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The Power of a Polished Appearance

Have you ever had this happen to you?

You're looking good with your appearance. You've got the hair, the makeup, the outfit - everything's pulled together. As the day progresses, you find that you've become a people magnet. Complete strangers come up to you and start talking like you're old friends. Men go out of their way to hold the door for you. And just when you start feeling really good about your day, it happens: the crusty look.

You know what I'm talking about. When you least expect it someone - usually a woman -- gives you such a dirty look that if looks could kill, you'd be dead on the spot. It might even be accompanied by a snide remark.

You instantly wonder what's wrong. Is your blouse too low? Your skirt too high? Your clothes too tight? If you can honestly say "No" to those questions (and remember: just because you can "suck it in" enough to get it buttoned doesn't mean it fits), then there's usually only one possible solution: you look so good, she felt threatened. So, to get even, she gave you a dirty look.

Sound ridiculous?

It's not. It's the power of image and appearance. And once you learn to harness it, you can put it to work to get what you want, whether it's the job of your dreams, the man of your dreams, or the kind of respect you've always dreamed about. Oh yeah -- and dirty looks from people with feel like you're stealing their thunder.

Now that last one probably isn't a goal. But it will be a by-product, so we'll address it momentarily.

Remember how I said when you look good, you become a "people magnet?" It's because of something called the "attractiveness factor." Studies have shown that even from the cradle, humans are drawn to an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Fair or not, attractive people tend to get preferential treatment all their lives, from more attention in the classroom and in the job market to a wider choice of mates. Small wonder then that most of our celebrities tend to be attractive.

Now here's a secret: you DON'T have to be drop-dead gorgeous to be considered attractive. You don't have to have a great body, great hair, or even a classically pretty face. All you need to do is package yourself attractively, and you'll command plenty of attention.

Remember: people treat you how you treat yourself. If you take the time to groom yourself appropriately and wear flattering clothes, you're telling others that you're worth the time and effort; that you're important and a force to be reckoned with. And because you have confidence in yourself, others will put their confidence in you - unless you give them reason not to.

Continued...

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com

All articles are copyrighted by Diana Pemberton-Sikes.