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Welcome to the Mission 1 Million Makeover Community!
True Stories of Everyday Women Transforming their Lives Via Image We want you to benefit from our expertise as well as from each other. Post your questions, tips, and resources on our Facebook community. This is an interactive forum so please do share your challenges, stories, ideas and insights with each other. As a community we can inspire, educate and motivate each other to show up as our highest, finest visions of ourselves in each and every moment (at least that is the goal we are aiming for!). This is our safe place. Have fun but be respectful of each other and the community as a whole. So what are you waiting on? Joining our Facebook community is FREE! When you join, post your response to the question, "What is your most important goal this year regarding your image?"   Cecilia's Testimonial Natalie, I don't know how to thank you! In fact, I'm tearing up right now as I write this because of what happened yesterday. Since we met, I've been going on a few mock shopping trips with the purpose of learning to pay attention to color and to pick out the clothes with the details you taught me. On a trip a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that I was able to walk away from clothes that wouldn't be flattering to my body type without even having to try them on. On that trip, I bought my first piece of jewelry, a very simple silver necklace. I continued reading through my action items and studying my colors. I also got a copy of Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It! During the day, I made a point of trying to notice what other women were wearing and, if I liked it, asking myself what it was about the garment that made that outfit look good. I also made a point of looking at heavier women and asking myself whether I found them attractive. In 100% of the cases, I noticed that I found heavier women who looked put together just as pretty as their thinner counterparts. And that what made the difference was not the weight, but their overall look. As you know, I have always struggled with feeling attractive, but more and more so now that I'm heavier than before. Really noticing that attractiveness does not equal thinness was a big step for me. Of course, I'm still not happy with the extra pounds, but I'm not so negative about it now. Yesterday, I went back to Macy's and I couldn't believe the difference in me! It is now second nature (so quickly!) for me to look for my colors first instead of concentrating on the clothes on the mannequins. If I saw something that I liked I could gauge it on the hanger right away to see if it might be flattering and worth my time (not the right seams to enhance my waist, moving on!"). Before I would be happy if a particular garment looked OK on me. Yesterday I didn't even try it on if I wasn't absolutely in love with it. I didn't settle! And then - and this is the part that makes me emotional - when I did try on clothes and they didn't fit, I was able to look at the garment and analyze what about the piece wasn't working. I didn't blame myself! I didn't think about how nice the item was and then feel bad that I wasn't thin enough or tall enough or whatever enough to make it work. Natalie, for the first time, I divorced myself from the process and made a completely unemotional, rational decision. I did buy a few things, but they are in my colors and they fit right because now I know what that means and what it looks like. I stopped obsessing about my hips and concentrated on getting tops that created balance and I could actually see the difference in the mirror! I am feeling more confident about my own ability to pick out a garment because most of the things I took into the dressing room were close to right for me. I didn't walk out of the mall feeling like a failure or incompetent. For the first time in my life, I spoke to sales people with confidence because I knew the questions to ask. I rejected their recommendations when they didn't make sense for me (stuff not in my colors or tops too long). Before, I would have felt like I had to take whatever they were recommending even if I didn't love it because they were more knowledgeable than me. Whenever I felt myself slipping in my self-esteem when looking into a mirror, I kept reminding myself that you had told me I was beautiful and you knew what you were talking about. By the end of my shopping, I was feeling attractive in the couple of things I chose. I'm not where I need to be, of course! Today I did wear jeans to the office, but they are the Not Your Daughter's Jeans I got (OMG, these are so great!) and a fuchsia top with my new bling! My hair is done as is my make up (I went to Mac and got powder, blush, concealer, and I already had mascara, eye liner, and lipstick). Although I don't have much to choose from in my wardrobe, I am no longer wearing the pants you saw me in, and I only wear that top in the house. I have worn a few other fuchsia things to work and whenever I do, I get a lot of compliments. I really think that's going to be my new favorite color! Finally, I just want to say to you that I never thought I would learn so much in one session. I cannot believe how much of what you taught me has so quickly become a part of me. I really feel that, in the session with you and with the book to serve as a reminder of what we talked about, you have given me the key to unlock this world that had been such a mystery and such a source of emotional pain. I am so grateful and I think of you often. When I'm getting dressed in the morning, I think, now what would Natalie say to you if she saw you right now?! I really want people to know that you are so different! That you're not in it to do a "make over", but really to teach and to transform lives. I learned so much about myself through this process. I have always known that I have issues in respect to how I treat myself, but it was such an eye opener to see all the ways those issues were impacting my life. You chose to share so much of yourself with me and really helped me to see that I could make the changes I needed to, not just in my clothing, but in my life! I know that's a lot to attribute to an image consultation and that most people might not believe it can have that kind of effect. I know the difference is you and how much of yourself you pour into your mission. You took the time to get to know me and talked with me as a valued and cherished friend who highlighted my strengths and also give me very frank, honest constructive criticism. You never talked down to me or made me think that I wouldn't be able to change unless I bought something else. Your sincerity in speaking to me really shone through and gave me a lot to think about. I'd be very honored to support you in any way I can because so many women live in pain and shame. I have become a true believer in the work you are doing because of your dedication to helping each person reach their best, not just buy what you have to sell. I am on a good road, Natalie, and I thank God that I found you! Cecilia Leger, Elan Image Management Client Cindy's Testimonial I'm a naturally conservative dresser and was worried that anyone who advised me on my wardrobe would try to steer me too far out of my "comfort zone." Like many people, I have fixed thinking about myself and clothes. For example, I automatically rule out certain pieces because I think they would never be right for me. The most amazing thing about working with Natalie is that she helped me incorporate my own style into a new wardrobe -- completely in my comfort zone, but immensely more chic! Natalie was able to help me see beyond my own blind spots about fashion and look at pieces that I would never have looked at - yet I now consider completely "me." I was just on vacation and received constant compliments on my wardrobe - all of which I attribute to Natalie's help. She is an incredible resource and I turn to her again and again for advice. Cindy, Elan Client Bridget's Testimonial This book helped me immensely. I have always loved keeping up with the latest in fashion. For years I worked in the retail industry and had access to the best clothing and at a huge discount but even then, I had a difficult time putting together a stylish outfit that looked polished and put together. I would spend hours each morning changing clothes over and over because nothing ever felt of looked right. I had a closet full of expensive, great clothes but I always wound up late for work, looking and feeling unpolished and frumpy. Since becoming a mom, my style situation has worsened - immensely. I am now a single parent and caregiver for my disabled father so I don't have to go to work each day. When I do leave the house, I usually wear something that I wouldn't have worn to take out the garbage six years ago! I learned from this book that I am missing many key pieces that are essential for a Wardrobe "Backbone". These 13 pieces allow you to mix and match and add in your own signature, unique style with jewelry and other accessories. After evaluating my closet, I realized that I don't even have a black skirt or a pair of black slacks! I do, however, have way too many pairs of jeans that do not fit. Using the criteria in the book, I was also able purge so many unflattering items from my closet that I'd held onto for years. After making the decision to craft a stylish wardrobe, I realized that I would never need those clothes and I was finally able to let go of a lot of clutter. The most important part of "Frumpy to Fabulous", for me, was the section on Image Saboteurs. I had a HUGE revelation. Like many women, for years I've neglected my image and my wardrobe. I said "I'll get new clothes after I lose weight". By doing this, I was really saying that I didn't deserve to look or feel fabulous - or even good - until I was thin. After I read about the image 'saboteurs', I realized that I was not only doing a disservice to myself, I was being a poor role model for my daughter as well. This discovery helped me, finally, to say "I deserve to look my best now and at all times!" It was also a huge eye opener to pull all the cheap, unflattering items out of my closet and realize that instead of wasting money on those frumpy pieces, I could have put the money towards a few quality items of fantastic clothes! So I made a decision to quit buying clothes that do NOT make me look fabulous. Which reminds me of another priceless bit of advice from this book: Natalie gives us a surefire way to avoid impulse buys. She lists a few questions to ask yourself when making a purchase and using this method is the best way to make sure that you only purchase items that will enhance your image and wardrobe. I can't stress enough just how much I loved this book. I can't wait to keep practicing the Fabulous advice. Bridget Brannon, 'Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It' Reader Helen's Testimonial I have been relishing your wonderful book. It takes me back to my sorority chick/chic days when I knew the things you write of and have since forgotten. Perhaps the simple yogic lifestyle reflects my image now. A Buddhist monk hairdo with a side pony tail IS a statement. Although I love my my white yoga "uniform", the rest of my wardrobe needs a definite update, from the bra out. Inspired by you, I went out and bought not just one, but two jeans that fit! I also updated my selection of intimates. I am fascinated by how the outer can reflect the inner and how the inner yearns to be reflected and expressed outward in a conscious and confident way. As an "image" consultant and knowing we're all made in the "image" of God, you honor the infinite ways in which God shows up, unique in each of us!! Helen, 'Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It' Reader and Elan Champion Nicky's Testimonial LOVE LOVE LOVE the book - getting so many compliments lately because this book has made me more aware of my appearance choices. I know that I personally haven't changed, but the way people see me DOES change when I heed this advice. Through the many facets and roles of my life, this book can help by weaving a thread of mindfulness...regardless of life changes, aging, etc. And it pays off in mass dividends at work, at home, in the community and with friends...and in my own heart - when I know that I present myself confidently. The icing on the cake: it's a simple read, with easy tips and a sense of humor that made me laugh out loud more than once. Nicky, 'Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It' Reader |
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