an image consultant?

I have to admit I had a date with an image consultant on Friday afternoon.  Though I was excited about it, I was also a little apprehensive...I mean, who wants to hear that their eyebrows need more of an arch?  Especially a busy mama with no disposable income and little time to shop.

BUT, let me tell you where my excitement came from.  A couple months ago I met Gretchen Ditto at an Awesome Women event.  I was instantly drawn to her.  She had on a great outfit ( something I could see myself in) and had a great personality to boot.  We were paired up for an exercise and because I felt so comfortable with her, I found myself interested in talking with her about image and media training.

Because my soon to be new business partner (news to come very, very soon-stay tuned!) and I need media training together, we thought a visit to her was in the cards. 

For my visit I was to bring a few outfits I might wear for a television interview.  Seriously, that would have meant a shopping trip, which was NOT in the cards.  So I brought a few favorite pieces for her to peek at.  Gretchen's office is out of her home, small, comfortable and quaint.  She, of course, is adorable.  I have always wanted curly hair and she is the epitome of curly hair.  She asked me questions about what I wanted to change about myself or know in regards to image.  If that isn't a loaded question!?

What do I want to know?

Question 1:  I don't like purses, how do I get around this? 

I poked around on Etsy tonight and fell in love with this.

Question 2: In any given hour, I go from mom to running clothes to meeting.  How do I get away with that and have a bag (s) that help me do that?

Question 3:  Shoes.  Ugh.  I hate heels, feel like a Neanderthal in them, not comfortable walking in them and certainly don't want to wear them all day.  Help?!

I am loving these. And these.  And, um, these.  Yes, in red.

Question 4:  What colors should I wear?  Why do I feel angry when I wear black?

I learned that my base colors are browns and charcoal grey ( yeah!!!!).  Colors to include are greens and blues, with a little pink and coral.  White also works for me.  Avoid cream and black.

Question 5:  How can I look professional while wearing clothing I am comfortable in?

She gave me lots of ideas here with an Anthropologie feel without the price.

We then talked through media training and walked through an exercise for how/when I'm interviewed, and how to stick to the key points in a succinct and concise manner.

Overall, super fun and so glad I did it.  Can't wait to go back. 

Comments

[wendy lou]

hey nichole! (i wanted to call you "nichi" like i always usend to---but wasn't sure if you even go by that anymore---and couldn't recall how you spelled it!:))

i love seeing your updates on FB...i am so excited for you and how your business is taking off. you are such a hard-worker and put so much passion & joy into all that you do. YAY! congratulations on all of your success!

[Laurie]

I love the 'purse' and you always look great even in your running clothes! Hugs!

[Gucci Shoes]

I love blog, because any person can blog in their own feelings and to share things with. But i suppose the blog could only be improved if you posted more often.

[Lisa Thompson]

That sounds really great. I was laughing at your feeling like a Neanderthal in heels--I feel exactly the same way! I also feel that way in a dress and anything "fancy" ;) I suppose I could use an image consultant myself.