Necessities for your wardrobe depend on so many things: the activities you are going to be doing, the type of clothing that is designed for that activity, and your personal preference. Now is a good time to go through your wardrobe and find the clothing that you no longer need because you are not including that activity in your schedule or life right now and find those garments new homes.
Closet refreshing, so you have the appropriate clothing for the activities you choose to have in your life, is an ongoing process and one that needs to be put on the schedule several times a year. You can find some great tips at http://www.workingwardrobesystem.com to help you with ideas for changing your closet as well as organizing it and all of the things that you might need to have like hangers, shelves, organizing baskets and items to change your closet into one you could only dream about in the past but now is within reach.
Bookmark This Post:Beauty and fashion trends update frequently during the year so to be in the know you can get all of the latest information without spending hours every month from the insider secrets from the groups that set the trends and forecast the colors. Check here for all of the information about how to be in on the latest information.
Be informed before the trends hit the marketplace so you can experience fashion breakthroughs and get a shortcuts to style information.
Bookmark This Post:How to Look Slimmer without Exercise
Written on the 10th of September 2009 by Rachel Quilty
It is possible to look slimmer without diet, without exercise, without losing a single pound. The way that you dress, the way that you carry yourself and the accessories that you use can all create the effect that makes you appear slimmer than you really are. Try these strategies to create the illusion of a slimmer, sleeker you.
Try some Color. Yeah, dark colors like black and navy do work to make you look slimmer, but who wants to always dress as if they are going to a funeral? Splashes of color, bright blues, aquas, pink and red can draw the eye up to your face and away from your midsection in tops and draw attention to your legs in skirts.
Use Accessories. A pretty necklace or attractive earrings will draw the eye to the face or decolletage. Don’t opt for large or clunky pieces, but instead use pieces that are medium in size. You don’t want a piece that is too small either.
Avoid Spandex! Actually, avoid anything that is tight and accentuates rolls or bulges. Foods that are very tight don’t make you look smaller. In fact, they make you look larger, larger than you actually are. Your best bet is to avoid tight clothing and even clothing that is made to fit snug. It just doesn’t work to make you appear slimmer.
Wear Clothes that Fit. When you are shopping for clothing, don’t worry about the size. Your goal should be to get clothes that fit, not to cram your body into a certain size. Size is just a number and if you are a size 18, you will look much better in a size 18 than if you try to stuff yourself into a 16.
Pay Attention to Undergarments. Just you want your outerwear to fit properly, you also want your undergarments to fit properly as well. Panties that are too tight will cause visible panty lines which are most unattractive. A bra that is too tight will cause lines and bulges, making you look larger.
Monochrome Rocks. A monochrome look can really flatter your shape, making you look slimmer and your legs look longer. You achieve this look by wearing all the same color, top, skirt, hose and shoes. Black monochrome is a real classic. Baggy is Frumpy. You may think that you are hiding in your big, baggy clothing, but all you really get is a frumpy look. Baggy will not make you look slimmer, it will only make you look sloppy. Actually, neat clothes that fit like tailored suits and nice fitting dresses will do much more for your look.
Accentuate the Positive. Do you have great gams? Wear a skirt that shows them off. Do you have fantastic cleavage? Try a tastefully revealing top (but not too low). If you have nice eyes or a pretty face, wear a colored top that draws attention there. The idea is to draw attention away from the problem areas and accentuate your assets.
Stand up Straight. One of the best instant slimmers that you can do right now without even going to the clothing store is to stand up straight. Good posture will take inches off your waist and make you look pounds lighter. Straighten your spine, hold your head up and practice good posture. It is healthy and definitely works to make you look slimmer without exercise.
? Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist as well as an internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author believes, ?Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.? Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client.
Take control of the decisions others are making of you. Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ?Make Your Mark? available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Creating an impact with your image to leverage your abilities and sky rocket your success is easy with Jump the Q?s advice on:
- Your Personal Brand Strategy
- Your Signature Style
- Your personal best colors
- Styles that suit your body shape
- Wardrobe and travel planning
- Simple stylish hair and make up
- Savvy shopping for your shape
Jump the Q today!
Five Tips to Remain Fabulously Stylish [Even in Tough Economic Times]
Written on the 1st of January 2009 by Rachel Quilty
Whether you?re a spender or a saving during an economic downturn, you still want to be fashionable. If you want to look fashionable, then a few trendy items in your wardrobe are a must. However, buy inexpensive items and buy only a few. Incorporating trendy accessories into your wardrobe is an inexpensive way to look fashionable without spending a lot.
Shopping on a budget is no problem when you follow these five great tips:
1. Enhance your assets: Find out what styles you should avoid and which styles accentuate.
2. Purchase carefully: Knowing items that will complement and co-ordinate with what you already have will stop impulse buying.
3. Shop with a Plan: Before you buy, consider if the item will go with three other items you own now, how long it will remain in style.
4. Systematic shopping: Instead of buying all of your clothes at once it’s better to have a shopping schedule. Add one or two items a month.
5. Remove and replace: Once you have built a workable wardrobe it is a good idea to continually remove and replace items you no longer wear.
Shopping will be a breeze when you book your Online Colour and Style consultation today! Email us or Ph 1300 655 755 to start the adventure today.
For additional shopping tips read our ‘ Classics at Bargain Prices’ or our ‘I hate Shopping’ article.
Copyright 2008 Jump the Q. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the prior written permission of Jump the Q.
Dressing_To_Look_Slimmer
Dressing to Look Slimmer
Written on the 26th of October 2009 by Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist @ Jump the Q
People everywhere are concerned about their weight and their appearances. However, dieting can be disastrous for your health if you do it wrong, and struggling with your weight for the sake of looks isn’t usually the best idea. While everyone should be healthy, there are quite a few things you can do with the way you dress to look slimmer without fighting the pounds. Even people at theoretically healthy weights don’t always look their best, because many of them don’t know how to dress. Here’s a look at a few strategies to help you look slimmer.
First, be realistic. There’s no dress trick that’s going to make a naturally round person look like a lanky teenage model. Having a good understanding of your body type and your best and worst features can go a long way toward helping you dress well. Don’t hold yourself to a physically impossible standard.
Next, start taking a look at what you like, as well as the features you’d like to emphasize and the ones you’d rather didn’t get noticed. Have your friends weigh in, too – many people have a distorted image of themselves, and the parts they don’t like look fine to other people.
Think about where you carry your weight. Does it end up mostly on your hips and thighs, on your belly, or in other areas? The strategies that help an apple shaped person, without much of a waistline, aren’t going to be as useful for a person with most of their weight on their legs.
Now, look at fit. Most people wear extremely poorly fitted clothing – too tight in one spot and too loose in another. It’s binding, uncomfortable, and unflattering, especially if you’re not rail thin. If you’ve been buying clothes that are extremely tight, to try to hold on to a clothing size you once wore, or because you believe tightness makes you look thinner, or if you tend to wear sacks to de-emphasize your body, stop. Both strategies will make you look a lot bigger. Tight clothes give the overall impression of a sausage about to burst its skin, while loose ones make you take up more space.
Go for a close, but not extremely tight fit. You might need to do a little alteration or enlist the help of a tailor to get this done. Have hems taken up if they’re too long. Have pants let out if they bite in at the waist. Choose tops that comfortably fit over your widest part without straining and without turning the rest of the garment into a tent. Have loose areas taken in for a better fit if you need to. Tailored clothes are often more flattering than stretch knits, but some bias cuts do look pretty good. Experiment and look at yourself critically in the mirror to decide if something really fits well.
You’ve probably heard rules about wearing black, avoiding horizontal stripes, or breaking up your shape. While horizontal lines do tend to be widening, and dark colors do tend to be slimming, these rules aren’t ironclad. If you hate black and navy blue, don’t wear them. You’ll seem slimmer if you’re happy, after all. If you find a horizontal stripe pattern that doesn’t look bad, don’t pass it by.
Dressing to look slimmer isn’t actually all that hard, if you’re willing to take a hard look at yourself and what you want. A good fit can do more for you than anything else. Make sure you’re willing to dress like you love yourself, and you’ll look and feel a whole lot better.
Learn how to look slimmer in minutes. Dress slimmer today!
? Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist as well as an internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author of professional development must- have book ?Brand Yourself? . Rachel believes, ?Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.? Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client. Take control of the decisions others are making of you. Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ?Make Your Mark? available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Bookmark This Post:Dressing to Look Slimmer
Written on the 26th of October 2009 by Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist @ Jump the Q
People everywhere are concerned about their weight and their appearances. However, dieting can be disastrous for your health if you do it wrong, and struggling with your weight for the sake of looks isn’t usually the best idea. While everyone should be healthy, there are quite a few things you can do with the way you dress to look slimmer without fighting the pounds. Even people at theoretically healthy weights don’t always look their best, because many of them don’t know how to dress. Here’s a look at a few strategies to help you look slimmer.
First, be realistic. There’s no dress trick that’s going to make a naturally round person look like a lanky teenage model. Having a good understanding of your body type and your best and worst features can go a long way toward helping you dress well. Don’t hold yourself to a physically impossible standard.
Next, start taking a look at what you like, as well as the features you’d like to emphasize and the ones you’d rather didn’t get noticed. Have your friends weigh in, too – many people have a distorted image of themselves, and the parts they don’t like look fine to other people.
Think about where you carry your weight. Does it end up mostly on your hips and thighs, on your belly, or in other areas? The strategies that help an apple shaped person, without much of a waistline, aren’t going to be as useful for a person with most of their weight on their legs.
Now, look at fit. Most people wear extremely poorly fitted clothing – too tight in one spot and too loose in another. It’s binding, uncomfortable, and unflattering, especially if you’re not rail thin. If you’ve been buying clothes that are extremely tight, to try to hold on to a clothing size you once wore, or because you believe tightness makes you look thinner, or if you tend to wear sacks to de-emphasize your body, stop. Both strategies will make you look a lot bigger. Tight clothes give the overall impression of a sausage about to burst its skin, while loose ones make you take up more space.
Go for a close, but not extremely tight fit. You might need to do a little alteration or enlist the help of a tailor to get this done. Have hems taken up if they’re too long. Have pants let out if they bite in at the waist. Choose tops that comfortably fit over your widest part without straining and without turning the rest of the garment into a tent. Have loose areas taken in for a better fit if you need to. Tailored clothes are often more flattering than stretch knits, but some bias cuts do look pretty good. Experiment and look at yourself critically in the mirror to decide if something really fits well.
You’ve probably heard rules about wearing black, avoiding horizontal stripes, or breaking up your shape. While horizontal lines do tend to be widening, and dark colors do tend to be slimming, these rules aren’t ironclad. If you hate black and navy blue, don’t wear them. You’ll seem slimmer if you’re happy, after all. If you find a horizontal stripe pattern that doesn’t look bad, don’t pass it by.
Dressing to look slimmer isn’t actually all that hard, if you’re willing to take a hard look at yourself and what you want. A good fit can do more for you than anything else. Make sure you’re willing to dress like you love yourself, and you’ll look and feel a whole lot better.
Learn how to look slimmer in minutes. Dress slimmer today!
? Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist as well as an internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author of professional development must- have book ?Brand Yourself? . Rachel believes, ?Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.? Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client. Take control of the decisions others are making of you. Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ?Make Your Mark? available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Bookmark This Post:Creating the Perfect Wardrobe Organization
Written on the 25th of October 2009 by Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist @ Jump the Q
It has happened to everyone at least once. You walk into your closet and you cannot find anything that you want to wear. You shuffle through hangers unable to find what you are looking for, and the few key pieces that you actually wear are being smothered by everything else in your closet. It is incredibly frustration, and you are not alone if you are not sure how to get it under control. In fact, getting started from scratch with wardrobe organization can seem daunting, but the truth is that it is not an impossibility. In fact, with only a little effort you can get control of your out of control closet.
To get started you need to realize exactly what your goal is with your wardrobe organization. First of all you want to be sure that you have a variety of clothing that can be mixed and matched to work together. This way you only need a few pieces to actually put together quite a few outfits. On average you want to have just over half of your wardrobe to be comprised on classic and timeless pieces of clothing. This basically means your classic little black dress, black trousers, suit coat, etc. The rest of your wardrobe should be split evenly between staple pieces like basic t shirts, blouses, and camisoles, and more fun and trendy pieces. This formula will help to ensure that your wardrobe has variety to it while also being functional.
Now the first thing that you need to do after discovering this formula is to truly evaluate your current wardrobe. Take a look at what pieces you already own. Really look at them with a critical eye to be sure that they are in good condition, and do not need to be replaced. You should not keep anything that does not fit, is ripped, torn, or stained. Additionally, if you have not worn it in over a year, chances are that you are not going to within the next year. Do not be afraid to get rid of it. Out of style clothing should also be taken out of your wardrobe. If it was the height of fashion ten years ago chances are that you should not be hanging onto it.
After you have taken a really close look at your wardrobe you can be prepared to craft a list of what you need to complete your wardrobe organization. There are a few basics that you must make sure your wardrobe contains. A great coat is essential to any wardrobe. Be sure that you have chosen one in a neutral shad that can go with any outfit that you might be wearing. You will also want to have some luxurious knits. Choosing top quality sweaters to be part of your wardrobe will help you to stay warm and stylish during the winter months. Additionally, you need to have the traditional button down collard shirt. More often than not it is safe to go with a basic white collard shirt, but you can also choose to go with a black or a tan if you would like.
Dresses and skirts are also essential to the perfect wardrobe. In your wardrobe organization you will need to make sure that you have a cocktail dress in your closet. Of course the obvious choice is always the standby little black dress, but you can deviate from simply choosing black. For this you want to steer away from neutrals so perhaps a rich red or a bright jewel tone might be a great addition to your wardrobe. You will also want to take the time to ensure that you have a classic A-lined skirt. This type of skirt is flattering on all body types and it can easily be mixed with many different types of tops.
Pants are vital to any wardrobe. You should have a great set of trousers in your closet that fit you perfectly. If need be, do not hesitate to get them altered. Additionally, you will want to ensure that you have a fantastic pair of jeans. Typically choosing a darker wash will give you the opportunity to dress them up or down as need be.
Lastly, in your quest for the perfect wardrobe organization you need to think about accessories. You must have a great quality handbag that is in a neutral shade so that it can go with any outfit. Additionally, you need to be sure that you have a variety of shoes to dress up or down any of your classic pieces.
About the Author: ? Rachel Quilty, Professional Image and Personal Brand Strategist as well as an internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author of professional development must- have book ?Brand Yourself? . Rachel believes, ?Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.? Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client. Take control of the decisions others are making of you. Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ?Make Your Mark? available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Creating an impact with your image to leverage your abilities and sky rocket your success is easy with Jump the Q?s advice on:
- Your Personal Brand Strategy
- Your Signature Style
- Your personal best colors
- Styles that suit your body shape
- Wardrobe and travel planning
- Simple stylish hair and make up
- Savvy shopping for your shape
Jump the Q today!
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Written on the 1st of March 2009 by Rachel Quilty
Confessions of a Shopaholic is coming to our screens soon, but while a lot of us can identify with Becky Bloomwood’s ability to blow the credit card on clothes she can?t afford, the current recessionary times have meant most of us have had to reign in our ‘Inner Shopaholic’.
That said, a stylish appearance is still important in a work context, so how can you put your best foot forward, even if your budget doesn’t stretch to Jimmy Choos?
Rachel Quilty, a Senior Image & Style Advisor, for Jump the Q, says it?s really about shopping a bit smarter.
In a recession, it’s more important than ever to present the best image of yourself. And, even if you don’t have a job currently, you’re likely to be going for interviews, so what you wear will act as a major signal to potential employers. she explains.
Back to the concept of ‘shopping smarter’ what does this mean?
‘You mix and match,’ says Quilty. I would always advise spending a reasonable amount of money on a good coat, a nice white shirt, leather shoes and an excellent bag. Then you can dress these pieces up with great fashion items.?
Quilty says it’s vital to establish a wardrobe budget, and highlights the concept of the ‘cost-per-wear ratio’. If you’re going to wear something a lot, then even if it’s slightly pricey, it will actually work out as good value in the end. That’s much better than picking up an impulse buy in the sales and never wearing it, she says.
Her rule of thumb is that whatever you buy in these recession-fueled times should go with at least three other pieces in your wardrobe and should be in a good, ‘solid’ color (ie: nothing sheer or very pale). Quilty also advises de-cluttering your wardrobe ? calling it a ?wardrobe audit? ?and revamping some of those pieces that have lingered in the back.
Quilty offers these top tips:
1. Spend more on big-ticket items, such as suits and dresses.
The rule for buying a suit is to buy the very best you can afford. A good suit will not only look much better on you, it will make you feel more professional. Buy a classic suit in core colors such as charcoal, black , deep olive, brown and you won’t need to replace it for a couple of years or more. In terms of cost per wear, buying quality will actually cost you less in the long term.
2. Buy less-expensive basics.
Staples such as dresses, trousers and skirts are likely to be put on high rotation, so consider paying a little extra for better quality items. It’s a fact that if a dress or skirt feels good and looks good, you’re much happier to wear it for longer before replacing it. Stockings and camisoles look best crisp and new, so buy from lower-priced brands and re-stock regularly in fashion colors and patterns.
3. Save your cash when it comes to fashion fads.
Okay, we’re all guilty of buying into the latest fashion trend (ruffle shirt, anyone?), and that’s fine, but don’t break the bank if you think it’s only going to be in fashion for the season. Shoes on the other hand are much more seasonal ? especially for women. There are plenty of brands that offer good quality for less, so don’t take out a second credit card to pay for heels which will be out of fashion in a single season.
4. Spend on classic items that will last a few seasons.
Classic shapes, on the other hand, will hold their own longer so spend more on items such as sharp white shirts, pencil skirts, V-neck cashmere jumpers and tailored black pants. Classic tailored suits, shift dresses and jackets are all pieces which will extend beyond a single season.
5. Invest in a good hairdresser
A good hairdresser knows how to cut hair in a way that allows it to grow out well, meaning you’ll look groomed and professional for at least six weeks. An excellent hair cut is a wise investment. Keep looking until you find a hairdresser which suits you. Don’t compromise on your image and hairstyle.
Confessions of an Heiress
Written on the 22nd of July 2009 by Rachel Quilty of Jump the Q.
Paris Hilton – Still the Brand.
In 2007 we published an article which questioned how Paris Hilton’s personal PR would survive her time in jail?
Well if the recently released results are true- Paris Hilton survival instincts were on cue and her personal brand suffered very little if anything it her brand equity increased dramatically.
The most googled celebrity for the past year was recently name – yes you guessed it! The Heiress herself. This is an impressive stat. One that many businesses, media personalities and sports star and celebrities would love to emulate.
What branding lessons can we learn from this Heiress?
In researching our new book ‘ Brand Yourself! High Impact, Low Cost Strategies to Market Yourself and Stand Out from the Crowd’, we had to include a case study on Paris Hilton – The Brand.
Reading the Amazon reviews on Paris Hilton’s book “Confessions of an Heiress” it is easy to see several branding principles at work. PR Specialists often manufacture ‘Notoriety’, in a bid to polarize audiences. No fabrication required for Paris!
Searching within Amazon.com for Paris Hilton over 200 items came up. That’s a better search result then most businesses have on Google and that’s just one platform. I quickly see brand extension and brand loyalty elements surfacing when you consider the various products Paris has or lent her name to.
Branding is the promise you make to your audience and clients. Your brand is what is in the hearts and minds of your clients, fans or colleagues.
Paris is an heiress, she acts like an heiress and she keeps her promise. In her book ‘Confessions of an Heiress’ Paris maintains you too can adopt an ‘Heiress’ mindset.
I quote ‘ If you can channel your own inner heiress, create your own image, and project an extreme sense of confidence – even if you don’t feel it every moment – people will treat you differently. Sure, heiress are born with privileges. but if an heiress doesn’t project natural born super confidence, no one is going to take her seriously or put her on the pedestal she deserves to be on. Put yourself on your own pedestal, and then every body else will, too. ”
Friends, this is personal branding gold. Now where is my pedestal?
‘Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist and internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author believes, ‘ Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.?
Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client. Take control of the decisions others are making of you.
Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ‘Make Your Mark’ available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Creating an impact with your image to leverage your abilities and sky rocket your success is easy with Jump the Q’s advice on:
- Your Personal Brand Strategy
- Your Signature Style
- Your personal best colors
- Styles that suit your body shape
- Wardrobe and travel planning
- Simple stylish hair and make up
- Savvy shopping for your shape
Think about the activities that you will need clothing for in the next 3 months. Check your closet for what you currently have that fits and is in good repair. Then apply your Body:Gram Fashion Tool information to those items you want to keep in your wardrobe to be sure all of the details are in the right place to show off your proportion to the best advantage.
Most people only wear only 20-30% of their clothing so, in my experience, the other 70-80% is putting the clothing detail length or emphasis on their body in the wrong place or does not fit.
How cool would it be if you were able to shop in your closet and come up with a majority of that 70-80% working for you. Working wardrobes are always better than hanging wardrobes and what you then add will give your closet extra combinations so you will feel like you have a whole new wardrobe.





























































