Ok, so you’re a busy Mom, executive, professional on the rise or entrepreneur, juggling myriad tasks and schedules. And you don’t have time or energy to care about pulling yourself together. STOP right there! Yes you do! There is absolutely NO excuse for walking out of your house looking like you don’t give a darn. Come on ladies!! It really isn’t that hard. Solution? Figure out what look you want to convey and develop a wardrobe and personal style that reflects this look. But you’ve got to be realistic. Whatever look you choose must fit with your lifestyle and personality.  For example, don’t aspire to look elegant when your lifestyle is centered around schlepping 2 kids back and forth to school and activities while trying to run your home business. Because  an ‘elegant’ image simply is not consistent or realistic with that lifestyle. On the other hand, if you are a socialite who spends a lot of time attending board meetings, charity fund raisers and galas, then perhaps if you are so inclined, an ‘elegant’ personal style might work for you. Again it goes back to my tagline, “Presence with a Purpose” ^TM: your image, personality, lifestyle and goals must all be in synch to create a lasting, positive, authentic and memorable impression.

So where do you begin? Start by creating a style guide. Flip through magazines, catalogues, online sites etc. and pull out/copy photos that resonate with you in a deep way. It can be any photo but be sure to include photos of women whose look you admire.  Collect all the photos in one place. After a while you’ll begin to see a pattern emerge.  You’ll begin to see a story unfold—your style story. From then you can start to work to re-create that look in your wardrobe.

However, if the idea of this task seems like just ONE more thing to add to your never ending to do list then that is what I am here for.  Schedule a consult with Élan Image Management to jump start your image development. It is an investment that will continue to reap returns for the rest of your life.

In the meantime, check out celebrity Mom and actress Katie Holmes as she struts about the city streets looking effortlessly stylish.

 

Note the fabulous red tote, her signature large sunglasses, popping red shoes, bling watch and long necklace. All this against the backdrop of a simple white turtleneck and a black skirt. Very chic, stylish, practical and effortless. But to pull of this “effortless” look ladies you do need to put in the effort. Katie has her signature style nailed so she makes it look easy. When you do the work to find your style, you can project your own brand of effortless chic.

 

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

As always, make sure your Presence is Purposeful! www.ElanImageManagement.com