Deborah Cox
Personal Stylist
My parents were frugal. Growing up, my wardrobe was neither expensive nor extensive, but my mother liked to sew. She and I would devour the latest pattern books of Vogue and Butterick, then go in search of the perfect fabric to create the glamourous image on the pattern envelope. While the finished product — despite Mother’s considerable skill — seldom matched the artist’s stylized rendering, this exercise served me well. I learned about fit and quality clothing construction, color and fabrics. I discovered what styles flattered me as a chubby adolescent and what fashions made me look like a baked potato.
Through this, I developed a sense of personal style and by my mid-twenties was advising friends on wardrobe and color. I found that I was regularly stopped by strangers to compliment me on my “look”. Although my career took me into home fashion and later real estate, as a consumer I continued to study fashion and wardrobe. I learned through observation and practice the value of creating a positive physical image – I learned the power of wardrobe!
We live in a world where how you look connects to opportunities in career and into all aspects of life. Physical appearance doesn’t substitute for knowledge or experience, personality or character, but a strong positive image offers an edge in an ever-competitive world.
Each of us has issues with body image – I’ve never met anyone who was completely satisfied with their appearance. Nor will a physical makeover likely transform you into a runway model. However, looking “your best you” is empowering. It builds confidence and self-esteem to make you shine – whether it’s in your day-to-day activity, that job interview, first date or high school reunion.
