Outta Sight Summer Sunnies

Already two long-weekends in and another shortly on the way (for Ontario folks anyway!), it's in the dog days of summer that most of us lose at least one pair of sunglasses. Unlike replacing summer clothes mid-season when you might wonder if it's worthwhile, sunglasses are an investment that will far outlast the sunny season both in style and in vision health.

For readers who know me, you'll know that I wear my sunnies nearly every day, all year long. I consider them amongst my primary accessories. My Optometrist, Dr. Shirley Blanc, gave me more perspective on why sun-specs are key throughout the year. Her tips:

1. Price, colour, or lens darkness aren't guaranteed indicators of how much UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide.
2. Generally, the tint should be dark enough to reduce glare and improve visual comfort, grey or brown tints are generally recommended to prevent colour distortion,
3. While plastic lenses are lighter than glass, make sure there's scratch-resistant coating on plastic lenses as even small nicks can decrease UV protection.

But are all sunglasses appropriate for all occasions? Turns out, the type of protection from different lenses might be best for different activities. The Canadian Standards association complies with guidelines known as ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for sunglass protection.

1. Cosmetic sunglasses: Block at least 70% UVB and up to 60% UVA. They provide only mild UV protection and aren't usually recommended for daylight driving. They're perfect for an after-work patio though.
2. General-purpose sunglasses: Block 95%-99% UVB and 60%-92% UVA. Good for driving, and are recommended whenever sunlight is harsh enough to make you squint. Going out for lunch with the gang? Planned an afternoon in the sun? This is the sort of protection you'll need.
3. Special-purpose sunglasses: Block at least 99% UVB and up to 98.5% UVA. Suitable for extended periods of sun exposure - not recommended for driving. Since these lenses also block up to 97% of visible light, they are very dark. They'd be great for outdoor sports, a day at the beach or on the water.

AH HA! So THAT'S why you should have different pairs for different occasions. To help you decide, here are my favourite top trends this season.

Gucci Web Frames. Oversized rounded square frames are perennially chic and ideal for 9 -5.

Dolce & Gabbana two-tone frames. Cat's Eye are the next big retro trend. Watch and see!

Karen Walker Eyewear Helter Skelter frames. An ideal combination of sporty and urbane. A little 'Wayfarer' and a little 'John Lennon', very unisex.

Super People frames. The classic Wayfarer with a twist. Sporty and sophisticated, for men and women.

Carrera City Folding frames. This Aviator Visor folds up! Perfect for busy days and travel.

All photos courtesy of Polyvore.

Hot, Hazy + Humid: Summer's Triple Threat

I'm always a fan of special occasion days or weeks and this week has been National Sun Awareness Week! You know the dangers of overexposure to UV rays, and you know your supposed to protect yourself from them, but finding practical, effective ways to protect yourself from intensified UV rays while still enjoying the spontaneity of summer can be a bit of a challenge.

That said, nothing can erode your tailored image quite like accidental sun burns and reverse raccoon eyes. Something about them subconsciously screams 'PAAARTYYY!' Don't let summer's Hot, Hazy, Humid triple threat put a damper on your summer style. Here are our Trademark Tips for staying protected and image savvy every day:

1. Daily SPF for Body: Using an unscented lighter formula or a body lotion that has an SPF of 15 or higher built in makes it easy to apply right out of the shower when you're moisturizing anyway. It doesn't have to be fancy. A product as simple as Vaseline® Daily Sun Shield does it. Because it's a daily moisturizer formula, it won't conflict with your fragrance or lead your co-workers to break out the margaritas when you walk by. Have a travel size with you to re-apply pre-patio.
2. 
   Daily SPF for Faces: Because faces, necks, and chests are more often exposed to sun and capture lots of rays, I prefer a high SPF in a super lightweight, non-greasy lotion. Neutrogena® Healthy Defence SPF 30 is my current choice. Great on it's own, under your moisturizer and/or under make-up.

3. Reapply: This has always been a thorn in my side: how do you reapply without messing up your make-up, or greasing up your skin as the hours go by? Then: EUREKA! New mineral SPF powder like Bare Escentuals provide natural SPF protection, keep skin matte AND keep make-up in tact (YAY!). Guys, this is great for you too, to ward off the greasiness of repeat lotion application.
4. Headgear: The scalp can be highly sensitive to sun's rays and needs special protection. While it's been a trend to incorporate UV protection into hair care products to protect hair colour, until now I haven't come across a combination product for hair control and scalp protection. Axe Buzzed Look Cream for men that not only provides control for short hair, but also provides the benefit of SPF for the scalp itself. No more burnt scalps guys!

Sunscreen isn't the only way to find refuge from the sun's rays while keeping your image in tact this summer. Stay tuned for two more upcoming posts in this Summer Series for more tips.

Give Meaning to Spring Cleaning

Tackling an unruly wardrobe is so satisfying! (OK, that's why I do what I do!)

As hard as it is to decide to let go of some of clothing you've had around for a while, if it's not satisfying these three things, it's better to move on.

All of your clothes should:

1. Fit your body, today

2. Fit your lifestyle needs/goals

3. Make you HAPPY!

Even two out of three may not be good enough. That's ok, it just means that you've evolved, and so has your idea of image and style. We will find new things that are perfect! But what to do with the things that you've piled up as a 'cast away' pile? Very, very rarely would I suggest that clothing should be tossed out. The only times are when the items that you're moving away from are either intimate wear or are beyond any reasonable use to another person.

You can Give Meaning to Spring Cleaning by selling or donating your old clothing items to give them the opportunity to make someone as happy as you have been when you wore them.

Trademark Spring Cleaning Tactics:

1. Consignment: Got items that are 2 years old or less, high quality vintage (think about this one carefully), and are in excellent condition? Sell them! I particularly like Ex Toggery, Off The Cuff and Second Nature Boutique. Not only will someone be able to enjoy them as much as you did, but you can use the reclaimed funds as part of your 'Clothing Budget' for the coming season. How smart! (You might also find some really great pieces there yourself)

2. Success Program Donations: Consider donating good condition business appropriate items, between 2 - 5 years old to Dress for Success or Dress Your Best. Both organizations assist economically disadvantaged individuals prepare for success in their professional pursuits. You may also be eligible for tax receipts for your donations.

3. Drop-Box Donations: The remainder of your items will likely be very welcome to the recipients of donations from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, or a program affiliated with your house of worship.

No matter which combination of options you choose, you will know that your spring cleaning has had extra meaning this year.

When One Closet Closes...

Transitioning your closet from one season to another - especially the big ones: Winter to Spring and Summer to Fall - isn't just about packing everything up into garment bags and bins and stuffing them into the basement. Noooo!

It's really the opportunity you have to give a final once over to the beloved clothing that has joined you for the ride over the past few months before you store them away for another year.

So, before you stuff them away (and please don't really 'stuff' any of them away) here are FOUR tips for clothing storage:

Top 2 Toe Tactics:

1. Where's the Wear? Check linings, collars, cuffs, hems, ESK (elbows, seats, knees) of all clothing and outerwear items for soiling, tears/wear, stains, and discolouration. Launder or dry clean all pieces prior to storing for the season. Even if it looks clean, body oil and perspiration are two of the most common stain/wear culprits - and pests, like moths, love them both. Even if you don't think you have pests, if any have laid eggs, they'll be impossible to find until they've eaten their way through your garments.

2. Threadbare? Don't You Dare! Aw! This must have been a favourite piece of yours. We may be able to replace it (in the case of basic sweaters, jackets, jeans) or it might be worthwhile to have a seamstress use it as a pattern to recreate a new piece to love. Either way, it's time to say goodbye to this piece. If it's a lining that's torn, you might consider replacing it! But only if it's a piece you can't live without. Lining repair cost and labour intensive work.

3. Bare Your Sole: Shoe vamps stretched out? Pointed toes turning up like the Wicked Witch of the West? It's time for a new pair. Salt stains, scuffs or worn through heel taps? Take them to a trusted shoe repair and ask them to: 1. Clean and Protect 2. Replace the heel or the heel taps 3. Resole the ball of the foot with a thin rubber tread in a colour that matches the sole of the shoe. You'll get more seasons out of those shoes than you expected and you'll look fresh and well-heeled (pardon the pun!)

4. Protect What You Love: Store your off-season clothing, hung or folded, in closed containers with cedar blocks, in a temperature controlled environment away from direct light to prevent fading. Avoid mothballs! They are not only made of nasty chemical that can harm humans and animals, but they also impart a distinctive and nose-wrinkling odor to your clothes.

Follow these tactics and your favourite clothes will be ready for another season's worth of adventures just when you need them!

To Everything There is a Season

When that first day of warm-ish weather hits, when the breeze is just right and the sky is a bright, clear blue, I'm always compelled by thoughts of....cleaning.

Yes, I should be outside relishing the weather, but somehow it's opening up all the windows, turning up my favourite cleaning music, and getting knee-deep in the process that feels most satisfying that first day.

I know not everyone has the same rabid, 'Monica Geller-esque' desire to break out the cleaning fluids, and even I've had a few anti-cleaning excuses run through my head before, I wonder if they sound familiar to you?

'But it's SO much work!'

'It might snow again in two weeks, why bother?'

'Is gets SO much WORSE before it gets better....better leave well enough alone'

Half way through June you're wondering why you can't find your shorts amid your winter sweaters....Seasonal Closet Clean-Ups are a big job! Like anything, it's easier to accomplish if you break it into steps.

Trademark Tactics:

1. Start with your Fall/Winter clothes: Organizing and storing these items will help you mentally prepare for the new season.

2. Move on to Spring/Summer, and ask yourself:

Have you loved/worn it in the past two years?

Does it still still fit?

Is it worth altering?

Do they still fit your Style Words and goals?

You know my motto...

Clothes should do 3 things:

1. Fit your body, today

2.Fit your lifestyle needs/goals

3.Make you HAPPY!

In this case, even two out of three may not be good enough. If they don't - let them go.

3. Of the things you decide to let go of, decide what to do with them. I have lots of suggestions on how to Give Meaning to Spring Cleaning.

4. Divide your newly edited items into three categories: Reshelve, Revive, Revamp!

5. The final step - once your Fall/Winter items have been tucked away, and your Spring/Summer items fill up your closet happily, create your shopping list for the season based on what needs to be replaced and what new items you'd like to build into your style.

Don't Sweat It: You CAN Look Hot at the Gym!

So how is that resolution to get in shape coming along? I've noticed a distinct change in the traffic flow to my favourite gyms in the past couple of weeks as enthusiasm wanes and the 'February blahs' take hold. I think it's just about time for new riff on that commitment to fitness. After all, it's only 4 weeks until the official start of Spring!

People often tell me they don't think they need to up their image at the gym and then say what a drag it is putting on their schleppy old clothes to go work out. There are A LOT of mirrors at the gym. While last thing you may want to do is look into gigantic mirrors with fluorescent lights beaming down from above creating unflattering shadows, it's necessary in order to maintain proper form, prevent injury, and witness our own improvement. Wouldn't you love to look great AND perform well at the gym?

Old grey Tshirts, faded black sweats, ratty sneakers and a pair of sponges to protect your hand when you hold weights? Definitely more utilitarian than inspiring.

All you need to create a working workout wardrobe is:

2 pairs of flattering tech-fabric pants in a neutral colour like black or grey - choose a boot cut or a wide cut for a flattering long leg

2 - 4 mix 'n match athletic tops in two coordinating colours

1 - 2 layering tops like jackets or zip-up sweatshirts in your coordinating palette

a fun pair of trainers that fit well and look good

1 sport watch

1 pair of weight lifting gloves

1 gym bag

Trademark Trick: Your trainers will be the most critical part of your workout gear, so choose a couple of pairs of them first and let the accent colours on them guide your colour choices in your other workout gear for an overall coordinated look.

Here are two options for women:

The motivation of having a great selection of fun workout gear can really help you look forward to this part of your routine, so don't shy away from wanting to look your best when you're burning calories!

Not sure you can pull this together? Give me a call, I would love to help you get ready to get sweaty!

Shades of Red

Did you read my blog on why wearing red on dates is a great tip? Great to know, but red can feel a bit tricky. A little can go a long way with this dynamic colour, while a lot can either excite or intimidate. Striking the right balance means knowing how to wear it and knowing what red is right for you.

How to Wear Red

Red can evoke excitement, power, attraction, mystery, and desirability. Here's a few tips on how to evoke the right emotion in the right context:

First Date?

My Ladies: Try a red top or red accessories to bring attention up to your face. While a matte red lip can be sexy and attention-grabbing, it can also be intimidating and untouchable. Save this for another time. For a first date go with a naturally-glossy, transparent red lip instead.

My Guys: A solid red button-down is too much of a good thing. Choose a button-down with a red stripe or pattern for the best effect. A patterned shirt with a deep red cashmere sweater over it? This could be a great choice. The key is to break up the block of color for interest. It's all in the details!

Big Presentation?

My Ladies: Red accents, like a silk scarf, brooch, work bag, belt and/or shoe are all great choices to bring subtle power to your presentation. More red works too: a solid or patterned sheath dress are great choices especially when paired with grounding neutrals like black, grey or tan. A more intense red lip can work too, bringing attention to the delivery of your message!

My Guys: Strong red accents are great for you too. A solid or patterned red silk tie is always a winner, especially combined with a coordinating patterned dress shirt. Oxblood leather accessories (belt and shoes) are another subtle detail that create a sophisticated work look, and they're a fun change with black, grey and navy dress pants.

Formal Event?

My Ladies: Remember Julia Roberts in that quintessential scene in Pretty Woman? How about Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face? Now is the best time for head-to-toe red!

My Guys: Now is the time for subtlety. A red patterned pocket square and/or tie are the most appropriate uses for this bold colour.

Which red is right?

From true red, to vermillion, carnelian, carmine, sangria, burgundy and persimmon, there are lots of varieties of this challenging colour to tempt your palette and one will be great for you!

Experiment with different shades to see which reds make your skin pop, your teeth appear whiter, and your cheeks glow from within. Does the colour make YOU stand out? Or do you see the colour first? We definitely want to see more of YOU!

Just like all colours, there is a shade for you and a way to wear it that will make you look and feel your very best. Not sure what shade of red is best for you? A Colour Analysis will determine your best palette.

What Does a Image Consultant Pack for Vacation?

I think we can agree that it's been a wild winter this year, can't we? So, not to rub it in, but I'm headed for vacation next week to sunny Miami and I can't wait! The stresses of customs combined with the lengthy waits at the baggage claim have made me decide to pack for this 7 day trip in a carry-on.

You've seen me pack in a carry-on for a business trip with the Report on Business, now I'm going to apply the same techniques when packing for a week of fun.

My trip is a City Vacation, and it will be hot during the days and cool at night. While we will definitely hit the beach & the pool, it's not a 'lay on the beach and rotate every 45 min' kind of trip. There will shopping & wandering (hello Miami Deco & Versace's Mansion!), dinners & evenings out (salsa dancing I hope!), and even gym-going....I know.

This kind of trip seems to require a lot of different kinds of clothing for difference kinds of activities but, done strategically, you can still be properly attired with lots of variety and YES: make it all into a carry-on bag.

I don't think I've ever done this before, but I'm going to share MY OWN wardrobe pieces with you right now. Ready? Here's what I'm bringing to Miami (outside of cosmetics, workout gear & socks/personals):

Steel Blue Stretch Cotton V-Neck T, Charcoal Grey Easy-Fit Tank, Mauve Matte Silk Jersey Asymmetrical Top, Steel Blue & Cream Floral Bustier

Charcoal Grey Cropped Skinny Pant, Dark Indigo Flare Jeans, Cream Self-Belt City Short

Mashable-Packable Multi-Coloured Strapless Day Dress, Steel Blue Matte Jersey Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Steel Blue Linen Blazer, Coral Pink Linen V-Neck Sweater

Chambray Tunic/Cover-Up, Green/Turquoise/Coral Pink Paisley Bikini, Turquoise Bikini

Nude Heels, Brown Wedge Sandals, Charcoal Grey Shimmery Thongs, Deep Purple Scarf, Brown Leather Shoulder Bag, Shell Coloured Shimmery Suede Clutch, Brown Wide Belt, Gas-Spill Metallic Twist 'n Tie Belt

And yes, it all fits in a carry-on! There's even enough room for a travel companion...sorry Minouchka, not this time!

What I love about this capsule: 1) The colour palette mixes a constant neutral (Charcoal Grey) with 4 flattering colours (denim blue, mauve, steel blue, and coral pink) that work well in warm weather, 2) The fabrics mix well together and for different levels of dress because they are light weight, smooth textured, and 3) Every piece does multiple duties so there's lots of bang for buck!

So where's the work out gear? I put it into my gym bag of course! This Lug Puddle Jumper also makes a perfect tote bag for travel. Lots of compartments and a tonne of internal space, I fit in two sets of workout gear, gym shoes, weight gloves, my laptop, iPod & earphones, and a slew of other odds & ends for the plane ride (like my laptop, trail mix & kale chips).

Ooh! One last tip: I choose to wear some of the heartier clothing on the plane so it doesn't take up valuable packing space. My 'travel outfit' will be the jeans with the chambray tunic, the jacket, accessorized with the platform shoes (with cute crochet sockettes for the Toronto portion), wide belt, large brown purse, and purple scarf. Upon arrival I can peel a layer or two off and feel perfectly suited for the Miami warmth!

Play with this capsule! I bet you can think up far more than just a week's worth of outfits here! And I'll show you some of the combos I wore when I return!

Get Dressed UP When You're Feeling Down!

This year, January 17th has the dubious honour of being 'Blue Monday', known as the most depressing day of the year. If you woke up with that 'down' feeling today, now you'll know why!

There's an neat calculation that identifies this day and pseudo-science/marketing ploy or not, I'd love to focus on how to face a dreary day with as much gusto and happiness as you can muster!

Tamara's Top 5 Tips for Dressing Up When You're Feeling Down

1. Choose colour - for yourself and for others!

Reds evoke activeness, positivity and energy, add a little to your outfit to coax an outgoing attitude.

Oranges a dose of wardrobe vitamin C! Known as a bright, fun, and conversational, a touch of orange may help promote social feelings and feelings of excitement.

Yellows The colour of spontaneity, yellows appeal as cheerful, warm, and inspired.

Purples inspire creativity, drama and draw people in. Use it to bring out your charm and allure!

2. Get Tactile

Choose fabrics that feel good on the skin give yourself a light touch every time you move and may give those around around you a cue to 'be nice'. There's nothing like super soft cottons, silks or cashmere to give you a bit of a lift. They feel luxurious, special and comforting - all great mood boosters!

3. Go To Your Go-Tos

Today's the perfect day for your no-fail outfit, the one that fits to a T and is complete with the right accessories. What could be better than setting yourself up for confidence boosting compliments?

4. Get Grooming!

Today's the day to put a little extra effort in making it a great hair day, and having your favourite cosmetics in place - even if that's just a little moisturizer and chapstick.

5. Put on a SMILE!

You're never fully dressed without it, and nothing does more to increase your face value ;) (how could I resist)

Kind of like going to the gym is normally the best thing you can do to fight lack of motivation, putting a little extra effort in your wardrobe routine goes a long way to combatting those 'I just don't wanna' feelings. Use these tips and you'll start to feel happy in no time!

Want to learn more about how to dress happy? Check out our services!

Winter Wondering...

OK, so we're facing December and Toronto is the only city in the country that has yet to see full-on snow. I hope I'm not 'jinxing' the situation but I am glad it gives us a bit more time to talk about winter coats and accessories.

I recently helped a client to get out of her black coat rut with the purchase of a beautiful royal purple boucle car length coat which we accessorized with a deep pink zigzag pleated scarf and coordinating black-plum leather gloves. Topping it off were a pair of black winterized suede 'shoeties' boots with delicate silver studs on the heels and a gorgeous black leather bag with a shoulder strap long enough to go over a coat sleeve.

Can you imagine what a joy she will be to look in the middle of February? She can't wait for the cold!

I know not everyone is brave enough to give up a black winter coat, and that's ok! It makes a fantastic base for interesting accessories! In fact, a reader, Andrea, wrote me with a question that I'm sure many of you have: "Tamara, is it ok to wear a black coat with a black bag and brown boots?"

I suppose it is, but I think we can have a lot more fun here. A couple of things to remember:

1. We have winter for a loooong time. I advise my clients to build a wardrobe of winter outerwear that suits their needs. For heaven's sake, would you wear the same outfit every day for 6 months? Didn't think so. So why would you wear the same coat, boots, and winter accessories every day until the thaw?
2. The idea is to make this outer layer look like just as much a thoughtful outfit as the rest of your clothing. Have fun with the accessories! They're easy to build on, replace and jazz up!

Here are a couple interesting & elegant options for that black coat, one that uses that brown accent but bumps it up by incorporating this winter's fur trend & one that uses berry tones and a little rock 'n roll bling:

Winter Accessory Magic! by Trademark Image Consulting featuring a beret hat

These are two simple ways to create interest with that plain old black winter coat. What's your favourite way to accessorize for winter?

Lift and Separate - Your Rear?

In the MSN/Sympatico article How to Dress Your Womanly Curves I provided a few style tips on how to avoid the dreaded Muffin Top. Another rear-view issue is figuring out how to lift and separate for a fuller behind. A fuller-looking rear end has been a coveted feature for a number of seasons now, and there are a number of ways to enhance what you've got....

1. Cut & Style

For flat rears, look for mid to high rise bottoms that fit well across the rear. No sagging under your tush or excess material across the top where your tush and your back meet. Trouser style pants can be a great choice. The pant should fall straight from the mid-rear to the hem, no hugging, pulling or sagging anywhere along the way.

2. Something in Your Pocket

Pocket placement and detail are critical! For a perky rear view, back pockets should be slightly raised on the pant, and placed straight on, or at a slight angle. Embellishment, and patch or box details are great tush enhancers.

Also note the pocket:tush ratio: Too small pocket = overwhelming tush, too big pocket = disappearing tush. Not good.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans have a 'Lift & Tuck' Technology that actually supports your bottom line!

3. Magic Pants!

The right foundation counts! There are lots of online resources, but having a pro fit you at a specialty shop like Avec Plaisir is as important for underwear as it is for bras.

Tush lifting undies are cleverly shaped and seamed to hike you up & round you out using your own shape. Want more? Try butt lifters & padded enhancers that are comfortable, breathable, and natural looking to....boot.

No matter what stylist tips & tricks you choose, what's most important is that every tush can look great - so proud of yours, and flaunt what you've got!