Top Five Festive Finds this Holiday!

When it comes to holiday attire, let comfort be your guide this year. Instead of making yourself crazy trying to pull off the latest trend, start in your own closet and let your most comfortable pieces be your go-to items for the holidays. Dress for the occasion first; if you’re attending a dressier affair, pull out that dress that always makes you feel awesome, or that super flattering pair of black pants that look great coming or going – chances are, your spouse loves you in these clothes, too. If the occasion is more casual, choose your favorite blouse or sweater (you know, the one that invariably draws a round of compliments). You'll feel confident about how you look and feel the whole evening.

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with something new, try my TOP FIVE FESTIVE FINDS:

1. Double Duty Dress: You can’t go wrong with a great cocktail dress. Dresses are still going strong with, oodles of styles to choose from, and let’s face it, there’s something about putting on a dress that makes a woman feel sexy. Try a sleeveless cocktail dress that works Double Duty: dressy when paired with strappy heels and sparkly jewelry, or casual chic when worn as a jumper and paired with opaque hose, booties and a belt or scarf. Who doesn’t love getting more bang for her wardrobe buck?!

2. Head turning Heels: One thing most woman love about the holidays is the chance to wear great shoes! Anything goes this time of year, from sophisticated black tie pumps to cozy fur lined boots. Relax, have fun and play!

3. Putting on the Glitz: the statement jewelry trend is stronger than ever for the holidays, and often, one strong piece is all it takes to make an outfit really stand out. Ribbon-tied bauble-y necklaces abound in a variety of price ranges. Turn a ho hum outfit into a gem and end up feeling like a million bucks in the process.

4. Carried Away: some of you ladies like to be a little more discreet and dazzle them with a knockout handbag or clutch. This season, instead of matching your bag to your outfit as usual, try mixing it up and get “carried away” with a bright color or bold embellishments.

5. OMG-Pucker Power: ‘Tis the season to wow them with your luscious lips. No doubt, lipstick is the easiest, least expensive way to add color and a whole new attitude for the holidays. Everyone has a perfect shade of red. Find yours, wear it -- and be sure to smile for the camera!

And finally, my number one piece of advice to make your holidays happy this year: Give the gift of yourself! Focusing your positive energy on others not only lets your recipients feel some much needed love and joy, but you’ll find your own cares and worries will seem small in comparison to so many others in need this holiday season.

Teleclass in October

Keep an eye out for my first Teleclass in October

You're invited to join me via a teleclass on

"What You Always Wanted To Know About Make.up & More"

Join me and my guest speaker P.D. Roché, Founder of U·B·U Make·up, iMAGEWORKS WORKS & My ShadeWorks

*For a 1 hr session in the privacy of your own home

*I will interview P.D. on your top ten pressing questions on make.up

Click here to find out about my guest speaker, P.D. Roché

Stay in touch as I'll get back to you with more information on my upcoming teleclass.

Invite me to speak at your next event!

THE STYLE ROUND TABLE

You're Invited to
"The Style Round Table"

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to respond to the "Style Round Table". Your positive feedback is so encouraging, and it reinforces my belief, based on years of experience in the image industry, that all women want to know how to look and feel better about themselves. This was the first of a series of Style Round Tables I will be holding for you and your friends each month throughout the fall. I hope you'll join me on this exciting journey as we explore a myriad of image related topics in a small informal setting. I promise to do my best to inspire you to look and feel better each day.

Here's how it all works: Each month you'll have the opportunity to sign-up for a new and exciting Style Round table session. To accommodate both stay-at-home moms and working women, the same topic will be offered during a daytime and an evening session. Each one-hour session will include a general discussion, followed by a more hands-on, in-depth examination of the topic.

It's so easy: Check out the Calendar of Events by clicking on the link below, then choose the topics that interest you. Sign-up at your convenience, in the comfort of your home, 24/7.

It's a win-win situation for everyone. Bring a new friend, and your participation in a future, fee-based workshop will be complimentary. And, if you refer a friend to one of my paid services, you'll receive a complimentary half-hour service for yourself!

For more information or questions contact me at: 847-867-7203 or gwen.rich@comcast.net

Please join us at The Style Round Table

Sunday, October 18th

"Interpretations of Trends"

7:00pm - 8:00pm

RSVP: Click on link below

Click here for Calendar of Events

Invite me to speak at your next event!

"Your Personal Style"

"Your Personal Style"

Purchase options for "Your Personal Style" book.

Amazon.com

textbook:

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Personal-Style-Nancy-Plummer/dp/1563675900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&q

Instructor's guide:

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Personal-Style-Instructors-Guide/dp/1563675919/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&

Fairchild Books (usually for large school or seminar orders) www.fairchildbooks.com

http://www.fairchildbooks.com/book.cms?bookId=291

Sales rep Melanie Sankel:

Melanie Sankel

Condé Nast Publications / Fairchild Books Division

750 Third Ave Floor 5, New York, NY 10017

P 212-630-3875 or 1-800-932-4724 option 3

F 212-630-3868

melanie_sankel@condenast.com

or through the author:

Nancy Plummer

773-478-3945

nancy@finethreadschicago.com

www.finethreadschicago.com

Dynamic Duo-look great and save time this summer

Let me help you make the most of what’s left of summer by teaching you how to minimize the time you spend on your morning routine without sacrificing great looks! Developing good grooming habits is a must, no matter what your age or occupation. I am recommending a few simple make-up tricks that will give you the most “bang for your buck.” read more

First, try a UBU mineral blush in "BRAVA", a universally flattering shade that doubles as a bronzer in the summer. It’s a “twofer,” automatically saving you time and money with the additional benefit of helping to improve your complexion.

Second, the next time you're on the run, skip your regular morning make-up routine. You can achieve a flattering, sun-kissed look by simply dabbing a bit of bronzer on your forehead, chin and nose. Make sure to blend properly to avoid a striped effect. With the correct color, you'll achieve a fresh suntanned look without subjecting your skin to the damaging effects of the sun.

Lastly, you'll want to give your eyes and lips the attention they deserve. Apply a waterproof eye and lip pencil. As always, blend both eyeliner and lip liner to ensure a natural look. Voila -- you're set to go with no worries for the rest of the day.

Introducing the "Style Round Table"

“The Style Round Table”

What every women wants to know to look and feel good everyday!

The Style Round Table is an exciting, interactive hour for women just like you. We’ll meet to discuss your fashion concerns and answer your most pressing image-related questions. You're invited to attend

“The Style Round Table"

Thursday, September 10th

10:00 am to 11:00 am

986 Bristol Drive

Deerfield, Illinois 60015

Call today to reserve your place!

847-867-7203

Emerging Trends for Fall

Fall Forecast:

My Top Ten Trends for 2009

Today’s savvy fashionista is looking for value and investment potential when assembling her wardrobe. Luckily, that shouldn't be hard to accomplish this season, as long as you don’t get too carried away by all the beautiful embellishments and bright colors that are central to this fall’s collections. If you’ve made some smart purchases over the last few seasons then you’ll be able to add a few key pieces and look totally up-to-date this fall without breaking the bank. Dresses, tunics, cardigans, leggings, and all styles of boots are some of the important continuing trends. Following are my “top ten” new trends for the fall 2009. Read more

1. Color: Anything in neon, red or camel will be a sure thing. Go bold and try a jacket, coat, purse or shoes in an eye-catching neon hue. Energetic red also emerges as a strong color contender this fall, a trend that likely has its roots in Michelle Obama’s inaugural red dress! Understated, elegant, and classic, camel may be the sartorial symbol of this recession.
2. From ballet flats to platforms, no matter what height heel you prefer to sport this season, it’s all about embellishments: jewels, studs, bows, lace and anything in suede will be huge.
3. For that all important accessory, the handbag, look for classic shapes with embellishments galore or neon colors, along with chain details. Patterned hosiery, textured tights and colored opaque hose will help complete any look.
4. Belts are bigger than ever, and it’s a “cinch” to follow this trend. Take any of your favorite wardrobe items, such as a trench coat, classic dress, cardigan or tunic and simply add your favorite belt.
5. Leggings will look up-to-date paired with a cozy boyfriend cardigan, tunic or dress with ballet flats or booties.
6. Graphic prints will be everywhere; going bold just got bigger!
7. Puffy sleeves, rouching, and bubble skirts -- elements from the eighties – prove once again that in fashion, that what goes around comes around.
8. Classic dresses in bright bold tones and graphic prints will draw attention to you for all the right reasons!
9. Sheer tops and blouses that demurely reveal lingerie details or bold bustiers will leave nothing to the imagination.
10. Finally look for fringe or fur; touches of either of these sensual elements will help you feel extra special this fall.

Classes for the whole family this Spring!

Take a look at the classes IMAGE Inside & Out is offering this Spring at Deerfield Park District's Jewett Center. New exciting classes for you and your family. Starting in March the whole family can join in on the fun for fall!

You’ve Got Manners!

Polly Politely and Milton Manners will take your kids on a table manners adventure with table tips from A to Z. Based on Louise Elerding’s award-winning book, "You’ve Got Manners!", the course is a fun and easy way for children to learn everything they need to know about napkin and utensil use, social introductions, polite good-byes, and more. Course includes: Certificate, personalized dining napkin and Louise Elerding’s book, “You’ve Got Manners!” Ages: 6-12; Four 45-minute weekly sessions

You've Got Manners is Tuesdays from 4:-4:45pm Dates TBD

Call Deerfield Park District at: 847-945-0650 class#152509

Etiquette for the 7th grade child

Manners for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah aged child
A special class designed to help “tweens” successfully negotiate all types of personal and social situations and occasions. The course will cover topics such as table manners, proper attire and grooming, party etiquette, nonverbal communication (i.e., body language), proper introductions, invitations and RSVPs, proper thank you’s, and polite hellos and goodbyes. Course Includes: Personalized dining napkin and organizer/folder for Bar/Bat Mitzvah calendar year. Ages 12-13

Manners for the 7th grade child is Tuesdays from 5-5:45pm Dates TBD

Call Deerfield Park District at: 847-945-0650 class# 152509

Image On

A fashion-forward, confidence-building program for teens
Image-On is designed to teach teenage girls everything they need to know to look and feel their best each day. Topics covered include diet and exercise, skincare, hair and makeup techniques, etiquette, closet analysis, wardrobe building, body image, clothing personalities, financial basics and how to dress and present yourself for a job interview. Each participant will receive a personalized style album to document her journey of self-discovery, along with a seasonal color palette, a skincare system and basic make-up kit. Ages: 14-17

Image On is Wednesday from 6-8:00pm Dates TBD

Call Deerfield Park District at: 847-945-0650 class#152509

Style Round Table

I am excited to introduce the "Style Round Table" --a small, intimate group of women just like you that will meet to discuss your image, fashion and style concerns and questions. Of course, we all want to look and feel good about ourselves, and whether we like it our not, our image can have a direct effect on those around us and can even make or break our professional and social success.
The Style Round Table will be led by Image-Style Consultant Gwen Rich. The goal of the Round Table is to discuss your concerns about fashion and style and to learn and what topics you’d like to hear more about in future monthly workshops held here at IMAGE Inside & Out. This is your opportunity to have a direct impact on future topics offered by IMAGE Inside & Out.
I look forward to having you participate in my Style Round Table.
Please join me as we venture toward a Better You in 2009. Please respond if you would be interested in this workshop? If so, let me know what day and time is good for your schedule?

I look forward to hearing from you and your friends.

Thanks,

Gwen Rich AICI FLC

Image-Style Consultant

IMAGE Inside & Out

847-867-7203

gwen.rich@comcast.net

http://www.imagebygwen.com/

Mineral Foundation Takes Centerstage

Summer is finally here and it's hot, hot, hot!

What tricks do you have hiding in your cosmetic bag to help you "Beat the Heat" this summer? My first choice pick for keeping your cool this season is an all-natural mineral foundation. Foundation is the go-to product for achieving a fresh, polished, younger-looking complexion, and it's a must for everyone, not just for those of you heading off to the office this summer. Think of it as the little blue dress (LBD) of your makeup collection. Just as the LBD is a staple in your wardrobe, foundation should be a staple in your makeup drawer. The new mineral foundations have many advantages over more traditional liquid or solid foundations. read more....

Mineral foundations are:

*All natural, with no perfumes, alcohol or preservatives that could potentially irritate the skin.

*Preferred by dermatologist because they allow skin to breath; mineral foundation will never clog your pores.

*Anti-aging because they contain natural sunscreens that protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays.

*Formulated to work uniquely with each individuals skin type and tone.

Mineral foundations are now available in both a loose or pressed powder form. Take care of any concealer issues, such as broken capillaries, under eye circles or blemishes, then apply your mineral foundation with a brush for light or medium coverage, or apply the mineral foundation with a wet sponge for heavier coverage.

Your Summer Must List!

My second must have pick for you this season is mascara. Mascara instantly opens up the eyes and is the perfect picker- upper if lack of beauty sleep is an issue. It should definitely be a staple in your cosmetic drawer. Cosmetic companies have capitalized on the appeal of mascara by introducing all sorts of innovations, each claiming to produce longer, thicker, plumper and more voluminous lashes. I am going to simplify things by suggesting that all you really need this summer is waterproof mascara. read more...Waterproof mascara is a must for a clean, fresh face with absolutely no risk of messy mascara stains under your eyes. Today’s waterproof mascaras have built- in conditioners that make them much healthier for your lashes than waterproof mascaras of seasons past. UBU’s waterproof mascara conditions and lengthens with no drying effect, and none of the build-up that could make your lashes dry and brittle from overuse. Waterproof mascaras are great if you’re at the beach or the pool, for battling summer’s high humidity, or, dare I mention, for counter acting the effects of a hot flash! Waterproof eye pencils are a must too; don't use one without the other. No worries, apply your waterproof mascara and eye pencil in the morning and you’ll be good to go all day.

The Dove Real Beauty Workshops

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce to you "The Dove Real Beauty Workshops for Girls". Starting this fall 2009 I'll begin facilitating these fun, educational and interactive sessions for young girls ages 8-17. These workshops are complimentary and will explore "ideal" images of beauty and how we encourage young girls and women everywhere to embrace a more positive image of themselves. We will also engage young girls in a healthy dialogue about self- esteem.

I am excited about starting this initiative that educates and inspires young girls to embrace a wider definition of beauty.

Please contact me for more information and details or if you are interested in having a workshop for your group or organization.

Sincerely,

Gwen Rich AICI FLC

Image-Style Consultant

IMAGE Inside & Out

847-867-7203

How to pull off a menswear inspired look?

One of the trends that we've been seeing a lot of is the Menswear Inspired look. A common question I am asked is how can I pull off this look if I want to wear it?
First of all, you'll want to decide in what way do you want to wear the Menswear Inspired look? What is the best way to carry off the look for you and your personality?
Do you love accessories and want to include it in your outfit very subtly with a handbag or shoe. If considering a specific piece of clothing you have many options: striped blouses, patterned vests, pinstriped skirt or trousers. When trying to follow a trend, it is important to pull it off in small doses. Try one menswear inspired piece among more feminine or basic pieces. Here in this picture Heidi Klum is wearing a plaid dress (menswear inspired). She's added some feminine touches from head to toe starting with her feminine hair style, belt and ending with shoes.

FEBRUARY is National Self-Esteem Month

The National Association for Self-Esteem has February as the National Self-Esteem month.

NASE and DSEF(Dove Self-Esteem fund_ are working to help foster self-esteem. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is an agent of change to educate and inspire girl's on a wider definition of beauty and to make them feel more confident about themselves. As an Image-Style Consultant I am very interested and concerned with helping teens increase their self-image and confidence. I've developed an image course(IMAGE4 Teens) with the teenage girl in mind that specifically addresses image related topics that correlates to ones self-image. My IMAGE4Teens course will start in the month of March. To help support February as the National Self-Esteem month I'll be offering a discount for anyone who signs up for this girls image course. Sign up now and receive a 10% discount for the IMAGE4 Teens course. For more information go to: http://www.imagebygwen.com/ or email: gwen.rich@comcast.net

IMAGE4 Teens locations visit: http://www.renudayspa.com/

Does the handbag wear you?

Today I am going to write about some fundamental principles that will help you to choose the right accessories for you and your lifestyle. This is a picture of Vanessa Hudgens and the accessory that I am going to refer to in this picture is the handbag. Something about this picture doesn't look quite right?
Let's go over a few principles to prove my point. When considering an accessory such as a handbag, you want to remember:
Color, style, lifestyle and size.
Vanessa did a good job choosing the right color (black). Black is a great basic color for Vanessa and her natural characteristics. The style (casual) goes along with the style(casual) of her outfit. The bag is a good choice for her lifestyle when she is on the go. Lastly, the size, well this is the principle she forgot about. The bag is too big for her. The bag is wearing her. Vanessa is very tiny and petite. It is a good rule of thumb to never where a handbag that is larger that the width of your hips. That way it is more harmonious with your body, it won't overwhelm you like in the picture. Most importantly you'll' wear the handbag and look very stylish too.

To a Better You in 2009

This year will be a lot of things. One being that 2009 is a sign to return to the basics and find the things that really matters most in our lives. The most important being our health and well- being. Do you like the way you feel and look about yourself? If you're like most women you're unhappy about some aspect of your image or appearance. The way a women feels and looks about her image has a lot to do with her success socially and professionally. Does that resonate with you? If it does then why not make the commitment in 2009 to feel happier and more confident about the way you look. Why wait any longer. Stop putting everyone and every task before you!

As a professional Image-Style Consultant I can help you discover and embrace your challenges and attributes. Learn wardrobe strategies that create the illusion that you have more ideal proportions, capitalize on your attributes and focus on your strengths.

Stop waiting to shed those extra pounds or until you finally reach that ideal size. I can help you look younger and slimmer with a few simple wardrobe strategies. You won't even have to set foot into a health club or visit a plastic surgeon.

Start to except the body you were born with and embrace yourself just as you are.

If you're ready to make some changes in a new direction, and if you're ready to be the person you're meant to be, then I am ready to help.

I can be reached by phone, email, website or blogging.

I look forward to hearing from you.