Imagine being on the corporate ladder to success. One of the most important aspects for getting ahead in the competitive business world is dressing your professional best. If you are going to compete, a strong confident image is necessary. Here are some dressing tips to help you

To Help Control your Costs:

• Think classics over trend
• Wear colors that are flattering to your skin tone
• Don’t buy cheap-you will regret it immediately because fabric, texture and fit can make or break you
• Hire a professional to help you who understands your industry and your goals. You’ll save $$ in the long-run by avoiding mistakes as you prosper

Ask Yourself: Can I wear these?

• Ditch the out dated clothes and colors
• Toss stained clothes
• Donate anything too big, too tight
• Save the ‘too revealing’ for your after hours
• No big,garish prints (unless you’re climbing the circus ladder)
• Get a full-length mirror and look at your backside, and fix or retire things that are baggy and saggy

I will let you in on a secret. I truly love watching awards shows and all the glitter and glamour that USUALLY surrounds the evening. This was NOT the case Sunday night with these two fine actresses. Both so very talented, but what were they thinking? or not? It didn’t matter what they wore, no one would care or notice? YIKES! ladies this had to be the worst two outfits I have seen in a long time. Wrong, on so many levels not sure where to start. I hope Frances and Whoppi take a good long look at these pics and perhaps consider hiring  professionals next time they hit the Red Carpet. Before any important night in your life seek help. I totally GET eccentric and expressive. I was a costume designer for many years. Onward and upward…

Jeff Christensen / Associated Press                                                                                                                                                                  Jason Kempin / Getty Images

Everyone wants to send a message to the world about who they are!  

Playful, serious, spunky, sporty, even depressed! Everyone does it. And it is done either with consciousness or without consciousness. However, it is done. Moreover, if you are consciously projecting your personal style, then your visual message is consistent with your goals. This is critical because people make decisions about you in a blink of an eye. If you’re a brain surgeon, for example, but look like a hobo off the street, it’s going to be harder for you to establish your credibility and get referrals and keep them, than if you looked the part.

If you’re not getting what you want in life, one place to look for assistance is at yourself-your visual business or personal calling card, so to speak.

Personal style is a two-fold combination of what you do, and who you are.

Your personal style is evident in everything that you do — from the way that you dress to the items that you own. An Armani jacket or a brand new Mercedes … all of these choices represent your individual sense of  style . So how do you define your own style, and how can you express it with confidence?

The best personal style is simply wearing what looks the best on us – and you can LEARN how to dress for success.  It may take a professional to to help help you with this, and realizing that is half the battle. Personal style is not all about fancy designer labels, the latest celebrity trend ; it is simply about having the confidence and self-awareness to make the very most of what you have and what you can afford. Your image also reflects you inner style, through who you are and how you represent yourself: your attitude, behavior and the way you communicate, both verbal and non verbal.

At a recent event, I saw a women wearing a terrific work dress. And, you know how hard it is to find one of those! She seemed pulled together and the fit was perfect. Then I noticed a situation that killed her polished professional look. The dreaded mottled legs. I know it may be a skin condition for some, and I my apologies if it is for you. In any case, this is the time you need to really consider some type of leg covering. I know, I know, pantyhose are not as revered as they used to be, BUT they do serve a very important role in professional dressing.Depending on your industry, dress code and level of professional dress, tights always look chic. Summer sunning is a challenge, so perhaps a ‘tan in a can’ would be more to your liking. Whatever floats your boat will be better than seeing purple blotches.

1.Re-examine your lingerie. Take a long hard look at what is in your drawers. Throw out anything that is tattered and worn. Once elastic is stretched out, it is shot. No wearing bras and panties with the squiggly, broken elastic. Invest in new lingerie.  If you’re using the best of what’s in your closet, then keep looking your  best with the right undergarments.

2. Don’t keep clothes in your closet if they do not fit you or your lifestyle. Nothing is more depressing than a closet full of clothes that are no longer right for you. Keep your closet current with what DOES look great on you. If you must keep items that you cannot bear to get rid of, pack them up and store away.

3. Say sayonara to an all black wardrobe. Yes, It is chic and it is sooo LA/NY. Black is often the go- to- color when a few lb.’s appear. If this is your case, keep a dark hue on the areas you need to camouflage. There is a world of color out there just waiting to be worn. Mix your best colors with your neutrals, lighten, and brighten up!

P.S. Men like color, and are attracted to it, especially in a room that is a “sea of black”.

4. Have at least one default evening and day outfit that you makes you look and feel fabulous. Make sure it is one that rewards you with tons of compliments. And don’t forget that you have it when you get that last-minute invite or you may be shopping for no good reason.

5. Stock your closet with wardrobe essentials.

Once you have your lingerie in order, it’s time to review your essential outfits. Have pieces that are great basics so you can mix and match with ease. If a fabulous pair of pants or if that amazing skirt has eluded you, then this is the time to seek it out.

Accessories…those small wonders that can MAKE or BREAK a look. They are those finishing touches that take your outfit from good to GREAT in a flash. Often we can wear simple classics and with a few key accessories make our clothing come alive.

Here are a few ideas to help you with Successful Accessorizing       

• Evaluate the accessories you have, and eliminate the unnecessary and worn out ones-fill in the missing links
• Wear accessories to add punch to an outfit-  don’t overdo it though
• Experiment with accessories to stretch your wardrobe
• Buy accessories that improve the look you are trying to achieve
• Plan before buying, making sure you can wear accessories with many outfits

So before you hit those sales here are some suggestions

• Statement Jewelry- Can you say BIG and BOLD?  Necklaces, rings, bracelets and rings  are where it is at. The great thing about this look is you can wear JUST ONE of these items to  look current

Aldo,Express,and Loehmans have some great affordable pieces.

• BIG Handbags and smaller clutches- pick a bright and cheery one to add a bit of zing to a neutral outfit. Patent leather is still around, and it wears like iron. Gone are the days of the matchy-matchy to your outfit or shoes. Your handbag can stand alone with it’s own color personality.

Check out Nordstrom’s fabulous sale days for some great bargains and Loehmans too

• Belts- the waist is the focal point this season and every width of belt is out there. Pick one that is in good proportion for you. Belts can actually give you the illusion you have a waist. And don’t forget the shapewear, your secret weapon

Check out Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Nordstrom for some of the best

 5 More tips to keep you looking your professional best…

Smart looking Prada ladies tote

1. Wearing wrinkled and rumpled clothing.
2. Grabbing just ‘any-ol’ thing’ from the closet and not caring about your Visual Business Card™. Yes, YOU are your own walking business card!
3. Arriving to work looking like a ‘bag lady or man”. Get professional looking tote/messenger bag/ briefcase to carry. No shopping bags with important papers…ughhhhhhh. Trust me, I see this with BIGWIGS!
4. Wearing dated (PLEASE let the 80′s and 90′s suits go), ill fitting clothing.
5. And last but not least…Wearing shoes that are not in good repair, dirty, worn down heels,soles and scuffs.

When you wake up in the morning do you stumble to kitchen, trip over the dog while searching for that first cuppa Joe? Then before you know it it is time to get dressed and decide what to wear. Have you even thought about your day ahead? Client meetings? Lunch with the boss? Well here are some points you might want to consider before just pulling anything out of the closet and bypassing an inspection in the mirror. Foregoing a polished, professional appearance is not going to get you that ‘Mr. Biggie Big’ client!

1. Not attending to your hair — head, facial, nose and ears (no bed head look for work either).
2. Not checking clothing for stains, rips and dreaded odors.
3. Assuming the boss won’t notice your ‘inappropriate dressed down outfit’ Yikes, suppose the CEO wants you to join a meeting?
4. Not attending to your hands, nails and cuticles. Chipped polish and ragged nails are no-no’s
5. Women: Thinking you that you will be perceived as a polished professional with the ‘absolutely no makeup look’ at the office. A BIG WRONG-O