Questions on how to dress in the work place are very common because unless you seek the help of a professional, the guidelines aren't openly out on display. Lots of working women and men often feel confused and flustered on appropriateness for different situations. Your image is crucial to your credibility. Times are changing; technology is advancing and communicating is easier than ever. We are constantly stimulated by thousands of images a day that are pulling us in every direction. We have been trained to make snap decisions without much thought based on what does or does not visually appeal to us. This is why now, more than ever, it's so important to watch what we communicate about ourselves to others. People can and will decide in less than two minutes whether they trust your knowledge, professionalism and integrity based on how you dress and groom yourself. You want to demonstrate to those that you are interacting with that you understand their lifestyle and what is required in it.

Since you are a consultant and are in a more business environment, your dress should always be professional. Business dress codes unfortunately do not allow for many "feminine" details or "pretty frocks" so you will not want to dress your belly in that manner. Suits are looked at as more of a uniform, so the closer you can stick to dressing in the level that your profession requires, the better you will be received. Being appropriate for the situation will actually make you feel more confident because you will know you look good! The darker and colder your suit colour is, the more authority you will command. Women also need to watch their necklines in business; you want to make sure that the neckline either stay directly at the collar bone or goes no lower than 2 inches from it (depending on the level of formality your job requires). Beware of how much jewellery is used as well; your aim should be to keep everything in classic and simple. Have a trained professional help you with your image if you are unsure about what works best for your lifestyle, personality, body and colouring. Make sure you buy the best fit and quality you can afford. Don't have threads coming out of your clothing. While discount stores are great for prices, remember: you get what you pay for. Be classic or current with what you wear and coordinate with class. Ensure that your hair, glasses, and shoes are up to date. If you're not classic or current, it's assumed your job skills aren't either. And most importantly, SMILE be that charismatic and fabulous you!"

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, CEO and Creative Director
Personal Power Image Consulting

With all of the advertisements in magazine, websites and movies; it can be overwhelming to decide where to spend your money to get the best bang for your buck - while also being stylish and confident. I feel there are a few basics that every woman should have in her wardrobe:

1.  A fabulous pair of jeans - preferrably dark washes as they can transition easily from casual to dressy.
2. A trench coat in a vibrant splash of colour - this way you'll have a classic piece with an added edge for years to come!
3. Great pair of flats and pumps that will cushion your feet while making you look chic no matter what. I highly recommend Cole Haan shoes as their shoes for women have Nike Air's in them!
4. A fabulous blazer is essential! It's an easy thing to toss over a camisole or t-shirt and instantly update your wardrobe.
5. T-shirts and camisoles in an array of colours is a necessity - as you can dress up or down either items with jeans, slacks or skirts - and of course, the right accessories.
6. Statement jewellery is a MUST for every wardrobe. Get a few really fun, bold pieces of jewellery in metallic’s and gems. By doing this, the pieces will be more versatile with all of your outfits and can instantly give your outfits that extra pop!

Curvy figures are beautiful and feminine - work what you have!

The best way to display your figure will be to pay attention to the fabrics of the clothing you are purchasing. It's important to have fabrics that ebb and flow with the natural contours of your body. For that reason, you'll most likely be best in fabrics with a high 'drape' to them - think of nice silks and satins. Not only will they follow the shape of your body, but they will fall nicely over all of your fabulous curves - without clinging to you and in turn making you feel uncomfortable. Follow this tip - and you'll soon fill your closet with many gorgeous pieces that will make you feel chic and confident!

Each fashion season is so exciting - there are so many new fabulous trends to watch for! So how does a fashionista know where to spend her hard earned cash?

My suggestion is to invest in some a.m.a.z.i.n.g shoes and a killer handbag for the season. They will outlast most fashion trends much longer and will be more versatille with your wardrobe - you'll get tons of use out of them!

Long and short skirts can work for just about anyone - and there really is no preference to one or the other. The real issue would be to ensure that you get a skirt for you that best fits your proportions and flatters your figure - which in turn will make you feel stylish and confident!

General rule of thumb: make sure that your skirt lengths fall to the smallest part of your leg or ankle. For most women, this will mean just above or below the knee, or right at their ankles. If you have a skirt stop mid calf for example; the item will actually make your legs look thicker than they really are - and shortening you at the same time!

Not sure what works for your body type? It may be best to hire a professional to tell you.

Truth of the matter is 90% of what you find at stores will not fit off the rack. Take your clothing to someone you trust for alternations to get that fit that works for you.

Jewellery is a fantastic way to change up any outfit and there are so many fantastic pieces to choose from!

In order to wear chunky pieces, it's best to only wear one piece at a time. For example, if you want to wear a bold necklace, you'll want to keep the earrings at a minimum (or not wear any at all!), and maybe wear a cocktail ring to cap off the look. If you start pairing too many big peices together - the look will be overwhelming. Pick one focal piece per outfit.

Transitioning from your pregnancy body back to your "former" self can sometimes feel like a frustrating experience! None of your previous attire fits, but you surely don't want to be wearing your maternity clothing.

The number one thing I tell women is to flaunt your gorgeous curves! You can still look sexy, chic, and comfortable while taking care of the newest addition to your family - and also feeling fabulous about your body.

The first thing I recommend purchasing is the fabulous "Yoga Jeans" from second clothing: http://www.secondclothing.com . These jeans are SO comfortable you forget that you are even wearing them! You can purchase them in skinny's or regular flares to rock many different looks! I love them not only because of the comfort they offer, but also because it's Canadian based - and I'm all for supporting Canadian designers! They also sit a little higher as well - so say goodbye to the awful muffin tops that comes with low-rise jeans!

I'd also suggest investing in some shirts and camisoles that have a drape to them. This will show of your curves beautifully without making you feel like the clothing is "clinging" to you.

I'm also a big fan blazers - you can throw them over just about anything and instantly look chic while running around town or being at home. You can change up the look by adding different accessories, broches, or scarves.

Last but not least, grab yourself some leggings, a cardigan and some flats - this will keep you comfortable and will be some great staples to have in your closet.

Add all of these with some fun accessories of your choice and you have some great pieces to mix and match! This will give you the variety, comfort, and chic style you're looking for while you transition.

Have fun!

Hats are a fantastic way of expressing yourself and adding flair to any outfit! Finding the right kind that also suits your style and face shape can be a challenge.

Generally speaking, if you have a rounded/curvy face shape - hats that mimic your face shape will be the best (i.e. a round brim or beret). On the other hand, if your face shape has more angles in it - you'll want to use hats that have more structure in them (i.e. fedora's).

As far as when hats are appropriate? They are acceptable in almost every occasion - with the exception of business (in a more corporate setting). However, you may have to alter the style of hat you choose to use based on the occasion. Hats that are knits will most likely be used in a more casual setting - on your own time. If you are going to a more formal/dressy occasion - you may want to use a beautiful cocktail hat or hair accessory to accent your clothing.

Either way, hats are a fun and beautiful way to express who you are - have fun with it!

Although it’s hard, keep in mind, that each designer and brand has a different sizing system. I’ve tried on the same piece from different brands and have been 4 different sizes – although there should be some consistency - there really isn't much. 

Remember - It’s just a number after all. Ensuring you have the correct fit of clothing, and something that is styled properly for your body can actually make you look over 10lbs slimmer (regardless of the sizing!) and make you feel fabulous!