Many of you have asked me to start an interactive forum on my site where you can ask and receive fashion advice. Here is your chance. Post your comments and see what you get back!

Happy holidays all, thank you for logging into the GABlog and for taking a few moments to answer our image survey. You can post your comments by clicking the "comments" link at the bottom of this paragraph, or you can send it back to me via email. The information collected from your comments will be anonymously credited (unless you say its okay to use your name). There are only 5 questions for you to answer. Here they are:

1) It's a New Year. Is there anything about your appearance that you will be making a New Years Resolution/ Goal about? Yes or no.
2) Besides weight issues what is your next appearance related resolution/goal?
3) Did you make the same resolution/goal last year? Yes or no?
4) If yes, did the resolution work? Yes or no?
5) What did you do to make it work? ie: made a resolution/goal and stuck to it. ie: hired a professional to help me achieve the resolution/goal.....

Thank you for sharing your experiences. My hope is to address the issues of appearance related resolutions/goals at a seminar in April 2007. Have a safe and happy New Year!

SPRING 2007

Fashion Trends for Spring 2007

Women’s Wear Daily reports that the international runway shows held this past September were filled with space babes, robots, roses, dancing dames and sportif girls. And, although this was a tame season in terms of fashion TRENDS, there are still a few directions designers have given us. My pick of the crop is as follows:

1. Romance – ruffles, florals, lace, petit-point embroidery adorned Victorian Tea dresses, sweeping train evening gowns and elegant organza skirts.

2. Futurism – or “space odyssey” (WWD) the streamlined opposite of ROMANCE – gleaming surfaces, futuristic accessories, nail head details and SILVER galore make up the strongest statements for Spring.

3. See Through – layers of sheer organzas, silks and velvets fell like snow over WHITE shorts, dresses, pants, togs even. The dominant color of snow prevailed, mixed in with silver accents and a luminous quality took shape for Spring silhouettes.

4. Yo-yo Yoga – all things sporty, comfy, lycra’s and satined turned up in the collections of Dries van Noten, Missoni, Jean Paul Gaultier and Donna Karan’s DKNY line. Whether sweat jacketed in satin or boxing shorts in camouflage the look says “I am on the GO”.

5. Hot Pants – okay, for the 20 year olds amongst us, who could resist tiny briefs and shorter than short shorts? Nuf said.

6. Silver Shine – technology is still rearing its sparking head – fabrics take on luxe and polish. The major trend in clothes is the color silver made fresh with WHITE accents. Silver accessories are back in a big way. Gold went the way of 2006!!

7. “Punk, Power Dressing, Poufs and Pop Neons” (WWD) – its back to the 80’s, AGAIN! Some of us never liked it the first time around and now are too old for the second time around. Ignore this trend if you are over 35, puleeze!!

8. Man Shirting – the white tux shirt that came on strong for Fall 2006 carries over into Spring ’07 in an even more AVANT GARDE way. Lots of asymmetry to the designs, still the tuxedo ruffle front is strong but paired with very masculine pants or straight and tailored jackets.

9. SHIFT – what could be more simple than the simple shift dress? So, naturally, it gets embellished, embroidered and textured to give it some oomph for 2007. Fresh way to wear it – with dark tights and light shoes!

10. in accessories – think BIG – Big bags, big heels, big jewels, big appliqués and big eyelashes.

---

• Percentage of executives who prefer to wear business casual attire at the office, according to a national fashion in the workplace survey conducted by TheLadders.com – 78 • Percentage of execs who said that employees who are dressed casually are perceived to be creative: 36 • Percentage who said that employees who are dressed casually run the risk of being taken less seriously: 49

UPCOMING SEMINARS - January 2007 Register On-Line

What are some of the issues an image consultant looks at in order to help a company?
An image consultant would evaluate your employees to see whether they represent your company's image and brand, are ambassadors of good will and promote and validate your company. You want your employees to appear confident in their appearance and communications skills. An image consultant can improve the effectiveness of employees through their physical appearance, grooming, clothing choices, business and social etiquette, body language and communications skills and customer service. An image consultant offers education and support so that standards and practices of employees are consistent with the image of your company.

Q: Do men often seek Image Consulting services?
A: As an Image Consultant I enjoy working with all types of clients and all kinds of body types. My job is to raise self-esteem and to educate my clients about the best way for them to dress. And, yes, more and more of my clients are men. The following are just a few of the many tips I have given the men I counsel:

Short Male (long body, short legs):
• Wear single-breasted sport coat/suit with button high on the waist
• Keep jackets simple, minimum detail to lengthen torso
• Wear stripes and vertical patterns to create length
• Avoid turned up pants, double breasted jackets, bold patterns, horizontal lines, heavy textures

Tall Male (short body, long legs)
• Wear double breasted sport coats/suits
• Jacket should be long enough to cover buttock
• Wear horizontal lines and textured fabrics
• Avoid close fitting pants. Cuffed pants are good
• No vertical stripe patterns

Men want to look and feel good too and the professional counsel of an Image Consultant can be most helpful.

How Do I Create a Professional Image?

Creating a professional image takes planning, education, and a keen eye to take the latest fashion and translate it into your personal style. Keeping your look up to date and professional shows that you are capable of staying ahead in today’s fast paced business world.

Your image encompasses not only the clothes you are wearing but also your verbal and non-verbal communications. Projecting professionalism in these areas means taking a hard look at how you speak and write, what your body language says, how well mannered you are and your knowledge of business etiquette, all areas in which an Image Consultant can help.

Working with an image coach specifically trained to help you craft your personal presentation can alleviate anxiety and give you the Professional Image you want to meet your business goals.

Q: I tend to wear baggy styles a lot ( mu’umu’u and oversized shirts).What can I do to look better and still hide the trouble areas? A: One of the most common fashion misunderstandings is assuming thatwearing oversized clothing will cover up problem areas. In fact, theopposite happens - you end up emphasizing your 'bigness' with all thatextra fabric! While there are no 'miracle cures' for figure problems,there are always ways to flatter and accentuate the positive: Pear Shaped - define the waist, minimize bottom, wear jacketsunbuttoned, flat front pants or modified trousers.Hourglass - break up curves, show shoulders, collarbone and legs, wearjackets buttoned, do not create straight lines or dress in oversizedgarments.Boyish - (broad shoulders, flat rear and straight legs – little or no body curves) - create a waist, show off legs, straight skirts above the knee, hip belts, bustier and push-up garments.Short - one color head to toe, lower waistline, avoid horizontals andstiffly tailored garments, scale down accessories and mix textures. So don't just hide the 'bad' - think positively and focus on the good.

Q: We live in such a casual environment in Hawaii. Do people really care about appearance?

A:
It is a casual, laid back environment here and a main reason why we live in Hawaii. However, since most of us are working, careless casual just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to your work place appearance. I meet a lot of employers who wring their hands over the sloppy appearance in their employees. The most talked about problems are:
Lack of care about appearance
Clothing that is too casual for the office
Out of style clothes and accessories
Wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the work environment (too sexy, too trendy etc, etc.)
Employers and customers should and do notice how you dress. You are a direct reflection of your company and how you look says a lot about your attitude. Casual dressing doesn’t have to be sloppy or out of place. To look professional and appropriate, all it takes is a little more effort and attention to your appearance. Once you start looking better, you will start feeling better. Others will notice your higher self-esteem and will treat you better. It’s a win-win situation!

Q: What do I wear for a first date?
A: That which makes you feel good and gives you confidence.

First impressions are so important when you are meeting a date for the first time. 55% of our opinions about another person are formed within 30 seconds of meeting them! If you are single and dating then paying attention to your appearance is crucial. For guys this is especially important. It may seem a little shallow but it is a well known fact that women can sum you up so fast you may wonder what went wrong if she seems a little stand-offish. Your first date is your chance to look the best you can and that involves taking a look at the FIT of your clothes (don’t wear baggy) and go for tailoring that works on your body type. Pick out a crisp cotton shirt with some styling, nice (and clean) pants (not jeans) and good shoes. Don’t wear anything that has stains, puka’s, fits badly or is uncomfortable. Grooming counts for points. If you smell, look and feel good you are going to make that all important favorable first impression!

1. Pointers for a Professional Image?
   
   Gillian Top Ten Image Boosters:
   
   Wear tailored clothing
   Have a great haircut and color appropriate to your facial coloring and shape
   Never overdo your makeup
   Wear your power colors close to your face
   Accessorize with high quality designs only
   Luxe fabrics in clothing add greatly to a stylish appearance
   Always wear stylish and well fitted shoes
   Hold you shoulders back and assume a confident posture
   Be well mannered and poised under pressure
   Present yourself as well spoken and informed.