We are in the midst of finishing up winter and heading into spring, at least that's what the stores say with the racks of spring clothing options. If you want to wear what you have in new and unexpected combinations (and buy less, not more), learn to layer.
Effortless: showing little or no effort, easy, uncomplicated, fluent, simple, and painless. I would say most women decide to ignore their style because they think it’s too much work, too complicated, requires too much effort and it’s much simpler to have NO STYLE.
Along with an effortless sense of style comes effortless makeup to complete your look. I'm not saying a naked face but I am suggesting you take the time to apply makeup in an effortless way. As we mature, it is natural for your skin to become uneven or possibly blotchy. I believe we all need some kind of foundation. Over the years foundation has come a long way, lots of options, and the colors are more natural than ever. No more orange face.
I also believe in some sort of lip color whether that be lip gloss or lipstick. I personally like lipstick as it stays on longer. You can always apply my lip gloss over top of the lipstick for that sassy sexy look. As we mature, our lips start to become uneven, we lose our lip line, and finally one day we wake up and wonder where our lips went. We all need lipstick!
Audrey Hepburn not only had an effortless sense of style but she also had beautiful and effortless makeup. She took care of her skin, she applied foundation, lipstick, eyebrows and most importantly she focused on her eyes. Her big brown eyes were a focal point on her face.
I've attached a "Five Minute Face" video from Global Makeup Artist Shawnelle Prestidge. In the video she suggests using sunny citrus lipstick. As a someone who has worked with makeup for the last 20 years, if an orange tone is not your color try a nice pink such as pink satin, pink passion, or a neutral such as shell or toffee all Mary Kay lipsticks.
The following videos are fun, simple, and fabulous! Watch all 5 Video tutorials or go to the playlist on the left corner of the screen and click #5 - 5 Minute Face
When you think of Valentines Day what do you think of? I'm a Red girl. In all my years of working with color Red is one of those colors that women love but don't always have the confidence to wear. Part of what I love about Red is the creative energy that comes with it. Those who wear Red have a zest for life, you are high profile and a mover and a shaker.
The key works associated with Red are winner, achiever, intense, impulsive, active, competitive, daring, aggressive. Red is a force to be reckoned with and is always up for adventure. Quoted by Leatrice Eiseman author of More Alive With Color.
Or are you more of a quiet person and prefer not to be noticed? Maybe a softer, quieter version of Red is for you...Pink. Pink is associated with romance, sweetness, delicacy, refinement, and tenderness. Pink people are interested in the world around them, but they don't throw themselves into participating with the eagerness of the red person. While red is assertive, pink is gentle.
Valentines Day is around the corner and may I encourage you to go try a little Red, maybe it's just a pair of earrings or a handbag or maybe you're going full in with the Little Red Dress - whatever it is, have FUN, enjoy the spotlight of being noticed, and embrace the courage that is within you to step out and enjoy the zeal for life!!
Have you ever thought of having a "color consultation" to learn more about the colors that bring out your personal attributes? Check out Programs to learn more.
I want us to learn from Audrey Hepburn about her “effortless sense of style”. Audrey Hepburn was comfortable with her body. She was a size 0 but she also had a size 10 shoe and and a 32 A cup size. She knew what looked good on her body shape and what didn't, she knew her strengths. Her style was an extension of her inner beauty.
Let’s take a look at her simple wardrobe in “Breakfast with Tiffany’s”. All the must have basic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe.
Little Black Dress – (LBD) – that fits your personal body type
Pearl Necklace – go for layers
Pearl Earring –pick the style that speaks to you and your face shape
Black Pump – goes with EVERYTHING
Sunglasses - that fit your face shape
Gloves…instead maybe a great Black Handbag
Hat…if not a Hat maybe a great Scarf
Take some time to shop for these effortless pieces to add to your wardrobe. It’s your time to create a style that is effortless, classy, painless and confident. And before you know it you’ll be sashaying out the door every morning with the Effortless Sense of Style that Audrey Hepburn had.
Next week we’ll discuss her hair and makeup.
I came across this post on Facebook last week and wanted to share it. The title was, "how do you define yourself”? Lizzie Velasquez, a young woman born with a rare condition which causes her to have a hyper metabolism and keeps her from gaining any weight. After watching this video I’m sure you were thinking the same thing as me, wow life is pretty darn good what do I have to complain about. As I was watching the women in audience fill up with tears myself included, realizing that if a young woman like Lizzie can have such a positive outlook on life, I have absolutely no excuses. For Lizzie, the glass has always been half full...I so admire her courage, her strength and the self love she radiates.
For some reason we can get caught in seeing all the negative at times and forget about all the positives. I remember back in my 20's I hated my thighs. I would do anything to get rid of those thighs. Man, I sure wish I had those thighs now in my 50's LOL. How many times have you been in the dressing room and thought the outfit looked amazing except that one thing...we as women can get hyper focused on our weaknesses.
I am not at all saying not to look and feel amazing in your outfit but I am saying stop defining yourself because it's not "all perfect". Love yourself just the way you are, see your strengths, see your positives, see the way you give, see your smile, see the way you treat others, and see the glass half full as Lizzie does.
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".
What a great way to add texture and uniqueness to your outfit. Choose a scarf that speaks to you in color and pattern.
A spectator with a kitten heel is so versatile. Don’t forget about a suede booties shoe, Or a great pair of boots/tights.
Are you looking for elegance, classic, dramatic, feminine? You define your style…
I am going to admit right now that I have never been a green fashion person although I decorate with it all the time. Did you know that usually there is a reason why psychologically you don’t like a color? I encourage you to take a minute to think back on your past to discover if there is a reason why you don’t like GREEN. In my color sessions with clients, I find a great deal of them who are not fans of green and some who love it. Be aware that there are at least 50 shades of green, so if you’re one of those who don’t like GREEN, experiment with a totally new shade. I hope you’ll also consider adding some GREEN clothing pieces to your wardrobe in the near future after learning a little more about the color.
What got me excited about EMERALD is the meaning of the color. As you can see from above, there are a lot of standout adjectives such as magnificent, lively, radiant, and striking and so many more powerful descriptions of the color EMERALD. It makes me happy when I think of these words.
Green in general describes people who are usually stable, balanced types; kind, generous and can be a good listener from Leatrice Eiseman’ Book More Alive with Color®. I did my own FACEBOOK survey and asked my followers what they thought of the color green and these were some of their responses:
So what is your take on GREEN or the color of the year EMERALD? I would love to know!
Not matter what size you are whether it's a size 2 or a size 20 you deserve to feel amazing about yourself. You can lose weight, or gain weight; have surgeons perform anything from liposuction to mole removal. Ultimately, you'll still have to face the fact that we each get one body per lifetime.
Instead, put "appreciate my body" on your bucket list. Martha Beck suggests, offer no resistance to your body and accept it as it is "completely". And as Oprah would say, "look at what this body has done for me" in my lifetime. It's looking at our body with a new appreciation and self-acceptance. Life is too short to continue to obsess what we choose not to change.
Looking young in a larger size...think of your image as a "full-length" picture. It's the complete look. By adding the chic sunglasses, the layered chains, the fabulous handbag, the "star jacket" and a pop of color you've now created a head to toe look that's going to have every head twirling!
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.
Wear a slimmer pant or top that works well with your body type.
Update with current colors like Pantone's Vivacious (pink tone), Samba (beautiful red) or Acai (plum shade) for Fall 2013.
Are you confused as to what your image is? Are you a professional woman who is busy doing what you're good at and no time to think about your wardrobe?
Would you love to know how to incorporate the new trends into the image you're trying to speak in your Dress For Success?
EMAIL: annette@annettebond.com if you are interested in the next upcoming workshop
There’s hardly anything more stressful than packing for a trip. You’ve probably had your own nightmare experience whether its forgetting the most important outfit for your business trip (the complete outfit is hanging in your closet 3,000 miles away) or you forgot your makeup bag on the bathroom counter. Or maybe the new shoes you purchased for the trip have left you with blisters on Day One. It’s time to adopt a new plan for packing! Start with a timetable and work your way up to the big day.
Try on and write up or take pictures of all the pieces in your highest impact outfits. What are high impact outfits? They’re the outfits that are the most important outfits you’ll be wearing on the trip. Attending a wedding? Interviewing for a job? You know which days or nights mean the most to you so be sure you create those outfits early. This way you’ll have time to purchase any components that might be missing.
Do you take prescription drugs? Check the refills now. Your pharmacist will help you stock up so you won’t miss any days.
Finalize your high impact outfits and check closely to see if any articles need repair, alterations, or cleaning.
These are the outfits you’ll wear on day trips, visiting museums, going to the beach, socializing with friends, relatives, having casual dinners out. Try on the different possibilities and be sure to include the accessories. Let these possible combinations simmer for a couple of days in a section of your closet. That way you can mull over your outfit ideas without feeling rushed.
Some items can be packed right now. Consider gathering up your panties and bras now and packing them in a small travel bag. Nightgowns or pajamas and anything you use just before bed can be packed in a small travel bag. Do you have a favorite lip balm you apply at night? Do you wear earplugs or eye-shades? Designate a travel pack for just these items. When you get to your destination, you just pull out this nighttime pack and you could be asleep in five minutes!
Count out your daily vitamins and/or medications and put them in mini-plastic pouches for each day of your trip. You’ll feel so good taking care of this ahead of time.
Your toiletries and hair products can be pre-packed now too and placed in your suitcase. A benefit of having an extra set of makeup is that you can pack this early and avoid any panic about forgetting a most important product.
Check the weather at your destination. Now you have a clearer idea about the forecast and how it will affect your wardrobe. However, always pack a couple of pieces of clothing for each extreme weather possibility. That could mean a pair of shorts and a long-sleeved sweater.
Since you already planned out your high impact outfit ideas on Day 14, time to put them together completely. Check to be sure you have the accessories for each outfit.
Make the final edits of your travel wardrobe for your low to medium impact outfits. Do laundry if needed. Plan your actual “day-of” travel outfit.
Make yourself a note of anything that needs to be put into the suitcase just before you leave. This could include a curling iron, makeup, and makeup tools.
Have your travel outfit laid out and ready to go, especially for those early morning flights.
Let me help you. I've packed my clients for many different destinations and occasions. They love how simplified their packing experience becomes. You could be the calmest customer in the security line on your next trip!
This part of your "wardrobe" needs purging and editing just like your clothes do. Most likely you have jewelry that's broken, has lost its meaning to you or doesn't suit your style. Keep what you love, discard or donate what's broken or not working for you. Your discards would be welcomed at women's shelters, Dress for Success organization or consignments stores.
Your outfits look more polished and put together when you wear jewelry. It also add more depth, definition and interests to what you're wearing. Jewelry expresses your style and individuality. Another plus for spending money on jewelry is that it expands your clothing investment. Adding or changing the jewelry you're wearing transforms simple, classic clothing pieces.
Pay attention to three things: color, proportion and whether or not you love it. If your coloring or outfit is warm, look for warm metals and warmer shades of stones, gemstones or colored beads. If your coloring or your outfit is cool, go for cooler shades in jewelry and you'll be able to wear them all the time. This is also an opportunity to wear a "new color" that you normally don't wear next to your face.
Look at the scale of your features and bones to understand proportion. If you're large boned, chances are larger pieces will be better on you. If you have small facial features, smaller and more delicate pieces will be better on you. Or if you're working with large scaled proportion but like delicate necklaces, try clustering multiple layers of them to create a bigger impact.
If jewelry is a weak point in your wardrobe, don't let it get the best of you. We can tackle this subject together. You'll soon experience the benefits of rediscovering jewelry.
Great to wear with basic sweaters, blouses or jackets.
Wear a pair with a silk ruffled blouse and a blazer to create a perfect mix of masculine and feminine elements.
Once evening-only attire is now a choice for daytime.
Go for a monochromatic one or a patterned one. Or try one that uses the same color but different fabrics for the jacket and the pant.
For example, wear a black jacket with patterned bottoms or black bottoms and a patterned jacket.
Rule of Thumb: Add "one" statement necklace, earring or bracelet - never all three.
Wear this with a simple neckline, solid color or simple print. Layer your necklaces. Select different lengths, chunky or more delicate depending on your style. Decide upon a style that inspires you and has you saying "I Love It", I can't wait to wear it.
Short hair or long hair - perfect! Busy fabrics, lots of detail at the neckline, not a necklace girl - opt for statement earrings.
Wear with a a sleeveless piece, with a great necklace or earring or on its own. Try a cuff bracelet, or layer 3, 4, 5 bracelets at a time.
Have fun! Experiment with something New! Accessories are that added "finishing touch" that can make your outfit a standout.
what colors you love, what images are you drawn to, do you love nature, movies, or celebrity icons? The idea is not to think just about fashion, but to collect ideas from everywhere and everything that inspires you.
It will encourage you to think in Stylish and visual ways.
Ask yourself, "What do I like? What kinds of clothes, accessories, and colors appeal to me?" It doesn't matter what you think others will like, or what you think you're expected to think. What do you really like?
Classic, beautiful, tailored, edgy, fashion forward, glamorous, creative, sophisticated, stylish, trendy, powerful, polished - the list goes on. Start by selecting 3 words that define you.
