The reason we present on dress code is so employees are not judged on their appearance. Only to often you hear comments such as “ Oh she wear to short a skirt” or “He always wears the same shirt & tie”.  If all employees dressed according to the culture of the organisation then everyone visually is on an equal level.

As a presenter before speaking it is vital you learn about the organisations culture, the expectation of their clients and whether they have an existing dress code document. If the organisations dress code is to wear casual jeans and sandshoes then there is no point talking about suits. If the culture is to wear suits then that is the direction you take. You present for the benefit of the organisation not yourself. Image Consultants need to continuously update their material according to the changing culture of the state (or country) they work in. I have been in the industry for eight years and I don’t know any organisation in Australia who will not let their female employees wear trousers.

In 2012, employers want employees to “fit” into the organisations culture while showing personality, initiative and individuality. The photo attached to the article in The Sun Herald shows Rachel Bode has an individual dress style that demonstrates individuality, suitability and approachability.

If individuality, suitability and approachability are not qualities that any employer wants in their employees then what is?

Mother of two children, a daughter 2 years and a baby boy, she is young gorgeous and bright. But her confidence level possibly bought about by lack of sleep and interaction with adults was missing.

I asked her, “Why are you here?” Her response was to feel good about myself and because of my daughter.  Many mothers have recognised the need to be role models for their children, in particular their daughters. This mother was never taught how to wear makeup. She saw makeup on models in magazines, on celebrities and often wondered how. This mother is determined to be her daughter’s role model in all areas of life. Some may see makeup as masking ones true image and personality but I firmly believe that it can enhance your personality. If makeup is a part of your everyday life it can contribute to you feeling positive and confident, it becomes a part of you, like wearing clothes.

As mothers we are often hard on ourselves. We put aside the need to feel good about ourselves because we do not have the time. Many times this is visible by our children. How can we expect our children to take pride in their appearance and behaviour if we do not demonstrate the same qualities?

Last week I worked with a teenage girl who said (infront of her mother) “I don’t ask mum, because she doesn’t look after herself”.  My heart broke for the mother. So as it comes close to mother’s day, ladies I urge you to take time out and reflect on your strengths. Ask yourself if you are a role model to your children. It may be what you say, how you act or the way you present yourself. Remember your child wakes up to you in the morning and see you last thing in the evening before bed. You should be their key role model. Stand up and be proud.

Take this time during Mother’s Day and reflect.

In todays market place where you are working and competing with colleagues of all ages and all levels of experience for the same promotion it is essential that you show that extra quality. That quality that says:

• “Yes I am confident”
• “Yes I represent the organisations brand and message”
• “Yes I will go that extra mile for my organisation and for me”.

Dressing for success is not about creating a façade or a fake appearance. It is about showing your best qualities visually. It is about demonstrating that you understand what is expected of you within your industry.

Male or female, young or mature dressing appropriately also give you the ease to work in an environment where visually you are all on the same level. It is when everyone is in a suit and your turn up in jeans or vice versa that tongues start wagging.

So I say why put yourself under that extra pressure. Learn the rule of dressing for success in your industry and go with it. You want people to talk about your great work ethics and successes not be distracted by your quirky dress sense.

It is only once you have reach the pinnacle of your career, when credibility, authenticity and respect outweigh all other aspect that visually people do not see you first – but instead they listen. People of great credibility are Richard Branson and Hillary Clinton. As soon as they speak we listen, we don’t necessarily look at there clothes.

Dress for Success – Why? Because it is demonstrates you and your organisations professionalism.

To often ladies of all ages flick through magazines wishing they looked like the model. But do they realise they are often possibly half their age? Banning particular models from Vogue is a great idea for the individual models as well as the ladies who marvel over the pictures.

Positive body image is an issue we need to work on for all ages not just teenagers. It affects us physically but mostly mentally and so affects how we see yourself and the world we live in.

Studies are showing an increase in older aged women having body issues and suffering from eating disorders.

We can not expect ladies with teenagers to give positive body support to their teenagers if they are suffering from negative body issues.

When you hear that magazines have had to actually Photoshop models to look fatter you have to wonder why they select them in the first instance.

Magazines such as Vogue are primarily responsible to their shareholders. There aim is to show fashion that is admired by ladies of all ages. So the fact that they are now banning under age and ill models shows they have a conscience.

I say yes. When selling a product you need to look at the complete package and that is where you will now see the “sellable” product singer standout. Does that mean that as a singer you need to look like Beyonce or Justin Bieber? NO – But you need to feel comfortable with the way you look and the image you project. Positive body image and self confidence are key factors in having a positive marketable product.

As a singer amongst millions of other singers you need to have a unique, approachable look your audience will connect to.  The complete package also refers to how the singer communicates with the audience. How they speak, what they say and what their relationship is like with the other competitors.

The coaches themselves are all interesting successful products themselves. Seal has a product that is capturing and unique. How many men (or women) can wear yellow nail polish and get away with it?  Seals product is so successful it has lasted decades and generations of fans. Keith and Delta have the typical “beautiful” singers product look. Both have a genuine honest approachable connection with the audience. Joel may be a rocker and not be the typical father but his realistic approach to the industry and what he can offer is what makes him successful.

The Voice has an array of singers from Prinnie Stevens to Emma Louise to Taga or Jimmy Couples all have unique appearances, some not necessarily typical for Australian TV.

For any product whether it is a fruit, mobile phone or a singer every elements of the product from the packaging to the words and emotions projected are important when trying to compete in a dynamic fast pace world.

Whether you are an executive, creative artist, hairdresser or singer it is vital that:

1. Appearance
2. Communication & Rapport
3. Inner-Strength

are all polished and developed. One must wonder if the fact that they have not developed their Appearance and Inner-Strength is the reason why that have not been successful up until now.

If all the elements aren’t honed to perfection it is only temporary success.Who do you think from The Voice will still be a successful product in decades to come?

Getting it right, on Mother’s Day can be tricky. To start with, most men find walking into a lingerie store embarrassing. And there are other obstacles. Underwear comes in so many varieties that the choice can be overwhelming.  And then there is the whole prickly issue of size. It’s not surprising many men find it daunting.

This article is actually for you ladies, to “accidently” leave this somewhere where your husband or partner will find it and remember Mother’s Day.

Men beware there are some things you can do to give you the best chance of success.

 Do your homework.  Check out what’s hanging on the washing line and what’s in the underwear drawer. Be observant.  See what she wears and think about what she likes and what suits her. The secret is to buy what will make her feel good, not what you think looks sexy.

Don’t leave it too late.  Faced with the problems of getting it right on Mother’s Day, most men delay purchasing until the last minute. Quite often a store may not have exactly what you are looking for but if there is time you may order.  Allowing sufficient time improves your chances of success.

Consider camisole or nightwear.  Unless you are confident of size and style, buying a bra and brief can be tricky.  If you purchase a camisole or a chemise there is less risk with fit.

Choose the right store. Choosing a store where you can get help will go a long way to solving the problem of purchasing the right garment. If you phone the store in advance and have a chat to the staff, they can select some suitable items for you to choose from.  Good stores will keep a record of regular ladies details, including size, preferred brands and colours.  This takes the guesswork out of it.

Men if you really need help buying your beautiful wife a Mother’s Day gift contact me.

Finally, buying lingerie should be fun so don’t get too hung up about it. If all else fails, buy a gift voucher and remember that most women will give you big brownie points for just having the courage to walk into a lingerie boutique and try! Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate.

I had a chance to spend some time wondering through the shops in Sydney and there are some great pieces for each of you.

Colour:

• Firstly the colours range from great purples and blues for the cool person to rich camel, burnt orange and magenta for the warm person.
• There is still a lot of block colour happening. With solid bold coloured coats being the biggest rage this season.

Style:

• You can find woollen skirts in Country Road, Saba, Witchery and David Lawrence. Short to the knee with a simple A-line cut. Team the skirt with a jumper of a different colour, a pair of boots and you make a stylish statement.
• Dresses are also in this season. Generally one colour and quite classic in cut and design. I think Kate Middleton has had a definite influence in this area.
• Team the look with leggins or opaque tights.

Fabrics:

• This Autumn Fashion Wool and Cashmere are the defining fabrics.
• Evening sheers and silks
• Denim and leather patches
• Evening fabric are also shimmery and flowing, satin, lace

Shoes:

• Wedges in bright colours
• Metallic heels of the evening
• Boots of any length and statement heels
• Thin High High High Stilettos

Three big looks this Autumn Fashion 2012

The Natural Relaxed Look

The Natural Relaxed Look is all about layering long sleeve tops with faux fur vests, leggins, riding pants or tights, finished off with a belt to cinch you in at the waist to show off your body shape. 
Country Road is filled with stories of this look. Vintage, tribal and gypsy inspired prints and patterns is what you need to look for to achieve the Natural Look!

For the more feminine natural look floaty floral mixes with soft pretty petal prints, layered with long cardigans and finished off with thin belts.

The must have Autumn Fashion look is leather boots, funky hats in plains or patterns, floral scarves, jewelry and a very natural casual handbag.

The Retro Look

The retro style is in full swing, with statement dresses that are bold in colour such as red, black & white. Straight lines, strong blocks of colour and shift dresses in vintage style’s are statement pieces. For day time a pretty cardigans in block colours – they look fantastic with A-line skirts or a classic 60′s style dress.

Complete the look with a jacket in a strong block colour such as green, orange or purple and black opaque tights or leggins.

The Evening Look of Shimmer & Shine

Shine and shimmer is the elegant evening statement for this season. Over the top high metallic heels, shimmering satin, lace and satin gowns with high embellishments, gems and glitter. The accessories are bold, diamond studded and glitzy. Evening handbags are shimmering elegant clutch bags and hair & make up is up, feminine, glamorous and shine.

If you are feeling stylish this seasons Autumn Fashion will allow you to shine and make your statement to the world.

Teaching Grooming and Etiquette

Education should be built on – Mind, Body and Soul. Yes we educate the mind build confidence and self – esteem with a good and healthy soul. Then ultimately develop a positive body image. Positive body image includes how to stand and sit with confidence and how to shake hands and greet others with enthusiasm and respect.  Last but most importantly, how to dress for different occasions so as to send the right message.

It may not be fair but we instantly judged by appearance and then followed by confidence and communication skills. Our educational qualifications are the last area of concern.

As an image consultant I constantly get asked to teach daughters how to wear makeup and dress appropriately for events and age. As a parent of two boys I see that they to are curious about appearance. It is a natural progression into adulthood. I am a firm believer that children of any age should not be taught grooming and etiquette skills by magazines and pop idols.

Teaching teenagers how to wash, iron, hand shake and say thank you are essential skills that will assist them throughout their lives as professionals and members of society.

Our education system should be continuously teaching our students the rules of etiquette, body image and self –esteem. As primary students schools should be teaching the foundations and then as students proceed these elements should be developed, nurtures and refined.

Students spend most of their day at school so it’s there that they should be taught etiquette and body image and self-esteem. But it needs to the supported at home. Parents may need a refresher course themselves.

If we dismiss grooming and etiquette then what sort of society are we building?

Teaching Grooming and Etiquette in our schools is an essential ingredient to any person’s personality and character.

The three main elements of a professional image is

1. Appearance
2. Communication & Rapport
3. Inner-Strength

It is evident that his appearance, communication and rapport skills are developed and of a high standard. But when talking about a person’s image the saying, “two out of three ain’t bad” is not good enough. Jason Russell has not developed his inner-strength and this was evident by his actions last weekend.

When I speak about inner-strength I don’t just mean sounding confident and having a strong belief in your cause, which Jason obviously has. But instead there must be an inner-strength that holds you together when the unexpected happens. In Jason’s case the unexpected is his explosions onto the world stage. Many people find this strength through meditation, having a mentor or surrounding themselves with people who are there simply to protect your inner-strength.

Jason speaks well and definitely has made a connection with listeners around the world of all ages. His physical brand is pristine, from the colour of t-shirt he wears – RED to the clean cut all American look. But when his emotional strength is attacked and his inner thoughts made vulnerable Jason’s professional image cannot shine.

When you place yourself on the global stage you need to develop your image to a much higher level than the average person. Unfortunately when thrashed overnight onto the global stage it is difficult to develop and grow as a person and professional – Its like pedalling really fast and not going anywhere.

Jason Russell needs to regroup both physically and emotionally. He needs to gain strength and health before he steps back on the global stage and represents the film “Kony 2012”.  Otherwise he will simply be remembered for a cause that dominated social media but went nowhere.

Jason Russell – “Kony 2012” should be know as a cause activated by social media and succeeded because of the belief in children – as humans we deserve to live in a world that is safe.