ammocked blog

Image counts when it comes to making a first and, oftentimes, lasting impression. How we dress has a remarkable impact on the people we meet professionally and socially. It not only affects how they view us; it also dictates how they treat us. Someone who isn’t quite sure how to pull it all together may be seen as lacking self-esteem, while a well-dressed individual is usually
perceived as self confident, giving her a clear advantage.

What exactly is image? Certainly it starts with what we wear, but it is also how we act and what we say. Our image
is our most important communication tool and can impart who we are and who we want to be. The way we look and behave sends a message to the world about our capabilities, skills, talent,
position and desired position.

It takes about 30 seconds for someone to form an opinion of another person. Think about it. When you look at someone else for the very first time, what do you see? Clothes, shoes, jewelry, teeth, a smile or an unsmiling expression. You
notice if the person is well groomed or sloppy looking. Does she have an updated hair style and manicured nails? Is
she wearing make-up? Is it flattering or too heavy? In a matter of seconds, you then unconsciously begin to form
judgments about the person’s financial status, intelligence and success level.

The fact is, people will observe purely superficial things about other people and make judgments based on those observations. We assign meaning to clothing, expression and body language. Since our clothes and body language project such
strong messages, it only makes sense to be sure we are sending the right ones. We need our image to speak positively about
who we are as a person. If you want those messages to be favorable, what you wear must be consistent with what you want to project about yourself. The question is, how do you craft your image to be consistent with who you are; your aspirations, values, skills and talent? These five questions will get you on your way to fine-tuning your image:

1. Do your clothes compliment
your body’s proportions? First, you
need to understand your body type so you
can choose styles that camouflage
problem areas or accentuate attributes.
Select styles that balance your
proportions. If you have a short neck, for
example, be careful to select necklines
and collars that lengthen rather than
shorten your neck.

2. Does the color bring out the
sparkle in your eyes or drain the
color from your face? Have you ever
noticed how on some days you feel more
vibrant and alive simply because of the
color of your clothing? Have you ever
stayed away from others because they
make you look ill? Most people can wear
most colors, but not necessarily the same
hue. Take red, for example. One person’s
natural coloring may go well with a
variety of reds from maroon to cranberry,
brick, dusty rose, coral or pink. Someone
else’s “black” may be another person’s
chocolate brown or navy.

3. Is the style appropriate for the
environment or work you do? Even
full-time moms feel much better about
themselves when they continue to “fix
themselves up” on a daily basis. You also
want to consider your spouse’s work and
environment when you socialize with his
business associates. Most business
settings are not the best time
to make a fashion statement.

4. Is the personality of
your wardrobe consistent
with your personal style?
It’s not unusual to dress or
shop according to the mood
we’re in at the time we are
shopping. When we shop this
way, though, instead of
having a clear plan of what
we need to create a wardrobe
that works, we often end up
with a lot of clothes we never
wear. When you are building
a wardrobe, it’s best to know
what suits your personal style
and to purchase core items
consistent with that style.

5. Is your hair style
current and does it fit the
rest of your image? You
wear your hair 365 days a
year! It’s one of the most
important aspects of your
image. Your hair style should
fit your overall image and
look. Think of the times you
have remarked how great
someone looks when they get
the right hair style.

Crafting and fine-tuning
your image will not happen
overnight, but if done deliberately
and strategically, it will
increase your self-esteem,
project vibrant self-confidence
and result in lasting positive
impressions.

Diana Jennings-founder of The Image Impact Group, a team of Professional Development Specialists that concentrate on appearance, business protocol and non-verbal communication for individuals and corporations. She is a Certified Image Consultant. The company develops and delivers workshops and individual coaching that enhances self-esteem and promotes leadership. These programs help individuals and corporations develop an image that is consistent with their skills, talents and position. For more information contact [mailto:Diana@theimageimpactgroup.com]Diana@theimageimpactgroup.com

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When my first marriage faded into oblivion, the engagement ring I’d worn with such joy and love was banished to my jewelry case.

Some years later, older and much wiser, I resurrected the ring and had it re-set by a jeweler friend to reflect my newly discovered independence and style. But back in those days, the sight of those diamonds on my right hand was simply a painful reminder of my failure in the marriage stakes.

Now it seems I was ahead of my time.

The right-hand bling ring is the latest status symbol for women who no longer feel they have anything to prove.

Women are earning more, marrying later and have more disposable income than ever before, leaving them with plenty of room for a little self-indulgence. And it goes without saying that the newest status symbol should encompass the ultimate status symbol, diamonds.

In fact, the trend has become such a major force it’s been given its own (albeit lackluster) terminology - “self-purchaser”.

According to Greg Distefano, a spokesman for the Diamond Information Center at J. Walter Thompson, “The self-purchase market is now a $3.75 billion business in the United States. Rings are the single largest type in this market. They account for two out of every five pieces of self-purchased jewelry.”

Eager to get in on the action, DeBeers, the world’s largest diamond producer, has produced a series of ads to tap into the hearts and wallets of this enormous, previously ignored, consumer demographic.

“Your left hand is your heart. Your right hand is your voice,” croons their recent print ads. “Your left hand says ‘I do.’ Your right hand says ‘I did what?’ Your left hand knows the answers. Your right hand asks the questions. Your left hand rocks the cradle, your right hand rules the world. Women of the world, raise your right hand.”

With a market of over 43 million single women in the United States, Ruta Fox, a former advertising copywriter, created the “Ah Ring” in December 2000. “Since I was single, I named it The Ah Ring, and decided “Ah” would symbolize being A, available and H, happy. I thought since married women have wedding rings, and engaged women have engagement rings, single women should have a diamond ring they could buy and call their own,” says Ruta.

The Ah Ring was an instant success, generating over a million dollars in sales in the first year, and was featured in Oprah Winfrey’s “O” magazine.

Never a group to ignore the latest preoccupation with self-indulgence, celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon and taken the trend for diamond accessorizing to a whole new level. At this year’s Oscars 5,000 carats of diamonds strolled the red carpet. Showcasing diamond baubles by jewelry design luminaries like Fred Leighton and Harry Winston, single celebrities Renee Zellweger, Cameron Diaz and Halle Berry shone brighter than the strobe lights.

So, what are the top-selling trends in right-hand bling rings?

Mondera.com, a leading online jeweler, suggests colored diamonds are a popular choice, with pink, canary yellow, and blue diamonds the biggest sellers. The resurgence of brown diamonds, re-named and now cleverly marketed as cognac and champagne diamonds also sell well.

Contemporary settings, such as the sleek bezel-set and pave, are popular with singles wishing to avoid the look of the classic round solitaire diamond. And for those who aspire to the cool sophistication of Audrey Hepburn, Tiffany’s newly released Lucida setting is the ultimate in bling ring elegance.

But for those sassy singles who would have to forego three months’ rent to afford a diamond, there are plenty of fabulous alternatives.

For all the bling without the sting, cubic zirconias are made with such precision these days that usually only a jeweler’s loupe can spot the difference. From the sublime to the outrageous, the affordability of cubic zirconias means that you can have a different ring to match your outfit and your mood!

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” may well have become the newly revived mantra for the modern 21st century woman, but if you still need an excuse to go out and get yourself some bling, I like to remind myself of the L’Oreal maxim - “Because I’m worth it!”

Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as “diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds” and has turned her passion into an informative website.
You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com. The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online.

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