Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Is Teen Fashion Too Provocative:

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Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Leah Leslie

Photographs Provided by: V-Magazine, Google and Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Article by: Sonya LaRae-Certified Image Consultant and Life Coach

Hello Fabulous LaPazions, its funny that so many people are asking the same questions and I’ve been taking notice of the fashion trends with our young fashionistas’ and it definitely seems like the industry is over sexing our young peoples fashions and the influences and visuals that are being presented are a little over-the-top as well. Prime example has been the Victoria Secret ads that have been pulled in several locations that are aimed at our young tween/teen daughters. We know that the power of suggestion is very powerful and this major media outlets are developing ads that are catching our young ones up and as parents many are caught off guard.

Recently, I was visiting with a client and her 15 yr. old daughter walked in and I swear she looked every bit of 18. From her ombre hair, full-face of makeup, tight T-shirt and short shorts. I was a little speechless and really didn’t know what to say at first. Her mom turns to me and says I just don’t know how to make her look her age? (Side Note: Photo isn’t of 15 yr. old its just showing you what Ombre hair looks like)OmbreHELLO NEWSFLASH!! YOU ARE THE PARENT AND THEY CAN ONLY PURCHASE AND LOOK HOW YOU ALLOW!! Sorry I don’t mean to yell but; this is a subject that I find to be sore. I look back at myself when I was young and how I want to express my style and I definitely had a style of its own. My mother allowed me to express myself but; she also laid clear boundaries and what would be and would not be expectable and trust me she didn’t budge when it came to those boundaries'. I mean in all honesty I know that more and more ads are being directed at our young people because their purchasing power is very grand and the more they meaning media can influence your child the more money they will make.

This made me start looking at some of the young starlets that your young daughters are looking at and are they pushing the envelope and unfortunately their parents aren’t controlling nor setting the proper boundaries for them. 1st up are the younger Kardashian-Jenner siblings Kendall and Kylie Jenner:Kendall and Kylie JennerKendall and Kylie Jenner2Kylie Jenner After EarthWe know that these two are aspiring models but, in the past few months we’ve seen inappropriate Twitter pictures and just recently at the New York premier of After Earth. We saw Kylie Jenner who is only 15; wearing a very racy black midriff top and very short asymmetrical skirt, full-face of makeup and black nail polish looking more than 15 for her “Boyfriends” Jaden Smith’s movie premier. Personally, I don’t see where these two young people have good role models nor parents that set clear boundaries for them so in turn you have a 15 year old looking older than her years.

The next offender has to be the one and only Miley Cyrus. This young lady went from Hannah Montana, to the daring, twerking, pole dancing on stage young pop star like overnight. Another case of parents not doing their parental duties to the full-They allowed at the time 15 year old Miley, to move into a private section of the home where she had a live in boyfriend and who knows what else went on in that home. You see from our lead photo that she just recently did a photo shoot for V-Magazine which; is known for pushing all kinds of boundaries:miley_cyrus_nakedmiley_cyrus_v_magazinemiley_cyrus9These are the images that our young ladies are look at and emulating but; what can you do to help rope your young stylista in? As a Certified Life Coach, I know many times when young people start to dress or act more provocative; at times they are trying to fit in with their peers or, it can also be that they have a poor self image of themselves. Its very important not to start yelling or trashing your tween or teens misguided style because; only thing you will do is close the door of communication with them. I’m going to give you a few tips to help your overly provocative tween/teen pass this particular stage and wardrobe infraction.

Step1: Sit down with your tween/teen and hear why they feel it is appropriate for them to dress in this manner. You must be ready to hear what they have to say and don’t cut them off once they say something that doesn’t fit into the way you feel, think or prefer for them to dress.

Step2: Tell them you maybe willing to compromise a little if you all can sit and look through a few magazines and maybe taper the look that it is more age appropriate and more modest. If your teen/tween seems reluctant let them know you’re willing to have them express their particular style but; there are and will be limits.

Stepe3: Ask them have they seen what individuals say and think about woman that dress overly provocative (Note: let them see its not just stated about their particular age bracket when ladies dress provocatively).

Step4: Let your tween/teen know that it is more important to be respected than to be popular. Popularity for the wrong thing only will give a wrong impression regarding who and what she stands for.

Step5: Build a strong bond with your tween/teens friends parents and join together to help keep them on the right path. If your teen’s/tween’s friends parents are telling their young Stylista the same things and not allowing certain styles to become the new hot look; you’ll see the success you’ll have in roping in your young stylista’s style.

In today’s market it is very hard to keep our young people young and they want to express their independence more and more as they grow in age and ideas. Encourage that independence but, don’t be afraid to pull the strings when needed. I hope this has helped you in the great style dilemma and knowing more about style and trends will help you spearhead some of the aggravation.

LaPaz Image/Event Consultants offers a fabulous class for young people “The Power of Wardrobe” to book this class visit our home page at: http://www.lapazimageing.com 

Don’t forget to become a VIP LaPazion on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2013. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.

All opinions stated in this report are strictly the thoughts, ideas and statements of Lapazimageing Fashion Forward parent company and owner LaPaz Image/Event Consultants. We by no means endorse nor are we biased by any one person, product or image.This commentary is strictly for entertainment purposes and should not be taken out of context.

Monday, July 15, 2013

The Lines Are Drawn Clearly:

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Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Leah Leslie

Photographs by: D. Robinson-Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Article by: Sonya LaRae-Certified Image Consultant

Hello Fabulous LaPazions, I’ve been getting a lot of emails asking me to clarify the differences or are there differences between and Image Consultant, Personal Shopper and Fashion Stylist. There are some differences between the three and one is education and expanded knowledge. Let’s get this article rolling with a little break-down between the three:

Image Consultant: This term was generated more so with “Corporate America” because, once they saw the need for their employees to have a defined look, set-standards and they need a one-stop image location aka “One-Stop-Shop” meaning hair, makeup, clothing, appearance and etiquette) Ta-dah Sonya LaRae(ME) they hired  me via HR-Human Resources department. The term “Image Consultant” is still very technical and misunderstood by many but; we’re invaluable with the work that we do with larger companies, higher profile clients and executives. Our work includes but are not limited to presentations, seminars, classes and educational presentations. The other aspect of my job is working on photo shoots, fashion shows, magazine spreads and much more! My education is power so, with this being stated; I truly enjoy the quality, education and training aspect of being an “Image Consultant”. As I previously stated before and will sound like a broken record is this: My knowledge is limitless and I love teaching clients regarding their particular body-type/shape, color-analysis, facial-analysis, makeup and wardrobe styling. Some feel that I shouldn’t say Image Consultant but, rather use the terms Personal Stylist or Fashion Stylist but; personally it feels like I’m dumbing myself and my knowledge down.

See many time I find that there are people out here that don’t have the knowledge or the education and are taking our industry through changes and making it harder for clients to really know and find what services they really need.

Personal Shopper: Many department stores offer a personal shopping service. Now look this is the one that get’s me the most: Personal shoppers are merely associates/sales clerks that work for the store and will also have the stores best interest in mind when it comes to making your purchases; and I say this because they necessarily aren’t trained and don’t have full-knowledge regarding body-type/shape, color-analysis or any of the most important things for the client to look fabulous. Now, with a personal shopper it can be hard because their inventory is limited and cannot offer you beyond what the store has in stock and there isn’t much exclusivity due to the number of looks that each store gets into their personal inventory. Another drawback is that they are commission-based, so their interest is more about selling you clothing and not understanding and knowing your particular style and your personal styling needs so; with this being stated you need to know how and what you’re dealing with once you hire or take on one of the Personal Shoppers at your fave store.

Fashion Stylist: Typically Fashion Stylist work primarily for photo shoots, fashion shows and magazine spreads. This is the most artistic/creative side of the business. A Personal Stylist is a person who really pushes boundaries and shows their creativity but, not necessarily do they want nor like to create everyday looks. Fashion Stylist are very use to working with Models so; they tend to work with pins, clips and photo-shop to make looks just so for brands so; when it comes to working with actual clients they tend to have a harder time getting the right fit and look for real body-types as the everyday woman.

For me being a Image Consultant, is very important and I love being detail oriented, style savvy and educated on body, facial, color and trends. I hope I’ve answered your burning questions regarding the differences between Image Consultants, Personal Shoppers and Fashion Stylist.

If you’d like to book your personal consultation with and expert Image Consultant please visit: http://www.lapazimageing.com or email us at: homeoffice_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Don’t forget to join us on our exclusive facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2013. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.

All opinions stated in this report are strictly the thoughts, ideas and statements of Lapazimageing Fashion Forward parent company and owner LaPaz Image/Event Consultants. We by no means endorse nor are we biased by any one person, product or image.This commentary is strictly for entertainment purposes and should not be taken out of context.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Plus and Professional:

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Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Leah Leslie

Photographs: B. Atkins-Freelance and Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Article by: Sonya LaRae-Certified Image Consultant

Hello Fabulous LaPazions; I’ve been listening to all of you and reading your emails and, I’m here to help you and answer those burning question-

Email: “Even though I’m plus-size, I still want to look professional and feel sexy for work. Can you please help me?” 

Signed Curvy and Confused

Email: “I’m a fabulous professional and plus size and I find it hard to find clothing for work that doesn’t feel like I’m going to the library. Can you please help me with a few tips, I’d so appreciate it.”

signed M. Coleman

I have to tell you so many ladies are going through the exact same thing and have been expressing their feelings; and we here at Lapazimageing Fashion Forward have been paying attention. I find, that more ladies as we go on in our lives are starting to embrace their curves and want to celebrate and look fabulous each and every day (side note: We have a fabulous interview with a stunning plus size Designer coming soon and you’re going to love her wearable affordable collection-made right here in the U.S.A.)

Many times as ladies we feel as professionals we have to dumb our style, femininity and our sexuality down to be considered or taken seriously as the pros that we truly are. Well ladies I’m here to tell you that your style can still be fem, flirty and beautiful and you can still take charge in that boardroom! First and foremost take a pantsuit, it already has somewhat of a masculine feeling to it so you’ll want to soften it up some by adding a more tapered blouse or a shapely button down:Secretary stylesBy simply adding a more shapely silhouette you’ve changed that masculine pantsuit into a signature statement that exudes confidence and give you that fem touch that you’ve wanted.   

You should also look for dresses that can offer a little more structure and flatter your figure like the new dresses that have the in laid panels to give the hourglass shape such as our photo above and many of these dress:plus fashion10tumblr_mghajr06EA1qj74sio1_500Ladies another timeless piece to have in your wardrobes is a fabulous tailored skirt- You can pair this with so many different looks and still look professional and if you have a dinner date after work; just merely remove your jacket add chunky jewelry and a pop of color on your lips and you’re off and running for a fabulous evening of dinner/dancing and drinks:Plus fashplus fashion15Being full-figured or plus size doesn’t mean you cannot look and feel fabulous. It does mean that you have to just take your time learn your particular body type/shape and what looks and feels best for you and your career. I mean in all honesty dresses are cut more flattering now a days and more and more Designers are realizing that women have a little more curves here in the U.S. and are starting to tap into this amazing and ever so gorgeous market! Don’t be afraid to wear a dress as I stated they’re making them more figure flattering and these are a few of my favs:plus Fash2plus fashion1plus fashion3plus fashion11plus fashion12Now last but surely not least is the casual Friday-Notice I stated casual Friday not sloppy/frumpy/what happened to her Friday! Ladies you can still look professional and be relaxed on this day and enjoy your Friday just like everyone else but, don’t sacrifice your style in the name of comfort:plus fashion4plus fashion5plus fashion7plus fashion9No matter what your career is, remember that your wardrobe is a reflection of you as well as your companies brand and you always want to make the best statement you possibly can and on any kind of budget. I hope that you’ll find a little inspiration in this article and that I’ve answered another one of your burning questions. Please feel free to send all your style questions to us at: homeoffice_lapazimageing@yahoo.com and we would love for you to join our VIP LaPazions on Facebook located at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

Interested in having a free consultation with a Style expert log onto: http://www.lapazimageing.com

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2013. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.

All opinions stated in this report are strictly the thoughts, ideas and statements of Lapazimageing Fashion Forward parent company and owner LaPaz Image/Event Consultants. We by no means endorse nor are we biased by any one person, product or image.This commentary is strictly for entertainment purposes and should not be taken out of context.