One of my main tips from my chapter “How to Shop Like a Pro and Look Like a Million Bucks,” from the book I co-authored, Image Power, is to Buy Complete Outfits. Complete Outfits not only include all of the garments, but also the accessories. My dear friend and AICI colleague, Marjory DeRoeck, MFA, AICI CIP, has written an entire Image Power chapter entitled “Accessories: The Frosting of Fashion.” Here’s an excerpt from Marjory’s chapter. “Top Reasons to Use Accessories To put separates together as outfits. Use a multicolored scarf as a road map to pull together individual clothing items. A brown, orange and gold scarf would coordinate with brown pants, an orange sweater and a gold tee. To direct attention toward your best features. Is a tiny waist one of your best assets? Wear a wide leather belt with a gorgeous buckle and everyone will notice. To vary your wardrobe to suit your mood. Feeling upbeat? Put on your sparkly earrings. Feeling calm and casual? Add a mohair scarf in your eye color. To provide a conversation piece. Attach an interesting pin on your lapel and see how many people comment. It’s a great icebreaker at a party. To add color to (Read more...)

I just returned from the Association of Image Consultants International, (AICI,) Education conference that was held in San Francisco over the weekend. Although it's always stressful packing for these events, I had a great time at the conference and made a number of new image friends. Most of all it is fun being around women who speak the same language, (fashion,) as I do. All of my new found friends are not only sharp, but inspiring. I love seeing how fashionable women of all shapes, sizes, and ages pull outfits together to uniquely bring out their personal style and personality. Here's just a sampling of some outfits I saw and loved! Hopefully these outfits will inspire you to see  your closet in a new way. -Black pants, a Pucci-esque mesh turtleneck topped by a knee length, lantern sleeved, cream cashmere cardigan. I loved the combo! -A cardigan, long sleeved knit top and slacks all in the exact shade of beige worn with a printed pashmina in the neutral tones, terracotta and aqua. She also wore turquoise bangles. The beige was a gorgeous canvas for the accessories! -A stunning, green, silk dupioni special occasion dress with 3/4 length sleeves worn with a black patent belt, (Read more...)