Written by Stephanie Deitzer
Are you familiar with Roger Daltry, the band The Who, and the opening song to CSI Miami, “Who Are You?” It is a catchy tune and the opening line is “Who are you… who-who, who-who?” Well, it is playing in my head as I write. It is also what I’ll ask you to consider as you approach your wardrobe, your overall presentation, and how you want the world to experience you. What three words would you use to describe your personality and values, and do you actually project them day-to-day? Who are you and who does the world see?
Each of us is capable of being appropriate in our life roles without losing ourselves in the process. Even those of us who need a little coaching can shine through.
I was recently speaking with a client and she was surprised by my pre-consult questionnaire and how many questions I was asking about her before our initial session: her three descriptive words, who her style icons are, how does she describe her own style, what a week in her life looked like, etc. I explained that the better I knew her, the more I could help her meet her objectives. Another woman shared with me that she didn’t want to dress like I do and was shocked when I told her I didn’t want her to – that she should be herself, but be her best self. The first step in being your best self is in figuring out who you are and having that consistent thread evident through your attire, behavior, and communication.
With Spring fashion arriving in the stores, you’re most likely thinking of a closet refresh. Before you actually start the process, (it’s okay to start humming some Roger Daltry here…), think about “Who Are You?” and what makes you unique. Do you have beautiful/handsome broad shoulders, long legs, big green eyes? Think about your body shape, hair style, and other characteristics that make you special. Remember, sometimes things you may initially think are flaws can actually be fabulous – it’s all in how you approach them. Embrace yourself and have fun with this!

Once you have given your “uniqueness” some thought, consider how you can make the most of what you have and use these characteristics to your advantage. For example, someone with a tiny waist might buy brightly colored wide belts to accentuate her waist – or – a custom-made silver belt buckle to draw attention to his; a woman with bright blue eyes may make turquoise her signature color and make it prominent throughout her clothing and accessories; and from a personal perspective, although my big broad shoulders look awful in most of this season’s ruffled tops, they rock a halter or V neckline, so I shop for halters and V-necks. Some people have a flair with scarves or jewelry or other signature accessories. There are so many ways to shine through.

The trick is to do your homework before jumping into the latest trends. Audit your closet to see what will work and stay for this year, and edit everything else out. Make a list of what you need in order to flesh out your wardrobe for the season, and then hit the stores. Consider each purchase, and make sure it conveys your “personality and values” words and that works for your body type, coloring, and other signature characteristics. This may sound like a lot, but if you take it in bite-sized pieces and you master these key skills, you’ll be genuine from head to toe and able to easily answer the ever-pressing question “Who are You?” without saying a single word!
Learn more from Stephanie on the next Stylish Inner Circle call. She will help you head to work looking professional and in style during the teleclass, “Business Casual vs. Business Chaos.” Join us for only $5. Click here to learn more.

Stephanie Deitzer, founder of Style at Work, believes that embracing one’s individual look can empower them in business and other life roles, and that finding this look should not only be enjoyable, it should be exhilarating. She helps clients with practical approaches they will use every day style at work.

Stephanie is VP of Education and VP of Membership for the New England Chapter of AICI, the Association of Image Consultants International.

Stephanie Deitzer, AICI | Image and Wardrobe Consultant | www.styleatwork.biz | © 2010

 

May is an exciting month here at Charleston Style Concierge. This month we are offering three different style education seminars. Mark your calendar for these fun and informative events.

Discover How to Get Dressed in Ten Minutes

Wednesday, May 19th
Have you ever felt frustrated figuring out what to wear? Great style doesn’t have to be hard. Lee Heyward of Charleston Style Concierge, and make up artist, Ashley Brook Perryman will be speaking at the Center for Women workshop “Get Dressed in Ten Minutes.” Join us and learn how to get easy and effortless style in ten minutes or less.
Family Circle Tennis Center
5:30-7:30 pm
For more information and to register visit http://c4women.org/Calendar/2010_may.html.
 

Business Casual vs. Business Chaos: Identifying and Optimizing Appropriate Business Casual Attire (Teleseminar)

Tuesday, May 25th
This month’s Stylish Inner Circle call will help you ensure your professional style keeps you on the road to success. Special guest expert and founder of Style at Work, Stephanie Deitzer, will show you how to navigate the ever elusive thing that is appropriate business casual. This call is suited for everyone, from those initially developing their business look, to those with an existing wardrobe they would like to improve.
On the phone
12 pm
*this call will be recorded
Not a member of the Stylish Inner Circle yet? Join now to access this call with your two-month trial membership for only $5. For more information on the Stylish Inner Circle click here.

 

Ageless Style: Look Great in Your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and Beyond

Tuesday, May 25th
Do feel challenged dressing in a way that feels age-appropriate? Have fun with your style at any age. Join us for this fun feminar and discover:

How to shop for modern and fresh looks you love.
How to make fashion fun and age-appropriate.
Why your style should constantly evolve.
How to translate past styles you love to work for you today.
How to dress your age without feeling boring.
What three easy tricks can take you from frump to fabulous.

 

Mary Mojo Boutique
6-8 pm
FREE *seating is limited
For more information or to register click here.

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I feel like a whole new person. I’ve been unchained from the old self. I’ve been freed to laugh and dream and smile. And I’ve become more accessible to my clients, which is the whole point.

Donna Terrell, Criminal Defense Attorney

It is hard to explain why Lee is so brilliant at what she does because it is almost like magic. She pierces through your personality and reflects who you are in what you wear. She does not just pick out great clothes – she picks an outwardly appearance that creates a comfort zone while also allowing the world to see the real you.

Nate Casey, Entrepreneur

Working with Lee has dramatically increased my revenue, not because of what I’m wearing but because of how I show up when I am dressed like my future self.

Angela Lauria, The Difference Press

When I reflect on who I was before working with Lee, I see that everything about me was a muted version of who I am today. And thanks to Lee’s incredible gift, I’m me. I now show up every single day: as the thought-leader Lee helped me dress to become (and be).

Hillary Walsh, Esq., New Frontier Immigration Law

Thank YOU! It was such a fantastic mini-class you took us through. You got everyone really into it! I can hardly believe that I actually had to cut them all off. You are a force! We are very lucky to have had the benefit of your help and we’re all better for it.

Megan Graves, Client Happiness & Team Happiness Coordinator, Upleveling Your Business

You are amazing!!!!!! I’ve been thinking about our conversation all day and this is just brilliant – you are a strategist and creative genius. Your vision completely resonates with me. I am so grateful for you, Lee.

Kelly McGrath, Esq., Kelly McGrath Law

Lee had a surprising way about her that uncovered my deeper self, my reason for being, and encoded it onto my wardrobe like a symbol—a moment-by-moment reminder of who I am, and what I’m here to do. Her brilliance crept up on me; I didn’t realize it was her behind the changes in my life until months afterwards. Now, I am able to approach everything I do from a place of power.

Jonathan Sparks, Esq. Sparks Law

Lee brings to life a vision bigger than I imagined. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on my personal brand, photo shoot strategy, and the brand experience of events for my non-profit. Through each piece she’s helped me grow as a leader and an organization. I love having her on my team.

Alyx Porter Umphrey MD, ElevateMed

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