In the previous century, the role of a personal stylist or an image consultant was unheard of. Although, many in Hollywood may have received fashionable assistance, it was not actively publicised.Today,employment as a stylist is a perfectly attainable goal, having projected personalities such as Rachel Zoe, Kate Young, Leith Clark and Elizabeth Stewart into the styling spotlight.
What about the ladies and gentlemen, who do not make habit of gracing red carpets, is there need for an investment in styling and image consultation?This week, I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing the lovely ladies from ‘The Image Mistress’. They provide extraordinary individual styling advise based on one’s body shape, features and lifestyle.
Mary Kay Ashe, founder of Mary Kay cosmetics was once quoted saying;
“While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence — which, I believe, does make the woman.”
When garments fit properly and enhance one’s natural shape, the individual is illuminated with confidence. Surely, this is reason enough to explore the Mistress’ range of styling options.
What inspired you to begin ‘The Image Mistress’?
A combination of things really. I love to see the life changing results of women who improve their image, I really enjoy what I do and I also have two young children so it suits to work at home and be my own boss.
What is your background / experience in the domains of consultancy and fashion?
I have been working in the image and fashion industry for nearly twenty years now. I have covered many aspects of the industry including retail, design, styling, working in magazines, personal styling and my degree is also in fashion.
Fashion and style are not only about work, they are what I enjoy doing in my spare time. I probably am a little obsessed as I love reading about fashion and style and creating outfits and scouring the internet for the perfect garment to suit body shapes, lifestyle and occasion.
Why is style consultancy or personal shopping an important investment for the modern woman?
As I always suggest to my clients ‘When you meet someone for the first time, their impression & appearance of you is 55% appearance & image based, and first impressions are difficult to change’, so to me image is paramount!
Improving your personal image can help both personal and business relationships, create positive 1st impressions and of course boost your confidence and self-esteem. We are not all born to look like supermodels but little things such as wearing the correct clothing to suit your body shape, a haircut that compliments your face shape and wearing the colours that enhance your complexion can all work wonders to your overall appearance.
What are the services which The Image Mistress offer clients?
We offer a range of online services including;
Free & Fabulous Consultation
An emailed consultation that is an informative taster of your personal body shape, body features and colouring.
Image Magic (£10) & Super Stylish Consultations (£40)
A thirty page downloadable consultation which provides tailored image / style advice according to one’s body shape, body features, style personality, lifestyle, face shape, colouring and wardrobe maintenance.
Super Stylish Consultation Additional Service: An email is provided answering your personal style dilemma. One will also have ten pieces of clothing / accessories suggested which will help to answer your dilemma and start the basis of a new wardrobe that suits one’s lifestyle.
Personal Shopping
When one chooses one or any of the style consultation available with The Image Mistress, fortnightly we will send an email with clothing / accessories to suit your body shape and style needs. All you need to do is click on any of the clothing which you prefer!
What advice would you give to men who wish to inform themselves about individual style?Perhaps to watch this space as I am considering a site for men similar to that of The Image Mistress. I have personally styled many men in the past and in the interim I am willing to help with any image advice they wish to know. So gentlemen, feel free to contact The Image Mistress website.
What lies in the future for The Image Mistress?
That’s the beauty of this business, I have so many ideas but it’s just getting the time and investment to continually develop. I’m already thinking about bringing out a book or even a clothing range. I would also like to develop the blog further and perhaps even create photo shoots of outfits with specific reference to body shape. I truly am excited by these prospects!On the red carpet, which celebrities do you admire for their ability to dress for their body shape?
I particularly admire the style of Angelina Jolie on the red carpet as she keeps it fairly simple and lets her body shape and natural beauty shine through. To be honest there are many celebrities who dress exceptionally well, but they have no excuse really with their on-hand stylists, make-up artists and hair-dressers.
