Have You Updated Your Look Lately?

Have You Updated Your Look Lately?

Are you someone who has sported the same hairstyle since high school or for over 5 years? Are you afraid to drastically change your look for fear of not being socially accepted? Afraid of the how the people in your workplace or your boss will look at you when they see the new you? Many of us are afraid of changing our look for one reason or another. The thing that holds us back from making even subtle changes is fear. Fear can keep you in bondage and inhibit you from growing and experiencing all that life has to over.

Whether we admit it or not, the opinions of our family, spouse and/or coworkers really does affect us? Little do you know, they will be more accepting of your change than you think. And more importantly, if they are your real friends they will embrace your change. There is nothing worse than someone who ceases to want to associate with you because they liked you back the way you used to look. Have you ever cut your hair and when you cross paths with an old friend they somehow manage to interject in the conversation how they liked your hair better the other way. Has that ever happened to any of you? Happens to me a lot. They feel the need to tell you what they used to like about you as if you can't possibly be someone who can grow, evolve and change. What we used to do in our twenties we no longer do in our 30's and so forth. Foolish is the person who wants us to believe that if we change our hair, clothing, etc. that we are no longer the beautiful person we have always been inside. Growing and evolving allows us to discover ourselves...the way God wants us to. I know more about myself now than I knew 10 years ago. I love myself more than I did 10 years ago. With each year of change comes more self acceptance, more confidence, more self love and thus we are able to love others that much more.

As we see entertainers grow and change before our eyes, we too should enjoy that very same freedom to change our look. Do not be afraid to try something different. Maybe step out of your comfort zone and try something you have always wanted to try. You never know who you will inspire when you decide to step out of your box. Get rid of that stinking thinking that entertainers are the only people who can change their look or try more edgy styles. They are just people who happen to have a job where everyone sees their life play out in the open. They are forced to live their lives in front of everyone. I can not tell you how many times I have heard people say "they can get away with a certain simply because they are in the public". You too can get away with sporting a new style as well. You be a trendsetter!

Solange Knowles debuts her new look in Japan.

The cut really shows off her features beautifully.

If you are someone who has always wanted to color your hair, experiment with hair colors rinses instead of permanent hair color. That way you aren't stuck with a hair color that doesn't agree with your skin color or a color that you just don't like. Hair rinses wash out in about 4-6 weeks. Another thing about a hair rinse is that it isn't chemically based, so there is no waiting period before you can reapply the coloring.

Halle Berry was recently spotted by TMZ rocking this short do. I personally thought she was her most fabulous self when rocking the short look.

R&B heartthrob Maxwell looks drastically different than he did 8 years ago when he released his last album, the platinum Now

This past March I celebrated my birthday and I decided that it was high time for me to change my look. Time for me to issue out the old and usher in the new and improved me. Don't get me wrong...I am not saying that there was anything wrong with the old me. But just like everything else in life, we grow, we change and we evolve. I decided to turn the Diva up a notch, release the inner creativity and allow the fun within me to overflow and low and behold out came this awesome women who continues to love God, love life and love His people.

Changing your look can build your self confidence, take years off your look and give you an edge that you never considered.

Turn Up The Volume On Your Fantabulousness!

THE FASHIONISTA MAKES IT COUNT

THE FASHIONISTA'S JOURNEY TO

MAKE IT COUNT!

Greetings Fashionistas!

Many of you may be wondering where I have been. I want to take this time to share something with everyone that has made a tremendous impact in my life and in the lives of so many young students. I have been travelling the Southern region (Texas, Louisiana, St. Louis, Arkansas, New Mexico) speaking to young students about the value of a college education and making the right career choices. As someone who earned a college degree later in life this subject is near and dear to my heart. The successful outcome of the future of our youth weighs heavily on what we put into them today.

Most of the young adults that I speak to say they feel as though no one really cares about them or they have such low self esteem that they do not feel that they even matter. Many of you know that the foundations of self esteem, self confidence and self actualization are my areas of expertise. I know now after many years that this is my calling. The compassion that God has placed within me surpasses just feeling bad for my fellow man, woman, boy or girl. I did not understand this for a long time and it caused me great pain. My parents would tell me that I was too dramatic and emotional and so would many of my romantic partners. Don't you just hate when you are trying to express your feelings and someone tells you that you are being dramatic? Well, I used to get that response all of the time. I've learned that in order to be an effective worker in the kingdom of God you have to be compassionate towards others. Once I heard those words I knew I had found my true calling.

I have come to realize and accept that there are so many facets of Delilah and more importantly, I have come to love and accept the flamboyant, emotional and the unpredictable me. This is what I instill into everyone that crosses my path. "Love the You that God made You to Be." You are perfect in every way. Once you get this down into your spirit you can truly be useful to God and his Kingdom.

With each trip that I take to speak to the students about education I have found that I learn and gain something in return. This generation which we call Y, X, Z, etc., all want the same thing we want. They want to know that someone loves and cares for them. When I first began speaking to the students I was afraid that they would not want to hear yet another speech from someone who seemingly has no idea of the things that concern them. I was totally wrong! God guides me to open up and share who I truly am with the students. Once I share with them how imperfect I am and how I am still trying to become a success their defenses are removed and they can hear me.

If we are true to ourselves and examine ourselves regardless of our station in life, we would all have an area in our life that perhaps needs further development. We sometimes walk around with masks thinking that if we allow others to see who we truly are makes us vulnerable. Some of us have been taught this from birth...that the strong seek to devour the week. Yes, in some instance this is true...but I firmly believe that there are those of us who do not seek to harm others. We all make mistakes..if God were to give up on us because of a mistake we made where would we be now? By showing our vulnerabilities to others we can help inspire those who have given up to pick themselves up and try try try again. I'm reminded of a song that goes "If I Can Help Someone Along The Way Then My Living Is Not In Vain.

In my travels, I have also been fortunate enough to come in contact with some wonderful people who have made a big impact in my life. Unfortunately, I know I will probably never see these people again. However, I will never forget them. Words can never express how grateful I am to God that he has allowed me to be an instrument of inspiration to others. I would pray that with each blog I write, each fashion event I host and each client I help to discover their inner Fashionista. That each would see someone who is truly genuine and transparent. I am who I am and that is all I can be. I am Delilah...took me a long time to love that name. I always felt that it was too big for me and far too different.


When I was a young girl I had given myself the nickname of Lisa because I felt that that was much more acceptable. My family quickly adopted my self proclaimed name and all called me Lisa. Heck some of them think that Lisa is my real name to this day. Over the course of the years, God has taught me that that name was given to me because I am different and that is the way that he made me. We are all different and beautiful in our own ways. We should never judge each other, only love and accept that person. We each have all our unique and valuable contribution to this world. God made each of us perfect in every way. No magazine, billboard advertisement, or department store size can define you.

Over the course of January, February and March I will have visited over 40 different schools and spoken to over 5000+ young adults all eager to hear how they too can become a success. Success is not just about finance. You can have all the money in the world and still be unhappy. True Joy never fades. Joy is not based on if you have money in your account, have a boyfriend/husband, a six-figure income job or a big house. True Joy comes from God and it starts from within. "This Joy That I Have The World Didn't Give It To Me And They World Can't Take It Away."

I have discovered so many things that words can merely scrape the surface. One thing that reverberates within my spirit is "With Everything We Do We Are To Make It Count." I ask you...ask yourself this. Are you living or are you mere existing? Push yourself to go beyond your comfort zone and help someone else. I guarantee you the reward will be far more than what money can buy. We are here to help others not just to amass a fortune for ourselves. Yes, God wants us to be prosperous but prosperity does not just come from the almighty dollar. There are far more treasures in life that money cannot compare. I am a living witness to that.

When I think back to the Obama's campaign the first thing that comes to mind is the slogan "Change We Can Believe In". It is my every endeavor with each client I help, each friend I am there for and each student I speak to that I exemplify a "Change" that I am standing for.

So you see the business of Image Management Consulting is far more than just about the way you dress. It is about who you are on the inside and letting that come forth on the outside. Designer labels have never defined me..I opt for the more creative approach of pulling together pieces of clothing that will let those who see me, see me for who I truly am. A woman with a tremendous heart and passion to help others with my God given talents.

I will be travelling once again at the end of the month. I am headed to Kansas, Dallas, New Orleans, Beaumont and Anahuac where I will speak to a groups of at-risk youth. I feel honored that the schools have requested me to come to speak there. I know it is my Father who is sending me and I go there with an excitement and exhilleration that I can not put into words.

Some one once asked me, "don't you get tired of all of the travelling and being away from your child". My response to them was that I know that my daughter has a huge advantage that some of the kids I speak to do not have. She has a mother who is actively involved in her upbringing. God has placed a gift inside of me and it would be selfish of me to keep that gift to myself. He put it there for me to do something with it, not just to sit on it and boast "I can do this or I can do that". With each measure of blessing that God gives us, we are to give back to those less fortunate.

It is my prayer that if you are in need of empowerment, inspiration or just a friend that you would not keep to yourself and feel as though there is no one there. There is one thing that I have found to be a common thread in so many of our lives and that is we do not want to bother others with our troubles or we feel that no one will care. I am here to serve you notice that there are many of us who truly care and are here for you.

When I reflect on all of the many people I have met who are genuine people out there I remember the words of my favorite Mary Mary song....

You think I'm so fresh you think I'm so clean

You think I'm so sweet

It's the God in me

What is it you think you see?

You see her style you think she nice

You look at her whip you say the whip tight

You look at her crib you thinking she's paid

You look at her life you think she's got it made

But everything she's got the girl's been given

She calls it a blessing but you call it living

When it comes to money she can be a hero

She writes them checks with a whole lot of zeros

But what you don't know is when she get home

And get behind closed doors man she hits the floor

And what you can't see is she's on her knees

If you ask her she'll tell you

It's the God in me

I challenge you all to go on a journey of discovery with me to uncover your inner Fashionista...it is not just about make-up, clothes, shoes, etc. Now those things are important but discovering your inner Fashionista will take you on a road to discovery you never thought possible. I must be honest...I never thought I would be inspiring young adults and women...I know it is God and not me.

Lastly, I am participating in a YMCA Gala fundraiser this is raising funds to help students with scholarships. If you want to attend the Gala (March 27th) or just want to donate to help towards college for students who would not otherwise be able to go to college, please email me at Delilah@ImageEssentialsllc.com or contact me at 832-594-4556.

Make It Count Fierce & Fantabulously!

Peace And Blessings

Stay Stylish And Warm This Winter

Stay Stylish and Warm This Winter Season

Sweater Dress from Village Girls Boutique Houston, TX
Photo taken by The Davidson Gallery

Winter has officially begun, and baby, it's cold outside! While you may be tempted to wrap yourself in a blanket before stepping outside, remember you can look chic while staying warm. And before you start slipping into large, heavy layers, consider creating the right proportions with your winter gear.
Delilah A. Alexander

Winter fashions are not the most appealing clothes for the majority of people. Winter clothing can be bulky and weighty. However, it is really about planning how you put together the whole outfit that counts. I have been asked many times this season are wool coats in fashion for winter and the answer is very definitely yes!! You need to select a coat that is functional, as well as, fashionable.

Face it, as temperatures begin to fall in the winter months, most men and women are looking for a mixture of practical and fashionable clothing. The colder weather makes it more of a challenge to be glamorous and fashionable at the same time. However, it can be done and done fantabulously!

Here are some quick tips to staying fashionable. Definitely look for clothing that will be warm and stylish. Steer clear of winter wear that is too big and bulky for your frame. Instead choose pieces that will flatter your figure.

Ladies, when you buy your winter coat you should make sure it is at least knee length as that is the fashion for this season. If you want to buy something longer, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. However, do choose coats that will flatter and still maintain your womanly shape. You can also accessorize winter wear with scarves and pins. These accent pieces can personalize your look and take it to the next level of sophistication.

Men also want to look dapper and maintain their swagger on those cold days. Men should also choose clothing that is not going to make you appear larger than what you really are. Instead choose sweaters, turtlenecks and cardigans in lieu of oversized jerseys. The pea coat is also a perfect choice for outwear. Did you know that...the classic pea coat continues to be fashionable and stylish for both men and women. Multiple variations of the pea coat are sold by many retailers and are an asset to any wardrobe. One last piece of advice....Your coat should definitely fit you. The old adage of "you'll grow into it" is not longer appropriate.

Wear Winter White

Achieve an ethereal glow with a rich white or off white coat. A style secret of red carpet regulars, there is something regal and fresh about wearing this luminous shade during the dark and dreary days of winter. And as an added bonus, this polished piece of outerwear will help you stand out in a sea of black.

Pass It Forward

Outerwear is an essential, but it can also be expensive. Consider donating your gently worn coat this winter to provide a precious piece of warmth to someone in need. A few noteworthy companies, including United Colors of Benetton and Burlington Coat Factory, are offering discounts on new outerwear in appreciation of your donation. Furthermore, why not seek out a gently worn jacket or coat of your own? Many designers are bringing back retro styles, and a thrift store is a great place to shop for authentic inspiration!

Layering clothing for winter cold months is a common way to use pieces create endless wardrobe possibilities.

Whatever you choose to wear this winter do it with style! Stay tuned for our next newsletter where I will let you in on the 5 Top Winter Must-Haves this winter for both men and women.

Image Essentials LLC is available to assist you with all of your wardrobe needs. Visit us at www.ImageEssentialsllc.com

Out With The Old And In With The New

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU FASHIONISTAS!

Does this look like your closet?

In with the new and out with the old. That is what we all say. We make many New Year's resolutions. We vow to all different kinds of things like get into shape, start eating right, be a better spouse, be a better steward over our finances, save money, stop shopping so much or go to church more regularly. How many of us have vowed to get our closets organized? Your closet is a crucial part of your life. A disorganized closet can cause you to want to pull your hair out...especially if you are in a rush and cannot find your favorite shirt that matches that perfect pair of black slacks.



In keeping with "letting go of the old and bringing in the new" closet organization should also be considered. If you are like "I WAS", each year you add more clothing pieces to your closet and discard nothing. So by now you have a closet that is bursting at the seams. We have clothing items that we thought were a great find when we bought them and now they hang in the closet still with the price tag on it. We have all done it.



Do not kid yourself, we can and oftentimes do form emotional attachments to clothing items. It could be the dress you wore when he proposed to you, or the pair of pants that make your butt look cute or maybe it is the shirt that every time you wear it you get attention. Any of these statements could be a good reason to keep something but not if #1. It is not flattering #2. It is out dated and, #3. It looks worn and old. lol. These excuses are just a few of the reasons that I hear why a client's coveted clothing item should not be discarded.



I am not saying that you should toss everything out. What I am saying is that you should be realistic. The likelihood of you wearing a dress that you wore to a high school dance in 1995 again is very slim to nil. Our sense of style changes and although fashion trends are recycled believe me when fashion from 1995 comes back around they will be far more stylish and updated than when we first wore them.



Image Essentials LLC can help you with purging your closet. Release the old and make room for the new. As I said before, "everything does not have to go". You will be amazed at how you can update some garments by simply adding different accessories or by taking them to be altered.



You will never have any more of those dreaded mornings where you stand in front of a closet full of clothing and say to yourself "I have nothing to wear". Call Delilah A. Alexander of Image Essentials LLC to schedule your closet assessment.



Your old outdated and unwanted clothing will be donated to an organization that provides clothing to someone else in need. Clothing donations are a tax write-off. As a complimentary service to you, Image Essentials LLC takes the issue of what to do with old discarded clothing off your hands. We will bag the clothing, take it to the nearest donation spot and give you the receipt for tax purposes.



An organized closet can help you save valuable time, prevent you from making costly mistakes by duplicating purchases and alliviate the frustration caused by searching for key clothing pieces.



Visit us at www.ImageEssentialsllc.com. Your closet does not have to be a mess any more. You too can have a Fantabulous closet.

HE DID IT!!!!: BARACK OBAMA IS PRESIDENT

THE END OF A LONG JOURNEY

Did you ever imagine that in your lifetime you would able to say the words "African American President" all in the same sentence? As the answer to so many prayers.... Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history Tuesday night by winning election as the first African-American president of the United States..

We the American people built an unprecedented grassroots organization that brought a record number of people into the political process -- many for the first time, many for the first time in a long time. You should all be proud of yourselves for stepping out and making your voices heard. This truly shows us that when we move to action we can bring about a change...a change that has been long over due.

Today marks one of the important days of our lives, our parents and grandparents and their ancestors would truly be proud of the strides we have made as a nation of people. For the many people who suffered for this country and built their hopes and dreams on equality....I say a change has come. To all of the people to cried and died to be a part of a country....I say a change has come. We have truly come a mighty long way as a people. In the words of President Barack Obama "this significant moment in time is just the beginning."

I have a renewed sense of pride, urgency and faith. Pride in who I am, the culture I represent and the many other people who joined on this day to let their voices be heard. Urgency to do my part to bring about a change and most of all an unwavering Faith in God. We stepped out as a people of all colors and nationalities and made our voices heard! One People One Vote One Nation!

From the words of President Barack Obama...."If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," Obama told tens of thousands of joyful supporters in Chicago's Grant Park. "America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do," Obama said. "This is our moment. This is our time!"

And we all know that Michelle going to give the White House Fantabulous Style. :-)

God Bless America and God Bless

President Barack Obama

VILLAGE GIRLS PRESENTS FALL FANTABULOUS

See hot new fall fashions and accessories. Also receive valuable tips on how to select the right clothing to flatter your body type. Looking for statement pieces for a night out or just want to add classics to your wardrobe?
Village Girls has it all and more!
Receive 15% off all purchases!!!

BARGAINISTA STYLE

Greetings Fashionistas...

When the times get tough a Fashionista gets even tougher. A Fashionista is able to shift gears into Bargainista mode, without skipping a beat. Do not let the state of the economy hamper your ability to be Fantabulously Fierce. The biggest way to maintain your divalicious style when the economy is putting a crunch on your pocket book is shop strategically. There are tons of sales and reasonably priced merchandise out there. The best thing is that your style does not have to suffer. As a matter of fact, utilize this time to truly allow your fashion imagination to run wild. You might even surprise yourself.

A Fashionista turned Bargainista knows the smell of a great bargain. Bargain shopping – is a frugalite's dream. Seek out sales and price mark downs. Some of my favorite bargain places to shop are Dillard's, Macy's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, DSW and Show Cents. These retailers are always bringing in new merchandise. The buyers of these establishments keep the stores stocked with the latest fashion trends, as well as, classic wardrobe building pieces and accessories.

I spotted a beautiful cocktail dress at T.J. Maxx, similar to one Kia Whitacker (Forest Whitacker's wife) flossed at a most recent fundraising event. The best part was the dress was a mere fraction of the original price. Typically, at off-price retailers you can find one of a kind pieces and rock bottom prices. Finding that one of a kind piece means that you are sure not to show up at an event and see another Fashionista wearing the same frock. Although, it is funny to see "Who Wore It Best" in the US Magazine it is by no means funny when it happens to you. ha ha

The objective is to look fabulously flawless and stylish while not breaking the bank! Seek out the bargains. Bargain shopping can be very stressful, but it is can also be very thrilling and rewarding. Here are some pointers that can help you to have an absolutely stress free bargain shopping experience, and most of all save money.

• Get a local newspaper or magazine that lists local secondhand stores, outlet malls and weekend sales.
• Head to the back of the store. This is where the sale and/or clearance items are typically held. Stores want you to look at their fully priced items before their discounted merchandise.
• Know what you are looking for and do not buy just to buy. With just a bit of patience and a keen eye you can get some really good deals.
• If you like brand name products, call to the major stores and ask if they are going to be having any closings, or overstock sales. Overstock is a great way to get designer brand items at cheap prices.
• Shop around. Never buy something that you can get a better price someplace else.

Another great thing about bargain shopping today is that you do not necessarily have to leave the house to bargain shop. It can all be done online. Many great deals and one of a kind pieces can be found with the click of a mouse. Combine sales with an online coupon to maximize your savings. Use an online website that organizes up-to-date coupons by category. (e.g.

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com). Shopping online also makes it easy to compare prices, but be aware! Some sites are not always safe. Make sure you feel comfortable when you give a site your credit card number. Print your receipt for your records.

With the holidays approaching us bargain shopping will be crucial now more than ever! Take advantage of those after holiday sales. After the holidays stores want to get rid of fall clothing to make room for summer merchandise.

Be a Fantabulous Fashionista doing it Bargainista style!!!

Stay tuned for my next blog where I will reveal what is hot for the fall season. Yes, ladies it is fall. Tis the season for boots, sweaters and fabulous holiday attire.

I'M EVERY WOMAN FALL FASHION & HAIRSHOW

Greetings Fashionistas,

Image Essentials LLC has partnered with Versatile Beauty Center & Salon to bring you an extraordinary fashion show. This fun-filled afternoon, hosted by Ayana Mack of 104.1 KRBE, is guaranteed to be an exciting display of fashion forward fall designs, creative hairstyles and an opportunity to give back to the community!

This is an event you do not want to miss!

Event Tickets: $25 (Proceeds Benefiting The Houston Area Women's Center)

For more information contact:

Versatile Beauty Center & Salon
5175 Westheimer Suite 2145
Houston, Texas 77056
713-840-9466 or 713-840-9955