As several of you may know, I have played many roles as an Image Consultant since starting Bullseye Image in early 2008. At first I was a traditional consultant offering color analysis, wardrobe overhauls and makeover suggestions. Later I became interested in personal and business etiquette and, after learning from the best in Switzerland, offered etiquette instruction to individuals and groups. At times I found myself organizing closets and at other times giving advise about whether or not to have plastic surgery. There were periods where I helped people prepare for interviews or prepared nervous singles to go on dates that would leave a positive first impression. Finally, I gained and used my skills as a digital photographer to give people headshots and photographs they could use to help them achieve their goals – whatever they may have been.

Some people were surprised when I decided to go back to school and pursue my Masters in Integrated Marketing at New York University. I think for a period of time I surprised myself. It wasn’t until I was writing my personal essay for admittance that it dawned on me that I have been interested in marketing my entire life. I will spare you the details of my entrepreneurial ventures over the years. Let’s just say since the time I was growing and selling miniature pumpkins at 8 yrs old to the present day, I have recognized how important marketing is to any successful venture. I thought going back to school would give me the tools I needed to grow and more effectively market my business. It is still yet to be seen what will become of this education I am enjoying. What I do know is that my interest in brand development, cultivation and marketing is growing daily and that my focus is on pursuing this understanding more than ever.

So it is with great hope for the future and fond memories of four years of satisfying the needs of clients of all shapes, sizes, genders, sexual orientations, skin colors, eye colors & personalities, that I take a leave from accepting new clients and explore how to create a thriving brand and market that brand in the best possible way. I plan to share these findings with you and hope you will continue to visit Bullseye Image to get information on how to look, feel and present your best.

With great love and gratitude,
Melisa

As quickly as summer started, it is already time to think about summer’s end. Many schools start back even before Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer. If you are sending your children back to school, plan to simplify back to school shopping by getting organized and starting early. Take advantage of a rainy summer day to get your thoughts in gear. If a school uniform is not required for your child, be sure to make a check of last year’s clothing to see what still fits and what your child has outgrown. Plan ahead for the colder months and buy clothing slightly big in the case of a fall growth spurt.

School supplies are often required at the beginning of the year. While teachers may send home specific supply lists for each grade, getting essentials early is a great way to simplify back to school shopping. Pens, pencils, notebooks and erasers are almost sure to be on every child’s supply list, so stock up on plenty of these items. Take advantage of pre-season sales as well. Many supply stores offer great deals before the rush. Plan appropriately according to each child’s grade level. For younger elementary grade, one notebook will usually suffice, but once middle school and high school begin, plan for one notebook per subject. When school is back in session and supply lists are sent home, you can check off the items you already purchased and make a quick trip for specialty requests, like tissue for the classroom, packages of glue sticks, etc.

Now that clothing and supplies have been taken care of, it’s time to let your child choose a new backpack. New backpacks are a great way to help transition back into the school year. While you’ve spent time trying to simplify back to school shopping, your child has been looking forward to adding a personal touch to school items. Allowing some sort of personalization, like monogrammed initials or an embroidered sports team logo can be a feel-good way for your son or daughter to show self-expression.

While your child’s full name should be on supplies like notebooks and folders, it is not recommended to have first or full names embroidered on book bags. This safety precaution is to deter potential predators from instilling a false sense of familiarity with your child. Get into gear, get safe and get organized when you simplify your back to school shopping lists.

First, you should know that shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you should avoid designer labels entirely—just make sure to get them when they’re marked down or on sale.  Being fashionable in designer clothes is what most people want, both male and female—it’s just that they can’t afford designer prices.  Be a good sale shopper and get what you want without breaking the bank.  Also, good grooming goes a long way as well.  Being neat and well-dressed shows confidence, high self-esteem and meticulous organization—even if you’re sloppy and never pick up a broom in real life.

The third step to being fashionable is to know what never goes out of style.  Much like there are jobs that will never be outsourced, there are certain styles that will never be outdated.  For men, it may be a clean, well-pressed suit.  For women, it may be a strand of pearls or a black dress.  These things are always fashionable no matter what the trends are and should be a part of any wardrobe.  They can act as the fallback just in case nothing else in the closet quite works, doesn’t fit, or is truly out of style.

As you can see, it can be very easy to look fashionable if you 1) know how to shop smarter, not harder or longer; and 2) supplement your trendy purchases with similar-looking clothes at discount stores and 3) fill out your wardrobe with clothes that are trend-proof and never go out of style.  Putting together a nice mixture of clothing that is both stylish and economical will ensure that you have a look to be envied, yet cannot be copied.

Improper attire at an interview is one of the biggest faux pas a prospective job candidate can make.  Even in the generally accepted business casual environment that is prevalent in workplaces today, dressing professionally at an interview is key.  After all, the people dressing business casual at the place you wish to work at are already working there; you aren’t working there yet.  Therefore, it is up to you to make a good impression to the firm.  It’s okay to err on the side of being overdressed than being underdressed; therefore, you should always look your best on a job interview.

It’s hard to believe, but over half (55%) of a person’s perception of you lies in how you dress.  Is it shallow thinking?  Yes.  But it is the reality of it.  Therefore, when going on a job interview, aim to dress slightly better than the middle managers.  Not only does it show that you mean business, but it also puts your confidence, self-esteem, and ability to be organized on display.  In an interview setting, conservative colors predominate because you want the focus to be on your skills and qualifications, not what you’re wearing.  Clothing is conservative on purpose to draw attention away from it.

Therefore, the attire should be simple.  For men, it means a white dress shirt, a solid colored suit, usually navy or black in color, complemented by a similarly dark-hued tie and topped off by dark socks and comfortable yet professional shoes.  Jewelry and cologne should be kept to a minimum.  For women, the attire is similar.  It starts with a conservative colored suit, a skirt knee-length or lower, a neat hairstyle, tan or light hosiery, and professional-looking shoes.  Very high heels or very short skirts are not in your best interest.  Perfume should be kept light and not overpowering.

If the attire mentioned so far sounds—well, boring—that’s because the point of the interview wardrobe is to fade into the background.  It’s the one place where you don’t want the clothes to speak for themselves.  In an interview setting, you want the focus to be on you and what you can bring to a prospective company, not what you’re wearing.  By dressing conservatively, you take the interviewer’s eyes off of your clothes and put them directly on your face, which is where you want them to be.  Sell yourself, not what you’re wearing.

You are in line and in a rush at the grocery store when the customer ahead of you has a cart full of groceries and takes a cell phone call. Your wait time to check-out has just increased five to ten minutes because the shopper ahead of you is engrossed in a conversation and you are frustrated by the delay. Rather, you are sitting quietly in the library cramming before tomorrow’s final exam and at the table behind you an obnoxious ring tone goes off. It sounds like fingernails down a chalkboard and you cannot concentrate on anything. These scenarios just touch the surface of inappropriate cell phone usage. At one time or another, everyone has fallen victim to poor cell phone etiquette.

Make sure you are not the victimizer when it comes to cell phone etiquette by heeding the following tips regarding using your cell phone wisely. It takes nothing more than common sense to use your cell phone wisely and not offend the people around you. There are several social functions where using your cell phone is faux pas. When you attend a wedding, especially during a wedding ceremony, always turn your cell phone off. An interview for the stellar job you have waited so long for can quickly turn sour with an unexpected call from a long lost buddy. Live performances, movies, observatories and libraries are also all public situations that warrant a double-check that you have turned off your ringer.

When receiving calls is unavoidable, use keen cell phone etiquette. If you are taking a client out for dinner at a first class restaurant and your sitter calls, excuse yourself from the table and take the call outside if possible. If it is a simple matter to resolve, be brief with your conversation and do not keep your client waiting. Follow the same guidelines when out to dinner with a friend or a significant other. Your companion wants to be the center of your attention.

Further, avoid ring tones that can be misconstrued as annoying or offensive. You can’t go wrong choosing the traditional sound of a phone ringing or setting your phone to vibrate all calls and text messages. Additionally, practicing good cell phone manners while driving helps to keep you safe on the road. Wait until your vehicle is stopped safely to make or receive phone calls and never text while driving. Whether you are in public or in an intimate private situation, showing your savvy with cell phone etiquette is sure to impress.

Spring Skirts

Just after the New York Fashion Week the 2011 Spring Fashion Trends seem to be coming of age in a new way before the photographers have even packed up their bags or the models have removed their make-up. This year saw the unveiling of a few new trends that reveal a bit of spice from past decades. Already the influence of designers like Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, and Jason Wu are being seen in the streets from New York to L. A.

The seventies seem to be keeping pace in 2011. High wasted wide leg pant trousers have returned with an attitude. While they may never really have gone out of style, look for them to make more than a meager comeback in the coming months. They can already be seen as a prominent fixture from San Francisco to Salem.

Color seemed to permeate NYFW this year prompting one to be persuaded to peruse bold pigments to the heart’s content. However, it would seem that many hues of orange seemed to peel away from the rest. It does not seem to matter what type of clothing or which designer inspired the move towards the fruity shade, orange is in. The fresh and fruity color in its various hues from mango to pumpkin, orange has made its way to mainstream. While it will never be the new black, this bright and cheery color has arrived.

Providing a sharp contrast to the classic Fifties wife, the consummate working woman can feel secure dressed in quazi-military garb that would make John Lennon proud. Straps and harnesses seemed to be a theme at the show, so one can expect to see these inexpensive accessories at every creative turn this year. While they appeared a bit otherworldly on the runway, it will be no surprise to find people making their own spin on this emerging trend in a Suddenly Seeking Susan Eighties type spin on how to accessorize.

Speaking of the iconic Fifties wife, long skirts may prove to emerge back on the scene favored above their flamboyant shorter cousins, the mini-skirt. Longer hem lines seemed to pervade the sophisticated and elegant lines where once more leg skin was the thing to show. Now it would seem that fashion has taken a poke at “how low can you go” with a bit of reserve and no longer worries about appearing like a robotic Stepford wife of yesteryear. Even big names like Rag & Bone and Tommy Hilfiger moved the hem down to the ankle with their latest offerings. No worries for those who have worked on their legs and want to show them off at every turn. These new offerings include sheer fabrics with nearly thigh high slits to offer a pleasant view of those legs that go all the way up.

Simplicity is the word that many will focus on in the coming spring. Neutral colors seemed to show some signs of prominence at the show. If this is any indicator of the treatment of color, then ivory, sand, tans, and other easy on the eye colors will be seen paired with the always popular and ever present black that has never gone out of vogue.

Back to the color wheel with an oldy that some might think moldy. Chartreuses were seen in plenty on the runway. It has always poked its semi-green head through the fashion window, but this year it might just come in and stay for supper. Some of this year’s offerings were a study in chartreuse without much in the way of highlight or counter color. While the color does not fit every taste, it is sure to find its way into the mainline at least a bit.

If you have been wondering if there were any fashion trends being set with blouses, then you will be glad to hear the answer is a resounding “Yes.” It seems that blouses have been moving towards a sophistication reminiscent of the Hollywood of years gone by with the full, boxy, or cropped cuts. It would seem that designers are in love with the timeless dolman sleeve. While some of the offerings bore more of a resemblance to hoodies, others enshrined a more sophisticated feel, and would be a great fit at a black tie soiree.

The fashion world is often fickle and can change as easily as the wind, but with the range of colors, styles, and overall return to older days the 2011 spring fashion trends would be hard to sum up in a single word, unless that word was eclectic.  For a great update on all things Spring Fashion 2011 for the everyday girl, my favorite glossy magazine this season to get your closet updated and your trends up to speed is March’s InSytle magazine.  Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers!

Milan and New York are tied for first place when it comes to high fashion influence on the rest of the world. Each city, however, is held in high regard for varying contributions to the fashion world. Historically, these top two cities can attribute their fashion success to simple designs and elegant looks. With fashion runway shows as frequent as a mocha double latte on every street corner, it’s no wonder top fashion designers flock to these to cities to showcase their latest collections.

Aspiring fashionistas also get their inspiration and design sense from these hot spots. Following these fashion forward cities provides potential designers an opportunity to explore different venues for design specialties. Designers that are drawn to quirky and extravagant design can find a niche in the London fashion world. If formal clothing rich in elegance is the designer’s forte, influence is largely felt from the Parisian market.

Whether you are in the fashion business world or just like to dress to impress, you can sharpen your fashion know-how by following the trends of these great cities. If you like to change your fashion style like New England weather, fast and furious one minute, refined and subdued the next, then Tokyo is where you want to be when the models start strutting down the runway. Tokyo’s fashion world offers styles ranging from ultra feminine to hip-hop. Los Angeles in the middle of Fashion Week where the hottest new looks for spring 2011 are being revealed. No matter which trend fits your bill, take a look at the trends in these cities to be assured you’ll always step out in style.

Fashion is fluid and ebbs and flows as regularly as the seasons. The fall 2010 fashion trends are about a classic, sophisticated look. For women, this means buttoning up and showing subtle sex appeal with sheer fabrics. For men, the classic serviceman look is key. As fallen economies are on the road to recovery, get ready for looks that celebrate the modest, romantic and historical period of World War II in the 1940s. Covering up doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing sensuality or sex appeal; it merely redefines it. Structured, sophisticated looks are softened by sexy lace and see-through materials.

Ladies, don’t be afraid to button up this fall—all the way up! While exposed cleavage was the way to go in years past, this fall, blouses should be buttoned to the top. Whether it is a traditional and professional white blouse or a more feminine lacy blouse, you can pair your tailored shirt with a structured, buttoned jacket and a pair of tweed shorts that fall to the knee. You can add trendy and sexy to your wardrobe using see-through fabric this year for the added feminine touch.

Although men’s fashion traditionally evolves more slowly than women’s fashion, the fall 2010 fashion trends for men do bring a new look for gentlemen. This fall, men can be sure to impress by adopting a classic military style with a sophisticated spin. Men can look dapper with a traditional military overcoat in a neutral tone. Single or double-breasted coats will do, but make sure the bling is in the brass buttons. Vintage coats can be tailored for that structured look. Paired with a button-down shirt in a subdued tone, overcoats project a strong look for men. Trousers and jeans are best left understated in darker colors. Functional meets modern is the standard look for men this fall.

Trends for men and women in fall 2010 fashion are more reflective of a romantically civilized society with a modern edge. For women this message may translate into celebrating classic femininity of with an edge of sex appeal using lacy details. Men can enjoy the strong, chivalrous look of vintage military times while showing expression through details of structure and button embellishment. Accessorizing your classic look can further enhance individual style.  Have fun with the styles and stay tuned for more.

For your personal image, it is important to dress for the occasion.  If you’re going to a function for business, then dress as if you mean business.  If you look successful, you feel successful; and if you feel successful, then you will be successful.  There is a lot your clothes can do for you as a person.  Your self-esteem rises when you believe you look good.  Your self-confidence is a by-product of the clothes you wear and how you feel about wearing them.  What you wear also shows others how much you respect yourself.  Wearing old, beat up clothing tells everyone that you don’t care too much about how you look.

Even if you’re actually the sloppiest person in the world, being well-groomed gives off the aura of being very organized.  Wearing the right clothes also sends a message to others that you can also make the right decisions at work and have impeccable attention to detail.  In other words, your personal image is a form of non-verbal communication.  Even in the most conformist of jobs, there is room for some creativity, and maximizing your creativity in the clothing you wear is a definite plus.  Possessing all of these traits says a lot about your reliability at work, too.

In short, having a very positive personal image will invariably lead to success in both your professional and personal life.  You’ll feel more confident, have greater self-esteem, and show others that you hold yourself in high regard without being narcissistic or cocky about it.  Within 10 minutes of meeting you, other people have already assumed 10 different things about you.  Therefore, the clothes you wear matter more than you think.  Know the audience and your surroundings when putting together the right wardrobe, because you don’t want your clothes giving others the wrong impression of you.

If a celebrity shows poor etiquette, it doesn’t necessarily make them bad people; however, because of their public persona, some people hold them to a higher standard.  Rightly or wrongly, those who make their living in public have a certain standard to uphold, and that means showing proper etiquette when needed.  Like any other human being, they don’t do this all the time; but unlike other human beings, their everyday activities are being documented by TMZ.  It’s hard to argue that it doesn’t make for good entertainment.  We all have a good laugh when Lady Gaga wears something completely outlandish to a formal awards ceremony, after all.

On the flipside, if a celebrity shows poor etiquette when dealing with others—such as the media or even the general public—they’re often given a free pass.  If we as a society hold these same celebrities up to a higher standard, it sounds hypocritical to explain it away by saying, “Well, obviously they’re busy people.  I’m sure they didn’t mean it.”  Therefore, the opposite is true:  We have such low regard for proper etiquette in our everyday lives that celebrities couldn’t possibly be held to a higher standard than us.  If we don’t care about etiquette, why should they?

Celebrities have a very difficult life, but it’s not one they didn’t know about before entering it.  Making a living in the public is hard work, and sometimes the public has a love-hate relationship with celebrities.  Poor etiquette is something that everyone should work on, but such a thing is magnified when a person with certain notoriety exhibits bad behavior.  Famous people can become infamous just like that, with one instance of bad etiquette.  However, those with a track record of poor etiquette habits can become even more famous with each passing instance, chalking it up to “just being themselves.”

Do you think that celebrities should act more responsible as role models in the public eye or that they should be cut some slack for constantly being monitored and harassed by the media?