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

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!