It's Not About the Clothes!

"DRESSING FOR MYSELF, NOT AS AN IMAGE CONSULTANT"

Do you think the pressure is on when going to an Image Consulting conference?  You bet there is - as well as packing for it!

My annual Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) conference was held in Irvine, California from May 14 - 18th! This is the "IT" event for all Image Consultants  in our profession to gain education, networking and products.  There are alternate sources of education and networking during the year that involve our own Chapter level events, but this is mainly the source.  I feel refreshed, rejuvinated and reconnected with my industry colleagues and excited to be back practicing what I absolutely love, my work!

The theme due to the geographic location was Hollywood Glamour and it was spectacular.  I wanted to share with you how I chose what to wear to my gala awards dinner on the last night... I  haven't worn a long dress since my wedding, almost 20 years ago now and was quite excited at the prospect of choosing a totally one time wearing of an outfit!  I broke all my rules and cannot wear this again to my conference for about 5 years or so because it is that memorable.  I am ok with this because of how I felt in it!  The function of this gown was purely glamourous, if only for one night!  I need a wedding/blacktie event to wear this to as it is so dressy. The reason I am sharing this is because how often do you go somewhere feeling absolutely beautiful on the inside and out where, what you are wearing is absolutely PERFECT! It was totally worth it because it was the best colour choice, style choice for my body type and the best of all expressed the part of my clothing personality I love to dress in! 

If I have intrigued you or you have an event you want to feel great in what you are wearing, I would love to hear from you and help you.  Please feel welcome to visit my website and view the service options and packages at personal services. 

  

"ARE YOU READY TO SHOP?"

Hello "Ottawa" for all you shoppers out there.  There is a big pre-Spring sale starting at Banana Republic, GAP and Old Navy, via coupon which can be downloaded from either site. The sale starts on Thursday, March 12th - 15th, 2009! Have fun!

If I have missed you or if you are interested in shopping or pursuing any of the services I provide, please visit my website under the personal services section or feel welcome to call me personally.

Happy pre-Spring shopping! 

"A HECKLER IN THE AUDIENCE..."

    For those of us who speak for a living and facilitate, should we always presume there is what I call a "heckler" looming? I have been speaking in public for almost ten years now and I can remember my very first "heckler" experience and it almost did me in!  I expected going into this session, that all would love me being there or, the very least, be respectful... What is it they say about expectations... I remember leaving that session feeling so irritated with myself for having been affected and then having my confidence shaken.  I can still hear myself saying out loud in the car "how am I ever going to do that again and who needs this"  Oh... my ego was certainly driving that day! Now, ten years later, I feel grateful and somewhat comforted that these experiences are opportunities for learning and growth instead of ones that define us.

    I am sure you know where this story is going... Most recently, I was facilitating and had the "heckler" of all "hecklers"! As soon as I started my session, the "heckler" was born.  This individual's body language, tone of voice and expressions were angry, sullen and aggressive.  What was most interesting and ironic is that this person was there because they were seeking help. My role was to offer coaching, advice and assistance  to this group along with my colleagues.  Group dynamics are interesting and when you have someone who has a very negative attitude, it can be a great challenge to maintain cohesiveness. 

    Overall, the incident that took place with this person provided an opportunity to practice civility, respect, and acceptance, instead of judgment. On a professional level, I was conscious this was an opportunity to communicate my philosophy and honor my integrity.  After the session, which was almost three hours in length, I felt drained having this negative energy in my space.  Clearly, there will be more "hecklers" in my future to keep me on my toes!   If you are looking for other areas that I work in and help clients with, please feel welcome to visit my website at personal services for more information or to contact me personally.  

CHOOSING CIVILITY IS COOL!

I would like to think this is the new wave of being cool.   I am sure you have heard the expression - "love them with kindness"!  It is becoming all too "normal" to speak any way we like, at any time.  It is not and we will have reverberations to this perception of being.  I would like to share this quote from Frank Outlaw and it is taken from one of my workbooks.

Watch your thougths; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny

                                                                    Frank Outlaw

If you feel inspired to learn more about my work or are interested in my professional services, please visit my website personal services

CHANGING YOUR WARDROBE OR YOURSELF?

Sometimes when a new season arrives, we can tend to feel a little lost when we bring out all the things that we haven't seen in months.  Do you love what you see or are you feeling like you need a change? I have been shopping a lot with clients this Fall and excited to see such vibrancy in COLOUR finally available!  But..what do you do if you don't know what colour(s) to choose from and if they will suit you? One strategy is to have your colours done which is a lifetime investment.  Or... when you go into the change room put the article of clothing on and close your eyes.  When you open your eyes, ask yourself do you see yourself first or the colour?  What do you think you should see? 

The word change and its implication with relationship to our wardrobe can feel scary, especially if the change does not have a road map.  Think of me as your road map.  When clients begin this process, I strongly recommend that you line up all your alliances and your support systems in place.  You may be wondering why and it is because change as positive as it is, can pull some negativity.  Perhaps it is that your loved one starts changing in front of your very eyes.  My work entitles me to have the privilege of clients sharing these changes in my presence and feeling supported.  It can be stinging for the client when they are excited and feeling energized to go back out in the world and hear: oh, that is awful, I mean really awful and oh do you like it?  This was in reference to a hair colour alteration, not a big change, just a minor alteration.  I say - who asked!  You are in the driver's seat and you are what matters and sometimes people in our lives do not like it when we relinquish the control they thought they had...What the successful piece to sharing this true event is that the client said " too bad if they do not like the change as small as it is, they have to get used to it because I LOVE the way I look".

If you feel inspired to include change because you are not happy or satisfied with the status quo, I would love to help you for you.  Please feel welcome to either give me a call personally or visit my website at personal services. 

"SUMMER SALES"

Go for it!

"IS SHOPPING HARD ON YOUR BODY OR YOUR WALLET?"

Does your heart skip a beat or drop to the floor?

"OTTAWA IS STEPPING UP"

What is it with the shopping choices here, are they good or aren't they?

"DO YOUR EYES DISAPPEAR WHEN YOU SMILE"

Well do they?   

I BELEIVE "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!"

Do you?