The amount of trust given to ImageCube to help a woman navigate new goals, sudden changes, and other life events through an improved image is immense. When we finally do step into her closet, we're by her side, not pointing our finger or furrowing our brow. For every garment we touch there's a story, and a reason why at one time or another a certain color, texture, or style spoke to her in a meaningful way. As much as people might think it's about throwing out the old and bringing in the new, it's really about helping her... reconnect, with her true self. For example, while working with one client we discovered a pair of beautiful shoes hidden in the back of her closet that she hadn't seen or worn in years. The reason these shoes had been hidden for so long was symbolic of what she hadn't expressed in years - her love for patterns and colors. Because ImageCube is focused on helping women connect who they are inside, with who the world sees on the outside, we cherish each discovery like the precious gem it is. Each garment, purse, or long-lost favorite sweater helps bring her personality assessment into focus, and in turn allows us to build a plan for her best image.

• Recently ImageCube was featured on the IndySmallBiz radio show, with Deseri Garcia where we spoke about the topic, Discover Your Authentic Voice Through Fashion - to listen to our conversation simply CLICK HERE. What you'll find are more insights into how ImageCube works with women as they transition into and out of various roles in their life. You may even recognize some of the challenges faced by others, and be inspired by our approach. 

Color matters because it triggers an emotional response in our mind, which affects our mood. Combine this with the fact that feelings and emotions determine what we think about people and situations, and you can see why the strategic use of color is so important. Wondering if this is really true? Picture a blue stop sign. A little odd, right? Every color has meaning, which is why you must know what colors say about you in order to dress wisely.
Color psychology - just one more way ImageCube helps clients make great image choices.

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.
Ready to feel more confident every day?
Great! Call ImageCube to schedule your consultation today.

Spring fashion is everywhere!
In stores, online, in print and television ads as well. While the new items, colors, and textures are fun, the suggestion that you need to update your entire wardrobe for Spring can be rather daunting. This is why we've taken just one item - spring shoes, and sought to offer a more logical way to approach your style updates, based on the logic of how your personality influences your own style. VIDEO: Click the pic or click here to watch and discover which shoes styles suit your personality temperament.

The Four Temperaments - What's yours?
(from http://www.keirsey.com)

1. Guardians speak mostly of their duties and responsibilities, of what they can keep an eye on and take good care of, and they're careful to obey the laws, follow the rules, and respect the rights of others.
2. Idealists speak mostly of what they hope for and imagine might be possible for people, and they want to act in good conscience, always trying to reach their goals without compromising their personal code of ethics.
3. Artisans speak mostly about what they see right in front of them, about what they can get their hands on, and they will do whatever works, whatever gives them a quick, effective payoff, even if they have to bend the rules.
4. Rationals speak mostly of what new problems intrigue them and what new solutions they envision, and always pragmatic, they act as efficiently as possible to achieve their objectives, ignoring arbitrary rules and conventions if need be.

When you go out to look at all the spring fashions, think about which temperament you feel most accurately reflects who you are. With a little knowledge about how you work on the inside, you'll have an easier time choosing what you want to express on the outside. Also, remember it's okay to take a style risk from time to time, just remain aware of how a new pattern, edgy shape, or bold color makes you feel. If you feel energized then go for it, but if you feel downright uncomfortable, move toward something that makes you feel more at ease. Fashion is about expressing who you are, not just wearing what's hip or trendy.

Speaking of trends, let's talk about how fashion can be in, and out, at the same time.

On Trend. Off Topic. Diary of a missed opportunity.
The image you see is of the President and the First Lady along with the British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron. The topic of this image was the White House state dinner and it presents a vivid example of how what we wear, is just as important as when we wear it. Samantha Cameron wore a dress by London-based Italian designer Alessandra Rich. Michelle Obama opted for a gown by British-born, American-based designer Georgina Chapman, by donning Marchesa. In the image Mrs. Cameron is wearing a dress that is very trendy and attractive, and yet she is completely out of place in this image. From her hairstyle to her choice of pattern, the dress lacks the presence we expect at an event as formal as the White House state dinner. While Mrs. Obama opted for a solid color and a statement necklace, Mrs. Cameron missed an opportunity to present an image that was aligned with her position as the wife of Britain's Prime Minister.

To put this in perspective, let's look at how the designer, Alessandra Rich, has promoted the dress in marketing. There are many types of clothing that look great in magazines and in real life, but not all clothing is appropriate for all occasions. In this case, a highly formal gathering - a solid color, with a flourish of texture, or even a subtle pattern would have been excellent. Instead, Mrs. Cameron missed an opportunity to shine as a modern leading woman. Next time you make a plan for the evening, be sure to ask yourself if you're on trend, and on topic.
(Credit: AlessandraRich.com & Mary F. Calvert/ZUMAPRESS.com)

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.

What do all these dresses have in common? They are the show, which is why accessories are almost non-existent.
When fashion calls, we answer! From Indy Film Fest’s Oscar Party we covered reactions to the red carpet during the live show. Then ImageCube made a special Monday visit to the IndyStyle set for a post-Oscar recap on dresses that made a statement, for better or worse. Your own red carpet moment can happen at any time. A first date, an exciting gala event, or an awards dinner in your industry, which is why we're taking a look at the dresses that stood out during this years 84th annual Oscar celebration. WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment

Wear fashion, don't let fashion wear you.
Even if we're not attending the Oscars, a movie premier or Hollywood gala, high profile events can offer perspective on how to stand out, without going too far. In a dynamic emerald green dress by Vera Wang Viola Davis was a knockout! She drove home a simple point about a great dress; it should look effortless, command attention without being gaudy and compliment skin tones, eye color and the hair color, cut and style. Looking nothing like her character in "The Help", she sent a message of unquestionable style and taste.


WHITE was popular this year and we've got six unique looks shown above (from left). Cameron Diaz in a Gucci gown with art deco beading was ethereal elegance. Rooney Mara in vintage Givenchy, gave us a 'soft Goth' look - a surprise as many anticipated she would wear black. Gwyneth Paltrow was a show stopper in a Tom Ford dress, complete with a dramatic cape, inspired by men's fashion. Gwyneth's lean lines offered the kind of body type needed to pull off this look, with a simple bracelet for balance. Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad wore a garment that offered an appearance with too many focal points, with lines radiating from the center and sleeves with cut-out details. If she had worn her hair down instead of an up-do, the eye-line would have been raised and the central  focus would be her radiant face. And the Academy Award winning actress from "The Help", Octavia Spencer, was a standout in a sequined platinum Tadashi Shoji gown, one of my favorite designers, it suited her form and flattered her figure.

 WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment

RED was another popular option and a perennial favorite, there were three that stood out for us. Michelle Williams looked fresh in a bright coral strapless Louis Vuitton gown, with just two light-catchers - a slim necklace and a bow at her hip, the look was spot on for her petite frame. Adding layers can add drama, without flashy jewels. From "The Help", Emma Stone in a crimson Giambattista Valli dress was whimsical glamour with elegant lines, festive shapes and a youthful silhouette. For Natalie Portman who often looks stunning, it seems her diamond-encrusted necklace rescued her appearance from an otherwise dull gown. This was a case of a missed opportunity that was literally too plain for Hollywood’s Biggest Night.

BLACK is a reliable choice for any woman, and yet it's not always a sure thing. For Glenn Close her gorgeous dark green (though it looks black) Zac Posen gown and tuxedo-inspired jacket were all too much. With too many layers, we lost Glenn, whose fresh hairstyle and timeless beauty were buried in fabric. In another case of simply too much the talented and funny Tina Fey in a strapless Carolina Herrera gown was missing a clear focus. With a heavy tone and visual ambiguity, there simply wasn't a statement made other than, "I'm here". Our last dress sums up our review beautifully, from "The Help" nominee Jessica Chastain who wore a dramatic Alexander McQueen gown with stunning black and gold embroidered details. With visual interest and rich contrast, she made quite the impression. 



So, what should you take from this quick review?
Fashion is your friend, and in some cases it can be your power play. The trick is to use your power wisely by avoiding going overboard. For example, if Gwyneth Paltrow had worn a ton of makeup, jewelry and flashy hair, plus a cape, we might be wondering when her super hero movie will be coming to theaters. Instead she used simplicity to command attention, and so can you every day. WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment (Oscar photos: Getty Images / Jason Merritt and Michael Buckner)

Who gave us the "Little Black Dress?"
"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." - Chanel
First introduced in 1926, black was previously considered to be a color reserved for funerals and periods of mourning. Truly simple and sexy, Chanel's design was a sleeveless sheath cut just above the knee. She could have never predicted the immediate and lasting love women would have with her simple, chic black dress. (Source)

Are you ready to feel more confident every day? If so call ImageCube to schedule your consultation today.

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.

During the Indianapolis Super Bowl one Touchdown was for the 11th Annual Off the Field Players Wives Fashion Show.
ImageCube worked with Saks as a coordinator during the event and helped keep things moving throughout the brunch. Held at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Fashion Mall on Friday, February 3 it was a fun, breezy way to meet the women who love our many famous football players. In that top left photo Gussie Fuller, on the right, waves while she models with her husband. Her green pants are an excellent way to step out in comfort, without wearing just another pair of jeans. The photo on the lower right is of the event's co-chairs Ashley Manning in a bright yellow Dolce & Gabbana dress, and Tanya Hand in a deep pink dress. Both dresses use a fun color and classic silhouette to raise the bar, without going too far. The upper-middle photo is Savannah Saturday modeling with her mom Karen Saturday, showed just how chic a young girl can be in a versatile print dress. Her mom kept it classy in a blue dress that would work just about anywhere. It was a great way to enjoy fashion, meet wonderful women and inspire those in attendance to realize that even if you're not the one on the field, in the game of life crafting your own style will always score an image touchdown. (Photo credit: IndyStar/Kelly Wilkinson - for online gallery of original photos click here.)

ImageCube Takes the Next Step
With increasing demand to speak to professional groups and organizations, Sola has brought her affiliation with the Midwest Fashion Week (MFW) to a close. As their Executive Director Sola was instrumental in building the brand and its visibility in the state of Indiana and surrounding states. With the goal of helping everyone feel empowered through the clothes they wear, Sola has been helping men and women since 2008 through her dynamic skill set. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide, which is where Sola gained her Certified Image Consultant status. She also studied with the Conselle Institute of Image Management, a leader in the industry. By combining her certifications and training on image with her experience in high-level corporate culture and her skills as a certified practitioner of the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®), Sola helps people realize the connection between how they feel and how they present themselves. More recently Sola has gained positive responses and generated viewer excitement through image and fashion segments on WISH-TV's IndyStyle, (airs the first Friday of each month at 9am). From her work with Dress for Success in Indiana to outreach and mentoring of other professionals, Sola is thrilled to begin helping even more people in 2012. Whether the focus is corporate dress codes or tackling a wardrobe that no longer resonates with ones personal image or lifestyle, Sola knows how to help people harness the power of fashion to communicate their authentic image. The photo above right was taken at the Midwest Fashion Week NFL Alumni Party. Click here to see more photos!

Are you ready to feel more confident every day? If so call ImageCube to schedule your consultation today.

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.

Madonna and the city of Indianapolis, what do they have in common? They share the power of planning and execution when it comes to creating an image experience.
You must have a clear plan in order to execute your vision of your best image. At age 53 Madonna demonstrated how to put on a show that reminded everyone why she's been a successful performer for more than 30-years. Her image and her presentation were consistent with the message "I'm as relevant and as talented as ever, and don't you forget it!"  For the city of Indianapolis the message was "We are an international city with worldwide appeal - a city that knows how to entertain and deliver our classic brand of "Hoosier Hospitality" even when we've got more guests in our home town than ever before." When you consider that Indianapolis is being mentioned by people around the world, it's clear our city made quite an impression. The combination of Madonna's international appeal allowed the city to communicate across traditional boundaries.

This was not an accident, it was a strategic decision to attract international recognition to the city of Indianapolis.
Madonna's image and the experience she created were congruent with the goal of international visibility for the city of Indianapolis. Her consistent performance meant people who experienced the Super Bowl built a positive association with our city, our citizens and our way of hosting this major event. None of this was an accident, and the same must be true for you and your image goals.

Planning how you want people to experience who you are - be it edgy, sophisticated, daring, exciting, demure or classic, allows your best image to truly shine. To inspire people through your own image you must be aware of the experience your image creates for those you encounter. Thinking of Madonna, her decision to arrive on a throne created the impression of seeing a 'Queen' and in this case we were seeing the 'Queen of Pop'. The city promised an 'international experience' four years ago during the bidding process, and it delivered on those promises with class and a quality rarely seen in a Super Bowl city; the results were as well orchestrated as any of the Olympic games!

Are you ready to gain clarity, build confidence, and grow meaningful relationships with those around you? Start your image planning by calling Sola to schedule a consultation today.

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.

If You Love It, Wear It!
I counsel my clients on the importance of being themselves, in order to craft an authentic image over time. I invite them to go beyond generic styles to help the world see and understand more of who they truly are. This is why all the 'someday clothes' you have are so important. Whether you want to kick off the new year, or simply because you're ready, now is the time to make someday... happen.

A Quick Story
One of my clients owns some amazing garments created by the likes of Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler, but she rarely wears them. The reason? Until recently, she couldn't imagine how to use such lavish garments without feeling over the top. Some of them are flashy, while some show a little too much skin. Her desire to remain modest is easy to understand, and yet she also wants to enjoy these amazingly crafted clothes. In one case the balance we found was to pair a dynamic and exciting McQueen garment like the one shown, with a simple turtleneck. The layering solution kept her garment from being too revealing, while offering the visual excitement she truly wanted. What was also important about our decision was how the garment, with all its style and flare, lent itself to her creative lifestyle without undermining her leadership role with the addition of the turtleneck. By connecting the things she loved, and hadn't worn, with the things she had worn, we created a compelling and unique style statement, and you can too.

No More Excuses
End the excuses for why the clothes you love haven't been worn; unless it's a wedding dress or a Halloween costume, there is a way to integrate who you are with what you wear in a natural manner. From layering and patterns to exciting shifts in your overall image, if you love it, when you wear it you will create a memorable shift in how people perceive you. As you prepare outfits in the mirror notice how you feel about the clothes that you've been saving. Take time to integrate them one piece at a time; from a bright skirt, to a bold shirt, bringing visual impact is a great way to express more personality.

_If you're unsure where to start, just call ImageCube and we'll figure it out together.

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.

The men you see in the photos on the left and lower right are both former NFL players and they're both active members of the Indy Chapter of NFL Alumni. These guys are proof that once they left the field, their philanthropic efforts didn't stop. A few days before the Super Bowl, on Feb 2, the NFL Alumni will host a Clay Shoot and a VIP party with Midwest Fashion Week to raise money for different organizations. This party is an example of the many occasions where we'll need to step up our look with accessories. The couple on the left are Rick & Danielle DeMulling. Rick played for the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, & Washington Redskins. Rick & Danielle's look is forties inspired, which is a trend toward simple glamor. Rick's look is classic gentleman, and to make a statement the team at ImageCube added the colorful-hand painted silk tie, which is wider than normal, as it would've been in the forties. To enhance the tie we matched the pocket square to the most common color in the tie. The tie is being held in place with the tie clip, which is complemented by matching cuff-links. We also added cap toe wingtip shoes. Danielle's look is modern glamor. She's wearing a classic shift dress with a jewel neckline. To make a statement when she arrives, Joe and the team from Avant Gard Salon gave her short hair layers and lift; even though it's a shorter hairstyle, it's still says special occasion. Our goal at ImageCube was to modernize this forties inspired look. Rick's look features sunflower yellow, and my personal favorite for Danielle, the soft but yet dramatic fur stole from In Vogue Consignment. With both of their looks its the hair, her makeup, and all the accessories that give a modern twist to a forties look that will really makes an entrance at any party.
CLICK TO SEE THE VIDEO.

_ Our second couple is Jermaine Chaney and Natalie Pei. Jermaine played in the Canadian Football League and with the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Jermaine and Natalie's look is sporty elegance which is spot on given the sporting occasion of the Super Bowl. To make a statement the team at ImageCube added his bow tie and a fedora. It's the colors in the fedora, bow tie and pocket square that allows us to mix the patterns; to top it off we have sporty saddlebuck shoes. Jermain's look also features tango-tangerine, which is our color for the year. For Natalie's look her jumpsuit makes a sporty impression. Notice her hair, our stylist Joe and Shaun from Avant Gard Salon worked with loose curls and dramatic makeup with smokey eyes provide a glamorous look that remains approachable. ImageCube took this outfit to VIP status by adding an eye-catching necklace with a dark, sporty sheen. With both of their looks, simple accessories come together and takes them to the next level of sporty elegance that's becoming of a VIP party during Super Bowl weekend. CLICK TO SEE THE VIDEO