Discovering Your Personal DC Style

You schedule regular beauty appointments so you're skin, hair, nails and body will project the best image to the people you meet. But what about your clothing and accessories--what do they say about you?

Image consultants can offer valuable advice and services to make sure you're entire appearance is sending the right message. I caught up with one local expert to explore the ways we can have it all together from head to toe.

Celena Gill, AICI www. dcimageconsultant.com is an image consultant, etiquette trainer and executive trainer who combined her experiences in education, fashion, beauty, law, business and communication to establish Style DC, LLC, an image consulting firm based in Washington.

Q: Celena, if someone can't afford high priced designer clothes and accessories do you have some tips on how to look trendy without spending a fortune?

A: Most of the trends that you see on the runway and on your favorite celebrities can be found in your local retail and franchise stores. Many stores have a "dress for less" version of higher-priced trendy items.

Bargain basement stores such as Filene's Basement, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx have "recessionista" prices for the frugal yet trendy shopper. Also, stores such as Express, The Limited, Forever 21, Gap, and Banana Republic have lower priced versions of the looks seen on the runways.

Additionally, department stores like Macys, Nordstroms, JC Penny, Bloomingdale's usually have the higher priced and lower-priced versions of the latest trends to contrast and compare. If you are looking for high designer/couture fashion or accessories, try the clearance store versions of luxury department stores like Sak's Off Fifth Avenue or Nordstom Rack.

An easy way to find lower priced frocks is to simply ask the salesperson. I always advise my clients to create a "look book" of the trends that they love. Then, take it to one of the bargain stores and have a sales assistant help you find the pieces. They will work their hardest to find the items and make a sale!

Q: Are there some key pieces of clothing we should have?

A: I believe that there are key pieces that every person should have in their wardrobe. Each woman should have one of the following:a blouse, a pair of slacks,a pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater, a dress, and a great pair of heels. All of these items must be suited for their body type and proportions.

If you can only choose one of these, make sure that you have a great dress. It doesn't have to be a LBD, but it does have to be wearable to both a professional or social event with the exchange of a few accessories (to make it appropriate).

Q: Which items are better to splurge on and which ones can we get away with finding less expensive versions of?

A: You should always splurge on your shoes and outerwear. Your feet have to be comfortable, especially if you are in a profession where you might walk for a good portion of the day.

Shoes, if worn and maintained properly, can last throughout your entire adult lifetime.(Great way to save money!)

Additionally, outerwear should be of the best quality that you can afford. Your outerwear should be a mix of classic pieces that will last the test of time...and fashion trends.

Q: What are the advantages of hiring an image consultant?

A: Within the first seven seconds that someone looks at you, perceptions are created about your intelligence level, your profession, your educational background, your home neighborhood, the type of car you drive, etc. If a picture is a thousand words, don't you want your picture to say exactly what you intend it to say?

An image consultant can assist you in creating that picture and assist you in discovering your own personal style. You are a visual brand of your goals and objectives. If your visual look is not aligned with your stated goals, it creates confusion to those who you meet. When you look great, with the proper fit and proportion, wearing the colors best suited for you....you feel great and act with confidence.

You can read Celena's blog called Strictly Fabulous at www.strictlyfab.com.
You can contact her through her website www.dcimageconsulant.com or by calling 202-340-1895.


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