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 »
Working with positive people is, indeed,
a blessing; they bring joy and brighten the day. It’s like a gift of sunshine.
Posted on October 24th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Diane's Reflections, Food, Image Consultation, Social Etiquette | No Comments »
the real measure of Ms Sullivan’s Executive Presence is surely her grace under fire. The rebranding took place during extraordinarily challenging financial pressure: plummeting stock prices, selling off the men’s and kid’s divisions; criticism for overpaying for recently purchased casual retailer J. Jill. Throughout all this public scrutiny, Ms Sullivan and her team rolled out the rebranding and never lost their poise or their vision.
Posted on October 14th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, Menswear, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
Creating the right image is a powerful tool for success. This is as true for corporations as it is for individuals. Over the last few months, I’ve been fascinated to watch as traditional retailer Talbots re-branded itself from a chain for conservative, some would say stodgy, sixty-somethings to a destination store for younger, hipper, edgier, career women.
Posted on October 5th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Fashion, Image, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
When it comes to air travel, anything more than a carry-on is counter productive. It’s not just the lost-luggage-factor that has most women wheeling, not carrying, a single bag onboard. The hassle, the time lost, and often our travel partners, with little or no patience for hanging around carousels, have conditioned even the most passionate [...]
Posted on September 8th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Dress, Fashion, Image, shopping, Travel, Womenswear | No 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 »
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 »