Happy February! It’s the month of love, passion and Valentine’s Day! Are you a woman who loves to wear a flicker, bonfire, or forest fire of RED?
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!
With Your Definitive Style In Mind,
Annette Bond
I hope you enjoyed your summer as much as I have. I've went golfing, kayaking, and biking, and having a blast in summer fun clothing.
The stores are readily changing over into fall clothing so if you're looking for some great summer sales, now is the time.
For those of you who are ready to step into the new season and the lusciousness of fall clothing - have you thought about what you might add? I l believe in being intentional. Having a plan and clarity can take your shopping experience from overwhelm to enjoyable.
When transitioning into a new season, I like to think about what worked well last year or maybe what do you wish you had or felt was missing?
Maybe it's a new silhouette, a new neutral or accent color, additional accessories? I know many of my clients are enjoying the addition of navy with so many years of all black.
For Fall, I would like to introduce you to Grenadine, one of Pantone's Top 10 Colors for Fall. Grenadine, an off-shoot of the RED family is definitely trending. You will see many varieties of Grenadine... blue reds, some a little more burgundy and possibly a little amber.
RED positively gets you noticed when you walk into a room. It attracts others to you without saying a word. Want to captivate an audience instantly - wear RED.
Below is my new Eva Varro sweater jacket from DivaLani Style, a new boutique in Bellevue, WA. https://www.facebook.com/divalani.style/
5 TIPS To Elevate & Express RED in Your 2017 Fall Wardrobe!
Tip #1
RED can be a powerful non-verbal color. Have you ever thought of using Color as a tool? You can express yourself just by wearing a particular color. Color carries with it a universal symbol.
RED: Exciting, energizing, sexy, passionate, powerful, courageous, assertive, adventurous, motivating
BRICK RED: Earthy, warm, strong, sturdy, established
DEEP RED: Rich, elegant, refined, expensive, mature, luxurious, robust
Tip #2
A Skirt Or Blouse is a great way to add a pop of RED. The skirt becomes the focal point of your outfit. The blouse becomes the accent to your neutral jacket or pant.
Tip #3
Don't forget that RED pairs beautifully with many neutral shades such as black, charcoal, navy, camel, deep greens or taupe to name a few.
Tip #4
Not a huge fan of Red? Add one RED accessory with your neutral outfit.
Tip #5 Click below to view more options on Expressing your Style with RED (and details of the above pieces).
Click: https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/159H&SJe4h
NEW!!
1. A NEW way to work with Definitive Style by Annette Bond: Virtual "MORE ALIVE WITH COLOR" Master Class. www.annettebond.com
Coming Soon!!
2. Save the Date! Upcoming Workshop on Saturday, October 14th / 10-4pm - Uplevel Your Life With Purpose, Passion and Style! Presented by Annette Bond and Laurie Nichols.
RED is a fun, effortless way to update this season whether you're adding to your core basics or accessories.
Have you been looking for that perfect RED handbag?
The question becomes what style?
What is the function of it? How do you want it to work for you?
Are you too old for Red? No, No, No
The Crossover Bag:
- Perfect to use as an accent color to any outfit.
- Great bag when need to just carry your wallet, phone and lipstick.
- Make sure you try it on for comfort.
- Some are more bulky than others and can add a little extra to the hip area.
The Hobo Bag:
- The rounded corners give it a more casual feel.
- Perfect for the dressy casual look.
- Love jeans but want to dress them up a notch - a great choice.
The Tote Bag:
- Perfect for toting your computer around.
- Classy look for carrying to a meeting.
- If you plan to carry it on your shoulder, make sure it is comfortable.
The Wristlet:
- Hate purses? An option you may have not considered.
- The wristlet/wallet is available in a variety of sizes. What do you want it to hold? Phone, credit card, business cards?
- Feel like the bag-lady at times? The Wristletis perfect for putting inside the Tote Bag.
The RED Handbag is a year around color. It can give you the pop of color you're looking for on a gloomy day. Add to your neutrals such as black and gray.
If you love RED and are not incorporating it into your wardrobe...a handbag can be a first step.
RED will get noticed. Not a bag thing in my opinion.
Annette Bond is a Personal Image Consultant who works with professional men and women 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.
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.