At the AICI conference I got to meet the fabulous image consultant and author Brenda Kinsel who shared these tips with me, so I could share them with you.
I asked Brenda for 5 tips to help you improve your wardrobe and image
1. At the change of season, when you swap your wardrobe over (from Winter to Summer), try everything on, some of your clothes will have expired and be past their use by date. You may not have noticed the state of your clothes when you put them away at the end of the season, but you will see them with fresh eyes after they’ve been out of your daily gaze for a few months. If you don’t love it anymore, it’s old and tired, it doesn’t fit or it doesn’t work, let it go.
2. When you’re over 40, you must invest in great jeans, if you wear them as part of your lifestyle. If you’re lucky like Brenda, you might get away with a pair that cost $36, but if not, put some extra $$$ toward them as you’ll get the value from your investment.
3. Look at clothes as fun – not just something to cover your body. What can you buy to express yourself? If you’ve lost who you are, reacquaint yourself with your personality (there are some great exercises in Brenda’s books including her latest Brenda Kinsel’s Fashion Makeover) to help you discover your style. Brenda herself still does the activities described in her books to make sure she doesn’t get stuck in a style rut.
4. What you have the hardest time buying, is the first thing you should look for when going on a shopping trip, otherwise you’ll never get complete outfits. So if pants are a problem for you, start fresh looking for trousers, only when you’ve found them can you look at the tops, that are easy for you to buy.
5. Decide on your minimum daily requirement of beauty products and never, ever go out without them. Brenda’s minimum to wear if she’s running out to the shop to buy milk at 6am is lipstick and eyebrows, she never goes out without them on. You never know who you’ll run into and you need to be prepared.
Brenda has a blog, you can read it (and all about meeting me in the elevator!).
What are your tips to creating a great style?
Link didn’t work? Try http://www.brendakinsel.com
Looks like a good read—-thanks Imogen. I read you, without fail, every day!
I have Brenda’s book, Diva Style, and have found it somewhat useful, but not nearly as helpful as your writing on the subject, Imogen.
I have to admit, I can’t leave the book lying around with the title showing…I really can’t stand the word “diva” – it is quite possibly the last word I would associate (or want to associate) with “style”. 🙂
But way cool that she’ll be coming to Australia! I love that she was also in a quandary trying to decide what to pack for the conference. One question – did you notice anyone there who *didn’t* seem comfortable/appropriate in her clothing? (And as I just wrote “her” it made me wonder – are there any male image consultants?)
Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back…and have recuperated from your journey!
Such fantastic and truly pragmatic tips. Thanks to Brenda for providing them, and you for sharing them!
great advice!!! #4 especially for me!
Good advice. I have one of her books – can’t remember the title exactly but something like ‘dressing over 40 – also full of good tips and ideas.
Btw, you look lovely in the photo Imogen.
I never get dressed without eyeliner! The lashes have gotten thin thru the years and I can’t go without it:)
Judith – thanks so much! I’ve fixed the link.
ChristineB – My favourite of her books is Brenda’s Wardrobe Companion – there is some really great stuff in it. I’m so excited she’s coming to Oz!
Yes there were people who were wearing very short skirts and dresses that shouldn’t have been! We’re all human and even image
Sal – it was so great to meet her – and she’s so generous with her tips and time.
Christina Lee – I see this so often, lots of tops and no bottoms, or the reverse.
not Supermum – that would be 40 over 40 which is a great read.
Sher – I’m a mascara girl!
How fun it was to meet you right off at the conference and get invited to Australia while in an elevator ride to the 5th floor! I’m so happy we had a chance to hang out and I can’t wait to see you in your neck of the woods. Hope the earthquake didn’t scare you. Those Southern Californians sure know how to throw a party! And hello to all your wonderful friends on your blog. Thanks for inviting me to share some of the latest things that are on my mind. Much love . . .
Brenda – the pleasure was all mine – we are so excited about your visit to Oz! I can’t wait to catch up again.
I sooo agree with the tip about investing in good jeans – as you know, I’m all over this tip!
Great tips (as always) love your blog because I always learn something when I’m over here!
My tip for being fantastically stylish is to read your blog. Huh? Pretty good one. Right?
xo
Great tips, Imogen, thanks. Love your jacket. The colour looks great on you. All the best. Ciao. A.
I also like the tip about shopping for the hardest item first.
I didn’t notice the color of your jacket until it was mentioned in the comments. That’s a fabulous color on a pale skinned brunette, wouldn’t have thought of it. You look great.
Yes! There are male image consultants. They were HOT, too!
Thanks for sharing the tips, Imogen! I had never heard of Brenda before, and was excited to get ahold of two of her books (40 over 40 and the Wardrobe Companion). How great that you were able to get her to Australis!
OK, I realized I didn’t have the title quite right – it’s actually “Brenda Kinsel’s Fashion Makeover: 30 Days to Diva Style!” (but the Diva Style part got stuck in my brain).
(So where are the photos of the hot guys? Huh? Huh?)
Sher – have you heard of Latisse? It’s supposed to be great for thickening/lengthening your natural eyelashes. Although it’s kinda pricey at $120 for a 30 day supply…