Hi Amanda
It’s been several months and I’m still reaping the benefits of the day spent with you. The clothes that we eliminated from my wardrobe have not been missed at all, and it feels good to have cleaned out that unnecessary excess, that will unlikely build up again now that I have a better idea of what works for me.

The advice you gave me on clothing, shoes, glasses, hair, makeup has been invaluable. I now have far fewer clothes and find it much easier to select outfits for whatever the occasion. The hair stylist you referred me to, specialize in curly hair, and does a very nice job with my hair. I’ve been back several times now. I highly recommend her to anyone with curly hair. The makeup artist helped me clean out my makeup and brings it up-to-date with more flattering products and tools. He also did an amazing job on my eyebrows.

Susan L Graphic Designer

I have been *so* pleased with the results.  My entire family was bowled over by my appearance at the wedding.  I've lost track of the positive comments I've received from coworkers and friends ("you go, girl", "diva" etc!)  I've really tried to dress as we discussed for work everyday as well as out.   My new hair and makeup are great.  I'm feeling more confident shopping for new outfits based on things we discussed.  And I'm wearing heels to work almost every day(!) -- I think they take 5 lbs. off instantly! I'm just about to start trying internet dating and think I have new-found confidence in my appearance and attractiveness that's going to make it much less scary.

Sara Cohen, Entrepreneur
Princeton, NJ


Four hours with you changed my life!  As for my progress, everyone notices the difference.  You were right about everything.  Twenty minutes in the morning, outfits that match, accessories that go, makeup.  It changes one's whole outlook, and (the aggravating part) it's really not that difficult. 

You're a good teacher and what you told me was easy to follow, and remarkably consistent.  Also, I could have read ten books about dressing and not have understood them the way you showed me what you were talking about.  There is so much to learn, I had no idea.

I continue to weed out my wardrobe and free myself from the tyranny of ugly, ill-fitting clothes.  My favorite of your rules: capri pants usually don't look good on short people.  I've saved hours that would have otherwise been spent trying on capri pants and pants with decorations at the bottom.  I've also decided given my past history of pink abuse, not to try on anything in that color, even if it is the dustiest, duskiest pink in the world.  I'm trying to Just Say No to pink for a while.  I'm wearing blue, green, and brown and the world is a better place for it.

I always felt as if I was the exception to every fashion rule, that clothes don't and won't look good on me, that I shouldn't wear makeup, and I am so appreciative that you were able to show me that is not the case.  I'm hoping the summer will bring enough work to justify hiring you again in the fall to work on my winter wardrobe.  Thank you for everything.  Really!

Becky Rosen, Attorney
Westbury, NY


I have received some feedback on my new look, comments have ranged anywhere from have you lost weight (didn't know I had to), did I get a raise (I wish), do I have a new girlfriend (no), and this morning one of my colleagues asked me if I had been "queer eyed" (I think this was meant as a compliment but I'm not 100% sure).  So all in all I would say this has been a successful start. THANKS !

Mark Evans, NT architect
Greenwich, CT

The reason I chose to hire an image consultant was that I wasn't meeting men and at work, I wasn't getting the promotions I thought I deserved. Frankly, I was feeling passed over in all areas of my life. That had not been the case at other points in my life and I wasn't willing to believe that in my late forties, I had become invisible. I had, of course, begun to notice lines on my face and have become more vigilant about my diet and exercise. As a petite woman who never really enjoyed shopping, I simply relied on a few brands that I found in department stores. There wasn't really anything that you could say about my style, mostly because I didn't have one. My clothes were conservative and ho-hum. My haircut was washed out from improper coloring. My make-up looked so non-existent that even my dermatologist asked if I ever wore any even when I thought I was fully made-up. My posture was lousy and my demeanor intense....certainly not an image to attract men or career opportunities.

I hired Elena to help with my wardrobe and appearance but I found that the real benefit of working with her has been the boost to my self-esteem and subsequently the confidence with which I carry myself. As I've told my friends, family and colleagues, I believe that my decision to work with Elena is probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has certainly made a difference in how I interact with people, and what could be more important?

I must admit that I was nervous to even think of talking about my appearance with someone who might actually tell me the truth! Rather than spending time weeding through a wardrobe that had no potential, Elena went shopping with me and helped put together a wardrobe that is both stylish and a great fit. She provided recommendations for hairdresser, colorist, consultants for eyebrows, skin care and make-up and a cosmetic dentist. I knew that Elena would provide suggestions based on her own sense of style but I was pleasantly surprised that she was able to impart some skills to me so that I know what works for me. I was also very appreciative of the grace and gentleness with which she made recommendations.

I know that this "new me" is working I smile more and people notice me. I'm happier and more relaxed. I never knew that improving my image would have such and impact....I should have done this sooner!

Patricia, VP Financial Services Marketing
New York City

Sometimes you get stuck in a "funk." The people close to you, friends, relatives, etc., are either too polite or near too you to observe that your "style" needs a radical overhaul. My problem was that I was stuck in a time warp, dressing the same way I did in high school 25 years ago, looking like I just walked out of the L.L. Bean catalogue. A style not very conducive to dealing with demanding New York City Women!

Elena and I first met in a Greek coffee shop. Pretty quickly, I could see that she had her artistic sense of what needed to be done. Upon her first visit to my wardrobe, a sizable percent of my old clothing became a nice parcel for the Salvation Army. We went to some sort of "Sample sale" for Paul Stuart. I didn't have much of an idea what to do; it didn't matter. Elena was burrowing in and out, having me try on this and that, forming the foundation of my new wardrobe. I wear everything except the black shoes. I still cannot quite transcend my preppy penny loafers. Nobody's perfect, I guess.

Another visit to my closet and more clothes went flying. Elena's assistant wrote down photographed the different clothing and color combinations, which I have posted on my closet door. Then we went to the opticians to buy a new set of glasses. Elena said that she wanted people, i.e., women, to see my green eyes: you have to accentuate the positive.

Finally, the piece de la resistance. Elena wanted me to grow my hair longer, with more wave and bounce. I must confess that at first I did not recognize myself. I noticed suddenly that a lot of women were looking at me on the street (and I do mean a lot). My mother swears that she is eternally grateful. Style is the man!

Richard, Scientist Entrepreneur
New York, NY 

You have given me such a practical yet sophisticated education in style.  Now I have the knowledge I need to kick-start my mid-life adventures. I am enjoying my new hair, make-up and clothes. A little bit of style goes a long way and subtle accessorizing is magical. The real difference is in my renewed confidence. I am proud of my curvy size 8 body and it shows. Because of your advice, I have more confidence and that confidence glows from within. People sense it and "it" is attractive. Being a married woman, it is sort of strange to have men whistle at me but, it now happens almost every day. Really. What is special about what you provide is your strong sense of style coupled with sincerity, gentleness and heart: like a loving big sister willing to share all her fashion and beauty secrets. You have excellent taste and you practice what you preach. You really ought to have a daily TV show. Lots of women, of all ages and walks of life need mentors like you.
 
My love and admiration,

Lisa Garcia Jacobson, Human Resource Executive
Tampa, FL

I have been working with Elena to improve my wardrobe and overall appearance. She quickly developed an amazing insight into my personal style and needs for business and social settings. Elena is enthusiastic about her work, making the process exciting and fun. Her ability to find new uses for items in my existing wardrobe exceeded my expectations. In shopping for new pieces, Elena saved time and money by knowing where to find exactly what was needed. She taught me to select ensembles that are either classic or contemporary, easy to mix-and-match and versatile from day to evening. Elena knows how to complete the look with hairstyling and other cosmetic touches. The information and skills Elena provided have increased my confidence, saving time each time I dress. These improvements have caused colleagues and strangers to ask where I shop for clothes, and friends to compliment my more youthful look and style. I am sure Elena will do the same for you.

Daniel, Physician Hospital Chairman
Boston, MA

I didn't wear gym clothes shopping, but instead, wore black pants, duster, suede checked purse, with a light purple thinly ribbed silk sweater that I forgot I had, with a few pieces of sparkly jewelry that were sitting unworn. I was stopped on the street by a very well dressed,  6' 2" ish, 40-ish, handsome, educated man, who seemed extremely sweet, asked me out, told me I was adorable, and said he would call.

So, it was either the outfit, or some sort of confidence from feeling put together, but I now see some of the merits of actually getting dressed when I leave the house.

At any rate, I thought I would share that little story with you. Thank you!

BTW, I found pointy (VERY pointy for me) black suede boots at Bloomingdales. They zip but are very leg hugging. But not like yours...  I'll keep looking, but the suede non-zip boots, everywhere, had HIDEOUS tassels, stitching, embroidery, and other doodads ruining them. I also found black and brown suede (maybe not quite
as pointy as you suggested -- tip diameter is 1") high and thinly healed pumps at Aldo, that I think I can get a lot of use out of.

Lastly, I noticed that the way I am looking at clothing displays has changed. I feel like I know enough-or at least am more confident, to be able to pay attention and process what I see--shiny silk under suede, dusters over slim pants (Banana Republic), etc., and can learn from that too. You are an expert at what you do and provide exactly what you market yourself as being able to do. So, it is rather easy for me to want to let others know. I'll speak to you soon about setting up something for next month.

So, again, I really did find your consultations helpful.

Dr. Marie Long, Physician
New York, NY