We are all going to come out, either tomorrow or in a few weeks from being confined for a few months.
How do you want to show up? How do you want to feel?
Instead of hearing “Oh my Lord, those few months have not done her any favors” wouldn’t you like to hear “Wow, she looks amazing, what has she done?

No, we don’t and shouldn’t dress for others. We dress for ourselves, but looking great gives us the confidence we need to show up in all situations. My dentist used to ask each time he saw me, where I was going afterwards and he was shocked to hear, just to see you! I didn’t dress to see my dentist. I dressed because it made me feel better.

I have heard several times, “I really don’t care, fashion is so superficial” If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t dress at all, or wear make up or spend hundreds of $ a year at the salon.
Everyone cares it’s human nature. We want to be accepted, acknowledged. We seek approval, we want to be liked, respected, loved and have a sense of belonging. It’s natural and normal.

Every time we step into our closet to dress, we are in a certain mood and dress with a purpose in mind. You’re going to your child’s soccer game, run errands, to a Networking or business meeting, or date night. You dress accordingly.

It’s not about the garments themselves, it is deeper than that. It’s the feeling and confidence you get when you put the right garments on for your body. It makes all the difference.

Dressing is like architecture, we need everything to be balanced for it to be visually appealing. It’s all about your proportions!

Your body type will determine which styles look best on you, so it is very important. Which style of pant, skirt, the length or volume will suit you best.

When consulting with a client, the first thing we do is to take all the measurements to identify your shape.

• We look at your weight and height

• Your vertical proportions being the length of your body

• Your bone structure

• Your measurements ( The width of your body) bust – hips – waist and shoulders

• And what you wish to accentuate or minimize

We often buy clothes that we like on someone else, on a store mannequin or in a magazine ad. We find that it doesn’t fit properly and more often than not we determine that our body is at fault. This is not the case. We simply didn’t purchase a style that suited our body.

So let’s look at three factors that I go over with my clients. These will help flatter your appearance whatever your body type.

Whether we are living through extraordinary times or generally speaking, I tend to prefer simplicity.

We make it way too complicated.

We purchase items that do not match our body shape, lifestyle or existing wardrobe and then think we have nothing to wear.

Here are 5 essential aspects I go over with all my clients;

1- BODY TYPE – knowing your measurements and body type will determine what best suits you. It also helps you highlight your assets and distract from the parts you like less. This is always the first step of my consultations.

When women hear the word Petite, they often understand tiny. It actually means “small” when translated from French.

However a “petite” refers to the proportion and fit and not the size. A petite woman is 5.4ft and under but it refers to any body shape.

If you are petite, you are, in terms of proportions in your clothing.

The sleeves will be shorter, the rise of the pant shorter and the skirt length as well.

But you may be 5.6 with short legs and find that a petite trouser fits you best.

Or you are 5.6 with a short torso, perhaps a petite top or jacket will fit you better. This has been the case for me at several occasions.

I have been working from home for many years.

After working in Corporate where I felt I had to wear a business suit everyday, I was kind of out of sorts. The transition took some time.

Tell me Do you feel as professional and productive when you are not dressed the part?

I must confess I wouldn’t feel as professional if I was dressed in yoga pants. I am sure I am not unique in that regard, I would love to know your thoughts and how you feel.

I believe it also influences my mood. There is something to be said about getting up, getting dressed and putting on makeup. I feel as if I am ready to attack the day and it gives me a sense of purpose.

We always hear, I want to be comfortable but don’t we always? Whether I work one on one with a client, go shopping with a customer or work from home, I never find myself saying I think I’ll dress uncomfortably today! The goal is to be professional when need be, feel attractive and ready for anything that arises. In all cases we want to feel comfortable. The important thing is to be “Your” comfortable, and find what suits you.

Here are a few things I’ve  noticed over time, when working from home;

Many women come to me because they are frustrated by the trends and clothing choices they find in store.

Unless you spend your day at the gym, you don’t have the same body you had in your 20’s. Time, pregnancies and /or menopause tend to take a toll on our bodies.

On social media earlier this week, I was asking what aging gracefully meant to you.

For me, it means being more knowledgeable, wiser, having more patience. Appearing younger is not a goal, I just want to be the best version of myself.

I would not trade all this for the body I had in my 20’s. I didn’t have the confidence I have today, nor the life experiences.

So how can you look fashionable at any age? By following my ABC’s

So, what should you know about shopping? The average household spends 5% of their monthly income on clothing.

How about you? Do you have a plan, a strategy?

This is one of the services I provide, shopping with and for my clients. They love the fact, for instance, that I can help them build a wardrobe with limitless options.

Here are a few things to consider before heading out the door shopping.

Have you gone through your closet and determined what you needed? I don’t know about you but I go grocery shopping with a list and have gotten into the habit of doing the same when shopping for clothing. Therefore, it keeps me focussed on my needs.

Have you determined the gaps in your wardrobe? Where are they? Are they for casual wear, professional or other?

Whether you are petite, large, busty or have a smaller chest, we all need support, the right support.

When shopping with a client, the first thing I suggest is a bra fitting. We know that most women wear the wrong bra size.
The main reason is that women don’t really know how the cup should fit, how tight the band or straps should be. They haven’t learned it nor do we talk about it. 

Finding the right size is tricky since much like clothes, sizing varies from brand to brand. There are many other variables such as the shape of your breasts and how your breast volume is distributed on your body.
Several different sizes (known as sister sizing) can also apply, for instance, a 36C could fit the same volume as a 34D or 38B.
I know it seems a bit complicated, this is why I am not a fan of purchases on line for lingerie. I much prefer an in store fitting with an expert.
A few things that women should consider when they have a larger bust. 

When updating your wardrobe, you want to get the most for your budget.
Clothing is an investment so we must strategize wisely.

When implementing a Clothing Plan with my clients, There are 5 aspects I go over to create an effortless and stress free wardrobe.

1- Do you know your clothing personality? For instance,
Are you more laid back and casual?
Are you more chic and elegant?
Do you like timeless and classic pieces?

The activities of your life will also play a role in your style personality and your needs.
Do you take the kids to school, spend hours at the gym then take the kids to dance or soccer?
Or are you a professional business woman who sees clients all day?

Certainly, all women want to make the best impression on a first date!

Are you experiencing panic in front of your wardrobe?

Have you started thinking about your plans a week before?

Or have you tried on everything in your wardrobe and still don’t know what to wear?

Which one are you?

The better you feel, certainly the more relaxed and engaging you will be. Furthermore, a first date can seem very awkward, we have all been there right!

Our goal is to make the best impression on a first date.

There are several things I go over with my clients;

1- Where are you going? You would not dress the same way when going bowling than you would when going out for cocktails.