
The Coffee, the Carrot, and the Egg
11/12/2014
Let the New Year Begin
01/30/2015My clients have heard me say that “clothing is a language.” A reasonable follow up question is “what does clothing say?” Let’s explore that question a bit….
Have you noticed that a confident woman is generally always put together? Rarely, do you see one looking disheveled and ungroomed. Think Marissa Mayer and Michelle Obama. While successful and powerful women are usually quaffed, they don’t let fashion or beauty rituals bog them down. Instead, they use them to their advantage.
Here are some tips from a recent article on dailyworth.com that will help you send a positive message about who you are and dictate how you want to be treated at the office. Believe it or not, sharp aesthetics command power and help win over your clients, coworkers and your boss.
1) Impeccable Grooming
A recent study revealed that women spend one week a year on grooming and “getting ready.” Getting ready can seem like a chore, but prioritizing tasks and creating efficient habits (ex: wearing functional hairstyles and low maintenance nails) can actually cut your prep time and at the same time elevate your overall appearance.
Flawless grooming says, “I pay attention to details.”
2) Distinctive Style
Creating a unique visual identity reinforces your position of power. Whatever your job or role, develop a look that helps you stand out – and for the right reasons. Maybe it’s a certain color or a particular silhouette.
A visual identity says, “I am consistent, reliable and aware.”
3) Strategic Makeup
While a “natural” look is celebrated, we all know that it isn’t really natural – it requires some work and not all makeup sends the same message. Avoid the “Jersey Shore” look – orange instead of bronzed and keep a lipstick or gloss handy to apply mid day to help brighten your face with a hint of color.
A fresh and natural look says, “I am credible and healthy.”
4) Body Awareness
For confident women, physical exercise is not about being super thin – it’s actually scientifically linked to intelligence and memory and a feeling of mental strength. Taking the appropriate amount of time for self-reflection (not self-obsession!) induces and enforces healthy habits. Regardless of how much exercise and analysis you apply, your body will never be perfect. Women leaders understand that and accept their bodies. Work with what you have, not against it.
Body Awareness says, “I am determined, motivated and disciplined.”
5) Quality Over Quantity
Successful women know the worth of quality over quantity. Quality garments have good construction and a certain feel in the fabric. While a trendy piece certainly has its place in your closet, overall select pieces that will last for years to come, such as a cashmere cardigan or leather boots. Investing in these types of garments requires a little extra care. Make sure you take the time to dry clean, put items on hangers, check for moths, etc.
A quality wardrobe says, “ I can take care of what I’m given.”
6) Expert Accessorizing
Once you’ve invested in a few quality pieces it’s time to play with accessories – they can transform the outfit and don’t need to cost an arm and leg. You can turn a ho-hum look into something catchy and current with the help of belts, handbags, scarves and jewelry.
Artful accessorizing says, “I can take something small and turn it into something big.”
6 Comments
Dearest Gigi,
Glanced this pm at your email while looking for a squash recipe. Nice Website- Love the different fonts used throughout the page. Nice colors and informative content. I will look and read more this weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Beck
Excellent and so true. You are a excellent writer.
Gigi — You helped me acquire the same scarf as shown in the photo. I feel great when I wear it! Hope you are enjoying your new career. Great web site! Dianne
hi Dianne – the new career has brought lots of changes and I’m just figuring some of them out…like replying to comments! Thanks so much for yours and I’m thrilled you love wearing the scarf. Glad you like the website – had a GREAT design team helping out. Sometimes it takes a village, you know! Stay tuned, Gigi
I agree with the previous posts! You are a great writer and very inspiring!
Appreciate the kind words Becca. Thanks for stopping by. Gigi