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.
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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
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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
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January 10th, 2011
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Men’s Suits will trend toward a fitted, masculine look. Suits that achieve this look generally have three attributes: broad shoulders (the shoulder pad can extend slightly over the top of the arms), a fitted waist, and slim trousers. The jacket may also be slightly shorter. Think of trim, military styling and the opposite of the boxy look, this is the look that will appear most current for 2011. Jacket lapels can be notch or peak, with peak appealing to the more daring, and fabrics are wool in classic solid, pinstripe or a subtle plaid. Double-breasted suits also make an appearance but not in the boxy style of the past several years, they too are fitted and body conscious.
 Color is coming on strong; be on the lookout for all shades of pink (from pale to fuchsia), orange, yellow (from butter to chartreuse and deep mustard), blue (sky to navy), coppery earth tones, and white (yes, from head to toe). These colors mix nicely with each other: look for combinations of yellow and white; copper and magenta or burgundy; orange and blue; pink and white. Red, white and blue also looks to be a popular mix, and fits in with the revival of 70′s styles, including the maxi skirt.
 Ladies, say goodbye to your skinny pants and jeans and hello to the high-waisted flare leg look. This style is flattering to most, although the more petite will need to wear a modified flare leg so as not to be overpowered. The style matches well with chunky heels, and the platform shoes that threaten to return, another revival from the 70′s. The good news is that dressing for work is simplified, with the proliferation of longer dresses, pencil skirts and high-waisted pants.
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Tags: color, fashion, men's suits, trends
Posted in Color, Spring Fashion, Trends | No Comments »
September 20th, 2010
For better or worse people we meet during the business day are sizing us up so quickly, that we often haven’t even said a word before they have decided whether to do business with us. We’ve all heard of love at first sight, what about business deals at first sight? If that were the name of this article though it should be “Lost Business Deals at First Sight”, since unfortunately that is the problem with many peoples’ visual image. They more often sabotage a possible business deal than enhance it.
We can all agree that we’re most likely to buy things or do business with people that we trust, people that we’re comfortable with, people that may remind us of ourselves. The key is that we need to keep our authentic self while still appearing consistent with our customer’s perception of us. The best way is to start with our customer’s image in mind and adjust it to suit our needs. Are your key clients in conservative industries like banking or insurance? Then you want to dress in neutral colors, classic styles and simple accessories. Are your clients in the fashion or beauty industry? Then you need to be trendier, more colorful and creative. Technology industry calls for casual and comfortable, while manufacturing would be practical and professional.
Always consider your ideal client when building your business wardrobe; buy styles that flatter you but are in keeping with your client’s perception and industry standards. If you are like me and are involved with meeting different types of people throughout the day then dress for the most formal of those meetings. You can always remove a jacket or tie and roll up your sleeves if the situation calls for it. But you can’t pull one from thin air! Besides you’re less likely to get eliminated from consideration because you are overdressed.
There are several key looks you should avoid in any situation: ill-fitting or worn out clothing, shoes that are inappropriate or in poor condition (this is a key detail for many people and can be a deal breaker), odd-color nail polish, tattoos or extra piercings, overly bright or unflattering colors, and large patterns. If you dress with your more conservative clients in mind you can add accessories and trendier pieces without sacrificing the integrity of the real you.
Tags: fashion, men's suits
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August 9th, 2010
  You are invited to join ACL Art Gallery and ImageDesign LLC for an Open House on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at ACL Art Gallery in the Livingston Town Center. Be among the first to see the Fall 2010 CARLISLE COLLECTION AND PER SE COLLECTION when you join us on Wednesday, August 25th from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the ACL Art Gallery, 1170 Town Center Way, Livingston, NJ. View the latest Fashion Trends for Fall 2010, attend a Fashion Demonstration by Sharon Kornstein, and See Paintings, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass & Wearable Art Created by Gallery Artists. Stay for Networking and Light Refreshments.
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June 20th, 2010
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I am often focusing on new trends, which are of course what make fashion vibrant and interesting. However, there are several classics which being classic, have never gone away but are finding favor now in the stores and on the runway. Look for them in your closet; they deserve to be taken out and worn.Cardigan Sweaters: Who does not love a cardigan sweater? They are practical, cozy, and come in such a variety of fabrics, colors and lengths that there must be one to suit every need. Use a cardigan to: add color to a plain dress or top; as a layering piece when you do not want to wear a jacket; tone down a too bold outfit; cover up or smooth out unflattering lines. Cardigans are currently featured for men as well as wome n by designers such as Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and Banana Republic
 Tailored Vests: Vests for men are as popular as vests for women, although for a different reason. Menswear vests are most often worn as part of a three-piece suit. I love the vest look as I feel it finishes off a classic two-button suit (another perennial favorite) and looks just as good with a jacket on as with it off. Vests for women are more often a fashion statement used to add interest to a simple top and slacks or skirt. Vests for women are not as fitted and can be worn unbuttoned.
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Transitional Coats: The weather today seems as changeable as ever, and designers have popularized both trench coats and what used to be called a  Spring Coat to tide us through various weather situations. Both are appropriate as a transitional piece for spring and fall, the difference being that a water repellent trench coat will take you further into autumn and of course protect against unexpected showers. Current styling for mens coats features knee length, fitted silhouettes with large collars. Womens spring and trench coats are available in bright colors with interesting buttons and may be shorter than the dress or skirt which it covers. Options to extend wear include not only a zip-out lining, but a reversible feature so you can switch colors to your mood |
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April 4th, 2010
Ladies, if you’ve done any clothes shopping for spring, you would not have been able to miss some of this year’s trends. Strong colors in bright and bold patterns take center stage. Mixed in with these are neutrals in unusual shades and bright accessories. It’s easy to mix high with low, old with new and anything with black or white. There is truly something for everyone. Here in no particular order are the ten trends for spring 2010 that I like best and the body type or personality that it is suitable for:
- White is huge for summer. It’s found in dresses, pants, jackets and complete outfits (often with a touch of color in a cont
 rasting belt). This look can be dramatic or soft and innocent. Just remember to switch from pure white to ivory if your coloring is anything but a cool winter.
- Nautical or Military designs for jackets and tops. These are usually found in navy and white (for nautical) or army green (for military) and sport features like stripes, epaulets, or brass buttons. Any top or jacket with a lot of detail will easily balance out a pear-shaped figure. Additionally epaulets or other shoulder details visually extend narrow shoulders and can be worn by all except those whose shoulders are already naturally broad.
- Polka Dots – These come in varying sizes and can be found in tops, bathing suits (if you are old enough you will
 remember a song that celebrates this), dresses and even shoes. The larger the pattern the bolder it seems so keep the pattern size consistent with your height and weight. Also, match the contrast in the pattern to your natural coloring contrast (difference between hair and skin tone).
- Dresses are huge. Everyone needs at least two or three flattering dresses in their wardrobe. They are so comfortable and easy to put on. You may need to try on several different styles to find one that’s comfortable. Some to try include wrap style (for hourglass figure), bubble dress (puffier below the waist, good for those larger on the bottom), empire (if you are short-waisted), ruched (fabric is gathered at the waist and hip, hides various figure flaws), trapeze (will bypass the waist if your tummy is an issue) and A-line (flatters most figures except petite). Wear them with neutral shoes in an unusual design.
- Vibrant Patterns Silk screened patterns in bright colors appear as abstract designs resembling water colors. We saw some examples of this in dresses at the Academy Awards. Use a silk-screened top to brighten up a neutral suit or wear a patterned sleeveless dress and tone it down with a solid cardigan. These fabrics are not for the faint of heart but if the colors are in your flattering palette you will receive a lot of compliments.
- Floral Designs in clothing, jewelry and accessories. Floral designs are part of a retro sixties look and portray the bright happy feeling of the summer of love. You will find floral designs in dresses, cardigan sweaters, tops, brooches and as appliqués on belts or handbags. This is a fun look for weekend or business casual.
- Pearls are a big accessory – they are draped in layers with varying colors, sizes and lengths. Traditional pearls are flattering to softer palettes, but there is so much variety in the new pearl fashion accessory that there should be something for everyone. Experiment with color and length, you can wear several necklaces at a time, double or triple the necklaces you have or mix a pearl necklace with a silver or gold link or loop chain.
- Details such as bows, knots and appliqués. Bows are appearing everywhere from classic sheath dresses to ties on cardigans to
 details on shoes. You will see knot details on otherwise basic tops and to offset symmetry on a dress or jacket. Look for clothing or accessories with removable appliqués, as you may not always want that many details.
- Color Combinations: The freshest color combinations (according to InStyle magazine) are gray & red; tan & orange; white & yellow; navy & turquoise. These combos are all in the low-medium contrast range and so should suit
 most individuals assuming the basic colors are in your palette. Oranges and reds range from screaming bright to muted so choose the shade that matches your coloring and personality. Yellow is best in a bright sunshiny color and navy and turquoise and navy should flatter most everyone.
10. Stripes of varying width or direction. Stripes are a great tool to tease the eye or focus attention on or away from certain areas of the  body. Horizontal stripes across your shoulder, bust or waist will automatically cause the viewer to look there and away from your hips or another body part that you want to diminish. Vertical stripes will elongate the body part on which they are worn, so a seersucker jacket will elongate a short waist, while pin-striped slacks will make your legs look longer. Keep the width of the stripe consistent with your height/weight and you will be surprised how versatile an image tool this is.
Posted in Accessories, Spring Fashion, Trends | No Comments »
March 15th, 2010
I realized there is a good amount of misinformation floating around, and 2010 is a good time to dispel some of these old notions. Here are the top five myths that I have observed.
1. Wearing a watch ages you. I have heard this comment from several people and I suppose the idea began because younger people often consult their iphone or blackberry when they want to know the time. It is not true. Many watch styles are sold with Gen X in mind and even if they are only worn as another piece of jewelry they can still be used as the function for which they were originally intended.
 Men's Rolex Watch 
2. Men’s double-breasted suits are coming back. This style idea has been around for a few years now, and double-breasted jackets still look very dated and old-fashioned. At least in traditional colors and fabrics. The only way I would recommend wearing a double-breasted style is in an English stripe or plaid pattern; it sounds a bit eccentric but is eye catching and acts as a counterpoint to the double-breasted style.
 Carlisle Charming Dress and Tart Jacket 3. Pink does not go with red/orange. Some of the new looks for both men and women include unusual color combinations that you wouldn’t have seen a few years ago. I have seen men wearing red ties with pink shirts and women in pink and red or pink and orange combinations and it looks new and fresh.
4. Panty hose are gone for good; panty hose are a necessity in business. There are two opposing viewpoints on stockings for business and these viewpoints are often a function of age, industry and the condition of one’s legs. As with other style conundrums, the best advice is to do what works for your job, geographical location and physical characteristics. Dark stockings make a fashion statement and act as both camouflage and leg warmer. These are generally accepted everywhere. But sheer hose is where more questions arise. Sheer hose will date you as the younger generation has shunned them. Certain industries still require them however and they make an elegant statement with dresses and suits. If you feel you need sheer hose to cover a leg condition or because of industry expectations, go ahead. Just make sure to also have on closed-toe shoes and buy a color that is closest to your skin tone (or as sheer as you can find).
5. Shiny fabrics are only for evening. This fashion rule changed about a year ago as both men’s and women’s designers showed fashions that featured fabrics with shiny threads woven through them or sporting sequins (okay just women for this one). Unless you are in a super-conservative industry, shiny fabrics are okay for day when worn in combination with plainer fabrics and basic silhouettes.
If you know of other myths that were long thought to be true and are no longer applicable, please email me and I’ll include them in a future issue of Image Notes.
Posted in Business Attire, Spring Fashion, Trends | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010
On January 28th at 6:00, 17 professionally diverse men and women arrived at the 38th floor of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher Flom LLP to learn from the expert, Sharon Kornstein, W’80, founder and president of ImageDesign LLC, an image consulting company. Kornstein began the evening asking participants to shake hands with their neighbor and then supply feedback. Luckily, we all had good handshakes and Kornstein described the handshake as the only appropriate physical contact in business which if properly done, conveys self-esteem and authority. The evening touched on the do’s and don’ts of introducing clients, business dress vs. casual dress and the non-verbal communication messages that we send. After about 45 minutes of discussions on individual situations and scenarios, the evening ended with dining etiquette, discussing both the American and continental style.
Sharon Lowenheim, WG’81, a Professional Organizer and owner of Organizing Goddess, Inc. (www.organizinggoddess.net) found most useful the discussion of business dress vs. elegant business casual vs. business casual. “Appropriate dress is so different from industry to industry. We tend to get comfortable with what we are used to. As a service provider who works across industries, it’s so valuable for me to be reminded that I need to tailor my outfit to the client’s firm.”
Alan Rackson, W’83, owner of Rackson Technology Solutions, LLC found some concepts that he thought were unambiguous to be less straightforward than he previously thought based upon the number of questions asked by fellow alumni and the discussions that pursued. “It was obvious that Sharon has studied business etiquette in detail and is the subject matter expert! While some of her presentation was common sense and behaviors I had known about, it was nice to hear them again in a concise presentation as a healthy reminder of social and business do’s and don’ts. I also came home with several new helpful tips such as the concept of mirroring someone’s posturing in situations where you are unfamiliar with cultural customs. An excellent event with a great topic, discerning audience and knowledgeable speaker that will propel my social networking and career forward. Thank you Wharton Club of New York.”
Kornstein offered some tips about dress, dining and non-verbal communication:
- Dress: Business dress is a continuum with business casual being the preeminent section for mid-level dressing. Always wear a collared shirt, jacket is optional, and keep accessories at the same level as the clothing. Consider your industry, corporate culture and activities for the day when deciding on the level of dress.
- Introductions: When introducing two people to each other, say the name of the more important person first and introduce the other person to him/her. (Client is more important than boss, elected official is more important than friend).
- Dining: Use silverware from the outside in; napkin doesn’t go back on the table until you’re through eating; glasses are on the right, bread plate on the left.
- Meeting: Eye contact, smile, firm handshake and strong posture.
- Practice the non-verbal technique of mirroring: get in sync with your conversational partner’s non-verbal communication by using the same body language i.e. drink when they take a sip, cross or uncross your legs, lean forward or back when they do, and keep communication open by holding hands at your side, not across your body.
Sandra James, W’78, Deloitte LLP believed everyone learned something new and only wished we had more time than what had been allotted. ”The information Sharon shared with us on etiquette is helpful not only in our business relationships but can be applied to our interactions outside of work as well. With the many opportunities there are to network in this day and age, it is always good to know how to approach a group of people at an event and when not to approach a group. Sharon was able to get everyone involved in the discussion and hearing about the lunch etiquette in different cultures from other attendees, for me, was very educational. This was a very good topic and Sharon did an excellent job presenting the information. Thank you for reaching out to Sharon to speak to us.”
Sharon Kornstein’s event was organized by Jennifer Gregoriou, as part of the WCNY Speaker Series Committee. For those who missed the event, Kornstein can be reached at: www.imagedesignconsulting.com
Jennifer R. Gregoriou W’78
Chair, WCNY Speaker Series
Eg1120@aol.com
Posted in Body Language, Business Casual, Etiquette | No Comments »
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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.
