Every time I think its 2011, I just can’t believe it.  I think the fact that I’ve been growing a business and raising small children for the past 3 years makes the time go by so fast.  I’m almost sure I’m not alone on that!

For many, including me, the beginning of a New Year is a time for fresh starts and new opportunities.  Therefore I want to take the time to urge every single one of you to look in the mirror and say, “I’m beautiful just the way that I am”.  That’s right, I said it.  Trust me my body has seen better days, but honestly I’m to vain to just look like anything!  I like to look well put together, you know “POLISHED”.

 I will never forget the day I came home from the hospital from having my twins.  I looked in the mirror and said “Oh Lord”.  Prior to getting pregnant with the twins I was a perfect size 10, I had no problem returning to my normal weight after my first son.  But honestly the twin pregnancy for me was much different.  It took about 6 months of walking around the house feeling bad for myself to say, “Hey, enough of this, it’s time to get dressed”.  I realized, as long as I did not accept my body I was going to look a mess!  At the time I was a size 20 and I’m currently a size 14, but I’ve looked and felt great coming down in size every step of the way.  Somedays I would get all dressed up with no place to go, nap time was glam time for me! (life of a mother)

So, regardless of what weight loss goals you have this year don’t wait to look fabulous, start looking fierce TODAY!

Polished Image Tip #1: Look in the mirror and truly except your body for what it is today!

Stop wishing you were someone different, you’re beautiful just the way you are.  The time has come for you to stop doubting yourself and get dressed as you are!   

If you’re petite, shop in the petite section, you know those pants legs are too long for you.  If you’re plus size, make sure that your clothes truly fit and are appropriate for your shape.  The best fitting clothes are those that skim and flow with your body line, regardless of what size and shape you are.  Consider hiring a tailor in the New Year, small investment for huge impact.

Also, for the body parts you don’t like, always dress them plainly and refocus people’s attention to what you want them to see!  Love your face? Wear nice distinctive jewelry and eye catching pieces.  Have nice legs? Wear more skirts and dresses.

Make 2011 count!

Gucci Fall/Winter 2010

Tailored looks ruled the runways during New York Fashion Week.  So ladies, it’s time to find a trust worthy tailor near you, and invest the time and money into getting a custom fit.  Often women settle on garments that have a less than perfect fit.  We stand in the mirror, and know that the waist should be taken in, and say “This will do”.  Ladies hear me clear, our bodies are not the problem, un-standardized sizing in the fashion industry is the issue.  So let’s take control of how clothes fit our bodies this season.  We need to buy slightly larger garments and have them tailored for a perfect fit.

Many of my clients are surprised to find out that tailoring is not as expensive as they think.  Take a look at some of the average costs in the DC metro area below:

Basic Hem – $12 to $20

Waists – $15 to $20

Seam Repair – $4 and up

So, ladies I know we are in the heat of summer; however I am a firm believer that great personal style cannot be rushed.  Start taking inventory of what’s in your current wardrobe and start building your Fall/Winter 2010 shopping list today!

Spring is upon us and if you are anything like me, you’ve started to switch out your winter wardrobe into your spring/summer clothes. ?As your pulling out your cute tanks tops and summer dresses, ask yourself this… Are your girls sitting as pretty as they could be???If you had to think about it for longer than 3.456 seconds then it is likely that you need some 911 bra assistance- Read on!!

Schedule a professional Bra fitting Most women are surprised to learn ?they are wearing the wrong size bra.? The correct size bra adjusted appropriately can make a world of difference in how you look and feel in your clothes.

Chantelle Intimates ‘Sensua’ Convertible Bra

Natori ’136001′ Contour Underwire Bra

Do you have the 2 types of bras ?you need?

1)?Everyday – This bra should be comfortable with the appropriate amount of support for an active day.

2) Adorned bras – Worn on Valentine’s Day, special occasions or just because you feel? sexy in my own skin. These bras are usually more elaborate in style and design. Don’t skimp on this!

Invest, Invest, Invest – I say this time and time again – you get what you pay for. Quality is necessary for a great everyday bra that is going to last and keep you uplifted all day long. Spend the extra dollars, it’s worth it.

Tricks of the Trade ?To?camouflage a little extra around the middle, I’ve got the best trick for you, which I learned in Europe a few years ago after?delivering?my beautiful set of twin boys! Try wearing a light weight cami under your clothes to smooth you out!?I prefer the ones that are 100% cotton so that they don?t stretch, gives a little extra oomph.

Stop doing your body and clothes a?disservice?by wearing the wrong bra. Getting measured can take inches of your frame and improve your self-image. So what are you waiting for?

Chantelle Intimates ‘Caprice 3127′ Underwire Demi Bra

It?s the New Year and we are all ready for 2010 to be filled with new opportunities and new beginnings!

The 5 steps below are for those of you who wish to refresh and renew their Style & Image in 2010. ?You only have a few seconds to make a first impression, but it can take a lifetime to change a bad one. ?So follow the steps below to ensure you ?Rock it out!? in the new year…

Step 1: Look in the mirror and truly accept your body for what it is today!
Stop wishing you were someone different, you?re beautiful just the way you are. ?The time has come for you to stop doubting yourself and get dressed as you are!

If you?re petite, shop in the petite section, you know those pants legs are too long for you. If you?re plus size, make sure that your clothes truly fit and are appropriate for your shape. ?The best fitting clothes are those that skim and flow with your body line, regardless of what size and shape you are. Consider hiring a tailor in the New Year; a small investment for huge impact.

Also, for the body parts you don?t like, always dress them plainly and refocus people?s attention to what you want them to see! ?Love your face? Wear nice distinctive jewelry and eye catching pieces. Have nice legs? Wear more skirts and dresses.

Step 2: Dress for your future!
If you have goals that you want to obtain in 2010, truly look at your appearance and ask yourself this honest question. Do I look the part? If not, commit to making the change! ?Invest the time and energy in getting your style and image together to ensure you have a confident and polished look. ?Be patient with yourself; remember Rome was not built in a day. ?You are your biggest asset, so take the time and invest in developing your personal brand starting today!

Step 3: Develop your personal style
I am a firm believer that no two women were put on this earth to walk the streets alike, and confidence truly comes to one if they perfect themselves and not duplicate. ?There is nothing sadder than seeing someone who is pretending to be confident and fabulous. At a glance you can see straight through them, they themselves are not yet convinced of the public persona they are trying to project.

An essential step to developing personal style is to invest the time to define your style personality. ?You need to determine where fashion fits in your life. Is your approach to fashion more classic, dramatic, artistic, natural, updated, or maybe a combination?

Determining your personal approach to style and fashion will assist you in determining the correct trends and looks that are appropriate for you. ?A classic woman will never wear a Mohawk, and for a natural woman to wear a pair of high heel shoes, they must be comfortable?

Step 4: Define your power color!
Gone are the days of all black, at least for now! ?As color continues to play more of a roll in our wardrobes we need to know how to wear it. ?Everyone does not wear color the same, a beautiful color on one person, can look absolutely dreadful on another.

The goal when wearing color is for people to see you, not exclusively the color! ?There?s a difference between a person saying ?That shirt looks nice on you? and ?nice colored shirt?. ?Don?t let the wrong color overwhelm you.

Pay close attention to the color of the items in your wardrobe that people compliment you on. Most likely the color resonates with the specific color tones that can be found in your hair, skin, and eyes. Therefore you need to incorporate more of it into your wardrobe. ?I highly recommend getting your personalized colors done by a seasoned professional.

Step 5: Take time out to get your Style and Image POLISHED in 2010!
If you don?t take time to develop and cultivate yourself, who do you think will?

If you need assistance developing a renewed Polished Image and style in 2010, don’t hesitate to contact us!

www.polishedimageandstyle.com

Tracy Reese Any color can look new and updated when paired with an unexpected shade. The always classic Black is a great foundation for brightly colored, budget-friendly accessories.

Rebecca Taylor Gorgeous colored silk tops. Pink always makes me feel good.

Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani I think that when one is on a budget, it is best to stay with neutrals as they are always in fashion. A hint of real color is the best way to go and is best done in small doses — clutch bag and shoes, or lipstick and nails.

Reem Acra I always love Gold because it can look rich and beautiful without any embellishment.

Courtesy of Pantone.com