Women’s Fashion Trends – The Worst of 2007

Every season, the fashion industry presents hundreds of trends. Some are exciting, some are fun, some are silly, and some are downright crazy. Here are a few that we wish would go in 2008.

· High waisted pants: unlike high-waisted skirts, these pants are uncomfortable to wear, and look unattractive even on stars like Mischa Barton.

· Cropped winter jackets: Great fashion if you live in Florida or California. For anyone else, the short sleeves are sure to leave you with chapped elbows.

· Baby doll dresses: Cute for 12 year olds. Not so sweet on anyone older.

· Empire waist dresses: A nice silhouette for tall, slim women. For others, it provokes the question: Is she pregnant?

· Tent dresses: Interesting on models. On most real people, these just look like tents.

· Too much glitz: A little glitter and a touch of metallics are great. But mix them together with beaded, sequined and glimmery materials, and it’s overkill.

Get more fashion tips at http://www.Impressforsuccess.com/howto.html

Women’s Fashion Trends: The Best of 2007

What were the best fashion trends of 2007? Here are a few of the best looks to hold on to as we head into 2008.

Trouser pants: A welcome relief from the oh-so-tight low-cut jeans, trouser pants are classic business wear that look great in the board room with a smart looking jacket. They are equally lovely in the evening, topped with a twin set or sweater in a current color.

Skinny pants: still great for weekends and evenings. The modified version of slim pants is great for the office, paired with a great sweater or swingy jacket.

High-waisted skirts: This classic trend gives every women a great shapeHigh-waisted skirts: This classic trend gives every women a great shape.

Soft tailoring: Pairing more structured, tailored pieces with items that are much softer and flowy, the combination works well for most women. Anyone can adapt it to their style. Instead of sticking to one style, this flexible approach brought a new kind of modern femininity - hard and soft at the same time.

Ray-Ban sunglasses: All the stars sported them, and these classic frames made everyone look like a rock star.

The Bob: From Katie Holmes to Rihanna and Posh, this move from long flowy locks to a structured style is the hottest trend at the moment. And a little structure can be a great update for most women.

Cobalt blue: A beautiful color that works well in the office and after hours.

Get more fashion and business image tips at http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com/howto.html

Better Buffet Behavior

Have you ever noticed how people attack buffets, elbowing people aside as if it's their last meal?

Here are a few tips for better buffet behavior:

1. Check the line to see if it starts at different ends. Join the smaller line.

2. You don't need to heap your plate with food. Start with the salad or soup. Chances are the line will soon become lighter, and you can go back for the main course.

3. Use the serving spoon that is intended for the dish.

4. No double-dipping. After you've dipped your carrot into the dip, don't put it back in the dip again. Instead, put a bit of dip onto your plate, and dip from there.

For more tips on making a great impression at the table, check out: http://www.impressforsuccess.com/howto.html

Fashion Trends– Glitz Makes a Comeback

In women’s fashion trends, glitter rules. From sequins to crystals to lame and lurex, you’ll have all heads turning your way.

Here are some ways to “Put on the Ritz” this holiday season:

Crystal embellishment: The crystal neckline is big. Of course most of the crystals are plastic, but you can find these stones adorning many necklines, from smock dresses to scooped necklines. An embellished neck is just the ticket for simple, elegant dressing. It will take you from the pool at holiday resorts, to an evening out on the town.

Sequins everywhere: you can pair sequined tube tops with a great pair of black pants or a shimmery skirt for a festive holiday look. But keep the attention on the top. If you have too many shiny items, they will compete for attention and make you look like a Christmas tree!

Lamé: Remember the silver screen goddesses? The shiny fabric they wore was material woven from flat metallic yarn. Well, now it’s ready for another close up. A subtle lamé is just the thing to do Marilyn Monroe Proud.

Lurex: A party perennial for years, this metallic yarn adds a twinkle to twinsets, from copper to silver to black. From halter dresses to cover ups, lame makes you wow-worthy!

Vintage chic: If you are hunting for glitter, don’t forget to step back in time. Check out second-hand shops for chic ensembles, like a gold brocade dress, or a lame sweater to top a strapless gown.

For more tips on how to look your best, visit http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com

Tipping Etiquette – How to Say Thank You this Holiday Season

Tipping etiquette: who do you tip and how much? In the holiday season, it’s time to dig a little deeper and show appreciation for all the services providers who have helped us during the year.

Tipping at this time of year can be stressful. From the waitress at your favorite restaurant, to the babysitter who saves your sanity, to your hairdresser who makes you feel like a million bucks, how much is enough, and how much is too much?

Tipping etiquette guidelines:

· Most people dig a little deeper and boost tips show appreciation at the holiday season. Whatever you give, the intent is thank people who took care of you over the past year.

· Most people use the same criteria for increasing tips: to nurture important relationships and/or to reward excellent service.

· Tipping depends on your budget, regional customs, and where you live. For example, if you live in a high rise in a large city, you might focus more on the attendants in your high rise apartment building, while if you live in a smaller city or town, you would be more concerned with your babysitter and hair stylists.

· Some people offer cash tips or checks. Other people show appreciation by giving a bottle of liquor, baking cookies, or finding a gift that’s meaningful to the receiver. Base your tip on what’s appropriate to your situation and your budget.

· Different professions usually receive different tips at the holidays. For example, bellmen at hotels and apartment buildings, bartenders, food-service professionals generally get cash tips. People that give more personal services, such as hair stylists or babysitters, can receive either cash or gifts during the holidays.

Here are some guidelines for tipping:
Baby sitter: 1 evening’s pay + small gift from the child
Daycare providers; $25=$50 each + small gift from child
Housekeeper: 1 week’s pay or more, depending on length of service
Hairdresser: Cost of 1 cut (or $20-$100) – depending on cost of cuts and frequency
Manicurist: Cost of 1 session (or $10-$20) or small gift
Personal trainer: $25 up to 1 week’s pay
Letter carrier: Gifts of up to $20
Newspaper carrier: Up to $20
Hotel doorman/bellman: $1-2 for help with bags, hailing cabs

You are invited to use these guidelines for tipping in the holiday season. For more etiquette tips, visit
http://www.impressforsuccess.com/howto.html

Gift-Giving Etiquette for Warmth and Cheer

Gift giving at holiday time can be challenging. Are you wondering about the etiquette for giving gifts to colleagues, clients, and suppliers?

Here are some gift-giving etiquette tips:

· Draw up your gift list. Review your year, and think about which people you want to show your appreciation. You may want to send a gift to the clients you work with most closely, the supplier who met your early deadline, the colleagues who helped make your project a success, and support staff in your office.

·Find out company policies: Before giving a gift to someone in a large company, find out the company’s gift-giving policy. One sales representative caused embarrassment to herself and her company when she sent an elaborate gift to a customer who had to return it. The customer’s company only allowed gifts of up to $50. Before sending a gift to a client, call their Human Resources department to find out about any restrictions on receiving gifts.

· Do not give a gift above your rank. A gift to the company president may be misinterpreted. Consider giving your boss a gift from the whole staff.

· Choose a card that says “Season’s Greetings,” since not everyone celebrates a religious holiday at this time. Wrap the gift in tasteful, all-occasion paper.

· Don’t feel obliged to reciprocate. Employees who receive an unexpected gift from their boss don’t have to return the gesture unless they choose to. If they do choose to reciprocate, it’s not necessary to match the dollar amount. Something that reflects the recipient’s taste and desires will be appreciated regardless of the price.

You are invited to use these gift-giving etiquette tips this holiday season. For more tips on holiday etiquette, visit http://www.impressforsuccess.com/howto.html

Dressing for the Holiday Season – How to Avoid Fashion Disasters

The season’s events are in full swing, and you’re ready to step out in style. From business events to office parties and social gatherings, this is the time to put on the glitz and glamour.

Wait a moment. It’s easy to go overboard and end up looking shinier than your Christmas ornaments. Follow these simple fashion tips to avoid wardrobe disasters:

Dress for the occasion. If it’s a business event, find out the dress code. You don’t want to be underdressed, or overdressed. Chances are you can wear a business suit, with a change of accessories. Pull out your patent pumps or your sequined sandals. Add a great necklace or glimmery earrings. Change your blouse to a colored camisole, and you’re good to go!

Don’t overdo it. Most women love to dress up for a party, and holiday time is perfect for wearing metallics and shimmery fabrics. But don’t go glitzy from head to toe. If your dress is shiny, tone down your accessories. Or wear a simple outfit, and wow people with your fabulous shoes or handbag.

Show off your shape, not your skin. Going sleeveless, backless, and mini are too much all at once. Show off your best feature, such as great legs, with a small slit at the side of your skirt. Or wear a lacy cami under a soft sweater or cute jacket.

Show a little color. Wearing a dress in a gemstone color such as magenta or dark green is a lovely option that will attract attention. Choose your best color and wear it.

You are invited to use these tips to wow everyone with your holiday fashion at your business and social events this season. Get more tips on looking fabulous this holiday season, http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com/howto.html

How to Exit Conversations With Style & Grace

Can you picture this scenario? You’re having a great conversation with someone at a holiday party or business event. At some point the conversations starts to wind down. One person shifts their gaze, or looks at their watch. You run out of things to say, but no one knows how to end the conversation with style and grace.

Don’t let this happen too often, or you end up talking with only one person, and don’t make other contacts. Even worse, you end up on a less than positive note, feeling bored and uncomfortable. Here’s how to escape from conversations that have gone stale.

· Exit immediately after you have spoken, rather than after the other person has spoken. This way you avoid appearing rude by breaking off after someone has been talking to you.

· Telling them you’re getting something to eat may not work, because they may accompany you to the food table. But saying you’re going to make a phone call generally works well.

· The best way to exit a conversation is very simple. Say: It’s been great talking to you (person’s name). Shake hands, smile, and move on. There’s no need for further explanations. Just be graceful and charming and you’ll part on a positive note.

· If you plan to follow up, say so. Then do what you said you would do. You’ll build trust and credibility by following up on your word.

You are invited to use these tips for exiting a conversation with grace and style. Get more networking and small talk tips:
http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com/howto.html

Office Parties - How to Survive and Thrive

Do you look forward to the annual ritual of chatting with colleagues over chicken wings and sushi? Whether you're the outgoing type that loves to schmooze, or you freeze at the idea of making small talk, there's an important concept to keep in mind: office parties aren't social events. They are business situations.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Your manners are on display to managers and people higher up in the company. You may have free liquor available, but you risk jeopardizing your career by drinking too much and making a fool of yourself. Know your limits.

2. Think of the office party as a networking occasion. It's your chance to meet people in different parts of your organization with whom you don't work directly. Don't just stick with your colleagues. Take the extra step to meet someone new.

3. Be careful about telling jokes. People think they are entertaining, but they are often at the expense of someone else. What's more, what seems funny to one person can be offensive to someone else.

4. Don't gossip at the party. You never know who's standing behind you, or best friends with the person you're talking about.

5. If spouses or dates are invited, include them in your conversation. Your boss's spouse can have a big influence on your career. And it's just human decency to make them feel welcome.

6. Eat something small before the event so you aren't ravenous when you arrive. Remember that office parties are not about eating, but about building relationships.

7. Make the most of the event. This is a great time to shine by connecting with people and building relationships that will last into the new year and beyond!

Get tips on business networking and small talk: http://www.impressforsuccess.com/howto.html

Proper Office Dress Attire - Are You Making Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Career?

Proper office dress attire can make or break your career. Strong words? Yes, absolutely. But consider this story.

A manager from a large corporation called me for a consultation. She was hiring a new assistant. One person was highly qualified, but made a poor impression. Her clothing, hairstyle and glasses were out of date and didn’t fit properly. This woman gave the impression that she wasn’t clued in to the business world today.

Another candidate was less qualified, but projected a professional, business-like image. Guess who got the job? You’re right – the second candidate. Although she was less qualified, the manager felt that she could train her in the skills she needed.

Bottom line: The manager felt that it would take more work to help the first person project a professional impression, that to train a new person in job skills!

3 Business attire mistakes that can derail your career:

Mistake #1: Dressing for yourself, and not for your company. Are you dressing to express the inner you? On company time, you should be dressing to make your clients feel comfortable. If you don’t look the part, you won’t inspire trust. For example, a financial advisor needs to look fairly traditional for credibility, while a graphic designer in an advertising agency can look trendier.
Solution: Find out about your industry and your clients’ company culture. Dress at the same level or higher. Keep a jacket handy for unexpected meetings. You’ll look impressive, and your career will soar.

Mistake #2: Not paying attention to the details of your outfit. Has you suit seen better days? Is your umbrella broken from the wind? Are your shoes or boots scruffy? No matter how smart you are, you may be giving the perception that details don’t matter to you. Clients may feel that if you don’t pay attention to the details of your outfit, you won’t look after the details of your work either.
Solution: Buff up your image by paying attention to your loose threads and scruffy footwear. Remember that as you exit their office, the last thing clients see are the heels of your shoes. Make sure they aren’t worn down.

Mistake #3: Not updating your image. Are you still sporting the same hairstyle from high school… even though your children are approaching that age? Have your glasses seen better days? Is your suit a few years behind the times? It’s fine to wear classic clothing, but if you don’t update your image, you’ll look like you’re out of date.

Solution: Check the fashion magazines, or get help from a savvy friend or an image consultant. A fresh haircut and new glasses can update your look instantly. A new jacket and accessories from the current season will show that you are stylish, yet still businesslike.
Your business image is your visual resume. It’s important to invest in it. You’ll look like a million bucks, and it will pay off in career success.


You are invited to receive a free report: “Breakthrough Communication Skills” packed with powerful tips for business success, at http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com when you sign up for my free e-newsletter, Communication Capsules newsletter.

Would you like a simple How-to Guide on business dress? Click here for "How to Project Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget: http://www.goldmansmythe.com/howto.html

To Dye or Not to Dye?

In our anti-aging society, looking young and "with it" is vital in today's job market. But the baby boomers are turning grey, and they are still in the job market. What should baby boomers do if they want to continue to thrive in their careers?

I was interviewed by Stephanie Whittaker of the Gazette on this question. Should women (and men, too) dye their hair to look younger? Or should they gracefully go grey? Post your comments!

Take a Good Look at Your New Image

STEPHANIE WHITTAKER, Freelance

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Women who plan to allow their hair to go grey should take a fresh look at their over-all image, Montreal image consultant Lynda Goldman says.

"You should take extra measures to make yourself look contemporary when you decide to let your hair go grey. This is a good time to update your wardrobe. If your hair is grey and your clothes are frumpy, it puts you at a disadvantage in the workplace vis-à-vis younger colleagues.

"Sallow skin needs a colour boost from clothing when hair is grey, she says. "You should wear some makeup to give you colour.

"Hair stylist Anthony Vannelli, owner of La Maison Vannelli salon in Ville Emard, says women who are unprepared to go grey can opt for a champagne blonde tint."I haven't had many clients tell me they want to stop colouring their hair," he says. "But if you don't feel good about dyeing your hair anymore, stop."For clients whose hair is at the "salt-and-pepper" stage of greying, he often suggests either colour or streaks. "But if you're all white and want to stay that way, I'll support it, because I think it's gorgeous.

"Here are some prominent women who have started letting their grey come through, a little or a lot.

• The elegant actress Helen Mirren in September.
• Still-sultry actress Faye Dunaway in February.
• Emmylou Harris in February 2006.
• Poet and activist Maya Angelou with just a stripe of grey.
• No-nonsense actress Jamie-Lee Curtis on the red carpet.
• Author Margaret Atwood last month.
• Former governor general Adrienne Clarkson in 2005.
  

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2007
Posted by Lynda Goldman at 6:53 AM 0 comments
Labels: Still Vital After All These Years