How I Work

What’s it like to work with me?

Here I’ll share the variety of outcomes my clients have experienced, my work philosophy, how I approach my work, what sets me apart from other image consultants, and what’s going to happen if you commit to working with me.

What You Can Expect

When you work with me, you can expect an increase in self-confidence and self-assurance. You’ll feel comfortable in your clothing while looking great. You’ll get more compliments—and couldn’t you use a few more of those?

You’ll hear positive feedback from me, and you’ll get all the tools you need to improve your personal image and create your personal style. You’ll understand what works and why, and what doesn’t work and why. You’ll benefit in both your professional life and your personal life.

You’ll come away with a newly-identified style. You will probably need to let go of a few pieces, but your closet space will be freed up for new, up-to-date pieces that really work and that you LOVE.

You’ll know how to “dress thin.” If you’re working to get more slim, you’ll be able to look your best now, while you losing weight. It’ll help you feel good during the process. And comfort won’t be sacrificed.

You’ll be able to confidently add color to your wardrobe. You’ll have a palette of colors that will resonate with you, which you can use to match the color of clothing you’re shopping for. You’ll also have a range of neutrals that will take you beyond black and white to expand your wardrobe options.

You’ll save money. Did you know 40 percent of the average woman’s wardrobe goes unworn? You don’t need to make that mistake. You’ll shop more strategically. You’ll buy garments that flatter and fit you and your lifestyle. The things you buy won’t be worn once or twice and then moved to the corner of the closet; they'll be worn time and time again, bringing the cost per wear down to pennies.

You’ll look put-together, age appropriate and youthful. You won’t look matronly, frumpy or dowdy, or like a teenager.

Here are some realities...

• You might not like your lipstick color at first, but will grow to love it.
• Some beliefs will be challenged, both about yourself and your clothing.
• You’ll learn to shop in a new way, and trust your eye as you work with your new awareness and tools.

My Philosophy

I’ve found there are myths about image consulting—that it’s for executives only, or just for celebrities, or that it’s only about getting your colors done. It’s not. And I think the term “image consulting” itself is outdated. Even though I’m a certified image consultant, I prefer to call myself a personal stylist.

What I do is not about a makeover, it’s about a transformation. (Or even just a little tweaking.) I teach you put together an authentic personal style that showcases the best in you, celebrates your uniqueness, and creates harmony between you and your clothing, making you beautiful.

Clothing is your outer layer of skin—your protection from the elements, your boundary of privacy, your measure of well-being, and it provides the myriad messages people receive about you when they see you. Since clothing conveys messages, dressing authentically sends authentic messages and attracts the right people to you—for friendships, love, business, etc. Being comfortable in your own skin and with who you are—before getting dressed—allows you to put on that outer layer with ease and confidence.

Consciously or subconsciously, women’s value is still somewhat based on their attractiveness, both culturally and personally. When your perceived value is increased by the way others respond when you look your best, you feel more significant, more special, and you garner more respect and appreciation. You become more essentially who you are.

You already have beauty. I just put the right pieces together in a harmonious way. I think that where there is harmony, there is beauty. I help you look like who you are, but at your very best. You’ll look your best when your wardrobe pieces connect with you and express your personality while serving you in your different roles.

My Approach

I’m flexible—one size does not fit all. Although I have a variety of Services that focus on specific areas of personal image and style, I do not have a rigid program. Of course, the full complement of services gives you the most value for a lifetime, but perhaps you’re not quite ready and prefer to start with one service and see what happens.

I’ll give it to you straight—positively, though (no room for negativity) and with as much detail as you prefer. I’ll give you “rules” that are innate to you and help make it easy for you to follow them, because I want you to look your best.

I’m reachable and responsive—it’s tough when you’re frustrated with some issue and need help and want answers. You make the call, and...wait two days for a reply. I return calls and answer emails within 1 day.

You can expect me to...

• work on your behalf and not impose my own preferences on you
• tailor a program to you and your needs
• maintain your privacy and confidentiality
• provide a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere
• respond quickly to your inquiries
• keep in touch with you

My Uniqueness

What’s this got to do with my work? Well, it’s about the ability to analyze and synthesize. I can see the big picture, the end result for you. During our consultations I analyze the component parts of you and synthesize each of the pieces into an easy-to-understand style.

I’m a watercolor artist and have always had an innate sense of colors, shapes and their relationships to other shapes, and composition. As my art coach explained to me at one point, this is something someone is born with or not; you can’t train it into them. And you are a composition with coloring and shapes that relate to other shapes within your body.

Also, most other professionals are not trained in advanced personal image, which is why it’s not such a great idea to listen to the opinions of stylists, makeup artists, clothing sales associates, and personal shoppers in stores when you’re looking to dress authentically. You’ll get an opinion, but based on what? I’ve trained with two colleagues who are experts in advanced personal image and I’ve combined the methodologies of both—like a puzzle.