Saturday, October 15, 2011
What are business professionals wearing to work these days? I made it my secret mission to find out.
I recently paid a visit to my local train station so that I could accurately report on what business professionals are wearing to work these days. From my usual vantage point—the third floor balcony of my condo located across the street—I had a pretty good idea. Still, I wanted a better look, so I got up close and personal. Sneaky rascal that I am, I took notes on my phone so it would appear as if I were texting. Hah! No one was the wiser as I diligently wrote about what I observed. But, please don't worry, I did not take any photos with faces! First, I must comment on gym shoes. Most of the men and women I saw were wearing them, which is not surprising considering that most need to walk from the train to the office. That said, however, do…
Thursday, October 6, 2011
In this scary economy, for women in business, it's more important than ever to look the part!
Does anyone watch the TV show Harry's Law? Don't worry. I'm not going to point out Kathy Bates as a style maven. Great actress? No doubt. Fashionista? Hardly. But what I did notice was how her nemesis in the show, District Attorney Roseanna Remmick played by Jean Smart, looked stunning in plain black and white: a beautifully tailored black suit with the new longer slim-cut jacket and a crisp white shirt. She wore no jewelry except earrings, her makeup was natural looking, yet polished and professional (ok, she has a TV makeup artist do it for her, but that's beside the point), and her hair was cut in a modern youthful looking style. She looked beautiful yet still fierce and powerful. Like someone you would not want to mess with, on TV or …
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The words fashion and style are often used interchangeably. But in this author's book, they are actually quite different! Check it out!
As a professional stylist, I am often asked about personal style. Is it dependent upon how well you keep up with the latest trends? Or how much money you have or don't have to spend on clothes? Although these are perfectly legitimate questions, there are probably as many answers out there as there are so called "fashion experts". But, I must tell you that I am not a fashion expert. I am a wardrobe and personal style expert. Big difference. Please allow me to explain. First, let's talk about style. As Martha Stewart likes to say, style is a “good thing". Just look around! We can see hallmarks of style in just about every aspect of life. From fine art to fine architecture, from interior design to movie set design, from great literature to…
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Shopping for jeans or pants these days is much like searching for the Holy Grail. Find out how to shop less and still come up with a perfect fit.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I see someone trying on one pair of pants after another, repeatedly rejecting a close, but not perfect fit! I want to scream STOP! But, I simply smile and say, "An easy fix would be to have a tailor take in the waist just a bit, don't you think?" Truth be told, odds are about a million to one that you will find a pair of pants or jeans that fit you perfectly right off the rack. Your chances of winning the lottery are probably better! Along with good teachers and nurses, good tailors are among heaven’s greatest gifts. And, if you need a local referral, just ask around town. Like cream, the good ones always rise to the top and are well known throughout the area. So, why not try this approach next time …
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Some clothes we see may not be show stoppers, but they may very well be ones that really love you!
How do you know if someone loves you? I am reminded of the wise words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out." Think about it. A lover worth his salt will make you feel so good about yourself that you will have a smile on your face and know that you are completely and totally beautiful. He will place your needs above his own. He will not be jealous of your accomplishments. Rather, he will celebrate them. He will be proud to be with you,and that fact will make you stand tall and feel ever so self-assured. If that fabulous jacket …
Thursday, August 25, 2011
It's a jungle out there when it comes to shopping, but just the right mind set can make all the difference!
I hear it all the time: "Shopping is just too hard. All I see in the stores are things that are too matronly or too young. I'm sick of it. I’m frustrated. I give up!” Oh no! Please don't give up! I agree that it's a jungle out there and shopping today is not for the faint of heart, but with some smart, solid strategies firmly entrenched, you can and will be a successful shopper. I guarantee it. Ok, maybe not absolutely every single time and with absolutely every single item, but pretty darn close. After all, the goal is not perfection; the goal is progress. There was a great article about shopping in a recent issue of Real Simple magazine. I don't subscribe, so fortunately for me, a friend cut it out and sent it to me. It was four pages …
Thursday, August 18, 2011
When it comes to discount shopping, it's best to make like a boy scout and always be prepared!
I grew up enjoying window-shopping at our local Oak Brook Shopping Center. How I loved the whole outdoor experience, especially in the fall. Bonwit Teller, Marshall Field and Saks Fifth Avenue were at the top of my wish list. Outlet stores? Not a chance. Not beautiful. Not fun. No thanks. As an adult, however, I learned to appreciate the concept of discount shopping. So, a couple of years ago, I decided to research the outlet store/mall phenomenon. Wow, what an eye-opener! Once upon a time, outlet stores carried exactly what one would expect: items from past seasons that didn't sell. Then came the explosion of outlets and the overnight creation of the Outlet Mall. Seeing a new opportunity, companies such as Brooks Brothers, Banana …
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Reminiscent of desert sands and tropical islands, summer colors can help keep us cool, comfortable and stylish too!
I had a golf tournament on TV recently, and not being a golf enthusiast, I must admit, it can be pretty boring stuff. But, it’s good company when I write. The scenery is always beautiful (as in Pebble Beach) and the announcers’ voices are soft and soothing. As I paused to watch the action for a minute, I noticed one player in particular. Of course, I have no idea who he was, but I was struck by how great he looked. It was his unique outfit: he wore well-fitted, white jeans with a navy blue shirt. Not a typical golf shirt, mind you, but rather, a crisp button front with the sleeves rolled up. Clean, simple, and very cool looking. Now that’s what I call exciting golf! I don't know how this player fared in the tournament, but in terms of …
Friday, July 22, 2011
They say that of the five primary senses, smell is the most powerful when it comes to memory. I second that emotion!
I was relaxing with a cup of iced coffee on my balcony the other night, when I caught a whiff of something wonderful. I wasn't exactly sure what was cooking on my neighbors grill, so I just closed my eyes and inhaled that sublime aroma. It brought back childhood memories of family barbecues and my dad's famous Whiskey Steak. Best darn grilled meat I ever did eat, I must say. I wonder if I still have that old recipe around here somewhere. Never mind. I don't have a grill. Bummer. Enjoying the aroma of that grilled meat, however, reminded me that our unique midwestern scents are a big part of why we all love summer, don't you think? No matter the weather, it seems something always smells good. Freshly cut grass, freshly cut lemons for …
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Last week we talked about skincare and sun protection. Today it's all about makeup. Are you ready to lighten up?
With the Mercury rising along with the sun each day, we probably want to spend less time with our daily grooming routines and more time being productive, like reading the latest Stephanie Plum adventure novel or writing our memoirs. So, I am always on the look out for quick and easy, yet effective beauty products. Here are three of my picks for summer 2011. If you’ve never used professional makeup brushes as part of your routine, I urge you to give them a shot. For all things makeup, like foundation, lipstick, eye shadow and blush, they are truly amazing. Not only will they ensure a smoother, easier application and lighten up your look for summer, using a brush will also give you much more control over exactly where your makeup goes. …
Dustin Hamilton
8:06 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011
I come from an occupation (creative) where if the workplace is not casual, the company will be hard-pressed to find people to work for them. And I mean casual in the true sense of the word: shorts, t-shirts... whatever. As long as it isn't ragged, you're good. I can't imagine working any other way. Unless external-facing, I don't see the need for business professional or business casual dress. … more ›