The Wardrobe Workshop Image Consulting by Ketura Persellin  June 30, 2009 in this issue :: 5 ways to travel in style :: Making time for the things you love Greetings! I was in New York recently on a business trip, and I was reminded both how much I adore that city, and how relieved I am to come back home. I stayed in the glittery, flashy theater district and indulged in my annual new-watch splurge at the Swatch store there. (I've haven't taken it off since!) At the conference, the best-looking outfit was, hands-down, cropped khakis, a shrunken navy jacket, a white T, some bone Tory Burch flats, and some beautiful slim oval gold hoops. It wasn't a thrilling or eye-catching outfit, but it was both stylish and it worked for the occasion. That's what's key, whether you're in the big city or at a beach house in Maine. Where will your summer plans take you? I'd love to hear about them! And keep in mind that whatever your destination, you'll feel better when you're wearing clothes you love that express your own personal style. Just be sure to make time for what you love. (To get you started thinking about what that. might be, I've included a special guest article by marketing guru Ali Brown.) Finally, I'm excited to let you know that my website will be launched very soon! It will include my blog, an archive of ezine articles and information about my services, plus plenty of handouts and tips. In fact, I'm so excited that I'm planning to celebrate with a special client offer. I'll keep you posted! Best wishes, Ketura P.S. If you've just subscribed to this newsletter, welcome! If you know someone who's ready to make some changes in her personal style, please forward this newsletter by clinking on the link below.   5 ways to travel in style Packing it in For many of us, summer brings lots of packing and unpacking (with plenty of laundry in between). We might go through the cycle two or three (or more!) times during the course of the season, but somehow it never seems to get a whole lot easier. Wouldn't you love to find a formula for traveling in style? Here are five things that are key for me when I leave home: Plan for the unexpected. Yes, you've probably checking the weather for your destination. The weather can change, of course, plus you may wind up taking an unexpected day trip into the mountains (or into desert) or going to a movie (brrrr!). So tuck a collapsible umbrella into your bag and remember to pack these two  things: a wrap for if it's colder than you expect, and a cute, bare top, like an embellished tank -- something you can layer or strip down to if it gets too hot. Bring extra luggage. How often have you dressed to the nines only to find yourself carrying a couple plastic bags from the grocery store? You can avoid this fashion faux pas if you plan ahead and tuck an extra, collapsible bag into your suitcase. (I love this one from Le Sport Sac -- check the site for tons of color, style and size options.) If you find time for a little shopping, you can shlep your purchases home in it, or use it to stash bathing suits or snacks for the kids. Find the perfect dress. If you have a lightweight dress in a crinkle or mesh fabric, make sure you bring it along. You might even consider building your travel wardrobe around this one piece. Because it won't show dirt, it will look good even if you wear if a few times. Embrace the familiar. Even though you're going on a trip, your style and circumstances are the same. It's tempting to bring new and glamorous things, but try to resist. If you normally wear shorts and pants, avoid packing a suitcases full of dresses. Stick to familiar pieces, things you've worn and know work for you. A trip isn't the time to rely on new shoes (what if they totally hurt?!) or clothes. Plan ahead. A suitcase doesn't pack itself -- and a coordinated travel wardrobe doesn't put itself together, either. Try packing from the feet up. For instance, if you know you'll be wearing a particular pair of sandals the entire weekend, see what three outfits you can wear with those shoes. (Don't take outfits made up of pieces that don't work with other things you're bringing.) And give yourself time to get it right. If you need a little help with the process, give me a call. I'll help you get right, so your personal style shines through -- and so you can focus on strenuous relaxation instead of your clothes. Making time for the things you love by Ali Brown Keeping up with business and social engagements sometimes means sacrificing our personal hobbies and relaxation time. But making time for ourselves, even on a busy day, can and will help us feel better and function better. Although it's admirable to spend time taking care of work, friends, family, and pets, it's even more important to spend time taking care of ourselves. Here's how to carve out time for yourself and the things you love: Learn to say no. As women, we're often guilted into taking on extra work or attending meetings or events that don't interest us because we're too nice to say no. However, you need to practice saying no so that you can clear some time to yourself and say yes to the things that you want to do. There's no shame in skipping a committee meeting every now and then so you can get a massage. Or RSVPing no to a networking event if you really need a quiet evening of rest and relaxation. Don't forget family time. Family time can be converted into relaxation and bonding time together simply by selecting an activity the whole family can enjoy. Relationships can get a new lease on life too, if both partners decide to pursue a hobby or chosen form of relaxation together. Incorporate your interests into your vacation. Don't be afraid to take time off! You've earned it, plus it's a chance to follow through on hobbies and interests that might not fit into your regular routine. It doesn't matter if the vacation is with family or friends; it's about selecting opportunities that work for everyone -- say, diving for you, lying on the beach for Jane, and bar-hopping for John. Identify what makes you happy. Over time, our lives change -- we pursue different careers, get married, have kids. Often we lose sight of what used to make us glow. Spend time remembering those magical moments and then commit a few hours each week to rekindling them. Ensure that you have a specific project in mind, because that eases up on the time it takes to get the project going. Saying "I want to write" is too ambiguous. Saying "I want to write a memoir about traveling to Japan" will give you more direction and focus. It doesn't matter how much time you're able to spend each time on your personal project. The important thing is that you commit to doing it regularly and frequently so that it becomes a habit. Realize that once you've found the things you love to do, whether that's swing dancing, cooking Indian curries, or making pottery, you need to hold onto them and never give them up. You may have to change your daily schedule or work and social commitments to fit in this extra time. But doing so will be beneficial in the long run, because the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment you get from pursuing your passions will make you a happier and more productive person. © 2009 Ali International, LLC Self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur Ali Brown is devoted to creating financial freedom for women globally through the power of entrepreneurship. To learn how to create wealth and live an extraordinary life now, register for her free weekly articles at www.AliBrown.com Are you ready? Summer's just getting underway, which means fall is right around the corner. That means holidays, school and charity events, business travel and so on. Are you ready? When you get back from your summer travels, give me a call and we'll start planning your fall wardrobe (which, yes, includes finding a new home for those pilled sweaters from 1998 that you've been holding on to). In the meantime, email me to get my checklist "101 Ways To Look Your Best." You can also visit me at the Ladies Paradise or follow me on Twitter @KeturaP for up-to-the minute ideas about fashion-related trends, sources and news.