It’s a new year – an opportunity to reflect on what worked for you last year, and what didn’t. If 2010 didn’t quite live up to your expectations, take some time to get quiet and think about what you can do differently this year.

Do you love the image you are presenting to the world? Does it represent WHO you are and WHAT you do? If you can answer a confident YES, good for you! Maybe you just need to freshen things up a bit. Take a look at your intentions for the New Year and how you can bring those elements into your wardrobe for continued success and momentum. If your answer is NO, then we’ve got some work to do.

Here are five ways you can create a Powerful Personal Presence in 2011:

1.     REFRESH – If you’re feeling less than excited about your look, maybe it’s time to hit the refresh button.  Take stock of your existing wardrobe to see what you can do to rejuvenate some of those old standbys.  Adding an exciting new accessory, like a chunky necklace or scarf, can do wonders to jazz up an outfit.  You can completely change an outfit simply by adding a few great accessories.

• Add a pop of color with a scarf, necklace, shoes or handbag.
• Swap out a traditional blazer for a colorful cardigan, and add a belt at the waist.
• Be sure that your clothes are tailored to fit YOUR body.
• Check all shoes and boots, being sure that they are in good shape.  If not, now is a good time to purchase new or take them to the cobbler to be re-heeled and polished.

2.     REFLECT – Take a look at the top three goals for this year. How can you change up your wardrobe to help you achieve those goals and feel ready for any opportunity?  Is your image reflecting the influential, professional woman that you are? Step up your wardrobe by adding some polish and refinement.

• Add polished, shimmering, luxurious and lustrous fabrics such as sateen, silk, cashmere, crepe de shine, dupione and shantung.
• Wear items with little or no pattern.
• Splurge on a few designer pieces.
• Choose high quality, tailored to fit and perfectly constructed garments.

3.     REALIGN – If you are feeling that you’ve lost sight of your goals, now is the time to bring things back into focus.  Set your intentions for the New Year and set realistic goals.  Clear out anything that’s keeping you stuck, and open some space for new opportunities and abundance.

• Go into your closet and look at each of your garments to see if they are in alignment with your intentions.
• All garments that are not in alignment with your goals and desires MUST GO!
• Donate those things that no longer serve you, and help someone else — remember to lift as you climb.

4.     RECAPTURE – Have you lost that loving feeling for your business? Take some time to list all of the reasons you decided to become an entrepreneur.  What do you love about your work?  Recapture that feeling in your wardrobe.  Look in your closet for your favorite pieces to see what they have in common.  Are they all a certain color?  Do they make you feel a certain way?  Are they all made from similar fabrics?

• See if you can find a common denominator among your favorite clothes. What are the clothes you reach for over and over again?
• What do those pieces say about you or your personality? Are they communicating what you’d like them to?
• If you feel like you’re doing the same thing over and over and getting the same disappointing result, recapture some excitement by trying something new!
• Step outside your comfort zone and try a new look that will shift your mindset and help you get a better result.

5.     RENEW – Renew your commitment to yourself and your business by investing in yourself and creating a Powerful Personal Presence. Make this the year that you turn things around and really step up to the next level of your success. Be proud of the person that you are and allow the world to see the best version of YOU.  Step into your brilliance and feel the joy that comes with that.

• Write some affirmations to keep yourself on track.
• Post your affirmations in many places where you will see them throughout your day.
• Believe in yourself and envision yourself living the life you dream of.

©2011 Laurie Mandato

Note from Laurie: This is a guest post from Evana Maggiore, the creator of Fashion Feng Shui®, my favorite style system. Pick up Evana’s book Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention for more information. Or visit her website at www.fashionfengshui.com

“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.” ~Jane Austen

With temperatures hitting 100℉ and the humidity high for the last week, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has felt more like Cape Coral, Florida. Our usually temperate New England weather has turned tropical, and Jane Austen’s words could not describe me better. It’s difficult to look and feel elegant when your makeup is dripping down your face and your clothes are sticking to your body like damp rags. This summer’s Fire is melting my Metal!

Let’s take a 5 Element Look at COOL Summer Style…

WATER The Philosopher ~ Dark Abstract Flowing
Water energy clothes have a built-in “cool” factor. Their sheer, light weight fabrics and flowing styles air condition you naturally. Skip the dark colors, though, as they hold heat.

WOOD The Pioneer ~ Fresh Natural Casual
Wood’s signature natural fibers absorb moisture to keep you looking and feeling cool when the temperature climbs. Breezy linens and cottons are your hot weather staples.

FIRE The Pleasure Seeker ~ Bright Bold Body-conscious
Fire design elements aren’t your best choice when it comes to warm weather dressing. Hot colors, tight clothes and animal-based fabrics just don’t cut it when the mercury is on the rise. You definitely want to show some skin though – the more you do, the cooler you will be.

EARTH The Peacemaker ~ Neutral Textured Basic
Earth design elements can feel smothering when it’s hot and humid. Keep textured fabrics to a minimum and go for the boxy shapes associated with this archetype.

METAL The Perfectionist ~ Pale Polished Luxurious
Metal’s innate elegance stays intact when you wear its light hues and shimmery fabrics. Stay away from this archetype’s stick-to-the-skin crepe-de-chines, heavy brocades and structured styling when hot weather hits.

©2010 Evana Maggiore

“Spotlight on Style” radio show on Diva Toolbox Radio
Tuesday, March 16 — 10:00 am Eastern

Join me and my special guest Paula D’Alessandro Serani of Salon One for this month’s “Spotlight on Style” radio show when our topic will be “How to Find the Best Hair Style for You.”

Paula was one of the original founders of the well-known Color Studio in Wellesley, MA. During her 17 years with the Color Studio, she and her partner earned awards in color services and hair care from around the world. She is passionate about helping women feel beautiful.

We’ll be talking about finding a hair style and color that matches your authentic style. You won’t want to miss it!

Listen live or download the recording at www.blogtalkradio.com/laurie-mandato

Your closet should be one of the most valued spaces in your home. After all, it houses all the garments that make you look and feel fabulous! Watch as Laurie shares some valuable tips for keeping your closet organized and functional.

Your personal image speaks volumes about you before you ever utter a word. What is yours saying about you? Watch as Laurie talks about finding an authentic image to match your message.

When speaking in front of an audience or appearing for a media interview you want to look your very best. Color is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to change your look. Watch as Laurie talks about the energy of color and its impact on you as the wearer and your audience.