Aligning How You Feel with How You Look

SUMMARY KEYWORDS

dressing, image consultant, work, feel, women, person, people, confidence, goal, style, clothes, connect, fashion, started, wanted, closet, clients, grateful, confident, love

00:00

Annette bond is a certified Image Consultant and she helps successful smart women who are doing amazing things in the world get dressed with ease. She has been my Image Consultant and I'm so grateful for her. And you are definitely going to want to stick around and hear our conversation.

00:20

The following was recorded in front of a live studio audience at the studio 21 podcast cafe. This is the United Podcast Network.

00:29

Welcome to rat race reboot. I'm your host, Laura Noel. And as a certified coach and former 27 year military leader. Each week, I provide bite sized mindset pivots that will help you reset your mind reawaken your spirit and regain your control. Hello, hello, everyone. It's great to be here again today for another episode. And I'm super excited for today's episode, I wanted to read a couple little snippets about Annette before I formally introduce her, but I love how she says in her bio. And this will be in the show notes too. So you can read her extended bio, but she helps people from feeling off to creating a signature look that is uniquely them. And another thing that I wanted to touch on is she teaches women to embrace their authentic self, their authentic, best self, while using clothing as a powerful business and communication tool. I have had the benefit of working with a net and a net. I'm so grateful you're here. Welcome to the show.

01:37

Oh, thank you. It's an honor to be here. Thank you, Laura,

01:41

you are most welcome. Well, our listeners are in for a treat. So I wanted to kind of start off this conversation and hear from you with regard to your journey. How did you become an image consultant? What does that mean? What do you do I want to I want to hear all the goodness all the goodies.

02:02

You know, I as I was thinking about my story, and it is so interesting, as I kind of go back and connect all the dots over the years, if you will, you know, as a young girl, I always had an affinity toward fashion and style. My mom put me in sewing school, taking sewing lessons, and I loved and I remember I loved making my own clothes because I got to customize them to me. And I got to pick my own colors and fabrics and all that good stuff. And and then from there. My education, college education is marketing and communications. And so I saw that my next step as I got into the world is I was then hired by an entrepreneurial family who owned several high end boutiques. And I was hired to be you know, to mentor with the owner and to learn about the whole retail industry I got to do buying and events and working with clients. But I can remember even really clearly is I felt I didn't look the part. I didn't feel on brand with a store. I couldn't articulate that back then. But I just do it felt off if you will. And so thank goodness, they gave me a clothing allowance and I started building my own I like to say my own little personal boutique in my closet. And I started as I started, if you will dressing the part I started feeling more confident I started feeling more empowered. And the women it's so funny when I think back the women who came in the store. Here I met in my mid 20s are the kind of women I work with now. And it was they would I realized early is they weren't coming in necessarily for fashion. But they wanted to feel that confidence. They wanted me to help them to dress for their position. They wanted to feel they wanted to feel stylish and current but more than anything, it was the confidence. And then my life kind of took a turn is we moved I was pregnant. And I joined Mary Kay Cosmetics, which is something you may not know about me, I had no idea what it was, but it really brought in my personal development journey. And you know, I look back at all the years and it truly has become the essence of definitive style of my image consulting so through all that I became a certified image consultant I became certified with fashion function way with more alive with color. And so today My philosophy is that style begins with the woman and not the clothes. And it really comes into who you are as a woman who what is your personality? What are your strengths? And what does that look like in style? What does that look like on the outside?

05:19

Oh, I love that. Wow, what an amazing journey. And it's all of the things, all of your curiosities and passions led to exactly where you are right now serving in the way using your gifts to the greatest capacity and, and you're shining, I just, I love that for you and for your clients. And for me, you haven't been a client. So you know, when we first met, because you were mentioning that women just wanted to feel confident, it's not about the clothes necessarily. It's about how they feel, in the part, and you kind of touched on too, is you were in a role, but you didn't feel the part there was something that was off. And for me, it was I mean, I've had experiences in my career where I picked a piece of clothing because it was it represented something aspirational to me, like the person I wanted to become. And I remember telling you the story that I had a couple of pieces that I purchased in 2015. They were Dior pieces, beautiful. And I never, it was who I saw myself as a business woman in the future. And it wasn't until like 2019, where I had done all this personal development work just like you did through your Mary Kay journey and became her. And then at that point, that's when the pieces felt, right, something clicked. But when we met another piece of this and other listeners might be feeling this as well, is I felt like I had multiple personalities in my closet, I felt like I was all over the place. And you really helped me kind of rein it in and get focus in my closet so that I have more ease in dressing, and so that I'm dressing in alignment with myself and what I want to bring forth and my brand. And there's no fussing, it just feels just so much better.

07:27

Oh, you know, I know you and I have talked about that. And I just I can't hear it enough. Because that is such a passion of mine is for a woman to walk away and to feel like that is that she feels comfortable in her own skin. And you know, I hear women every once a while say, I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. And so you can really honor and there's an awareness and an acceptance of who you are. Dressing does become, there's an ease that happens. Absolutely. Yeah,

08:00

yeah. And I love that you're bringing in these other elements to have the color and the fashion function away. Can you talk a little bit about what that means and how that all ties together?

08:13

You know, so many times we think of I, you know, I'm gonna get dressed, it's just about the outside appearance, or you think about what you know, what is a stylus or what, you know, I just need to dress the outside of myself. And I knew deep down, I knew it was more than that. Because I think I had went through my own journey of I wanted to feel empowered and confident. And when fashion feng shui way came in my path. It was about really incorporating the essence of that woman. And not only the essence of you, but being very intentional about how you show up. And you know, you and I did a little bit of work about are you going to how do you dress for that corporate environment? versus maybe how do you dress for a nonprofit environment or a one on one client? How do you how do you want to make that other person feel when you show up because we like people who are like us. And so there's a way to use your clothing as a tool and I love that is part of the fashion function way and then of course color. It's it's honoring and mirroring your inherent coloring that just allows you to shine. I

09:39

love that. And you know there's one thing too that really connected with me is fashion funk sway isn't being a chameleon and changing. I don't feel comfortable in this outfit, but I'm wearing it to connect with these people. You can be yourself like we have all of those elements within us. And you're bringing out some of those elements that you know, that feel good with you, but also connect with other people. But if you have an element of you that has edginess to it, but you're connecting with people where you're just wanting to kind of instill and cultivate trust, maybe I wouldn't wear something head to toe edgy, maybe I would wear something that feels good to me, that is kind of warmth and inclusive. But then there's like my edgy pointy toe shoes or something like that, that brings in that balance. So it's not that you're changing who you are. It's you're intelligently pairing things together in a way that is you uniquely you. But it's also helping you stand in your your purpose in a greater way, and also connecting with more people.

10:49

Oh, yes, I missed a bit of good teacher because, you know, I love that you brought in the pointy shoe, because it can just be an element. And when I say an element, it could just be the shoes. Yeah, it just could be a great handbag, or it could just be a color. It doesn't have to be head to toe. Absolutely. Yes.

11:12

You know, so when people start to work with an image consultant like you, do they have to totally get rid of the whole wardrobe and start from scratch. How does that work?

11:23

You know, absolutely not. And one of the things that I love kind of that understanding is what you already have in your closet that you already love. Because we innately have things that we know, we look in the mirror and go, Oh my gosh, I love this. But you may not know why you love it. And I think that was a lot of my curiosity is I wanted to understand, how do I understand why I love things. But then how do I teach my clients that too? So? Yes, what do you have, but then identifying, we know you we have some gaps? What are those gaps? What are those different colors that we can add? What are some new combinations that we can put together? And then most importantly, we think about your lifestyle? You know, are you speaking? Are you speaking on camera? Are you speaking in person? Are you doing a lot of one on one client meetings? Are you doing photo shoots? Do you have the clothes to support that?

12:25

Yeah, and you know, it's, it's interesting, because it's just those small, little tweaks. And one other thing that you, you and I talked about is not only why do you like something, but why do you not like something? And understanding that? I mean, you saved me a fortune. And I was Why do I keep buying these things? Because I think they're really hip. And then I get home? And I'm like, I don't know, something's off. So there was another element to that. Why don't I like something? And can I salvage it? What can I do to adjust it to it, so it's to my liking. And so it fits in with how I want to present myself and how I feel.

13:07

And you know what you just said, I think sometimes we get attracted, or maybe it's the sales person, or maybe it's your bestie fashionista girlfriend, and it's something that's very on trend. And they're thinking, oh my gosh, you gotta get this, you got to buy this. And you're going really, really okay. Well, she says, it looks good. I'm getting when you get home. And it's like, no, this is so not me. And so it's learning to trust yourself. Yes, yes,

13:36

that's a huge one. You know, I love this. Because, you know, you had said earlier that it's more than the clothes. And it is and coming from the perspective of a mindset coach and peak performance coach is that, in order to achieve your goals and your dreams, you have to become that person first. And even though you haven't maybe manifested the physical reality of that goal or dream yet, it doesn't mean that you can't be that person. Now, in fact, it's, it's crucial. Because if you don't become that person, first, you're not going to reach the goal. And if you brush up against that goal, you're not going to be dancing in there very long, until you revert back to your old self. So I have always been taught and Bob Proctor one of my mentors who will always say, one of the easiest ways to kind of get into character, so to speak, and get into the feeling of being that person in the way that you're dressing. I mean, I think about over the pandemic and everybody in their yoga clothes and, and pants and I mean I fell into it too, and then I just kind of felt sluggish. And when I started really caring about you know, I know that I'm not going to physically see anyone right now and I'm just doing some administrative work, but I want to feel good and it gave me that boost. Just so what has been your experience with working with clients in terms of that?

15:06

Oh, you know, I love what you just said, Absolutely. I love sharing this one this particular story. In fact, I was just talking with Shelly recently and I. And I said to her, I go challenge. You remember about five years ago, you told me this? And she goes, yes. So what she said, when we first started working together, and I said, What is it you really want? Why is it you want to work with me? And she says, I want to be that 1% woman. And I went, Ooh, okay, tell me more about that. So I'm in Seattle, and she was an entrepreneurial woman who worked in the very male dominated world. And she wanted to walk into a room and it wasn't about see me see me, but it was about see me for my competence, see me for my professionalism. And it was she wanted to know that she was up there, if you will, with those men and I could do what they do. And it was very interesting. And and as we went through our process is she started realizing I can remember a story she told me she walked into she was I think she was part of the board into a law firm. And she said, how she was treated, and how people were waiting for her. And they wanted to talk to her. And they thought she was the owner. She was, you know, a partner. And she was like, blown away on how she was treated. And so I mean, to this day, and I and I asked her, I said, You, I just watched you transform, and these opportunities came your way. And I said, What was? What of all was that? What What kind of what was that turning point? She said, Well, one of the things she said a net, I had done the inner work before. And just as you were saying, she I done the inner work, and I was ready to look as good on the outside as I felt on the inside. And so it was powerful. I mean, it was to watch and she was ready for change. She was ready to learn she was ready, you know, to be guided, because that wasn't her thing. She was like she that was not her thing for style, and and what that might look like. So I just listened to her very carefully and developed a wardrobe that really served her it was it was pretty cool.

17:32

Oh, that is a such a great story. And you know, it's getting me to think, because next week's podcast, I'm going to be talking about the unconscious mind and goal priming, and how you can move toward a goal. without you even realizing you're moving toward that goal unconsciously. Because you're priming it with something like an affirmation or a vision for how you want to be perceived and how you want to look at a goal, you have to give it direction. But the power in dressing like the woman you want to become that unconsciously is guiding your behavior. And it's also unconsciously making you aware of opportunity opportunities that you may not have even noticed before, let alone have the confidence to capitalize on. So it's so powerful. And I really want people to take this conversation to heart. And I will have your contact information in the show notes as well. There are so many different ways that people can work with you can you kind of take me on that journey, a little bit of how you kind of get connected with people initially, how can people start working with you.

18:52

So you know, I'm going to lead women, I'm actually going to show this, this is a guide, a style guide that I have, it's called Get style confident now. And it's really just I'm taking you through kind of three simple steps. And the first is your t shirt word, which we talked about. And then the next is thinking about your brand. And the next step is going into your closet. So I'm taking you through a very simple, streamlined, like how can I start that awareness of really who I am. And so they can go to my website and netbond.com/style confident and excuse me style confidence, and they can download that free style guide and really begin that process. So

19:42

I love that. Thank you so much. I take advantage of this use the style guide. It's part of the process, the longer process that you and I worked through and we'll definitely continue working together. So I'm looking forward to that. But I highly, highly recommend If you've not worked with an image consultant, that you connect with the net and see what she has to offer, it is life changing. And for those of you who've known me for a number of years, I've always liked fashion. But it just kept me more focused and and just really helped elevate my brand and my look and my level of confidence. So I thank you for that as well. And that, is there anything else that you would like to share with our audience before we close today's session?

20:33

You know, one of the other things, you know, we're talking about closes clothes don't make you. But they do reveal you. And I just really believe that in the in the simplest terms that whatever how whatever we decide to choose to wear, it is telling a story about us. And so making sure that you know, that you're aligned with that story that you're trying to tell the world whether that is super casual, you know, so many women think, Oh, it doesn't matter, because it's just the weekend. Well, you know what it does make you feel playful and confident and want to have more fun on the weekend, or whether it's a work related wardrobe that you're building, but have fun with it. Life is short. So yeah, it was awesome as you can.

21:23

Yes. I love that great advice. Well, on that I want to thank you so much for joining us and sharing your knowledge and your gifts with our audience. I'm just very grateful for you. I'm grateful we connected. And I'm grateful for the time that we just spent together.

21:40

Oh, thank you. You're my cup is full. Thank you.

21:44

All right, well, we're gonna close today's episode the way we always do. But I really want you all to start thinking about. If you wave the magic wand and you were feeling and carrying yourself and dressed like the person you want to be in this beautiful image of your life and of your future life, your future self, I want you to start visualizing that bringing it to your mind's eye. And we're going to end today like we always do, and taking inspired action. So wherever you are, just relax and start to notice your breath. Maybe starting to take a deeper inhale

22:27

and then exhaling and letting it all out. Taking another deep inhale and exhale. And then taking one last deep inhale through your nose,

22:46

holding it and then releasing, melting into the chair, wherever you're sitting right now. And I want you to imagine that your vision for your life, your big, worthy goal, that goal that is worthy of your greatness, and your shine has happened. It's all unfolded for you just beautifully. And try to bring to your mind's eye what you're doing. As you've achieved that goal, how are you serving and start to bring into focus, who you're serving with? What are some of the things you're doing and maybe begin to notice how you feel your level of confidence, maybe elevated levels of joy, ease and flow. Maybe even begin to notice what you're wearing and how good the fabric feels on your skin. And how you get this elevated boost of confidence. When you encounter any situation. Any person that might have previously kind of stopped you in your tracks. You just feel boundless energy, joy and confidence, connection with yourself and it feels good.

24:41

Just lock in on that feeling that image and I want you to ask yourself what would I do today? And what can I do? How can I serve today? In a way that will move me closer to that image. And as ideas float to your consciousness, just make note of them, jot them down. They don't have to make sense right now. This is how taking inspired action comes to be. So take those things that you've written down and take action, maybe it's to follow your curiosity, maybe it's to connect with a net, maybe it's to take one action step toward your vision and your goal, whatever that is, take action. Because when you are in the, the feeling of your goal and your wish fulfilled, and you have ideas that float to your consciousness, those are also in harmony with your goal and your vision for your future self. So it's important that you capitalize on them, and do it now. So I hope you enjoyed today's episode. If you did, and you got some value out of this, I want you to go to rat race reboot.com go to whatever place you listen to your podcasts on, leave a five star review, leave some comments, give us some feedback. We do read those and I'm grateful again for you listening. Also, go and subscribe. I always have free downloads on rat race reboot.com So go there and get the latest download and then you'll know when episodes come out. Thank you once again and we'll see you next week. And remember, everything is created twice. First in your imagination, and then in physical form. See you later.

26:53

The views and opinions expressed by the host guests or callers of this program do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the studio 21 podcast cafe, the United Podcast Network, its partners or affiliates.