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