Many people have recently been watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy on Bravo. People marvel at how in a single day they can transform an average (or below average!) male into a stylish, polished man who knows proper grooming techniques and etiquette. In addition, they give him a few cooking lessons, a little bit of culture, a newly decorated apartment, and wah-lah! Their loved ones have the man they "always knew was in there". The problem is, not everyone who might need a little help in the style or decorating department has an unlimited budget given to them. It's easy to look your best when someone else is footing the entire bill, no holds barred.

Enter Elena Castaneda, owner of New York Image Consultant, an image consulting company on the upper east side of Manhattan. Elena and her consultants work with everyday realities like budgets and varying body types and lifestyles. With immeasurable expertise in the field of fashion (she was born into and grew up in buying and merchandising, graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and owned her own high-end clothing store on the upper east side of Manhattan for nine years), Elena is regularly consulted by magazine and newspaper journalists, corporations and colleges, and she has appeared in segments on Court TV, UPN News, and 60 Minutes. Clients hire her for advice on grooming, makeup, hairstyle, wardrobe, and dating. She also counsels with people on appropriate appearance and behavior for various situations.

Elena goes to clients' homes and aids them in weeding out their closets, helping them determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be purchased in order to have a complete and functioning wardrobe. While Queer Eye has an unlimited budget for purchasing and often doesn't salvage much from the man's existing closet, Elena does her best to keep as much as possible from his or her existing wardrobe, working in new and old pieces alike to develop working outfits that reflect the client's personality and lifestyle. She then takes them shopping with their budget in mind, encouraging input from the client and feedback on looks she suggests. During the entire process, she explains why certain looks work for the client and others do not, so that he or she gains a fundamental knowledge that helps them shop wisely in the future.

Elena may not redecorate your apartment and she cannot teach you to cook, but, unlike Queer Eye, she is realistic and accessible, and she will ensure that you have the ability and the confidence to be your best in every situation. Check out male re-imaging on our male image consultant and re-imaging page. You can also call us at (212) 879-5790 to get started.

If you would like to view their website, click here for Queer Eye For the Straight Guy.