Global Image Group | Personal Shopper | Image Consultant

Dressing to impress for a date is just as important as dressing appropriately for an interview. After all, the first few dates can often feel like an interview process especially if you are meeting someone online or using a dating service. Therefore Global Image Group’s image consultants and personal shoppers have taken the guess work out of what to wear and how to wear it by identifying the 5 essential items to develop your men’s dating wardrobe.

Men under estimate the power of clothing and the effects it has on women when she sees a well dressed man. Not only will these style tips be effective for your dating first impression, but they will also be effective “chick magnets” when you’re out with the boys. Let your clothing do the work for you. When you’re well dressed, women will notice you and may even take the initiative to talk to you - dramatically reducing the “rejection factor.”

The following are the 5 essentials items for men’s dating attire:

Men’s Style Tip 1: The Tailored Blazer. Investing in a casual sport coat or blazer for evenings out during the week or weekend is a great start. All you need is one or two depending on how social you are. Select a blazer that suits your personal style and is well made in a neutral color like black, navy blue or brown.

Men’s Style Tip 2: The Sexy Shirt. Selecting an interesting shirt with some sort of texture or pattern can often be a good conversation starter. The pattern can be as subtle as a tone-on-tone stripe or go bold with a colorful pinstripe. Patterns are often a reflection of our personality. The subtly confident guy will lean toward a tone-on-tone striped shirt while the outgoing and boisterous sales guy may be drawn to a bold pinstripe.

Men’s Style Tip 3: The Fashion Jeans. Men often times select jeans that do not fit them appropriately. Men’s fashion jeans are not the same as the jeans that you throw on to run errands or lounge in on your sofa. So pay careful attention to fit around your waist, rear end and legs. Hemming your jeans appropriately so that they are not too long or too short can also make a difference in looking taller or shorter.

Men’s Style Tip 4: The Sleek Shoes. The first thing noticed when a man walks into a room are his shoes. Invest in at least one cool pair of “going out shoes.” Whether it be a loafer, boot, or lace up in black or brown, select a shoe that looks sleek and modern. Do yourself a favor and avoid rubber soles, square or rounded tip toes to look up-to-date.

Men’s Style Tip 5: The Accessories. Finish off your dating look with a quality leather belt, a wallet in good repair, and a sporty chronograph watch. The details often make a good impression so make your look work for you and create less work for yourself. 55% of the impression you make is based solely on your appearance. So increase the odds of your dating success by 55% percent just by paying attention to the clothing you wear.

There is nothing more entertaining for women to giggle about than when they see a guy dressed in work clothes at a bar over the weekend. So unless you just got off a plane from a business trip or left straight from the office for happy hour on a Friday night, leave the suit at home and go for the jeans and button-down shirt look. And if you find you need more help, enlist the help of a personal shopper.

About Global Image Group

Global Image Group’s mission is to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact image consulting services to forward-thinking individuals, professionals and corporations that want to define and refine their brand identity. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, London, Toronto, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Dubai, Global Image Group is strategically located to serve clients worldwide. Established by Image Consultant Michelle T. Sterling, AICI, Global Image Group has been providing individual and corporate image expertise for over 15 years. We are a full-service consulting firm specializing in style makeovers, wardrobe evaluation and management, personal styling, and personal shopping. Our team of professional wardrobe and style consultants will help you increase confidence, develop successful business and social relationships, and achieve your goals from the boardroom to the living room. For more information, visit Global Image Group at www.globalimagegrp.com or email us to schedule an appointment.

Proper Women’s Interview Attire According to Image Consultant and Personal Shopper Michelle T. Sterling as Seen in the May and December 2009 Issues of Women’s Health Magazine

With the unemployment rate in the United States at an all time high, interviews can be very stressful for many job-seekers so it is imperative that you showcase your unique abilities and demonstrate you are an ideal candidate for the company. In order for you to project the best image during your interview, you must feel good in your clothing, have a positive outlook, and remember that when in doubt, boring is better. The general rules for proper attire to an interview vary by gender, job industry, and season.

There are several things for women to consider for the first interview. Regardless of your industry, you should want to appear as neat and professional as possible and aim to wear a tailored, structured suit. For your professional career, we recommend investing in a well-tailored suit. You can find an affordable Tahari suit at Macy’s.

Women should invest in a dark-colored matching suit such as charcoal, navy, or black. A good fabric of choice is virgin wool because you can wear it for 2-3 seasons. A black suit can easily go from day to night. Skirt suits with silk blouses are for more formal industries. The shirt should be crisp, tailored, and buttoned-down in white or light blue. You can present yourself with authority without being too bold. Wear pinstripes and create dark/light contrasts with your attire such as black and white. Aim to wear a silk blouse under the jacket with a matching skirt.

If you are interviewing for a job in the engineering and science industries, you can decide on a buttoned-down shirt and slacks. For the retail and fashion industries, you can dress slightly more fashionable.

Remember that interview attire tends to be more formal on the east coast. You should dress one level above the position that you are applying for in order to build your credibility. Dressing this way will show that you are taking initiative and that you want to move up in the ranks.

Interviewers pay close attention to detail, therefore select closed-toe leather shoes with a non-chunky heel no more than 2 inches high.

Jewelry should be simple and tasteful like pearls. If you are wearing a skirt, pair it with appropriate hosiery. Pack your things in something black and structured; tote bags are most functional because you can carry more in it. For positions in the conservative industries, you should aim for a Bobbi Brown Cosmetics minimalist look. Remember that you can define your features while looking natural. For fashion industry interviews, you can be a bit more dramatic with the makeup application. Piercings are best only if they are for your ears, if they are anywhere else on your body we recommend that you remove them to add to your credibility.

It is important to note the things that should not occur with your outfit. Clothes with polyester, spandex or shiny fabric are not appropriate. The interviewer wants to see how well and tasteful you can present yourself. Thus, avoid wearing ill-fitting undergarments and clothing, fishnet stockings, stilettos, gaudy nail polish, headbands, hats, and nails that are too long. Although strappy sandals are fashionable and feminine, they not appropriate for interviews. If you want some toes to be free, wear peep-toe shoes. For nails, use subtle colors from the Essie nail polish line.

Keep in mind that your clothing is a reflection of you. These tips will help you showcase your best image to land the position that you want.  For more great tips please contact our image consultants and personal shoppers.

About Global Image Group

Global Image Group’s mission is to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact image consulting services to forward-thinking individuals, professionals and corporations that want to define and refine their brand identity. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, London, Toronto, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Dubai, Global Image Group is strategically located to serve clients worldwide. Established by Image Consultant Michelle T. Sterling, AICI, Global Image Group has been providing individual and corporate image expertise for over 15 years. We are a full-service consulting firm specializing in style makeovers, wardrobe evaluation and management, personal styling, and personal shopping. Our team of professional wardrobe and style consultants will help you increase confidence, develop successful business and social relationships, and achieve your goals from the boardroom to the living room. For more information, visit Global Image Group at www.globalimagegrp.com.

Global Image Group would like to welcome the newest addition to our worldwide team, Dubai Image Consultant Tania Siddiqi.

“Look good and feel good” is the mantra of Tania Siddiqi, Dubai Image Consultant and Lifestyle Coach for Global Image Group Dubai.  Known for her love of high fashion and her business savvy, corporate and personal image management and development come naturally to Tania. Clients from culturally diversified backgrounds are drawn to her commitment, dedication, positive energy and her responsiveness to their needs. She is exceptionally creative yet extremely analytical. Tania receives great satisfaction from seeing the transformation in her client’s confidence.

With 12 years of experience as a recruiter and trainer in the corporate sector in New York as well as having been a licensed medical esthetician at her well-established salon and spa in Pakistan, Tania’s unique skill sets enable her to work with corporations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business professionals as well as stay-at-home mothers. Tania received a certificate from Toni & Guy, New York in hair design and color. She was formally educated and certified as an image consultant by the Sterling Style Academy in Dubai.

Tania Siddiqi received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She has been featured in various magazines in Pakistan such as Libas, Visage and Fashion Collection. She has also made several TV appearances on Good Morning Pakistan and First Blast on Dawn News. In 2010, Tania will be co-hosting a show in Pakistan, “Fab Moms – Striking A Balance” for the Hum TV network. She currently resides in Dubai with her husband and daughter and serves clients throughout the UAE and Pakistan.

About Global Image Group
Global Image Group’s mission is to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact image consulting services to forward-thinking individuals, professionals and corporations that want to define and refine their brand identity. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, London, Toronto, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Dubai, Global Image Group is strategically located to serve clients worldwide. Established by Michelle T. Sterling, AICI, Global Image Group has been providing individual and corporate image expertise for over 15 years. We are a full-service consulting firm specializing in style makeovers, wardrobe evaluation and management, personal styling, and personal shopping. Our team of professional wardrobe and style consultants will help you increase confidence, develop successful business and social relationships, and achieve your goals from the boardroom to the living room. For more information, visit Global Image Group at www.globalimagegrp.com.

Tania Siddiqi
Image Consultant | Global Image Group Dubai

+971.50575.2969 uae direct
+92300.8205.809 pakistan direct

tsiddiqi@globalimagegrp.com
dubai.globalimagegrp.com

With consumer confidence at an all time low, a Personal Shopper can help you make wise consumer decisions to effectively navigate the sales and spend for the holiday season.

Retail sales have broken much earlier than previous years in the United States as a result of declining consumer confidence, with labor market conditions playing a major role. Rather than dwelling on the negativity of our worldwide economic situation which further fuels the issue, our Personal Shoppers recommend focusing on these economic conditions as opportunity.

While experts announced that the US economy is officially out of recession in early November 2009, the US economy is still weak and that is where an increase in consumer spending can help boost economic conditions worldwide. Despite the unemployment rate being at an all time high in the US, there are many who are still employed and let’s be honest, the best remedy for negativity is to think positively and have an “attitude for gratitude” for the things we already have that make us feel good.

How does an increase in consumer spending help you feel good?

• If you’ve always wanted to purchase designer or brand name goods, items which have been known to be “IT” items are now 40% - 60% off!
• Retail stores are constantly running promotions every 6 weeks, providing limited-time discounts on current season, full-price merchandise at 20% to 30% off.
• Current season items are being sent to the outlets sooner and are therefore more affordable.
• Designer brands and labels can be purchased for better value. Not only do you get quality, you also can purchase quantity and still save money.
• The bottom line is a little retail therapy can do everyone some good and for some a wardrobe update is a need or is necessary on an annual or seasonal basis. Why not make an investment in yourself and your happiness by working with a personal shopper?

Other countries outside of the United States have not adopted the US methodology of announcing sales or discounts. Therefore the US should be the global hot spot for consumers this holiday season, as everyone worldwide with the exception of the Arab world, perhaps, appreciates good value. The Arabs remain a culture that still likes to spend. However now they just spend in moderation and as status is important to them, they still purchase items in volume at full price! The malls in Dubai are full of patrons, some shopping on a daily basis.

While the US economy is still recovering, on the positive side there are other economies such as Australia who have recently announced better than expected economic growth this year.  As a result of this announcement, Asia is bouncing back with a bull market. The Aussie dollar is up 30% against the US dollar in the last 6 months, making this a good time for Australians to vacation in the US and take advantage of retail sales. Interestingly enough, analysts say that retail / consumer stocks in Australia remain the best and smartest way to invest. So perhaps Americans can take a cue from our friends down under.

When it comes to smart consumer spending, Global Image Group’s Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers are the smart way to invest. We hire realtors to purchase a home. We hire financial advisors to help us make wise investment decisions. We hire image consultants and personal shoppers to help us make a personal investment in ourselves; increasing our confidence, competence and credibility merely through the image we project and the clothing we wear.

At Global Image Group, we recognize that value is of the utmost importance to you and we aim to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact image, fashion, and style consulting services to forward-thinking individuals and professionals worldwide. Global Image Group is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, California, with image consultants and personal shoppers in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington DC, Las Vegas, London, Mexico, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Dubai. For more information, please contact us at +1.888.873.8017.

As global economic climates are changing, corporate environments have become even more competitive. Current and prospective employees are not only being assessed based on their work ethic and performance but also on their professional presence and image. Therefore in order to set yourself apart from the competition, hire an image consultant to assist you in projecting a confident, approachable and professional image - as a result income will flow easily and frequently.

Individuals make instantaneous assumptions about you by merely assessing your dress, grooming and body language. The “rules” about professional dress and behavior are not as clearly defined as they were in the 80s and are perpetually changing every decade. Business casual, often referred to as smart casual, has also evolved in the last 30 years and this is where the assistance of an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper is invaluable.

Certified Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers have specialized knowledge and training in dress, grooming, body language, etiquette, and professional presence. Consultations are tailored to meet your specific goals and needs. Beginning with your current wardrobe, an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper will make suggestions on the appropriate color, style, and fit suitable for you. An image consultant will also suggest additional investment pieces that will help you present yourself with more confidence, competence and credibility - ultimately increasing your earnings potential.

Working with an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper is an investment in you.  Dressing well, purchasing brand name items and reading fashion magazines doesn’t necessarily mean you are projecting the right image for you. It merely states that you are interested in fashion and style. Take that interest one step further and find out what your clothing says about you. By working with an image consultant, your current challenges will turn into opportunities. Receive more compliments; feel more prepared for every occasion; and save valuable time and money by avoiding wardrobe blunders. Your return on investment is noticeable and feeling more confident is priceless.

Enlist the help of an image consultant and personal shopper today and watch your earnings potential soar.

At Global Image Group, our mission is to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact image, etiquette and communication consulting services to forward-thinking professionals and corporations that want to define and refine their brand identity. Global Image Group is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, California, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Toronto Canada, London UK, Sao Paulo Brazil, Monterrey Mexico, Tokyo Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai. For more information, please contact us.

Fashion trends are always changing however here’s a glimpse of key must-haves for the season. If you’re unwilling to go the 80’s route this season, classics and basics are better.

When Image Consultant and Personal Shopper Michelle T. Sterling first meets with new clients, she asks the question, “What are  6 essential pieces you must have in your wardrobe?” Inevitably, she says, everyone  gravitates towards the classics and basics. Fortunately for us there are a few budget-conscious brands that have nailed down these wardrobe staples. Global Image Group defines today’s wardrobe building blocks that reflect both cheap and chic.

The Little Black Dress
Coco Chanel made it famous and even today this go-to standby has never been more relevant. Whether you prefer a mini, a slim fit, or a maxi version, there’s an LBD silhouette that works for everyone. From Diane von Furstenberg to French Connection, select the LBD that suits your body and your budget.

The Boyfriend Blazer
Everyone from Kate Moss to Kristen Scott Thomas has recently rocked this masculine, classic topper. This jacket looks amazing when paired with skinny jeans or cropped pants. The key is to select one that falls just below the hip.

The Versatile Knits
Even though these easy-to-wear favorites can be worn from season to season, it’s important to pick a current style to avoid looking frumpy. The elongated cardigan has been the must-have as late.  This versatile piece can be found at many stores from J. Crew, Michael Kors, to Vince.

The Classic Essentials
While show-stopping accessories work for evenings out. For everyday try wearing classic, gold jewelry with a chic bag. For the girl-on-the-run who needs comfort, finish your outfits off with ballet flats. Go cheap yet chic with J Crew or cute and classic with Tory Burch.

For more great tips, schedule a phone consultation with one of our Personal Shoppers.

In such tumultuous times with companies laying off employees in flocks and those employed are concerned about their job security, having many friends in influential places and cultivating acquaintance relationships can be a benefit. Networking is an important job-hunting tool that is surprisingly often overlooked. In order to gain a strategic advantage in the job market- whether you have a job, are looking for one or wish to advance in your career, networking is key. An opportunity can come from anywhere; hence it is important to put yourself out there. At this point you might be wondering, ‘where do I start?’ Before taking your networking journey, you must first establish and hone your professional presence. Professional presence is basically your personal brand, which includes dress, grooming, body language, and etiquette. Self-promotion begins with overcoming nervousness or insecurities. Be confident in yourself and your abilities and this behavior will reflect in both business and social situations.

Tip # 1: Do Research and Identify Your Goals for Networking
Once you have established your professional presence, you should identify your professional goals and see who you can align with. Ask yourself the following questions, “Why are you networking? At what stage are you in your career?” Your research and networking strategy will be dependent on whether you are employed or unemployed, and/or shifting careers or further establishing one. Once you identify clear goals, you can do focused research. Some suggestions on where to start: industry organization websites, industry news websites, and career websites.

Tip # 2: Pull From Your Own Network
As you are building your network, reach out to a few people that you already know, like, and trust, and who also work in professions related to or in yours. Try to meet these people in person to market yourself, and indicate your knowledge of your industry and goals. Make sure that the person is clear about your objectives so that time is well used. Depending on your objectives, you can use the time to learn more about the industry or a specific position, and market yourself. Be prepared. Your contact may know someone who knows someone looking to hire.

Tip # 3 Attend Some Industry or Networking Events
Getting out and meeting new people in your industry is the easiest way to build your network, particularly since your conversations will be focused. While at the event, be sure to be accessible, come early for the “social hour” prior to an event and spend time mingling after a corporate dinner. If you come to the event with someone make sure that you two aren’t joined at the hip the whole event. This is a great opportunity to learn about new practices in your industry and key players in your area. Remember to bring plenty of business cards to the event.

Tip # 4 Take Risks and Be Creative in Your Journey
Be creative and assertive not only about how you build your network, but about how your personal brand will leave an indelible mark in others’ minds. Naturally, the more accessible you make yourself, the greater your odds of building a large network and gaining new opportunities. With the advent of high technology, ubiquity is almost required. It can be time-consuming, but professionals should focus on social networking sites like LinkedIn, a business-oriented site with over 37 million members. According to the company, requests from people using the service to find jobs are up 48 percent. Recruiters and hiring managers are using creative ways to find and evaluate qualified candidates, even social networking sites.

For further assistance with establishing your professional presence before your networking journey, contact Global Image Group. Also, look for future blogs specifically on networking for career changers.

Schedule an appointment with our London Personal Shopper today and take advatage of the savings.

So our Washington DC Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers have been shopping in Georgetown and noticed this really cute store where contemporary like Milly meets preppy like Ralph Lauren at relatively reasonable prices. As we know, DC is a relatively conservative town with up and coming style. So we recommend checking out J.McLaughlin.

Here’s the history behind the store: Brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin opened their first store 32 years ago at 74th Street and Third Avenue on New York’s Upper East Side. From the moment the doors opened J.McLaughlin established itself as a classic American brand featuring a flair for bold colors and signature prints.

The McLaughlin brothers share a passion for classical design and historical architecture, and, in partnership with Doug Larson of Larson and Paul Architects, they have created a different J.McLaughlin storefront in each town. Located in friendly neighborhoods where shoppers can easily stroll, each store is designed to become woven into the fabric of each tight-knit community while maintaining the distinctive J.McLaughlin look. Inside and out, the stores are architecturally inspired by the community, evoking a vintage atmosphere, and invitingly decorated with fine woodwork, antiques and comfortable furniture upholstered in bright florals, soft tweeds, animal prints and other distinctive fabrics.

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.jmclaughlin.com.

Image Consultant, Michelle T. Sterling, AICI, Founder of the Global Image Group and Sterling Style Academy, has been selected to join the exclusive network of the National Organization of Professional Women, www.napw.com.

NAPW is one of the most exclusive and rapidly growing associations of female executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the US. They span almost every industry, including health and medicine, education, advertising and public relations, manufacturing, publishing, communications, entertainment, law, and more.

“I am proud to have been selected for this exclusive membership and look forward to networking with the outstanding women within the NAPW group,” Michelle T. Sterling, AICI.