It's February already, can you believe it? The good news is that the new year is still fresh. What this means is that you want to take this opportunity to put yourself back on your to-do list before the end of the year rolls around. I know you've been meaning to get to it, but putting it off because you got busy or because you don't think you have time are really just road blocks to living life like you mean it.

Instantly update your style with minimal effort

Save Money and no longer will you overspend on clothes that don’t serve yo

Save Time getting dressed will become fast and easy, every day!

Feel Confident knowing you always have something to wear that flatters you and can get dressed quickly

Look Fabulous each and every day, in less time that you might think!

On this special, free one-time call I’m going to share with you…

ü The 5 elements that determine what items work for you

üHow to stop throwing money down the drain on clothing

üHow your face shape dictates the shoes you wear (yes, really!)

üWhat one color you should eliminate from your wardrobe

üHow to look your best no matter what your age or your size

üWhat items every women must have in her wardrobe

üThe MOST important thing to keep in mind when getting dressed

üExactly what to add to your wardrobe by asking yourself one question

üDetails about Michele’s BRAND NEW six-part telecourse on transforming your style from the inside out that she will personally be teaching!

So don't delay, grab your spot for this FR*EE call right now and mark your calendar for an insightful, informative and fun call that you don't want to miss! See you there!

Now that 2012 is in full swing we have a new color of the year to celebrate. Tangerine Tango has been named by Pantone as THE color of the year. While that’s great news for all the autumns and some of the springs out there, that leaves many of us (summers and winters) out in the cold.

Orange is a brilliant color, bursting with energy and excitement! I personally love orange and have a favorite painting in my kitchen in this hue. Yet when it comes to wearing orange, I have to admit that this color really isn’t for me. Love it as I do, it really does nothing for my skintone and just completely washes me out.

I work with many women who are confused when it comes to color trends. After all, if it’s a trend, everyone should be able to wear it, right? WRONG! While there may only be one color of the year, there are multiple colors that are ‘hot’ each season. If the color of the year isn’t for you, please do not EVER feel compelled to wear it – period. Instead, turn your attention to some of the season’s other muses. The colors shown in the Pantone swatch are; Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Sodalite Blue, Cabaret, Starfish, Margarita, Sweet Lilac, Driftwood, Bellflower and Cockatoo, and offer many wonderful alternatives to orange with just as much punch.

Cabaret, for instance, is a gorgeous shade for those of us with more cool coloring. I recently painted my office in this hue (more to come!) and love the blue undertones of this bold pink. Bellflower and Cockatoo offer gorgeous pops of color that would work well against most skintones and add a jolt of excitement to your basic black, white or other neutral.

If you do love orange and want to wear it, I recommend starting small. This color is rich and intense, and unless you have mocha skin or a killer tan, could wash you out if you’re not careful. Instead, ease it into your wardrobe little by little. An orange handbag. An orange tank layered under your favorite sweater for kick. Orange in your accessories. Then see where this color takes you. If you love it and it works for you, then let it become your signature color! If not, find something else that will be your personal color for the year and build your wardrobe around it.

My best advice when it comes to color and any other trend is to not let fashion dictate what you wear. Don’t ever wear something because you feel you ‘should’ but instead wear it because you love it! Learning to wear color with confidence can be easy and fun if you let it. The key is to trust yourself. Know what works for you and wear what makes you feel not just good, but great! Because when you feel great you can’t go wrong!

Want to discover your very own unique style and what colors look best on you? Contact me to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life. Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.

Yes, today on the 4th of January I celebrate my 44th birthday. It’s hard to believe I’m now in my mid-forties (time flies when you’re having fun!) but I certainly don’t feel it and am proud to share my age.

It’s not all I want to share with you. I know you want to achieve big things this year and I want to help you by sharing my expertise. I’ve been at this for a very long time and feel that my knowledge can help give you the confidence and the edge you need to succeed in business, in your relationships and in your life! I know firsthand that when you don’t feel great about how you look it’s hard to show up as powerful, beautiful, successful…it can really undermine your confidence and leave you feeling that you’re just not good enough.

I want more for you. I want you to hit the ground running and feeling confident and in touch with the beautiful woman you were created to be! Feeling great about yourself is so much more than superficial. It’s about being more connected to who you are, which allows you to be more present for those you love. It’s about tapping into what make you, well, you. The way I approach style is not about wearing specific labels, dressing to look like everyone else (or even anyone else) or spending more than you can afford. It’s also NOT about creating an image that is not all you.

This year is all about YOU and being the best you can be. No, it’s not about ego, so put that aside for now. As Marianne Williamson says, “There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” When you are at your best you encourage others around you show their very best too. You shine like the beautiful woman you were created to be! There’s no better feeling than that of feeling confident, connected to yourself and empowered to be exactly who you are without apology. Yet it sometimes can seem so hard to know where to even start.

Can I share with you where your next steps to bringing out your very best for 2012 begin? I've put together 2 great packages that can help you look your best, whether you're here in Raleigh NC or on the other side of the planet. I want you to find your true style and use it to best advantage. But hurry, these prices are only good through January 11, 2012.

1/ Virtual StyleFinder™ Profile Package
**Bonus for the first 5 sign ups - a complimentary 30 minute wardrobe strategy call with me AND a copy of my book, Secrets of Style

As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on what your year was like. Did you have a major personal or professional breakthrough where you overcame a challenge that had been holding you back for years? Did your confidence kick in and help you to soar to new heights? Did you gain clarity on who you truly are and what you really want in life? My hope is that you experienced at least 2 out of 3. I know the clients I've worked with this year have. Here is just a sampling of the feedback I’ve received from my amazing clients just over the past week…

“Thanks so much for all the assistance! I feel more confident in wardrobe color selection and also am relieved that my black works for me. Your suggestions really helped me clarify ‘my best me’. “

“Thanks so much for a great image session yesterday. How exciting to begin the process of transformation! It was a treat to get your fresh perspective and I appreciate your very kind way of pointing me in the right direction on colors, styles, etc.”

“Huge breakthrough thanks to you...I have my confidence back and feel good from the inside - out. I am pleasantly surprised.”

They're taking their image and their lives to the next level and I couldn't be more thrilled! So I'd like to ask, what's next for you? Do you have big personal or professional goals for 2012? Would boosting your image, your self-esteem and your confidence help you to have an amazing year? Wouldn't it be great to step into a bigger and better version of yourself, inside and out?

Well, it's not only possible - it's affordable! At least for a limited time! Through Friday, December 15, I am offering my "Discovery" package that includes your color analysis, face shape, body type, personal scale and StyleFinder(tm) iD at almost HALF the regular price! This is the LAST time it will be offered for such a small investment and is a great opportunity to help you invest in your image and in yourself without breaking the bank.

Also, I've had do many clients asking about my Closet Clarity sessions that I've decided to extend my special pricing ($150 off regular price) through Friday as well. And with those specials, personal shopping is the next logical step. I'd love to help you at my 2011 rate that will be going up Friday as well. Book all three (Discovery, Closet Clarity and Personal Shopping) and I'll give you a special bonus copy of my book, Secrets of Style, plus my e-books, Beyond the Little Black Dress and What to Wear.

Make this the year you say YES! to you! Boost your confidence and go for your dreams. It all starts with your image.

Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to schedule a quick 15-minute Get Acquainted session to learn more about how I can help you to shine and be the amazing woman you were meant to be! I look forward to connecting with you.

Lately it seems that I've had more conversations about bras than I can remember. I think in my line of work the topic comes up often because I always recommend to my clients that they have a bra fitting. But what I've found has been eye-opening. I've heard from many clients and friends alike how disappointed they've been with many of their not-inexpensive bras, and how bras don't seem to hold up or wear nearly as well as they used to. So I've been paying close attention to bras and trying to discern which ones make the cut.

I had a client who worked with another professional organizer. She told me more often than not the organizer would show up with one brown shoe and one black! Forget about fashion sense (okay, maybe not as I am writing this for Mary Michele’s blog!). This mishap made the organizer appear unprofessional and left a negative impression with the client. If you are organized you can avoid mistakes such as this that undermine your credibility or reflect poorly on you. Here are some suggestions:

It’s your closet so organize it how it makes sense to you! What works for your neighbor or co-worker may not work for you. Divide by business or casual? By color? By season? Once you have decided what works for you sort all your items clothes and accessories.

Your style tells a story. It's who you are. Deep down, not just on the surface. At least when done right.

Women will often go to great lengths to seek beauty advice, often without even realizing it. After all, we all want to look our best, and these days there are many ways to enhance beauty and improve style. In fact, every time you take note of a fashion model on a billboard, or flip through a clothing magazine, or even observe celebrities on the red carpet, you are probably taking note of different ways that other women enhance their appearances. Indeed, from makeup to clothing and everything in between, there are a number of ways to perfect your look. But have you ever thought of looking elsewhere for more complete, long-lasting changes? A quick visit to AboutPlasticSurgery.com may give you some new ideas that you never considered before.

Now, like many other women, you may think that plastic surgery simply isn’t for you. After all, the way that a lot of people talk about it, plastic surgery seems as if it’s reserved for drastic cases and dramatic changes. However, if you really think about it – what is so bad about having a simple procedure one time versus carefully applying makeup each and every day, or every time you go out? Besides that, there are a number of surgeries that can accomplish common goals in very subtle but effective ways. Here are a few worth considering:

o Facelift – A facelift can take years off of your face by essentially making your skin as tight as it was in your youth, getting rid of problems like forehead wrinkles or bags under eyes. This can save you a lot of cover-up!

o Breast Augmentation – Let’s face it, many women consider this at one time or another, and while there is no need to have large breasts to be beautiful, changing your shape or size may help you to feel better about your own personal image.

o Rhinoplasty – More commonly known as a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty procedure can effectively alter the shape and size of your nose to help you to gain a more proportional, or more beautiful face. This too is a very common procedure.

Of course, these are just a few of the many different kinds of plastic surgery that there are. However, a bit of research on these procedures can show you just how common, and how effective, they are. This is not to say that you should definitely go out and have plastic surgery – but, the next time you are considering your look, and how to enhance your beauty, you may want to at least look into these and other procedures.

Have you ever had your colors done? If so then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you've never been privy to the experience, then you may be totally in the dark about what this means, so let me explain.

Having your 'colors done', or rather having a personal Color Analysis, is a process of determining your best personal colors based on your skin, hair and eye colors. While there are several systems out there, the system I use matches up your personal coloring to master coordinates. These coordinates are entered into a computerized program and your particular combination determines your personal color harmony, often based on the four seasons.

Now that might be a funny question, yet when they're both from Salvatore Ferragamo, the answer just might be yes!

When you go to your closet to get dressed in the morning it can become an automatic response to just reach for the first thing you see that is clean, doesn’t need ironing or that you feel is appropriate for the occasion without even stopping to think if it’s what you really want to wear. If you’re not fashion-minded then getting dressed may be one of your least favorite activities of the day. You reach for the basic, yet somewhat matronly combination of black pants and a deep red jacket without a second thought, glad you don’t have to put any more thought into your outfit. Getting it done and moving on to the next task is how you approach it. But what if there was more?

When it comes to shopping and outfit coordination, many women would rather have a root canal than be subjected to the overwhelming selection of available choices. Double-breasted or single? Pleated pants or flat front? And where exactly should the hem of the pants hit? So many choices can leave an otherwise sane woman throwing her hands up and saying ‘just be done with it already.’ Her attitude is slightly defeatist and leaves little or no room for self-expression. What happens is that this approach leads to a closet filled with items that are ill-fitting, uninspired and - gasp - matronly. What if there were a better way?

When it comes to building a wardrobe, many women are so focused on the outcome that they completely miss the process. The result is that they end up with clothing that could just as easily be worn by their mother or any other woman give or take 20 years, yet it does nothing to bring out her best. It’s clothing and does its job, but little else.

Expressing oneself authentically, I’ve found, is essential in feeling connected to who we are. Just throwing on that boxy jacket in a color that leaves you looking ill is not doing anything to show off your assets and show the world what an amazing woman you are. In fact, the message it sends is that you don’t matter. Oh, but you so do! So let’s look at how you can approach your wardrobe from a different perspective to give you better results:

1/ Scenario – you have a meeting with an important client so you reach for your go-to suit. It’s black and boxy and something you’ve had for, oh, 10 or more years. You figure it’s a classic and never goes out of style, yet the high-rise, pleated pants with tapered legs and the long, boxy blazer visually add 15 pounds or more, wash you out and leave you looking frumpy. You show up feeling less than confident and disconnected with yourself. Client is not impressed.

Solution – You take stock of your current situation, looking at your body type (the way it is RIGHT NOW), your personal coloring (your hair is lighter than it used to be) and your lifestyle and set out to buy a suit that reflects who you are at this stage in your life. Your perfectly tailored camel suit fits you to a tee. Its classic styling is the perfect look for your office environment and you know it will be a go-to option for years to come. You mix in tops in your best brights to give it personality and bring color and light to your face. You take time to put on your personalized locket with pictures of your kids. You show up feeling fabulous and looking effortless. Client is more than impressed, asks to see your kids’ pictures and you two connect on a whole new level.

2/ Scenario – You have a wedding coming up for a distant relative. You really loathe shopping so you decide to wear the same dress you wore to the last family wedding 6 years ago, along with the same shoes, the same purse and even the same jewelry. You figure “It works, why not?” But what you don’t realize is that the dress was never flattering to begin with. Now it’s too snug, needs to be hemmed about 2” and with its navy floral print, probably isn’t the most contemporary choice. Family you haven’t seen since the last wedding will remember your outfit and think they’re stuck in a time-space continuum. You can’t wait until the wedding is over so you can take this outfit off.

Solution – Instead of going with a dated and frumpy choice that was so wrong years ago, you decide to show up looking sleek and chic. Wanting a dress that will wow, but will also offer versatility (you can also wear it to work with a cardigan or jacket) you opt for a simple and elegant sheath dress in a gorgeous shade of violet. Your style is classic, so you love that pearls are hot this season. You pile on several pearl necklaces to give your dress a punch and then opt for a great pair of gray snakeskin pumps to take your look to the next level. Family and friends you haven’t seen in years all tell you how amazing you look and ask if you’ve lost weight. You feel so fabulous that you dance the night away and are one of the last guests to leave. This wedding will be a very memorable occasion for all the right reasons.

I’d like to invite you to approach building and planning a wardrobe as a fun process that lets you express who you are and helps you to look amazing. When you have all the right tools and information, it can be broken down into a simple process that can easily be followed for years to come. And, dare I say, it might even become something you enjoy!

If you’d like to bring your wardrobe current and need to start with a great foundation, email me at Michele@onechicmama.com to discover how I can help you take your look to the next level.

It's said that love conquers all and love comes in different forms. Whether you're in a relationship or on your own, there's no better time to be reminded to practice the art of self-love than right now. I want to encourage you to love yourself up! Treat yourself like you would your romantic partner, your best friend or your kids. It's time to do something nice just for you!

It's a sad reality that women talk quite ugly to themselves at times, belittling their accomplishments, begrudging themselves for eating a second piece of chocolate or berating themselves for the size of their thighs. In a recent study by Glamour Magazine, 97% of women said at least one negative thing to themselves each day. Are you in that 97%? If so, it's time to break free from the self deprecating comments and turn off the negative tape that plays over and over in your head.

“It’s your body, you can do whatever you want to with it – including love it. Choose that, just for now.” ~Sandy Kumskov

What happens when you walk around with all that negativity about yourself? For starters, your view of the world becomes glass half empty pretty quickly. Your perception of things is more negative. You become critical of others, and in doing so are critical of yourself. You build a wall around you that disconnects you from others, as well as from yourself.

I want you to tear down that wall and let your true self be revealed in all your glory! Show the world all that you have to offer and embrace yourself for who you are, rather than put yourself down for who you are not. We were not all created to be Angelina Jolie so just stop trying. And if you can't help be continue to compare yourself, ask yourself if you'd really want to deal with all her problems the tabloids have exploited over the last few months. I certainly wouldn't.

Your Challenge: To celebrate Valentine's Day I'd like to challenge you to love yourself today. No nasty comments, no looking in the mirror and putting yourself down. You may be asking, how to get back to loving yourself. After all, you've neuroligically programmed your mind to repeat those negative comments and now you don't know how to stop them. Here are a few ways to get you started. Try them and see what a difference you can make in your life, as well as in the lives of those around you!

1/ Start your day with gratitude. Write down at least 5 things you are grateful for. It will help you to shift your thinking just with this one act.

2/ Notice something about you that's gorgeous. Do you have lustrous hair, beautiful lips or a curvy shape? Do something to play it up: add a pretty hair accessory, wear a new shade of lipstick or wear a figure-flattering dress. Then note how you feel when you do just this one thing. It can help you see how beautiful you truly are! When you can begin to see your own beauty, your world expands. Seeing your own beauty is about accepting yourself for who you are- and loving every square inch of you! It’s about saying ‘YES’ to you!

3/ Use affirmations. Try this one: Comparing myself to others keeps me small, but seeing my true and unique beauty sets me free. Write it on your mirror (in lipstick:) or print it out and keep it with you. Refer back to it when you catch yourself talking negatively to yourself and see how it can help you to feel great about you!

4/ Give of yourself. Doing something nice for another, or giving a compliment, is a wonderful way to feel great about you! And more often than not, giving a compliment gets a compliment in return, which can help you feel even better! Don't keep to yourself- share yourself with the world!

5/ Do something just for you. Enjoy a piece of decadent chocolate. Take a bubble bath. Buy yourself flowers. A simple act of self-love will leave you feeling indulged and recharged.

Here in the south once the warm weather sets in it's here to stay for some time. With fall on the horizon, I'm chomping at the bit to layer my outfits up and rock some new fall looks, but when the temperatures are hovering above 90 it can really put a damper on wardrobe choices.

These few transition months between summer and fall can be tricky to navigate. With fall on the horizon, you don't want to look like you're ready for spring break, but the thought of piling on lots of layers makes you sweat just thinking about it. What to do? Here are some of my best tips for navigating this awkward transitional period with ease and grace:

1/ Change Your Shoes - Swap your perfect summer sandals for a pair of peep toe booties in a deep color (black, caramel, chocolate) and your look will be thrust into the fall category in no time flat. This is by far one of the easiest ways to change your look. These look great with skirts (try a maxi), dresses and cropped pants and will quickly become your go-to pair. Not for you? Try a pair of short boots, clogs or other fall style and pair them with your best summery skirt or dress for a fresh look.

2/ Go Deep - In color, that is. While many summer-y looks are identified by their bright, fruity color palette, you'll want to tone it down a bit for fall. Sure, you can still rock a pretty floral dress or skirt, but anchor it with a darker, more earth-toned top, jacket or accents to give your look a heavier appearance visually, which is more appropriate for the upcoming season.

3/ Glitz it Up - While summer is a wonderful time for a pop of brights in your jewelry, give the look a more serious tone by swapping it out for bold, rich metals accented by the season's palette including reds, burnt sienna's and rusts.

4/ Add a layer - Just adding on another layer to your sundress or skirt and top can give your look a whole new life. Try a short sleeved jacket in a cool plaid, a tailored vest in a neutral solid or a cardigan in a deep, rich tone to kick it up a notch while still helping you to keep your cool when layered over a lightweight dress or tank top.

5/ Make Your White Just Right - White denim no longer falls into the classification of things you put away after Labor Day. It has been catapulted into perennial style-status to make its appearance all year long without breaking the rules. But to give yours an autumnal turn you'll need to accent it differently than during the summer months. Think Jackie O in her white jeans, black turtleneck and black flats - such a classic. Pair yours with something that's darker in color, layer up textures and don a pair of shoes that scream fall and you're right on target.

Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to discover how I can help you to start the fall season off looking chic – but most importantly, helping you to get dressed quickly and easily. Want to read more of my secrets of style? Sign up for my weekly ezine at www.onechicmama.com.