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Image is not a luxury – it’s a necessity! Like it or not, your image speaks louder than words. When you express an image that is authentic to who you are and is in harmony with what you do, you will naturally attract and resonate with your ideal clients, business associates and friends.

When expressed authentically, your image tells the story of who you are. In this day and age, personal connection is everything. When your image is in line with your business, your brand and what you stand for, it’s only natural that your image silently attracts those of like minds before you even speak a word. Upon meeting someone for the first time, we have less than 30 seconds to make a first impression, which often creates a lasting impression. Don’t you want to be remembered for all the right reasons?

Projecting a polished, professional image is not enough. People want to know who you are, what your values are, what your hobbies are and so much more. We’re a relationship-based society and your image can help to facilitate the right relationships and help take your business to the next level.

Just be you! But more than that, ideally you should create an image that is all you, taken to the next level. If you’re a casual, comfortable kind of gal, I’ll help you create a style that helps you to feel just like yourself, while looking polished and professional. Never again will you have to sacrifice comfort for style, or have to choose between looking business-like or wearing your sweatpants. I’ll help you find a way to feel more like yourself while looking appropriate for any and every situation. ’ll show you ways to bring your StyleFinder™ keywords in to make sure your style is right on target whether you're dressing for the bedroom or the boardroom!

"Knowing my StyleFinder(tm) iD has been like learning truth and has given me the opportunity to get grounded in who I really am. I carry myself better and actually enjoy buying clothes again." - Lauren Mayr

If you’ve lost touch with your style, chances are you’re not dressing in a way that connects you on the inside to the outer expression of your style. This leads to feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, as well as to not being at your very best. When you discover your StyleFinder™ identity, you’re empowered to create a style that is authentic and you feel great in, each and every day!

Want to find your own style indentiy? Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to find your StyleFinder(tm) iD and discover your true style today!

The Real Reason Women Need So Many Shoes!

It's something that is often joked about. Carrie Bradshaw and Imelda Marcos took this to the extreme, yet it illustrates a point. Women love shoes. But aside from simply falling in love with the sleek designs, sexy details and sophistication that the right shoe brings, there is a very good reason, why women need to have multiple pairs of shoes.

Shopping for shoes can be fun. Especially on those days where you’re carrying a few extra pounds and don’t want to admit to yourself that you might need to try a bigger size. Your shoe size will still be the same. And if the shoes are fabulous enough, they’ll take center stage, drawing attention away from those wobbly bits you’re none too crazy about and keeping friends intrigued.

But the real reason for so many shoes isn’t quite as apparent to most of us. However, after years of standing in front of the mirror for so long, debating whether or not a particular shoe works with an outfit, it hit me. Not only must the shoe complement the outfit, but it must create the perfect proportion with your skirt, dress or pants to seamlessly elongate your leg and create continuity. Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? But the reality is that you can’t just have a pair of heels and a pair of flats and expect them to go with everything. So get over that fallacy and realize that each new pair of jeans, pants, skirt or dress may bring with it the need for a new pair of shoes. Here’s how to determine what shoes to wear with what:

1/ Let Color be Your Guide – When determining what color shoes to wear, often women default to black. I’ve done it too, but when I realized that black can often drag my look down I decided to opt for another neutral, a bright hue or a bold animal print. I talk a lot about bookending – wearing the same color shoes as your haircolor. This is a wonderful way to create harmony and to keep your look from being too visually heavy on bottom. If your hair is light, keep your pants/skirt in a light-medium tone and opt for shoes in a similar shade. You’ll lift 10 years off your look!

2/ Head over Heels – The length of your pants should dictate the shoes you wear. If you have pants that are a little long, wear a heel. For your pants that are on the shorter side, wear a flat. I encourage my clients to be consistent in the heel height of their shoes because it makes it easier to know where to have your pants hemmed. For your favorite pants, you may want to buy two pairs and have one hemmed for flats and one for heels so you cover all your bases. It’s great to step out in a higher heel at times, but save those for your dresses and keep your heels a similar height for your pants. Few things kill your credibility faster than wearing pants that are too short – or that drag the ground.

3/ A Weighty Matter – How visually heavy your shoes appear will affect your look. Your goal is to create balance and harmony, both in color and also in weight. If your personal scale is on the larger side then steer clear of delicate, dainty shoes which can make you look bigger by comparison. If you’re more petite, clunky shoes will only make you look bigger. It’s about repeating your personal height, weight and stature in the weight and appearance of your shoe.

So next time you’re tempted by a new pair of shoes, don’t be so hard on yourself. Just be sure you ask yourself what you’ll wear them with, if they’re the right height and if the style will help you to look your very best!