best. That is my objective with every client.

 When I began the vision for Definitive Style I told myself that I was only going to operate from my strengths.  I continue to make that a priority today.  Since 2011, I can proudly say that I have definitely grown as an image expert and entrepreneurial business woman.

 Since 2011 I have invested in myself to be the very best image expert, so I can serve you with excellence.

• Certified Color Image Consultant with More Alive With Color since 1985
• I studied with Brenda Kinsel, a 30 year veteran in the image business, 2011-2014
• Certified as a Corporate Image Consultant in 2015 
• Certified in Menswear Apparel in 2015. 
• Certified with the Association of International Image  
• Consultants, AICI CIC - 2016 
• Most recently, Certified as a Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator - 2016. 

 As you can see you're in good hands with training and qualifications.  I may be an image expert, but my true passion is to lead and guide you to understand "who you are" and empower you to be you.

 I help you to Reveal Your Radiance. We go on a journey together and I walk you through a process that allows you to uncover all that's been waiting to shine.

 Mirroring back the naturalness that is already there such as your beautiful golden hair or sparkly blue eyes.

 It's my job to help you discover all the treasures you have hidden and let you shine brighter.

 I also believe in respecting and loving yourself first. If you can't accept your body then you will never accept how beautiful you are. I have found myself working with so many body types especially those who hated shopping because they thought they could never find anything that fit.

 I believe in looking at the entire picture of who you are. Your image tells a story about who you are and I'm there to make sure were telling the right story.  

 And last being purposeful and intentional on how you show up every day. 

 Did you know that your image is a tool that you have complete control over? 

 You can use your image to influence business interactions just like you do a good communication.

 I invite you on my journey over this next month to learn a little more of what I do and how I work with my clients.  I am excited to share a case study with you beginning next week, so stayed tuned.  

 In the meantime, I wanted to share my before/after picture, all I can say is, "I LOVE the woman I'm becoming. 

 I love the learning, the growing and best of all I get to share it ALL with YOU!

2011 - My first head shot. My most recent in 2016

Color is an interesting subject because it can conjure up so many different meanings and feelings for individuals.

The colors you chose to wear may reflect your personality as an introvert, an extrovert...or maybe you’re trying not to be seen?

Did you grow up with a mother who loved experimenting with color whether it was with clothing or paint?

Or maybe you wore a uniform to school and you now shut down those colors?

We all have a story to tell about color.

I had a personal experience with purple. I realized nothing in my closet was purple nor was I attracted to it. As I thought more about the “why” behind the reason for not being attracted to purple, I realized that was my sister’s color growing up, my color was pink. If there is a color you’re struggling with, I encourage you to dig deeper into why you have that thought and then “attempt” to let go. Move forward with an open mind that allows you to play more and not be so bridled with color apprehension.

I find many people hesitate experimenting with color outside their box for fear of, “what if it doesn’t look good.” They decide on two or three colors that they like and don’t venture far into the creativity realm.

Through my one-on-one Color Image Consultation I am able to give you increased confidence on where to start and objective insight into why a color makes you shine.

Last week I spoke to a group of ladies about creating More Color Confidence. 

Here are 3 distinct avenues to explore & attain greater color inspiration:

1. Look at your own natural coloring, your hair, eyes and skin tone.

Start by having a friend describe your eye color. I guarantee that many of you will be surprised how complex your eye color can be. Take those specific colors and start experimenting with clothing colors that compliment your eye color.

For example:

Amber golden brown eyes: try a honey gold or tangerine coral color.
Hazel eyes: try a deep teal blue or emerald green.
Light green/blue eyes: try a slate blue, softened green tone or warm pink.

2. Look for inspiration in different mediums, like paintings, beautiful scarves or an outfit in a magazine.

If the color combination catches your eye, try it, experiment, you have nothing to lose.

I recently received a beautiful scarf  as a thank you gift for speaking at the Illuminating Women’s group – I fell in love with the color combination. I began playing in my closet and found I can wear it with my blue sheath dress, my favorite new emerald jacket and use as a pop of color with my white jeans. I’m excited – thank you Cecilia for handpicking this beauty in Italy. What a treat!

3 Use color as a tool to convey the message about how you want to show up in the world.

More professional, add navy, blue tones or gray. More creative, add purples and unexpected combinations such as icy blue to eggplant. Gray and chartreuse. More elegant, add burgundy or teal.

We are smack in the middle of all the vibrancy of spring and summer clothing. Indulge in a new color or new color combination. By adding one new color to your wardrobe this spring, you will have an instant update. That color could be in the form of a necklace, handbag, blouse, or jacket. I stand strong on my philosophy– make sure you can wear that new piece with at least 2-3 pieces in your current wardrobe. You will love the versatility and optimization.

My inspiration for the season is emerald, I’m loving it and can’t wait to acquire more pieces. I’m combining it with soft pink, white, black, navy, denim, icy blue and possibly some fuchsia. Wow, who knew? I also recently came home with a great big tote from target – emerald green, of course.

What is your NEW COLOR for Spring 2016? I’d love to hear how you’re playing with color and new color combinations!

---

Annette Bond is a Personal Image Consultant who works with the professional over 50 who feel ordinary, old or overweight. She helps them to reveal their radiance so they can become more of who they are and walk into the world with more confidence and success.

Do you need to feel more put-together, current and polished? Does your professional dress need to be taken up a notch?

Email Annette @ annette@annettebond.com to learn about her Reveal Your Radiance Signature Program.

Or visit http://annettebond.com/image-services/