Midlife Style School with Afton Porter

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The Professional Glow-Up: Assessment of Your Image

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Do you need a change but don't know where to start? A Professional Glow-Up Assessment might be just what you need.

In the grand theater of life, each one of us is a protagonist, a leading character with a unique role to play. And just like in any great drama, our costumes - our personal style - can speak volumes about our character before we even utter a single line.

The Hunger Games", a dystopian franchise, used costumes as a critical element in illustrating the stark contrast between the impoverished districts and the wealthy Capitol.

But beyond mere aesthetics, our personal style choices can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and ultimately lead our lives.

Your personal style is an external reflection of your inner self. When you dress in a way that authentically represents who you are, it boosts your self-confidence. You feel more comfortable in your skin, ready to take on challenges head-on.

For example:

1. Vera Wang: She didn't start her fashion career until she was 40. Her transformation from a figure skater and journalist to a high-fashion designer involved adopting an elegant, minimalist personal style that is now synonymous with luxury and prestige. This shift in image played a role in her becoming one of the most successful designers in the world.
2. Julia Child: Julia didn't start cooking until she was nearly 40. She adopted a sophisticated and approachable style, both in her kitchen attire and her on-screen persona. Her unique style and warm personality helped her connect with audiences, leading to her success as a cookbook author and television show host.
3. Arianna Huffington: Arianna co-founded The Huffington Post when she was 55. Known for her chic suits and pearls, she cultivated a sophisticated and professional image that added credibility to her innovative news platform, contributing to its immense success.
4. Martha Stewart: Martha built a brand based on her unique style and approach to home decor, cooking, and crafts. Her transformation from a caterer to a lifestyle guru involved adopting a clean, polished, and homely style. Her first book, published at age 41, marked the start of her homemaking empire.

By transforming our personal style, we can effectively enhance our personal brand and boost self-confidence. This not only improves public perception but also paves the way for professional success and financial growth.

If you're trying to determine whether it's time to update your professional image encompassing your attire, style, hair, makeup, and overall personal brand, here are some pointers to consider:

1. Shifts in Goals or Values: Changing personal or professional objectives can signal the need for a brand refresh. If your current image doesn't seem to align with these changes, it's probably time to consider an update.
2. Comfort and Confidence: If you don't feel confident or comfortable with your current professional image, that's a sign it may be time to revise it. Your personal brand should inspire self-assuredness.
3. Consistency: Consistency is key in personal branding. If you notice inconsistency across different platforms or in-person interactions, then you might need to streamline your image.
4. Narrative: If your personal brand lacks a clear narrative or fails to communicate your unique story, it might be time to reconsider your presentation.
5. Professionalism: Consider if your appearance matches the level of professionalism you wish to project. If your look seems unprofessional or out of sync with your industry's norms, it might be time for a change.
6. Current Trends: If your image feels outdated or no longer excites you, a refresh could be beneficial. Keeping up with contemporary styles and trends can help maintain a modern, engaging image.
7. Life Changes: Major life events or significant changes in your career direction often warrant a reevaluation of your personal brand.

How do you think others perceive you professionally, and does this align with how you want to be perceived?

If you love your answer than congratulations.

If you know you need to elevate your personal style & image, click the link in the show notes to schedule a 1:1 consultation with me and lets start elevating your personal brand image!

Remember, your personal brand isn't just about how you look—it's a reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and how you portray yourself to others. Regularly assessing your personal brand ensures it remains authentic, relevant, and aligned with your current goals.

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Image walking into a crowded room and be noticed, being able to charge what you're worth, and opportunities are coming to you.

Sound like a dream?

No, it is the power of a Personal Brand Image.

A personal brand image is essentially how you present yourself to the world. It's a unique combination of your skills, experiences, and personality that you want others to see. It reflects who you are, what you stand for, and what you offer. It's like your personal signature that distinguishes you from others in your industry or field.

In the professional sphere, having a strong personal brand image is invaluable. Here's why:

1. Differentiation: In a competitive market, a well-defined personal brand can set you apart from others. It helps you stand out by highlighting your unique capabilities and experiences.
2. Credibility and Trust: A consistent personal brand helps build credibility. When people perceive you as a reliable authority in your field, they're more likely to trust you and your services.
3. Career Advancement: A strong personal brand can open doors to new opportunities. It can attract attention from potential employers or clients and position you for promotions or partnerships.
4. Increased Value: By showcasing your skills and expertise through your personal brand, you can command higher fees or salaries. People are willing to pay more for a recognized expert in the field.
5. Personal Fulfillment: Personal branding allows you to be true to your personality, preferences, and values. It gives you the power to shape your own narrative rather than letting others define it for you.

In essence, your personal brand image is a critical component of your professional success. It's not just about self-promotion, but about establishing your identity, building a reputation, and positioning yourself as a leader in your field.

A well-crafted personal brand image allows you to present yourself confidently and authentically. It makes it easier for others to understand your value, which can lead to new professional opportunities.

Curate Your Personal Brand Image: The Wardrobe Audit

A "wardrobe audit" is a process where you evaluate the clothes you currently own to understand how they align with your personal style and image. It's an essential step when considering a reinvention of your personal brand image.

Here's how it works:

1. Inventory: You start by taking stock of every item in your wardrobe, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits.
2. Evaluation: Next, you assess each piece based on factors like fit, condition, comfort, and how often you wear it. This also includes evaluating whether each item reflects your desired personal brand image.
3. Sorting: After evaluation, you sort your clothes into different categories such as keep, donate, sell, or repair.
4. Identifying Gaps: Once you've sorted your wardrobe, you'll have a clear idea of what's missing. These gaps could be essentials that you lack, pieces that could enhance your personal brand image, or items that could add variety to your wardrobe.
5. Creating a Shopping List: Based on the gaps identified, you create a shopping list. This ensures future purchases are strategic and contribute to your personal brand image.

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Fall is upon us, signaling a time of change in both the weather and our wardrobes. Often, this change includes the addition of a new handbag.

Selecting a new handbag can sometimes be overwhelming, given the vast array of choices available. That's why in this week's episode of the Midlife Style School podcast, we're exploring the art of handbag selection. We'll discuss three key factors to consider when choosing a handbag to ensure you always look polished.

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Handbags serve as an extension of our personalities and style, and can even uplift our mood. But did you know that the size and color of your handbag can significantly impact your overall look?

Choosing a handbag that is proportional to your body size can enhance your silhouette, making you appear more put-together. Here's a fun tip: match your handbag with your hair color for a unique, coordinated look. Brunettes might opt for rich browns or blacks, blondes could choose pastel shades or bold reds, while redheads could go for greens or earthy tones.

In this episode, we delve into these aspects and more. We discuss how different handbag styles can complement various body shapes, and how to select a design that flatters your figure.

The Art of Handbag Selection

Part 1: Scaling your handbag to your body size When choosing a handbag, it's important to consider your body size. The size of your bag should balance your proportions and not overwhelm your frame. If you're petite, look for smaller bags that won't drown you out. If you're tall or curvy, go for medium to large-sized bags that can balance out your shape. Also, pay attention to the strap length - shorter straps work better for shorter-height body types.

Part 2: Matching your handbag to your hair color Did you know that matching your handbag to your hair color can create a cohesive and polished look? If you have blonde hair, try pairing it with pastel shades or bold reds. For brunettes, rich browns or blacks can be a great match. If you've got red hair, greens or earthy tones are the way to go.

Part 3: Picking a design that flatters your body shape Different handbag styles can complement different body shapes. For curvier figures, structured bags with clean lines can help streamline your silhouette. If you're more petite, try a bag with vertical designs to elongate your torso. Remember to also take into account the occasion and purpose of the bag - a formal event might require a clutch while an everyday work tote needs to have room for your essentials.

Choosing the perfect handbag can seem daunting, but following these simple guidelines on scaling, color and design can make things a whole lot easier. By matching your handbag to your body type, hair color and outfit, you're sure to look and feel your best. Thank you for tuning in to the Midlife Style School, think like a style icon!

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Welcome to another episode of the Midlife Style School where we are delve into the exciting intersection of fasshion & mathmatics, a concept buzzing on social media called "Girl Math".

In this episode, we'll explore how "Girl Math" can help us better understand the real cost of clothing and accessories. We'll also share some tips on how to shop smarter and more efficiently using the principles of "Girl Math".

Topics Discussed:

1. Understanding "Girl Math"

1. 1. "Girl Math" is a trend that encourages consumers to consider the long-term value of a purchase rather than just the upfront cost.
   2. The primary tool used in "Girl Math" is the cost-per-wear formula, which is calculated by dividing the price of an item by the estimated number of times you'll wear it.
   3. The lower the cost-per-wear, the better the value.
2. Applying "Girl Math" to Fashion Purchases
   • This approach can be particularly useful when shopping for clothing and accessories, as it shifts focus from the initial price tag to understanding the real value and longevity of an item.
   • However, it's important to use "Girl Math" responsibly and not as a justification for overspending or purchasing items that are beyond one's means.
3. Tips for Shopping Smarter with "Girl Math"
   • Set a budget before you start shopping to avoid impulse purchases.
   • Prioritize quality over quantity, investing in fewer, high-quality pieces.
   • Calculate the cost-per-wear to understand the true value of an item.
   • Consider the versatility of items and invest in classic pieces.
   • Take good care of your items to extend their lifespan.
   • Always remember, the goal is to make more sustainable and thoughtful decisions, not just to find an excuse to shop.

Key Takeaways:

"Girl Math" can be a valuable tool for consumers to better understand the real cost of clothing and accessories. It promotes mindful shopping and encourages a shift towards quality and sustainability. By applying these principles, you can make smarter shopping decisions that benefit both your wallet and the environment.

Grab my #1 style secret: Unlock the Power of Color

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with a professional before making any financial or shopping decisions.

Join me for your Midlife Reinvetion Workshop on Wednesdays in October 2023: https://www.styleguidesociety.com/Style

In today's fast-paced world, personal style is often overlooked. Many people believe that style is a superficial matter or something that only matters to celebrities and fashion influencers. However, the power of personal style goes far beyond the clothes you wear. It's about expressing your personality, boosting your confidence, and making an impression on others.

If you're not using the power of personal style, you're missing out on a multitude of benefits. For instance, personal style can help you stand out in a crowd, make a strong first impression, and even elevate your professional image. Not harnessing this power can leave you blending into the background, failing to communicate your unique identity effectively, and potentially missing opportunities both personally and professionally.

Here are some ways you can maximize the power of personal style:

1. Know Your Colors: Understanding which colors flatter your skin tone can dramatically enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.

2. Assess Your Wardrobe: Take a good look at what's already in your closet. Identify the pieces you love and why you love them. This will give you a sense of your current style and what works for you.

3. Understand Your Preferences: What do you feel most comfortable in? Which outfits make you feel powerful and confident? Knowing your preferences will help you develop a personal style that truly reflects who you are.

4. Create a Style Guide or Outfits: Based on your color palette, wardrobe assessment, and preferences, create a style guide or set of outfits that encapsulate your personal style. This can serve as a blueprint when shopping for new pieces or putting together outfits.

5. Implementation: Knowledge without action is futile. Apply what you've learned about your personal style in your daily life. Practice creating outfits, experimenting with different looks, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Your personal style is a powerful tool. It's an extension of your personality and a way to express yourself without saying a word. So, don't shy away from exploring and embracing your personal style – it could open up a world of possibilities!

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Often we don't realize it when we are going through a midlife reinvention, we just know we are having a hard time. Sometimes a reivention is done very intentionally but most the time we don't see the signs in our own life and it drags on longer than necessary and the experience is less than desierable. It doesn't have to be that way!

Here are some signs that you know you are ready for your midlife reinvention:

1. Feeling Stuck: Feeling stuck can manifest differently for each woman, especially those over 40. Here are some common examples:

• Career Stagnation:

• Physical Changes:

• Identity Crisis:

• Crossover Stressors:

• Relationship Rut:

• Lifestyle Monotony:

1. Ready for Change: Recognizing when you're ready for a change can be a complex process, as it often involves deep self-reflection and introspection. However, there are several signs that can indicate you might be ready to make a change in your life:

• Dissatisfaction:

• Restlessness:

• Boredom:

• Desire for Growth:

• Physical Symptoms:

• Envy:

• You're Scared:

3. Questioning your purpose:

4. Change is being thrust upon you:

5. Understanding You're Never Truly Ready:

If you're experiencing feelings of being stuck, questioning your purpose, find yourself in a life change, don't have a clear idea of what you want next, it may be time to consider a midlife reinvention. Just remember, it's not about being completely ready but about being ready enough to start the journey.

Grab your 1:1 Style Consultation: Book Now

We are talking about how your hair color affects the color of clothes you wear. I won't have you change your hair color for your clothes, like Margot Robbie did in the Barbie movie.

Yes, you read that right! She had to do color treatments to make the pink clothes she wore look best with the asthetic of the movie...

But, if you do change your hair color it's time for a new color analysis.

I go over some hair advice for women over 40.

Skin Tone Test:

1. Vein Test

2. Jewelry Test

3. Sun Reaction

Hair Tone Test:

1. Natural Hair

2. Shine Test

3. Eye Color

Be color confident in your personal style!

#FashionPodcast #HairColorAndStyle #PersonalStyle #ColorConfident

Schedule your free Personal Style Audit here: Personal Style Audit

In today's episode we discuss why it's important to represent your personal brand well as you show up for your business on local or national news outlets.

It's totally normal to be nervous for your first few news appearances. It only means you haven't done it enough times for it to feel like second nature. Nothing is wrong with you and it doesn't mean anything about your ability to do what you do.

Okay, let's dive into these 5 steps to creating an amazing tv segment for your brand.

1: Wear one of your best colors - this isn't a time for winging it. It can make you look older than necessay or vibrant and shine. It's a no-brainer. You can't get this one wrong. 2. Your outfit should compliment the background of the area your segment will be. 3. No print and what you should wear instead. 4. Arrive hair & makeup ready - What the means and how to do it. 5. How to look confident and own the room.

Schedule your free mini session here: MINI SESSION

In this enlightening episode, Afton delve into the deep connection between our thoughts, self-perception, and personal style. We explore why compliments from others sometimes fall on deaf ears, and how our thoughts, though not always factual, can significantly influence how we feel about ourselves and our outfits.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Power of Self-Image: We start by discussing how our thoughts about ourselves directly impact our choices in clothing and how we feel about our clothing.

2. The Compliment Conundrum: Why is it that when people compliment our outfits, we often struggle to believe them?

3. Thoughts vs. Facts: Our thoughts about ourselves aren't always factual, yet they shape our feelings and actions.

4. There is nothing wrong with you: What you are thinking and feeling is totally normal. Nothing has gone wrong but there is another way.

Join me as we navigate the intertwined paths of self-perception and personal style, learning how to use our wardrobes as a powerful tool to boost confidence and promote self-love. Don't miss this opportunity to redefine your relationship with your closet and, more importantly, with yourself.

Schedule a free midlife style breakthrough call here: https://calendly.com/afton-porter/minisession

Show Notes:

We are told that we should increase our self love and body image but how do you actually do it?

You've tried positive affirmation but it feels like a lie because you don't believe what you are saying. It's just so far off then what you are currently saying to yourself about you and your body in your internal dialog.

This week's episode of the Midlife Style School is here to help bridge that gap. Our focus is on "Overcoming Body Image Struggles." I delve into practical strategies and tools you can use to gradually shift your perspective and foster a healthier relationship with your body.

As you become more comfortable and accepting of your body, you'll discover that this newfound love and appreciation for yourself can positively influence all areas of your life. It's a powerful transformation that can inspire you to make a positive impact in ways you never thought possible.