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July 2012 Newsletter - What Matters with Pattern
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Conselle Fashion & Image Newsletter
From Image Expert,
Judith Rasband, AICI CIM
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| Hello, | |
I love the summer months, loaded with art, music, and theater events, both indoors and out, in every state in the country. Be it a Shakespeare Festival, a Jazz or Pops Concert, a Musical Comedy or Storytelling in the park, if time and money would allow, I could attend an event every evening. I'd love that, but then I'd never make any progress on my many writing projects. So, we're selective and alternate among the many options each year. I hope you are taking in something of this sort to make your summer special. Whatever you do, make every occasion a special occasion by dressing in something special.
 | | Utah Festival Opera's production of South Pacific |
Last weekend, Neil and I attended the Utah Festival of Opera & Musical Theater. The productions were marvelous and so were some of the people, dressed like they were celebrating the talent they were there to see, celebrating the joy of getting out and getting together with family or friends for this special occasion. While I saw denim that was a drag, but I also saw denim with some snazzy sport shirts, a fabulous bat-wing tee, an East Indian tunic, and a long-line vest -- keep in mind, it was hot, so not a lot of layers. I saw terrific summer shirts and dresses -- one was such a great example of rhythmic eye movement in the pattern that I introduced myself, my work, and got the wearer's name and phone number, telling her that when she's ready to pass the dress along, I'll buy it for my collection. She loved the compliment and agreed to the idea of the sale. When I got to thinking, I realized that most of what caught my attention was patterned. Still attempting to make a come-back in popularity, patterns are everywhere, good and bad. Patterns are the topic of our July Newsletter and Conselle's Wardrobe Strategy #7, Pattern Selection and Coordination.
Sincerely,
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| Newsletter Archives |
Didn't catch it the first time around? Browse through our Newsletter Archives for further learning!
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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. |
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Featured Article: What Matters With Pattern
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When picking a pattern, a print, stripe, or plaid, for an outfit or as inspiration for a whole cluster of clothes, make a conscious effort to pick a high-quality pattern before you buy it. In the effort to bring patterns back into popularity, some are adequate, some are exceptionally beautiful, and others are awful, downright ugly, seeming to violate all principles of good design. Granted, what you believe to be beautiful or awful is very individual, influenced by your family, cultural, and educational background. In general, the beauty and quality of a pattern depends on the individual motifs or shapes within the pattern and on their relationship to each other. The following general guidelines can help you recognize the difference between a good- and a poor-quality pattern.
Guideline #1. The subject matter or theme for motifs in a quality pattern is pleasing. For example, geometric, paisley, and flowered patterns are easily suitable motifs, shapes, or objects on fabric. Cactus or cows, and table legs, turnips, or toads are not the most pleasing motifs with which to adorn our clothes. They can be distracting, even disturbing. These motifs certainly don't enhance the looks of any body!
 | | Photo: EZTextiles |
Guideline #2. Individual motifs in a quality pattern look like they belong together and communicate the same theme or message. For example, free-floating and undefined shapes, hands, and a face have little to do with one another. A face in the fabric fights for attention with your face.
Guideline #3. In a quality pattern, there is well-balanced, harmonious variety in the size, shape, and colors of the motifs. There is a pleasing relationship between the motifs and the background. In this example, the diamond pattern at the chest gives the appearance that the wearer's chest is staring back at you for a disturbing effect.
 | | Dress: River Island |
Guideline #4. A quality pattern looks flat and stable - with motifs arranged in an orderly, rhythmic manner. For example, white in this zebra print dress appears to jump off the surface of the fabric. Attention is jerked back and forth between the stripe motifs. Pass up any patterns that appear to jump, wave, wiggle, or vibrate, taking all of the attention unto itself and away from the wearer.
 | | Dress: Dolce & Gabanna |
When you can find a good pattern that matches these guidelines, the results can be fabulous! Conselle Affiliate Sarah Ward provides an excellent example of how much fun you can have wearing a pattern with her latest Wear One Piece Five Ways segment featuring a tribal print skirt.
 | | Wear One [Patterned] Piece Five Ways by Conselle Affiliate Sarah Ward. Copyright Cable Car Couture |
To read related information about pattern selection, and coordination in dress and image, with instructions and examples regarding people just like you, order Conselle's wardrobe strategy Book #7, Pattern In Clothing Selection and Coordination for the special Newsletter price of $19.97, regularly $27.95. You'll find charts that will summarize the information and simplify your learning and application. To claim your discounted price, call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy. Order Pattern In Clothing Selection & Coordination.
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| Timeless Truth |
When beginning wardrobe building, plan for plain, solid color core pieces in a cluster of clothes -- the jacket, skirt and/or pant, and shirt or shell. Then select a few second layer pieces from the likes of patterned shirts or blouses, skirt or pants.
When you are starting your cluster, third layer sweaters, jackets, and coats need to be solid in color so they combine easily with both solid color and patterned clothes. The same is true for accessories. Buy patterned belts, shoes, bags, scarves, or gloves only after you have solid colored ones. The exception is a patterned accessory that may have inspired your cluster color scheme in the first place. After you have your basics, branch out and have fun with patterns.
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Consumer's Corner
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Take a few minutes and review last July's newsletter on patterns and put it together with this one. I wonder if you've made any headway in discovering what type of pattern or patterns you like best -- romantic florals or paisley's, exciting ethnic prints, abstract splashes of color, classic checks, or contemporary stripes? Even within each of these options there are variations. Keep your eyes and mind open.
Stripes are trendy this summer. If bold stripes overwhelm you, a simple pin-stripe may be just enough to add interest to an outfit.
Use caution with the popular printed pants trend, these work best for slim figures only. Many of the pants patterns are just too big and bold. Consider a small-scale floral or geometric print in slim-fit jeans just for fun. Wear them with higher heels or wedges for added length in the legs. Pair them with looser-fitting solid color tops to balance the busy-ness below.
Ethnic and terrific tropical prints are out there for men - at Target, Macy's, and more. I bought one for my husband at the airport recently. Worn tucked into slacks with a belt or worn loose, they jazz up simple basics with options in style and ease!
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Consultant's Corner
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When trying to evaluate the quality of a pattern, use the "squint test." Look at the patterned garment through half-closed eyes. This will allow your eye to see the dominant element in the pattern and its effect.
 - If a motif appears to lift off the surface, appearing three-dimensional (like the example to the right), you're probably looking at a poor quality pattern.
- If the pattern appears jumpy or parts of the pattern fight for attention, it is likely a poor quality pattern.
- If the pattern rivets your attention to the bust, the belly, or bottom, it's usually done for shock value.
Keep looking for a print, stripe, or plaid that leads your eye pleasantly throughout the garment and ultimately to a pleasing focal point in a location in harmony with the personal or professional occasion where you are going. Image: Onion Ring of Doom
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Tips for a Fabulous Fit -- Dress Slim
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While you may have heard me say this before, I'm going to say it again because it works so well. A small all-over print does wonders to create a slimmer look. Viewer attention goes to the pattern, not to body bulges.
Notice I said a print. If stripes or plaids get hung up on the body the straight lines get pulled into unruly curves, accentuating unwanted body bulges. So next time you're shopping for tops, try adding a print top to the mix rather than a default solid color.
Photo: Christopher & Banks
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In Closing
July's nearly gone and summer print clothes will soon go on sale. August is a great time to buy a few classic patterned pieces for yourself and your family. Weather reports say the nationwide heat wave is going to continue long into fall. Even teens may appreciate short sleeved summer shirts for back-to-school days. I know I will!
Sincerely,
Judith Rasband
Conselle Institute of Image Management
801-224-1207
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| Style For Life Retreat |
 In the Style For Life Retreat, we have put together the ultimate experience that is educational, entertaining, and empowering. During this exciting 6-day retreat in the beautiful mountainlands of Utah, you will learn image strategies and skills you'll use for the rest of your life. Next Style For Life Retreat October 23-27, 2012 "It was amazing. What I learned [on day one] exceeded all expectations for the whole Retreat. I am so glad I came." Brenda Mack, Ohio For detailed information and testimonials, visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy.
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Conselle Educational-Training for Image Consultants
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Attend Conselle's 15-Day Educational-Training to become a certified image consultant.
Receive comprehensive image education and materials to
launch a full-service image business.
A great image education is an investment you can never lose!
Next Session
November 3 - 17, 2012
 | | Conselle Educational-Training group talking color |
Seating is limited, reserve your place today!
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
*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.
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Conselle "Fabulous Fit" Retreat
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 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
December 3 - 8, 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.
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