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!