Lifestyle and Personal Style Evolution

Last October, my husband and I traveled to Italy to join my friend Theresa for a special couples’ retreat at her stunning villa experience, Retreat to Tuscany. We spent a magical week with four other couples, enjoying wine tastings, delicious meals prepared by our personal chef, Nora, and breathtaking excursions led by our private guide, Antonella.

It’s an interesting thought when you begin thinking about, “How do I want to spend my time and with who, in the last chapter of my life?” 

• I’ve been told by several people that you need to travel when you’re young.  I’ve asked, so what is considered young? The eighty-year-old woman I was golfing with told me, “Of course, it’s in your sixties.” 

• It’s all perspective, isn’t it.

• Loving life and having fun is something I embrace daily.

One of things I’m constantly thinking about when I shop is, “Where does that piece fit into my current lifestyle?"

• Is it for work?

• For play?

• For travel?

I would rather have that great outfit for my current lifestyle and be style-ready than buying something on a whim because it’s fantastic or the salesperson insisted you have to have this -  but you have no idea where you’re going to wear it.

I realize sometimes when I’m shopping, I have a very practical side to me when it comes to adding new pieces to my closet and expanding my style..

Think about your lifestyle and the things you love to do.

• When you go to your closet, do you have that great outfit?

• Do you have the right shoes?

• Do you feel you’re missing accessories and don’t know how to complete your outfit?

Life isn’t a dress rehearsal—every day is a gift to be embraced and fully lived.

Are you ready to get your personal style figured out?

Let’s have a casual conversation so I can get to know you and learn what’s keeping you stuck.

Schedule your one-to-one time here https://www.annettebond.com/contact

💗Annette

How Do You Evolve Your Personal Style?

I'm so excited to share a fresh, new take on my Confidently Styled Woman newsletter/blog with you! It’s all about my personal style and how I dress to support my evolving lifestyle—plus, I’ll show you how to do the same!

As we grow and our lives change, so does our wardrobe. I’m excited to share more with you—how I bring beauty into my life through what I wear, how I live, and how I stay healthy.

Back in 2018, I worked with a branding expert to define my core values. The one that stood out the most was well-being, and I started wondering how that fit into my styling business. Now feels like the perfect time to explore it.

I've noticed that many of my clients' work wardrobes have evolved over the past five years—fashion has, too. Today, there are so many ways to look polished, stylish, and comfortable while embracing a more relaxed approach. No matter where life takes you—whether it's the boardroom or a trip to Italy—you can show up as the Confidently Styled Woman, dressed perfectly for the occasion.

I can’t wait to take this journey with you—it’s going to be real, inspiring, educational, and so much fun!

It’s time to let your personal style support the fullness of your life.

What I’m Styling

My lifestyle has evolved—my styling business is now 99% virtual, meaning I no longer see clients in person or attend business meetings regularly. My husband has retired, and I’ve stepped into the wonderful role of being a grandmother.

So what does that mean? My wardrobe has evolved, too.

• But it’s not just about updating what’s in your closet—it’s about shifting your mindset. If you’re like me, you probably have a certain image in your mind of what a “traditional grandmother” looks like and how she dresses. There’s a reason so many women seek a fresh, modern alternative to the name "grandma." But personally? I love being a grandma.

• Why does this matter? Because words carry meaning. The words we use shape our thoughts, and our thoughts influence our actions. While my approach to style hasn’t changed, my evolving lifestyle has led me to embrace a new genre of clothing—styles and fabrics that align with where I am now.

I’m still Annette Bond—I still want to feel put-together, stylish, and confident in my clothing choices, no matter the occasion.

If you’re experiencing a similar shift and find yourself frustrated each morning, unsure if your wardrobe still fits your life, it may be time to create a wardrobe that truly reflects your new chapter.

No matter what changes life brings—whether it’s getting older, working from home, navigating a divorce, or stepping into a new promotion—it’s important to embrace where you are right now.

Let’s stay connected in my Private Facebook Group, Confidently Styled Woman

With Your Definitive Style in Mind, 💗Annette

Style from the Inside Out.

We’ve all had that feeling “I have nothing to wear” as you enter your closet.

It’s frustrating, especially when you’re getting ready for an important event.

It can feel very defeating, you want to look and feel like a million bucks, and nothing seems quite right.

And most times it’s as simple as loving what you see when you look at yourself in the mirror.

Recently, I have had several conversations with women about evolving and feeling more coherent with who you are and how you dress.

In my most recent masterclass, The Authentic You Wardrobe System, discover the 3 simple steps to finally feel like your outside matches your inside.

I asked the participants if they could relate to; finally feeling like your outside matches your inside. It was a resounding YES!

How does it resonate with you?

As I was thinking more about it for myself, I thought about my first job out of college.

I can remember being so eager and confident to land my first job. I was ready, I had a marketing and communication degree, and I couldn’t wait to utilize my expertise.

But then my bubble burst, I walked into my interview with Travelers Choice, an elegant family-owned boutique, filled with the most beautiful quality clothing.

I was wearing clothing from the Bon Marche Jr. department from my college days.

“What I noticed immediately is my outer appearance needed to catch up with how I was feeling on the inside…confident, eager, and ready to be a successful businesswoman.”

The journey began.

The clothing allowance I received and desire to be an exceptional businesswoman changed everything for me, as I began to try HER on.

Have you thought about what the next version of you looks like?

One of the things that makes me different...

“I believe your outward appearance should be the persona that represents the authentic you, from the inside out.”

For many, it’s a new concept. And it's exactly what I teach.

As you evolve from the inside, most times you don’t fully grasp how much transformation has gone on until you go to your closet, and realize…

You’ve changed. But your clothing has not.

Once you understand the authentic you, it’s time to create a signature style so that you can elegantly step into the fullness of YOU!

Is the time NOW for your outward appearance to catch up with your inside evolution?

Have you stepped into a new position with your career, and not feeling put-together is impacting your confidence?

Are you serving a new level of client, and you've also evolved as a businesswoman, and now your wardrobe needs to do the same?

Are you in the spotlight more, and want to make sure your style is revealing your confidence?

Have you gone through a divorce, and it’s time to step into the new you as you begin to put yourself out in the dating world?

Has your lifestyle changed, you're in a new place and you want your wardrobe to represent that?

My Vision: "A world where every woman embodies her "authentic style" revealing HER beauty and confidence from the inside out."

Definitive Style Tips!

Tip #1 What do you want others to know about you when you show up in the zoom room?

• Choose ONE word?

• When you get dressed, do your outfit and energy reflect your ONE word?

Tip #2 What is ONE goal that you get excited about this year?

• Do you have pieces in your closet that reflect that goal? Such as creativity, boldness, innovative, excellence, vibrant....

• What if...you began aligning your clothing with how you want to feel?

You are invited to join me in the Private Style with Significance Facebook group for more engagement and FUN with other savvy women just like you! I have lots of extra special stylish things planned for you in 2023.

Join the Private Style with Significance Facebook Here:

BE the CEO of Your Personal Brand

Show up feeling confident & credible

Are you aware of your professional presence when you walk into a room?

Do you know how others perceive you?

Do you waste a lot of mental energy trying to figure out what outfit is appropriate?

Would you like to feel more empowered and distinguish yourself from the crowd?

Did you know that when you walk into a room, your image speaks to who you are in a millisecond?

Join Annette Bond, AICI CIC, founder and CEO of Definitive Style. She is ONE of only 3 women  in Washington certified with Association of International Image Consultants.

She specializes in supporting the high-level professional who is ready to heighten career and client opportunities. Ultimately, skyrocketing their confidence as a leader.

Annette created the Reveal Your Radiance Signature System.  The 10-step process prepares leaders to develop an elevated professional presence, be confidently styled, empowering them to create a memorable and influential personal brand and most importantly influencing how others perceive them as a leader.

You’re Invited: Sunday, February 9th from 1-4pm / $249 early bird pricing (after January 27th $299)

Location: Annette’s home studio in Sammamish, WA / Includes handouts and snacks / Limited to 10 Women

Attention: Women ONLY Attorneys, Financial Advisors and Professional Entrepreneurs

BE The CEO Of Your Personal Brand

• Discover the mistakes that detract from a confident and credible professional image.

• Create a memorable and influential personal brand image that attracts more clients

• Discover how to purposefully use clothing styles, colors, patterns and textures to feel more empowered; exuding inner-confidence and success.

• Get inspired by a mini fashion show from area boutique

Create A Winning Strategy In 2020 - BE The CEO Of Your Personal Brand. Show up feeling confident & credible.

Register: https://www.annettebond.com/be-the-ceo-of-your-personal-brand-workshop
Limited to ONLY 10 Women

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

---

ELEVATE YOUR IMAGE WORKSHOP

Saturday, September 29th

10am-3pm / Sammamish,WA

Your Style Makes a Statement. What’s Your Style Type?

Is your wardrobe in a style rut?

Do you waste a lot of mental energy trying to figure out what to wear?

Are you feeling stuck and not sure where to begin?

Do You Fantasize about Having a Wardrobe That Reflects Your Unique Style?

The Elevate Your Image Workshop is For YOU If:

1. You want to create a wardrobe that makes you feel comfortable in your skin

2. Create a wardrobe that is aligned with the real you so others capture your authentic-ness

3. Understand what styles flatter your body type

4. Learn how to influence your dress with color

5. Desire to learn how your clothing can support you in business & life

6. Possess style confidence without worrying about age, shape or size

7. Hands on training using clothing from your closet

I believe that Style begins with the woman, not the clothes. ~Annette Bond

The Elevate Your Image Workshop will be guided by the Fashion Feng Shui Style System that Embodies:

1.      Your Essence – the core of who you are

2.      Your Appearance – your body type and natural coloring

3.      Your Intention – utilizing your style to support you in business & life

ONLY 8 SPOTS Available / Includes Workbook / Lunch / Community with AMAZING Women / 30-minute Follow up Consultation in addition to pre-work / Annette’s home in Sammamish / $295 / www.annettebond.com/elevate

Get Your Tickets Today & Receive Early Bird Pricing / Register NOW!

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 (one of 30 women in the US)

Style Confidence. Do You Have It?

Do you ever feel like finding your personal style is somewhat of a mystery? You take a style quiz and it tells you, you are classy chic, modern elegant, or boho?

So now you go looking for clothing pieces to match the "style quiz." You go into the dressing room with a handful of dresses trying to find what looks like "classy chic."

What you discover is the style doesn't fit your body type.

You're not sure about the color.

Then you catch a glimpse of a dress that's really fantastic, you love it but it's not really classy chic. Confused?

Wondering how to navigate the world of Personal Style?

Recently I was browsing YouTube to see what the "YouTube style experts" had to say on the subject of finding personal style. It was suggested that I go into my closet and see what I have "a lot of". Meaning I feel super comfortable in that style. Conclusion: that is my personal style.

REALLY...is that all I have to do? If it was that simple then why are so many women feeling frustrated with their wardrobe.

In a survey I conducted a few months ago asking, "what are your biggest style challenges?"

Women told me...

Sick and tired of feeling frumpy. What styles are right for my body type? Help me to understand what styles compliment my body type.

How do I dress appropriately for the next level in business? How do I communicate who I am? I want to look credible.

I have too many clothes. Where do I shop? How do I begin building a wardrobe.

What I know and believe: Style Confidence begins with the woman and NOT the clothes.

You're wondering, "Where do I start?"

First it begins with you. Who are you?

Second, I believe your clothing represents what you want to say without needing to say it.

We are multi-faceted women.

If you're like me, I love to express myself in different ways on different days. I love wearing a multitude of colors and styles.

Questions to Ponder:

1.Who am I? What do you value? If you could pick one word to describe you, what would it be?

2.How do you want to be perceived?

3. What do you want others to know about you?

4.What do you want to attract into your life?

5.What is your body type?

6.What is your natural coloring?

Why are all these questions important? 

The essence of Personal Style begins with you. What you choose to wear everyday tells me a little about you.

I BELIEVE that Style Confidence begins with the woman and NOT the clothes.

Why does it matter? You feel comfortable in your own skin. You're authentic.

Your clothing is there to support your dreams and goals. Not just another pretty dress.

When you have a Style Confidence Plan; dressing, shopping, mixing and matching and choosing colors becomes effortless.

If you're thinking, Annette I would LOVE to have all those questions answered. I'm tired of the confusion, self-doubt and navigating the world of Personal Style on my own.

I Invite you to join me on Saturday, June 2nd for a Fashion Feng Shui Workshop where we'll spend 5.5 hours honing in on your Personal Style. Leaving you with a plan of action to develop and achieve Style Confidence.

Get Your Tickets Today & Receive Early Bird Pricing: CLICK

Annette Bond, works with accomplished, professional women to achieve Style Confidence. 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.

Annette is one of 30 women in the U.S. and one of 75 worldwide who are licensed to teach Fashion Feng Shui.