Your Style is Golden - The official KGIConsulting Blog

Discount Shopping - what's good, where to find it and what to watch out for

by Kristin Golden on 03/20/13

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Tall and Stylish: Where to Shop for Tall Women

by Kristin Golden on 06/28/12

Tall and Stylish: Where to Shop for Tall Women

This blog is inspired by a recent client that I had. She is a fit, athletic woman (read: not BIG and tall) who happened to be 6'3. When she called and explained her situation to me, I was confident that we could find some great pieces for her wardrobe...I wasn't expecting it to be such a challenge. I thought: "They make "long" pants and it seems like most people have to get everything hemmed because the pants/skirt/dress is too long - so I figured that finding clothes to fit her would not be too difficult." - I was wrong.

It turns out, most stores and many designers do NOT make clothes for women who are taller than average. While my client is beautiful and loves her height, she hates shopping because everything she had purchased up to that point was  either from an outlet that made "tall" clothing (but still didn't fit her right) or by catalogue. (I advise almost all of my clients to NOT buy clothes from catalogues because you don't get the chance to try anything on and FIT is one of the most important factors in any wardrobe. If an item doesn't fit properly, it won't look good, no matter how great of a piece it is).

I began to feel her frustration with shopping. We went through her wardrobe and while she had done pretty well considering her limited shopping options, I felt like there HAD to be some options for "tall" clothes that she would LOVE, not just clothes that were long enough (when you're 6'3, you don't just need a long inseam, you also need longer arms, a longer torso throughout the top, etc.).

Well I did my homework. Truth be told, there really aren't too many places for women who are tall to shop. Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to find a boutique or two that caters to taller women but other than that, it seems that catalogue or internet orders were the only real option. Frustrating. Plus, the catalogues and websites that she had been ordering from really did not have a great selection of attractive clothing.

It's odd to me - we want our super-models to be extremely tall, yet it seems the fashion industry has failed to produce clothing that actually fits women who are tall! From all of my research, I found frustration... and the best that I could do was find some new places to shop that were unfortunately online only.

On the up-side, the sites that I was able to find do offer some really great items - designer jeans, cute tops (with long enough sleeves), and other great pieces.

If you (or someone you know) falls into this category and has similar shopping frustrations, here are some sites that can help. I have to offer my disclaimer before I go on: It's important that when shopping online or through a catalogue that you be willing and ready to return things. They don't always make returns easy, but because you haven't had a chance to try things on, it's crucial that you decide ahead of time that you will return anything that you don't LOVE.

Now that I've said my peace, here are places to look if you are trying to find some good clothing options for those that are vertically gifted!

- www.tallclothingmall.com - this is a great website to shop at because they feature items from multiple stores or websites (they basically pull "tall" items from all different online retailers). They feature apparel from www.shopbop.com, www.piperlime.com, Gap, Banana Republic, Alloy, Nordstrom, Zappos, Athleta and more. Excitingly, they feature pants that go up to a 40" inseam. This is a great "one stop shop" - if you don't have time to peruse the internet looking at different websites, this is a great option because it does give you a little bit of everything.
**Tall clothing mall also has a blog that I think is worth checking out from time to time. It's at www.tallclothingmall.blogspot.com. They have some useful information on the blog about the latest store openings and "tall" websites, as well as helpful pointers for making sure that you get the right fit.**

- www.tallwomensclothes.com is a website that features some good suit separates and nice tops that have longer bodies/sleeves and they are reasonably priced. The only downside: most of their pants only go up to a 36" inseam. Still, when you need work clothes, this is a site to check out.

- www.longtallsally.com is another site with some great clothing - the thing to know about this company is that it is European-made (and European cut) so the fit will be slightly smaller/slimmer than other sites. They do carry some nice items though.

- www.undertease.com is a great place to go for basics as far as tops are concerned. It's always important to have good, well-fitting basics (whether you are tall or not) so this site is a great option for checking those "must-have" items off your list! The prices are fairly decent as well.

- www.zappos.com and www.barefootless.com are two sites that really stood out as good options as far as shoes are concerned. As I experienced while working with my client, it can be difficult for tall women to find shoes that fit well. These two sites are worth looking at as they have a good selection and come in a multitude of sizes.

- www.athleta.com and the Athleta catalogue is another shopping option that my client actually told me about. While it is pretty much what it sounds like (mostly athletic wear), they do have some fun sundresses, cute tops and some great bottoms as well. One of the main problems that I saw was that not everything was made in "tall" so I would see something that I liked, only to learn that that  particular item doesn't come in "tall." Still, they make have some good items and I would recommend checking them out.

- Finally, there ARE a few local stores that carry apparel for taller women. While their selection is not huge, it's a major plus that you can walk into the store and actually try on the clothing. Ann Taylor Loft has a some-what decent "tall" selection. Gap does a pretty good job as far as stocking "tall" jeans, although their fit doesn't always work with everyone's body type. Eddie Bauer is another standby - usually I am not a huge fan of their day-to-day clothing, but in a pinch, they do carry a semi-decent selection of clothing for taller women. Finally, I was pleasantly surprised to see that White House/Black Market has a "tall" section. Again, it's not huge, but it's better than nothing!

After this experience, I feel inclined to write letters to every retailer explaining to them that they need to carry taller clothes - but I think I will let it go for now. At least there are some great online places to find clothing and there are some great resources out there.

Just remember - just because it's "long enough" doesn't mean it fits! Don't settle for something that doesn't fit - send it back and try again! :)

Happy Shopping (and ordering)!

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Look amazing in a t-shirt!

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

A lot of people ask me how they can get the latest looks without spending a ton of money. I am a huge advocate for QUALITY, not QUANTITY, so if you give me the option of spending money on trendy items or classics, I will say classics every time. Basic t-shirts and tanks are a great compromise as they can double as both. Quality basics are a great way to turn a good classic into a fun trend.

Before you start experimenting with the different ways to dress up a tee (or tank), you have to start with good quality. There are a number of brands that I recommend (sorry to say that Hanes is not one of them). James Perse makes great basics - they are a bit pricier than you are probably used to spending on a basic but they last longer, hold their shape nicely and really look good on. Majestic is another brand that makes nice basics (again, a bit pricey but worth it in the long run). I also recommend Theory, Vince, and Splendid. Michael Stars also makes excellent basics (that is what they are known for). You can find these brands at Nordstrom stores, as well as various boutiques and online.

Once you have a quality top that fits you (no baggy tees!), you can play with it in a number of ways to take it from a classic layering piece to a fun outfit.

One way to dress up a tee is with a statement necklace. I love bib necklaces, long, multi-chain necklaces, anything with color (especially coral or turquoise), and anything with a big pendant. A statement necklace almost always HAS to be worn with a subtle top so tees are a perfect complement to this fun accessory. Wear them with jeans, skirts, trousers (this look can even be good for work), or shorts this summer.

In the same manner, add a summer scarf to a simple top for a fresh, trendy look that is elegant, yet playful.

Another way to wear a good tee/tank is to pair it with a fun bottom - this summer, I love the way a simple top looks with a flirty, patterned maxi skirt. Tuck it in or leave it out - it will add a classic twist to an other-wise trendy piece. Add some earrings and fun bracelets and you have the bohemian vibe that looks like you just naturally look put-together (you do, don't you?).


As obvious as it sounds, tees (or tanks) with jeans - especially distressed jeans or boyfriend jeans are a great summer look - especially perfect for weekends. Layer on some bangles and put on some wedges or gladiator sandals and you have a relaxed, yet chic look that will have people thinking "I love her outfit but I just can't figure out what makes it look so good" (hint: it's the quality top).

Another option: layer it. On the cooler days (or evenings) throw a flirty summer cardigan or blazer over it. Quality tees are great foundation pieces. Blazers are a big trend this summer and a good tee will keep the blazer looking fresh, while a worn out or cheap top could ruin the look. If you are going for a more relaxed look, try a summer cardigan or sweater. I especially love the lightweight colorful ones that are a bit more flowy than structured. In this case, long is good!

If you are someone bold enough to try the colored pants trend or the patterned pants trend, then a good, basic top is the perfect addition. With solid-colored pants, add a printed shoe or jewelry in a complimentary color to add a bit more interest without going overboard (the pants are the main focal piece). With printed bottoms, add some accessories that subtly accentuate a color in the pattern.  With either pant, always try and wear a wedge or heel - by adding attention to your lower half, you run the risk of looking shorter on bottom - in that case, you will want to add height with your shoes!

Wear a plain tee/tank with some summer jean shorts (I especially like the look of jean shorts that have a bit of distressing - even cutoffs, as long as they aren't too short!) As long as it has a good fit, a t-shirt and jean shorts will help you achieve a classic look. Throw on some Toms or gladiator sandals for an effortless look. Add a summer hat for an even trendier look.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to turn a quality (but otherwise simple) top into a trendy item - play around with it a bit and see what look you like. Just remember that accessories and fun shoes are what make this item go from a basic to an outfit.

Happy Tuesday and happy styling!

Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Denim for the gentlemen - how to choose the best pair for you!

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

While you may not want to admit it, finding a good pair of jeans that fit right (as in you DON'T have to wear a belt to keep them up) can be just as difficult for you as it can be for your female counterparts.

I'm here to put in my two cents on the topic (combined with some great info from the gentlemen at GQ) about the best ways to find and maintain that pair of jeans that fit just right.

- Make sure that you start with the staples - one especially important piece is a clean, simple pair of dark-wash denim.
- It's all about maintaining proportions - be aware of things like cuffs, wide legs, low rises and slim fits. For a shorter guy, stay away from the cuffs (as they will just shorten the look of your legs) and wear a more tapered leg (I'm not saying you have to wear a skinny jean, just try a more fitted jean).
- Watch the length. For denim, the hem should not be any higher than 1/2 inch above the ground when wearing your shoes. Anything shorter than that will shorten your leg line and will look like they don't quite fit. I always recommend washing and DRYING your denim before getting it hemmed, that way you will be prepared if the length shrinks a bit.
- Be aware that jeans DO stretch. Many times, guys are too afraid to buy a pair of jeans that may be a tad bit on the tighter side. Know that with most denim these days, it WILL stretch about a 1/2 to 1 full size within the first 30 wears. If it fits perfectly in the dressing room, you may run the risk of wearing a pair that gives you "diaper butt" by the 7th or 8th wear. If you don't believe me, try buying a pair from a store with a generous return policy like Nordstrom. Wear them around the house for a day or two and see if they stretch enough after a couple of hours of wear.
- It kind of seems like common sense but I feel as though I have an obligation to say it - less is more guys! Things with big patterns or patches across the butt or front pockets (I'm talking about Ed Hardy and SOMETIMES, even True Religion) scream "trashy," not "classy."
- Know your brands. I am not suggesting that you become a designer jean aficionado, but it does help to know what is out there and what brand tends to fit your body just right. Some great brands to try (if you haven't already) are Seven for All Mankind, AG Denim, Citizens of Humanity, and Mavi. While you may pay a bit more for these jeans, it's worth it. These jeans cost more for a reason - you get a better fit, they last longer, and they just look better all around. Consider what I call a "Price Per Wear Analysis" - divide the cost of the item by the number of times it is worn throughout it's lifetime. Chances are, those $150 jeans actually cost LESS per wear than the less intimidating $60 jeans. It's an investment up front that will most likely save you money in the long run (and you will look better while doing it!).
- To prolong the length of time between washes, hang your denim up - it will let them air out and give you the ability to wear them a few times before having to wash them (contrary to popular belief, you don't have to wash jeans after every wear, unless of course, you are rolling around in the mud or riding bulls).
- Invest in Tide Black to help keep your denim darker, longer. You want to keep the indigo dye from fading as much as possible. By washing your jeans in Tide Black, it will help keep them dark. Before you get to that point, here's a great little trick: wash your dark denim on a gentle cycle with just a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. By washing with the white vinegar prior to any other wash, it will help keep the seal the indigo dye in the jean and keep your denim from fading or bleeding in the wash.
- Be aware of the shoes that you are wearing. A scuffed up or poor shoe can completely ruin the look of a good jean. I always suggest investing in a pair of boat shoes, low-ankle casual boots, a nicer sneaker (think Steve Madden, not Nike) or if it is a summer day, a good quality flip flop. Some flip flop styles that I love are Havaianas and Rainbows (please pay attention to the condition of your toe nails before throwing on flip flops!).
- Finally, be aware of the effect that denim has on the rest of your wardrobe. Because of the coarse fabric of denim, it has the ability to break down the materials in your other clothing items (such as cotton tees, etc.). You are best off washing denim with denim to preserve your other clothes.

Now that you have a little bit of an idea of what to look for, go out and find some great jeans. Even the Zac Brown Band understands this importance as they sing about it in one of their most popular songs:

"It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most... And a little bit of chicken fried, a cold beer on a Friday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right,
And the radio up..."

Happy Shopping!

Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Summer blazers are all the buzz!

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

Summer blazers are all the buzz!

Wear them in style this summer season:

Colorful blazers (and blazers in general) are one of the hottest items this summer. Yes, it's hot outside, but this typical cool-weather trend is taking over NOW. So how do you pull of the blazer look without feeling constricted, too warm, or out of season?

One of the greatest things about the current blazer trend is that many blazers for the summer are being made of lighter weight. Cotton blazers are popping up everywhere in fun colors and they make the perfect accessory for almost any outfit.
Another great thing about the blazer trend this summer is that many of them are not designed to close (in fact, many of them don't even have a button to allow the jacket to close). These semi-fitted jackets help create a great look without the restricted feeling of your typical blazer (just want make sure that the blazer is shorter -  it should hit close to your hip bones).

So how do you wear a blazer in the coming summer months?

- Plan ahead: if you know that you are going to be outside for most of the day, make sure that you layer with something that you can feel good in, should you have to take the blazer off.
- Have fun with color! There are so many fun colors - from pink to blue to yellow - these colors make blazers extremely summer-friendly.
- Throw on a blazer with a pair of shorts. You don't have to wear suit seperates in order to rock the blazer trend. Grab a cute pair of shorts (preferably not cut-offs), throw on a colorful tee, and top it off with a fun new blazer. Add a little jewelry and some cute gladiator sandals or wedges and you will be ready to go!
- Wear a blazer with skinny jeans and heels for a great night-out look that can take your from dinner to drinks.
- I love the look of a blazer over a summer dress. Just make sure that the blazer is short enough so that it doesn't overwhelm the dress.
- Layer a semi-fitted blazer over a looser tank and jeans - it's okay if the shirt hangs out lower than the jacket.
- Wear a cotton blazer with trousers for an easy summer work outfit that still qualifies business attire but so much more comfortable (and cute).
- Feeling risky? Wear a blazer with just a bandeau top underneath and a cute jean. This trend is all over the runways and is great for trendy night spots!

Where to find these great blazers:

- Nordstrom has a great selection of them. I personally love their Caslon brand blazers as they are so lightweight and come in so many fun colors. Also look into the Gibson blazers - they come in a heavier cotton and a nice linen.
- Piperlime.com. This is one of my go-to websites. They are always on top of the trends and have great items at a variety of prices.
- Boutiques - check out your local boutiques. They may not have a huge size-run but they are great for spotting unique pieces.
- Forever 21. Okay, I am not a HUGE fan of this store as I believe in quality over quantity, BUT, they do have a great selection of summer-style blazers at a fraction of the cost. This would be a great place to start if you are a little weary of the trend - just don't expect it to last too long and be aware of the fit. You get what you pay for and sometimes, highly discounted items just don't fit as well as their quality counterparts. Still, it's worth a look.

Now that you have a new trend to try, go out and have some fun with it! Don't take it too seriously and don't be afraid to experiment with color!

Happy shopping!

Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Work Wardrobe Staples for Women

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

Women are constantly asking me what the most important clothing items for work are  - you know, the pieces that they should have (even if they don't want to spend the money on them) just because they are the essentials to building a great wardrobe.

I am a firm believer in purchasing the essentials of a wardrobe before adding in the fun and trendy pieces. If you have a good frame to work from, then you can add style with just a few small purchases.

So what are those "essentials?" Of course it will depend on your job, your dress-code and your lifestyle but here is a list to give you an idea of some good items to have:

1) Dark jeans that can be dressed up or down - especially if you live in Colorado.
2) Trouser pants in multiple colors that fit you well (read: are long enough when you wear your office shoes, fit nicely around your waist, and hang well - giving you a nice silhouette).
3) A solid dark colored blazer - preferably in black or navy.
4) A little black dress - one that is conservative enough for work events, yet "fashionable" enough for happy hour.
5) Black and Brown heels.
6) Layering pieces - you should have a variety of pieces that you can layer or wear under multiple different items. It's good to have two white camisoles, two black camisoles and a few other colors as well. It's also good to have white and black short sleeve and long sleeve shirts. They don't have to be fancy but they should be form-fitting and should be good quality.
7) A "year-round" bag - go ahead and invest in a purse - choose a neutral color and a decent size. This is one investment that will be worth the cost.
8) A go-to last minute outfit that you feel amazing in - one that you can throw on when your alarm didn't go off and you don't have time to think about what you are going to wear to work that day!
9) A skirt suit. Women are perceived as more professional when they are wearing skirt suits as opposed to pant suits in the office.
10) A nice, metal watch. Watches are one of the most important accessories because they send the message that you are important and have somewhere to be.
11) A classic button-down top.
12) A statement necklace (which can be worn over those layering tees with a nice pair of jeans and one of those layering tops I mentioned above.
13) A good multi-weather jacket in a neutral color - one that you can wear through the spring, summer, and most of the fall.
14) Nude heels. These are great for elongating your legs when wearing a dress or skirt.
15) A nice pair of flats that can be worn in the office as well as paired with a weekend outfit.

If you enjoy your work clothes, you will feel much better going into work (and let's face it, we can all use all the help that we can get!). Go ahead, invest in a solid work wardrobe and then have some fun sprucing it up once you have the essentials. You spend 40 hours a week in those clothes so why not like them?

Happy Shopping!

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Travel in style this season

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

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Is this "Age-Appropriate?"

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

Often, I have women (and men) come into my office and tell me that they want to update their look but they want to make sure that their look is "age appropriate." I understand that concern - while celebrities with 4 children are walking around in dresses with slits as high as their upper thigh - it might be a little unnerving to consult a stylist while trying to update your wardrobe.

Still, age appropriate does NOT mean frumpy. Many women who come into my office think that they have to look somewhat frumpy in order to avoid looking like they are trying to be 21 again.

Here are some great ways to keep your look "age appropriate" while still looking great and stylish:

- Invest in a pair of denim trousers. These pants can go with just about anything and they will instantly increase your sophistication factor.
- Choose shorter suit jackets. So often I see women in jackets that look like it could be their husband's - back in the 90's, it was good to wear a long jacket. Today, it looks so much fresher to stick with a jacket that hits just below your hip bone.
- Ballet flats. These shoes are the perfect compromise between sometimes-impractical heels and flip-flops or sneakers. Ballet Flats come in so many different style and colors that you can find a pair for almost any outfit and not sacrifice style by choosing to wear a comfortable shoe.
- Stay away from the bright neon trend. it just doesn't look right on anyone over 30.
- Rather than wearing your matching Juicy Couture sweatsuit while out and about, invest in some great yoga wear from Lucy or Lululemon. You will find "run-around" clothes that really fit and flatter your body.
- Don't be afraid to wear jewelry, but don't pile on beads and pieces that look like your daughter made them in art class. Have fun with the long necklaces - gold and silver, wear a large-face watch, add some colorful bangles to your outfit.
- Try out the maxi-skirt trend. It really does look good on, especially on with some body to it so it's not so tight on your skin.
- You can pull off less-expensive pieces (like jewelry, hang-bags, etc.) because you look like you would only wear something that's real. Try adding a string of faux pearls with a pretty dress. No one will question whether or not they're real.
- Maintain a good skin care routine. With so many anti-aging products on the market, it feels like everyone is telling you that you can't age naturally. You can age beautifully - but you have to take care of your skin! There is a wonderful product called Prolastil E-50 and it is made for women over 30 to give them a youthful glow.
- Know your colors. Have your colors done by a professional (I do color analysis during my style assessment consultations). This will help you make sure that you are dressing in the clothes that best accentuate your features.
- Try the jean jacket and dress trend. Throw on a wedge heel (of any height) to complete the look.

"Age-appropriate" is something that is important, but not something that should hold you back from trying the latest styles and having fun with the trends. You will know if something is a little TOO young - so give yourself reign to have some fun!

Happy shopping!

Xo, Kristin @Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Trends - staying on top of the hottest looks of summer 2012

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

Trends - Staying on top of the hottest looks of summer 2012

Trends, trends, and more trends...

My job requires me to keep up with the latest trends - from hair style to shoe choice. I love watching the trends change but sometimes, with so many new trends, it can be difficult to know what's hot right now.

Is color blocking still in? (yes), What about big, clunky shoes? (yes) Is black nail polish still in (sorry, it's been replaced by bright colors or neutral shades - although I still love the darker looking nail). How do you stay on top of what's hot this season when the trends from last season are still lingering?

First of all, a trend is only as good as it look on you. If a trend is hot but it does not suit your body or style, it won't look good. Make sure that you are taking the trends and adapting them to fit your lifestyle, body and personal style.

Then - wear what you like!

Here are some of the top trends this season:

1) Asymmetrical dresses
2) Washed out denim jackets - especially paired with dresses
3) Hi-Low hems (I personally love this trend) - this is where the from of the dress (or skirt) is raised higher to expose more leg, yet the back of the hem is longer to create a feminine backdrop.
4) Yellow (warm skin-tones rejoice! This is a great color for those of us with warmer skin-tones - cool skin-tones, try and stick to true, crayon box yellow for the best look with your skin-tone).
5) Bright colored heels (pink is hot right now)
6) Mint green colored bags (I still love the hobo bag)
7) Cut-out dresses - this is a fun, yet risque trend that has small cutouts around the torso of the dress to expose a bit of skin.
8) Loose sweater - great for cozy, rainy days like today.
9) A-line miniskirts
10) Wide-leg pants. This look is flattering on almost everyone - of course it looks better with heels but you don't have to be tall to benefit from the look of the wide-leg pant!

Remember, just because it's trendy doesn't mean it's the best for you - dress for your body and you can't go wrong!

Happy trending!

Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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Fitness and Fashion

by Kristin Golden on 06/25/12

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Fitness and Fashion...

The Treadmill, elliptical, jogging around the track, 100 sit-ups, lifting free weights... Does working out really have to be that painfully boring?

Really, what does working out have to do with image consulting anyways. Lots, actually. When we look good, we feel good and vice versa - when we feel good, we look good. Many people who come in to see me for image consulting say that they want to wait until they "lose to weight" before they proceed with the wardrobe edit, shopping trip, styling, etc. My answer is always the same - look good NOW, feel good NOW! If you "wait" to lose the weight, there's a good chance that you will never lose the weight. Honestly, how many people right now can say that they wouldn't mind losing 5-10lbs? SO - my philosophy is get to a place where you can feel good (or as good as possible) about they way you look now. Let the snowball effect work for you in a reverse sort of way...

If you feel like you look "fat," "gross," "overweight," "ugly," "undesirable," etc.. and then you never leave the house (or you only go out for grocery runs in your baggy sweats that you have worn in every day for the past month, then how are you supposed to feel any different about the way you look. Regardless of your actual size, if you don't take pride in what is good about your body now, then how can you expect to change it?

So again I say, look good NOW, feel good NOW! I advise my clients to come in now and start to change the way they feel about themselves. Put on makeup, even if you are just going to the grocery store. Find a cute outfit that you want to wear out to dinner or for drinks. Start to love yourself NOW. The comes the fun part...

Once you start to love your body, you start to make healthy changes. You will start to push away that dessert option at dinner. You might decide that you want to walk instead of driving to the restaurant. You may decide that trying a fun new workout class sounds like a good idea. You might even decide that you will do whatever you have to in order to FEEL good about yourself. Viola. The reverse snowball effect.

You can't make any good decisions about how to take care of yourself if you have been chained to your couch for the past year. You need to get up, get out, and realize that you have a great body worth taking care of. I always start with the outside as it ALWAYS impacts the inside.

I have my clients go through a regular image consulting regimen. We do the style assessment, wardrobe edit and shopping trip. My deal with my clients is that if they do lose 30 lbs or more over the next year, I will re-do the shopping trip with them for free. It really does work. Once you start to take pride in yourself as a worthy, interesting human being, you start to take care of yourself.

So good... we have you feeling good and ready to get on the workout bandwagon. What does that look like? Like I said earlier, who wants to jog on a treadmill for an hour? Those days are long gone! There are so many great workouts these days that there is no need to suffer through an hour of mediocre cardio.

Some of my favorites:

- CrossFit. I just started this so I can't say a whole lot about it but I do know people who have done it for months and LOVE it. It's a combination of weight training, cardio, unconventional toning exercises, and nonstop movement that will have you sweating and feeling the burn within the first 5 minutes. The good thing - they cater each workout to YOUR level. You are not being compared to the guys who have been doing it for years - you are doing your own, catered workout. A good gym to check out is D-town CrossFit in Denver.

- Barre Ballet classes. I would love to have the body of a ballerina so why not try a ballerina's workout?? These classes will make you feel the burn as you go through a large series of sculpting and toning exercises, but you will feel SO good afterwards.

- Yoga. Some people do yoga to lose weight, others do it for meditation - I think it can be good for both. If you are looking to lose serious weight, I don't know if it's the best way to go (then again, I am not a health expert - I am just relaying my exercise experience). Yoga is good for flexibility, peace of mind, toning, breathing exercises and so much more. It's something that is definitely worth trying. If you go to a CorePower Yoga for the first time, you will get one week of free classes to decide if it is something you like.

- Pilates. I wish that I could say that I have done the reformer pilates with the machine but I have not tried that, although I know people who swear by it to keep them fit. They have mat classes that are a good workout. It is something that everyone should at least try.

- Kickboxing. I love kickboxing. This has been one of the greatest workouts that I have tried. You get your aggression out, you sweat out all the toxins in your body and you get a really good, full body cardio workout. I would recommend others try this workout!

Finally, you have classes like Zumba (and other fun dance classes), instructor-lead cardio circuits, group aerobics classes, outdoor groups, hiking, cycling, swimming... there are a ton of FUN ways to get in shape that don't require mindless (and monotonous) treadmill or elliptical workouts.

Try a fitness class and see if it's for you, if not, try another one. Feeling good about our bodies is one of the best ways to help us start to feel good about how we look and how our fashionable new clothes look on us.

Be sure to check out "Fitness on the Rocks" at Red Rocks on July 21st!

Happy sweating and shopping :)

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

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