The real foundation of a wardrobe plan is just that — foundations. Today, most women’s lingerie drawers hold a diverse mix, from luxurious lacey confections to functional, full-support sport bras. There are special undergarments for wearing with knits and tees, bras with artfully engineered straps designed for halters or backless dresses, seamless bras, strapless bras, [...]
Posted on December 1st, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Image, Image Consultation, Womenswear | No Comments »
What a night for the Obamas! There’s no denying that I’ve been openly critical of some of Michelle Obama’s wardrobe choices — both before and after she became First Lady. But Tuesday evening, I was in awe. It was the first White House State Dinner since President Obama took office and Michelle definitely rose to [...]
Posted on November 27th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Celebrities, Dining Etiquette, Dress, Fashion, Social Etiquette, Special Events | 2 Comments »
They wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, hit the road to a new ski resort without a map, make their first visit to Barcelona without a guidebook or even, in these days of H&G TV, move furniture without a floor plan. And yet, again and again, the number of people, both men and women, [...]
Posted on November 26th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Image, Image Consultation, Womenswear | No Comments »
Before we catch up with Liz, I’m going to review some of the reasons the colour analysis process is so critical. Last week I was asked to explain the difference between a “fashion victim” and a “fashionista.” Bottom line, the former aspires to be the latter — but has taken things too far! The fashionista [...]
Posted on November 24th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, 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 | No Comments »
Missed Part One? Read it here. We’re moving to the really challenging part of the project. What you’ve done so far is comparable to rearranging your computer desktop. You’ve: Reorganized working files — divided clothing into categories, career, sportswear, etc. Created a folder for work in progress — alterations and repairs department Eliminated obsolete material [...]
Posted on November 4th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Image, Womenswear | No Comments »
It never fails to amaze me that the most organized and professional women often have the greatest need for wardrobe makeovers. Intriguingly, they fall into one of two extremes when it comes to shopping for clothes — the shopaholics, always ready-to-shop ,and then at the other end of the spectrum, the group that’s seriously allergic [...]
Posted on October 29th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion | 1 Comment »
The A-list of professional footwear could start with the steel-toed boots construction workers routinely lace-up. Clogs or Crocs™ are the footwear of choice for both restaurant brigades and hospital staff. Grand Canyon river guides sport fellow guide Mark Thatcher’s “invention” — the Teva® sandal. Ballerinas wear toe-shoes and firemen, boots. All summer long, in the [...]
Posted on October 24th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Image, Menswear, Womenswear | No Comments »
During a recent meeting with our graphic designers, I arrived with a photograph for a Dining Etiquette project — but the woman in the picture had her elbows on the table. No worries, the designers said, we’ll adjust it. And they did; they “photoshopped” the misplaced elbow right onto her lap. Adobe Photoshop® is the [...]
Posted on October 20th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Body Image, Fashion, Image | 3 Comments »
Remember when Fridays everywhere were casual? Menswear retailers portrayed the look with crisp, khaki chinos and impeccable open necked shirts. There was an occasional sweater, often tied around the shoulders. Reality was far different — bank clerks dressed like garage mechanics, senior executives wore golf shirts and there wasn’t a pressed pant in sight. Over [...]
Posted on September 30th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Dress, Fashion, Menswear | 1 Comment »