October 27, 2009 4-6 p.m. What can employers ask you to wear and what should you wear?  Interviewing for a job and dressing for success is stressful.   When you pick one outfit or another, you are sending a message.  And, whether you like it or not, employers are receiving that message.  This seminar will provide helpful tips and tricks for assembling professional attire that will help you convey the image you are looking for. We’ll also provide a quick summary of the employer’s point of view.  Employers speak to the world through their employees, and they want to set the tone for those conversations…starting with your appearance!  What can employers require, within the confines of the law, by way of dress code and appearance policy? This seminar will help employees learn how to give employers what they want, and will provide employers with a guide to what they can regulate, so that both employees and employers find what they seek…success! This presentation will be in cooperation with Laura Hazen. Laura is a Director with the law firm of Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC. She serves as the head of the Child Care / Early Education Practice (Read more...)

Almost every time I do a seminar or workshop on professional dress, I get the question, “What about shoes?” But no one ever tells me exactly what he or she wants to know about shoes. In working with clients, I’ve found coordinating shoes can often be a challenge. Many times, there is a very fine line between shoes that work and shoes that kill the whole outfit. Not only is it necessary to get the style right, but finding shoes that are also comfortable enough to get you through a whole day can be tough. Although each case is individual, I’ve come up with some general shoe guidelines that will help you determine the best shoes for your professional image. By taking these shoe tips into account, you’ll be certain to put your best foot forward!

• A tailored outfit requires a tailored shoe. On the other hand, when the outfit is less tailored, it calls for a softer more feminine shoe. One time a client of mine showed me a black suit that she absolutely loved, but every time she wore it something just didn’t feel right. The jacket was a collar-less Chanel style with a matching tulip skirt. I asked

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I'm always astounded how quickly time flies between my spring and fall trend reports, but here we are again! As with the last few seasons, we're continuing to see many classic garments. However, this fall designers have gotten extra creative with colors, textures and best of all, the way they've combined classics with trendier pieces. Since I specialize in professional dress, I always hesitate to use the word "trend." Adopting trends doesn't necessarily deem you trendy. Rather, think of it as new ways of updating your look to keep things fresh! The following is just a sampling of what awaits you in the stores. 

Colors

Purple-from amethyst to deep plum. Red-mostly a tomato red, great for blondes and brunettes with warm coloring. More colors include russet, (brown with a tinge of red,) burnt orange and of course, black.

Lace

From heavy lace garments to lace trims. If a lace blouse seems like too much for you, consider wearing it under a jacket or sweater with only the collar and cuffs peeking out.

Belts

Although all widths of belts remain popular, the newest widths are approximately 2 inches and very skinny. Look for (Read more...)