The Art of Becoming Visible

Lately I've been asked if the colors a woman should wear changes with the seasons. After all, your color harmony is based on the four seasons, so it would make sense that as the seasons and the landscape change, that your colors would change too, right? Wrong! Actually, this couldn't be further from the truth. Your personal colors are your personal colors. Period. The only time your personal color palette changes is when your personal coloring dramatically changes. For example as you age, the colors that flatter you become softer. My beautiful mom is a great example, but she is not the typical example. Years ago, back in the 1980's, she had her colors done and was told she was a 'winter'. Several years ago, when I worked with her to determine her personal color harmony, I discovered that she is now a True Persimmon Autumn – a far cry and not a typical color change. Yet over the years her hair, skin and eyes had lightened up and become tinged with yellow-undertones as opposed to blue undertones. As I helped her transition from bright jewel tones and lots of black, to wearing oranges, mustards and caramel tones, she began to see herself in a whole new light! While your own personal color harmony may change over the years, it will NOT change with the seasons. However, using color to complement your own personal coloring, and wearing what's best for the seasons can help you to personalize your look and be ready for spring! Here are a few tips for wearing your best colors for Spring/Summer: 1/ Lighten up Your Neutrals – If you're accustomed to wearing dark brown or black during the winter, I recommend that you make the transition to a lighter, more flattering neutral. For your bottom weights, choose a shade that is deep, yet less harsh than the darks, and will tie in with your own coloring. Select medium brown, caramel, chestnut, greige, putty, pewter or cream and see how it lightens your look. Don't forget your shoes! 2/ Tone Down Your Brights – During the winter months, wearing rich, deep colors is just right. Come warmer months, lighten those colors up a few shades and opt for lighter, brighter hues that will make you think of spring. Choose your best wow! colors and use them in varying ranges from medium to light and see how pretty you'll look! 3/ Mix Colors in New Ways– Instead of using just one bright with your neutrals, try mixing two or more will brighten up your overall look. This also gives you the opportunity to create a unique color combination. Try red with mint green, nectarine with turquoise or bright blue with coral for a fun twist on your look. 4/ Don't Be Shy – If you love a color, let it take center stage, but don't overdo it. A bold jacket, a bright scarf, shoes in an eye-catching hue or a scarf that surrounds your face with color will help you to look oh-so-right for the season. When choosing color, remember, your personal coloring trumps any color trends that are out there. If there is a color that you love, but it washes you out and drains your face of color, perhaps you want to use it sparingly (such as in a print) or avoid wearing it altogether. Color is the first thing people notice about you and the element that makes the greatest impact on your image. When you let it work for you – not against you – you can leverage it to help you take your look to new heights! Need help? Email me at [email protected] to set up a complimentary get acquainted session and learn how you can rock your style like a boss! Raves & Faves: My wine pick today is Le Cigare Volant, $18-$22, Boonie Doon Vineyards, Monterey California.( https://www.wine.com/product/bonny-doon-le-cigare-volant-2018/540077) We'd love for you to leave us a 5 star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/

What Are Your Fabulous Five? I'm not talking about your favorite rock band, I'm talking about colors! Recently I coined the phrase 'Fabulous Five' to help my clients understand their best colors and how to integrate them into their wardrobe. By now you know that I'm a big believer in creating a wardrobe strategy. But many women don't even know where to begin. While color may seem like the obvious place to start, learning how to leverage the power of color to work for you (not against you – bye bye, black!) and use color t guide you in knowing what to buy and how to pull it all together offers an easy blueprint. For many years I have been coaching my clients to use a few of their best neutrals and best Wow! (accent) colors as a starting point. Learning to wear color in a powerful and positive way is a great thing but can be daunting at first. So starting with just a handful of colors can help you to focus and get exactly what you need, creating a core wardrobe and building from there. Last week as I worked with 3 new clients, it was thrilling to see so many a-ha's around this philosophy, and see everything just 'click' when my clients discovered their Fabulous Five and how to put them all together. Here's how to discover your very own 'Fabulous Five' Color Capsule: 1/ Core Neutrals – First, choose 2 of your very best core neutrals. You know, least memorable and most neutral. Dare I ask you to forget black? Even if black is one of your best colors, let's find some other neutrals that tie into your personal coloring. These 2 will be your foundational colors and where you invest the bulk of your wardrobe budget. 2/ Wow! Colors – Next, choose 3 of your best Wow!, or accent, colors. These are those lights and brights that really make you stand out. They could be your eye color (especially if your eyes are blue), your skin intensifier or any other color that makes your hair, skin or eyes look amazing! You want colors that are memorable and make a statement about who you are. 3/ Mix and Match – The key to creating your Fabulous Five is that each neutral goes with each of the Wow! colors, and the Wow! colors can be interchanged and all work together. This mix and match approach allows for maximum versatility in your wardrobe, giving you more bang for your buck and making it EASY to know exactly what to bring into your wardrobe. 4/ Prints – While starting with solids gives you a good foundation, I strongly encourage you to bring in some prints, patterns and textures. Ensure that the prints contain at least 2 of your Wow! colors so they will coordinate with your solids. Jackets, cardigans, scarves, handbags, shoes, accessories, etc. are a fun place to bring prints in. 5/ Accessories – To keep things simple, choose a metal and stick with it. It will help you to know what to buy, ensure that your jewelry is neutral and goes with everything, and make it easy to finish off your look with the polish of accessories. If you're not what your Fabulous Five are, play with some different colors over the week and see what resonates with you. You want it to feel natural and all you. Once you get this formula down, you'll marvel at how easy shopping can be! Your Assignment: Determine your Fabulous Five colors for your spring/summer wardrobe and make a list of what items you'd like to add in which colors. Then let me hear from you! I want to know what combinations you come up with and how this formula works for you! Need help? Email me at [email protected] to set up a complimentary get acquainted session and learn how you can rock your style like a boss! Here is a link to my favorite pair of metallic shoes from Chocolate Blu: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MJC91MR/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=178 9&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MJC91MR&linkCode=as2&tag=stylebymarymi- 20&linkId=6e52560d3ba26dd6a0ca028ad551dd30">Chocolat Blu Woody Wedge - Woven Sandal on a Wooden-Style Platform - Women's Leather Shoes Grey Suede 8</a> Raves & Faves: My wine pick today is Paris Valley Road Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA, $13.99 from Totalwine.com) We'd love for you to leave a 5 star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/

Finding pants that truly fit can seem like finding a needle in a haystack. Yet I've found that by looking at these 4 points, you'll easily be able to know if the pants fit, or if you should walk away – and why! WITH is the acronym I use for these 4 points: 1/ Waistband – ensure your waistband fits well to eliminate muffin tops or bagging 2/ Intersection Area – no cameltoes or wedgies, please! 3/ Thigh – steer clear of bagginess in the thigh area and you'll visually take off 10 pounds! 4/ Hemline – the right hemline can make the difference between looking sloppy and looking polished. Did you enjoy this episode? I'd love to have you leave me a 5 star review and share with your friends! Take a screenshot, share this on Instagram and tag me at @wine_women_style. Want to find out what your style is? Take our Style ID quiz here: Raves & Faves Today's fave is Empathy Wines' Chardonnay. A gorgeous buttery, oaky Chard with hints of citrus, pineapple, peach and melon, Empathy sources grapes from farmers with sustainable practices. Learn more at www.Empathywines.com. https://shopstylefinder.com/pages/styleid- quiz

Have you ever been standing in the fitting room and wished for a quick guideline to help you decide – do I buy or do I pass? Well, I have just the thing for you – the 5 F's of shopping! This is the quick formula that can save you from making costly mistakes in your wardrobe, and know when to walk away from a so-called 'bargain' that may not really be a bargain at all. It can help you avoid that dress that you know deep in your heart is not right, but every sales associate in the store is adamant that you simply MUST have it. It can be hard to walk away from that kind of pressure without any real tangible advice. Until now. Print this out, if you must. Carry it in your purse. Put it in your phone. Let it become your mantra. These are the questions to ask yourself when standing in the fitting room or gazing into the mirror at home and they will guide you to feel amazing in your clothes! I present to you, the 5 F's: 1/ Fit Does it fit well with minimal alterations? 2/ Flatter Does it flatter your figure and your style? 3/ Function Does it work for your lifestyle? 4/ Feel Does it feel great on? 5/ Fabulous Does it make you feel like a million bucks? Raves & Faves: Two years ago I discovered Jolo Vineyards (https://www.jolovineyards.com/) in Yadkin Valley, NC. Located in North Carolina's very own 'wine country' it's quickly become a favorite destination as much for their warm welcome as for their award-winning wines. One of my favorites is Jolatage ($35, https://shop.jolovineyards.com/product/2019-JOLOTAGE), a gorgeous medium-bodied blend that is rich and luxurious with notes of cherry, violets, blueberry, mocha & crushed herbs. One sip and you'll be hooked! We'd love for you to leave a 5 star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/

Confidence is defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. But confidence can be elusive. Who's the say the moment you 'get' confidence. And it can be difficult to pinpoint just exactly how to get it. Here are 5 of my 10 best tips to amp up your confidence and shine your light. 6/ Focus on Others The secret to living is giving. 7/ Dress to Impress Dress up, show up and never give up! 8/ Give & Receive Compliments When you can see your own beauty and begin to notice it in others, your energy will shift. And when you can fully receive a compliment you do yourself and the giver a huge favor! 9/ Connect with Yourself Spending time alone and becoming your own best friend may seem like a challenge, but it will pay off in spades. 10/ Gratitude When we stop dwelling on what we think we aren't and start being grateful for who and what we are, our confidence will soar! Raves & Faves: We are loving Tablelands Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, $15 from Drink. A fresh hit of grapefruit on the nose with flavors of pineapple, lemon, pear and lychee, this is a well-balanced and easy-drinking Sauv Blanc with underlying minerality. Highly recommended for a warm spring afternoon to sip with friends! https://drink2.square.site/s/order/19?location=11eadd968b11abbca1f7ac1f6bbba828 We'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/

Confidence is defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. But confidence can be elusive. Who's the say the moment you 'get' confidence. And it can be difficult to pinpoint just exactly how to get it. Here are 5 of my 10 best tips to amp up your confidence and shine your light. 1/ Decide The most critical factor to changing anything in your life. 2/ Myth Busting We're going to discover all the reasons you 'can't' be confident. These reasons are just opinions, not facts. They are simply not true. 3/ Who Do You Want to Be? Create the image of the woman you see for yourself so that you can start to become her. 4/ Stop the Comparison Trap Comparison is the thief of joy. See how destructive this dirty little habit can be and how it's keeping you small. 5/ Words of Affirmation Thoughts are things and what you say to yourself on a regular basis makes a difference. Let's shift that to create the positive outcome you desire. Raves & Faves: We're loving Broadside Merlot from Paso Robles, just $17.99 a bottle from wine.com Read more here: https://www.broadsidewine.com/merlot/ Kris' Wine Club – www.kriswineclub.com We'd love for you to leave a 5 star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/

When I was growing up my Dad used to say "dress to impress" and I took that to heart. But what does it really mean to dress to impress? Knowing what to wear can be far more difficult than just walking into a boutique and picking out an outfit. As a Master Style Coach since 2008, I've found that when women understand these 5 elements, they can get dressed quickly and easily. These are the fundamentals I've taught to thousands of women to help them look beautiful, feel confident and show up looking fabulous every single day! Key Points Discussed: 1/ The Power of Color Understand how color affects your mood, how others see you and one of the best colors you should be wearing right now. 2/ Dress for Your Body Type Too many women are making the mistake of dressing for the body they used to have and are missing the mark. They don't realize that when they dress for the body they have right now, that the can visually take off 10 pounds or more! Every body is beautiful and there are no flaws, only 'considerations'. 3/ Your Face Shape This determines everything from your neckline to the shoes you wear! Find out how… 4/ Your Personal Scale Discover my 4 personal scale categories to help you understand what size and how much jewelry to wear. This just may surprise you! 5/ Your Personal Style You have permission to only wear what YOU love! How to find your style and show up as the amazing woman you are! Want to find your style? Take our free Style ID mini quiz here: https://shopstylefinder.com/pages/styleid-quiz Raves & Faves: We're loving Fritz Mueller Rosé, $19 from Drink Raleigh Grab a bottle here: https://drink2.square.site/s/order/19?location=11eadd968b11abbca1f7ac1f6bbba828 We'd love for you to leave a 5 star review on iTunes! Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wine_women_style/ Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/winewomenstyle For more information or to work with Mary Michele go to https://winewomenandstyle.com/