Last month, a series of conversations recorded in 1964 between Jacqueline Kennedy and Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a former Kennedy aide, was published into the latest book on the legendary first lady – and one of my favourite 20th-century style icons – titled Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy. During these conversations, Jackie speaks her mind – sometimes controversially so – sharing her opinions on political figures, musing on life in the spotlight, reminiscing on past times with JFK. Though her words in these conversations can be raw, from them emerges a new perspective on Jackie’s life from the woman herself – and it serves to remind me what a strong and unforgettable woman she was.
Posted on October 30th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Celebrities, Fashion, Image, Womenswear | No Comments »
Almost four million viewers tuned into the English leadership debate Tuesday night, myself included. My mission was more than personal interest. I needed to take copious notes on the demeanor and dress of the four leaders.
Although typically media will call me for commentary following the debates, this time I’d been given a heads up, by the producers at CBC Radio’s The Current, and was scheduled for an early morning discussion with two other women keeping close tabs on the evening: Kady O’Malley, political correspondent with the CBC and Globe and Mail columnist, Tabatha Southey.
My mandate, clearly, was not to comment on content but to interpret the body language of four seasoned politicians, all determined to make their points under crossfire — and the hot lights of a TV studio.
Posted on April 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Celebrities, Dress, Hair, Image, Presentation Skills, Special Events | No Comments »
World-renowned colour authority Pantone Inc. has just declared Honeysuckle Pink colour of the year for 2011. Described as “a brave new colour for a brave new world,” watch for this vibrant, blushing pink to make its mark on everything from fashion and makeup to interior design.
Posted on December 15th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, Makeup, shopping | 1 Comment »
Understandably, I was excited about this unexpected invitation but I must say, nothing could have prepared me for the extraordinary two days that lay ahead. The Allure of the Seas is truly majestic. There was a sense of glamour and excitement from the moment we boarded — “we” being my 28-year old son and myself. But what struck me immediately was the profound feeling of fun in the air.
Posted on December 3rd, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Diane's Reflections, Relaxation, Special Events, Travel | No Comments »
the real measure of Ms Sullivan’s Executive Presence is surely her grace under fire. The rebranding took place during extraordinarily challenging financial pressure: plummeting stock prices, selling off the men’s and kid’s divisions; criticism for overpaying for recently purchased casual retailer J. Jill. Throughout all this public scrutiny, Ms Sullivan and her team rolled out the rebranding and never lost their poise or their vision.
Posted on October 14th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, Menswear, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
Creating the right image is a powerful tool for success. This is as true for corporations as it is for individuals. Over the last few months, I’ve been fascinated to watch as traditional retailer Talbots re-branded itself from a chain for conservative, some would say stodgy, sixty-somethings to a destination store for younger, hipper, edgier, career women.
Posted on October 5th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Fashion, Image, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
In fitting rooms across the planet, “Does it make me look fat?” — is without a doubt the pivotal issue that makes or breaks a clothing sale. Ultimately, it’s a rhetorical question because the woman doing the trying-on will make the call herself. If she has even the slightest uncertainty that the garment doesn’t shave [...]
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
My profession brings a constant parade of diverse clients. From one week to the next, I’m constantly surprised and delighted by the stream of people arriving at my virtual doorstep. Variety is, indeed, the spice of my life. It keeps me primed for a fast-paced — make that high-octane — life. A case in point [...]
Posted on July 6th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Social Etiquette, Special Events, Womenswear | 2 Comments »
Every year, I look forward to the Oscars. Lights, cameras and evening wear — it’s the original red carpet event and birthplace of Joan River’s famous quip-question. “Who are you wearing?” has become part of the lexicon of celebrity interviews, thanks to her and daughter Melissa.
Of course, the whole point of the evening is the award ceremony itself, but the red carpet parade helps to build the excitement and I was right there, covering the red carpet from my living room.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Menswear, Womenswear | 8 Comments »
Tuesday evening, I was in awe. It was the first White House State Dinner since President Obama took office and Michelle definitely rose to the occasion.
Posted on November 27th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Celebrities, Dining Etiquette, Dress, Fashion, Social Etiquette, Special Events | 3 Comments »
