Fashion, Food and Fiats! Inspiration from Italy...

I recently had the great fortune to travel to Italy - a country rich in history,

steeped in tradition and filled with people who appreciate the same things I do: Food, Wine and Fashion! I must say, I had sensory overload enjoying all three things during my two week stay. For this I say, Grazie Italia!

During my trip to the Amalfi Coast, up north to Venice, and back down to Rome, I wished I could bottle up all of my experiences, so that I could enjoy them again back home, in small savory doses.My vivid memories and many photographs will serve well, and I now share with you my favorite finds!

FASHION

This season, it's clear in Italy that the Fall Fashion trends are heavily focused on shoes and accessories, which is great for our shopping budgets! Clothes are bold in color- whether jewel tone, primary or citrus! Orange, red, teal and purple are HOT!

Scarves- once again, a must have for the season. Whether silky with a vintage print, or a textured cotton blend, be sure to accessorize your fall wardrobe with

a great scarf.

Leather Wrap Around and Obi

Tie Belts- I'm in LOVE with all the colors available for these perfect accessories! I picked one up in Venice, in a deep aquamarine, and it looks amazing with my little black dress or to contrast with other brights. Find a stock of these belts and pick one up in your best color. You can never go wrong with the neutral tones to accessories your skirt or jeans with a crisp white blouse. If you can't make it to Italy in the next couple of weeks, there are many great options online. Just seek and you will find.

Bold Colors- Bold hues of green, purple and orange. Red pants, red scarves, red shoes- anything red. Colorful silk blouses and skirts paired up with your new obi belt and your ready to strut your stuff on the streets of Rome and Milan!

FOOD

La Dolce Vita - Certainly not a new trend, but simply the Italian way of life. A panini for lunch. An afternoon siesta. A delicious pasta or risotto with fresh seafood. And don't forget the

Gelato for dessert! So how do they keep off the pounds? To start, they walk everywhere! The hundreds of steps in all the small towns of the coast and the sloping cobble streets and walkways of Rome and Venice. Standing at their local coffee bar instead of sitting. Also, the meals consist of all fresh ingredients. Fish caught that same day, home-made pasta and fresh sauces with zero preservatives and additives. Fresh fruit and greens along with plenty of water! The plentiful fountains in Italy make keeping hydrated very easy.

Our inspiration to kick off this season: Start up the Italian workout and mangia as healthy as you can! Replace processed foods with those that are all natural. Instead of using your bottled, heavy dressings simply use a drizzling of olive oil and a shaving of fresh pecorino cheese. Now as for the dolci...don't over indulge. But certainly don't deprive yourself of a cup of your favorite gelato as a special treat. In addition to your regular workout routine, WALK every chance you have. Park farther away at your trips to the store or at your office parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and an extra lap around the grocery store. Take the long way around the office back to your desk. Walking helps to clear your mind and will reduce over all stress. Carry on with the Italian way of life...and to everything just say "Va Bene"!

FIATS

Who could not help but love this little car, which is now available in the U.S! (Oh, and the guy...well, I can't help but love him too- my amazing husband. Thanks for a great trip to Italy!)

Think Spring!

Don't let the winter blues get you! Start thinking ahead to sunny days of Spring, when all the snow and ice will melt away and your closet will be filled with soft blush colors, floral prints and sailor stripes!

Featured pictures are some of my favorites from Victoria's Secret, JCrew, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Ann Taylor and BCBG. Start shopping the sales now so you can get lucky with the perfect outfit for your special Valentines Dinner!

Need help shopping for the Spring Season or sorting through your closet? Contact Chica Guapa for a consultation!

Lingerie Sale...Ladies & Gents beat the holiday rush and Stock Up!

My favorite lingerie store, Beneath The Gown in Clinton, is having a BLOW OUT sale to kick off the start of the HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON!

Check out their blog for more details!

Guys...if you're not sure what to get your lovely ladies for the holiday, why not treat them to a lingerie makeover! Josie, Owner of Beneath The Gown, will personally help to pick out the right pieces for the lady you love. You can also purchase a gift certificate to let your lady surprise you with her picks! (wink, wink!)

Ladies...stop in this amazing boutique and register for your favorite pieces...help your man out!! Or pick up great gift sets for your friends, sister, mother or for a bride to be! Even better...treat yourself to something special!

Don't miss out on this great sale!!

My search for rain booties is over....LOVE THESE!!!

Nina Rain Bow Booties...

I think they speak for themselves!!

Available online at SenseOfFashion.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The 2nd Annual Chica Guapa Clothing Swap was a BIG Success!!

THANK YOU FOR DONATING!!

Thank you to all the ladies who attended and contributed to TWO GREAT causes!

I am so happy to report that we did meet our goal and surpass our donation amount from last year for the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation! This year, the money we raised will be donated in honor of a very special woman- Lucia Contento. Lucia is the sister of Laura Malangone, owner of Studio Elle Salon. Lucia is not only beautiful woman inside and out, but she is courageous and strong for winning her battle against breast cancer!

We give thanks to everyone for supporting the cause and hope that all of us FABULOUS ladies continue to ban together, support eachother and live the amazing lives we so deserve!

SPECIAL THANKS!

A great big special thank you to my fabulous event partner and talented hair dress, Laura Malangone for hosting the event with me!

Thank you also to our on the spot makeover winer Jaclyn Klein for being such a GREAT sport! You looked gorgeous before, but you were one HOT lady after hair, make up and wardrobe!!!

Special THANKS also goes out to all of the vendors who supported the event and donated all the raffle prizes:

*Studio Elle Salon

*Eli's on Whitney

*Valentino Productions

*Integrated Aesthetics

*Camouflage Boutique

*Eli’s on Whitney - Hamden

* Beneath The Gown Lingerie

* Celebrity Brows

* FUZION

* Posh Skin & Nails

* Light Thief Photography, LLC

* New Haven Fitness

* LA Fitness

* Valentino Tailors

STRIVE NEW HAVEN

I also want to thank Brian from STRIVE New Haven for attending the event and picking up all of the donated items.

*Many of you expressed interest in volunteering at STRIVE New Haven. Please email me directly so that I can coordinate a night or two for us to go as a group! alicia@chicagaupaimage.com

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR CLOTHING SWAP ATTENDEES!

Each of you that signed the Clothing Swap guest list will receive a 20% off of any Chica Guapa Service! The Holidays and special events are coming, so be sure to book your appointment now! Also, group swaps, fashion parties and theme events can also be booked!

View my website for a listing of services. Customized services always available! Send me an email or give me a call to book!

www.chicaguapaimage.com

THE 2ND ANNUAL CLOTHING SWAP EVENT- MONDAY, OCTOBER 11TH

LADIES....TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL CLOTHING SWAP EVENT!

Come enjoy a night of guilt free "shopping" and contribute to two great causes!

Hosted by Alicia Trotta, Chica Guapa Image Consulting and Laura Malangone of Studio Elle Salon.

THE DETAILS:

Date: Monday, October 11, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

*Arrive by 6:30 p.m. for a smooth swap set up!

Place: Eli's on Whitney, 2392 Whitney Ave - Hamden. Event will be held downstairs.

Tickets: $20.00 in advance. ($25.00 at the door).

*Purchase directly from Alicia Trotta -call 646-296-3480 or email alicia@chicaguapaimage; or Laura Malangone at Studio Elle - 203-288-7017.

A FUN GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!

Food & Drink: Enjoy light refreshments to help keep your swapping energy high! All drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Raffle Prizes & Giveaways: Once again, we will have fabulous raffle prizes and giveaways! Raffle tickets are only $1.00 or a book of 15 for $10.00.

Fashion & Beauty Tips: Chica Guapa will share some makeover ideas and wardrobe tips. Studio Elle will share some makeup and hair trends for the upcoming seasons. And this year, one lucky attendee will receive an instant beauty and fashion makeover!

HELP US DONATE: Two great causes to contribute to! Once again, a portion of our event's proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation. Help us to beat our goal from last year! Also, we are asking all attendees to bring a couple of items to donate to STRIVE New Haven. A gently used suit, blouse, purse or pair of shoes will greatly help our local women in need of career clothing. Please help spread the word and forward this invitation on to your friends and co-workers. It will surely be a FUN girls night out!

WHAT IS A CLOTHING SWAP?

A clothing swap is a great way for us to put our new, nearly new or gently used wardrobe items, that we no longer wear, to good use!

THE RULES OF THE SWAP:
Please bring a maximum of 5 clothing swap items, as detailed below, and one pair of Jeans (optional) to the event with the intention that someone else will take them home and wear them.
*Take the time to go through your closet and determine which items are not right for your color tone or body shape. Be sure the item is worthy to pass along to one of our group of fabulous ladies!! If you need help, contact Chica Guapa for a full service closet organizing session!
*All items must be new, like new or gently worn. Should be clean and pressed. We want to simulate a true shopping experience!

*Items can be for any season. Summer pieces are still fine and Fall and Winter are great!

5 CLOTHING ITEMS: *Not required, but helpful if you bring the 5 items as noted below.

· Bring 3 clothing items in any of these categories -Chic, Moderate, Expensive

Chic – inexpensive items, less than $40.00, costume jewelry.
Moderate- any clothing items priced between $50.00 - $150.00. Moderately priced jewelry. Clothes from the Gap, JCrew.
Expensive- any clothing items or accessories valued over $150.00 - $200.00. Designer.

· Bring 2 accessories: -purses, jewelry, hats, belts or shoes.

• Jean Swap Shop (new this year!): We all have at least one pair of jeans that is either too big, too small or just doesn't hug the booty in the right spots! Here's your chance to bring one pair that you don't wear and take a "new" pair home! The Jean Swap Shop is optional.

*How it works: You will be given a color coded ticket for each category item you bring, and one Jean Swap ticket if you bring a pair of jeans. You will "shop" in each category “boutique” and select an item for yourself. If you bring 2 chic items and 3 expensive then, in turn, you can shop for 2 chic and 3 expensive items. Continue shopping each boutique until your tickets are gone! Last year everyone walked away with something they loved, and I'm sure this year will have the same results!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Do YOU Have A Personal Brand That Is Sure To Impress?

This month I had the pleasure of being one of the guest speakers at the Quinnipiac University Annual Career Day. My topic was "Creating A Personal Brand That Makes The Best First Impression". This topic is near and dear to me, as many of you know. Having had experience in the corporate world as a Human Resources Director and now experience within Fashion and Image Consulting, I can attest that achieving the right image will set you apart from the competition. Part of the branding process involves how you dress. Dressing your very best - all of the time- will increase your confidence and will always leave you open for the best opportunities. This message is important to apply to both your personal and professional goals.

During the presentation, the Alumni Deans at QU helped me to demonstrate appropriate attire for interviews and other business events. They also helped to point out what NOT to wear, which is being demonstrated in the photo to the left.

After my presentation, I spoke with many of the attendees and was thrilled to hear that they felt re-charged and ready for my help with their wardrobe, closet organizing and career "makeovers"! I am thrilled to meet with some of the folks over the next couple of weeks and give them coaching on all aspects of their new career image, as well as interview tips, networking tactics and goal setting.

I thought it would be beneficial to share some of the tips with all of you, my loyal followers! I've pasted below a few key points. If you'd like me to send you a copy of the full length handout, please email me. The bottom line is, whether you are job searching, looking to advance in your career, or even want to give your personal life a boost, you need to create your own brand that is sure to "WOW" others from the moment they meet you. I can help you to achieve your best image that will give you this that you need! Contact me for a consultation. And if you are in career transition or a recent graduate, you'll receive a special discount!

A quick note of thanks must go out to the amazing team at the Quinnipiac University Alumni Office, my creative designer Jennifer Callahan from Hazel Bleu in Seattle and of course the New Haven Register for putting my picture on the cover of the Business Section!

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Network Your Way to SUCCESS!

▪ Always carry a business card! Even if you are not yet employed, have your contact information printed and carry it with you. Think of every place you go as an opportunity to meet people. Show that you care about your brand and are ready and available to network and offer your services or expertise. ▪ Contribute to conversations, but do not overpower them. Share your network and contacts with others who might benefit. Show your value! Branch out at networking events. Do not be tempted to stay in the corner with the group you already know. Make it a goal to meet two to three new people at each event. Always strive to build your network.

▪ Determine which local networking groups could be beneficial to you. Attend Chamber of Commerce and business networking events. Keep in touch with your college connections and attend alumni

▪ Keep your contacts organized. Get a binder or business card portfolio. Write a note on the card indicating the date, where you met and one buzzword or identifier for that person so you will remember them. Always follow up with a thank you, via phone or email. Re-establish the connection you just made and show those whom you have met that you want to be a part of their network and enjoyed meeting them. ▪ Always follow through on what you have promised. Prove that you are reliable and can take action!

____________________________________________________ YOUR UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND ü Branding is about building a name for yourself, showcasing what sets you apart from others and describing the added value you bring. ü Like a popular product brand, a unique personal brand will help you to stand out. ü Branding helps define who you are, what you have to offer and why you should be sought out. ü A major component of your brand is your appearance and how you present yourself to others. ü A successful brand is one you identify with and can confidently promote.

NAME ▪ REPUTATION ▪ QUALITY ▪ PERFORMANCE ▪ APPEARANCE ▪ PROMISE OF VALUE

Dressing To Impress- The Interview

SUIT UP! For interviews and business events, always wear a suit. If the dress code for a business event is deemed casual, wear or bring a sport jacket to ensure you are dressed appropriately. Women should always be conservative with necklines and skirt lengths. Always dress the part! COLOR THEORY. Add color appropriately. Dark suits and neutrals are great for your business wardrobe, but don’t be afraid to use color in ties and shirts. Pick hues that complement your skin tone and personality and make you feel your personal best. COORDINATION IS KEY! Be sure you have coordinated belts, shoes, socks, hosiery and totes. These details in your outfit help you to look put together and stand out amongst the competition. Make sure your outerwear is also a good match for your outfit. Invest in a great coat for each season. MORE THAN WORDS. Consider your body language while interviewing and networking. Always make eye contact. Be energetic but also mature and poised. Show you are interested and alert. Avoid distracting cell phone texts and calls during events, networking sessions and especially interviews!