When I was young, I was shy, withdrawn and insecure. I still wanted to express myself in a way that felt my own, but I didn’t know how to. Styling gave me a way to express myself without putting myself out there physically. It was almost a kind of costume or an armor, and in a way it helped me to be more confident. I could hide behind it. The way I expressed myself through fashion & styling, helped grow my self-confidence. I was good at something, good at creating different & interesting looks. It influenced the way I saw myself, and I started to believe in myself.
Years later, I now have a full understanding of what fashion & styling can bring you. I realize that confidence doesn’t come from nice clothes, but looking at myself in the mirror and liking what I see, definitely helpes.
Research shows that it takes just seconds to form a first impression and as to be expected, clothes play an important role in that assessment. Clothes give you information about a person, whether or not it’s correct, that will yet to be determined. But if the impression is bad, you start off with a disadvantage and you will have to make up for it along the way.
This does mean, that you can use this information to you advantage and dress in a certain way, to infuence that first impression. You have the power to influence the way you are seen. I believe, that as a black woman, the color of my skin influences the first impression of me and not always in a positive way. So for me, to choose the right clothes in the right circumstances, is even more important.
When I was young, I didn’t realize this, I just liked fun, colorful clothes. But as I matured and gained a better understanding of how the world works, I realized that presenting yourself impeccably, especially as a black person, became of life altering importance. Getting a job or not, being admitted to a program or not, receiving equal medical treatment or not. Dressing well will never guarantee any positive outcome, but it does increase the chances of profiting off of certain opportunities. That, to me now, demonstrates the power of styling.
Now, as an adult, I appreciate fashion & styling even more because of its different applications. It’s ever-changing, it renews, surprises and sometimes even shocks. It can empower a person to the extent of having the confidence to take on the world!
For me, styling means creating a look that I made an effort for, a look that I thought about, a look I feel comfortable and confident in. I can achieve that, by choosing the right clothes for my body type and my style. It has almost become a fun game, a challenge, to put together an outfit from a couple of pieces and finish off with a wonderful, creative look I love!
But, I recognize, that it’s not like this for everyone. Some people wonder how styling can work in their advantage, how to camouflage or to accentuate certain areas of their body according to their liking. When we don’t understand what works for our bodies and our spirits, or how to project what’s inside of us, we can even start to hide behind our appearance, which is such a shame. You have a right to be seen and you are allowed to shine.
That’s where my expertise comes in. After successfully completing my education at the International Institute for Image consulting in Paris (IDRI), I am here to help you discover the colors that complement your complexion, the cuts & shapes that complement your physique and how to optimize your wardrobe so your true self can shine through.
I will carefully assess your wants, needs & wishes and translate them into personalized style advice that will make getting dressed daily, easier and even more enjoyable.
Fashionably yours,
Denise
- Certified by Institut de Relooking International Paris (IDRI)
