The Image Projector

Looking your best: an attitude changing tool? The Project Image experiment

2009-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Recession, money issues and negativity affect everybody but looking our best can help us turn our mood around. When we feel good about ourselves this generates an energy that people pick up, and they want to be around us. We get attention, positive attention, hopefully and our attitude changes; eventually so does that one of everyone around. Put some effort into the way you project yourself, practice this for a week. You don't believe it? Try this:

How to look your best with what you already have:
- Make sure that what you wear fits you well: not too tight, not too lose.
- Wear a basic neutral (pants, skirt) and add a pop of color. Color adds energy.
- If you are in a traditional industry, color can be added in an accessory: purse, pocket square, tie, cardigan, hair clip.
- Ladies, put your basic make-up on: mascara, lip color, blush, eye-brow color and if you really want to try, eye shadow.
- Try to mix solid neutrals (see last tip) with patterns: checkers, flowers, geometrical designs. The most important thing is balance, don't go overboard.
- Layer your pieces to add a touch of personality: camisole and shirt, skirt and tights, shirt and cardigan, shirt and vest, shirt and scarf, you get the point.
- Look at the colors you tend to buy and pair up two pieces you have never put together; keep the tones of the same family together or otherwise contrasting pieces. Harmony is the key. I dare you to come up with 5 new outfits. Let me know.

Practice these very simple ideas this week, I'd like to know what happens...
mybestme@project-image.net

New Project Image Studio in Newport Beach, California

2009-08-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Project Image Opened its new Studio that is located inside the facilities of the fabulous Nu Image MedSpa, adjacent to Fashion Island;
We are thrilled with this wonderful location, the beautiful environment to better serve our clients and the new, exciting line of products and services ready for you.
As always, you can reach us by phone (949) 646-1676 or send us your questions or appointment requests.
Are you ready?

The 3 Don’ts of Men’s Shirts

2009-08-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

The three major don'ts: Tight collar, lose cuffs and relaxed fit that is too relaxed of a fit.

Collar: The correct circumference measurement should fit one finger in between the band and the neck, no more than that, no less.

Cuff: The length of the sleeve (for long sleeve) should be at the top of the thumb bone that is below the wrist, where the hand starts. A good cuff should feel not too lose that it dwarfs the hand or too tight where it does not allow enough room for the watch to slide under (It would be all right to have two different measurements for both wrists).

Fit: Depending on your body type, different cuts fit different men. However, the relaxed fit of the ready-to-wear shirt that fits an athletic man because it fits his large neck, tends to add weight that he may not necessarily have on his body. Please consider having it tailored so it does not add bulk and it lays nicely and flat without extra gathering and volume.

Contact me for more tips on the perfect fit.

The 5 Image Don’ts for the singles crowd

2009-08-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

The 5 Image Don’ts for the singles crowd
Don’t try to get all the attention with one obvious focus
Remember appropriateness, the 4Ws Rule: Where, what for, with whom, what time? Do a mental check list to satisfy all the answers. Some obvious attention-getters might be perfectly acceptable… depending on what the “4 Ws Rule” dictates. Good style and color are good elements to attract the right attention. Getting your personal color palette done is well worth the investment.

Don’t use oversized, baggy garments to conceal weight
If you have a weight challenge, if you have gained weight, dressing in oversized clothes way will only make you look bigger and only perpetuate a negative image of yourself. Instead, do use the art of camouflage and highlight. Learn your body type and what works with your silhouette; accept where you are today. Start now: take the necessary healthy steps that make you a priority and this will make you feel good.

Don’t follow fads
Keep an eye on trends but stick to style. Look for a style that reflects who you are, what you do, where you see yourself and how you want to be perceived. If you are not sure of your style, ask me about a Style Analysis, it simplifies things. If a fashionable outfit or accessory is not particularly flattering to you or does not work for what you are trying to accomplish, then you become another “fashion victim”, so take charge, be pro-active and choose carefully: mind your style.

Don’t become the garment museum
Purging your closet is one of the most important steps before shopping for anything. As the updated individual of today we know that twice a year we need to go in the closet and release what: has not been worn in the last year, is not in good condition (spots, tears, missing buttons or other applications) does not fit properly, does not reflect our personal style, personality, or does not meet our needs, is a duplicate or close to it and is outdated or not needed). Remember that if it is in good condition, you can donate it to charity and someone else will be able to enjoy it. As you give to others then you can give back to yourself, since now you’ll have the room to go shopping again; however: make an inventory of what is needed to complete outfits as well as what is missing from your capsules or modules (ask me about that).

Don’t let yourself go
Small details with big payoffs:
Though these are my least favorite things to talk about, they are still a complaint among single people. Updating your hairstyle and color, good up-keeping habits and hygiene, clothing maintenance as well as shoe condition speak volumes of who we are. Let’s not neglect these aspects. These are the little details that pay big dividends.

Please contact me if you are interested in the Singles Image Fine-Tuning Program

PROJECT AN IMAGE THAT ATTRACTS PROFITS

2009-07-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

1. Very Important 4 seconds
Statistics show that on an average, it takes people 4 seconds to get an impression of you, so make those seconds count and help those you just meet get the right message about yourself and your company. Keep in mind that “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
2. Stand out for the right reasons
Take your style to the next level but still be yourself: your best self. Anything extreme, unkempt or too fashion trendy take the attention away from you (and are not acceptable in a business setting). Neutralize your image to appear more open and add accessories and small details; these speak of your particular taste and interests it’s not all the other person sees; remember that you want your clothes to speak of who you are but you don’t want them to do all the talking!
3. Professional with a twist
Professional/Business attire does not have to be boring. Ladies can wake up a traditional suit with an attractive brooch, a silk scarf, a blouse with an interesting design, a pair of shoes in a not-so-traditional color.
Men, you can add a color stripe to the dress shirt or wear a fun tie, a bold pocket square. Just make sure that whatever you wear is appropriate for the time, place and audience and that it gives off the message you are trying to convey.
4. Size doesn’t matter, fit does
If you are not happy with your weight, buying clothes a size (or two) smaller will actually make you look bigger! So accepting yourself the way you look today is the key. The right fit will help you visually “lose weight”. Ask for help from an objective eye if you feel this is an emotional issue for you. Buying the right size and, above all, the right fit will help you project a winning image. Get ready for compliments…
5. No money? No problem
Budget is no longer an obstacle for looking good. With the growth of discount, affordable clothing, consignment and thrift stores, there are plenty of choices for all pockets. Don’t let that be what keeps you from looking good at all times. Remember what works for your particular body type and avoid the temptation to go for those styles that are not flattering, don’t become a fashion victim.
6. Clean slate
A closet overflowing with clothes is useless without knowing what you have that you can count on. Twice a year purge your wardrobe of items that: you have not worn, do not fit, have stains or spots, are “too” something, are dated or not age appropriate or do not reflect who you are, what you do, or where you are headed at a particular moment or in life in general. Consider the advantages of this clean up: there is more room for adding to it now! But remember to add wisely.
7. Build from the foundation
The key to an effective image is its foundation: basic, neutral, timeless garments that you can build on. For an easy wardrobe, select no more than 2 o 3 complimentary or contrasting colors that work with those pieces; make sure that they are flattering to your skin, hair and personality. This makes for an interchangeable, effective and time-saving wardrobe. Voila! Easy as 1-2-3.
8. Express with color
A subtle yet powerful way to communicate a message and make a statement is through the artful and skilful use of color. Don't underestimate the power of a quietly expressive colored garment or accessory to help you along when meeting with clients, going on a date, having fun with friends. Important factors to consider: your skin undertones your personality, your audience, your environment and the time of day.
9. Organize and conquer
An organized closet makes getting ready easier and less stressful. Compartmentalize areas: hang tops and bottoms but fold t-shirts and sweaters. To get the most and efficient use of your clothes colorize, it helps mixing and matching faster and creating new outfits. Closet organizers for drawers and hanging shelves are a great investment.
10. There is a place and time for everything
It is important to differentiate the basic clothing categories; there is a place and time for each category and, to be safe, what you wear for one type of occasion should not be worn for another. The basic categories are as follows:
Traditional business
Modified business
Business casual
Casual
Gym wear/sports wear
Cocktail and eveningwear

Prepare: Fall 2009 – Trend Report

2009-07-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Leather: For some it means luxury, for others attitude and still others consider leather and investment that gets better with age. Whatever the reason for your attraction or addiction to leather, it is back and in a big way. From pants to jackets to trim, leather can offer or add a dramatic or edgy quality to a garment while maintaining the integrity of its design, if used properly.

Color: Punches of pink, juicy jolts of orange and lush strokes of intense apple green are going to be necessary fashion hues this fall. These colors are the pops that add drama to the browns, blacks and neutrals to create the desired fashion effect: urban cool, casual chic or uptown sophistication; there is definitely a place in everyone’s wardrobe for these statement-making shades.

Gypsy: We see a bohemian/gypsy influence for fall found in everything from blouse silhouettes that are fluid and unstructured to details such as fringe on bags, burnished charms and balls on belts. We see layering of oversized knits paired with belts and boots.

Saddle up: Equestrian chic rides again. The look is playful ad pristine all at once. Color is key: the use of orange, neutrals, ivory and shades of chocolate brown as well as cognac accessories create a winning look.

Suiting: The look is sleek, refined, feminine and modern. Well if you haven’t already guessed, suits are big and there isn’t one “right” one. There are, however, key elements that must be present: good taste, good fit and great fabric.

Separates: We are all looking for items that offer versatility. Jackets allow you to take an outfit from simple to spectacular; Pieces move from day to evening, from home to office and week to weekend. Look for great pieces that resurrect the items you already have in your wardrobe as well as some that make basics look anything but!

Good lessons from Clinton Kelly

2009-06-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Macy's and Clinton Kelly Makeover America
Macy's South Coast Plaza- June 6th, 2009

It was great to see Clinton in person, his tall, slender, "freakin' fabulous" self. His and Stacey's knowledge and expertise in the image and style arenas inspired me to take on this career at this stage of my life! At any rate, whether you agree or not with the looks that he puts together, the basic lessons are always useful: use vertical lines for a slimming figure, color, texture and patterns for interest and basically don't forget to have fun, the whole "matchy, matchy" thing is so passe...
This season, the shoes took on a leading role with its fruity colors and shiny finishes, textured wedges and infinitely high heels. I enjoyed the outfits, the ideas but above all, what the makeovers do to people: they transform!
Thank you Clinton for your ever-hypnotizing appeal that lies just between old catholic school preaching and divinely avant-garde educational assistance program. I am one of your forever fans, your eternal pupil: I enjoy your lessons. Let's do more!

What is important in an outfit?

2009-06-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

We all look for that outfit that is just right for us, but what makes it the winner?
1- the fit
2- price
3- color
4- ease of maintenance
5- the style
6- some other reason...

Guys! Stay tuned...

2009-05-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

We have something for you too...we have not forgotten you, stay tuned...

Find your right fit here!

2009-05-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Project Image is proud to announce that we now carry the prestigious line of ladies fine clothing Doncaster: Extraordinary apparel for extraordinary women. This sublime company is the epitomy of style and quality. Its complete, classic and fashionable groupings include missy, petites and womens as well as accessories. If you are looking for investment pieces that will last you a long time and will speak volumes of your fine taste, please contact Flavia for detailed information.

Closet SOS!

2009-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

"I open my closet... and I want to scream!!! Oh! what to wear, that is the question; such a simple yet complicated proposition... Where to shop, how to wear that top, what to wear it with? Oh... the overwhelming feeling, the stress, the insecurity... I want my clothes go give me my self-confidence back, my self-esteem; I want my look to reflect my personality, but how?

I have heard that over and over. There is hope!!
Start here with my 7 Step Solution to Edit your Closet:

For the next 3 days purge your closet; get rid of everything that does not fit, is outdated, is stained or in bad shape, does not serve a purpose for your lifestyle or you have not worn in over a year. Donate the good clothes to a great cause and make room for useful items.
Make a list of garments that need matching pieces
Inventory what is missing from your wardrobe altogether: basics and neutrals
Look through your accessories: belts, purses, jewelry. Get rid of those that no longer work and add to the list if they need replacing
Colorize your wardrobe: it makes better use of all of your garments (lighter to darker)
Create new outfits from the remaining clothes and take pictures. Place the pictures on the hanger by the items to remind you how you can wear it
Buy only those items that you have on the list and those that would work well with what you have; If you don't have a match, it's a waste!

Your wardrobe should grow gradually but you can only do that if you effectively and consistently edit what you currently have. In this way, you will save money, time and aggravation.

Let me know how this works for you. For further help, check out Wardrobe Edit Questionnaire to assist you in your closet edit.