Does RED make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you get bothered by the intensity that RED signifies?

Cause you to feel self-conscious when you wear it?

Or maybe you can't find the right RED with your personal coloring?

As a More Alive With Color Expert, I find that many women don't always feel comfortable with the color RED.

Color does have a personality and there are pros and cons to what the color elicits.

It definitely speaks bold.

It's the color of love.

It's the color of February, Valentine's Day.

It's the color of Heart Health month.

Subconsciously, most of us associate a memory or feeling with a color.

That feeling can be negative or positive.

What feeling do you associate with RED?

If you'd like to learn what are your most flattering colors, I invite you to have a conversation.

Book a consult:https://www.annettebond.com/contact

What are a few of the Covid Style Rules?

• It's not important to dress up.

• No one cares.

• Wear the same thing to work as you do on your off hours.

You may have found that wearing the same thing day in and day out can get very stagnet.

Try on your BEST self!!

Enjoy!

Are ready to take the next step and say YES to the New You in 2021?

Book your FREE One Hour Get Dressed with Ease Breakthrough Session Now!

Click: https://calendly.com/annettebond2/60min

September is here and I have to say I absolutely LOVE the Indian summer were experiencing in Seattle or some call it second summer.

Also, the fall catalogs are coming in the mail, a little smaller than normal.

The stores have opened.

Curious, are you shopping in the mall, boutiques, or online?

Recently, I launched the sign up for the 10 Days FREE Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy. To enroll, I ask two questions to give me a better understanding on what you need help with.

One of the attendees shared...

I'm tired of using my wardrobe as a confidence crutch.

She said, "I want to use my wardrobe to "enhance" my confidence.

That is such a great thought, wouldn't you agree?

I believe whole heartedly, your wardrobe is there to "support" you. To align with your values, essence, what you stand for, brand, lifestyle, body type, and personal coloring and whatever else that might be for you.

As a brand, isn't that what a website is supposed to do?

Or your LinkedIn profile?

Wouldn't it be AMAZING every time you went to your closet and pulled a piece, knowing it had a purpose; to support you in whatever way that is?

Guess what, it is 100% possible. I do it every day.

How?

You must take time out to define what does "support" look like to you in your wardrobe?

Begin the habit of asking yourself, "Does this clothing piece support the wardrobe I'm trying to create to support the various endeavors in my life?"

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MORE Inside the Brand. Day 21

"Moving Away From, Moving Towards"

In order to have a wardrobe that is just right for you, you need to know from where you’re starting and to where you’re headed. Think about your style, your closet, getting dressed, and the variety of things you have to choose from. What are the things you are having a difficult time with? These are what you want to move away from. And if those obstacles were gone and your wardrobe worked for you 100%, what would it look like? This is what you want to move toward.

(click on image to view video)

I’m hoping you had a great summer, were able to relax and have some family fun. My husband and I took a little 4-day trip to Bend, Oregon to celebrate our 39-year wedding anniversary. We had a great time exploring the city and enjoying all the various outdoor activities like bike riding (I love by the way), golf and kayaking.

During the last 6 months with COVID-19, I realize there has been a lot of mixed emotions regarding dress and style.

You may have been thinking over these last 6 months, does it really matter?

I’ve definitely seen a lot of turbulence in my industry along with small retailers.

To continue my love of helping women look and feel their best, I began the Q+A Style Chat in May 2020.

Many women are feeling perplexed when it comes to style and success.

The discussions have ranged anywhere from what to wear on a zoom meeting, to what do you think about color, to how do you dress when life has become so casual now that you’re working from home and still feel successful.

You may have been wondering the same thing.

Recently, I was chatting with several women who referred to their current image status, as abandonment.

They felt like they had lost a piece of themselves in the COVID-19 months.

When they looked in the mirror, there was unsettling feelings of desertion.

When COVID began, style, first impressions and one’s image fell by the wayside for many.

If your inner image isn’t feeling so great, it begins to affect your self-image. Which can lead to a not so great attitude, how you interact with others, and eventually leads to the quality of your performance.

Two years ago, I began putting together a virtual style program. At the time, that is how I looked at it, virtual and online. Not super personalized.

I put it out to the marketplace, no one bought it. I was told by many women that they only wanted to work 1:1 in person.

Late in 2019, I decided I was going to relaunch the “Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy.” Having no idea what 2020 would bring us.

On March 15th, I immediately realized this was my golden opportunity to dig deeper into refining the Reveal Your Radiance program being I had some extra time in my office and I was not working with 1:1 clients in person.

June 2020 came, I did a soft launch of the Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy.

And it was a huge success!

I poured my heart and soul into this program. This was not going to be just an “online virtual program”, but a program that I gave the absolute BEST of me so that you could achieve exceptional results.

I always knew I loved teaching – my superpowers we’re exposed. I loved every minute of the academy and so did my students.

The Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy is designed and mirrored after my #1 selling 1:1 program: Reveal Your Radiance Signature Program that sells for $3495.

The #1 feedback I received: they loved being part of a community with women who were on the journey with them. The collaborative approach brought new perspectives. The program is simple to follow, providing amazing results, and each woman had a newfound personal awareness that gave them the confidence to show up 100% authentic.

I also learned from my clients. For example, that achieving a personal style can feel “high level fashion” or dressing your best is to “fix” your flaws.

The Reveal Your Radiance Academy has now become the foundation of my business. And I will be offering it again beginning September 22, 2020.

Until then, If you feel like you would like to reclaim your outer fabulous and step into your excellence that got abandoned back in March 2020, you’re going to love what I have to offer. Or maybe you just need to elevate and refine what you're already doi

---

MORE Inside the Brand. Day 19

"Are You Ready to Raise Your Standards and Stand in Your Excellence?"

(click on image to view video)

I'm hoping you had a great week!

I mentioned last week that I began a series called, "Inside the Brand." An opportunity for you to learn more about the passion and mission I have for supporting women like you.

30 Days of videos.

Everyday is a new inspiration.

It's been very insightful to dig deeper into why I do what I do.

After 30+ years of working with women on personal presence, I forget how much I've learned over the years.

It's truly been a gift to be able to share that wisdom with you.

Today I'm going to give you a peek into "Inside the Brand" Day 13.

The most beautiful thing you can wear is CONFIDENCE.

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself....Coco Chanel”

“Confidence is the ability to feel beautiful without needing someone to tell you...Mandy Hale”

I would love to know what gives you Confidence, please comment and share your thoughts.

You may be asking yourself what is Fashion Feng Shui?

I asked myself the same question 5 years ago.

Being a certified image consultant, I am required to update my credentials every 3 years with industry training with the Association of International Image Consultants.

As Fashion Feng Shui training came across my desk, I was very curious.

A book was also being offered, purchased the book to see what it was all about, read the book, and I was hooked.

All in two days.

Fashion Feng Shui embodies all the principles I teach and experience with my clients.

Embracing your inner beauty, being purposeful with clothing choices and defining your personal attributes.

What I also learned; Fashion Feng Shui was intricately linked to personality types.

I was so excited! I had a found a system that helped women align with their inner qualities.

Now you’re wondering what does Fashion Feng Shui have to do with personal brand.

We are all familiar with the word branding, but do you understand how to embrace your personal brand?

Whether you acknowledge it or not, as a businesswoman you have a brand.

In fact, one of my past clients landed a new career with Google after an eight-step interview process because she invested the time to discover her personal brand and was able to talk about herself with ease and confidence.

You’re probably thinking does it really matter, and do I want to bother?

During this pandemic, I have been listening to a lot of podcasts and various subject matter.

I have concluded, everything we do in life is interconnected. For example, I learned the tone of your voice tells a story about what is going on in your head.

I’ve always said that your clothing tells a story. Now I just learned your voice tells a story. Wow, I didn’t know that!

Who you are, from the inside out tells us about your brand.

What I do know, is when you align your clothing choices with your inner qualities, skills, and experiences, getting dressed is effortless.

I like to say, “I help exceptional women elevate their image + align with their brand.”

Recently, a client shared that her colleagues frequently tell her, you’re the creative one on the team. She hadn’t thought of herself as creative.

After our work together, she is embracing her creativity 100% in her clothing and personal brand.

If Fashion Feng Shui + Personal Branding sounds intriguing and you’d like a little peek into Fashion Feng Shui 101....

You are invited to check out my upcoming workshop!

August 15th and August 19th / 10am-1pm PST

Click Video to View!

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?

Color has always been a fascinating subject to me. It's not just blue, it's what blue represents.

It's how people respond to the color.

It's how you feel when you wear certain colors. How it brings out your natural coloring. The compliments you receive.

Interesting enough, I've had quite of few clients recently sharing that building trust with their personal brand and/or company is very important to them.

The color of the year is not a random selection. The selection process requires a very thoughtful process and trend analysis.

To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences.

This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, technology and socio-economic conditions.

A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity.

Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge.

Have you ever thought about having a color consultation to discover what are your most flattering colors?

If not, think about it. It's a gift to be able to focus in on your BEST colors as well as helping you build a simple and streamlined wardrobe.

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

Recently I called to follow-up with my client Bill, a businessman in Seattle to drop off several pairs of pants that I had taken to alterations.

Much to my surprise, his wife answered his phone, seconds later to find out that he had passed away the weekend prior.

Immediately I was struck with a deep sadness of how I would miss Bill. Bill always brought a smile to my face and I was thrilled when we had the opportunity to work together.

His wife shared that up until his last doctor appointment, looking put-together and polished was important to Bill. We both giggled knowing that was a high value of Bill's.

Bill was an architect who knew beauty when he saw it. He understood quality. He understood lines and design. There was always wonderful conversation as we talked about the correlation between clothing and his love for architecture.

During our last conversation Bill and I talked about the importance of his image and why it still mattered to him.

Bill told me, "everything is better", when I'm polished and put-together.

He felt at his best when meeting and talking with people. He could forget about what he's wearing and attend to the conversation vs. feeling self-conscious that something wasn't quite right with his appearance.

He expressed that when giving a presentation it ALWAYS felt better when he was intentional with his dress, allowing him to speak with a more confident presence.

Bill had a strong awareness of presence, the presentation of self.

A mindshift. Did you know your personal appearance is the first filter to Executive Presence?

Executive Presence: no man or woman attains a top job, lands an extraordinary deal or develops a significant following without this heady combination of confidence, poise and authenticity that convinces the rest of us we're in the presence of someone who is the real deal. ~ Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Did I mention; Bill was still involved with his work and community until his last days at the age of 88 years old. He was a pillar of discipline, commitment and making a difference in society. Loved that man! He will be missed!

Bill's image was a statement of respect - respect for his colleagues and clients, respect for himself.

The greatest part of all, developing your personal presence can be learned and improved

If you’d like to be kept in the loop on receiving my blog post and weekly style tips - take the style quiz.

www.annettebond.com/quiz

ABOUT ANNETTE

Annette Bond is known for helping rising leaders build a confidently styled wardrobe & executive presence so that it influences your career destiny and empowers you to feel like a million bucks!

Certified Professional, Annette Bond is Corporate and Personal Image Consultant and More Alive with Color Expert. Her work is very specialized and sought-after, as she is ONE of only 30 women in the U.S. certified in the particular niche: Fashion Feng Shui.

There isn’t a more powerful feeling than when your outfit truly expresses who you are. It represents everything you want to say without you needing to say it.

Did you know your image tells a story?

You're dressed, you look in the mirror and smile at what you see. You look great. You walk out the door, knowing you feel great.

The best part, you can forget about what you're wearing and go do what you do best!

How would it feel to have that daily experience?

Opposed to your outfit plaguing your day?

Are you in an awkward place and not sure how to build a wardrobe that gives you that million dollar mindset story?

Join me as I share my passion and expertise with Coach Debby of Story U Talk Radio. What it means to elevate your image and reveal your radiance through your professional image.

CLICK to Listen to Podcast:

What I love about Debby is we both share a passion for helping others to develop and grow into the Best version of ones-self. Whether it's writing your story or elevating your image.

Debby is a master at witnessing others real life story and bringing it to light.

I know you'll enjoy her presence as she shares wisdom that each of us has a unique story to tell.

Debby is currently offering one day workshops this summer to help people develop their writing skills and the confidence to speak. Also available, one-on-one coaching and deeper dive seminars.

CLICK to Listen to Podcast:

Check out her website for upcoming topics and dates. www.coachdebby.com

Love to hear your takeaways, and if you'd like to continue the conversation....hop on over to Definitive Style by Annette Bond Facebook page Community.

If this feels like your time to up-level your personal image, I'd love to be that mirror for you to show up as your best self.

Let’s Chat

www.annettebond.com/contact

Annette Bond is known for helping successful women build a beautiful and professional wardrobe they’re excited to wear!

She is passionate and skilled at finding the right style that always fits, regardless of age, shape, and size. A newer, shinier version of you will promote quality in business and relationships because a stylish woman offers an excellent impression of her BEST self.

Certified Professional, Annette Bond is an Image Consultant and More Alive with Color Expert. Her work is very specialized and sought-after, as she is ONE of only 30 women in the U.S. certified in the particular niche: Fashion Feng Shui. For almost a decade, she has specialized in supporting the high-level woman in business who’s ready to reveal her radiance by dressing stylishly and professionally.

Follow me on:

 Linkedin 

 Facebook 

 Instagram 

Take the Style Quiz Now: www.annettebond.com/stylequiz

What does your casual wardrobe feel like?

A disaster?

Frumpy?

Needs help?

Does it ever feel like your casual wardrobe gets put on the back burner?

What I've found is that if you're not intentional to attend to your casual wardrobe it tends to go by the way side. You make do. But not loving it. 

And that not so positive thought you're thinking.....oh it doesn't matter, I'm fine with what I have begins to eventually erode at your self-esteem.

You're a quality woman, your casual wardrobe deserves to feel amazing whether you're working or playing. 

It’s never just about the clothing, but rather what the clothing empowers you to do or feel.

TIPS to Elevate Your Casual Wardrobe!​

Spring is approaching and it's your opportunity to refresh and renew your energy and that includes up-leveling your Spring Wardrobe.

Is your casual wardrobe ready to step into "sophisticated casual" so you can show a newer, shiner version of YOU!

If you've been thinking, it's time to make some changes, you're in a style rut or just need a wardrobe reboot, I'd love to be the one to help you.

Let's have a conversation Annette!

I'm sooo excited to meet you!

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.

February, the month of LOVE! And Beyond.

Valentine’s Day can represent many things – a romantic dinner with your partner, celebrating with a gal pal or time with loved ones. Why can’t this continue past February?

Sometimes we neglect to notice what we LOVE about ourselves or at least recognize.

About 6 months ago I retook the DISC assessment. I was in a transformational coaching program at the time where our strengths were being discussed and how we were using them.

What actualized completely surprised me. I was in the 97% of I style (Influence). It revealed to me that I should be making stronger use of my communication and people skills. Utilizing my energy of inspiration, passion and wisdom in a more influential way. Letting my Fire shine brighter.

I became aware that I was moving a strength of mine to the rear vs the forefront.          

I thought, why am I doing that?

The first truth that came out; what will others think of me if I shine brighter? What I came to understand is that we as humans judge. That is just what we do. You’re judging my article as you are readying this and I am judging the next person on Facebook, lol. Good, bad, indifferent, it just doesn’t matter. We’re human beings and our brains can’t help but judge.

You may be thinking ONLY metals judge. Well maybe we Metals do have a little more tendency to judge. But I would guess that 99% of you out there worry about what others think also, am I right?

As we all go through the Fashion Feng Shui process of evaluating who am I and discovering our essence, I believe we can very much have a blind spot.

Why is it so darn hard to see what we LOVE about ourselves when various assessments and people point it out so blatantly?

With that being said, I proposed to my Definitive Style community an exercise.  To candidly observe what they LOVE in their wardrobe.  

So of course I needed to do the exercise myself. Again, I was actually surprised with the results.

I hope you’ll play the game with me. Take out a piece of paper and sketch out a tic-tac-toe board. In the middle square write: "What I Love"

1. Step into your closet or jewelry box and choose 5-10 pieces that You LOVE.

2. Set them out on a table and begin writing the qualities that you LOVE about them.

3. Read the qualities out loud…do they resonate with you?

4. If someone was to describe you with these words, would you feel flattered?

5. Do you unequivocally say yes, that's me?

6. Do any of words give you butterflies?

7. Are you ready to shake hands with the words and own them?

8. Are you ready to stretch a bit in 2019 and take on the butterfly words?

As you look at your words, do they fit into a nice box of your primary and influencing essence? Or are they outside the box more than you think?

What surprised me was how I described my favorite accessories, they were 50% Fire. The power was in writing the words down. I didn’t perceive myself as having that much Fire in my wardrobe and then realizing they were my favorite pieces.  I LOVE continuing to learn about myself while honoring my strengths. 

Fire, of course that’s part of me…my favorite color is fuchsia and I love pearls.  

What I do know is my navy sheath dress that fits me to a tee (metal) is my foundation and feels perfect for me but I love the luminosity and warmth of adding Fire.

The first step is becoming aware.

What are your blind spots?

What have others told you you’re really good at and you unconsciously ignore?

What words from the tic-tac-toe exercise made you think a new thought?

Whether your essence is Water, Wood, Fire, Earth or Metal there is nothing more powerful than showing up and radiating as the real you!  

Annette Bond is known for helping women “Elevate their Image."

She’s on a mission to help every day women who have put themselves at the bottom of the list when it comes to style. Your style is a representation of your personal essence - and it deserves to shine because it's a reflection of who you truly are. 

This newer, shinier version of you will pay dividends in business and in your personal relationships because of how you'll be showing up, your BEST self. 

Annette works with a client focused approach, she prides herself on “getting you.” The end result is instant gratification…Creating the perfect wardrobe for the real you.

You're put-together, polished and ready to step into the world with revitalized confidence.

Certified Image Consultant - AICI CIC

Certified Corporate Image Consultant

She is a certified color consultant who was personally trained by Leatrice Eiseman, known as the “international color guru”.

And also one of 30 women in the U.S. certified in Fashion Feng Shui.

Annette Believes:

Style begins with the woman, not the clothes.

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/

Happy New Year!

As I was contemplating what to share, I came across this quote from several year's back. It really spoke to me as we enter into the New Year.

"There’s no outfit in the world that will be more head-turning than a woman who walks into a room with great energy," Kate Hudson told Style.com recently when asked what she's learned from her famous mother. "That’s what really makes people magnetic. When someone feels good about herself, is comfortable in her skin, and has inner strength, it doesn’t matter what she’s wearing. They become the most interesting person in the room."

You may not be a Kate Hudson or Goldie Hawn but I know I love a woman with great positive energy and what she brings to a conversation.

As you look into the New Year maybe it's a change in how you express your inner self vs. what you're going to accomplish or achieve.

Personally, I love clicking the refresh button and beginning anew.

When I clicked the refresh button on December 31st, I chose the word ALIVE to guide me in 2019. For me, there's a lot of energy in the word ALIVE.

Maybe that is why the Kate Hudson quote spoke to me so loudly. 

When I chose the word ALIVE it fired me up to:

• BE more of me. Share my voice, have fun, let go of the fear and inspire others. Do what lights me up!

You may or may not have lofty goals for 2019 on what you're planning to achieve, earn, do and have.

What if...you decide to BE the woman who shows up with more energy?

What if...you decide to BE the woman who's more purposeful with her wardrobe?

What if...you decide to BE the woman who thinks more positively?

Refining who you BE doesn't cost you a dime but it could change how you see and feel about yourself from the inside out. And I guarantee others will feel your energy as you walk into the room. .

I BELIEVE there isn't a more powerful feeling than when your outfit truly expresses who you are. It represents everything you want to say without you speaking a word. ~ Annette Bond

FUN STUFF coming in 2019!

1. Style Chat via Facebook LIVE beginning Tuesday, January 15th - LIKE Definitive Style so you can receive a reminder notice (there will also be a replay)

2. Instagram posts MAGNIFIED - Follow me #annettebond2

3. Reveal Your Radiance Style Academy begins Tuesday, March 12th, more info to come. For the woman who wants to comprehend the ins and outs to creating the "perfect wardrobe"

4. Style Confidence. Do You Have It? Join me for a fun and interactive workshop on Wednesday, January 30th from 5-7pm. Drinks and snacks will be served. Divalani Style Boutique, 16415 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila WA / Sign Up: Click Here

Cheers to coming ALIVE in 2019!

With Your Definitive Style in Mind,

ANNETTE

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