Take a look and find out how to succeed, even in a down economy.

Get tips on how to dress the part to maximize your job search efforts, how to gain job security through a more professional look, and how to increase your chances of being promoted, getting more clients, or getting a raise– even when things are tough!

While you’re there sign up to receive my newsletter every month and receive a complimentary copy of “Defy Time: Ten Proven Image Tips for Looking Fabulous at Any Age”

You might be vying for a promotion, looking for a new job, just starting your career or avoiding a layoff. Whichever situation you find yourself in, your professional presence needs to be commanding, polished, and credible. It is a fact that people make at least a dozen different assumptions about you based entirely on a first glance. These assumptions all have to do with the message that your image sends. This is the impact of first impressions, which I talk about frequently when I give seminars or workshops. You must nail that first impression in professional interactions because this sets the stage for how effective you will be at achieving your career goals.

Use these 5 tips from to help make sure your image is recession proof.

1. What details and characteristics do people associate with a person who is very successful in your field or type of career? Here is an example: successful physicians are known for being competent, detail oriented,  intelligent and in charge. Marketing professionals who excel in their careers are associated with being creative, artistic, outside the box, and a strong communicator. Knowing the associated expectations that are assumed when people think of success in your particular field will help you to better communicate the perfect professional image that is appropriate for what you do, where you are, and where you want to go in your career. You need to be clear on what you need to communicate (via your image) for your position, corporate culture and industry.

2. Color is the most important tool in image. Colors affect us in profound ways that act on a psychological level. Knowing how to use color strategically will help you to master creating a powerful image. Colors convey their own ‘energy’ and can be used in business to achieve different outcomes. Darker colors convey seriousness, authority, and business. The most serious of these colors being black, with dark brown and navy blue coming close. Although brown can be professional, it naturally has less authority than black or navy and can convey reliability and security. (Think “earthy”, safe, and comfortable.) Although many people associate pastels with softness, approachability, and femininity, in fact pastels actually convey passivity. Red is THE power color, communicating strength, confidence, command and assertiveness and a bit of daring. Care is required when wearing red in business situations. Red is not a “no”, but should be avoided in high-stress situations or when dealing with a difficult client or employee.

3. Whether you are a professional on the fast track, a senior executive with a high profile position, an entrepreneur, business owner or a sales professional, once you are representing a company or interacting with customers or clients in any way, you become that company’s brand. You are the walking business card for your company in a powerful way. You are the personal contact for that company. The impression that a client has of you, will immediately be applied to the entire company. Does your personal brand synch with your company’s brand?

4. You must never let your image down, even for a day. Once your business associates and colleagues see you dressed to impress every day, they will associate you with the image of a person who gives 110% to their career and who cares about what they do, not just during critical times or special meetings. Consistency is vital to a powerful image. If you put as much care into how you present yourself as you do your work you will be noticed in the best possible light and will find yourself head and shoulders above of your peers who take their image for granted.

5. Make an immediate impression when you enter a room! You have just a few minutes to make that lasting first impression and either people will remember you forever or they will forget you as soon as you enter the room. ‘Presence’ – that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, command or self-assurance is an energy and an attitude. It is magnetic. It draws people to you. When you master ‘presence’ you have created the equivalent of a slam dunk, especially in your professional interactions. Get clear on the effect you want to convey to others. Then dress and act accordingly to achieve effective professional presence.

If you are still unclear how to create the most dynamic and powerful image, then contact me today.

Read all about how to choose appropriate attire for the workplace.

Find out if Hollywood glamor is good for the workplace and see how to tell the difference between a “fashion” look and a professional business look.

PLUS Bonus skincare tips for men and women.

Information in this newsletter could make or break your career, so visit my website and read more now!

While you’re there sign up to receive my newsletter every month and receive a complimentary copy of “Defy Time: Ten Proven Image Tips for Looking Fabulous at Any Age”

It is my professional experience that many women do not know or even own their look. Many women do not embrace their evolving uniqueness as they transition from their teens to 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and so on.   I have found that many women holding on in a decade of the past and will not allow themselves to evolve and change into the woman she is at the moment.   We can hold on too long to our hairstyle we wore in college, 20’s, 30’s, etc.   We wear no makeup or continue to wear what we wore ten years ago.  We hold on to clothes that are out-dated, worn-out or those with which we have become emotionally attached and can’t let go.

I believe that any woman can evoke the look that simply confirms her being and uniqueness. She can look chic, feminine in accordance with her personality, lifestyle and very importantly, budget.   Style can be ageless.   Here are the steps I recommend you follow:

Step 1: Discover what your body shape is and which styles look good on you. There are four basic female silhouettes that can basically apply to everyone. The four are:

TRIANGLE – The average version of a woman whose shoulders are narrower than the width of her hips. Regardless of whether she is flat- or full-chested, this torso proportion is defined by a definite visual difference between the width of those shoulders and the width of the hips.

HOUR-GLASS  – this woman’s shoulder width is essentially the same as her hip width, and you can see an indentation at the waistline. Bust size can be anywhere from flat-chested to full-breasted.

INVERTED TRIANGLE -  The shoulders are wider than the width of the hips and/or you may have a full-bust.  Broad-shouldered, narrow-hipped models fall into this category.
RECTANGLE -  The shoulders are and hips are balanced and there is little or no indentation at the waist.
Try on various fabrics and cuts to see how the material and shape emphasize or detract from your basic body silhouette. Remember, window shopping is okay, no need to break the bank and immediately overhaul your wardrobe.

Step 2: Inventory your wardrobe and make sure you have these wardrobe basics, which complement your silhouette and lifestyle.    Get help in creating your own career wardrobe capsule, starting in your own closet.    It helps to decrease the morning frustration of “what am I going to wear today.”  Or “I have a closet full of closes and nothing to wear.”

Pants:

• Dark – Day Look In a simple, skimming cut and crisp high-quality fabric.

• Dark – Night Look – can wear fuller leg in a lighter high-quality fabric.

Jeans or Chinos:

• To wear with a flat heel select shorter hem to wear with flats.

• To wear with heels, have longer hems.

Skirts: • Pencil, Trouser or A-Line Cut In black or lightweight wool.

• A-line or Bias Cut In a flowy fabric for day or evening.

• Skirt in a neutral, mixable style A subtle pin stripe or tweed.

Shirts:

•    White button down In a feminine cut.
•     White T-shirts Just the basic T, a boat neck, or V-neck for casual wear.
•    Tank tops or shell-style to wear under jackets and sweaters.  Choose black and several vivid         colors that compliment your skin’s undertones.

Sweaters/Cardigans:

• Black that tonally matches your black pants.

• Neutral colors in a skin flattering tone, i.e. avoid stark white if you’re fair.

• Vivid colors must emphasize your features and compliment your skin’s undertones.

Jackets

• Tailored – It should match your dark pants in color tone and style.

• Casual, motorcycle styles and windbreakers are good choices in fabrics like leather, suede, corduroy, soft wool or cotton twill.

Coats

• Trench – Good for the rain and in-between seasons – choose a neutral or black.   If flattering for figure style, try a tied belt.

• Knee-length for in-between seasons.

• Winter Coat – Invest in the best fabric you can possibly afford.

Dress or matching separates that create a dress. Always have a little black dress on hand.

Accessories

• Cherish four to five high-end fashion accessories (costume jewelry and scarves) that you wear all the time.

• Add one or two new trendy pieces each season and wear them out.

• Invest in high quality everyday leather handbags and shoes.

Become friends with a great tailor who can assure that these key clothing pieces flatter your uniqueness.

Step 3: Find a great hair stylist who is skilled at working with your hair type. Then get a fuss-free hairstyle that flatters your face shape and maintain it.  Consider adding some highlights and lowlights that will frame and brighten your face.

Step 4:   Maintain, protect and nourish your skin daily.  Use skin care products that are appropriate for your skin type (dry, normal, combination or oily).  The five daily skin care musts are:  1)  cleanse with a facial cleanser morning and evening, 2)  use a toner after cleansing twice a way, 3)  use a moisturizer after steps 1 and 2 in morning and evening, 4)  protect your facial skin with a facial sunscreen of 25 SPF in the morning.  Twice a week, exfoliate dead skin cells by using a facial mask or at-home microdermabrasion product.  Don’t forget the delicate tissue around your eyes.   It is recommended to begin the use of an ophthalmologist-tested  eye moisturizer twice a day starting in the twenties.  The time spent on your daily skin care routine is also a wonderful time to dedicate to yourself and regeneration. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to hydrate it.

Step 5: Use make-up as an aid to emphasize your beautiful features, not hide them under layers and layers of coating. Less is more. Your basics include: a light application of a foundation color that matches and compliments your skin’s undertones, a light powder, blush, two neutral eye colors, a great mascara and a lipstick or lip gloss. Select colors that are complementary to your skin tone, hair color and eye color. Heavy smoky eye make-up or bright red lips may look great in a magazine. However, if they don’t reflect your uniqueness – leave them in the store!

Let your imagination and creativity take its power to truly reflect your uniqueness. So, when someone asks you: Does Your Current Personal Style Reflect Your Evolving Uniqueness?   With confidence, you will say, “Absolutely!”

Original article by Marion Chamberlain, edited on 8/10/2009 by Bonnie Sundquist Rogers

Palmyra, Virginia – May 20, 2009 = Are you looking for an Image Makeover that will help you look 10-15 years younger and 2 or more sizes smaller?

Is your budget tight but you feel “stuck” in your current wardrobe and style?

1. Bonnie’s studio is equipped with state-of-the-art studio equipment and lighting to produce the best results possible for your Personal Image Makeover. You will see for yourself the transformation of your image before your very eyes! Bonnie’s years of experience and multiple certifications as an International Certified Image Consultant and Seminar Leader make her the absolute best choice when it comes to selecting a professional image consultant.

In honor of her Grand Opening, Bonnie is offering special discounts through June 30, 2009 including a 2 for 1 special on her “All New You” Business Woman’s Image Enhancement Workshop. This special workshop for professional women includes:

Color Analysis – Recommendations-for best colors for your wardrobe and make-up;
Style Analysis – Recommendations for styles to wear and what to look for when shopping; Personal Color Swatch Wallet— for easy reference when shopping; Hair, Accessories and Makeup Analysis – Recommendations of professional makeup, hairstyle, and accessories and makeup that say “expert”. (Women will receive makeover);
Wardrobe Analysis – Review of your personal wardrobe for proper color, style, and fit; and Wardrobe Strategy – Additions to your wardrobe – versatile and affordable suggestions.

During these challenging times you need to stand out from the crowd.  By investing in creating your individualized professional stimulus package, you are telling others that you are a person that deserves to be seen, heard and remembered!!

Email Bonnie today to schedule your personal session. See for yourself how Bonnie can make you look at least 10 years younger and 2 or more sizes smaller!

Bonnie is an affiliate member of the Association of Image Consultant International. Her credentials as an International Certified Image Consultant and Certified Seminar Leader are among many of her achievements. She is also a qualified Image Consultant Trainer with The ImageMaker, Inc.

For more information contact Bonnie Sundquist Rogers at Bonnie@investinmyimage.com or visit her website www.investinmyimage.com for your 2 for 1 special offer coupon.

Now it’s easier than ever to look and feel great at any weight. More plus sized models are hitting the runway and top beauty magazines are featuring icons that don’t fit the super skinny size 0 that has ruled the fashion world.

Glamour magazine stepped out of the box with their cover story “Dress Sexy At Any Size” featuring Queen Latifah, who has lived large in the eyes of plus sized females for decades. Queen Latifah’s lovely face dazzled Cover Girl and Revlon and has become a household name when it comes to looking and feeling great at any weight.

In 2008, Latifah told ABC “It’s not about losing weight, it’s about health.” In an interview where she explained that she wanted to lose twenty pounds to prevent diabetes. “It’s not an image thing.” She said. “I’m really content with my body image.”

Having a positive self-esteem is vital to feeling good, no matter how much you weigh. Learning to love yourself for who you are rather than what you look like is the key to getting others to do the same. A negative body image and self-esteem is apparent to those around you and they will respond to that.

Marcia Hutchinson, author of “200 way to love the body you have” asks, “What will you miss out on if you fail to love your body and fail to treat it as it deserves to be treated?”

Whether it’s the prom, that beach party or just an evening with friends get out and enjoy your life and the body you have. You only have one life, and one body. You can change either, but time is of the essence. If you have a weight loss plan, gear it towards improving health and not image. You can improve your image right now, no matter what you weigh.

If you’ve been moping on the sidelines for quite a while and don’t know where to start, meeting with an image consultant can get you on the right track. Together you can come up with the styles that fit your features, budget and lifestyle. Image consultants can guide to the right makeup, accessories, shoes, accessories and hairstyles.

A tight budget may not allow for such an indulgence, but you can be your own image consultant. Many fashion designers have styles and sizes to fit everyone, so you can look your best in the hottest trends. Lane Bryant has been catering to the clothing cravings of plus-sized women for years. They offer a full selection of clothing from casual to formal at affordable prices.

A must have shopping stop for the plus sized is Torrid.com. They offer everything a girl could want from shoes to jeans and evening wear to lingerie, all in sizes to fit. Apple bottom, Baby Phat, Rocawear, and L.E.I. are a few of the fashion lines available, most in sizes 16-26. Nordstrom Rack, The Gap and Old Navy are good places to find stylish, plus-sized clothing.

Take advantage of the changing trend to help you look and feel your best.
Bonnie Rogers is an expert in working with plus-size women.   She is a woman who has experienced first hand how to “Look Great at Any Weight.”   Then put my before and after picture in that is on the web site.

Seek Professional Guidance

The best way to be sure what colors are best on you and to be confident every time you get dressed is to have your colors professionally assessed by a certified color consultant or other certified image professional. They will give you a color palette that you can take shopping with you to match against new pieces that you are considering adding to your wardrobe. Until then here are a few tips and tricks to use when choosing your clothing colors:

Dispel Myths

There are some myths that just need to be tossed out the window. A good example is the common assumption that redheads should stay away from anything pink or red. The truth is that depending on the strength of the red in the hair, it is quite possible for these women to use clothing with red in them. Take a second look at any coloring myths that you have heard and dare to buck them if you feel that you really do look good in these colors.

Take Time to Test

Take a selection of colors both warm and cool, light and dark, and stand in front of the mirror in a well-lit room with natural light and hold each one up. Place it around half your face, chin and one side, to get an accurate idea. You´ll find that some colors tend to make you look pale or yellowish or otherwise not as nice. These are the colors you should NOT be using in your wardrobe. The colors that make your skin look more flawless, eyes sparkle, and that less tired are the ones that should definitely be included. Note Your Skin Tone Everyone has an underlying skin tone. Most people pink undertones, while some have yellow undertones. This will have a major bearing on what colors look good on you. Often, if you pinch the skin on the back of your hand, the underlying color will be revealed for a few seconds. In general, people with pink undertones look best in summer jewel-tone colors, such as royal blue, fuschia, cherry red, jade green and purple. Few women with pink undertones look good in the muted the muted colors such as, slate blue, mauve, burgundy. Some women with yellow undertones do well with warm autumn colors; earth tones, olives, burnt orange are all a good fit for this skin type. Other women who look good with spring colors like peach, teal, spring green and warm reds tend to have a very light skin with light golden undertones. Approximately 80% of all people have pink underlying skin tone. Use Buffer Colors When you have a color that you like, but it does not particularly compliment your skin tone, you can use a buffer color. Let´s say you see a lovely black shirt that you like, but it washes you out and makes you look pale. Try picking one with a collar or add a scarf in a color that does look good on you to buffer the black from your skin. This can work with two pieces of clothing, as well. Put the color you love that does not look good on you on the bottom and a shirt that flatters you on top . . . the shirt acts as a buffer. Knowing which colors look best on you is only the beginning. Now you need to make sure that your wardrobe is made up of these colors. Go through your closet and give away or donate everything that is in a color that doesn´t work for you and then replace them with the correct colors. You´ll be amazed at how much more flattering your outfits will be.