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 »
Clothing does send a message. But there’s an enormous side benefit to a well-groomed appearance and general sense of “dressing up” — it gives you a lift. Big time. One of the greatest advocates of this philosophy is my friend Bill Shaddy. As a former International HR Director at Pepsi, Bill knows “the right stuff” when it comes to stocking his closet. These days, however, things are a little more complicated. ill, I should explain, has been living with MS for the last 18 years and snaps are just easier than wrangling with a button and bitty hole. Rain or shine, Bill dresses up. His only concession is a stylish cane by his side.
Posted on October 26th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Business Etiquette, Diane's Reflections, Dress, Image, Image Consultation, Menswear, Workplace Etiquette | 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 »
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 »
The A-list of professional footwear could start with the steel-toed boots construction workers routinely lace-up. Clogs or Crocs™ are the footwear of choice for both restaurant brigades and hospital staff. Grand Canyon river guides sport fellow guide Mark Thatcher’s “invention” — the Teva® sandal. Ballerinas wear toe-shoes and firemen, boots.
Posted on October 24th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Image, Menswear, Womenswear | 1 Comment »
Remember when Fridays everywhere were casual? Menswear retailers portrayed the look with crisp, khaki chinos and impeccable open necked shirts. There was an occasional sweater, often tied around the shoulders. Reality was far different — bank clerks dressed like garage mechanics, senior executives wore golf shirts and there wasn’t a pressed pant in sight.
Over time, the extremes got straightened out and many corporations found themselves with more relaxed dress codes — jacket and tie no longer required — every day of the week. But neckties have always been a way for men to personalize their look — so I’m not surprised to report many have turned to French cuffs and cufflinks instead. Men young and old have embraced this combination with new enthusiasm. Here is a subtle way for a man to express his personality.
The older generation generally follows the formal traditions that dictate both jacket and tie de rigueur with French cuffs and cufflinks. But younger men — most have never worn this combo — show off the look, tie-less, and without a jacket.
Whichever style is yours, keep these tips in mind:
Posted on September 30th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Dress, Fashion, Menswear | 2 Comments »
Often called “ the designer’s designer,” Cuban-born Isabel Toledo was little known outside fashion’s inner sanctum until First Lady Michelle Obama selected her shift dress and coat for the January Inauguration Ceremony. Last week in NYC, I visited The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) for an exhibition of Isabel’s work.
Posted on August 12th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Dress, Fashion, Image, Menswear, Special Events, Womenswear | No Comments »
Style-makers and trendsetters, even Hollywood celebrities, have long known the benefits of combing Goodwill Stores for hidden gems, but a funny thing happened on our way through the recession. Goodwill stores across North America noticed an increase in sales – the exact opposite of most retailers. According to senior management at the Maryland head office, the time was right to improve the brand – “to promote Goodwill as a cool place to shop.”
Posted on July 28th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Menswear, shopping, Womenswear | 3 Comments »
Back in the 1920’s and 1930′s, when self-proclaimed “Baron” Adolph de Meyer established an international reputation as the world’s first fashion photographer, neckties were de rigueur. The good Baron, as an expert in the style department, had opinions on everything including neckwear: “…a perfect tie, and a good collar, that’s what makes a well [...]
Posted on June 16th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Menswear | 1 Comment »
