Almost exactly to the day, fifteen years ago, I established a special ritual. It was January 1, 1996 and as I prepared to actually write down my goals for the year, it never occurred to me that this exercise would become a fulfilling rite that motivates me to dream big and better. Part of my ritual is reviewing some of my goals from past years. As I read my old notes I’m amazed that dreams have become reality and in many cases, surpassed my wildest expectations. In my case, the instigator was my good friend Peggy McColl, whose life work is helping people achieve their goals. During the early years, she worked with me. Peggy made it fun. Although we laughed like schoolgirls, ultimately, she inspired me to establish my goals and — to dream. Now, I review my goals every day. I even record them so I can listen on my IPod.
Peggy’s process helped me develop my focus. Now, it’s my turn to share this process with you.
Posted on January 20th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Diane's Reflections, Self-esteem | No Comments »
I have always known that form is all when it comes to these core workouts but never realized that sit-ups are absolutely off-limits for some people, until I read Unbreakable: A woman’s triumph over osteoporosis, by Christine Thomas. I met Christine five years ago when she booked an image consultation. But she had embarked on her journey in 2001 as a 42-year old new mom who had just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. After fracturing her spine in five places, even the simple act of lifting her newborn daughter was too much for her fragile and compromised skeletal system.
Posted on January 6th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Diane's Reflections, Dress, Image, Self-esteem, Womenswear | No Comments »
World-renowned colour authority Pantone Inc. has just declared Honeysuckle Pink colour of the year for 2011. Described as “a brave new colour for a brave new world,” watch for this vibrant, blushing pink to make its mark on everything from fashion and makeup to interior design.
Posted on December 15th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, Makeup, shopping | 1 Comment »
Clothing does send a message. But there’s an enormous side benefit to a well-groomed appearance and general sense of “dressing up” — it gives you a lift. Big time. One of the greatest advocates of this philosophy is my friend Bill Shaddy. As a former International HR Director at Pepsi, Bill knows “the right stuff” when it comes to stocking his closet. These days, however, things are a little more complicated. ill, I should explain, has been living with MS for the last 18 years and snaps are just easier than wrangling with a button and bitty hole. Rain or shine, Bill dresses up. His only concession is a stylish cane by his side.
Posted on October 26th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Business Etiquette, Diane's Reflections, Dress, Image, Image Consultation, Menswear, Workplace Etiquette | No Comments »
In fitting rooms across the planet, “Does it make me look fat?” — is without a doubt the pivotal issue that makes or breaks a clothing sale. Ultimately, it’s a rhetorical question because the woman doing the trying-on will make the call herself. If she has even the slightest uncertainty that the garment doesn’t shave [...]
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
In my book, eavesdropping is snooping. It may be accepted behaviour in spy novels and British mystery programs but unless your name is Inspector Poirot, eavesdropping is a no-no. Last week, I admit, I had an Inspector Poirot moment. Really. I couldn’t help myself because as I was having lunch outside at a local restaurant, [...]
Posted on August 12th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Body Image, Business Etiquette, Dress, Fashion, Image, Womenswear | No Comments »
Image has a profound impact on both professional and personal life. When people are comfortable with the way they look, they are most likely happy, relaxed and self-assured. They even communicate more effectively. With this confidence comes the ability to set, manage and achieve personal goals.
I was reminded of the importance of this much needed, self-assurance component in everyone’s life when last week two emails, one from my colleague Catherine Bell and one from a client’s mother, reached my inbox almost simultaneously. Catherine sent me a recent article of hers entitled Look Beyond the Disability that touches upon the difference between how she’s treated when she uses a cane — necessitated by the late effects of childhood polio —and when she doesn’t. As I scrolled through Catherine’s article, my thoughts turned to my client Melissa Vassallo and coincidentally, an email arrived from her mother with news about an upcoming celebration.
Posted on April 25th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Communication, Image, Social Etiquette | 1 Comment »
Liz has some final thoughts:
“I told Diane, at the end of our final session, that I feel like an entirely different person, more confident — and it shows. My look has been transformed dramatically and now I look like a young professional. Throughout the process, I’ve received compliments from my friends and coworkers and both my manager and director commented on my new image. My director feels very strongly about the importance of image and presentation. His positive comments confirm that I’ve achieved my goal to project a capable and confident image. I’m fortunate that I met Diane and had the opportunity to go through her Image Enhancement Programme at this early stage in my career. It will undoubtedly have a profound effect on my career development. I highly recommend this programme. Thank you so much Diane!”
Posted on December 21st, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Dress, Fashion, Hair, Image, Image Consultation, Makeup | 2 Comments »
Although I’m far more confident about shopping, I’ll take along the Personal Style Guide Diane prepared. In the meantime, I can’t wait to show off the new me.”
Posted on December 4th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Body Image, Dress, Fashion, Image, Image Consultation, Womenswear | 1 Comment »
I recently wrote about Filippa’s makeover — she’s the model who was “photoshopped” for a Ralph Lauren ad — but unlike that virtual process, everything about this Style Analysis, for Liz, is real — on a real body and for a real life! I explained to Liz, that this stage of her journey would take [...]
Posted on November 19th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Dress, Fashion, Image, Image Consultation | 1 Comment »
