Recently I was asked by a major media outlet, how business owners and entrepreneurs can boost exposure using Search Engine Optimization, (SEO). I’m happy to share this info with you, to use for a sensational second quarter of expanded success.

Media: Marian, you’ve done amazingly well with getting exposure for your business, your book, and rankings online with Google. What is your number one SEO tip?

M.R.:If it’s not your genius, it’s not your job. Therefore, hire a professional SEO firm to do it for you. I am the least technical person I know, (besides my mother-in-law…bless her heart.) I’m more the creative type, is that you, too? After years of trying to do my own SEO, I threw in the towel and hired a team of professionals. They are a local small business, so I knew the president years before I hired him to do the work. What a load off my mind, knowing that it’s being handled. You still need to work with them, especially in the beginning. But it’s so worth it to not have to spend hours worrying what to do to attract online traffic, and how to do it.

Media: What is your number one content marketing tip?

M.R.: Have a blog on your website. Write a blog every week. Title the blog whatever it is that your target market may type into a Google search. For example, I’m an image consultant. I help men and women upgrade their appearance, head-to-toe, for a polished, put-together, professional image. So I may title a blog, “What to wear to a job interview” or “How to avoid shopping mistakes.” Then, when your target market is typing the question into the search engine, your blog post will come up, they’ll click on it for the answer!

Media: What is your best strategy to gaining more traffic?

M.R: Get as many outside links coming in to your website as possible. Get links by writing content for other blogs or website, writing bits or articles for newspaper and online magazines. Get featured in magazines and newspapers and have them list your website with a live link. Also, register with HARO which stands for Help A Reporter Out. Your tips that you share on your area of expertise may get picked up and shared with thousands of readers. They see your website link, and check out what other pearls of wisdom you have to share.

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant, speaker, award-winning and bestselling author of Look Good Now and Always available on Amazon.

If you would like help with wardrobe, personal branding, professional image, shopping or makeup, please visit these pages on our website, call for your free 30-minute phone consultation: 720-933-9247. Don’t wait, Look Good Now.

 

Let’s be honest: looking slimmer, taller, and younger isn’t going to solve all your problems in life. But it can help you feel more attractive, have more personal presence, and therefore boost your confidence. Wouldn’t you like that?

These tips, together, can give you the appearance of being a bit slimmer, possibly taller, and yes, even younger looking. The trick is to do these things all together, consistently! That means taking the time, ahead of time, before you need to get dressed, so that everything is in line and ready for you to execute.

• Black doesn’t always do you a favor. Especially if the shape is boxy and your coloring is fair, like Jerri in both photos, right. I showed her that wearing clothes and accessories that elongate her frame, in colors that balance her coloring, definitely gives her a slimmer, taller, and younger appearance.
• Wear tops, cardigans, and jackets that elongate your torso. That means they are probably tunic length, (to the mid or top of your thighs.)
• Wear a lighter or brighter colored cami or top under a darker jacket or cardigan. That’s because the human eye goes to the lightest or brightest color. So your light or bright column down the center of your body will be the attraction – not your width.
• Look for as many vertical lines as possible and wear tops that have: vertical stripes, pleats, zippers, seams, piping, cut-outs, V necks, ruffles, and pockets on a diagonal instead of horizontal.
• Jackets and cardigans should have as low a V neck as possible.
• Long necklaces, or necklaces hanging in a Y shape, or scarves tied on a diagonal or hanging low will all give you a long and lean line, straight down the center of your body. Slimming!
• Show off those gams. If weather permits, go bare-legged and maybe use some self-tanner. It’s perfectly fine to wear ultra sheer nude hose for a bare-leg style. Look for those words on the package to insure you won’t be wearing hose that’s heavy and mumsy-looking.
• Nude or beige shoes and sandals will elongate your legs. They don’t have to be heels, but heels certainly elongate your entire look. Pumps are classic because they are extremely flattering to a woman’s figure. They don’t have to be high: even 1.5″ or 2″ classic cut-outs will give you a sleek, statuesque appearance.
• Don’t let a black strap on a shoe or sandal chop off your foot from the end of your leg. Get rid or anything that chops horizontally and replace these items with footwear having vertical and diagonal lines.
• Choose earrings that hang long, rather than square or round shapes that sit close to your face.
• Good posture can instantly make you look an inch taller, more confident, years younger, slender and energetic. Practice good posture every time you walk under a doorway. It’s huge.
• Body slimmers can do wonders for smoothing out lumps, bumps, and unwanted bulges. There are many brands, cuts, and lengths so try on several. They’ll smooth out your stature.
• Here’s the one you were dreading, but it’s undeniable: figure out a way to fit working out into your schedule. Do whatever type of exercise you enjoy: bike, swim, dance, hike, row, practice yoga, Pilates, or anything else that keeps you going regularly. Consistency is key. And you’ll feel so good!

If you would like help with wardrobe, personal branding, professional image, shopping or makeup, please visit these pages on our website, then call for your free 30-minute consultation: 720-933-9247. Don’t wait, Look Good Now.

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant, speaker, award-winning and best-selling author of Look Good Now and Always available on Amazon.

Gentlemen, you see guys on TV or in magazines looking very cool and stylish, and you probably think, “Yea right, that’s not real life.” Well, here are some real life style suggestions to get you through these last few cold-weather months.

First of all, wear sunglasses when it’s sunny. They protect your eyes and will spare you a few lines. And scarves are cool. Get a couple in colors that flatter your skin or match your eyes.

 

Even if it may seem a little overdressed, a sport jacket over a shirt is always a great look for business casual, meetings, and networking events. Pair a jacket with slacks or good-fitting, dark-wash jeans in a straight cut.

 

Time to update your eyeglasses, even if they’re just for reading. Classic is back. Get some of these plastic frames in a shade that matches your hair. Vests are back in, too. Be sure you can button it comfortably, and boldly walk tall to pull it off with panache.

 

Brown is the new black when it comes to shoes. They go with everything, even gray and, yep, black too. Either slip-ons or laceups are fine, but ya gotta get a narrow toe, nothing clunky and rounded; they’re out. A comfortable and affordable option is the brand Ecco. Wear these leathers for business and even dressy casual, with nice jeans.

 

Every guy needs a blue dress shirt and a pink dress shirt. Yes, pink. This is 2015; it’s not only fine, it’s flattering. Not bright pink, just subtle, like in this photo, far right. But it’s got to fit well in your mid section and shoulders. So if you’re buff, you’ll  need “Slim Fit” so the shirt doesn’t blouse out. Or you could get your shirts tapered in at the waist by a tailor.

 

 

Wear a collarless shirt under a sport jacket, (especially when bringing her flowers…which you might want to get for Valentines Day, this Saturday!) Whenever possible, match the color of either your shirt, sweater, jacket, or scarf to your eye color, especially if you have blue or green eyes.

 

This tip is a “Don’t.” Do not slouch, look tired, bored, apathetic, or listless. That will get you a big, fat nuthin’… career-wize, date-wize, respect-wize. It’s just not wise.

 

Keep up with the work outs. Make working out, or playing basketball, squash, cycling, or boxing, a regularly scheduled event in your day. Most days… at least four days a week, preferably five. Write it into your calendar. Make it a priority. You know you feel good, and we know you look good fab you’re in great shape. Okay, I have to say it…Just do it!

 

Here it is again…when wearing a suit, pair it with either a blue shirt or a blue tie. Fit is essential. Have your suits, jackets, pants, and even shirts custom tailored. It makes a difference. And walk tall. Posture says a lot about your attitude and confidence. Shoulders back, spine straight. Yes, that’s looks fantastic!

 

Own your style. Get energized with some fresh air, sunshine, and activity. Wear color, stand tall, smile, and communicate. That goes for both business and personal life. This is your time; make the most of it. (If not now, when?)

If you would like help with wardrobe, personal branding, professional image, or shopping  please visit these pages on our website, then call for your free 30-minute consultation: 720-933-9247. Don’t wait, Look Good Now.

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant, speaker, award-winning and best-selling author of Look Good Now and Always available on Amazon. For your free 30 min. phone consultation, call now: 720-933-9247.

 

 

 

 

 

Do you work from home? Many of us do, these days. We roll out of bed and on go the sweat pants and fleece jacket…till it’s time to go back to bed that night. Sound familiar? Problem is, when it’s time to go out for a meeting, interview, date or networking event, we’ve forgotten how to get dressed. Do you even have a current, presentable wardrobe? Time to take stock. Yea, right now, that includes you, Boulder.

When you look good, you feel good—after all, the multibillion-dollar fashion industry is built on that exact principle. Conversely, neglect of posture, grooming and appearance is a classic symptom of a need to hit the refresh button. Any leadership expert would agree that overlooking your image has a negative effect on your self-esteem and the way you carry yourself. It can sap your energy and detract from productivity, your business and personal relationships, and even hinder your personal and professional branding.

People who get stuck in a lifestyle rut often complain of feeling frumpy, boring, invisible or even depressed about themselves and the image they present to the world. As a professional image consultant, I get such comments constantly from both women and men who are frustrated with their same old clothes, hairstyle and general look. Without knowing quite what to do about it, they realize that “I work from home” is not an excuse for shuffling around town in worn-out sneakers and wrinkled duds that look like you’re about to clean the garage. The old adage “Clothes make the man” (or woman) rings just as true in the suburbs as it does in L.A. or New York City.

Confidence is where style begins; you don’t need to be beautiful, young or rich. Knowing and recognizing who you are—your tastes and your attributes—can catapult you on your way to a healthy relationship with your image. Boulder psychotherapist Dr. Jessica Higgins puts it like this: “Taking care of your appearance in a particular way can be an expression of an intention. Who are you expressing yourself to be? It helps to know your values and the message that you would like to convey to others.”

Take stock

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to express your authentic self by looking as if you care about yourself, and wearing what makes you feel attractive, every day? Self-knowledge, inspiration and honesty will help you understand your most flattering wardrobe and grooming options. Learning what styles you love, your most flattering colors and your best physical features can be more valuable than any fancy designer label.

Finding the right inspiration can ease the confusion of putting outfits together. Magazines and catalogues are great resources with which to start. Their pictures will help you understand what styles of clothing, hair and makeup you feel best express your tastes and personality. Many fashion magazines, such as Details, GQ, Lucky and InStyle, show outfits put together in new and creative ways, combining a variety of styles.

When you see an ad or fashion layout of an outfit or look that you love, whether it’s for work, play, daytime or evening, cut it out. From different sources, collect photos of styles that speak to you and arouse some excitement. Tack these pictures up on a bulletin board that hangs in or near your closet, and use them as inspiration to create your desired look.

Before you shop for even one item, edit your closet. Be brutal. Purge your closet and drawers of anything you haven’t worn in a couple of years. Donate or consign those things if they’re in decent shape. Well-made classics and sentimental favorites should be kept in a storage closet in a different room.

How do you determine what you actually should be wearing? First, ask yourself what colors look best on you. If you have warm skin tones, (golden) and brown hair, earth tones will flatter you. If you have a rosy complexion and light or gray hair, pastels will suit you. If you have high contrast between your hair and skin color, by all means wear strong colors. Some people look washed-out in white or black, but everyone looks good in some shade of aqua, teal and coral.

Next, honestly assess the shape of your torso. A man’s optimal shape is the inverted triangle; for women, it’s the hourglass. But in reality, the human torso has five basic shapes: rectangle, triangle, inverted triangle, oval and hourglass. The more truthful you are regarding your actual shape, the more successful you’ll be at dressing to flatter your figure.

The fun starts when you learn how to choose flattering shapes and silhouettes of clothing. Again, honestly evaluate whether the shapes and fabrics you wear make you look more or less feminine if you’re a woman, more or less masculine if you’re a guy. What shape is the jacket? Is that the shape you want, or not? There’s your answer.

For a slimming effect, wear dark colors on an area of your body you want to look smaller, and lighter or brighter colors where you want an area to stand out. To look long and lean, wear a dark-colored jacket with a light shirt underneath. Or drape a bright scarf or interesting necklace down the center of your body to draw the eye inward. Vertical lines on the body can help you appear trim, whereas horizontal lines will chop, chop, chop.

When considering whether to buy a certain item, ask yourself these three important questions: Does it fit me? Does it flatter me? Does it fulfill my lifestyle and my personal brand; how I wish to be known? If the answer to any of those questions is no, move on.

Clothes should skim the body, not cling, nor sag. When a jacket, shirt or sweater fits well, the shoulder seams will line up with your shoulder. The seams shouldn’t droop off to the side or creep up toward your neck. On most types of tops, there should be no more than two inches of extra fabric around your midsection. Buttons and snaps should be able to close, even if you think you’ll always wear the garment open. Pants should skim the body, not pinch or droop. Skinny jeans and leggings on women are meant to fit snug, but not cut off circulation. If it’s not comfortable, it’s not the right size or cut for you. Try another. Or you may need to tailor some clothes. Yes, it takes time, but it’s worth it to your self-confidence and to your personal image that you project, especially in a business situation.

One seemingly small element of our appearance that makes a huge difference, and is absolutely free, is posture. Do you slouch from sitting at your computer all day? That’s unhealthy for your muscles, skeleton, digestive system and organs, seriously! Stand up straight with great posture. Whether sitting, standing or walking, shoulders should be back and down, spine straight and tummy in. Good posture can help you look younger, more athletic, energetic and interesting…for free!

A word about makeup for the ladies. After the age of 40, we simply look better with some color that accentuates our features. It doesn’t need to be a lot. Cosmetics that have been properly applied in flattering colors can have an extraordinary impact not only on how you look, but on how you feel. When your lips and cheeks are tinted with a blush color, your eyes have some mascara and a soft liner, and your skin has been smoothed with well-matched foundation and concealer, you will look and feel more beautiful, period.

If you would like help with wardrobe, personal branding, professional image, shopping or makeup, please visit these pages on our website, then call for your free 30-minute consultation: 720-933-9247. Don’t wait, Look Good Now.

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant, speaker, award-winning and best-selling author of Look Good Now and Always available on Amazon.

What to wear to a holiday party? Red and Black, apparently.  Seems like everyone’s really in the holiday spirit this year. My research has shown that red and black are the colors to wear to a holiday party. Here are some great examples from recent soirees I attended with friends.

What will you wear?

If you need some help choosing great outfits for an office party or just social event, or New Years, call me. We’ll have you looking fantastic in no time.

Happy Holidays!

Love,

Marian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant in the Denver and Boulder areas. Marian helps successful professionals upgrade their personal brand using visual, verbal and nonverbal communication for a polished presence and stellar success. Visit Image Services and Personal Branding, then call for a free 30 minute phone consultation: 720-933-9247.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do women really want for holiday gifts? I’ve got the answers—37 great ideas you hadn’t thought of and she forgot to mention! Actual female clients weighed in on their wishes for goodies from Santa. The first ten are the most popular. If you need help shopping, call me.

1. Spa day gift certificate
2. Massage gift cards
3. Personal training gift certificates
4. Date night romance: Dinner at a nice restaurant and a movie of her choice
5. Nordstrom gift card
6. Personal chef/meals gift certificates
7. Healthy meals pre-cooked and portioned out for family
8. Gift certificate for cooking class
9. Scarves: patterned coral, pink and teal infinity scarves—they’re already tied and the colors flatter all skin tones!
10. A “statement” necklace like large-bead “fashion” pearls
11. “Waterfall” cardigan in teal, chocolate brown or maroon
12. Not Your Daughter Jeans (NYDJ) in brown, forest green or rust colored corduroy
13. A subscription to a flower-of-the-month club
14. Stemless wine glasses
15. Gift certificate for Denver Center for Performing Arts (or other professional theater)
16. Perfect chandelier earrings
17. New gold iPhone 6
18. Rose gold jewelry
19. Great tall boots
20. A closet tune up
21. Comfortable snow boots with some style and pizzazz
22. A subscription to a wine-of-the-month club
23. Dressy leather gloves
24. Super chunky cable sweater to curl up with 
25. Starbucks sterling silver gift card
26. Faux fur winter vest
27. Nice travel mug
28. House cleaning services
29. White board with magnets
30. Silk pajamas
31. Nice desk set
32. Something naughty that only Santa knows about!

 

These last five are my personal favorites, which I highly recommend.

33. V-neck cashmere sweaters; long sleeve, in bright colors like coral, pink punch, cobalt blue and emerald green, because you want to stand out from the crowd, not blend in. They are cozy, warm, comfy, and they hold their shape well without wrinkling. Every working woman needs at least three.

34. High quality, beautiful bling necklace; big, bright, colorful and sophisticated. They are the height of trend, make anything look updated, and add sparkle and glow right where you need it—in the 18″ spear of influence around your face, where you want people to look. Choose something rich-looking with some weight to it; perfect for your leadership role.

35. You want a bag that sends the message “I have arrived.” Kate Spade bags come in some gorgeous leather and rich colors. They are the perfect size, not too big but big enough, and have the perfect amount of zippers for all your necessities, including a laptop or pad.

36. “The Loop” is an ear bud holder and anti-tangling device. Every business professional needs at least three: one for the office, one for the gym, one for home. Great stocking stuffers! 

37. The award-winning book, Look Good Now and Always: a do-it-yourself style makeover for busy women. To order, visit https://amzn.to/1i4LW2H.

Lots of terrific ideas for your girlfriend, sister, wife, mother, and for anyone to whom you’d like to say “Thanks, Happy Holidays!” If you’d like some help shopping, I can do that IF you call soon – appointments book up quickly. So call now: 720-933-9247.

Marian Rothschild is a Certified Personal Image Consultant in the Denver and Boulder areas. Marian helps successful professionals upgrade their personal brand using visual, verbal and nonverbal communication for a polished presence and stellar success. Visit Image Services and Personal Branding, then call for a free 30 minute phone consultation: 720-933-9247.