Ann Vodicka, Author at Image Confidence

July 10, 2018

In HomePage-Blog

Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps is for anyone who leads an outrageously busy life, and isn’t that most of us? It’s also for those of us who have stood in front of our wardrobes thinking, ‘I’ve got nothing to wear!’

The solutions I’m offering are simple, yet very effective. Complete them at your own pace, it’s entirely up to you. Getting dressed will be quick and easy after your wardrobe audit. Less time spent in your wardrobe equates to more time for life’s adventures.

Where to start -Step 1

Only keep what fits you now. Most of us have experienced fluctuations in weight at some time in our lives. Items that are too small or too large for our current body size are taking up valuable wardrobe space and wasting your time.

What do you do with them?

Donate

Alter

Sell

Gift

Stow in a storage tub or in the spare room wardrobe

Step 2

Let go of any items that are ripped or damaged beyond repair, any woollens that are close to threadbare, and any clothes that are permanently stained. Collars and under-arm areas are notorious for stains. Try soaking them in a bucket with Australian made, Sard OxyPlus Laundry Soaker or a pre wash stain remover to see if they can be revived. Reminder: Check the care label on the garment beforehand.

Step 3

Remove any garments, shoes or accessories that haven’t be worn in over 2 years or that still have the shop tag attached. (Evening wear excluded) You may have spent $300 on that shirt, but if you never wear it, for whatever reason, it’s time release the guilt and any other emotions and let it go. Refer to Step 1 for ideas of how to move it on.

Step 4 of Your Wardrobe Audit

Multiples. Yes, 7 white tee shirts are too many! Think about the items you gravitate towards and keep those. Find a new home for the others. If they are in great condition, stow them away until your current supply becomes unusable, then bring them out. Or, if you feel you can part with them you know the options (listed in Step 1).

Lastly…

Only keep the clothes you love and feel good wearing. You know, the ones that when you look in the mirror you get that, “Yes, that’s a winner” feeling, and it boosts your confidence which equates to a having a good day, feeling less nervous about the meeting or job interview or having an amazing time at the party. Feeling good about yourself works from both the inside and the outside. Simplifying the ‘what to wear’ part of your outside promotes positivity and confidence for you as a whole.

Well, your wardrobe should be looking considerably less cramped by now. Let me know how you went with your wardrobe audit. Did you find it easy or challenging?

Does the mere thought of doing your own wardrobe audit fill you with dread? Ann at Image Confidence will help you declutter your wardrobe, make better use of your existing clothes, create order and function in the space, and identify ‘gaps’ in your wardrobe i.e. items to purchase. You’ll feel lighter, refreshed and energised within three hours. Read more

Book your Wardrobe Audit with Ann today.

Messy, disorganised clothes in wardrobe before Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Tidy, organised clothes in wardrobe after Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Sticky

June 30, 2018

In HomePage-Blog

Your Top 10 Winter Style Tips

These top 10 winter style tips will have you feeling cosy and looking fabulous all through the chilly months. It doesn’t matter how cold it gets in your neck of the woods, these tips work for mild, cooler weather right through to freezing cold temperatures.

A woman displays her winter style by wearing an elegant coat, scarf and gloves.

Layering adds an element of flexibility to your winter style.

1. Embrace Layering

Layering adds an element of flexibility to your winter style. Use layers to create your outfits. Start with a light weight undergarment like a cami or singlet. Add a three quarter or long-sleeved top, maybe a light weight jumper (cashmere is my pick) or cardi, a jacket, scarf, hat and gloves. You can add or subtract pieces depending on the weather.

2. Get smart with scarves

Scarves add an element of interest to any outfit and will have you looking stylish with a minimum of effort. They take up very little space in your wardrobe (or suitcase if travelling), and can be used as a source of inspiration for the hat and gloves colours you choose.

Winter style tips: pink beanie, sunglasses and watch with pink numbers go with the multi coloured scarf

Winter style tips: The golden colours in the scarf inspired gold loop earrings and tortoise shell sunglasses

3. Invest in a great pair of boots

Boots rate high in the winter style stakes. Not only do they keep your feet warm and dry, there are just so many to choose from: ankle boots to calf length, long to ending above the knee. Flat heels to stilettos – there is a boot to suit everyone.

4. A quality coat is essential

My personal favourite of my winter style tips is to search high and low for your perfect winter coat and when you find it be willing to pay the price – this item will be in your wardrobe for a long time, so quality is key. Find it in a colour that compliments your hair colour, that way it will be truly versatile. When trying on coats make sure there’s enough room to accommodate the layers you’ll have underneath.

Winter style tips: this wool blend coat will keep you warm

Trenery wool blend coat in dark plum

5. Slim fitting jeans

A pair of skinny or straight leg jeans (depending on the shape of your legs) will be a great way to keep your winter style current. With all of the bulk and volume you’ll be creating with your tops and jacket, the narrow fitting bottoms will create a slimmer silhouette.

Tuck jeans into your boots or have them hemmed to where they hit the upper foot area of the boot on the outside.

6. Love Leather

If you don’t already own one, put ‘leather jacket’ on the top of your winter style shopping list. They are versatile, durable, timeless and classic. Consider colour, fit of the jacket, texture of the leather and comfort factor when buying. This is another item that will last for years, so invest wisely.

Winter style tips: woman wearing a sand coloured leather jacket.

My favourite ‘go to’ leather jacket is a soft sand colour.

7. Stylish Sneakers

For running errands, comfy weekend wear and for travelling, a stylish pair of sneakers will give you a break from your boots and keep your feet warm and dry.

All leading high street shoes outlets stock stylish sneakers. Remember to take your socks when going to buy – depending on their thickness you might have to go up a size.

Sam Edelman sneakers

8. A Slouchy Sweater

A loose-fitting jumper will tick the ‘warm’ and ‘comfy’ boxes as well as looking on trend. You can choose from the finest merino wool to more bulky cable knits. Add accessories such as a scarf to elevate the look.

9. Terrific Turtleneck

Also known as a roll neck or skivvy, these knitted gems are the epitome of style. Think Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Marilyn Monroe or more recently Taylor Swift and Rihanna. They are great as a stand-alone garment or as a layering piece.

10. Stunning Statement Earrings

The last of our winter style tips is to complete your outfit with some statement earrings. They will be the centre of attention whether you’re wearing high necks, low necks, scarves or cover-up jackets and coats. Your outfit will look complete and you’ll be ready to brave the cold weather with panache!

There is often a sea of black, white and grey that dominates the clothing stores during winter. That’s great if you can wear these colours well, but what you if can’t? In winter when we are at our palest it is especially important to wear the colours that harmonise with our hair, skin and eyes so that we appear healthy and look our best. I offer personal colour consultations and small group Colour Your Life workshops so that you can discover the best colours for you. These sessions are great fun and are a ‘gift to self’ that lasts for years.

Are there any items you feel should be added to my top 10 winter style tips? Let me know in the comment box below.

Sticky

May 28, 2018

Women’s Accessories – Your Essential Guide

In this month blog, ‘Women’s Accessories – The Essentials’ I share the key items you need in your wardrobe to transform a basic outfit into a stylish one. The choice of colour, size, shape, pattern and style of these items is entirely up to you, so allow your personality and preferences to shine.

Women’s Accessories – Jewellery

– Real or fake diamond stud earrings. These are good all-rounders – you can dress them up or down.

– A pearl necklace or bracelet. These will always say style and elegance like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Thomas Sabo fresh water pearl bracelet

– Some statement necklaces. These will turn any plain outfit into something ‘wow’ and interesting. Experiment with wood, metal and semi-precious stones.

Women’s accessories – Shoes

– Nude or black pumps. Select a medium to low heel so they match nicely with pants or skirts.

– Ankle boots. You choose the colour, style and heel height. Ankle boots will see you through autumn, winter and the early stages of spring.

– Stylish Sneakers – for dashing to the supermarket, travelling to and from work etc.

– A pair of nude coloured strappy sandals with medium to high heels will be very versatile and take your outfits from day into night.

Women's Accessories: Strappy sandals by Stuart Weitzman

NuNakedStraight Sandal by Stuart Weitzman

– Stylish low heeled sandals. Elevate a basic outfit of tee shirt and jeans from your feet up!

– Beautiful ballet flats. These are your comfy ‘go tos’ and like your pumps, they will go perfectly with pants or skirts.

Women’s Accessories – Bags

– Tote bag. Your everyday bag should be made of good quality leather to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Invest in another more structured bag for work.

– A beautiful black or metallic evening bag. Stick to these options as they will go with everything.

Stella McCartney Falabella clutch bag

– A wallet that is in good condition. If yours is tatty around the edges or falling apart, it’s time to replace it. Think of cost per wear. If your wallet cost $300 and you used it for 300 days that equates to it costing you $1 a day!

Women’s Accessories – Other

– Sunglasses. These should suit your face shape, compliment your natural colouring and have good quality lenses.

– a silk scarf. These are the perfect weight: light enough to wear in summer and warm enough to use during the cooler months.

– 2 lipsticks: 1 for day and 1 that is a little bolder for night. Find your perfect shade here.

– Shapewear. Not for every day use, but perfect for under clothes where you want to create smooth, sleek lines. Ensure your shapewear fits comfortably: it’s about flattering your figure, not about making you look a size smaller.

– A good quality leather belt. Use it with your pants and jeans or over a loose blouse to cinch in your waist.

– A Pashmina – Great to wrap around your shoulders when the nights get nippy or when travelling on any form of transport that is airconditioned to subzero temperatures.

– Leather gloves – a must for those who feel the cold, and they are a stylish addition to any coat and scarf ensemble.

– Hats. There are so many practical reasons for wearing hats, like protecting your face, hair and scalp from the harsh sun’s rays, but they are also a great opportunity to make a style statement.

Woman modelling accessories - sun hat and pearls.

Source credit: bikinimuse.tumblr.com

Want to know more about how to create stylish outfits using your accessories and a small capsule of clothes that all mix and match together?

SAVE THE DATE because 2nd June is the next Shop Your Own Wardrobe workshop. If you are ready to look and feel fabulous with less clothes and be able to travel lighter and still look stylish, this fun 3 hour session is a must attend.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get 25% off your Shop Your Own Wardrobe tickets when you book with a friend before 14 May 2018. This offer is only available if tickets are purchased directly through Ann: ann@imageconfidence.com.au (Pay just $112 each – saving more than $35 off the regular price of $149.75)

After this date, tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite for $149.75 per person.

I’m always interested to hear the style topics you would like me to cover. Send me your suggestions in the comment box below.

Sticky

April 26, 2018

1 Comment

Stylish Comfortable Shoes for Women

Let’s face facts ladies. There comes a time in every woman’s life when putting up with uncomfortable shoes is NOT an option. You’ve limped, laboured and languished for decades with sore, blistered feet. Corns and bunions abound, and the stilettos hiding in the back of your wardrobe are covered in a thick layer of dust.

We lead busy lives: have places to go and people to meet. There’s absolutely no time for sore, aching feet!

But, thankfully, there are plenty of stylish, comfortable shoes for women. It’s easy to find shoes that look current and modern, not nanna or frumpy.

I’ve photographed some of my favourite comfy shoes to show you the variety on offer. Keep in mind these may not be your preference of colour or style, but it’s the type of shoe or heel that’s important.

Ann’s version of stylish comfortable shoes for women

Block heels (stable and sturdy, have equal width from top to bottom, can be high, low or somewhere in-between) … and an ankle strap makes it more secure and comfortable to walk in.

Kitten heels and sling backs – it doesn’t have to be the combination of the two, but the combination does speak of elegance and sophistication. Kitten heels are comfortable to wear all day or all night, and are perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Sling backs give you support around the back of your heels.

Wedges: mini and higher heel (great if you want to add height and the full sole makes them easy to walk in)

Lace-up sandals

Fun, colourful sneakers

Ballet flats (buy some with interesting detail like the tassels and perforated suede)

elegant flats (in a neutral or your best metallic)

T-bar – the straps give you loads of support and you can get away with a higher heel. Mary-Jane styles that feature a strap or two across the instep will also keep your feet firmly secured in the shoe.

Enclosed and high vamp (a more closed in shoe that covers the foot)

Walking shoes that are not runners (I wore these light weight Ecco walking shoes nearly every day during a 4 week trip to Spain) Other brands include: Merrell and Vivobarefoot.

Boots : Whether long or ankle, low, medium or high heeled, boots give maximum support to the whole/entire foot. Comfort factor = high.

So, the moral of the story is … There are plenty of stylish comfortable shoes for women so you can look fashionable and not suffer in the process. What a relief to know that you can have the best of both worlds: style and comfort = win/win!

Ann Vodicka is the principle style coach at Image Confidence. She helps women and men dress for success. For more information regarding the style experiences she offers visit the Home page of her website.

Sticky

February 11, 2018

Discover Your Colours

In this article, you’ll learn how to discover your colours so that you look and feel fabulous every day.

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to transform your look and feel amazing this year? A great place to start is to wear colours that suit you.

Have you noticed that every time you wear a particular piece of clothing people compliment you on how beautiful you look or how well you look? These compliments give you a lift, don’t they? You feel your self-confidence surge and it puts you in a great mood.

Wouldn’t you love to feel that way all the time?

What is it about that garment that attracts these compliments? It could be that the colour is working for you. Dressing in colours that compliment your skin, hair and eye tones creates a naturally harmonious look. People respond positively to this harmony at a subconscious level and it helps to shape their impressions of you in a positive way both socially and professionally.

So how do you know which colours suit you best? Here are 3 simple questions you can ask yourself that will help guide you to discover your colours. They are some of the questions I use when determining a client’s colour palette during a personal colour analysis consultation. Knowing your best colours puts an end to buying and wearing colours that are unflattering on you. Say “good-bye” to the days of spending money on clothes you never or hardly ever wear and living with the ‘I have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear’ syndrome.

Ask yourself these questions:

Does this colour overwhelm me? Do I see the colour rather than me? Colours that suit you best will blend with your complexion, and give you a natural glow.

Does the colour make my skin look ruddy, yellow or pale? Look at how the colour affects your skin. If you look unwell or the lines on your face look deeper or the bags under your eyes look darker, best leave it.

Does the colour enhance my eyes? If it’s ‘right’ your eyes will sparkle. If it’s ‘wrong’ they’ll look dull.

For most people colour perception is a learned skill. You can learn it too by using the questions. The more you practice the better you get.

If you find it difficult to see how different colours affect your skin tone, an easy way to find out your best colours is to have a personal colour analysis with a professional colour consultant. The consultant is a colour expert and will be able to determine, (with a technique called draping*), which hues suit you. *Different coloured fabrics are held under your chin. The colours reflect onto your face. Your best colours will have you looking radiant, healthy and energised.

If you would like to know your best colour palette, why not gift yourself a face to face or virtual colour consultation?

We also run Personal Colour Analysis Workshops. These fun, 3-4 hour, small group (max. 4) workshops help you discover your colours and how to successfully combine them. You’ll receive a complimentary colour swatch of your colours and a detailed information booklet to take home. Use your colour swatch, (a purse size ‘fan-deck’ of your best colours), to determine if the clothes, accessories, glasses, jewellery, make up and your hair colour are right for you. Having a personal colour analysis is an investment in you 🙂

Discover Your Colours using colour swatches

Discover Your Colours: Use your swatch as a colour guide when shopping for clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, make up and when choosing your hair colour.

Sticky

January 10, 2018

In Colour, HomePage-Blog

1 Top 3 Ways

How often do you wear the same outfit over and over again without seeing the full potential of each piece of clothing?

Sometimes it’s hard to see past our favourite combinations: we get stuck wearing the same things the same way. ‘1 Top 3 Ways’ is about rethinking how you mix and match your clothes. It’s also about getting creative with what’s in your wardrobe. By styling a garment in different ways you’ll make it more versatile and in the process create new outfits.

In the collections below I’ve used 1 top to create 3 outfits that could take you from day to night and casual to dressy.

Think of 3 different occasions where you could wear one of your tops and start playing!

Tip: Accessories are an inexpensive way to change the look of an outfit.

1 shirt 3 ways: Deep blue shirt with shorts, red pants and black pants.

1 shirt 3 ways for men by imageconfidence29 featuring a men’s apparel

Cool, Blue and Summery by imageconfidence29 featuring baseball caps

If you’d like help creating stylish outfits from the clothes you already own, contact me for a fun and enlightening Wardrobe Revival session.

Sticky

December 02, 2017

Shop Your Wardrobe Workshop

surprised girl in pink, looking up, with open hand

Let’s make yours an uncluttered, uncomplicated wardrobe: Let’s Shop Your Wardrobe

Join us for a fun and informative two hours exploring the creative ways you can Shop Your Wardrobe. Do you have a wardrobe full of clothes but have nothing to wear? Do you have clothes you never or hardly ever wear? This workshop will show you how to get the best use from the clothes, shoes and accessories you already own. Learn clever ways to simplify your life by simplifying your wardrobe. See how to group items together to create an abundance of fabulous fuss-free outfits.

Life is busy. Getting dressed needs to be quick and easy.

Imagine….

– Saving time and energy every morning by not labouring over what you’re going to wear.

– Free your mind and space from wardrobe overload.

– Look stylish and love what you wear every day.

– Have more time to do the things you love to do rather than spending it clothes shopping.

– Own less clothes but have more outfit options.

– Have a fully functional wardrobe with less expense.

It’s all achievable!

This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in living a more organised and uncluttered life, and for those of you yearning for a more functional, versatile wardrobe.

Strictly limited places.

Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles on arrival.

Tickets: $42.50 Available at Eventbrite

See more information about Ann

Sticky

November 14, 2017

In HomePage-Blog

Australia and The House of Dior 70 years on

The National Gallery of Victoria’s ‘The House of Dior – Seventy Years of Haute Couture’ is in its final week. It is a phenomenal exhibition featuring over 140 exquisite garments and accessories designed by The House of Dior’s seven creative directors.

If you missed this feast of haute couture or would like to ‘re-visit’ the exhibition one more time, I’ve compiled a small collection of my photos below.

A Little History

Based at 30 Avenue Montaigne Paris, Christian Dior released his first couture collection in 1947. Dubbed the ‘New Look’ collection, it would change women’s fashion forever. Gone were the utilitarian styles of wartime. In its place: tiny waists, soft shoulder lines and fairytale-like long, full skirts.

The Australian connection began in the following year. David Jones paraded fifty of Dior’s original designs at their Sydney city store as part of their ‘French Fashion for All’ promotion. This was the first time outfits from Dior’s inaugural haute couture collection were viewed outside Paris. Australian women loved it! They eagerly embraced his designs and their adaptations.

And, judging by the lengthy queues and hordes of people viewing the exhibition the day I visited, Australian’s adoration for French high fashion and Christian Dior Couture lives on.

Christian Dior (Creative Director 1946-57)

: Where it all started: Christian Dior’s Bar suit, afternoon ensemble 1947

: Many of Dior’s garments were inspired by flowers – Village Party Dress 1955

: Mexico evening gown A/W 1951. Layers & layers of silk tulle, opulent gold thread & a statement velvet bow

Yves Saint Laurent (Creative Director 1957-60)

: Mascarade short evening dress (Left) and Climene dress A/W 1959

: Afternoon and short evening dresses 1960

Marc Bohan (Creative Director 1960-89)

: Slim Look collection S/S 1961

: Silk and linen Evening dress S/S 1983

Gianfranco Ferre (Creative Director 1989-96)

: Disney evening suit and Luna coat dress A/W collection 1989-90

: Divine raspberry silk tulle long evening dress ‘Elixir’, 1996

John Galliano (Creative Director 1996-2011)

: Japanese origami inspired Mimi-san suit and Konnici Kate suit, S/S 2007

: Look 43 coat: Exquisite embroidered satin with feather and beading details

: ‘Theodora’ evening ensemble 1997: Fluid satin with a theatrical bodice and sleeves

Couture from Top to Toe

: Maria Grazia Chiuri footwear S/S collection 2017

: House of Dior Footwear

Raf Simons (Creative Director 2012-15)

: Look 54 dress, 2015 A modern interpretation of the pleats and full skirts in Dior’s S/S collection 1954

: The eternally elegant Look 10 Bar coat. Red cashmere and silk with a metal belt.

: Look 24 ensemble S/S 2015. Man-made fibres meet nature in this polyvinyl and silk combination

Maria Grazia Chiuri (Creative Director 2016- )

: Broussaille evening dress S/S 2017. Tulle, rafia and silk embroidery.

: Black crescent ballgown S/S 2017. Opulent velvet and the luna shape makes for a dramatic focal point.

: Dresses from this year’s Spring/Summer collection (2017)

Ann Vodicka is a personal stylist and image consultant based in Sydney, Australia. She has a passion for fashion and for helping men and women develop greater confidence and a stronger sense of self by dressing to express who they truely are. Her desire is for everyone she works with to look and be the best version of themselves they can be.

Ann is contactable through her website https://www.imageconfidence.com.au

Sticky

October 31, 2017

In HomePage-Blog, Reviews

4 Comments

Wearing Black

Should I be wearing black?

Recently, Emma, (one of my clients), asked me, “Should I be wearing black? I have so many black clothes, but I think they’re making me look old.” It’s a question I hear often.

How would you describe the way your skin looks when you wear black near your face? Is your response something like “washed out”, “pale”, “drained”, or “sick”? If you have light to medium hair or undyed greying hair and a fair to medium complexion or a skin tone with a golden glow you may have noticed that wearing black near your face is ageing and unflattering.

Our eye and hair pigments fade over time, and skin colour changes too. You may find that after many years of feeling happy in black, you now instinctively feel uncomfortable in it.

Despite what the fashion magazines and media say, black does not work with every skin tone and hair colour. Shock! Horror!

Why not test it out for yourself?

You need two pieces of fabric – one black, and the other a colour you love wearing; you know, the colour that people always comment on when you wear it. Place the black fabric over the coloured fabric and hold them under your chin. Look closely at your face. Are the circles under your eyes dark and pronounced? Are the wrinkles more pronounced? Does your skin look sallow? Now drop the black fabric and do the same again. Do you see a difference?

Some ideas/solutions

So, if you feel like you’re in the same boat as Emma, here are my top 5 tips I shared with her to help her achieve a healthier look when wearing black:

Create contrast and distraction by wearing a lighter neutral or colour near your face. This could be a scarf, a statement necklace, colourful earrings, hat or pashmina.

Adding colour to soften black outfits

As your black clothes wear out, replace them with other neutrals that are dark but less harsh, like navy, charcoal and chocolate. Introduce colours that suit your complexion.

If you feel you can’t give up your black tops just yet, wear the ones made from softer, sheerer fabrics with lower necklines so that your skin colour shows more. Lace, mesh and chiffon are good options.

If you have lots of black bottoms (pants and skirts) and black shoes and boots, find patterned tops that have some black or grey in them to link them together.

Patterned tops with black skirt and pants

Accessorise your LBD (little black dress) with gold, silver, rose gold or pearl necklaces to steer eyes away from the heavy, draining black. Knowing if you have a warm or cool skin tone will help you decide which metal or colour of pearl you should wear.

Little black dress with yellow gold accessories

If you would like to discover the colour palette that best suits your complexion, hair and eye tones so that you look fabulous every day and shop for your best colours with confidence – contact ann@imageconfidence.com.au

Your colour guide

Sticky

September 26, 2017

In Colour, HomePage-Blog