May 27 -Amanda 'what does your image say about you?'

May 27th Amanda's letter to you.....What does your image say about you?

Hi ladies I thought this week we might tackle image - On my blog www.life-in-perspective.com this week you will see what pre-empted the following thoughts on image. I was chatting with a friend, confronted with an image crisis, and looked up image - To embody or typify. To describe in vividly visual terms and so followed the question. Do you embody or typify in vivid visual terms, your vision of you?

Hmmm… what does your image say about you?

* Is it screaming for help or have the cries of the individual been drowned out to fit in? Have you conformed to someone else’s idea of style, of who you should be?
* Are your friends honest with you about your image? Are you honest with them? Really?
* Do you know what you want your image to say about you? Do you know who you are?
* Are there just some confused ideas and never a real sense of complete comfort?


First impression is everything, you only get one chance! We are then told don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Yet our society dictates we all dress up in “costume” for different occasions.

Occasions change, so maybe one chance meeting does not tell you enough. Perhaps behind the leather and tats we need to remember there is a human being, someone’s son or daughter. Conversely I was supportive of gangs keeping their badges, I like knowing who and where they are at all times, so I could stay away, anonymity in that instance, for me, spells danger. Is a dress code relevant for instinct or information? A hooker, an artist, a student, a beggar, a bride, a nurse, a policeman, fireman or soldier all identified by their uniform. In some circumstances, uniforms remove personality, they are supposed to, but for me they make corporations feel very inhumane and unapproachable. These rambling thoughts, opinions, and prejudices are mine and meaningless really, but I share this because I know that my personality is reflected in my image and I would feel strangled in a uniform that took away my individuality.

Do you know what makes you feel comfortable and confident?
How much thought have you given your identity, your brand?

As time moves on, not only do styles, fashion and trends change, so do we. We go through many stages in our lives and reassessing our image is vital, so that we do not fall into a rut and become complacent and dull. What is your image putting out there? Does your image reflect your attitude or mood? What is that image saying? I’m tiered, I care less, I hate what I look like? Or is it saying “ You want to know me, I‘m interesting, fun and adventurous!”

Because we are visual creatures with instinct, I believe our image plays a vital part of our communication, it opens or closes, doors, it makes a statement about you, we do judge a book by the cover. I have found though, if you read some of the chapters you usually have a way better bases for judging the book. Sometimes good books are missed because of lousy artists who make lousy covers. Sometime we do get more than one opportunity especially when open our minds and are willing to look past their own prejudices. Expand your possibilities, do not be limited by others beliefs, find out who you really are and project it, and perhaps you will feel more confident and comfortable.

While the thought of a “self make over” can seem daunting, enlist the support and help of a trusted friend, set a day aside, with some snacks, wine and good music. Get to our “self make over” plan and start a positive change for you. The make over is on my blog www.life-in-perspective.com take the day off and
Have fun!

Kindest thoughts
Have a colourful week
Mandz
Amandas great offer for the Wisanow readers - Usual session fee is $80 per hour which she will discount for wisanow ladies PLUS the first session free...If you would like to respond to offer, email Amanda at lifeinperspective@xtra.co.nz or phone for an appointment on 09 5754647 or mobile 021 125 7775 www.life-in-perspective.com

ps. Here is your personal Makeover from Amanda
A “self make over”can seem overwhelming, so enlist the help of a trusted friend.

Make a day of it have some snacks, delish lunch ready, some wine and great music.
Sort through your cupboard and get rid of old baggage you will never wear.
Make room for the new.
Donate, let go of old worn out, out dated, incorrectly sized clothes and move forward.
Put the bags in your friends car and let her drop them off at a charity store. ( no regrets or second thoughts)
You can actually see what you have, wear and like, this will also make what you need much clearer too.
Make a list of the basics that may be missing, from underwear to coats, hats, scarves and sizzling boots.

Ask your friend what they think your style is?
Are you willing to open your mind and accept new ideas and styles?
Can you handle the real truth about your style, image, or brand?
Ask away, or define it yourself. This is about finding your authentic style.
Use adjectives and find a real fit - it must feel good to YOU!. Hot sexy mama, or flowing, creative, free spirit, maybe athletic, strong independent or is it comfort seeking, Corporate professional. Use words that define you and they will in turn define your style.

Take some time to really work out what YOU want. Really be selective.
Go through magazines and pull out clothes in colours and styles that you really like.
Look at hair styles, hair colour that does not leave you washed out. Make sure you have a good hairdresser and if not, ask people who’s do you think is hot, who they use.
Look at make up trends that appeal , that suit your new style and colour image. Get professional help at a large stores, if you do not know how to apply it well. Take the picture along.

Make a vision board with your new look and style description. This is helpful to get a really clear visual of a total look. It really sums it all up. Professionals do it so should you! The vision board will help cement an image of what you are looking for when shopping. This will stop impulsive bad choices that are no longer part of your new image. So that you need not schlep your vision board along with you when shopping, they can be cumbersome, write a concise, overview of what you have selected.

Sit back and critically assess.
What did you choose? Dresses, pants, skirts, suits?
Are the clothes flowing, soft or are they more structured and professional?
Are the clothes figure fitting or loose?
What were the lengths, neck lines, sleeve details?
What fabrics do you love?
Do you like pattern, textures or colour?
Are the patterns geometric or organic?
What’s the palette? Summer, autumn, winter, spring?
Do these colours reflect your personality, do you love them?
Have you considered some quirky jewellery or some stylish shoes that can make a statement?
When you step out in this new look, will it say “Yip this is me and I feel fantastic!”
Do you have enough details to make right choices for you when you shop?
Be very specific about, fit, colour, styles, lengths, shapes, textures, patterns, fabrics, designers, shoes, accessories, needs, basics, etc. this is not hit and miss.

Good - Now you are ready to shop.
Starting with some basics, and a few accessories, slowly building a wardrobe that truly reflects you.
Plan a hot fun night out to test your new look on your partner or friends
Book that hair, nail, makeup and massage for that day.
Step out as your new self - You deserve to look like the real you.

When you look this fabulous you can only feel, comfortable and confident,