You are receiving this electronic newsletter because either you asked me to include you, you have participated in one of my workshops, or you are a valued client and want to be kept up to date. Thank you for your interest in the topic of Professional Presence, which is a passion of mine.

My communications with you will always offer advice, tips and tools for looking, behaving, and feeling your professional best. I’m always happy to answer a question you may have so please feel free to ask. You may contact me at mlgellatly@powerful-presence.com and in the subject line, please state “E-Zine Question”. I will do my best to answer your question in the next issue of Your Powerful Presence.

Call/email Marion today at 831.625.2000 or
mlgellatly@powerful-presence.com with any questions.

Summer Concludes on a High Note

I’d like to brag for a moment about one of the most exciting events of my life—becoming a first-time Grandma. I didn’t understand when friends told me how special this event would be. But, I’m a believer now. My daughter, Kristin, and her husband, Steve, are the proud parents of:

Ryan Thomas Romig,
July 30, 2007
8 lbs. 14 oz., 20 inches

I can’t help but smile every time I think of Ryan. And, of course, spending time with him has me doing back flips! Those of you who have experienced being a grandparent understand what I’m talking about. Now, I’ll get back to business...

Fall is "Check Up" Time

School is back in session, vacations are winding down, and the leaves are beginning to turn in my home town. It’s a signal that we’ve only got three months left in 2007 to complete our professional goals and resolutions for the year. Remember them?

I know one of your goals includes improving your professional presence because you’ve asked me to keep you informed with my e-newsletter. And, many of you shared your goals with me during the time we spent together this year. You’ve asked me for tips and recommendations to power-up your professional brand and ultimately your business success.

So, how’s it going? Do you still need a little boost to help you cross the 2007 finish line with your arms in the air? If so, this issue is for you. I’ll be reviewing some of the things you’ve heard me say before, but having this reminder will move you down the path to reach your goal of a higher level of professionalism, polish, and accomplishment.

In this issue, I’m also sharing new trends of the Fall season. When you’re in the stores for one of the biggest shopping times of the year, I know it can be overwhelming and costly if you don’t get it right. So, I’ll share with you the trends upon which to focus.

Look the Part to Get the Part

Although many people haven’t stopped to consider it, appearance and etiquette do go hand in hand, and both topics are a passion of mine. Good manners include how we look, how we carry ourselves, and how we come across to others. An appropriate appearance demonstrates respect for your self, for others, and for the situation at hand.

Think about it! Packaging does make a difference. Ask anyone involved in product design. Consider your own choices. Would you buy a product with a soiled, outdated, or inappropriate wrapper? Not unless you get a discount, right? Your clients, peers, and supervisors similarly size you up, based on how you look and move. You are, in fact, trying to fit in. If your clothing and mannerisms are out-of-sync, outdated, outlandish, too casual, or even too formal, you won’t be seen as a full member of the team, whatever your professional talents may be.

Recently, I had a financial advisor share his story with me…a situation he won’t forget anytime soon. He underestimated a potential client’s expectations of how to “show up” for a meeting. The advisor was presenting a comprehensive financial plan to a high net worth client. Apparently, what the advisor thought was appropriate for the meeting didn’t sit well with the older gentleman. He failed to assess the situation accurately.

After meeting and presenting a well-crafted financial plan, one which the client showed interest in, the advisor was shocked and disappointed to learn that he was not selected. He couldn’t figure it out. After pressing the gentlemen’s wife to understand what went wrong, he was told that her husband was offended that the advisor had shown up for their meeting without a jacket and tie. You may ask, “Something like this could actually be a deal breaker?” The answer is yes.

Because they lived in a very casual area, the advisor made the mistake of thinking that a dress shirt, slacks, polished shoes, and a good quality watch was appropriate for the meeting. The client apparently thought differently! It turned out that the older gentlemen felt he was “owed the respect” of a professional appearance for the meeting, which to him meant… jacket and tie.

Now, you may say, “that wouldn’t have bothered me!” or “how would I have known that?” You have to do your homework. You have to assess the situation before you find yourself in it. Put yourself in the shoes of the client, your peer or your supervisor. What would they expect, what’s important to them? Consider all aspects of the situation including generational differences and expectations as was the case in this story.

When in doubt, my advice is to always dress UP rather than down for a first meeting. At a first meeting, you probably don’t know the individual, their values, their lifestyle, or their expectations well. After you’ve had the opportunity to assess and understand the person better, the next meeting will allow you to make adjustments and possibly relax if appropriate.

It’s very easy to slip off a jacket if you feel overdressed, but there’s little you can do if you’re underdressed. “Show up” as though you were interviewing for your next big promotion or opportunity. Remember, you may not be able to control how you’re perceived; but you can control how you’re presented.

Personal / Professional Image Standards of Dress

A large survey was conducted of employers, parents, men about women, and women about men, and it was learned that people don’t require us to be beautiful or handsome, but they do want us to be appropriate, attractive and neat in the workplace. I hope this chart will help you review whether you’re meeting the standards.

Don’t provide anyone with the opportunity to be distracted by your appearance, and question what you’re saying or what you have to offer.  Be prepared to meet the standards!

As a Certified Image Master (CIM), I am hired by companies to personally coach their high-potential people who, despite their technical expertise, will not advance because they lack professional presence.  It’s a problem that affects all levels of personnel, including top executives who have fallen into poor habits.

Tips to Power Up...or, Power Down!

People with a successful professional image know how to use their clothing as a tool to help deliver their message. What you wear will have an impact on you, others, the situation, and the outcome. Here are some tips to help you strengthen or soften your message depending on your desired outcome.

Images Breakers

Here’s a reminder of things that can ruin your professional image faster than a speeding BMW no matter how casual your work environment.  Check it out…

A Renewed Classic for Men

According to my colleague and friend, Sandy Taboh of Classic Custom Clothiers, men will be seeing double-breasted suits again this fall. Sandy specializes in dressing successful men in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He tells me that even though never out of fashion, double-breasted suits, sport coats and blazers are beginning to be seen with more prominence than in the past few seasons. Look for the double-breasted jacket to be worn both dressed up in the traditional suit sense, and dressed down with casual trousers, sweaters and even jeans as younger men adopt the double-breasted jacket as a fresh discovery.

If you want to make a statement with the way you dress, add a double-breasted jacket to your wardrobe. It will have you looking contemporary, sophisticated, and most of all, handsome. But, remember, a double-breasted jacket must stay buttoned.

Marion's Fall Trend Guide for Women

This is my favorite time of year shopping for fall/winter wardrobe updates. Whether I’m in the stores for you or for myself, I love to explore the season’s new colors, to feel the latest fabrics and textures, and to try on new garment styles and shapes. It’s always a fun exploration. Here are my findings…

The Look

There’s a resurgence of a “put-together” look for women—poised, polished, and coordinated with precise tailoring. This will be easier for most as the designers are doing the coordinating for us. It was much harder these past several years when we had to mix it up on our own because matching was “out”. Not this year!

The silhouettes are body conscious, or at the very least body skimming. And, the look is monochromatic. You’ll be happy to know that this look slenderizes and elongates the line of the body. I’m all for that! For example, charcoal turtleneck, dark gray pencil skirt, dark gray tights, and black pumps. The eyes flow from head to toe and back up again. It’s a good thing.

I hope this overview will help you prepare for what’s happening in the stores this season. But, remember, just because “it” is in the store, doesn’t mean “it” is right for you. If you need help determining what will work for you or what to stay away from, give me a call at 831.625.2000 or email me at mlgellatly@powerful-presence.com.

Color

Gray and black are the predominant neutrals this season. In everything! Brown returns, and aubergine and indigo are deep, beautiful, softer than black, and less traditional than gray.

The accent colors you’ll find that complement these neutrals are orange, yellow, teal, aqua, claret or wine, purple and cobalt blue. It’s nice to add a shot of color somewhere if you’re a neutral lover like I am—for example, in a handbag, shoes, blouse, scarf, or necklace.

Accessories

Accessories are very important this season and can quickly update last year’s wardrobe. This is where I plan to spend my money. I’ve always been a classic-garment-investor and now I can spice up my classics with great accessories.

• Belts—thick, thin, leather, metallic, you name it. The focus is definitely on the waist now. Think about belting a dress, a coat, a jacket. If you don’t have a waist, you can still add a thin belt over a top/blouse, and then overlay a jacket or coat. Try it and see what you think. A 1” belt is safest.
• Tights—are great with pants, skirts and even dresses as long as they match. The look is opaque, patterned or textured. I’m seeing them worn with open-toed shoes, but only if you match the shoe to the color of the tight.
• Shoes—open toe heels and ballerina flats are the prevalent shoe trends this season. Look for patent leather once thought appropriate only for spring and summer. Not anymore. Anything shiny is “in” this season, and patent fits the bill. You’ll find patent in fun colors so consider adding a little zip to your ensemble.
• Boots—the shoe booty is big and if you’re only investing in one pair of boots this season, this would be my choice. Another name for this item is the ankle boot.
• Capes and Ponchos—I remember wearing them in the 70’s. However, the look is more refined now with the capes having tailored details. These pieces are great for layering over a blouse or turtleneck sweater, and in warmer climates may even substitute for a winter coat.
• Leather Gloves—an accessory we haven’t seen for years in California because we don’t need them for warmth. This year they have become a fashion accessory and they look great with the new shorter-sleeved jackets. Time to dig them out if you own them. If you don’t, buy a pair in a fun color, like red or aqua.
• Handbags—the trend is going to a more structured bag in a medium size. Therefore, even though you will still see big bags with lots of hardware, I wouldn’t invest a lot of money in them. The clutch bag seems to be the next trend. Colored leathers and metallics abound. Even consider a shiny patent bag. And, it’s okay to match your handbag to your shoes again.
• Jewelry— a cuff, several bangles stacked together in gold and silver combinations, big bold chains around the neck, rose gold metal, pewter gray Lucite, rings with colored stones all offer you the opportunity to express your personality and work them back to your personal coloring.

Pants

The trend is going to a wider-legged pant. In fact, you’ll see super-wide ones. Be careful if you’re short, as they will make you look shorter and wider. Slim legs and boot cut pants are still around and straight legs are always timeless.

The rise of the pant (from waist to crotch) is getting longer and even moving to becoming high-waisted. Low-rise is out, hooray, but be careful with the high-waisted pants especially if you have a short upper torso or are full-busted. This is not attractive and will have you looking like your bust is sitting on your waist. Ugh.

Skirts

You’ll see a variety of skirts this season with the pencil skirt being the most prevalent—great for business women. But, you’ll also see soft flowing skirts that are pleated or gored in jersey knit fabric. It’s a feminine look and feel.

Dresses

Dresses continue to be an important item for a woman’s wardrobe. They are feminine, sexy, and the wrap dress emphasizes the waist, especially if you add a belt. There is a dress shape for every woman, so try a few and see what works for your body. Start your search for a great holiday party dress.

Jackets/Sweaters/Coats

A short swing jacket with the sleeves ending just past the elbow is the newest jacket of the season, and so feminine. Cardigan sweaters are big this year, but be careful of the large, bulky yarns you’ll see, unless you have a slender upper torso. Vests are also popular and will give you a casual, yet fashionable look. The Trench coat is everywhere in all fabrics, weights, and colors. Choose what works for your travel destination or your home town weather and add the fun with a bright color or a fabric with sheen or shimmer.

Fabric Detailing

• Menswear fabrics-- like pinstripes and hounds tooth checks will provide authority.
• Knits—soft jersey that drapes and flows, or nubby that can be bulky.
• Texture—see and feel it everywhere. Tweeds can be nubby, rough or smooth. The classic animal prints provide texture in a refined way. Be careful where you place heavy texture on the body as it will make you appear larger. If you’re smaller on top and larger on the bottom, it’s a great choice to create balance by increasing the apparent top size to balance a larger bottom.
• Fur--especially trim detail on cuffs and collars of sweaters and coats. I have a brown fur collar from my Mom (vintage 1950’s) and I’m going to have it attached to a wool coat that’s hanging in my closet. A great way to update a classic that will keep me cozy and fashionable for a December trip to New York City.
• Metallics—you’ll see metallic detailing on shoes, blouses, jackets and sweaters. Metallic threads will be shot through wools and silks to add shimmer. Handbags and shoes in metallic finishes are the rage—bronze, copper, gold and pewter. They are great neutrals and will go with many colors of the season. But, be careful where you place anything that has sheen because the sheen will draw all eyes to that place.

These trends will work for some, not for all. I trust you know I don’t want you to buy something just because it’s on the list. Flattery is always my number one goal for you. Have some fun in the dressing room and try new things. But, always look carefully in the mirror. Does it flatter you? Try the “blink test”: close your eyes, and then open them quickly. Where does your eye go? To your face I hope. If your eye goes right to the garment, then it will most likely overpower you.

So, have a good laugh and leave the item in the dressing room, or surprise yourself with a new trend that will have you looking fashionable this season.

If you’d like wardrobe feedback, contact me. With digital photos, we can easily work together. Or we can arrange a wardrobe audit and shopping trip. Let a Certified Image Master assist you in developing a wardrobe plan that has you looking great and feeling great about how you look.

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This article was provided by Marion Gellatly, AICI, CIM, image and etiquette expert, speaker and author of Your Powerful Presence: 125 Tips to Amplify Your Professional Image..
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Copyright © 2007 Powerful Presence. All rights reserved worldwide.