Tag Archives: clothing personality

What’s your Party Style?

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, ,

How you Throw a Party Says a lot about Your Img.ID

bbq-36427_640 (2)Your Personal Image Identity (Img.ID) is predominately about your clothing personality. To present yourself well and look your best everything you wear should compliment your facial features and physical attributes, but another very important part of that is your personal preferences, which has a lot to do with your general personality style.

If you have ever learned about personalities, you know that some people get their energy and enthusiasm for life by being with people, others “recharge” by being alone. Some of us are people-oriented, others are task-oriented. No certain style is superior. We need all kinds of personalities to make this world work and therefore we should be careful not to aspire to be someone we are not.

One common push-back I get when assessing a woman’s clothing personality is, “don’t put me in a box.” I realize that being analyzed can rise up our defensiveness, but understanding yourself is actually a way of breaking OUT of the box that you may have put yourself in. You do not have to be like your parents, teachers, siblings. It’s time to BE and LET BE.

Take throwing a party, for instance.

Do you like to attend parties? How about hosting them?

It’s your daughter’s sweet 16, your son’s graduation, your husband’s big 5-0… the pressure’s on you to make their day special. Does that excite you or stress you out? How you respond to the challenge of throwing a party is a great indicator of which style of beauty you are.

  • An Ingénue won’t think about the pressure much, she will just do the work and she will do it with amazing creativity. Photos will definitely be involved; her guest of honor will truly be honored.
  • A Romantic will make the party all about her loved one as well, but if she can keep the guest list to intimate friends and family only she will feel far less stressed about it.
  • A Classic knows the proper etiquette and expectations of a good party, but she tends to find it very stressful to pull it all together. It is not easy for this woman to let the details go. The social side of life is not as comfortable for her as her professional side and her tendency is to stop everything until she can do it right. This woman does best to have her party catered.
  • The Dramatic, on the other hand, loves (and does) every detail of hosting a party and she does it will excellence–the decor, the invites, the favors, entertainment, food, you name it, she thought of it. Her greatest challenge is in making sure her work is done before the party starts or she will work the whole time guest are there and never get to visit, which may make her feel cheated.
  • The Natural doesn’t really like hosting a party, although she may have a hard time admitting that, especially if she comes from a family of entertainers. This woman does well to just BE herself. As a casual beauty, she has a way of making any guest in her home feel comfortable (unless she is uncomfortable with her home) because there is no pretense about her. She doesn’t make a big deal about anything, so help yourself to her buffet and if she forgot something check the fridge, she won’t mind, just don’t expect her to get all fancy and you will have a great time.
  • Gamines love to celebrate with people they love, especially if someone else is throwing the party! When it’s their turn to host, however, they don’t mind. Some of them go all out like a Dramatic, but most of them are quite casual about what they serve and how they host. In fact, they, too, may prefer to have a buffet or BBQ style party–that is if they don’t choose to have it catered or out at a restaurant–but you can be sure that the paper plates they use won’t be plain and white (like a Natural might choose). Gamines don’t get stressed about style, but they do like their colors to coordinate.

Did you know that the Bible challenges Christians to party? We are even told to have fun with it and not to get stressed out.

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter4:9

Being hospitable does not come naturally to all of us, but understanding your personal style and hosting your party within your own comfort zone is one way to not only relieve a lot of the stress, but it also another way to BE and LET BE. If you are attending a party this weekend, I encourage you to enjoy yourself, no matter which style the party is (just be sure to dress accordingly, one way to make a Natural real uncomfortable at her own backyard BBQ is to arrive in your finest attire). If you are hosting a party this weekend, I encourage you to prepare for it in a way that is true to your authentic self without apologies, just be sure to communicate your style, so that your guests can come prepared to throw horseshoes and not feel all awkward in their stilettos.

If you would like to know more about your Img.ID, please check out my website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Preparing for your Closet Audit

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , , ,

judge judyIf you are a business owner, you know how vital an audit is to your success. It’s important to assess the finances, inventory and/or policies that a company holds in order to avoid tragic mistakes.  I help my husband with his company’s insurance audits twice a year; it used to scare me to death because I really had no idea what I was doing. I felt like all the intimidating questions were geared at judging my record keeping, I was doing Ronny’s books out of love and convenience–the only qualification I had was in my pay-grade! The interrogation made me feel like a fraud until I began really understanding his business and what I needed to do for him. Insurance audits are not accusations like tax audits can be. Instead they are about fine-tuning the coverage you have so that it represents you well.

Kind of like a wardrobe assessment or “closet audit.”

I’ve done a lot of image consultations over the years, but seldom do I get invited into a home to do a “wardrobe weeding” unless the client is truly in a total transition or already quite confident and aspiring for excellence. It seems to me that most women feel like I did in the early years with my auditors. Its hard to evaluate what you have until you are sure of who you are.

Right now I am preparing for our workman’s compensation audit. I’ve gone through my reports and made sure nothing is missing. I’m ready to face what used to feel like judgment with the confidence of knowing IT IS WHAT IT IS. If things need changing we will change them–I don’t take it personally anymore. I know it’s more about tweaking our business to keep up with all the changing insurance laws than it is about me. It’s a bit like keeping up with the changes in fashion.

If you are ready to tweak your image so that you are properly represented, be sure to follow this series of coming blogs. Wednesday I will guide you through a closet audit and helping you answer questions like my auditor asks me:

 What kind of work do you do? 

What kind of coverage do you need? 

To be well prepared, take these next few days to be sure your laundry is caught up so that your favorite items are available for assessment when we consider:

What do you already have that is working well for you? 

In later blogs we will go over wardrobe weeding:

Does anything need tweaking so that it can be used again this year? 

What do you want to get rid of?

And then building a confident closet:

What needs to be purchased?

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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker. As an image- and life-coach, her message is not simply What2Wear, it is also Know Who You Are. She uses her personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss and her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach to help empower women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Illusions: Dressing the Neck

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , , ,

            Clothing lines create illusions. The choices we make with our attire will either bring balance to our image or draw attention to our disproportions. What you wear around your neck, whether it is your blouse line, hair style or your accessories, creates a frame around your face. Like fine art, the frame should compliment it’s goods it should not overpower it’s attraction.

If you have a long neck, short hair and v-neck shirts or long necklaces will only draw attention to it’s length, and become the focus of those looking at you. If you have a short neck, however, the same choices will open up your face and draw the attention upward to your face.

To determine if you neck is proportionate or not look into a mirror and with your pinky finger resting in the dip of your collarbone, point your fingers straight toward your neck. Your pointer finger should be just under your chin. If your fingers need to spread uncomfortably wide, then you have a long neck, if your fingers have no room to spread at all you have a short neck.

If your fingers do not spread wide, nor squish together to fit between your collarbone and your chin, then your neck is proportionate. You do not need to focus on these illusions, your Img.ID guidelines should determine what kind of hairstyles, collars, and accessories you should wear.

Here are some suggestions for the not-so-average neck: 

Long Necks:

Best choices:                                               

High collars, turtlenecks, cowl necks           

Stand up collars                                   

Accessorize with chokers, necklaces, ribbons, scarves

Medium to long hair with layers.

 Side or zigzag part.

Poor choices:

Low necklines, especially v-necks

Short hair

Straight, center part

High up do’s with no fringes around the neck.

 

Short Necks:

Best choices:                                               

Open collars, Shawl collars,

Square or V-necklines

Short hairstyles, especially when full at top

Poor choices:

Clutter around the neck

 Any high-neck styles

Medium length hair that fringes the face

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Illusions: Tummy Talk

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , , , ,

 

Did you know that if you take the measurements of the Barbie doll and scaled them to life-size, she would be over 6 feet tall, weigh around 100 pounds, and have figure measurements of 38-18-38?

 

As little girls we are taught that the hourglass figure is most feminine. This subliminal (and often explicit!) message was first ushered in by the Victorian era and remained the ideally desired female form for more than 120 years, until it was supplanted by the “Twiggy” look of the 1960s…

Well those days are gone! “Hourglass” and “twiggy” figures are no longer average! In fact, the average American waistline has been, and certainly still is, expanding. Federal health surveys show that over the past four decades, the mean waist for women has grown from 28 inches to 33.5 inches. And yet our little girls still play with Barbie dolls and dream of having her figure when they grow up. While the innate desire to be beautiful is certainly acceptable, the standards set before us can lead us into unhealthy self-contempt.

Nearly all women feel they have a figure problem; however the greatest problem is our unrealistic expectations. Funny how we long to have a figure like Barbie and feel what we have is so disproportionate, yet in reality she is the one disfigured, considering if you or I were her height with an 18-inch waist and 38-inch bust & hip we would be considered a freak.

As women of various types of beauty, we need not be so hard on ourselves. God created each of us to be unique, who are we to consider any of our characteristics a flaw?

Most of the things we do not like about our figure can be disguised with a few wardrobe illusions. In my next several blogs I will be sharing some of the “tricks of the trade” with you. My desire is that you will learn something that you can do that will ease your mind about your imperfection so that you can be confident with who you are.

First Let’s Talk Tummy

 A real tummy challenge is only when your belly protrudes beyond your bust line. Stand sideways in a mirror. Is your silhouette widest at the waist? If not, you may simply have a thick waist. If you have a thick waist, most likely you have a wide rib cage and your body frame is a sturdy one. Do not be so hard on yourself, if you do not focus on it, others will not either.

Often people with this challenge consider it easiest to hide their tummy under baggy shirts or they try and create a waist with belts and layers. These tricks, like many fashion choices, seem like they would help but instead they actually draw attention to the issue. Hiding the waist can be confusing and frustrating; it is not that the thicker waist cannot wear a belt, or layers, it is simply that she needs to wear them differently.

The idea is to disguise the thicker waist so that it does not become the focal point of your image. Here are some tricks that will work:

Best choices:                                                                       

Thick belts same color as garment

Garments with pleats and pressed creases

Garments with high waistline

Garments with dropped waistline

Blousing above or below a belt.

Loose, long blouses and jackets, vests

Straight shirts or jackets, open over darker shirt.

Straight, one piece dresses with high accessory as focal point

One piece, one color bathing suits

Poor choices:

Thin belts

Contrasting colors at the waistline (horizontally)

Blouses ending at the waist

Another important factor to remember: your clothing size is not important; very few friends will ever see your shirt tag, but every stranger who meets you will know if what you are wearing fits you correctly or not.

 

Spunky Gamine Girl

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The Gamine is a strong, spunky woman who is short in stature, but not necessarily petite. She may be stocky or slender, but she is never fragile: not in build, and not in personality. She is a fun, animated gal who is typically unconcerned with other people’s opinions of her. She may be small in size, but she is certainly large at heart. Most people love to be around her passionate spirit, as long as they are on her good side; it’s not so fun to be the one upsetting her.  I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the Calla Lily, because of it’s bold stance. Like the Calla Lily, the Gamine’s features, frame and personality make a statement of courageousness and independence, and so should her image.

If you are a Gamin, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “Gamine” calls for mischievousness. Gamines are very opinionated people, and often their opinion toward fashion is negative. Typically, Gamines do not want to fuss with their image.

  • Be sure to choose outfits that are full of life and eye-catching detail, especially ones that hold their form. Purchase pieces that mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe (it helps to stay within your seasonal pallet of colors).
  • Always wear two to three strong colors that contrast with each other and are low-luster and smooth. Avoid rough textures.
  • Be careful to pick your battles; don’t miss out on having fun with your image just because someone (including me!) is telling you what to do. Make it your decision to take care of yourself and to learn your Img.ID guidelines- then you still get to stay in control.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Mysterious Romantic

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , ,

 

The Romantic is a full-figured woman who, by nature, cares deeply about the things that matter to her. She is a compassionate lady who takes great responsibility for the comfort of others.  People love to be around her when they need a respite, because she is so attentive to their needs and has a gift for creating atmosphere of peace.  I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the orchid, which is a voluptuous beauty. Like the orchid, the Romantic’s features, frame and personality tend to captivate the onlooker, as she is the epitome of femininity. Her image should be soft, mysterious and sophisticated, like she is.

If you are a Romantic, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “Romantic” is sexy and alluring; this Img.ID brings with it a quality of richness that sometimes makes other women feel inadequate around her. Typically, Romantics do not realize the power of their beauty.

  • Be aware of the fluidity of your fabrics; your clothing should gently hug your figure without any pulling or sagging. Choose soft, ornate feminine lines and patterns and textures.
  • Be sure to respect your figure; do not hide it, and do not expose it. Avoid anything tight or baggy.
  • Although you may find that people take advantage of your charming and accommodating nature at times, be careful not to give so much of yourself that you loose yourself. Consider that you were designed to bring comfort to others but you will do best to find comfort for yourself first. Seek out the One who created you; allow Him to speak to your heart.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

 

the Delicate Ingénue

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , ,

 

The Ingénue is a sweet and gentle woman who, by nature, loves people. She is a joyful gal who is energetic, enthusiastic and encouraging. Most people love to be around her, because she is so helpful and caring about them.  I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the Baby’s Breath flower, which is petite, delicate and comes in clusters. Like the Baby’s Breath, the ingénue’s features, frame and personality tend to compliment any arrangement of other beauties. Her image should be soft, youthful and fun, like she is.

If you are a Ingénue, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “Ingénue” is young and innocent; she brings with her a quality of freshness that does not threaten others. Typically, Ingénues love to be creative, and are willing to give all they have for others.

  • Be sure to finish your outfits with accessories, or you may come across as plain or childish.
  • Be aware of the weight of your fabrics. Your beauty is particularly delicate, and it can be easily lost in rough, thick or weighty clothing. Do the majority of your shopping during the spring or summer when lighter options are available.
  • Although you may find that people take advantage of your gentle nature at times, be careful not to become hard hearted toward them. Consider that you have the right to say no, and take that opportunity when appropriate; with no guilt. Remember that you are clothed with strength and dignity by the One who fights for you.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

 

 

The Exotic Dramatic

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , ,

The Dramatic is a dynamic, prominent woman who, by nature, loves fashion. She is a business-minded gal who is hardworking, fast-passed and influential. Often people are uncomfortable around her, because she is so mysterious and daring.  I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the Birds of Paradise, which is an extravagant tropical flower that makes a powerful statement of beauty. Like this exotic plant, the Dramatic’s features, frame and personality tend to command attention, and so should her image.

If you are a Dramatic, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “dramatic” calls for exaggeration; every detail shows obvious excellence. Typically, Dramatics love to shop, entertain and decorate; they seldom need advice on wardrobe.

  • Collect accessories and take good care of them. Always wear multiple accents. You could wear the same outfit repeatedly with different belts, bags and jewelry and it would appear you had a huge wardrobe.
  • Be aware of the level of influence you have. Your beauty is particularly powerful, and it is often intimidating for other women to be around. Dress appropriately for each event.
  • Although you may find that people exclude you at times, be careful not to write them off. If you are facing opposition, consider that it may be that the ones opposing you are simply intimidated by you and decide to make them comfortable with themselves around you.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

 

 


The Sporty Natural

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , ,

The Natural is a strong, sturdy woman who is casual by nature, and typically unconcerned with fashion. She is the hardworking gal who is dependable, loyal and supportive. Most people are comfortable around her, because she is comfortable with herself.  I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the Daisy, which has a rustic and simple with no need for perfection. Like the Daisy, the Natural’s features, frame and personality are strong, blunt and maybe even a bit rough, and so should her image be.

If you are a Natural, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “Natural” calls for very little alterations from the origional. Change is uncomfortable, and comfort is the Natural’s highest priority. Typically, Naturals do not like to dress up or shop.

  • Be careful not to repeat your outfits too often, and do not let your clothing wear out or become “un-kept.”

 

  • Be aware of the level of formality of the events you attend and be sure to dress accordingly in order to show respect to those hosting/attending.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Classy Classics

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , ,

 

The Classic is a cultured woman who is polished, meticulous, and usually well educated. She is the elegant professional who is classy, calm, poised and gracious. Many people go to this woman for comfort and advice because she tends to be very mature and wise. I like to relate this Image Identity (Img.ID) to the Rose, which has a very symmetrical, orderly type of beauty that tends to command perfection, whether it is in bud form or fully opened and hung to dry. Like the rose, the Classic’s features, frame and personality are evenly proportioned and well balance, and so should her image be.

 

If you are a Classic, here is my caution for the week:

By definition, “Classic” does not change much over the years, and because of this you may not be concerned that your wardrobe is up to date; only that it is complete. Typically, Classics do not shop often, therefore:

  • Be careful not to let your wardrobe get outdated, or you will come across as matronly.
  • Be aware of the level of formality in your casual outfits; save the fancy accessories for fancy events in order to stay relatable.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.