How The Economy Affects Fashion

Wondering about the economy? I know I am. Even Fashion Week seemed different. Less bling and more day wear.

Know what I think? Shop anyway.

Sure, some stores will be doing better than others in the months ahead. But the most successful will be those with their eyes on the economy: a little less bling and luxury, a little more day wear than evening wear. It's the mood of the consumer.

We're more interested in basic clothing that can be versatile. We're less interested in "trendy" this or that, because it costs more. We all want a little more bang for the buck because we still want to look our best even if times are tough.

Here's one tip: spice up old outfits with new accessories. You can add a new belt to an old jacket. You can cinch the waist of an old top. You can add new shoes or a necklace. You can layer old items and create a very different look. You can mix and match for depth. You can do all sorts of things to help you stretch your bottom dollar. Just whatever you do, don't dress like a mess just because people say the economy will be a rough ride.

Instead, try on some new tricks. For example, I like to pair old outfits with bright new shoes. I also like the newest trend that suggests you can mix color palettes: dark wash jeans or khakis with teal top might do the trick. Try it with a light green jacket and purple or red shoes. I know it doesn't sound like a match. You have to see it to believe it.

The secret comes into play because some color tones can work like a neutral color. As a neutral color, they'll go with anything. Keep that in mind when you are out there shopping on a budget. Stick to the basics. Buy neutral tones for more options. And always look for new jackets and accessories to spice up your wardrobe. I really hope that helps! Hang in there!

Wishing you peace, love, and joy in your life, every day! :)

Dress As If ... It's Already So

One of my clients said she is looking to move up in her company. She even has her eyes set on a new position.

The current position doesn't require too much effort. She doesn't even have to dress up for work. For the most part, she can wear jeans and a sweatshirt to work everyday.

When she told another coworker what position she would applying for, her friend told her the truth.

"You have to start acting as if it is already yours, which means dressing the part."

That's why she gave me a call. She had no idea where to start. Now, I've heard these famous words before. It's not even all that different from "fake it until you make it."

Sure, my quote doesn't sound as a nice, but it's virtually the same it. So valuable that it really doesn't matter how you say it. So valuable, I wonder if anyone pays attention anymore.

If you want something like a new job, new car, new relationship, then you have to start acting as if it is so. If you had that job, or that relationship, or those successes, how would you act? How would you dress?

When I first started my business over a year ago, I went to my first appointment as if I had already completed thousands. Was it honest? Well, before becoming a professional, I had already been giving fashion advise for years. And I had helped people shop and dress for success. I might not have been paid to do it, but I still had ample experience.

Now I am paid for it. Now there are dozens of people asking for more of my time. Now I'm ready to take my company to the next level: more clients, more workshops, and more corporate training sessions. Some of it is new, but not so new that I haven't already played out the steps in my mind more than a hundred times. Just like you. Just like my friend. I have to act as if it is so.

If you really want something, the first step is to visualize it in your mind as if it is already done. You have that job. You have the relationship. You have the next big account. Even if you don't, start acting as if you do and dressing the part. Before you know it, it will be so.

Wishing you peace, love, and joy in your life ... because I know it's already so.