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All answers are provided and published by Kathleen Collins using her professional knowledge
and experience relating to personal image.


   What do you recommend to help prevent wrinkles around the eye area and around the mouth? Also, what do you recommend in the way of a nighttime crème for moisturizing skin? Thanks. Cindy

   Cindy, my favorite moisturizer, which is good for both the eye area and around the mouth area is Aqualin - by Micro Balanced Products, available in health food stores or call (800) 528-4546. Aqualin comes in Light, Original (medium) and Maximum. I recommend Original for daytime and Maximum for bedtime. I highly recommend this product to both men and women, young and old.


   Hi Kathleen. I want to say that your site is really wonderful and it has given me loads of ideas. I have one question. I'm going to a Wedding this coming Saturday and I don't know what make up to wear. I have a whitish complexion and my face is long. I have big black eyes and good features. I will be wearing a black dress with silver work on it. What makeup colors should I wear and how should I highlight my eyes? Please help me out. Thank U! Joyce

   Joyce, your best makeup colors never change, no matter what you are wearing. Whatever is your "Season of Colors", those are the makeup colors that you should wear. Without personally seeing you, I cannot recommend your personal makeup colors, or how to apply your eye makeup. Though I cannot tell you your personal best colors, I can tell you that if you are wearing dark colors, i.e., black, your makeup should be applied heavier than if you were wearing a light to medium colored outfit. My whole theory is that your clothing and makeup colors should compliment your natural coloring, allowing you to stand out, not what you are wearing. If you have not discovered your natural best colors, I highly recommend that you do so, either by working with a Color Consultant or by self-testing (I have self-testers in my book, Perfect by Design).


   Please settle an argument that I have had several times with my boss. The issue is appropriate sleeve length for a man's suit jacket? My boss says the jacket sleeve should stop at the wrist so the shirtsleeve can be seen. I say the jacket sleeve should totally cover the shirtsleeve, coming down one or one-and-a-half inches onto the hand with no shirtsleeve showing. Who's right? Robert

   Robert, the boss is always right. Just kidding, but this time he is right. To measure the jacket sleeve length, I recommend using the following guide: With jacket buttoned, stand up straight with your shoulders back. Place arms against the sides of your body and bend hands upward at your wrists. The jacket sleeve should just touch the edge of the hand without any break in the sleeve. (Measure each sleeve separately because one arm may be longer than the other or perhaps one shoulder is lower than the other. Having one shoulder lower can be remedied with shoulder pads and should be done before the sleeve length is altered.) The shirtsleeve should extend out past the jacket approximately one-fourth to one-half-inch.


   I have never had a manicure and I wanted to know what the proper length should be for a professional business look? Also, should I go for a dark nail color or a light color? I am guessing that a dark color would show chipping and I do not want to spend time touching up my nails everyday. Mary Lou

   Mary Lou, it is very important for a business professional to have healthy, clean and well-shaped fingernails. It is better to have your fingernails too short, than too long. Fingernails should not be more than one-eighth to one-fourth-inch long. A fingernail longer than one-fourth-inch appears artificial and unsanitary. As for color, lighter nail color (or even clear) will look better longer than dark colors. Also, a light color will make your fingers appear longer and more graceful than a dark color.


   Do you recommend the popular two-step process lipsticks that last for eight to ten hours? I have heard good and bad things about them. Sandra

   Sandra, I too have heard and experienced both pro's and con's concerning the long lasting lipsticks. Some brands tend to last longer than others and some colors tend to last longer than others. The main reason I do not recommend these lipsticks is because clients have told me that after using them for awhile their lips started to become extremely dry and would actually shrink-up. I personally tried it and my lips too became extremely dry (I was very good about applying the topcoat moisturizer several times during the day as recommended) and my lips too became smaller. Though the idea is a good one, most women do not want smaller lips! Better lipstick on his collar than small lips on you.


   My question is about wearing all white to work. My best white is pure white; I am a Winter Color Palette. Is an all-white pants suit appropriate for work or do I wind up looking like a nurse? Thanks, Karen

   Karen, an all-white pantsuit is appropriate for work as long as the fabric is acceptable for the time of year. Also, the fabric should not wrinkle easily, like 100% linen would wrinkle too much, but a linen/poly blend would be fine. Wool would not work for you because it would not be white enough for you, and every dry-cleaning would make it more yellow. The best fabric for a white pantsuit would be a synthetic. I would not wear a pure white pantsuit in the autumn or winter, but I would in warm weather months.


   I am in need of a new wardrobe and want to know when the best time of year is to shop? My colors are the Spring Season Colors. To get the most out of my new wardrobe, I would like to shop for business and social type clothing that can be worn year round, if that is possible? What do you recommend? Carol Ann

   Carol Ann, I have found the best time of year to shop for Spring colored clothing is in the springtime of year. Stores seem to carry the majority of Spring colors in the springtime, though you will be able to find some of your colors year round. You are very prudent to want to purchase clothing that can be worn year round. In fact, 70% of your wardrobe should be for year-round wear and 30% for either really cold or hot weather. Purchase year-round fabrics and then layer your clothing if you need more warmth.


   I just discovered your Internet site and see that you have written a new book, Perfect by Design. I have attached an order for your new book. I still have your old book, Your Mirror Image, and use it faithfully. I attended a seminar that you did for my company about 15 years ago. At that time you determined that I was a Summer. I was wondering if my season would stay the same or if it changes as I change. Also, at that time I believe I had gotten a fabric swatch book but have misplaced it since. I was wondering if I was able to purchase another one. Thank you. Marilyn

   Marilyn, thank you for the question about the possibility of your season changing as you change. The answer is no, your season does not change throughout your lifetime. As you grow older and your hair color changes, and perhaps your skin and eye color turn lighter or darker, your season does not change because your hair, skin and eye color undertones remain the same. However, I need to stress that the colors within your season that look best on you will change if your hair color changes. In my newest book, Perfect by Design, you can look up the Color Rating Chart: Summer season, then look up your eye and hair color. The chart will show you the best colors for you as your hair color changes. In answer to your question about the color swatches, in the Perfect by Design book I have included the colors for all four seasons plus the color tester to determine one's season. I hope you enjoy using my new book.


   There seems to be a new trend in men's dress shirts. I am seeing a lot of strips in multiple colors. Personally, I think they are rather ugly and look cheap, kind of 60ish. Am I just too old to appreciate this new style or is it a passing trend? Should I try one or should I not be sucked into it? Kent

   Kent, it sounds like you have very good taste in men's clothing. Just because the fashion industry pushes a new style doesn't mean that it is a good style. The multi-colored striped shirts are not to be considered "dress shirts". If anything, they are for casual or business-casual wear. Personally, I would never purchase one of these shirts for either a client or for my own husband. Let the men in the fashion industry purchase them and then hide them in their closets for the next 40 years. And Kent, I believe that when they bring the "70's leisure suit" back, you will not fall prey to that either.


   Can you give me the name of a really good permanent hair dye that I can use myself at home? I have tried many of the brands in the drug store and they do not seem to last more than a few weeks at most. Christin

   Christin, several years ago Consumer Reports rated the longest lasting permanent hair dye to be: Clairol Hydrience. The color lasted a total of six weeks, which was two weeks longer than the second-best hair dye product made by Revlon. Interestingly, I had been using Revlon and then tried Clairol Hydrience and it did last two weeks longer, just as Consumer Reports stated.


   I work for a law firm that requires everyone to wear a conservative business suit everyday. I don't mind wearing a suit to work, but when I go straight from the office and meet my boyfriend for dinner, I want to dress up a bit, even a little sexy. Can you recommend a "quick change" that would look professional with flair, without doing a total change? Sara

   Sara, the simplest way to add style with a touch of finesse is with changing or adding accessories. A brooch and/or an interesting necklace added to your jacket lapel will add interest to your suit. Adding a scarf always adds a hint of an elegant style. Try changing from a blouse to a camisole. Or, if the suit can be worn without a blouse, add a chunky necklace, or several strands of pearls. Don't forget the wrist and hand areas. A large bracelet and/or dinner ring can add panache`. Whatever you wear, wear with confidence!


   My question is about electric shavers. My facial skin is very sensitive and I have tried many different shavers, some specifically advertised for sensitive skin. I have not had good results with any of them. Do you know of a brand that will give a close shave without chafing? My wife and face thanks you. Wes

   Wes, I have been recommending the electric Norelco - Advantage Shaver (now called, "Cool Skin") for the past few years. I have not heard of anyone not loving it. The Cool Skin Shaver has a unique feature that distributes a creamy moisturizer to the skin as you shave. I have been told that these razors not only shave the face more gently, but also provide a closer shave. I truly hope that you, and your wife, are pleased with the results.


   I need help with a new haircut. I analyzed my face shape using your book and I have determined that I have a square face, needing a haircut that is short on the sides with height on the top and a slight wave. I would like to try this new style and I asked my hairdresser to cut my hair that way. She has been cutting my hair for over ten years and seemed a bit offended to my suggestion, but did make an attempt, all the while saying I wouldn't like it. Actually, I already like my shorter hairstyle but I feel I could go even shorter, flattering my face shape even more. What should I do to get the results I want? Thanks, Mindy

   Mindy, good for you for stepping-outside-the-box and trying something new that you learned would improve your image. I believe part of a hairstylist's job is to keep up-to-date with styles, products and procedures. I feel your hairstylist should have recommended a new style for you years ago. I know it can be very difficult to leave one hairstylist for another, especially after a ten-year relationship. I think you know in your heart that you have to find a new stylist. The easiest way to find a wonderful hairstylist, that will give you what you want, is to find a neighbor, co-worker or even a total stranger that has the hairstyle you want. First, compliment her on her hairstyle, and then ask if she would share her hairstylist's name. If you approach a total stranger for this information, if possible ask her if she would tell you her name, even just her first name, so you have a reference when working with her hairstylist.


   I am finding it more and more difficult to apply eye make-up due to the fact I need to wear glasses for close-up work. I recently stayed in a hotel in Las Vegas that had an incredibly large magnification mirror. I could not believe how easy it was to put on my eye make-up and tweeze my eyebrows using that mirror. Do you know where I could purchase one for home use? It would really make my life easier. Thanks a magnified million! Sandi

   Sandi, I have located the source for those wonder magnified mirrors found in up-scale hotel rooms. The manufacturer is Jeridon Products, Richmond, TX (800) 738-0245. Their website address is: www.jerdon.com. They do sell directly to the public.


   I've noticed that some women on TV, anchorwomen and female politicians, are wearing suits and dresses without nylons, even in the winter months. Is this acceptable, especially in the workplace? Carol

   Carol, thank you for this question. I have been reading about this new "fashion trend" of not wearing nylons with skirts, dresses and business suits. If the weather permits, I believe it is acceptable to go barelegged when wearing a sundress, jean skirt or any kind of casual skirt. But to go without nylons for work, when wearing a business suit or any business attire, is totally unacceptable, even if the legs are tanned. Just because some well known women are opting for the "bare leg" look, this does not make it acceptable in the workplace. For example: It is an acceptable practice for men in Europe to wear a business suit, leather shoes and no socks, however, it is not an acceptable way to dress in the United States, right? Be careful of "fashion trends". (Note the key word, "trend".) I have always recommended wearing style that is timeless and universally accepted.


   I heard that you know of a great Internet site that allows people to try on glasses to see how they would look on the person's face before purchasing. Can you give me the website address please? Dale

   Yes, Dale. The website address is Eyeglasses.com. The actual site page for trying-on-glasses is: How to e Try It On. It is a really cool site with endless styles and colors. You can download your own picture and actually try on different styles of glasses. If you have trouble fitting your picture correctly to the eyeglass frame, you can email your picture to Eyeglasses.com and they will upload your picture for you. They have both glasses and sunglasses.


   The professional image class on Monday was wonderful. It was a pleasure to be in your presence. On Tuesday I made a few of the changes that you advised me to do and I received several compliments on how pretty I looked. I am looking forward to completing the book. I have a personal question that I would like your advice on. I have long arms and find it difficult to find clothes with long enough sleeves. Can you suggest any tailoring tips that I could use to lengthen sleeves? Thanks you again Kathleen. Keep up the good work. Jody

   Thank you Jody for the kind words. I am so happy that you have been receiving compliments on your changes. Your success is my happiness. In answer to your question about adding sleeve length, one way is to add a cuff or band to the sleeve at the wrist area. This is a job for a fine seamstress. Fabric from the garment itself can be used if you shortened a hem, or if the garment has a fabric belt, use the belt fabric (it can give a very pretty tailored cuff effect). Or, if you want your arms to appear shorter than they actually are, use a complementary or contrasting colored fabric to add the needed length to the sleeve. Of course, you could always shorten the sleeve to a three-quarter length, or above the elbow, but both of these lengths would make your arms appear longer.


   I have very dark circles under my eyes. You recommended that I use 'Barely Mauve" Concealer by Estee Lauder before I apply my foundation and again after applying the foundation. How do I keep the Concealer from looking matted? It seems I can't get it to blend smoothly. Is there a trick to the application process? Thanks a bunch!! Cindy

   First of all, you need to apply a moisturizer to your face before using the concealer, even if you have oily skin. Then dot about five light dots of the concealer under each eye. Now quickly (it dries very fast), using your little finger, dab and blend the concealer from the lashes to about 1/4" under your eye socket area. If it pulls your skin too tight, use a moist finger to re-blend it. Don't give up on the 'Barely Mauve" because it is really a great product.


   I have tried to pick out a hair color but I am very unsure about my ability to do so. I continue to be drawn back to the shade I always use, but know that it's not right because I need warmer golden tones. I'd like to color my hair correctly -- it gives me a big lift when I can get rid of the roots and know that I look great. Do you have suggestions on how I can choose a color myself? Thank you very much for your help... I really appreciate it! Ellen

   This will sound totally unconventional, but this is a foolproof method that I discovered and have been using for over fifteen years to help clients select their best natural hair color. First, decide what hair color you want to be: blonde, brunette, black or red. Next, look at hair samples that have a warm, golden undertone. Using the hair samples available at your hairdresser or in the drug store, look into a mirror and look directly at your eye color as you hold the different hair samples just below your eye. As you try the various hair samples, you should be able to see a change in the overall brightness of your eye color. If your eye appears pale and faded, the hair sample color is too light; if your eye appears heavy and tired, the hair sample color is too dark. When the color of your eye appears bright, you have discovered your perfect color. It is so easy to do, but if you are not sure of your own judgment, ask a friend with a good eye for color to go with you to help select the color.


   I would like to try other shades of lipstick. I have your book, Perfect by Design and I was wondering if I can use the Color Chart guide in the book to help me find other lipstick shades while still staying in my correct color pallet? I have received so many complements that I never want to stray from my right colors. Sara Ann

   Thank you for the question Sara Ann. Yes, please do use the Color Chart in the book, which is exactly what it is designed for when making all of your purchases, i.e., clothing, accessories, make-up, etc. The whole key to looking great in your best colors is to purchase colors in your correct undertone, whether it be a red, white, blue, green or yellow. If you keep flexible with your colors, you will always look great, find shopping easier and never get bored with your colors. And Sara Ann, good for you for realizing how important it is to wear your best colors - forever! This is the way to look healthy and naturally attractive, but you are also creating a color statement. Creating a color statement helps people remember you better, whether it is for a job promotion or a social event.


   Hi Kathleen. My question is about skin moisturizing. In your workshop you talked about your favorite moisturizers: one type for the face, and another for the body. I failed to write them down because I liked what I had been using. But now with the cold winter weather upon us, I find my skin is becoming dry so quickly. I remembered that you said the products you recommended were inexpensive, easy to apply and long lasting with great results. Will you tell me again, and this time I promise that I will write it down and try it. Jackie

   My favorite moisturizer, great for all skin types, is glycerin: water based for the neck up and oil based for the neck down. Benefits of glycerin is that it heals, tightens and smoothes the skin. For the face I recommend: Aqualin - by Micro Balanced Products, available in health food stores or call (800) 528-4546. Oil based glycerin can be purchased at drug stores.


   Please Help! I was told that you have an inconspicuous way of subtly drawing attention away from a recessed hairline. I have lost too much hair to hide it with my existing hair and I am not interested in a hair transplant or hairpiece. My skin is very light and my hair is very dark so it is really noticeable. Thanks in advance for your help and whatever it is that you suggest, I promise I will try it and email you a before and after picture of my hair. Samuel

   Hi Samuel. Using your words, my "inconspicuous way of subtly drawing attention away from a recessed hairline" is by drawing attention away from the hairline and down to the eye area. Change your eyebrow color to two shades lighter or darker than your head-hair color. Samuel, unless your hair is extremely dark, going darker is better than going lighter. First try using make-up to see how it will look: perhaps an eyebrow pencil or even easier to use, an eye shadow that is the correct color. Then when you feel it is the right shade and you are comfortable with the change, try using the 5-Minute, Just for Men Mustache Hair Dye product. This "eye-catching" method works very well as long as you keep your eyebrow hair trimmed short. (NO Andy Roonie type eyebrows, please! As men get older, they must keep their eyebrows trimmed short, like when they were in their 20's.) Samuel, I look forward to receiving your before and after picture.


   In my late 30's I noticed that my fingernail texture had changed from a smooth surface to a wavy surface. It started to show up in my thumbnails, but now it is on most of my fingernails and becoming more and more rutted in appearance. Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of, or prevent, fingernails from getting those deep vertical ridges in them? I used to have very healthy strong nails. Now I tend to hide my hands because I find them extremely unattractive. Cathy

   Cathy, for strong nails without ridges, use approximately half a teaspoon plain Knox gelatin, or purchase gelatin capsules at a health food store. Take with a glass of orange juice. Do this daily and you should see results in one to three months.


   A friend of mine is a sharp dresser, reads up on fashion and always buys the best. He said a man should not wear an undershirt under a dress shirt. This really surprised me. I think the opposite is correct. What do you say? Pete

   Your friend is mostly right on this one. A well-dressed man does not have a visible undershirt under a dress shirt. If a man does wear an undershirt for warmth, or to help collect perspiration, or to hide visibly dark chest hair or chest hair that tends to poke through the shirt fabric, then the undershirt is justified. If you do wear an undershirt, the fabric of the shirt should be thick enough that the undershirt is not visible through the fabric.


   I am so confused about what fashion to wear. I do not want to look old-fashioned, nor do I want to look weird. How do I accomplish this, especially on a limited budget? Kristi

   Kristi, my whole career is centered on your question. Every person that I work with is unique in personality, color and shape. Therefore, their personal style must be unique to them. If you follow what the industry says is the latest fashion, then you are no longer unique. In fact, you are now wearing a "uniform" of the fashion industry and maybe you are even a "walking billboard" for a fashion designer or perhaps a movie star or song artist. My message to everyone is to be unique, be a leader not a follower. Society pays a lot for originals, not Xerox copies. I urge you to select your clothing that will be timeless rather than adhering to fashion. Everyone, male and female alike, must discover, either on their own or by consulting with a professionally certified image consultant, the following three elements to know what is attractive on them:

a. Personality preferences for textures, styles, patterns and accessories
b. Color preferences that work with their natural coloring of hair, skin and eye color
c. Body shape, considering height and weight and changes as they occur

Select clothing that follows these three elements, rather than trying to follow the current fashion trend. There will be a wide variety of styles that will look great on you, making shopping easy. If you follow the above formula you will never look weird or old-fashioned, but instead you will exude confidence in your own style.


   I am about to order several new dress shirts and I noticed that there are quite a few collar styles available. I have a square face shape and carry a little extra weight in my cheeks. I do not know what the best style is for me. Can you help me decide which is best for my face shape? I want to make a really good impression in my new job as Sales Manager. Thanks for your help. Mike

   Congratulations on your new job Mike. I am happy that you recognize the importance of a great image to accomplish great success.

In answer to your question: A person with a square face shape looks best in a narrow spread collar. Because you carry weight in your cheeks, a three-inch long collar will look best on you. And, if you do not carry excess weight on your neck, or have sagging skin on your neck, or have a short neck, you would also look good in a tab collar. If you do have any of the three problems I just listed, avoid the tab collar and button down collars, because both add bulk to the neck. Again Mike, congratulations on the new job. If you look, think and act like a winner, you will be a winner!


   I am having a hard time finding the Almay Double Bond Base and Top Coat clear nail polish you spoke so highly of in the workshop. Do you know where I can purchase it or is it being discontinued? Tracy

   Tracy, I had the same problem finding Double Bond, my favorite long lasting nail polish, so I called the manufacturer to ask where I could purchase it. They gave me the telephone number of the company store that sells all Revlon and Almay products at 50% to 60% off. The toll free number is: (888) 882-5629. I called to order the Double Bond nail polish and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is only $.99 a bottle through the company store and that it is not being discontinued. I hope you love it as much as I do. Though Double Bond is really to be used as a base and topcoat, I use it as my only nail polish to give the appearance of clean, polished and healthy nails.


   From the point of view of personal image, is it an advantage or disadvantage to go through an internal interview compared to one outside the company? Dave

   First of all, an internal interview is to your advantage because you already know the "dress code" expected. But, have you been dressing appropriately daily for the job you want? If you will be interviewing with people in your company, they either already know you and have seen you around the office, or they know of someone that knows you. Sixty percent of getting the job is looking the part!  And another point to consider: will you be comfortable wearing the outfit that is considered the "appropriate dress" the day of the interview? If not, you will come across uncomfortable, lacking confidence and maybe even appear dishonest (especially with yourself).


   I very much enjoyed your presentation on Monday. I am a female cable locator (totally outside work) and the required work clothing items are jeans and the company shirt. I also have to wear a hard hat through most of the day, which means I have to wear a scarf over my "sisterlocks" (dreadlocks) to protect them... The only time I get to style my hair and wear other than steel-toed boots is for departmental meetings. Then everyone looks at me like I'm a different person.

I aspire to working an inside job in the engineering dept. Do you have any helpful tips you could share? Maria

   Thank you for your kind words and for your question. I want to congratulate you on caring about how you look and appear to others. This demonstrates that you have self-respect, which is the first step in showing employer-respect followed by customer- respect.

Without seeing you and knowing the texture of your hair, I suggest that you consider wearing your hair in a style that would not require a scarf and that would look good (at least reasonably good) by running a comb through your hair when you take off the hard hat (notice this is what the men do). A short wash-and-wear style would look good plus be more practical for your type of job.

That said, I would like to add that though your dress requirements are a bit unique (but not unusual), many people have to wear "several hats" in their jobs.  Perhaps one day the required dress is "business casual", and then the next day the appropriate dress is "business". Your situation is just more unusual having to wear the required work clothing of jeans and the company shirt with the company logo. This "uniform" I understand is for safety reasons, as well as for laundering practicality. Of course you would appear as a different person when you change your attire from a hard hat with steel toed boots to business attire. But I would like to think that they see you as a person with multiple abilities, which is a good thing. Many very successful people have worked through the ranks, in a wide variety of positions within the company, to receive an understanding of how each job works and how they relate to the previous jobs, getting the best overall education possible. I happen to know that your employer believes in promoting from within and that cross training is needed to achieve the best team they could possibly develop. By you demonstrating the confidence that you are equally comfortable in a hard hat with steel-toed boots as you are in business attire, shows everyone that you can handle anything. That's very admirable.


   I recently attended your seminar and I have also read your book. I have a question regarding skin care. You mention that you use peroxide after the Cetaphil wash and/or the baking soda/water scrub. Do you also use a toner or does the peroxide suffice as the toner? Thank you in advance! John

   Thank you for the question John. I receive this question often because it is unusual and not what the cosmetic industry would want you to know. The 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is used instead of a toner or astringent. It does not irritate the skin nor dry it out (unless you have very sensitive skin or dry skin). As I mention in Perfect by Design, page 183: Skin Care for the Entire Body, Hydrogen Peroxide is great for oily skin, acne, age spots and black heads.


   Hey there!! With fall and winter approaching - do I need to change my blush and lip stick - right now I am wearing pink and believe it or not (red) and receiving lots of compliments. I did not know if I needed to go with a different color scheme for fall... Just looking for advice from the boss... Pam

   Oh Pam, you are the boss - I am just the messenger. Ok, maybe I should say the messenger of common sense and tried and true experimentation. Thank you for being brave and trying the red lipstick. Some people wear red so well and obviously you are one of them.

You should wear the same blush and lipstick colors year round. You simply apply the blush heavier if you are wearing a dark colored outfit, and apply the blush lighter if you have on a light colored outfit. Also, apply blush and lipstick lighter in daylight and heavier for nighttime. Lipstick should simply match your clothing, which of course should match your natural coloring.


   My only daughter is getting married and I want to know what color and style of dress to purchase.  This is really important to me and to my daughter. Thank you so much for your assistance, Mary Ann

   How exciting. I am happy for you and your family. Of course you want to look great, this is a very important day in your life and in your daughter's life.

If I was taking you shopping, this is exactly how I would go about making the decision of the perfect dress for you to purchase. First, you must find your natural best colors that complement your hair, skin and eye color. From these colors, select two or three colors that would complement your daughter's color scheme, and the time of day the wedding will take place and the time of year. Next, find your best dress styles by analyzing your body shape. By allowing yourself two or three color choices and dress styles, this will give you more choices while shopping. Enjoy the wedding and know with confidence that you look marvelous!


   The cool days of fall are here and I love the look of all the earth tone colors in both nature and in clothing. I am a Winter Season and fall colors seem to all be in the Autumn Color Palette. Can I mix some of the Autumn colors with my Winter colors and still look good? Patricia

   I too love the look of the fall colors and found ways to use Winter Colors to imitate them. Using the Winter Colors: True Red, Pine Green and Taupe together can create a wonderful, toasty warm appearance. Also using Royal Purple, Black, Blue Red and a shade of Gray will carry you into the Fall-to-Christmas season.

And Patricia, please note: The Autumn and Winter colors do not work together and I want you to look great, not just good. Why look good when you can look great all the time?


   I am in my fifties and have noticed so many things on my body have changed. As I age, I find some things I loved in the past no longer look good on me. I am still in great physical health and have maintained a normal body weight my whole life. What can I do to keep looking as good as I feel? Claudette

   Good for you Claudette, for maintaining your body and caring about your appearance. You are ahead of the game. No matter how hard you try, Mother Nature will take you by the hand and give you new opportunities. I always say, 'Be thankful you have lived this long and have this opportunity to deal with and conquer".

You regularly need to watch for changes on your body. On the face alone, the nose becomes wider and longer as you age, the ears become larger, the jaw narrows, skin will sag, eye color can go lighter or darker, and of course weight gain or loss can occur. You have to watch for these changes and then keep analyzing yourself to find the styles and colors that look best on you. The right hairstyle can take years off your face, the correct color and shape of eyeglasses can actually make you appear brighter, and applying makeup in a new way can magically lift and enhance the face.

The body is constantly changing; therefore you must make the necessary changes to complement it. But I would also like to say that many times it is not the body that changes, but that the mind changes it's impression of your body along with your age. By this I mean, sometimes we think that because we are older we must dress accordingly. I know of famous make-up artists that insist that as a woman ages, she must wear pale, earthtone makeup colors. I totally disagree with this concept. If you looked great in red blush when you were 20 you will still look great in red blush at 80! Of course you would not wear the blush as strong at 80, because more than likely your skin, eye and hair color are lighter. And clothing styles do not have to hide great legs just because you are over 60. Show Your Assets! Right Tina Turner and Liza Minnelli?

Trust me Claudette, life only gets better - if you let it!


   I am so frustrated! As soon as I purchase a new outfit that I picked because my local newspaper says it is 'IN", I find that in magazines the style is already 'OUT" and something new is 'IN". How can I avoid this costly mistake and still look up-to-date?

   It is simple. Discover the best colors, patterns and styles for your body and then only purchase those colors, patterns and styles. It is a mistake to try to keep up with the latest fashion trends, which probably would not look good on you anyway. My book, Perfect by Design, teaches you how to evaluate your body and then shows you your best colors, patterns and styles. Once you learn your personal style you will always be in fashion!


   I heard you speak in Dallas last year and really enjoyed your presentation. I have a question about wearing a college ring to work. My co-worker says I shouldn't wear it to work, but I disagree. I am very proud of my school and it has been a great conversational piece. What is appropriate?

   Your friend is right, thank him for telling you so. Wearing a class ring to work subconsciously says, 'I wish I was still in school instead of out here working". It can be a great conversational piece, but what if one of your clients went to an opposing school. This could lead to an ex-client.


   I hate my long neck. How can I hide it, especially in the summertime?

   First of all, give thanks for your long neck. A long neck is considered a beautiful body feature. I have also heard that people with long necks breathe better than people with short necks. Make your neck distinctive by decorating your neck with extra tall necklaces, like chokers. Long rectangular scarves wrapped around your neck or short square scarves worn tied to the side, bandana style will also look terrific on you.


   I lost 35 pounds since I took your workshop and my face is much thinner now. How can I determine what my new face shape is so I know what type of hairstyle is best for me, or do I need to take your workshop again?

   You can do it yourself. To determine your face shape, first pull your hair straight back and off your face. Be sure you can see your hairline, the sides of your face and your jaw line. Now, put your teeth tightly together and do not smile. Look into a mirror and, using a bar of soap, draw the outline of your face on the mirror. Then, stand back and fit the shape you have drawn into one of the shapes described in Perfect by Design. You may have to combine two or three of the face shapes. If, for example, your face shape is a combination of the square and oval features, you will need to incorporate the information for both face shapes.


   Loved your book and loved the process. Now how can I do this for my mother? She is shy and would never take the time to do this for herself without a big push. She is attractive but tends to wear styles that hide her best features.

   How wonderful that you love your mother so much that you want her to look and feel better about herself. I find the best way is to make her want to make the change, not force it. Lead by example. As she watch's your image change, your happiness and self-confidence increase, she will start to question her own image. Share with her what you have learned from Perfect by Design for yourself and then show her how to analyze herself, with your help of course. You might start with her hairstyle and eyeglasses, then the color analysis. Make it a fun experience. It could be a wonderful bonding time you will always remember.


   I am so confused about what to wear to a business conference being held at a mid-west resort. Some of the guys I work with said to wear jeans because it is a country type resort, but I want to impress my boss, who will also be at the conference. Actually, I never wear jeans so I would not feel comfortable wearing them anyway. Any suggestions on how I can look appropriate and comfortable too?

   Jeans are not the only things people wear at country resorts. Khakis are appropriate anytime of the year and corduroy slacks work well in the cooler months, and I might add even better than jeans. Try adding a textured sports jacket to your ensemble to finish the country casual look. Enjoy the resort; I know you will love it!


   My hair is starting to gray. How do I select my best hair dye color and can I color it myself?

   Here is a foolproof method for selecting the best hair color for your natural coloring. First, decide if you want to be blonde, brunette, black or red, but be certain the undertone in the hair dye is correct for your natural coloring. Remember, Springs and Autumns need a warm or golden undertone, while Summers and Winters need an ash undertone. Next, using the hair dye samples available at your hairdresser or in the drug store, look directly into a mirror and look directly at your eye color as you hold the different hair samples below your eye. As you switch out the various hair samples, you should be able to see a change in the overall brightness of your eye color. If your eye appears pale and faded, the hair sample color is too light; if your eye appears heavy and tired, the hair sample is too dark. When your eye appears bright, you have discovered your correct color. Using this method may also help you decide whether you are more attractive as a blonde or a brunette. If your eye and skin color lighten with age, so should your hair color, but always use the same undertone color. Yes, you can easily color your own hair. I have tips on how to do this in the Perfect by Design Processing Color section of the book.


   When starting to work with a new client, is it better to overdress or under dress for a business meeting with that client? My associate says overdressing can turn a client off. I say it is always better to dress up than down. We have a steak dinner riding on this. Please reply.

   You win; it is always better to overdress than under dress for any occasion. I believe a client is working with a vender because they believe you can give them something that they do not possess. I believe that if you look 'a little better" than they do, they will believe you have that 'something" special that they want. Enjoy your steak dinner.


   I have three children, ages 16, 10 and 3. I have read all the articles about the importance of image, even for a child in pre-school. Your book seems to be written for adults, but I would like to know at what age I could start my children on the Perfect by Design information?

   Thank you for the question. Perfect by Design was written with the human body in mind, not a specific age. The book shows you how to make adjustments throughout your life as the body ages or changes. The color analysis information, which will make a big impact in their image, can be used as early as age 2. Your 16 year old is at the age that he/she can use all of the information in Perfect by Design. Your 10 and 3 year old children's bodies have not developed enough yet for the clothing charts but could use the face shape information to determine their best hairstyles and eyeglasses. I feel they could still be at the experimental stage of finding their personal likes and dislikes needed to answer the questions asked in the personality section.


   I just purchased your book and find it very valuable. I never thought a book could make such a difference in my life. I want to know if I need to reevaluate my body every year or just if I gain or lose weight? I never want the compliments to stop!

   As the body changes, you have to make the necessary adjustments to your best styles. It is not just weight changes that will cause reevaluations, but also aging of the body. For example: As I point out in Perfect by Design, as people grow older they may experience facial skin beginning to sag, the edges of their eyes turning downward, their nose growing longer and wider, their ears growing larger, or their neck shortens and widens, etc. you need to make style changes to complement your body and address each of these changes. It is possible to grow old gracefully by following the new rules.