SAVE 15% to 20% with HOLIDAY IMAGE CONSULTATION SAVINGS!

Save 15% to 20% with Your Image Works Holiday Specials!

There is no better time than the new year to discover, define, and refine your personal and professional image. Hurry and book your image services this month to take advantage of these great holiday specials before the January calendar fills!

15% off all image services booked and paid in full before 31 December 2009. Services can be scheduled for 2010.

20% off all in-stock BeautiControl products and cosmetics.

Gift Certificates are available!!

Call 610-998-9210 or email Beth@BethStrange.com

Offer Expires: 31 December 2009

Eat, Drink, and Be Wary

The Holiday Office Party : Dread or Dream?

What to wear? How to behave? How much to eat and drink? That depends on how you would like the conversation to go about you at the water cooler Monday morning. Supervisors and colleagues do notice party behavior. Remember that the office holiday parties are not strictly socials but are business occasions. Follow these image tips to be sure to not derail your career but keep it moving on the right track.

DRESS: Women, this is not the time to wear your seductive, skin-baring holiday ensemble. Think office attire with a holiday addition--try a shell with a hint of sparkle under your jacket, a festive piece of statement jewelry, or hair in an updo. For men, forget the Santa tie, and perhaps opt for a jacket in velvet or cashmere wool. Groom as though you were going to the office.

BEHAVIOR: Also not the time to abandon professional protocol and "let it all hang out." If you address your boss as Mr. or Ms. at work, follow the same protocol at the party. Keep conversations general, light , non-controversial, and not too personal. Instead of sitting in the corner with your closest friend all evening, try to visit with as many co-workers and supervisors as possible. And very important, no flirting, no gossiping, and no raucous behavior. Lastly, be sure to thank and say good-bye to your host. Following up with a handwritten thank-you note is always the best policy.

EATING & DRINKING: You have had food before and you will have it again! The office party is not the time to see how high you can pile your plate and how many drinks you can have. If necessary, have a small meal before arriving so you are not famished. Alcohol should be limited to one drink. Eat or drink, but not both at the same time so that you have a hand free for shaking when greeting. Remember that the event is about the people and not the food or drink. And, sorry, asking for a doggie-bag is a big no-no!

Follow these tips, and the talk about you and your image at the office after the holidays will be glowing!


Beth Strange at Your Image Works educates individuals and companies in the image elements that communicate credibility, stability, precision, authority, and competency. Contact Beth for a complimentary consultation to discover and define your most appropriate image, which will help ensure that you achieve your professional and personal goals.

Heaven, I Call You Saks Fifth Avenue

Today, I was in heaven–or at least close. I was on Fifth Avenue in New York City, where the free enterprise system is alive and well and where a shopaholic can get a serious fix. I’m not a shopaholic, of course, but every shop window tempted me with the sweet Siren song of glittering gems. On Diamond Alley it was as though every star in the sky had fallen into that little corner of the world–just for me. Of course, I was happy, but there was more to it than that. I was also affected physically. I was having a rush!

But I’m a rational person (most of the time), so I took a deep breath, stepped back from the windows, and asked myself, why do I love this so much. And then there was the corollary question, why does my husband, Michael, who was standing right beside me on this sacred ground looking as though he were standing in line for his passport to Hades.

The answer is clear. Dopamine: that little chemical released in the brain that plays a big role in our ability to experience pleasure. It also plays a big role in addiction. Too much of it and we can become addicted to the thing that elicits the pleasurable response. Sex, drugs, fast food, and, yes, shopping.

Saks, Tiffany’s, Macy’s, Prada–these are dopamine machines. They turn it on with lights, music, colors, scents, textures, and friendly salespeople who only want us to be happy. Ever notice the difference in your shopping urge between the dollar store and Neiman Marcus? The more upscale the store, the more they will have mastered the fine art of dopamine injection.

Biologically, women are wired to shop. Add to that the fact that women often spend much of their lives in the service mode at work and at home. For many of us, it is our in our natures to always be doing for others. But here in heaven–I mean, New York City–I’m the queen and this city was built for the sole purpose of serving me! In every store I enter, I hear those dopamine-inducing words, “May I help YOU?” You want to help ME? Have at it! As I float from store to store on 5th, 6th, 7th, Broadway, 42nd Street, I hope my husband is taking notes. In Saks, the attendant told me I was pretty. At Angel’s Jewelers, she wanted me to be part of their family. At Tiffany’s the doorman wanted ME to have a good day. Even at the Loran Deli where I had a real hot pastrami sandwich, the Asian woman who served us thought I was beautiful and told my husband that I was not “ordinary.” Are these dopamine pushers diabolical or what?

So who wouldn’t love shopping? Oh, yes, I forgot–my husband and millions of other men just like him–men with insufficient supplies of dopamine. My husband’s idea of a big shopping trip is taking his Christmas money out to buy new socks. Even then, I see the slight glint of dopamatic pleasure in his eyes, that is until he sees the price tag. “Six dollars for a pair of socks? No, way!”

No dopamine!

After seven hours of walking those golden streets of heaven, I sank down (only momentarily) on a bench in Anthropologie. I quickly observed that we dopaminers outnumbered our less fortunates by six to one. We looked happy, alive, energized. We walked briskly, sometimes towing a man in our wake. The men generally had a vacant look in their eyes, that same look my husband gets whenever I can entice him to follow me into a jewelry, shoe, or clothing store.
But the women! Even I was amazed at all the touching. We touch everything, running our hands over silk scarves, wool sweaters, cotton blouses, and nylon tights. I watched as a teenage girl walked past a rack full of tights, letting her hand caress them as she passed. But then, she stopped, turned back to those spectacular grey tights, and called her girlfriend over to share the experience with her. Then they walked on, never having had any intention of buying tights. Perhaps the vibes between the tights and girls were not right, perhaps their stars did not align.

Is that why we touch everything in sight? Are we waiting for that spiritual connection that calls unmistakably to us, “Purchase me! I am your tights. Fate wove me just for you.”

My husband doesn’t get it. He says there is something wrong with me. But, ah ha! Drop a box of old baseball cards in his lap and watch his eyes sparkle and the fondling begin. And when he tries to draw me into his joy, watch my eyes go vacant. I say, “No way!”

No endorphins!

So we have agreed that we don’t understand each other, and we’re okay with that. He follows me into stores and even tries to look interested–sometimes. He does it because he loves me, not shopping. And when he gets excited about a 1958 Ted Williams card, I think about having him committed.

As I said earlier, I’m a rational person, so I have learned the indispensible art of window shopping. I can shop for hours and buy nothing. For me it’s not the kill but the stalking that thrills me. Some dopaminers are not so rational. They are hooked on the purchase. For them and their vacant-eyed men folk, I suggest they snuggle up on the sofa (with a giant bowl of Moose Tracks ice cream and a brownie) and watch Confessions of Shopaholic. It will do you both good.

Win A New Image for the New Year!

Enter to Win a New Image for the New Year! Send your compelling story and photos to Your Image Works and explain why you need and deserve to discover and define your authentic and appropriate image. The winner will receive a 50% discount on the Ultimate Image Package, including

• Extensive Personal & Professional Image Profile


• Style & Figure Evaluation


• Personal Color Evaluation


• Skin Care Evaluation & MakeUp Makeover


• Wardrobe Evaluation


• Closet Audit, Cleanout, & Reorganization


• Action Plan


• Professional Shopping Trip

Now the for the exciting part! During January and February 2010, the chosen contestant's transformation will be followed in photos and video on Your Image Works Blog, Your Image Works Facebook, Your Image Works Images, and other media.

Now is the perfect time to nominate yourself or a loved one who is ready to move forward confidently and successfully through all areas of life! Submit story entry and photos to beth@bethstrange.com

All decisions of Your Image Works, LLC, in choosing winning contestant are at the sole discretion of Your Image Works, LLC, and all decisions are final. Winning contestant is responsible for 50% payment of Ultimate Image Package fees. Winning contestant must agree to all terms and conditions of "Win a New Image for the New Year", including photo and video release agreements. Please contact Your Image Works at 610-998-9210 or beth@bethstrange.com for additional details.

Your Health Is in Your Hands

To shake or not to shake, that is the question today with the H1N1 flu forefront in the news. After my doctor vigorously shook my hand, even when I declined, and since I needed something to do while recovering from my own case of the Swine flu, I spent a good week researching experts from the World Health Organization to etiquette experts, and my finding is conclusive: There is no conclusive consensus on whether to go ahead with the traditional handshake greeting, or make a polite request to refrain. On the one hand, we carry many, many germs on our hands and can transmit illness easily if we touch our face. On the other hand, we are touching surfaces all day, like door knobs and phones, that are equally as germy as another's hands. Looks like the choice is yours. Shake hands and then sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. Or politely decline an offer to shake by placing your right hand on the other person's outer shoulder, and offering an explanation such as, "I wouldn't want to pass along anything I might be carrying, but it is a pleasure to see/meet you." As for me, well I'll be shaking hands and banking on the immunity theory.

PREFERRED PARTNERS

Your Image Works is pleased to introduce some of its Preferred Partners.

Time Sweet Time
Overview:Time Sweet Time is a lifestyle management firm, providing solutions for the challenges and complications a busy life brings. Free time becomes a luxury for those juggling the demands of career, family, travel, and social commitments. Our concierge clients enjoy the simplicity that Time Sweet Time brings to their lives by providing an array of time-saving services, from simple administrative tasks to reserving a private jet. All you have to do is make the call, and Time Sweet Time takes care of the rest.
Contact:http://www.timesweettime.net/




Jillian Grace Salon
Overview:At Jillian Grace Salon, we focus on the ultimate personalized service for each of our clients. No matter what your personal style, our stylists can transcend the latest trends in the beauty industry to fit your needs. Each session starts with a complimentary consultation, to assure the clients vision from beginning to end. A customized recommendation is given at the end of your service to ensure your recreation of the style at home. Jillian Grace Salon offers a full range of hairstyling and spa services.
Contact:http://www.jilliangracesalon.com/






Moi-Meme
Overview:Moi-Même ("myself" in French) designs and tailors stylish custom suits and career apparel for professional women. Our mission is to be the modern, professional woman's preferred brand for smart career attire. Moi-Même was created by Dawn Verbrigghe to address women's - and her own - frustrations as professionals in need of workplace apparel that is not only office-appropriate, but well-fitted and stylish. At Moi-Même, we believe that every woman's professional wardrobe should be just as smart as she is.
Contact:http://www.moi-meme.com/

Beth Strange of Your Image Works in the News

http://www.examiner.com/x-22075-South-Philadelphia-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner~y2009m10d6-Moms-Get-control-of-your-image-to-look-and-feel-your-best-with-tips-from-Beth-Strange-image-expert

Moms: Look and feel your best by taking control of your image with tips from local expert, Beth Yvette Strange by Eryn Travis, October 6, 2009

South Philadelphia Examiner

These days, many mothers, especially those with young children, might think "image management" is for someone else with more time on their hands.
However, Beth Yvette Strange, image consultant and owner of Your Image Works ,in Oxford, Pa., says there is a direct relationship between your image and your personal and professional success.
And, yes, moms, that includes us!
Strange, who is also a mom of seven, explains how the right image can not only make a mom feel better, but can also influence how she is perceived by those around her, including her children. She also has four tips for moms in their mid-thirties to craft an appropriate image without looking too young or old.
Strange has more than two decades of experience in etiquette, protocol, verbal and non-verbal communication, wardrobe management, hairstyle, makeup and personal shopping. She is also a member of the Ohio/Pennsylvania Board of Directors for the Association of Image Consultants, International. She has helped a wide range of clients in the West Chester area including antique shop owners, law office managers, college professors, and entrepreneurs enhance, polish, and update their personal and professional images. Strange also said that today's shaky economy has made her busier than ever before as more clients approach her for image management services so that they are better equipped to advance in their careers, re-enter the corporate world, and have a more fulfilling social life.
ET: What is image consulting, and how is it different from a makeover?
BYS: Image consulting is the ongoing process of evaluating and controlling the effect of your image, first on yourself and then upon others. Professional image management is educational and ongoing, whereas a makeover is usually a one-time, more superficial prescription for wardrobe, makeup, and hair. I strongly believe in educating my clients in the elements of image so they have the tools and techniques to look and feel their best as their ages, bodies, and style trends change and evolve.
ET: How do you work with clients, and what services do you provide?
BYS: I offer a full arrange of image services from Wardrobe Evaluation, Color Evaluation, Makeup and Skincare Clinic, Public Appearance Image Packages, Professional Shopping, and many packages that contain elements of all services that I offer. I begin with an in-person, complimentary consultation with each client, usually in my Oxford Studio. The packages all begin with a very in-depth personal profile for the client and for me to begin to discover the client's true image. With that knowledge, we are then equipped to have the client begin learning the techniques they need to have others perceive them in the way they would like to be perceived professionally, socially and in the home.
ET: Whether they work inside or outside of the home, all moms face the challenge of juggling kids with maintaining a personal sense of self. But for stay-at-home moms, image management can be the last thing on the mind when your day-to-day audience is kids. What is your image advice for stay-at-home moms?
BYS: For stay-at-home moms, there are several image elements that can make a huge difference in the way they feel about themselves, and equally important, the way their husbands and children feel about them. The first is to shower or bathe each day, get dressed in day clothes (no pjs or gym clothes) and put on a little make-up, everyday. It seems like a little thing, but I've had so many mothers tell me that this simple routine has changed their lives, especially the way they are perceived by their children. There is a more lengthy answer, but this is how I begin with my at-home clients.
ET: You've raised seven children yourself. How did you/do you maintain your image?
BYS: Raising and homeschooling my seven children became my chosen career, so I have always felt that my children (and husband) deserve at least, if not more, the same respect I gave my students and co-workers when I was an administrator at a major university and a department chair at a private girls' school. I shower, dress and put on a little makeup, just as if I were leaving my home for a paid position, although I usually pick something a little more wash-and-wear!
ET: I am a stay-at-home mom who is approaching my 35th birthday, one of those milestone events. What's your advice for moms like me who want to look stylish and polished but appropriate for her age.
BYS: In general, I tell my clients to stay away from trying to copy media stars. There are many well-dressed examples out there, but weeding through the trendy Hollywood world is usually overwhelming, not age appropriate, and not the world in which we live. A better guide is for individuals to get on the mailing lists of catalogs from where they would like to shop, regardless of whether or not they actually shop there. Catalogs carry up-to-date styles and can show people how to mix and match outfit pieces no matter where they shop. I can advise clients on which catalogs would be good for them depending on their age, fit and figure, and personal style. That can vary widely.
More specifically, the mid-thirties is a transitional time. What worked during a woman's college years isn't working anymore, and she can no longer shop in her daughter's closet. Nor, does she want to look like her mother! Here are some basic tips for women in their mid-thirties.
1. Lighten up on the makeup. A full face of makeup is aging. Focus on one area, perhaps a full eye and then just a tinted moisturizer and sheer lip balm.
2. Try a splash of color in your outfit. Duller, muted shades can be classic or boring. A bold color in one piece, a scarf or even a coat, with neutral colors elsewhere will add interest and will update your look.
3. Keep trends to a minimum. Gladiator sandals might be too much for many, but a Romanesque cuff bracelet can liven up a classic jeans and white blouse outfit.
4. Have a hair makeover with an excellent stylist. If your hair style is similar to what it was 10 or 15 years ago, it's probably out of date and aging you.
ET: Finally, what key points do you want readers to take with them about image management?
BYS: One key image concept is that there is a definite image cycle. The first effect of image is on oneself. The way we think and feel about ourselves affects the way we "put ourselves together," which affects the way we "act around others," which affects the way they respond to us, which affects the way we think about ourselves, and the cycle continues. There are many fascinating studies about children in this regard. The key education is in the elements of image so we can manage our dress, grooming, body language and etiquette/protocol in a way that lets us be "seen" to others as what we truly are.

BONE-THIN IS NO LONGER "IN"

Ever wonder why those skin-and-bones runway models always look so angry? I figured it out: THEY'RE HUNGRY--THEY NEED A GOOD MEAL!

So here's a boost to our confidence in mankind: Recently Madrid and Milan both banned ultra-thin models from their fashion show runways! As a follow-up, Spain has required all super-skinny mannequins in clothing stores to be replaced with a mannequin that is at least a size 6. And, a bill was passed in the French Parliament making it illegal to "publicly incite extreme thinness." If the Senate passes the measure into law, it will be a crime for anyone--TV producers, advertisers, magazines, websites--to promote or glamorize being super-skinny. Proposed penalties are 2-3 years imprisonment and fines up to $71,000.

And maybe the most unimaginable: France is requiring all clothing manufacturers to follow standardized sizing--so that in any store, in any clothing line, a size 8 will be a size 8. Maybe the French will give us more than a questionable way to kiss!
IMAGINE THAT!!!!!

CIVILITY

So much public bad behavior in one week! Where is the civility in our supposedly civilized society? A recent ABC online news report quoted columnist George Will "blaming the current prevailing rudeness on a 'culture of entitlement' where we celebrate 'emotional exhibitionism' on football fields, cable television, and the Internet. . . .We've decided that it is therapeutic to express oneself no matter how coarse one's thoughts, and that whatever is therapeutic is good. . . I think we're seeing a kind of emotional exhibitionism whereby people say, 'I said something ghastly, but I said it honestly and sincerely.' And honesty, sincerity, and authenticity are self-legitimizing" (www.abcnew.go.com , What Do Public Tirades Say About Our Current State of Civility?, 14 September 2009).

What image do we portray when we treat others with coarse disregard and impatient disrespect? Isn't there almost always a more civil and effective way to communicate passion or frustration than the rude and irresponsible way. A quick second or two to pause and think will allow us to choose a civil path.

TIGHT TREND

Try Tights!

Tights: The answer to the long-debated question of whether to go pale bare-legged and goose-bumped in the cooler weather that's ahead or don the dreaded, aging nylons. All the runways, catalogs, and style photos for the upcoming fall and winter seasons are replete with various shades, textures, and degrees of opaque to near-shear tights. Try them with dresses, skirts, and even winter shorts for a leg-lengthening, skin-warming, sensible and stylish accessory to update your current fall and winter items. Combinations can be monochromatic or complimentary colors, like the brown with gray above. Two caveats--stick with less pattern and texture if your clothing items have pattern and texture, and vice versa. Also be aware that a bulky fabric will add weight to the leg, so adjust the weight of fabric you choose accordingly. And walk tall!

WEDDING BELLS!

Ahhhh, the joys of having one's first child get married!! It was a summer full of flurries of activities getting ready for everyone to travel across the country to attend the wedding, three receptions, and most energy-consuming of all . . . styling the WARDROBES!!! Two sets of clothes in two sets of color schemes--an Image Consultant and Color Consultant's dream come true! There was only one moment of panic when the bride and broom called a few weeks before the Big Day to say that they had changed the color pallette for the wedding photos! I had already carefully shopped and purchased the "perfect" green dress, but with only 10 shopping days left I was now looking for an achromatic dress: black or gray. Ugh. Not my usual or best summer colors. And then I came across a never-worn, formal, silver/blue Dupioni silk suit, stashed in the back of my closet, that I thought would "have to do." After scouring my favorite upscale vintage shop, Rags to Riches, for some great jewelry and some sparkly shoes, I was pretty content with the entire ensemble. I realized when the first photo proofs emerged, that the silver/blue silk was actually a great hue choice, proving once again that color, texture, line, shape, and pattern make the outfit. And really, I couldn't see very well how it all looked through all the tears. More photos to come!!

SOME GREAT ESCAPES!

Beth and daughter Taylor,

with Brian Lipstein, President & CEO of Henry A. Davidsen, Master Tailors and Image Consultants www.henrydavidsen.com

Where has my Spring gone? To fun and sun! And some high-quality, educational image events. I just returned from gorgeous Irvine, California, where I attended the annual Association of Image Consultants International Conference. A terrific set of sessions where I learned so many valuable concepts to integrate into work with my clients. Postcard perfect weather for relaxing ing pool-side. And the frosting on the cake: The Gala Reception, complete with professional dancers and a real-life 5.0 California earthquake to make the entire week unforgettable!

TRISH McEVOY SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP EVENT

Chris looks on as Trish McEvoy consultant beautifies Beth's eyelashes.

At the beginning of May I attended a fabulous Trish McEvoy skin care and makeup event, hosted by Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia Mall, and Christine Baeza, President of Elemental Essence (personalstyle@verizon.net ). Tip of the month: Try an Asian-manufacured eyelash curler, the best design for shorter, downturned lashes.

The Eyes Are the Mirrors of the Soul

I know a wonderful professional person who has a lovely personality and is quite talented and professionally successful. For the life of me, I can't figure out what "they" are looking at for about the first 5-7 minutes of our visits or work together! The floor, the wall, the ceiling, anything but my face! Of the many kinds and forms of nonverbal communication, eye contact may speak the loudest. Maintaining relaxed eye contact while speaking with someone will help you present an air of confidence and credibility to your audience. Furtive glancing away during conversation may send mixed signals, such as dishonesty or insecurity. How to practice good eye contact? Generally, you should look comfortably back and forth at each eye about 60% to 90% of the time. One exception is during an introduction and shaking hands: Eye contact should be made 100% throughout the initial communication until the handshake is broken or positions change. Glancing away and up to indicate thoughtfulness during conversation is a good gaze-breaker. Relaxing and focusing on the other's words will make eye contact natural. We have a powerful tool in this form of body language if we use it to convey our sincerity and genuine interest. Here's looking at you!

Jillian Grace Salon

Your Image Works is thrilled to ANNOUNCE!
Jillian Grace Salon
is now the preferred salon for Your Image Works, LLC,
Beth Yvette Strange, Owner.
Click on the link above to view the salon site and services, and look below for more photos.

Read more about owner Jillian and her exquisite, state-of-the-art salon, services, and staff here.

Where have we been, you ask! Deep in the throes of filming a video production for Your Image Works. So far it has been days and hours of thrilling excitement interspersed with brief moments of horror, e.g., seeing oneself on Hi-Def playback for the first time, and realizing that memorizing more than one line at a time is next to impossible! Through it all, Brad Thorne of The Drawing Board has been the epitome of patience and professional excellence. I will let you know the moment the production hits the airways so you can check it out!

CASUAL CASUALTIES

"More than one-third (35 percent) of employers have sent someone home to change clothes because they were dressed inappropriately" (CareerBuilder.com, 17 June 2008). What in the world! And just last winter, a CareerBuilder.com survey found that 41% of 2,765 employers surveyed stated that people with more professional attire tend to be promoted more often than others in their companies! Numerous studies show that the downturn in corporate productivity does parallel the introduction of "casual Fridays." I'm just saying! It really is an easy fix: The addition or absence of simple key elements, like a collared shirt and jacket, can make or break a professional image. Looks like its time to get dressed and get back to business!

POSTURE POWER

Now, Kerri Russell nearly always looks great. But what a disservice her poor posture was to that stunning white gown! Take a lesson.

Would you like to look 10 years younger instantly?

Would you like to look 10 pounds lighter instantly?

Then check out your posture! Here's a very telling experiment. Get a tape measure and stand like you usually do--no cheating for the experiment! Even slouch a little if you want, and then measure your waist around your belly button. Then, stand up tall, as though a string were pulling the top of your head to the ceiling, and --here's the key--roll your shoulder blades forward, up, around and back down, as though you were able to tuck them into your back pockets. Then remeasure. You should see as much as an inch or more reduction! And an inch off of your waist can make you look 10 pounds lighter or more!

As for your age, I read about a study that was done with two same-aged women, both 5'4", both dressed in black leotards with heads camouflaged. One woman weighed 105 pounds and stood in a very slouched position. The other woman, weighing 125 pounds, stood with straight, correct posture. All reviewers chose the 125-pound woman as the younger and lighter woman!

Yes, once again, your mother was right--just stand up straight!

YOUR IMAGE WORKS in The News

55th ANNUAL BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW

Day 3 - Family-Owned Business

Special Supplement to the WEST CHESTER DAILY LOCAL NEWS

www.dailylocal.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Image Consultant Helps Bring Out the Real You
By Ted Trevorrow
Special to the Local News

Over 20 years ago, Beth Strange received image training as a college student. Since then people have been asking her about ways to improve their look and better their image. After raising seven children and teaching at a girl’s boarding school, she decided she wanted to make a career out of helping people improve their image. So she set out to working on her certification in image consulting from the Association of Image Consultants International, and attended the Conselle Institute, to learn all she could about being an image consultant. In 2007 she opened Your Image Works in Oxford and became a full-time image consultant. Strange thinks many people have the wrong impression of what an image consultant does and who image consulting is for. “There’s this stigma or misconception that working with an image consultant is only for high profile people,” she says. “People in the public eye higher image consultants because it works. Why shouldn't everyone else have that?” The process of image consulting starts with an initial interview designed to find out “how do you want to be perceived at home and at the workplace.” Even more, the interviews are designed to help people find out “why is the inside not showing on the outside,” Strange says. She believes many people are not in touch with themselves and their current image is “hiding who they really are inside.” Once the interview process is done and the client has figured out the image they want, then she begins helping them change. She uses four areas to focus her efforts. Clients can address their wardrobe, grooming, etiquette, and speech and body language to help improve their image. “We don’t change who you are,” Strange says. “Image consulting is about fine-tuning, enhancing, and improving your image.” Strange’s biggest groups of clients are professional business women, corporate clients, and women in transition. “Many mothers going back to work need help putting their best foot forward,” she says. Strange helps women with image evaluation , color analysis, and personal shopping in order to make sure they are prepared to re-enter the workplace. For her corporate clients, Strange emphasizes the importance image can have in the workplace. She says, “Image can absolutely increase productivity.” She conducts image seminars for businesses and using the trademarked Style Scale can help businesses select the appropriate image for their workers to maximize productivity and sales for their specific business situation. She also stresses that image consulting can affect almost every aspect of a person’s day, even people’s home lives. “I had one client who told me that once she improved her image, she got a huge increase in respect from her child,” Strange says. Strange’s motto is “Improve your image, improve your life.” She is even working on helping people entering the dating scene to improve their results. She uses what she calls the four A's to make sure people are getting the right image for them, Authentic, Appropriate, Attractive, and Affordable. By using these principals and teaching her clients how to use these tools, Strange feels she teaches them how to control their image, not just now, but in the future. “If I just help them buy new clothes, what happens in the future when styles change? I have some clients who lose 30 pounds. By giving them these tools they can adjust their image in the future as needed.” To make sure the average person has access to image consulting, Strange has worked hard to make sure her fees are accessible. For Strange, the best part of the job is when her service helps people. “Their life changes and that’s the part I love.” She especially enjoys when people say, “I know who I am.” When people know who they are, Strange says, “That puts them in control of their lives.” To learn more about image consulting, visit www.yourimageworksconsultant.com.

FIRST LADY FASHION

Well, have you had enough?! What did you think of Michelle Obama's inaugural ensemble? I was going to throw in my two, educated-image-consultant cents and analyze the color, cut, style, texture, fabric, etc., of Isabel Toledo's design, which Mrs. Obama chose and accented with her own glove and shoe picks. However, it's more interesting to note that anyone who is anyone in the fashion critics circles has spoken--with opinions on each extreme:

Kristi Brooks, celebrity stylist -- dresses Sharon Stone
"I absolutely loved Mrs. Obama's dress today. I think the fact that she chose such a bold and unusual choice is right on par with her wardrobe choices throughout the campaign. . . .I thought the color choice was lovely for her complexion, it really popped on her. I love that she chose to wear lace which is such a huge trend this fall; but interpreted it her own way.

Kelli Delaney, designer Members Only
"As much as I appreciate taking fashion risks, I did not like Michelle Obama's outfit. It looked like heavy curtain fabric and reminded me of the Sound of Music when Julie Andrews cut down the brocade drapes and made them into dresses. I think she looks best in bright stretch knits and cashmeres, and I love how she adds personal touches of jewelry to her clothes...those sparkly pins and broaches will definitely become the trend, not her inaugural outfit."

Philip Bloch, celebrity stylist and designer
I was blown away by how elegant and chic Michelle Obama looked. Her dress was exquisite. I thought right down to the avocado toned gloves, ribbon, and scarf, she often chooses the slightest embellishment and touch of femininity to complete her outfits.

Ramy, celebrity makeup artist
"I didn't love Michelle Obama's look at the swearing-in ceremony. . . It looks as though she didn't even think about it. . .The shoes were dreadful and the color of her outfit didn't translate well in pictures. . . The color she wore did not flatter her beautiful complexion.

On and on! So all I'm going to say is "There's much accounting for taste." Okay, okay, here you go: Loved the color for her complexion--a welcome surprise in an earth-toned Lemongrass, perfectly complimenting the warmth in her skin tone. The fabric was a little stiff for her frame--she needs to stay with fabric that drape and skim so she doesn't look "bigger" than she is. The coordinated coat/dress ensemble is very flattering on her statuesque figure, and the cashmere under pieces were nicely functional. However, the bow that secured her pashmina sweater sleeves broke up a nice line she could have shown in front and was distracting, flapping around in the wind and when she walked. How can you argue with the terrific Jimmy Choo pumps and leather gloves in avocado, which perfectly picked up the hue of green in the Lemongrass fabric? The daughters--that's another blog. But, did you see that J. Crew shares jumped more than 10% in trading Wednesday after the whole Obama family donned many of the companies pieces throughout the inaugural festivities. Looks like J. Crew won't be needing a bail out any time soon!

WASH YOUR FACE!

Want the look of flawless, glowing skin that seems to come naturally to stars like Heidi Klum? Just listen to your mother and wash your face before you go to bed! Karen Sinclair Drake, skincare expert and founder of Sophyto organics says, "For every day you don't remove all your makeup, you age seven days." WOW! Who wants that. Follow a strict nightly routine of removing all makeup, followed by cleansing, exfoliating, toning (to remove all last traces of makeup and soap), and moisturizing. Your Image Works offers a MakeUp and SkinCare Clinic that can teach you all you need to know to have that "Klum clean" face!

Shop Therapy

"Don't Buy That,

Buy This!"

The January sales! Is there anything that gets your heart racing faster than the "TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 50% OFF CLEARANCE ITEMS" sign! And that may be EXACTLY how you accumulated a closet full of clothing items that:

#1 Don't fit you.
#2 Don't flatter you.
#3 Don't thrill you.

Here are some "rules" to take shopping if you're a clearance craver:

BUY ONLY IF:

1. You love it and would try it on and buy it even if it were FULL PRICE. I'm not saying you could pay full price, I'm saying you would if you could. This is the greatest barometer to follow. If the price is more attractive to you than the fashion item, you're buying for the wrong reason.

2. You are willing--and it is still a good bargain--to alter any fit problems (gaping waist, pant or sleeve length, etc.). Chances are huge that if it doesn't fit perfectly, you'll never wear it, let alone love it.

3. You know that the item is in keeping with your personal style and best color palette. It can't be said enough that an ounce of understanding your personal style and personal coloring will prevent a pound of buyer's remorse.

4. You actually need the item--come on, show some self-discipline! How many black tee-shirts does one woman need?!! Or what are you going to do with a 100% cashmere snood. Okay, maybe those are bad examples, but you get the idea.

5. It's on your "TO BUY" list. Yes, make and keep a list of items that you actually are looking for to round out your wardrobe needs. And then stick to it!

Contact Your Image Works and speak with Beth, a qualified, trained image consultant, for help with cleaning out your closet and affordably and intelligently building up a wardrobe that you actually love and that helps you in your roles and goals!

Who Hires an Image Consultant!

A commentator in the news recently said, "Someone who is not a celebrity or politician and hires an image consultant is not playing with a full deck." I'd like a moment for rebuttal! That notion expresses the outdated mindset that image management is simply vain, superficial gloss. On the contrary, those of us in the image business, and in the "know," know that improving your personal presentation--through the tools of dress, grooming, body language, and etiquette--can drastically improve your personal and professional life. Statistic #1: In a brief, initial encounter, only 7% of what is remembered about you is what you said. That's right, 93% of what is remembered about you is centered on visual cues, dress, grooming, body language and etiquette. More statistics to come! In the meanwhile, take a look at yourself. How's your image working for you? Go to http://www.bethstrange.com/ for answers to your image questions.