Author: Scarlett De Bease

The Today Show Featured My Services

Written by Scarlett De Bease on January 14, 2015. Posted in Caring for Clothes, Organizing Tips.

Exciting isn’t it?

Okay, to be truthful it was not I showing what I do when I work with a client in her home, it was Today contributor, Jill Martin. The messy and disorganized closet belonged to the charming reporter Hoda Kotb, who is also the co-host of the 4th hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford.

Hoda already had a reputation on the Today Show of being somewhat of a pack-rat, so it was not much of a surprise to me when I saw her closet on their closet chaos feature.

So how lucky am I that a major news network had two segments in the same day perfectly explaining and depicting 50% of what my clients receive when working with me?

The other 50% and far more important benefit my clients receive, are all the new outfits I create using the clothes they should keep and the list of what they need purchase to create a complete and flattering wardrobe.

Be patient and wait for the brief NBC ad to end before you can see each of the short clips. It’s worth it.

Today Show segment with Jill Martin tackling Hoda Kotb’s messy closet but shame on her for using wire hangers.

Organizing tools segment has some great tips, although I feel mine are much better and more extensive. For example I have a tip that would make it a lot easier to keep those sweatshirts Hoda refers to, from toppling over on her closet’s shelf.

“To be truthful, I wasn’t sure I needed Scarlett’s services, but I knew that I wanted to recommend her to my clients and before I did that I had to try it myself first. I was wrong. I didn’t realize the value of having someone take the time to go through my wardrobe, point out the good, bad and yes some ugly. The really fun part was creating brand new outfits from the clothes I already owned. Scarlett was patient, funny and while I was flinging clothes around the bedroom she color coded my closet so everything was SO easy to find. We also matched each outfit to jewelry that I had that had been sitting idol. Just by changing the jewelry it gave each outfit a brand new feel. Most importantly Scarlett was helping me fit my clothes to my personality and step away from what I thought I should be wearing. Sometimes you don’t know the value of something until you have tried it and this definitely fits that category for me!” —Deborah Shimer Desire On Fire

Copyright © Scarlett Image™., All Rights Reserved. THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Everyone Else Was Doing It

Written by Scarlett De Bease on January 7, 2015. Posted in Image and Style, What To Wear.

I am embarrassed to admit it, but I was weak and succumbed to peer pressure many years ago. Everybody else seemed to be doing it, so it must have been the right thing to do, so I did. Yes, I bought shape wear. Please don’t judge me harshly for once trying to wear the very thing I now advise my clients to avoid.

It all starts innocently enough, and typically with the following thought:

“This dress will be prefect if I wear ______________(insert brand name), shapewear”.
If I had a dollar for each time I heard a woman say this, I would have enough money to buy a beach house on an exotic island.
Have you ever thought that putting on a compression garment will solve the issue of your body parts not being as flat and stable as you would like? Somehow many of our body parts have slowly evolved into bowls of jelly, along with all the jiggles and wiggles that can make us dizzy and distressed.

I don’t know about you, but I hate shapewear.

As far as I am concerned it might as well be called torture-wear. It all started when I bought the high-waisted shapewear panties that went from my belly button down to my mid thighs, because all the other girls were doing it. I thought my body would be rivaling that of an underwear model, once I eased my bandaged and bondaged body into the dress I was hoping to pull off without a hint of excess fat.

I looked like a lava lamp

And then, there I was with a stomach as flat as a board, upper thighs smooth as sheets of ice and my extra blubber billowing out over the waistband and below the bottom band on my thighs. I looked like a living lava lamp, oozing and swirling up and down along the middle of my body. Somehow I had a gained a wedgie in my muffin top. How is that even possible?

And don’t get me started about the struggle to get in and out of that thing.

Clearly this was not the solution to my need to fit into that beautiful dress, so I had to make a decision and stick with it, as opposed to viewing my excess flesh staying stuck on the spandex of that darn two-foot long panty.
Instead, I bought a dress that fit me, as an alternative to my trying to fit into it. By simply choosing a style that works with one’s body shape, instead of fighting it, you and I can look and feel better, breathe easier and literally have room for dessert!

“Scarlett has been with me through thick and thin…literally! After slowly gaining a substantial amount of weight I felt old and dumpy, that is when my sister suggested a consultation with Scarlett. With Scarlett’s help I learned to dress in a way that made me feel confident – even at my largest size. And when I began to lose weight Scarlett was there too, not only advising me on what would flatter my changing shape – but her advice on how to tailor clothes was invaluable. With Scarlett’s help I was able to get more mileage out of beautiful pieces that were now too large. Thank you, Scarlett, for helping me feel my best, no matter what my size!”—R.H. Westchester, NY

10 Fashion Resolutions For Women

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 29, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

10 Fashion Resolutions For Women

1. I will no longer wear clothes that are too tight, which means trying a size up now and then to get the right fit.

2. I will get an annual Bra fitting and get a few new bras to replace the ones that have stretched out.

3. I will get a few new tops that skim my middle and disguise the tummy.

4. I will only wear leggings with tops that cover my derriere because Leggings are not pants.

5. I will stop buying the same tops and pants in multiple colors, over and over again.

6. I will not wear shorts and tights together or encourage others to do so.

Fashion Resolutions For Women — shorts worn with tights

7. I will never wear shearling slippers as shoes no matter how rushed I may be.

8. I will never wear Pajama pants outside of my home unless I am at a slumber party.

9. I will never wear socks with sandals. If my feet are cold, I’ll wear boots.

10. I will stop only wearing shoes that look comfortable and find shoes that look stylish while providing comfort because they really do exist.

End your closet shame here with these free tips to help you break up with the clothes that are doing you wrong.

“As the owner of a marketing agency, personal shopper Scarlett understood the “look” I wanted to achieve. She presented me with mix-and-match options that were age-appropriate and budget-friendly. Now, I feel much more confident when I am making new business presentations, facilitating client meetings and attending networking events. I actually look forward to getting dressed each day. I can’t wait to shop with Scarlett again!”—Heather B. Habelka,
Principal, Red Poppy Marketing

Instantly Look Better In Photos and Life

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 26, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style.

Instantly Look Better In Photos and Life with just one single action:

SMILE

Not only will you transform how you look…you’ll also feel much better.

Since the opposite of smiling is frowning, did you know that Botox is being used to treat depression? Read this article from The Washington Post and you’ll see how. In my opinion, this is the best use of Botox.

I can show you exactly what clothes to wear and which to run from, but that will take longer than you simply smiling.

Naturally, once you are wearing clothes that will fit you better to hide any flaws and accentuate your assets, you will be smiling… constantly. Until then, smile like you are on Candid Camera.

Gift Certificates available for the perfect one size fits all gift 365 days per year.

FYI, just so happens that I too am a small business and often provide Gift Certificates for a variety of my wardrobe styling services for some very much loved women. Husbands, and wives, love requests to receive my services as gifts, because they are so tired of hearing their wives complain about having nothing to wear. Sound familiar?

“I absolutely LOVED my virtual consultation with Scarlett! My previous photoshoot was a disaster and I didn’t like my pictures. This time I was determined to give it my best. I hired Scarlett to help me choose the right clothes and accessories. I was tired of having closet full of stuff that looked great in the store, but not so much on me. Scarlett came to the call prepared. She reviewed the pictures I sent her and had incredibly helpful tips for me on how to dress, what colors and styles suit me well. She even created a WishList on an online store to show me what types of clothing might look good at me. Scarlett transformed my life. She not only helped me feel like a superstar during my photoshoot, but gave me confidence to walk away from clothes that don’t compliment me and focus on styles and colors that will make me look and feel great. Thank you Scarlett for turning my photoshoot into a success and teaching me how to be a confident shopper! I highly recommend Scarlett as a personal stylist for any professional woman who is looking to dress for success and look stunning at all times.” Silvia Pencak

Shopper Confessions

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 17, 2014. Posted in Shopping Tips.

When a stranger in a dressing room asks how she looks in a garment, do you answer honestly?

Take a look at the results of a Reader Poll from Shop Smart magazine,

61% Yes, always, but I try to be diplomatic.

21% That depends, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feeling.

9% Yes, I say it like I see it.

3% Not really; I don’t want to be bothered.

What would you say?

Whose opinion matters? Yours or a stranger? What about mine?

You may be surprised at my answer, but you’ll like it.

“Thank you for your help. My nervousness was totally unnecessary, and you really made it fun! I am enjoying my less cluttered closet and I’ve raved to several friends about you and your service!” Arlene Hajinlian

Copyright © 2019 Scarlett Image™., All Rights Reserved. THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed

What To Wear To A Holiday Party. Plus 8 Tips to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfit.

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 10, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Seasonal Tips, Shopping Tips, What To Wear. 2 Comments on What To Wear To A Holiday Party. Plus 8 Tips to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfit.

It’s that time of year again. The invitation has arrived to a holiday party or dinner, and the suggested dress code is ‘Festive Attire’, or dressy casual, cocktail, or smart casual. Which makes me ask: who dresses in ignorant casual?

Now you are faced with two very important questions. What do I wear and for heaven’s sake, what do these suggested what to wear dress codes mean?

So many invitations are suggesting this new dress term, and so many more people are confused by what it means.

Festive attire is NOT, what the person in the above photo is wearing. These sweaters are reserved only for a growing poplar party theme: Ugly Christmas Sweater holiday parties.

Batteries Not Included

Typically festive attire is a way of asking the guests to dress up, as in no jeans, but not go as far as a gown. It is a way of guiding you to make an effort to dress up, jazz up what you wore to work or to have a little fun with your basic black dress or pants. If any piece of clothing or accessory requires batteries, then they are not appropriate for festive attire invites to parties.

So if you’re looking to get some ideas on how to turn your basic black dress or pants outfit into a wow outfit that is fit for any festive attire event, then try a few of the following tips.

what to wear to a holiday party — A basic dress in a color that flatters you, is just the start of a perfect outfit.

8 Ways to add instant pops of festive attire, without spending lots of money:

1. Wear a necklace that has more than one strand to it. Try a multi layer strands of pearls, or combine two or three necklaces together to make a statement.

2. Combine bracelets that are slightly similar so as to create a more dramatic look than when just wearing one single bracelet.

3. Or add a cuff (wide) bracelet that has some color and/or shimmer on it.

4. Instead of a necklace, add an interesting lightweight scarf in a color that compliments your eyes.

5. Wear dramatic earrings if you are not wearing a necklace or if you chose a scarf.

6. Don’t wear your everyday handbag when you are dressing up. Wear a smaller and dressier handbag. Try one with color or even basic black as long as you do not look like you didn’t bother to switch out your bag from work or shopping.

7. Switch your shoes as well. This is the time to dust off those special occasion shoes that might be less than comfortable, than your regular pair but definitely worth it.

8. Apply gloss over your regular lipstick. It quickly dresses up your face and makes the eyes sparkle.

Don’t fall into the trap of wearing all black, unless you have added some sparkle or shimmer. Chocolate brown, navy, ruby red, emerald and sapphire are great alternatives. If you do choose to wear black, then add color with your necklaces or a scarf so you create some contrast and interest.

Remember to have some fun with your choices, and enjoy the festivities.

Looking for more what to wear tips?

Be sure to click here

to help you Stop Stressing About Dressing.

“I’m the first one to tell people, when they compliment me on how I look, that I have a secret weapon: Wardrobe Stylist Scarlett Debease. I’ve worked with Scarlett for years now and recommend her heartily to family, friends and colleagues. She not only shops with me for beautiful pieces to add to my wardrobe, but she also comes to my home and coordinates the new purchases with the rest of my wardrobe, then photographs the outfits to create my own personal look-book. I NEVER have to think, “What will I wear today?” I simply consult my look-book and get dressed. I know I’ve saved time and money using Scarlett’s invaluable service.” Jane Pollak

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

The Perfect Gift For Women

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 8, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style, Makeovers, News and Events, Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

Are you a bit tired of receiving another sweater, scarf or piece of jewelry that you will never wear or even like?

Struggling about what to give to someone that seems to have everything?

Want to give a creative gift, but can’t figure out what it should be?

In my humble opinion I believe I have found the perfect gift for women, for yourself or to give someone you love.

WARNING: This gift is only for those who want to solve the following problems.

Can’t figure out what to wear now that you weigh more than you used to.
Can’t figure out what to wear now that you are older than you used to be.
Can’t figure out what to wear now that your body parts are in different places than they used to be.
Can’t figure out what to wear now that you work out of your home and occasionally have to go out in the real world.
Can’t find anything to wear even though your closet is full.
Can’t take anymore agonizing over what to wear and buy.

A personal styling service with me is the perfect gift for women.

Tell your gift givers to contact me to request a Gift Certificate, and get ready to say

I LOVE IT, when you unwrap the best gift ever.

Now is the time to stop saying someday; because,“Someday is code for never”. You and those you care for, deserve to look and feel confident, beautiful, younger, thinner, and taller NOW, not someday.

“I’m so looking forward to my reunion, and I’m so happy to have so many outfit options. This was the best money that I have spent on myself in a long time.” — R.H. Tarrytown, NY

My Speaking Nightmare

Written by Scarlett De Bease on December 3, 2014. Posted in Image and Business. 6 Comments on My Speaking Nightmare

My Speaking Nightmare – A True Story

Ever hear how you should never leave the house without making an effort to look good, because you never know who may bump into?

How about, because you never know when you may have the wrong date for a speaking engagement?

Oh, please read on, as this story gets very entertaining.

Perhaps the first hint that this presentation was not going to run smoothly was the description of my presentation, as shown below:

Your Profile Photo Is Talking

And other secrets of effective online marketing

Scarlett Johannsen, Image Consultant and Online Marketing Expert

Scarlett Johannsen? Are you kidding me? The attendees are being told that a famous Hollywood actress will be giving them personal and business image advice!

Once I corrected the “I am not that Scarlett issue,” I went back to working on my presentation, and made an appointment to get my hair styled, cut and colored the day before the scheduled presentation. What else could possibly go wrong?

With 24 hours to go till “ShowTime”, I left the hair salon and began driving to meet my fast talking friend, Fran Capo, for lunch in Mahopac, NY.

The organizer for my next day talk had left me a voicemail stating that if I need directions to tomorrow’s venue in Danbury Ct, just give her a ring. Of course I don’t need directions, as I have GPS. Again, what can go wrong?

As I pulled into my parking spot to meet Fran, the organizer called again, and this time I answered. She wanted to know if I was lost. It was now 12 noon.

I was beginning to shake, stutter and sweat. She wanted to know when I would get there, as my time to present was only 30 minutes away.

I asked while my mind was racing, “you mean today?” “Yes, didn’t you see the date in the announcement”? She was referring to the invite stating that Scarlett Johannsen would be speaking. All I could do was say I will drive over now, and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, over and over again.

I ran in and out of the restaurant to tell Fran I could not stay, and contemplated driving home to pick up my computer with my slide presentation, change my pants as I was wearing jeans, and put on more makeup. There was not enough time, so while driving much faster than I should, berating myself for having made such a huge mistake, I headed to Ct. and decided to wing it. I would ask them to go to my web site to see the before and after photos of a few of my clients and I would improvise my talk. I made a 45-minute ride into a 30-minute one, and I am not proud of it. Remember I had just had my hair colored? Well, you know that bit of color that remains along the hairline, after color is applied?

So I arrived, dressed nicely although in jeans, which is not proper speaking attire, little makeup, a band of brown on my face, no visual presentation and not a single piece of paper with notes to guide myself.

After apologizing profusely to the group for my Hollywood style tardiness and for not being Scarlett Johannsen, I asked all to use their smart phones or tablets to see my photos, and I proceeded to present and answer questions from my audience.

When my presentation was over, which I must say went very well, I was slightly calmer but still extremely upset with myself. I am a professional. Looking and acting anything other than one is simply unacceptable to me. But without fear, I made my way around the room saying goodbye to the organizers, again apologizing for my tardiness. One responded to yet another one of my apologies by saying, “In your defense, the original date was tomorrow.”

I stood there nodding and confused. My heart was still not beating properly, and I was simply out of sorts. Frankly, I was a mess inside while doing my best to be polished on the outside. How could I have not changed the date on my calendar? That is totally unlike me.

I drove straight home, and all I wanted to do was throw on a bathrobe and hide under the covers of my bed. Instead as soon as I got home I opened up my computer, and I searched throughout to find the email informing me of the date change. Can you guess what I found? There was no such email to be found. I was NEVER informed of the date change. As a matter of fact, the only time the new date was sent to me was on the invite stating Scarlett Johannsen would be speaking.

Note to self:

Confirm details with a phone call in addition to email.
Know your material well enough so you can present anytime and anywhere.
Don’t leave your home without being dressed in such a way that if you were to bump into that loser who once broke your heart, he or she would quickly regret their stupid mistake.

If you want to command the room when speaking and spend your time making money instead of figuring out what to wear, contact me to find out how.

“Scarlett has a true talent for pulling disparate items of clothing, shoes and accessories from your closet and turning them into amazing new outfits! She is so professional, warm and respectful. If you have fallen into the trap of wearing the same four outfits over and over again then it’s time to hire Scarlett. I feel as if I have a new business wardrobe, something I really needed!” Julie Jansen – Professional Speaker, Coach and Author
—Julie Jansen www.juliejansen.net

Successful People Wear The Same Thing Every Day: True Or False?

Written by Scarlett De Bease on November 19, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style.

Do Successful People Wear The Same Thing Every Day?

The video above is Mark Zuckerberg explaining why he wears a grey t-shirt every day, and was part of The Science Of Simplicity: Why Successful People Wear The Same Thing Every Day, an article on EliteDaily.com. The premise is that deciding what to wear is a waste of time and is counterproductive.
I agree that way too much time can be wasted on deciding what to wear, but I do not think the solution is to wear the same look day after day. Although I get the thought process of Successful People Wear The Same Thing Every Day, I don’t believe this can work for women. As a wardrobe stylist who specializes in working with women coaches, speakers, and authors to make their image and wardrobe project success and confidence, wearing the same look day after day will not grow their business and following.

Actually, it would be counterproductive to wear the ‘uniform’ that men can get away with.

Congratulations on wearing gym clothes all day…I think.

If one were to follow the philosophy of the above article, then how come all the women who wear leggings and a tank top whether they go to the gym or not, are not CEOS of major corporations and multi-millionaires?
The designer Michael Kors, wears a black T-shirt every day, but his success is based on his clients and patrons not following in his fashion footsteps. Ironic, isn’t it?

Do you think Michael Kors looks glamorous?

“I loved working with Scarlett in my closet! It was fun and enlightening. Scarlett spotted some things that I have never worn and showed me how great they look when matched with the right accessories. She made choices that would never occur to me, and they were great! She showed which colors and cuts look best on me and suggested a few items needed to fill the gaps in my wardrobe. She employs a “less is more” strategy, so you will end up paring down rather than expanding what you own. If you’re looking for a way to get a new wardrobe by reassessing what you already own with a fresh, stylish eye, invite Scarlett into your closet.You will be very pleased.” —Jennifer N. Boyd Boyd & Associates LLC

Copyright © Scarlett Image™., All Rights Reserved. THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyrighted to their respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it to appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.