Style Story: Elaine Bailey

Submitted by on February 19, 2012 - 11:55 pm

I’m constantly getting request for before and after segments and I usually hold back because I tend to think my clients start off in a pretty good place and I take them to a pretty great place with their style. I make it that much more effortless and clearly defined. Also, I’d rather it be their request to be profiled.

So, today’s your lucky day because Elaine is excited to share her transformation with you to inspire you to take action!! You can thank Elaine. :)

I first discussed working with Elaine in November of 2010. She felt she had to get her business in a certain place before working on her wardrobe. Then, almost exactly a year later, she was at a place where she HAD to act on upleveling her wardrobe or image. She was practically bursting out of her current look and ready to completely transform.

And transform she did!

Here she is before (on stage at an event sharing her business success because she is a pretty smart lady):

I asked Elaine to share a bit about this experience of completely upleveling her wardrobe and look so you could get it directly from her, unedited.

 

What was the tipping point that made you hire a stylist?
I felt tired with my look and it felt incongruent with who I was becoming on the inside. I always seemed to buy the same style because it felt safe. I didn’t feel that I had anything beautiful to wear when I was in public.

Can you share a bit about the process/experience itself? How you felt going through it?
I remember the excitement of going through my closet and letting go of all the crap that was in there! It’s amazing what you cling on to and how it holds you back. I gave away 95%. It was like being given a new blank canvas to paint on. Having someone to guide and support me through my choices, as I reinvented my look. I was learning new things about myself every session.

I remembered being nervous to open the first online boxes when they arrived because I’d never really enjoyed clothes shopping before. This turned to excitement and joy as Catherine helped me to see a totally different person in the mirror! She was confident and beautiful. For the first time in ages people noticed and commented on how I looked when I was in public. It was amazing!

What is the most valuable benefit you’ve gotten out of the experience?
I feel lighter, relaxed, confident and more comfortable in my skin. I feel like I’m standing in my natural power, as a woman and I feel congruent with who I really am.

How about the second most valuable benefit? ;)
I open my closet and smile every day as I see my clothes hanging there waiting to be chosen. There’s nothing in my closet that I don’t like or won’t wear. I LOVE my clothes and I feel great wearing them.

What do you do differently now that you have this knowledge?
I walk taller and confidently in my day-to-day life. I have learned to match and accessorize to create different looks for different occasions.

How do you feel getting dressed every day and for those VIP events?
I feel more aligned and congruent with who I really am from the inside-out. My outside now reflects my inside! I feel confident, relaxed and authentic and have a totally different energy. I get to be the real me!

Tell me a bit about your business and how your new branding/upgraded style has impacted it.

I’m the President and Founder of Elaine Bailey International Ltd, a company devoted to coaching people into their best lives. I mentor busy successful people to move away from the chaos and overwhelm of settling and surviving. I offer them a whole new approach to productivity, business and lifestyle based my own self-leadership principles that I live every day!

Your success is strongly influenced by your ability to change and grow. You are what you think and this is reflected in how you present yourself to the outside world. My upgraded styling has enabled me to reflect my true authentic self from the inside out. Recent pictures from a photoshoot has generated lots of comments and interest in what I do.

Tell me a bit about your upcoming program.

WorkBrilliant VIP Spotlight Session – Do you have an idea that you’d like to work on or a roadblock that is keeping you stuck? Sometimes we all need a little help, a sounding board to bounce thoughts and ideas off or someone to help us blast through our challenges. This is for busy people who don’t want to invest in a coach long term just now, but have a specific need that they’d like to have a ONE-OFF SESSION to blast through.

The VIP Spotlight focuses on YOUR specific need and helps you to move forward and take conscious action towards your goal. This is for a limited time only! (Normally I only work with clients for a minimum of 6 months!).

Normal Price is US$750**

** Special U*styled discount available! Use code CC1 and if booked before midnight on February, 27 2012 it’s only $350 for the session).

What’s included:

1. Complimentary 20 min getting acquainted call – so that you can get a feel for me and that we are a perfect-match. To explore your needs for the session. This also ensures that we can hit the ground running and maximize the potential of our time together.

2. Two hours of personal mentoring via Skype or face-to-face in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England. You get my full attention and focus on a specific area of your life, business or work that could benefit from some further thinking, with actionable results.

 

Sound like a fit? Email Elaine at info@elainebaileyinternational.com to arrange a Getting Acquainted Call.

 

Oh, about that ‘After’ pic …

    

If you think you’re ready for your own transformation and maybe just want to dip your toes in and get some guidance, I’ve got just the thing for you!

Click here for more info on U*styled’s Virtual Style Session (for a limited time!).

 

Transform your Style and Transform your Career

Submitted by on November 5, 2011 - 1:45 am

It could be a bold statement to make, but the facts support it. Transform your style and transform your career.

85% of our communication is physical.

So, you’re communicating before you even open your mouth and share your thoughts. You’re communicating via your body language and your presentation.

The colors you wear, the way your clothes fit, the finishing touches on your style – accessories, hair and makeup – all of that contributes to how you’re perceived by those you meet.

It also contributes to how you feel about yourself.

Wearing dark and dreary colors do nothing to lift your mood when you need it. Ill fitting clothes do nothing for how you feel about your body. Ignoring the finishing touches with your accessories, hair and makeup definitely doesn’t make you feel any prettier.

Not to say this is about being pretty or beautiful.

But it is about feeling fabulous, confident and like you can take on the world! THAT is how your style has the power to transform your career. Because YOU transform.

When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you look good.

It’s definitely a cycle and it’s one I love helping my clients create for themselves.

Most of my clients actually come to me in a pretty good place. They’re simply frustrated and not 100% confident about certain things. They need the finishing touches: how to dress for their body type, what colors bring out their personality, what accessories go with what, what are the missing pieces in their wardrobe, how to mix and match so the options are endless within their wardrobe.

They need clarity around what their own personal brand of style is and like snowflakes, there is no one alike.

It’s empowering to know these things about yourself.

It’s simplifying as well.

You don’t feel the constant need to find pieces  to fill a void (that isn’t actually there). You only buy new pieces you LOVE or need.

Your style and wardrobe becomes timeless because it is an extension of who you are and not an homage to the trends of the season.

You know what to wear each morning and, better yet, you know what you WANT to wear each morning.

If you do one thing to make you look as good as you feel, take the time to put on the finishing touches – accessories, hair styling and a bit of makeup.

If you do two things, go through the latest fashion/women’s magazines with the intention of pulling looks and items that excite you and feel like an extension of you. Create your style inspiration board to define and guide your style evolution.

And if you’re feeling ambitious and would like to learn all of the above, I encourage you check out U*styled’s Total Transformation package. We will audit your closet, style your closet and then whisk you away for a bit of shopping for your newly streamlined closet. And that’s just the STYLE portion of the package. As you know, I believe you deserve to live a life in style and this package gives you ALL the tools to do that for yourself.

To YOUR styled life!


An Evolution in Confidence

Submitted by on December 6, 2010 - 9:51 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I’ve shared bits of my story with you before, but this last month has been quite an introspective one for me. In fact, these last two years have been as much about personal growth as they have been about business growth.

I’ve had an a-ha over a couple of things in particular and I wonder if you can relate.

Have you ever dressed down because you didn’t want to bring attention to yourself?

So you have a great body, you know you’re beautiful, but you feel uncomfortable when someone comments or looks at you?

I remember one time when I was visiting my Grandma up in SF while I was in college. We’d gone shopping (as was a part of our ritual) and I’d bought this beautiful white skirt. The skirt was really feminine and pretty, but it was also striking because of the white. We were being seated for dinner (Grandma is a prime example of a life in style) and my Grandma pointed out to me that I was turning heads as we walked through the restaurant.

Instead of taking the compliment, I instantly became shy and self-conscious. Why would they look at me? I don’t want them to look at me!

Or, when I was back from my freshman year of college and at my debutante ball and I loved my dress. I loved the opportunity to dress up and hang out with my guy friends on the floor committee and my BFF. Not to mention my brothers had to get all dolled up, too, and learn some sweet dance moves. Anyway, even then, as I was being presented, loving my dress, I could feel the eyes on me and had to simply focus on my steps and moving forward.

(Yes, I was a debutante which means I’m also a great resource for etiquette tips!)

There are numerous similar accounts I could share, but I don’t need to. I think you get the picture.

It’s taken me a long time to be comfortable standing out in the spotlight and owning my feminine power. In fact, it’s really a daily battle still. However, I get to make the conscious decision to dress for myself, to inspire others and own the fact that I make a statement with my presence.

Because if I do that, then another women gets to as well.

Does your dress reflect your confidence and power? Or are you still playing the role of a wallflower?



Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on December 3, 2010 - 1:02 pm

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

In case you’ve forgotten the Tony Robbins quote:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

So what is the final piece to pull it all together? To make sure they notice you?

Tip #5: Add a Statement

Considering your brand and your Style Statement, you should realize that it is about making a statement.

So, every time you get ready for an event or an audience … add a statement!

This can be a bold color, a stunning jacket or a statement accessory – bag, necklace, earring, bracelet and/or rings … or all of the above!

Are you going to go through the trouble to consider your Personal Brand and not take the next step to success? Yes, getting noticed is as important as discovering your Style Statement.

You will do it in your own way, but my goal for you is to be that woman who turns heads when she walks into a room. You know who I’m talking about.

When you’re going to an event, meeting new people and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, dressing to impress really starts with and FOR you. Step up your style and you inherently step up your confidence.

Adding the statement creates an opportunity to begin a genuine conversation to establish a new connection and relationship that can be more meaningful and beneficial. A compliment about your shoes can flow to where you bought them, favorite places to shop, favorite neighborhoods, etc. You might just find something you have in common! Just like that – a great connection and a new friend!


Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on December 2, 2010 - 10:25 am

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

To BRAND into your memory the quote at the crux of this series:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

Your style, your inner style, your INSPIRED style. This is what will get you noticed so you can share all your yummy substance. Like that prophetic “Build it and they will come” let’s think about “Style it and they will come!”

Tip #4: Make it Cohesive & Consistent

This is about making your branding cohesive with your personality … and your audience. It’s your Style Statement!

Style How To: Try mixing all different ‘occasions’ into your outfits. Don’t be afraid to mix your work with your play or your dressy with your casual. By pairing these different elements of your life together, you can actually dress to your audience while staying true to yourself and your Personal Brand.

For instance, if you’re a bit bohemian, you can still dress professionally by adding a blazer to one of your maxi or knee length dresses.

Bottom line is that it all has to work together. You have to always be true to yourself, while being aware of your audience. PLEASE don’t think that you have to sacrifice your personality and style for the sake of your audience. Your audience needs to see you AND your substance!

This is where it can be helpful to have some expert help to get you to pull it all together in a way that makes sense for your brand, your lifestyle, your personality and your business.

Once you’ve determined your cohesive Style Statement, it’s important to be consistent with your image. This is what the BRAND is about … literally branding it into your audience’s mind. I know that sounds a little bit much, but it’s true. Branding consistency is so important because every impression on your audience reinforces your brand perception.

If you need to, ask the question this way: What is the consistent brand impression you want to leave on your audience?


Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on November 29, 2010 - 1:32 pm

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

Again, the quote at the crux of this series:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your substance.”

The key is that you have A style- YOUR style. “Right Style” simply means to get noticed and recognized, not a style that lets you sit in the shadows.

You don’t want to sit in the shadows, do you? You have your message to get out to the world! You want to that promotion, land that new client, get that speaking gig, etc.

Tip #3: Consider Your Brand

This is true whether you have your own business or you’re building a corporate career.

Personal Brand: What people perceive when they first meet you. This includes your presentation, image and manner of speaking.

How you present yourself each day should be consistent with your personal brand- whether you’re in a personal or professional setting.

Though this sounds like a lot of work, it actually can be pretty easy. The beauty is that YOU get to define your personal brand, so it should be a true reflection of  your personality, interests and goals.

I cannot stress enough that your Brand needs to be about YOU! Recall the comment from Tony Robbins…I want you to get to share your substance! If you’re trying to fit a mold that wasn’t made for you, it’s just not going to work.

You need to fit the mold to you.

Let me explain…

First, what is your favorite color? Now what is your favorite color to wear? Why? How does it (or they!) make you feel? This says a lot about HOW you are. You might be happy, energetic, calm, compassionate, fiery, bold, stubborn, regal, etc. The colors you wear reflect this to your audience. Be sure that the message you want to get across comes through (subconsciously) in your Personal Branding.

Second, how would you describe yourself? What are some adjectives others often use to describe you? What do you want to include in your personal brand? Some adjectives to consider: polished, professional, creative, sophisticated, intelligent, enthusiastic, hippie, etc.

Finally, what would you consider your ideal style? Going back to your vision board, how do you want to come across from a STYLE point of view? Bohemian? Chic? Classic? Trendy? Independent?

Taking these three pieces into consideration, you can fit the mold to you by staying true to YOU and your STYLE while making your look appropriate for the occasion.



Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on November 26, 2010 - 6:07 pm

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I shared with you last week the quote from Tony Robbins, but I’ll share it again:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

This sings to me because it’s at the heart of what I do. Not because I love the superficiality of looking good, but because it’s a reflection of how you feel on the inside. Your image is a reflection of your inner confidence, your success and your knowledge.

Of course you’re the expert!

However, it’s imperative that you give that first impression every time you meet someone. If you’re not, you’re costing yourself your success.

Are you ready to step into your greatness?

This tip is incredibly important, so take note of it. While you might think this goes against PERSONAL style, it never will if you’re always true to yourself.

Tip #2: Consider Your Audience

Where are you going and what are you doing? What does your daily life look like? Who are you talking to? What is the purpose?

For instance, how you dress for a meeting with a corporate company would be different than if you’re meeting a colleague for coffee. In each scenario, you want to be pulled together and polished in your own way, but one might be a bit more formal than the other.

When it comes to business casual versus business professional, it never hurts to ask which is appropriate. Usually, if the company/occasion is more formal, you will be offered the information. However, you never want to make assumptions!!

Aside from running errands, when you can definitely have more freedom (though, even still, you never know who you’re going to meet or when!!), you should always consider the environment, culture and/or occasion.

Editors Note: If you question whether it’s too provocative or inappropriate, it probably is. Go with your intuition!

Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Presenting Yourself as the Expert

Submitted by on November 24, 2010 - 6:50 pm

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I’m going to level with you – I too get fed up with the superficiality placed on how we look, but whether we want to admit it or not, Image is just as important as Ability when it comes to success in business. Image opens the doors to your opportunities while Ability proves you deserving of success.

Something that Tony Robbins shared at one of his “Unleash the Power Within” workshops really rang true for me and it will hit home for you:

” Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

This from a man who orders custom made suits and is obviously very aware of his image (have you seen his shoulders?!) … not to mention that he has achieved enormous success!

Personally, for me, it’s all about the Substance – this is where the style comes from. So the question becomes, are you representing your substance in it’s best light?

It’s all about YOU!!

As a personal stylist, it’s my job to understand you, your business, your audience and help you refine and create an image that is totally YOU and has you coming across in that first impression as … intelligent, sophisticated, creative, bright, fun, dynamic, etc … while also helping you get out of your comfort zone and stepping into your greatness!

Tip 1) Create a Style Vision Board

This helps you get clear on what Fashion and Style you prefer. You can use pictures of celebrities, athletes or family members – as long as their style resonates with you. You should also scan Fashion magazines and Style websites for pictures that you are drawn to. Tear out the pages from the magazines or print the pictures from the websites. Whether you tear out ads or styled shots, it only matters that what you’re tearing out makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. This could also include some pictures from your favorite designers.

Maybe you’re not wearing them today, but you will one day – some way, some how!

As far as putting together the Vision Board, it’s no different than a vision board for your life or business. This one is just focused on your style and image. Make it look pretty. It could even be frameable!

This process defines YOUR style. You’ll be able to see if you’re Bohemian Chic, Classic with a Twist, Vintage Hip, Professional Glamour, etc.

You can even put some pieces on your board that you’d like to add to your wardrobe. It’s about building a wardrobe you LOVE!!

Editors note: For runway/editorial Fashion, I prefer Vogue and W. For realway/educational Fashion, I prefer In Style and Lucky. Style websites I go to people.com, instyle.com andstyle.com for all the runway shoes. If you really want to learn about the Fashion Industry,WWD.com is a great resource and you can get a lot of the articles without signing up for the paid subscription.

INSIDER TIP: Top designers create vision boards before they begin designing each collection.

POP: Visual Interest to Attract Success

Submitted by on August 25, 2010 - 2:07 pm

FACT: Communication is 55% visual.

So what does that mean for you?

As a small business owner, ladder climbing corporate powerhouse, and/or philanthropist it means the difference between getting what you want or not. Whether it’s a new client, a promotion or a donation.

Communication Breakdown:

  • 55% Physiological: How you carry and present yourself.
  • 38% Tonality: How you say what you have to say.
  • 7% Verbal: What you actually say.

So, what can you do to make sure you stand out in the right way?

1) Know your Audience

While you are ALWAYS dressing for yourself, you do have to be aware of your audience. I would never ask you to sacrifice your personality, so you have to incorporate it into your look in a way that is appropriate for the occasion. Whether you’re in a business meeting, at a networking event, with your friends or on a date determines your outfit … NOT your look.

You wouldn’t wear a business suit on a date and you wouldn’t wear a low cut top to an important business meeting.

2) Add a POP of Color

You may have heard it before, but if not, take note: Color has meaning. It affects your mood as well as the mood of those around you. For more details on the meaning of color, check out this past U*styled post.

Even if you like a more neutral color palette, that actually makes for a great base for a stunning pop of color. Add color in your wardrobe through a necklace, earrings, your purse, a shell under your blazer or even with your nail polish. Just make it interesting and a color that makes you happy!

3) Add a Statement

Again, something to draw attention. Since we’re dressing for the real way, not the runway, it’s best to have one piece that stands out. This can be a gorgeous sweater, a favorite skirt, a great pair of shoes, a statement accessory (bag, necklace, earrings, etc) or jacket.

This shows your confidence and it also allows you to draw people in and even start a conversation based on a compliment (what a positive way to start a relationship!!).

4) Represent your Brand

Whether you like it or not, your image is absolutely a part of your brand. If you don’t believe me, consider some of your friends. What do you think of when you think of them? Classic, chic, friendly, bubbly, intense, eloquent, etc. All of those are a description of their personal brand.

What do you want people to think when they think of you? Does your image and presentation really represent that?

If not, consider what you can do to tweak that. Is it your conversation, your energy or your wardrobe? Just taking the first step with awareness will begin the transformation of your personal brand.

Some things to consider as representations of your brand: Colors (and meanings, see above!), the fit of your clothes, the polish of your wardrobe, eloquence and word choice, energy, relationships and success.

5) Carry Yourself with Confidence

It turns out your mom had a point when she told you to stand up straight time after time. Not only is it good for engaging your abs and slimming your figure (multitasking!), but it also presents yourself as confident and self-assured. Included in this basic etiquette of presentation is eye contact and a firm, feminine handshake.

When you enter a room, keep your head and eyes up. The only time I look down is when I’m running with the sun in my eyes and I don’t want to trip (my knees appreciate this!). Otherwise, it’s stand tall, make eye contact and smile.

Invite people into a conversation with an open body stance. Sometimes I’m guilty of standing with my arms crossed because it’s more comfortable for me, so I make a conscious effort to hold my hands in front of me instead.

Are you ready to get yourself heard? Attract more clients? Find the love of your life? Make more money? Enjoy more success in your life? The time is TODAY, not tomorrow!!

To YOUR Styled Life!

Extending your Value Line

Submitted by on May 27, 2010 - 9:57 am

I asked you to assess your value line. Were you honest with yourself? Now, I want to discuss how you can extend it. How you can offer MORE value to yourself, your life and your career.

What I’ll be sharing isn’t groundbreaking, but it will serve as a healthy reminder.

This topic isn’t going away any time soon, so I even encourage you to print out this article to keep nearby. You’re focusing on building your business, your career and your family and these are exactly the tools you need to uplevel and get there now!

1) Assess your Values

Just like my favorite example, Lululemon, assess your values and write them down. A mentor of mine calls them his Guiding Principles. Lululemon calls it their manifesto. Give it a name that resonates with you and keep it somewhere easily accessible. I guarantee you that you’ll be referencing this frequently. Any time you need to make a decision and you’re having trouble, refer back to these values and you will quickly know your answer.

Now, to be clear, this doesn’t have to be focused on your career or your business. This should absolutely be about your life. If you do have your own business, I recommend a separate set of values so that you can inspire and empower your team just as Lululemon does.

2) Focus on your Core Competencies

You know what your good at, but as a woman, you’re probably trying to do it all yourself. Stretching yourself among too many tasks/projects/etc. will only overextend yourself and ensure that you’re not doing any one thing particularly well.

Take a cue from some of the most successful (and unsuccessful) businesses and focus on your core competencies. Any business that has been GREAT has focused on their core competencies (think McDonald’s). Any company that has only been GOOD has tried to expand too fast outside of their core competencies and ultimately had to downsize and revert back to their core competencies for any chance of survival.

If you’re focusing on what you do best, you’ll not only be more successful, you’ll also be much more satisfied. And you better believe people will take notice of that!

3) Build your Team

You might be amazing, but you can’t do it alone. Ask for help when you need it, but also start building your support team that you trust.

If you’re having amazing career success, consider how great you’ll feel when you can hire someone to assist you and give them that priceless opportunity as a mentor. You’re not only focusing on your core competency, but you’re training people under you who can develop that competency as well.

And where you don’t have the core competency, simply outsource. You needn’t be bothered with all the laundry, the admin tasks, presentation prep, accounting, etc. Your time spent on those things is a waste. You could be training someone, marketing yourself or booking or working with a new client (or, spending time with family and friends).

4) Live by your Values

Lead by example. The most effective leaders are the ones that live by their values. You innately instill trust, a sense of team and motivation simply by living by these values.

Trust me when I tell you that people will take notice. Look at Lululemon’s insane growth over the last five years, regardless of a down economy. New stores keep opening, they’re now selling online and people are lined up to quit their corporate jobs and work in a store.

Do you see what this means? You can remotely inspire people to ACT if you live by your values. How cool is that?
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