Many people think that image is fluff but they would be completely wrong. Now I know that what people think when they take on this view is that it’s selfishly self-focused to be image conscious. People think that image is fluff because it feeds the ego, that it’s a self-indulgent excuse to dress better, and to look like you’re showing off or that you’re trying to one-up someone else.
As the New Year begins, people interested in improving their appearance wonder whether working with an image consultant or stylist will help them achieve their goal. Before making that determination, there are a few key things to know ahead of time. The most important thing is to first know your goals, as this will have a lot to do with the kind of professional you choose to work with.
A deeply satisfying conversation with a dear friend led me to take a journey of personal recollections. As we bring one year to a close and start a new year full of promise and plans, it seems appropriate to share some of the thoughts with you.
For most techies in Silicon Valley, if your laptop computers and mobile devices are as badly synched as your clothing is with your lifestyle, you’re in big trouble!
Just about everybody wants a confident personal image, but have one or more fears or barriers to actually developing one. It’s really important to consider these fears and barriers, and how holding onto them can really hold you back from making progress, not just on developing your personal image, but on achieving your long range goals.
People regularly wonder what it’s like to work with an image consultant, and specifically to work with me. While the appeal is strong for many, I conclude that without seeing that you are worth it, you’ll not ever experience the opportunity.
Last week I attended a screening of the documentary, Bullied, which chronicles how school officials failed to stop physical and verbal attacks endured by Jamie Nabozny for many years as a student in his northern Wisconsin grammar and high schools. I found the movie profound and triggered the replay of my experiences of being bullied over and over again in my mind. Watching the film and remembering those days made my heart begin to race, made me start to perspire, and finally, got me angry.
Last week my partner and I enjoyed a wonderful holiday jaunt to Waikiki. The weather was perfectly tropical: a couple of sunny days, a couple of rainy days, and all days totally humid and steamy. No matter the time of day or what the weather was like, it was the perfect place to be in search of the perfect Mai Tai. Even though the Mai Tai was created in Northern California, this drink is best known to be enjoyed beachside in Waikiki.
Italian fashion and style are a huge influence on my work as an image consultant and on my personal style. No matter which way the trend winds blow, each season shows a fresh purpose and intention. I think no other foreign designer collective is more influential to Americans than the Italians who show in Milan. Even mass producers closely follow the Italian designers; so if you aren’t a wearer of designer fashions, it’s likely you still experience their influence.
I don’t know how else to bring up this frank subject other than to say right here and now that if you are too modest and delicate to read my comments that hit below the belt, this may be the moment to opt out. Once you start reading further, though, I’m sure you’ll agree that what may preclude you from reading initially will have you saying, “Yes, Joseph. Tell it like it is, Joseph!” I just want to be up front about where this is all headed.