CORPORATE CLASS INC.

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Do you remember an email in your inbox that went around over ten years ago entitiled, “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.” Penned by Glamour columnist Pam Satran the list ‘became a phenomenon’ and went extremely viral and reached millions of inboxes around the world.

The editors of Glamour magazine recently asked a host of celebrities what they’d wish they had known by the time they hit the BIG Three O.This collection of advice is going to be published in a book that’s titled with the same name as the above article and features advice from Maya Angelou to Taylor Swift to many other notable women.

Here is the preface offering 12 wardrobe staples every women should own from Anne Christensen, executive fashion director of Glamour magazine as published on MSNBC Today:

By 30 you should have …

Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

Of all the items on this list, this has always been my very favorite. Possibly because it’s one I know I’ve got down! And you should, too, because life is a lot easier when you’re not dashing around in a panic over what you’re going to wear to some hugely important thing that’s happening seven and a half minutes from now. Allow me to give you my list of twelve wardrobe staples every woman should own. It’s like CliffsNotes for your closet!

1. Skinny black jeans. You need a pair. Dress them up for the office or down for day.

2. A crisp, white button-down shirt. It suggests clean, cool confidence in the workplace, but unbutton two buttons and it’s the ultimate in sex appeal for night.

3. A go-to dress. It doesn’t have to be a little black dress. It’s even better sometimes if it’s not, because color makes a bolder statement. But it should fit perfectly and make you feel beautiful.

4. A classic black pump. It has to have at least a four-inch heel to boost your height and confidence. (Okay, fine. A three-inch heel if you must.)

5. A bright mini. My own favorite is red with a flared hem. It’s great to have one that’s a really bright color because it makes you stand out in a crowd. You can wear it for day—just pair it with an oversize men’s white sweater—or nighttime, with a silk camisole.

6. A bold piece of jewelry. Think: necklace, bangle, large ring, large earrings. I have a big necklace that I keep in my drawer at work, and it dresses up any outfit. A statement piece allows your personal style to shine, especially if the rest of your outfit is conservative.

7. A fitted blazer. A great-fitting blazer is a girl’s most invaluable staple. Pop the collar, roll the sleeves, or add a cool brooch to make it your own.

8. A colorful clutch. This one’s especially crucial if you have a closet full of blacks or neutrals. A splash of color will liven up the simplest outfit—not to mention your mood.

9. Black opaque tights. They’re so warm and practical, and they instantly make a dress look professional.

10. A lace tank. Wear it underneath your V-neck during the day or peeking out from under a jacket in the evening.

11. Ballet flats. They’re feminine and comfortable, and you can wear them anywhere and always look pulled together. I personally love a blue ballet flat.

12. A soft, luxurious white T-shirt. It has to be a great-quality one that feels good on your skin. You can wear it with everything else in your wardrobe. And if you find one you really love, buy three.

If you enjoyed reading about the 12 Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Should Own, you might also be interested in watching the celebrity video. To see the video click here.

Posted on April 27th, 2012 by Tazneem
Filed under: Celebrities, Dress | No Comments »

A good first impression is key to starting a business relationship off on the right foot. But the first impression of your business, organization or firm often does not start with you, but rather with the receptionist or administrative assistant. In most cases, when clients or partners walk into an office, they are greeted by the employee at the front desk and have a chance to view and interpret the reception area even before you have a chance to make your own first impression. Since the receptionist is the first point of contact, it is very important that he or she presents the image and level of professionalism that you would like to represent your business as a whole. To ensure that everyone in your office is on the same page, plan so that all staff members understand the guidelines with regard to dress.

To start, define the dress code expectations to staff as soon as they are hired. What kind of attire and office culture is in place? Do you uphold a business standard code, or is business casual more suitable? Once the foundations are laid, provide further, more specific examples of what is appropriate and inappropriate to wear to work. This is especially important with regard to business casual, which has much broader definitions and can vary greatly between generations or workplaces. The guidelines below provide excellent starting points.

Business Standard Attire/ Formal Business Attire

• For Men: A business suit (or sport jacket and dress slacks with shirt), tie, dress shoes
• For Women: A business suit with skirt or pants, hosiery, conservative heels (closed toe and closed heeled pumps). The colour and cut of both suit and blouse should be modest and conservative, as well as any accessories

Business Casual
Unlike business standard attire, which has straightforward expectations, business casual has such a wide scope that it is sometimes unclear to staff what qualifies in the dress code. Because of this ambiguity, if your office abides by a business casual code, it might be a good idea to provide a list of what is and is not appropriate to ensure that all employees are on the same page.

Appropriate Business Casual Dress:

• Pants: Dress pants, khakis. Dark denim is also appropriate in certain office cultures, and works best in a business setting if paired with a blazer or a tailored shirt or blouse
• Shirts: Pressed button-up shirts, blouses with modest cut, polo shirts
• Skirts and Dresses: Both solid colour or patterned acceptable; skirt or dress is not too tight and cut is modest
• Jackets or Blazers
• Shoes: Flats, heels, loafers, boots, clean and conservative walking/athletic shoes, leather deck shoes

Inappropriate Business Casual Dress:

• Any overly casual clothing, including beachwear, athletic wear, clothing worn for socializing after work, flip flops, slippers
• Any shirts/t-shirts with text or images (especially those that may be offensive)
• Any immodest clothing, including skirts and dresses that are too short or tight, thin-strapped or halter tank tops, transparent tops, cropped tops, leggings as pants

Clearly defining a dress code will ensure that your whole office will represent the professionalism of your business. After all, first impressions do matter!

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Posted on April 24th, 2012 by Jennifer
Filed under: Executive Presence, Image | No Comments »

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I recently read an article in the Brisbane Times entitled ”The Scent of Success” where the author Natasha Hughes starts with the statement, “Perfume is power and the higher up the corporate rung, the more likely you are to utilise it to its best advantage.”

Fragrance just like your wardrobe needs to be chosen carefully. Just like business dress and accessories, fragrance is a definite part of business etiquette. Top perfume evaluators emphasize that:

“Men and women who have reached high status in their career don’t need fragrance to say something about themselves,” perfume evaluator Erica Moore says.

“They’ve narrowed down their sense of style and are secure with one or two sophisticated scents.” But be warned: it takes more than a big pay packet and safe dose of Chanel No.5 or Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio to wear fragrance well.

“I’ve walked into an office and thought ‘am I in a nightclub’ and that’s been the men’s fragrance choice of the day,” says Charlotte Turner, of prestige brands distributor Trimex. “Sometimes men are very hedonistic with things like that.”

Both sexes “over spray”, according to the national sales director of fragrance distributor Cosmax, Nicholas Gorick – who wears his in his hair. “If you spray your arm, your neck, your clothes, any fragrance is going to be too much.”

And don’t get the business etiquette experts started. “Most women are walking fruit salads and the men are using half a bucket of aftershave that makes you cry and sneeze,” Lizzie Wagner says. “If you’re going to wear it to work, make it subtle.”

People no longer have just one fragrance on their dresser, worn only on special occasions. It has become an everyday staple and, Gorick says, “they’re creating products for everybody. So many different walks of life are buying it, tapping into some affordable luxury.”

Did you know that in 1990 there were 76 leading fragrance releases, in the year 2011 there were over a 1000, and this year has already seen 500 new launches in just under 4 months!

“Fragrance has become so commonplace, so acceptable now,” Moore says. “You don’t comment on or make assumptions about a man wearing fragrance. So many men are interested in it … It’s another form of self-expression and makes them feel more powerful and more liberated in the workplace.”

She says younger men are more experimental in their choice of fragrance while their mature colleagues often wear something that makes them feel younger, a fragrance they might have worn in their mid-20s. Women’s tastes tend to mature from their initial sweet, girly and fruity choices. They find a classic scent – for the office at least – and make it their signature. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle and Dior’s J’Adore have remained among the top five bestsellers for years.

“The prestige fragrances are non-polarising with an element of luxury,” Moore says. “They make a woman feel like she’s gone to a bit of extra effort.” Chanel No.5 is consistently the No.1 fragrance in Australia, not only because of the brand association, Moore says, but because it’s cleverly composed. “The top, heart and base transit through the stages of development seamlessly.”

When it comes to choosing a fragrance for work while conforming to proper business etiquette rules, what should be the top criteria men and women should focus on:

Turner says that the one in two men who are now choosing their own fragrances are making better informed decisions – “thinking of the occasion as well as the smell”.

“Woody but fresh is a good choice for corporate men, nothing too musky,” she says.

Women are more likely to wear a lighter fragrance – something “chic, fresh, citrusy to keep their energy levels up” – and bring another fragrance to wear out after work.

Fragrance, just like your wardrobe and make-up, can say a lot about who you are and what you’re about – if you do it right you could infuse “prestige, power and purpose” all from one bottle.  Personally, I love J’Adore because I can’t smell it on me.  I am often complimented about my fragrance and then remember that I sprayed some eau de toilette before leaving for work.  Some perfumes, like Chanel no.5,  for me just don’t work.  Too strong.  When I have to present, I usually don’t wear any fragrance.  The last thing I want is have someone leave the room because they are allergic to my perfume or feel noxious because of my fragrance.  Of course, when I go to the doctor, a hospital or health clinic, I abstain from wearing fragrances of any sort.

Diane Craig is owner and director of Corporate Class Inc. She helps leading executives and top employees hone the right business etiquette skills they need to stand out and get ahead.

Posted on April 22nd, 2012 by Tazneem
Filed under: Accessories, Business Etiquette, Image | No Comments »

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Summer is here! And with that comes the time to take out your summer wardrobe for work – wear short skirts, sport some cleavage – after all it is that time of year again.

If you read and agreed with the above statement you’re DEAD wrong about your perception of women’s dress code in the workplace. Although there’s nothing wrong with dressing appropriately for the season – dressing provocatively is NOT okay in the corporate world.

As a recent article from Expert Click states, “sexy is not a corporate look.”

Business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter states that,”Dressing provocatively in the workplace is the kind of mistake that can severely damage a woman’s credibility.

The key for business women is to ask themselves these questions: What are they drawing attention to via their clothing? Are they promoting their ideas and their professionalism, or their sexuality?”

Pachter emphasizes that “Women can still be feminine without flaunting their figures,” and gives 6 key tips to help women understand the right women’s dress code and dress appropriately for the workplace:

1. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing Your clothing needs to fit properly. You don’t want to over-emphasize body parts. Skirts or slacks can bulge when the item is too tight across the buttocks. Buttons can pull on shirts, when the item is too tight across the chest.

2. Don’t reveal cleavage It’s a distraction to others.

3. Don’t show too much leg Short skirts draw attention to your legs. If you sit down when wearing a short skirt, you expose even more leg. Is that where you want people to look? The general guideline is that skirts should be no higher than the top, or slightly above the top, of your knees.

4. Don’t let your underwear show. This includes bra straps and thong underwear.

5. Take note of the size of the armholes when wearing a sleeveless dress Make sure the armholes are snug enough that no one can see in.

6. Never expose too much skin This means you should not wear strapless or spaghetti-strap sundresses, or crop tops that expose your midriff. Do not wear a bikini when you are at a company picnic or on an award cruise.

Remember, there’s a difference between dressing smartly and crossing the line. If you want to up-hold your reputation and credibility understanding proper women’s dress code is essential.

Contact Diane to learn more about Corporate Class’s exclusive Business Dress workshop that focuses on dress and grooming, developing executive presence and building the right impression to improve both stature and reputation.

With increased confidence and a heightened sense of self-awareness you’ll be well on your way to achieve the trust and respect you deserve at the job.

Posted on April 19th, 2012 by Tazneem
Filed under: Womenswear | 1 Comment »

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Have you ever wanted to know how some of the world’s best communicators manage to be so persuasive?

People like Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, David Cameron, Tony Blair, Nicolas Sarkozy, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and many others.  

The Simple Answer Is They Use NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION So Well It Overrides Their Words. 

They Communicate With Empathy, Pride and Confidence at Exactly the Right Moment and Their Behaviour Transcends What They Have To Say…

Your ability to use your own body language to emphasize your chosen words is paramount in all human interactions so here are my Top Ten Tips on how to use body language:

1. Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of dealing with others. Maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest in what they have to say. Here in the UK we tend to keep eye contact around 60-70% of the time. (However, there are wide cultural differences, so be careful in other countries). By doing this you won’t make other people feel self conscious, like they’ve got a bit of vegetable stuck between their teeth or a dew drop hanging from the nose. Instead, it will give them a feeling of comfort and genuine warmth in your company, any more eye contact than this and you can be too intense, any less and you give off a signal that you are lacking interest in them or their conversation.
2. Posture is the next thing to master. Get your posture right and you’ll automatically start feeling better, as it makes you feel good almost instantly. Next time you notice you’re feeling a bit down, take a look at how you are standing or sitting. Chances are you’ll be slouched over with your shoulders drooping down and inward. This collapses the chest and inhibits good breathing, which in turn can help make you feel nervous or uncomfortable.
3. Head position is a great one to play around with; with yourself and others. When you want to feel confident and self assured keep your head level both horizontally and vertically. You can also use this straight head position when you want to be authoritative and what you’re saying to be taken seriously. Conversely, when you want to be friendly and in the listening, receptive mode, tilt your head just a little to one side or other. You can shift the tilt from left to right at different points in the conversation.
4. Arms give away the clues as to how open and receptive we are to everyone we meet and interact with, so keep your arms out to the side of your body or behind your back. This shows you are not scared to take on whatever comes your way and you meet things “full frontal”. In general terms the more outgoing you are as a person, the more you tend to use your arms with big movements. The quieter you are the less you move your arms away from your body. So, try to strike a natural balance and keep your arm movements midway. When you want to come across in the best possible light, crossing the arms is a no, no in front of others. Obviously if someone says something that gets your goat, then by all means show your disapproval by crossing them!
5. Legs are the furthest point away from the brain, consequently they’re the hardest bits of our bodies to consciously control. They tend to move around a lot more than normal when we are nervous, stressed or being deceptive. So best to keep them as still as possible in most situations, especially at interviews or work meetings. Be careful too in the way you cross your legs. Do you cross at the knees, ankles or bring your leg up to rest on the knee of the other? This is more a question of comfort than anything else. Just be aware that the last position mentioned is known as the “Figure Four” and is generally perceived as the most defensive leg cross, especially if it happens as someone tells a you something that might be of a slightly dubious nature, or moments after. (As always, look for a sequence).
6. Angle of the body in relation to others gives an indication of our attitudes and feelings towards them. We angle toward people we find attractive, friendly and interesting and angle ourselves away from those we don’t, it’s that simple! Angles includes leaning in or away from people, as we often just tilt from the pelvis and lean sideways to someone to share a bit of conversation. For example, we are not in complete control of our angle at the cinema because of the seating nor at a concert when we stand shoulder to shoulder and are packed in like sardines. In these situations we tend to lean over towards the other person.
7. Hand gestures are so numerous it’s hard to give a brief guide but here goes. Palms slightly up and outward are seen as open and friendly. Palm down gestures are generally seen as dominant, emphasizing and possibly aggressive, especially when there is no movement or bending between the wrist and the forearm. This palm up, palm down is very important when it comes to handshaking and where appropriate we suggest you always offer a handshake upright and vertical, which should convey equality.
8. Distance from others is crucial if you want to give off the right signals. Stand too close and you’ll be marked as “pushy” or “in your face”. Stand or sit too far away and you’ll be “keeping your distance” or “stand offish”. Neither are what we want, so observe if in a group situation how close are all the other people to each other. Also notice if you move closer to someone and they back away, you’re probably just a tiny bit too much in their personal space, their comfort zone. “You’ve overstepped the mark” and should pull back a little.
9. Ears, yes your ears play a vital role in communication with others, even though in general terms most people can’t move them much, if at all. However, you’ve got two ears and only one mouth, so try to use them in that order. If you listen twice as much as you talk you come across as a good communicator who knows how to strike up a balanced a conversation without being me, me, me or the wallflower.
10. Mouth movements can give away all sorts of clues. We purse our lips and sometimes twist them to the side when we’re thinking. Another occasion we might use this movement is to hold back an angry comment we don’t wish to reveal. Nevertheless, it will probably be spotted by other people and although they may not know the comment, they will get a feeling you were not too pleased.

Want to learn the truth about body language and make it work for you? Now you can with the easy to download “Secrets Of Master Communicators.”

With 10+ HOURS of Live Training you’ll learn the trade secrets of communication and body language that the pros use.

Click here to get your video downloads and see what others are saying!

Guest Post by Robert Phipps, author of the new book: Body Language: It’s What You Don’t Say That Matters.

Posted on April 16th, 2012 by Tazneem
Filed under: Body Language | No Comments »