December 2011 Newsletter - Love Plus Logic is the Key to Great Shopping

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 help move you forward. Please include a contact phone number in case the answer is a bit long, so we can really talk it through.

Men's Wearhouse

While some people love to shop, others absolutely hate it!  Generally the people who hate shopping don't know how.  They also tend to become overwhelmed by the scores of racks and rounders loaded with unrelated clothes--and it's no wonder.  The solution is to shop with a plan and a purpose, (See December 2010 Newsletter), classic, basic, core pieces first.  But at the same time, I want you to pick only what pleases you--to hold out for what makes you happy. 

With my male client, I talked him through the logic of some really nice sport jackets we found that would meet his needs, but I didn't see any spark in his eyes.  When I hit on the one that not only made sense but was artistically perfect, I checked out his eyes.  Aha, there it was, the love plus logic sparkle.  We hit the jackpot.  All other pieces for the cluster just fell into place according to cluster plan and purpose, pleasing us enormously.  He was so happy with each of the looks I put together.  He loved his options, understood why the choices worked, and said he had "learned so much."  

Conselle Affiliate Sarah Ward has worked with us for the last two years and will be moving to Seattle, Washington in a few weeks.  As a practicing image professional, Sarah has agreed to share three things she has gleaned from shopping with her clients over the last few years.

• Make sure you take snacks with you (a bottle of water and granola bar will fit in your purse) or stop for a quick meal so you can stay recharged during your shopping session
• If you are shopping several stores, instead of buying immediately, put things on hold and then sit down to recap and evaluate what your favorites are before you buy
• If you don't love it, don't buy it. Like Judith said, keep looking around and hold out for the things that thrill you!

Whether you really like or really dislike any art form, including a piece of clothing, it comes down to the elements of design.  One of the elements of design--the lines, shapes, colors, textures, or pattern--will be responsible for your reaction to the piece of clothing.  I tell the age-old story of a mother and her teenage daughter trying to shop together for the daughter.  The mother was willing to buy, but the daughter didn't like anything her mother picked out for her.  Before it was over, they were both sitting in the fitting room crying. 

To avoid that kind of frustration, you need to tackle the choices head on, one element of design at a time.  Was it the style lines or shapes in the clothes she didn't like?  No, it wasn't that.  The daughter liked the style of the clothes and they did fit.  Was it the colors she didn't like?  No, it wasn't that.  The colors were fine for the styles and the time of the year.  Was it the fabrics she didn't like?  "Uh-h-h, well maybe. Yes!  That's it."  The fabrics were too soft and limp.  She wanted something with a little more body, something that held the shape better.  Something firmer?  "Yes.  That's what I want, not stiff but firm.  That makes sense."  Now they were going shopping for something specific, and when they found it, there was that "love plus logic" sparkle of recognition in the daughter's eye.  Mom's too.  They were happy.

Of course there's more logic to follow.  Before you buy, consider how it fits, where you can wear it, what you have or could get to wear with it, and of course if you can afford the price--and that takes you to this month's Timeless Truth, so keep on reading.

To get all the details about smart shopping, with instructions and examples regarding people just like you, order Conselle's wardrobe strategy Book #12 Smart Shopping at $27.97.   You'll find charts that will summarize the information and simplify your learning and application.  Order through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy or Sarah.  Order Smart Shopping here! 

Consumer's Corner

In decades past, layaway shopping was a low-cost alternative to cash.  You paid a portion of the purchase price and the store held the purchase item while you paid for it over a period of a few weeks to a few months.  Layaway was dropped in the 1990s as credit card shopping took over.  But now, due to the recession in America, layaway is back.  The return of layaway shopping this holiday season is raising concern that the break from credit cards might actually cost consumers far more.  U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling on major retail associations to direct their members to more clearly present their layaway fees to customers.  Senator Schumer says the ultimate cost of a layaway with a $5 fee can equal 40 percent interest over a month or two for many common purchases as compared to the annual rates of most credit cards.  If available in your area, ask questions before you buy into layaway shopping.   

Consultant's Corner

Nygard Everyday Cool Winter Collection

Recovery?  What recovery?  While we may be reading that America is in the first stages of recovery from the Great Recession, don't get giddy.  I'm also reading writers reporting that it's not only not over, but that the economy may get worse yet and for some time to come.  I know this is not making anyone feel any better, but they've got some pretty good arguments.  With that in mind, I highly recommend that we not buy into trends or fads this season.  To get the most value for the clothing dollar, it's smart to advise clients to cluster their clothes as best the clothes will lend themselves.  Get creative and offer your clients an End-of-Year Special to help them cluster their clothes.  Make a shopping list of what pieces are still needed to complete a cluster.  Then shop for the basic, classic, quality pieces that will fill out what's needed to really make the cluster work.  Cheap, fast fashion just doesn't make sense this season.

In Closing

In decades past, people budgeted from 6 to 11 percent of the total family income for family clothing.  Not any more.  Nowadays, people tell me they have no idea how much they spend a month or a year for clothing.  And they certainly don't have a budget amount.  As you look to the future, to get yourself in better shape to meet personal and family clothing needs, January 1, 2012 is a great kick-off date to begin budgeting some percent of your income to shop for personal and/or family clothing. 

If you'd like help with your clothes shopping, contact me for the name of a Conselle Affiliate in your area, and do consider attending Conselle's Image Enhancement Retreat in 2012.  In the meantime, enjoy every minute you can make for your family and friends this holiday season.  Band together and serve those in need in your community. 

Sincerely,

  

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Winter Session

February 4 - 18, 2012*

October 2011 Educational-Training from L to R: Ne'Shaun, Linda, Karissa, Judith, Janet, Sarah, Diana

   

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Rave Reviews for Conselle's Educational-Training:    

"Required or not, learning from and working with Judith Rasband has always been high on my list. The curriculum developed by Judith is by far the most comprehensive educational program in the industry. Having trained with several of the world's best known image professionals, no other course delivers the same depth of knowledge as the one offered through the Conselle Institute of Image Management." 

Diana Jennings, Costa Mesa, CA

"Outstanding! Well worth the investment. Judith is a truly inspiring educator-in her passion, knowledge, determination and the scope of materials given. Extraordinary area & great hospitality."
Rachel Dee, Boulder, CO 

Click here for detailed information or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy or Sarah

*If you would like to make arrangements to attend an Educational-Training sooner, please contact Conselle and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. 

Conselle "Fabulous Fit" Retreat

Women whose passion is fashion sewing to achieve 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, taking home custom-fitted bodice, shirt, and pant patterns that fit!  

Next "Fabulous Fit" Retreat   

January 23 - 28, 2012

Rave Reviews for Conselle's "Fabulous Fit" Retreat: 

"This was a fantastic experience. These women really know how to teach fitting and altering the pattern. I got a fitted bodice, skirt and pant. I learned so much, ate at many good restaurants and made new friends. Conselle is everything they claim to be and more. Worth every dollar I spent. I now have slopers that I can use to fit any pattern. Don't hesitate, go if you want to really learn about fitting yourself and others." 

Mary

"I also attended this Conselle Fit Retreat. I too was totally impressed with this group of ladies. They are masters at their skills. ... They send you home with the information you need to choose, fit, and alter your patterns and clothing forever after. The books written by the instructors, Fabulous Fit, Fitting Alteration, and Measuring Made Easy are the perfect information and reference sources. I highly recommend this retreat."

Mary Jo

For detailed information and testimonials go to Fit Retreat Information or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy.