Ottawa’s Fashionistas Offer
Do-It-Yourself Tips to Help You Dress for Success

Written By Tina Barton
Photography by Darren Brown

Becoming Fashion Fit

Another local fashion team says being stylish is easy if you follow the rules. Teresa and Terry Lee McCarthy of Image Solutions Group believe in gaining an edge anyway you can.

“Like it or not, people are judged by their looks. The person who looks better is going to get the job,” says Teresa. “We’re trying to help everyone look as good as they can - men too. And the earlier they learn about it the better.”

“People always thought I was in another position than I was, because I dressed for where I was going, not where I was at,” says daughter Terry Lee. “It’s where you’re going and how are you going to get there.”

The pair helps teens, women and men of all ages with colour analysis, wardrobe audits and a revolutionary measuring tool known as the Fashion Fit Formula.

Terry Lee and Teresa call this the “missing link” to finding clothes that really fit.

Consisting of a series of calculations measured from 12 pivotal points on the body, the formula determines the proper hem length, sleeve, dart, pants and skirt length, as well as necklace positioning for every individual.

Fit is everything to this power duo. “It’s so much easier for men to get clothing that fits because their suits are fitted before they leave the store. Women buy off the rack and often it looks frumpy,” says Teresa.

Looking good doesn’t have to be expensive. A Fashion Fit session with Teresa and Terry Lee costs between $125 to $250 and can help clients find new value in old clothes.

“With the Fashion Fit Formula, a lot of clients end up shopping in their own wardrobe. They pull out their clothes and say ‘I really don’t like this.’ There are ways to categorize clothes: colour, fit, material. There are ways to figure out whether the garment has any value. So sometimes the client ends up getting more value out of the clothes they already own,” Teresa says.

“They bring back life to the clothes,” interjects Terry Lee. “It really is fun when ladies call us back and say ‘I’ve got a new wardrobe!’”

They regard the formula as an empowering device because it gives women the tools to determine the correct fit for themselves.

“It’s really something that helps women get control over their lives. They’re not always looking for their image consultant. They get clothes that fit them,” Teresa says.

Women returning from maternity leave often need a little extra help with their style.

“Some women have come from maternity leave, from wearing tracksuits all day and looking after babies. They’ve lost their self-confidence. If they can just brush up on looking good, feeling good, it boosts their morale.”

Their advice to all professionals on a budget is “shop up to the next level,” make sure your clothing is lined, and don’t be fooled into buying items just because they’re on sale!

“We say it’s only a sale if you would have paid full price, otherwise they just end up in the closet,” Terry Lee says. “If you can only afford one suit, get blue... it’s a universally friendly colour and one that has a lot of credibility.”

While it’s tempting to follow the fashions, the pair emphasizes the importance of building a base that is timeless.

“Trends are great, but they go in and out of style, so we always suggest you get a business wardrobe and go from there. If you need a trend, get an accessory,” Terry Lee says. “Just have a few good pieces. Dress them up with scarves and pins.”

It’s quality not quantity, otherwise it’s not going to last, Teresa cautions.

“It’s an investment in yourself to know that you are worth it and people will notice that.”

Look Good, Feel Good

Nancy Morris shows us the impact of accessories, before and after

A success coach by trade, Nancy Morris says she feels more successful since undergoing the Fashion Fit Formula.

“That formula really changed the way I look at my clothes and the way that I look in my clothes... One of the reasons I didn’t buy expensive clothes before was I couldn’t tell if they suited me,” she says. “I’m not colour blind, but like many women, I look in the mirror and say, `Does that suit me? I don’t know.’ Having used the formula and adjusted my clothes, I’m more confident to look in the mirror and say, `Yes that suits me and that’s my look.’”

A public speaker, Nancy knows the last thing she needs to worry about onstage is how she looks. And as a frequent traveler, she doesn’t want to lug around multiple suitcases to have enough clothes to take her from day to eveningwear.

“I need a ‘capsule’ wardrobe.” Working with Teresa and Terry Lee has taught her to build a staple of core colours and pieces, which she then dresses up with accessories.

“It’s important with the sort of wardrobe I own to get the accessories right,” she says.

She is adamant there are obvious gains to be had from working with professionals rather than going at it alone.

“If your friends say `wear this,’ they’re giving you their style. If a professional says that, they’re helping you build your own style,” she says.

Having met Sid Cratzbarg at one of his fashion shows last year, Nancy was suitably impressed to purchase one of his pieces and is now considering returning for more.

“I was wearing one of my business suits when I went to the show. I put the scarf on and all of a sudden I looked completely different... and it was just one little scarf from Sid’s collection,” she recalls. “I don’t know much about accessories and that’s why I’m interested in working with Sid.”

Asked whether dressing for success has turned into a business reality, she ponders for a few moments before answering.

“I can draw a straight line from my work with Teresa and Terry Lee to my confidence. Has it turned into a tangible business result from the clothes? I have no way of measuring that, but I feel more successful … I have found my look, my style … for me it’s been valuable to invest every penny.”