THE SUPER CAPSULE THAT HELPS YOU GET DRESSED FOR SUCCESS AND OUT THE DOOR IN STYLE, COMFORT AND EVEN GRACE

What kind of capsule leaves you glowing radiantly, diminishes figure flaws, boosts confidence and helps you get a job, a promotion or a date? It has absolutely no calories or negative side-effects and requires no surgery of any kind. There is only one such capsule. It is a clothing capsule.

What is a clothing capsule? Since your youngest days you've probably said to yourself “One of these days I'm going to get my act together and coordinate my wardrobe.” We usually think this as we rush around our homes frantically trying to coordinate a passable outfit for work in the morning or are heading out to an important meeting or a party. We may have invested a lot of money on clothing, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics. Yet, when we need to pull that look together we realize that “I have a closet full of clothing and nothing to wear.”

One of the reasons that people don't coordinate their wardrobes is that this process never fully becomes a focus of attention. Our wardrobes tend to be a matter of “hit and miss” - a hodgepodge of styles gleaned from sales and individual purchases that were random and impulsive. Another reason is that we may not be clear exactly what colors to wear. Our knowledge of proportion and fashion trends may not be complete. We may not know how to interpret the trends for ourselves. Once we head to the meeting the notion of what to wear evaporates from our minds and we become engaged in other issues in our lives.

Enter the Image Consultant. An Image Consultant is trained in the art and skill of helping the client create complete and optimal looks that take into consideration color, cut, proportion, style and appropriateness for the individual and for the occasion. This type of concentrated attention to detail really makes a difference. Above all, it lets the world know that this is a person who is on top of his/her game, has mastered the basics of life and is ready to take on the higher-level challenges. In other words, his/her image is one of a capable, intelligent, organized, take-charge individual who can coordinate his/her department the same way that s/he has coordinated his/her wardrobe.

A clothing capsule consists of up to 12 items of clothing in combinations of up to three main colors. These items easily mix and match with each other to form outfits that hit all the right notes. We then fill out Clothing Capsule Sheets that are kept in a book or folder. Each sheet has one completely coordinated outfit on it. Upon waking or the night before an event a client can select a sheet, pull out all of the aspects of the outfit, make sure they are clean, ironed, in good repair and in “jump into” condition in the morning just as a firefighter jumps into his or her outfit after flying down the pole upon the sounding of the fire alarm.

Every detail of the outfit is addressed on the sheet from hairstyle to pin placement. Everything is carefully outlined to get you out of the house in frazzle-free condition. Picture being calm, cool and collected as you leave in the morning secure in the knowledge that you look your best, in charge and able to focus on the most complex challenges the workplace throws at you.

The best way to do this is to either design a form for yourself. Or, if you choose you can order a complete book from me. Since you are limiting yourself to three colors per capsule you have a structure to follow. Select an item of clothing. Pick out all the items in your wardrobe that coordinate with that piece. You should have one sheet in your notebook for each outfit. Don't forget the proper undergarments and hose. They can make or break your outfit. Think about the need for a scarf and or a belt. Coordinate an appropriate pocketbook and shoe.

Decide on the need for a blazer or another topper to pull the look together and offer some “body armor” in the workplace. The original blazer was a knight's armor. Don't leave yourself “defenseless.”

Make sure you have a section for footwear and one for jewelry. The right jewelry, properly placed for your proportion, face, body shape and coloring can make all the difference in the world. This is a topic for another day. Focusing on jewelry can and does make the outfit outstanding and smart rather than neutral. It focuses attention where you want it and avoids attention where you don't want it. It delivers the message that you had time to spare this morning. It delivers the message to the world that you had time to spare this morning and that you have achieved a certain level of success. These are critical messages that you want to put out there.

Don't forget to plan your hair and makeup in advance. Also, think ahead to the evening. If you are attending a function straight from work you will want to bring cosmetics to freshen or enhance your look for that event. You might also want to bring a different blouse, shoe or jewelry. You may want to vary your hairstyle. Nothing is easier than changing your part or putting your hair up with hair sticks if it is long enough. This gives you some variety in the way you get seen in by your friends, colleagues and supervisors and demonstrates creativity on your part.

Once the categories on your form are complete, make copies and fill it out for all possible combinations and permutations for your wardrobe. It will become apparent where you need to fill in with a new blouse, a belt or some other aspect of your wardrobe. Keep a list on a separate sheet of paper for all of the items you will need in order to optimize your wardrobe. You also need a list of all repairs, alterations and cleaning you will need.

When you shop for some new aspect of your wardrobe it is advisable to make sure the item goes with at least three other items. In this way you are creating combinations and permutations and will be getting great use out of each piece. It also makes sure that you never have “nothing to wear” because your new items go with at least three existing items. Incidentally, you will be saving time and money because your purchases are not longer random or dependent on the current sales. You may be investing in some items but you will be fully utililizing and optimizing that item.

Please feel free to phone me at 212-769-7996 with any questions or comments that you may have about my columns or about particular fashion questions. I would be happy to speak with you and your questions may appear in a future column. Happy organizing!

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