By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM

Today’s fashion segment on the Today Show featured advice on how to update or upgrade our look.  The answer to the first question sounded simple, “Accessories.”  But the new look was a new “statement” jacket way beyond simple.  “Statement” earrings followed, hanging 7 inches long.  The “statement” was not smart but stupid—a fashion victim in the making.

The second question asked how to wear a sequined print blouse at the office.  The answer included a double strand of beads hanging below the waist, a dark shiny satin skirt, shiny gold ankle-strap high heel shoes, with a huge letter-carrier leather bag, the shoulder strap hanging below the knees.  What?  Who?  When?  Where?  Overkill and total confusion in the total look.

Just because it’s on TV doesn’t mean it works or you should try it.  7-inch long earrings signal trying too hard to be trendy.  Shiny sequins, satin, and gold heels shout “Party” while the huge sportive looking leather bag calls for denim, corduroy, or tweed.  The clash of opposing textures sends mixed messages, confusing to the viewer and not in harmony with what needs to happen in the office.  The idea that “anything goes” today goes way too far.  Less IS more.

Photo: Free People

Back in the 1920s, an economist named George Taylor introduced the “hemline index”, suggesting a correlation between skirt hemlines and economic stability and growth. In times of prosperity, hemlines go up. When things look uncertain, hemlines go down. That certainly provides a logical perspective to the outgoing mini and incoming “midi” and maxi skirts.

Mini. Many fashionistas today are viewing the miniskirt as outdated. “It just looks like you’re trying too hard,” Sharon Graubard of Stylesight, a style forecasting company in New York told the Wall Street Journal. Considering the recession and men at war, “That whole if-you’ve-got-it-flaunt-it thing really doesn’t go right now.” Even so, there are still young people who are going to wear miniskirts, no matter what the latest trend is.

Midi. The below the knee to mid-calf length skirt is all over the runways and red carpets these days and is being heralded as the most ladylike length by many fashion designers. While that might be, this style doesn’t work for everyone and the person wearing them ought to have a slim leg, otherwise it’s going to emphasize a large calf and look frumpy. Know that the midi needs to hemmed just below the thickest part of the calf  in order to appear flattering.

Maxi. We saw the return of the maxi skirt in 2010 thanks to the likes of Marc Jacob. With it came a sigh of relief from many since maxi skirts are far more accommodating for a variety of body types. The maxi skirt is appropriate for day and evening social occasions, but too long for office business.

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2011

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

How to Wear One Piece Five Ways

At a time when money is tight, fashion stylist Sarah Ward will show you how to maximize your clothing dollar by increasing the number of ways you can wear the clothes in your closet. Whether it’s a favorite scarf, a new skirt with the tag still on it, or a little black dress, Sarah will open your eyes to new ways to wear them that you’ll never have thought of.  Bring an item of clothing and we’ll come up with creative styling ideas for wearing one clothing piece 5 ways.

Register for How to Wear One Piece Five Ways here!

Fashion Styling Workshop

The media is full of talk about fashion and wardrobe styling, but some of the looks pictured in fashion magazines range from horribly awful to downright scary. It seems that no one has ever compiled a “how-to” list of criteria for knowing whether the resulting outfit works, or NOT. Until now. And so, we invite you to attend this workshop and learn how to do it right. Your stylist for the evening is Judith Rasband, AICI CIM. You’ll have 400 pieces of clothing to pull from as you engage in the fun of fashion styling for your personal style.

Register for the Fashion Styling Workshop here!

Accessor-Ease

With a ga-zillion accessories to choose from, how do you know which ones to buy? What works for your lifestyle and personal style? How do you know if the mood and the message of the clothes and accessories are in sync? How many accessories are too many? Pairing the right accessories with an outfit creates visual harmony and a synergy that is instantly effective in communicating to yourself and others the message you intend to send. Join image professional Judith Rasband for a fun and educational workshop. Learn how to choose the perfect accessories for each outfit and occasion. Discover how to wear belts, whatever your figure type. Get tips on how to manage the message in your jewelry, shoes, and bag.

Register for Accessor-Ease here!

5 – 8 Easy Pieces: The Cluster Wardrobe Strategy

Learn where to start in building a great wardrobe! Join image professional Sarah Ward, Camilla Owens, or Sadie Starling and learn a creative wardrobe strategy called “clustering” that puts the fun back into fashion. Watch a lively demonstration and get the guidelines that make it work for you in the home, in business or leadership, and for evening occasions. Fire your imagination, increase your wardrobing skills, eliminate anxiety about clothing, save yourself time and money, and simplify your life! There’ll be no wasted “wardrobe orphans” in your closet!

Register for 5 – 8 Easy Pieces: The Cluster Wardrobe Strategy here!

February

• Tuesday 22nd @ 7-9pm | Accessor-Ease
• Wednesday 23 @ 7-9pm | Wear One Piece Five Ways
• Thursday 24 @ 7-9pm | 5 – 8 Easy Pieces: The Cluster Wardrobe Strategy

March

• Tuesday 22 @ 7-9pm | Wear One Piece Five Ways
• Wednesday 23 @ 7-9pm | Fashion Styling Workshop
• Thursday 24 @ 7-9pm | Accessor-Ease
• Saturday 26 @10am – 12pm | 5 – 8 Easy Pieces: The Cluster Wardrobe Strategy

April

• Tuesday, April 5 @ 7-9pm | Accessor-Ease
• Wednesday, April 6 @ 7-9pm | Wear One Piece Five Ways
• Thursday, April 7 @ 7-9pm | Fashion Styling Workshop

May

• Tuesday, May 3 @ 7-9pm | Wear One Piece Five Ways
• Wednesday, May 4 @ 7-9pm | Fashion Styling Workshop
• Thursday, May 5 @ 7-9pm | Accessor-Ease

Classes are $20 per session and pre-registration is requested. To register, call 801-224-1207.

Conselle Institute of Image Management – Learning Center
1776 North State Street
Orem, Utah 84097

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Top 5 Blogs in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

Three Components for an Excellent Pattern March 2010

Why Women Wear Stockings January 2010
5 comments

The More Skin You Show, The Less Authoritative You Become January 2010
8 comments

Trend Alert: Black and White Stripes April 2010
2 comments

Popular Fashion Trends for 2010 June 2010

As we ramp up for 2011, let us know what topics you would like to see covered!

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2011

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

Susan Nethero, The Bra Whisperer

By Judith Rasband 

Kudos to Rachael Ray for her segment, “Bra or Boob Job.”  Citing that 85% of women wear the wrong bra type or size, she hosted special guest Susan Nethero, founder of the Intimacy Boutique and otherwise known as “the bra whisperer.”  Together they presented the bra fitting experience of three women considering breast surgery to change their look.  One wanted breast reduction and the other two wanted breast enlargement.  When fitted in the right type and size bra that shaped them beautifully, all three women opted out of surgery.  The right fitting bra did the job they were looking for.  Way to go, girls! 

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

Ann Curry on the Today Show 10-27-10

Ann Curry on the Today Show, in presenting herself as relaxed and approachable, she lost her pizazz and professional presence I so love about her.  A little more fullness to the hairstyle, a lift at the face with a collar, a little hue contrast would work wonders to increase her visual influence.

Here’s an example of Ann Curry looking terrific! 

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

Are white pants appropriate after Labor Day?

In many places, women are still wearing white after Labor Day because it’s still hot outside!  In the New York Times on September 19, Anna Dello Russo, the fashion director for Vogue Japan, was pictured wearing a white Yves Saint Laurent dress saying “it’s still warm outside, and nice to still have a summery feel.”  Wearing white shoes are perfectly appropriate until the weather changes, until it gets cloudy and we need to dress warmer. 

The “rule” about not wearing white after Labor Day is a rule that didn’t need to be.  What is the logic behind the so-called rule? 

It’s not about Labor Day, it’s about the annual temperature change.  In theory, it is just after Labor Day when temperatures get cooler and we opt for warmer clothes.  Warmer fall to winter clothes are generally darker, in keeping with darker skies. 

Darker clothes, we know, absorb the light and heat, keeping us warmer.  When we’re wearing dark clothes, white shoes simply attracts too much attention to themselves.  Hence, the advice to wear darker shoes.  Attention can then move up to the face for better communication.  It works! 

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and the Chairman of the Board for the Image Consultant’s Society International.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

Art in Everyday Dress & Image

Be educated and entertained by image management specialist, author, columnist, and consultant, Judith Rasband AICI CIM, with information you need to know before you acquire another piece of clothing for yourself or your family.  See the elements and principles of design applied in creative wardrobe styling for lifestyle and personal style preferences.  Discover the single detail of design that makes or breaks success in everyday dress in the home, the school, the church, and community, as well as in the workplace.  It’s a matter of style with substance and a lot of serious fun!  

Click here to register for Art in Everyday Dress & Image!

5 Easy Pieces: A Lifestyle Wardrobe Strategy

You don’t need a large quantity of clothes to have a great wardrobe!  Join image consultant Leslie Wells and learn a creative wardrobe strategy called “clustering” that puts the fun back into fashion.  Watch a lively demonstration and get the guidelines that make it work for you in the home, in business or leadership, and for evening occasions.  Fire your imagination, increase your wardrobing skills, eliminate anxiety about clothing, save yourself time and money, and simplify your life!  There’ll be no more “wardrobe orphans” in your closet!  

Click here to register for 5 Easy Pieces!

Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling

Get creative and stretch your clothing dollar further by learning how to layer your clothes.  Fashion stylist and jewelry designer Sarah Ward will show you how to use your clothing as a resource and extend your all-season clothes to work beautifully throughout the winter months ahead.  Learn how to use layering to dress slim, express your personal style, become more effective in communication, and increase your influence in all areas of your life.  Bring a friend and put the fun back into fashion!    

Click here to register for Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling!

September

• 21  Art in Everyday Dress & Image
• 22  5 Easy Pieces: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy
• 23  Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling

October

• 12  Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling
• 13  Art in Everyday Dress & Image
• 14  5 Easy Pieces: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy

November

• 9   5 Easy Pieces: A Smart Wardrobe Strategy
• 10  Layering: A Key to Creative Fashion Styling
• 11  Art in Everyday Dress & Image  

Classes are $20 per session and pre-registration is required. To register, call 801-224-1207.  

Conselle Institute of Image Management – Learning Center
1776 North State Street
Orem, Utah 84097

From L to R: Neil & Judith Rasband, Rakesh & Suman Agarwal, Laura Beth Brown, Leslie Wells

Forgive the absence, it’s been an amazing learning experience with our India Connection.  Rakesh and Suman Agarwal from Mumbai, India are curriculum partners with the Conselle Insitute in establishing image management education throughout India.  They arrived last Sunday to Salt Lake City, Utah.

While they were here, I did a complete personal color evaluation with Rakesh to familiarize him with the process of becoming part of the color scheme with his clothes.  This is a typical service that we offer you as part of our Image Enhancement Retreat. 

Suman and I worked closely with each of Conselle’s private client Clinics, enhancing the client relationship and clarifying her understanding.  This is the type of personal attention all of our clients and Affiliates receive.  We are committed to helping you master these important concepts with a healthy dose of fun! 

On the last night before they left, we brought out our beautiful Indian garments that Rakesh and Suman had given us.  We all dressed up and enjoyed a wonderful traditional Indian dinner at the popular Bombay House. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited to have made plans for my first trip to India in February. 

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and the Chairman of the Board for the Image Consultant’s Society International.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

A popular styling trend continuing this fall is layering with colorful cardigans.  Michelle Obama has frequently been seen wearing a belted cardigan over a dress.  A current article in a popular women’s magazine actually showcased an awful example of what doesn’t work when layering cardigans.

Here is our editorial take on this photo.  In the picture, a fuller figured model is seen wearing a navy blue dress, an aqua blue cardigan, a silver skinny belt, a white bib necklace, black tights, and black and white animal print shoes.  Woah-h-h.  At Conselle, we educate people about what works, what doesn’t, and why.  With that in mind, here’s why this look does not work.

• Silver belting:  The first impression is that of a heavy, large-looking figure due to the width emphasized at the bust, belt, and thigh levels.  In this photo, the belt is making our full-figured model appear even wider.  The cardigan has been allowed to curve out around the bust curve and angle outward at the thighs, further increasing apparent weight.
• Conflicting focal points:  The white bib necklace and silver belt are both attracting attention to themselves, due to the extreme color contrast.  They are fighting for attention.  If the belt was a darker color, like the navy of the dress, it would likely become subordinate, allowing the necklace to become the dominant focal point.
• Weighty stocking color:  Black stockings may be popular right now, but they are visually weighty, too heavy looking in relation to the light colored shoe.
• High contrast shoes:  Attention always goes to contrast!  In this instance, attention goes to the shoes, which become a third focal point fighting for attention.

When choosing how to style your cardigans, keep in mind the importance of creating a single dominant focal point.  For professional and leadership occasions, keep that focal point up near the face.  Color contrast with a collar, jewelry, or a scarf will maintain the attention on your face for improved communication.

Belting doesn’t always have to be on top of the outer layer, it can be done underneath a jacket or cardigan for a slimming effect.

When deciding what shoes to wear, take a tip from menswear.  Continue the skirt color and repeat it in the shoe color.  It works!

Have fun with the cardigan trend!

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and an expert on what works, what doesn’t, and why!  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.