Trend #1:  Is Your Fashion Focus Fuzzy?  Sharpen it with a Crisp Black & White Combo

By Merry P. Nachemin, L. C. S. W. R.

This is one trend that is clean, classic and impactful yet easy wear.

Here are some key tips to help you pull off this look with aplomb:

1.) It can be worn in solids or in graphic prints

• Prints that are great with this trend are geometrics, art deco, floral and futuristic

2.) Accessories can be in the same family or you can introduce a bold shot of color in your shoe and/or bag

• Matchy-matchy is back in a big way in terms of shoes and bags this spring and you can take full advantage with a pop of color that contrasts sharply with your ensemble such as lipstick red, cobalt blue or hot orange

6.) If you have a cool skin tone, go for absolute black and white

• You can complete your “cool” tone ensemble with a silver, white gold or platinum necklace and earrings to play up your skin tone

• If you have a warm skin tone, customize your look by wearing a:

• Warmer shade of white such as off-white, particularly near your face

• Almost-black shade of brown instead of black, which can be more flattering to a warmer skin tone

• Wear a warm color near your face in the form of a scarf or necklace

• Coral is a great shade for a necklace or a scarf—and another hot shade for spring

• You can also wear a yellow or rose gold necklace and/or earrings to reflect back onto your face and warm it up

7.) Since it is a fairly neutral look, you have many options with your makeup:

• You can go with a bold lip and neutral eye

• You can go with a more defined eye and a warm cheek and a more neutral mouth

In any case, as with any look, have fun with it! If you have any questions, please email me.

The good news is that 200 people attended. The bad news is that 100 people were turned away for lack of space! More good news: We will be doing it again!

We will be having another event by the same title on Monday February 13, 2012 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The address will be different, so watch this space for more information as we get closer.

I am still on a cloud from it.  I present info but I like to involve the crowd.  The people who came were full of questions and very interested in learning how to create the magnetic aura that shows off their specialness and induces an interviewer to want them around—and hire them, of course.

The questions they asked were very interesting.  I talked about getting to an interview early.  One attendee asked, “what if the interviewer is late?”  That is a great question.  There are some companies who deliberately have the interviewee wait to see how they react.  They observe the frustration tolerance of the interviewee.  They want to see how the person reacts to frustration.  Is it right?  Perhaps not.  Is it real world?  Yes.

You know the answer to the question.  Realize that it may be a test.  Realize that you are being judged.  Do what another attendee suggested–bring some reading in case you have to wait.  Realize that all jobs are frustrating at times.  Let it go.  When the interviewer calls you in–glow your brightest and show off your fabulous personality.  Show them that you are a great team player and a pleasure to work with.

If you cannot do that, then perhaps this is not the position for you.  Your option is to leave and try another company.

It was very gratifying to me to work with the people who came and help them on their path to get the work that they deserve.

I am so honored and excited!  Can’t wait!  Please call or email for more info.

EEIC All Day Power Package

The current crop of nudes differs from similar trends in the past because while it includes the traditional beiges it is expanded this time to include other solids such as blush pink, camel, nude, bone, winter white, cream, pale gold, golden brown and goldenrod among other similar shades. It also includes camo-inspired prints in swirls, pale plaids and polka dots as featured prominently by Victoria Beckham and Daryl K.

The best thing about these pale shades is that when worn as monochromes, they are extremely slenderizing and elongating. While you may think that a lighter shade emphasizes your width, in fact, wearing related or monochromatic shades from head to toe draws the eye to one unbroken line and reads tall and thin.

There are several caveats to wearing this look in the most flattering way for you:

• To keep the look interesting, pair different textures and tones. For example:

o If you wear a blush-tone cashmere pullover, pair it with a shimmery satin skirt or pant, possibly cut on the bias, in a nude shade. BTW, chunky sweaters are very trendy this fall, as well.

o You can also add texture in the form of a real or imitation thin leather belt that wraps around your waist a couple of times. This could be in a snakeskin or ostrich texture or an animal print that will add flare and interest to your ensemble

o For the tallest possible look:

• Wear a shoe or high boot that matches the tone of your skirt or pant to elongate the leg line.

• Make sure that there is no break between the skirt or slacks and the boot to “cut” the line of the leg. The smoother the look the longer and leaner you look.

o If you want to minimize your height you can:

• Wear a contrasting shoe or boot

• Break the line at the waist with a long, thin wrap belt that wraps around several times, in a contrasting color such as chocolate brown or black and in an interesting texture, as mentioned above

o Wear a thicker belt with an interesting buckle. This will also capitalize on the cinched-waist trend that is very hot this fall.

• Note: the thicker and more contrasting in color the belt, the more it will visually diminish your height

• Add some eye-catching, contrasting statement jewelry to add panache to your neutral look.

The Last Word

• It is hard to go too far with your jewelry here. Everything from pearls to beads to great stones are on-trend this fall.

• The other essential element to making this look work for you is to make sure that the tone of the clothing, particularly anything worn near your face, coordinates with your skin tone. How can you tell? If it enhances your eye and cheek color and makes you look fresh and vibrant it’s right. If makes you look sallow or washed out,  it’s wrong.

• The perfect complement to this look is our Extreme Elegance All Day Power Package (see above), as viewed in our Shopping Cart. This package will provide the perfect finish to your Elegant Not-Quite-Nude Ensemble. It includes a one-hour makeup lesson and free shipping. Order Yours Today!

Whether you wear a daring red ensemble, or a less bold skirt, slacks or top or whether you opt for a s simple scarlet accessory or two, red will garner you the attention that will help you win at the game of business. It’s not bad for the game of love, either as you will note below.

This year, you will find head-to-toe dresses and suits as well as great bags, shoes, gloves, scarves and other accessories in this flamboyant hue. For the truly daring, a red coat is an outstanding choice.

If you opt for the bold head-to-toe look, then accessorize in more neutral tones. A camel, black or navy shoe or bag would be a great choice. Keep your accessories simple and let your ensemble speak volumes for itself.

You can definitely opt for one of the gorgeous shades of red lipstick (such as our brand new Luxury Matte Red Carpet Red, illustrated below) with this look. If you opt for that standout color, then tone down the rest of your makeup with neutrals.  A less bold option for lips is Luxury Matte Hollywood.  While it is more neutral it is a no less trendy choice for fall.  You might still opt for a neutral palette for eyes and cheeks, as the red carries a lot of impact on its own.

If, until now, you have not found the shade of red that flatters your skin tone, then try a few more shades until you do. Red can be warm with tones in the scarlet or crimson family or cool with leanings toward cranberry or burgundy. One of these shades has your name on it—so try a few options until you find the one that lights up your inner diva.

If you are having a hard time pinning down the right red, wear a shoe or bag, which is not near your face. It will still make the point but will not clash with your skin tone.

If you want more evidence that red is a great trend to try this year, here is the proof:

Did you know that research proves that red is the most winning color?

• Want the science? Scientists have discovered that red triggers the pituitary and adrenal glands to release adrenaline.

That’s probably why:

• Red not only affects those viewing you, but also makes you—the wearer—feel more energetic, as well.

Luxury Matte Lipstick in Red Carpet Red

Shadow Trio in Date

Mineral Matte Blush in Dusk

o Note: that makes it a great date color, too! Make passion your fashion!

• More sports teams with red in their uniforms win games and titles than any other color.

• Whether you enter a room to network, meet with a client, or make a presentation red is the color that will garner positive attention from your colleague or prospect.

• Red is the color of action, confidence, power, excitement, passion, vitality, exuberance and courage.

Haven’t I just described YOU?

Just be careful of:

• Fabrics that are too sheer and revealing

• Necklines & hemlines that reveal too much and reduce your impact and authority in the marketplace

• Flip-flops—a definite no-no! Opt for leather sandals or espadrilles for daily wear and closed-toe pumps for more formal occasions

• The sun—a high SPF is a daily necessity—even if you sit in an office most of the day

Beyond that, enjoy the breezes, the tropical scents of the blooming plants and trees and the long daylight hours!  For questions or comments reach out to me–by click or call!

While we will focus on Attire, Attitude and Etiquette for Your Job Interview in the New Normal Job Market, this ongoing meeting will provide support for people searching for meaningful work in this challenging market.

Please join us for this active meeting and find your power and success in the support, information and feedback that you will find here.

It is Always Best to Negotiate from a Position of Power—Tell your Interviewer What You Bring to the Table to Help their Company

As you know, the three prior blogs that I posted were related to the presentation I prepared for my local library, the Ocean Avenue Branch. I must say that I found the experience exhilarating. No amount of preparation can prepare you for the impact of real people who show up with their real-world issues and experiences.

What I learned from my audience was that wearing the right clothes and preparing the right resume is only the first scene of a multi-act show. In addition to those steps, it is essential to remember that you are far more employable if you:

• Place yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. Think about the budget cuts they may be facing. Think about the work they are hiring you to do. Think about what you can offer them that others may not.

o Invest time in researching your field as well as specific companies in which you are interested.

• Find out who the President and CEO are as well as any other major players. Google your interviewer to get some idea of their background. Knowledge is power.

• Find out how the company fared last year and in the last quarter.

• Find out who their competitors are—every company has competitors.

• Tell them why their company appeals to you.

• Prepare all of your comments in advance so you will be less likely to be caught off guard.

• Don’t wear blinders. Yes, you are concerned about paying your bills and putting food on the table. But:

o Pick your head up long enough to glance at a newspaper and have a general idea of what is going on in the world, even if it does not appear to effect you directly.

o Desperation is not an attractive trait. You are there to do an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Dignity and self-esteem are attractive traits than enhance your employability.

o Your personal and financial concerns are not their problem.

• NEVER allow yourself to be placed in a sexually or other compromising position in exchange for work.

Remember—the prospective employer is not there is make sure you have medical coverage and a paid vacation. They are there to get a job done. You are there to make sure that they see you are the best one to get it done.

As you go into your interview, you enter an existing culture where there are norms, customs and expectations. To the degree that it is possible, demonstrate by your behavior that you fit into the culture seamlessly. Your knowledge and practice of etiquette is your key to the new culture.

Below are some main points:

• The Handshake—Although we have all been shaking hands practically since we started to walk, a few key elements have to be stressed:

o Smile!

o Make eye contact

o Shake web-to-web with some pressure

• Avoid the “dead fish” handshake which is only with the fingers with no pressure and a downward pull—unless you intend to insult the other person

o Extend your hand in a vertical manner. A downward palm is viewed as aggressive; an upward palm is viewed as passive

o Make sure your hands are warm, clean and dry before shaking

o Upon meeting 2-3 pumps are appropriate; if the meeting went well, 3-4 pumps are appropriate upon ending the interview

o Don’t touch the other person with your free hand; it is viewed as aggressive

• These days some interviews are conducted over a meal in a restaurant. The purpose of this technique is to observe how the interviewee would interact with clients in this less formal setting. Don’t be lulled into thinking that this is a casual interview. It is purely business.

If you are in this position, here are a few tips:

• Focus on the interview. The meal is only a test

• NEVER order or drink alcohol—even if the interviewers drink; remain sharp

• Don’t speak with your mouth full

• Don’t come very hungry

• The best foods to eat are fruit, yogurt and salads in small portions if appropriate; avoid crunchy foods

• Order foods that are neat and easy to manage—avoid spaghetti and other messy choices

• Order foods that show that you live a healthy lifestyle

• Although I said this under “attitude” it bears repeating: LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AT HOME or at least turn it off; do not take or make calls

• The Follow-up:

• In spite of the fact that this is the computer age, a typed and mailed letter of thanks will make you stand out in the field of competitors

• Thank your interviewer for their time and for any tips that they shared with you

• You can also ask whether it is alright for you to follow up with a phone call

Contact me with any questions or comments!

Good Luck!