Simple Shopping Strategies

Hello Beautiful!
Before you go shopping check out these simple shopping strategies.

1. Keep your wardrobe of separates down to two or three basic colors for maximum versatility and ease.

2. Do not spend a lot of money on  trendy  items.

3. Buy you wardrobe foundation garments in the best quality you can afford.

Five Things to Look for in a Dress Shirt

Is there anything more tedious than shopping for a dress shirt? They're often so elaborately clipped and pinned, that asking to try one on feels like an implied commitment. And the overwhelming variety of cuts, collars, and patterns can leave the average shopper feeling a bit bewildered, to say the least. Thankfully, there's a remedy. Bypass the headache of shopping for a dress shirt on your next go-round, by keeping these five features in mind: 

Collar: Welcome to action central. Your collar can send a discreet message about your personality. For instance, a button-down version gives off a casual, sporty vibe, especially when you rock it with the rolled sleeves. On the other hand, a spread collar conveys a more serious, no-nonsense attitude since its wide opening is the optimum landing zone for a fancy, formally knotted tie. And somewhere resting comfortably in between the two, lies the ultra-versatile point collar. It's such a breeze to dress up, like the spread collar, or dress down, like the button-down. When in doubt, choose a point collar; there's no wrong way to wear it. 

Pattern: Similar to the collar, this is another opportunity to mix it up and get expressive. However, keep in mind: Intricate plaids are least versatile and subtle patterns or solids are most versatile. If you're unsure which is best for you, strike a fashionable balance and consider a pattern like gingham. It'll seamlessly transition you from the office to the nearest happy hour in style.

Dress Shirts
Longsleeve Shirts

Arms: This is a key feature many of us guys overlook. And it's a shame because a fitted sleeve, with a high cut armhole, can make you look straight up boss. Eliminating the excess fabric from under your arm, visually slims and elongates your torso making you appear a little taller. On the other hand, saggy, billowy sleeves, make you appear stout and heavier than you actually are. Ditch the flying squirrel look and put this tip to the test. Head over to J. Crew and try on a dress shirts in Ludlow Fit. 

Length: Whenever I witness a would-be stylish gentleman, fall victim to a bad case of the "Should've Tucked it In's", I am instantly crestfallen. Vaccinate your style by following this simple rule: If the shirt falls below the middle of your zipper, tuck that baby in! You do your image no favors by leaving it un-tucked past this length. However, break this rule and you'll not only appear shorter, but the shirt will likely drape over your hips unflattering  making them appear much wider than they actually are. Yikes!

Fabric: Cotton has always been the fabric we all know and love, but now, thanks to recent innovation, it's gotten even better. Retailers, like Express, now add a touch of spandex to their cotton dress shirts. The result is a stretchier fabric that drapes smoothly across the chest and back while gently hugging love handles. Best of all, men of virtually all body types can reap the benefits of this stretchy magic. 

If you're like me and struggle to find the perfect fit, consider going the custom route. Nowadays, there are a plethora of online custom shops that will cut a dress shirt to your exact measurements. The best part? Most of them offer these custom shirts at off-the-rack price points. Two words: go wild.

About the Author: Brandon Bernard Jones is a New York City-based Personal Stylist and Founder of Don Bernard.

What if I Have No Experience as an Image Consultant?

Are you a New Image Consultant and have No Experience to show? This is a very common problem for a starting out Image Consultant. You went to school, you got your education,  you have all the necessary tools and skills  And what now? You have no experience. You don't really know how to start. What do you do now? You have to start practicing so eventually you can land your very first client.

Practice on yourself. While you are studying to become an Image Consultant you can apply all that knowledge on yourself. If you learn color analysis, do the color testing on yourself first.  If you study the face shape forms, figure out what is your own shape of face.  Whatever you study, test it on yourself first. Don;t forget, as an Image Consultant you are the face and the image of your company, of your brand. So you have to look the part. Apply every skill that you learn, apply it on yourself. When you look great and presentable you feel confident. If you can change yourself you can definitely help others.

Practice on your friends and family. This is quite simple because your family and friends probably curious what are you doing, and they might ask you to volunteer, you should definitely take a chance and experiment on them. The more people you can practice on the better you become at what you do. This is a number game like in any other profession. Did you know that if you spend 10.000 hours on something you will become an absolute expert in that field  I am not telling you that you have to spend 7 years studying and practicing every day, but why not to do it, if you see an Image Consulting as your Dream Profession.

Malmo, Sweden. City Guide

Turning Torso

During the Christmas Break I went to Malmo, Sweden for the first time. It was very interesting for me to see the Scandinavian lifestyle and traditions. These are some of the observations from my trip to Malmo.

Facts:

• Turning Torso is the second tallest residential building in Europe.
• There are no subtitles in Swedish TV.
• Sweden is the 3rd largest EU country in land area with population 9.2 million.
• In Sweden they have the biggest taco section I have ever seen.
• In the 9th and 10th century Swedish vikings invaded some parts of Eastern Europe. They founded the first kingdom of Russia. All the Tsars of Russia until the lat one, Nicholas 2, were of Swedish vikings descent.
• Swedish people have the longest life expectancy in Europe, up to 80.51
• Ikea and H&M are from Sweden.
• Eurovision 2013 will be in city of Malmo.
• People don't use blinds, you can see everything though windows.

Sea side

Fashion Exposition. 20s fashion.

Tennis outfit

Stunning. 20s Fashion

Huge lamp in the middle of the square. Malmo

Castle

I could totally rock it now.

 New Years Eve 2013

Biggest taco section ever

Turning Torso night view

Have you traveled to Sweden?

XO,
Yelena