Tuesday 15 December 2015

Dating etiquette article in FEMINA

All through my 8 years as an Image Consultant, I have been approached by eligible young men and women who were apprehensive and confused about their first meeting with a prospective other. There was a pretty young lady who wore a long tee and tights  (which looked more like a night dress or gym clothing) on every date. And her family kept wondering why there was no positive response from the guys. So I advised her to dress in smart casual clothing, corrected her posture, and taught her the nuances of small talk. She is happily married now and her elegance and poise is much appreciated by her family.
Then there was this young man from a very affluent family who would always order for the food without consulting the lady because he was so used to making decisions. Well, I made him realize his faux pas, taught him the art of being subtle and considerate yet assertive and he is enjoying a great family life now.

Here are some tips when going on a date;

  • Be on time
  • Choose a venue according to your budget and proximity to both
  • Dress in smart casuals or semi formals
  • Be considerate and emphatic
  • Smile often
  • Talk about interesting topics
  • Don't tag a friend along
  • Eat less


If you have someone who needs some polishing do contact us.
www.imagemakeover.in

Friday 11 September 2015

Chinos for the Indian man

Chinos are trousers made from chino cloth which is a twill fabric made from 100% cotton. 
Nowadays , chinos are also made from cotton synthetic blends , wrinkle free fabric. That makes them so wearable at the workplace.
Chinos were first made in the mid 19th century for the British and French military uniforms . The original khaki (light brown) is the traditional and most popular colour, but chinos are now available in many shades.
Straight leg , flat front chinos , are suitable for the workplace. Wear pleated chinos if you are too thin.

Avoid tapered chinos if you have a broad hips and a paunch. Wear comfort fit chinos which sit on your waist to conceal a paunch.

  
Black , grey , brown, khaki, navy are the preferred colours for office wear. To appear taller wear a light coloured shirt with a trouser in a darker shade of the same colour family.
Wear a smart blazer paired with chinos and you are ready for a coporate meeting.
Cropped chinos are trending now but avoid if you are short. Cropped chinos look great with well fitted tees , polo necks, sweatshirts, linen shirts.
      
Chinos are lightweight and ideal while travelling. It's easier to wash and dry a pair of chinos as opposed to a pair of jeans. 
Chinos are very versatile and can be worn by businessmen, working professionals, students and men of all ages.
Chinos are available at all leading brands stores at an affordable price. Coming up next is my blog on which shoes to wear with chinos.
Write to me on rashida@imagemakeover.in

Monday 24 August 2015

Styling the fringe for the Indian woman

The fringe style in clothing is definitely my favourite this year. It is stylish yet quirky, bohemian but elegant and it suits women of all ages. It is not office wear but can be worn as smart casual.

A fringe crop top can be paired with a high waist A-line or straight skirt, a pair of  high waisted jeans or chinos, shorts or even palazzos. Wear this if you have a slim midriff and avoid if you have a pear shaped body.

A fringe tank top is ideal for women who have a big waistline and hips. Longer tops that end below the hipline and asymmetrical tops help to conceal  heavy hips and thighs.This style looks great on Indian women.
Wear this on a casual Friday at work or a lunch date or a shopping spree with friends
Wear a blingy fringe poncho for an evening out ,a dinner or a party. Keep accessories to a minimum .



 Pair it with a pair of smart shorts for a brunch or a day out with friends.

 A calf length fringe skirt can be paired with a button down shirt for a smart look. Short petite women should opt for ankle length skirts or knee length skirts .
 Mix and match printed palazzos with a solid colour fringe top, a pair of wedges for a cool, trendy look.



 A printed fringe kimono adds oomph to a simple jeans and T-shirt combo. Wear it if you are slim or if you have a pear shaped body.Avoid pairing a printed kimono with a printed top.
A lacy kimono in a solid colour with printed palzzos adds a feminine touch.
Shoes with a fringe are available in stilettos, gladiators, wedges,block heels, slip ons and more. Stilettos and block heels can be paired with dresses, skirts and jeans for a formal look.Wear gladiatorflats, wedges, slip ons for a more casual look.
Image result for fringe shoes 2015
A simple outfit can look great if paired with a fringe bag.Avoid pairing a fringe bag with a fringe top. Less is more here.
Fringe clothing and accessories are available online on sites like koovs.com, FabAlley, Yepme, Ebay, Limeroad, Polyvore,shopstyle, etc.
Also available in stores across Mumbai. For more information write to us 
imagemakeoversbyorchid@gmail.com.

Saturday 20 June 2015

Which handbags can I carry to office? Bags for the workplace.

A handbag is a woman's favourite accessory . It can add an extra oomph to a simple outfit. For a woman it is a pandora's box filled with all her daily essentials, things she cannot do without. A must have multi-purpose accessory. So what are the kind of handbags that would look formal and smart at a the workplace?

Structured leather handbags with minimalistic design are most appropriate in a formal business setting. Black, brown, tan, beige, grey, camel, maroon, reddish-brown, navy blue are some of the preferred colours for office.

A satchel is a structured bag with a flat bottom and single strap.It has a flap which folds over and fastens in the front with one or two buckles. It was traditionally used to carry books but is now used as a fashion accessory.


 A Tote bag is a large and often unfastened bag with parallel handles that emerge from the sides of the pouch.Initially designed as a cloth shopping bag , it is now available in leather and other materials in fabulous designs.



A Hobo bag is a large and crescent shaped bag with a scooped centre.It is made of soft, flexible
material and has a  long strap designed to wear over the shoulder. 





The Kelly bag is a leather handbag designed by the Paris based company, Hermes.It was popularised
by and named after the princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.It is now an expensive status symbol. A trapezium shaped bag, it is closed with two straps. It has a hard bottom, sometimes with four studs to enable it to stand on the ground.





A bucket bag  has a tall body , a round or an oval bottom and a drawsting closure, resulting in a shape similar to a bucket. It usually has an open top but may have a magnetic closure for added security.




These type of  handbags are available in most retail shops and online as well , branded as well as affordable copies.
Next on the blog, how to match and coordinate your bags with your clothes and shoes. Till then, happy handbag hunting.
Go to : Orchid Complete Makeovers

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Dating Etiquette


For most of us, going on a first date can be a nerve- wrecking experience. We are not sure about what to wear, what to say, how to behave. These insecurities can turn even the most serene and composed person into a nervous, sweaty palmed wreck. Our module on dating is specifically designed to teach you the finer nuances of dating.A first date doesn't need to be such an ordeal, it can be light hearted and fun.

TOPICS

1] Dressing appropriately for a first date. 
2] Etiquette and behaviour.
3] Ideal meeting place.
4] Be more confident and create a positive first impression.
5] Be a great conversationalist.

GETTING MARRIAGE READY.

When you marry, you don't just marry an individual,you marry a whole family For prospective brides and grooms ,we have a training module called "getting marriage ready" which covers the following topics:-

1] Interacting with family.
2] Adjusting to a new environment.
3] Conversational skills.
4] Social etiquette.
5] Etiquette at dinners and formal occasions.
6] Wardrobe Planning

Monday 6 April 2015

Workshops and Seminars




 The employees are the brand ambassadors of a company .When you walk into a company, the first thing you notice is the way the employees are dressed. If all the men are wearing jackets and ties and all the women are wearing power suits, you may suspect this place is running a serious operation dealing with high collars and important clients.. A well dressed corporate executive with a good personality has the capability of convincing the clients in his favour in meetings and official get togethers. The smart corporate apparel helps him to attract the client towards him ,thereby ending up with favorable results. The behavior ,demeanor, and communication skills of an executive are essential to create a positive impression on the client .
 We conduct workshops and seminars to enable corporate houses and multi-national companies to increase their sales and performance through their employees. Each training programme is devised and customized according to the specifications and requirement of the client.

Topics

  • Professional grooming
  • Power dressing
  • Business dress code
  • The importance of first impressions
  • Make up for office ( women )
  • Business etiquette
  • Communication etiquette
  • Soft skills training
  • Interpersonal skills 
  • Leadership skills
  • Team building
  • Selling skills
  • Healthy body for healthy mind
  • Individual coaching and Image building

Interview Training


  • What will your interview be like?
  • What should you take with you?
  • How should you answer interview questions?
  • What should you wear?
   
Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Interviewing is a learned skill and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. 

TOPICS FOR INTERVIEW TRAINING.

1] Types of interviews.
2] What to prepare before an interview.
3] What to do during an interview.
4] Following up after an interview.
5] Body language and communication.

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Interpersonal / Communication Skills


Interpersonal skills are the skills that the person uses to interact with other people. Communication skills are the skills we use to communicate with other people. Communication can be verbal or non-verbal.

At Orchid, we help you to develop and enhance your:

  • Soft skills(social graces, language, personal habits, friendliness and optimism)
  • Verbal communication(Vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, volume, diction etc.)
  • Non-Verbal communication (postures, gestures, facial expressions, eye-contact, and body language)
  • The art of conversation
  • Business communication (networking, teamwork, leadership, self confidence, problem solving, motivating others, decision making, delegation)

Personal Development


There is always one man in the crowd who stands out – somehow he has just got the look right! Our research shows that others judge us within 30 seconds of meeting. Your visual impact communication skills and life skills are essential to make your networking really effective. 93% of our first impressions are based on how we present ourselves, so we need to make an instant and positive impact to win. Life skills are like the pillars on which our whole career is setup and hence the success and failure of aur ventures in life depends on the choice of those skills. If we start building our life on the basis of some incorrect skills then fall is unavoidable. You may get success but it can never be long lasting. For long lasting development in life, in terms of happiness and success, we need to develop ourselves first.
We can give you an objective and professional assessment of the impression you're making so that when you're in the right place at the right time with all your skills and experience, your self-assurance with your image will ensure your success.
Let us bring out your personality through your overall personal development.
Learn to be more :
  • Confident
  • Assertive
  • Optimistic
  • Goal oriented
  • Sensitive

Skin Care & Make up


Do you end up putting on too much makeup? Do you have makeup you never end up using? Do you know what colours suit your skin? Is your skin oily, normal, combination or dry? Are you using the correct skin care products?
Most department store makeup artists will sell you the newest products, even if they aren’t right for you. Applying the correct makeup properly can take years off your appearance. Working with your existing makeup and simplifying the process with just few tricks is usually all it takes.Taking care of your skin on a regular basis will prevent premature aging and damage from external sources.

Our SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP service helps you with the following:

  • Identifying your skin type
  • Recommending the correct skin care products ( within your budget and from your kitchen)
  • Shopping with you to choose the right skin care and make up products
  • Makeup in five minutes or less
  • Choosing the right colours for your skin tone 
  • The proper eyebrow shape and corrective measures
  • Enhancing your best facial features
  • Minimizing tricks for facial flaws
  • Day / Office make up
  • Evening / Party make up
  • Perfumes and fragrances

Hair Makeover


Tried all different hair cuts to alter your look with no success? Does your hair color look dull and unnatural? Are you confused what products you should buy,what products you should use?Do you know if your scalp is oily or dry?
Most hairdressers look at you as a head of hair, not the whole person. They don’t cut your hair in proportion to your body or take into consideration your personality, career and lifestyle. We leave nothing to chance by showing several options and giving detailed instructions to your hairdresser. We help you to identify your hair type ,the right products to use and how to take care of your hair.

Personal Hair Makeover services help you with the following:

  • Analyzing hairstyles and color to create a new image
  • Finding and working with hair products
  • Selecting an appropriate hairstyle and color
  • Choosing the right hairdresser
  • Setting up hair maintenance programme
  • Creating different looks with the same haircut

Etiquette Training


Are you unsure of which fork or knife you should use at  a formal dinner ?Are you using appropriate language in  business e-mails? Does your staff  practice phone etiquette?  Are you impressed with the elegance and poise that some people possess?

Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential. No matter who you are or what you do,your manners will have a direct impact on your professional and social life.

ETIQUETTE TRAINING service helps you with the following:


Business Etiquette


    • Phone etiquette
    • Email etiquette
    • Personal notes
    • Business meetings
    • Business functions

Dining Etiquette

    • Place setting
    • Table manners
    • Dining in restaurants
    • Sit down dinners
    • Correct use of cutlery and crockery


Party Etiquette

  • Sending out invitations
  • Mingling with guests
  • Playing the perfect host

Travel Etiquette

Social Etiquette


Wardrobe makeover


Have you looked into your closet and thought “I have all these clothes and nothing to wear?” Have you found yourself putting something on only to take it off again a few minutes later? Do you keep going back to the same outfits?
Many clothing purchases turn out to be a big mistake. Most articles are worn only once or twice. Some of the items purchased months, even years ago, still have the price tags on them. We will create a foundation for a stylish and versatile wardrobe makeover. Personal shopping will become a new, fun and purposeful experience.

Warddobe Makeover services helps you with the following:

Knowing what  to wear and when


  • Evaluating your personality and lifestyle.
  • How to dress in various social situations. Stylish dressing for leisure activities.
  • Analyzing your career and business situations.
  • How to manage your wardrobe within your budget

Identifying and minimizing your figure flaws.
  • How to play down your problem areas by maximizing your strengths.
  • Achieving high style inspite of figure flaws.
  • Why color makes or breaks an outfit.
  • Creating balance in an outfit.
  • Why certain fashion rules should be broken.
Developing a winning fashion wardrobe.
  • How to regain control of your closet daily and effectively.
  • Which pieces to hold on to and which pieces to discard.
  • Devising great looks that won’t make holes in your pocket.
  • Mixing and matching colors for maximum impact.
  • Expand and build a wardrobe with fewer pieces.
Selecting undergarments and lingerie.
  • How to correctly choose a bra for your body type
  • What type of lingerie is best for you
  • The appropriate undergarments for specific outfits.
Evaluating accessory choices
  • How to alter the personality of an outfit with jewellery, scarves, belts, handbags, shoes and hats.
  • Letting accessories take you from day to evening.
  • The Dos and Don’ts of accessorizing and how to take care of your accessories.
Knowing how to shop with our personal shopper
  • Which type of store caters to your need
  • Which brands are designed for you
  • Learning about fashion through magazines
  • Advantages and disadvantages of various fabrics
  • Distinctive stamps of workmanship

Tuesday 31 March 2015

Expert Image Consultant


Rashida Kapadia is an expert personal and corporate image consultant. She is passionate about mentoring people to help them find their own individual style and through this assist them to simplify their lives ,and give them the confidence to become successful in their professional as well as personal lives. She is committed to the science as well as the craft of showing people how to look great so they can feel great. In 2007, Rashida launched her own company Orchid Complete Makeovers with the simple credo that a powerful image could be created without having to relinquish personal style or comfort.
Rashida says," my love for this profession comes from the absolute joy I get in helping others feel good about themselves! There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing the beaming radiant smile from a woman who feels truly beautiful for the first time or the confident demeanor of a man who actually stands taller because he knows he looks fantastic. My role as an image consultant is part fashion guru, part beautician, part therapist, part confidante. There is no one-style-fits all approach here there is only a gentle thoughtful exploration of who you are, what you love,where you want to be in your life and how I can help you get there.That is how the magic happens.

Her Credentials

  • Graduated from St Xavier"s College, Mumbai majoring in English and Psychology.
  • Diploma in Travel and tourism from IITC, Mumbai.
  • Diploma in fashion designing from JD institute, Mumbai.
  • Owner and head designer at Orchid Boutique for 7 years
  • Worked as a beauty consultant with a leading cosmetic company and been trained in skin care and make up.
  • Worked with ' Fashworld ' for 3 years as a Image Makeover Consultant where she gained a lot of experience in grooming individuals and corporates and conducting seminars for managers,executives and business heads.
  • Certified Image Consultant from Fashion Image Institute.,California, USA.