As I picked up my InStyle magazine an article caught my attention, "Do Clothes Make the Woman?" 

The article was written by the fashion feature director of InStyle magazine. I would agree we at one time or another believe that the clothes make the woman. You may still feel that way. 

This Saturday my son is getting married. Looking and finding the perfect dress was an effort, I have to admit. I began the process thinking about the wedding colors, should I wear long or short, what was the mother-of-the-bride wearing, etc. Sounds logical right?  Not ever being a mother-of-the-groom, I felt it was my responsibility to "fit in" with the wedding. 

After 4 months of looking, I found myself trying to work within the parameters I had made up wasn't working. I was trying to make the "pink of the season" work for me - it didn't. I was trying to find a "mother-of-the groom look", it wasn't working. It finally occurred to me that everything I teach and inspire women to do, I wasn't doing. 

Can you believe it - I fell into the trap. 

The wedding was now 4 weeks away and I had to find my dress, I needed a new strategy. 

I decided to let go of all the preconceptions of what I thought I "should wear".  I took a step back and started shopping from the perspective of what gives Annette Style Confidence, what makes Annette feel like a million bucks, what are Annette's most flattering colors and silhouettes.

I ordered five dresses online. Three worked. One was amazing. The one I thought I was going to love was the worst. On the hanger it was gorgeous! I thought it was perfect! But, the dress took over, way to overwhelming for my height. The dress wore me. 

Have you ever gone out shopping for "the dress" thinking that the dress is going to compensate for all your insecurities and what you perceive to be personality flaws?

Or the pressure to find the dress that is going to disguise ample upper arms or camouflage a tummy? Not a bad thing but I believe shouldn't be your total focus. 

To feel ultra confident, comfortable in your skin and at ease...I believe Style Confidence begins with you, not the clothes. 

Who are you at the core? What is the message you want to speak without actually speaking? What are your best attributes? What is your body type?  

When you begin with YOU...the dress narrates a story about you. The dress has influence and purpose. And most of all, there is an ease and comfort with the dress. You can forget about the dress and BE YOU. 

If any of this resonates with you and you're tired of trying to figure it all out on your own, I invite you to:  

1.    ook A Style Strategy Session.  We'll chat about your greatest wardrobe/style challenges and frustration. What you want to change. A solution for achieving Style Confidence. 

2.    Fashion Feng Shui Workshop on Saturday, June 2nd. A Style System that begins with you, the woman. 10:00-3:30 / Annette's home office in Sammamish, WA ONLY 8 Spots Available!

3.    FREE Event on Tuesday, May 1st.  Effortlessly Elevated. Re-imagine Beauty in Your 50's. Studio Skin & Sculpt in Shoreline. 

I BELIEVE there isn't a more powerful feeling than when your outfit truly expresses who you are. It represents everything you want to say without needing to say it. 

With your Definitive Style in Mind. 

 

What Should You Wear on a Summer Date?

• To an Art Gallery?

• Dinner with Girlfriends?

• A Patio Party?
   

Have you ever been shopping and gazed at a great dress or sandal and wondered, “where would I wear that”?  A summer occasion is the perfect opportunity to add that unexpected piece to your wardrobe.  I think it’s nice to have a few special pieces that you can have distinctively for your weekend gatherings.

This is a time to start building that “hot weather weekend wardrobe”. Spring clothing is on sale and summer apparel is in the stores full swing. You may want to experiment with a new color or silhouette.  If you’ve had your eye on a beautiful summer dress, it’s time to swoop it up and take your summer style up a notch.

Two Simple Ways To Update This Summer Season:

 

The Maxi Dress or Skirt

A silhouette you wouldn’t necessarily wear to work but a style that’s perfect for summer fun such as dinner dates with girlfriends or to a patio party. The maxi dress gives you a nice elongated look whether you’re short or tall. Don’t hesitate to hem the length to fit your height and shoes. You’re also going to love the ease it gives through the middle and best of all, this dress is so effortless to wear.

Update Your Sandals

I’m loving the color metallic. You will see it incorporated with nude, black, and taupe combination. It will add that glimmer of shimmer that takes your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

Styles to look for:

 

The Cage Sandal

For those of you who like a little texture. Many times it comes with a wood heel, which is a little more informal and casual. Pair it with a dress, shorts, or pants. They are great with a solid color, adds a finishing touch of pizzazz.

The Ankle Strap

Gives a little more feminine feel for those of you who love the ladylike or elegance look. They are great with an ankle pant or dress.  An ankle strap sandal delivers the extra +1 for a classy chic presence.

The Mule

The mule is back, though more beautiful than ever. This is a great shoe for your casual cotton pants or long flowy maxi dress. If you dress "Seattle casual" for work, this is also a great alternative.

Have FUN with your summer style!

---

Annette Bond is a Personal Image Consultant

She works with professional men and women over 50 who feel ordinary, old or overweight. Annette 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.

Are you the kind of person who wants to position themselves for success but are lacking confidence in the style department?

And, without a doubt, know you look impeccably "put together" and standout as a leader with confidence in your field?

If you're ready to have that kind of confidence I just described above, let's schedule a time to chat.  Life is too short to keep feeling frustrated every time you have to decide what looks good on you.

annette@annettebond.com or 425-868-1816

1. Play Up Your Assets

Highlight your best features instead of obsessing over the worst. The First Lady emphasizes her enviable, toned arms in sleeveless sheathes and draws attention to her narrow waistline with side belts.

 

 

2. Choose Your Signature Pieces

Define your style wearing pieces that speak to you. The First Lady sticks too favorites like sleeveless sheathes, a double strand of pearls, headline making cardigan sweaters and belts.

 

 

3. Discover Your Defining Colors

Give black (and navy…and charcoal, etc) a break! Whether you look best in jewel tones or pastels, wearing color brightens your skin tone and can have a similar affect on your mood.

 

 

4. Get a Great Haircut

Invest in a versatile, stylish cut. Also consider the shape of your face, your eyes and cheek bones when making the change.

 

 

5. Don’t Sacrifice Comfort

Who says you have to suffer for fashion or fabulous shoes? When on the move, the First Lady chooses easy cotton sundresses or tailored trousers dressed up with a fitted jacket. For practical and chic shoes, select sleek ballet flats in patent, snakeskin or metallic or classic low pump with a kitten heel.

6. Shop Your Closet

Effortlessly mix and match key separates to create new looks. Take your distinctive marigold cardigan and wear it with a print skirt or with your bright cobalt-blue denim. Take inventory of your closet so you know what’s in there. Need help in the closet…I’m here to assist!

7. Accessorize Like a Pro

Statement jewelry can make an outfit. The First Lady adds over-sized necklaces to classic evening ensembles or fastens her favorite cardigans with a collection of costume brooches. Stick with one statement piece per outfit.

8. Reveal Your Silhouette

Fitted sheaths highlight the First Lady’s’ long, lean line, and full-skirted dresses that draw attention to her small waist. Find cuts that flatter your figure and stick with them. Need help finding those perfect silhouettes for your body type…I’m here to assist!

9. Find Your Resources

Seek out stores with an attentive staff that can do the hard work for you. Shop online with favorite retailers that you have experience with specific designers, brands, and styles.

10. Know When to WOW!

When it’s your time to shine, do it! Next time you’re in the spotlight, don’t be afraid to break from your typical look: choose a knockout number that you and everyone around will buzz about.

Color Savvy with BUTTERCUP

An unmellow yellow brightened the runways for spring...it will have the same mood-lifting effect on your wardrobe. HAPPY!

WHY I LOVE IT 

The hue is both fun, happy, and bold. It's a strong color and adds a freshness and artistic taste to your style.

HOW TO WEAR IT 

Soft fabrics make it more wearable. If it's too much to wear head-to-toe add a buttercup bag or accessory to make it look "spontaneous". For those who are thinking I don't do yellow...try it in a clear, ice yellow. Adding a  "buttercup" skirt or short, ground it with a neutral blouse or jacket to give you that uplifting feel but also wearable to the office.

 

PAIR IT WITH 

White and linen for a more understated feel. Classic navy lends a more refined look. But if you're a color extrovert and want a little more vibrancy punch it up with Kelly green.  Make-up - instead of going with a warm tint in lipstick, try adding an unexpected "perfect pink" matte lipstick or gloss.