Do Clothes Make the Woman?

As I picked up my InStyle magazine an article caught my attention, "Do Clothes Make the Woman?" 

The article was written by the fashion feature director of InStyle magazine. I would agree we at one time or another believe that the clothes make the woman. You may still feel that way. 

This Saturday my son is getting married. Looking and finding the perfect dress was an effort, I have to admit. I began the process thinking about the wedding colors, should I wear long or short, what was the mother-of-the-bride wearing, etc. Sounds logical right?  Not ever being a mother-of-the-groom, I felt it was my responsibility to "fit in" with the wedding. 

After 4 months of looking, I found myself trying to work within the parameters I had made up wasn't working. I was trying to make the "pink of the season" work for me - it didn't. I was trying to find a "mother-of-the groom look", it wasn't working. It finally occurred to me that everything I teach and inspire women to do, I wasn't doing. 

Can you believe it - I fell into the trap. 

The wedding was now 4 weeks away and I had to find my dress, I needed a new strategy. 

I decided to let go of all the preconceptions of what I thought I "should wear".  I took a step back and started shopping from the perspective of what gives Annette Style Confidence, what makes Annette feel like a million bucks, what are Annette's most flattering colors and silhouettes.

I ordered five dresses online. Three worked. One was amazing. The one I thought I was going to love was the worst. On the hanger it was gorgeous! I thought it was perfect! But, the dress took over, way to overwhelming for my height. The dress wore me. 

Have you ever gone out shopping for "the dress" thinking that the dress is going to compensate for all your insecurities and what you perceive to be personality flaws?

Or the pressure to find the dress that is going to disguise ample upper arms or camouflage a tummy? Not a bad thing but I believe shouldn't be your total focus. 

To feel ultra confident, comfortable in your skin and at ease...I believe Style Confidence begins with you, not the clothes. 

Who are you at the core? What is the message you want to speak without actually speaking? What are your best attributes? What is your body type?  

When you begin with YOU...the dress narrates a story about you. The dress has influence and purpose. And most of all, there is an ease and comfort with the dress. You can forget about the dress and BE YOU. 

If any of this resonates with you and you're tired of trying to figure it all out on your own, I invite you to:  

1.    ook A Style Strategy Session.  We'll chat about your greatest wardrobe/style challenges and frustration. What you want to change. A solution for achieving Style Confidence. 

2.    Fashion Feng Shui Workshop on Saturday, June 2nd. A Style System that begins with you, the woman. 10:00-3:30 / Annette's home office in Sammamish, WA ONLY 8 Spots Available!

3.    FREE Event on Tuesday, May 1st.  Effortlessly Elevated. Re-imagine Beauty in Your 50's. Studio Skin & Sculpt in Shoreline. 

I BELIEVE there isn't a more powerful feeling than when your outfit truly expresses who you are. It represents everything you want to say without needing to say it. 

With your Definitive Style in Mind.