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!