Selected columns from the past two months:
Perfect products for your 50+ lifestyle!
A native of Belgium, Michele was raised and educated in Brussels and is fluent in both French and English. Early in life Michele was attracted to the fashion world, and opened a “parfumerie” in Brussels, which quickly expanded to include designer wear, accessories and spa services. After meeting and marrying an ‘American in Paris,’ Michele moved with her husband to New York in 1983. She studied at New York University, accepted a position with an American cosmetic company, later shifting to a management position with a real estate investment trust.
After the birth of their second son, Michele became Vice President of Marketing and Sales for an upscale Belgian chocolate company and could work from home. She excelled in this position for over a decade, and was able to move this west when the family relocated to San Francisco. She built out the company’s entire Western US high-end department store channel.
With the children off to school, it was time for a change. She was fortunate to have supportive family and friends that encouraged her to start a new venture. It was time to return to her roots, to what she knew best, and had a passion for: helping people to improve their self-esteem, confidence and appearance. Already an avid Pilates practitioner, she decided to take the next step and become a certified Pilates Instructor. Shortly thereafter, she elected to return to Brussels to obtain her image consultant certification from one of the most prestigious organizations in Europe. She is a member of Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and is the only American member of the Association Française pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnel (AFIPP).
Michele wanted to offer clients a truly unique experience. Therefore, she combined these two certifications into one business model, and created Michele Benza ICP (Image Consulting & Posture), designed to assist clients to attain ideal posture and to dress appropriately for their body type, lifestyle and age.
Michele Benza ICP is located near Union Square at 210 Post Street, just above jewelers, Shreve & Co.
Michele and her husband live in Tiburon, California.
Visit Michele at http://www.michelebenza.com.
Michele’s Columns
How to figure out if you are spending more on clothes than you need to? More...
Make your outside image match your inside image. Love yourself from the inside out. Michele gives us some attainable goals to consider that may make all the difference! More...
Timeless style advice you can use today…and all year to stay fabulous. More...
Let’s have some fun! Hats are Back and Hats are Hot! More...
Finally, a coat that’s gorgeous, warm and cozy AND lightweight! More...
Michele delves into the controversy about the fashion (and safety) dilemma of extreme high heels. Will you choose to take them or leave them? More...
Michele’s been sleuthing again and has the scoop, straight from Paris, on what’s “in” for Fall! More...
Are you expressing who you really are? Are you tired of dressing the same old way? More...
Michèle Benza, 50+Fabulous Style Expert and owner of Michèle Benza Image Consulting & Posture offers a new 1-hour, on-line service, DRESS FOR SUCCESS, CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE INTERVIEW! More...
Do you dread shopping for a bathing suit? Who doesn’t?!! Don’t go to the store without this! More...
Want an easy way to be glamorous instantly? Who doesn’t? Read on! More...
Look great and spend little? Sounds too good to be true? Michele tells us how! More...
How to extend the life of your haircut and save both money and time! More...
What’s in fashion for the 2009 Spring/Summer season? Michele gives us the “hot off the runway” scoop. More...
Michele gifts us with her simple steps to timeless beauty and happiness too! More...
How to be fashionable and stay on your budget too! Michele’s secrets revealed! More...
It’s a wrap! Michele shares what’s in this winter! More...
The holidays coming right up! With the right accessories and fresh makeup, you can leave work and be on your way to drinks and dinner in just about 20 minutes. More...
It is said that young people don't know how to dress because they do not have good role models. Prove the naysayers wrong! More...
What to wear this Fall? Michele brings all the latest trends from the runways straight to you! More...
What is the secret key that can give you a Fabulous new look? More...
Find out how to pack for an extended trip, only need a carry on bag and remain Fabulously stylish! More...
Is buying a bra a nightmare for you? Michele gives us the basics on this "basic." More...
And of course this means it’s time to put away your winter clothes and come out of hibernation. Now is the time to be inspired by this season’s bright and colorful collections and to be creative. More...
Michele's just back from Paris and shares what's being shown for Spring 2008. More...
It is no longer enough to consult with sales associates at cosmetic counters or clothing stores. They most often do not have the expertise necessary to address our needs at 50 and over. More...
Happily gloves are back to enhance our style and elegance! More...
For instance, did you know that every thirty minutes a Hermes scarf is sold somewhere in the world? And in European families, a husband traditionally presents his wife with the latest Hermes scarf each New Year and, eventually, the collection is passed on to the daughters in the family. More...
Paris in the Fall of '07. More...
Shopping can be torture, especially if you are faced with common trouble spots such as wide hips, large thighs and sagging upper arms. Don’t give up! There are solutions to all your shopping challenges even when it seems like stores are filled with rows of outfits that do not work for your body type.Thank goodness we come in different sizes, shapes and colors. How boring it would be if we were all identical! More...
I just got hit by the bag bug! More...
The new self-tanners are not what we remember! Michele shares the inside scoop on her favorites. More...
Be aware that people see us from different angles and from head to toe. Shoes play a major part in our presentation. More...
It delights me to see that the coat has made a comeback on the fashion runways because, along with the coat, it seems chic and elegance have returned too. More...
Fortunately, no matter the depth of your pocket or the shape of your face, there is jewelry to suit every budget and every shaped face. Choosing jewelry that enhances your look can be tricky, but when doing so, keep the following in mind. More...
Good posture goes beyond looking good. More...
The way you dress is part of a non-verbal communication. Your appearance communicates to others who you are and how you see yourself. An image consultant can help! More...
Aging beautifully is about our attitude toward life and the curve balls it throws us. More...
Fall makeup 2006. More...
As an image consultant I do make a lot of mental notes on people’s attire, hair, makeup, grooming and posture; but lately eye glasses have been #1. More...
Here is the key to selecting your own signature perfume. More...