Time to BREAK UP with your suit!

Tell a woman she has to dress professionally and there is a lot of baring of the teeth and hand wringing that ensues.  Many women hear the words “business suit” and they get the shivers!

They immediately conjure up images of women running around corporate buildings wearing all-black suits with the ubiquitous white shirt while the words “stuffy”, “stodgy” and “boring” " no personality" float around in their head.  I mean, REALLY folks this not the dark ages!

The good news is most women have no need to wear a traditional matched two-piece suit. 

So if I’m breaking up with my suit, what constitutes an outfit that can still be called “professional”?
The modern take on a professional look can vary depending on your business type.  But for a polished look that is appropriate for every business setting, I would still recommend wearing a jacket.  This is especially true for a first interview, client meeting, certain networking events or whenever you’re not sure who is going to be present that you want to leave with a good impression. You only get one chance to make a good first impression!  Soft cardigans are nice and definitely have their place in your wardrobe, but they are not going to command the same authority as a structured jacket and say I am here and I am serious!

Pair your jacket with a trouser, or well made dark denim, in a complementary color, like a navy jacket with a tan pant, or a gray jacket with a black pant. REMEMBER, white is a year round color now as well. That pairing of complementary instead of matchy-matchy colors is what’s going to give your outfit an updated feel. Show off your identity and personality.  A skirt is a nice option as well, either an a-line or pencil shape is an easy pairing with a jacket.  Just be sure your skirt hits a few inches above your knee; any higher and it’s just not professional…I don’t care what they’re wearing on The Real Housewives of Anywhere!

Of course you can reach for that white collared shirt and it will always look professional, but for something that will leave a lasting (in a good way!) impression try a blouse in a v-neck or scoop neck style in a favorite color.  That navy jacket and tan pant combo would look fantastic with a soft lilac, pink, fuchsia or soft red top. And of course black, white and red is always a winner!  Feeling a little more creative?  Try a blouse that ties at the neck or some other embellishment like a simple ruffle front or look for a jacket that has playful details like 3/4 sleeves with unusual details.

And as always ACCESSORIZE!

Just keep in mind,  your professional look needs to help you create a good first impression, it’s best to choose on the side of being a tad conservative both in the colors you choose, the styling of your pieces and the accessories you wear.  Once you’ve slammed dunked  the job or landed the contract, gotten that new client, etc.. you can let that inner diva out a bit more, show a little more creativity and really let your personality shine through! PROFESSIONAL can still be fun!

Professional doesn't mean don't be yourself!

p.s.  A helpful hint : mix and match some of those suit pieces with other items in your wardrobe..you will be amazed at what you can come up with!

Looking Stylish WITHOUT Breaking The Bank

You’re building your business, and now it’s time to head out to meet all the people you’ve been connecting with online, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media forum. You walk into your closet and don’t know what to wear to look the part. You want to look great, but you don’t want to spend a ton of cash before you’ve even got your first client. Making a great first impression is essential to your success.

Here are a few tips that can help you look great today and save you money.

1. Shop Your Closet. Is there anything that can be altered to bring it up to date? Make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Trim threads, adjust hems, make sure items are pressed and free of spots. Wear your best pieces to your next event.  Look for ways to mix and match existing items with something unexpected for a new twist. Don’t worry if you’ve worn it before. Wearing clothing only once is an old paradigm. It’s time to think like the fashionably chic Parisian’s do. Build your wardrobe with quality pieces that you can wear for years to come.
2. Wardrobe Fitting. Try on your outfits before you leave the event. It may seem time consuming, but you’ll avoid making mistakes. You won’t forget the shoes, the accessories, or even the right underwear for the outfit. You want to look and feel comfortable. Trying everything on before hand allows you to make the minor adjustments to make your existing wardrobe feel like it’s been customized especially for you.
3. Polish + Shine. If your budget doesn’t have any wiggle room for new shoes or a new purse, than make sure the shoes you choose to wear are polished, clean and ready to go.  Take them to a shoe repair and have them primed for your next event. If you have a pair of neutral shoes, it’s time to pull them out. Nude shoes are the rage. Dust them off, check the heels and see if they will work. Clean out your purse. Trim down all the junk. You’ll need your wallet, ( Get rid of all the receipts) your business cards, a small note pad, and a pen. Most of the business women I know have a special signature pen they carry with them. Check your drawers in your house. You may just have a beautiful pen that you forgot about. Make sure it has ink and your ready to go. These are the little details that finish off your look.
4. Solid Colors. Wearing solid colors to big events looks elegant, chic and classy. It’s not that prints don’t work, they’re great too. Solid colors make you look thinner,  and you’ll look powerful and dynamic in photographs. Plus packing solids will make it easier for you to mix and match items to change up the look of any outfit.
5. Your Signature Accessory. Chose something that is YOU! A great pair of earrings, a solid bracelet that doesn’t make a lot of noise, a beautiful statement necklace can make a huge impact and change any outfit into a chic ensemble. Keep it Simple. Even if you love accessories, don’t go overboard. If in doubt, take one item off before you leave the house.
6. A Great Hair Cut. Your hair is the one accessory you wear everyday. Make sure to get your hair cut and colored before your next big event. If you don’t have time to make it to the salon,  at least take the time to do a deep conditioning treatment on your hair at home.  A good blow dry makes a big difference also. Learn how to blow dry your hair like the pro’s do and you’ll always be able to look finished and polished for your events.
7. Fresh Face. Keep makeup clean and simple. Moisturize your skin, conceal only what needs help. Don’t go overboard on the foundation. It can actually make you look older than you are. Curl your lashes to open up your eyes, and add some waterproof mascara. A big event is not the time to have mascara under your eyes. Remember to carry a small powder compact or oil blotting papers with you to keep any unwanted shine under control. A lipstick for a quick touch up will make sure you look great and put together at all times.
As your business grows you can add key pieces to build your wardrobe and step up your style. For now, these seven simple tips will have you looking undeniably chic without spending a fortune.

Always remember your Wardrobe Warrior is here to assist in anyway I can! "You don't have to be rich and famous to be organized and styled"!

Wardrobe Warrior
http://www.wardrobe-warrior.com/
www.facebook.com/wardrobewarrior

Dress With Intention?

Do you get dressed with intention? 

When you get dressed each morning, you have a unique opportunity to display a message to others about you, your personality and your intention. 
What do I mean by intention?  The way you dress impacts how you feel and what you create in your life.  If you choose clothes that fit your body type, flatter your coloring, and are functional for your lifestyle, you will begin to attract what (and who) you want into your life.
Determine what you want others to see when they look at you and dress accordingly.  Want to appear successful?  Creative? Powerful?  Happy?  Then dress for it!! Don't let non-descript clothing or lack of a personal style speak for you!

 Tip:  Start paying attention to how clothing makes you feel.  Chances are if you feel drab or boring, that is how others will see you as well.  Be intentional in what you wear for what you want in life

New Year-New You

Its that time again..time to get to those "Resolutions" we make for the first of every New Year. I think they are great because they represent change and promise of good things to come for ourselves in the fresh new year. But, most everyone focuses their goals and resolutions around getting slimmer and changing their financial situations. Those are FABULOUS goals and resolutions, but along with those should come the story you tell from the outside... your "first Impression" . Think about your style and how it respresents you. Is your wardrobe a bit outdated or need a minor "face lift"?  Experts say that most potential employers or clients will form an opinion of you within 15 seconds of meeting you. In business and social situations, your image delivers a snapshot of everything you represent. So, as you are all going on these AMAZING journeys of health, fitness and goals to financial security. Think about a complete NEW YOU..head to toe as well as inside out. It may just the thing to land you that big client, or the job you've been wanting, or create a door to open for more prospects. Who knows? But one thing is for sure you only get one chance to make a first impression. Let's all make 2011 the year of many great "first impressions" and you and your style Rockin' it out!

Deb Hurter
Wardrobe Warrior