How We Work

What’s it like to work with Bernie? On this page you’ll see the kinds of results our clients report, and we’ll give you a sense of our guiding beliefs, our approach, and what makes us unique.

Expected Results

As a business leader, you’ll have the confidence that comes from knowing you look your best—and that you’re always dressed appropriately, no matter what the occasion. Colleagues and staff will perceive your appearance and conduct as befitting a leader.

As a manager, you’ll be relieved of the task of counseling employees about their appearance. They’ll learn the difference between traditional business dress, business appropriate, and business casual, plus they’ll have a list of “never wears.” You’ll also learn a non-judgmental way to address any future dress code infractions.

Attorneys will learn basic guidelines for advising clients and witnesses about colors and styles to choose (or avoid) in specific situations. If needed, individual consultations for more important/consequential cases are also available. Attorneys may also benefit from personalized instruction and feedback regarding the impression they wish to project.

Guiding Beliefs / Values

People shouldn’t judge you by your appearance—but they do. In the business world, people have certain expectations about how those in particular jobs should look. I believe in going beyond the standard advice (like “wear a blue suit for an interview”) to help clients dress appropriately and in a way that is most flattering to them. It’s nice to look suitable, but it’s more empowering to look suitable and terrific!

Why you can’t do it alone. Oftentimes, your harshest critic is—you. This hypercritical focus can keep you from appreciating many of your positive attributes. I see your perfection, and I’ll help you emphasize your best bits and downplay the rest.

Knowing how to dress and behave appropriately gives you confidence. Without the anxiety of wondering if you’re under- or over-dressed for an occasion, or the worry of whether you’re using the wrong fork, you can relax and focus on the business at hand or on having a good time.

It can take some work and practice to achieve these goals, but the payoff is worth it. Your appearance is a powerful communication device. What is it saying about you?

Our Approach

So what is it like to work with me? For groups, I do fun, interactive presentations using a combination of slides, video, detailed handouts and a variety of suitable props. Where possible, I use audience members to illustrate positive examples. And, while I will talk about or show visuals of less-flattering looks, I will not use audience members for this purpose. The focus is always on making the better choice.
Click here to learn more about corporate presentations

With individuals, the process is personalized, positive and often fun. Clients have a lot of input into the process. Likes and dislikes are taken into consideration, as are clients’ goals and unique personal qualities and style. I have the background, skills and training to adapt appropriate dress to the individual.
Click here to learn more about personal services

Our Uniqueness

I’m a hometown girl, but I’ve been around the world. My many years of experience in both the public and private sectors and business travel to many major cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe have given me a unique perspective on the range of “appropriate” business attire. Yes, there are regional differences. Yes, there are differences between various businesses. And yes, the advent of “business casual” changed a lot of things. I’ve seen it all. Regardless, there are still specific guidelines for what constitutes “traditional,” “business appropriate” and “business casual.” I can guide you through the maze.

But this is Eugene! It’s relaxed to the point of comatose! True—but people still react to color and image. And there’s still an advantage to looking good and dressing appropriately. Not everyone who’s here grew up here, and not everyone who grew up here dresses like a college student. Wouldn’t it be nice to look good no matter where you go, and not feel compelled to explain that you’re from Eugene?

Call Bernie and start to discover your personal power through image! (541) 344-4957 or email

"I love the education Bernie provided me! With my new knowledge of design elements and principles such as texture, color, contrast, lines, and movement, I can see why different wardrobes pieces do or don't look 'right' on me. She even gave me several strategies for minimizing the roughness of my acne-troubled complexion! Now I shop and dress with far more confidence. And my family is thrilled with the weeding out I've done through my closet—no more baggy red sweats or duct-taped cargo pants, eek! We all thank you, Bernie!"
- Delacie B., Health Sciences Dept. Chair