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Appearance Matters

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The Power of Appearance

The way we dress has a direct impact on our actions and attitudes. I like to think of it like a mirror's reflection; what you see on the outside is a direct reflection or representation of something else - of what's going on underneath. In short, what you wear matters, the way you do or don't do your hair matters, the way you look matters.

Starting from within, and knowing the importance that charm is all about what's inside, just think about those times when you're really happy with what you're wearing. Maybe it's that new shirt, or those comfortable jeans - whatever the article of clothing you find your confidence receiving a boost when you're wearing it. In turn, the times when you're caught "with your pants down", still in your pajamas or in your grungy work clothes, the insecurity soars. Why do you think royalty and people of leadership and high positions dress the way they do? They understand the power of appearance both inside and out. You can too.

The impact of your appearance affects everything and everyone you come into contact with. Let me share a personal experience to explain this truth. As a young newlywed, I put my knowledge of appearance tips to use and found instant results. My husband and I were getting the run around at a car dealership. I realized we were being treated like stupid, college kids because we looked the part! Upon learning that the dealership expected us to pay for unwarranted repairs that didn't fix the problem with our car, I decided I'd had enough. The next trip to the dealership I wore my best, red, business suit dress - my husband donned a shirt and tie. We didn't even make it to the door before basking in the results as salesman after salesman stumbled over themselves trying to get to us. Suddenly the entire dealership was alive with willing help; we were no longer invisible. The meeting with the management was in stark contrast to our earlier interactions as well; now we were being talked to with respect as paying, adult clients. Suddenly our business mattered, WE mattered, and all we changed was our appearance. We were treated in a manner that directly correlated to our professional dress and appearance, resulting in us walking away triumphant.

Make no mistake, appearance matters!

It's Time

"This is not a time to feel a victim of fashion, to put on makeup and clothes that you think will make you look terrific but not really comfortable. This is a time to enjoy what you own and get a lot of use out of it all." -Calvin Klein

Wardrobe Basics

Make a plan, make it a good one

For most of us wardrobe is a necessary evil, sometimes impulsive and often not planned. However, taking time to make a plan with your wardrobe is not only economical, it's smart. Pieces of your wardrobe should work together. Shirts, blouses, sweaters and jackets should go with skirts, trousers or jeans. This will give the greatest versatility and mileage, allowing a variety of outfits to be created by mixing and matching items then dressing them up or down with accessories.

First, it is important to make the distinction between fashion and fad. Fashion is timeless and balanced. Fad is the new and trendy styles that come and go; or extreme fashion. Your wardrobe will be more versatile and it won't cost you a fortune if you lean toward the side of fashion when making purchases.

Basics form the foundation of a good wardrobe. A basic is an item with a good classic style. It is a fabric without distracting texture or weave. It is a solid neutral color that works for you and picks up or compliments the general hues in your wardrobe. It is a garment that will go anywhere, anytime depending on how you accessorize it. It should transcend seasons when possible and should have no eye catching trim or detail.

Once you have a few basics, you can expound into adding other wardrobe items that enhance and build on your basic collection. With a little planning a small wardrobe can have great versatility and provide you with many different outfits. A few questions you can ask to help you build your wardrobe with purpose include:

Do the colors you have in mind for future purchases fit into your present wardrobe?

Are you thinking in terms of flattering your face and figure?

Will it be fashion-wise in twelve months?

Is occasion-keyed to fit into your way of life?

Does it dramatize your personality and enhance it?



Considerations should be made for body type and shape, as well as for lifestyle and daily use. Clothing should flatter the wearer. You should dress in a way that makes you feel your best and in a way that you would be comfortable being seen in public. How we dress has a direct impact on how we feel and consequently on how we perform our many duties.

“Celebrate the differences and seasons in your life. Clothing can reflect your attitude.”

Color, Color, Color!

Colors are a fascinating thing. They have incredible impact on our thoughts and they add beauty to everything. An understanding of colors will take you a long way in making the most of your appearance.

First, let's discuss some common myths and misunderstandings about color. The biggest myth is that people really can or should only wear certain colors. The reality is that anyone can make something look good. The trick is knowing how color hues can do most of the work for you! The key is to remember that colors are dynamic; no two colors alike. So to begin, let's start with color tones.

The simplest way to describe tones is to define them as warm or cool. Warm tones are exactly that, colors that have an appearance of warmth-dark earthy tones with a strong foundation in reds, oranges and yellows. These are colors you would typically associate with fall or summer. On the other hand, cool tones have a strong foundation in blues, pinks and purples; colors you typically associate with winter or spring. Remember, EVERY color has tones. So the key is to find the tone that suits you and then find the color that has that tone.

The easiest way to determine what tone is best for you is to get two colors of fabric or paper; one orange the other pink. Make sure the color swatches a bright. Stand in front of a mirror (or a friend-or both!) and hold one of them up to your face. Then switch and put the other color up. Usually, the difference will be self-explanatory. One will wash out your complexion and one will bring out a natural vibrancy. If you looked better with orange you should stick to warm tones. If you looked better with the pink you should stick to cool tones. If you couldn't really tell a difference, you're one of the lucky ones who can probably wear both tones equally well.

Color Meanings

So now that you have determined whether cool or warm tones are for you, simply look for clothing and fabric that carries those tones. For example, a piece of red fabric can have a more orange base making it warmer, or it could have a blue base making it cooler. So stop looking for the right color and start looking for the right tone of the color.

The next step is having a basic understanding of the meanings of color. Now, some take this to the extreme. I'm more into moderation. I like seeing some association behind the meaning of colors. I'll share some of my research on colors with you and you can be your own guide on where you take the information.
  1. BLACK
    Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black implies submission; priests wear black to signify submission to God. Black outfits can also be overpowering. The psychic qualities of black are steadfastness, stubbornness and solidity. If you know somebody is going to try to get you to change your mind about something, wear black during the argument. He will never win. Black is also the color of a strong sexual attraction, not the passionate lust of scarlet or crimson, but the subtle attraction that can lead to a deep and lasting relationship. If you want a one-night stand, wear crimson, but if you are looking for a serious soul mate, wear black on that special date. Black also helps eliminate worry and stress. If you are under pressure, wear black and it will help ease the tension. Black also helps you cut down on eating, so if you have a weight problem wear black.
  2. WHITE
    White is the color of true love, faithfulness, generosity, purity, truth, innocence and sincerity. Its qualities are cleanliness, self sacrifice and beginnings. Holiness and divinity in its feminine aspects are associated with white. Brides wear white because it represent purity and true love. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility. It also radiates health. So if you wish to ward off sickness, wear white. White is also the color of thrift and so a good color to wear when going shopping. It will prevent you from splurging or buying something expensive that you don't need. The combination of black for financial management and white for thrift is an excellent combination for the compulsive spender to wear while shopping. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. Black and white are authority colors.
  3. RED
    Red is the color of confidence, passion, love and lust. It symbolizes energy, passion, courage and action. It is associated with leadership, power, the will and the body. Spontaneity, impulsiveness and the instinctual sexual forces are its qualities. It stimulates activity, intensity and extroversion. Red is the most powerful color of all and the darker the red, the more violent and powerful it is. Red brings out the revolutionary and leads us into affirmative thought and action. Red is the warmest of all colors. On the negative side red can mean temper or anger. Red will give you a forceful manner, an air of confidence and the desire to win. The person who wears read gets what he or she wants whether it is the lady vamp out to snare her guy or the man who sports a red jacket at the racetrack. Red is also the color that combats injustice. If you have to go to court and you feel you are right, wear red.
  4. BLUE
    Blue is the color or peace, tranquility, loyalty and divinity. Idealism, sincerity, mental empathy and relaxation are associated with blue. It brings out affection, loyalty and inspiration. The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. That makes it a wonderful color to use in the home, especially for babies. Blue is soothing so a good choice for pajamas. Dark blue is the color of truth and moderation; a pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Blue is the coolest color and can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. Blue is the color of psychics. It can give you the insight to solve problems that have included you and helps you analyze difficult problems. Blue can help you turn down somebody who is trying to get you to give him a loan, or to borrow something from you. If you are always being pestered by moochers, wear blue. If you want your loved one to become less inhibited towards lovemaking, buy him or her something blue or a sapphire item of jewelry. Blue also helps people from being carried away by sudden passion. If you want your head to rule your heart, wear blue.
  5. GREEN
    Green is the color of nature, fertility, life and well being. Moderation, harmony, nurturing and diplomacy are its qualities. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. Green symbolizes the master healer and the life force and can also ward off sicknesses such as the common cold and other infections. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth, self-respect and harmony. Like nature it can draw away energy from being too physical or mental and introduce a stillness that produces a contemplative atmosphere. Relaxation issues from it. Green is favored by well balanced people. Light green creates a changeable personality, while dark green impels sudden burst of energy that can help get the job finished on time. If you find yourself listless on the job, wear dark green. If you want material change such as a better salary, better apartment, wear light green. Green is also the color of brutality and sadism, so don't wear green when you are going to be involved in situations in which violence may erupt. Green helps you gain self-confidence and it is a good color to wear while proposing to the one you love.
  6. YELLOW
    Yellow is the color of wisdom, joy, happiness, intellectual energy and power. Yellow means joy and happiness; it symbolizes the mental force, clarity, perception, understanding and wisdom. Confidence, curiosity and practical application of wisdom are it's qualities. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism. The shade of yellow determines the meaning. Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. People of high intellect favor yellow. Yellow and gold in metal is a ruling color. It represents leadership, ferocity, courage, fidelity, pride, ambition, command and power. If you want to command others as a boss and salesman, or promoter, wear a lot of gold rings and other ornaments. The woman who wants to be the center of her social world should also wear yellow and gold to make use of the psychic powers of this powerful color. Yellow impels others to notice and to follow. It is the color of the sun and radiates its psychic power.Yellow, yellow-orange, and yellow-green can raise a child's IQ by 10 points.
  7. PURPLE
    Purple is the color of creativity, royalty, good judgment, mystery and magic. Purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround your self with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Most children love the color purple. If you want your imagination to flourish wear purple. You'll find all kinds of inspiration and ideas coming to you. Purple is also the color of impulsiveness. Don't wear purple if you're going to a party and don't want to lose control. But it will allow you to let loose and have a good time. Mauve brings out your romantic and sexual nature. Members of the opposite sex will find you alluring in this color. Bright purple on the other hand, brings out your wild and crazy characteristics and wearing it will undoubtedly make others think you're interesting but unpredictable It is a color of those who intuit a deeper truth.
  8. ORANGE
    Orange is the color of social force, emotions, attractiveness, joy and independence. Orange means vitality with endurance. Self-assured, amiability and constructiveness are its qualities. Orange is the color of successful politicians. If you want to become involved in politics, wear something orange. Orange will also bring out qualities like bluntness of speech, good humor, health, confidence, generosity and frankness. But it also has the power to make people resent authority and rebel against conventional behavior. Orange is a good color for gamblers and professional entertainers. Orange and red-orange are appetite stimulants. Orange is about spreading joy and happiness and giving emotional pleasure. It helps become free of inhibitions and lightens the mood.Orange is a power color. It is a color that has almost conflicting meanings, as it is part red and part yellow. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere.
  9. PINK
    Pink is the color of balance, sanity and mental health. The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy. Pink is a quiet color. If you want to feel relaxed at home, pain your walls pink. If you suffer from insomnia, paint and decorate your bedroom in shades of pink and wear pink pajamas or lingerie. Pink sheets and pillow cases also lead to restful slumber. It is the color of meditation and helps restore harmony when discord exists. If you have had a quarrel with a loved one, wear pink when you try to patch this up. On the other hand, pink is the color laziness, so if your wife, husband or an employee shows signs of laziness, get him or her to wear something other than pink.
  10. BROWN
    Brown is the color of the earth and is abundant in nature. It is often associated with the material side of life. It symbolizes the earth, nurturing, contented sensuality and productivity. Passive, sensual, fertile and generous qualities are associated with brown. Wearing brown has an assured feeling of being very grounded in and belonging to feeling. Sensuality at its deepest roots is conjured by the infinite hues and tones of brown. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors. People who prefer brown are often conventional and orderly. The negative meaning of brown can be a repressed personality or a lazy person.
  11. SILVER
    Silver is the color of compassion, understanding and it helps you keep secrets. It symbolizes security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility and conservative practicality. It is the color of female energy, the moon treasure, values and radiates the moon's psychic powers. If a woman wants to keep her man home, she should give him a silver ring. If you want to keep your secrets to yourself wear silver, the color of secretiveness. But if you suffer from ulcers or digestive problems, don't wear silver. It can aggravate stomach disorders.

What Color Is Your Personality?

Color meanings go beyond outward appearance. When applied to our personalities a new view comes into focus. See how understanding personalities through colors can enhance your relationships with others.
What Color Is Your Personality: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green...

What Color Is Your Personality: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green...

by: Carol Ritberger Ph.D.

Amazon Price: $7.93 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

Accessorizing

Every ensemble comes to life when it is adorned with accessories. Generally, an accessory is any item worn that is not part of the general clothing or costume such as jewelery, belts, watches, ties, shoes, etc. Following some general rules and guidelines will help you feel successful.

Accessories are important and should be chosen with some thought and care. Your handsomely styled costume can be ruined by a bag, hat, shoes, gloves or jewelry that is wrong for you, the time of day, or the "feel" of the clothes being worn. It is wise for you to not only choose the correct accessories, but to choose those that give your ensemble a flair.

Accessory Color Rules

There are rules for assembling accessories and, although current fashion may come up with ideas that contradict the rules, they are safe to follow when in doubt.

First, understand the general color overview:
Basic Colors: Include black, brown, navy blue and sometimes wine and dark green.
Neutral Colors: Include white, beige, gray and tan.
Bright Colors: Include all others.
  1. When wearing bright colored accessories with the basic colors do not wear more than two that match.These two should be neither too far apart nor too close together.
  2. It is advisable not to use more than three different colors in accessories and these must all have some relationship to the basic costume and to each other.
  3. We must never combine two basics in the same ensemble except when Dame Fashion decrees that brown.
  4. If your costume is in a dark color and your hat is the bright accent, dark shoes and bag are indicated.
  5. Pastel and white shoes may be worn with white or pastel dresses, be aware that light, bright colors attract attention. Do you want it centered on your feet and legs?
  6. Sheer hosiery will reduce the size of the leg. It is always safe to wear a color that blends with the costume.
  7. It is desirable, but not absolutely necessary, to match the texture of the bag and shoes. A leather bag should be worn with leather shoes. Suede shoes, however, may be worn with a fabric bag, such a s a broadcloth.

Rule of 14

The secret to being the best dressed

The "Rule of 14" is a point system. Once you have a good idea of how to calculate your points you can easily do a personal assessment of whether you are over or under dressed. The goal is 10-12 points, anything over 14 denotes too much.

Counting points is easy. Your basic clothing should bring you up to about 5-6 points. Leaving you with half of your points made up in accessories. These accessories are anything from nail polish to jewelry to makeup to hair clips, etc. There are no hard rules, but these general ones should get you going. The following is a basic list to get you started:

Earrings (1 point per set)
Makeup/Lips (1 points)
Hair Clips, Barrettes, Headbands, etc. (1 point for each)
Necklace (1 point each)
Ring (1 point each)
Nail Polish (1 point )
Bracelet or Anklet (1 point each)
Nylons or socks (1 point)
Shoes (1 points)
Clothes (1 point per item, patterns and colors can add points)
Special or flashy accents like metal buttons, sequins on shoes, etc. (1 point each)

When you're all dressed and ready, you count up your points starting with your feet. If you have less than 10 points, add a few more items. If you've already counted 14 and you're not done, start taking a few things off to bring your number down to 12-14. After a while, you'll be so used to the way the 10-14 points look that you'll find you won't even need to count your points anymore. But you might find yourself counting points on everyone else a round you for a while!

My Other Charm Lenses

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Does it matter to you?

  • familystorykeeper Nov 28, 2010 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    You have some interesting information on how color affects us. I'll have to try some of your suggestions. Thanks for writing such an interesting lens.
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Who's Holly?

A former pageant participant and runner up, poise & confidence coach and licensed cosmetologist, Holly loves all things charm. She enjoys sharing what she's learned and hopes yo do too!
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HappyBusyBee

Holly is a talent nomad happily married to a Squid. She believes that when you're green you're growing and when you're ripe you rot. So here's to eternal... more »

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