New Blog Site

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Style by Skype

Are you preparing for a job interview or getting ready for a big date and need your outfit quickly approved or improved?
Did you make an impulse purchase and now you are wondering whether to keep it or return it?

My new service Style by Skype is now up and running!
It was designed for existing and new clients who want my opinions and advice on their style. Consultations can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Please inquire for more details.

The Price of Beauty: TV preview

Next year a new show will debut entitled The Price of Beauty. The pop star Jessica Simpson will star and co-produce this project exploring the concept of true beauty. Ms. Simpson is currently shooting the first season, traveling around the world to talk to women about their feelings about beauty.

This sounds to me like it will be a casual but very interesting examination of a topic always relevant to me as an image consultant and as a woman. I hope to see candid moments with women discussing beauty from their point of view based on cultural traditions and social considerations.

I rather like Jessica Simpson because she works hard and doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously. She has been scrutinized in the press for her appearance just as most pop stars have at one time or another (most recently for wearing a pair of high-waisted jeans…it probably wasn’t even a slow news day which is the sad part) and handled herself with grace and humour.

From a limited fashion line a full lifestyle brand called the Jessica Simpson Collection has grown. I have not seen too many of the items in person so cannot attest to quality but many of the pieces look quite versatile and appealing. The brand features everything from sunglasses and scarves to coats and shoes. In terms of promotion, This venture will surely tie in perfectly with the beauty based tv show.

Simpson had this to say is an LA Times article published this past June: "I have always believed that beauty comes from within and confidence will always make a woman beautiful, but I know how much pressure some women put on themselves to look perfect." Hopefully this attitude will help her to deliver intriguing stories of real beauty so that the awareness level of viewers can at very least be slightly heightened.

Here’s hoping that this reality show is a little more real than the rest. No date has been set by the VH1 network. Look for The Price of Beauty to air sometime in 2010.

LA Times show tracker

The Jessica Simpson Collection

America's Best Dressed Mayor

This week at the Toronto Fashion Incubator (my office place) we were visited by Mayor Francis Slay of St. Louis Missouri. I am told that the city of St. Louis is considering starting a fashion incubator of their own. (TFI has served as a model for fashion incubators around the world.)

It was a pleasure to meet Mayor Slay and his team as they were lovely and very interested in hearing what we had to say about our businesses and about being a part of the incubator.

During the meet and greet I was informed by TFI director Susan Langdon that Mayor Slay was voted the best dressed mayor in America. He was also featured in Esquire Magazine

I found it very cool and unexpected that the best dressed mayor is not from one of the cities considered American fashion centers.

Look out for St. Louis!

Style Gone Mad

I began contemplating the cultural significance of the television show Mad Men while reading the following paragraph from an article entitled Drama Confronts a Dramatic Decade by Fred Kaplan in the New York Times this past weekend.

“We live in a culture where people can transform themselves,” Mr. Weiner said. “We have a phrase: ‘Find a job, then become the person who does it.’ Don is one of those people. It’s a hard thing to swallow, because you’re never really secure about yourself. For our hero that insecurity makes him especially good at understanding what people want and why they want it.” And that makes him a perfect ad man.

Due to the nature of my work, interesting or unexpected notes about self-transformation tend to catch my attention. The above description of the Don Draper character reminds me of those I have known and worked with who created new lives for themselves when given the opportunity to do so in times of major transition - albeit under less dramatic circumstances than this character. (If you have not seen the show, Don returns from war mistaken for another man who has passed away. He then creates a new life for himself under his adopted identity.)

The above quote from the show’s creator Matthew Weiner may cite Don’s insecurity but it is the character’s confidence (authentic or not) that strikes me most. Part of this is exuded through sheer style of dress and movement. Just as one’s body language can influence what we think of how they look, the way the show is shot (cinematography) helps us to feel the mood of the Mad Men world while we watch the accompanying visuals. Watching this show is like being a fly on the wall in early 60’s New York.

A fashion industry influence

The clothing seen in Mad Men hardly represents fashion fiction as the costume design is well researched and carefully crafted. As the show became a part of pop culture, its style began to infiltrate runways and retail. Michael Kors for instance put out a fall 2008 line inspired by the show.

In a BBC article entitled The Look of Mad Men, Jeremy Langmead, the editor of Esquire Magazine says of his experience this past winter, “And having just been to the latest round of fashion shows, the Mad Men's influence can be seen in the domination of the suit. But more significant is the influence at the other end of the market, where High Street and Main Street traders brand their suiting as "Mad Men".

I recently passed a retail window display here in Toronto endorsing fashion ideas taken from the show. The stores have clearly partnered with the network (since they are using the show’s official branding) and are timing their promotions to profit while promotion is at a high for the new season of the show.

What is Mad Men style?

For the men, it is a statement of suit. The elevated level of style is achieved through the details such as tie widths and knots, collar points and pins, pocket squares and pattern mixing. Today this meticulous attention to detail is simply not as common as it once was. If you have this today you really stand out.

The Mad Men women also make a style statement. They wear well put together looks that have a sophisticated sense of colour. Luxurious accessories are a focus and fabrics and textures are important. The female characters and their clothing range from the demure to the ultra-confident and curvy. No matter the personality of the women, elegance is always well communicated. Although the women do not wear formal suits as he men do in the show and as women do today, the sense described can be translated to corporate attire.

Why is the style so appealing?

In today’s world when we seem to repeatedly bring back the 80’ Mad Men style translates to the young and the mature. It represents a time when polish was critical and natural.
"We have all got scruffier and dressed down over recent years," says Langmead. Suddenly seeing a TV series where everybody is smart is a reminder of how good we do look in a suit. There is a return to it. The power of what a suit can do for you. Smarter, healthier, younger."

The Emmy award winning and critically acclaimed show returns to our television sets this weekend with the third season. The viewership may be small for TV land but the show has clearly made an impact. Due to the clever plot lines, sets, characters and of course their fashions, it gives viewers a dose of mystery and old school glamour that can be readily translated for today’s modern men and women.


References

Mad Men official show page

Drama Confronts a Dramatic Decade, New York Times

The Look of Mad Men, BBC News Magazine

It’s a Mad Mad World, Style.com

photo: Jon Hamm and January Jones as Don and Betty Draper, credit unknown

The Next Star

Today I visited the set of the television show The Next Star which is in its second season. It is produced by Tricon Films and Television and airs on YTV. Since the main audience for the show is kids, it was a fun and relaxed trip to the set.

The show’s concept is similar to that of the Idol franchise as a cross-country talent search is held. The 3 judges give golden tickets to those who give the best singing auditions and demonstrate star potential.

I went to the studio in Toronto to coach the finalists on having powerful presence on stage and off. I also gave them tips to help hem prepare for the spotlight and their careers as artists. It was part of an episode in which the young singers are given tips by various experts on the tricks of the trade.

I advised the finalists in a group setting in their rock and roll themed lounge. They were wonderful, personable and it was a pleasure to meet and work with them. Adamo, the host is hilarious and sweet. He helped to make the experience a fun one!

We discussed many topics but I gave them my top 3 keys for making fabulous first impressions and achieving star caliber style. Without elaborating here (more to come in a future article), these can apply to anyone:

1. Always be professional - set goals & hone your communications skills, etiquette

2. Show us your personality – show congruency between on-stage and off-stage messages

3. Have confidence in yourself & be able to communicate this to your audience

The purpose of this is of course to execute your branding well so you can build strong rapport with your audiences.

The Next Star Host: Adamo Ruggeiro
Judges: Steve Cranwell, Suzie McNeil, Christopher Ward

Radio Interview with Image Industry Leader Karen Brunger

Karen Brunger recently concluded her term as International President of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International). She is a true industry innovator and will continue to lead in other capacities.

I conducted her exit interview yesterday on the AICI Live show on Blog Talk Radio. We reviewed highlights of the past few years and Karen shared insights on the state of the image industry today.

LISTEN to the interview online or download it here: AICI Live show page

If you are curious about the industry and the image consulting profession this interview will benefit you.

Karen recently celebrated her 25th year in business. It was a pleasure and privilege to interview her at this time. In my opinion she is one of the very top consultants in the world.

More information on Karen Brunger can be found on her website www.imageinstitute.com

2nd Annual Presentation + Private Shopping Night at BR

Last week I presented at the second annual young alumni event put on in Toronto by McMaster University and Guelph University. The night was sponsored by the Bank of Montreal and held at the flagship Banana Republic store on Bloor Street.

The main feature of the presentation was a brief fashion show during which I demonstrated outer transformations on 4 models from varied professional backgrounds. I also showed the crowd my personal picks for most versatile clothing pieces for the pre-fall retail season.

The event was a great success as we once again had a store full of attendees who watched the presentation and enjoyed a private shopping night. Thank you to the store, the sponsor, the models and the organizers Lori Moulden and Mary-Ann Moroz.

It was a great night, see you next year!

Special Announcement: Zayna Mosam Image Consulting is Moving

I am very excited to announce that I will be moving my office to the Toronto Fashion Incubator on August 1, 2009!

I have loved my time at the beautiful space I had for three years on Duncan St. as well as the most recent office on King St. West. It is time for a change and time to expand the business once again. TFI is the perfect place for me to do this.

TFI is an organization very well known to the fashion community. Members of TFI include Canadian designers new and established, retailers and agencies.

Susan Langdon serves as the Executive Director of TFI. Her reputation proceeds her and now that we have met a few times I can say that I am extremely pleased to know her and to be a part of the place she runs and nurtures so well.

I have many plans for my upcoming time at TFI. For instance, I will be further developing relations with Canadian designers in order to provide more customized style based services to current and future clients.

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI)

Questions of Transition

This past weekend I traveled to Michigan to work with a lovely new client. She found out about me and my image consulting services through a friend of hers I worked with a few years ago. I worked with both of these women in a time of career and life transition as they were moving to new cities and preparing to start new career phases.

After this consultation I began thinking a lot about the fact that many of my clients (if not most) are in transition. Whether it be professional or personal, physical or mental, transition often exposes need and opportunity.

It might be as simple as a wardrobe update or as extensive as self-reinvention, but an impending change in environment often prompts one to examine and analyze their current personal brand. What kind of first impression do I make?
What does my image say about me?
What are the messages I would choose to non-verbally and verbally convey?
How well can I control this? How well AM I controlling this?

Transition or not, it can be beneficial to ask ourselves such questions at least once in a while. Personal image develops and public image shifts. As we come to better understand our brands and how to make them work for us we tend to have deeper image related questions. Take your image inventory today!

How to Look Good Naked

The popular show "How to Look Good Naked" is now coming to Canada! For the past while, I have answered that this is one of my favorite makeover type shows when asked what I think of the latest crop of style and image reality programs.

The producers and Gok Wan, the host of the British version appear to have very high integrity and purely positive intentions when dealing with the on-air participants. One of the objectives is to help women (who do not feel attractive) see that they may have a distorted view of their bodies. Another objective is to help them to see themselves as more attractive and sensual beings. This often results in increased self-confidence and self-esteem.

The show focus on inner transformation as much as outer transformation which gives viewers a deeper and sometimes more realistic look at what goes into a "makeover".

If the Candian production on the is comparable to the British one, it will be a welcomed addition to the reality show roster.

How to Look Good Naked with Gok Wan

Note: Gok Wan has a lingerie line. On the show, he seems to have a great understanding of foundation garments and the female body. Here is the site for more information:

Simply Gok Wan

GILTy pleasure: Designer discounts

My good friend and style savvy Manhattanite Noura recently invited me to join the online shopping site gilt.com.

Gilt Groupe provides significant mark downs on designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children.

Both the reasonable and the outrageous can be found on this site. For instance, not many people I know are interested in buying golden croc pumps that are now $4400.00 rather than $8800.00. I did however discover (within 2 minutes of browsing) the sturdy and stylish Mosley Tribes aviator sunglasses for $88.00 rather than $275.00. (prices are in USD)

Sometimes there are special sales with limited time frames. The hot items are often sold out in a hurry so keep your eye on the site.

If you see something you like, I recommend trying to find it at a local retailer so you can try it on for size and style. Gilt.com allows you to return merchandise within 14 days of purchase but you will receive store credit, not a refund.

Happy shopping!

Conference 2009 Wrap Up

This year's Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) conference was a grand success. Knowledge was shared, strategies were created and fun was had! The annual end of conference gala was a definite highlight. Since we were in sunny California, the evening had a Hollywood theme complete with red carpet and "stars". We were also treated to a Dancing with the Stars type competition where the audience served as the voters.

Each year several awards are given out. Outgoing AICI President Karen Brunger (my good friend and mentor) was given the Image Makers Merit or Industry Excellence (IMMIE) award. Karen deserves this honour more than anyone I can think of since she has been integral to the growth of the industry as well as the association is countless respects.

Additional memorable moment of the night: Many of us experienced our first earthquake! During one of the acceptance speeches the ceiling went right as the ground went left and the thousands of tiny chandeliers hanging from the ballroom ceiling rattled back and forth for added drama. Nothing fell and no one was harmed by the earthquake. The elevators stopped working though so some very exhausted guests had to walk up 14 flights of stairs at the end of the night, shoes in hand I imagine.

Conference 2010 is officially set to take place on May 20th at the Renaissance Hotel by the waterfront in Vancouver Canada!

photo: Zayna Mosam, Joseph Rosenfield, Karen Brunger

International Image Consulting Conference

I am currently in sunny Orange County, California attending the annual Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) conference. Every year hundreds of image consultants and professionals in related industries meet to learn, to get inspired and of course to socialize! When you have a profession that is lesser known, it is always interesting and exciting to be with so many people who do what you do.

There are consultants here from all over the world: Japan, France, Italy, Africa, Singapore, China, Mexico, Chile and more. It is always a pleasure to make new friends from different cultures and share out experiences and insights.

It is a busy time as I am working on my new website as well as on my AICI positions: Human Resources Chair and AICI Radio Chair. I am organizing a great lineup for future broadcasts so stay tuned...

For my readers that are interested in possibly pursuing this profession, I highly recommend you consider attending conference next year. I hear a rumour that it will be in Vancouver, Canada!

My First Radio Show

Today, I produced and hosted my first show for AICI (The Association of Image Consultants International) on Blog Talk Radio.

I interviewed eyewear image expert Wendy Buchanan of Perceptions Eyewear on the topic: Look as Good as You SEE - Choosing eyewear to frame your image. We covered the following topics and answered some additional questions from listeners.

1. The 5 frame styles: Categorize and select eyewear frames according to one’s personality, profession and clothing style

2. Working with different face shapes: Choose frame styles that suit the width of the face & the bridge of the nose

3. What’s hot in eyewear in eyewear right this season: Current trends for 2009

I had a great time hosting and Wendy was a pleasure to work with as she is knowledgeable, relaxed and humourous. Thank you Wendy for being a fantastic inaugural guest!


Click this link to listen to the show: AICI Live on Blog Talk Radio

You can also visit www.blogtalkradio and search 'zayna mosam'. Then select the appropriate show (title above)

Original air date: May 5, 2009

Einstein

Some of my readers have asked to see something I made in the art class I spoke of a 3 posts back. This is my attempt (not quite complete) to replicate a portrait of Einstein we were given. Here is the link to the original:

In honour of Einstein, here are a few of his quotes:

"If A equals success, then the formula is _ A = _ X + _ Y + _ Z.
_ X is work. _ Y is play. _ Z is keep your mouth shut."

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

"The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is all comprehensible."

Fashion Diary Part 2: Fashion is Fierce

This post was meant to be a backstage report from dress rehearsal for the Cheri Milaney Fashion Week show as I was one of the original "real women" models selected. This past week the designer's team decided to cut all but a small fraction of the models from the show. In short, they changed their minds about how they would present their collection. I personally think they were unprepared to execute what they intended.

If I were to write the previous post again I would not use the word courageous to describe the efforts of this designer. We don't know if alternate models will be booked for the show. We do know that there are a few women who were spared from the cut and they will be walking next week. This means the show will still be newsworthy.

I was previously very excited about this show because of all that it signified to me as a modern woman and as one who helps people to see that beauty is not defined by commercials and catwalks. I still believe that major industry progress is on its way...it's just taking its sweet time.

Fashion Diary Part 1: Fashion Week prep

This month, fashion designers will be showing their Fall 2009 collections at Toronto Fashion Week. For the first time in a Fashion Week anywhere in the world, a designer has decided to use only “real women” as models. In this case, “real women” is defined as women 30 to 60 years old representing dress sizes 4 to 14.

The aforementioned designer is Cheri Milaney who is based in Vancouver. She is preparing to speak to her market by representing them on the runway. I have the opportunity of walking in the March 18th show and am very happy to be a small part of a growing movement.

In recent years we have seen tv shows and advertising represent our diverse population with their casting choices more than ever before. The fashion world has been slower to follow suit as the industry has a culture all its own. Milaney’s camp has made a courageous and smart strategic move as far as I’m concerned. The show is sure to garner its share of press because something new and unorthodox is happening.

Since none of the women modeling are professionals, we are being trained to walk the runway. Our first prep session was yesterday. We are being trained by a lovely woman named Liis who is helping everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and true to our own personalities as we walk. As various songs were being played, we were encouraged to experiment with different paces, facial expressions and movements. The women seemed to be enjoying themselves and I could see that some became quite a bit more comfortable as the session progressed.

Aside from the walking rehearsal, impromptu headshots were taken in the corner of the rehearsal studio. I assume it was for the makeup artists and hairstylists to reference when planning the looks for the show. We were also asked to try on various sample clothing items so that the designer’s marketing and PR director could take notes on the fit of the clothing on our bodies. I tried on a jacket in my size and a blouse and pants that were a size too large. What I will be wearing is a mystery at this point…

Marketwire press release for the Cheri Milaney show

A Change in Perspective

Last fall I became a member of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. I knew I was ready to soak up even more culture than usual. What I didn’t know was that I would have the chance to get to know my inner artist.

With my ROM membership information came the calendar of adult art classes. There are a variety of offerings from oil painting to Chinese brush painting and the levels range from beginner to advanced. The class I chose to begin with is called “Drawing for Those who Can’t”.
I think this class is so popular because it speaks to those who believe they cannot draw and/or to those who are apprehensive about trying something new and different. The class title simply takes the pressure off.

I happen to think that everyone is artistic in their own way and that your art does not have to be considered promising in order to enjoy the activity immensely. My talented and hilarious teacher Lucy Dilkus keeps us in a routine of warm ups, and exercises that lead up to the afternoon’s projects. She showed us that drawing can be incredibly meditative. It is yet another way to relax while engaging the mind and body.

In my favorite drawing exercise thus far, we were each given a copy of a black and white likeness of Charles Darwin in his later years. We were asked to focus simply on the light and dark areas of the page. The picture was set in front of us inverted to help us to do this. Darwin’s photo was now just a series of splotches in various shades of grey rather than a portrait.

Once the work was complete we turned our drawings right side up for the first time and admired each other’s work. Once again we were all given the same task and each person’s drawing differed significantly from the next. Most of us expressed surprise at what we had achieved since most of us would not have thought we could draw a likeness with any success. The key was a change in perspective created by turning the picture upside down and refraining from thinking of what we saw as a person.

As a result of my art lessons and what I experienced in that classroom at the museum this past month, I have gained new perspective not only on art but on photography. Last week I visited a special photography exhibit entitled Photographic Figures (on until May 10, 2009) at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and found that I have a new appreciation for photography and paintings.

Due to my lessons I am beginning to understand more about technique and use of light in black and white photography specifically. That simple exercise of looking for light and dark areas and recognizing depth gave me fresh eyes with which to observe. I better understand the artist’s intended perspective and message when looking at a work. This is a wonderful and completely unexpected side effect of my time in “Drawing for Those Who Can’t”.

I have a new outlet for my artistic side and news skills to develop. I have even started to carry around a small sketchbook. For me as it turns out, the satisfaction is in the process rather than the end result. After reading this, if you are not doing so already, I hope you make time for yourself find an artistic activity to try whether it be drawing or dancing. If you think you won’t be able to do it, it is probably the perfect choice!

For program and exhibit information:

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) programs & lectures

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The problem that is Winterlicious: A bad trip down the Spice Route

I am sitting under a blanket and drinking hot tea trying to warm up after a chilly visit to Toronto’s much hyped Spice Route restaurant. The place has enjoyed great word of mouth publicity so I was looking forward to the evening.

Service

The hosts at the front of the restaurant were lovely but the good service ended there. Approximately 5 servers took turns hovering over my friend and I watching us. They snapped up our plates the second we finished a dish and sometimes before. The wait staff had a friendly demeanor but the hovering made for an unsettling dining experience.

I will say that I think is a management issue as they were clearly instructed to turn the tables over as quickly as possible. This may or may not be due to that Winterlicious is still in effect.

For those who do not have Winterlicious where they live, it is a period of time when restaurants offer prix fixe menus at affordable rates. I assume the point is to promote the venue and entice diners outside of the usual clientele.

The word on the street is that restaurant staffs dislike Winterlicious because it means repetition, extra work and smaller tips? Whether this is accurate or note, the media has made news of the industry’s opinions of the yearly event.
Toronto Star Winterlicious article

Ambiance & Food

The Spice Route is modern with a number Asian zen elements including Tibetan style statues and spicy coloured fabrics and wall treatments. There are some unique elements such as the private restrooms that have large windows replacing one wall, providing the visitor with a view of the outdoor enclosed patio extension.

The temperature in the space was far lower that room temperature. Despite the fact that I managed to fit warm woolen socks into my cute silver riding boots, I could not feel my toes.

The food was certainly tasty and spicy as the restaurant name implies. It seems as though they are overly mindful of portion control though. My citrus mandarin salad contained only one small slice of mandarin and the Mongolian beef with crispy rice I ordered contained no rice! If only I were someone who worried about carbs...

Spice Route: 499 King St. West, Toronto, ON Canada

Execute a Smooth & Impressive Valentine’s Day

Giving & accepting gifts

• Choose a gift that is appropriate for the stage of the relationship you are in e.g. first date/new relationship vs. casual relationship vs. long term relationship. It is best not to give a gift of an intimate nature in the very early stages of a relationship.

• Present your gift with though. Have someone help you to wrap the gift if necessary as the wrapping is a big part of the gift’s first impression (it is the gift’s outfit!).

• Be strategic about choosing a time to present the gift to your date. Near the end of the date is a good time.

• You may decline an inappropriate or unwanted gift. You might do this if the gift is too intimate in nature or too expensive for your comfort level for instance. You can say something like this: “Thank you for this kind gesture but I am not comfortable accepting this gift.” You may follow up with an explanation if you wish.

• When you give a gift always include the gift receipt when possible. If you receive a package that includes a gift receipt you should feel free to use it.

• Match the style of the gift to your date’s personality style, interests/hobbies and aspirations.

Celebrating single

• Do not press your single friends to share their Valentine’s Day plans. It can be a sensitive time for singles.

• Avoid sharing too many details about your intimate VDay plans if you have not been prompted.

Valentine’s day at the office

• Be sure to maintain professional conduct when discussing the topic of Valentine’s day.

• Be festive but not inappropriate. Giving out kids style valentines may be a cute retro idea but it is not professional

• While affection may be the theme of the day, keep office decorum in mind.

• Give gifts to friends or your secret office crush in private

Restaurant savvy

• Select a location that suits your personal style as a couple or prospective couple

• Arrange everything ahead of time: you may be able to drop off special wine, flowers in a vase, the gift in advance of the date

• Discretely provide the server or maitre d’ with your credit card if you want to be the one to pay. The bill never has to come to the table.

• Brush up on your dining etiquette before you go. You may need to guide your date.

Gift idea: It has never been so easy to be a tree hugger

I recently came across the Tree Nation website www.tree-nation.com. I think this makes a wonderful VALENTINE'S GIFT for a special someone, a friend, or even yourself.

Tree nation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme on a project. Their goal is to plant millions of trees in the Sahara in order to build a heart shaped forest (non sarcastic "awww").
Tree fees begin at 8 euros.

Another tree planting project takes place in New York City and is organized by the New York Restoration Project, founded by Bette Midler. it is called Million Trees NYC and their goal is to plant 1 million trees around the boroughs of NYC. These trees however cost significantly more than those of Tree Nation. The starting donation is $100.00. You cannot however, be told of the location of the tree you donated (I called to ask thinking it would be very cool to give someone a tree and tell them where it is exactly.)

So many of us have woken up to the fact that the little things we can do everyday really do help the environment. This is just another not so every day way to contribute while telling someone you are thinking of them.

All Eyes on You, Mrs. President

The election of Barack Obama has created renewed interest in the American political landscape for many. There is excitement in the air for change as well as for the new residents of the White House. The media have dubbed it the second coming of Camelot.

As the Obama family prepares to take up residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this month, the world waits with anticipation. Today’s picture of presidential perfection is much more transparent. The Obamas seem to many like the family next door which allows many to relate to them more than they have to previous first families.

The couple’s relevance permeates into all areas of lifestyle...even fashion! Many a headline has been written in respected publications about Michelle Obama’s personal style. Journalists and talk TV hosts have described her look as being in the style of a modern day Jackie Kennedy.

Ms. Obama claims not to have a stylist. She does however have relationships with designers such as Maria Pinto in Chicago who furnished the beautiful purple sleeveless sheath dress and the turquoise ¾ sleeve dress she wore at the Democratic National Convention. (Trebay, NY Times June 8, 2008)

Amongst all of the hard political issues, as always the image and wardrobe choices of the candidates’ wives made news. A casual dress worn by Michelle Obama on The View sold out in one day. When asked about her style Ms. Obama explained that she enjoys every day economical fashions as much as she enjoys the occasional designer gown.

The dress was from an American chain store called White House Black Market and retailed for $148.00 USD. Click here to watch Michelle Obama in The View wearing the dress and chatting about her wardrobe at the 12:00 minute mark.

Not only is being relatable and economical politically savvy, it became a trend much before the start of the credit crisis. Many designers have expanded their empires by teaming up with retail chains to create affordable fashion for the everyday woman. For instance, the partnerships between Isaac Mizrahi & Target, and Vera Wang & Kohl’s.

Once again we receive the message that it’s not how much it costs, but how you wear your clothing that counts. Of course quality matters, but what matters most is whether you know how to put yourself together (accessories, coordination of pieces, colour combinations etc.) and walk with comfort and confidence.

My advice: Wear what you like and wear what you can afford. I’ve known many a person who would rather have designer shoes than a good meal but it may not be worth it. These days even our style icons pull from the rack as well as the couture closet!

Photos of Michelle Obama's outfits: New York Times fashion article

Golden Globes 2009 Women's Fashion Review

This was a year of beautifully draped fabric and flattering silhouettes. In terms of colour soft neutrals and metallics were very prominent (white, gold, cream, grey) with only a few nominees and presenters choosing red/orange (Eva Longoria Parker, Elisabeth Moss), blue (Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Debra Messing), purple (Anna Paquin, Rumour Willis), yellow (Christina Applegate) and black (Kate Winslet, Isla Fisher, Tina Fey).

The mermaid silhouette was one of the most popular of the night. This shape best suits the hour glass figure or “X” body proportion type. Gowns that are fitted on top then loosely draped beginning at the waist, then falling to the floor are good for a variety of body types.

When celebrities work with stylists they of course choose dresses they like but they also consider participating in what will be the “hot” trends on the red carpet. Consequently, we often see a lot dresses that are similar to each other in style and colour. To a degree this in turn influences retails designers and the fashion taste of the publics who watch and admire celebrity style.

The members of companies such as ABS (headed by Allen Schwartz) are known to watch the award show together. As soon as the actors hit the rug they begin planning, sketching and choosing which gowns to knock off.

These dresses can be purchased in American department stores and online through companies such as Neiman Marcus, The Shopping Channel, Blue Fly, and E Dress Me.

Note that knock offs are sometimes very close in design to the original but it many cases they are re-designed to better suit the average woman’s body. In other words, shoppers need to be able to wear these dresses without the help of body tape and a personal stylist!

I have personally never seen a knock off that was constructed of fabrics as high in quality as that of the original gown. This is because the knock offs are sold at a fraction of the cost of the original. What was an $8000.00 designer gown might be copied and then sold at a price of $350.00.

Clearly artisitic integrity is not a priority here. Companies like ABS do seem to have a market which keep them in business however.

For some watching the red carpet specials is a chance to enjoy Hollywood glamour hard at work. For others it can be a quick tutorial on what’s hot and what’s not. It is also an opportunity to decide which styles you like and why. Inspiration for your own life can and should be taken from anywhere and everywhere!

While I sometimes browse the best and worst dress lists, I do so out of curiosity only. The opinions of the many talk show hosts, commentators and so called fashion police do not influence my opinions.

The photos above depict 2 of my favorite looks of the 2009 Golden Globes. They are credited to J. Merrit and owned by Getty Images.

Eva Longoria Parker dress - Reem Acra
Ava Mendes dress - Dior

Restaurant Review: MoRoCo Chocolat

I recently visited MoRoCo Chocolat in the Yorkville neighourhood of Toronto. The relatively new chocolate boutique and salon offers flavourful sweets & savories as well as delectable décor.

Experience

When you enter, you find yourself in a modern white space that allows you to focus on the variety of small chocolate treats. You can then continue through to the plush dining room done in deep purples and grays with black, white and crystal accents. It was a bit like having coffee in the 1930’s. Anyone who knows me will tell you that my enjoyment of this place makes complete sense.

On both occasions the service was pleasant and efficient.

Food

My friends and I ordered the following items:

• Chocolate by the sip: “dark bold” flavour (a cup of dark chocolate, not hot chocolate)
• Bicchierini (a multi-layered chocolate espresso drink)
• Chocolate truffle flavours “Geisha”, “Soft Serve”, Chai One On”, “Full Throttle”
• Scrambled eggs, sausage and potatoes from the brunch menu

The flavours of the drinks are bold and the truffle tastes range from the usual to the unexpected. The chocolate by the sip (dark bold favour) was especially strong even if you are accustomed to rich dark chocolate. The chocolate by the dip (fondue style) may have been a better bet.

$

Coffee and chocolates for 2 - approx. $20
Brunch and chocolates for 2 - approx. $45

In this case as is many it seems, you pay for the experience as well as the food. I recommend this place as a once in a while spot of brunch, lunch, dessert or afternoon tea/coffee.

Image

MoRoCo Chocolat is an excellent example of branding well done as the look and feel of the restaurant was exactly what I had expected simply by viewing the logo.

Location

99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto,ON 416.961.2202
http://www.morocochocolat.com/
note: closed on Mondays

Ask the Expert: Health and Diet

The beginning of a new year means many include improving their diet among their list of goals.

Increasing numbers of people are now considering naturopathic medicine as an option for treating some persistent health problems that have not improved with the help of prescription medications. As an image consultant, I often aid clients in the search for professionals (such as medical doctors, massage therapists, personal trainers etc.) who can help them to improve various aspects of their lifestyle.

Here are some quick tips to get you started. They have been provided by Dr. Yvonne Stiles, a Canadian naturopath.

Everyday health tips & facts: weight management and energy level improvement

• Shop around the aisles of the grocery stores not in them – that’s where the healthier items are usually displayed.

• Stress management is very important and can be done in many ways. When one is stressed, cortisol levels in the body increase which causes insulin to increase and sugar to be stored.

• Decreasing caffeine consumption – this will help to decrease stress, and improve energy levels. For every cup of coffee, drink 2 cups of water.

• Working out 5 times a week (combo of cardio workouts and resistance training) regulates stress and hormones

• Maintain a regular sleep time and amount of sleep (8 hrs is best for most people)

• How much water should you drink exactly?
Your weight in lbs / 2 = # of ounces one should drink each day
(A 128lb person should drink 64oz – which is 2L of water/day)
There are approx. 8 ounces in a 250ml cup.

• Drink fluids away from meals, because drinking with meals can dilute your stomach acid and digestive enzymes, inhibiting proper nutrient absorption.

• Eat in a relaxed environment. When you eat on the run your body is in sympathetic mode. This means you are not able to digest your food as well because digestion takes place when you’re in parasympathetic mode.
In other words, the body is focused on movement and muscle function rather than the digestive process.

Dr. Stiles practices out of Mississauga 905.855.0988 and Etobicoke, Toronto 416.234.1451. She is available for private as well as group consultations and speaking engagements. She can be reached through Zayna Mosam Image Consulting info@zmimage.com / 416.907.8156 or through her website www.yvonnestilesnd.com which features her bio.