San Francisco Womens Journal » Style & Beauty

Men: Is It Time To Update Your Appearance?

SFWJ — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:17:01 +0000

Michele Benza

Moisturizers, eye creams, massages, manicure, spray tanning, shopping…the modern gentleman is now aware of the importance of his appearance. He now takes care of himself to stay handsome, young and in shape.

The beauty cult is no longer a territory reserved to women. Men…your appearance matters!

by Michele Benza
San Francisco Image Consultant
(Read this article in the SF BAWJ magazine.)

Get Help with an Image Consultant!

If you still believe that hiring an image consultant is for other people, think again! To make peace with one’s appearance is no small matter. It’s a step toward building self-esteem in our professional and personal lives.

Image consulting illustrates an essential characteristic of our era: we are a society that loves images.

Ramp Up Your Career

Professionally we are judged not only on our aptitudes but also on our appearance. We often find the need to acquire new competences to have access to a promotion. Our image must also pair with this new position. At equal competences, it is the person that has also ‘the look’ that will finally be chosen.

On the personal level, reworking your appearance increases your self-esteem as well as your self-confidence, enabling you greater successes.

Image consulting is for everyone who is unsure how to go about enhancing their appearance and who might be lost when it comes to selecting current fashions.

If you’ve been going to the same hairstylist for the last 15 years, are still wearing the same style clothes you were when Michael Jackson came out with Thriller, and you buy your clothes at the same shops you did when you when you graduated from college…it may be time for an update!

Hate to Shop?

For those of you who become nauseous at the idea of having to enter a store and start shopping for new clothes, image consulting services are for you, and judging from market trends, they are here to stay.

Many men would try anything to avoid the drudgery of shopping. Hiring the services of an image consultant/personal shopper will help you reveal your distinct personality, enhance your features, maximize your physical qualities and develop a winning wardrobe.

Appearance Counts

Like it or not, our outward appearance affects the impression we make on others, consequently impacting our lives. Whether we get a job, business contract, or a new relationship can hinge, at least partially, on our first impression. Is your image conveying what you want it to?

So now, throw yourself into the image consulting adventure and be ready for your personal and professional image transformation!

A bientôt,

Michele

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s “Best Kept Secret”! She is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” and is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Michele is also the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!

You can work with Michele on-line or face-to-face. Call (415) 956-3025 or e-mail Michele for an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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Spring and Summer Fashion Trends: BLUE,NUDE,TRIBAL,BANGLES and More!

SFWJ — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:33:48 +0000

I confess. I have a serious crush on spring. A minute past midnight December 21, when the long dark nights begin to shrink, I start getting tingles. And when the first daffodils begin to bloom and I can fill all the vases I can put my hands on with their cheerful sunny color, spring fever hits in full force.

by Michele Benza
San Francisco Image Consultant

And of course, best of all, is shedding the heavy layers of winter clothing. When I slip into that first spring dress and sling on a pair of heeled sandals, I immediately feel transformed within and without and my spirits soar. As I said, I have a very serious crush on spring!

I’m happy to report that the spring and summer colletions that are showing up in the stores are fresh-looking and and they’re all about color and femininity.

Transparency

Almost weightless, transparent fabrics are being worn in layers with visible lingerie underneath. It is a misconception to believe that layers are only applicable during the fall and winter months. On the contrary, fashion has given us many ways to overlay our apparel at any time of the year.

How often do we complain of freezing from the air conditioning blowing on our shoulders inside only to be hit by a blast of warm air and bright sunshine when we go outside? Isn’t this then the perfect time to layer ourselves with lightweight scarves, vests and cropped jackets?

Just as designers turned their spring/summer shows into playful fairytales we should do the same with our wardrobes. Spring and summer is a time to be lighthearted and have fun! I urge you to play with the many hues of blue, tribal fabrics, bangles and bracelets and heeled sandals.

Blue, inspired by sky and water is this season’s most important color. Just a single item will suffice to update previous seasons’ outfits.

Nude and Pale Pastels are all on this spring’s color chart as well. Barely-there tones were very present on the red carpets and runways.

Be warned though–those light shades are not for everyone as they may not enhance your skin tone.

If that is the case for you, avoid the washed-out look by choosing to wear nude accessories instead. Nude shoes in particular are fantastic, as they help elongate the leg beautifully.

Urban Safari - In Paris, one color that invaded the ‘festival’ collections was khaki. This new trend was presented more like the new ‘black’.

Bangles - for centuries, in many cultures, they have been worn to define the wearer’s social status. In our society, bangles are a fun fashion accessory only. However, they can add stylish pizzazz to your look.

Wrap your wrist with a dazzling cuff, or go for the eclectic and arm your forearms with colorful bangles and bracelets. Mix them all together, from skinny to wide.

Jeans – I love/hate them. It saddens me that they are worn all the time and at every occasion by young and not-so-young people alike–with tears and holes, discolorations in the wrong spots and details in the wrong areas.

And what’s up with the back pockets? They’re now placed so low on the butt that no matter how great one’s butt is, it looks as if it’s sagging! Worst of all for me, is the denim-on-denim look.

However, I must be fair and tell you that an allover denim look is in this season, but I still hate it. There! I’ve said it.

Décolleté - It must be worn plongeant (plunging), preferably in a V shape that elongates all silhouettes. Beware of a décolleté plongeant with a mini-skirt, as it could easily look vulgar! Please avoid!

Lingerie – ah yes, this is sure to please our Monsieur friends! Lingerie is no longer worn as undergarments only. I strongly discourage creating a total lingerie look. This very feminine tendance should be worn in a sensual manner, just enough to wake up the opposite sex’s attention, and not be a spectacle.

Think more of pairing opposites such as a bustier under a boyfriend double-breast blazer, a jupon (slip or petticoat) with an army style jacket.

Perfect pieces have infinite possibilities. A common misconception in figuring out one’s outfit is to think that we have to look like the model on a magazine cover. Wrong! Don’t forget that trends can be used to inspire your style. They’re not intended to be mimicked.

A la prochaine!

Michele

Michele Benza is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” a program that focuses on enhancing one’s personal and professional image. She is certified in image consulting from European Institutions and her niche is European style and elegance. Michele is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and is the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

How Much are You Really Spending on Your Clothes, Shoes and Accessories?

SFWJ — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:19:40 +0000

We have a tradition in our family. We go to a movie every day during the holiday season from December 25th right through to New Year’s Day. It’s a fun tradition that I always look forward to.

by Michele Benza, San Francisco Image Consultant

Michele Benza

My Ah-Ha Moment!

Last December, one of my favorite movies was “Up in the Air.” George Clooney plays the main character, an executive, who travels around the country to fire people. He has no life to speak of. He carries all he needs in one wheel-away suitcase.

This movie provided an ah-ha moment for me. What if I were to empty my dressing room and throw all my clothes–accessories, coats et al– on my bed and contemplate their value?

The first question that came to mind was, ‘do I really need all these clothes?’

Looking at the pile, I could not help but wonder how much money I’d spent for each item. Was it worth it? Was it a good investment? I started to add the numbers in my mind. Oh boy! How many hours had I worked to pay for all that? Scary? You bet!

How Much Do My Clothes Really Cost?

I decided to create a spreadsheet and to calculate an approximate cost-per-wear (CPW) for each item. It gave me a good idea of how skilled I am at investing in clothes. (Okay! Go ahead and scroll down for a peek at my best CPW items).

For those of you who are not familiar with CPW, it’s a concept that rationalizes the expense of a garment by dividing each time you wear it into the original cost.

Cost-per-wear means spending money on a piece of clothing that you will wear continually, making it a good investment. The more you wear it, the better the returns on your initial purchase. It does not matter whether the item is an expensive pair of Christian Louboutin shoes or an H&M skirt or, whether you spent $2,000 or $100 on an item, just as long as you get your money’s worth.

What’s the Right Amount for Cost per Wear?

According to some of my colleagues, the ideal CPW should be $2. I disagree with that number. Achieving that goal poses a real challenge for those who have ‘a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear’ don’t you think?

In my opinion, the CPW should certainly not exceed your hourly income. By the way, this applies for your lunches too. Have you ever calculated how much you have to work just to buy your daily lunch?

The worst CPW comes with items that result from impulse shopping. It’s been a long time since I’ve shopped during a moment of weakness without any plan in mind. But believe me, I can attest that the very worst CPW results from those spontaneous purchases.

Here are my top four CPW items, and what I consider my best investments of all time:

1. An EtcEtc Black Suit that I bought in 2004. Apx Cost per Wear? $5.00!

2. A BCBG bag that I bout in 2007. Cost per Wear? Less than $2.00!

3. Shoes and matching handbag that I purchased in 1996 from Emporio Armani. Cost per Wear? About $3.00!

4. And finally, this scarf that I purchased decades ago…

This scarf cost me an arm and a leg when I bought it. But I am still wearing it today and get lot’s of compliments. Cost per Wear? Next to nothing!

I am pleased to report that my average CPW on my entire wardrobe is less than $5.00.

Now, I challenge you to examine YOUR pile of clothes. Which items were your best investments?

A la prochaine!

Michèle
Michele Benza is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” a program that focuses on enhancing one’s personal and professional image. She is certified in image consulting from European Institutions and her niche is European style and elegance. Michele is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and is the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Honor Yourself by Looking and Feeling Your Best!

SFWJ — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:56:53 +0000

Did you vow to lose weight, exercise, eat healthy and spend less this New Year’s Eve? Perhaps you’ve already forgotten the resolutions or gotten off track. No matter. It isn’t too late to begin again.

by Michele Benza, San Francisco Image Consultant

Michele Benza

But first I have a question for you. When you made your resolutions, did you ask yourself if they were really what you wanted? Do you know the reason why you made these resolutions?

Remember, only you know what’s best for you.

Resolutions as Achievable Goals

Here’s another question. Could you view your resolutions as achievable goals rather than resolutions? It’s important to be honest with yourself and set goals that are realistic and attainable. They should excite you so you’re motivated to follow through and have fun in the process of realizing them.

Or consider the message you send to those who care about you, when you’re demonstrating that you care about yourself. It’s both inspiring and comforting because they can see that you care enough about them… to take care of yourself.

How would it make you feel if you succeeded in “tweaking” facets of your appearance that you find problematic? What if you learned to love your wardrobe, your figure, your natural physical highlights, YOUR LIFE?

Resolutions/Goals to Inspire You!

Relying on my experience as a Personal Image Coach, I’ve put together a list of attainable goals/resolutions that you may want to consider. I hope that these ideas serve as an inspiration that it’s never too late to begin again. Choose 2 or 3 to incorporate into your daily living practices. And turn those burdensome New Year’s resoultions into goals that help you to look and feel your best!

1. Clean out your wardrobe and remove all the toxic elements and eyesores from your closet.

2. Remove an item from your closet each time you put a new one in it.

3. Honor your clothes and accessories by keeping them clean, in good repair, and stored properly.

4. Do not buy on impulse; instead shop with focus.

5. Buy only the best quality items you can afford.

6. Make sure your clothes fit properly, and if they don’t take them to be professionally altered.

7. Take excellent care of your skin using a cleanser, toner and moisturizer twice a day religiously.

8. Make the best of your appearance every day not only for you, but for others as well. Even when you’re having a bad hair day.

9. Schedule regular haircuts.

10. Improve your posture, walk tall and engage your abs.

The best way to stay on course is frequent self-monitoring. Print your goals, and tape the list on your bathroom mirror. Check it regularly.

Remember, you honor yourself and those you love by feeling good and looking the best you can. Appearance is not a magical gift. It is an ability that we can all learn and cultivate.

A la prochaine,

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

5 San Francisco Jewelry Designers that…We Love!

SFWJ — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:57:33 +0000

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any time for that matter) than with a little bling! And living in the San Francisco Bay Area…there are many jewelry designers who create pieces that offer you the perfect expression of your unique self!

by Charlotte Manz, Staff Writer SF BAWJ

And where better to find these unique, handmade designs than at Etsy shops! We love shopping at Etsy stores because you’re sure to find unique one of a kind items that are handmade by the artisian who owns the shop! Here are the San Francisco Bay Area Women’s Journal’s 5 favorite Etsy stores owned by San Francisco Bay Area Jewelry Designers!

1. Shana Astrachan

Hand Made by SF jewelry designer Shana Astrachan , this tiny gold heart on a chain is so sweet it tugged at our heart strings! We just loved the simplicity and beauty of this necklace.

Shana’s jewelry evolves from her love of metal. She loves to experiment with unexpected materials and unconventional ways to use them in her jewelry design process. You can see more of her work at her estsy store ShanaAstrachan and at her website.

2. Rachael Adams

Combining a passion for the past and present, Rachael Adams combines vintage and antique pieces to create “nouveau” jewelry at her Nouveau Motley Etsy shop. We fell head over heels in love with the Anastasia necklace.

This choker length necklace features a Victorian locket dating to around 1860 suspended from a 15 inch strand of hand-knotted vintage French Jet beads.

You can see all of Rachael’s jewelry at her Etsy shop, Nouveau Motley.

3. Natasha Grasso

Love Knot…says it all! This pendant created by Natasha Grasso represents all the twists and turns we take in our life and in our relationships with friends, family and loved ones. The result is complicated, beautiful and unique…we agree and that’s why we love this piece!

This simple gold-filled knot is classic, but still has a modern organic feel to it. Perfect for everyday wear. You can find more of Nataha’s work at her Etsy shop, NatashaGrasso!

4. Alicia Bleuer

These are not Your Mother’s Pearls! Hand made using vintage pearls; Alicia Bleuer adds beautiful satin ribbon to transform Pearl necklaces from staid and proper to Fabulous and Fun!

It’s easy to adjust the length of the necklace from short to long…or even better…wrap it around your wrist to create an instant eye-catching bracelet! You can find all of Alicia’s designs at her Etsy shop, Frills and Furbelows, and see the entire Pearls collection in her “Pearls of Wisdom” section!

5. Manette Belliveau

Are you ready for the sweet sun-filled days of Spring? We sure are and that’s why the Ocean Tumbled Sea Glass earrings from the Etsy shop, Newsprout, stopped us in our rainy boot tracks!

We loved the green color of these earrings even more when we learned that the natural frosted look comes from years of exposure to the salt water, sand and surf.

Native Californian, designer Mannette creates handmade jewelry from genuine California sea glass…all that have been naturally ocean tumbled! Each piece is hand collected along the CA Coast. Please visit her Etsy shop, Newsprout, to see the complete collection.

Handmade and Unique!

Jewelry offers us a quick and easy way to express ourselves. So have a little fun and add a handmade piece of jewelry to your collection. Not only will you be expressing your unique self…but you’ll also be helping to promote a local San Francisco Bay Area Jewelry Designer!

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Little Bling!

SFWJ — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:34:54 +0000

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to spoil yourself by buying a lovely piece of jewelry? Jewelry is made out of almost every material known and has been made to adorn nearly every body part. Choosing jewelry that enhances your looks is fun and exciting. But, it can also be confusing and overwhelming, so keep the following in mind to make selections that compliment you!

by Michele Benza, San Francisco Image Consultant

Michele Benza

Color and Your Personality

If warm colors go well with your skin tone, choose jewelry in shades of yellow or gold. If cool colors suit you better, then choose white metals such as silver, platinum or white gold.

Another element to consider when selecting jewelry is your personality…are you a romantic gal, or is elegance more your style? Are you drawn more to the natural or bohemian look, or more to western or dramatic designs?

As a rule, most of us are multifaceted and our wardrobe, and thus our jewelry, too, should reflect this aspect of ourselves.

If you have lovely, well-manicured hands, wear ONE beautiful ring. If your neck is your best asset, make a necklace the focus, but wear tiny earrings. Do not wear yellow earrings with a white metal necklace unless it includes yellow and white metals (my personal preference!)

Choose Jewelry that Works with the Shape of Your Face

Did you know that you can enhance your best features by choosing jewelry that works with the shape of your face, or the length or your neck or arms? It’s true! Pay attention to these details when you are choosing jewelry and you’ll be delighted with the impact.

Here are some quick tips to help you:

Earrings and Face Shape

Diamond Shaped Face-No to diamond or rectangular shapes-Yes to curved earrings-More width and less length

Square Shaped Face-No to square shapes-Yes to straight and curved earrings-More length, less width

Oblong Shaped Face-Yes to circular shapes-No to dangle or drop earrings-More width, less length

Triangle Shaped Face-No to triangular shapes-Yes to square or circular earrings-More length than width, rounded base

Round shaped Face-No to circular earrings-Yes to drops or to square earrings-More length, less width

Necklaces and Neck

Long Neck-A short necklace with several strands, e.g. swagged pearls

Short Neck-Long necklaces

Swan -Everything looks marvelous! Lucky you!

Arms

Thin Arms-Lots of bracelets

Thick Arms-No bracelets

In French, there is a saying,

“Dis-moi quels bijoux tu portes et je te dirai qui tu es.”

“Tell me what type of jewelry you wear and I will tell you who you are!”

Thus, it is important to remember the jewelry you wear is an integral part of your image so choose pieces that improve it and that are appropriate to your environment. Remember, your image is your first non-verbal communication and your first business card. So wear and choose your jewelry well and enjoy it!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Viva la femme!

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Coats…The Great Cover Up!

SFWJ — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:54:05 +0000

As the winter season descends upon the San Francisco Bay Area, images of fog, wet weather and cool nights become a reality. Another sign of winter is the changing of wardrobes.

by Michele Benza, Image Consultant

Michele Benza

As an Image Consultant, this is one of my favorite seasons because winter clothing styles rarely disappoint me. Many of my clients are ready to pack away the summer gear and bring out their cozy sweaters, scarves, boots…and my favorite…coats!

Classic Coats are a Timeless Investment

For me, buying a high quality coat with timeless classic lines is an investment, as it will remain a staple in my wardrobe for many years to come. It also means not being a fashion slave and knowing what suits YOU best!

For instance, a coat with high armholes and a sleek tie will trim your silhouette. An oversized open collar will broaden your shoulders and sharpen the contrast with your waist.

The Coat is a Great Cover Up

And, the coat is a great cover up so you can hide a multitude of sins underneath. I throw it over anything I would never want to be seen in outside my home. Then I slip on some flats, grab my fabulous handbag, put red lipstick on et, voila!

Remember those high-waisted coats Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)? They fell just below the knee and had a single breast button and a scooped or high, wide round collar. They are still the perfect coats to wear around town today and epitomize supreme elegance and pure sophistication.

How about Catherine Deneuve’s trench coat in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)? That bold and modern coat is still very trendy and inspires creativity and inspiration. Short or long, with or without a belt, the trench coat is a very versatile garment that can be worn all year round, making it a necessity in your wardrobe.

Not everyone’s budget can include clothes from top name designers. But, that does not preclude you from admiring these treasures and being inspired and creatively “borrowing” ideas from them!

And Then…There are Gloves

A beautiful pair of gloves can raise The Coat to a whole new level. These days’ gloves come in so many colors and styles; there is no excuse for not owning a few pairs.

Gloves are functional, fun and an accessory. Go out and buy a couple of pairs; you won’t regret it.

Coats and Accessories Create an Image

For me personally, my coats and accessories – gloves or otherwise – reflect my personality and communicate to others that I respect them and myself. They help me present myself as an elegant and inspired woman who uses her creativity to live and enjoy life fully!

Viva la femme!

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

How to Walk in HIGH HIGH HEELS!

SFWJ — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:14:49 +0000

Shoes appear to have replaced bags as the driving force in the fashion accessories department and Extreme Stiletto Heels are THE Fashion Statement of the Season. But how do you walk in them?

By Michele Benza, San Francisco Image Consultant

Michele Benza

I have a love-hate relationship with stilettos. I love them because they make women look sexy and powerful. I hate them because I can’t wear them as often as I wish and that makes me feel nostalgic.

They certainly enhance our legs and help make us look slender and taller. And as we all know, they seem to impact men’s libido and elicit many more compliments from the male of the species.

However, these perilously high heels make it hard to walk with ease and without breaking an ankle. Even the professional models find these stilt-like heels difficult as evidenced at the recent fashion shows.

Balance, Poise and Confidence!

Wearing high heels is all about femininity. When you walk in these heels think about a giraffe, not an elephant. Stand tall and upright. Elongate the waist, relax and rotate the shoulders towards the back and drop them down. This will open up your chest and help lengthen your neck. Make sure the chin is parallel to the floor.

Following are 5 more pointers that will help YOU feel more confident and balanced when wearing those fabulous high, high heels!

1. Buy the proper size. I so often see women wearing high-heeled shoes that are too big. There should be no space between the heel of the foot and the shoe.

2. Be aware that when wearing hosiery, the foot will easily slide out of the shoe and very likely lead to a fall or twisted ankle.

3. No matter how high the shoe, take extra caution to keep your balance. A graceful or sexy shoe is pointless if it causes pain or makes you walk in an ungainly manner, or worse, makes you fall.

4. Practice at home before venturing out in your heightened state!

5. Take small steps. Place your heel down first then your sole. Pay attention to your foot alignment. Toes should be pointing straight forward. As you walk be sure your legs are parallel and close together. Try to walk a straight line. And for a more sensual walk, move your hip slightly forward as you take a step. WALK SLOWLY AND GRACEFULLY.

In Spite of a Broken foot…I still love High High Heels!

I must confess I have been known to buy a pair or two of super high heels just to own and admire them. Once in a rare while I’ll cautiously wear them in my studio or at parties when I know there is valet parking. And I mean cautiously because a few years ago, I twisted my ankle in a pair of high heels and broke a bone in my right foot! Bummer! Since then I’ve been wearing mostly flats, which do not match my usual feminine style.

However, I am happy to report that those of us wary of extreme heels will at last be able to find moderately high heels that are attractive and très chic. The latest trend among shoe designers is to make the same shoe available in two, sometimes three, different heights. Prada seems to be the originator of this long-overdue sales trend. Our feet will thank these designers for many years to come.

Viva la femme!

A la prochaine.

Michele

Now, let me take off my hat and thank you all for the wonderful support you have given me since I opened my image-consulting studio in 2004. My grateful thanks for making my progress possible.

BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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Beauty From the Inside Out

SFWJ — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:45:05 +0000

As that old adage reminds us “Beauty is only skin deep.” We can make ourselves very attractive with clothing and accessories but true beauty comes from within.

By Michele Benza, San Francisco Image Consultant

Michele Benza

How many times have you seen someone who is not conventionally attractive but yet is perceived as beautiful because he or she radiates a sense of well-being and an inner knowing of their self-worth and purpose in the world?

They are completely at ease with themselves and the world.

Make Time to Take Good Care of Yourself!

It is vitally important that we take as good care of ourselves within as we do with our outside appearance. It is of course much easier to enhance our beauty externally. Developing aspects of ourselves within that make us feel comfortable in our skin and accept our perceived physical flaws…is more challenging.

Many of us have internal gremlins that are hell bent on eroding our confidence and self-esteem. We can counter those critical gremlins by learning to accept ourselves as we are–large hips and all! Of course it is important that we try to modify negative behavior patterns and take action to improve our physical well-being in any way we can. But always be realistic.

Some of us simply don’t have a Julia Roberts smile. But a smile is a smile is a smile and can lift your spirits and those of others around you.

10 Quick Tips to Improve Your inner Beauty
There are many simple things you can do to improve your inner well-being. There are myriads of books and articles with great advice on how to achieve this but; here are some of my quick and easy pointers:

1. Take time out to truly relax whether it is just being quiet listening to music or taking a stroll alone or with someone you love.

2. Avoid negative thinking and people!

3. Breathe! Learn some simple breathing techniques that are calming and centering.

4. Turn the lights low or light candles when you eat, take a long bath or shower.

5. Find ways to create harmony in your mind and in your life through a mind-body practice.

6. Choose a physical activity that resonates with your body whether it is Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, hip-hop, pole, swing or ballroom dancing, rollerblading or simply walking. Make time for whatever it is regularly. Once you develop the habit, you’ll find your body demands that you keep it!

8. Be grateful each day for whatever it is that is good in your life whether it be health, loving family and friends, a roof over your head, a comfy bed, a delicious meal, a beautiful sunny day.

9. Meditate. If sitting still for any length of time is challenging, try an activity like Tai Chi that incorporates meditation with movement.

10. Be optimistic against all odds.

11. Live in the moment.

Remember we all have the capacity to be beautiful, no matter our physical appearance.

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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Make Your First Impression Your Best Impression!

SFWJ — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:30:58 +0000

By Michele Benza

Michele Benza Image Consultant

You probably know that it takes less than five seconds to make that critical first impression when we first meet someone. Whether it’s that new job, a promotion, or that new love, we want the critical first impression to be positive. The style, fabrics and colors of the clothes we choose, our make-up, hairstyle and the way we carry ourselves are all part of non-verbal communication.

Your Image is Key!

Your image is your key! Your appearance communicates to others who you are and how you see yourself. It reflects your background, successes and respect for others. And conversely, how others perceive us affects how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we relate to others.

Professional Image Consultants help you make your first impression your best impression.

The commitment of an Image Consultant is to help you capture your individual style. Their first step is to listen carefully to your personal and professional needs.

How do you hire an Image Consultant?

1. Ask for Recommendations

Talk to your friends, professional associates, and use the Web. Choose a consultant with experience. Ideally, Image Consultants should be specialists in style, color, wardrobe, cosmetics, skin care, hairstyle and accessories. Opt for a full-time established consultant, someone with a studio or office space that has a comfortable and professional atmosphere.

2. Chemistry Check

It is very important that you and your new image coach are a good match; someone who is easy to talk to and makes your feel comfortable. Given today’s technology, your image coach does not have to be in your geographic location.

For example, I offer image consultation online using ‘I-chat,’ Skype, and Webcam. Each method allows my local clients to consult with me while they are traveling abroad. It also allows me to work with clients all over the world. Phone consultations are also popular and successful.

The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable with your Image Consultant, because you will spend a lot of time talking.

3. Inquire About the Process and the Fees

A professional Image Consultant will send you her image consulting policies prior to your first meeting. And, speaking of first meetings, ideally it should be a face-to-face meeting and take place in a calm, private place. Make sure the Image Consultant discusses the privacy and confidentiality of your conversations or your photographs.

What to Expect

Once you have chosen your coach, your transformation will start with a two to three hour consultation (based on the consultant, this time may vary). During that first meeting, your coach wants to hear about your goals, problems, needs and dreams. You and your consultant will then create an action plan, evaluate your style, your needs and requirements.

During the next sessions, your consultant will identify your optimum color palette and identify the style of clothing that will enhance your figure and support your lifestyle. In your home, your Image Consultant will assess and, if necessary, update your current wardrobe.

And this is where it really gets fun because a personal shopping trip is next on the agenda! Once you’ve made some fabulous new purchases, your Image Consultant may suggest another in-house visit to show you how to create new outfits that take advantage of both your new and tried-and-true clothes and accessories.

You’re Going to Love Opening Your Closet Door!

Imagine what it will be like to open your closet door and know what style suits you, every time! You will be able to dress and accessorize to emphasize what you love in your body and conceal what you dislike. You will know what colors are best for you, and how to use them in your daily makeup and hairstyle. And best of all, you will feel confidant and assured that you are making your best impression!

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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