Dress for Success If You Want to Attract Success. Positive Thinking Will Not Do It.

“How to Increase Your Credibility, Your Confidence and Your Bottom Line with Simple but Powerful Image Changes”

“You don’t believe the power of dressing for success until you experience it yourself”

Date: May 6, 2008

Dear Friend:

I’m writing this after getting back from my Pilates exercise class. It’s the one thing I always find time for. It keeps me in shape and makes me feel great, too. Biking, jogging, tennis – they’re not for me – I’m not that disciplined. Besides, I can exercise when it’s raining or snowing – unlike my jogger friends!

As a successful image coach, a lot of people think I was born rich, thin and pretty. Well, they are wrong on all counts.  Most of my school life I was a dreary grey mouse that no one noticed or wanted to know. I learned how to look attractive. In fact, after being an image consultant for 30 years I can guarantee you one thing: there are no unattractive people; only those who haven’t learned how to make themselves look attractive.

. . . Predict the future

Dress for success! That's the rule if you want to be judged successful. The way you look and dress announces the outcome others can expect from you. It also announces how you feel about yourself, and you’ll be treated accordingly.

A little later I’m going to tell you how you can massively influence the impression others have of you, but right now I’m going to tell you why changing the colors you wear can make you look more successful and dynamic.

I’ll also make a promise to you: reading this entire letter could represent a major turning point in your life and your career, and it will be well worth the few minutes it will take to read and digest it. So, let’s get started.

If heads don’t turn when you enter a room, your image isn’t powerful enough. When you know you look good, you radiate confidence, success and power. Others are drawn to you –  and they accord you immediate credibility and respect. It is no small thing.

The colors you wear can make you look happy or sad, younger or older, dynamic or dull. Successful people radiate happiness, health and energy. They never look, tired, sad or ordinary. Chances are, they’ve taken the time to find out what makes them look better, so that they always dress for success!

Colors affect us on two levels. They can make us look physically more attractive, healthier and more energetic, for example. And they can make us appear more powerful, more successful. Unless you were born with a book on color and one on color psychology, I can predict that you will look good one day and not so good the next day!

. . . Are you your own worst enemy?
If you wear what YOU think you look good in, you probably are!

Most men agree that they probably don’t know what they look good in. They ask their spouse or a sales person in a clothing store to help them pick out a suit. Then they ask them to pick out a shirt and tie that goes with the suit. Women, on the other hand, are certain they know what they look good in and use their “instincts” and “good taste” to help them choose garments.

I’ve been an image consultant for 30 years, and I can tell you one thing I’ve learned. Most people (male or female) don’t know what they look good in, and I’ll prove it to you. Go to my website and take a look at the Before & After photos. None of them said, “Sandy Dumont seems like such a nice lady, I think I’ll dress down and give her a really great Before photo.” No. Everyone came dressed in the colors and styles that they thought they looked good in.

If you wear what YOU think you look good in, you are playing Russian roulette with your image and your career. The ugly truth is that everybody judges. Will you stand up to the judgment of others about how you look?

...Go From Dismissed to Respected

This is what happened to one of my clients who learned to dress for success. Dave Rourk was the Aide to a state Senator. When he went to the state Capital, the guard always stopped him and demanded to see his badge and I.D. It was very annoying and wasted his time. He came along for an all-day Total Image Makeover workshop and learned how to dress more powerfully. The next time he went to the Capital and passed the security entrance, the guard looked at him, smiled and said, “That’s okay, Senator. You don’t have to show me your I.D. Go on through.”

Here’s what a recent client said after his image makeover session:

“At first I was a little concerned that the new look wasn’t me. My wife wasn’t sure either and she said I didn’t look like the Chris she married anymore. But I trusted you completely because I’ve seen what you’ve done for others. I now realize you helped me discover the “real me” after all these years. Six months after the session, I changed jobs and doubled my salary! And my wife actually loves the “new Chris.”  Thank you, Sandy.”

Chris Powell,
Virginia Beach, Virginia

. . .When it comes to image, the devil is in the details.

The truth is, if you get everything about your image right except for one thing, you can be sure that’s all they notice – and all they remember about you.  You need to make certain that every element of your image is in harmony and makes you look better!

. . . A professional image consultant knows image from head to toe

Do you know what really makes me mad? It’s when I see people calling themselves image consultants when they aren’t. For example, people who sell a line of makeup and “Personal Shoppers” in department stores. They usually have no more than superficial training in color and line (style). In fact, they are more interested in selling you their particular product line than in changing your image from head to toe. Some of the biggest image mistakes I see is due to information from these so-called professionals!

Here are things necessary in order to be a professional image consultant:
1: Number One: Reliable training in color analysis. Most of the information in print and in use today is outdated and has been superseded through practice and research. With 30 years experience, I am the acknowledged leader and pioneer in the field of color throughout the world.

2: Number Two: Knowledge of the rules of color psychology and its powerful influence upon the perceptions we have of ourselves and others. I have spent my entire adult life studying the psychology of color. I also have a certificate in “human” psychology. The combination gives me a unique background and ability. My objective is to never violate the persona of a client; but to help the client discover the unique person he or she was meant to be.

3: Number Three: A background in art. I have studied color for most of my life. I’ve studied with art educators in both Europe and the USA. Other image consultants consult me for information about color and image, as well as cosmetic companies, because of my acknowledged expertise.

4: Number Four: Training in makeup and makeup application and camouflage tricks. I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 30 years, with magazine covers to my credit. I have also trained the trainers with international cosmetic companies such as Lancôme and Yves St. Laurent Cosmetics.

5: Number Five: “Body types” and camouflage tricks training. As an expert in this area, I haves devised unique training methods for teaching this very important element. 

6: Number Six: A background in fashion with knowledge of the latest fashion principles for both men and women. I have taught at a fashion school and worked with fashion designers throughout the world. I’ve also been a fashion coordinator in Europe and the US, and I taught courses at the prestigious Management Center Europe in Brussels, where people flew in for courses from all over Europe. When I lived in London, I spent a year mastering the art of classy business attire for gentlemen. 

7: Number Seven: It is absolutely essential that the methods used be technically based. Otherwise, the information given will primarily be based upon the tastes and views of the consultant. In other words, the consultant relies upon “instincts” instead of training and hard-earned knowledge. My clients gave me the name Image Architect because they noticed that my systems were technically based!

8: Number Eight: Training in comportment and body language. I’ve taught modeling at well-known fashion schools. Have also taught assertiveness training classes and employed body language skills there. In my school for image consultants, I teach all the elements of poise for males and females.

. . . Do you know how to dress for success?

• Do you know specific techniques with color to make you look more powerful?
  
• Do you know how to use color to look more trustworthy?
• Do you know the exact technique to be perceived as an expert and have people turn themselves over to you on a silver platter?
• Do you know the shortcuts people use in making decisions that are based on how you look?

The list of things you need to know goes on and on.

. . . These bits of knowledge aren’t brain surgery or rocket science, but if there is one thing I can guarantee to you it is this: what you don’t know can hurt you!

. . . Frequently asked questions

• Will I have to spend a lot of money getting new clothes after going to an image consultant?
ANSWER: No, a total image consultant will show you how to save articles that are in the wrong color or wrong style with tricks of the trade. Most importantly, you’ll never throw away money again on clothes that end up in the back of the closet. You will actually save money by going to an image consultant.

• What if I don’t like the new look the image consultant advises?
ANSWER:  A professional image consultant will never violate a person’s persona. I will actually help you discover the “real you” that may have been buried under years of habit or cultural conditioning. In essence, I will help you change your attitude as well as your image!

• Can you be more than one color season? Another image consultant told me I could “blend” between Summer and Spring.
ANSWER:  No, you can only be one season. Your skin may fade or become yellow with age, but you will always remain the same season. Errors are commonly made when the skin becomes sallow from sun exposure or age. Sallow (yellow-appearing) skin is not necessarily Warm skin. Sallow skin simply appears yellow in Warm colors like lime green or mustard yellow. The same skin will appear more pink in Cool colors such as fuchsia or royal blue.

Matters are compounded (and errors made) when a sallow-skinned person with Cool skin has Warm-toned hair with red or golden highlights. Amateur color consultants will try to "match" the superficial appearance of the person with a "matching" Warm color season such as Autumn or Spring. This is paint by-number color analysis and accounts for most of the errors made that I have seen. Skin trumps hair and eyes, and neither your hair color nor your eye color will lead you to the colors that make your skin look better. Your hair and “blue eyes” don’t get dark circles or wrinkles – your skin does!

If your hair color changes, you will not change seasons, as is suggested in print by one famous expert. Nevertheless, changing your hair color may mean that you may gain or lose certain colors, however. For example, brown hair that is in the beginning stages of greying may suddenly look very mousy in grey or taupe.

Lastly, because of the popularity of bronze or tawny-colored blushers and lipsticks, a great many consultants try to match these "forced" warm faces to a Warm season. It doesn't help when famous makeup artists state in print that they dislike pink undertones in the skin and insist that they be buried underneath golden-toned foundation and tawny blushers.

• Does color analysis limit the number of colors you can wear?
ANSWER: Wearing the wrong colors is limiting something more important than the number of colors you can wear: your appearance! In reality, you can wear nearly every color that exists. You simply need to find your shades of each color. And there are so many colors in existence that there are even special companies who do nothing but give names or numbers to colors.

I’ve discovered over the years that most people discover "new" colors that they never thought of wearing before. Also, with the unlimited range of artificial dyes these days, new shades of "old" colors emerge constantly. Consequently, my experience suggests that color analysis usually opens a whole new world of color for most people.


• Is it expensive to go to an image consultant?
ANSWER:  Just like doctors or lawyers, an image consultant charges in accordance with his or her track record – or level of training and experience . The city you live in will also influence fees charges; large cities are more expensive than small ones, for example. My clients typically tell me an image makeover session results in higher earnings or even better jobs, so going to an image consultant doesn’t cost, it pays!

 . . . My story

All through school, I was a grey mouse. No one knew me or noticed me because I was also painfully shy. When I was 16 I sat down to perform a piano recital at school. I blanked out completely because I didn’t want to be there. I hated the way I look so much that I wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear. My mother had made my dress and she always cut my hair. The dress was frumpy and dreary and my hair was a mess.

A year later it was my 17th birthday and I got to pick out the dress I wanted. I found a beautiful red dress, and when I looked at myself in the mirror I had an epiphany. I said to myself, “This is the person I was born to be.” I had always studied art, so I scoured the pages of Glamour Magazine and taught myself how to do makeup. Then I had my hair cut at a salon – and I wore red a lot. Something amazing happened. For the first time in my life, people told me I was pretty.

Soon I took the courage to move from S.E. Virginia to Washington, DC and I enrolled in a two-year fashion school. I became one of the top models in Washington, and it all began with a red dress. You don’t need a red dress to become the person you were born to be, but I can tell you one thing. When you change the way you look on the outside, people treat you differently. And then you change on the inside.  My experience has instilled me with a dedication to help others transform their lives by teaching them how to look their best.

...Here are the top 12 things you need to learn to look your best and dress for success:

• The exact colors that are just right for you. You will immediately look younger and more attractive.
  
• The exact styles that “make a statement.” You will look more powerful and successful.
  
• The importance of “line.” For example, the shape of your eyebrows or lips can make you look younger or older, friendly or severe. The style of the garments you wear can make you look taller or shorter, smaller or larger. Discover the secret of how to direct the eye where you want it, just like an artist does. 
  
• Develop your Signature Image. You will increase your confidence, your credibility and your bottom line.
  
• Learn the importance of color psychology. You will be able to influence the impression others have of you.
  
• Discover what your tie says about you. If it could talk, it would tell about your social and economic level. It can announce that you are passive or powerful, dynamic or apathetic, classy or tacky.
  
• Discover what changing your makeup can do. According to university studies, you will immediately be judged as more trustworthy and capable of earning more money.
  
• Learn the tricks of the trade that all fashion models and famous designers know. It will enable you to leave the competition in the dust.
  
• Learn the secrets of London’s famous Savile Row, the place where the wealthy and heads of state shop. Your confidence will soar.
  
• Discover what experts say about the importance of your hairstyle. It can open your eyes and change your life.
  
• Find out how to make an entrance and have all heads turn when you enter a room.
  
• Learn how to look like a million on a shoestring budget. It’s easy when you are in the hands of an experienced pro.

. . . I pass my 30 years experience on to you

You can pay hundreds of dollars to a hair stylist to help you find a hairstyle that suits you, a clothing designer to show you the styles that flatter you, an expert to help you with body language, and a makeup artist to help you find the makeup colors that say “perfect skin” instead of “perfect makeup.” Most are unable to do so, incidentally.

Or you can hire me to do all those things and more for far less. Furthermore, most so-called “experts” follow current trends when it comes to colors and styles, so you may end up looking “in style” but not stylish!

And by going to several different “experts” you will end up with a disjointed look. Very few people have reliable training in color, so you may end up with colors that fight with each other. Sandy’s specialty is pulling your look together into a cohesive, harmonious Signature Image – a polished, classy and unique look that brands you as special from head to toe.

You can learn all these things by going to my studio and having an all-day Total Image Makeover workshop (contact Sandy for info here). Thousands of people have done that, and it has changed their lives dramatically. If you don’t live in Virginia, you have to pay for travel to get to Virginia and for hotel and food expenses. If it’s not in the budget, not to worry.

. . . Save time and money

Instead of flying to my studio in Virginia, you have an option. You can go to my website and order my three electronic Image Systems with hundreds of color photos to make learning simple. There’s one for women and two for men. I’ve  got two more in the works for women!

My 10-component electronic “Power Dressing Image System for Men” has received rave reviews from businessmen from all over the world. I’ve lived in Washington, DC, San Francisco, Florida, London and Brussels, Belgium, so I know image from every perspective and viewpoint. Click here to get on the fast track to looking more classy, attractive and powerful. Your confidence and your bottom line will soar!

My 10-component “Image System for Professional Women” has helped thousands of women get on the fast track to success. Women need to level the playing field in the business arena. Men’s voices are deeper, their shoulders are broader and they are taller, so they are usually accorded more credibility, respect and power than women. Women don’t dress powerfully enough, and my book gives women the tools they need to make an impact at the office and in the board room. I’ve coached politicians, celebrities and women from all walks of life.

My image system enables you to have me  as your personal coach. It has more than 250 color photos to make learning quick and easy. The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you. Click here to guarantee that your image makes such a powerful impact that heads will turn when you enter a room.   

“I downloaded your Image System for Professional Women yesterday. I’m sitting here with my mouth open, struck by it all. It is so well written and tells it like it is. Too many image books are wishy washy. Thanks for writing it.”

Sue Carter
Uttoxeter, England

. . . Business casual update

I also have a brand-new e-book for men about “ business casual” that is entitled “Business Casual is Dead. Long Live Classy Casual!” Click here if you want to outclass the competition in dress-down situations. You’ll get noticed, be remembered and leave the competition in the dust!

My  DVDs really make learning easy, because they let you see hands-on demonstrations about everything from power dressing for business men and women, to makeovers for baby boomers, and a makeup DVD/ book combo for women. Get more info here about these unique products.

. . . Change your image, change your life

Click here to start on the path to transform your image and your attitude. You will find the colors, styles and accessories that make you look more powerful and dynamic. Doors will open magically, and you will be accorded immediate credibility and respect. Stop playing Russian roulette with your image. Don’t wait another minute  to take control of your image and your life. Contact me today.

. . . What about the image of my employees?

With the advent of “business casualty” I am constantly being asked to come in and straighten out things! My specialty is workshops to help employees look more polished and professional. A dress code won’t work. It only creates resentment. Furthermore, you must get employees to buy into the program, and with my background in psychology and assertiveness training, I know how to get employees to love the changes I suggest. Furthermore, the whole attitude of the office changes after my workshops. 

Here’s why:
University studies have proven that there is a Boomerang Effect™ when a person looks good. Obviously, we feel good about you when you look good. But studies prove that when you look good, it boomerangs back to me and I feel good about myself also. When your staff looks good, everyone is more productive and happier. My clients testify to this (click here for testimonials). Image is a powerful tool! Your employees are your greatest asset. They are more important than the building you occupy and the equipment you own. Ultimately, they can make or break your business.  Click here to get the image of your employees soaring.

...Get the Expert’s Advice

CEOs and other corporate executives seek my advice, as do politicians and celebrities. I have  trained the trainers with international cosmetic companies; and I’ve trained people from around the world, including other image consultants, to become master image consultants.

...Here is What People Say 

“There are a lot of people claiming to be ‘experts’ in this field – Sandy Dumont truly is. I’ve worked many years in the world of fashion and glamour. In spite of all I thought I knew, Sandy Dumont had exciting and unique things to show me. You watch the transformation in the mirror and you can’t believe what your eyes are telling you.”

Julie Jenney
Managing Producer
LIVING THE LIFE
CBN-TV

“I just wanted to say thanks for your assistance.  I have implemented many of the things you suggested for our managers, and I am seeing a difference.  Customers can quickly pick out the managers. On the personal side, I have much more confidence in the things I wear.”

Jamie Dodd, President
Dodd RV
Newport News, VA

“Sandy, your workshop really changed my life! I’ve noticed such a difference in how other people respond to me. Last weekend, THREE saleswomen were fighting over dibs on me in Talbots! In the past, I was never even noticed. Beat of all, my attitude has changed. I look forward to meeting new people because I can expect good things to happen when I do.”

Carin Bosco, M.D.
Washington, DC

“I used the principles you talked about in your seminar to help me secure my present position. Your seminar was a "complete" success and confidence builder. Thank you!”

Jeffrey Kissell
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

“I am a Theology Professor in Chicago..and while I was doing some research on another topic , I was intrigued by your website...and read your articles.. Thank you for your generous gift of insight about the choice and use of colour!  I want you to know that I had been "Colour me Beautiful” another season, but  you showed me why I  am a cool bright Summer!"

Dr. Wendy Cotter c.s.j.
Chicago, Illinois

“I enjoyed your talk at the Association and am glad you came.  You probably didn’t notice me because my tie blended with my shirt and suit!...  and I thought I looked sharp!  Everything you said made perfect sense. Thank you."

Richard Braun,
Virginia Beach, Virginia

"Sandy, I read your e-book POWER DRESSING SYSTEM FOR MEN and  immediately experienced people reacting differently to me, with more respect, openness, and trust.  Now I understand why some people had accused me of looking "slick" or "untrustworthy."  I feel more confident knowing that people will now be focusing on what I have to say instead of what I am wearing. 

Mark Michael Lewis, CEO
Benicia, CA 94510

“My session with Sandy was even better than I had expected!  She is so knowledgeable and her advice about color, clothes, makeup, accessories and the total package one presents was extremely valuable.  Thanks again for giving me the tools to look and feel my best at work and in my personal life.”.    

Mary Lou Nexen, Attorney
Norfolk, Virginia

. . . The way you look and dress

The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you. It also announces how you feel about yourself, and you will be treated accordingly. Image often spells the difference between success and failure. Barbara Walters was right when she said, “It is not too melodramatic to say that there are times when your destiny hangs on the impression you make.”

In today’s uncertain economy, leaving your image to chance doesn’t make much sense. Contact me today and make an investment in your future. I will help you become the person you were meant to be. Click here to change your image and change your life.