Special Report

A TRIP TO TOKYO November 2010

Well, I did not have an Oscar outfit, but I felt like I was getting a special award like an Oscar!
I traveled to Tokyo to receive a special Outstanding Contribution Award from my world-wide professional organization (AICI - Association of Image Consultants International) and this was from the Tokyo Chapter.
It was Tokyo Chapter's 20th Year Anniversary Reception and I have been with them that long. the chapter has grown to be the 3rd largest in the world and is a very active chapter now.
Anyway, they put on a very special eventing and it was so special for me. The crystal plaque doesn't look large in this picture but was made from high-end crystal and was extremely heavy!


The whole day was spent attending an image workshop (I am always wanting to learn more!) with 50 other chapter members in an elegant hotel at the Tokyo Bay and then the evening was set in the ballroom. Tokyo Chapter is unique for having some very tall and good looking male members!


Here are some pictures from that evening.

I did several consultations in Tokyo for AICI members which was great!

By the way, I always felt this, but Japan is truly a country of big contrasts. You will see many new high rise buildings and right next to them you will find a small 400 year-old temple. there are kimono clad ladies walking side by side with women in hippy outfits (mini-skirt, mesh tights, long booth, fake eyelashes) and somehow they harmonize! Very interesting sights, indeed.

Being With Nobuyuki Tsujii, a Genius Blind Pianist:

                          

         He was one of the 2 top Gold winners of the last year’s 13^th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition beating 350 of the best pianists from all over the world. I helped him and her mother initially with the translation.

         My husband & I went to see and hear Nobu perform a recital at the beautiful Old Bedford School the night before my leaving for Tokyo.  He was absolutely fabulous. Just think about the fact that he has never seen his mother’s face, the keyboard nor anything else which we take for granted every day!  He “saw” us through our voice and the gesture when we visited. Our problems shrink when you think about Nobuyuki.

        

 

“LOOK CASUAL CHIC” During the Holiday Workshops

        

I know you all are thinking about the special Holiday event clothes. But this workshop (actually two) is to help you look Casual Chic every day while you are going though the myriad of stuff to do for the holidays.  You want to look attractive without going through too much trouble! It’s a hands-on session. I know you will be so glad to know how to look Casual Chic this Holiday season!  I will show you how to tweak the way you look now and what accessories you want to use & how.

Date: Mon. Nov. 29, 2010         Time: 5:30-6:30 pm

Place: Keiko’s Image Studio 1929 Dartmoor Ct. 76110 off Forest Park Blvd

in the Berkley area(reserve by Sat. 27th)

Repeat Date/time/place: Wed. Dec. 1, 2010  Time: 5:30-6:30 pm

 (reserve by Mon. 29th )

 

The session is only $8 (covers drinks & snacks—no champagne) so bring your friend (they are free) but call right away since the space is limited. Bring an outfit.  Reserve by calling 817-926-7675  or email keiko@keikocouch.com (check or cash only please)

$8 is money but practical tips and feeling pretty & confident are worth every penny.  Even a gift bag can cost $8 which you will throw away! 

SPECIAL of the month of November:

20% off one skincare product (Celagen Vitamin C Cream is 10% off)

I am reminded in this special time of the year how fortunate that you entered my life.  Thank you very much!

Keiko

 

5 Hot Must Haves this Fall!

Below I list 5 of the hottest trends for fall 2010. You can add some of them to what you have in your closet.

How about being a bit daring this fall and enjoy a new expression of yourself? Unsure of it? I will be happy to help you!!

You might only need a one hour consultation to quickly update your fall wardrobe.

1) Leopard/animal prints—little bit goes a long way
2) Anything with the military motif
3) Classic Chanel type jacket—be careful not to look matronly with this jacket
4) Blouse with fringe
5) Boots

Professional No-No

I have the most vibrant and striking client in California. She sent me this picture.


I always thought that the First Lady should wear a long sleeve top/jacket unless it's an after-5 event or in a private setting. Ladies, please be aware of how you are seen from behind. Michelle's stiff skirt is making her appear much larger and the white top with the big bow is too casual and too plain. Mrs. Obama has a good figure and is a good dresser, but this is a no-no.



In my "Flatter Your Figure" consultation choosing the right fabrics and styles for your bottom half is included in the 35 page style manual that is yours to tak home.



The other two ladies pictured are Princess Letizia of Spain and French First Lady Carla Bruni.



COMMENTS WELCOME!

Cooking Up Style in Your Closet

Ready to cook up some new looks? Get ready to use your style eyes as you rediscover old gems and find new ways to mix and match your clothes to fit in with current trends.

STEP ONE - Search for the Right Recipe

Start by flipping through current magazines or catalogues. what colors pop out? Are you drawn to a theme like, romantic, classic or modern? What attracts you about shoes, handbags and jewelry? Tear our whatever makes your mouth water.

STEP TWO - Looking into the Pantry for the Right Ingredients

What do you have in your closet that resembles the pictures in your hands?

Look for color.

Look for pattern.

STEP THREE - Gather the Ingredients and Mix

Take everything out of your closet and assemble into simple, new outfits. Be classy and adventurous!

STEP FOUR - Sprinkle in the Toppings

Sometimes the key to trends are the the accessories. There's hidden treasure in the bottom of your jewelry box!

STEP FIVE - Add the Secret Ingredients

Posture and a confident attitude.

If you feel unsure of yourself, don't worry. Give me a call and I can help you out. My professional style eyes can help you find the gems in your closet and work them into great outfit recipes that you'll enjoy all season. This is my specialty! And if anything is missing, we'll create a shopping list and fill in any missing pieces. I'll help you look great!

May Ageless Beauty Image Tips

Hello, my clients and friends,

Finally a windy & humid summer has arrived! Hope you are doing very well.

*Feature Article
*What Keiko is Up To?
*Keiko’s Top 5 Travel Tips

*Feature Article: Daily Masking. Do read please.

I have a client who is also my friend who is going to have her 75th birthday this weekend. She looks so much younger than her age! She is a champion when it comes to doing daily masking cleansing faithfully! Her skin sparkles and nobody can believe her age.

I am aware that we all were born with certain hereditary traits but I cannot stress enough that you can easily look vibrant, healthy and younger when your skin is healthy! You achieve the health of your skin through your Premiere daily masking and Premiere Age Defying Products, namely Celagen (Vitamin C Renewal Cream) & Hydragen Moisturizer.

You know your skincare is important. You know it should be a priority… But it doesn’t always make the top of your “to-do” list. Well, you can start today because it’s never too late. Your skin will be so glad that you started if you have not already.
So here is a Sweet Start for you: 15% off Specials until May 28: Massage Gel (reg. $40 now $34), Blue Mask (reg.$40 now $34), Purifying Mask (reg. $40 now $34) and Revitalizing Mask (reg.$40, now $34) all produced by Premiere. Yes, you can purchase more than one product on this special. For an independent business owner (ME!) this is a big deal so grab it before the Sweet Starts end Fri. May 27. Call 817-926-7675 or email at keiko@keikocouch.com

*What Keiko is Up To?

I will be attending the Association of the Image Consultants International Conference in Vancouver from May 20. I hold a liaison/Regional Advisor position between the International Headquarters and Tokyo Chapter. In fact I have held it for 20 years! There will be many extraordinary workshops for the image consultants to better themselves so in turn they can help solve their clients image concerns. I am very much looking forward to attending the conference and enjoying the beautiful city, that is, if there is any time left.

I will also attend several professional meetings on Cape Cod during the month of July.

*Keiko’s Top 5 Travel Tips
Traveling soon is in your agenda this summer?

1) Be sure to take no wrinkle clothes or no iron clothes
2) Make 2 colors as your base wardrobe colors perhaps taken from
your current hair and eye colors. For example a basic pantsuit
in your eye color, a skirt and light jacket in your hair color.
3) Don’t forget to take some fashionable peace with you such as a great accessory like sunglasses or necklace
4) Take a long crinkle summer scarf—this gives colors and textures
5) Take 2 pairs of shoes: Beige shoes (your skin tone) and your hair color shoes (Be sure they are comfortable no matter how high heels may be).

Have a colorful and stylish day!
Keiko

April Image Tips 2010

Hello, my clients and friends,

*Feature Article

*What Keiko is Up To?

*Two Studio Workshops

*Skincare Specials

*Feature Article

It’s time to remind ourselves to look great even in the hot summer months.

Get Dressed with an Attitude of Gratitude

Friends invite you over for a dinner party. They spend a couple days prior to the evening figuring out what to cook, and then go to the grocery store to pick up all the necessities, clean up and beautify the house, polish the wine glasses, and then slave away in the kitchen for three hours before you even walk in the door. Think about all the time and money that’s gone into this evening even before you ring the doorbell. Your hostess gift can’t begin to match the preparation. Make your host happy they’ve invited you when they open the door and see you looking sparkly and vibrant.

Kick it up a notch

We dress up for so many different aspects of life; work, church, dates, holidays, weddings, and so forth. You’re just going over to a friend’s house for dinner. The hostess says casual, right? I know it’s tempting to slack off, but showing up dressed well is a way to show your host how appreciative you are for the invite. They will be participating in kitchen Olympics prior to you showing up. When you sit down to the well-dressed table be the well-dressed guest.

Special night, special pieces

Time to get in your closet and pull out those nice pieces that you save for special events, because this night is one of them. Leave the work bag at home and pull out one of your smaller evening bags. Do you have a pretty shawl you’re saving for special events? Here is the opportunity. Accessories can be super romantic in layers of pearls or dazzling chandelier earrings. Or go for drama with a large colorful statement necklace and bangles layered on your wrist.

Looking casually chic

If you’re opting to wear jeans, make sure you’re wearing dressy jeans and not your Saturday-running-errands jeans. Glam them up with a printed flowy top or a colorful softly structured jacket over a dressy tee. The more simple the jean outfit, the more accessories you need to get a going-out look. Add long beaded or chain necklaces.

Wardrobe transforming

If you’re coming from work, there are ways to switch out a few pieces so as not to look like those proposal revisions are still on your mind. A suit will look too formal and restricted so remove your suit jacket and instead pair your bottom with a soft cashmere sweater in a bright or bold color. Accessorize with a pretty print scarf, and some beautiful earrings. Another way to get festive is to simply switch out your shoes. Nothing looks duller than your comfortable and conservative work shoes. Wear one of your favorite printed flats or a pair of dress up heels that you rarely get to wear. (photos from Chico’s catalogue)

What do you think about the current fashion in town?

*What Else Keiko is Up To?

I came back from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida just recently. I have this very special colleague buddies we call Sistahs. They are members of AICI for which I am a proud member. This Sisterhood evolved from our many years of rooming together at the Annual Conferences of the Association of Image Consultants International. We used to book adjoining rooms, share image info and techniques, critique each other's clothes and makeup. Sometimes we had to share one bathroom and one closet! (got to be so much fun & hilarious), and just have a good ole girlfriend experience. This group is most unique because even though there is a 20 year age spread among us, we all really enjoy being together. Since some of us do not attend the AICI Conference much any more, we plan an annual get-together. And this time was at one of our Sistah’s beautiful Florida home. Last year it was in Chicago, the year before was Montreal and before was Paris. Next year... Mexico?

Here we are during a night out at the Bimini Boatyard last week.

Right front. Clockwise: Keiko Couch (TX), Carla Mathis (CA), Gerina Gaffney (MA), Donna Cognac (MA) and Leslie Larocca (IL) & Evana Maggiore (MA & FL).

Skincare 20% off any one skincare product. Celagen, the Vitamin C cream, is 10% off.

Offer ends April 30.

As always I am so grateful to have wonderful clients and friends like you! Call or email me anytime for any questions. Stay BEAUTIFUL!

Studio Classes Offered!

In addition to my TCU classes, I am offering some Ageless Beauty Image Studio Spring Workshops!

Sunday, April 25th 2-3PM Are you Chic or Matronly? Revealing Chic You!

Sunday, May 16th 2-3PM Details, Details, Details: Accessories, Scarves and Much More!

Only $25 for each class. Seating is limited to the first five people. Bring a friend and she is free!
Register Early to reserve your seat. Your check is your receipt.
Deadline to enter is 4 days before each workshop!

Call or E-mail with Questions!

Spring Trends! Get Ready!

Feb.2010

Fashion/Image Trend Report

Hello, Everyone!

Well, like some of you, we had no power for several days and lost quite number of large oak branches because of the heavy snow. You can only live so long by candlelight and huddling together. My husband and I danced when the lights came on! It was indeed a wakeup call. We must enjoy what we have every day, you know.

So here we are in the middle of winter but I noticed several baby cacti peeking out when the sun came out and melted the snow. Spring will be here soon!

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET?

Here is what you will be seeing in the area boutiques in the coming season. Warning—don’t get overjoyed with all these new fashions except for the fabulous colors.

Spring Fashion Foundation

COLOR

*This spring soft neutrals are making a big entrance with pink champagne, light pewter, and warm beige as your season’s must-haves. They are everywhere. Khaki is again popular.

*Bright whites show up in head to toe outfits using fun materials such as tulle, fuzzy textures, lace and shine. (Be careful how your teeth appear when you wear it—I choose the best white shades for you during a personal color consultation).

*Blues show up in soft denim shades, mid-blue hues, and the classic navy blue.

*Bolder choices in color include coral, sunflower yellow, wisteria, purple, teal, turquoise and lime green. All of us can wear these and look fabulous.

Styling tip: Give your light neutrals a little more power by adding contrasting colors. We want to see you!

Very important: When wearing nude shades you want to pay attention to your skincare and makeup. It would be easy to look washed out and even a little sickly without a polished face and defined features brought out through the right makeup. Call me if you have any questions.

FABRICS

Spring fabrics bring a return to romance with soft layers, ruffles, feathers, vintage lace and see-through fabrics. These textures will add a flirtatious and feminine feel to your wardrobe.

Styling tip: Be careful that you don’t look like a character in a fairy tale when wearing combinations of ruffles and lace. Mix these flirtatious pieces with some classic pieces like a slim skirt, tailored blazer or straight-legged pant.

PRINTS

Prints are the queen of the trend. They get attention with loud, eye-catching florals as well as tie-dye, tropical, digital, and tribal prints.

Styling tip: An easier way to experiment with the wild prints this season is to put it in a smaller item. Enjoy the larger floral print in a tote, for instance. How about the optical print in your sunglasses?

FASHION RULES for this season:

Rule # 1: Prints on top of other prints could be blinding.

Print mixing is a big trend for 2010. Wearing an outfit with four completely different prints might work in the magazines but is really hard to pull off for real people with real bodies. Better to pair two patterns together that share a one color. This should work and you are a fashion trendsetter!

Rule # 2: Big bold jewelry needs to be worn with caution.

Big jewelry is in, but it’s not for everyone, according to me. The Color 1 color and image training I received years ago taught me how important the scale is on a human body. If you have a large face like mine, for instance, you can play with a large chunky jewelry, if your face is average or small, then the jewelry should be medium to smaller sizes.

Rule # 3: Don’t get carried away with the ever-growing heels.

Sky-high stilettos will be impossible to wear if you have further than one block to walk. Besides very high heels are not easy to walk prettily. (Check how Oprah walks in her shows.) Be careful to have glittering details such as sequins & metallic finishes on the shoes unless you want to look short.

Rule # 4: Downsize your handbag.

With shoes getting more attention, the role of the handbag is changing. (I cannot be happier here.) Handbags this season are smaller pieces of artwork that add detail to your outfit. For those of you who still carry your lives in your purse, look to find a bigger slouch bag (but not huge) with this season’s soft neutrals or light pastels. The lighter colors will make the bag not look so heavy.

Here is a big Caution:

Short shorts

Generally speaking, no one over the age of ten should be wearing short shorts. Unfortunately this is a strong look this season. Shorts are being paired with the boyfriend blazer, a loose top, and wedges. It is conceptually a cute look, but be cautious. This may be a must-have for runway models only.

I have one more great alteration person for you:

Sandy Ross 817-654-9881 She is very fashionable and knows her trade.

I would love to hear from you about my Ageless Beauty Image Tips. Also please let me know if you don’t wish to receive my Beauty Tips.

ENJOY YOURSELF this spring!

I will be most happy to help you to look fabulous and happy, I promise.

Keiko

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS from KEIKO

My Dear Clients,

HAPPY, PROSPEROUS & HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

*A Note from Keiko
*What Keiko is Up To?
*Other Helpful Information

* A NOTE from KEIKO:

Thanks for those of you who responded to my Mother/Daughter
Trip. It was heart warming to know that you all cared and supported me.

Hope all is going well with you and that you don’t make too many
New Year’s Resolutions. To me just doing several manageable things is
better. You won’t be stressed out this way ☺

*WHAT KEIKO IS UP TO?

There are 5 fabulous classes I am offering at TCU Community Programs this Spring! I strongly invite you to take several of them
to start the New Year right. They are manageable projects for you.

DRESS for INTERVIEW SUCCESS
Be Positive, be a Success!

• Your critical first impression takes only 6 seconds. This class will help you prepare for your job interviews with ease. After the class you will be feeling confident and relaxed – ready to show the interviewer your true potential while other competitors are stressed.

• We will cover “10 Things You Absolutely Must Know To Wow the Interviewer and Get the Job.”

Bring or wear to the class: your interview outfit.
Dates:
For WOMEN: Tuesday, January 12, 10 6:30-9:00pm

For MEN: Thursday, January 14, 10 Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm

This is a timely subject! Be sure to tell your graduating sons and daughters, family members, friends or anyone who want to get ahead and get the job of their desire! Call TCU Continuing Education: 817-257-7132


SMART IMAGE MAKEOVER for Mature Women
Be smart and live smart!
(This was not in the TCU Learner’s Guide but is in their website.)

Economy as it is today, this class is a wakeup-call for many of you who have spent plenty of money for your image (clothes, shoes, hair & makeup) but did not get the great results you were looking for.
Why not be smart? This is a class to learn to own less and enjoy much more.

In the class we will cover:

Makeover #1— COLOR strategy
Makeover #2--- CLUSTER DRESSING strategy
Makeover #3 – SHOPPING in YOUR CLOSET
Makeover #4 -- CLOTHES BUYING strategy
Makeover #5 – ICING ON THE CAKE=Tips on Accessories, Skincare, makeup & Hair Color/Style

Enjoy getting compliments right away! It’s all about your lifestyle change. Shopping and closet organization becomes a great pleasure. You will be jumping out of bed every morning feeling excited!

Dates: 3 sessions on Thursdays. Dates: Feb. 18, 25 & March 4, 2010
Time: 6:30-8:30pm

COLOR WONDERFUL!

We make an instant impression within the first 6 seconds of our encounter. And the first thing human eyes see is color, then shape. You can make yourself look either lively or dingy with your choice of color. Knowing your flattering color is the single greatest and the most affordable tool you can have to look lively and beautiful. And in this class you get to take home your own color chart!

You will:
• learn your best shade from each color family
• learn how bright or soft you can wear them well
• learn to combine them in many exciting ways you have never thought about.
The color chart will become your “best friend” that will guides you to stay focused without straying when shopping for clothes, accessories & interior items. You will learn to find only what makes you look wonderful. Individual attention given to all. Bring or wear to the class your favorite outfit, a lipstick you like and a desk mirror.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 9:30am-12:30pm one session

FASHION FENG SHUI®
The Power of Dressing with Intentions

Would you like to discover your essential energy? Are you expressing yourself authentically? Are you a Water? Or Fire or Metal? Fashion Feng Shui® considers clothing to be your body’s most intimate environment. It takes its roots from the Chinese practice of Feng Shui which is to arrange one’s personal environment using the five life forming elements (water, wood, fire, earth & metal). See how your elements manifest in your appearance, personality and your intentions. What would you like to be?
* Each attendant will fill an Essential Energy assessment to find out her core element. Come discover who you really are and start a more positive and happier life! Join me in this fascinating self-discovering journey.
Create and bring to the class a collage (at least 8 ½ x11 or larger) of photos & phrases that visually illustrate your vision of your “ideal self” and you goals.
Dates: 2 Tuesdays January 26, February 2, 2010 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Call TCU Community Programs 817-257-7132 or register
on line at www.lifelong.tcu.edu

Keiko Couch, Owner