10 Laws of Dressing for Your Business Image

1.     You don’t have to spend a lot on clothes to look like you’ve spent a lot.

2.     Dark colors will always look more authoritative.

3.     Classics are classics for a reason.

4.     Fit is key. You can’t have style without great fit.

5.     Dressing appropriately is like having good manners.

6.     Nobody sees the label.

7.     Quality is more important than quantity.

8.     When in doubt, dress up.

9.     Confidence will come from what you wear.

10. Clothes don’t make the person. (But they can help you fake it till you make it.)

Don’t let your image hold you back from accomplishing what you want in life. Perfect your business image, and reap the rewards of a more confident and successful you. If you need help creating an image that makes you feel confident and propels you to success visit www.imageandyourbusiness.com.

Everyone’s body type is different. And let’s face it, there are certain bathing suits that simply don’t flatter certain body types. Every woman should feel confident when hitting the beach, and the type of suit she’s wearing makes a huge difference.

So, which suit is right for you this spring?

• If you have a plus size figure: Don’t hide behind a cover up the whole time you’re at the beach—find a bathing suit that is flattering to your curves. You’ll be strutting your stuff across the beach in no time with the perfect suit. If you’re looking to control your mid section a bit, while going for the hourglass look, try one piece suits that have a controlled middle. Miraclesuits that are spandex lined are perfect to bring in your mid section, while still expressing your gorgeous curves. If you have a large bottom and are a little shy to show it off, wear a short matching skirt with it to hide your upper thigh and bottom.

• If you have a long torso: Go for suits with prints and embellishments. Horizontal stripes are great, but avoid vertical stripes—these can make you look too long. Skirted bottoms are also excellent to attract the eye to your hips.
• If you have a short torso: Match a solid bottom with a printed top to draw the eye to the top of your body. This will make your torso appear longer. Stay generic when choosing bottoms—you don’t want to draw the downward. One piece suits with a low-cut front are perfect for creating the illusion of a long torso and are absolutely sexy. 
• If you have a petite figure: If you have both a petite bottom and bust try to find suits that make your body appear more curvaceous. For a small bust, a suit with a bit of padding, push up, and adjustable straps is perfect to show off the beautiful curves you already have, plus some. Strapless bandeau tops are also great for those with smaller busts. Try going for a suit with prints as oppose to solid. Solid colors tend to bog down the look of your bust. Wear a bottom with a print to accentuate your curves. If you have a petite waistline a suit with a high-cut thigh-line works great to create the illusion of curves.   

Don’t hide from the beach this spring. Find the right suit for you and show some skin with confidence. If you have trouble finding a bathing suit, let Charleston Style Concierge  help you find the perfect suit to flatter your body type. We are a style consulting company based in Charleston, SC, specializing in personal shopping, closet editing, and personal styling. We provide you with the tips, strategies, and help you need to have effortless and easy style.  Contact us today at 843.323.2466 and see how stress free life can be with a personal stylist.

Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to switch-out heavier winter fabrics for lighter, airy ones. Some male professionals might find the switch to be a difficult task, but I assure you, it isn’t hard to master. Spring is the perfect time to try new fabrics and styles that specifically cater to your lifestyle, while building on basic wardrobe elements. With the right timeless tips and strategies, you’ll find it a breeze to get dressed for work, improve your personal style, and look great this spring.
5 Tips to Improve Your Personal Style and Business Image for Spring:
1) Before beginning your dress-for-success-transformation, it’s important to know your size. Not just around the hips, but everywhere. A suit that fits poorly expresses to the business world that you don’t take the time to ensure things are done correctly and to the best of your ability. It might sound shallow, but subconsciously if people see you in an outfit that doesn’t fit right, your services might not fit right for them. Even if you own the most expensive suit in town, the wrong fit is the wrong image. Find a reputable sales representative or personal stylist to make sure your suit fits comfortably and perfectly. It’s also important to remember, if you gain or lose weight over the years, you need to get resized. Suit colors should be classic and have the ability to be mixed and matched with a variety of dress shirts, shoes, and ties. Stick with navy, gray, navy pin-striped, and black.
2) The more versatile your dress shirts, the better. White dress shirts can be matched with any tie, allowing you to choose a tie with some color. Light blue, navy, light pink, and blue stripped shirts are also simple and timeless—not trendy, and can be mixed and matched with a variety of clothing articles. The key to building your perfect wardrobe is to use dress shirts that are simple and flexible to other parts of your wardrobe.
3) Now that you have the perfect dress shirts, it’s time to match them with the perfect ties. Navy ties with stripes, a hint of color, or polka dots are excellent to match with classic white and blue dress shirts. Don’t be afraid to try ties with different fabrics and prints. A hint of color always stands out, bringing your wardrobe to life.
4) Another important element of building the perfect image is finding the best shoes, and knowing how to maintain their quality. When it comes to shoes, you’re better off buying quality shoes that will last for years. A timeless leather shoe should look immaculate years down the road, if you maintain it correctly. Shoes should be maintained by polishing them with a polish or conditioner. Wear black shoes with dark colored suits, such as navy, gray, and black, and brown shoes with brown, green, or tan suits.
5) Adding a classic watch to your business outfit is the perfect finishing touch. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you may want a watch with the date displayed, more dials, or simply the time. A thinner, light-weight watch with a leather band is a timeless look that goes with any outfit (depending on the color of the leather strap). Having your watch serviced every five years and polished often will preserve its lifespan.
 
With spring symbolizing a fresh start, isn’t it time you restyled your wardrobe? Let Charleston Style Concierge be your style consultant, providing you with effortless Charleston style tips that will last a lifetime. Contact us today and learn how you can improve your professional image right now.

We’re all guilty of having major bag envy at times. We see a woman walk down the street with the latest Prada and find ourselves swooning. It happens.

For many of us, especially during this recession, buying extremely expensive handbags every season isn’t an option. If you want to stay current with the always-changing trends, look chic, and feel great, all while cutting back spending—Charleston Style Concierge has the answer for you.

The key is to have a collection of three or four moderately priced handbags and match them with different outfits. Add little accents here and there to make it appear like you have 50 new and stylish looks! Make sure each bag you own can go with a handful of outfits you own, because what’s the point of owning an expensive bag that can only go with one or two outfits?

Learn some tricks of the trade from Charleston Style Concierge . . .

• Look for bags that have a classic timeless style.  Trendy bags are fabulous and we’ll always drool at the sight of them, but often you no longer want to use them the following year.  If you want to buy less and wear more of what you have a great classic bag can help you achieve wardrobe versatility.
• Shop for neutral colored bags such as black, brown, and nude—between the three of these colors you can wear every outfit you have with one of them.
• Find a bold colored bag you absolutely love and buy it. You’ll feel fresh, confident, and playful wearing it.  Many colors are pseudo-neutrals and can be paired with most of your wardrobe.  Remember, your shoes and bag don’t have to match.
• Look for accessories to use on your bags that can spice them up. For example, let’s say you are wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a cherry red silk top out for dinner. Wear your black bag with this outfit and fasten on a matching scarf or funky pin. You can dress bags up with a simple touch here and there.

For more personal style and spring fashion tips, visit Charleston Style Concierge at http://www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com. We’re dedicated to providing each client with services tailored to their specific style and needs. Visit our services page to learn more about how we can help you perfect your style. With spring around the corner, it’s a new beginning and the perfect time to make changes to your personal style . . . 

This Spring there are many different ways you can participate in the latest trends while staying true to your personal style. I recommend trying one of the hot colors of the season. Some of these colors are already in your closet and others can be added with a budget friendly accessory.
Black & White
Black and white clothing is everywhere this season, and is probably a trend already hanging in your closet. Black and white is always sophisticated and elegant. I love how this Diane von Furstenberg dress is paired with a pop of color and a nude shoe.

Go Nude
This season choose soft flesh tones and pale earthy neutrals. When you wear pale neutrals choose shades that don’t wash out your skin tone. Stay safe with a nude colored shoe. It is a versatile addition to your shoe wardrobe and makes legs look longer.

Pop Magenta
Hot Pink or magenta is back! It is a bright and bold color that looks great with many different skin tones. If it is too bright for you in a dress, try and hot pink shoe or bag.

Try Yellow
Yellow is such a great color and is the color for spring. The most versatile way to do yellow is through your accessories, such as a handbag or shoe. Yellow can be paired with a lot of your existing wardrobe. Have fun this spring and give yellow a try.

 
Let Charleston Style Concierge help you develop your personal style this Spring!

I do not believe in going into debt for fashion, or that you have to spend tons of money to have great style.  I do believe that looking at price tags before trying something on can cause you to spend more money. 

The first thing you do while shopping is look at the price tag.  Usually that price tag tells you it is okay to try something on, the item is a great deal, or it will cause you to put the item away wishing you were an instant lottery winner.  The last two cause havoc in your closet and will ultimately cause you to spend more money.

The next time you are shopping try on this new mindset about price and you will discover that you make much smarter purchases and wardrobe investments.

·        When you come across a great deal, proceed with caution.  Don’t let the allure of a deal throw out your good judgment about fit, versatility, and need.  If something doesn’t fit or won’t work for your lifestyle, don’t buy it.  Practice only spending money on items that suit all of your style needs.

·        When something is out of your budget don’t put it back and wait for the depression to set in.  Try it on.  The more expensive item could be a better investment than the multiple deals you continue to buy.  For example, the perfect fitting pants can be hard to find.  You go from store to store settling on pants that kind of fit.  They allow you to leave the house fully clothed but are not the best fit. You’ve now bought 4 pairs of imperfect black pants and have spent $200.  The expensive pair that you would have never tried on are also $200 and fit like a glove.  These are the better investment, and you no longer waste time looking for the perfect black pant.

·        Until you try something on and determine it is right for your personal style, price doesn’t matter.  Decide if an item fits and will work in your wardrobe, then think about whether or not it is worth the price tag.  I always recommend clients stay within their budget but remind them to calculate the cost per wear for items they purchase.

·        Don’t let discount price tags sidetrack you from your shopping mission.  If you are looking for clothing that helps you create a more put together image for an upcoming meeting, a super cute casual dress that is on sale isn’t going to get you to that meeting with professional style.

      Learn how to make smart clothing investments the next time you go shopping by signing up for Charleston Style Concierge’s free ezine, Get Great Style.

Why is fit so important for great style?
Without fit, you have no style. A trendy blazer that is too big will look frumpy and outdated. The same blazer too small appears as if you are trying too hard and will remove the chic sophistication from an outfit. Learn about your body type, and dress it appropriately. It is sometimes hard to see our bodies as they really are. Get advice from a personal stylist, or ask a trusted friend to help you examine the fit of your clothing.
What are some general fit rules for petite women?
When you are petite, there are a few rules to live by. First, be mindful of the colors and patterns you wear. Choose rich color palettes to add sophistication to your look and keep people from thinking you are a teenager. Choose patterns that are proportionate to your size. A large pattern will make you look small in comparison. Second, use clothes to help you project a more elongated body image. To do this, eliminate pants with cuffs, and don’t wear heavy, blocky shoes. Both abruptly stop your leg line, ruining all efforts to elongate your body image. Make sure your tops and jackets hit you in the right place. When your top comes past your crotch, you make your legs look shorter, making you look shorter. Lastly, befriend a good tailor. Some of your wardrobe pieces may need to be tailored to get a perfect fit. Pleats seem to come in and out of style.
How do I know if pleats are a trend I should try?
Pleats add fullness and volume to the front of a pant and therefore add fullness and volume to you! Don’t be fooled by the pleated pant as a cover-up for a midsection you want to hide. Remember that pleats will just draw attention to the spot you want to camouflage. If you try a pleated pant, choose more fitted pieces for your top half. If your pleated pants are tapered, take them straight to the closest Goodwill store. Tapered pants are a fit disaster by themselves but will also add even more width and focus to your hips.
How can I minimize the appearance of my hips?
Wear straight or wide-leg trouser-cut pants. You want to create a straight line from your hip to the floor with the silhouette of your pants. Always avoid pleated pants. Pleats add width to your hips and draw the eye to them. Watch out for poorly placed front pockets. The farther out a pocket is placed, the more it will accentuate your hips. Pockets that are set closer to your zipper are ideal. Avoid side-zip pants. If you break up the front of your pant with a zipper, you reduce the visual width of your hips. Wear tops and jackets that define your waist. A defined waist will draw the eye away from your hips.
For great style, start with great fit.   For help fitting your body shape contact Charleston Style Concierge, a styling company that teaches clients how to get an effortless style.

When buying a new wardrobe piece, determine its versatility by calculating its cost per wear.  Cost per wear is the original cost of an item divided by the number of times or ways it can be worn. 

Let’s say you find the perfect trench coat for $300.  It is classic in design and neutral in color.  This coat can be worn all year round and will be a wardrobe staple for years to come.  During that year, even if you only wear it twice a month, its cost per wear would be $12.50.

Cost Per Wear:  $300 Trench Coat/ 24 Times Worn = $12.50 Per Wear

Cost per wear is a helpful tool during the allure of a killer sale.  A $60 top on sale that you can only wear twice might not be such a great deal.  That top has a cost per wear of $30 and won’t help you figure out what to wear on a daily basis.

Calculating cost per wear is often thought of as an advertising tool to get people to spend more money that they normally would be comfortable doing.  For me, it just makes good sense.  It forces me to analyze the versatility of each item I buy to determine if it will be a good investment for my personal style, lifestyle, and wardrobe.

Charleston Style Concierge believes in the importance of creating a versatile wardrobe.  Contact Charleston Style Concierge to get great versatile style.

Often, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Effortless style however, sounds good, is good, and can be true.  Creating an effortless style takes some work and discipline, but the reward is a style that makes you feel confident, happy, and proud of who you are every day.

There are plenty of skeptics who don’t believe great style can truly be effortless.  Yes, it takes effort to achieve effortless style, but a little effort upfront will make your life and style much easier on a day to day basis. 

Imagine never having to try on three different outfits each morning before work.  You could sleep in 30 minutes longer!    Imagine if you didn’t have to frantically rush from store to store in search of something to wear for an unexpected social event?  Life would be easier, and getting dressed would be EFFORTLESS!

Creating an effortless style isn’t about having a lot of money or a lot of clothes.  You can create an effortless style simply by doing five things.

1. Build a versatile wardrobe.
2. Understand how to fit clothes to your body.
3. Embrace your personal style.
4. Show off your assets.
5. Learn to accessorize.

For help developing your own effortless style contact Charleston Style Concierge.  We can help you develop your style in one hour with our Virtual Style Consultation.  Feel great every time you walk out the door.  Don’t settle for anything less.

Do you think your image doesn’t matter?  Close your eyes and picture yourself in the produce isle of the grocery store, choosing apples.  Without any real thought you pick up one apple after the other until you find the perfect one.  Some of those apples may be bruised or old, but some of the ones you discarded simply had an image that negatively impacted you.  Lucky for us, we can be aware of our image and make changes that ensure we put our best foot forward each and every day.

No matter your profession, age, or where you are going, image always matters.  Like it or not, in our society we only get seconds to make a first impression.  In that very brief time period people make split decisions and judgments about you that are hard to undo. 

A big part of the image you portray comes from the clothing you wear.  Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”  Wearing clothing that fits well, is age-appropriate, and shows your unique style will help you portray the image you desire.    

What is your clothing saying about you?  If you’re not sure, Charleston Style Concierge can help.  Sign up for our monthly ezine and shape up your image with FREE style tips and tricks.