Choosing an Image Consultant
Q. What should I look for when choosing an Image Consultant?
- Check your Consultant has received professional training. The International Federation of Image Consultants (IFIC) hold a list of Audited Training Providers who are recognised for meeting professional training standards within the Image Profession. You can find a listing of ATPs on the IFIC's website.
- Are they a member of a professional body such as the IFIC or Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)? In the case of the IFIC, this will ensure they follow a Professional Code of Practice and are fully insured.
- Do they keep up-to-date with training? Continued Professional Development (CPD) is recognised by the IFIC and consultants who add to their core training by attending advanced or specialist courses will receive CPD credits for continued training and development.
- Read testimonials as these will highlight a consultant's key characteristics (eg professional, friendly and knowledgeable) and give you an insight into what results you are likely to receive from a consultation.
- Call them to discuss your individual requirements. Are they able to tailor
the whole session to meet your personal objectives? Will there be any
after care or follow up service following your consultation?
Colour Analysis
Q. Which method of Colour Analysis should I choose?
A. There are three main methods for colour analysis: the Free Select Method,
the Seasonal System and the Tonal System. We use an advanced Tonal
System which is up-to-date, extremely accurate and gives our clients an
in-depth understanding of their colour analysis.
Q. I had colour analysis 10 years ago.
Do your colour characteristics change as you get older?
A. As we get older the pigmentation in our skin tone and hair colour gradually fade. Sometimes this does change our colour direction, especially if we
change the colour of our hair. Booking a "Refresher Colour Analysis" (1hr)
is a great way to confirm your colours giving you renewed confidence along
with tips and inspiration for looking great.
Q. What if I don't like my colours?
A. Most people are delighted to find an array of new colours to wear with confidence
so this rarely happens. However, this was my own initial experience but soon as
I started to wear the colours from my swatch I began to receive lots of positive compliments such as "You look good!", "Have you been on holiday?" etc.
Needless to say, after that, I was convinced. It seemed my colours liked me!
Q. Will I have to completely change my wardrobe?
A. Not at all. We can advise you on clever ways to adapt your existing items if they
are not quite the right colour for you. When you come to replacing old or buying
new items you will have the added advantage of being able to choose all the best
colours that really suit you.
Q. What if my favorite colour is not in the swatch?
A. We can show you how to incorporate your favorite colour into your wardrobe,
though you may find a few new favorites too!
Q. Can colour analysis make me look less tired?
A. Yes, wearing the correct colours near your face will enhance your skin tone
and give you a look of wellbeing. Having had young children and plenty of
sleepless nights, I have used the power of colour to my advantage many times!
Cosmetics
Q. Is the make-up range suitable for sensitive skin?
A. Yes, all our products are hypoallergenic.
Q. Are any of the products tested on animals?
A. Absolutely not. We also use less packaging to support our environment.
Style
Q. Will I need to strip down to my undies like on Trinny & Suzannah?
A. Gosh No! Often people are worried about having a Style consultation having seen
how some celebrities treat people on TV! Your style analysis can be conducted
fully clothed. Some clients like to wear leggings and t-shirt, others just wear their
normal clothing. There is a little bit of fact finding and some measuring in relation
to your height along with hand, wrist and ankle measurements to determine your
scale but nothing to make you feel embarrassed. Analysis determines which
styles of clothing, weight of fabrics and so on make you look and feel fabulous.
Q. Will I have to buy lots of new clothes?
A. Only if you want to!! We identify what suits you along with tips on how to adapt
existing items in your wardrobe. By adding a belt, taking up a hemline and clever
use of accessories and so on you will be able to make most items work for you.
When you come to buy new clothes you will know exactly what to look for to make
you look and feel fabulous.
Total Image Profile - Fast Track
Q. How will I remember a whole day's worth of styling advice?
A. Everything covered throughout the day is recorded in your personalised reference
book. This record provides you with a long-term reference guide and provides you
with additional information relating to your personal image.
Q. How do I justify the cost of a consultation?
A. How do you justify the cost of other services such as an accountant, solicitor,
electrician or personal trainer? Image consultancy is a long term investment
in yourself. A professional image consultant will provide you with advice that
will last you a lifetime. Our consultations provide good value for money in relation
to items which are more transient such as a hair cut, facial, massage, new shoes,
dress, cosmetics etc. Investing in image consultancy will bring knowledge and confidence. Ask yourself:
Does a facial bring vibrancy to your skin tone effortlessly every day
like wearing the correct colours near to your face?
How long does a massage make you feel good for?
Having the knowledge to choose the right colours, styles and accessories
will make you feel good every day!
Does your haircut/highlights suit your face shape/colouring?
It's always a good idea to have colour analysis before adding colour to your hair.
It may sound lovely to "add in some warm tones" but if your primary colour
characteristic is "cool" then warm tones will not complement your skin tone!
Were you really happy with the last pair of shoes you purchased?
Did they complement your style personality? Do you have the knack of choosing
items that really feel right for you, every time?
Buying a new dress?
Does it suit your proportions and scale?
Do you know what to look for? Where to find it? and Why some clothes feel
so good on you and others don't do anything?
Are the cosmetics you buy in harmony with your skin tone and colouring?
Being able to identify the correct colours for cosmetics is as important as
wearing the right colours. Bronzers are better suited to warmer skin tones!
Image consultancy will save you money in the long run. Our consultations will provide
you with the knowledge and confidence to think about what you are buying, giving you
the choice to buy only the garments that really suit your individual colouring, figure and
personality.
It's hard to put a price on the long term benefits of looking great and feeling fabulous!
On Wardrobe Management
Q. I am embarrassed to let someone into my wardrobe.
A. No problem. We all have times when we feel like this. We can start the ball
rolling with a telephone conversation on how to tackle things then move onto
organising and getting the most from your wardrobe of clothes.
Q. What happens to the items not suited to my colour,
style and wardrobe personality?
A. We will provide clever tips on how to rescue items. Those that don't do
anything for you… well why would you want to keep them? Most clients
have great fun swapping clothes with friends (Swishing Parties), donating
clothes to support their local charity shop or re-cycling items no longer
required. Think... reduce... re-use... re-cycle!
On Personal Shopping
Q. Many stores now have a free Personal Shopping Service.
Why wouldn't I use this?
A. Why not indeed. Free Personal Shopping Services are great.
However, they will only be able to advise you on the items they stock.
Your image consultant meanwhile will have in-depth knowledge of your
personal colouring, bodyline & style as well as your individual figure
characteristics and wardrobe personality and can look at all retailers.
This is key to successful shopping.
Q. I haven't had Colour or Style Analysis.
Can I still use your service?
A. Yes, of course. It is advisable to know your colour, style and wardrobe
personality for successful personal shopping, however, many people use
our service to buy for others such as friends, partners and family. Perhaps
you are on maternity leave and too tired to shop for hours, or, maybe you'd
just like a day out shopping with the girls. We offer lots of options so whether
it is a 1:2:1 Shopping Safari in St Albans, the Glitz & Glamour of London's
West End or day of shopping in beautiful boutiques … we're here to help you.
If you didn't find your answer here, please email us with your question.
