Total Image! by Diane Keelan

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Total Image
by Diane Keelan Sharif, LamasBeauty Image Consultant

Hello Ladies, Welcome back to Total Image - where I deal with issues pertaining to personal style development.

Listed below are a few recent reader questions. I hope these will help you get started in developing your own personal style.

Please feel free to ask any questions. Remember there are no bad questions. I'm here to help you with all of your fashion needs.

Please post your questions for me at The Salon!

Q: It's a new year and I am planning on losing weight. What should I do with my larger sized clothes?

Diane Answers: My advice is to keep all garments until you get to your ideal weight then determine if you can salvage some of them by alterations. This can save you a lot of money.

Q: My husband purchased some new outfits for me this Christmas. They are beautiful, but not really my taste. How should I handle this situation?

Diane Answers: Be honest with your spouse; all he really wanted to do is please you and help you feel beautiful. Tell him you would rather purchase some other garments and I am sure it will be fine. Honesty is always the best policy. Good Luck!

Q. I am going to be a bride for 2001 and I am dealing with some weight problems in the tummy, hips and arm area. What kind of dress would you suggest?

Diane Answers: Congratulations on your wedding! Don't fret, there are many wonderful dresses to choose from. My suggestion would be to make sure your dress is long-sleeved or has a pashmina or a shawl to go across the arm area with a v-like bodice. No bows or frills, just simple elegance and I know you will be and feel beautiful on your special day. Best wishes.

Q. My New Year's resolution was to get my closet organized, but it's still a mess! Please help me to begin this process. Where do I start?

Diane Answers: Don't worry. Here are a few tips to put you in the right direction:

1.	Get rid of anything not worn in one year or more.
2.	Separate all repairs, dry cleaning and alterations into a separate pile and act immediately to get these tasks done.
3.	Purchase clear plastic shoeboxes; these add space to your closet.
4.	Stop impulse shopping. Even though you may get a bargain, these purchases will most likely hang in your closet and never be worn.
5.	Garment and color coordinate for easy access.
6.	Purchase plastic drawers on rollers for your accessories: scarves, jewelry, belts, etc. In addition, purchase hat boxes for your hats.

Thanks for your questions. See you next month.

Regards,

Diane Keelan Sharif

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Diane Keelan is the Founder and President of Selective Style, a full service image company located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with her partner, Diane conducts personal style development training seminars throughout the United States. Clients include United Airlines, American Trans Air, Century 21 and The Kellogg Corporation. Diane's passion is teaching women the basic principals involved in looking good and feeling good -- every day of their lives.

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