Create Your Own Unique Personal Style and Brand

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Optimizing Your Professional Life Creating Your Unique Personal Style! yright First Impression Style LLC 2013 www.FirstImpressionStyle.com

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Managing your first impression and creating your own unique personal style and brand. From the "Change Your Attitude. Change Your Life." seminar on October 12, 2013.

Transcript of Create Your Own Unique Personal Style and Brand

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Optimizing Your Professional Life

Creating Your Unique Personal Style!

Copyright First Impression Style LLC 2013www.FirstImpressionStyle.com

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About Me… Certified Image Consultant & Personal Brand Strategist My company: First Impression Style since 2006 Services:

› image consultations, closet and style makeovers, personal shopping, corporate training and personal branding

Personally trained and selected by Stacy London to be part of Style for Hire.

Prior career -- 18 years in the Financial Service Industry as a Marketing and IT professional.

MBA in International Business. Married with two children. Board of NW NJAWBO and member MCCC

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The Power of Blue Faux Fur!

Me at age 7 – First Communion

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What’s on the Agenda… Power of First Impressions Why Image is Important What is Personal Branding? Defining Your Unique Personal Style Understanding Professional Dress Case Study Q&A

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Ask Yourself… Do first impressions matter? Does what I wear really matter to my career

advancement and financial success?

The Answer Is….

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Ask Yourself…

YES!!

First impressions are comprised of many elements: › appearance (hair, face, smile, race, height, clothes) › body language, eye contact, hand shake, posture, › mannerisms, speech (tone, what is said and

vocabulary)

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Research shows that within the first few seconds (even nano-seconds!) of a person meeting you, they have made judgments about your profession, education, income, intelligence and personality.

They base these judgments on the way you dress, speak and carry yourself.

Appearance counts for 55% of the impression we make. (38% Body Language; only 7% on what we say.)

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Once the first impression is made, it is lasting and is virtually irreversible.

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Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful….

Is “beauty” an advantage or disadvantage in the workplace?› Advantage, except if you are “too” beautiful› How you put yourself together is more important than

being conventionally “pretty”› More than 1,000 studies of how we react to beautiful

and not-so-beautiful people. The conclusion: Looks do matter, more than most of us realize.

› “Halo Effect” - we equate good looks with positive characteristics (smarter, more confident, friendlier.)

› Workers of above-average beauty earn 10-15% more than workers of below-average beauty.

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Why Image Is Important Image IS about:

› The way you think, feel and act and how others react to you

› Using clothing and appearance as a tool to help you achieve your desired goals

› Being Authentic

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Why Image Is Important Image is NOT about:

› Being Perfect, or› Being the next “It” girl, or› Looking like you have stepped out of a

magazine fashion shoot, or› Wearing expensive designer clothes.

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Why Image Is Important

Think

Feel

Act

React

Believe

CONFIDENCE

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Elements of Image Dress Grooming Body Language Etiquette

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Unique Promise of Value Personal Brand = Your Unique Promise of Value “UPV”

› Process of how you differentiate yourself or stand out from the crowd. › Consistent message and image.› To achieve a specific goal.› Be an expert in their field.

Where to Start? -- Get Feedback› How do others perceive you?› What is unique or special about YOU?› What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How do you differentiate yourself from others?› How do you communicate your message?› 360Reach assessment test and coaching*

Create your Personal Brand Statement and Bio Be found on-line

› Linkedin – Bio and Picture› Google+› Own personal website› Blogging or writing articles

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Unique Promise of Value Personal Branding is not about creating a

false image! It is about being authentic and delivering

value to those around you. “The key to personal branding is in its

authenticity. It works with your inherent values, attributes and passions to create the persona that YOU want the world to see” Carolyn Curtis

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My Personal Brand Statement

As an image and personal branding expert, trained by the best in the business, I use my expertise and corporate experience to inspire executive and professional women such as lawyers, financial advisors and sales professionals on how to: Express their unique personal style; Boost their confidence; and Dress their personal brand in a fun, hassle-free

way 

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Unique Personal Style “UPS”

'Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.' – Rachel Zoe

Your Point of View – Who Are You? – Your Vision Authentic Deliberate Consistent (beyond the first impression) Mirrors Your Message

› Who are your clients?› What is your industry norm?› What message do I want to convey?› Is there a disconnect between my appearance and my

message (abilities, values, personality, skills, profession?)

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Professional Style & MessagePower Dressing - Level 4 Untailored - Level 1Design Elements:

Dark colors Light ColorsStraight Lines Curved/Rounded Lines

Tailored UntailoredMatched Unmatched

Fitted UnfittedFirm Fabric Soft Fabrics

Solid PatternedClassic Classic Trendy Classic/Functional

Traits:Authoritative/Expert Approachable

Credible UnoffficialFormal RelaxedStable Temporary

Clothing Choices:Matched Suit (tie for men) Jacket Collared shirt No CollarClosed-toe, Leather Shoes Sandals, Sneakers, Work Boots

Pantyhose Bare Feet/LegsTypical Industry:Financial/Banking/Insurance Advertising/Media Technology Construction

Law Fashion Hospitality FactoryPharmacutical Retail Teaching Recreation

Conservative Creative Casual Durable/Uniform

Business Casual - Levels 3-2

Environment

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Case Study: The Good Wife

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Fashion Formula to Create Your Unique Personal Style

YOU+ Function+ Figure+ Fit+ Foundation+ Filosophy of Color+ Finishing Touchesx conFidence- Frustration

 = UPS

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Fashion Formula: Function What are your lifestyle and clothing needs? What is my Unique Personal Style? Are the contents of our closet in alignment with

your life? Do you have the appropriate outfits to wear for the

key moments in your life? What “roles” do you play? Identify three key roles or situations where you

need a certain type of clothing or “look”. If you have a gap, you need to fill it!

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Fashion Formula: Figure Silhouette is defined as the outline or general shape of

a body. It is created by the relationship between the shoulders/chest and waist/hips. › To Emphasize: Repeat Silhouette› To Camouflage: Counter the Silhouette

 

Women: Hourglass, Rectangular, Tubular, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rounded

A universal characteristic of beauty is symmetry and balance.

 

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Fashion Formula: Figure Accentuate the Positive

› Light/bright colors› Shine/sheen› Frills, ruffles and embellishments› Large/strong prints› Show skin

Minimizing the Negative (real or perceived):› Dark Neutral colors› Matte textures› No embellishments› Small/muted prints.

 

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Fashion Formula: FigureTubular: Size 0-4 Ideal: 6 - 8 Rectangle: 10- 14

4

4

8 10

10

6

8

10

8

HourglassRectangle Triangle Inverted Triangle Rounded

Variation Hourglass

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Fashion Formula: FigureBody Silhouette Clothes RecommendationsTubular bodies Visually add volume and curves.Hourglass Showcase waistline and feminine curves.Rectangular Create feminine curves for their boyish

shape.

Triangle Balance upper-halves and draw attention upward toward face. Darker colors on the bottom.

Inverted Triangle Balance lower half with fluid lines. Darker colors and more skin up top.

Rounded Wear tailored and structured silhouettes. Camouflage your feminine curves.

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Fashion Formula: Fit & Quality

As women, we also need to let go of the notion that clothes are suppose to fit “off the rack”.

To achieve the perfect fit, tailor your clothes. Buy the best you can afford. Quality over Quantity. Invest in maintaining your clothes and

accessories.

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Fashion Formula: Foundation

Rules:1. Make sure you wear them.2. Make sure they fit.

› Have a bra fitting› VPL

3. Wear the right color.› Nude/skin tone under white› Black under black

4. Take advantage of body shapers.5. Don’t let them be seen at work!

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Fashion Formula: Color Be in Harmony – “Color Quality”

› The first thing someone notices about you. Warm vs. Cool: Skin Tone, Eyes and Hair

› Warm: Yellow based. Red, orange, yellow. Orange is always warm.

› Cool: Blue based colors. Greens, blue and violets Color Value: Light vs. Dark Contrast: Low, Medium High Manage your Message Express your Personality Everyone can wear every color; it is how you wear it!

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Fashion Formula: Color Wardrobe Neutrals – Wardrobe Builders

› Black, White and Gray. › Dulled, muted tones – Navy blue, burgundy,

brown, tan, ivory, taupe, olive, forest green, teal and plum.

› Coordinates easily for a variety of outfits Accent Colors & Accessories: bright and bold

colors.

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Fashion Formula: Color Psychological effects of color: Red: Hot, dangerous, angry, passionate, sentimental,

exciting, and aggressive. Power color. Orange: Lively, cheerful, joyous, warm, energetic,

hopeful, and hospitable Yellow: Bright, sunny, cheerful, warm, prosperous,

cowardly, and deceitful Green: Calm, cool, fresh, friendly, pleasant,

balanced, restful, lucky, envious, and immature Blue: Peaceful, calm, restful, highly esteemed,

serene, tranquil, truthful, cool, formal, spacious, sad

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Fashion Formula: Color Psychological effects of color: Purple: Regal, dignified, powerful, dominating,

dramatic, mysterious, wise, and passionate Pink: Feminine, gentle, approachable White: Innocent, youthful, faithful, pure and peaceful Brown: Stable, earthy, continuity, boring, safe and

unsophisticated Black: Mysterious, tragic, serious, sad, dignified,

silent, old, sophisticated, strong, wise, evil, gloomy Gray: Modest, sad and old

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Fashion Formula: Finishing Touches

Accessories: scarves, jewelry, handbags, shoes Keep jewelry more simple for the office Easiest and cost-effective to spice up an outfit Best way to incorporate the current trends without

spending a fortune on a new wardrobe “Statement” accessories are the best way to let

your Signature Style and personality shine through Use accessories as a way to add or “correct” color Keep your body type in mind

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Fashion Formula: Confidence

Think

Feel

Act

React

Believe

CONFIDENCE

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Fashion Formula: Minus Frustration

Clean-out your closet! Build your wardrobe Create a work “uniform” Make purchases only if they coordinate with

other pieces in your “wardrobe cluster” Plan your outfits for the week Hang them out the night before with

accessories Organize family “to-dos” the night before

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Build a Better Wardrobe Start with Wardrobe Basics (75%) Add Trendier Pieces to remain current (25%) Add Accessories Create a Wardrobe Cluster: 5–12 pieces of

clothing that work together. Organize and Simplify! Find a look or

“uniform” that works! Make sure your “uniform” compliments your

message and environment.

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Build a Wardrobe Cluster 4 jackets+4 bottoms+4 tops =40 outfits Three coordinating solid colors; one print Three piece suit great start Start with your best wardrobe neutral Add color to be in “harmony” with your

personal coloring Develop a Signature Style KISS!

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Example: Wardrobe Cluster

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The Outfit Formula

1 basic (dark jeans, pencil skirt, basic top or bottom)

+1 interest piece (color, pattern, texture, shine)

+1 completer piece (jacket, cardigan, belt)

+ accessories (bag, jewelry, clutch, shoes)

= FABULOUS!

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What to Wear – The Interview

Research the industry and position› What do people wear? Is it conservative or trendy?

Is it analytical or artistic? What is the location? Be prepared for multiple interviews. Organize your closet. Know what fits! Plan your interview outfits including

accessories. More than one! Be prepared for last minute interview

opportunities at any time.

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What to Wear – The Interview

Professional dress level “4” Conservative and well maintained shoes and accessories! Make

sure you can walk in your shoes! Keep heels 3” or less. No sandals or peep toes.

Carry only one “bag” either a brief case or handbag. Not both. Keep portfolio in bag until need.

Hair well groomed and nails manicured. Make-up -- wear some, not a lot. Wear sheer nude or black pantyhose.

Look modern, not dated. Show some personality. Be memorable for the right reasons!

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What Not To Wear at WorkToo much cleavage Studies show that women who dress in sexy attire in a professional environment are

more often passed over for promotions than women who dress more conservatively.

Too-short skirt Wearing a micro-mini may send the message that you're trying to compensate for

skills you lack in other areas.

See-through clothes Summer materials such as organza and liquid jersey look and feel cool and pretty,

but in the light of a staff meeting, they can reveal the outlines of your legs--and much more. Always wear transparent blouses over camis or under jackets; transparent dresses and skirts should be layered over a slip or leggings. Buying clothes with lining--especially white pants and skirts--is always a safe choice.

Undergarments showing With the plethora of specialized undergarments available to consumers (clear and

convertible bra straps, for example), there is no excuse for bulging panty lines and peek-a-boo bra straps or thong tops. Wear nude undergarments under white. “Hollywood tape”.

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What Not to Wear, cont.Bringing the beach (or the gym or the bar) into the office Sundresses, spaghetti straps, flip-flops. Nothing makes you look less professional than coming to the

office like you're dressed for the beach.

Over-accessorizing A rule of thumb when it comes to accessories in the workplace: Less is more. A boardroom-ready look

includes one show stopper plus subtle accessories. That means if you're going to put on a chunky beaded necklace, stick to minimal earrings.

Ill-fitting clothes The classiest outfit can give the wrong message if it is too baggy in the bum or if a button at the chest

is pulling. Be sure that your clothes have mobility--no too-tight pants or too-narrow skirts. If your current closet doesn't fit because you've gained or lost weight, seek out a neighborhood tailor to adjust it. Just a few tweaks to a poorly fitted pantsuit can take you from frumpy or bumpy to authoritative.

Bare legs at work?? A fashion do or don’t??

Do the “rules” change if you are in your 20s vs. 50s?

 

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Carolyn CurtisCertified Image ConsultantFirst Impression Style, LLC

[email protected]

“Like” my Facebook Page973-267-6156