4. Ask Alexandria: Is There Such a Thing as an Ideal Life? & How Do You Look Good on Zoom Meetings?

September 15, 2020

Ask Alexandria

special monthly q&a

15 September 2020
Ask Alexandria

Episode Highlights

This month’s questions are wide-ranging There’s a lot about style – from how to look good on a Zoom call to bridging the gap between creativity and eccentricity. We touch on the KonMari Method, and things get philosophical as I address more fundamental questions about life. Is it possible to create your ideal life? What does that even mean?

How to look good on Zoom calls

Sort out your lighting.

Get near a natural source of light

Face a window or have a window to the side of you. Either way, the light will shine on your face. Whatever you do, don’t have your back to the window, unless you’re going for a witness protection vibe.

Boost your natural glow with artificial light

To look really professional, you need add in artificial lights. Start with what you already have around your home. A desk lamp or two could do the trick. For a super professional look, I’d recommend getting something like Elgato’s Key Light Air. I have two of these on my work desk and they are game-changers. They provide a lovely, diffused light, are dimmable, you can change the colour temperature and they are beautifully, thoughtfully designed (Red Dot design award winner for 2020).

Position yourself well.

Ensure your camera is at eye-level and directly in front of you

So, if you’re on a laptop that may mean raising your desk or using a few books or a laptop stand to elevate your device.

Wear your best colours.

This is a gamer changer

Second only to lighting, wearing your best colours on your online meeting can really make a difference.

Don't wear black close to your face

Many of us in the Western world have warm skin tones, and warm skin tones don’t like high-necked black tops.Listen to the full episode for more tips about colour and clothing.

Makeup can help too.

A finishing touch...

Though lighting and wearing your best colours will have more of an impact, makeup can also enhance your look.

Recommended brand

My favourite makeup brand is Kjaer Weis. It’s ethical, organic and sustainable, and the products work beautifully.We're talking high quality ingredients and thoughtfully designed packaging.

YouTube tutorials

Kjaer Weis have excellent tutorials on their YouTube channel to help you make the most of their products. I love that they use a diverse range of models, a variety of ethnicities and ages.

Worried you have too much stuff?

You're not alone

It’s easy to amass a lot of things, to collect all sorts of stuff over the years that doesn’t necessarily represent who you are now, or who you want to be. Unless you’re a highly disciplined curator of your belongings, it’s likely you too will have experienced an overload of stuff you don’t particularly want.

KonMari your way to joy

The KonMari Method of tidying gives you a real opportunity to take a closer look at your belongings and address more fundamental questions too, like how you want to live. Answering this question is the first step in create the home of your dreams. It’s never too late to bring more joy into your home and surround yourself with things you love.

The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.

Marie Kondo

Is there such a thing as an ideal life?

That's a very good question

Why not listen to the episode to see what I have to say about this...It’s about halfway through the episode (14 mins in).

Style Notes

Style is all about confidence

If you feel great in what you’re wearing, people will respond to your confidence. Try pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Experiment with pattern. Experiment with colour. Experiment with different cuts and styles. Or, of course, enlist the help of a personal stylist to reach your goals a bit faster.

Dress for yourself

If you feel you’re crossing the line between creative and “weird”, own it. Go out there with so much confidence that you inspire others to also be brave.

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About ALSO in PINK

Welcome to the ALSO in PINK podcast with host Alexandria Lawrence, a certified KonMari consultant, personal stylist and specialist in biophilic interior design.

ALSO in PINK offers candid conversations with industry leaders and influencers, clients and friends, about what it means to live well.