Personal Impact International » Colour

The Art of Contouring

Kimberly — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:07:05 +0000

Facial contouring is a technique used by make-up artists to optically exaggerate or change the natural features of the face. By mastering contouring techniques you too can achieve expert results.

When applying make-up the term shading refers to the application of a colour that is darker than the surrounding area. This will contour or enhance the natural hills and valleys of the facial structure or can create the illusion of new contours. The darker colour enhances the depth of the area and makes the area next to it appear larger or more pronounced.

Is there a Beauty Advantage for Men?

Kimberly — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:00:35 +0000

I was recently interviewed by Douglas Todd, reporter for the Vancouver Sun. He was doing a story on how men are becoming more conscientious about their personal appearance at work and also in their personal lives. He asked if it is advantageous for a man to take care of himself and do what he can to look his best. For more, read the article.

Should You Wear Animal Print to Work?

Kimberly — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:55 +0000

Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way? OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?

If possible, keep animal print for social occasions.
If you work in an environment that encourages a playful approach, but you still need to look like you are capable and are there to do your job, wear subtle versions of animal print. This can be done with low colour contrast, worn in small areas or by choosing non-descript versions.

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

Kimberly — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:00:38 +0000

I love black! It is mysterious, chic and intriguing. And it is the perfect colour to wear any time you want to look dramatic, especially in a social setting. But is it a good colour to wear to work? The answer is… it depends on what message you want to convey.

Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour. However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.

If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:

When interacting with clients or subordinates break up the black. Instead of dressing in head to toe black, wear black dress pants and a coordinating jacket in a different colour or the other way around.
Keep the black suit for those times when you are interacting with others in top leadership positions.
If you want to come across authoritative but a little more approachable, try navy instead. In navy you will still maintain an appropriate level or authority and others will trust that you can do the job. However, because blue is the colour of trust, others will trust that they can open up and ask questions.

Accessories Add Personality

Kimberly — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:00:24 +0000

For some of us women finding clothing that fits well can be so challenging that we feel stuck with a very small selection to choose from each season. This can lead to major frustration, especially when your personality isn’t in-line with the current selection of available items. However, with a little imagination and creativity, accessories can save the day. Accessories are the extras that can give you an individual style. By choosing the right accessories, you can create the look that says “you”.

When purchasing new accessories, always your figure challenges, your scale and your lifestyle in mind. By matching these qualities in your accessories with these qualities in you, your accessories can easily pull together your wardrobe and make you look great!

Match the Scale of You and the Scale of Your Attire

Kimberly — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:00:12 +0000

Even when a garment fits your shape and proportions, the scale of the print, the details of the garment or the size of the accessories may not. To bring your wardrobe into sync with your physical appearance, you must make sure they match your bone structure, body frame, height and scale.

Neutral Nails are Best for Business

Kimberly — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:00:37 +0000

Because our hands are so expressive it is one of the first things we notice about a person so it is important to keep them well groomed, especially in a business setting. However, many of my female clients are a little less sure about what colour nail polish is considered acceptable in the workplace.

Fabric & Style Can Make Clothing Look More Expensive

Kimberly — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:48 +0000

When clients ask me how to make their wardrobe dollars stretch I give them the following four suggestions:

Choose quality over quantity.
Buy quality fabrics and timeless styles – the best you can afford.
Choose all-season natural fabrics such as lightweight wools, fine cottons, and silks.
For a better fit, Make small alterations to the sleeves, hemline and the waistline.

Your clothing will look and feel more expensive and you will look like a million bucks!

The Finishing Touch for a Polished Professional Look

Kimberly — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

For women, hair and make-up are the finishing touches for a polished professional look. Choose your colours and styles carefully so that you appear healthy, up-to-date and put-together. Hairstyles and make-up should be understated, unless your industry is fashion-forward. See ‘Masterful Make-up in Minutes’ and ‘Personal Care from Feet to Hair’.

Bright Colours Get Things Done

Kimberly — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:19 +0000

It’s been proven that colours affect us on a physiological level. Some colours are calming, some colours are dependable and some colours are authoritative. Bright colours bring up the energy level and increase brain activity. Of all the bright colours, red has the greatest impact which makes it a very powerful colour. Bright colours are great for getting and keeping attention. These colours also work well as accent colours for blouses and scarves. A brightly coloured scarf will draw focus to the face and keep the attention of the listener. Although men’s business wear doesn’t usually include bright coloured garments other than shirts and ties, they can work well as accent colours. Ties are a great example of this. A brightly colour tie will draw focus to the face and keep the attention of the listener. Extremely bright colours, such as florescent colours, do not belong in the work place.