What if you were to prepare for your ideal speaking opportunity?  What would that mean for you?  Would you get your signature talk ready?  Would you take a class to hone your speaking skills?  Would you practice your presentation thousands of times to have it just right?  You’re feeling great knowing that you’re really ready to WOW your audience with your presentation, then it hits you like a ton of bricks — you haven’t given one thought to what you will wear and how you will present yourself!  How many times has this happened to you?  You get so focused on the doing that you forget about being — being present and being seen!  You’ve spent all this time creating an amazing talk and beautiful slides to go along with it and no time spent on creating your impactful Unique Presence™.

I can picture the scene now: the night before your event you’re frantically going through your closet looking for something — anything — that fits.  So instead of walking into that room or onto that stage feeling confident that you look every bit as good as your presentation does, you decide to leave your personal presentation to chance, checking your confidence at the door.  How can you be your absolute best when you’re self-conscious about your appearance — ill-fitting pants, a top that isn’t quite right and shoes with heels so worn the nails on the heels are clickety-clacking all the way up on stage!  Instead of your ideal audience being focused on your dynamic presentation, they’re focused on how you DON’T look like the expert they imagined!  Your image is not congruent with your message at all.

Did you know that 55% of what your audience notices during a presentation is visual and only 7% is what you’re actually saying?  What kind of message are you sending? It’s time for you to prepare your wardrobe and image so opportunity can come knocking at your door.

Here are 5 tips to make sure you’re ALWAYS prepared when those opportunities present themselves:

• Know your personal style and fill your closet with clothes that represent your IDEAL SELF so that you show up confident, speaking from that place of authenticity.
• Use color to make a powerful impact, wearing only the colors that make you shine.
• Wear jewelry that draws attention to your face but does not distract your audience.
• Wear clothing that is tailored to fit your body beautifully.  Never wear clothes that are too big, too tight or too revealing.  Keep it professional!
• Take the time to prepare your wardrobe and pay attention to the details. Doing so shows that you care about your appearance, and that message translates to all areas of your business.

When you set the intention to be prepared for the dreams and desires that you want to achieve in your life and business, you are putting it out to the universe that you are ready for the opportunities to present themselves.  Take action today to make sure you don’t have to miss any opportunity to get in front of your ideal audience.

If you’re feeling confused about your personal style let me take you through my five step S.T.Y.L.E. system so you’ll be ready for all those opportunities coming your way!


During a call this week with some colleagues, we were discussing updates and changes to their websites. They wanted feedback on how they looked visually and what the impact of that was. Knowing these women both personally and professionally, I felt strongly that a few of them had not allowed their essence or their personality to shine through. When someone comes to your website they are there to find out more about you and the work you do. Are YOU showing up? Besides being visually appealing, you need to allow your personality to show — let potential clients get a sense of who you are, how you do what you do, who your ideal client is, what you’re passionate about. Get the idea? It is their first impression of you, so you need to make a good one if you want them to stay long enough to learn more about you. If they feel an authentic connection to you they will want to learn more, sign up for your ezine or attend an upcoming event.

And speaking of events, we’re coming into the peak season for live events, so be conscious when you’re dressing to speak or to attend a live event. When people have the opportunity to meet you in person, are they meeting the person they have been seeing in your headshot and on social media? Or will they be meeting someone 10 years older or 10 pounds heavier? Keep your photos updated! Headshots should be done professionally every 2-5 years. We all age and gain weight — it’s part of life. I am not suggesting that every time you change your hairstyle or hair color you need a new headshot (some of us would be changing it weekly!). I am saying that it’s important to portray yourself authentically — the person you are today. Allow your essence — that inner beauty — and your personality to shine through. Your ideal client will be drawn to that woman, the one who is confident enough to show up as herself. She is the real deal, confident, fabulous and in control of her destiny!

Here are a few tips to help you show up authentically in all areas of your life:

• Use a current professional headshot that really reflects your personality (that does not mean a black suit!).
• Wear colors that bring energy and your intention to the forefront.
• Write marketing and web copy that reflects who you are, what you do and lets your personality shine.
• Stand out in a crowd by selecting garments that suggest confidence, clean lines, your best colors and accessories that convey success.
• Stand tall in who you are and claim your success!
• Allow your essence to SHINE — bring it to everything you do in your life and business.

Keep in mind that our body colors change as we age — colors that may have been great on us in our 20s are not likely to flatter us in our 40s and 50s.  Color enhances your beauty at any age, at any weight. Never settle for “good enough” when you can stand out and be fabulous!

Here are some tips for using your body colors to make an impact:

Hair: Your hair color is your most valuable neutral.  If you change your hair color (or nature does it for you) be sure to pay attention and look at your wardrobe with fresh eyes.

Look for these wardrobe items in your hair color:

• Shoes/Boots
• Suits
• Pants/skirts
• Coat

Skin Color: Shades that match the skin are wonderful for undergarments so that they do not show through clothing (especially in summer under white). When wearing your skin color as outerwear it’s best to go to a deeper shade. All of your skin tones will be wonderful as part of a print or pattern as long as the majority of colors in the pattern are also flattering.

Eye Color: Your eye colors are the most beautiful when worn by the face. They will intensify your eye color and draw the viewer into your eyes, promoting communication .

Look for these garments in your eye colors:

• Pashmina or shawl
• Coat
• Earrings & Necklaces
• Sweater
• Blouse
• Scarf
• Dress
• Suit

Color is a very effective form of communication. We say a lot about ourselves through our choice of color.  When you wish to project a quieter, gentle personality, use the lighter and softer colors in your personal palette.  When you wish to appear more powerful and effective, wear your more vibrant or darker colors in your palette.  Get to know the colors that tell the story you want to tell and you will capture your audience’s attention!

If you’re ready to take the guess work out of it once and for all, take advantage of my special offer of $50 off a Color Analysis package through May 31, 2010. Call or email me to schedule your appointment today!

©2010 Laurie Mandato

I attended the premier with my gal pal Aimee. We got dressed up and hit the Ritz for a cocktail afterward so we could discuss our favorite outfits and scenes in the movie.  I know it’s only a movie but I was envious of the SAC women, who arrive at every event looking fabulous and perfectly accessorized. They are always ready for any opportunity or invitation.  How amazing that would be!

I was in awe of the incredible designer pieces that were put together, and although most of us would not wear most of those looks, it somehow looks amazing on their characters. The clothing budget for SAC2 is rumored to be (are you sitting down?) $10,000,000 and they started gathering the clothing and accessories many months in advance.

According to WWD reporter Jessica Iredale, “Costumer Patricia Field wasted no chance to beturban and bejewel the ladies to cartoonish extremes, which is by now par for the course. And King seized every opportunity to play on the cultural divides (and unifiers) between the way American and Middle Eastern women are expected to dress. In his world, the women of Abu Dhabi wear Vuitton under their burkas.”

Carrie’s closet is what I aspire to have one day!  Well lit, organized and an absolutely gorgeous home for all of my treasured clothing.  How much fun would it be to wake up and walk into a room filled with gorgeous clothes that you love to wear and choose your outfit for the day? Heavenly!

Here’s what I learned from the ladies of SAC2:

• They only fill their closets with clothes that fit, flatter and fulfill them – clothes that reflect their essence and style.
• They are always prepared for any opportunity, event or adventure
• They never limit themselves, they always think BIG!
• They are always true to themselves.
• They value their friendships and relationships.
• They make a point to get together with their girlfriends.
• They know what they want and don’t settle for less then they deserve.

If you get the chance to see “Sex and the City 2″ — tell me what you think!

Here are my top tips for getting fabulous headshots:

1. Put Your Best Face Forward – In order to do that you need to pay attention to Your Essential Self Care.

• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy nutritious foods that nourish your body.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise your body so you feel energized.
• Meditate.

2. Do Your Homework – Do some research to find the right photographer for you.  Look at their work to see if it resonates with the image you want to project.

• Know what your expectations are – be specific so that you’re happy with the end result.
• Ask about cost – what does it include?
• Does the photographer have a studio?
• Does the fee include hair/makeup?
• How many outfits/changes will they photograph you in?
• When you speak to the photographer, notice his or her personality.  Do you feel comfortable and at ease?  Are they listening to your requests?

3. Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight – Take the time to find out what colors and styles work best for you and your body.  If you aren’t sure about what colors really make you shine, then invest in having a color analysis.  It will take all the guesswork out of choosing the colors that work for your skin tone — and save you loads of money in the future.  Choose clothes that reflect your essence and authenticity so that you are feeling confident and empowered.  If you’re unsure about how to create that look, hire a professional to help you define your personal style.  Be willing to step a bit out of your comfort zone to really reflect the woman you are today!

4. Make a Plan – and a back up plan!  Plan out your wardrobe choices, and really think about how and where you will be using these photos on your website, marketing materials, book cover, product etc.  Think about your personal brand and how you want to be perceived — always be authentic and approachable.  Everything you do in your business should reflect your essence and brand.

5. Show Up and Allow Yourself to Shine – A great photographer will put you at ease and help you get the right shots, but you have to be willing to let the magic happen. Be willing to work with your photographer to create great photos!

• If you’re feeling stressed or tense, that will surely show up in your photos. Take a moment to BREATHE!
• If you don’t love being in front of the camera, let the photographer know so they can help you relax. Bring along music that you love, that inspires or relaxes you.
• Don’t try to look like someone you’re not.
• Be authentic. Allow the REAL you to shine through.
• Set Your Intention – What do you hope to achieve with these new photos?
• Have Fun!  Allow yourself to step into the spotlight with confidence, ease and grace.
• Visualize the end result – Create a vision board and gather photos/styles that you love, and create your ideal self!

©2010 Laurie Mandato

85% of women are not wearing the correct size bra. Isn’t that an astonishing number? When was the last time YOU had a professional bra fitting? This would be a great thing to do on your next “Self-Care Saturday.” Make a date to sort through your undergarments too – getting rid of any that are worn or don’t fit you well.

A properly fitted bra is essential under your clothes, and that includes your workout wear. 80% of doctors believe that supporting the breasts with a good sports bra greatly reduces breast stress and damage. Many women — especially those with a larger cup size — wear two sports bras trying to contain or minimize bouncing. Did you know that compression is the WORST way to support your breasts?

Watch and listen to bra expert Susan Nethero of Intimacy (aka the Bra Whisperer) for some important tips on selecting the right sports bra for you.

Intimacy has locations across the country, we are fortunate to have one here in Boston.  Go to www.myintimacy.com to schedule an appointment for a free bra fitting at the location closest to you.  They are now carrying bra-sized swimwear — great for women who have a tough time finding the right fit.  Check it out!

If you live north of Boston, visit Night and Day Lingerie www.nightanddaylingerie.com. They too can help you find the right size and style for your shape.  Tell Merit that I sent you!