Janna and I have given countless presentations to corporations, women’s groups, and other organizations. Often after speaking, Janna will remark, “I’ve worked with women for over 35 years. It’s impossible to tell them everything I know in one 30-minute presentation. I’m so glad we have the Book!”
This fall marks seven years since the publication of QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look. I decided to pick out five concepts from the book that women tell us they’ve rarely heard before.
‘Test Drive’ a Garment Before you Buy (p.81)
When you are in the dressing room trying on clothes, test drive the garment before you decide to buy. Bend, reach, sit, and squat in the clothes. Make sure they don’t gap, pull, or ride up in the wrong places. Janna calls this her “Gap Test.”
I call it the ‘squat and bend.’
Try masking every morning instead of using a cleanser. Your skin will LOVE it. (p. 92)
Most women don’t realize the purpose of masking, nor do they know how often to mask. Janna recommends daily masking, because it helps lift dead skin-cell debris and preps the skin for moisturizer and foundation.
After I wrote the book with Janna, I began daily masking in the morning. It only takes 3-5 minutes. I will never go back to morning cleansing. My skin’s texture has changed and it’s never felt or looked better.
The EYE seeks Light and Color (p.106)
When you look at someone, whether you realize it or not, you are immediately drawn to the light and color in their face. You may have absolutely flawless skin and be wearing no color on your face, but the woman next to you, who doesn’t have flawless skin, but has on a complementary shade of lipstick will be noticed before you are. Why? Because our eye is immediately drawn to her color.
The SIZE of Your Brush Makes All the Difference in Makeup Application (p.116)
The more compact a makeup brush is, the more definite the line will be. The larger and fluffier the brush, the less definite the line. The size of your face and scale of your features, along with the specific area of application, will literally determine the size of brush you need.
Are You a ‘Weeder’ or a ‘Keeper’? (p. 67)
Janna finds that people are either “weeders or keepers.” She asks clients to question why they’re hanging onto clothes that they no longer wear, can’t fit into, or are out of style. Examine your lifestyle and consider where you spend most of your time TODAY. This frees you up to get rid of clothing you no longer need and also helps you focus on making wise purchases that serve the lifestyle you are living now.
STYLE QUIZ TIME
For those of you who have read the book, I challenge you to answer the following style questions. (I have noted page numbers in case you need help remembering.) Good luck and have fun!
- What garment immediate commands authority when you put it on? (p. 51)
- What’s the best way to make a little black dress work for you when black isn’t your most flattering color? (p. 28 or 30)
- What are the two best shoe colors to own? (p. 29)
- What is the “Bottoms Up” concept? (p. 58)
- What is the most practical and flattering accessory you can own? (p. 59)
Please let me know if you have questions or comments on any of these concepts. We LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!
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6 Comments
Going to review these principles “by the book!”
Great post!
Jill,
Janna and I like to tell gals that Q Style is their own personal workbook and style guide. We asked our publisher to make sure there was plenty of ‘white space’ for notes in the margins. Thanks for writing.
Just wondering what type of mask you recommend for morning. I have your book and refer to it frequently.
Catherine,
I use a ‘purifying mask’ from the skincare line Janna sells (Premiere Collection). You can go to Janna’s website and see the choices for your skin type. http://www.makeovers4you.com
Thanks for your question!
One other thing I try to remember when trying on clothes is to raise your arms up to chest height. Then flex your arms forward and backward. I have broad shoulders so I always have to check and see if it is too tight across the back to move my arms. It also helps to see whether a button-up shirt gaps across the bust line when you move your arms.
Thanks for reminding us, Janet.
That must be what Janna means when she says ‘gap test.’ Nobody wants to invite peeping Toms!