Working with women stepping into the spotlight means that I talk to my clients a lot about first impressions. We talk about how they would like to be perceived. Some of the responses I hear most often are professional, polished, approachable, as an expert … and the list goes on. Rarely do I hear someone say I want to be perceived as the woman who looked really good! But it really goes hand in hand. Remember the old saying “if you look good then you feel good, and if you feel good you do good”? It’s true. Think about the last time you worked from home and didn’t bother to get showered and dressed as you would if you were going to an office. How productive were you? Did you accomplish everything on your to do list? Did you feel more tired all day? Your wardrobe affects you more than you might like to admit. I’m not saying you need to be dressed to the nines every day, but you should want to be the best you can be.

Here is a quotation from Lisa Earle McLeod’s column that she wrote recently titled Can Cool Clothes Make You Successful? “As a professional speaker, I know that first impressions are important, so I’ve always paid some level of attention to my wardrobe. However, as my life got busier (and my body got lumpier), looking decent had become yet another item on my seemingly endless to-do list. Good suit, check; brush teeth, check; back-up batteries, check.

I had forgotten that one of the people I was making an impression on was me.”

I am certain that she is not the only woman who feels this way. It’s true that when you put on a stylish suit or dress that fits beautifully, and coordinate just the right shoes and jewelry, you walk a bit taller and you FEEL an unshakeable confidence! There is a difference in how you present yourself when you’re coming from that place of confidence. I have watched this transformation many times — women staring at themselves in the mirror and wondering who that confident, professional woman is staring back at them!

Looking great and feeling that confidence is key to your success. It does not replace the need for education and work ethic, but let’s face it, people are visual by nature and your appearance is a form of communication. It speaks for you before you have the opportunity to say a word. As Ms. McLeod said, one of the people you’re making that impression on is yourself. When you create your wardrobe for success you are telling yourself that you’re worth it and that you matter. It’s an investment in your success and your self worth.

Time and again I go into a client’s home to help create her own personal style for success, and I am amazed at what I find in the closet!  Clothes and accessories that no longer fit, flatter or fulfill who she is today. One of the first steps to building a Success Wardrobe is clearing out what no longer serves you to make space for the beautiful new garments that will reflect your authentic style.

Here are some of my favorite tips for creating space for success in your closet:

1. Dress who YOU are TODAY — Only clothing and accessories that fit, flatter and fulfill the authentic you are allowed!  Everything in your closet should be items you love, feel great in and wear all the time. If you don’t love it and it doesn’t make you feel fabulous … out it goes!
2. Get Organized — Once you clear your space of the things that no longer serve you, it opens the space to attract those things that do serve you.  Hang your clothing on good quality hangers of the same type and at eye level so everything is easy to find.
3. Follow the Seasons – If you live in a climate where seasons change, only the clothes that are appropriate for the current season should be hanging in your closet. Pack the other seasons’ clothing safely away.
4. Formalwear/Evening Attire – If you won’t be wearing your formalwear on a regular basis, try to get it out of your primary closet space so it doesn’t take up space for your daily wear. If possible, hang your formal wear in another closet so it’s out of the way but easy to get to when you need it.
5. Shoes – Keep the shoes you wear most often in an easily accessible place.  Keep shoes in good repair, heels in good shape and polished.  Once they start to look really worn or outdated it’s time get them OUT of the closet!  There are many options now to keep shoes organized and dust free.  Choose the best option for your closet space to keep them organized and easy to find.
6. Belts/Scarves/Accessories – Hang belts on a hanger for easy access. Scarves can be hung on special hangers or folded and kept in a drawer. Keep everything neat, organized and ready to wear.
7. Handbags – Keep handbags that are not being used stuffed and covered in a breathable bag to keep them dust free and in good shape.

Keeping your closet clutter-free and organized will create space for your Success Wardrobe … and help save time and money too!  Knowing exactly what you have and where to find it takes the stress out of getting dressed. You’ll be ready to go — easily and effortlessly — every time!

While the element of Fire brings fame, fun and sexuality to you, it is also associated with the season of summer, when nature is in full bloom. Fire energy brings out the best in everyone and everything. It lights up your life just like fireworks light up the night sky! So if you want to have some real fun this summer you can start by bringing some FIRE energy into your wardrobe and style.

A great way to bring Fire energy into your wardrobe is to wear the brighter colors in your palette. Use animal prints to bring out your inner wild side. Let it be fun and sassy — add a little spice to your life as they say!

My clients are stepping into the spotlight in a big way — many of them are getting out there as speakers. If your intention is to gain notoriety, become an expert in your field, and get your message out so you can be of service to as many people as possible, then you’ll want to add some Fire energy to your wardrobe. By adding Fire energy you will be noticed more, you’ll show up in a bigger way and step more fully into your Unique Presence™. The key here is to know your personal essence first via a Fashion Feng Shui consultation so that you bring that Fire energy into your wardrobe in a way that feels authentic and exciting to you.

Each of the five life forming elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) have colors, shapes and substances that are associated with them. By adding these into your wardrobe you will start to manifest your goals and desires. But be careful not to overdo it! The Universe is really good at paying attention.

The element of Fire empowers you to co-create: celebrity, connection, enthusiasm, fun, intimacy, joy, magnetism, passion and warmth. Fire energy contributes excitement to any environment into which it is introduced. For instance when I was creating my new website I knew that I wanted to add some fire energy to it, but I had to use it in a way that reflected my essence. So I chose to add the colors red and purple. Once you start living your life using your elemental essence it will be reflected in all areas of your life — your home, the car you drive, your personal environment. Start noticing where your essence shows up in your world!

Here are some ideas for adding Fire energy to your wardrobe and life:

Verbal affirmations :

• I live. I laugh. I love!
• I connect intimately with others.
• I attract fame and fun.

Adding the Element of FIRE:

• Colors — Red and Purple
• Shapes — Angular
• Substances — Life or Light based substances

Color – If red and purple are not in your palette, then wear the brighter colors in YOUR palette.

Style – Add more body conscious fabrics and shapes.

Fabrics – Hide, lycra, silk, satin, taffeta and wool. Animal prints, leather and sequins or light reflecting elements all add FIRE!

Here are some suggestions for adding your Intentional energy of Fire to your wardrobe:

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Handbags
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Tote bag

Clothing – To attract the energy of Fire (The Pleasure Seeker) wear:

• The reds and purples of your palette
• Pointed or lifelike patterns
• Shiny, clingy, or noisy textures

The Elemental Archetypes wearing Fire:

	Water
	Wood
	Fire
	Earth
	Metal

Want to find out YOUR elemental essence? You can find out more about Fashion Feng Shui® on my website or contact me to schedule a virtual or in-person Fashion Feng Shui® Consultation (see my special offer here).

You also might enjoy reading Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore, creator of Fashion Feng Shui® and president of Fashion Feng Shui® International.

Listen to Sly & the Family Stone sing “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”

Sources: Fashion Feng Shui® International and Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore.

©2010 Laurie Mandato

I recently helped my daughter Christina and her girlfriend get ready to attend their prom, and it got me thinking about the steps I take to help my clients get ready to step into the spotlight. My philosophy with my clients has always been to help them look and feel great, while honoring who they are — finding a personal style that feels authentic to them.

As soon as my daughter received the invitation for prom, I kicked into “work” mode! I began thinking about the steps we would take to make sure she looked her best while still feeling like herself. In Fashion Feng Shui® language, her Essence is Wood — sporty and casual. She doesn’t like being too dressed up, doesn’t wear much make up or fuss with her long, curly hair. In her terms, she says, “I don’t want to look like I tried too hard” — which always makes me laugh!

Before we headed out to shop for dresses, I looked at the girls’ skin tone to get a sense of the colors that would work best and have them looking fabulous. With color palettes in hand, we set out for the mall, which can be an experience in itself with teens! Luckily, because I already knew her Essence, I had a sense of what she might be drawn to and what she would steer clear of. Knowing your Essence really takes the stress out of shopping. It helps you know exactly what styles feel right and comfortable on you so you don’t waste a lot of time trying on things the sales associate thinks would look GREAT on you! (I know they mean well, but they don’t know you or your style, so it is harder for them to get it right.)

We found a beautiful blue dress to enhance her eye color and simple makeup that didn’t look “overdone” for her. Christina looked gorgeous and glamorous … but still herself. Here are some tips to help you shine brightly for your next spotlight opportunity:

• Where and What — Consider where your event is being held and who will be attending. Your invitation or confirmation should give you some information about the dress code or appropriate attire for the event. Is it a business event? Are you the speaker? Are you attending as a guest? Will you be indoors or out? All these will play into deciding what you should wear.
• When — Consider the time of day your event is being held. Is it day or evening? For daytime, you’ll want to go with business or business casual attire. An evening event is probably dressier — a cocktail dress might be more appropriate. Your makeup and accessories should suit the time of day too. For daytime, you can get away with wearing less makeup and just play up your natural beauty. But for evening, you’ll want to kick it up a notch to add more drama and compensate for low lighting. Daytime accessories should be fun and light (but appropriate for the event), while in the evening you can glam it up with bolder pieces and more sparkle.
• Plan Ahead — Shop early for the best selection and to allow time for alterations. I don’t know anyone who can buy clothes off the rack and not have to have some type of alteration, so plan for that. If you’ll be wearing something you already have in your closet, take it out and try it on a week or more ahead of time. Does it need alterations or dry cleaning?
• Choose Colors Wisely — Bring you color palette along when you go shopping so you can choose a color that is flattering to your skin tone and brings out your best. Wearing the colors in your palette will make you stand out and shine! If you haven’t invested in a color analysis yet, I highly recommend you do. It is a great tool to have in your toolbox, saving you time, money and frustration when you shop.
• Shop till You Drop — Okay, not really. Most women don’t want to drop at the end of shopping! But if shopping really stresses you out because you’re just not sure what colors and styles look great on you, invest in yourself by working with an image consultant. The peace of mind you’ll gain in knowing exactly what colors and styles to look for is worth every penny! The investment of learning about what works for your body, your essence and your intentions will pay you back many times over.

I’d love to help you find your authentic style with a Fashion Feng Shui consultation or Color Analysis. Contact me at Laurie@LaurieMandato.com to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation, and let’s get started!

©2010 Laurie Mandato

Spring is such a beautiful time. I love watching the world turn from grey and brown to fresh shades of green. Flowers begin to bloom, the sun begins to shine more, and everyone and everything just seem more cheerful and exciting. It is truly the season of transformation.

Like butterflies, now is the time for us to come out of hiding, shed our cocoons and let the world see our brilliance. But just as it takes time for a butterfly to grow and change and spread its beautiful wings, it also takes time for us to stretch and grow and step into our brilliance. Sometimes our transformation stalls. We get stuck in the past, reliving an old story. Let go of the past! Allow yourself to really step into that place of authenticity and show up as the amazing woman that you are today.

To help you visualize and energize your transformation, Feng Shui expert Helen Whitehead of ivillage.com offers this suggestion: “Place an image of a butterfly in the energetic arena in which you’d like to find a sense of freedom.  Butterfly symbols are often placed inside the ‘Fame’ area, especially if you’re attempting to transform or transcend your current state of circumstances with optimism, ease and grace.” To help you find the “energetic arena” you want to focus on, you’ll want to use a bagua map. Here is a link to one that is very easy to use: http://www.tranquilspaces.com/the_bagua.php

Begin to make small, manageable changes — baby steps — in the direction of your vision for yourself and your business. A key element is your outward appearance. When you take steps to really show up authentically in your appearance, everything else falls into place. You will relax into your self, enabling you to speak from your heart with little or no effort. It all begins to really make sense, and from that place you are able to radiate your brilliance.  But transformation sometimes means that we need to step out of our comfort zone, step toward the woman you are today and away from who you were five or ten years ago.

Spring is the perfect time to start the journey to becoming the REAL you.  Start by paying attention to how you feel when you wear certain things — different fabrics, styles, colors. Start journaling about how these different things make you feel or affect you.  Jot down when someone compliments you — what color or style were you wearing? Start paying attention to the clothes in your closet and what you wear the most. Most women are wearing 20% of their clothes 80% of the time!  Start weeding out the clothes that don’t fit any longer, or don’t communicate the right message.

When you start dressing with authenticity and intention you will notice a difference.  Don’t ever settle for “just okay” when you can be FABULOUS!  Always strive to be your personal best.

©2010 Laurie Mandato