personal branding

Alternative “Neutral” Colors

March 14, 2014 by Bethany Siggins

I suppose one definition for a neutral color would be a color that pairs well with most other colors. When we think of neutrals, our minds generally go to cream, black, white, gray, taupe and so on. But what about mustard, periwinkle and royal blue as neutrals? Hmmm… Once you start to think about it, there are a wide variety of colors one could pair with the colors I just mentioned.

The problem is, most of our wardrobes lack color which makes it difficult to test-drive our theory of using colors as neutrals. Frankly, well-designed pieces in dark and light neutrals are easier to find. However, as we enter spring when well-designed colorful pieces are a bit easier to find, let’s make an effort to bring much-needed color to our mostly neutral wardrobes.

As I show you here, colorful pieces are not as difficult to work with as you may initially imagine. I am using both forest green in the first set (created on Polyvore) and dark red in the second set to show you how they act as “neutral” and pair well with a variety of other colors.

So, look at your wardrobe a bit differently in the coming weeks. Mix colors together, in ways you have not previously. When you start to do this, you have a much greater variety of combinations in your closet, saving you lots of time and money. If you need help seeing the possibilities, call me. I’d be delighted to spend and hour or two in your closet showing you new combinations. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Dance Like No One Is Watching

January 3, 2014 by Bethany Siggins

Last summer my then 2-1/2 year old son Nathan was standing beside his twin sister Vivien as she rode on the mechanical horse at a local Mexican restaurant. As the horse began to move and the music started to play, Nathan bobbed his head and gyrated to the tune unaware of and unaffected by others around him. Behind Nathan was a young boy older than Nathan who was waiting with his family for their table. He gave Nathan an odd look as if he were thinking, “What are you doing?” Nathan never saw him, and I wished with all my heart he would never know the scrutiny of others and never feel like he had to conform to what was expected or “normal.”

Eventually, all of us become aware of how we look to others, and we make adjustments to fit in. In the process, we often lose a bit of ourselves in an attempt to be like everyone else. The problem is, none of us is like anyone else, and we were not created to be like anyone else. Even identical twins have physical differences and each twin has a unique personality. My wish for you and for myself in the New Year is to better connect with who we are and then present ourselves in a way that is an authentic reflection of it, regardless of others’ opinions (good and bad). Let’s stop making adjustments to our personalities, our manners and our dress that are not genuinely reflective of our values and our core being.

Let’s make a pact. You be you, and I’ll be me. No questions asked, no judgment. Deal? Happy New Year! Here’s to much joy, success, happiness and a lot less judgment of ourselves and of others in 2014. Much love to you all!

Taking Your Image From College Girl To Woman

July 10, 2013 by Bethany Siggins

I was recently asked by Angie Schuller Wyatt, award winning author of a book and blog by the same name, God and Boobs, to write a short piece about transitioning one’s image from college to career while maintaining one’s youthful appeal. You can view the post on her blog here. However, I thought I would also share the full text of my contribution below for my many (ha!) blog subscribers. This is a common issue, one I experienced when leaving college, so I am grateful to Angie for raising the question so I could properly address it in print. I hope you enjoy it!

As you wave goodbye to your college alma mater, degree clutched tightly in your hands, you have high hopes and expectations for your future. However, as you stare into your closet surveying your wardrobe, you are dismayed to find it is not filled with the things one would associate with a woman poised to conquer the world. Since you know image matters and a first impression is of the highest importance, you are in a quandary.

Never fear, I have three simple steps to conquering this very common wardrobe dilemma:

(1) Shop Differently. In other words, buy your grown woman clothes from stores you used to bypass in college. For the most part, you will not find nice career clothing where you buy “disposable” casual and/or party clothes.

(2) Acquire Quality Classics. Start collecting the classics such as a leather handbag, closed-toe heels, a white blouse, a LBD and a trench coat. Buy the best quality you can afford as these items, when purchased well, will last you 10+ years. These pieces are investments.

(3) Brand Yourself. How would you describe your style? How do you want to be known in your career? What are the words you want people to say when you walk in the room? Write your answers and from there make a list of 4 – 5 words that best describe you and your brand. Then start dressing like it. If you are concerned about looking too old, be sure your wardrobe includes color, patterns and quality accessories. Accessories finish outfits, and the right ones keep your look youthful, fresh and modern.

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