By Corey Urbina, Certified DRES Stylist

The New Year presents an ideal opportunity for individuals to focus on their appearance. Are you happy with the way you look? Does your image represent you in the strongest possible way? If you answered “no” to either of these questions, then maybe 2012 is the year for you to resolve to look your best. Whether you desire a total makeover or a wardrobe update, all it takes to reach your goals is a touch of C.H.A.R.M.  I coined this term to make it easy to recall these five indispensible styling tools:  color, harmony, accessories, right fit and “my style”.  

Color: Color’s preeminent listing in the C.H.A.R.M. formula indicates its primary significance in wardrobe styling. Wearing the right colors for one’s skin tone, hair and eye colors instantaneously makes individuals look more youthful, radiant and healthy. The reverse is true when one wears uncomplimentary colors. They drain an individual’s vitality and add years to their age.  

Harmony: A host of factors combine to create a unified image. Personal grooming, clothing and accessories are the keystones of style. However, they work in synergy with other critical elements like, body language, posture, poise and confidence. It is the balance of all of these features that produces a powerful and harmonious image.

Accessories: How does one begin to describe the wonders of accessories?  They magically add cohesion and visual interest to any look.  Like icing on a cake, accessories complete an outfit and take one’s appearance from “so-so” to stellar. Too much icing, however, completely drowns out a cake’s flavor. Since accessories act as sartorial frosting, they need be used sparingly, and should always be proportionate to one's size and figure type.

Right Fit: Since manufactured clothes come in standard sizes, this presents an obvious dilemma for most of us who don’t have standard size bodies. Wearing ill fitting clothes, even if they boast high priced designer labels, definitely damages one’s appearance. Part of the solution involves finding and sticking with a brand that consistently provides an excellent fit. Everyone also needs an expert tailor who will ensure a proper fit for every item of clothing one owns.

My Style: Each person expresses their individuality through their clothing. All too often people follow the dictates of fashion without having first identified and embraced their personal style. This results in confusion about how to look as well as disappointment with many clothing purchases. Discovering one’s authentic style promotes fashion clarity and provides a springboard from which one can build a functional wardrobe.

The independent Holibi wardrobe stylists are ready to help you lead a “charmed” life this year by instructing you on your personal style, figure type and optimal colors. They will also help you organize your closet and select clothing and accessories that match your personalized profile. Why not promise yourself the gift of style in 2012?