LifeStylesbyJane: image consultant

Showing posts with label image consultant. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

My Top 5 Life and Health Challenges

I have been thinking about all the life and health challenges I have had in my lifetime, in addition to the body image problem that most of us women have had at some time in our lives. It is the body image issue that got me interested in starting this wardrobe consulting business- to help women be able to look in the mirror and smile and say "I look and feel good!" It's not just about creating outfits - it is a change in attitude and acceptance of our bodies.

An aspect of this business that I would like to expand is working with women who are experiencing life and health challenges. Changing their stories from a spirit of defeat, discouragement, and/or illness to one of victory, joy and wellness. In the spirit of sharing some of what I have been through in my life, here are my top 5 life and health challenges that I have encoutered over the past 60 years:

Alcoholism of parent and former spouses
Divorces - parents and myself
Single parenthood
Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Early retirement (great, but still a challenge)

So my plan is to expand my business to include wellness consulting (or coaching) in the near future. I had a career as a health consultant before retiring and I have navigated successfully (with a lot of bumps) the above challenges along the way. You can check out my bio on the Meet Jane page of my website www.lifestylesbyjane.com. Stay tuned!!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

A Colorful Fall Coat/Jacket

Yesterday I went shopping with a client to round out some essentials in her wardrobe. One thing I thought she needed was a versatile fall/winter jacket. I also have been dying to see her in orange (which she said she did not like) because she has peaches and cream skin with freckles and auburn hair. We were in luck at Talbots www.talbots.com where we found a blanket jacket/coat in a cute a-line shape in multiple color plaid (brown/orange/fuchia)-perfect for cooler weather. I also had her try on an orange pullover sweater underneath. Fabulous combination and it looked great with her coloring. Here is the coat:

A jacket in a plaid with multiple colors is fantastic for your wardrobe - you can wear it with so many things. I highly recommend and encourage you to not be afraid of color!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Hate One Body Part?

Every woman has at least one part of their body that they don't like. For me it has always been my hip/thigh area. However, the older I get, the more sensitive I am about the back of my upper arms. My four-year-old grandaughter loves to feel the back of my upper arms, because they feel cold to her. She calls them my "flaps!" Recently, when on vacation, my husband took a picture of my over-the-top excitement over seeing a mama moose with a baby and a mama bear with two cubs.

When I saw the picture, all I saw were my "flaps" instead of remembering what a great moment it was. Can't we all be a little more gentle with ourselves, quieting the critical voice and accepting the way we were made? Sure, I do exercises for my triceps, but some things just can't be changed. How about appreciating at least one part of your body today? Check out my outfits on Pinterest or on this blog for ideas on putting together a "style that makes you smile" when you look in the mirror.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

I have been giving a lot of thought to my new business and what might help women who are having a little trouble putting outfits together from their own closets, letting items go that don't fit or they haven't worn in years and facing the daunting task of buying new things that go together and will perk up their wardrobe. I think sometimes at the bottom of all this discouragement and uncertainty is a basic disatisfaction with their bodies and how they look and feel. I am hoping to offer suggestions and ways to overcome this negative body image and help women to begin to look at themselves with new appreciation and self-confidence. All comments and suggestions are welcome. One of my favorite verses is this one:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. Psalm 139:14