Image Consultant | Personal Shopper | Business Image Consulting, Dublin, Ireland

6 Tips for buying jeans

frances — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:05:30 +0000

ill-fitting jeans

I think it is safe to say that most people love a well fitting pair of jeans. However, many women find it so difficult to find the right pair that will really flatter their shape. So, here are a few tips that might help you buy the right ones:
1. While low waisted jeans were quite a trend in recent years, they were really the least flattering. There is nothing stylish (or comfortable) about the dreaded muffin top! So, if you are carrying a few extra pounds around your middle, go for a higher (mid) rise.
2. For anyone who is pear shaped, always opt for a fit that flatters the hips/bum area. This is the most difficult shape to fit as regards jeans, but don’t despair. You will probably find that the waist will be too big. Don’t be tempted to pull in the waist band with a belt. Instead, have the waist band altered to ensure a perfect fit.
3. Go for the best quality you can afford. While some stretch is great for comfort, too much stretch may mean that they will lose their shape quickly.
4. Straight or boot-leg? Trends aside for the moment, if you are very curvy around the hip/bum area, a boot-leg style will be more flattering and balancing.
5. Pocket placement – make sure the pockets of the jeans sit well up on the bum – the lower the pockets, the shorter the leg will look.
6. Always ensure the jeans leg length go right down to the floor. Too short a length gives the illusion of a shorter leg.
The above is just a guide. Above everything else, jeans need to be comfortable as well as stylish. When trying on, always sit down to check out comfort.

well-fitting jeans

Your New Year Fashion Resolutions – top tips!

frances — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:39:36 +0000

The New Year is almost upon us. While you are busy writing your list of resolutions about health, fitness, work, relationships etc., don’t forget to make your fashion resolutions too.
If, like most people, you are on a budget, you can make small style changes that will make a huge difference to your overall look. Check out these top seven fashions resolutions for 2012
1. Don’t be afraid of colour in your wardrobe. Invest in accessories in new and vivid colours (always ensure you are wearing colours that suit your own unique colouring). If you are in the habit of wearing black (or other neutral colours) all the time, inject new life into your wardrobe with new and interesting scarves, bags or jewellery.
2. Spend the most money on the clothes you wear most. Invest in classic pieces. Whether you wear a suit or jeans for most of the week, this is where you should spend the most money. Cost per wear – thats what its all about.
3. Texured or patterned tights are really fashionable now. And very affortable too. If you like to show off your legs, opt for brighter colours. If not, keep to a darker colour with an interesting pattern.
4. Start shopping in your wardrobe again. Look for interesting and new ways of mixing and matching. So many women say they are not good at this. However, putting different pieces together is a great way of changing and updating your look.
5. The key to looking good is to always wear clothes that are clean, pressed and in good condition. If you have items that need attention, put them on your to-do list now.
6. Shopping in the sales is always a good time to purchase items that might otherwise be outside your budget. However, same rules apply. Do an audit of your wardrobe needs before embarding on your shopping trip. Make a list and stick to it.
Do not be tempted to buy something just because it is hugely marked down.
7. Spend some time on your hair and make-up. There is nothing better to put the zing into your look than a great hair style, good skin-care routine and some make-up!

Have fun and best wishes for a happy and stylish 2012!

Wardrobe brain freeze!

frances — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:35:16 +0000

Did you ever wake up on a morning, try to open your eyes and wonder if you should even think about getting out of bed, let alone start to consider what you are going to wear? How many thimes have you opened the wardrobe and had brain freeze and NO clue what to put on, let alone try to match garments, or choose accessories. Oh, and how about the top you try to find only to realise that it is at the cleaners or in the laundry basket. You wander through the day then wondering about the choices you have made in getting dressed because you are in a rush.
Without a doubt, I can tell you that if you choose and lay out your clothes the night before, you will feel better, calmer, more in control and have a more finished and polished look each day. How would it feel, having made the decision the night before as to what you are going to wear, knowing that you are in control and looking great.
We all agree that when you look good you feel good. You are in control of your own life so why not start tomorrow and take a little time to plan what you are going to wear. Just see how good it feels!

Does the thought of dressing up for Christmas fill you with dread?

frances — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:37:44 +0000

To make sure you look amazing this Christmas, we are running 1 hour style sessions over the next couple of weeks on ‘What to Wear for the Festive Season’ covering everything you need to know from different looks for your body shape, to accessorising, to mixing and matching so you look and feel fabulous wherever you go.
Following this one hour session, you will:
Know how to glam up your look for any Christmas occasion;
Learn how to bring your look from daytime to evening;
Work with what’s in your wardrobe already;
Get expert tips and advice on festive hair and make-up ;
Discover how to glam up your little black number through accessorising;
and lots more.
Book your place now! Don’t be disappointed and wasting time searching for the perfect little number! Invest in yourself and mak sure you put the wow into your look this Christmas!
€95 for 1 hour for 1 or €150 for 2 people.

Imagine feeling supremely confident inside and out no matter what the occasion. Well now you can! Sarah Bird, Peak Performance Consultant and I have devised a 2 x half day workshop ‘Ooze Confidence-Prepare for your Success’ November 10th & 17th Stillorgan Park Hotel….numbers limited. Book your place today and avail of early bird discount!

frances — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:58:33 +0000

Ooze Confidence Flyer A4

Image Matters – ‘Leaders in their Field’ article according to Phoenix Magazine

frances — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:32:26 +0000

Autumn Winter trends 2011 – what will you be wearing this season?

frances — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:08:25 +0000

It seems a bit crazy to be thinking and talking about Autumn/Winter trends whilst we are in the middle of Summer holidays. However, the shops are starting to stock the beginings of their Winter collections. Spots, stars, dots, smart tailoring, lace, faux fur, (more) colour blocking, sequins are just some of the trends for 2011. Where to start? Decide where the ‘gaps’ are in your wardrobe. When do you most often say to yourself ‘I’ve nothing to wear’. Spend the most money on the clothes you wear most. Go for the best quality you can afford as this will really stand to you in the long term. Most significant investment in Winter for many women is the Winter coat. Shop early for this basic piece. Opt for a neutral and accessorise with different coloured scarves. Gloves are big news this season – not your standard black, but coloured gloves add such interest. Same goes for tights! There’s lots of choice in the high street. However, be very clear of what you need to update your look in terms of shopping for your shape, lifestyle, colouring and budget!

‘look the business – every day’ – image course

frances — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:31:46 +0000

LOOK THE BUSINESS – EVERY DAY!

It is said that a picture paints a thousand words, and so the “picture” you first present says much about you. Have you ever worried that your image is not doing you justice?

Ever wondered how the colours you wear impact on your first impression?
Have you a wardrobe full of clothes and still find yourself saying ‘I’ve nothing to wear’!

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, then you cannot miss this 4 week course designed to bring your image to new heights!

A uniquely designed course to help you discover how you dress impacts on what salary you earn; what position you hold; what fees you can generate!

And, after all that you will walk with greater confidence and convince people of your worth!

WEEK 1
COURSE INTRODUCTION, 1^st IMPRESSIONS & COLOUR ANALYSIS

Find out the secrets of how to make a wow first impression – every time! Discover the colours that suit you best and learn how to enhance and complement your own natural colouring taking into account, hair and eye colour and skin tone.

WEEK 2
SKIN CARE, MAKE-UP & HAIR MASTERCLASS
Learn how to do a simple yet effective make-up to last all day; clear out your make-up bag and choose the right products for you; advice and tips on skin care, hair care and styling.

WEEK 3
STYLE & BODY SHAPE
Discover what is appropriate and what is not in a business environment. Learn how to dress for your own unique shape – learn how to high-light and camouflage to your best advantage. Discover your own style personality with our specially devised Style Questionnaire!

WEEK 4
WARDROBE WEEDING, SMART SHOPPING & GROOMING
Having discovered your unique colouring and style, learn how to weed out your wardrobe – discover what works, what doesn’t and why. Find out the secrets of a successful work and casual wardrobe. Learn how to shop for your colouring, shape, style personality and lifestyle.

Book your place by contacting Frances at frances@imagematters.ie 086 8119698

WHERE: IMAGE MATTERS STUDIO, 4 Durham Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4

WHEN: Wednesday May 11^th weekly x 4 weeks. 6.30-8.45 pm

COST: €175 (places limited to 4 participants to ensure individual attention)

Would you like to improve your bottom line?

frances — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 17:06:56 +0000

Competition for jobs and business is becoming increasingly difficult in these tough economic times, so every advantage that you can use to enhance your business offering must be considered.

Would you like to increase your sales or job prospects?

Would you like to feel more powerful and more authorative?

Would you like to feel more self-confident?

Are you concerned that you may not be presenting your best image to your prospective audience?

If you’ve answered yes to any or all of the above, then keep on reading!….

Dress for Success is a tailored programme from IMAGE MATTERS designed to give you that extra edge on the competition. Completing the Dress for Success programme will guarantee that you are doing just that – dressing for success. The programme covers every aspect of your personal image including:

Dressing to give that wow 1st impression – every time!
Colour analysis-discover your best colours for impact!
Styling and dressing for your business and body shape!
Wardrobe weeding & smart shopping strategies!
Body language & finishing touches!
Hair and make-up (ladies).

Follow the advice and 100% RESULTS GUARANTEED! Involves an initial 3 hour consultation in the IMAGE MATTERS studio and 2 follow-up 1 hour sessions to track your progress. Also includes colour swatch wallet, style bible and personalised handouts. Cost €495. For further information or to discuss your particular requirements, contact Frances on 086 8119698 or email frances@imagematters.ie

How is your handshake?

frances — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:06:23 +0000

Recent research at the University of Iowa in the US is the first of its kind to actually measure whether a handshake influences an interviewee’s chances of getting a job. Almost 100 students were recruited as guinea pigs, going through mock interviews with a recruitment specialist, and having their handshake assessed by several experts, posing as prospective colleagues, before and after the interview. At the end of the process the quality of the shakes were compared with the verdict of the recruitment specialists.

The students with good handshakes were perceived to be sociable, friendly and confident, while those with a weak, soft grip are seen as introverted, shy and lacking in self-esteem.

Those with the the firmest grip who also held eye contact were most likely to be hired. But the most interesting result was that women with a firm handshake received substantially highter ratings than did men with a handshake of the same firmness, so women may actually benefit more than men if they present a strong and complete grip.

But a warning came from Professor Cary Cooper, a psychology expert at Lancaster University, who commented that if women exert too much pressure on a male boss’s hand at an interview, “they might be perceived as very aggressive and a bit of a queen bee!” I wonder!……