September 3rd, 2010
With today’s economy we find that there are many people who are unemployed. I know this comes of no surprise to you. Many major corporations are downsizing, consolidating and finding ways to become more efficient with less people. These factors make the job market very competitive. Those who are job seekers or looking to advance in their current roles must make sure that they are doing everything they can to have a competitive edge.
When most people think of being competitive, they think in terms of education, skills and ability. Don’t get me wrong, all of these things are important but your image is just as important.
I have recently read several articles related to employers hiring people who look good. I don’t mean having a supermodel look but I do mean those who look like they care about their appearance. A recent Career Builder survey indicates that 41% of employers state that the people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization.
Financial services industries tend to place alot of emphasis on professional dress. While the organization overall may have a more casual dress code, how you dress can have an impact on how others perceive you. Dressing professionally can project a motivated and dedicated image.
You do not have to go out and purchase a new wardrobe but you should have a few few basic versatile pieces; look neat and clean; dress as if you are going to work and not a ball game; and try looking the part for the role you want. It is often said that you should not dress for the job that you currently have but for the job you want.
Don’t let your appearance keep you from reaching your potential.
Is this something that you are struggling with? I would love to show you how to be comfortable while remaining professional in order to help you land the job of your dreams.
Don’t let your image hold you back from opportunities.
Tags: appearance, career builder, dress for success, dress for work, job seekers
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August 25th, 2010
At last, we are at the end of our Style Secrets. I hope that I haven’t kept you waiting too long to receive these last 3 Style Secrets. These are a bit different than the first six but are definitely things we need to remember that will help you on our journey to becoming “the Stylish You.”
7. Learn the secrets of Fabulous Grooming: Grooming is one of the most essential and important rules of all. Your hands and nails should be clean and neat whenever you go out and present yourself. Although summer is almost over, it is important to remember our feet. Feet should be clean, moisturized, toe nails trimmed and if polish is used make sure it is not chipping. You would not believe how many people pay attention to our feet. Makeup is also a part of the grooming process. These days the trend is “less is more.” The right makeup can take years off your look.
8. Be Gracious, Well Mannered and Charming: We talk about feeling and looking self confident. We must go that extra step and also behave in a “stylish” manner. This completes the entire picture. Some things may seem to be common sense but believe me, not everyone has a clue. For instance, do you know the correct etiquette for introducing people or even for mobile phone usage in public? Knowing a few social graces never hurts. They say beauty is only skin deep. True grace and style takes alot more effort but this is what people will remember and respect.
9. Get Professional Advice: It’s not always easy to know how to be confident and stylish, how to enhance your appearance through the right clothing or how to use proper etiquette in the right situations. This is a process of continual learning. We should all strive to improve ourselves and sometimes the best way to do this is to seek professional help. Always know that I am here to help you with your image needs.
I hope you have enjoyed the 9 Style Secrets mini series. You might need to go back and review secrets 1-6 as a refresher. Keep them handy if you need a reminder. It was actually good for me to revisit some of these tips. If you’ve been following along you know that these came to me in the midst of a basketball tournament. Well, summer basketball is over so I will need to find new avenues of inspiration for writing ideas.
Until next time
About the Author: Valerie Hatcher, owner of Your Total Image works with professional women who enjoy clothing and understand the importance of their image to their success. She teaches them how to dress for success-enabling them to look fashionable, stylish and confident. Visit Your Total Image at www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up for the monthly newsletter filled with tips.
Tags: dress, makeup, professional, style, stylish
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August 14th, 2010
Today I went back to school shopping with my son. While in the mall I took advantage of the time to check out all the different styles of jeans that are on display for the fall season. I say for the fall because with our over 100 degree days not many people are trying to wear jeans right now, at least not in Fort Worth, Texas.
As I looked at the styles on the mannequins, I noticed that some would be very work appropriate while others, not so much. With that in mind, here are 3 things to consider when selecting jeans for work.
1. The Wash- a dark rinse is polished enough for most settings
2. The Fit-body skimming, but not too tight, looks pulled together
3. The Style-the office isn’t the place to rock your trendier pairs of jeans. Stick to classic jeans without embellishments.
For a good pair of jeans that look very nice for the workplace, try a pair of trouser jeans. They are my favorite!
J.Crew Lightweight Stretch Trouser Jeans
About the Author: Valerie Hatcher, owner of Your Total Image works with professional women who enjoy clothing and understand the importance of their image to their success. She teaches them how to dress for success-enabling them to look fashionable, stylish and confident. Visit Your Total Image at www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up for the monthly newsletter filled with tips.
Tags: business casual, denim, fort worth, image consultant, jeans, jeans for work, texas, valerie hatcher
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August 10th, 2010
A couple of postings ago I was at a basketball tournament and began my list of nine style secrets. I wrote about the first 3 and thought it is now time to revisit the next three. These come on the heels of another basketball tournament weekend. I really do some of my best mental work at basketball tournaments. I have a lot of time to people watch and there are a lot of people to watch.
Let’s get started. Feel free to look back at the previous post if you need a reminder of Style Secrets 1-3.
4. Define your shape with fitted underwear. This is such an important step that many people miss. Take time to find bras that fit and provide the support that you need. It is well worth the time, effort and money to get properly fitted, as most women choose the wrong size and end up with bulges or sags in the wrong places. Breast can be your greatest asset or your worst, depending on what you use as shapewear. Did you know that over 90% of women wear the wrong bra size? Don’t be part of the statistic. Most major department stores such as Nordstrom’s, Sak’s, Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret offer free fittings.
5. Choose the right accessories. You can change the look of an outfit with the right accessories but you need to know what looks good for your shape and size. Some necklaces accentuate a large bust while others may not look too good on someone with a short neck. Shoes can also impact your look. The right shoe can make short legs look longer. Purses and handbags are also an important part of an outfit. There are styles for casual outings, corporate choices and evening outings. You should also consider color, fabric, style and functionality when selecting a handbag.
6. Give your wardrobe a makeover. This doesn’t mean acting out a “What Not to Wear” episode by throwing out all of your current clothes. Most of us have numerous items that we still wear but maybe we need to update them with different accessories. Your wardrobe should have a few core essential items such as a good pair of fitted jeans, a well tailored suit and a classic dress. With these core items you can mix and match jackets, shoes and tops to spice up your look.
Follow these quick and easy Style Secrets and you will be on your way to looking fashionable, stylish and confident.
About the Author: Valerie Hatcher of Your Total Image works with professional women who enjoy clothing and understand the importance of their image to their success. She teaches them how to dress for success-enabling them to look fashionable, stylish and confident. Visit Your Total Image at www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up for the monthly newsletter filled with tips.
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July 29th, 2010
We hear alot about the importance of making a good impression. Did you know that the impression you make on others can be broken down into 4 basic components? Each is judged subliminally and by degrees. Not only will you be judged as trustworthy or not but how trustworthy you appear will also be determined.
The four basic components are:
- Your Credibility: Your level of believability, apparent qualifications, level of intelligence, competence, honesty and sincerity.
- Your Likeability: How likeable, emotionally expressive and sociable you appear to be and how much you are like them as shown through your dress, behavior, voice, etc.
- Your Personal Attractiveness: Not how slim, young or fashionable you are but how well you manage and present yourself as you are. Great grooming and dress sense says much about your level of self esteem, self respect and confidence.
- Your Confidence: Your apparent level of power, ability personal assuredness and authority.
Keep these in mind and next time you see someone see if you find yourself subliminally making conclusions about their image.
Tags: confidence, image, personal attractiveness
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