February 9th, 2012
If you are interviewing or think there may be a job search in your future, it’s a good idea to update your wardrobe first. The way you present yourself visually is often the method by which others, especially in an interview situation, judge you. Why not make the most of those first few seconds and create a fabulous first impression?
Here are some tips for achieving a style that is current, professional and age-appropriate:
1. Give away any clothes that are worn out, pilling, shiny or don’t fit. Include anything that is more than ten years old. These clothes might feel like vintage gems to you, but to others look dated.
2. Try mixing up fabrics and patterns. Larger patterns can mix with smaller ones; similarly small geometrics can mix with florals, paisleys and weaves. Just keep the same color palette.
3. Hairstyle and eyeglasses should be reviewed every two years. There is nothing wrong with a classic hairstyle that you like, just ask your stylist to make subtle changes as time goes by.
4. Similarly makeup needs to be assessed. Our skin coloration changes as we age, and what looked flattering in the past may not work now.
5. Take a se rious look at jewelry. A strong watch looks current, put the dainty ones away for another time. make sure you have a strong focal point, such as a pendant or bangle bracelet. Your other pieces should complement the focal point. Stay away from matched jewelry sets, they will date you.
6. One final note about color. There is no faster way to date yourself than by wearing all black. Color is all around us, and appearing youthful and energetic is as easy as adding a touch of it to an outfit. Purple, yellow, red, turquoise and pink are all bright and energetic. Choose one color or a pattern that combines several, throw it on and have fun!
Tags: interviewing, jewelry, suits
Posted in Business Attire, Color, Jewelry, Made in America, Menswear | No Comments »
October 25th, 2011
 Part 1 of the Wedding Season series detailed dress options for men following different dress requirements. In this installment I would like to talk about interpreting appropriate dress for women, and next time touch on some etiquette issues.
As usual women have more options than men, although the description of the event is less consequential than the time/day  it is held. Also, dress options for women are not as clearly as delineated as options for men. They fall into a range, and often can satisfy more than one purpose. Saturday night parties are the dressiest, followed by Sunday night, Friday night, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Weeknight is the least dressy. There is a large selection of sparkly, dressy dresses available now. One-shoulder looks and asymmetrical necklines add drama, while another big trend is lace. Luckily styles are available for every body type: belted looks in taffeta with full skirts ala Mad Men for pear shapes; sheath styles for hourglass figures; ruched or gathered looks for rectangle body types; and empire waist or longer flowy styles for apple types. Lengths also range from several inches above the knee to mid-calf. Choose  yours based on your height, age, and the length of your legs in proportion to the body. Long gowns have lost traction recently in favor of short dresses, dressy pants and formal suits. The latter tw o options are more versatile, and easier to fit. While a dress has to fit well in multiple areas, if you find one you love, by by means buy it! You’ll be surprised how many times you will wear it for years to come. Alternatively dressy black slacks will work with multiple blouses or jackets and never go out of style.
Evening shoes exhibit the same trends as their less dressy daytime cousins: platforms, strappy booties, Mary Jane looks, sequins, lace and feathers.If you do choose something dramatic, however, keep the dress drama to a minimum.
Posted in Business Attire, Formal Attire, Winter Fashion | No Comments »
October 3rd, 2011
Those of you who have ordered custom shirts from me, and those of you who have considered it know that there is a huge range of options:   fabric, collar length and spread, pockets, cuff style and buttons can all be customized. New this Fall my shirt manufacturer has begun offering even more choices including: a rounded one-button cuff that is longer on the outside of the wrist; epaulettes and yoke tabs for shoulder details; American roll button down collars; contrast pick stitch on buttonholes, collars or cuffs; and lastly kids shirts. Additionally, many unique contrast fabrics are available for a “Robert Talbott” style shirt with collar and cuff detail. And if you really want to customize your shirt we can include your actual signature or initials as your personal monogram; it will appear exactly as you sign your name – now that’s personalization!
Please know that, like most of what I sell, these shirts are Made in America, so even if you go for a basic white buttondown style, you will be supporting the good old USA.
Posted in Business Attire, Business Casual, Custom Shirts, Made in America, Menswear | No Comments »
August 31st, 2011
Did you know that dressing for TV is different from dressing for a personal meeting? Have you ever been interviewed on TV, or simply talked  to others on a video conference call, and disliked what you saw? When dressing for television, wearing color is fine, but it’s best to tone it down. Black, white and bright red all appear differently on TV than in person. Pure white will glow and can become the most noticeable object on the screen; black is too harsh and can suck up all the light; bright reds can “bleed” on camera and become distracting. Other don’ts include stripes, checks, herringbone, small intricate designs and flashy jewelry. They are hard for a TV camera to pick up.
 So, what do I suggest? Most shades of blue work well; similarly pastels in pink, green or lavender. Ivory, yellow, gray and brown are other options. Solids are generally the best choice, although large patterns are okay, and a contrasting jacket, sweater or trim finishes the look. Yellow, burgundy or light blue ties for men against a white or light blue shirt seem appealing. Vertical lines, subdued colors and simple jewelry lend authority and seriousness. Wear clothing that fits. Women should be wary of short skirts and tight clothing, men should avoid short socks. In other words dress in a simple, boring manner. Watch your posture and no shiny makeup. Of course speak slowly and clearly. Good luck!
Posted in Accessories, Business Attire, Color | No Comments »
June 25th, 2011
Happy Summer! I’d like to suggest the following five pieces as essential additions to your summer wardrobe:
1. Wardrobe staple jacket. Women: White Jacket, in a business casual style that can be worn over a dress, a skirt, or jeans.
 Men: Blue Blazer: Your most versatile wardrobe component
2. Bathing Suit with coordinating cover up/top. (see below) You will get invited to the beach or a pool this summer, and you will not be restricted by feeling that your beach wear is unflattering/worn out.
3. Lightweight denim jeans or capris: Jeans are an official wardrobe staple in the US, and come in varying weights. This season I suggest a lightweight style in a medium wash. For men I like Hiltl, for women Rock and Republic or 7 For All Mankind.
4. Tan or Khaki Slacks: This is another item that needs to be replaced fairly often. The light color shows dirt but on a hot day they’re easier to put on than darker slacks.
5. Wardrobe extra that you will wear a lot. Women: Long flowy skirt or dress. Depending on your body type one of these styles will flatter you and it is easier to wear in the humidity than pants.
Men: Linen or linen blend shirt in a light color. This is a business-like look that is summery and comfortable.
Add these pieces to your existing wardrobe for extra style and variety!
Tags: Hiltl, Jeans, Linen
Posted in Summer Fashion, Trends | No Comments »
June 11th, 2011
Wedding season is upon us, and with it are a series of dress and etiquette issues for both host and guests. I’d like to talk first about interpreting the different dress options mentioned on an invitation for men, and next time for women, and then some of the etiquette issues.
 Peak Lapel Tuxedo Saturday night or Sunday night weddings are often black tie, which means male guests are requested to wear a tuxedo. The difference between black tie, black tie invited and black tie requested is only the urgency of the request. With black tie you are strongly encouraged to wear a tuxedo, with with the second two options, only if you want to. The wedding party and close male relatives will wear a tux in any of these situations.
 Black or Gray Formal Tie The other choice is a classic suit in black, dark gray or navy. Stick with a white shirt. I encourage my clients to buy a tuxedo if they attend more than one formal event a year; your own tuxedo will fit better, be of higher quality, and feel more comfortable. Plus you won’t have to return it! Tuxedos now often have a notch lapel and two buttons, or if you want to be edgier a peak lapel and one button. Shawl collar is very retro, but if you own one by all means wear it. Tuxedo shirts often have a slightly spread pointed collar, and no extra details (like ruffles). You can wear a bowtie or straight tie in black or other solid color. Formal ties have a shiny silk finish so think twice about wearing an ordinary tie as it will not look consistent. Choose a vest or cummerbund, but not both. Personally I love a vest in the tuxedo fabric, but you can wear a black silk vest, or one in a contrasting color or fabric. Studs and cufflinks are the final details, although studs are optional if you’re wearing a tie, since they’re hidden. Shoes can be patent leather tuxedo shoes, or very shiny black dress shoes.
Posted in Formal Attire, Menswear | No Comments »
May 18th, 2011
 Jana Kos Spring Leather Jacket & Belt A good starting point for jewelry with any particular outfit is to decide on a focal point, and then work your way out from that area. The focal point can be a pendant, an embellished belt or buckle, a large sports watch, or gorgeous drop earrings. All other jewelry may complement the focal point without overpowering or competing with it. Wherever you place the focal point is where people’s eyes will fall first. Whether you wear gold or silver depends on your own coloring, and the contrast between your hair and skin. Traditionally, winter palettes wear shiny silver tones, spring wear shiny gold, summer palettes wear brushed silver, and autumns wear brushed gold. However, there are no hard and fast rules anymore.
 Kate Beckinsale in Drop Earrings It is okay to mix gold and silver, along with pearls or colored gem stones. The important thing is that the style of the jewelry meshes with both your own personal style and the clothes you’re wearing. Jewelry is a fabulous way to add your personal touch to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Details in the jewelry can mimic details in your appearance. Those slim and petite look better in more delicate chains, while those with a larger physique(or larger personality) can carry chunkier bolder pieces.
One universal rule is that necklaces are most flattering when worn the same distance from the chin that the hairline is in the opposite direction. I always look for necklaces that are adjustable because they fall differently on every neck, and even on the same person may work better at varying lengths with different necklines. But when you have time take a measuring tape and check the distance from your hairline to your chin, then take that distance back down from your chin to your chest: you will find the spot where either a necklace should end or your neckline should begin. It is your ideal balance point.
Wherever, and however you wear your jewelry, it should flatter you and reflect your unique personal style!
Posted in Accessories, Color, Jewelry | No Comments »
May 2nd, 2011
One aspect of modern life that I’ve noticed is the blurring of social and business functions. Many of my friends are involved in
 Black & Silver JK Suit ImageDesign, either directly as clients, as participants in one of my programs, or by recommending clients to me. Conversely, several relationships that began strictly as business contacts have developed into wonderful friendships.
Of course much is made of the fact that we are at work as long as we are hooked into our laptops and smart phones ( 24/7 except for sleep). I was thinking about the way this relates to wardrobes since we all cram so much into a day and many activities are a mix of business and social. This happy conglomeration points to the need for more versatility in clothes, making sure that what you wear can go from a breakfast meeting to the office, to a social dinner or evening business event. For men this outfit is usually a suit, a sport coat and slacks, or simply a shirt and pants. For women it can be a dress, a suit and blouse, slacks and a sweater set, or jeans with a pretty jacket. Whatever level of dress you choose, you want to make sure you get the most use out of it. If a garment is comfortable, versatile and flattering don’t be afraid to use it for multi purposes. Just like your relationships, your clothes and your wardrobe can evolve from one area of your life to another.
Posted in Business Attire | No Comments »
April 7th, 2011
What You Will Need for Spring
In spite of the bad weather, or maybe because of it, refreshing our wardrobe at this of year provides a needed pick me up. I am always thinking of versatility and transitional fabrics.Here are my suggestions for spring nec essities:
Men: 1. Trench or Rain Coat. Burberry and Brooks Brothers are the go to looks for this style, but if that is not your preference (or budget) simply purchase a belted style in a neutral color. I suggest double breasted.
2. Blue Blazer. We are seeing this style with jeans on the weekend and it provides a nice alternative to a leather or warm up jacket. Try twill or sackcloth fabric for a more casual look.
 3. Blue Jeans. Medium or dark wash great fitting jeans are a versatile addition to your wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down.
Women: 1. Look for a lightweight pant or skirt suit in neutral gray, tan, olive or blush. This will get you away from basic black, but still with a versatile and flattering outfit.
2. Rayon or Jersey Knit Cardigan Topper.This look will take you from Business Casual to the Weekend in all sorts of weather.
3. Sheath Dress with jacket or scarf. Again, classic and versatile for work, wedding, charity events, etc. Also, it will always be in style.
Try one or several of these versatile basics to give your wardrobe a spring pick-me-up, as the weather in the Northeast certainly isn’t doing it!
Tags: blazer, sheath dress, trench coat
Posted in Business Attire, Spring Fashion, Trends | No Comments »
March 16th, 2011
Just as a conservative person would not wear tight and revealing outfits, and an adventurous individual would dress more creatively, so should we all tap into our personality and values in order to feel more connected with our wardrobe. The image books say that there are seven different fashion styles for both men and women: Classic, Sporty, Elegant, Dramatic, Romantic, Sexy and Creative. The most  common for everyday dressing are the first three: Classic, Sporty and Elegant. Classic style is embodied in a traditional two-button suit  in a neutral color, a blue blazer with tan slacks, or a sheath dress and pumps. Add a vest to the suit, a pocketsquare to the blazer or a scarf to the dress, and you’ve transitioned into elegance. Sporty looks involve rugged fabrics such as corduroy, twill and denim, in casual styles. We are all sporty at some point during the week. The remaining four styles are less distinct and often mixed with one of the primary three. Dramatic style entails bold designs in black, or an eye catching color like lipstick red, gold or silver. A large pattern, severe hairstyle or bold accessory will also render an outfit dramatic. Creative dressing consists of either an unusual mix of colors or a super trendy or vintage style that is flattering but unique. Sexy draws attention to the body while romantic looks present a soft, dreamy style that is not powerful in business, but can work in a social or home setting. We all have a mix of looks in our wardrobe and dress according to our plans for the day, or the styles of those we’ll be meeting with. But if you examine more closely those items that are your favorites, you will see they fall into just one or two of the seven fashion styles. This information can then guide you to your ideal style values.
Another value that I’d like to mention is “Made in America”. In the food business, there is a movement underway to eat locally, meaning to consume  food that comes from a certain area, usually within a 100 mile radius of one’s home. The benefits of this are many: food is fresher; you support local farmers, food is often organic and environmentally there is less pollution with a closer distance to travel. Years ago, the clothing industry was concentrated in the west side of Manhattan, and most of what we wore was Made in America. Now clothing is pieced together in all areas of the world and it’s rare to see anything Made in America. But there is a new clothing line I’ve been introduced to namely Jana Kos, (www.janakos.com). Jana has been in the fashion business for over twenty years, and was the designer behind Juliana Collezione. The Jana Kos styles are new and fresh, while the company has old-fashioned values. The majority of the Jana Kos Collection is “Made in America”, right in New York City’s garment center on Manhattan’s west side. We are helping our own economy while staying true to our values.
Tags: Fashion Styles, Made in America, Values
Posted in Business Attire, Color, Made in America, Value Shopping | No Comments »
|
|
|
like, just ask your stylist to make subtle changes as time goes by.
