Accessorizing, Highly Evolved
In the immortal words of Clairee Belcher (played by Olympia Dukakis) in the movie Steel Magnolias,
The right accessories can make or break an outfit. That’s a lot of pressure, which can lead to style paralysis, and standing in front of the mirror agonizing, can I wear really pearls with this? Is the bracelet too matchy? Which shoes look better? How much is too much? Should I cut my hair? Why does this necklace looks so great on my friend and not so great on me? Do these glasses make me look like my frequently inebriated high school typing teacher? (Umm, well maybe that last one is just me.)
Our choice of accessories is broader than ever, and there’s Science as well as Art involved in utilizing accessories to our maximum advantage. Fortunately, we have Imogen Lamport’s new e-book,
The Finishing Touch: Perfecting the art of accessorizing to help us sort it all out. Imogen Lamport AICI CIP is an internationally certified image consultant, who takes us step by step through the ins-and-outs of choosing the right accessories to project the image we want.
In her new book, Imogen covers every imaginable aspect of accessorizing including jewelry, scarves, belts, hats, shoes, bags, glasses, and even choosing the best hairstyle for your face shape (and how to determine your face shape).
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| See what I mean about Science? |
So much of what is flattering on us is a result of working with our bodies’ unique proportions, textures and colors to create harmony and balance. And in The Finishing Touch, Imogen provides concrete concepts and tools to help determine those qualities. Especially for those of us on a budget or who are trying to hone that perfect capsule wardrobe, this information can prevent costly mistakes and unworn pieces lurking in the back of our closets or jewelry boxes.
Flattery is one (important) thing, but accessories are also a great vehicle for expression. I love this graphic especially, which shows how you can totally change up the look of a single pair of jeans just by switching out the shoes.
For those of us who are trying to hone and maintain a smaller wardrobe, this concept is so important, and illustrates how we can make a single garment work for multiple occasions. Here’s the same concept with an LBD:
Imogen takes us not only through how to choose and combine accessories, but also how to store and care for them, and how to determine when it’s time to retire a piece that is either worn beyond repair or looks outdated.
The very best thing about all of Imogen’s e-books is that unlike some style guides that rely on simplistic drawings and vague suggestions, Imogen really provides the nuts-and-bolts information coupled with very instructive Polyvore-style illustrations and examples.
Whether you still struggle with accessorizing or just want to take it to the next level, there’s something for you.
You can find The Finishing Touch here.
Also be sure to check out Never Short on Style (style guide for Petites), Travelling Light, and Your Essential Style Guide.
Imogen’s blog is Inside Out Style, and her image consulting business is Bespoke Image.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of The Finishing Touch to review.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
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I love Imogen’s blog and her advice. She is so well-informed and, as you say, scientific, about her craft. I shall have to look at this book.
This book is a must read! I am a firm believer in the fact that every woman, regardless of age or size, can dress well if she knows what is flattering to her unique shape. It is so important to know what earring or necklace length is correct for face and body shape.
The book must be a gem and lucky you to get a free copy.
I hope you will share some tips from the book.
That’s a great quote!
Thank you for introducing me to ‘The Finishing Touch’ and to Imogen’s blog. I dress by instinct, so this would add a touch of science to my play. Always open to new ideas!
One of my favourite movie quotes too 🙂
I love that movie quote!
The book looks good–thank you for the review. I’ve been wondering about accessorizing so it should be a fun read.
I love that line from Steel Magnolias. I’m hardcore into Over Accessorising, because that’s just how I roll. Some people say take off something before you leave the house, I say put something else on!!! I’m going to check out the book. How’s your garden??? xxx
Imogen’s ebook is fantastic. It makes the art of dressing logical and understandable.
I support this review.
Irene of Sydney
coffeeaddict – there are so many great quotes from that movie, but my favorites are all from Clairee.
Patti – Imogen really does amazing work, doesn’t she?
Belle – she has some really great tips on jewelry!
Susan Tiner – it really is an amazingly informative book, and I can see this as being a permanent part of my style reference library.
hostess – it’s well worth the price of the ebook too.
😉
Style Crone – your instincts seem to be well honed. Still, it’s always fun to explore and understand the science aspect too.
Pam – cool! Let me know how you like it.
Faux Fuchsia – it’s working for you! I applaud your accessorizing. The garden is doing well, took some nice pics this evening as the sun was setting and will post soon.
Irene – yes, she makes it logical and understandable! I need that.
Sold…I just ordered it online!
Thanks for this introduction to Imogen’s book. I’m debating accepting a wardrobe challenge on The Small Fabric of My Life and if I do, I’ll definitely need to be thinking accessories (it’s a 5-main-pieces-for-a-week challenge!)
That useful concept of balance points is straight out of “the triumph of individual style” http://www.amazon.com/Triumph-Individual-Style-Dressing-Beauty/dp/1563672693/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314736574&sr=8-1 one of the -best- books ever published on the subject..
Don’t show me a picture of Dolly and expect me to read words after! I can’t tear my eyes away from her.
Thanks for the lovely review Pseu! I love that quote (and whole movie too).
Marie-Christine – yes the balance point concept is from Carla Mathis and I give her full credit for it.