Women's body image - enough is enough!

Recent events with Justin Bieber calling a Hyatt Regency Perth hotel guest a beached whale have raised concerns around body image.  Click here to hear the radio interview on 2dayfm.

There are three issues that matter:

• A high profile celebrity in a powerful position missed an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to society.  Calling on #Hugh Jackman or #Will Smith to step up and provide some guidance and mentoring to the young celebrity in the middle of this issue.  C'mon guys.  Boys learn to be a man from a man. 

•  Given his fan base are young women, who are prone in teenage years to have major concerns about their body image, this is a major issue.  The media do not help either.  Click on this link to watch what Jean Kilbourne has to say about the media and women's body issues: media & body image

• Women are on the cusp of coming to a position where they are begining to accept their body as it is.  I love seeing full figured women in a swim wear, proud of their curves.  Pregnant women proudly display their growing belly with fitted clothing instead of the tents we used to wear years ago.  The insult of a curvy, size 12 - 14 young woman is totally unacceptable.  Enough is enough.

Finally, bravo Dove for embarking on a campaign to change the way we see ourselves!  This four minute video illustrates the emotion of what happens when an artist draws women and they realise their beauty.  The awakening is so very beautiful.

We are all absolutely fabulous, just the way we are.

How do you see your body? Are you able to honour the uniqueness that is you?

Helen Robinett - BIO

Executive Stylist & Coach, Animal Lover, Speaker, Gardener, TFIA Trainer, Mother, Author, Stylist Mentor, Conscious Styling Innovator

Helen Robinett is obsessive about helping people to feel fantastic about themselves. With a background of over 20 years in sales and marketing coupled with extensive experience advising leading corporate and individual clients, Helen understands why personal and professional image are key ingredients in business success. Helen works with clients to develop a comprehensive image-management strategy and ensures that staff reflect the image and branding of the company.

Helen is experienced in delivering dynamic presentations designed to inspire and enlighten.  Popular topics include the importance of first impressions; managing perceptions of those around you; dressing for where you want to be; disrupting the style rules for leaders and effective wardrobe management.  Helen is known for her warmth, humour and impactful style.

She has extensive retail experience in men’s and women’s leading fashion labels on both national and international levels.

Her ability to maximize the potential look and feel of individual personalities and corporate cultures is second to none.  Helen is recognized within government and corporate environments as the ‘go to’ person for executive styling.  Clients who have experienced Helen’s magic touch often speak of having a new attitude and approach to their work and life.

She is one of only six image professionals in Australia who has achieved the designation of Certified Image Professional through the Association of Image Consultants International and has published a book on Personal Branding, Apprentice to Business Ace.  She is also a recent edition in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Who’s Who of Australian Business Women.

Helen Chairs the board for TRY Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne.                                           

Why do women love to browse and shop?

Long have men complained that women spend hours 'shopping' without buying anything.  What could motivate women to throw away their time so frivolously?  Perhaps, as the quote below identifies, women simply gain pleasure from the activity - or, if going with friends, it provides them with a setting for social interaction.

Clearly, shopping and browsing fulfil emotional needs.  Researchers Falk and Campbell argue that Shopping is seen as essential not just because it is the only means of obtaining information about the full range of items available for purchase, but also because it is recognised that it is only through direct exposure to items for sale that the experience of 'desire' which general 'wanting' can occur.  However, in addition to this, the activity of shopping whether any purchases are made or not.  They refer, for example, to the pleasure to be had in 'just looking around', in a way which suggests that a fundamentally aesthetic and expressive gratification is involved (Falk & Campbell, 1997 p. 170)

So here we have it.  Women will refer to shopping as a 'trip', seeing it as a leisure activity in its own right.  One of the 6 core needs of human beings is connection.  We need to connect.  Can't do that on the internet, eh?

I'm quite convinced many women shop without any intention to purchase.  If the retailer can engage them, they will get the sale.

It all comes down to the experience for the client and how the retailer can engage them.

If you are a retailer, how are you creating the experience for your client?

A special invitation to view Autumn/Winter 2014 ....

           

Style by Wesson in conjunction with Helen Robinett and Image Quest invite you and a colleague/friend to experience our no obligation Style by Wesson exclusive preview of next year’s Autumn and Winter fashions at three beautiful locations:

Melbourne on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 November at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Sydney on Monday night 25 November and Tuesday 26 November at Sheraton on the Park from 8:30 am until 7:30pm. 

Perth on Thursday night 5 December, Friday 6 December at the Hyatt Regency from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm and Saturday 7 December from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Your discernment has brought you a long way, and because you understand the difference between fashion and style, you never compromise on quality.   May we introduce you to Style by Wesson, an exclusive style and couture service for women who have most things but time.   Style by Wesson stands for elegance, quality, and that contemporary yet timeless look that comes from the world’s great designers.

In a one-on-one personal, pressure-free hour of style and French bubbles, clients are able to preview (and buy if they choose) the latest from the leading European fashion houses.  Labels include Hugo Boss, Just Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe Missoni and more. Our fitting and alterations specialists will also be there.

When clients leave, they know that their autumn/winter styles and accessories are perfectly catered for.

You are under no pressure to buy, although all stock is available for purchase. You won’t be disappointed.

Looking forward to pampering you while you relax and enjoy this exclusive preview of next year’s Autumn / Winter 2014 fashions.

To book with Helen for your personal appointment 

phone 0409 324 248 or email helen@imagequest.com.au

Is the customer always right?????

I'm curious about the relationship between the retail customer and the retail store.  Is it true that the customer is always right?  Does the customer have the right to lie and be overwhelmingly rude?

So my curiosity led me to open a conversation with a couple of my favorite retailers about how this plays out for them.

One store with several decades of experience had a situation with a mother of the bride that left me speechless.  She had a couture dress made and the day of the final fitting arrived.  The wedding had been called off and mother had gained 5 kilos.  Needless to say the dress did not fit and she flew into a rage, blaming the dressmaker and the store.  She decided to take the store to the small claims tribunal to get a full refund.  After all, she no longer had a need for this garment.

The store attempted negotiation on several occasions and she refused initially until she was made aware it was a crucial part of the process.  She raised her voice at retail staff, pointed her finger and refused to make eye contact.  The store took the high road and gave her a credit in the store for the value of the garment.  Why?  Because they are fierce about protecting their reputation in the area.  They know they can't afford the negativity because of the perception that the customer is always right.  Was the bride's mother right?

The other store retails shoes.  One Monday morning, a woman in her 60's entered the store to return the shoes she had purchased two weeks ago for an event.  She claimed that she had not worn them and had changed her mind.  The shoes were clearly scuffed on the bottom and had heavy indentation marks of where her toes had been.

When the manager kindly pointed this out the lady became angry and threw the shoes at her, yelling loudly that she will make sure her friends NEVER enter the store.  The manager thanked the customer for her promise and wished her a good day.  Well, customers like that you don't want back do you?  Seriously, what was this woman thinking???  Was this customer right?

The retailers that I work with are among the most brilliant merchandisers and stylists I have ever seen.  Their customer service skills are outstanding and they manage to retain generations of clientele in the same family.  They work hard and they live to serve.  They actually love what they do and see it as a fabulous career path.

My daughter works in retail.  She's 22 and at times is treated atrociously by customers, especially at Christmas time.  After each shift she works, we play a game of Hi/Low.  What was the high and what was the low of the shift.  It always revolves around a connection with a customer.  It's never about the product.

One of her favorite experiences was a famous Essendon footballer coming into the store with his pre school daughter to choose a gift for Mum.  He empowered his young daughter to ask for what she wanted for her Mum.  He encouraged her to find her own voice.  At the same time he was respectful towards Gab, trusting her to connect with his daughter.  She felt privileged with the task.

One the lows (and it's a regular one) is when a customer enters the store, they are greeted "Hello, how's your day been?"  When the reply is snapped "I'm JUST looking - I'll call YOU if I NEED you" it makes me wonder, what the hell?????  Where do some people get off?

So this Christmas people, please consider that the retail team member you are about to snap at is someone's mother, someone's beautiful husband or my daughter.  Play above the line and BE NICE!

Styling Workshop for Professional Women - CYLK

Express Styling Workshops for women who are time poor and need to build some interesting corporate pieces at an affordable price.

Workshops are limited to 3 in each session to ensure you get the personal connection
necessary to get the results you need. Champagne will be served and we guarantee a
load of fun!

CYLK is Australian owned and designed. New stock will be hitting the floor on the day of
our workshop. Sizes 6 - 14. You will enjoy 15% off your purchases on the night.

What's in it for YOU?
• personal style direction diagnosis
• personal colour analysis and individual best contrast levels
• 1:1 time to play with garments in the store that will best suit your needs. You get to try things you
would never have thought of!
You will be amazed at how some of them WILL actually work!

• champagne and light refreshments
• advice on what's going on in your wardrobe NOW
• advice on how to build a 'story' and why that matters to save your cash

Who is this workshop for? The woman who:

• is not sure of where to shop for quality, innovation & the right price
• is time poor
• needs to know how to make corporate suiting look interesting for business and smart casual
• has an interest in comfy shapewear
• is tired of wasting money on stuff she is simply not wearing!

Fee: $220 ph You may be able to claim this fee as a tax deduction.

Date:    Wednesday 23 October

Time:    630 - 830 pm

Please email Helen@imagequest.com.au
or call 0409 324 248 to book now

Top Competencies of Great Leaders

A fabulous article arrived in my in box this morning from Women's Agenda on the top 16 competencies of great leaders and how women lead the way.

Got me thinking about what the bugger is going on in this country!  Ok, first world problem - yes, it is.

In my role as Chair for Try Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne, our current board is represented by 5 women and 5 men.  It was an all male board when I joined.   I actively sought the right person with the right skill set regardless of gender.  Over the time I have been in the role there have been times we have had more men, more women .....  but always the right people.

Relating to women in board positions, the current statistics are dismal. Only 15.6% of directors on ASX 200 boards are women whilst 23.5% of all ASX 200 companies are yet to appoint a single woman. There are only seven (or 3.5%) female CEOs of ASX 200 companies.

And how many women with a portfolio in the Liberal Party??????

The journalist was once told by a female board recruiter that change is more likely to occur when the Chair has an appetite for risk. Her experience with recommending women for ASX 200 Board positions was that women were still largely considered a risk.  Seriously??????

And yet a study conducted by consultants Zenger and Folkman that was published in Harvard Business Review found that women make better leaders than men, so where is the justification for the perception of risk?

Their research identified 16 competencies that top leaders display and found that women were better than men in 12 of them, equal in three and only slightly behind for one.

The competencies that women outshone men in were:

• Takes initiative
• Practices self-development
• Displays high integrity and honesty
• Drives for results
• Develops others
• Inspires and motivates others
• Builds relationships
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Establishes stretch goals
• Champions change
• Solves problems and analyses issues
• Communicates powerfully and prolifically
    
  My observation of the above is that I believe it to be entirely accurate.  I have over the past 10 years as an image professional and NFP board member observed these competencies in my clients and fellow board members.  What has been missing is the transference of the visual and vocal impact that communicates the existence of these competencies.  A man can easily wear a suit.  A woman has more to consider when presenting herself professionally.  Managing your professional image and brand as an executive is crucial to success if you are seeking a new role, a board position or a promotion.  If you intend to stay doing what you are doing, perhaps it's not an issue!
  
  The competencies where men and women were equal:
  
  
• Connects the group to the outside world
• Innovates
• Technical or professional expertise

The competency in which men were deemed better:

• Develops a strategic perspective

Source: "A Study in Leadership: Women Do It Better Than Men," Zenger Folkman, 2012.

The corporate world is running out of excuses for its poor gender diversity showing. It is time for the flagging ASX companies to appoint women to help resurrect their fortunes. Aside from anything else they owe it to their shareholders.

So, together with my colleague Sandra Baigel from Voice and Word, we are developing a program for women to address vocal impact and personal branding for emerging professional leaders.  Our 5 hour workshop is designed to assist those who have been in a middle management role for 2-5 years and are ready for the next level.

If this sounds like someone you know, please share the information.  It's time for our emerging professional leaders to gain some more skills around how they are perceived out there!  Express your interest here:  helen@imagequest.com.au

In the meantime, I'm interested in your thoughts .....

Creating the experience - Retail & Stylist

Australian retailers and stylists are new kids on the block when it comes to creating an experience for the client ...

I've experienced being ignored by fashion retailers, asked if I'm right, told to yell out if I need help and told that nothing will fit me in this store.

I have experienced the work of many image professionals and stylists.  I've had first hand experience of the good, the bad and the butt ugly. 

One stylist told me my time was up and I needed to pay another fee if I required her to continue.  Rapport broke instantly .... and she had no idea.

Another one opened my eyes to new possibilities by creating new combinations from what I already had.  I could not see this for myself.  Money well spent on that clever stylist!  Of course I rebooked that one.  She created an awesome experience for me.

I believe in taking a dose of my own medicine.  How can I best serve my own clients if I am not on the receiving end of a styling consultation?

As a professional stylist, I am very aware of the need to create the experience and have good relationships with fashion retailers.  Treating them with the respect they deserve and enrolling their assistance has stood me in good stead for my client.

Some retailers are GOLD at helping to create a fabulous experience for clients and others just don't give a toss.  I'm liking the GOLD experience personally, and I know from feedback that my clients like to roll that way too.

I'd love to hear what has worked for you and what experiences you just won't revisit ...........

Styling Workshops for Professional Women

Express Styling Workshops for women are time poor and need to build some great basics for work and life:

This coming Sunday 15 September 2013

12-2pm  & 3-5pm  

Etal, 1002 High St Armadale

Workshops are limited to 3 in each session to ensure you get the personal connection necessary to get the results you need.  Champagne will be served and we guarantee a load of fun!

What's in it for YOU?

• personal style direction diagnosis
• personal colour analysis and individual best contrast levels
• 1:1 time to play with garments in the store that will best suit your needs.  You get to try things you would never have thought of!  You will be amazed at how some of them WILL actually work!
• champagne and light refreshments
• advice on what's going on in your wardrobe NOW
• advice on how to build a 'story' and why that matters to save your cash

Who is this workshop for?  The woman who:

• knows it's time for a freshen up
• is time poor
• needs to know how to make basics work harder for work and social
• is tired of wasting money on stuff she is simply not wearing!

Fee:   $270 ph ($220 for the first 3 to book in!)  You may be able to claim this fee as a tax deduction.

Please email helen@imagequest.com.au or call 0409 324 248 to book now.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week

Melbourne truly is the capital of fashion in Australia and #MSFW for 2013 did not disappoint! The Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia #TFIA hosted a session on Building the Retail Relationship.  Well, I could not get myself a ticket quick enough to hear the experts opinions on this hot little topic! Why do we have bad customer service in retail fashion?  Well the consensus is that retail in Australia is not seen as a cool job to keep.  Ok while you are at uni, transitioning into something else.  There are no commissions paid (unlike the USA).  One panel member suggested that a culture needs to be created to retain staff and keep customers coming back.  One Aussie label who does this well is Black Milk.  Bloody awesome leggings and tight dresses for a certain age group.  It seems I have lost my daughter (aged 22) to a Black Milk cult of some sort.  She can't get enough.  They engage their consumers and its all made on Aussie turf.

Engagement is just one of the core competencies for any good retail team member.  Great people management is another.  Being able to empower team members and consumers is crucial today.

On line shopping is not even 20% of all retail sales, so brands can't blame the internet for a drop in sales.  Indeed Levi's Australia do not even have an on line store!  An old brand who continue to innovate.  Way to go!

Today's consumer is more informed.  The retail team need technology at their fingertips to keep up.  Engaging the consumer and building a relationship is crucial.  More than ever, boutiques need to work together to help each other.  There are a bunch of retailers in Flinders Lane doing exactly this!  Lenko Boutique have a fabulous strategy to engage their client and don't hesitate to refer the client on to another boutique who will have what they want.  That's integrity!

I'm still not convinced our major department stores have got the whole 'service' thing handled.  Despite them telling us so ..... think I'll wait for the experience.  It has not happened yet.

Gillian Franklin from The Heat Group spoke of investing heavily in people.  She stated that consumers are challenging brands, wanting to know 'who are you'?  I believe that with the internet at our finger tips we can see just how sustainable you are as a brand.  In the retail store, she believes we need to bring back excitement and vitality.  The consumer wants it.

This highly principled lady makes her people a focus, all experiences are a learning and she knows that she is a brand and never compromises on her principles.  I like it!

Consumers will always want to engage, particularly women.  The retail fashion environment needs to one that welcomes us in, not frighten us off!

What's your retail fashion experience?  Share where the good service is!

Distracted .......

I found myself watching an interesting TED talk on you tube recently.  An American speaker, bloody brilliant really.  Her message is all about brand strategy.  Pretty good stuff.  She's energetic, no bulltish and some really good content comes out of her mouth.  This lady knows her stuff, that's for sure.  Impressive.

Distraction ....

I had to restart the you tube .... you see, I got distracted - visually. 

Not by the tattoo sleeve on her left arm.  I'm a big fan of body art.  Express yourself - go ahead.  I have.

The strappy dress didn't distract me either.  It was the amount of flesh exposed vs the black dress.  On noticing my reaction, I was quite shocked at my lack of focus in paying attention to what she was saying.  I had to dig deeper to wake up to what was going on in my brain.  Human beings are highly visual.  I can't possibly hear what you are saying when I am distracted visually.

You see, with the filter that I wear (and yes, we all have one) I believe that delivering a TED Talk is one of those amazing opportunities to be respected and treasured.  Indeed, it is on my bucket list as one of the things I will tick off before I kick the bucket.

No Distraction

Check out the difference between these images.  Still a black strappy dress, but this one has more balance between flesh and dress.

Consider the possibility that you may have an awesome message, and no-one is listening to you because they are .....  distracted.

Post a comment if you have an opinion.  Otherwise, don't!

A Woman's Handbag - a new perspective

I was out bag and shoe shopping with an Image Quest VIP recently at Ricardo Ferro in Ivanhoe, Melbourne.  It's a unique and fabulous experience for accessory shopping in Melbourne's North East suburbs.  Joe and Ivana import beautiful Italian shoes and bags at a fraction of the price you might expect to pay elsewhere.

What I really love about this place is the SERVICE!  Staff know their product and go out of their way to assist and genuinely serve the client.  Rare these days.

My divine client was looking for a bag to house her ipad and other bits and bobs she carts about.  It needed to have a shoulder strap to enable her to be hands free.  Some of the bags fitted the bill but did not have the shoulder strap.  Mmmmm ......

Over the arm!

Joe commenced a conversation about Australian women and their desire for the shoulder strap on her hand bag.  Interesting to note that in Italy, women wear their bag over their arm as an accessory to the outfit.  They would not even consider using a shoulder strap.  Why?

1. Potential damage to the garment at the shoulder line
2.  Potential damage to the body of whacking the spine out of alignment due to the bag weight
3. It just looks bad

Italian women also love a coloured bag.  We feel so much safer wearing a black or beige bag, eh?

Beige Bag

Seems us Aussie sheilaghs have a way to go in the fashion stakes.  We think we are focused on function rather than style, yet we are doing ourselves some damage in the process.

My VIP is now strutting her stuff with her bag over her arm.  Her fears about looking like the Queen Mother have now vanished into thin air!

Methinks we can have it all, function and style by wearing the bag over the arm as opposed to the shoulder.  So if it's ok for the Queen, it's ok for me too.  Off I go wearing my bag over my arm today as I phaff about looking stylish .......... Keeping my spine in line and health in check.

Where do you wear your bag?

Innovating YOUR personal brand in business

I recently attended a Network Central breakfast at the Park Hyatt.  Robynne Berg from Berg Consulting spoke on INNOVATION.

Richard Branson - Innovator

So, interesting to hear that competency in business is no longer enough.  Human Capital (as corporates call them) or People (as I call them) need to be innovative in behaviour and approach.  An MBA is no longer enough.  Smart leaders are bringing together different people to generate innovative thought for the business.

You see, innovators see the world differently to everyone else.  'Aha' moments are the breeding ground of innovation.  You know that moment when you are in the shower, out walking the dog, sitting on public transport or battling the traffic and a weird thought pops into your head?  This is innovation.  And innovation needs experimentation.  It's really cool to test your idea out, allow it to fail, learn from it and go again.

'Aha' moments ......

I see this time and time again with leaders and emerging professional leaders in business with stepping their image and branding up to match their brains.  Let's face it, anyone can wear a suit.  Easy done.  We never see Richard Branson in a suit.  His image and branding is completely unique and it works for him.  He has a relaxed style direction and we can see it.

The challenge comes with understanding WHO you are in terms of your personality style and unique values.  Knowing how to project that into the garment, so that the world gets to really see who you are in business is magic!  People do business with people they like and trust.  Visually, this can be built in a way that uniquely serves you.

So, the intention is to play, experiment and have a go.  Hit control, alt, delete on assumptions and expectations on what works for your image and step outside your comfort zone.  Question why.  The corporate suit is no longer the 'ideal' for leaders in business.

Innovation comes in design, interesting cut, fabric and fit.  Leaders and innovators need to stand out a bit and communicate their difference in many ways.

Australian Fashion Designers are leading innovation.  Among my favorites are Ted Baker, almarker, materialbyproduct, Collette Dinnigan

The brain can rewire new skills.  How cool is that?

Time to innovate and update your image?  Be one of the first 5 to connect at helen@imagequest.com.au for a FREE 30 minute coaching session on your personal image.

Consciously styling all over the world with a carry on cabin bag .....

So, I know what you are thinking.  It simply cannot be done.  Well ….  WRONG!  It can be and I can prove it.

I’ve just spent two weeks in India with a carry on cabin bag.  Yes!  I did and I have witnesses to prove it.

Before you pack, three things you must consider:

1.     The climate you are travelling to (consider the indoor environment as well – air conditioning/heating)

2.     The cultural aspect of your destination – aspects to be respectful of

3.     Your itinerary – what will you be doing?

Chennai

So, once you have these questions answered in your head, the rest is a no-brainer.  Here’s how my trip to Chennai in India went.  Climate?  Bloody hot vs bloody cold air conditioned environment.  Culturally, it was important that India is not the place for ‘sassy’ dressing.  So that means arms and legs remain respectfully covered.  I spent one week in a spiritual retreat and one week checking out the locals and doing a spot of shopping as well as just hanging by the pool at the Taj hotel.

Now you are busting to know what was in my bag eh?  Ok, suspense over.  Here it is.

On the plane I wore black stretchy pants, long sleeve top, cotton drill jacket with hood, strappy sandals with a heel (because I can!) and the wool wrap.

Cropped black pant (almarker)

cropped white pant (Verge from Silver Maple)

flowy printed hippy pant

flowy calf length skirt (Flower)

strappy sundress (Valley Girl)

Tops from almarker

3 x light weight tops with ¾ length sleeves 

green

beige

orange

2 x bras

2 x knickers

1 x swimsuit and crushable hat

1 pair flat shoes

1 pair thongs or flip flops

Hippie pant $10 from Valley Girl

Wrap tie top in beige

2 x camisoles

1 necklace

1 pair earrings

What else?

toiletries decanted into small containers

Ipad

book

journal 

5 x coloured pens

 

Wraps from almarker, materialbyproduct & Ishka

5 x lightweight wraps

Orange & white from materialbyproduct

Colourful wrap at the top from almarker

Chillies wrap from Ishka

All 4 doubled up as headbands

1 x wool wrap (gift from Christina!)

Every day, I had a different outfit on. 

Secret No. 1

The wrap or scarf.  I do have hair that needs styling with a good hairdryer and a GHD.  I use head scarves when I travel instead.  They add colour to my base neutral travel wardrobe.

Secret No. 2

Colour co-ordinate so that everything goes back with everything else.  Honestly, I would never wear a top over a dress at home, but doing so in India gave the illusion of another skirt and covered my shoulders to be respectful.  I could have created over 30 outfits with what I had in that little bag but I didn’t need to.  I could have stayed another two weeks in India with the contents of that little bag.

Secret No. 3

Get the fabric right so you are comfortable.  Everything I had was right for the climate and did not crush.  There simply must be enough room in your garments if you are travelling to hot climates.  The human body will retain fluid.  You want to be feeling comfy so ditch the tight jeans for this trip.

So, then I also came home with a singing bowl for my meditation practice, a sari and several scarves as gifts.  It all fitted.  I checked my carry on bag in the hold on the way home, just because I could. 

My new American sisters Bridgette & Brittany

Now, I must say that my buddies I travelled with, did not quite get to the bottom of their bags.  I know it’s ‘normal’ to want to take a whole lot of stuff you simply don’t need.  And it happens!  My advice?  Surrender the need to carry so much clutter. 

Nice to travel light and really immerse in the experience of your trip instead of your baggage. 

Give it a go!  And yes, a pre trip shopping & packing service is available to make your trip easier for you.  For more information please email helen@imagequest.com.au

Bon Voyage!!!!!   Tell us about how YOU pack to travel now ........

In the wardrobe with ...... Anita Noitz

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Anita Noitz - favorite dress from Husk

Anita is a smart and interesting lady with an incredibly diverse career that has led to some interesting transition in her wardrobe ….

In a senior position at L'Oréal Anita had quite an avante gard style of power dressing in block colour.  She was confident and out there!  She left the workforce for 8 years to live overseas and have children.  It was during this time, that she lost her mojo.

When her children were young, Anita entered the direct selling industry to work around her family and learn new skills to earn an income to further her development.  She was wearing the leisure wear that the company promoted.  Sub consciously, she knew that this did not communicate to the world who she was as a woman.  Crikey!  I remember this time and every time I saw her in this gear, it was a mis-match. This period lasted 6 years.  In her wisdom, Anita worked with a coach to consider some options and discovered she had undeveloped coaching and teaching ability. 

Junior Gautier 80’s jacket remodeled - over 30 years old.

Through mentoring and coaching she is now helping people push through their personal barriers that are holding them back from achieving their highest potential in business and personal life.  Using a variety of profiling tools, she peels back the onion to reveal a new awareness that enables her clients to leave limiting behaviours in the past.  I have experienced incredible shift from Anita’s work and highly recommend it if you are committed to stepping up to the next level.

So, time to meet this lovely lady!

Favorite heels

How would you describe your style?

I like individual pieces that make a statement.  I tend to welcome an innovative and dramatic look, yet it needs to be comfortable.  I have a very small wardrobe that serves me well.  Having travelled extensively, I’ve learned to work with less.  The fact that I work with a variety of clients in different locations and I love what I have, it’s not an issue.   I’m really coming into my own now and finding my own style.  While I can’t say I get it right all the time, I know I still have some orphans but when I invest in certain pieces, I feel fantastic in them.

Vivienne Westwood 15 yr old dress & Intasia knit purchased

What’s changed for you with your new career direction?

I have consciously changed my hairstyle to be softer and more feminine to assist with rapport building.  Fabrics and patterns are also more in line with rapport building because what I do with people is so personal.  It’s become more about how I communicate visually now, more than ever.  I’m really loving what’s in my wardrobe right now. 

What would you never wear again?

A classic suit.  Boring and does not speak to who I am.  I own one suit and never wear it as a suit.

Karen Millen hot date dress

What will you add to your collection now?

I’m in need of basic pieces like tops and pants.  And of course I need shoes.  I was known at L'Oréal as the shoe queen.

Tell us about your fashion values?

I’m an avid recycler and pass clothing onto the brotherhood to recycle.  I don’t like disposable fashion and avoid it.  It only lasts a few wears, hurts the planet with landfill and is not a good way to live.

Where do you shop?

I’m not as confident to shop as I would like to be, but I do like local boutiques.  My last purchase was a charcoal leather jacket in India.

Hand embroidered gift from Grandmother at 13

I’m inspired by Anita’s values towards her wardrobe and the age of some of her favorite items.  I love the innovation and diversity that caters for the ability to choose every day.  As women we play many roles in life: mother, business owner/career, lover, friend and our wardrobe needs to cater for all.  Anita is a great example of getting it right without having too much or spending too much. 

Slippers from Mongolia 2 yrs ago

Anita, thank you for allowing us into your wardrobe and sharing your journey with us!  If you would like to know more about how Anita can assist you to reach your highest potential, you can connect with her here on Linked In.  She is offering 8 sessions for the price of 6 when you mention this blog article.  My experience has been transformational.

If you would like Image Quest's guidelines on how to organise your wardrobe, email info@imagequest.com.au to request it.  Love to hear YOUR fab wardrobe tips now.  Don't keep me hanging ......  Post a comment!