Image Success Story: From Student to Microsoft Guru

Meet Viktor Mendes 22, half Ukrainian half Cuban, who came to the UK from the Ukraine 6 years ago to live. Originally in Bournemouth where he studied for his A levels, it was this continued studying that brought Viktor to Southampton where he obtained his BSc in Psychology at Southampton University. Viktor now lives and works in Southampton as a ‘Microsoft Guru’...yes that is a genuine job title. This is his story of how he came to see me and how image consulting helped him to step up his game, shedding his student image for good.

As a student, most of Viktor’s time would have been spent studying, at lectures with most of his free time being spent going to the pub, playing sports, namely martial arts and basketball and even a bit of break dancing (nice to see that’s making a come back from my day!). Pretty much the expected life of a student and this was reflected in how Viktor dressed…as a student. Clothes were mismatched . Typical attire was made up of jeans, T-shirt (and not always regularly washed) and a pair of trainers. The opposite of what would be deemed stylish.

“It was almost a bad habit to neglect my appearance.”

As a student, living the student life, there can be a strong sense of needing to ‘blend in’. As Viktor says, “everyone else is looking like a schmuk, so why should I bother?!”. However even with that thought, Viktor did find that there were a few occasions when the environment around him were ‘well dressed’ and it was particularly at these times when Viktor felt acutely under-dressed – almost embarrassed by his look.

Viktor is one of those people who are very aware of themselves and, even as a student, had an idea of how he would like to look but lacked the confidence and knowledge to do anything about it. In fact he did attempt to improve his appearance by buying a few items but, for some reason, never felt right in them with no understanding of why.

“I was told by the recruitment consultant to dress to impress!”

All that was about to change as student life would soon be a distant memory as Viktor would be stepping out into the working world with a job with Microsoft as a ‘Microsoft Guru’. The job, essentially the ‘face of Microsoft’ is a very customer facing position to lead Microsoft’s vision of changing the way PC solutions are sold to the general public. This role would not only require being trained to increase skills and knowledge but also a position of authority where he would be responsible for training staff.

But first – the interview process and Viktor was informed by the Recruitment Consultant that this would involve a day long assessment at the Hilton Hotel and was told to dress to impress.

“I recognised the need for change – quite a drastic one!”

From Viktor’s perspective, this was not just about securing a new job, which was the immediate goal, but also an indicator for having the knowledge, skills and self-awareness for moving forward in life. Having a practical approach, his opinion was to gain this knowledge from an expert.

It was a friend that referred Viktor to me and the services of imaginestyle. Driven by a strong need to get this right, a phone call was made to me. After an initial discussion over the phone about what to expect, the benefits and timing, a ‘Styling for Men’ session was booked in the diary. It has to be said though that Viktor was a little skeptical. "Although I had booked, my initial impression of the session was that it was expensive and I had a genuine concern that I hoped Min knew what she was doing!".

“I wasn’t particularly looking forward to spending 3-4 hour listening to fashion talk!”

According to Viktor, just booking and committing to the session was a wake-up call, particularly. As part of the preparation (the ‘homework’ as I like to call it) was to choose a few ‘successes’ and ‘failures’ from his current wardrobe to bring along, which prompted him go through his entire wardrobe and throw most of it out, as he finally listened to his own awareness and realised that he could not longer wear some of it anymore.

The Styling for Men session started with objective setting. For Viktor the main objective was to create a polished and positive self image, being comfortable with his own sense of style and the ability to know how to dress for all occasions: personal and professional. So although Microsoft would provide a uniform for work, it was also about maintaining a well groomed look and essentially discarding the ‘self-neglecting’ habits of old.

Viktor’s session consisted of a Colour Analysis followed by the Style session which covers all aspects of bodyline, proportions and scale as well as grooming and personal style. A total time of around 4 hours. It’s exhausting as there is a lot to take in but the time goes quickly as you're learning, not only the skills but more about yourself and what is important to help you maximise your personal image impact.

“The shopping trip was awesome, really fun and surprisingly easy to see how this new knowledge works. My confidence in shopping has really increased…I mean I wouldn't even have considered asking the shop assistants for help.”

For Viktor it was important to put all this new knowledge into action to help make it ‘real’ so he immediately followed up by booking a 3 hour shopping trip with me at West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton…well it was booked for 2 hours but we were having so much fun learning how to approach shopping plus we’d saved money on purchases that we continued for another hour.

A few months on, Viktor has finished his training with Microsoft and is now very busy working his new role. His original apprehension of visiting an Image Consultant dispelled as he considers the money certainly well spent. In fact we are planning another shopping expedition as we work through his wardrobe needs - which are also reflected in the many new social situations he finds himself in…no more student pubs, more sophisticated wine bar!

“It’s not just about the clothes – it goes much deeper. This can really make all the difference and help you be the guy you’ve always wanted to be.”

Need to understand your personal style needs to improve the impact of your image? Need to step up your game and gain that competitive edge? Find out more about how Min and imaginestyle can help you with life long skills, self awareness and a confidence that can save you money and be a success.

Deciphering Autumn/Winter 2008 trends for the guys

10 quick updates for your wardrobe

My first newsletter had quite a comprehensive update on the Autumn Winter 2008 trends for women and as promised, here is an update for the guys too so here it is – whether the very fashion conscious or the occasional shopper, it’s worth a read for a few ideas of how to update your wardrobe.

As with the trends set for women for Autumn and Winter 2008 and due to the never ending doom and gloom of the economic downturn, there is a sense of seriousness and calmness about what hits the high street for men. Quality and items that will last are important (as they should always be to be honest!) so as always, buy carefully. Having said that, this is fashion and so in traditional catwalk style, the same mood drives a need to escape from reality so included is a sense of the flamboyant.

So what are the key things you need to know - here are 10 quick updates:

1. Purple, purple, purple...it's still in!

Purple is the still colour of the season. Just as different tones of purple are appearing on everything that constitutes clothing for women – the same goes for the men’s collections. Update your wardrobe by looking out for a purple injection as an accent colour in shirts and ties varying from the very autumnal deep shades of purple to the pastel shades. A level of vibrancy is introduced with bright blues which provide a contrast with the more traditional earthy autumnal hues. Grey is also big this season as well as the usual black.

So look out for complete outfits in muted shades of blue and purple – yes top to toe, if you dare!

2. Checks

Just about every men’s high street store will have something in checks – it's everywhere! if there was such thing as a check haircut, it’ll be all the rage too!

Depending on your personal style you can make this look as dramatic or understated as you want by where and on what you wear your checks on. Consider fabrics as everything from wool to cotton will be out there and in many combinations of colours – even the lumberjack red and black.

The main thing here is to be careful with scale here and the size of checks against your own body proportions.

3. The Tuxedo and Evening Suit

Come on guys…you know there’s a James Bond in all of you and even more so now what we have a man's man like Daniel Craig re-igniting the role. And this year you can go traditional or go for some drama. The tuxedo jacket in general is huge this season (and just as much for the women – so guys watch out it doesn’t disappear from your wardrobe!)

4. Suits in general

In my job, more often than not when conducting a session for men, suits will play an important part of the education process and wardrobe. So care must be given when interpreting what fashion trends say and what really suits your personal style, body shape and proportions. But anyway…it allows me to put another pic of Daniel up...

The three-piece suit makes a serious comeback with the high street catching on with the complete look including the waistcoat. For some body shapes this can be very flattering so it’s a welcome return. The look is further enhanced by including coats on the same fabric as the suit. And guys do remember the handkerchief in the breast pocket. For a more modern look omit the tie or swap the waistcoat for a cardigan (sleeved or sleeveless).

Suits are razor sharp in cut with a range of luxurious materials with a sense of romanticism. Beware not to look too much like the Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and tone down the look with jeans, shirts and V-neck sweaters (big this season for that understated but very polished Italian look).

A suit is ideal for anyone and a great dress up – dress down look for men. A good quality and well fitted suit (2 or 3 buttons) can be extremely versatile: team jackets (with or without the waistcoat) with good fitting jeans; or match trousers with a classic shirt and merino wool sweater. Smarten up with shoes and accessories and you on your way to a stylish wardrobe.

5. The pea coat

First of all – what’s a pea coat? Easier with a picture – see this one by Kenneth Cole. You wouldn’t go far wrong if you included this in your wardrobe as they are big this season and even better if you can get one in purple!

Esquire, a few issues ago, did a whole spread on the return of the double breasted jacket. I remember reading in apprehension as this cut really doesn’t suit certain body shapes but yes, they are back in.

6. Pleats and baggy trousers!

There is a definite air of gangster and gangsta! The baggy trouser look is not quite ‘madness’ but actually quite chic if worn well and not too oversized. The pleated trousers (again not something that suits all body shapes) are all over the high street as with different widths of trousers. We see the very narrow – mens skinny to the wide leg of a very 1940s look.

7. It’s Vintage, you know…

What does vintage mean this season? I’ve split into two, there’s the revival of the Harris Tweed, corduroy and leather – inspired perhaps by your Granddads wardrobe but requires updating with a fresh injection of colour, cut and lines – it’s more about the materials that are being used.

The other revival which is either vintage or retro is taken from the 1940s. Watch out for softer colours, wide leg trousers, the hats, handkerchiefs and the polka dots!

8. Not quite going back to school with the Preppy look

We saw this with the ladies and it looks like they are not the only ones going back to school. Think modern school uniform but with sharper cuts, teamed with a sporty and military feel. Include tailored wool jumpers, wool caps and duffle coats with colours in fresh grey and blue.

9. To the manor born with a Country Gentleman

Some classic British aristocratic dressing comes in to bring a great sense of tradition from the catwalk to the high street. Look out for the heavy checks and tweeds to perfect that country gentlemen look. Key to getting this look right is not to dress head to toe in your ‘to the manor born’ outfit but pick key items and ensure good quality and grooming. In addition will be a range of accessories for the gentry look, from wellies to flat caps to braces.

10. Hey – what’s that on your head?

The tradition and etiquette of wearing hats has been a long time coming back into vogue. But at the moment, hats are in with no rules as to what you can wear on your head…even bowlers have been spotted.

Hats do not suit everyone so consider carefully your choice of headgear - if at all. But it's there this season as an accessory to make a statement.

So guys have fun with this seasons trends but remember you do not have to be 'fashionable' to have style. There may be just a few looks here that you can identify with and therefore adopt according to your budget and need. Why not book a Styling Session for Men to discover your personal style and how to interpret the fashion trends for you or take the stress out of what to invest in with a Personal Shopping trip?

Dress Rehearsal – Presenting You!

Image tips to maximise your presentation skills

The scene is set: Your about to make your debut, the PowerPoint slides are ready, the lights are on and the audience waits with baited breath. You stride out on stage with confidence but what’s this? The audience starts to smirk, then giggle uncontrollably and then roar out with laughter…at you! And before you’ve even made it to the lectern you look down and realise you are standing there buck naked except for the notes in your now shaky hand. Err…exit, stage right.

You wake up suddenly. Relieved that it's only the classic night before nightmare.

However, if you are about to present, whether to an audience of 5 or 500, it would be prudent to pay just as much attention to your physical appearance as you do to the contents of your presentation. If you want to call it a true success. Below are some of areas to consider to help maximise the impact of your presentation by ensuring you are presenting you well.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. A statement, never more true than when you are faced with presenting to a group of people, also a scary one when you consider that research shows that 93% of those impressions are formed based on your appearance, body language and tone. So how you dress and present yourself is an important factor of non-verbal communication and should be part of any effective presentation skills program for creating positive rapport with an audience and sending out the right signals.

What does your image say about what you are presenting? Consider carefully the topic of what you are presenting and how your image reflects this? It’s a useful exercise to spend some time thinking about your audience and the topic, in order to visualise the type of attire most appropriate. For example:

• Creative/artistic/imaginary could mean more dramatic, striking, expressive wear
• Social/amicable/open/friendly means you will want to come across accessible and approachable
• Serious/efficient means a polished look to ensure you are taken seriously
• Innovative/pioneering/original would require a modern, current, ‘fashionable’ look

If you are not sure what type of dress is appropriate, ask someone who does: your boss, your colleagues and peers or research it. Rather do that and get it right.

Look good, feel confident with your style. It is important that what you are wearing is comfortable. It doesn’t matter whether you are presenting to a small group or in a large auditorium, for that time you are centre stage. Anything uncomfortable, too tight or emphasising your less positive areas will immediately be noticed – taking away attention from what you are presenting.

• Clothes should flatter and be in line with body proportions and scale, fit well and allow a sense of personal style appropriate for the topic, audience, event and venue.
• For professional business settings always play safe and wear a jacket.
• Consider or get expert advice on any figure challenges: male or female, most of these can be managed by directing the eye upwards and not drawing unnecessary attention. For example by buttoning up a good fitting jacket; proper length of trousers, skirts and jackets and avoiding eye-catching accessories or clothing detail.
• Bear in mind the use of a clipped on microphone. Clothing will need to account for this and so wear something with a lapel.
• Ensure you are not wearing anything that will cause distraction.
• Avoid flashy accessories as this will also be distracting.

Importance of colour. Colour is a powerful communicator, evoking a more or less universal set of emotions and reaction so consideration should be given to what colours you should wear. Consider even the surroundings of where you will be presenting so that you are not lost on stage if it turns out the background is the same shade as your outfit!

The colours you choose (as with the style) will be dependent on the environment, audience and that earlier description of the topic, business or company. This will determine whether a more traditional business style is appropriate or something more relaxed or more dramatic.

Ensure the colours that you wear compliment your natural hair and eye colour and skin tone. You will look more refreshed, radiant and natural. Ideally ladies should wear make-up (yes, even a bit of foundation and eyeliner for men can be appropriate) but care should be taken on its application and quality and ensure that it is not over powering.

Have a top-down checklist! Grooming and finishing touches are essential as these will be obvious when in front of an audience. Make sure you try your whole outfit on before hand and check your appearance from head to toe.

Does you hair look well kept? Does it need a cut? Are there any issues that should be addressed? Is it in an appropriate style for a presentation. For example will you fiddle with it if it's worn down? (Personally I was notorious for this!)

Eye contact is important but can be lost if you wear glasses with reflective lenses as lights bounce off these. Go for non-reflective lenses if possible.

What does your profile look like – remember you may be seen from different angles. Keep your pockets clear and make sure you do not have any distracting, hanging or creating unnecessary attention on your clothing.

Check your tights have no ladders and always keep a few spare pairs. Polish your shoes and ensure heels are clean.

Be prepared for the day. Know your environment – Research your venue and ensure you are familiar with its layout. Arrive early – it will help to calm nerves and allow you to adjust to your surroundings. If you are required to travel a long distance then you may want to consider not travelling in your ‘presentation outfit’ or at least ensure you can hang up your jacket or have your clothes pressed.

If you have a long day ahead of you, consider carrying a spare outfit or a spare shirt or blouse.

And finally…are you smiling? One of the greatest communicators. A smile can make all the difference to your mood and the mood and atmosphere of your presentation. It’s true when they say a smile is contagious. No matter what the reason or background as to why you found yourself standing in front of an audience, you might as well make the most of this experience. In the words of William Shakespeare all the worlds a stage so enjoy it!

At the end of the day, your presentation may be brilliant, technically sound and visually pleasing, but looking and sounding the part is key to gaining that immediate and lasting credibility. Your personal presence and impact can have a very positive or negative affect on the way others perceive you. It differentiates you and allows you to stand you out from the crowd.

Do you have an important presentation coming up? How are you shaping up when it comes to presenting you? For more information on help with your personal presentation and impact, visit www.imaginestyle.com.