Mixed Messages

I was very disappointed when I saw the direction Miss USA has gone with their “official photos”. My concern is the mixed message that is being sent to young girls. I never missed a Miss America or Miss USA as a child. The grace, poise, and intelligence of these beautiful women captivated me. I wanted to be Phyllis George.

This Sunday Miss USA will crown a new winner. The theme for the pageant is “Waking Up in Vegas”. To raise the level of awareness of the pageant all 51 contestants were photographed in skimpy outfits. It isn’t just the high heels, fishnets, and heavy makeup - the seductive poses speak louder than words.

On the Today Show, pageant president Paula Shugart stated that these women are not looking to bring world peace. They are all aspiring actresses and models.

When I posted the question on Facebook there were some who liked the photos and some that were indifferent. One gal said that if she” were young and beautiful like that she would pose for the pictures”. Another said “at least they’re being honest about what they are valuing in women”.

Miss Kentucky USA, Kindra Clark, lives in Mt. Washington. Her picture was nice but had no idea it was her until I looked it up online. During her photo shoot she got too warm from the lights and an ambulance was called. She is fine now – I look forward to seeing her Sunday night and wish her the best of luck. You might recall that last year’s Miss Kentucky USA, Maria Montgomery, came in 4th runner up.

It makes me sad that nothing makes society blush. I hope that mothers watching the pageant with their daughters explain that the pageant did that for ratings and that you don’t have to be a sex kitten to be a queen.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joyfully,
Chris

Regarding Jana's Letter

I thought I would share with you some of the reasons why I love being an Image Consultant and selling the Jana Kos collection.

Jana Kos changed my life! In 2004 I began selling the Juliana Collection which was designed by Jana Kos. In 2006 The Voice Tribune began the Best Dressed of Louisville awards. In its first year I was awarded top 5 best dressed. I know it was the beautiful designs of Jana Kos that put me in that category.

It’s not just the award that changed my life. It was noticing that my husband always wanted to take pictures of me in my Jana Kos clothing. My girls weren’t telling me to put something else on. It was learning on a daily basis to just say “thank you” to the numerous comments I would get on my outfits. What you put on the outside truly affects how you feel on the inside. I was changing from the inside out.

Private label shopping is the way of the future. Once a woman shops this way she never wants to go back to fighting mall traffic or unqualified sales people. My customers love the individual attention, relaxed setting, detailed records on previous purchases and the ability to add to previous purchases. I have the latest in foundation pieces available to view, along with videos of the latest fashion show or television interview I’ve produced.

I have sold another private label but found Jana’s designs and company to surpass any of the competition. This is what makes the Jana Kos Collection superior:

1. When I wasn’t wearing Jana’s clothing I didn’t get complimented. The styles were pretty and the fabrics nice, but they didn’t have the “wow” punch that Jana’s clothing has.
2. Jana has details unlike anyone else. From her lining to seaming details, I’ve never seen another collection come close to her attention to detail.
3. Jana’s buttons are like art. Buttons are enameled like jewelry, hand painted, or covered in special fabric. She takes as much pride in selecting buttons as she does fabrics.
4. Jana is very passionate about the New York garment district. Her labels say “made in NYC”. The only pieces made out of the US are the leathers and silks because those companies have gone out of business in the US. She is loud and proud about keeping the work in the USA.
5. Jana’s staff has performed miracles for me. They go out of their way to get me what I need – even if it is a button from a year ago.
6. If I need to speak to the executive team they are there for me – even Jana. I don’t have to go through levels of management to get answers.
7. Jana Kos Style Partners have positive and professional consultants. I love meeting with other consultants on a quarterly basis. Everyone is there to help each other, share ideas, and encourage one another. A true sisterhood.

I love my work. I look forward to helping women on a daily basis. Just two nights ago I heard a customer telling my makeup artist that “Chris brought me into being a woman and not just a wife and mother”. That is why I do what I do. You could too. If you are passionate about helping women look and feel their best, interested in working part time, and would like to get fabulous clothing at a discount, give me a call at 502-939-6000. The view from the top is breathtaking – come join me.

Joyfully,

Chris