#1 Rejuvenate and Alter

Every closet has a few gems hidden in it. Your potential or one-time gems can become a fashion diamonds once again. Oftentimes a few alterations can enhance a plain Jane dress into something special. Try shortening long sleeves to a ¾ to show off your bracelets. Consider removing sleeves altogether for a clean sheath look, and then add a color cardigan à la Michelle Obama if you want to cover your arms.

#2 Revitalize with Color

Fashion is all about mixing colors-particularly neutrals with brights. So, dig out those never-say-die neutrals and add a pop of color with accessories. Also think about having a “Fashion Swap” party, where everyone brings gently or never worn items “that would look better on someone else”. You can interject great pieces into your wardrobe.


#3 Recycle the Best Bits

Before you banish your un-wearable clothes to donation heaven, take a look at the buttons and any other interesting trims. Removing them to use on something else is a wonderful way to recycle some great notions. But, if your heart is in recycling then think about giving your un-wearable items to a local school. Many can recycle your clothes for costumes.

#4 Reinvent Footwear

There are two important actions to take for shoes. First, keep an eye on the heels. Years ago we all put plastic taps on our shoes to keep them in good shape from wearing down. Brand new heels can even be constructed by a good cobbler. As well, they can revamp your shoes with a new soles, a good polishing or dye job.

Recently, a major corporation contacted LAR Consultants in desperate need of what can only be described as an “Ambush Makeover.” Remember the show? Who doesn’t like to see someone transform in a matter of hours? It’s fun to watch.

For Kayla,* it wasn’t a matter of “fun.” It was an essential step toward an offer for her dream job. And the day after she got the job, she would be on a plane to New York for her first board meeting.

Kayla is a competent and accomplished professional. She was a natural pick for a promotion to management, if only her professional appearance were a little more polished.  She would have to step up her skills in order to be given a chance to thrive in her new leadership position. Wow. Instead of passing her over for “lack of skills,” Kayla’s company utilized the effectiveness of a day of laser coaching to ensure her success.

Kayla needed immediate support in a few areas [In typical laser coaching, we might deal with ONE of these topics in a session; Kayla had the luxury of laser coaching X 8!!]. Her company needed her to be ready to:

• Know and apply best grooming practices
• Learn appropriate colors and fabrics for business attire
• Discover best styles to enhance image of individual and company
• Utilize accessories to increase authority
• Understand how to dress for different business occasions 

A COMPREHENSIVE approach is a MUST: Look professional, credible and powerful, and others will treat you that way!

We covered all of this with Kayla BEFORE lunch! And we immediately went into the stores to apply what she had learned. After a working lunch, we moved right into a not-so-subtle-essential of image: Non-Verbal Behavior. We say at LAR Consultants, “No Dead Fish Handshakes Here!”

Non-verbal behavior is the foundational conduct element for professionals. Learning the appropriate ways to maintain eye contact, shake hands, sit or stand, are all critical elements for professional behavior.

It was essential for Kayla to:

• Understand the impact of first impressions and how to manage them
• Master the art of a handshake that conveys confidence and authority
• Network with confidence: social skills
• Discover the best nonverbal messages for presentations

At this point, Kayla’s confidence is growing. Her smile is broadening. She is becoming the executive her skills tell us she can be. In order for her to be ready for TOMORROW’s board meeting, we rounded out Kayla’s coaching day with Expert Tips for Professional Verbal Communication & Business.

• Meet people and make introductions
• Learn best practices for business meetings
• Represent the company or corporation well in any situation
• Leave a strong professional impression after meetings, introductions, and in one-to-one communications

What about you? Can you say with confidence that you or your employees have mastered all these skills?
Kayla was happy to learn and enjoyed the process (who wouldn’t?). Let’s not forget that her company was smart to see Kayla’s potential and brilliant to provide a day of coaching to help her transform. In the end, what was good for Kayla was good for them, too. Now they can,

Feel confident that Kayla will represent the company well
Trust that Kayla will send the right message, without the distraction of an unpolished personal presentation
Know that Kayla will save the company time and money by not having to spend her own time and money fretting about her appearance–she can devote more time to her role as a top-level executive in the boardroom

Kayla’s value as an employee has gone up exponentially. Her professional skills combined with her personal image exude confidence, professionalism, and appropriate business etiquette. Now she can thrive, both for the good of her company and in her personal endeavors.