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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

Guo Pei: ‘Legend’ extravaganza at the NGV

The National Gallery of Victoria’s impressive inaugural Triennial exhibition featured displays of contemporary artists from 32 countries. A stand out for me was the collection of wonderful creations from Chinese born fashion designer Guo Pei. The stunning costumes were from her 2017 Spring/Summer ‘Legend’ couture parade.

All of the ‘Legend’ pieces were on loan from a private collection. These amazing gowns showcased Guo Pei’s remarkable imagination and design prowess. Bringing her phenomenal concepts to life took hundreds of skilled artisans thousands of hours to complete.

Pei’s inspiration came from her visit to the baroque cathedral of St. Gall in Switzerland. She was mesmerised by the stunning ethereal murals, its dome and the rich gold ornaments. And so began a two-year journey of inspiration and creation leading to these impressive haute couture gowns.

This display was a feast of sparkling crystals, sumptuous embroidery and silk. As well as feathers, metal, PVC, dazzling gold thread and organza.

Here are some of the photos I took during my visit.

Ensembles

Black chest piece and lace gown

Lantern sleeve gown

Deep green and gold dress

Feathered gown

Angel gown with gold

Skirt of Angel dress with gold

White Goddess

Luminous spirit

Fantasy Footwear

Suede and beaded shoes from Guo Pei's Legend collection

Gold fantasy footwear Guo Pei Legend collection

Fabulous Fabrics

Red Goddess dress metallic fabric Guo Pei Legend collection

Heavily embroidered fabric Legend Collection Guo Pei

Dazzling emboidered fabric from Guo Pei's Legend collection

Silk, polyester, pvc and emboidery used to make a Guo Pei Legend collection dress

Feathers on fabric Guo Pei Legend collection

The Finale

Guo Pei’s ‘Legend’ couture fashion show ended spectacularly with this Red Goddess gown. Carmen Dell’Orefice, octogenarian and American model, paraded the gown which is said to symbolise blood. Made from metallic fabric, silk, crystals and embroidery, this sculptural piece makes a dramatic statement as you enter and exist the exhibition.

Guo Pei Legend collection Red Goddess ensemble

Red Goddess ensemble with train Guo Pei Legend collection

Ann Vodicka is a Sydney based image consultant and personal stylist. She believes that all her clients have their own unique sense of personal style and she delights in helping them express it!

Image Confidence was created to help you look your best with minimum effort and maximum impact.

Contact Ann to start your transform to image confidence.

Sticky

By icadmin

March 21, 2018

In HomePage-Blog, Reviews

‘Hermes at Work’ Exhibition: Artisans Share their Talents and Skills

Hermes is a family run business spanning 5 generations. The brand is synonymous with luxury and quality workmanship. The ‘Hermes at Work’ exhibition at Melbourne Town Hall was a feast for the eyes. Artisans offered us a rare and privileged look into how each items is made.

Is was a wonderful interactive experience. Each skilled crafts-person explained and demonstrated how they transform materials such as leather, silk, precious gems and ceramics into stunning handbags, gloves, scarves, watches, jewellery, saddles and finely painted porcelain. One of the highlights was looking through the jeweller’s 15x magnifying glass at the piece he was working on; a Galop Hermes bracelet featuring 2,500 plus diamonds – dazzling!

It was a fascinating world to experience. one which requires incredible skill, time, patience, an eye for detail and a passion for excellence.

‘Hermes at Work’ is at Melbourne Town Hall until 17 March (closed 12 March). If you’re in the CBD it is definitely worth a visit.

The Leatherworker

Making the handle of a ‘Kelly’ bag

Picking up the main bag section

The Tie-Maker

Hand stitching a silk twill tie

Sewing a single thread slip stitch

The Glover

Softened leather to be transformed into gloves

Rainbow of colours to be made into gloves

The Silk Printer

The ‘flat frame’ silk printing technique

Man uses 'flat frame' silk printing technique

The Porcelain Painter

Hand painted porcelain plates

The artisan uses a fine sable-hair brush to paint the plate

Ann Vodicka is a Sydney based image consultant who is passionate about style and design. She believes you can be stylish at any age, and loves helping people dress to express their individuality, and, to dress for success.

Sticky

By icadmin

March 09, 2018

In HomePage-Blog, Reviews

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

Happy New Year!

Well, 2018 has arrived! I hope your Christmas and New Year was filled with happiness and fun, and shared with people you love.

I also hope that amongst all the rush and chaos that is ‘the festive season’ you’ve had a moment to slow down and contemplate what you’d like to do and perhaps achieve this year.

I’m feeling very motivated and optimistic about my plans! In January and February (in-between running workshops and spending time with clients) I’ll be working towards attaining my global certification with AICI (The international organisation for image consultants). I love learning, so I’m keen to broaden my knowledge and gain new insights into all things image related. I’ll be sure to share some of that info with you :-). Lastly, I’m expanding the ‘Shop Your Own Wardrobe’ workshops and introducing ‘Colour Your Life’ (personal colour analysis) workshops – all of which will keep me ‘off the streets and out of trouble’!

Last year, many of you emailed me to let me know you were interested in coming along to future workshops. So I’m very excited to let you know that I’ll be running 3 x ‘Shop Your Own Wardrobe’ workshops and 4 x ‘Colour Your Life’ workshops in the first half of 2018. I know how busy life gets, so I thought it would be best to give you the heads-up about dates, times and locations of the workshops as soon as possible.

‘Shop Your Own Wardrobe’ Workshop:

If you’re ready to let go of items that have been clogging up your wardrobe, are keen on saving yourself time and money, and want to own less clothes but have more outfit options this workshop is for you.

‘Shop Your Own Wardrobe’ Workshop:

Date/time: Saturday, 17th February, 10am to 1pm, Norman Selfe Room Level 3

Date/time: Saturday, 7th April, 10am to 1pm, Carmichael Room Level 1

Date/time: Saturday, 2nd June, 10am to 1pm, Carmichael Room Level 1

Place: Sydney Mechanics School of Arts – 280 Pitt Street, Sydney

Morning refreshments included

Group size: 12

NOTE: Please bring a piece of clothing that you haven’t worn in over 2 years.

Here’s what Kim said about my last workshop;

“…A very informative workshop which offered practical advice on decluttering your wardrobe, creating a capsule wardrobe and taking 13 garments and turning them into 64 outfits. WOW! Ann’s infectious sense of humour made for a fun evening. If you are thinking of revamping your wardrobe or feel your wardrobe is in a rut then talk to Ann.”

Investment: $149.75

Tickets available through Eventbrite or contact me on ann@imageconfidence.com.au to secure your place.

‘Colour Your Life’ Workshop:

Do you want to transform your look and feel fabulous in 2018?

The quickest and easiest way to improve your appearance and give your self-confidence a boost is to wear colours that harmonise with your complexion, hair and eye colouring.

A personal colour analysis will help you discover the colours that give you a younger, more vibrant and healthier look without even trying!

Absolutely everybody can benefit from wearing colours that suit them.

Join us for an enlightening ‘Colour Your Life’ workshop. These small group personal colour analysis sessions are a fun and economical way to discover your best colours – the colours that enhance and illuminate you. In just three hours you’ll discover your own personal colour palette and how to use it. Shopping for clothes, accessories, shoes, makeup and even glasses will be easy and effective when you know which colours to look for. You will also receive your complimentary personal colour swatch (purse sized colour sample cards) and detailed colour information booklet to take home.

Start creating the new, confident and outstanding you by wearing colours that make you shine!

Group size: 6

Colour Your Life’ Workshop:

Date/time: Monday, 5th February, 10am to 1pm

Date/time: Saturday, 24th February, 10am to 1pm

Date/time: Thursday, 19th April, 10am to 1pm

Date/time: Thursday, 17th May, 10am to 1pm

Place: 69 Allen Street, Leichhardt

Morning refreshments included

Investment: $230.49

Tickets available through Eventbrite or contact me on ann@imageconfidence.com.au to secure your place.

Start the new year by investing in you. Let 2018 be the year you make exciting, positive changes to your appearance and your wardrobe.

Warmly,

Ann

P.S. Watch your inbox for this month’s blog, ‘Improve Your Image With COLOUR’. I’ll be emailing it to you soon.

Sticky

By icadmin

January 01, 2018

In 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