If you want something different to happen...

...then you have to do something differently. Makes sense-but it is not always so easy to do. Most of my clients want to be perceived differently yet many are hesitant to embrace change.
Changing your appearance, your body language and your improving your communication skills, will absolutely improve your life. So why are so many people stuck? It all comes down to fear. Fear of feeling foolish. Fear of looking like you are trying too hard and for some it is even fear of success.

Fear can't be avoided but it can be managed. That's why my clients all love my TLC.
Embrace the fear. It means you are alive and moving forward toward bigger and better things. Life is too short to be anything but Wow!

Want To Turn Back Time?

Beauty "Finds" at Whole Foods

Women in France and italy

During a recent trip abroad I was looking forward to exploring the difference between Italian women and French woman's fashion choices. I was particularly interested in women 40 and older. It was June and in both countries the women chose muted tones but did not shy away from white. In past trips during the winter I have noticed a prevalence of black. The most obvious differences were that french women still wore scarves and the Italian women wore more jewelry especially gold. Both countries had women who were beautifully fit, coiffed and brown. I admired their preference for linens and silk and I was shocked at how many business women I saw beautifully dressed driving scooters.

A Great Weekend Escape!

Last weekend I escaped to the mountains in Pennsylvania to pamper myself. My girlfriend and I prefer different activities than our husbands, so off we went to indulge ourselves in 24 hours of pure bliss.

We drove to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort which is about 3 hours northwest of Washington. As we climbed into the mountains there were farms covered in snow and we really felt like we were entering a winter wonderland. Arriving just in time for our "Stone" Massage, we slipped into our plush robes and slippers and entered the waiting area. This soothing room was quiet, had tea, cucumber or lemon water, and comfy chairs. It was bathed in sunlight and lots of women, of different ages , sizes and shapes all anticipating their chosen treatment. When my name was called, I followed my masseuse down a corridor to my cozy room. With relaxing music and those experienced hands kneading out all of my knots, I sunk into oblivian. The warm stones seemed to penetrate my soul. When my hours was up I reluctantly flowed to the giant indoor hot tub. With 25 feet of windows I felt like I was on top of the world. The clouds and birds entertained me as I soaked my body, languishing in my relaxed stupor.

With an appointment for an art tour and a wine tasting in the afternoon, we had to shower and dress for the fun plans that would complete the day. Timothy, our art guide
was fun and informative. With a 45 million dollar art collection to explore , we were in heaven. We were so enthralled with Timothy's stories and info that we were almost late for our wine tasting at the Académie du Vin. We sipped wine valued from $20.00 to $120.00, and loved learning all the details.

Giddy from wine, relaxed from the spa, and inspired from the art-there was nothing left to do-but eat. So we indulged in home-baked bread and fresh pasta and lobster at one of the many restaurants on the premises. The entire meal was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Rejuvenated, we drove home the next day after one more visit to the spa. I look forward to many more visits to Nemacolin...want to join me?

Tips for updating your look on a budget

Here are a few ways to update and enhance your look without breaking the bank:

Ruffled blouses-white or in colors-they will add some whimsy to your look.

Belted anything- sweaters, coats, jackets, blouses – Skinny belts, fabric belts and wide belts, add a touch of “now” to your wardrobe.

*Embellished tops and bejeweled shoes- Buy them on sale or save even more money by making your own… pick up flat backed jewels at fabric or craft store and glue on with fabric glue.

*Multiple necklaces- Want the runway look of long chains draped around your neck? Mix them up or wear multiples of the same necklace. Check out the discount accessory stores.

*Lashes: curl them if they are straight-apply 2 coats of mascara. If your lashes are really short or thin consider playing with individual lashes or strip lashes. Use Duo adhesive and realize that there is a learning curve to learning how to apply the lashes. Look, It is not brain surgery, with practice you can do this!

*Lip stains and long-wear lipstick: No need to buy $30.00 Department store brands. Check out Cover Girl OUTLAST lip color at the drug or discount stores.

Worldwide Fashion tips on allexperts.com

I decided to send in my resume to allexperts.com to see if they were interested in having me as a fashion expert. I was happily accepted and I have been getting questions about fashion from all over the world. I was surprised to hear from people in the Middle East and Africa. I love brainstorming about their fashion dilemmas and feeling connected to women I will never actually meet in person. It underscores the belief that all of us want to look our best, no matter what our age or where we live.
Got a question? Email me directly or go to allexperts.com where you can rate my answer.

With the new year has come lots of new goals and opportunities. I will be speaking at The Wednesday Morning Group in Silver Spring, MD on the 21st of January and I am presenting, "Maximizing Your Power In The 21st Century" for Montgomery Women in Rockville, Md. February 11.

If you are rethinking your appearance in 2009 then take a moment and fill out the questionnaire on kimfoleystyle.com. This will help you clarify how to begin.

Stop by in a few days for my tips on how to recession proof your beauty and fashion needs for 2009.

The Power of Color

Fashion and Beauty Gifts for the Holidays

Holiday Gifts at Macy's and Sephora

Great Finds at Eastern Market

Boots, Boots and More Boots!

Style... On The Street

Fabulous FLea Market Finds!

Metallics are back!

New and fun for fall

It is time to put away your hard core summer items and look toward fall trends. I love finding things that I enjoyed wearing last year as I pull out my fall and winter pieces. Get current by adding touches of metallic, lace jackets and vests and patterned stockings. Large handbags are bigger than ever and the matchy-matchy look is definitely not cool.
Stay tuned every Friday for my Style Podcast showing you all the latest trends and fashion and beauty finds in DC.

Think again!

There should be a “rule” book for fashion
As I go about my day, I can’t help wondering if some people actually look in the mirror before they leave the house. I am disturbed when I see women who otherwise look “put together” wearing things that derail their credibility.
Three things that I saw today:
1. A fabulously dressed woman wearing chipped, grown-out nail polish. Come on ladies, even if you do not have the time to get a fresh manicure, at least remove the chipped polish.
2. An otherwise beautifully dressed woman wearing tired, old - fashioned shoes. I know, they are all broken in and comfy, but there is no point in spending the time and money to dress well and then ruin it by stating you do not care by wearing old standby’s. With all the shoe choices today, you can absolutely have comfort and style.
3. A high level female official chewing gum as she walked on stage.
Do not, DO NOT chew gum in public. Regardless as to whether you think it is fine to do so- others do not. Trust me on this - it’s a small sacrifice for a huge gain in credibility.

Having fun with accessories

The right accessories can really pop an outfit. Less is always better and classic or traditional pieces are best in corporate environments. Larger, more dramatic fashion pieces are good for less conservative environments or for evening. Remember, there is a language to your accessories. Quality is the word that should come to mind when dressing for traditional or corporate workplaces. Do not wear earrings, a bracelet and necklace all at the same time. Remember scale when choosing new pieces. Have fun, be adventurous and keep your receipt in case you change your mind once you get home.

Save time in the morning...

Several people have asked me how to get dressed for work without having to think or make decisions. It seems that many women want to look great everyday but they do not want to put in a lot of effort making decisions about “what” goes with “what.” A great alternative to putting together ensembles from separates is to move toward wearing suits.
By having five or more suits, you can easily solve this problem. Couple them with different blouses, shells or sweaters and jewelry, and you can create many looks without a lot of thought.
TIP: Always plan on having your “off the rack” suit tailored. Nothing is more powerful looking than a woman in a perfectly fitted suit. Ill-fitting suits under-mind your credibility.

I just saved time and money!

Every once in a while you pop into a store expecting to find nothing but luckily find everything you need. I hit the jackpot last week when Karen, a superb sales associate, helped me consider some new looks at the Chico’s in Friendship Heights, Maryland. I was desperate to find white and beige sleeveless shells to wear under suits. I wanted them to have a scoop neck, but I did not want them to be low-cut. I had tried 7 stores with out results. Not only did I find the shells in a rainbow of colors, I also found some new jackets. Chico’s has added some fitted items that are very flattering. I have always loved the fabrics at Chico’s but hated the boxy cuts. Now I have four new items to pair with my great fitting Chico’s pants.
And just to complete the look, Karen showed me some fabulous jewelry. I saved so much time and money (many items were on sale). If you are in the DC area go see Karen at Chico’s and then TRY ON the items she suggests.

You just might be pleasantly surprised.