A Makeup Makeover!

After recently clearing out some house hold clutter, I was left with a storage bin full of various makeup and skin care products, which was clearly not being utilized appropriately. While my expertise is in wardrobe and style, I had been struggling for some time with my makeup applications, and figuring out which products and colors would create the right look for both my professional consultations and also for the various fashion events I attend. And of course, I can't help to mention the battle with applying makeup over aging skin!  Just as my clients recognize the need for my services, I quickly realized that I was in need of some professional help in the makeup department!


Lucky for me, professional makeup artist and beauty extraordinaire, D.D. Nickel, is only a hop, skip and a jump away from me in New Haven. As soon as you meet D.D. you will immediately feel comfortable with her warm, easy going personality. And upon stepping into her vintage styled studio, located on State Street, and seeing some images of the amazing looks she has created for others, you'll feel relaxed and ready for her to perform her magic on you!  D.D. has created looks for celebrities and TV personalities, and has worked with runway, red carpets, and Broadway.  She offers her own line of makeup and tools, sold exclusively in her shop. Take a peek at her website to view her full Bio. D.D. is also part of the Style Confessions team and just published her first book for new artists, " How To Start a Home-based Makeup Artist Business". Stay tuned for her upcoming seminars as well.

D.D.'s unique consultation is only $150 and includes a review of your current products (yes- the entire arsenal of makeup!), determines your best colors for your skin and your desired looks, and then a makeup lesson so that you know the correct way to apply and achieve your new looks. D.D. will also provide you with an instruction sheet, so you can't forget any of the steps. It is well worth the price ladies! 


And for those interested in hosting a group event, please note that D.D. Nickel and Chica Guapa have partnered together to deliver a Fashion Party like no other for you and your girlfriends! Contact me for more information!


Once again, a special THANK YOU to D.D. for creating the perfect palette for my desired looks and teaching me the tricks of the trade!   For more information on D.D. Nickel or to book an appointment, please contact her at 203-777-4161.

Guess Access Fashion Blog: Wish You Were Here- Philadelphia!

Feeling the LOVE for a trip to Philadelphia? Check out my latest blog post featured on the Guess Access Fashion Blog!  Also be sure to check out the Lookbook of all the latest Guess watches to go with our favorite Summer fashions!

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Thanks to Ice Cube for providing me with the perfect title for this post!

Let's face it...we've all been a victim of our own fashion faux pas. While I always stress the importance of having a well thought out wardrobe plan, I realize that life gets hectic and we all make mistakes. Below is a quick checklist to ensure you avoid some common fashion blunders that can turn your image into a wreck!

Check Yourself...

*When wearing a new suit, skirt, dress or blazer, make sure you remove the "tacks" from the slit or vents.

*Always take a look at yourself in a full length mirror. If possible, have another mirror available so you see both the front and back views. This will help to ensure that everything is tucked in or positioned where it should be, that you do not have any large threads or pieces of lint in conspicuous place on your body.

*Look down at your feet...are you wearing matching shoes? (Don't laugh,it happens!)

*Make sure your garments are pressed and are wrinkle and stain free. 

*Are all buttons buttoned and your zippers zipped? (Don't get caught with your "fly" down!)

*Check for accidental deodorant stains after getting dressed. 

*For new garments, always remove the new style security tags sewn into the seam, as well as unnecessary hanger straps that are at risk for popping out. 

*For men, always make sure that the top button of your jacket is buttoned and the bottom button is kept open. 

*Do all of your accessories match? Belts, shoes and socks? Jewelry and handbag? 

*Check for runs in your nylons or tights and be sure they are the correct color.
*Make sure you have on the proper undergarments and that there are not any areas exposed or showing through lighter fabrics. 

*Remove all price tags from the bottoms of your shoes. (You may not be able to see them, but others can when you walk!)

*Make sure your shoes are free from debris or paper (especially the kind from a bathroom!).

*If your plans will take you straight from day to evening, do you have your essentials to get you through the transition? This would include: deodorant, makeup for touch up, brush and hairspray, dental care or mints, extra tights or nylons, a different purse or jewelry, a different pair of shoes?

*Take a close-up look in the mirror - do you have any makeup smudges or too much makeup on? A need to floss or brush again? 

Leave your house each day ready to take on the world and confident with how you look! 

Your Perfect Closet!

Do you dread going in to your closet to find something to wear? 

If organized properly, your closet will be your new best friend! Allow it to give you exactly what you are looking for- all of the time.

Many of my clients are amazed at what their closet looks like after I have done a clearing and reorganization session. Not only are they able to find their clothes, but they are also able to find actual outfits, which can be worn for all of their important occasions. An organized closet reduces: stress, wasted time, and unnecessary clutter. When you feel as though you can "shop" in your own closet and are happy with your existing wardrobe, you will feel more confident and ready to present your best image to the world. You will also reduce unnecessary spending, as you will no longer be tempted to impulse shop!   

Take a look at my Pinterest board for some inspiration on organizing your closet. Closets of all different shapes and sizes can be transformed into your perfect closet! Book a Closet Organizing Session during the month of July for only $75- half the regular price!   

Attention New Grads And Job Seekers - First Impressions Are Everything!

In today's competitive job market, job seekers not only need to have an above average GPA, proven leadership skills, and related job experience, but they also must have the one thing that will really set them apart - an impressive personal image and brand.

Imagine you are driving along a deserted highway, and you suddenly see one billboard. With there being no competition, this one billboard would certainly catch your eye. However, imagine you are driving through Times Square - where do you look first? How would you begin to focus on one or two attention grabbing signs, when there are hundreds? This analogy applies to our current job market. Those that are looking to land their desired job or looking to receive that promotion, must be sure to represent their unique brand not only on paper, via a resume or performance reviews, but in person.  Knowing  how to communicate with business professionals, knowing how to win over a crowd and build a strong network, knowing how to dress to impress, and showcase your best skills and abilities, are all critical to ensuring that you will be the one "billboard" that will stand out!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can enhance your personal image and brand, please contact me to schedule a career wardrobe session & image consultation.You are also invited to attend my upcoming seminar on this topic, being held at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June 19th. Click here for more details.

Remember...first impressions are EVERYTHING!

A Seminar Not To Be Missed!

Creating An Impressive

Personal Image And Brand

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce

 900 Chapel Street, New Haven

Presented by  

Alicia Valentino

of

_________________________________

Do you want to have the best opportunity to get hired, promoted, showcase your brand and grow your network?

Do you want to improve your most valuable asset … yourself?

Does your organization need to more clearly communicate and represent its brand?

Alicia Valentino, Image Consultant, Fashion Stylist, and Human Resources Professional, will cover these important topics and more.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about:

§  Creating your unique personal brand and defining its core elements

§  The golden rules for dressing to impress

§  How to dress for the corporate world; the impact of color and fabric coordination on your image

§  How to successfully network and market your brand

§  Developing your best elevator speech

§  How to present yourself to clients, potential employers and the public

New grads, professionals and employers can all benefit from this seminar! 

About Alicia Valentino:

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Bentley University, Alicia Valentino spent thirteen years as a Human Resources Professional within various industries in Boston and New York. While living in New York, Alicia pursued her interests in the creative arts and attended Parsons The New School For Design and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Alicia gained recognition for her talents as a Stylist and Image Consultant in New York and now in Connecticut, where her business, CG Consulting, is based.  She has expertise in women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, formal wear, and custom clothing. Alicia is also a certified fitness instructor at New Haven Fitness and LA Fitness. Alicia’s combination of her business, fashion and fitness experience make her unique in her field.

www.cgimageconsulting.com

alicia@cgimageconsulting.com

646-296-480

Please Register In Advance
By Replying To:

alicia@cgimageconsulting.com

A Fabulous Affair...Fuzion's Annual Beauty Bash!

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining the team at Fuzion for their annual Big Beauty Bash! The theme for this year's event was "Shape My World", which couldn't have been more appropriate for Chica Guapa to join in on this topic. The event was held at the Pine Orchard Yacht Club in Branford. With over 300 women in attendance, all of us participating as vendors were kept busy consulting with clients, and providing them with advice on their best choices for hair, makeup, wardrobe, lingerie, glasses, accessories, fitness, medical aesthetic services, and more.

I would like to extend another big THANK YOU to Dr. Goodkind and Katie Midgley, and the rest of the team at Fuzion, for inviting me to participate in this wonderful event and to host their Fashion Show! Along with the fabulous crew at Think Creative Group, these folks all worked very hard to host a fun and educational evening for all guests, AND, managed to raise money for a special charity while giving away thousands of dollars worth of raffle prizes!

Katie Midgley, the event's fabulous hostess,
and co-owner of Fuzion, looking incredible
for the evening! 

I truly enjoyed working with six beautiful women who volunteered their time to serve as our models for the fashion show, and showcased their unique shapes for the purposed of our theme. I would like to give a special thank you to each of them- Beth, Suzie, Susan, Sharon, Leah and Dawn.  Each of you are inspiring and beautiful- on both the inside and out! Your hair and makeup applications from Jobella Salon, DD Nickel and Salon Refuge looked amazing! And of course your outfits from Possessions, Arabella and Ella Where She Shops all looked gorgeous and flattered your shapes.

My model, Dawn, whose hourglass
shape looked amazing in this dress!

Leah, flawlessly strolling down the runway
in her maxi dress from Possessions!

After emceeing the fashion show, I got to spend some time meeting with many lovely ladies who sought me out to learn about Chica Guapa's various services. I am thrilled to work with these new clients within this next month and to have more exciting transformations occur and their image goals achieved! If I didn't get the chance to speak with you, please contact me to review the best services for YOU!  And be sure to check out my page in Pinterest for some great looks for your body shape. 

My new, unique gift ideas...ready for purchase and for you to give to someone special! Inquire about these packages ..."The Mom-nificent", "To The Dresscue", "Shaped Up", "You're Hired", "Mom In Training", "The Jet Setter", and more! All include  a gift certificate for a special session with me and goodies to go along with the theme!

The hustle and bustle in the main room!

Discussing Body Shapes!

A quick consult!

Loved dressing Sharon in this outfit from Possessions! The colors are beautiful on her, and I added some great accessories to tie it all in together! 

DD Nickel performing her magic and delivering a beautiful look for my model Sharon! 

One of my fabulous model's, Beth, with the Arabella!

Salon Refuge doing up some great hair for the fashion show!

The beautiful set up by Ella Where She Shops!

A pic of me with Erica,owner of
 Ella Where She Shops. Two mommies to be!

Another model, Leah, getting the beauty
treatment by DD Nickel!

Fuzion's booth, with a great shot of a
before and after one of their services!

Kennedy and Perkins in Branford also can help
you to find the perfect glasses for your face shape!

 

What a crowd!!!

I had to sneak a pic on the "red carpet" with all the gorgeous models!
Thanks again ladies!! 

Thanks again to all involved! And special thanks to my friends and family, for their continued support and coming out to all of my events! 

Stay tuned to my Facebook page, as well as Fuzion's, for any more event follow up and photos. Enjoy!