Let the festivities begin! It’s time to celebrate the season at the office holiday party. Where are you headed – to an after-work cocktail, to a semi-formal party or dinner, or to a full-out formal gala? And, have you decided what you’re going to wear? Planning your office Christmas party attire can prove to be more of a holiday chore than holiday cheer – especially if you need a quick office-to-party switch, or if you are trying to balance a fair share of seasonal expenses. Here are a few suggestions that can help you choose a festive and original outfit, perfectly matched to the occasion (and to your budget).
Posted on November 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Holiday Etiquette, Menswear | No Comments »
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 »
It’s that time of year again: crisp, bright mornings; fall foliage in a stunning palette of gold, red, and orange; the freshest picks of the fall harvest. Autumn has so much to offer – yet here in Toronto, I already felt the first pangs of longing for the recent summer when the weather turned bitter, wet and windy last week. Navigating through that harsh weather is certainly an adjustment – not to mention, a major hazard to your business attire if you have to confront rainy city streets on your way to work or a meeting! Not to worry: there are many ways to stay stylish – and protected from the elements – even in the wet weather’s worst.
Posted on October 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Fashion, Image | No Comments »
A well-rounded selection of business attire is essential for any professional. Yet I would add that the right set of business accessories is equally as important in developing a polished image for the workplace. Professional accoutrements combine form and function to give the impression of a prepared and put-together individual. Anyone ranging from recent graduates just entering the workforce to seasoned employees can benefit from these suggestions.
Posted on September 27th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Image | No Comments »
Most women are guided by a simple shopping rule: If the shoe fits, buy it. Even when they know the tortuous work called “breaking them in” lies ahead, they’re on shoe-purchase-auto-pilot. I know. As the saying goes – been there, done that. Recently something happened to make me toss out the old adage about simply settling for a shoe that fits.
I discovered shoes so alluring, so glamorous, stylish and comfortable, my first reaction was shock. Did I mention High-Heels with a capital H?
Posted on September 25th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Dress, Fashion, shopping, Womenswear | No Comments »
Life is filled with meeting and greeting new people. Even though we’re reminded repeatedly; “Never judge a book by its cover,” we do. We’re constantly making snap judgments about the people we meet and greet. Curiously, it turns out, our first impressions tend to be quite accurate:
“We have long known that people jump to conclusions about others on the basis of very little information but what’s striking about these findings is how many of the impressions have a kernel of truth to them.”
– Psychologist Sam Gosling, The University of Texas at Austin.
In other words, we make assumptions, or jump to conclusions, with very little information and generally, we’re right!
Appearance, body language, intonation and interaction all work together to create a first impression. When they work in harmony, the result is positive. Let’s examine the four keys:
Posted on August 24th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Communication, Dress, Etiquette, Image | No Comments »
I recently made a new discovery: a boutique that really gets it when it comes to accessorising one’s wardrobe to make the right statement at the office.
Rue Pigalle is Canada’s home to Europe’s hottest, most sought-after jewellery and accessories designers. Exclusively representing designers identified as those at the forefront of hand-crafted luxury by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire and Elle, Rue Pigalle is the only source for their exquisite pieces – items worn by fashion icons including Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mary-Kate Olsen.
Posted on August 22nd, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories | 1 Comment »
I’ll make no secret about it, the number one question I’m asked, from the emails I receive to the meetings I attend, is how to, “Dress for Success.” Sure, some people put a slightly different spin on it — professional clothes, dress for an interview, business formal attire —but fundamentally what they’re asking me is, the how to dress for success question.
Posted on July 12th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Image | No Comments »
Nothing short of a power outage could have kept me from a pre-dawn awakening this morning. The so-called “wedding of the century” was finally about to unfold and I was primed.
Although I’d read that two billion viewers were expected to watch, the actual London turnout signaled this was going to be a real celebration. And it was. Impeccably timed, perfectly rehearsed —everything went smoothly but with such a sense of joy, this was modern pageantry at its finest. You just knew that everyone from the cheering crowds to the wedding guests was enjoying the entire spectacle.
Posted on April 29th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Fashion, Image, Special Events, Weddings, 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 »
