Parisian Suits

Even though most of the women I saw in Paris were dressed in a business casual mode, a few days into my trip, I saw a few women in suits. They were traditional pantsuits with an interesting twist. The women tied sweaters around their necks as was the popular ‘80’s style here in the U.S.

The sweaters they were sporting around their necks appeared to be very slim styles made of very smooth, lightweight knits, probably cotton/silk blends. The few that I saw were light colors and were very carefully placed, folded and tucked just so, so that the sweater lied flat in a slim column down the center of the back. (I’m guessing this is one of those “accessories” like a scarf that takes quite a bit of work at first, then it’s easy.)

At first I was pretty lukewarm about the trend, but then I got to thinking about it. It’s really quite genius. Let’s say you work in the corporate world and conservative dark suits are your norm. In a sense, the sweater becomes your accessory, allowing you a bit of color and femininity to your ensemble.

If you’re able to find a sweater set to pull all of this off with, your mix and match option are tenfold! One caveat-don’t wear the shell under the suit jacket when tying the cardigan—too contrived.

Etcetera Clothing

Last week, I gave a workshop with a good friend of mine, Patrice Barber, of Taylor Made Wealth Coaching. It was titled The Millionaire Mindset--Look like a Million, Think like a Millionaire. For my portion of the workshop, I shared my Top 10 Professional Shopping tips, and how to create a wardrobe that can make you look like a million bucks. The main premise of the workshop was that if you want to look like a million bucks and become like a millionaire, you have to plan. It doesn't just happen.

If you'd like to find out when the next workshop will be, click here to sign up for my e-Style Tip of the Month. (I'll also have my website remodel done in a couple of months, hopefully. There will be all kinds of great info on it continually!)

One of my tips was to pay attention to quality. You're never going to look like a million bucks by shopping for your clothes at Target. Besides, do you really want someone to recognize your outfit they saw when they were grocery shopping?

On Friday, I went to see the Spring '08 Etcetera collection. I first started buying Etcetera clothing a few years ago. I only buy a couple of pieces at each show, but I can truly say, I love them all! While I try to buy good lines at the stores, it can still sometimes be hit or miss, but my Etcetera clothes have held up absolutely beautifully.

Typically I buy suiting, since I think it's hard to find suits that are classic yet unusual. Since I'd just bought a suit the previous week, I opted for a printed knit top and skirt that can be worn as a dress or separately. It can be worn with a white jacket or sweater. I also bought a contrasting knit top.

I'll say it again. It's expensive, but barring any stains or laundry mishaps, they'll be the kind of things I can wear for years. I know this because they're not only cute and classic, but they're comfortable. I continually hear from my clients that they want clothing that's comfortable. When you find wonderful quality like this, it can be extremely comfortable.

The more times you wear something, the cost per wearing goes down, leading to VALUE. And you also get the intangible aspect of loving your clothes and feeling fantastic wearing them.

Dress in Pink (Carefully) for the Cure

I belong to an organization in Denver called the Alliance of Professional Women, http://www.apwcolorado.org/. Quite a few members are participating in the Race for the Cure, http://www.komendenver.org/ on October 7. I was at a board meeting tonight and tomorrow is our monthly luncheon. They mentioned that the participants are going to try to wear pink to the luncheon tomorrow. It got me thinking, "hmmm...pink for business...be careful!" While I make it a practice not to make big rules about dressing, I think pink is worth talking about. The problems with pink for business are:

-It's associated with Barbie. (Okay, so she's an icon and she's got a great body, but if you take her head off of her body, it's hollow!)

-It reminds a lot of people of baby girls. (They're adorable, but they're not so powerful.)

-Really pale pink can wash a lot of people out. (Aren't we all trying to really show up?)

Seriously, I'm not about to tell my clients or anyone else not to wear pink for business if they love it. I just advise caution! Here are some thoughts if you love pink and want to wear it for business.

-First, think about your occasion. If you're going on your first sales call with a decision maker who's known to be a barracuda, I'd probably suggest black and white or navy and white over pink. If you feel powerful in pink, wear pink hanky pankies until you develop a relationship with the guy. I'd also keep your pink under wrap when you're negotiating and closing the deal.

-Instead of an all pink suit, consider it for your blouse. Charcoal gray with fuscia is a really unusual combination!

-Pale pink in combination with other colors can be very elegant and sophisticated. Your textures need to be rich. For example, a silk charmeuse, pale pink blouse would look incredible under a pearl gray, cashmere blend suit. A sumptuous, pale pink, cashmere sweater would be great with a beige, wool, pencil skirt. Think quality!

-Pink accessories might be enough for some. Again, really think it out. Nothing you wear for business should look like something your teenage cousin, niece or daughter would wear.

Deck yourself from head to toe in pink during October to support breast cancer. Wear pink with caution for business!

Photo: bcrfcure.org