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

A world where every woman embodies her "authentic style" revealing HER beauty and confidence.

Does it resonate for you?

We'll come back to that statement in a minute.

An overall arching theme I've been experiencing in the new 2023, whether it's from online marketing coaches, peers, or pastors...

Who will you BE in the new year.

What is your vision and purpose in 2023 vs. the usual, what are your new year resolutions.

On Sunday, as I was sitting in my comfy chair all snuggled up in a blanket, I decided I would look reflect back on my purpose and really define why I do what I do.

"A world where every woman embodies her "authentic style" revealing HER beauty and confidence."

This is my vision.

It lights me up!

It makes me smile with delight, because I’ve seen it happen in real life over and over.

I've always believed that a beautiful dress has more meaning than just the pretty dress on the hanger.

1. That beautiful dress gives you more confidence as you walk into a room

2. That beautiful dress gives you the confidence to use your voice in a room full of strangers

3. That beautiful dress says who you are without saying a word

So, as we move through 2023 together, you now know my vision and what I stand for.

I want more than anything for you to “see and feel” how beautiful you already are, just waiting for you to reveal it.

As we go into the new year, I will invite you to attend a style masterclass or ask if you'd like to speak off-line with the intention for helping you to embody your "authentic style" as you create your signature wardrobe.

Is this your year to refine your wardrobe or a complete makeover?

"A world where every woman embodies her "authentic style" revealing HER beauty and confidence."

Definitive Style Tips!

Nothing is worse than realizing only 50% of your closet fits you.

Statistics say, “you only wear 20% of your closet”, is that really true?

That means you are not wearing 80% of your closet. YIKES!

Love to know if that rings true for you.

Tip #1 Dress for Your NOW, it makes no difference what the size is!

1. It may be that you purchase one or two pair of pants that fit you like a glove,

2. That make you feel like a million bucks.

Tip #2 Take everything out of your closet that doesn’t fit you NOW!

1. Your closet should feel like your personal boutique, you want to feel excited to visit your closet.

2. I believe your confidence would skyrocket if you knew everything in your closet fits you now.

3. It’s time to feel dazzled when you look in the mirror.

4. To LOVE what you see.

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If you haven’t already, I invite you to join the Definitive Style Community.

FREE Get Style Confident Now Style Guide

With Your Definitive Style in Mind, Annette

Are you someone who loves adding new color each season?

do you tend to stay with your few favorites that you can depend on?

Color definitely has a personality.

And there is no one right answer.

That is truly the beauty of color, you have the opportunity to use it as a tool in your branding as well as your wellbeing.

And that is exactly how the Pantone 2021-22 Fall/Winter colors were chosen this year.

You're going to find colors that you can use to embrace personal expression whether sensible or quirky, color that embrace calm and healing as well as express a rainbow of hope and joyfulness.

“According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, “This season is offering a range of pragmatic hues infused with vivifying bright pops, and a plethora of possibilities that support our lifestyle of continual reinvention and convey a promise of reemergence.””

— Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

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HERE ARE 4 WAYS I CAN HELP YOU DRESS WITH EASE, BE ON-BRAND, & GET NOTICED:

1. Capture my BEST style strategies and image advice that include secrets to honoring your inner beauty, to what style basics are a must, to creating a color wardrobe capsule – Get Your Ultimate Style Guide to Feeling Confident and Empowered with Ease.

2. Join my upcoming FREE 60-minute Style Strategy and Confidence Masterclass. Register at: https://www.annettebond.com/masterclass

3. Work with me privately to take you from questioning your clothing choices to creating a signature wardrobe that is uniquely you. Schedule a 60-minute Get Dressed with Ease Breakthrough session to share a little about your image challenges and what you’re envisioning for yourself, and we’ll devise a strategy, so you are ‘stepping into your excellence’ and showing up as the powerful woman that you are, dressing with ease. https://www.annettebond.com/contact

4. Join other like-minded successful smart women in my Style with Significance Facebook Group! This is a place to share personal styling ideas, get advice from a professional stylist, and meet other powerful professional women who value looking as good as they feel

Does RED make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you get bothered by the intensity that RED signifies?

Cause you to feel self-conscious when you wear it?

Or maybe you can't find the right RED with your personal coloring?

As a More Alive With Color Expert, I find that many women don't always feel comfortable with the color RED.

Color does have a personality and there are pros and cons to what the color elicits.

It definitely speaks bold.

It's the color of love.

It's the color of February, Valentine's Day.

It's the color of Heart Health month.

Subconsciously, most of us associate a memory or feeling with a color.

That feeling can be negative or positive.

What feeling do you associate with RED?

If you'd like to learn what are your most flattering colors, I invite you to have a conversation.

Book a consult:https://www.annettebond.com/contact

Click Video to View!

Color has always been a fascinating subject to me. It's not just blue, it's what blue represents.

It's how people respond to the color.

It's how you feel when you wear certain colors. How it brings out your natural coloring. The compliments you receive.

Interesting enough, I've had quite of few clients recently sharing that building trust with their personal brand and/or company is very important to them.

The color of the year is not a random selection. The selection process requires a very thoughtful process and trend analysis.

To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences.

This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, technology and socio-economic conditions.

A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity.

Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge.

Have you ever thought about having a color consultation to discover what are your most flattering colors?

If not, think about it. It's a gift to be able to focus in on your BEST colors as well as helping you build a simple and streamlined wardrobe.

Have you ever thought, I'm ready to throw out everything in my closet and start over?

Because you're bored with your clothes?

It feels like nothing looks good on you?

When you need that "great outfit" for a special event, you never have it?

Or maybe your closet is just overcrowded and looks like this...

Did you know that Only 20% of the clothes in the average persons closet are worn on a regular basis according to chief design officer of California closets.

WHY?

It’s a question we ponder every time we stare into our wardrobes and have no clue what to wear. It doesn’t make sense. Your closet is full.

What's Wrong With My Closet?

Is it because you're a creature of habit who can’t be bothered to try new things?

You know it works, so you just keep wearing the same outfit over and over?

A couple of things could be going on.

Yes, we are creatures of habit.

You get a compliment on the outfit and you know it works. So why change.

Or do you have a lot of impulse buys?

It looked great in the store or you were at a clothing party and the sales person said, OMG you have to buy that!

Recently, I met with my new client Heather, who was the one who said, I'm OK with throwing EVERYTHING away and starting from scratch.

Before we do that, I told Heather, I always spend some time in the closet to see if there are any great pieces we can work with.

I come in with a "fresh pair of eyes"

Many of her purchases originated because her sister-in-law said, "you've got to buy that" as they were shopping.

Did you know that when others influence you to buy they are seeing themselves wearing the outfit, not necessarily if it looks good on you?

The day I entered Heather's closet, I helped her create 15 NEW outfits that she never knew existed. She was blown away!

She told me the clothes we threw out, cost her more than the fee she paid me. Had she known what didn't look good on her, she would have NEVER purchased those pieces.

Instead of wearing ONLY 20% of your clothes and feeling frustrated. Let's get your Closet feeling like this...

Imagine your closet filled with pieces that reflect your unique style all while ELEVATING YOUR IMAGE...

Annette, I'm ready to start LOVING my closet and want it filled with pieces that reflect my unique style.

Let's Talk (click to book a Style Strategy Session)

With Your Definitive Style in Mind,

Annette

Annette Bond works with accomplished, professional women to Elevate their Image. She inspires women to elevate and express the best of who they are Now, so they can go out into the world with greater confidence and ease.

Annette is a Certified Personal Image Consultant AICI CIC, Corporate Image Certified, More Alive With Color™ Certified, and Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator.

Follow me on LinkedIn / Wardrobe Wednesday or Fashion Friday on Facebook

Nicer weather is tip-toeing in Seattle.  And if you're like me, you're craving a few new pieces to update your summer wardrobe. 

A few of the questions I hear a lot, "I want to add more uniqueness to my wardrobe." 

I look in the mirror and feel like something is missing? 

How do I create a put-together look?

If you shook your head and are thinking, yes that's me, help!

You're not alone. 

With the warmer weather upon us, I've had a personal "missing piece" dilemma myself.

You're about to witness how I turned my ONE new purchase into a treasure of outfits. 

Do you tend to focus your clothing purchases primarily on "work clothes" and don't always want to spend the money on weekend clothes - am I right?

Hey, I do the same thing. 

I've noticed is my summer lifestyle can be a little more casual.  And recognizing that certain pieces are missing.

With the weather changing here in Seattle to around 60-70 degrees, one doesn't necessarily need a coat, just an easy-going jacket to throw on. 

One of my favorite pieces to wear and purchase is a classy, luscious, stylish jacket. I love how a jacket can give an outfit instant polish! And adds that tad of warmth you're looking for. 

I'M a simple kind of gal, and a great jacket adds that "exquisiteness" to my simple pants, skirts and tops.

What I was encountering every time I put on my jeans, that "easy-going" casual jacket was missing that I so adore.  

It was absent from my closet.

Only to find out the next time I'm trying to execute my dressed-up casual look, I'm back to the same frustration. Where's the jacket I NEED!

Are you ready for what I found? 

What's so cool about this ONE new piece is it solved a multitude of my summer wardrobe dilemmas. 

What attracted me to this jacket: Simple and effortless, and the RED pizzazz!

• I value comfort when I'm dressing casual - the lycra in the fabric allows me to move.

• It was simple and solid - that meant I could add it to all my prints.

• LOVED the Red - fun and passionate for summer.

• It dresses up my skorts and jeans. Remember I like dressed-up casual.

• I can wear it with my white, black and navy jeans.

• I can pair it with my black, white and navy tops.

• I reluctantly paired it with my lonely floral shell that's been hanging around my closet for 5 years. Guess what, it looks great with the RED jacket.

• And, the most fun - wearing RED lipstick.

I've been attracted to RED from the beginning of 2018. It started when I declared my 2018 words - Bold Commitment. 

1. This RED jacket has put the lid on the "missing piece" ... at least for the time being until another missing piece manifests itself.

2. The RED jacket provides my casual summer wardrobe with a put-together look!

3. I've never had a fun casual RED jacket ... Love the uniqueness it's adding to my flourishing dressed-up casual wardrobe. 

Imagine... the outfits that I could create if I found a few more missing pieces.

If you're feeling like you have some missing pieces in your closet, let's hope on a quick phone call and find out how we can transform your wardrobe by filling in the missing gaps.  

 

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

Are You Someone Who Has Lost Your Competitive Edge in the Way You Dress?

Recently I was having a phone conversation with an attendee from a recent workshop. I asked, "what prompted you to want to chat further?"

He said, "I feel I've lost my competitive edge with the way I dress."

Sometimes you get so comfortable in how you dress, you don't realize anything is wrong.

It could be your current job, the environment you're in, your weight or size that's possibly holding you back.

You stop shopping. Your style becomes stagnant.

The desire to show-up looking sharp doesn't matter anymore. You've told yourself, it's OK nobody really cares, it's my intellect that matters most.

Until, one day you see someone dressing differently. Your eye's perk up and realize WOW that person looks sharp!

So professional and polished.

Subconsciously you're wondering what that person does.

You're thinking I would really love to get to know that person.

Hmmm that person has it going on.

Your brain is going through a process that is called thin slicing according to Malcom Gladwell, author of the book Blink. You've just had a multitude of thoughts go through your mind in about 1/10 of a second.

That person made a great first impression and you're thinking I want what that person has.

You go home that night, look in your closet and realize you have a lot of clothes you're not wearing for one reason or another.

We all hold onto clothing for many different reasons. One being you spent good money on that suit or jacket and are having a hard time letting go of it. Or you're thinking I may have an opportunity to wear that jacket someday (which of coarse you may.)

What you may not realize is you're in a different place mentally. You're not the same person you were 5 or 10 years ago. It may be physically (you've lost or gained weight) but most of all you're in a renewed place mentally.

You are ready to elevate how you show up.

You're ready to take control of your personal style.

You're ready to get back that competitive edge you once had.

Style has come along way over the last 5-10 years especially for men. The selection in styles, colors, prints and silhouette has evolved and expanded.

If you want to stay current and relevant, I suggest shopping a minimum of once a season. (fall and spring)

Now that you've realized you need a change, the next step is eliminating pieces in your closet that are not working for you and add pieces that elevate the new you as well as make you feel like a million bucks! (Don't worry... I'm here to take you through that daunting process.)

Think of it as investing in yourself to become a better you. Let your expertise and talent be revealed through your dress.

Let your presence do the speaking.

It's a new season, a great time to look at your wardrobe with a fresh pair of eyes.

Is it time to gain back your competitive edge with how you dress so others can say, "WOW, that's a sharp person!"

If you said YES, let's chat. Book Your Style Strategy Conversation Here.

COLOR can be magical!

How many times have you been ambiguous about what to wear and you look in your closet and find that delicious sunny coral t-shirt that makes you smile and feel good all over? Or you’re out shopping and a rack of beautiful reds and burgundies catch your eye.  For an instant you think, “Wow, I love that”, while thinking oh I could never wear that and you’ve quickly move to the rack of all black.

I want you to STOP right there and start rethinking the way you look at COLOR.  Why did you say, “I can’t wear that”?  Who told you that?  There are comments made in our past by people who most likely we really never took advice from but in one moment a spontaneous statement was made and we have kept it in our mind for years….and have never let go of it.

It’s funny how we do that, isn’t it. Or maybe you had a color analysis done in 1982 and the lady told you these are your “six colors” and red and burgundy are not one of them. You took her at face value and never again tried red or burgundy.

Today, I want you to open your mind to COLOR.  COLOR can be magical.

• Color can make you feel good

• Color can be emotional

• Color can bring out your personality

• Color can attract others to you

• Color can be creative

• Color is inspirational

• Color can show our feminine side

• Color can show our masculine side

• Color can evoke and inspiration

• Color can stand out in a crowd

• Color can add a spark to your life

• Color can bring confidence

If you are one of those people who wear’s alotttttt of black, I invite you to start experimenting. Or maybe you’re just afraid of the reaction you will get by wearing more color. Whatever the reason is you need to start by taking a step into the world of color. I want you to take your favorite black pant with you shopping.  Let’s start with 2 colors.  We’re going to begin by choosing colors that compliment your eyes.  If your eyes are a blend of blue/green then those are the two colors to begin with. If your eyes are brown then I want you to try blue and purple as they are complimentary colors of brown.  If your eyes have a goldy green then you will choose a gold tone yellow and green.  If your eyes are gray, choose a blue and maybe pink.  This is your first assignment in putting to the test the world of COLOR.

As you are choosing your color pieces, you have variety of options.  You could choose a beautifulblouse that may be a solid or print. A beautiful  sweater. Or it could even be larger style statement necklace or scarf. 

Remember this is all about experimenting; you don’t have to buy it. But just try it; you might like it as Dr. Seuss did with green eggs and ham.

I am going to go back to the red and burgundy example at the start of my story, as they are Pantone’s Fall 2014, Aurora Red and Sangria.  Aurora Red and Sangria are what I would call crossover colors and that means everyone looks good in them.  They are colors we see in nature.  Would you ever say your beautiful red geraniums look terrible with the brown dirt – NO.  Would you ever say the burgundy looks very out of place in the evening sunset, heavens no.  There are a set of colors that are eyes are accustomed to seeing in nature and against many backgrounds, these are called crossover colors.

So go out there today and have fun with color. Embrace color. Give it meaning. Pair it with other color combinations and be courageous. Let your personality shine. Show a little of your feminine side. And most of all don’t be afraid to stand out in a crowd because of COLOR.