ByFERIAL Image Consulting Blog

Are you a Stylista or a fashionista??? Do you know the difference? If you don’t know the difference, never fear, you are not alone! Talking to women, I often find that they are confused about the difference between style and fashion. ‘Aren’t they the same thing?’ I am often asked; Well, to put things simply…the answer is no.

Style is a way of expressing your personality and your individuality while fashion is about following trends – which if you think about it, makes being stylish a lot more affordable. A Stylista is a person who is stylish – on their own terms – oozing confidence in their self awareness. A Fashionista is someone who is a slave to fashion and the ever changing seasonal trends. One of my favorite all time quotes is by John Fairchild which sums this up completely ‘…Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style…’

Simply put, style starts with self-knowledge. You need to understand who you are or who you want to be in order to develop a style you can feel confident wearing. Spend some time taking a look at yourself, your lifestyle, and your aspirations. What makes you unique? What aspects of yourself do you want to share with the world? Is it your romanticism, your quick wit, your rebellious streak? Once you know how you want to present yourself to the world, it is easy to create a wardrobe that reflects that image.

Style Basics

Being stylish allows you to create a unique look and you can inject elements of the fashion trends into you your image – being stylish doesn’t mean being safe or boring. However, there are some universal elements to style that all women should follow.

• Select outfits that are appropriate for your age and the occasion.
• Always go for a great fit. There is no need to spend lots of money on clothes; rather, just make sure any clothes you wear are flattering to your shape. If necessary, have them professionally fitted by a trusted tailor. It is an inexpensive way of looking and feeling like a million dollars.
• Know your colors. Some colours will make you glow while others will make you appear unhealthy and tired. A color consultant can simplify the whole process for you – a great investment for anybody
• It is important to understand the concept of the Vital V, the area that forms a V shape from the tips of your shoulders down the point between your bust. This is the area that always draws people’s attention first. Make sure the colours you use in this area complement your skin tone. This doesn’t mean you can never wear other colours. If you love a particular shade of blue, for instance, but you know it is not your color, you can still wear it; just ensure it is not within the Vital V zone.

• Finish your look with flattering makeup.
• Choose accessories to complement your look. Accessories are a great way to create an individual style and are also an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe season after season.
• Finally, wear your style with confidence and poise. You sell your look, not the clothes. Creating your own style, rather than following fashions, is incredibly liberating. Don’t worry about your look becoming static and outdated if you don’t stay ‘in fashion’. True style evolves naturally over time, along with a woman’s character and lifestyle.

Ultimately, style is a celebration of individuality and celebrates the fact that we are all different. A woman who knows who she is and has the confidence to express it, can create a style that is fun-loving, optimistic, classy, quirky, athletic…the possibilities are endless! Remember it was Yves Saint Laurent who famously exclaimed that ‘Fashions fade, but style is eternal.’

Consider investing in yourself by consulting one of our image consultants, they can help you develop and find your own style. Please feel free to talk to one of our image consultants. To find a consultant nearest to you, visit www.imageconsultantstraining.com

Illusion dressing is the secret weapon every woman should have, and I am not only talking breast enhancing chicken fillets or SPANX… but everything in between! Every woman has the right to look fabulous, regardless of her age, color, size, shape or budget. There is a vast array of style tricks you can utilize to look instantly slimmer and more attractive – but illusion dressing is not only about looking slimmer it can also mean adding weight to certain areas in order to create balance.

It is not only magicians who have been using the power of illusion for many years, we Image professionals have also been using illusion to help people make-over their appearance and boost their self confidence. By learning some of the same techniques, you can feel and look instantly more attractive and boost your self esteem.

8 quick tricks to Looking good and feeling fab

• Stand up straight! Standing well will instantly make your waistline slimmer. It also allows your clothes to sit on your body properly, which will also make you look taller and thinner – and it doesn’t cost a thing – hurray!

• Learn how to use color correctly. Dark colours recede and light colours advance, so if you wear dark colors on your problem areas, this will make them appear smaller. However, it is important to know what colors flatter you and make sure you wear those colors around your face. Flattering colors will make you look younger and healthier – which is exactly what we want!
• Increase your bust size. For those of you that want to visually increase the size of your bust, to balance the rest of your body, invest in items that have frills or details around the bust line – horizontal necklines also work wonders. This technique is great if you have larger hips as it takes the attention away from the lower part of your body and a look that is visually balanced.

• Look for vertical lines. Vertical design lines such as princess seams in dresses, single breasted jackets worn open, or a row of buttons which draws the eye, will instantly give you a slimmer look and make you look taller
• Avoid bulky or shiny fabrics and large patterns. Instead, choose fine to medium textured fabrics that skim over your body, rather than cling to it.
• Wear the best quality you can afford. Clothing made of a higher quality tends to sit better on the body and therefore will make you appear slimmer.

• Look for shoes with medium to high heels. The chunkier the shoe and more rounded the toe, the heavier you will appear. Go for shoes that show more of your foot in order to make your legs appear longer and try and avoid ankle straps … they cut your leg off and make you look a lot shorter than you are!

• Choose the right fit. A well fitted item of clothing will emphasize your best assets while skimming your less flattering features. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or hang like a bag over your body as it will actually make you appear larger – and none of us want that
• Invest in great underwear. My favorite shape shifter is SPANX – the power panties – however take heed ladies, you do not want your husband, boyfriend or lover to ever see you wearing these! Hollywood’s worst kept secret, the stars all swear by them even if they are a size 2 – not only do they smooth the lines out but they can also make you go down a dress size! A few counties sadly don’t stock SPANX however you can purchase these online by visiting www.spanx.com Also invest in some great bras, as wearing the right bra can instantly remove pounds off your waistline.

Take the time to look at the cut, color and design of your outfits and make sure they flatter you; I always say if you’re going to spend money, spend it on the right thing. Who wants to waste money on unflattering items??? Practice standing well and smiling and invest in some SPANX – you won’t regret it. These few simple tricks will make all the difference to how you look and feel, because when you know you look good, you are going to feel great. It all starts with the decision to invest in yourself and remember you are worth it! If you would like assistance or advice, we are here to help you.

For beauty and image solutions or a free consultation to discuss your issues and concerns please call a ByFERIAL Certified Consultant near you or email us at info@byferial.com