We've all heard the phrase Dress for Success. And many of us think of it as old school. As much as we want to say the phrase Dress for Success is not relevant, your clothing is telling a story.

Your clothes don't define your character. Your clothes don't ultimately define YOU.

However...Your clothes narrate a story. A story about who you are. Your clothes almost always define who you are whether that is impressive, indifferent, or lacking.

When I met Hannah a year ago, Hannah knew she needed help with her clothing style as she stepped into her new role as an entrepreneur. Business professionals hire Hannah to coach them on how to stand out amongst others to earn more recognition, opportunities, and financial compensation. www.solutionsforimpact.com

                            BEFORE

"My challenge is finding attire that is simple, yet has style and reflects who I am – I know the value I offer intellectually and also want to feel like my clothes represent me so I “show up” as the best version of myself in every way." Hannah Pelley

Dressing Intentionally or I like to say, "utilizing your image as a strategic business tool" is an aspect many business owners may not think about.

Hannah Pelley invested in her style message. It is authentic and represents www.solutionsforimpact. Every time I see Hannah she makes me smile with her elevated style confidence.

As you can see in the picture not only did she elevate her personal style but it influenced her non-verbal style - posture and self-confidence.

Is it time for you to Up-Level Your Personal Image?

The Urban Dictionary defines "Up-Level" as:

• Having greater capabilities.

• Transform and grow in an area previously stagnant.

• Inspired strategic action creating greater capabilities.

It's a new season to start fresh or better yet up-level your style.

I want to begin by asking, "do you have a "style rulebook" that says?

• There's no point in stepping up my style game until I lose weight or get in better shape?

• I struggle finding pieces that flatter my body type and look good on me?

• I'm not always sure what styles are appropriate for my age though I still want to look current and stylish?

You may have a style rulebook you never knew existed even though you wrote it.

You wrote your style rulebook and established the guidelines at a very early age and/or someone gave you a style rule and you accepted it as truth.

You may have style rules that are keeping you stuck. It's like being in a fish bowl and not sure how to get out.

It creates a lot of struggle when shopping and getting dressed each morning.

So I ask, how long are you going to live with your current style rulebook?

My upcoming workshop is an opportunity to write a NEW Style Rulebook that allows you to show up as your Best Self NOW.

Up-Leveling your personal style so that you feel MORE:

• Confident

• Put-together

• Polished

• Powerful

• Comfortable

• Fun

• Unique

• Classy

The list goes on.

I would LOVE for you to join me...

To take the next step in Up-Leveling Your Life With Passion, Purpose and Style...I invite you to my upcoming workshop in Seattle, WA on Saturday, October 14th!

More Information and to Register www.annettebond.com/uplevel

About the Author: Annette Bond is a Certified Personal Image Consultant who works with professional women who desire to Elevate and Express their Personal Style. She helps her clients reveal and embrace the best of who they are NOW, so they can walk into the world with elevated confidence and success. Follow me on FACEBOOK - Definitive Style by 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.

When you get dressed in the morning is your mind going toward black pants, black skirt, black jacket, black shirt? It goes with everything right?

Did you know that relying on neutrals to be the foundation of your wardrobe is a good thing? But there are other options. Such as adding navy, taupe, light gray, charcoal gray, camel, khaki, brown, and burgundy to name a few. 

One of my favorite neutrals this season is navy. 

• What I like about navy is it is a nice alternative to black.

• It is a softer version of black.

• It goes with ALL the same colors that black coordinates with.

A Polished Jacket in Navy

TIP!  Navy blazer's are seasonless and always make you feel put together, even when you're wearing something simple.

TIP! Make sure the cut and style of the jacket are congruent with your body type.

Dark Wash Jeans in Navy

These could be black or navy. Everyone needs that one pair of jeans that makes them feel amazing. 

TIP! The darker the wash the more polished your jeans will look. 

I love the NYDJ - they help with concealing the tummy area while allowing you to move freely with the added lycra.

Going More Casual...A Navy Espadrille

TIP! Espadrilles are great option for dressing up a pair of jeans or shorts and dressing down a summer skirt or dress. 

TIP! Add them to your bright colors as your New Navy neutral. 

I find that changing ONE element in your wardrobe each season can provide the inspired refresh that you've been looking for.

You're Exclusively Invited to My Intimate Fashion Feng Shui Workshop

Saturday, May 20th / 10am-3pm / Sammamish, WA

• I am personally inviting you to my Fashion Feng Shui workshop!
• Have you ever had an important event coming up and wondering what to wear?
• Would you love to have a wardrobe that is aligned with how you want to show up and be seen? A wardrobe that gives you confidence?
• A wardrobe that brings you compliments?
• A wardrobe that is comfortable?
• A wardrobe that is aligned and supports your goals and desires?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OR ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS, THIS WORKSHOP WAS MADE FOR YOU!

[REGISTER HERE]

“To the Woman Who Desires To Be the Leading Lady in Her Own Life”

What is Fashion Feng Shui: Dressing Your Whole Self from the Inside-Out

You are the sum of your parts – spirit, mind, and body. When you address every aspect of yourself – spiritual, mental and physical you are able to create a wardrobe that is fulfilling, flattering and functional.

Fashion Feng Shui is a Transformation Triad

This Workshop Accesses:

Your Essence

By consciously honoring your essence in your clothing choices, you communicate your authentic self to others.

Self-confidence requires authenticity. Your essence aligns with your core values and innate traits.

Who are you – what makes you tick. What is most important to you? Are your values being expressed in your life?

Your Intention

Defines your ideal self – who would you be if there were no limits

When you dress with purpose, your clothes are supporting you and serving you in life.

By dressing with design elements that align with your hopes and dreams you naturally magnetize your appearance and attract these desires into your life.

Your Appearance

Your appearance aligns with your body’s natural coloring and body shape.

When the energy of your clothing is in harmony with your physical self, your attire naturally flatters you and your personal style communicates confidence.

Conscious clothing choices communicates personal harmony and naturally creates an attractive presence.

[REGISTER HERE]

How-to dress with style, confidence and ease without having to worry about age, shape or size!

1. By understanding your FFS Triad you will be begin to understand what colors, styles, shapes, and design elements are in perfect harmony with the real you. Why you are attracted to certain pieces more than others. And why you don’t like certain styles and colors.
2. You’ll learn how to incorporate your essence into every outfit you wear so others see your authenticness which ultimately communicates confidence.
3. Uncover your ideal self and how you want to show up in the world and what does that look like in your clothing choices.
4. How to attract your dreams and desires into your life with what you wear.
5. A personalized More Alive With Color consultation – discover your Colortime Palette™
6. Learn the psychology of color and how to use it as a tool to attract more into your life.
7. Understand what styles flatter your body type.
8. Learn how to shop with ease and purpose – what to say yes to and what to say no to.
9. How to feel comfortable and confident every time you get dressed.
10. And finally, leave with a vision to “Reveal Your Radiance” while building your dream wardrobe that exudes confidence.

I can't wait to see you there! ONLY 3 Spots Left!!

[REGISTER HERE]

I was at Tempo and Nordstrom in Bellevue, WA this week picking up spring clothing to showcase at my speaking engagement for the Overlake Hospital Auxiliary group.

I think I am like a kid in a toy store loving all the new colors, styles and accessories that are out for spring.

One of the tips I will be shared with the ladies is, what do you have in your closet from last year (that is last spring) that really worked for you? Vs. feeling like you need an entire new wardrobe.

A piece that you felt confident in.

Maybe you received a lot of compliments.

It fit really well.

It became a great go-to-piece.

Maybe it was a great pair of pants or sweater.

Pull a piece from your closet and ask yourself, how can I refresh this piece with a new color, an accessory, or what do I need to add to give it that Spring 2017 current feel?

Check, Stripes, Floral, Stripe & Floral mixed, Check and Floral mixed - Have FUN with your new spring pieces.

Confidence - begin with a wardrobe piece that you already feel confident in.

ONE piece- take ONE piece and add your uniqueness.

If you've thought about the two of us working together in the past and know it's your time....

I am planning a small intimate Fashion Feng Shui hands on training session at my home in Sammamish, WA for 8 magnificent ladies who truly desire to Reveal Your Radiance. I'm excited to announce that I have set a date for this one-of-a-kind workshop.

 If you would like to be considered for one of the 8 spots, let me know below. 

The date will be Saturday, May 20th from 10-3pm.

My second “closet” session where Annette and I put outfits and accessories together using my own items was just as valuable as the first.  Since we had gone shopping during the last session, we had new items that were needed to supplement what I was previously missing. 

I couldn’t believe all of the additional great outfits she was able to create given she had already put together so many in the first session.  There were numerous times that I was taken aback and “wow’d” at how she took what I considered to be my old, boring clothes and put them together in an impactful way. 

It is so nice to be really excited about my clothes again. It is like I have an entirely new wardrobe, although I only purchased 5 items.

1.Navy pant 2. Camel pant 3. Blue jacket 4. Navy skirt 5. Coral scarf

As Annette continued putting together fabulous outfits, she taught me style tips and tricks throughout.  I was learning so much that I took 4 pages of valuable notes.

It feels so great to feel empowered with the knowledge to apply all of this on my own in the future as a business owner. 

I’m so glad that I decided to do this now rather than wait since I can start realizing all of the benefits today instead of a few years from now.  The best part is that I really do feel that everything Annette has done (specific clothing, accessories, and makeup) does truly reflect who I am.  It feels so good to not only feel good about how I am dressed but that it is 100% me. 

My “look” is truly aligned with the brand I want to reflect as the Founder and Solutions Consultant for my business, Solutions for Impact, LLC.   This has been such a valuable experience. 

Thanks to Annette’s great explanations and the way she naturally teaches, I have been able to apply everything she has shared. 

I’ve gone to the extent that I proactively put up two hooks in my closet so I can assemble and review outfits and accessories before I finalize what I’m going to wear.  It really helps give me a different perspective of the “look” and is nice not to continually change my clothes until I get it right.  To prove a point, I humbly tell you that I literally now get compliments every single day. 

I have really enjoyed getting to know and working with Annette. She is always 100% professional, very kind, easy to be around and fun.  

I can’t but help love her approach since it aligns with the key aspects of the services Solutions for Impact, LLC provides to clients – “realistic, actionable, easy to manage, sustainable and impactful.”  It is pretty amazing to be on the other side of that as a client. 

Like always, I cannot wait until our next session!

Hi I’m Annette!

As a certified Personal Image consultant, color expert and Fashion Feng Shui facilitator I am dedicated to helping you reveal your radiance and dress with style and intentionality for your professional lifestyle. 

I am passionate about supporting you so that age, shape, or size are no longer in the way while aligning your style with the real you.  So you can walk into the world with more confidence and make a great first impression that is authentically yours!

Just before Christmas Hannah and I met for our shopping session. 

Main areas I help my clients with:

Align your personal image with the "real you" - what are your best colors, styles for your body type, personality, lifestyle and does it fit properly. 

BEFORE PICTURE

One of my goals was to work on proportion. Hannah has an "inverted triangle" body shape and is 5'4". 

Tip! The circle skirt gave her movement and the fabric was super comfortable - aspects that are important to Hannah.  

Tip! The circle skirt is a nice balance to her shoulders and showed off her toned athletic legs. 

Tip! The peplum top gave balance to her hips and smoothed over her stomach area nicely. 

Tip! The monochromatic of navy and white gave her an elongated look. She will be adding navy tights and black shoes. 

CirCLE SKIRT

Hannah: 

I am halfway through the Signature Program and have already transformed how I think about "style", as well as how I look and feel. 

Now, every day I easily apply what Annette has taught me using style as a tool.  To prove a point, I humbly share that I am getting a lot of compliments.  The best part?  All I am doing is applying what I am learning from Annette with existing clothes, jewelry, and makeup.  

I really believe that the style tools I now have can be used strategically to give my business, Solutions for Impact, a competitive advantage.

Second main area I help my clients with:

What do you have in your closet that is already working and what are the missing gaps?

Hannah had two black pants, one navy legging style and one red trouser. 

TIP! Add an additional neutral to Hannah's wardrobe. We are adding a camel/latte' color straight leg pants and blue tone in the jacket. The latte' and blue will go beautifully with her existing accent colors of teal, red and coral. 

LATTE' PANTS

Hannah: 

In advance, Annette asked me for the names of stores where I like to shop. I really appreciated this since it reinforces what she says about honoring her clients, which also means honoring their price points. 

From working in my closet and asking detailed questions, Annette knows exactly what I like and dislike about clothes including look, fit, material, pattern, etc.  

She wowed me again by going shopping in advance and putting clothes for me to consider/try on hold. This made it so efficient and easy.

I loved the clothes she picked - they were absolutely "me."  There was no pressure to buy at any point (she doesn't get a commission or kickback from any stores).  

As I tried various items, she quickly learned then taught me which aspects work or don't work for me.  

She explained how to buy items keeping in mind the existing clothes I have and my personal signature colors.  This way, I continue to expand the number of outfits I can make without needing a large amount of clothes. 

Now when I go shopping on my own, I can easily look at an item and know if it will be flattering or not, as well as how many more outfits I can make with it. 

Like every session, I left energized and excited for the next one.

TIP!  We found a pant at Talbots, a slimmer leg that fits her body type. She purchased latte' and navy - great basics that will work well with her earth red jacket and latte' sweater.  *If you have slimmer legs - stay away from curvy style 

Part three of the process. Is your story congruent with how you're currently dressing? 

What story do you want to tell with an important business interaction ...creative, growth, supportive, organized? 

Do you have outfits that support your desire to "feel and look like a million bucks"?

Do you need to get rid of clothing in your closet because you're not who you were 5, 10 years ago? 

Do you need to add additional pieces to up-level your image?

I truly believe that Annette already "gets" me and am really looking forward to our next session together.~ Hannah 

Hello, I’m Annette Bond a Certified Personal Image Consultant! I am all about helping you “reveal your radiance”, dressing authentically and intentionally for your everyday business interactions. I am passionate about you becoming more style-confident without age, shape or size getting in the way.

When I’m not off working with my one-on-one clients to re-fresh their closets or personal shopping, I’m hanging out on online revealing my voice for “Reveal Your Radiance blog”, so you can walk into the world with more confidence and success.

I am passionate about teaching howto build a successful wardrobe that works for your business lifestyle.

Connect with me on Facebook and LinkedIn 

You may be wondering, what does an online course look like?

I will be giving you a glimpse inside the course over the next few weeks and what you will experience in the Reveal Your Radiance…30 Days to Dressing for Success.

But first we’re going to talk about WHY you would want to take the course. I will be sharing how I work with clients and you can decide if this is a good fit for you.

I mentioned last week that I would be sharing a "case study" on a new client that I am working with. I am thrilled to share this process and more excited that Hannah has agreed to take this journey with me and share her story with you.

Meet Hannah P., the owner of Solutions for Impact, LLC.

Hannah has worked in corporate America for the past 18 years and most recently Microsoft. Employees at Microsoft may dress as casually as they like, so needless to say she got into a habit of wearing easy, comfortable clothing without needing to worry or think about a traditional professional image.  Fast forward to the present where she is a business owner working with clients and other businesses, and therefore needs to completely overhaul how she dresses to portray the right professional image. 

For context, here is a little about Hannah’s business.

Solutions for Impact is passionate about empowering business professionals at all levels and owners to grow their businesses and improve performance through consulting, coaching, and training. 

Solutions for Impact differentiates itself by providing solutions that are realistic, actionable, easy to manage, sustainable and impact the bottom line. 

 They also educate clients throughout the engagement, empowering them to build and execute their own solutions in the future. 

Their solutions enable business professionals and organizations locally and globally to increase revenue (secure more clients, increase loyalty, expand markets and innovate), decrease costs (improve productivity and effectiveness, get results faster and do more with less), improve brand image and gain a competitive advantage.

 Upon meeting Hannah, she shared her struggles and objectives of us working together:

·        Finding comfortable professional attire is must!

·        I don’t want to be distracted or fussing with my clothing or accessories.

·        How do I mix and match correctly?

·        How do I know if it actually goes together?

·        Help me to understand how to dress at the right level without feeling like I have to be overly conservative.   

·        I want simple, yet stylish pieces that reflect who I am.

·        I know the value I offer intellectually and also want to feel like my clothes represent me.

·        How do I align my image with my “brand”?

·        I want to “show up” as the best version of myself in every way.

·        I want a makeup routine that isn’t a complicated or time-consuming process but looks professional.

 CAN YOU RELATE TO ANY OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS?

 Many people ask me, "What does an image consultant do?"

 Are you going to come in my closet and throw everything out? 

 Are you like the… fashion police?

Let’s take a peek into Hannah’s journey where you will learn more about how I coach and teach my clients to be the BEST version of themselves.

Hannah: Before our first session, I had a phone meeting with Annette so she could understand more about who I am, including specific words that describe me at the core.  

Using this information and her expertise, Annette guided me in finding the color palette and key signature colors that compliment my eyes, hair and skin, as well as match the person I am at the core.

 I assumed my color consult would be as simple as picking a few colors I love and that are flattering with my skin. Very quickly, I realized that what Annette offers is really an art that goes in far more depth than I would have imagined.

Annette educated me along the way and showed me the true power of color. I now see it through an entirely new lens. 

In just one session, I have a very different understanding of “style.”  Annette customizes every aspect for each individual person so they feel the most true to themselves and that they have brought out their best aspects (internally and externally). 

 I truly believe that Annette already “gets” me and am really looking forward to our next sessions together.

                                                                             BEFORE PICTURE

Annette had me bring my existing makeup to the session.  I really appreciate this approach since we weren’t starting from scratch requiring an entire new makeup collection.

She showed me how to apply it to be the most flattering for my features.

Hannah loves RED – that tells me a lot about someone. Hannah is draped with the Earth Red swatch.

We tempered the redness in her skin and warmed it up with her new color palette – Sunset. We also added a new lipstick color that went beautifully with her color palette and skin tone.

I taught Hannah how to utilize the color wheel when using her eye, hair and clothing colors to be more Impactful. (part of her business name)

                                                                             AFTER PICTURE

Join me next week with Hannah as we:

·        Select updated Glasses

·        Have our closet visit – where we will talk more about color combinations, create outfits that are in harmony with her body type and coloring, find her missing gaps that are hindering her from optimizing her wardrobe and document the “go to outfits” for specific business interactions. 

White House Black Market does a really nice job with showing you how to mix and match with a few great basics and adding a pop of color.  We all love black and white but many forget to add some pattern or texture to change it up.  The skirt and jacket below are great examples of taking the many black pieces in your wardrobe and updating them in a new fun way.

Love the below-the-hip length of jacket. This style can do wonders to camouflage your midsection but keeps a nice straight line.  It's classy, can serve as a coat in many climates, and is a fresh look from the blazer.

I also love the idea of adding a LGD (little green dress) as a favorite and accessorizing with neutrals such as gold, silver,  or white come spring.  If you love your little black dress, have fun with color in the same versatile ways.   If green isn't your fav, individualize your black ensemble with a color that makes your inner sparkle, flicker.  I am excited to explore the 2014 Pantone color of the year, "Radiant Orchid".

COMPLETE YOUR DEFINITIVE STYLE WITH...

A SCARF

What a great way to add texture and uniqueness to your outfit.  Choose a scarf that speaks to you in color and pattern.

SHOES

A spectator with a kitten heel is so versatile. Don’t forget about a suede booties shoe, Or a great pair of boots/tights.

A NECKLACE

Are you looking for elegance, classic, dramatic, feminine? You define your style…

Are you a 50+ savvy business woman who is still wearing skirts, jackets and pants from 10 years ago?  

Back in the day you invested in great timeless pieces, great neutral colors, and quality fabrics? Right? I commend you for that.  Unfortunately our so called "timeless" pieces do become dated and we need to replace those basics  every so often. What looked amazing 10 years ago looks old and frumpy in 2013.  It's time to update and look relevant, stylish, and classy at 50 years old.

Tip #1

Wear a slimmer pant or top that works well with your body type.

Tip #2

Update with current colors like Pantone's Vivacious (pink tone), Samba (beautiful red) or Acai (plum shade) for Fall 2013.

Tip #3

The universal skirt length is at the knee - you can go above the knee 1" or below the knee 1" depending on your vertical body type.