As you know, I feel pretty weird posting photos of myself here. But many of you ask me to share more of ME so…here goes…. A few weeks ago, I found this awesome 424 Fifth (a Lord & Taylor brand) strapless jumpsuit at The Bay. It was mah-jorly on sale. I can’t find it on their website anymore but if you happen to find it in-store, lucky you. If you have a similar garment in your wardrobe, here’s a great way to transition this into Fall. Add a fitted 3/4 length top under the jumpsuit. This will keep you warm as the temperature starts to drop (sniff). Add a belt if you like. It’ll add definition to your waistline. I like that so it draws attention to my waist. A great pair of sunnies will take you through any season. I bought these from eyebar a few years ago and I’m still loving them. I love these Senso heels. I got them last season and I just haven’t worn them enough. Can’t wait for Fall. Here’s a similar pair here and here. How are you going to transition that summer romper or jumpsuit? Let me know on our L Squared Style page on Facebook or Twitter.
Get a professional head shot. Now.
A crucial element of how we all present ourselves professionally is sporting a professional and good-looking head shot. But too often it’s either forgotten about or taken for granted. If you don’t have a head shot though, you absolutely need to get one. Now. Professional head shots add credibility to your professional presence, with a greater sense of perceived competency to you and your professional background. This will lead to you creating a better first impression. After all, impressions are formed immediately and you need to be aware of how you’re perceived and how you’d want to change that. I’ve mistaken how valuable professional head shots are, before. I was asked for a quote by the National Post once, about why I’ve stayed in Alberta despite being from Toronto. I had a quick phone interview and was asked for a picture of myself, and only had this recent photo of myself to send them. So I sent it to the reporter. And the article was published…with this photo. I was mortified. Yes, I cropped the mehndi out of the pic but still, it was a dumb rookie mistake. Don’t let the same thing happen to you. Here’s what I do now, when I’m faced with the same situation: I get a new head shot taken once per year, so that whatever head shot I need to use, is up to date and current. I get professional hair and makeup done with that head shot. Finally, I style my own photoshoot with 2-3 outfit choices. Here are some examples from the most recent shoot I’ve done. Head shots can be used to present yourself when speaking to an organization, or in a fun, lighter client interaction. But each impression that’s made on a client is different, and the impressions you intend to give off to various clients in a variety of settings, should be different. When working with a company, I want to project a professional image, so I wear a jacket. When I want to appeal to individual clients, I’ll use fashion-forward images of myself that are still friendly and approachable, and not intimidating. Different photos should be used for different social media platforms, for the same reason. Why? Because I want to project a slightly different image on each platform to these different audiences. What I share on a more professional site like LinkedIn, is different than what I share on Facebook and Instagram. No matter the situation or platform in which you’re presenting yourself, be prepared with the right head shot at the right time, and it will make a world of difference.
Wide leg pants for (sniff) Fall
This week’s Friday Find is the perfect thing to get you ready for the Fall, as sad as it is to say. These wide-leg cropped crepe pants are exclusive to HBC and on sale right now, and with autumn right around the corner, that means now is the perfect time to pick them up. Even though these pants were available in the summer, they’re a great piece to be carried into the fall, especially if you don’t have to pay the regular price. Though this style is having its moment in fashion right now, it’s a classic look that you can wear to work – and for play – for years to come. How to Wear It: Make sure you wear a heel. It doesn’t have to be a super high heel at all though. A low heel height would work just as well. A fierce pointed ankle bootie would work really well too. This one is majorly on sale. Don’t wear a shapeless blouse on top of these pants, unless you’re slim and very lean. You don’t want to look like a tent. Go with a cropped blouse instead that has a bit of a slimming cut. Add a clutch to your look that is a contrast to the rest of the outfit but still complements it. A print is best. Now, go find these pants. You’ll be happy that you did.