It’s New Year’s Eve! A wonderful style evening is ahead of us. Here’s a couple of interesting dressy new years looks from our last style segment on Breakfast Television. Look 1 Though fun, and not really clothes (these ladies are adorable), this may not be this right look for you…. via sydneystyle.com I’d go with something like this…. I love this winter white look with the detachable collar. Go ahead and add accessories that really speak to your personality. Look 2 While this is a perfectly fine and classic look, why not step outside your comfort zone this new years? via inkcloth.com Here’s what I’m talking about…. You must check out this outfit. It’s got all the classic elements of a dressy evening look while being ultra trendy and interesting. Don’t feel shy to mix and match colours and patterns as you see here. Hope you all have a fun and exciting NYE planned. See you in 2014! Credits: Hair: Colleen (FUSS Salon) Makeup: Gina (FUSS Salon) Models: Michelle & Darcy Clothing: Simons Shoes: The Bay– City Centre
Holiday Attire- you know, for when you’re visiting family and friends (part 1)
I love my time on Breakfast Television! I was fortunate enough to share some holiday looks on a recent segment. As you know, I normally share advice and tips on professional style and personal branding but I this time, decided to do something totally different and fun for the holidays. I’m talking about elevating a holiday look… you know, the what to wear vs. what not to wear concept. I’m breaking down this segment into two parts: casual holiday attire and dressy-formal New Year’s looks. Up first, casual attire. Look 1 Instead of wearing something like this to your aunt’s/family friend’s/cousin’s house (Hilarious? Yes. Practical for eating at the dinner table? Not so much)…. Photo from: myuglychristmassweater.com I’d suggest something more like this – a sweater that truly has that holiday, cozy feel and is WAY more stylish. By the way, I know you think this sweater looks dressy to wear at home but it’s really just a sweater. You wear sweaters. Pair it with a slim leg pant and simple accessories. If you prefer a skirt, I’d suggest one that is a bit fuller for a more vintage-inspired look (make sure this skirt style works for your body type). The studded collar is a lot so over-accessorizing would just be too much. I’ve paired these pants with velvet loafers. If you want to make this outfit a bit dressier, add a pump, preferrably one with a thin, stilletto heel. Look 2 Everyone loves a cheesy Christmas sweater, like this one…. Photo from: Esquire.com, Jason Yormark- Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Here’s a holiday sweater that is perfect to wear when visiting or having people over at your place. I’ve taken it up a notch with a red, studded bowtie. I know. A studded bowtie. At home. It’s the holidays, go for it. There are a lot of patterns going on in this outfit. That’s perfectly fine. If it’s too much for you, remove a pattern. Maybe swap out the polka dot button down shirt for a solid-coloured one. If the bow tie really is too much for you, don’t force it. I’ve added green trousers with a bit of sheen in them to dress up this sweater. If you want to keep it casual, add a pair of dark-wash jeans instead. Stay tuned for Part 2…. Credits: Hair: Colleen (FUSS Salon) Makeup: Gina (FUSS Salon) Models: Megan & Kevin S. Clothing: Simons Shoes: The Bay– City Centre
Questions? In the middle of statements?
You know people who do this. We all do. When and how did people start using an upward inflection in the middle, and end, of every sentence? If you’re not asking a question, why do the words that are coming out of your mouth sound like you ARE asking a question? It’s just not right. See how I wrote: It’s just not right. Not: It’s just not right? I’m sure this all started during the era of the “valley girl” when certain female characters in the media were protrayed, in my humble opinion, as airheads. Yes, I was a teenager during this time. Thankfully, I had parents, educators and mentors around me to help keep this awful habit in check. But I know, there are many people out there – guys and gals- who didn’t have such strong guidance. Hence, the proliferation and prevalance of that silly upward inflection. I haven’t even mentioned all the reality TV shows where women (and men too, let’s not kid ourselves) perpetuate this silly way of speaking. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, though I’m sure you do, watch this: (Yes, I’m referencing Family Guy… go with it) Who is the biggest culprit of speaking this way? Young professionals. Why you should reconsider speaking like this: You sound dumb You come across as being uncertain and underconfident in what you’re saying It’s a knock to your credibility It has the potential to limit your future opportunities It’s a shame because you likely: Aren’t dumb. You have great ideas and are a valued contributor to any discussion. Are certain, sure and confident of what you want to say; it’s just how you say it that is the problem. Bring a high level of credibility and integrity to any situation. Have high career aspirations for yourself. Here’s my advice: stop doing this immediately! Here’s some quick tips on how to kick this silly habit to the curb: Write this down as something you want to work on. You need to actually articulate this as something you need to, and want to, change. Purpose, desire and intention are key steps in making any change. Truly listen to yourself when you speak. When are you making a statement and when are you asking a question? You need to hear the difference for yourself. This takes a high level of self awareness to realize when you are and aren’t using that upward inflection. If you can’t hear it, ask someone you trust and respect to help you out. Emphasize actual questions when you speak by using that upward inflection. Correct yourself. You don’t have to make a big show of this and embarrass yourself when speaking to others. Tha’s not going to do you any favours. Just correct it for yourself and move on. Recognize that you will slip up. With all the information we are bombarded with in the media and within your own peer group, it’s hard to not emulate this behaviour. Remember purpose and intention are key! Practice! Good luck. Not: Good luck?