Small details can create or break image
By Meredith Grenier
DAILY BREEZE
Ashley Rothschild of Marina del Rey is a personal image consultant
with 20 years experience. She has worked with political figures such
as George McGovern and Pierre Salinger, Hollywood personalities
including Jeff Bridges, Leonard Nimoy and Valerie Harper, and a host
of senior executives.
“There's a place of power and beauty in us all that wants to
come out,” Rothschild says. “When the message you
present on the outside matches the powerful, vibrant you within,
then your whole world opens up. Opportunities come your way.
Everything is possible.”
But the devil is always in the details. A snagged stocking here, a
bad dye job there, too much glitz, too little style. Personal image
all adds up to doors being opened or slammed in the face.
Following are a sampling of Rothschild's fashion tips.
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Accessories can do miracles for any look, but they should be
minimal, classic and fitting individual lifestyles. Don't
over-accessorize. Less is best. In the words of the late fashion
editor Diana Vreeland: “Take one accessory off before
leaving the house.”
-
Don't use old, worn-out and over-stuffed wallets. If you treat
money like that, one wonders how the rest of your environment
looks.
-
Don't use anything that is worn out. Discard it and don't hand it
down to anyone else. If it is not good enough for you, it isn't
good enough for your friends or relatives.
-
One of the worst fashion faults: Wearing jeans and sneakers on
“Casual Friday” topped with a T-shirt emblazing a
commercial logo.
-
Don't go to work in short anything (skirts, shorts); don't wear
tights unless you are taking dancing lessons.
-
Never wear sneakers with a business suit. Purchase a great pair of
walking shoes instead.
-
Stone-washed and acid-washed jeans are out; dark denim is in.
-
If you wear body-hugging clothes, make sure to wear thong
underwear.
-
Don't wear to work the same clothes you wear to evening
outings. And don't take your office image out to a party. Spice it
up.
-
To give your image a lift, buy a few new high-quality pieces each
season to enhance your existing wardrobe. Invest in timeless
styles without expiration dates. Always start with classics.
- Wear white socks only with sneakers. No exceptions.
-
Don't wear too casual a coat over a suit. A classic trench coat is
a good choice. Never wear an outer jacket that doesn't cover your
suit jacket.
-
Always keep a sports jacket or blazer in your car in case you need
it.
- Dark colors have more power and authority than light.
-
Small shoulder pads (you don't want to look like a football
player) will minimize larger hips.
-
The best time to buy good quality merchandise on sale is
January/February and July/August.
-
Arrange your closet according to function (professional wardrobe,
casually smart, elegant evening, etc.) and by category (shirts,
pants and skirts.) Select a color theme and then build your
wardrobe around it, using classic styles, neutral colors and
separate pieces that mix and match.
Publish Date:Sunday, May 12, 2002
