"Talk of the Town" fashion segment! Watch it here...
Hi friends!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment from last Friday on 'Talk of the Town,' please click the link HERE to see it! (You will see how to glam up your daily wardrobe!)
Please don't hesitate to call for a complimentary consultation, and don't miss the next fashion segment on March 12th!
Happy Shopping!
Mila
January 2010 MODA Image Consulting Newsletter
Setting Yourself Up for Success:
What does success look like?
How can you get there?
Each year, many of us start off by creating a long list of ‘things’ we are going to change, but by the end of January we have forgotten what those ‘things’ were.We think about changing our ‘image’ which may include a weight loss plan, new gym membership, maybe a different hair color or a wardrobe update.Sometimes we just need a little encouragement to reach for those goals and to finally make the changes we have wanted to make.
A successful day begins the minute you open your eyes – your day and mood are determined by how good you ‘feel’ about yourself.Do you look and feel confident and successful when you walk out the door in the morning?Your emotions can make or break you – a positive image can help you to feel confident enough to reach further for your goals that day.Being a brand new mom I know how important it is to get dressed well in the morning in order to ‘feel’ good about myself and what I need to accomplish for the day.Looking great helps me to feel put together which encourages me each time I may feel tired or a bit worn out from the many sleepless nights I have had recently!A positive outlook begins with how you feel about yourself; if you feel ugly, tired, old, worn out, fat and so on you will not fulfill your potential for that day.
2010 is the year to take control of your image – some of you may ask, but how do I look great every day?It begins with a wardrobe that works for you, not against you – when you look at your closet you should feel organized and energized by what you see.If it is full of clutter and old clothing you haven’t worn in years, it is time to clean it out, get organized and see what you need to buy in order to have daily options that easily work into your lifestyle saving you time and frustration.Each morning when you enter your closet you can either feel depressed about what you see or you can feel encouraged and excited!
If your clothing doesn’t fit you anymore or you haven’t upgraded your image in quite a while, all it takes are a few new pieces that will help you to feel confident and get you back on the right track with your image and fashion – and let’s face it, sometimes we need to feel confident just to ‘think’ about going to the gym and getting our physical bodies in shape.Let me help you to reach your 2010 goals; let’s begin by getting organized – we can clean out your closet and create a list of things you need that will help you to enjoy your life more, or simply start over and help you to upgrade your look to one that kicks off this year with a fashion bang!
Your image affects your life, your mood, your significant other, your confidence and your joy.Decide to take control today!Please give me a call to set up a complimentary consultation; I would love to help you to update your image in order to look and feel the best you can each and every day.
2010 is the year to take some time for yourself and focus on how you can set yourself up for personal and professional success!
I look forward to serving you!
Warmest,
Mila
Please click here if you missed my fashion segment last month on Talk of the Town - SECRET WEAPON FOR PERFECT BODY SHAPE!
Advice for Entrepreneurs (Wall Street Journal article)
Hi Friends!
I hope you are doing wonderfully! Since many of you are entrepreneurs, I thought I would pass along this fantastic article from the Wall Street Journal. It contains some valuable advice on how entrepreneurs and executives can create a greater sense of trust with clients and prospects - and of course, personal appearance/image is a key factor! (See paragraph in red below).
Please let me know if I can help you with your personal, professional or corporate image needs.
I look forward to serving you in 2010!
Warmest Regards,
Mila
Wall Street Journal Article
November 2009
Trust Me: For entrepreneurs looking to gain credibility, it's often the little things that count
By Quy Huy And Christoph Zott
How do you persuade people to trust you when you don't have a track record?
It's a question every entrepreneur faces—and it's especially critical these days as lenders and investors look for reasons not to hand over money. To figure out the answer, we interviewed key figures at 28 entrepreneurial ventures in the U.K., including founders, investors, board members, employees and customers.
What did we find out? Details matter. Many entrepreneurs are so focused on building the business or getting their product ready for market that they forget to do little things that send a message of credibility—such as making sure their Web site is polished and professional, or sending follow-up notes after a meeting with potential investors.
In our study, the most successful founders were masters at making symbolic gestures that signaled stability and credibility. They might hold meetings in upscale surroundings, for instance, or fill their Web page with testimonials from satisfied customers. Time and again, the entrepreneurs who practiced these tactics landed more funding than those who didn't.
What's more, this advice isn't for entrepreneurs only: Executives from established companies could learn some valuable lessons here, as well. With investors more skeptical than ever, executives must use any resource to convince them that they can be trusted—no matter how trivial the tactics may seem to managers with long careers and long-existing companies behind them. We found that there were four areas where the right symbolic gestures were vital. Here's a look at those crucial spots—and what executives in businesses of all shapes and sizes can learn from them.
Personal Credibility
First and foremost, it's vital to reassure people that you are personally capable and credible. For entrepreneurs, the issue is: Are you the kind of person able to build a company? In an existing company, it's more: Are you the kind of person who can manage a complex project competently? How personally committed are you to the idea that you are proposing?
There are a number of ways to drive home the point.
Reveal yourself. Many businesspeople are reluctant to be specific about their personal history or interests in meetings. They may think it's irrelevant or inappropriate, for instance, or they may simply feel pressed for time. But the entrepreneurs who are successful know how to deploy personal details that will strike a chord with listeners.
How? They do homework before big meetings—such as researching a potential investor's history on a social-networking site—and during the meeting they're very attentive to body language and verbal signals. For instance, background research might show that you and a potential investor have a common interest in college football. During the meeting, you might refer to a recent big game to underscore a point—and if the investor responds well to the reference, you might use more sports analogies when talking about your business.
This also applies to personal history. Disclosing critical details can make all the difference, such as a shared school affiliation or hometown, as well as a personal achievement. In our sample of entrepreneurs, for instance, all were graduates from the same top business school. But the ones who actually told potential investors proved most successful at attracting capital.
"I am sort of skeptical about M.B.A. qualifications," admitted one venture capitalist. "The fact [that he let us know] that he was from a prestigious business school did help." Put your money where your mouth is. Some entrepreneurs take only token wages or forgo a salary altogether. This serves two purposes. On a concrete level, it keeps costs to a minimum or cuts them out completely, which is vital when money is tight. On a symbolic level, it shows a full commitment to a business and sends a compelling signal to potential investors. Consider this comment by one investor in our sample: "Anyone can make a good business plan, but it's got to be the people behind the business plan. It's got to be their commitment—that is what helps you make hard decisions about investing. It tells you that when the chips are down, these people are not going to jump ship. They're going to stay fighting."
A word of caution, though, for executives at existing companies: A $1 salary may be seen as a public-relations gimmick as much as a sincere expression of personal responsibility and passion for the business. Meanwhile, some experts worry about sending another negative message—the executive is wealthy and can take or leave the money.
A Signal Triumph
·The Quandary: It's tough to persuade people to trust you when you don't have a track record—especially now that lenders and investors are looking for reasons not to hand over money.
·The Missing Ingredient: Many entrepreneurs are so focused on building the business or getting their product ready for market that they forget to do little things that send a message of credibility.
·Moves That Matter: In our study, the most successful founders were masters of symbolic gestures—from holding meetings in upscale venues to displaying industry awards on their Web site.
The Company's Professionalism
Businesspeople also need to sell the idea that their project or company is professional. But how do you do that with few resources?
Keep up appearances. A professional look helps reassure investors that a company's structure and processes are stable. Businesspeople should make sure that everything they show investors—from presentations to business cards to Web pages—is thoughtfully prepared. As obvious as it seems, personal appearance counts, too. Executives would do well to invest in a professional wardrobe, and take some coaching in presentation skills. (Recalling his team's sloppy appearance at a failed meeting, one red-faced entrepreneur admitted, "We were just a bunch of clowns wandering around with PowerPoint presentations.")
Location, location, location. The old adage also holds true here: Executives should secure the most desirable spot possible for their offices. Of course, not everyone can afford this, but there are ways to save. For instance, some entrepreneurs in our study arranged to meet in impressive surroundings—such as fancy hotels—or they rented shared offices in tony neighborhoods. Again, this serves a twofold purpose. Practically speaking, it's cheaper than getting very expensive digs. It also has valuable symbolic meaning. As one entrepreneur explained, "When we asked [our investors] why they had given us this chance, rather than some of our perhaps better-established competitors, they told us that they were so impressed that we were obviously a business of substance, because we had such a large, well-appointed office. They didn't know that we had a very, very small office, just in a large building."
Obviously, we're not advising a display of fake luxury—executives should not lie to potential investors, or go way beyond their means to make a better impression. What's more, before plunging into a deal for upscale offices, managers should be sure that their potential investors actually place a high value on this kind of display. For instance, they should ask other clients about the investors' preferences—as well as what their offices look like.
The Track Record
A common complaint among entrepreneurs in our study is that investors demand proof of some past accomplishment before they commit resources. But there's no way to get a track record without resources to develop an idea. The most successful entrepreneurs found ways to address this Catch-22 situation.
For example, rather than merely describing their product on paper, some entrepreneurs developed a prototype, or used controlled product demonstrations, to convey how the product might work. One investor who was won over this way told us: "This win happened when the business founder gave what I'll call a controlled demonstration. The demo looked really great."
Another company hadn't produced a single commercially viable product, but it had won industry awards for its technology development. So, it conspicuously displayed its awards on its home page as evidence of external recognition. "Could we prove [our product] worked in the marketplace?" the entrepreneur told us. "No, we couldn't, but we needed to get those external endorsements to help us."
For managers at an established company, a good strategy is to try to establish a series of modest wins and publicize these as symbols of achievement in a clear—but not conceited—way. A manager might try to win plaudits from customers by delivering top-notch customer service, for instance, and then place those testimonials prominently on the company Web site or in promotional material.
Emphasizing and Building Ties
Being associated with prestigious stakeholders can help elevate one's standing. One business founder explained how having two international companies partner with his travel venture gave him tremendous credibility, which was "absolutely critical" for obtaining funding. Later, he secured the backing of other high-profile investors and industry experts who joined the company's board—and they, too, became important symbols of prestige.
The founder mentioned these ties during presentations, and believed they helped him land sizable contracts. "The reason they think we can do it is they look at our board and they see some very big names on there now," he said.
Finally, it's critical to use symbolic gestures to build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders. Even seemingly small actions can make a difference. For instance, successful entrepreneurs often send flowers or inexpensive gifts with their corporate logo to serve as reminders of the company's reliability—and, even more fundamentally, the fact that the company is still in business. For executives at established companies, personalized emails or handwritten notes of appreciation to colleagues and employees can help them stand out from their peers.
As one of the founders said, "We try to influence the clients' selective recall. The way we do it is through small gifts like a pen or a ruler with our company name on it. People keep these things on their desk, and they use them. You may laugh at this, but the small things help people to remember us."
People seem to appreciate these gestures. One customer in our survey said, "Service is important, and [this company] attends to us as if we were their most important or only customer, and continues to do so." Of course, none of these strategies should mean faking the way to success. We are not advocating cover-up actions, the way some companies selectively issue one-sided announcements calculated to drive up the price of their stock. With the business world reeling from so many corporate scams of this nature, once-bitten stakeholders will see right through any shallow maneuvers. To be effective, each of these actions must be underpinned by authenticity. In other words, only promise what you can deliver.
— Dr. Huy is an associate professor of strategy and management at INSEAD, in Fontainebleau, France. Dr. Zott is a professor of entrepreneurship at IESE, in Barcelona, Spain. They can be reached at reports@wsj.com.
MODA on Talk of the Town...See it here!
Hi friends, clients and future clients!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment yesterday on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose, please click the link HERE to see it!
Gift certificates are now available for the holiday season - give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Please e-mail or call for more information or for a complimentary consultation!
·Do you ever leave a room of strangers and feel like nobody noticed you?
·Do you feel ignored?
·Do you at times wonder which colors and styles suit your body shape the best?
·Do you feel like you waste money on clothes versus invest in your life?
·Are you still wearing the same clothes you did 3+ years ago?
·Do you need to create a new you?
Success for individuals and corporations begins with first impressions.MODA turns first impressions into better relationships and a better you!Without even realizing it, you may be sabotaging your own future.Your personal and corporate fashion is one key to a promising life.If you really care about your job, your career, yourself and the company you work for, then you will pay attention to your image – it shows how you feel about yourself and the business.
Your brand is the first thing that people think about you when they see you and is your most visible credential – brand sticks with you – it is what people envision even when you are not with them.Your image directly affects the brand of your office and thus affects the revenue for your company as well as yourself.
Understanding your personal style will give you a tremendous advantage in building the right brand and first impression – this in turn gives you an advantage in creating a trusted relationship. What is your personal brand – does it complement the brand of the company you own or work for?Your image says many things for you – does it say what you want it to say about you and your skills?Some words you may want to associate with your brand could be professionalism, loyalty, trust, respect, discipline and excellence…does your image say the things you need it to?If your dress says you do not care about you and your image, then people assume you won’t care about them.You have to care about you ‘the person’ before you can really care about or serve others; especially in business.
TRUST
Your clients or investors may be looking for stability and professional expertise - and more importantly they want to trust you with their investment or company…trust begins at the door before you say hello or shake hands.
·Does your image say trustworthy?
·Does your image say detail oriented?
·Does it say you believe in excellence at work?
·Does it say you will take care of your clients?
·Does it say that your colleagues should respect you?
·Do you lead by example with what you are wearing?
MODA is a company that helps individuals and companies to reach their full potential by improving their overall appearance and how others perceive them.We work with corporations and individuals helping them to design dress codes and policies while advising them on how their employees can better represent their company brand, goals and image while providing solutions that increase productivity and income.
Anybody can tell you what they 'think' you should wear – not just anyone can tell you how it relates to your individual business brand.
Please call or e-mail to see how MODA can help you or your company today.
Warmest Regards,
Mila
President, MODA Image Consulting
mila@modaimageconsulting.com
Please don’t forget to pick up the latest edition of At Home Tennessee magazine where you will see my picks for holiday wear and accessories.www.AtHomeTn.com.
Don’t miss my next segment on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose (Channel 5) – Wednesday November 18th!
October 2009 Newsletter
Dear Clients and Friends!
Each week, I get e-mails from women (and men) of all ages asking me for fashion tips and tricks.One of the most challenging fashion ages are for women who are over 40 - many ask how to dress for the changes that are occurring. At this point, bodies are in transition, lifestyles are changing; you may be becoming empty nesters, divorcing, starting new jobs and so on…the trick to remember is that you can be just as sexy and vital looking as your younger counterparts.It just takes looking at your wardrobe and beauty habits with a critical eye and finding what works for you.
As your body is changing, so must your clothes. Your body is physiologically changing, from thinning hair to ruddier, duller skin, and the key to dealing with these changes is to refresh your look with new products that work for what your skin is going through now, and to go through a ‘style evolution’ to learn to dress for your new assets.It’s important to remember that you can’t always hang onto what worked before and must learn what works now.
I know that the main challenge you face is finding wearable, modern clothes to fit your lifestyle, budget and figure.Shoes and bags are the quickest way to update your look. Women over 40 need to learn how to adapt trends that will work for them and their own defined personal style.
Fashion Tips for Over 40
Don't dress too young. The worst thing you can do is to dress younger than you are.It makes you look older.
No miniskirts, regardless of how great your legs are.
Skip baggy clothes and look for pieces that give you shape.
Don't pick colors from color charts; experiment by trying on different colors when you go shopping.You'll know it when you see it instantly.
Trendy is no longer attractive so don't worry about the trend of the moment.Instead, you should find a print or a bold piece of jewelry and develop a signature look.(Pros may tout fashion now as being ageless, but that's no consolation when you have to pick through racks of miniskirts and low-rise jeans to find styles you love).
Keeping up with trends can be even more difficult because many fashion magazines ignore women over a certain age – the key is to find your new ‘signature’ style so you don’t waste time or money shopping for things that don’t work for your body, shape, coloring and so on.
Watch your handbag: it is usually a dead giveaway to your age. Have some fun with your handbag choice by trying colors (red), fabrics and different shapes. The key here is to find a bag in a good proportion to your size. (Your bag does not have to match your shoes or even your outfit – red can be a neutral that you wear with everything!)
If you are interested in learning more, I would love to grab a cup of coffee with you to explore the possibilities.Consultations are always complimentary and fun!
HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES!
With the holidays around the corner, it is time to start thinking about unique gifts for your loved ones that last a lifetime! MODA offers gift certificates for all things fashion - it is the perfect gift for your everyone in your family. Call or e-mail today to find out more!
It is time to get excited now for fall/winter fashion - I hope you enjoy some of my favorites below.
Happy Shopping!
Mila
Don't forget to pick up the latest edition of At Home Tennessee magazine where you will find more of my fall fashion favorites!
COATS!
Make a statement with your coat - red can be a neutral that you wear with everything. Investing in a beautiful coat is worth it - it is something you wear everyday!
BOOTS!
Whether you choose a tall, flat or short boot, make sure to choose one that has some style. A little flair here and there will only add some fashion in a timeless way. You can't go wrong with any of the classic colors below.
BAGS! Bags are the perfect way to accent every outfit, and again, it is worth the investment since you need it daily. Even on days when you are not looking or feeling your best - your handbag can save you from a dull fashion moment.
Talk of the Town "How to find the perfect pair of pants" TV segment!
Hi friends!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment today on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose, please click the link HERE to see it! We talked about how to pick the perfect pair of pants.
Please don't hesitate to call for a complimentary consultation or with any questions!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment today on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose, please click the link HERE to see it! (Daytime and Evening Fashions for Mom-to-Be!)
Please call or e-mail to set up a complimentary consultation!
In times of hardship, struggle, uncertainty or fear for any reason, we can fall into the trap of looking like a victim instead of a warrior.Whether you have been laid off recently, divorced, fallen into financial hardship, experienced loss of some sort or whatever the circumstance may be; you can still choose to look your best!I have always believed in this principle, but most recently had to execute it while going through a rough time in my own life and I am here to tell you that it works!There are days when we as women don’t want to fight the good fight or strive for excellence in our own lives due to struggles or battles we face personally, emotionally, spiritually or professionally.After working with hundreds of men and women, I am certain that by taking the time to look your best each day will determine a more positive outcome for the day before it has even begun.
Taking the time and effort to dress well and put on your make-up will also give you a sense of renewed confidence and the “I can do anything” attitude regardless of the battles or mountains you may be facing.People who know you are experiencing a rough time will be inspired by you as they see your strength and beauty shine through…instead of an attitude, demeanor and ‘look’ that says you have given up.Choosing to look your best is YOUR choice – it will inspire you to new heights and help you climb high onto the mountain peak again.At one time or another, we will all undoubtedly experience the valleys that life often brings us – but we must remember that God created us to be excellent in all things even when we feel we can’t be!
Fashion is for everyone – use it to your advantage!Make your style and fashion work FOR you, not AGAINST you.If you would like to have a wardrobe assessment, update/improve your wardrobe, change your image, establish your personal style and solidify your brand, or talk about how I can help your organization or business with a 'Dress for Success' or 'Professional Image' seminar – please contact me for a complimentary consultation.I’d love to grab a cup of coffee with you.I look forward to hearing from you!
Warmest Regards,
Mila
Below are a few ideas on what you can can expect for fall!If you missed my fashion segment on Talk of the Town last week, please click HERE to see the clip!
Also, don’t forget to pick up the latest edition of At Home Tennessee magazine where you will find my suggestions on some fantastic fall bags!
Vests Wear them now with a t-shirt or tank top, and later you can layer over shirts and even cardigans! Perfect for work or a casual jean day.
Leopard This is a fantastic trend that always seems to make a come back. The trick is to buy classic pieces you can wear even a few seasons from now when it shows up again! Shoes and bags are a fabulous way to wear this trend.
Leggings and Tunics The trick to leggings is wearing them with long tunics or sweaters - never hesitate to wrap a belt around your waist and throw on a pair of heels or boots!
Accessories with hardware
Ruffles
Boyfriend Blazers A not so tailored blazer is making a come back in a big way! These can be fun, flirty, feminine and still appropriate for work.
Sheath Dress Regardless of your size, you can find a sheath dress to show off your body in a beautiful way!
Long Cardigans
Wear these over dresses, skirts or jeans to elongate your frame! Wrap a patent leather belt in any color around your waist for some added sass.
TALK OF THE TOWN FASHION SEGMENT!
Hi friends!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment today on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose, please click the link HERE to see it! We talked about some fantastic transition pieces that will take us from the summer heat right into fall!
Please don't hesitate to call for a complimentary consultation or with any questions!
July 2009 Newsletter - Dressing for Success in the heat!
"IF YOU DON'T ACTIVELY MANAGE YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE - OTHERS WILL DO IT FOR YOU." - Professor Laura Morgan Roberts, Harvard Business School
Dear Friends,
I hope this newsletter finds you doing wonderfully and enjoying summer! I borrowed the above quote from Harvard Business School professor Laura Morgan Roberts. She goes on to say, "People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace. It is only wise to add your voice in framing others' theories about who you are and what you can accomplish." Regardless of how accomplished you may be, people's perceptions begin with your image - and your image will dictate whether or not people believe you are skilled!
I have always viewed the idea of creating a professional polished image as a necessity – not a luxury.You cannot afford to allow other people’s perceptions of you to dictate where you will go professionally…or personally.Unfortunately, many people are plagued by an image that devalues their skills, abilities and intelligence – image done incorrectly will create the proverbial glass ceiling that will keep you from moving ahead regardless of how good you are at your job or even if you deserve to move forward.Companies not only hire me to present seminars on image - I am also hired to help specific employees upgrade/improve their image in order to move upward in the company and in their careers.Regrettably, not all companies have the ability to upgrade the image of each employee that has great potential – I have worked with numerous corporations who have told me that certain employees will be let go if they do not hear and then implement what I have taught in a seminar.
Creating a professional image that works FOR you, not AGAINST you is a necessity – I think you will agree with Professor Roberts in her assessment on the importance of taking a proactive approach in how others perceive you based solely on your image.
If you would like to have a wardrobe assessment, update/improve your wardrobe, change your image, establish your personal style and solidify your brand, or talk about how I can help your organization or business with a 'Dress for Success' or 'Professional Image' seminar – please contact me for a complimentary consultation. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee with you.I look forward to hearing from you!
Warmest Regards,
Mila
Key questions you may want to ask yourself to see if you need help establishing a solid image...Does your image represent your true self - professionally and/or personally?
What are the core competencies and character traits you want people to associate with you?
Do you believe that your image reflects those core competencies and character traits?
Are you aware of how others currently perceive you based upon your image alone?
Do you care about others' perceptions of you?
Do you feel confident when you get dressed in the morning?
Have you upgraded/improved your image within the past year?
Are you aware of which styles/clothing lines/colors work best for your body shape?
If business casual is dead - have you died right along with it?
Are you confused about dress code policies and how you should be dressing at work?
Are you unsure of the best way to dress in your particular work environment?
So how can you be professional in the summer heat?
I have had quite a few emails in the past weeks asking me for advice on being professional in the summer heat – understandably, this is a tough thing to do but there is hope!When the heat gets up to over 80 degrees, and the humidity is high, traditional business dress can really be a drag.
Wardrobe is an increasingly important factor in determining whether or not you’re going to get ahead, according to a survey from Yahoo! Hot Jobs. Eighty-two percent of human resources professionals believe that the way you dress affects your place at work, according to the survey. After having given numerous seminars to companies and firms on professional business attire and dressing for success, I have had the opportunity to hear the complaints employers have (and there are many) when it comes to professional summer fashion – I want to share with you the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of what to wear and how to stay cool at the same time.
The key to remember is that having a closet full of clothes is less important than acquiring a few versatile key items that can be matched with simpler, plainer items to create an overall look of class and style.
Dresses: A fabulous option in the summer. There are thousands of options that come with little jackets that can match the dress or not! Below is a perfect example of what we can do to keep the professional look and cover our arms while not overheating. If you can't stand the heat (and depending on your office environment) - don't wear the jacket until you really need to!
Try to stay away from floral prints, bold prints and bright colors. If you are wearing a dress that isn't as traditional as you would like, throw on a fitted blazer and feel confident about going to work.
Skirts: A cut like the one below screams professional!
Team a pencil skirt with a lightweight silk or cotton top. Pencil skirts are classy and keep your look professional, while your top can convey a more summer feel. If a plain top is too dull for you, pair it with a statement necklace or colorful scarf. Also, there are plenty of colourful tops that can give your outfit a bit of zing while remaining professional.
Pair it with a colorful (but traditionally cut) button down shirt. Depending on your office, a jacket may not even be necessary. If your skirt is a bit more casual or has a fuller cut to it - keep your jacket as it is not as professional.
Be careful of the 'frump' factor when you wear skirts below the knee - this is typically not a good length for any body type especially at work. It should end right above your knee! In the summer we have the tendency to wear jersey - stay away from this all together...it never looks professional and rarely fits a woman's body beautifully.
Light Suits: You dont' have to wear the matching suit together - Wear the pants or the jacket with other items to make it more versatile, but this color NEVER goes out of style and is still very professional. Wear a lightweight/sleeveless shirt underneath the jacket and stay a bit cooler. A white blazer is always a smart buy - it goes with everything and you can pair it with your grey or black pants and skirts for a more traditional look, but still be 'summery' and professional. To save a bit of money, you can buy a suit or pants in a seasonless fabric - many designers are getting smart about budgets and helping us to manage our wardrobe expenses! Call me if you have questions on where to buy them.
Professional dress tips from ForbesWoman
Hi Friends,
Here is a great article from ForbesWoman on dressing for success at work.ForbesWoman is a new section for professional and executive women.
What Not To Wear To Work
Laura Sinberg, 07.22.09, 12:15 PM EDT
The way you dress affects how others view you. It's nothing personal, just business.
Many professional women are guilty of multiple fashion faux pas without realizing it, and their lack of judgment can sometimes lead to being passed over for a job or promotion.Experts agree that one of the biggest fashion mistakes women make, for example, is showing too much cleavage.
Dressing too sexy can also have psychological effects on your peers, according to Peter Glick, a professor of psychology at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. A study by Glick that was published in Psychology of Women Quarterly indicates that women in high-level positions who dress in what is seen as sexy attire are viewed as less competent--regardless of their skill sets. These women are passed over for promotions more often than their more modestly dresses female colleagues.
So if you want to get ahead in the workplace, better rethink that low-cut top.
If you're confused about what is appropriate, you aren't alone, says Barbara Pachter, an etiquette expert who advises companies like Pfizer ( PFE - news - people ) and Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ), noting that a surprising number of executive women admit to not knowing what styles suit their bodies.
In fact, many women wear clothes that are either too big or not tailored properly, a fashion snafu that is easily avoided, says Pachter, who advises buying clothes at department stores with on-site tailors or simply patronizing your neighborhood tailor.
Details are important, adds Burr, whose home-study program, "Who Taught You How to Dress," helps clients navigate some of these issues. She tells of a client who was passed over for a promotion for a detail as small as scuffed shoes. "There were two people who were equally qualified for the position, and in the end it came down to one candidate was wearing shoes that were scuffed," she says. "The company wondered whether that would translate in a work [environment] to other details being overlooked."
Even politicians and celebrities have to polish their looks in the hopes of furthering their careers. Hillary Clinton is a prime example. More than once she has revamped her look and wardrobe--sometimes criticized as too severe and masculine--to include more traditionally feminine touches, like pastel suits, in an effort to emphasize her role as a wife and mother and relate more to the voting public.
Assess Your Work Environment
According to James McDonald Jr., a partner at the Irvine, Calif., offices of labor and employment law firm Fisher & Phillips, it is generally legal for an employer to institute an employee dress code. But you don't need to read a company manual to see what is and what is not appropriate to wear to work. The best advice experts give is to simply look around the office: Are the female VPs wearing stockings in the summer months? Is your manager one who rarely takes off her jacket or, perhaps, does she favor short skirts and skinny jeans? The fashion and social service industries, for instance, ordinarily have much more relaxed dress codes than, say, law firms.
Even if your position doesn't require you to see outside clients, you are still "making an impression on your boss [and] your potential future boss," notes Heather Klief, a human resources adviser for insurance company ING ( ING - news - people ).
While women may have more options about what to wear in the workplace, they also have more room for misstep, notes psychology professor Glick. "What's a man going to wear, a pair of Dockers and a button-down shirt, as opposed to a tie and a shirt?" Pit that scenario against a woman whose maxi dress is semi-transparent and, well, the impact on their respective reputations hardly compares.
Common Mistakes Women Make
In general, there are wardrobe selections women should always avoid in the workplace. In addition to the aforementioned maxi dress, wearing clothing that reveals your bra or panty lines is inappropriate office attire. Period. Ditto for micro-mini skirts and sheer clothing without a lining or cover-up.
Summer is a season that opens the door to a slew of potential fashion landmines for professional women, including spaghetti-strap tops and gladiator sandals, a hot-ticket item that should be avoided unless the dress code is so laid back that "everyone, including higher-ups, is wearing flip flops," Burr says.
So is being overly conservative the key to advancing? Not necessarily, says Glick. Although it can't hurt to err on the side of caution, asserting a little bit of individuality and personal style can boost your confidence and ability. As elsewhere in your business, it pays to stay one step ahead of the expected.
Click HERE to see a slideshow of pictures of what not to wear from ForbesWoman.
TALK OF THE TOWN! (Catch it here in case you missed it)
Hi friends!
I hope this finds you doing wonderfully! If you missed my fashion segment yesterday on Talk of the Town with Meryll Rose, please click the link HERE to see it!
Please don't hesitate to call for a complimentary consultation...
Happy Shopping!
Mila
May 2009 Newsletter
Image and Personal Success
Dear Clients and Friends,
I have been so preoccupied with talking about the importance of image in the workplace; I haven’t spent enough time talking about the importance of your image on a personal level.I heard a sermon last Sunday that really hit home with me…the Pastor spoke about something very near and dear to my own life – how image affects us as women, wives, mothers etc…He did hit on the importance of image in the workplace as well by saying that your appearance is more important than your resume, IQ or qualifications! I couldn’t agree more!He continued by saying that how you look determines how people look at you - I couldn’t believe I was in church!
It was what he said about the personal side of appearance that really resonated with me.He said that some people will say to him that they don’t want people to look at them from the outside, but to look at them and see their heart as God sees their heart…he continues to quote a scripture that says men (human beings) don’t do that, only God does!He then continues to say that no man ever looked at a woman and said dear God check out her brain, haha.I could never deliver the line on paper as well as when he says it (with a ton of humor accompanied by his straightforward nature), but the principal rings very true!People unfortunately will judge you by your appearance and create ideas about you before you’ve even had a chance to introduce yourself – does your wardrobe represent who you are? A great point he makes is that men are visual creatures made that way by God – and even if we have been married for many years, we can’t forget that!Please do not get complacent on the weekends!Think of the weekends as your time to shine with your partners – I’m not suggesting that you have to give up comfort for fashion, but don’t give up on fashion completely just because it is a Saturday.
As women, we wear so many hats – and I know how easy it is to get caught putting ourselves last…and our fashion can become a bit monotonous and unflattering.I also understand how easy it is to substitute comfort for fashion, but I want to encourage you to not do that.We owe it to ourselves to look the best we can look at all times, even when we are watching our kids play soccer on a hot day.If you don’t buy dowdy clothing, you can’t reach for it.
My policy is to always be very honest with my friends and clients about fashion and their image.I have listed a few fashion traps below that I often see and want you to avoid!Please pick up the May copy of At Home Tennessee magazine – you will see my suggestions for some fabulous transition pieces that will take you from spring to summer seamlessly!
Please call or e-mail me to set up a complimentary consultation.I would love to help you with all of your fashion needs.
Happy Shopping!
Mila
Fashion Tips!
·Loose t-shirts (ones that could fit two of you) are for working out and gardening (if you are single and looking to find someone, I would veer away from them in any public place).Regardless of your size, you can find comfortable clothing for working out that doesn’t create more weight where you don’t have it.
·Crocs are for the garden.If your husband/boyfriend has a 9 to 5 job during the week and your weekends are your quality time together, I would stay away from them on the weekends even if you are gardening.I have a few examples below that are comfortable substitutes!
·BE CAREFUL WITH CROPPED PANTS!Please refer to the March 09 newsletter for my tips on wearing cropped pants for the summer.
·Bras that do not support you – this is the number one place you cannot get lazy.Even on a ‘comfort first’ day, a great bra will give you a polished look. Typically a lace bra will not give you any support.Your chest should be rounded to a degree and lifted.If this is not the case, you are not wearing the right bra.If your flesh bulges over the bra at the armpits — the side wings are too narrow. You may need a fuller-figure-style bra. If flesh bulges over the back under band - the under band is too small.9 out of 10 times, you need a wire for extra support…a plain cotton bra will most likely not hold you up appropriately.80% of the time, my clients haven’t been fitted for bras in a very long time – get fitted by somebody who really knows what they are doing and get suggestions from sales people.Don’t hesitate to ask for the expert in the store – if you are in Nashville I have suggestions!
·The number one mistake women make is with pants.The fit of your pant done incorrectly can age you and make you look frumpy regardless of the rest of your outfit.Many times we think that looser fitting pants look better – this is never the case with work pants! (See March 09 newsletter for pant fit).
·Wear make-up.It doesn’t have to be the entire face, but you will always feel better and your partner will appreciate it!Mascara, lip gloss and a bit of blush will do when you are limited on time.If you don’t have time to do your hair, pull it back in a sexy loose bun and side sweep your bangs.You can even take a curling iron to the short pieces on top and pin them back with bobby pins for a tousled but beautiful look.
·Facial hair – this is the number one complaint I get from boyfriends/husbands on my questionnaires.If you don’t have a magnifying mirror, I suggest you buy one!If you have any hair on your upper lip whatsoever, even if you think it is light – get it waxed!
·Gray hair.This is tricky.99% of the time, I would suggest getting it dyed.A full head of gray hair can be stunning depending on the woman.If you have straggly gray pieces mixed in with your brown or black, definitely get it dyed!
·Never buy a piece of clothing that you can’t include into your current wardrobe – this is a huge trap!I have seen many a closet where pieces still have tags after months because there is absolutely nothing to wear with them.
·If you wouldn’t buy it at regular price, don’t buy it just because it is on sale.
·Do NOT pay attention to sizes, and never buy anything anticipating that it will fit after you lose 5 pounds.Your body shape changes when you lose weight and the piece may not look good anyway.Stores and designers are not consistent with their sizes – if you are an 8 in one store and a 12 in another, don’t worry!Buy the size that fits your body the best – nothing is worse than wearing something that is too tight and pulling in the wrong places.
·Do not wait to lose weight to buy clothing that makes you feel and look good!So many times I hear from clients that they waited months/years to finally buy clothing that makes them feel fantastic.You should look fabulous at any weight and body shape.If you look your best, it will encourage you to keep looking that way.Otherwise, you may get pulled into a style rut.
·Take time for yourself.If you have ignored your fashion, take control now!You deserve to feel beautiful daily, and I truly believe that if you look good you will reach further in life.People around you will be inspired by you – including your children, colleagues, friends and partner!
·There are two wardrobe items that should ALWAYS be top notch – your purse and your sunglasses.Even if you are wearing something that isn’t your favorite, your purse and your glasses will keep you in the game if they are smashing.
Here are some fantastic summer shoe options that are comfortable and fashionable.
The two on the bottom right are the 'Born' brand - equally fashionable and made for comfort!
COMFORT ABOVE!!!!
All of these can be found at Dillards.com!
MSNBC: Some job seekers may need extreme makeover! (A Must Read)
“She got the job, and we've joked with her ever since that we hired her because of her shoes.”
Dear Friends,
Your appearance does matter - especially now! This article from MSNBC really stresses the importance of looking your absolute best if you are in the job market (or if you are trying to keep the one you currently have). The above quote was taken from the article below, and it couldn't be truer. It was said in jest, but in reality - her shoes made an impact! Her resume, qualifications and her SHOES/image were what put her over the top of the other applicants. I wanted to share this article with you because of the valuable information, but also for its honest view about the tough job market today and what is expected in order to be successful.
If you are unsure about your image, feel as if you may need an update or are looking for a new career path - please call me for a complimentary consultation. We will review your goals, needs and wardrobe to see if they are working for you or against you.
Stephen Staffieri of New York always considered himself pretty stylish, but he started to wonder about his look after several job interviews led nowhere.
Out of work since he was laid off in August from his job as a campus recruiter for JPMorgan, Staffieri, 28, knew he had the credentials to find another position in human resources. But something seemed to be holding him back.
He sought advice from David A. McKnight, an image consultant he met through a mutual friend. Staffieri’s appearance is now more polished — and his confidence level has exploded.
Sloppy attire and a lack of grooming are just not going to cut it in this economy, human resource managers say, no matter what the industry. So you may have to turn up the style-o-meter. Hiring managers already are noticing that a growing number of job seekers seem to be dressing for success.
Staffieri's image tweaks included tailoring his suit so it fit properly; getting rid of the cloth messenger bag he slung over his shoulder and replacing it with a briefcase; exchanging his comfortable shoes for a shiny, leather pair; and combing his hair to the side instead of the middle to mask his receding hairline.
“I feel like a million dollars,” he said, adding that he’s now doing better in interviews.
Many employers around the country are inundated with qualified and overqualified applicants for every job they need to fill, which means they can be pickier than ever. And I don’t mean just choosy when it comes to job qualifications.
“They have to stand out from the rest, in the right way,” said Chris Cappas, vice president of employment and training for Harrah’s Las Vegas region. That means no halter tops or flip-flops, even if you're just coming in to fill out an application. “The competition is fierce.”
Appearance can separate you from the pack, said John Haynes, human resource director for Johnson Controls Inc. in Capital Heights, Md. “It can (even) help you lose an opportunity if you don’t present well.”
Fierce competition Miller Canning learned that lesson after she was laid off from her job doing Web strategy for a homebuilder 18 months ago. For the first time in her technology career, she had trouble finding a new gig.
“I was stunned I wasn’t getting any offers,” she recalled. “My resume is robust.”
Canning, 51, who lived in Washington and recently relocated to Charlotte, N.C., looked in the mirror.
She had been letting her hair go gray and was used to the casual dress in the technology industry. In interviews, she usually wore casual trousers and a shirt, sometimes a denim jacket.
She decided it was time for an image overhaul. She dyed her hair, bought a killer brown wrap dress and beefed up her accessories.
Her reinvented look paid off. She landed a job in e-commerce with home improvement company Lowe’s and started work on April 13.
“Competition is just so fierce right now,” she said. “You need any edge that you can get.” I know, it’s disheartening to hear that you won’t be judged solely on experience and background but also by the way you look.
Unfortunately, that’s just part of human nature, and the tough economy is only making image more important, said David Sarwer, associate professor of psychology for the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
“For hiring managers, it’s clearly a buyer’s market,” he said. “They can be more selective ... not only hold out for the most qualified but the person who’s the most physically attractive.” That doesn't mean you have to take drastic measures to improve your appearance. With so much hype about plastic surgery and job seeking lately, the reality is that the number of people choosing to go under the knife is actually on the decline.
What hiring managers say they are looking for is not someone who has skin that’s as taut as a piano string but someone who looks put together and professional. Job seekers may even want to consider dropping a few pounds. Weight Watchers has seen an influx of unemployed people signing up recently, said Aransas Thomas, who leads classes in New York.
“I see people coming in who are feeling crummy about themselves because they’re out of work, and most have a reduction in confidence,” she added. The key, she said, is feeling better about you — both internally and externally. Sadly, bias against overweight people is a reality in the workplace.
“It appears being overweight can work against you, particularly women. Being obese works against both men and women,” said Patricia Roehling, professor of psychology at Hope College in Holland, Mich., who has studied the impact of weight among managers in corporate America.
Alas, there are no federal laws and few state laws that protect individuals who are discriminated against based on their weight or their lack of attractiveness. And attractiveness is subjective, said David Grinberg, a spokesman for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Some hiring officials may interpret such a directive to mean targeting or excluding workers based on traits related to race, national origin, religion, gender, age or because someone has a disability.” Which is, of course, illegal discrimination.
Reinventing your look Looking fit also seems to be a selling point. Bob S., 47, a former Google manager from Saratoga, Calif., has been looking for an IT management job since June. To help in his job search, he dropped 35 pounds, thanks to bicycling; colored his hair; started wearing contacts to interviews; and now keeps his eyebrows trimmed. (He did not want his full name used for fear of affecting his job search.)
“All these feel vain, but maybe they'll help,” he said.
It’s not easy for everyone to update their look or lose weight on their own. You may want to enlist the help of a fitness trainer, a stylish friend or even invest some money on a style consultant.
McKnight, who helped revamp Staffieri’s image, has gotten so much interest from unemployed New Yorkers that he started a new service for the jobless. He offers a $300, three-hour makeover package, compared to the $150 an hour he usually charges. Kimberly Bohanon offers some simple style tips to help spruce up your look:
If you haven’t updated your wardrobe in several years, invest in some new clothes. Buy quality pieces that are interchangeable.
Your clothing should fit you well. If you are successful at finding ready-to-wear items off the rack, count yourself lucky. Often, minor alterations are needed in order to achieve optimum fit.
Well-manicured hands and regularly trimmed hair are a must. If you haven’t updated your hairstyle in many years, it’s time to consider making some changes.
Wrinkled or stained clothing look highly unprofessional.
For many, shoes are a go-to accessory that add class and give insight to one’s personality.
Oh, the shoes. They can mean more than you think.
Dawn Gum, managing partner at Interior Architecture & Design in Research Triangle Park, N.C., recalls interviewing an entry-level applicant who had a great portfolio. She also had on a great pair of pea-green pumps with brown leather detailing.
“She got the job, and we've joked with her ever since that we hired her because of her shoes,” she said.
Fashion Flash with President of Estee Lauder
"Look competent, be competent!"
Leonard Lauder, Chairman of the Estee Lauder Companies, was asked by Glamour Magazine to give a few suggestions on keeping your job in the current conditions!It was no surprise that his first suggestion was to dress the part - in his words, "Look competent, be competent."
This statement couldn’t be truer – when you dress well, you tend to work harder and are naturally more confident.What you put on in the morning will dictate your mood, and at times your ambition for the rest of the day.Your clothing sends messages to everyone you interact with throughout the day – your boss, clients, friends, peers, and management…literally everyone.You can control those messages by making sure that your clothing always says what you want it to say.You, your job and your image are worth the investment – take the time to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward in all situations, especially at work.
Please call me if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Happy Shopping!
Mila
Important fashion tip from the Wall Street Journal!
Hi Friends!
This is a great reference article I found in the Wall Street Journal about the need to dress well at work. Even if you don’t work in the hedge-fund industry, this article really highlights how important it is to have an image that works FOR you, not against you – especially in the current conditions.
Please call or e-mail to set up a complimentary consultation if you are looking to update or even fix your work wardrobe!
Warmest,
Mila
APRIL 2, 2009
Cracking the Hedge-Fund Dress Code for Women - Hard-Driving Executives Worry Wrong Choices Can Still Trip Them Up; the Symbolism of an Hermès Scarf
By CHRISTINA BINKLEY
Like Hollywood executives, hedge-fund chieftains are often the most casually dressed guys in the room (though their Seven jeans and untucked Lacostes cost as much as some suits). But those dress codes don't apply to their female colleagues. It's a measure of the tremendous scrutiny that hedge-fund women face that they can't confidently imitate the men's "power casual" style. "You're neither here nor there," says Kay Garkusha, who worked at a small Connecticut hedge fund until December. "You can't dress like the guys and you can't dress like the other women who are in support roles."
The intense pressure on women executives these days came into focus last week at a meeting of the 100 Women in Hedge Funds group. Double standards show up in many fields all over the country, but none more than the testosterone-charged world of Wall Street. There, women are still fighting for access to executive levels in an atmosphere where men also dissect each others' wardrobes for minute suggestions of power or weakness.
At this moment, the risks of missteps seem higher to many people, with thousands of financiers interviewing for a shrinking number of jobs. Indeed, Amanda Cain, head of institutional sales at Newedge USA in New York and an organizer of the women's event, noted that "a sizable percentage of the women here are 'in transition,' " -- the new euphemism for "downsized." Some of the women who have lost their jobs find themselves second-guessing any sartorial liberties they did take.
Ms. Garkusha sums up the hedge-fund dress code for men as the attitude that "we can dress like this because we make a lot of money." Yet, looking back on her six years at the hedge fund, which she declines to name, she wishes she'd worn more jackets to work. She now works as head of client relations at Synergy Graphix, a former client, where she says she accepted a salary cut. While she is too busy to spend much time pondering her clothes, she has wondered if a sharper wardrobe could have made a difference. "I've thought a lot about that," she says. Of course, in the hard-driving, norm-busting world of hedge funds, there have been few rules to bank on. Yet power can shift based on subtle messages. That was the topic many women reiterated last week.
Some people, upon hearing of 100 Women In Hedge Funds, suggest that they didn't know there were 100 women employed in hedge funds. But on a Tuesday evening at the Thomas Pink store on Madison Avenue in New York, 150 women -- each of whom knows her way around a spreadsheet -- discussed concerns they probably wouldn't raise in other settings. Are stockings necessary? What about out-dressing the managing partner?
It's trickier than ever to look sharp without relying on obvious symbols of wealth. An Hermès scarf -- to some the equivalent of a power tie -- could seem to be a metaphor for excess in the current environment. One young woman described an unmarried colleague who wears a wedding ring to seem more mature and less available to the men she works with. Later, another attendee said that her diamond engagement ring -- from a real fiancé -- has improved her professional relationships with male colleagues. Clearly, clothes and accessories are powerful symbols in the workplace. They are seen before our words are heard in a board meeting, and they are remembered long after, like perfume that hangs in a room.
Clothes signal our position at the table. For instance, buy-side executives, as Wall Street's consumers, can afford to under-dress the sell-siders, who are more often expected to suit up to help close a sale. For women, who have more clothing choices than men, the risk of a mistake is magnified. Just ask Michelle Obama about the peril of bare arms. There's a steady debate about whether former Lehman executive Erin Callan's heels were too sexy.
Still, it's possible to reduce such risks by considering what clothes mean to the people around us. Our clothes at work needn't express our true inner selves. Instead, they can express our ability to contribute or take charge. Collars on a shirt or jacket convey authority. Flat shoes can suggest a girlish lack of authority; if you wear them, choose flats with some hardware and avoid the ballet look. As for stockings, the debate rages on, but if your primary audience is over 50, they may feel more comfortable with them.
One experienced hedge-fund executive, sharply dressed in a Brioni suit the other night, related her experience interviewing for jobs in a suit paired with boots rather than pumps. She didn't get a single call back to a second interview when she wore the boots. If you consider clothes as symbols, a possible explanation emerges: Boots with heels are sexy, with a hint of dominatrix. While that message might be subtle enough for everyday work, our antennae are more sensitive in job interviews, where there's no room for risk.
In an era when most women prefer to focus on their skills, it's a sobering idea. "We focus so much on gaining that elusive informational edge on our jobs that we tend to forget that our appearance can help put us over the edge of that promotion, job offer, etc.," says Diana Sonis, who worked until recently at a New York hedge fund.
MODA Image Consulting in the Tennessee Bar Association Newsletter...
A Time to Bring Back Law Suits … and Shoe Shines
Long-time readers of this silly column (and you know who you are) know how I feel about how we lawyers should dress. I believe that every problem now faced by the American legal profession — tort reform, the decline in civility, Alberto Gonzales — has been caused by the advent of “casual day” at law firms throughout our once well-dressed nation.
When I started practicing law back during the Carter administration, lawyers knew how to dress. We wore dark conservative suits throughout the fall, winter and spring, and then we shifted to seersucker (the Matlock look) in the summer.
We didn’t just wear suits. We wore ties. Even female lawyers wore ties in the ’70s and ’80s, although they tended to be nice little silk scarves tied like bow ties. (Check out Debra Winger when she was practicing law with Robert Redford in the ’80s flick, “Legal Eagles.”)
Even our feet were dressed for success. We didn’t wear sneakers or “Ugg boots” or Gucci loafers. No, 30 years ago, all lawyers wore either cowboy boots (for plaintiff’s lawyers) or wingtips (for defense lawyers). And the female lawyers wore either cowgirl boots or wingtip pumps. And the shoes were immaculately shined.
But sometime back during the Clinton administration, some unkempt lawyer or bidnessman in a wrinkled suit came up with a terrible idea. He decided that one day each week would be designated “casual day,” and that everybody could show up for work looking like they were about to go play golf.
Unfortunately, casual day expanded to casual week, and then to casual month, and now to casual year. Worse, even the low sartorial standards for casual day were lowered. Lawyers stopped showing up for work looking like they were going to play golf. The golf shirts and khakis and unshined penny loafers, as bad as they were, were replaced by tank tops, shorts and flip-flops.
It was as if Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson started showing up in law firms all across America to perform mass acts of wardrobe malfunction.
Well, behold, brothers and sisters! I bring you good fashion tidings of joy and cheer! According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, law firms across America are now ending so-called “business casual” days, and insisting that their lawyers actually get dressed for work.
Yes, my friends, law suits are making a comeback. And shoe shines too.
It’s like that great scene in “My Cousin Vinnie,” when Judge Herman Munster tells Vinnie, “The next time you appear in my court, you will … wear a suit and tie. And that suit had better be made out of some sort of cloth.”
Law firms are not only re-instituting dress codes. So help me, they are even hiring wardrobe consultants. In Nashville, Mila Grigg of MODA Image Consulting will come to your firm “and meet with and address your associates, partners and staff in order to educate them on the value of appropriate professional attire.” It is sort of continuing fashion education, particularly for all the yute lawyers in your firm who unfortunately resemble Vincent Gambini.
Some lawyers insist that it makes no difference how we dress. The important part is how we work. But to borrow a line from the great legal philosopher Forrest Gump, sloppy is as sloppy does. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t think a lawyer in a tank top and speedos thinks as clearly as a lawyer in a pin-striped suit. And even if he does, I don’t want to see him.
If you don’t think it is important to dress for work, I ask you to consider this, ladies and gentlemen of the fashion jury. Suppose next September you take your seat in Neyland Stadium for the Tennessee Vols’ season-opener against the Western North Dakota Fighting Anteaters. The Pride of the Southland Marching Band forms the giant “T,” and the Vols come racing onto the field, wearing not their orange and white uniforms, but tank tops, cut-off blue jeans, and John Deere tractor caps turned backwards. And when you ask the fan next to you why the Vols aren’t dressed for success, he replies, “Haven’t you heard? Coach Lane Kiffin says uniforms aren’t important. He has declared Saturdays to be ‘casual days’!”
Well, you would be outraged. You would probably even blame Ed Orgeron.
No, to borrow a line from the great legal philosopher O. Henry, clothes make the lawyer.
Now if you will excuse me, I am going to get my wingtips shined by my firm’s wardrobe consultant.
Bill Haltom
About the author:
BILL HALTOM is a partner with the Memphis firm of Thomason, Hendrix, Harvey, Johnson & Mitchell. He is past president of the Tennessee Bar Association and is a past president of the Memphis Bar Association.
Dressing For Success
I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of corporations, firms, agencies etc.As different as they have all been in terms of what they do and the work environment itself, they all ask me to come in and help them to either establish dress codes/policies or to speak to their employees about dressing for success.I know from experience what companies find most important, especially in these poor economic times; and I wanted to share with you the importance of dressing appropriately at work, ESPECIALLY NOW.If you are looking for a job or trying to keep the one you have, you cannot afford NOT to read this newsletter.
Now I am aware that the actual term, ‘dress for success’ sounds a bit cliché and is a tad overused – but it is more important than ever to actually know what it means!I have received more e-mails than I can count in the past four months asking me for tips on how to dress at work.With the state of the economy, the job market has become unstable and more competitive.I recently read an article that was titled, “Things I Wish I Had Done Before I Lost My Job.”What struck me about the article is the idea that none of us are powerless…you might be afraid of losing your position due to corporate cut backs, but there are things that you can do right now to take control of your life and career.
One of the most productive things you can do in unstable times is to take control of your image.
A professional image not only means you care about yourself, but that you care about (respect) the company you work for. Your “brand” is the first thing people think about you when they see you and is your most visible credential – your brand sticks with you - it is what people envision even when you are not with them.You directly affect the ‘brand’ of the office you work in, and thus affect the revenue for your company and yourself.Understanding your personal style will give you a tremendous advantage in business and help to create a viable brand. In order to be consistent, you must know your personal style and have the ability to reach into your closet without thinking twice about what you are pulling out.Your clothing is an important resource that you must not ignore!
Fashion creates a competitive advantage.
Research over the years tends to show that people who are well groomed, well mannered and well spoken are assumed to be more competent.The way you dress reflects directly on the company you work for (or own!) - and the last thing you want to do is to create any doubt in your ability or the ability of the company.Your clothing is an extension of who you are – you need to make sure that your ‘fashion’ is not saying something negative about you or your abilities.
When I speak to graduating university students I stress the importance of image first – before resumes.The point of a resume is to share what you know, what you have done and your skills; if you walk in the door and do NOT look the part, the resume is a useless piece of paper.I always tell them that if they remember nothing else from my talk they need to remember the idea that PEOPLE SEE YOU BEFORE THEY HEAR YOU.This means that people have already established whether or not what you have to say is of any value to them at all – regardless of your skills and abilities.
We all know about first impressions…
People typically form them within the first 5 seconds of seeing you.
Before you’ve ever said a word or extended your hand – people have already formed these valuable impressions – but MORE IMPORTANTLY, they have decided if you are even worth listening to.Social psychologists have determined that it takes about 30 seconds for someone meeting you for the first time to form a laundry list of impressions about your character and MORE IMPORTANTLY, your ABILITIES.
This list includes:
Educational level
Career competence and success
Personality
Level of sophistication
Trustworthiness
In a study done of over 150 large corporations, they ranked poor appearance as being worse than a “hostile overbearing know it all.”There was another study done that involved sending out identical resumes to more than a thousand companies – some had ‘before’ pictures attached and some had ‘after’ pictures attached, and each company was asked to determine a starting salary.The results were incredible – starting salaries ranged 8-20% higher as a result of upgrading a mediocre business appearance to one that is polished and effective.
If you would like to have a wardrobe assessment, update/improve your wardrobe, change your image, establish your personal style and solidify your brand – please contact me for a complimentary consultation.
BE PROACTIVE! Take control of your image and change your life.
March 2009 Newsletter
Dear Clients and Friends,
Spring is here and so are the fantastic spring clothes!With all of the new styles and trends, it may get a bit overwhelming – but if you know the basic dos and don’ts, you will navigate the racks with ease.The key to remember is that not all new trends are for all of us…the jump suit has made an appearance of late and I don’t foresee myself suggesting it to many clients, ha.
You need to know your body type and proportions before you start shopping for new clothing - this will help you to buy items that you will wear.I am going to give you a few general quick tips on ‘fit’ when it comes to pants - pants seem to be the number one mistake women make.
Don’t forget to pick up a March copy of At Home Tennesseemagazine; I have picked out some fantastic spring accessories you can incorporate into your wardrobes right now!
I have also had many requests for a “Dress for Success” newsletter – I will be sending one out at the end of the week.If I can help you find your personal style, clean out your closet, create a versatile wardrobe, update for spring or to dress for business success - please give me a call!
Happy shopping,
Mila
Tip #1: The most common mistake women make is with their pants.The best tip I can give you without looking at your body shape is to have pockets on BOTH sides of your rear (Even if this is only a slit for faux pockets).Regardless of the pant (jeans, slacks, khakis etc) you need to have pockets to balance out your rear end as well as break up the distance from your rear end to the bottom of your butt cheek.Most of the time I recommend that pockets are not ‘flap’ pockets (but it depends, if you have no rear and are tiny it can be a great way to create a faux curve), and your pocket should NEVER be situated on the spot where your rear end meets your leg.This adds length where we don’t need it, and makes it look like our rear ends are droopy – never a good thing.
Below are examples of great pocket placement.The pockets on the jeans are high enough to create lift even when one doesn’t exist and the black pants break up the distance from your waist to the bottom of your rear beautifully making it appear smaller.
Tip #2: Unless you are a stick figure, do not wear pants that are pegged in any capacity. You want the cuff of your pants to be in line with your hips.If not, your hips look much wider than they are.The best fit for most body shapes is when the pant comes in along the thighs and then goes into a modern boot cut at the bottom.The pants below on the left show this fit well, and they almost graze the floor elongating your legs. The shorter pants on the right chop off the leg, and the pegged look creates a ‘hippy’ effect that none of us want regardless of our body size.
Tip #3: Make sure your pants come ALL the way to the bottom of your heel or shoe.I have pants designated for flats and heels only.If they don’t, you will look completely disproportionate.
Tip #4: I know as soon as the days get warmer, I will begin to see cropped pants.This always scares me as they can really cut your body apart in negative ways.Make sure they are closer to your mid-calf, not your ankle.You don’t want people to question if your pants shrunk.Try to wear a wedge or heeled sandal without any straps around your ankle – this will make the line continue all the way down to your toes.The same pant rules apply…come in at the thighs and knee, and then go into a minor flair.
SALE ITEMS!!!
Jessica Simpson heels. Great with jeans, skirts or capris! Go to Macys.com.
Orig. $89
Now $62.
Steve by Steve Madden patent ombre clutch. Always cute with jeans, dresses and much more!
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