Image and Etiquette

Dressing for Success, Not for the Beach: Professional Summer Attire

Summer is just around the corner, and cities across the country have already benefitted from a preview of what’s to come: sunny skies, blooming flowers, and unusually warm days. Once the temperatures start to climb, many of us are inclined to bring out our favourite sandals and sundresses, in preparation for spending as much time [...]

A Professional Office: Why Defining a Dress Code Matters

  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 [...]

Diane Craig – Toronto Image Consultant Interview on Professionally Speaking TV

Bookmark this on Delicious I was recently interviewed by Randall Craig of Professionally Speaking TV. I’m excited to share the complete interview here where you’ll learn how I got into the realm of image and etiquette and about my love and passion for fashion. From my journey on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, to becoming an instructor at [...]

An Evening of Elegance: The Formal Gala

Bookmark this on Delicious The pencil skirt and matching blazer, the pantsuit, the crisp cotton blouse: if you are a working professional, most likely you have become accustomed to dressing for business from 9 to 5 every day and have the wardrobe to prove it. But what about those occasions which merit something more than [...]

Choosing the Right Image Consultant

Looking to sharpen your professional image? Working one-on-one with an image consultant is a great way to boost your style and skills. An image consultant can coach you on your attire, professional demeanour, grooming and makeup, verbal skills, and body language. You can also hire a consultant to help you prepare for something specific, such as a job interview or an important presentation. Or, you might choose to bring in an image consultant to speak to a larger audience during a company training. But first, choosing the right image consultant will require some research and preparation. You want to be sure that your consultant will understand your needs, will work well with you, and is qualified to help you achieve your goals. You should also be aware of their methodology and make sure that it fits your standards and expectations. When you take the time to find an excellent consultant, you will get the most out of the experience.

The Courteous and Stylish Holiday Traveler

It’s December 23rd, and all you want is to be home with your family in time for Christmas. Instead, you are stuck in an airport with thousands of other stranded travelers. Weather delays, crowded airports and planes, the potential of missing Christmas altogether – there are many reasons why travel can be the least desirable part of the holiday season. Fuses are short and tension is running high, often leading to conflict or rudeness between stressed travelers. But there is no reason for disrespectful behaviour; the holiday season should be a time to show extra kindness and joy. Here are few tips for traveling with courtesy and with style – certainly a wonderful holiday gift to your fellow travelers!

Sparkle and Shine: Dressing for the Office Holiday Party

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).

Jacqueline Kennedy, Timeless Style Icon

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.

Staying Business-Ready in Unpredictable Weather

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.

Tools of the Trade: The Value of Professional Accessories

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.