Gaining Perspective~ Are you loving yourself first?

Hi Friends, today's post is about "Self Love" ~ much inspired by one beautiful, successful and inspirational lady - Nigella Lawson (Wow!! I'm already thinking of choco-chip muffins ;) but that's for later..) 

For now lets ponder on the bitter realities of life - We did hear of the unfortunate incident of this amazing lady walking out of an abusive relationship with her husband, didn't we?.. And for that truly hats-off to her!!

Well, we all have our messes, the not-so-good phases in life!! And it is just normal.. The key point here is that:

• Are you bold enough to love yourself first?
• Do you decide for yourself what is worth doing? - and do you do it? even if it seems like the most difficult thing in your life.
• Do you constantly compromise and choose the "safer", "tried and tested" option around, while deep within - you desire just the opposite?
• In this fast paced life; do you feel stuck in the rut and far from what you had imagined your life to be? In one simple word far from being "happy"??

Well then, its time to understand the simple concept of Self Love! 
Love yourself first.. Be your own well-wisher first, then to others.. 

Remember the wise old saying - Charity begins at home.. So start with yourself! Cherish your own life and welcome the "virtue of selfishness" - You know it really isn't a vice, break those notions we may have heard as little kids.. infact, teach your younger ones about this right from childhood!

Working towards your dreams, happiness and the life you had wished for isn't a bad thing! Infact it is the best thing you can do to yourself!! On the basis of solid values and principles ofcourse! :)

Because the very purpose of life is to live.. so live it up, each moment.. each day, one day at a time.. and yes, there is no upper limit or age defining this.. let it be your motto till you hit the bucket!

That's all from our side.. We welcome your thoughts on this..
Cheers! Happy weekdays ahead!!

Take-2: What is Image Management?

Hi there, we are back again! :)

During the last few days, there have been numerous requests by our friends trying to understand:

“What exactly is Image Management?”

So let’s quickly understand this -

“Appearance, or image, is a ‘central factor’ in everyday life- in the home, school, community, at the workplace basically wherever you go!

Image is alot about the way YOU SEE YOURSELF and the way OTHERS SEE YOU.

Please Note: Image Management is NOT about making external cosmetic changes to your life.. It draws inspiration from the individual first understands his/her internal values, goals in life- and then manifests these into external positive changes rooted from your nature and characteristics.

Now that said and done- You could spend years worrying about the way you look, trying to go through the numerous image information, never knowing which is ‘fashion sense’ or ‘nonsense’, wondering what works for you, and what doesn't, falling for the latest fashion fable

— OR —

You could enroll in an exciting, informative Image Enhancement Workshop with Image Authentique, and learn enough about how to dress, care for, and carry yourself to last a lifetime and simplify your life in the process.

Curious, But Still Not Convinced?

Join a COMPLIMENTARY WORKSHOP for 2 hours being organized in your city. To register, simply provide us your contact details on this link.

Cheers.. Have a great day!

Give us your commitment.. We give you an Image Makeover... And this time its on us! :)

Do you want to know your Lifestyle? Understand your Personal Style.. Look attractive, create an impact and make your appearance do most of the talking…

Yes! Get an Image Makeover…

We're set out to do 2 complete IMAGE MAKEOVERS' 'COMPLIMENTARY'!!

If you would like to be one of them MESSAGE us your contact details and answer this simple question-

"Why do you need an image makeover?" 
(Send it to us on imageauthentique@gmail.com)

And we'll take it up from there.. Any questions, simply inbox us..

P.S.: Confidentiality will be thoroughly maintained!! 

Cheers! Have a great evening!!

Where's the party tonight? And are you ready??

Come weekend and it’s time to unwind, relax, party, have some fun!! 

Thinking of parties, there are 2 colors which are most common and can never go wrong.. ‘black’ and ‘white’.
In today's post, let’s look at interesting ways of wearing these colors with the idea to put the focus where it should be - on YOU!!

So, to keep the focus on YOU, you need to add a bit of “YOU” to your outfit! You may ask “How can I do that?” Well, It’s simple..

Think “COLOR”- What is your best personal color? By choosing accessories in your best personal color you can enhance your entire outfit, ‘thanks to color repetition’!

Experiment with antique gold accessories and shoes if you have a wheatish complexion (option A)
or
Try a necklace and shoes that enhance the blue color of your eyes (option B)
or
Wear a belt and shoes that match your reddish-brown hair color (option C)

Key Point: Do not forget to keep the pattern and texture of your clothes in harmony with your physical traits and personality.. 
That’s all from my side for now.. So friends - Enjoy what you wear, enjoy the responses you get from your friends and most importantly, enjoy yourself! Do message us your experiences - we love reading them!!

Cheers! Have a great weekend!

For the mommy-to-be.. Here’s something for you :)

#Maternity

Pregnancy!! In one phrase - it is about that special beauty reflecting the best of you - A beauty that cannot be matched at any other time in your life! 

Friends, it’s natural that during pregnancy, there are hormonal and chemical changes in your body which cause changes in the way you look and feel. Some changes will please you, others may not! Here’s sharing a 3 pieces of advice to make this phase of your life happy & memorable!

Try to always be well groomed and neatly dressed- This will help you look and feel great! Use your cosmetics, clothes and accessories as an outward expression of the beauty developing inside you.

Focus on your face- Direct attention towards your face, away from your tummy. The idea here is not to hide your tummy, but more to centre the attention towards your face! Be creative with collars and necklines, they will help frame the face and add to the elegance.

Ensure your posture is correct- Good posture during pregnancy contributes to your physical and mental health; it also makes you look better. To practice good posture, pretend you’re a puppet with a string attached to the top of your head and the string gently pulls you up..

During this entire phase, you’re in for some ‘eye-opening’ experiences, including some ‘sleepless’ nights! This time however will be blessed with one-of-its-kind feelings; new learning’s and laughs which will build lasting memories for you. Image Authentique is always here for any assistance regarding clothing recommendations for you and any member of your family.

Cheers! Have a great evening!

Learn to Take a Compliment with Style

#Lifestyle

Today morning while waiting in the lift queue, I overheard bits of a conversation among two friends.. 

“You look pretty today” said one of them to the other
“Oh, come on!” the woman answered in disbelief, “I look awful and you know it.”

Friends, how many times has someone told you that you looked great and you responded with something like that…or like, “Me? Pretty? Oh my hair is such a mess!”  These are typical responses with which compliments are so often met.

Courtesy says that a response to compliments to the least is a “thank you”. Common sense says that it’s rude to contradict people who go out of their way to give a compliment. Sadly so, it seems that we have forgotten all this. Why so much resistance to compliments?

Is it that we feel uncomfortable when we are complimented? Or could it be possible that our casual and unintentional attitude makes us respond in this manner? Or could it be that our insecurities surface when we are complimented and we answer with an almost automatic and certain denial?

Could be, that for many of us - when we put ourselves down, we imagine that we are being polite. We attempt to put others at ease or boost them up, by pointing out that we, too, have our flaws. 

And what makes us “assume” that others are in such a sad state themselves that they’ll get a boost from comparing us negatively to themselves?

Regardless of the cause behind our comments, when I hear myself and others thoughtlessly and continually apologizing or putting ourselves down for nothing I have concluded the response is simply due to BAD HABIT.  May not necessarily be the evidence of insecurity or inadequacy- it seems like a THOUGHTLESS HABIT.  

And if it’s mainly a matter of habit, it shouldn't be that difficult to overcome, right?

Key Point: Take a few moments today, at home, driving in the car, wherever, and think through what you might feel comfortable saying the next time you receive a compliment..

You could smile "a big smile" and practice saying, "Thank you" :D

You might make someone’s day by saying, "Thanks, you just made my day" (y)

Or have some fun by smiling, sighing and saying, "Say it again" ;)

Or if you prefer, simply smile in response and enjoy the good that others see in you.. :)

Cheers! Have a great evening..

Thinking Image Management?.. Don’t know where to start?? We have something important for you!!

4 most frequently asked questions answered by the Senior most Image Consultant in the Indian Sub-continent, Ms. Suman Agarwal - Co-founder of ICBI, Master Image Consultant – MFIPI from Federation of Image Professionals International (FIPI) – UK. 

Q) If I want to manage my image well, what factors I need to consider?

A) You need to first evaluate your lifestyle including your roles and goals and where you want to be in few years in your personal, professional and social life. Then you need to ensure that you project an image at all times which is appropriate to your roles and goals, incorporates your personal style, and is attractive and affordable.

Q) Does clothing make a huge difference in achieving my goals?

A) Absolutely. Clothes have a language. It is not about wearing nice or beautiful clothes but it is about what message you want to communicate. In any meeting you need to first ask yourself as to what you want to come across and what kind of clothes work for you and why, only then you can decide what to wear based on the communication that you want to create.

Q) I am overweight and have really struggled to lose weight with not much success. I always have complexes about the same. Is there any hope for me?

A) Absolutely. Image Management teaches the art of countering and reinforcing wherein you can counter your body type and variations with clothing solutions. Every garment has five design elements- line, shape, color, texture and pattern. Each element can be used to counter or enhance a particular body shape and variation to project an attractive image.

Q) I have to attend an important meeting next week. I wanted to know that what I should wear.

A) The complete answer to this can only be given once all details are known about you. However, remember, in any important meeting your basic aim is to hold attention of the other person up (close to your face) so that they can concentrate on what you say. Basic human nature dictates that the attention goes to the contrast and mostly to light / bright colors. Create a contrast close to your face to hold attention. Men can do it with tie and women can do it with makeup, dressing and accessory. Also don’t wear a lighter color bottom piece of the garment as that leads attention downwards. You must have a lighter color in the upper garment and then create a contrast close to the face.

The Art Of Comparing!!

Self Image #2

Friends, today we are going to discuss about one of the biggest temptations in our life- COMPARING!! 

Let's face it - It is natural, we get easily drawn into making quick mental measurements to see how we stack up to those around us! Perhaps, it is our insecurities that drive us into make these comparisons in the first place.. 

While thinking of comparisons, these questions came to my mind-

Is it healthy to compare?

Should we stop it?

More importantly, is it possible to stop?? 

Well, the reality is that we have compared so long - it is a habit, hard to break. And also very difficult to ignore.. 

But what truly matters is what you let these COMPARISONS do to YOU and YOUR LIFE?

You can let it either INSPIRE YOU or DEPRESS YOU - THE CHOICE IS YOURS!! 

Key Point: Let's not fall into the "trap" of being depressed with the comparisons we make. Let's learn the ART OF COMPARING IN A PRODUCTIVE WAY. Let comparisons inspire you to do more and reach your next benchmark sooner.. And from there too, let it always motivate you to KEEP MOVING! 

Cheers! Have a great evening..

Your Image Management.. And Why Should You Be Reading This?

Friends, by now we all know that Image Management is an INSIDE-OUT process.. Read on to know WHY IMAGE MANAGEMENT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU and HOW IT SILENTLY AFFECTS YOUR LIFE; whether you realize it or not!

So, its simple.. 
The way YOU PERCEIVE YOURSELF, YOUR CAPABILITIES, YOUR ENVIRONMENT will lead you to APPEAR in that certain perceived way..
This leads you to THINK, FEEL, ACT AND BEHAVE in that certain way..
That leads you to generate a RESPONSE from OTHERS, which is "in sync" with YOUR OWN beliefs, thoughts and actions!
And the response from others, does feed into YOUR OWN SELF-IMAGE, doesn't it?
This is the image cycle..

And, as shocking it may sound, YOU are responsible for the way in which other people respond to you!
Well, the good news is that with a LITTLE HELP and lots of SELF DETERMINATION you can make this work to your benefit!!

Key Point: Whenever you are spending the evening with your family at home, try dressing up well for dinner – definitely, a step above what you generally do.. And observe the fun! 
Do drop your comments/ inbox me on what happened.. this is going to be worth it!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,
Aekta Mahtani
(on behalf of Image Authentique)

#Communication 2

ON RAISING CONFIDENT CHILDREN!

To all parents or going-to-be parents (atleast some day in the future), here's something for you~

Its natural that all parents feel immense love for their children.. But whats not natural is that many do not express this love clearly!!

And as a result, they miss out on alot of confidence building power which goes wasted.

Today, we are going to highlight some KEY POINTS through which you would be able to give your kids a welcome boost and ensure that they are on the track of growing up to confident, smart adults..

1) SAY "I LOVE YOU" & GIVE THEM A REASON

Let your child know that you love him/ her for that creative article he/ she wrote for the school magazine.. or whatever it may be, say I Love You and state that reason - it sounds more brilliant, doesn’t it? And trust, this will boost their confidence too.

Remember - never give them an impression that there are 'strings attached' to your love and care. E.g. You wont love them as much if they did not get the highest percentage in the exam.

Let your child know that your love is unconditional. Even if you are angry with your child for something, let them know that you are dissatisfied with "what they did" but you love "them".. 

2) LOOK FOR YOUR CHILD'S STRENGTHS

Whatever it is that your child enjoys doing, give them a reason to do it more. For a child with logical skills, you could ask him/ her to tally your accounts after shopping or reorganize an overcrowded shelf or cupboard. This will boost their self-worth and also create an opportunity to build upon their strengths..

3) DEMONSTRATE SELF LOVE

Imbibe the quality of self love in your child. Let them know they are special and their life is precious. Help them develop healthy/ right choices from the early years. So even if it is about overeating OR lack of exercise OR addiction to smoking/ drinking, etc. they should feel that they value their life far more than harming themselves with such wrong habits. 

4) BE EMPATHETIC, NOT SYMPATHETIC

In the face of any challenges that your child may be facing, BE EMPATHETIC.. NEVER FEEL SYMPATHY in the face of difficulties as this will only make them feel more miserable. Help them understand that in life, we have the power of coming out of any challenging situation, if we do not allow the situation to overpower us..

5) THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE - LISTEN

When your child wants to speak to you, you must ACTIVELY LISTEN to them! Let them complete speak all they want before you start speaking! Often they feel more reassured with just your patient hearing, sincere silence and at times, a simple hug..

Try these simple ways of communicating effectively with your child and see the magic 

5 things you should speak to your boss about!!

#Communication at the Workplace 1

Alright, so walking up to your boss for a chat can often be hot or cold: You could either end the conversation feeling ‘elated’ about a job well done, or a tough dose of constructive criticism could even get you into the ‘thinking' mode! But how often do you stop by your manager’s office just to chat?

Turns out, that there are several things you should be addressing with your boss on a regular basis. When you take the time to talk about these important issues, you’ll find that you’re happier with your career and better positioned in the eyes of your boss, your team, and the company as a whole. So, the next time you pass by your boss’s office, stop! ..and start talking about these five things. J

1. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years

Its totally OK to discuss this even if you hope to be in a different role or a different department in future. Infact, it can actually be very beneficial to talk to your current boss about your career goals. At the first instance, it may sound intimidating to discuss this with your boss, but it can actually help create more opportunities for you in the long run.

So, you may ask ‘Why would my boss be open to my ambition to move up or out of your current role?’ In many cases, he or she truly does want to see you achieve your goals. Whether it means putting in a good word for you in a different department at your current company or assigning you with special projects that will help you build new skill sets for a different role, he/ she would be more than willing to help.

Of course, there is a right and ‘not-so-right’ way to phrase your goals (i.e., you don’t want to blatantly announce to your boss that you’re hoping to jump ASAP or that you want to take over your boss’s position). Start small by mentioning where you see yourself eventually: “I’d love to move up to a management position someday.” If it’s received well, move on to specifically how you can reach those goals even if it would eventually require a move to a different department or company.

2. Your Ideas for the Company

When you’re entrenched in your work, it’s a common and familiar mumble: “This would be so much easier if we did it my way.” But, how often do you actually present that idea to your boss as a serious solution to a problem?

Discussing your ideas with your boss helps you in several ways. First, you’re showing him or her that you take initiative, that you’re committed to improving the company, and that you truly want to make contributions to the team. Second, you might actually get to see your idea put in action and assuming it’s as effective and efficient as you think it is, that’s great news for you and your team.

To make the most out of the conversation, be prepared with a plan. Try something like, “I’ve noticed that our new hires aren’t picking up on the new software very easily. I’d love to put together some training documentation to help learn it a little quicker. Here’s a quick outline I put together - what do you think?”

3. Advice for Tough Work Situations

If you view your boss as the person who only hands out projects and performance reviews, you’ll miss out on some great advice. Remember, your boss is a boss for a reason - he or she has been around for a while. So, make the most of his presence to further your own career.

For example, before your boss was in his/ her current position, he/ she was in your position, sometime in the past. So, when you come across a challenge that you haven’t faced before, do drop by your boss’ office to talk through the situation. Most times, he/ she would have been through a similar situation and would be able to share some valuable advice about the task can be handled – what to do (and also what not to do)..

And friends, we are not saying that you should lean on your boss for every problem that pops up, but if you really can’t figure out something on your own, why not use the valuable resource right in front of you?

4. Company and Industry Insight

Believe it or not, your boss can actually provide insight into a lot more aspects of the industry than just your upcoming deadlines and company values - especially if he/ she has been with the company or in the industry for several years!

This can range from unfamiliar company processes (“what’s the standard process to change a position title?”) to company history (“what it was like when the company was acquired by an equity firm a few years ago?”) to your overall industry (“how has the FMCG industry changed since you first entered it eight years ago?”).

Whether it stems from pure curiosity or strategizing for the future, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the inner workings of the company or industry as a whole. You’ll gain some valuable information - and prove that you’re there for more than just a paycheck.

5. Your Life Outside of Work

If your boss follows you on social media, you’d probably rather figure out a way for her to know less about your personal life. But, getting a little personal with your boss isn’t a bad thing - infact; it can help solidify your professional relationship.

So, spill a few details about your family, your childhood, or even just what you did over the weekend - and ask questions about his/ her life in return. You are likely to find something in common, or share a laugh, or at the very least relax for a few moments instead of worrying about the status of your current project. J

So again, you don’t have to go into any extreme details or spend hours telling each other your life stories, but connecting with your boss on a personal level can help you feel more comfortable coming to him or her about serious issues. You may never hang out outside of work, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid any sort of personal connection.

Key Point: It may not come easily at first, but try striking up a conversation with your boss about these important issues. We hope it makes you feel happier in your current job and also gets you closer to your career goals. We promise, it’ll be worth it!! :)

R.I.P. Jiah Khan.. Read more on youth suicides and self image.. Why is this happening??

Self Image #1

Today morning's tea brought very sad news along about the suicide of young Bollywood actress Jiah Khan. And friends, there are many such youth suicides which take place almost everyday!! What is the common link??

Its simple - MOST PEOPLE SEE WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE or atleast WHAT THEY ARE EXPECTING TO SEE. So is the case with ourselves, we see our life in a certain way.. With OUR OWN PERCEPTIONS..
The real danger lies when we are not able to see our entire life picture completely!

Now, as much as I believe what I just said, I do also believe that at times, LIFE IS VULNERABLE with its good times and “not-so-good” times.. good decisions and “not-so-good” decisions!
And it does get truly nerve-racking with increasing competition.. more stress.. self-created (at times even artificial) standards of the “so-called” ideal life!
And honestly who decides these standards? And on what basis??

Key Point: Check today, if YOU are constantly defining and creating YOUR OWN STANDARDS FOR YOUR IDEAL LIFE - based on your dreams and goals.. Get closer to achieving them everyday.. one day at a time

 
And if one goal seems to fall off, PLEASE DO NOT define your entire life only with that one thing! 
Give up that habit of giving up.. Believe in yourself.. 
Feel sure, that there’s much more to you and to your life.. If need be - pause, heal yourself and get moving to your next goal.. 

Life is full of wonderful opportunities, only for the one who is waiting to grab them.. 

Cheers!
Aekta Mahtani 
(on behalf of Image Authentique)