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).

For those headed to a cocktail party straight from work, you’ll need a quick solution to go from day-to-night attire. You don’t have to lug an entirely new outfit to the office that day: simply dress in your best suit or fine black pants, and just before heading to the party, replace your cotton shirta colourful blouse or a glitzy top. Another way to transform your look with minimal effort is to mix up your accessories. Bring a fun jeweled necklace or bracelet to slip on as you walk out the door, and switch your workbag or briefcase for an elegant clutch. Before you leave the office, take an extra minute to apply a coat of bold lipstick or glimmering eye shadow – just a bit of dramatic colour or seasonal sparkle can make all the difference.

Take your style up another notch for a semi-formal party or dinner. This doesn’t mean, however, that you need to add another holiday expense by purchasing a brand new party dress every year. It’s just as easy to look fabulous by wearing a simple black skirt or evening pants – then pairing your plain bottoms with a stylish blouse or a festive sequined shirt. Or, if you have a go-to black dress, use that as a base – and make it extra special with a lovely silk shawl or scarf, or a sequined cardigan. These practical options will come in handy if you are attending multiple parties and even in preparation for next year’s holiday gatherings. Simply wearing a different top, accessories, and hairstyle can compose a whole new look, despite the same pants or skirt.

If a formal holiday gala is on your schedule, you can use the same trick: balance basic yet elegant black bottoms with a beautiful top and dazzling accessories. On the other hand, a sophisticated evening gown would also be appropriate for this occasion – and if it fits within your budget, go for it! Evening gown or not, take some extra time to create a stunning hairdo or schedule an appointment at your salon to have your hair, makeup, and nails professionally styled. Part of the fun of getting ready for formal holiday gatherings is to primp and pamper beforehand!

For men: a nice black or grey suit with a seasonal touch would be appropriate for semi-formal occasions. Don’t worry – you don’t have to wear a reindeer tie or Santa Claus socks in order to look festive! Subtler details, such as a red pocket square or a simple red tie, will do the trick. Wear a black tuxedo for a formal Christmas gala; this, too, can incorporate a bit of holiday cheer with a holiday-coloured bow tie and cummerbund.

Whether your office chooses to host a casual cocktail or a formal gala to celebrate the holiday season, be sure to choose a look that is tasteful and appropriate both for the occasion and for the crowd. And enjoy the process – getting gussied up for the party is a fun holiday activity in and of itself!

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I will admit to a soft spot for black tie, a fondness for three-piece suits and a liking for tweed jackets with cashmere sweaters and cords, when the occasions arise. But this leaning towards tailored clothing doesn’t rule out hoodies and sweat pants — as long as they’re confined to the gym! Because when it comes to dressing down, I’m with Jerry Seinfeld. In the episode called The Pilot, where Jerry and George are pitching a TV network with their idea for a new show, Jerry wants George to shape up and dress the part:

“You know the message you’re sending out to the world with these sweatpants? You’re telling the world, ‘I give up. I can’t compete in normal society. I’m miserable, so I might as well be comfortable.’” Jerry in The Pilot

Jerry really got it right. 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 former Senior Director of International Personnel Operations at Pepsi, Bill knows “the right stuff” when it comes to stocking his closet. These days, however, things are a little more complicated. For starters, he has all the buttons on his shirts replaced with snaps. Bill, 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.

After life in the fast lane — including overseas postings in London, India, Cyrus and eventually Corporate HQ, just outside New York City — Bill now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Naturally, the local “dress code” is far more casual than his habitual boardroom haunts. He accepts that a relaxed dress code makes sense in Sarasota’s climate and that it’s a lifestyle thing, too. It’s only natural that clothes reflect the laid-back culture of Florida but I can picture Bill saying; “Dressing up just makes one feel so much better!” His sense of well being reflects a keen level of attention to detail. Trousers need a little extra knee-room to accommodate his new, life-changing walk-aid (link) and there are the snap alterations on shirts. Actually, Bill has become adept at making adjustments:

“My left side is sort of ‘going for the tide’ so I need to request restaurant servers to be certain my food is cut into bite-size pieces.”

Certainly the greatest adjustment was his decision to leave Pepsi. It was an intense and dynamic environment. The focus of his work was building local business teams in critical, emerging markets while helping to drive Pepsi operating systems. An essential component of his mandate was fostering the company’s global, cultural values at a local level. There were some challenges during the earliest stages of his diagnosis, when colleagues noticed something was not quite right. Ultimately, despite encouragement to remain on the job, Bill made his move to medically retire and relocate to Florida, so he could better manage his health agenda. Today, his mandate, depending on how he feels, is to deliver Junior Achievement basic business programs to students at local middle schools.

When it comes to dressing up, Bill Shaddy and I are on the same wavelength. Merci Bill for sharing your point of view!

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When CEO Trudy Sullivan arrived at Talbots, from her previous position at casual apparel giant Liz Claiborne, she was startled by the absence of in-house design and product development departments. Ms Sullivan quickly addressed this through new hires to build a design team. An obvious place to start, right? But what set Ms Sullivan’s direction apart was her approach. She resisted the urge to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Instead of a total overhaul and an immediate call to arms to create new products, she organized a systematic review of best, and worst, sellers from the past sixty years! This re-examination of the foundations — the pearls, twin-sets, flats, trench coats — was not an exercise in finding old favourites to re-issue but to understand the core of Talbots’ business and the cachet of true American style.

Surely there can be no more enduring examples of American style than Katherine Hepburn, Jacqueline Onassis and Princess Grace of Monaco. Cleverly, Talbots has created three separate fits for jackets, each named after one of these iconic women. In total, there are 23 styles available on-line, each grouped according to fit, and with an accompanying video called — Meet the Ladies:

• Kate: Sexy, hourglass, fitted-at-the waist jackets for dressing up or down.
• Jackie: Cool, sophisticated and playful jackets. Great with jeans and skirts.
• Grace: Classic, slightly fitted jackets — feminine and ladylike.

Jackets are a big-ticket item, rarely an impulse purchase. This technique of “romancing the merchandise” carries with it the promise of boosted sales. Who could resist exploring these enticingly different looks? I don’t want to second-guess Ms Sullivan or the design group but the implications for this brand within a brand are intriguing and filled with possibility.

Equally as audacious was Ms Sullivan’s willingness to take on denim. From its modest, missy-fitting past, Talbots has emerged as a leader in the denim category. Again, there’s the new signature emphasis on multiple fits, plus, an assortment of silhouettes and finishes or “washes” to ensure every woman finds her dream jean.

It’s clear to me that Talbots is a work in progress. The holiday collection proposes “re-imagined offerings” and from what I’ve seen so far, only the edgiest vintage details will be reinvented or the source of inspiration. Simple, traditional pearl necklaces have evolved into dramatic, glamorous multi-strand showpieces. It wouldn’t surprise me if Michelle Obama shows up for a Christmas party in one of these beauties.

But 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. What a coup! Félicitations for creating the cachet that is Talbots today.

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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. (Read my Oscar night tweets here.)

There were no major faux pas. Well, maybe a couple — Charlize Theron, for starters. John Galliano of Dior created the lilac bustier gown especially for her. But what were those fabric spirals over each breast? And speaking of fabric, the asymmetrical ruffles on JLo’s gown reminded me of a Christmas tree skirt. And surely Elizabeth Banks could have ordered her beautiful dress in a more becoming colour?

Although this doesn’t actually fall into my official faux pas category, posture was very much on my mind and simply because it was sadly missing in action. All those strapless gowns demand wonderful posture — what our grandmothers called “bearing and carriage.” Time to hit the gym, girls, and start strengthening those trapezius muscles or Hollywood will be overloaded with dowager humps!

Most men looked amazing with lots of new and interesting takes on “black ties” and numerous pocket squares.  Full marks to Jeff Bridges for his appearance, his much-deserved award and let’s not forget his marriage of 33 years. Wow!  What a dramatic transformation from his role in Crazy Heart. Alec Baldwin, on the other hand, was about an inch short on the shirt scene — no cuffs in sight. Shirts were sometimes out of sync in the collar department — too bitty or too big. But enough nitpicking.

It was a grand event, truly Hollywood-worthy. Yes, I missed what used to be called a “Cher Moment” — a really dramatic, over-the-top extravagant costume and dramatic entrance. And yet, Sandy Powell in accepting her award for, coincidentally, Costume Design —The Young Victorians — brought a new, modern sensibility to the stage. Her choice of gown was simply exquisite and the fabric ultra-luxurious. And finally, “sensational” best describes Penelope Cruz in a draped Bordeaux satin gown by Donna Karan.

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All summer long, in the corridors of power where we’d expect to see brogues or loafers on smartly suited men and tidy pumps worn with skirts, there was a strange phenomenon afoot — pardon the pun.  I call it, Invasion of the Beachcombers.

Flip-flops became the footwear of choice for a diverse group of men and women.  Field reports confirmed that contrary to my initial assumption, these flip-floppers were not recovering from foot surgery, but exercising a misplaced sense of style.  Professional people attended conferences and boardroom meetings — even met clients — conspicuously under-dressed.  In my books, the beachcombers showed up for work with “naked” feet.  And believe me, I heard about these offences; the flip-flop police kept me informed.

Cooler weather means flip-flops have been tossed to the back of the closet but now I’m on full athletic shoe alert.  Known as trainers in the UK, running shoes in Canada and sneakers in the States, sports shoes have no place in the nation’s boardrooms.  Yes, the foot is fully clothed but Brian Atwood, Bally Shoes hip new creative director, says it best of all: “Put on a pair of bad shoes and it doesn’t matter how nice your suit is.”

Voice your thought on office inappropriate.  Have you crossed the line when it comes to flip-flops and sneakers, or are you simply not certain how to “smarten-up” a footwear offender?  We’re always interested in your ideas, suggestions or comments and invite you to give us your feedback.

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:

• Ensure your shirt is very high quality cotton. Look for labeling that reads: Sea Island Cotton, Supima, Egyptian Cotton or Two-Ply 100’s.
• Insert the collar stays — they prevent a “flyaway” collar look.
• On stripe or check fabrics (called yarn-dyes) the pattern must “match” — or meet with precision, as shown in this example:

  

• Your shirt should fit perfectly — always try it on before leaving the store. Select a collar to flatter your face. Bypass   long collar points if your face is long and narrow, or spread collars if your face is full.
• Avoid monograms on the shirt itself. Personalize with cufflinks. Learn more and “dress up the moment” — www.cuffwear.com
• Select cufflinks with care — just like a tie, they should reflect your personality and enhance your professionalism. Bankers, for example, should avoid this look:

Consider something subtle such as:

a) I am stylish and like to have fun
b) I like style with a bit of flair
c) I am stylish and conservative

What’s your preference? Please let us know your thoughts.

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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.

Entitled “Fashion from the Inside Out,” it showcases her designs over the last 20 years. Isabel is a minimalist – rarely using ornamentation to enhance her designs – and her signature is the ability to manipulate fabric to form garments.  The expression “liquid architecture” has been coined to describe her jersey dresses. The Cornflower Dress (right) is a perfect example, with its ingeniously draped series of arcs.  Beautiful, indeed, though I’m not certain how to wear it!

Over the years, I have enthusiastically watched Isabel’s evolution.  That is, until her wool lace, lemongrass-coloured shift dress and coat made their debut on the First Lady’s January walk.  The Queen Mother immediately came to mind – in a word, dowdy.  Where was the young, spirited fashion-minded Michelle? Where was the unique creative edge synonymous with Isabel’s name?

And then, there I was at the end of the exhibition with this famous ensemble. FIT includes the outfit as part of Isabel’s Origami Series – inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding.  Paper? Paper is stiff and crisp.  The fabric was exquisite wool lace from Switzerland’s prestigious Forster Rohner and should have been finished using haute couture techniques – especially since Isabel, distaining the appellation artist, always reminds people she is a “seamstress first.”

Instead of conspicuous side seams, sewn by machine, the lace should have been overlapped and invisibly joined with hand stitching to create a seamless appearance.  When I studied Haute Couture at the Académie des Hauts Couturiers Canadiens, I learned to handle expensive lace.  This satin dress (below right) is covered with heavy cotton French lace and you can see how I joined the lace at the side seams.  Compare this finish to Isabel’s ensemble for the First Lady. The rich, luxurious Swiss wool lace did not get the attention it deserved –what a shame.

And another thing, Inauguration Day was windy.  We seemed to see the First Lady constantly fiddling with her flapping coat.  Were there no hooks?  I thought the President looked more elegantly at ease in his understated overcoat.

Learn more about finishing techniques for lace fabrics

Visit The Museum at FIT and see the Isabel Toledo exhibition

Revisit Time Magazine’s take on Inaugural Day ceremonies and Michelle’s famous ensemble:

How do you rate the First Lady’s fashion choices and Isabel’s designs?  Who’s your favourite designer?  Please let me know your thoughts.

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The Look of Success by Diane Craig^TM Teleseminar for Women starts on Ocober 20, 2009. Learn how to create your own Look of Success in 4 sessions with Diane.

“I’ll show you how to enhance and establish the best looks for your figure, your budget and your lifestyle.”

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And although it may take some readers by surprise, I know my way around the aisles of the local thrift store called Double Take which offers good, clean, used clothing and household items and training and employment opportunities for street youths.

Last year, I was asked to be keynote speaker for the Yonge Street Mission breakfast held at Toronto’s Design Exchange, in the heart of the financial district.

The “Mission,” a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all people to achieve their full potential, asked me to do a makeover on two street youths.  The goal was makeovers of a sufficiently high standard that one young woman and one young man could apply for positions at clothing stores in Toronto’s prestigious office towers.   My budget? Less than $40.00 for both candidates.

All my shopping was done at Double Take, where the emphasis is on affordable clothing for people, like my makeover candidates, working towards a new career.  Fitting indeed, considering Goodwill’s founding philosophy was “a hand-up, not a hand-out.”  I regularly drop off parcels at Double Take and encourage everyone to support local thrift stores.  When you go, take a peak.  Maybe you’ll find a hidden gem in your size, see a celebrity, or spot a trend on the cusp of discovery.

Watch:  Video of the makeover

Read: New York Times style columnist Ruth La Ferla’s article:
“Look Who’s Shopping Goodwill”

Learn more about Yonge Street Mission:
http://www.ysm.ca/

Find a Goodwill Store near you:
http://locator.goodwill.org/

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Sign up for my FREE teleseminar- How to Create a Professional and Personal Image Plan on Tuesday July 28th 12-1pm Eastern Standard Time- Check your time zone! * You will learn how to create a plan that includes- all of the topics you should be familiar with to get the professional and personal image you want to project.  Register Now

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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 dressed man.”

But in the almost ninety years since the Baron decreed his standards of style, things have changed. Even the most hallowed institutions have dropped necktie regulations. Gentlemen, it would appear, are no longer tied to the past.  So-called Black Tie Events are often tie-less. Witness the red carpet, Oscar Night, when megastars in designer tuxedos sport open-collared shirts.

From my perspective, a tie adds polish – it’s the final touch, like the period at the end of a sentence. Admittedly, there are a few ties I could do without; Colonel Saunders comes to mind, or bolo ties, or the monochromatic shirt-and-tie suite endorsed by Mr. Dapper himself, Regis Philbin. And then, there’s the entire category of funny, almost weird ties, synonymous with a special Sunday in June.

This year it falls on June 21st when, weather permitting, millions of men outfitted for bass fishing – wearing cargo shorts and sporting “hats-on-lock”– but wielding tongs not rods, will head for the nation’s backyard barbecues. It’s Father’s Day!  Some day, historians will pinpoint the year weird ties replaced noxious after-shave as the gift of choice for all these grill-men. But for the now, it’s time to exercise restraint when it comes to wearing these creations. Point blank, there is no right occasion for a talking tie.

I’m all for adding a vibrant note to conservative workday attire, but Jerry Garcia ties simply don’t belong in the workplace – unless, of course, your office is showbiz central. Sometimes, clients will ask about The Right Tie, about wearing a funny tie to make a presentation, or when they want to get a laugh. Remember, there’s a fine line between laughing at and laughing with – please consider the “goof-factor.”

My advice? Borrow inspiration from style icons Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.  This dynamic duo, always collared and tie-d, manages to strike every note right – funny, hip and cool, but impeccably turned out.

Feeling confident and self-assured about your own tie choices?
See:  Burl Veneer’s Tie Blog – http://burlveneer.blogspot.com
How to tie a bow tie – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vui9Lzg7o_Q&feature=related

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Sign up for my FREE teleseminar- How to Create a Professional and Personal Image Plan on Tuesday July 28th 12-1pm Eastern Standard Time- Check your time zone! * You will learn how to create a plan that includes- all of the topics you should be familiar with to get the professional and personal image you want to project.  Register Now

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