Now that spring is in full swing, you want your own unique personal style to look and feel fantastic this summer! You’re itching to get some new things, so you hit boutiques, the mall, or outlets, yeah?

But much of what you see in the stores is so not right for you. Lots of “on trend fashion” right now seems weird, wild, or immature; for punk rockers, European film stars, or teens. But you don’t want to look stogy, traditional or old, either!

Fashion magazines for both guys and ladies aren’t much help because they’re showing designer fashion, not everyday outfits— what people actually put on their bodies. Some of what you see is just downright ridiculous; not at all flattering and not what you’d actually want to be seen in with clients, friends, or dates.

Let’s get real. You want to look terrific, but how do you even know what that means?

Here’s an easy and practically cost-free way to identify your own personal style and how you’d like to be seen for work and weekends. This will also help you put together “new” outfits that you haven’t even considered before because you didn’t have the inspiration.

Go online to either Pinterest or Google, using the keywords (men’s or women’s) style. Or if you’d like a more hands-on approach, find pictures of outfits, looks, and styles that you love and would like to see yourself wearing, in magazines or catalogs and cut them out. If you’re working online, create and save a folder for these photos.

Find pictures of clothes, shoes, accessories, hairstyles, head-to-toe images, and individual pieces that you really like. Print or cut out the pictures of whatever it is that you think, “Oh, I really love that!” Don’t worry if it’s the right color or shape for you, we first want to get a sense of what category of style you really click with.

Collect at least 15 pictures, maybe as many as 25 or 30. Spread them out on a large table and take a good, hard, critical look at what’s there. What do you notice is repeated in many of the images you selected? What are you seeing over and over? Stripes, collars, no collars, lots of bling, or flowing fabrics?

Identify which two, three, or four categories all or most of your selections seem to fit into:

• Casual
• Classic
• Bohemian
• Trendy
• Dramatic
• Creative
• Chic
• Preppy
• Western
• Athletic
• Feminine

 

Write out which style categories your choices seem to belong in. Maybe it’s two or three words “with a twist” of something else.

Edit out any pictures that, on second thought, aren’t really you. Maybe add another style category to your list, if that seems right.

Now get yourself an old-fashioned bulletin board, like the one you had growing up, at least 16” X 22” or larger if you like, and some push pins. Write your identified style categories on the top of the bulletin board, on the frame. Put your photos up on your board and hang the board in or near your closet or just above your desk; somewhere you can see it easily every day. Add to this board weekly, monthly, or at the very least, seasonally.

Use those pictures to inspire you to put together outfits in new and different ways to get the looks you love. Think what you’ve already got in your closet that you can put together to make a similar fashion statement. Use these images to guide you when shopping. What do you want more of, or need to balance out your wardrobe?

Use your inspiration board to realize and assemble your own unique personal style to create looks that express the real you, head-to-toe, from the inside out.

If you’d like help identifying your most flattering colors, shapes, understanding your natural element, or want success with shopping, I can help with all of those. As a certified personal image and wardrobe consultant, I’ve been successfully helping men and women like you for 12 years … with amazing results!

Please visit my website, marianrothschild.com, then give me a call (720) 933-9247, to discuss how to update and upgrade your personal and professional image.

Warm regards,

Marian Rothschild

 

What do colors mean

Did you know: Colors are non-verbal communication with subliminal messages that create physical and emotional reactions.

Have you ever noticed that when you see different colors, you feel different emotions? This phenomenon actually occurs subconsciously, so you probably don’t realize it’s happening.

Think about walking into a room with orange walls, yellow curtains, and red accent pillows. That’s a lot going on; energy, vibrancy, excitement! Now think of a room with cream-colored walls, all white furniture and lighting fixtures, and light oak floors. That feels much different, right?

Each color has inherent qualities which affect us emotionally.

 

Before you decide which wardrobe pieces to wear to any given event, consider whom you will be interacting with and what is your desired message. How do you want them to react toward you? How do you want to represent yourself that day? What do you want them to get about you?

You have many different aspects of yourself. You get to choose how you’ll express yourself. That’s fun. That’s fulfilling. That’s empowering!

Colors, and what the viewer experiences, emotionally, when seeing them:

• blues – calming, restful, strong, important, peaceful, intelligent, credibility, trust, loyalty, looks great on camera  Wear lots of shades of blue if you have blue eyes.
• cream, beige, white – approachable, inviting, calming, restful, relaxing, angelic, sterile
• yellows – happiness, creativity, joy, cheerful, warmth, positive, visionary, a pop
• gold – expensive, extravagance, bright, traditional, warmth, wealth, glitter, glam
• browns – earthiness, wholesome, organic, simplicity, friendliness, grounded, autumn, steadfast, earnest, warm
• oranges – excitement, energy, warmth, change, inexpensive, determination, productivity  Do not wear orange if you have pinkish-toned skin unless you’re a redhead.
• pink – exciting, sweet, nice, romance, playful, feminine, cute, lovely
• reds – passion, excitement, love, power, heat, joy, power, risk, courage, desire, aggressive, importance, dominant 
• greens – peace, nature, imagination, growth, health, environment, harmony, fresh
• purples – royal, precious, romantic, interesting, exotic, luxury, wealth, mystery
• black – anger, fear, conservative, mysterious, sophisticated, grief, aloof, formal, dramatic
• gray – drab, dull, for wearing on your body, but trending now in interior design  On your body gray is not a neutral and doesn’t flatter unless your hair is gray or unless you are so dog-gone young and cute, it doesn’t matter what the heck you wear. If your hair has just a bit of silver, wearing gray will actually accentuate that color in your hair and could make you look older.

Two colors that flatter everyone are teal and coral. Teal is halfway between blue and green, and coral is halfway between pink and orange. Choose the best shade for your unique skin tone.

Question: How much money have you spent on clothing that does nothing for you, doesn’t flatter you nor go with anything else in your closet? Would you love to know exactly what are your most flattering colors?

Just spend one hour for a color analysis and have your very own Customized Color Chart in your hands! Call me, let’s book it.

Marian Rothschild, Certified Personal Image Consultant, 720-933-9247 [email protected]

What’s so great about looking good? Some people don’t care. Why would you even want to look good?

Well, billions of dollars are spent every year on beauty items, cosmetic treatments, plastic surgery, fitness and fashion, all in the pursuit of having a more visually appealing appearance.

How superficial, right?

Em, sort of. Looks certainly aren’t everything, and beauty won’t solve world hunger, climate change, civil or international conflicts.

How do we know looks matter?

Face it, you think about your appearance, wondering what to wear, how to style your hair, what others think of you, how you measure up. When it comes to our looks, there’s lots of uncertainty, which can lead to eroding self-esteem, doubt, even depression in extreme cases.

You spend time in front of the mirror, browsing in department stores or online, contemplating what to buy with your hard-earned money. Then there’s more uncertainty about hair color, body shape, and makeup.  

That’s a lot of time and negative energy! There are certainly plenty more pressing matters in life; matters a whole lot healthier for you, and essentials that absolutely must get done.

Why does it matter?

Often our outer image doesn’t match up with our emotional, mental, spiritual and intellectual lives on the inside. And we’re not sure how to align the inner self with the outer image—what others see. That’s understandable; you’ve been busy!

But there are ways to align who you are on the inside with what everyone else sees on the outside.

What to consider

What do you notice when you see or speak with someone you think is appealing visually, and/or the way they communicate? What about them is appealing to you? Their style of clothing? How it fits and flatters their body? Their hairstyle, accessories, posture, what they say, or how they speak?

Make note of elements you find attractive about others.

What do you think about how you use or neglect each of those elements in relation to yourself? Be brutally honest.

You can make adjustments, and they’re not necessarily difficult or complicated changes–it might be as simple as an updated hairstyle from a different stylist or salon. Other adjustments may be more complicated and take time.

An updated wardrobe is a simple adjustment that can make a huge difference in our outer appearance when we understand our most flattering colors and shapes, and know what styles we love and want to use to communicate externally who we are on the inside. Posture and vocal idiosyncrasies can be changed with appropriate coaching and regular practice.

A recent WSJ article (8/29/17) titled Are You Aware of How Others See You?, advises: “Pick the right person to ask for feedback, someone objective.” One of the first questions I ask my clients is “How do you wish to be known?” I have them give me four or five adjectives or phrases that describe how they want to come across.

Recently I’ve been working with clients not just on their visual appearance, but on verbal and nonverbal communication as well, so that everything about how they communicate is in alignment with how they wish to be known, who they are, and how they think and feel on the inside.

We might start with this question: What do you want more of in your life, and how is your current situation in or out of alignment with that purpose?

If you’d like to explore, update, or upgrade any of these issues, please visit my website and then contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation.

Warm regards,

Marian Rothschild, AICI CIC

Pantone’s Color of the Year: Greenery 

Every year, Pantone chooses a “Color of the Year.” 2017 brings us Greenery, a yellowish light green that’s crisp, clean, and lively. This shade is reminiscent of spring, emerging buds, leaves, grass, and all the possibilities of new growth. I love the energy this color brings to my wardrobe and many areas of my home.

It’s not terrific for everyone’s skin tone, but there are still tons of ways to use this yellowish green shade in your wardrobe, home, and garden.

Who can or can’t wear Greenery

You’ll look energized and fresh in this popular hue if you’ve got “warm”, or yellow-gold undertones to your skin like mine, left (wearing a “Greenery” blouse.) If you tan easily and keep a tan for several weeks or months, that tells us your skin tone is “warm.” The darker or more golden your skin color, the more flattering Pantone’s choice will be for you.

 

 

“Cool” undertones means you have rosy or pink skin tones (like this model left), and probably don’t tan at all, or it takes all summer to just get one shade darker. If you are silver-haired with have fair, rosy skin, you’ll want to keep this yellowish green away from your face and only wear it sparingly. If you shy away from wearing yellow because it washes you out or makes you shallow, only wear Greenery on your lower half. Maybe try a floral skirt, a belt, handbag, or vertical-striped jeans that have a bit of Greenery to give your look a bit of trendiness from this popular hue. 

You can use Greenery throughout your house and garden, to get a pop of fresh, fun, trendiness, borrowed from nature. I use this shade in lots of accessories, furniture, and of course, house plants. Here are some examples.

1) Office chair in floral print with Greenery throughout, with a Greenery leather folder for carrying papers to meetings.

2) Framed poster with accessories including a jade carving of elephant in Greenery.

3) Cuttings of coleus in reds and Greenery from the summer garden reminds us of our warm-weather bounty.

 

 

4) Corner table in dining room holds accent pieces; vase on left has Greenery in its artwork; it’s also in the original mixed-media art hanging above, as well as in the fiddle leaf fig tree in the background.

5) Small table in Greenery by the backdoor holds dog accessories: leash, bags, and treats. 

6) Armchair in living room in plush velvet Greenery with blue and green accent pillow.

 

 

If you’re not sure whether Pantone’s color of the year is right for you, call for your very own  Customized Color Chart. In about an hour you’ll have a plastic-coated card with 36 of your most flattering shades.

Combine this service with a Personal Style Assessment, Closet Consultation, or Makeup Lesson, and you’ll be headed in the right direction just in time for spring! To see which service package is right for you, call for a free 30 minute phone consultation: 720-933-9247. There’s even a Men’s Image Package. Don’t wait; Look Good Now!

Happy New Year!

Have you gotten started on your resolutions? What are you wanting to drop, pick up, do, or change? A couple of my favorite quotes may resonate with you.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” If you know what you want, find out how to get it. You probably already know someone who can help.

Don’t drop the ball on this. If it keeps coming up, it’s important.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Francis of Assisi

My resolutions for this new year are:

1. Drop stress (my hair is falling out!) 2. Drop salty foods (what I crave!) 3. Increase yoga practices per week

That’s what I need to do for body, mind, and spirit. So I’ll have to make some changes. I’ve started …  just baby steps. But I can feel a tiny difference. (Just for today.) I’ll have to continue with the changes tomorrow and every day after.

George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” I need, I want these changes for myself.

What about you? What would you like to drop, add, or change: pant size (there’s only 3 things you need to avoid!), exercise, your job, a habit? Whatever– it is possible.

“The highest level of performance comes to people who know to see a problem as an opportunity.” – Deeprock Chopra

 

I can help. My image services solve lots of problems.

• Imagine your closet edited and organized.

• Imagine only spending your money on clothes that flatter you and that you love.
• Imagine having your hairstyle and eyeglasses so terrific-looking, you get compliments daily.
• Imagine having your online profile communicate to the world, exactly how you wish to be known.
• Your new photo will be your best picture ever!

My personal image assessment tools help us understand your unique goals, challenges, and style of communicating genuinely, the real you. I can help you update and upgrade your appearance visually, head to toe and authentically, from the inside – out.

One of my favorite writers, Alan W. Watts says: “Wake up and find out who you really are.” … and then show the world the best version of you.

That’s what my image services can help you do this new year – visually communicate your boldest self.

Watch my short video here, then visit my image services pages and read other helpful articles. Men’s packages are here, and all services are available a la carte. Look around at all the different offerings and jot down questions. Give me a call, 720-933-9247; I’d love to hear from you. Don’t drop this ball.

Happy New Year! Make this Your Year! 

 

The weather forecast says that today is the last day for this gorgeous weather we’ve been having. Boo hoo. We’ve been spoiled.

At least here in Colorado, we’ve still been wearing our warm-weather wardrobe, for the most part. From what we hear on the news, it’s time to transition to cold-weather clothes now.

That doesn’t mean everything you’ve had in your closet for the last six months has to be packed up and shipped out. Just some pieces need to be folded and put away in a spare closet or basement drawer for the winter. Those pieces are things like shorts, white pants, sun dresses, light cotton sweaters and jackets, and other obvious summer styles.

You can still make good use out of much of your wardrobe by keeping year-round gems and switching out seasonal-only shoes and accessories. You’ll actually be creating “new” outfits from what you already have in your closet! Here are some examples.

 

#1a. Warm weather outfit: tan jacket, white tank, white necklace, beige slacks, nude flats.

#1b. Cool weather outfit: same tan jacket, brown tank, amber and gold necklace, light brown slacks, brown booties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2a.  Warm weather outfit:  brown skirt with pink cameo trim, tan and pink striped jacket, pink necklace, nude heels.

#2b. Cool weather outfit: same brown skirt, green velvet jacket, amber and gold necklace, brown heels, (ultra sheer nude hose recommended in cold weather.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3a. Warm weather casual outfit: cobalt blue jeans, sheer blouse with white camisole, pastel necklace, black strappy flat sandals.

#3b. Cool weather outfit: same cobalt blue jeans, aqua long sleeved wool sweater, heavy blue necklace, saddle booties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3c. Cold weather outfit: same cobalt blue jeans, aqua long sleeved wool sweater, blue and gold scarf, dark brown booties.

We’ve been blessed with great weather in many parts of the U.S. this fall, but sadly it’s time to say bye-bye to those beautiful days. Transition your wardrobe by keeping on hand what can be worn year round and switching out summer staples for winter warmth. Use those wardrobe pieces to create stunning outfits that will communicate who you are authentically, to everyone who sees you.

If you need help with editing, figuring out what colors and shapes flatter you and what styles you love, give me a call; I can help with all of that. In addition, you can get a customized color chart, have a makeup lesson, and save time, money, effort, and stress by having me shop for you!

My service packages make great gifts for men and women, and are easy for spouses to give! Call for details: 720-933-9247.

 

Questions about brands or where you can purchase these items? Leave a comment below or email me directly: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.