|
|
|
August 2013 Newsletter - What's Your Personal Style Type?
| |
|
|
|
|
Conselle Fashion & Image Newsletter
From Image Expert,
Judith Rasband, AICI CIM
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
| |
Personal style for people has really been on my mind this month due to new clients I previously mentioned who have absolutely no experience with clothes. They sort of know that jeans and tees or polo's just don't cut it. One client said to me, "I've just been following the herd all my life. Help! I want to look like the real me," but she has not a clue as to what her personal style preferences might be. With no experience, it helps to be exposed to many outfits quickly and at no expense. That's where snoop shopping or fashion catalogs come in, for FREE. We can google "fashion  catalogs" and umpteen will come up. Yes, we can look at catalog spreads online, but it's quite nicer to order selected catalogs to come to the home to look at in some quiet time before bed. It's good practice for all of us. You can tear out pages of things you might like to consider, beginning your own style file. Evaluate those pictures every few months, throwing away what you've decided doesn't work for you after all. Gradually, you gather a set of pictures of clothing styles, colors, fabrics, and accessories you really like. Then figure out how they relate to you. As I've written before, if you can only say, "It's too yin (or yang) for me," that's a good start. Don't remember? Let's review and then advance. Let's see where you come in along the Yin-Yang Continuum.
Our topic for August is Wardrobe Strategy #8, Personal Style.
Sincerely,
|
|
 |
|
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. |
| Printing the Newsletter? | |
If you decide to print the Conselle Fashion & Image Newsletter, for best results, print with Internet Explorer.
|
|
|
|
Featured Article: What's Your Personal Style Type?
|
The ancient Chinese concept of opposing characteristics or traits in nature is described with the terms yang and yin. Yang represents dominant, assertive, advancing, tailored traits. Yin represents subordinate, receptive, receding, untailored traits. More specifically, to the Chinese, yin means gentleness and softness-the grace of the willow tree, and the delicacy of the moon. Yang means strength and vigor-the sturdiness of the pine tree, and the force of the sun. Yin and yang are words that lend themselves well to describing physical body characteristics, psychological or personality traits, as well as clothing traits.
 For the photo on the left, you see there are more straight lines and angular shapes in the geometric pattern. Colors are more formal and serious in contrasting black and white. Fabrics are a little firmer. While the check pattern is sporty, the tailored style jacket and matching suit pants are a more foolproof indicator of a dominant, advancing business look-creative business in this case.
For the photo on the right, you see there are more curved lines and rounded shapes in the floral pattern. Colors are brighter, informal, more fun and friendly. Fabrics are a little softer. While the purple color is darker, the untailored style top, draped and off-the-shoulder, signals a more relaxed, receptive, tropical vacation look.
It was Bell Northrup, formerly of the Teachers College at Columbia University, who adapted the yang-yin concept in a published paper entitled "An Approach to the Problem of Costume and Personality." Within Northrup's paper, the terms yin and yang are used to classify, describe, and compare a person's physical and psychological or personality traits, as well as design elements or clothing traits. The work has been widely accepted, applied, and modified.
 In her work, Bell Northrup divided the yin/yang continuum into six sections, categories, or types. She gave each section along the continuum a descriptive name to simplify communication. She identified many body traits, personality traits, and clothing traits typically characteristic for each category or type.
You will remember that personal style in dress involves "the usual clothes you choose to wear, and the way you usually choose to wear them-how you consistently put the clothes together to meet your needs, in ways uniquely you." Northrup identified the typical clothing women in each category-or personal style type-usually choose. Each category is unique in terms of the clothes needed by the body and the personality traits characteristic for that category or type. The six categories include 1) delicate, 2) sporty, 3) romantic, 4) classic, 5) sportive, and 6) dramatic.
 The names that Northrup coined, some of which I have adapted may not be the best words, nor the names you might have used. This is to be expected, particularly with such subjective topics as the body, personality, and clothing. They are intended to bring a mental picture to mind in the effort to assist recognition, understanding, and application.
Personal style is a vast and fascinating topic. To learn more about the different personal style types and identify which category you fall under, I recommend the Conselle Wardrobe Strategy Book #8, dedicated to Personal Style.
There is much more to know about Personal Style. To read more information about patterns as applied to dress and grooming, with instructions regarding people like you, order Conselle's Wardrobe Strategy #8 Personal Style 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 Personal Style here!
Photo: Vera Wang | Pinterest | InStyle | Talbot's | Peruvian Connection | Models Jam
|
| TrendsNotes and Timeless Truth |
It's never a bad thing to dress up! There are endless degrees of dressing up and even a small degree has can have enormous power enabling you to "live large" so they say in the business world. By "living large", I refer to our need to get up, dress up, and show up for work, for family or community service, or for entertainment to enhance our lives. Conselle affiliate Toby Parson's image business tagline states, "Life is beautiful! Dress accordingly." Make your life beautiful! There are endless degrees of being beautiful - you get to decide what works for you.  Conselle affiliate Kathleen Audet wrote in her newsletter, "Mark Zuckerburg's Hoodie Banned!" Well, not really, but the hoodie has been banned in England because it's become the uniform of choice if someone plans to commit a robbery. If the American Formal Friday folks have their way, maybe hoodies will move down on the "must have" list in favor of dressing up. That said, not all hoodies are created equal. Even the hoodie I selected for a client this month was dressed up a bit by being emerald green with a narrow navy-blue band around the hood. Paired with navy-blue pants the look is even beautiful in a sporty kind of way. A lot of fashion and image professionals are speaking up in favor of women wearing a skirt instead of pants 24/7 -- and a lot of women are saying they're doing exactly that. Now that doesn't mean women wear no pants at all, but a skirt of any style nearly always looks more dressed up than pants. And talk about demanding comfort in your clothes, without a crotch to fit, a flared skirt is always more comfortable than a pair of pants. 2013 is surely the year of the skirt. You have plenty of options-short, long, high-low, handkerchief, scallop, and chevron shaped skirts. Select the color and fabric to suit your lifestyle and personal style--in corduroy, suede, denim, slinky or jersey knits, pleather or leather, the list goes on. There are versatile reversible skirts and stylish split-skirts out there, skirts to fit and flatter every figure. 
The men in your life can dress up and power up their personal style with a vest or jacket. Again, choose the color and fabric to suit his lifestyle, personal style--and the weather. Autumn isn't far off. A khaki or corduroy blazer can be a great gift this fall for a man in your life, whether he's in his teens, 20s, or beyond. This type of blazer wears well on men of all ages. Let's all live a little larger than we have before. Life can be beautiful! |
|
Consumer's Corner
|
People have asked me, "How do you dare to tell other people what to wear?" An easy answer, I dare because I care. And it's OK for you to care too. I know first-hand the positive difference discovering your personal style in dress can make in your everyday life. As I tell my clients, the clothing you wear affects the way you think, the way you feel, the way you act, and then the way others react or respond to you. Nothing vain or superficial about that!
 With the start of a new school year and the change in seasons coming up, it's a fine time to take time to care for yourself. You've likely been giving a lot of time and attention to others all summer, perhaps even so much of yourself there's hardly anything left for you. It's time to get in touch with yourself and your spirit, to renew how you think of yourself--your values, personality, and goals for the next few months. Then give some thought to how you might reflect those aspects of yourself through your clothes and accessories.
Start simple. Take yourself to a paint store. Look at the wide range of color chips and identify colors that make your heart sing or make you want to get moving. Pull your favorite paint chips for future reference and pick just one to work with now. With this color in mind, shop for a top in that color and wear it with clothes you already own. Shop for an accessory in that this color. Give yourself a chance to make friends with a new color. When you feel more adventurous, pair this color with one of your personal body colors--your hair, eyes, skin, or blush color--and shop for a patterned piece of clothing containing both colors, making you part of the color scheme with your clothes. (See the May Newsletter about How To Wear Black. The process is the same.)
Making little changes in what you wear can add up to a big transformation in how you see yourself and how others see and respond to you.
Photo: UptownMagazine | OurHouse
|
| Consultant's Corner |
A quick note to image consultants: Collect a set of paint chips and fabric samples to have on hand to show your clients. Invite them to pick potential favorites. Comb through catalogs for pictures of clothes available in those colors and fabrics for your client to consider. Take them snoop shopping to see the clothes in the stores. Every exposure counts, making clients more aware of the options they have to choose from. Little by little they will become aware of favorite colors and what they communicate that reflects their personal style.
Photo: Talbots
|
|
In Closing
Because a lot was available, I picked a favorite cobalt blue to expand my wardrobe this Spring. (You may remember seeing my new cobalt blue high-low skirt in the April Newsletter. In the sidebar of the newsletter, you'll see me pictured every month in my timeless blue blazer.) Over the summer I've added two patterned shirts, a crocheted pullover, and ballet flats in blue. Just seeing those pieces in my closet has made me eager to get up, dress up, and show up where I needed to be. Making a pitch to a certain decision maker, he hired me on the spot, saying I "looked alive and exciting," able to hold his staff's attention while I teach them to show up looking like they mean business. Good things do happen when your clothing reflects your personal style. Try it.
Sincerely yours,
Judith Rasband
Conselle Institute of Image Management
801-224-1207
|
| Conselle Educational-Training In Image Consultant Careers | |
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:
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.
|
|
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
October 28 - November 2, 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.
|
| Newsletter Archives |
Didn't catch it the first time around? Browse through our Newsletter Archives for further learning!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
