Finding Your Element Workshop Before & After Pictures

A lot of people have been asking me lately what the heck these Elements are all about….well I could go into a lengthy conversation about how it’s a holistic way of determining the colors/styles/textures that best fit your body but really?!  If I were wondering I would wanna see some pictures!  Can people really tell the difference?  This past weekend I hosted a Finding Your Element workshop and below are the before and after pictures of some of the attendees along with their feedback.  Does dressing in your element make a difference?  Why don't you be the judge J

“Had an awesome day figuring out my Element with Katie yesterday! Today I got started adding some new WATER clothes to my closet!” -Anika (WATER)

 “I have gotten such great compliments … on my hair and clothing this week - amazing.” –Janel (AIR)

“Love, love loved the workshop!  I cant wait to start acquiring clothes in my element (water). I used to “hide” in jeans all the time even though I had a desire to wear soft, flowing clothes.  And now that is exactly what my element says I should do.  Thank you, Katie!” –Karla (WATER)

“I meant to say thank you for making me feel more confident in myself! You have me more motivated....to dress more confidently!"
–Ashley (AIR)

Lastly, my mother, Carol another WATER (FIRE’s & EARTHS do exist people-we will highlight them in the coming weeks).  She is not really looking forward to being a part of my blog today but she is a good sport and being an only child we have determined she will do almost anything for me-well almost.  I love her dearly and find her beautiful no matter what for all her sacrifice raising me but she is just beyond stunning while dressing in her Element (PS when I asked her where she got this stellar WATER shirt she replied:  “Kohl’s or Shop-Ko!” which proves my point that you can shop anywhere to find great stuff when shopping in your Element!!)....

Next Week's Topic:  "Going Grey....Is it for you?"

Myth #3: " Black is Classic" (pt 3 of Why You Should Never Own a Little Black Dress)

Myth # 3 Black is classic.  Looking your best is the most classic thing out there and believe me, for a large majority, black ain’t doin’ it for you.  Husband and I just went to an Awards Gala in Las Vegas….everyone was dressed so beautifully!  Some in their Element and others not….but what I really noticed was that almost every lady had a black wrap or coat to cover their gorgeous dresses.  Black creates a sense of trying to use clothing to “hide”-we all have different reasons to hide, some have painful memories of when we did show up and got noticed in a negative way.  Others feel they don’t have the perfect body.  Yet for others it’s a subconscious safety net.  Whatever your reason(s):  If you are not an Earth Element, I can guarantee you that your beloved black will only make you look bigger, tired, washed out, show every imperfection on your face and even make you look older.  Since the Elements are all about allowing your inner essence to come forth; we suggest an experiment to folks who are skeptical of leaving their black behind….replace one of your black tops with a chocolate brown top or even a dark marine color (pictured below).  Sidenote:  they have a lot of stuff at thrift stores too if you don’t already have one hanging in your closet....they actually have a lot of amazing things in consignment stores once you know your Element-and they are usually arranged by color which makes shopping even easier!  Your wardrobe doesn't have to be expensive to look like a million bucks-that is where the Elements come in ;)  See the response you get from others when wearing the different top and most importantly notice how you feel…..I think you may be amazed J

Photo from DavidsBridal.com

The Most Beautiful Thing You Can Do For Yourself!

The Most Beautiful Thing Anyone Can Do for Themselves Right Now…..

Me doing my celeb style pose at Sugar MGM Grand  Las Vegas post-workout (please note:  no sugar was purchased during the making of this photo)

We are taking a break from the “Black Myth:  Why You should Never Own a Little Black Dress” this week and talking about the most beautiful thing that anyone can do for themselves right now. Hint: It doesn't have anything to do with how you dress, how expensive your shoes are or even how you style your hair and make-up.  The MOST beautiful thing you can do… drum-roll please… is to take care of yourself through diet and exercise.  Oh cliché, right? Wrong…..

The Husband and I recently went to Vegas for a Remax Convention and we saw the Founders of this International company speak.  The opening address wasn’t about making more money, looking like a West-Hollywood rockstar or even having a Kardashian-sized family…he talked to hundreds of us about how important your health is.  He had an infection leaving him paralyzed and he said in that moment he realized it doesn't matter how much money you have, if you don’t have your health you got nothin’

I applied this to the Elements, fashion, and really everything on the exterior.  It doesn't matter if I am waltzing around the room in a long lilac purple Grecian goddess style dress….if my body is not feeling the best, my focus will be on my ailments (migraines, lack of energy, chronic stomach aches…I had all of these before my Natural Doctor came into the picture) and I won’t be able to be the best me! 

After coming home from our anniversary trip to Costa Rica I visited my Natural Doctor at Valeo Health & Wellness Center (well that’s what I call him-he has a much fancier title) and we found out that I had picked up a parasite while on my vacation…I have come up with a slogan for parasites after dealing with one:  “Parasites:  the Gift that keeps on taking”  I wasn't able to take a deep breath, I had itchy red hives all over my body, a rapid heart rate, and I was losing tons of fluids…..all from a pesky little parasite!  After two visits to my natural doctor (and 45 whole food supplements per day for two months later) I have my energy back, and all of the above symptoms are GONE!  I feel like a million bucks! I’m sure some of you at home are saying “well, glad that worked for you, but it’s too expensive for me and I don’t have the time”:  I couldn't afford to live everyday of my life in pain, sickness and not feeling my best.  We spend lots of money on magazines, clothes, and junk food-when will you make your health a higher priority?  As for time? When you are sick and not able to perform your daily activities as well as you would like, play with your children, or enjoy time with your spouse/friends…believe me you will MAKE time. 

Diet:  I am not a doctor (this is a phrase my husband I love to say to one another before we give our opinion but you really should speak with your own doctor before embarking on any changes to your diet/exercise routine) but I have noticed that cutting out gluten, most dairy (except organic butter and eggs) and trying to limit my sugar intake makes me feel like I did when I was in college….scratch that…BETTER.  Pizza is my favorite food group-Ben & Jerry’s is my second.  I do still eat these items on occasion but usually when I do I am doubled-over for the next 2 days L If I follow a more Paleo plan I naturally get up earlier (no clue why), no belly aches, and it isn't hard to maintain a healthy weight.  My favorite new snack:  Bacon (the nitrate/nitrate free kind from Trader Joes), apple, spinach salad with olive oil and lemon….hmm I think I will go make one now….I also dropped roughly 20 pounds after high school when I dropped processed garbage.  I am far from perfect in the diet dept. but maintaining a healthy diet about 75% of the time works for me (note: it doesn't happen 100% of the time).

Exercise:  I like me some Pilates.  I do Mari Windor’s 20 minute Pilate workout (20 minutes folks-how much time do we all invest in our healthy daily!!) almost everyday along with some kind of cardio or strength (aka:  walking around the neighborhood with my kids, elliptical, grocery shopping…it’s a workout if you have two kids).  I even cheat and watch one of my guilty pleasures-like The Bachelor or Vanderpump Rules-while doing my Pilates and I don’t even notice that 20mins has gone by.

Taking care of yourself and making an investment in one of the most important things-your health-will not only improve your life dramatically but result in a more beautiful one inside and out :)  

Be Well!

Myth #2: "Black is Slimming on Everyone"-pt 2 of "Why You Should Never Own a Little Black Dress"

Left: Me in my "Slimming" Black Dress 

Right:  Me in my Element, feeling more comfortable, confident 

I am not sure who came up with this cliché, but if I could impart one quick tidbit to save you time, money and a terrible picture I would scream from the top of my lungs:  "Please Please Please Do not let any black fabric touch your skin! …..well unless you are an Earth Element (think Liz Taylor or George Clooney)."  So why do people (like myself pre-Elements) own and wear so much black?  We are on Week 2 addressing the traditional "Black" myths along with easy fixes to help you look your best whether running to get groceries or going to a gala!  

Myth #2 "Black is Slimming on Everyone"  Unfortunately, any color that is not in your Element can actually have the opposite effect when placed on your body.  If it is not in harmony with your body and the energy you are constantly projecting, your clothing will constantly be fighting you not supporting you (see picture above).  The black is a stark contrast to my skin-and my body's energy-which in effect makes me look larger compared to the photo on the right where the color (and style) comes from my Water Element.  The black is also too "still" for me and makes me look like a monochrome blob despite being at one of my lowest weights here....picture on the right I actually weighed more.  Summary:  The most figure flattering outfit is one that comes from your Element (color/style/texture) and closely follows your silhouette. 

Finding Your Element is a holistic way to find the colors, styles and textures that compliment you through transformational workshops and personal appointments.

Share in the Element Experience or Ask Questions on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/FindingYourElement

Why You Should NEVER Own A Little Black Dress…. Myth #1 Black Is Simple

Left:  Trying to Make Black Work For Me
Right: Allowing my WATER Element colors to support me

I am not sure who came up with this cliché, but if I could impart one quick tidbit to save you time, money and a terrible picture I would scream from the top of my lungs:  Ladies Please Please Please Do not let any black fabric touch your skin…..well unless you are an Earth Element (think Liz Taylor or George Clooney).  So why do people (like myself pre-Elements) own and wear so much black?  In the next few weeks my blog will be addressing the traditional  "Black" myths along with easy fixes to help you look your best whether running to get groceries or going to a gala! 

Myth #1 Black is Simple  Well I guess that could be true, but so are a lot of other colors like chocolate brown -which is a great substitute for black if you are not an Earth!  Black is the densest color in the color spectrum and energetically it stops movement.  People who are typed in the Earth element need this.  They stand strong, almost stoic, very symmetrical and can wear black, white and the jewel tones-the purest colors in the color spectrum.  The rest of us (myself included) cannot and should not wear this color.  I just recently gave away every last bit of black that was in my closet.  If I want to wear a more subtle color, I just wear my “tranquils” within my Element which-for me-include browns, darker or grayed blues and cool, calming purples. So contrary to popular belief you CAN go back after Black....and unless you are an Earth Element you most certainly should ;)   

Stay tuned for next week's "Black" Myth and Quick Tip to Look and Feel Your Best....

Finding Your Element is a holistic way to find the colors, styles and textures that compliment you through transformational workshops and personal appointments

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