Who Would Like to Take the Conscious Closet Challenge in 2011?

The Conscious Closet is designed especially for today’s busy, woman. If I’ve learned one thing as an Image-Style Consultant, it’s that women of all ages and sizes sometimes find the simple task of getting dressed each day to be a challenge. Although many women desperately need help in the area of image, they don't seek help because they assign themselves lowest priority on their own 2-DO LISTS. Taking care of others instead of oneself is practically an innate trait among many women -- one that hinders their ability to look and feel better about themselves. The “Catch 22” in all this is that woman who do feel and look their best are consistently MORE PRODUCTIVE.

A Conscious Closet is a foolproof system to help you look and feel your best every time you walk out of your closet! Most importantly, you will discover a fresh new approach to building and maintaining your wardrobe. Ultimately, style is about confidence and feeling good about who you are.

“99.9 % of us are overworked and stressed”

Consequently addressing or putting yourself on your 2 Do List goes by the way side. Isn’t it time for you to RECOGNIZE that you need to put yourself on your 2 DO LIST. . Don’t put off any longer. Sign-up for the Conscious Closet Workshop today!

Cost of workshop: $99

Event: Conscious Closet Workshop

Dates: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25 1:00 to 2:00pm CST

Dates: 1/13,1/20,1/27 7:00 to 8:00pm CST

Location: Comfort of your own home via telephone

Your $99 includes:

Useful guide

Introductory podcast

3- 1-hr -teleconference calls once a week to review and follow-up

Share concerns and ideas with others

Bonus: Wardrobe Plan

Complete Conscious Closet in one month

Click to sign-up for the Conscious Closet Challenge!

http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/imagebygwen/Teleclass

STYLE/IMAGE PRO'S are coming to shoot

THE PERSONAL STYLE SHOW

"WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU" audience show.

Imagine Having Professionals Help YOU!

Meet National Image Coordinators, Gwen Rich & P.D. Roche´

This is your chance to see what works best for you

and be a part of a live production.

•AVOID COSTLY CLOTHING & MAKEUP MISTAKES

•PREPARE FOR NEW CAREERS & LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES

•DISCOVER YOUR 8GR8 STYLE PIECES & COLORS

DATE: Sunday October 3, 2010

TIME: 1- 4:00pm

COST: $199

LOCATION:Marriot Hotel-Delray Beach

1111 North Ocean Blvd.

Delray Beach, Florida

33483

Show Tickets Include: 30-minute Complimentary Consultation, Expires 12/31/2010

Florida/Chicago/20 mile radius or Virtual

Complimentary Light Appetizers, Beverages, Self Parking in Hotel Lot/Ocean Dr. Entrance

REGISTER NOW

Recipient of the 2010 Civility Star Award

At the AICI's recent 2010 Annual Conference, I was awarded the prestigious 2010 Civility Star Award. In 2009, AICI decided to embark on a new mission to spread a positive "civility epidemic" around the world. My Business, IMAGE Inside & Out has a philanthropic component which helps provide two complimentary programs for the teen-aged girls in the community. Both programs, the "Win A Prom Makeover" contest, and the "Dove Real Beauty" workshops, help to increase awareness of the widening definition of "Ideal Beauty", as well as helping to build self-esteem and confidence. At this year's 2010 Global Annual Conference, my business was awarded a 2010 Civility Star for my outstanding service in support of the AICI Civility Counts Project and my tireless efforts to help make the world a better place by embracing the principles of Respect, Responsibility and Restraint.

AICI Civility Counts Project

CIVILITY COUNTS

Civility: An Image Perspective

Civility and the connection with image (Appearance, Behavior, Communication).

Vision

To create a world in which people in all countries and from all walks of life embrace and practice graciousness, generosity, kindness, consideration, thoughtfulness, nurturing, respect, restraint and responsibility.

Mission

AICI’s Civility Initiative will spread a positive message across the globe that heightens public awareness about the meaning of civility and helps people embrace the civility code of conduct: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility.

Through its global leadership in the image industry, AICI’s Civility Initiative will create and sustain partnerships with companies, organizations and communities and implement member/chapter programs in Civility.

AICI’s Civility Initiative will provide opportunities and tools for education and training for AICI members, the Board and the general public to help them achieve smooth and harmonious relationships in personal and professional settings.

TUNICS TOP OF TO DO LIST

This season, tunics are at the top of every woman’s fashion to-do list. Flattering and versatile, the tunic’s iconic silhouette works for just about everyone. Here are a few tips to consider if you plan to add a tunic to your spring or summer wardrobe.

READ MORE

Pay attention to details such as embellishments, pockets and even the pattern of the fabric. When worn, details and embellishments on a garment draw attention to the specific area of the body where they fall. Look for garments that bring attention to your best features, while minimizing attention to the less flattering areas of your figure.

Examples 1, 4, 5 and 6 below all have details or embellishments that draw attention upwards, toward the face and shoulder area. Bringing attention to one’s face is always a good thing. If you have what’s known as the “inverted triangle” body type, pay special attention to details in a garment that create the illusion of broadening the shoulder area.

Horizontal lines and pockets also deserve special attention. These details can create the illusion of added width and bulk. Examples 2, 5 and 6 all have horizontal lines that bring attention to the neckline, bust or hips. Example 4 has pockets that add bulk to the hip area.

A small or medium print or pattern, as well as complex or busy prints confuse the eye, so patterned tunics are an excellent choice for camouflaging figure problems. But be careful, patterns also have the ability to make the area to which they have been applied appear larger.

Examples 2, 3, 5 and 6 have interesting patterns that sidetrack the onlooker. Patterns can minimize challenge areas such as the bust and the waist. Example 3 is a great print that can help to unify two solid-colored garments.

Once you have determined that a garment flatters your body type, don’t forget to give it the “FABULOUS” test to insure it works for all the other important criteria. Make sure the garment has the proper fit, and that it suits your personality, your coloring and the occasion for which you intend to wear it. If you have any questions about this information, please join me for the “Style Round Table” in May. I’ll be discussing the latest trends and how to wear them with minimal expense and maximum fashion flair.

SPRING INTO ACTION

"The Accumulation Phase" is the most important phase of building a wardrobe. It’s also the area where women tend to make the majority of mistakes in building their wardrobes. No doubt, it also the most exciting and frustrating phase. According to statistics from Glamour magazine, 85% of women waste 50% of every dollar on ill-advised wardrobe purchases! Here are my suggestions for adding any item into your wardrobe. Follow these, and they'll become habit forming, saving you money, time and stress.

Purchase a new clothing item only if:

a. You can wear it with at least two or three pieces you already own.

b. You are replacing a worn out, stained or outdated item.

c. You are starting a new 8 GREAT Style PIECES collection (see explanation below).

d. The item is an add-on, i.e., an additional piece in an existing 8 Great Style Pieces collection.

I mentioned above the “8 GREAT style PIECES, which is a wardrobe system I’ve devised that really works. Your 8 GREAT style PIECES is a capsule or cluster of garments that are interchangeable, i.e., they can be mixed and matched in any number of ways to create outfits. This system is personalized for you, your lifestyle, your body frame, your coloring and your natural characteristics. When you start building your wardrobe with this system you’ll have:

Grab and go outfits

Perfect styles for your body

Perfect outfits for your lifestyle

Outfits for any occasion

A simple system for packing for a trip

Unlimited wardrobe options

In addition to the” 8 GREAT style PIECES, I recommend that you have 3 KEY ACCESSORIES that work for you. Every woman will have her own 3 very unique accessories. Incorporating your 3 KEY ACCESSORIES into your wardrobe will create:

Focal Points

Day, work and evening looks

A variety of wardrobe options

A polished look

I’d like to finish off by asking you to ask yourself: Is your current wardrobe system working for you? If not, isn’t it time to stop the insanity (doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result)? My system of the “8 GREAT style PIECES” will have you prepared for any occasion that comes your way. Ultimately, my system will save you time, money and stress.

Must Pass The Fabulous Test

In the month of January, my Newsletter, Teleclass and Style Round Table all focused on helping you take small steps towards achieving a functioning closet, or what I like to call a “Conscious Closet”. Each venue emphasized my Five No-Fail Strategies for achieving a “Conscious Closet”. I hope you were able make use of this information to get you and your closet off to a good start in 2010! To further help you achieve the state of the Conscious Closet, I’m introducing you to the “FABULOUS” test in this edition of my newsletter.

READ MORE The FABULOUS test is a no-fail method for successfully achieving the state of the Conscious Closet. Following is a step-by-step explanation of how to use the FABULOUS test for the items you already own as well as any you plan to purchase. Use it to streamline your closet, and you’ll be amazed at the sense of relief and freedom you’ll experience as you “let go” of all those unnecessary items that were cluttering and complicating not only your closet, but your life.

Take a look at this word and memorize what each letter represents. If you can remember the word “FABULOUS,” then you can apply it to the final phase of achieving the Conscious Closet, the accumulation phase, which I’ll be covering in the near future.

Fit

Add on

Budget

U-you & your personality

Love it

Occasion

U-rhymes with hue (color)

Style for body frame

Fit: the garment must fit you correctly, and be neither too tight nor too loose. It should feel great when you put it on. If you sense any pulling or discomfort, take it off and put it in the discard pile (but don’t forget to donate your gently used items to an appropriate charity). Be realistic; the garment must work for your current size and shape, not how you wish to look some day.

Add on: This rule applies both to items you already possess as well as anything you are planning to purchase. The item, whether it is a garment, a pair of shoes, an item of jewelry, or an accessory, must be able to mix-and-match with at least two-to-three existing items in your wardrobe.

Budget: The price of an item you plan to purchase must be within your budget. Determine this figure in advance of your shopping expedition and do not compromise.

U: you & your personality: Every item that you buy must fit your personality. It is does not jive with your personal style, then move on.

Love: You must LOVE every item you have in your closet. If you stick to this rule you’ll wear 100% of the clothes in your closet and love getting dressed each day.

Occasion: Each item must be appropriate for the occasion for which you intend to wear it. Always think about the occasion first, whether you are purchasing a new item, or selecting an outfit from your closet.

U: rhymes with hue (color): psychologists have determined that color is the first thing that people notice about a person. Wearing the most flattering colors and shades will help you look healthier, more vibrant, more youthful and even slimmer!

Silhouette: Before purchasing an item, make sure it works for your body type, or silhouette. Depending on your particular frame, certain clothing shapes and styles will flatter your figure while others will have the opposite effect.

Thanks for allowing me to help you achieve a Conscious Closet!

I recently took time away from the office to head on over to Nordstroms to have some fun in the shoe department. Nordstroms is a great place to find and over abundance of SHOES! I find they have a wide variety of selections that range from flats to high heals and cover any occasion from outer wear to dressy. I have to admit that I was deeply disappointed in the selections and even went home empty handed. It doesn't happen very often that I don't make a shoe purchase on one of my expeditions. I didn't see anything remotely interesting enough to take the time to sit down and try on. I kept roaming over each area hoping that by checking a second or third time that by shear magic an amazing pair of shoes would appear that somehow I missed the first few go a rounds.

It was very apparent that if you like to either hang low to the ground or climb to great heights than you're in luck . The selections for anything in between was limited. I found a big selection of flat shoes. So comfort has never been cuter. Which if you haven't heard are very popular and one of the hot trends. I have to admit that I am not a fan of flat shoes and prefer high healed shoes. Ever since having children my feet balk at wearing a flat sole without a lot of padding. Although I find the flats to be a great option for many of you, they don't bode well for me. For those of you who love the ultra high heals, wedges and platforms you're in luck. Michael Kors seemed to have the most selection at a more reasonable price point.

Emerging Trends for SPRING

LEATHER in athletically body conscious shapes with earthy tones of brown and tan

TRENCH COAT traditional to the unexpected color or textures

LONGER TOPS( knit, blouses, T's, sweaters) to pair with skinny jeans and leggings

JUMPSUIT draped, fluid knit jersey from Halston in the 1970's

THE UTILITY JACKET goes with just about anything

The STYLE ROUND TABLE

You're Invited to
The Style Round Table

"5 No Fail Strategies to a Conscious Closet"

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Join me for the first "Style Round Table" session in 2010.
It will be an exciting 1- hour session as I discuss each strategy for a functioning closet in 2010 and beyond. The closet can be a source of contention for many. Discover the benefits of incorporating my "5 No-Fail Strategies To A Conscious Closet".
*Save time
*Save money
*Less stress
*Grab and go outfits
*Personalized wardrobe colors
*The perfect styles for your body
*The perfect outfits for your lifestyle
*Outfits for any occasion
*Packing will be a snap
*Unlimited options

A welcoming closet you look forward to each day.

Bring a friend

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

Click here for to Register

Invite me to speak at your next event!

Small Baby Steps To A Conscious Closet

I hope this newsletter finds you happy and well! My goal for the start of the New Year is to work on taking baby steps toward positive changes in 2010. It has been my experience over the years that women desperately need help in the area of image. The major reason women don't seek help, of course, is that they assign themselves lowest priority on their own to-do lists.

READ MORE Taking care of others instead of oneself is practically an innate trait among women -- one that hinders their ability to look and feel better about themselves. The “catch-22” in all this is that women who do feel and look their best are also more productive. So let's all make a resolution in 2010 to put yourself at the top of your to-do list.

It is proven fact that if you can increase your confidence via new strategies that help you to look and feel better about yourself, you'll actually be more successful among family, friends, and co-workers.

Keep things simple and work on one small change at a time. In January, my focus will be to help you build a better closet. I’ll help you learn to develop a “functioning or conscious closet” for 2010 and beyond. This month in my teleclass and Style Round Table, I'll be discussing “Five No-Fail Strategies for a Conscious Closet.” Let's work together to eliminate wardrobe habits that are no longer working for you while discovering a fresh new approach that’s sure to add value to your lifestyle.

Female Mentors Have Big Influence On A Girls Self-Esteem

Dove Real Beauty Workshop

Researchers at Dove asked girls to name the person who is the most powerful influence on their self-esteem and ideas about beauty. The majority of girls around the world named their adult female mentors as that most influential person – their mother, stepmother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, teacher or friend, i.e., the person a girl both looks up to and is close with. Recognizing the powerful influence that female mentors have on young girls, the Dove self-esteem fund developed the “Dove Real Beauty” workshops. The workshops bring girls ages 8 – 12 together with their adult female mentors in order to start a dialog about such important topics as defining beauty and body image. The goal of the program is to ensure that both the girls and their mentors leave the workshops with the tools they need to continue these discussions on their own. Girls who participate in such healthy dialogs learn to successfully negotiate all types of personal and social situations as they mature. With increased confidence, girls can truly experience their full potential. Please join us for a “Dove Real Beauty” workshop on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 1:00 - 3:30p.m. at The Deerfield Park District, 836 Jewett Park Drive, room Pine B. To register or for more information, please email: image4teens@gmail.com