Often when asked what I do for a living at social events (usually while they sip on their champagne), I can almost guarantee what the next question is going to be:  How can I quickly revamp my wardrobe?  By this stage I notice that a group of ladies have all gathered together with wide-open attentive eyes (the kind that you see on an owl at moonlight) waiting for my expert advice.

At times, and to their disappointment, my answer is simple …. Accessorise!" 

Like any business, the key to success is usually a simple approach and becoming an expert at it, and that is what accessories are all about.  A simple technique, and when it is well mastered it will propel your wardrobe to total success!

Your accessories are your ‘box of tricks’ for updating a look, transforming an otherwise Plain-Jane outfit to a Charlize Theron one. That is, an effective method to express your personality.  Whatever the reasons, there are some simple tips to follow:

Invest 30% of your wardrobe budget in affordable accessories:  Ladies this is not all shoes!  An accessory is anything that is not your original garment.  Cardigans, vests, camisoles, a variety of tops and undergarments jewellery, shoes, scarves, belts, handbags and so on. 

A plain-Jane outfit can triple its value and become a Charlize Theron one through accessorizing.  Don’t forget to invest in a few plain coloured silk and wool pashimas they will give a glamorous look to your evening dresses, winter or summer, instead of a bulky jacket.

Choose accessories in your favourite 3 colours:  A great way to begin your accessories wardrobe is by sticking to your top three favourite (‘your’) complimentary colours.  You can ensure you can quickly ‘spark’ up a new look when your jewellery, belts, bags, shoes etc..

Break outfits with colour: For those accessory beginners, you can practice with one colour. I.e. Pink. baby blue or red with a black suit. Maybe a red belt, handbag, shoes, red earrings or, if complementary to your skin, some red ‘lipstick to brighten up the look. Who said a black suit has to be boring?

Balance & restrain:   You have a selection of accessories to choose from, and you are wondering how to mix them up?  For maximum impact stick to one or two items at a time.  Just like interior designers work on lifting the less prominent colour in a room marrying it with different household items, you can do the same by picking the less prominent colour of your outfit and focusing in highlighting this colour through your outfit. 

Two-second test: Stand up in front of a full mirror and look at your entire outfit for two seconds., and turn away. Did one item scream at you too loudly?  Remember that accessories should be balanced, and no one accessory should be so bold that it detracts from your total look.

SAVING TIP!: Have a special occasion or outing? Before you buy a new outfit, have a look at your wardrobe and see if an existing favourite item can be ‘dress up’ or ‘funkier up’ with accessories.

We encourage our clients to have a “style board”. Grab a corkboard and hang it in the inside of your wardrobe (if door does not fit, you may want to take out the frame and just use the corkboard).  Then pin-up magazine pictures for inspiration, keep a clothes shopping list and tips like these.

A word of caution: Do rot forget to dress to for the environment. If “conservative” is the protocol in your workplace, then a noisy set of bracelets, too much jewelry, large hanging earrings and too much make-up could be distracting in business meetings.

Finally, remember to always accentuate your assets. Style is about maximizing your natural beauty and expressing ‘your uniqueness’ with total confidence’ 

NEED HELP? 
Book an Accessorise & CPR your wardrobe Session.
 

                                                         How to have ALL of You!

1.  Your body is a true reflection of your everyday thoughts and internal dialogue
Write down the thoughts that pop into your mind when you:

a) Open up your wardrobe
b) Look at yourself in the mirror
c) When you get yourself in a swimsuit
d) Get ready to show your precious self to your special someone


2.  Erase the word “Hate” out of your vocabulary and evoke more “Love” into your life.
The feelings and energy of Love creates body miracles. 

3. Take a Stand to settle for nothing less than YOU
In everything you do, make a stand to never settle for nothing less than the full version of You. 

What if all you have been looking for is more ALL  ... YOU


               You are gorgeous, kind, so smart and with such amazing unique gifts to share in this world. 
                       No-one can do what you do best.  Know that!

                                What is your No1 Body & Style Dilemma?
                                           Your turn to have your questions answered

I am becoming your investigator and am in search of YOUR solutions to your No1 Body & Style Dilemma. 
The answers are going to be my gift to you so you do not have to live in the mystery any more.

For example?
- My shape has changed and I do not know how to dress it
- How can I look slim without wearing black?
- I have put on a lot of weight and I don't like my body .. etc ..

Let’s unravel your question and feel free to share or email it to other fabulous women who also want their mystery solved.



Let’s put a stop to the madness and celebrate YOU each and everyday!

                    When it comes to dating, first impressions can make
                                               or break that first encounter.

By Susana Sarmiento


1: Plan

Make sure you know your market. If it is a formal event or black tie then ensure you dress the part. Women lust after well-groomed and well-dressed men and being the Casual Carl may attract the wrong attention. 

2: Sexy Shirt

_ __ There are shirts and there are ‘Shirts’. A good quality shirt will sit gracefully on your body and if you choose a colour that compliments your skin-tone you can give yourself a vibrant healthy look instantly. Dare to be different and move away from the standard and average white or cream. Single coloured, like mauve, pink, blue or interesting stripe shirts can not only look great on you but give the ladies something else to remember you by - “the guy with the mauve shirt and great hair”.

3: If you have hair flaunt it

Have a great wash and wear clean haircut and avoid over-use of greasy hair products. There is nothing worse than making contact with a greasy hair against your face.

4: Top 3 must-haves in every man’s wardrobe

Men, you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars like women do on having every colour of shoes and handbags to match the rainbow. So make sure that your accessories are of good quality since you do not have many to invest on.

Invest on:

A good quality watch – the digital era is over. If you opt for leather strap ensure it matches the majority of belts and shoes.

Shoes and belts – a typical man can count the number of shoes they own in one hand, so make them of good quality and they will last you for miles.

Sunglasses – get a good designer brand that suits your facial shape and make sure the frames and length also suit your face colouring. (Not that you will probably need them on the night, but who knows if you party from dusk to dawn)

5: Women pay attention to the small

The small stuff is what matters the most, not only your actions and words but also your attire. Women take notice. So you could have an expensive suit, shirt or shoes, but if it has a stain or it is dirty then you have cheapened your look. Make sure that your clothing is well pressed, no buttons missing, no stains, your shoes are clean and you are well groomed

6:-Avoid the top image breakers for men

Guaranteed to repel female attention:

• Athletic socks with business shoes
• Ties and socks that are funnier than you are
• Un-coordinated outfits
• Any hair sticking out that is not on your scalp (nose, ears etc)
• Dirty, scuffed or cheap looking shoes
• Stains anywhere!
• Bad breath or any bad smell

7: Wear nature’s best asset

Nothing is sexier than the power of a smile. 

As a woman I can honestly say that there is nothing sexier when a man catches your eye and smiles.

Remember that you can look smooth and sharp on the outside, but women are attracted to the whole self-visual image. How you handle yourself, how you speak, if you listen and your manners. Yes, I know this is a lot to remember at times but just remember you can’t talk to women like you can talk to your mates – they don’t seem to respond well to that treatment.

Wish to take the easy road and have an expert freshen up your image?  Contact us for a free phone consultation or view your unisex services. 

How you look and feel is how others perceive you.  Take your first step today!

Susana Sarmiento is from La’qua Image, and put together these tips for Sasha Madarasz at Two’s Company Introduction Agency.   Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Dress-for-Romantic-Success/tabid/420/articleID/242195/Default.aspx#ixzz1mfSCZk3t

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