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July 2013 Newsletter - Patterns Power Up Your Personal Style
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Conselle Fashion & Image Newsletter
From Image Expert,
Judith Rasband, AICI CIM
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Greetings!
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July is synonymous with the Fourth of July and recreation time. The annual Fourth of July is a very big deal here in Utah Valley where I live, with scores of Freedom Festival events leading up to the culminating event, the Stadium of Fire and amazing fireworks display. The patterns in the sky are spectacular! With the weekend celebrations over, Conselle custom fit experts Lorraine Henry and Carol Steinbrecher flew in to join Kathy Adams and I in conducting our quarterly Fabulous Fit Retreat. We had a full roster of attendees which required every minute of the day and even hours into the night. We had some outstanding successes and made great strides in advancing our cutting edge curriculum.
 | | Lorraine Henry measuring for a fabulous fit. |
Next came a run of individual clients. As is often the case nowadays, young adult clients come with a predictable pattern of problems. They recognize a need and desire to improve their appearance but they have absolutely no idea how they might present themselves in something other than jeans and a t-shirt, no awareness of what they could choose to wear or how to wear it, and no confidence in where to begin. They are stuck in a predictable pattern of dress that is taking them nowhere. Frustrating to them and fascinating to me, our work involves a replicable journey of increased self-discovery, fashion and image awareness, and practical applications, aided by our unique Clinic materials and methods. It's a pattern of behavior leading to personal and professional success.
Our topic for July is Wardrobe Strategy #6, Pattern: Fashion Impact, Design, Selection, and Styling.
Sincerely,
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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: Patterns Power Up Your Personal Style
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Patterns are truly amazing. If you start looking, patterns are everywhere in our world and lives. Patterns are present in everything, widespread in nature and in art, indeed throughout the universe.
- The galaxy is a patterned arrangement of planets, stars, and moons.
- Music is an arrangement of sound in a rhythmic pattern.
- Dance is a repeatable arrangement of movements.
- A recipe is an arrangement of foods, flavors, and tastes.
- A color wheel is a pattern, an arrangement of colors in the spectrum.
- A balanced diet is a regular selection of healthful foods and nutrients.
- A cluster is an arrangement of coordinated clothes and accessories.
- A wardrobe is a patterned arrangement of outfits and clusters.
- Styles are predictable patterns of lines and shapes.
- A color scheme is a pattern of selected colors.
- Fabric is a pattern of fibers in weaves and knits.
- Stripes and plaids are patterns of lines.
- Harmony results from patterns of similar or related design elements and principles, clothes and accessories, moods and messages.
- A hairstyle is a pattern of line and shape in a person's hair.
- Makeup is a pattern of color on the face.
The patterns in our world are endless.
Technically speaking, pattern is not a separate element of design. Pattern is a combination of several design elements-the lines, shapes, and colors arranged on a textural material. The patterns they create are repeated in a predictable arrangement, order, or sequence of individual motifs. Patterns create order and visual excitement by enriching the surface of fabric and other clothing materials.
Many people are reluctant to wear patterned clothes, be it a print, stripe, or plaid. Some hold to the advice to "build wardrobes entirely of solid colors" in order to increase versatility and play it safe -- because they've been taught that patterns are too hard to work with. Not true! Do yourself a favor and forget such extreme advice.
There are quantifiable benefits to integrating patterns into your wardrobe.
- Patterns add more variety and interest to plain surface fabrics, to simple styling, and to your entire wardrobe.
- Patterns help coordinate two or more solid-colored items, "pulling" them together into a harmonious color scheme.
- Patterns help coordinate you with the clothing, as they repeat a color present in your personal coloring, making you a part of the total color scheme.
- Patterns affect the body and the mind-the way you think, feel, and act.
- Patterns camouflage and create powerful illusions about the size, shape, and weight of the body.
- Patterns provide lines, colors, and visual texture to distract attention away from the body.
- Patterns communicate visual meaning, messages, or moods.
- Your choice in patterns becomes a visible expression of personal style and individuality.
Time-tested classic patterns include:
Let's look at some current or trendy patterns:
Color and Creativity Counts
Patterns may feature less dark-light color contrast as compared to strong dark-light color contrast. They may be soft, muted colors compared to strong, bold, or intense colors. They may be conservative and formal as compared to creative and informal or relaxed. There are plenty of color variations in prints and patterns with something for everyone. Which do you prefer?
I invite you to pay more attention to patterns in dress. The sooner you discover your favorite patterns, the sooner you will be satisfied and delighted by the patterned clothes you select to add meaning and power up your personal style.
There is much more to know about pattern. To read more information about patterns as applied to dress and grooming, with instructions regarding people like you, order Conselle's wardrobe strategy #6 Pattern for $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. Order Pattern here!
Photo: Opera | Dance Studio Life | Savory Sweet Life | We Heart It | Design Seeds | List of Images |
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| TrendsNotes |
 Two of the trendiest patterns in clothes right now include chevron stripes and medallion prints, some better then others. If you want to buy striped knits, make sure you buy something that fits with ease! Too many people are stuffing themselves into tight fitting stripes that fold and twist over body bulges in a most unsightly manner. Stripes are meant to hang smoothly over the body, maintaining their intended direction. Enough ease is essential. If you want to buy a medallion print, make sure you find one that is moderately sized and orderly -- not huge, not erratic. Look for a medallion print in well-coordinated colors, nothing too crude or crazy. Try on the garment and stand in front of a full-length mirror, standing several feet away from the mirror to check out the placement of the design on the body. If there is a circular pattern over the breasts, crotch or rear end, pass on this item. Really be careful, because some of the current medallion prints are gigantic and gosh awful! Choose wisely. |
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Consumer's Corner
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Patterns communicate. If so, what's doing the talking? Each of the lines, shapes, colors, and textures, and the way they are arranged communicate something. They function as symbols, cues, or clues with meaning that relate to the culture they come from.
- Angular, geometric patterns such as pin stripes, chalk stripes, glen plaids, and windowpane plaids communicate yang, tailored, visual authority.
- Herringbone and tweed patterns communicate yang, sportive, visual strength.
- Checks, plaids, and argyle patterns as well as club prints communicate more youthful, sporty, activity.
- Novelty prints communicate yin, fun and creative.
- Pin dots communicate classic order and control, while polka dots usually come on strong, but bouncy, even playful.
- The curved lines and rounded shapes in paisley, tree of life, floral, toile, and foulard patterns communicate yin gentility, untailored softness, and romance.
- Animal and reptile prints communicate earthy sophistication and drama.
Which of these do you prefer, when and where, doing what with whom?
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| Consultant's Corner |
 Cast a critical eye on patterns for your clients. Help them to select patterns in size and spacing to be in harmony with their body. To appear harmonious, patterns need to be in scale with the size of the body. Patterns vary from small-scale motifs to large-scale motifs and panel prints; and close or compact spaced motifs with little background showing, to wide-spaced motifs with a lot of background showing. In general, smaller to medium sized people wear smaller to medium-scale and closely spaced patterns attractively. Medium sized to larger people tend to wear medium to larger-scale and widely spaced patterns and panel prints most attractively simply because there is more body frame to spread the pattern over and carry it of in grand style. The natural harmony in size and spacing is noticeable. Photo: Pinterest
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Timeless Truth
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Don't buy into the untruth that you can combine any variety of patterns together. Two very different patterns, in noticeably different color schemes, fight for attention and neither one can win. Remember the takeaway from my son, "Two busies don't work!" You've got to be talented or taught how to combine patterns effectively.
Here are three guidelines to pair prints with harmonious results:
- The pattern motifs need to be similar in nature.
- The patterns must contain at least one color in common. And, according to my Fashion Rule of ONE,
- One pattern must be dominant--more important or attention getting. Any other pattern(s) must be subordinate--less important and less attention getting.
Now that's the truth!
Photo: Pinterest
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In Closing
Take notice of the patterns in your life, in your behavior, and in your clothes. Are they working for you, enabling you to achieve your personal and professional goals? Lack of patterning may make your life and your look seem boring or lackluster. Useful, repeatable patterns of behavior simplify your life. Lovely, lively, or likable patterns in your clothes lend pizzazz to your personal style. Enjoy!
Sincerely yours,
Judith Rasband
Conselle Institute of Image Management
801-224-1207
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| Conselle Educational-Training In Image Consultant Careers | |
Attend Conselle's 15-Day Educational-Training to become a certified image consultant
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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:
September 21 - October 5, 2013
 | | 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
November, 2013
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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