Discussing what RADIANCE means to a group of ladies at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle

Have you ever gone shopping, filled the dressing room with clothes and an hour later walked out of the dressing room with NOTHING?

It felt like such a waste of time.

So frustrated with the stores, they never have what you like?

Nothing fits like you would like it to.

If only you didn't have the extra weight in your middle.

Especially after 23 months of living in your sweatpants and elastic waisted pants.

Your wardrobe has changed, you’ve changed, and you have no idea what is even current and stylish.

If this is your experience, you are not alone.

I believe many women go shopping looking for ‘that feeling’ through clothing to feel better about themselves.

I’m not saying a new outfit doesn’t make you feel beautiful, stylish, and confident in the moment, it does, and it can. 

Or maybe you’re strolling on IG and see a fashion Ad that speaks to you and if you’re like me, you click on it, then you’re on the website and deciding should you buy this?

Unfortunately, buying clothes to feel better about yourself does NOT happen in the dressing room and it does not happen on the most amazing fashion website ever.

After working with woman all my life, what I know for sure is that women want confidence. 

It’s that thing we can’t touch, but we know it when we have it. 

It’s that thing that speaks so loud as a businesswoman. 

I’m going to share with you ONE tip that will change your life forever if you will begin to embody this ONE thing I call, RADIANCE.

You may be asking, “what is radiance?”

 It’s that thing that every time you go into the dressing room, you want to bring with you – she will let you ‘try on’ the next best version of you. 

Your style confidence will magically appear. 

Every time.  

Step 1 - Discover Your Inner Radiance

Revealing how RADIANCE is expressed in clothing, hair, and just being YOU

This is a MISSING piece no one talks about.

Embodying your radiance will have you loving your wardrobe and dressing authentically 99% of the time. 

Acknowledging your radiance will have you loving your look when you look in the mirror.  

You will finally feel confident to step in the limelight to be seen and noticed, and express yourself. 

Compliments will come pouring in. 

So, What is Radiance? 

• It’s your bright light within

• It’s your luminescence

• It’s your inner beauty

Many never acknowledge their radiance or know it exists. 

Most times it’s a beauty blind spot for women. 

If you don’t know what it is, you’ve possibly been hanging out with the opposite.

Dullness. You wear gray, it’s easy.

Darkness. You love black because it goes with everything.

Dimness, you hide so you can't be seen.

Uncovering your radiance is a new way to see yourself. 

I say uncover because it’s always been there, it’s been hiding. 

I believe before you can show up as the BEST version of you, it is a MUST that you identify your RADIANCE.

Even though you have no idea what that looks like, yet.

Today, I want to give you a glimpse into what's waiting for you.

Step 2 – Name Your Radiance with a Word

Industry leaders claiming RADIANCE

There is no right or wrong word. It’s personal to you. It reveals the inner you. 

I so remember a few years back when I was part of a community and the leader suggested we choose and name our inner ally.  My inner ally was Radiance. 

One of the women who was very intelligent, looked at me with such confusion, and asked, “what is radiance and what does it mean?” Like it was this unheard-of dumb word. Of course, that was my head chatter, not hers. 

Listen to that secret place inside of you, that knows who you are but reluctantly listens. 

It’s her. 

Remember there is no right or wrong word. 

• Maybe it's what you value

• How others describe you

• It’s special to you

• It’s means what you say it means

Powerful? Confident? Gracious? Feminine? Excellence? Inspire? Kind?

Step 3 – Claim Your Radiance

Learning ways to feel beautiful from the inside out is priceless ~ Erika

This is your personal word. 

It’s the word you want to think about when you go to your closet each morning and are deciding what to wear. 

It’s what you want to think about when you enter the ‘dreaded dressing room’ or maybe it’s now online shopping – that you think you hate. 

It’s what you want to express when you show up with your girlfriends, your husband, your business besties. 

• See it – what does it look like?

• Speak it

• Own it in the dressing room

• Walk in it – give it confidence

• Take care of it

Nurture it, so you keep it shining brightly.

It’s your RADIANCE. Light up the world with her. 

Let us 'see her' from the inside out.

When you decide to grant yourself permission, your dressing room experience will change. I guarantee it.

Last month I was so honored to spend time with a group of amazing ladies at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle who desired to acknowledge and find out what the word RADIANCE meant to them.

We spent two hours learning from four leaders in their industry (including myself) who revealed how RADIANCE expresses itself in clothing, hair, photography, and just being YOU. 

Learning ways to feel beautiful from the inside out is priceless ~ Erika

Taking time to honor myself and acknowledge what I have to reveal was beautiful ~ Kelly

It’s time for me to reveal my radiance ~ Anne

Thank you to Farinaz of https://www.farinaz.com/ for sharing her secret to loving your outfit.

Thank you to Toni Pinto of https://pintoportrait.com/ for sharing with us how-to have a flattering pose feel comfortable being seen.

Thank you to Tania Karadsheh of https://www.penelopeandthebeautybar.com/ for sharing with us what it means to reveal your real hair.

Acknowledging your radiance, give you confidence. 

With your new level of confidence, a stylish new you is revealed. 

As you reveal yourself, you are being seen and noticed. 

The best version of you is now Style Confident. 

Have you wondered if you could pull off a specific look?

But you stopped yourself because you were afraid of what others were going to think?

In Part 2 of the 5 Part series, we’re going to talk about Courage.

You may be thinking what does courage have to do with style and image?

More than you think.

The dictionary defines Courage as bravery, which is also the opposite of fear.

Thirty years ago, I learned a concept from the book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyways.

The ‘bullseye’ of a target was a metaphor of staying inside your comfort zone.

When I learned that, it was a picture I wanted to change.

Are you someone who tends to wear the same styles and same few colors all the time?

If you knew that you would not be judged, what would you love to wear? What image would you like to project?

If you never go outside the ‘bullseye’ circle because you are afraid of what others are going to think, how long will you stay in your bullseye style comfort zone?

What if you took one small step towards a style that made you feel like a million bucks?

One small step to the next circle.

Observe your comfort zone of style growing as well as your Courage and Confidence.

You may be thinking, it’s time to be more visible online or when you enter a zoom room.

Try one NEW accessory piece. Maybe a statement necklace. How does it feel?

One baby step leads to the next big step of courage.

Instead of a head-to-toe red dress, maybe it’s a red shoe. A red necklace.

One step of courage leads to increased confidence which then leads to elevating your Style Confidence.

It’s time to look as good as you feel!

If you are feeling stuck in your style comfort zone and not sure how to get out of it or where to begin, I’m here to help.

Let’s Chat, https://www.annettebond.com/contact

As a woman I have often felt that society has put women into a generality that all women love to shop and have a natural fashion sense.

Agree or disagree?

From my experience, many women only shop because they “have to” not because it is enjoyable.

It can sometimes feel hard and stressful according to clients who I work with.

Well, I did some of my own digging to see where this paradigm began, and this is what I found according to Psychology Today.

According to the socio-biologists, women are linked to shopping in the same way that men are linked to sports. Often women's behavior is explained by something like the "shopping gene": men are the "hunters" (conquering stuff) and women are the "gatherers" (finding stuff).

Interestingly, it began historically, as an offshoot of advertising and commercialism, as a way to encourage women to feel in charge—deceptively inviting them to make choices and decisions of their own.

What if I told you that adopting a personal style was reflective of the real you?

Not what someone else told you to be.

What if I gave you permission to be try new styles that intrigued you?

Garments that made you feel joyful.

Like my client Mary, who wants to experiment with yellow.

Pieces that make you feel beautiful. Maybe a feminine color, like blush pink.  

An accessory that yells, BOLD.

Why not?

It all begins in the investigative process of discovering who are you?

What are your likes and dislikes?

What is your current lifestyle and what kind of pieces can you add that support your way of life?

This is how I work differently.  

We begin with the Power of You.

You are a woman in charge.

And you get to make choices that bring out the best of you and allow you to step into your excellence.

As a personal image consultant who empowers women to get dressed with ease and show up confidently, one thing I know for sure….

Many women question if they have a personal style, and are not sure where to begin.

Join me where we will be talking more about this at my upcoming Style Strategy and Confidence Masterclass on Thursday, June 24th @ 1pm PST.

Register: https://www.annettebond.com/masterclass

My son Ryan introduced me to Deion Sanders favorite quote years ago.

 Look Good. Feel Good. Play Good.

 Then they Pay Good.

 I remember so clearly how Ryan memorized the quote and was buying into its truth.

 As a twenty-something young man at the time, of course he looked up to the professional football player.

 He was cool and successful.

 Being in the business of image and style for over 25 years, and working with 1000’s of women, it’s never really about the fashion but how the clothing makes one feel.

 It affects your self-image and self-esteem.  

When a piece of clothing is worn, it exerts an influence on the wearer’s psychological processes by activating associated abstract concepts through its symbolic meaning, Galinsky, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

The term coined by Galinsky, is “Enclothed Cognition.”

Dr. Adam Galinsky study found, "Clothes invade the body and brain, putting the wearer into a different psychological state. You have to wear the coat, see it on your body, and feel it on your skin for it to influence your psychological processes."

 The study featured undergraduate students who were either given a white doctors coat or told to wear street clothes and were administered a test for selective attention, such as spotting minor differences in similar pictures.

Those who wore the doctor’s coat made about half as many errors as those in street clothes.

When you are gearing up to put your best foot forward, what do you do?

As a businesswoman, you choose your most “confident look” in the closet.

Just like professional athlete Deion Sanders, it is gameday.

Expressing yourself and being confident in your self-image is one way to give yourself an edge whether you are powerful businesswoman or professional football player.

As a professional football has a brand with his uniform.

What does your businesswoman wardrobe say about you?

Is it expressing your uniqueness?

Do you have a signature look that differentiates you?

Does it reflect your expertise and brand?

Maybe it’s time to try on your ‘look the part’ confident look and step into your excellence?

You are invited to join me at my upcoming Style Strategy and Confidence Masterclass on Thursday, June 24th @ 1pm PST

https://www.annettebond.com/masterclass

There's a commercial on TV right now where a patient is in the hospital and asks the nurse what do you think of the Dr. that's going to operate on me and she says, he's OK.

The look on the patients face is priceless. Like what? What do you mean the Dr. is just OK?

Who wants a Dr. who is just OK, you want the best, right?

Is that how you're feeling about your wardrobe? It's OK. It's fine. I look OK.

If that works for you, wonderful. You probably don't need to read any further.

Or, is your personal style beginning to affect your self confidence when you walk into a room?

Years ago I took the Strength Finders assessment and it told me my #1 Strength was the Maximizer. (something you may not know about me...I LOVE self discovery)

Excellence, not average, is your measure. You are compelled to nurture it, refine it and stretch it toward excellence. You polish the pearl until it shines. I remember thinking, OMG that is what I do, I'm the Maximizer. .

Helping women Elevate their Image is what I do best.

It's not just what I do, but it's my passion to help women show up dressed oozing excellence instead of just OK. Never apologizing.

You may be thinking about the Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy and wondering, do I really need that program? Or is my wardrobe just OK the way it is?

What I've found over and over is that it's the little things that make a big difference.

I call it.....you don't know what you don't know.

• You don't really know your best colors

• You don't really know the best styles for your body type

• You don't really know how to dress on purpose.

• You don't really know what your personality has to do with your style?

• You don't really know how to mix and match your wardrobe?

They may be little things on their own but combined they make a BIG difference in your "elevated image."

Learning and discovering all these little things in the Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy are tools that will serve you for a lifetime.

Wouldn't you love to quit the madness of filling your closet with clothes that are just OK?

If you are a little bit curious and thinking this really does sound fantastic.....let's set up a quick 10-15 phone conversation where I can answer your concerns and questions.

Visit: www.annettebond.com/revealyourradiancestyleacademy

Invest in YOU. A style system that will serve you for a lifetime.

I can't wait to chat with you!!

Give me a call at 425.868-1816 or email me at annette@annettebond.com to find out more.

Have you ever thought about purchasing RED shoes?

Wondering how practical they'd be?

Maybe it’s time to add more fun to your wardrobe.

Do you ever finding yourself digging through your closet looking for something warm to wear and skipping over the simple V-neck sweater because it feels borrrrring?

Or maybe you're shopping and your see a table full of colorful v-neck/crew sweaters that catch your eye but then you pick it up and say, naaaaa, too boring?

If you're anything like my clients I'm sure you've done it a time or two. 

You're wanting something with a little more pizzazz or uniqueness, am I right?

I agree, I love a sweater I can put on with little effort, it's a statement, it's fun and can be worn with little to no accessories.

Because you can only wear the sweater ONE way, you may wear it a season or two and then you're ready for something new.  

Imagine...a Simple Sweater that Feels Boring may be your answer to more fun and variety in your wardrobe..

What I love about simplicity:

• You can add a new accessory every season and it feels like a new outfit

• It's one of your favorite colors and it just feels good

• You can wear the simple sweater nearly year around and coordinate it with the current season's colors

The ideas above were shared via the most recent Style Chat on Tuesday, January 22 via FACEBOOK LIVE. 

CLICK: https://www.facebook.com/definitivestylebyannettebond/videos/343116829746773/

You’ve been invited to a party. The invitation calls for dressy casual. You have both dressy outfits and casual outfits in your closet but how do you mix the two?

Would you be surprised if I suggested you start with jeans? Jeans aren’t right for every occasion, but with some fashion finesse, you can make them party ready.

Pretend I’m in your closet right now. Using your jeans as a base, I’m going to help you look through your tops, jackets, jewelry, shoes, and handbags for ingredients that will make you party-ready.

When you see your wardrobe through my eyes, you’ll be surprised at how ready you can be when that friend of yours calls and says, “I’m going to a dressy casual event tonight. Would you be my plus-one?”

It all starts with the right jeans

Here are some general rules for the best jeans to use as your casual chic or elegant casual outfit.

1. The darker the denim, the more dressy and formal it is, which works well with the fancier items you’ll be wearing on top.

2. If your party leans more to casual than elegant and you love jeans that are distressed in some way—holes or fading—plan to wear a dressy shoe.

3. High-rise jeans are a great base. They’ll look great with any fanciful top or jacket.

4. You could start with a denim jean that is coated, so it takes on a different hue. Or consider a jean with some elegant embroidery.

5. Beware: dark indigo jeans can discolor lighter-colored leather handbags. Pay close attention to your handbag selection for the night. They can also stain any part of a lighter-colored bootie that they come into contact with.

Find unique jackets in your closet

Now let’s get to what you’re wearing on top. Jackets can play a crucial role in dressing up jeans. Leave your work jackets out of the mix for now. Focus on more festive choices and think outside the box.

This list of jacket styles will love to dress up your denim.

1. Blazers in velvet, leather, lace or jacquard prints

2. A tuxedo jacket

3. Knit or woven jackets with fur trim

4. Statement pieces like kimonos, dusters, Asian-inspired jackets​

Tops that are just right for going out

Look at your tops through a ‘dressed up casual’ lens. Do you spot tops that you may have worn in other parts of your life, but that would look well accessorized for denim outfits?

Here are some looks to consider.

1. Blouses with statement sleeves like ruffles, ties, pleats, or ribbons

2. Romantic blouses with lace, leather trim or velvet

3. A knit or woven or top in a bold, bright print

4. A sheer print top with a camisole 

5. A sweater with pearl or sequined details, or a cashmere sweater that is delicate or feminine

Jewelry selection is a must

If you’re wearing simple clothing pieces, then your jewelry choices will lift your outfit into a dressy casual party scene. Go beyond your tried-and-true everyday pieces. Consider vintage or crystal jewelry or any of your fine jewelry like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls.

If you’re wearing tops that are already sequined or jeweled, then your jewelry may need to back off a little.

Here are some ideas for using accessories to make your outfit sparkle and shine.

1. Chandelier earrings or dangly earrings

2. Statement necklaces or double or triple layered chokers

3. A sparkly brooch or a collection of pins worn together

4. Bold cocktail rings

5. Cuffs or layered bangles that have lots of shimmer and shine

6. Mixing in fine jewelry with costume jewelry

Shoes matter, both functionally and fashionably

You may have shoes in your closet that will only work if you’re sitting at a table, rather than standing at a table all night. Be careful. Know with a two-hour shoe will work or whether or not you need to wear a shoe that you can dance in all night long.

Here are some shoe choices for nightlife.

1. High heels or kitten-heeled pumps in patent leather, exciting colors, or fabrics

2. Comfortable flats that have fanciful details like bows, sequins, ribbons, or applique

3. Metallic flats or booties

4. Velvet slippers, flats or booties

5. Heeled sandals

Handbags need to be a lot more special than your work bag

For many gatherings, the purse you choose only needs to hold your lipstick, a credit card, some cash, and your smartphone. You may have cocktail handbags that you’ve used for years. I encourage you to take a closer look at them this year. Do they still look viable or does yours need an update?

Here are some handbag selections for your jean party outfit.

1. Smaller crossbody bag with chain straps

2. Fabric bags made with beautiful tapestry or damask fabrics

3. Small framed bags including vintage bags

4. A small handbag in an intense color or a metallic

5. Hard, rather than soft, clutch in faux reptile

Could you use a few fancy casual denim outfits in your wardrobe?

I’d love to help you assemble them, so you are party ready at any moment. Or maybe you’ve realized some gaps in the “party department” of your wardrobe.

Call me! 425-868-1816 OR connect with me at annette@annettebond.com

Do you need guidance and direction in taking your image to the next level?

If you answered YES, you're going to LOVE what I have to share with you.

Super excited to introduce you to a NEW Service I am launching.

90-Minute Styling Session

You may be thinking ONLY 90 minutes. What can we get done in 90 minutes...A LOT!

What I'm hearing from many women is they waste a lot of mental energy pondering - does this look good?

Standing if front of the mirror with self-doubt and confusion...Is it my color? Do I look old? Do I look fat? Is it appropriate for the situation? Is it too young looking? Should I buy this? Does it fit me? I just bought this, should I keep it?

Looking in you're closet and wondering...Is this dress length right for my height? What shoes should I wear with this dress? Where do I buy comfortable shoes? How do I mix and match this great blouse I bought?

Your 90-Minute Styling Session is about focusing on whatever is robbing your mental energy.

Not too long ago I had a friend tell me that I am like a fairy godmother. In my mind, I'm thinking, "I'm not sure I really know what a fairy godmother does." I asked her to explain.

She said, "You look at people and see who they truly are and what their full potential can be. When you speak about their potential it is so warm and inviting that people put down their walls of defense and for a moment, they too can see their potential. Thus, the reason I call you a fairy godmother."

I thought, Wow! Really? So much of the time it's hard to see "our own gifts and strengths."

The 90-Minute Style Session allows me to be your fairy godmother, helping you to BE the best version of you.

What You Can Expect During A 90-Minute STYLING Session

Dedicated attention to your burning style questions. This is your time for validation and honest feedback from an image expert.

Come prepared with your list of questions, pictures of you in outfits, clothing pieces, shoes, accessories, color questions, whatever is robbing your mental energy.

During the session, I'll ask questions that help me better understand your vision and who you are as a person. This is your 90-minutes and we will use the time in whatever way is going to get you closer to achieving Style Confidence.

This session can be held virtually or in-person at Annette's home office in Sammamish, WA.

It's a small investment toward Style Confidence...$249

If you're a entrepreneurial business woman, this 90-Minute Style Coaching Session can be a tax deduction (as with all my services) or you may have a professional budget with your company.

My promise to you: Revealing Your Radiance.

Your Style Makes a Statement. Make it Definitive.