FASHION

The other night I was so blessed to meet a very handsome young man named Benjamin Wills.  He has worked as a model and now serves as Executive Director of the Toronto Fashion Academy and fashion stylist for individuals in various parts of the world.  We only had a few minutes to visit as we were in a group but I did ask about his role.  He stated that he goes through people’s closets, helps them identify the colours and items that best suit them and then helps dress them for high profile appearances.

I shared two tips that I learned from family as a child:  1.  Always be the best dressed person in the room (You walk a little taller and feel a little smarter); and 2.  Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Today, as I was thinking about this article and fashion I thought I would tell you about another way that I use fashion.

I live in Westman Village in Calgary – the only adult resort in Alberta.  Three or four times a year administration sets up a dinner and dance for the residents.  Now I was raised that it is best to have a date when you are going to a dance but that doesn’t always have to be the case.

In February I tried an experiment.  Because it was a Masquerade Dance, I dressed as The Princess Incognito.  Few people knew who I was behind the stylish mask.  I made a greeting card with photos of a glass coach and slipper.  Inside I glued a picture of a king showing him only from the back and the words “Have you seen my Prince Charming?”.  Amazon provided me with a man’s crown which I used to place on the heads of men sitting at each of the banquet tables.  I would ask “Is he my Prince Charming?” and those around the table would laugh assuring me that he wasn’t and often giving reasons to support their statements.

The whole evening was fun and I was able to go to every table and meet people.  Many who attended hadn’t planned to dance and the music was so loud that conversation was limited but we did have fun!

Subsequently people from the dinner and dance discovered my identity and thanked me (of course with laughter about the antics).

So, when Octoberfest approached, I got a lovely blonde wig with long braids, a wench’s dress, jewelry and even a purse with a stag on it.  My friend went with me and helped put water tattoos on each guest.  (I didn’t tell the men until after they applied beer steins or pretzels on cheeks and foreheads that the tattoos would last three to five days!).  Great fun!

For Hallowe’en I appeared as a queen whose task was to recruit candidates as the Royal family has been losing several members and needs help!

One day, a resident came up to me and said “I didn’t know who you are.  I didn’t know you were a doctor and an author.  I just thought you were a woman who liked to dress up and get your photo taken with people.”  I explained that I am all of those things and, with a big smile he said “Thank you so much for always dressing up.  You make it so good for everyone!”

It’s easy to throw on an old outfit and lounge around but I can assure you, that if you find the style and colours that suit you, you will feel and look your best.  Even better, grab a cute costume and positively charm the whole environment!. 

That’s what Benjamin Wills does.  He makes the world a little more beautiful – one person at a time.

PS:  Bet you can’t wait to hear what I am wearing for the Christmas dinner and dance!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice.   Visit  www.LindaHancock.com  or email her at  office@drlindahancock.com.