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| Conselle's Fashion and Image Newsletter |
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| From Image Expert, Judith Rasband, AICI CIM | September 2010 |
Dear ,
From L to R: Neil and myself, Rakesh and Suman Agarwal, Laura Beth Brown (ICSI Board member), and Leslie Wells (Conselle Affiliate) | September signals the end of summer, but I don't want it to end. Great memories though. I flew up to Washington State for my high school reunion. Amazing and delightful experience reconnecting. I vacationed with my family at Utah's Snowbird mountain resort. Love the zip line and Alpine slide! Great food and games with the kids. Add to that, Rakesh and Suman came here from India again (see Conselle India Connection for more). Great progress in the new business. With a hint of fall in the air, mornings are already crisp and cold, but afternoons are just plain hot for a few more weeks. It's jacket and sweater weather -- time for good looking shirts to double as jackets -- shirt-jacs. That said, I am reminded of seminar patrons and Conselle affiliates who live in Southern regions where the weather will stay warm. While they won't need that sweater in the morning, many appreciate it in air conditioned offices and schoolrooms. Regardless of where you live, to deal with changing temperatures you need a flexible wardrobe that allows layering your clothes. I am regularly reminded by readers and clients of their need for economy in clothing purchases. A few pieces of clothing have to work together for a wide variety of good looks and they've got to last longer. There are also requests for help from people who just want variety in their clothing for the sake of changing their look for their mood, and having creative good fun with their clothes. Whatever the need, the solution is Cluster Wardrobing -- a life skill and the featured topic this month, not to be missed! If you're new to our newsletter, at Conselle we work with a complete set of 12 wardrobe strategies. Each wardrobe strategy is independent, yet each strategy builds on the other, much like the pieces of a puzzle working toward the whole. Each month I'll focus on a specific wardrobe strategy within the Featured Article. Other Newsletter sections will dip into timely topics with applied meaning for you. With limited space, I'll try to choose my words carefully to suggest a range of options available to meet your individual needs.
Warmly,
Judith |
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Ask Judi
Ask Judi!  |
If you have an image issue that is getting in the way of accomplishing your goals, email me about it at judith@conselle.com. I'll do my best to get back to you with a solution that will move you forward. Please include a contact phone number in case the answer is a bit long, so we can really talk it through.
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Upcoming Events
Conselle Classroom |
Make sure you scroll down to see all the latest upcoming events! We are premiering NEW Fall Classes that include Art in Everyday Dress & Image, 5 Easy Pieces: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy, and Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling.
You won't want to miss these classes! |
I Want Your Image and Fashion Stories!
I'm putting together a book of fashion and image related stories. If you have a story about yourself, family, or friend that hinges on something about appearance, please write it up and send it to judith@conselle.com. Stories dealing with the effects of dress or grooming is what I'm looking for-something happy or funny, something sad or serious, something surprising or amazing. If your story is selected or not, you can be sure you'll receive a Thank You gift from me. |
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Cluster Your Clothes in 5 to 8 Easy Pieces
Here's an example of a cluster including a blue-violet suit with apple green accent colors. |
September puts the focus on education and learning as people go back to school, in one form or another. Because this newsletter is a form of continuing education, let's get to our topic, Conselle's Wardrobe Strategy #9, giving you the guidelines for building clusters of clothes in your closet. A cluster is simply a small group of clothes selected and coordinated to meet the needs of one specific person. While the clothes are different for every person, the cluster concept works for women, men, teens and children. Clustering is a clever way to do more with less while it breaks the overwhelming task of wardrobing into smaller, more manageable groups.
Yes, people may also call a cluster a capsule, a unit, or a module. I like to get you thinking in terms of clusters because a cluster of clothes is open-ended. You can always add or discard a piece as needed. A cluster is always evolving as you evolve, grow, learn, and apply new information. The word "capsule" communicates closed. You can use the word "cluster" or "clustering" as an active verb during the process and "cluster" as a noun referring to the end result. You can also branch off one cluster to another. Clustering works!
Conselle's approach to clustering begins with advice to find a pattern of colors to inspire the color scheme of your cluster. The pattern might be in the form of a terrific print, stripe, or a plaid. Look for a quality pattern of colors that includes one or more wardrobe neutral colors that repeat some of your own personal coloring -- muted hues that you appreciate, colors that bring you joy.
This Vogue Pattern showcases 5 easy pieces in wardrobe neturals. |
Consider wardrobe neutrals from among navy blue, hunter green, a rich brown, olive, burgundy, and of course black, charcoal, white, ivory, or gray. Rust and red qualify as sportive wardrobe neutrals. French blue, sage, shrimp, and teal offer more creative options. Pull accent colors from your pattern -- contrasting colors that are noticeably lighter, darker, or brighter to keep your cluster interesting.
If you already have solid colored clothes in your closet that still have wear-life left in them, by all means build with them. Look then for a pattern of colors you love that includes the solid color or colors you already have. Three to five colors in the color scheme will keep your cluster interesting.
Ò of clothing to give you variety in the combinations. Consider three tops and two bottom pieces. · "Easy" refers to the fact that we build with basics, clothes that are simple in style lines and shape. They intermix easily. · Select pieces that are distinctly different-no two pieces alike. Four t-shirts and one pair of jeans doesn't do it. Find, for example, one pullover top, one button front shirt, and one jacket, sweater, or vest. · Select pieces that go together-the styles, colors, fabrics, and patterns are part of your personal style I wrote about in the August Newsletter. It's not about the latest style, it's about your style! · Select accessories that go with the clothes-essential basic accessories first, in one of your wardrobe neutral colors. · Gradually expand your cluster to meet your needs-5, 8, 12, 16 easy pieces, with more tops than bottom pieces.
Clusters can easily expand to six pieces, like this one.  |
If you're planning a professional cluster or a travel cluster, plan on core pieces first -- a jacket, skirt for women, and pants that work together. Get over the negative and generational put down described as "too matchy-matchy." A matched suit provides you with the most styling options. Coordinated separates then provide you with "umpteen" unmatched outfits. Choose basic accessories in your core color first, to harmonize with all clothing pieces. Don't buy into the latest notion that tan colored shoes "elongate the look of your legs" even with a dark skirt or pant color. What they really do is look like they don't belong, and that we don't know what we're doing. Part of the fun in clustering is to figure out how many different outfits you can put together. That's what wardrobe styling or fashion styling is all about -- coming up with different combinations or looks with the same clothes. When a client says, "Oh, I never would have thought of that," I know I just earned my fee. "Scarecrow" cluster pieces into outfits on your bed or a clean carpet. Take photographs to remind you of the pieces in each outfit -- or, record the pieces in each outfit on a Cluster Plansheet. Clustering gives you more outfits with fewer pieces! Even more fun is finding new and interesting pieces to add to a cluster in the months and years ahead -- updating your look and having fun with fashion! If you'd like to learn more about clustering your clothes, order Conselle's wardrobe strategy book #9 titled Cluster Your Clothes at $27.97. Order through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy or Sarah. |
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Timeless Truth
 When selecting a wardrobe neutral core color to repeat your hair or skin coloration, the color must match the degree of warmness or coolness of the hair or skin or the two will conflict. For example, when selecting a beige or tan jacket to repeat blonde hair coloring, the beige or tan must repeat the degree of warmness or coolness of the hair or the two will conflict. A grayed tan jacket will conflict with yellow-gold blonde hair, and vice-versa. However, and this is a major point, when choosing a contrasting color, you do not have to maintain the apparent warmness or coolness of the contrasting color. A contrasting blue or blue-green can be relatively warmer or cooler and be beautiful. It is very liberating to learn that there is absolutely no valid reason to be stuck with all supposedly warmer or cooler colors! (More on this topic another day.) Another point, when combining several cluster pieces of clothing in the same color, vary the textures-select a variety of harmonious textures to make the monochromatic outfit more interesting to look at. It works! |
Consumer's Corner
I could write ten pages in my best form on current fashion trends. It takes hours and hours to write it well-clever headlines, leadlines. Some readers would hang on every word, some would be thrilled, others would be bored; still others shocked, while others wouldn't make sense of it. Depending on whose trend report you read, you'll find repetition, contradiction, titillation, and aggravation! You name it, the look is "out there."
Paisley print cape from Neiman Marcus | High-end styles are breath-taking, and so are the prices. Reports talk in terms of elegant gray and green, military influence and thigh-high boots; pantsuits, capes, vests, and ponchos; structured silhouettes and wide-angled shoulders; crepe, satin, and lace, brocade and boiled wool, tweed and tropical wool, feathers and fur. Beautiful designs and quality are still valued. Low-end styles by contrast are equally breath taking but range from disappointing to disgusting. Reports talk in terms of drastic denim that breaks the boundaries of good taste; imperfect raw pieces that include inside-out seams, bled watercolors and purposeful stains, rips, and tears; peek-a-boo sexy lingerie and corset influences a la the burlesque queen; gypsy and jet-set combinations go by "Gypset;" while tough mixed with girlie goes by "Utility Chic." Anything NOT beautiful or of any quality are what's valued.
Fashion catalogs are a great resource! | So where do we go or look for styles and prices in between that real people with real lives can wear and afford? Look to the fashion catalogs to find moderation in style and price. You'll discover your favorites, the ones that cater to your personal style. Depending on my client's personal style, I can find virtually any color my client needs from among the fashion catalogs. We can choose from quality tees to ruffle tops to tailored shirts, cute short jackets to longer blazers to stylish military and safari style jackets. Skirts are straight, flared, and full. Tights, leggings, track pants, slacks, and pleat-front trousers are available. Tunic length sweaters and sweater-vests are at the top of my list, both in-store and in the catalogs. What would you prefer? Fashion catalogs are free. They become a great tool when learning to cluster your clothes, or when you're looking for particular pieces. You can flip pages, pull pages, and gradually put together an entire cluster or just the pieces you need to expand from what you already own. Tap into my Fashion Catalog Directory, created for just this need, at $30.00. Order it through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy or Sarah. Included are instructions on how to make catalog shopping work for you. You'll learn who the catalog is intended for, the approximate cost of the clothes, the sizes available, the personal style and lifestyle occasions they cater to. Study the catalogs that come to you as a free learning tool. You can see classic and current ways of mixing the pieces in an outfit. If you read the captions, you learn style and fabric names, cost and care. If you can't find what works for you in your local stores, shipping costs are well worth getting what you need. |
Consultant's Corner
It's time to scour fashion magazines for fashions currently available, for fashion-forward versions of basic, classic clothes and accessories, and for winning ways to combine them with selected update items. But don't stop there. Get yourself into the variety of fashion catalogs that can supply the clothes and accessories your clients need and will be delighted by.
Examples of creative good looks available through catalogs | Image consulting is not about putting the latest style on your client. It's all about putting together the pieces in harmony with your client's personal style. If clothing styles that reflect your client's values are absent from stores this season, turn to the fashion catalogs. If the design details that reflect your client's personality are missing or in short supply, turn to the fashion catalogs. If the styles that fit and balance the body aren't in the stores, turn to the catalogs. If the color you need to make your client part of the color scheme with the clothes isn't available in-store, turn to the catalogs.
I save my fashion catalogs for several months, giving a representative stack of them to each new client with instructions to tear out any picture of any piece of clothing that appeals to him or her. From these pictures, they begin a Style File of folders labeled Jackets, Sweaters, Vests, Shirts, Pants, and so on. Meanwhile, I go through new catalogs looking for pictures of clothes in harmony with my client's lifestyle, personal style, and wardrobe goals. At a next appointment we compare and discuss what works, what doesn't, and why. The all important WHY is key to successful wardrobing. Depending on the urgency, I can get items delivered overnight. I can often get the perfect piece featured in a past catalog, and often at reduced price. Leftover catalogs I box up and take to seminar presentations. I spread them out across the edge of the stage or on tables. Seminar participants can take whichever ones that appeal to them.
When in need, turn to my Fashion Catalog Directory, priced at $30.00. Order through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy or Sarah. Included are instructions on how to make catalog shopping work for you and your client. You'll learn who the catalog is intended for, the approximate cost of the clothes, the sizes available, the personal style and lifestyle occasions they cater to. Study the catalogs that come to you. They are terrific teaching and learning tools.
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Tip for a Fabulous Fit -- Dress Slim!
 Guys and gals both benefit by clustering their clothes for a dress slim effect. Guidelines for clustering state that each piece must be distinctly different. This tends to make people more aware of more clothing styles than previously noticed. A guy, for example, might suddenly notice a vest in a local store or catalog, a vest that works with his core clothing pieces. He might, for the first time, pay some attention to it -- even try the vest on. Many a man has discovered that a vest is literally a cool way to layer and thereby camouflage a somewhat prominent abdomen. It works!
My favorite cluster piece to introuce to women is a duster. A duster is nothing more than a long shirt or vest, worn open in front to create a long slimming centerfront line. People relate to it easily, yet there is a touch of chic sophistication wearing a duster. A duster fits easily and camouflages or balances a multitude of figure variations between shoulder and hem. It really works!
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| Upcoming Events: Local and National | |
Women's Clothing Swap for Fall
 Bored with your wardrobe?
Confused about how to dress your body type?
Need a break from the kids and a fun girl's timeout?
Join Conselle and Cable Car Couture for a clothing swap! Not only will you get to shop for free, you'll also receive a great tutorial on how to dress your body type from image professionals Judith Rasband, Sarah Ward and Leslie Wells.
- Saturday, September 18, 2010
- 10am - 12pm (tutorials at 10am & 11am)
- Conselle Institute of Image Management
- 1776 North State Street, Orem, Utah
- FREE!
Please bring clean items of clothing, shoes, or accessories to exchange for other fabulous clothing finds. If you have a favorite item of clothing and need something to wear with it, bring that, too!
Bring a friend and join in the fun of shopping - for free, without the guilt! - and join us for a morning of inspiration, networking, and fun! Register for the Women's Clothing Swap for Fall! |
| NEW Fall Classes
Learning Center Classroom | Art in Everyday Dress & Image
Be educated and entertained by image management specialist, author, columnist, and consultant, Judith Rasband AICI CIM, with information you need to know before you acquire another piece of clothing for yourself or your family. See the elements and principles of design applied in creative wardrobe styling for lifestyle and personal style preferences. Discover the single detail of design that makes or breaks success in everyday dress in the home, the school, the church, and community, as well as in the workplace. It's a matter of style with substance and a lot of serious fun!
5 Easy PiecesÒ: A Lifestyle Wardrobe Strategy
 You don't need a large quantity of clothes to have a great wardrobe! Join image specialist Leslie Wells and learn a creative wardrobe strategy called "clustering" that puts the fun back into fashion. Watch a lively demonstration and get the guidelines that make it work for you in the home, in business or leadership, and for evening occasions. Fire your imagination, increase your wardrobing skills, eliminate anxiety about clothing, save yourself time and money, and simplify your life! There'll be no more "wardrobe orphans" in your closet!
Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling
 Get creative and stretch your clothing dollar further by learning how to layer your clothes. Fashion stylist and jewelry designer Sarah Ward will show you how to use your clothing as a resource and extend your all-season clothes to work beautifully throughout the winter months ahead. Learn how to use layering to dress slim, express your personal style, become more effective in communication, and increase your influence in all areas of your life. Bring a friend and put the fun back into fashion!
September
21 Art in Everyday Dress & Image
22 5 Easy PiecesÒ: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy
23 Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling
October
12 Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling13 Art in Everyday Dress & Image
14 5 Easy PiecesÒ: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy November
9 5 Easy PiecesÒ: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy 10 Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling 11 Art in Everyday Dress & Image
Classes are $20 per session. To register, call 801-224-1207.
Conselle Institute of Image Management - Learning Center
1776 North State Street
Orem, Utah 84097 |
Conselle Learning Center in Utah | Conselle Educational-Training in Image Management Careers
Attend Conselle's 15-Day Educational-Training to become a certified image consultant.Receive comprehensive image education and materials for a full-service image business."A great education never goes out of style!"A great image education is an investment you can never lose!
Next Image Consulting Session November 6 - 20, 2010.
For detailed information go to www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy.
"Turn Your Passion Into Your Profession!"
Rave Reviews for Conselle:
"Attending Judith Rasband's image management course was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. Her hands-on, practical application approach, coupled with her comprehensive educational materials and unparalleled industry expertise gave me the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed." -- Jocelyn Gardiner 2008
"This is the 'funnest' place I've ever been!" -- Leslie Wells 2010 |
| "Image Enhancement" Retreat | |
 Conselle "Image Enhancement" for Women
Retreat to the beautiful mountainlands of Utah for this exciting 6-Day personal improvement workshop. We have put together the ultimate experience in personal discovery and image education, enabling you to discover, define, develop, and achieve an authentic image that brings you joy and confidence, aiding you in achieving your goals in the home, school, church, community, and/or the workplace.
Next Retreat is October 18-23, 2010.
For detailed information and testimonials, go to www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy. |
Conselle Image AdvantageTM Seminar for Professionals
 Join Judi for this life-changing experience! Advance your career and increase your bottom line with positive self-branding-a visible edge. Your influence and effectiveness increase when you present an authentic and appropriate professional appearance or image. This innovative seminar teaches you the use of non-verbal communication through dress, grooming, and body language as a resource to create positive first and lasting impressions, to encourage professional interaction, and to aid in achieving personal and professional goals. The Image Advantage provides the latest, most effective, and comprehensive personal imaging techniques and strategies tested and proven successful in the workplace and leadership locations. It's pro-active professional imaging from the inside out, with flexible options for attractive and affordable, classic and creative appearances that will increase your ease and effectiveness in doing business.
Next Image Advantage Seminars November 12 Evening and November 13th Morning
For detailed information and testimonials go to www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy.
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Conselle "Fabulous Fit" Retreat Women whose passion is fashion sewing for a custom and fabulous fit are invited to an exceptional 6-Day hands-on Retreat. Spend high value, personalized time with our Master Fitters. Each brings her own unique sphere of interest and expertise to the fitting and fashion makeover experience. Learn revolutionary new methods in fitting and alteration.
Next "Fabulous Fit" Retreat November 1-6, 2010.
For detailed information and testimonials go to www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy. |
The Fall Line Up
The fall line up of client consultations, campus and business seminars, consumer classes, and retreats will keep us on a high for the next three months. Check your calendar and arrange to join us for an event of interest. If not this session, plan for the next. We have a lot of serious fun! |
Contact Info
Judith Rasband, AICI CIM
The Image Expert
801-224-1207
Published by the Conselle Institute of Image Management
Copyright 2010 Judith Rasband & Conselle L.C. All Rights Reserved.
For permission to reprint or publish portions of the Newsletter, write judith@conselle.com or call Kathy at 801-224-1207. |
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| Get a Free Hour of Consulting with Judi! | Refer a friend to Conselle -- either to attend an upcoming Educational Training, for Personal Clinics, or one of our life-changing upcoming retreats -- and receive a complimentary hour of personal consulting with Judith Rasband! | | Offer Expires: October 31, 2010 |
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