First impressions last so make it a good one

Image Source: forbes.com

When you meet someone for the first time, it doesn't take much to make that all-important first impression; some even say it takes only a few seconds. In those moments, the person you're meeting rapidly takes inventory of your smile, your stance, and the overall presentation of yourself. However, you shouldn't be so afraid of new encounters; there are ways that you can ensure that you can make a great first impression. Here are just some of them:

Arrive early

A person who doesn't respect other people's time is hard to trust. When you set up a meeting for, let's say 1pm, you should be there at least 15 minutes before the designated time. Making people wait for you to arrive will definitely leave a negative impression.

Dress appropriately

Dress according to whom you're meeting and what you're meeting for. If it's an important professional meeting, then prepare your best business attire. Your physical appearance says a lot about you before you even get a chance to speak so make sure you're presentable.

Image Source: paulaewanich.com

Listen attentively

You have to let the person you're meeting feel like they're important to you by listening when they talk. Make eye contact for the full effect of attentiveness and really listen to what they're saying and not just appear as such.

Talk politely but confidently

Always remember to treat other people with respect and courtesy and they will return the gesture. When you talk, it's also important to project self-confidence and assuredness. Acting nervous can show in the way you converse and may cause the person you're meeting some discomfort.

Smile

Use your best asset to make a great first impression. Your body language speaks volumes about who you are, so do it with a smile. It will make you appear approachable, friendly, and easy to get along with.

Image Source: realbuzz.com

Hi, I am Lou Habash and I'm an image consultant based in California. For more tips on improving your image, follow me on Facebook.

REPOST: Curly hairstyles made easy! 4 steps to a more polished 'do (no flatiron required)

This article from Today.com gives easy hairstyles and tips that will enable you to have gorgeous hair every day without the help of flat iron! 



    Afraid your curls don’t look professional? Think again! This easy half-updo is perfect for work or a job interview. | Video Source: today.com
Curly-haired sisters, listen up: Stop flattening your beautiful locks to fit some preconceived notion of "good hair." There's simply no need to whip out a flatiron every time you'd like to look professional or primp for a formal event.

Need proof? TODAY.com enlisted help from Joseph Borokhov of Roman K Salon in New York City, who has been featured in The Knot for his curly-haired bridal updos. (Don't even know where to start? Joseph also spilled a few tips and tricks on how to maximize your curl potential.)

A professional and neat half-updo

So, you have a job interview or important meeting to attend — good for you! Don't get your curlicues in a bunch over your hairstyle; simply follow this four-step "knotting technique" to keep strands off of your face.

A romantic and formal side ponytail

Somewhere along the line, people started to think blowouts were the first step in an updo. Not true! In fact, your natural texture can add dimension and interest to your hairstyle.

Don't know where to start? Just follow these five simple steps:

1) Cleanse

Throw out your current shampoo (you heard us right!) and simply use your fingertips to massage your scalp with warm water. That's all you need!
If you really miss using a cleanser, be sure to choose a sulfate-free formula.

2) Hydrate

Consider conditioner your new best friend. Curly hair is naturally drier, so feel free to use a healthy amount.
Comb the product through each section of hair with your fingers.
Rinse lightly: You can even leave a bit of conditioner in your hair at the end of the shower.

3) Style

Product is key! Make sure to ask your stylist for a recommendation to find the right gel, mousse or styling cream for your hair type.
Evenly distribute the product while hair is still soaking wet so that it fully seeps into each strand.
Scrunch hair in an upward motion from ends to roots.
NEVER USE A BRUSH.

4) Set

Terry cloth (the fabric used in most towels) will break and damage your strands, which leads to the all-dreaded frizz.
Instead, use paper towel or even a T-shirt to soak up some of the moisture.

5) Finish

Let nature do its work and allow your curls to air dry into perfection.
In a rush? Use a diffuser and dry in sections on high heat at a low speed.
Shake your curls and scrunch once more to break the product cast — and you're good to go!

Let me help you, I, Lou Habash to help you become more confident by following my Twitter account for more image improvement advice.

Crowning glory: Finding the perfect haircut

Image Source: allparenting.com

A woman's hair is considered to be her crowning glory. When we want to change our image, getting a haircut is one of the biggest and most noticeable changes we can do. Many of us worry about whether or not a certain haircut will suit us but don't fret. There are ways to know which haircut will help you look your best. The most important factor is to identify your face shape.

Round face

You know you have a round face if the length of your face is about the same as its width. Girls with round faces usually have prominent (if not, chubby) cheeks. If you can't imagine a round face, think Ginnifer Goodwin or Selena Gomez. For a person with this face shape, celebrity stylist Garren has this tip: "If you wanna go short, go short all the way." A choppy pixie cut will add volume to the top of your head, making it look longer and less circular. You can also go for a medium-length hairstyle that's below the shoulders. Adding weight to the cut will counterbalance the roundness of your face.

Oval face

If you have an oval-shaped face, you've got it easy. Most haircuts would look flattering on you. When the length of your face is one and a half times its width and your forehead may be lightly wider than your chin like that of Keira Knightley or Ashley Greene, you can go chin-length short, medium length or really long. Some may discourage you from keeping your hair really long, especially if you have straight hair because it add length to your face but having side-swept bangs can remedy that.

Image Source: pinterest.com

Heart-shaped face

If you're forehead and cheekbones are wide but you have a narrow jaw and a pointy chin, then you have a heart-shaped face. You can either go really short like a coy pixie cut or a really long hair with a heavy fringe. These cuts cancel out the pronounced jawline and hide the forehead. Celebrities with this type of face include Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, and Halle Berry.

Square face

Prominent jaws and square chin are marks of a square-shaped face. Try out a short, layered bob to focus the attention on your cheekbones than your jaw. You can also opt for a feathery shoulder length layers, which work well to add softness to your features. Think Jessica Simpson or Olivia Wilde for some flattering hair inspirations.

Image Source: pinterest.com

Hello! I'm Lou Habash and I love making people look and feel better about themselves. Follow me on Facebook to get more tips on improving your image and your outlook on life.

REPOST: Winter fashion inspiration from Duchess Kate

Her clever color choices is one of the reasons that have turned her into a fashion icon. This time, the Duchess of Cambridge once again inspire us on her elegant and sophisticated winter wardrobe choices. Read the article below:

Feel like you're stuck in a rather unstylish winter wardrobe rut? Let Kate show you how to see through winter in style.

The Duchess of Cambridge has rocked up to various events and charity dos in some real winter stunners already this season.

We may not be able to invest in the same designer clobber, but if you want to emulate her elegant cold weather style, here’s some inspiration.

The coats 

Image Source: home.bt.com

The silver textured collarless coat she wore in New York is perfect for the festive season. But Kate’s a big fan of the double breasted single-coloured coat too, pale blue suits brunettes in particular.

The long-sleeved dresses 

Image Source: home.bt.com

Nothing says it’s winter like a long or mid-sleeved knee length dress. Again, Kate likes a single colour to keep it streamlined and elegant. We love the red dress she wore to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Norfolk Capital Appeal.

The party dresses 

Image Source: home.bt.com

The Duchess likes her party dresses a certain length. You wouldn’t see her in a thigh-skimming mini! Instead, to add a bit of allure, go for sheer or crochet panelling like Kate. She never seems to waver from her classic black heels either.

The gowns

Image Source: home.bt.com

Oh the gowns. This season Kate hasn’t let pregnancy stand in the way of a stunning evening look. The black Diane Von Furstenburg gown she wore at the Royal Variety performance was a bit of a showstopper. And just the other day she looked breathtaking in this dark teal blue in New York. When Kate goes for length, she makes sure the waist is clinched in.


Hi! I am Lou Habash, an image consultant. For more tips on fashion styling and wardrobe management, subscribe to my blog today.

The history of the little black dress

Image Source: oxygenboutique.com

The little black dress or the LBD is a staple fashion item in every girl’s closet (if you don’t have one, then you better get one quick!) Why? Because you can practically wear it for any occasion. The LBD is a classic, originally popularized by French designer Coco Chanel, and has been henceforth a dress women can rely on to save the day.

It was in 1926 that American Vogue featured a Coco Chanel design of “an apparently simple yet elegant sheath, in black Crepe de Chine, with long narrow sleeves, worn with a string of white pearls” (Source: Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life). Compared to the elaborate dresses from 1925, Chanel’s LBD (also called the “Ford dress”) became “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

Image Source: larkieatlarge.com

The LBD even survived the World War II. At this time, it was the members of royalty and elite who adopted this fashion statement. Designers also managed to create their own versions of the classic and versatile LBD so that women everywhere can have a go-to outfit that would always remain stylish and chic.

The LBD came to America, most notably by Hubert de Givenchy’s design as worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961. Since, there was always a variation of the LBD to suit the trends of the decade. It is a fashion staple that survived almost a century as an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe.

Image Source: beesblackcloset.wordpress.com

As a professional image consultant, Lou Habash is an expert on fashion styling and wardrobe management. Subscribe to her blog for more tips on how to dress to impress.

Beyond the looking glass: On image consulting and its importance today

Image Source: mariesbeautyblog.blogspot.com

Since time immemorial, humans have been very conscious about how they appear to one another. The reasons were initially biological – attracting an ideal mate, at the primal level, follows a display of physical endowments. The sexual attraction could lead to a relationship that would hopefully nurture strong, healthy children.

Image Source: highschoolmediator.com

Nowadays, however, the image we present to the world has become less about biological fulfilment but an encompassing need to fully integrate into society. In fact, it can be argued that it is more important than ever to present a pleasing image to our peers.

Despite this, most people still hesitate to hire an image consultant, believing that only wealthy people or celebrities require this type of service. This could not be farther from the truth. Image consulting can help people gain more confidence and could potentially lead to a higher pay, desirable employment status, or even increased happiness.

If you find yourself shaking your head in disbelief or even questioning my intentions, don’t worry. I’ve heard all these doubts before. But that doesn’t mean that what I said was a lie. Based on my experience as a long-time image consultant in some areas in California, I understand how a fresher look can significantly increase confidence. It is not the clothes per se that make the person but rather how you carry yourself as an overall package.

Image Source: star-spangledheart.blogspot.com

The goal of image consulting is to make you feel good about yourself, which in turn leads to you being more assertive in the more important areas of your life. It is not unknown for women to get into a better relationship or even acquire a higher paying job after changing their appearance. However, bringing out an attractive nature is an image consulting task that also extends to males.

With a new look, you get people to notice you in the right way. Remember that impressions are made within the first few seconds of an encounter. You cannot afford to let other people have a negative perception of you just because you weren't conscious enough of how you were coming across.

Become more confident by following image improvement advice on this Lou Habash Facebook page.

REPOST: Workout clothes get a fashion makeover

 Gretta Monahan of The Boston Herald discusses the new trends in workout fashion in the article below.

Actress Kate Hudson celebrates the Fabletics Spring Collection.| Image Source: bostonherald.com

Fashion has been seeing a big surge in athletic trends for a few seasons. This burgeoning segment of the industry has morphed into a well-rounded lifestyle category I call “workout-wear out,” that makes it easier to be stylish in the gym and far, far beyond. Sweat is the new sexy, and being fit (or becoming fit) no longer means baggy T-shirts or cheesy logo gear. These modern options feature high fashion cuts and silhouettes, performance fabrics and a multitude of color palettes for a chic, multi-use wardrobe. Gym wear is now glam wear, anywhere and anytime, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get in on the trend. Incorporate the essentials, adding key pieces as you go. Then, play around with different combinations and accessories to create ensembles that are modern, comfy and stylish.

Caelum 
by Brooke Burke

Brooke Burke’s new athletic line Caelum features 
leggings and bras in pretty patterns and yoga pants 
with such fun details as slimming color blocking and neon, peekaboo lining. One of my favorite pieces is the Isis Cocoon open hoodie ($88). This versatile, ultra soft piece can be worn with yoga pants and a tank or a cami, some glinting necklaces and your favorite pair of jeans.caelumlifestyle.com

IMPACT 
by Jillian Michaels

IMPACT by Jillian Michaels at Kmart covers all the basics and then some, at very affordable prices. The Ruched Capri Athletic Pants ($21.99) are lightweight and feature a mesh lining to keep skin dry and cool. The subtle side ruching makes these pants, in light grey or black, stylish for both cardio class and casual weekend days. Switching up your shoes, adding some bangles or a scarf may be all you need to breeze into errands or lunch, post-workout.kmart.com

 Customized outfits 
at Fabletics

Fabletics is a fitnesswear membership 
site that offers fashion-forward gear and 
customized outfits based on customer lifestyle profiles. With the ever stylish Kate Hudson as co-founder, the collection offers multiple mix and match combos that can pull double duty when mixed with clothes you already own. The Gaviota Capri ($39.95) is ultra cool with edgy, see-through mesh panels and the Vibe Tee ($24.95), with its high-low hem, can sub in 
for your favorite T-shirts. Sign up and take 
advantage of the latest offer, 50 percent off your first full outfit. fabletics.com

Men’s picks 
at Lululemon

Here’s one for the boys: Lululemon’s men’s 
collection offers so many options, in subtle color palettes and fabrics that breathe and are easy to layer, making it a snap for the guys to go from gym to street, no sweat. From the Seawall Track pants ($118) to the slim and trim Rival polo shirt ($78), Lululemon can be your man’s go-to for both technical workout gear and casual clothing staples. lululemon.com

Lou Habash is a professional image consultant specializing in fashion styling and wardrobe management. Follow her on this Twitter account for more beauty tips.