Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
What design details do you think work best for you?

How do you wear and accessorize your white shirt?

A great white shirt can add style to a simple pair of trousers or skirt: it can jazz up jeans or be the perfect underpinning for a sophisticated suit.  How do you use the white shirt to your best advantage with your existing wardrobe, and how do you maximize the shirt to get as many looks as you can with the single piece?

• Remember that white is a neutral, so it goes with as much as black does. But, also take into account that, like black, white is not always the best color to wear close to the face. This is easily taken care of by finding an off-white shirt or adding accessories in flattering colors between your face and the white. A white shirt will have style on its own, so by simply adding jewelry, you can change the look and keep the style.
• The white shirt always works under a great jacket, although you should be careful of collar clashes here; make sure the two collars work with each other and not against each other. But if you are bored with the jacket and blouse routine, try a suit-inspired vest over the white shirt for a smart and stylish look.
• While the white shirt works well acting like a top under a piece, it can also be worn over another piece acting like a jacket because it has structure. During warmer weather, it’s a good alternative to wear a crisp white blouse over a camisole as a jacket. This look can be altered with a belt as well. If you are a fan of the sweater set, but find the cardigan too hot at times, try wearing a classic white shirt over the shell instead. It will still have a polished appearance, but will be much cooler.
• Take that same sweater set and put the cardigan over the white shirt. This is also quite professional looking because the shirt adds structure, but tends to be less restricting and lighter than a jacket. The V-neck sweater also works well over the collared classic white shirt. Again the shirt adds structure without a jacket, and you can add a belt to this ensemble as well.
• Belts are another fun way to wear your white shirt. The shirt is a blank canvas and, depending on the belt, you can create an edgy or sophisticated look, or something with a feminine touch.
• The other simple but classic way to wear a white shirt is with a gorgeous scarf tied around the neck. Lay the scarf under the collar like a man’s necktie, or you can open up the shirt a bit and wear the scarf around your neck with a bow for a French-inspired style. One of the most creatively stylish women I’ve ever known would drape a scarf around her neck under a structured blouse so the scarf resembled a shawl-collared top.

A crisp white blouse can add structure to a soft knit such as a cardigan, while a tunic can add easy style to a pair of jeans, and a wrap white blouse can take a plain black trouser into a sophisticated and understated look.  So if this is overwhelming, and you are having trouble getting out of the white-shirt box you may be in, a professional could help you break free and begin wearing the great white shirt to its maximum!

Maintain a Professional Image while traveling
By Diane Parente, AICI CIP

The professional image secret to stress-free traveling is to stay light and unencumbered. You can do this with proper planning and careful consideration. Make sure you write down credit card numbers and keep them in a safe place, so you can cancel them if they are lost or stolen.

How To Pack

Put each hanging item in a plastic cleaning bag to avoid hard wrinkles. Then you can either fold it in accordion-fashion in a standard suitcase or hang it in a garment bag. If you use the accordion style, layer clothing to prevent wrinkling.

Carry an itemized list of what is in each of your bags for insurance purposes, in case your luggage is lost or stolen.

Cover shoes with shoe mitts or socks to prevent them from getting scratched or from soiling other garments.

Roll belts, hosiery, and scarves. Accessories should be packed in jewelry bags or similar bags to prevent them from snagging garments. Expensive or fine pieces should be carried on your person or in your handbag for added safety. However, you may feel more comfortable leaving good jewelry at home and taking better imitations or costume jewelry.

Tradeshow Magnetism = How to attract and influence others more positively.
By Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

Are people flocking to your exhibit or do they consistently pass you by? You have less than a minute to make a positive impression.

Here are a few tips on how to present a professional image that is distinctive, memorable, and yet approachable.

Stand rather than sit to show energy and enthusiasm and that you are interested in people visiting your site. When you sit, it appears that you are tired and disinterested.

Greet people pleasantly with a warm, yet not exaggerated smile, and a firm handshake when appropriate. Please avoid the big smile looking as if you are advertising how white your teeth are. An overly exaggerated smile, unless it is natural, can look like a fake.

Eating at the booth may be a necessity due to the long hours. Try to avoid greeting people while chewing on your food. When you finish eating, make sure you check in the mirror to make sure you don’t have any of the remains left in your teeth. Haven’t we all be talking to someone and then checked in the mirror and oops discovered a piece of lettuce or tomato lodged in our front two teeth?

Dress in clothing that is comfortable and resembles the colors, style and brand of the company. It would be advisable for all of the employees who work the show to dress in a similar style so people can easily identify them. A word to the wise make sure the clothing is not so tight or revealing that it shows lots of skin and every curve. Remember you are selling the company’s credibility, not yourself.

As for grooming, wear your hair in a style that is natural and shiny with plenty of movement. Keep hair away from face so the people can see your eyes and expression. You want the makeup to have a natural glow, not an advertisement for a New York runway fashion model. Keep the nails buffed and on the shorter side, with a French manicure or in a neutral color. Your hands will be on display all the time while handing out brochures or business cards.

Keep jewelry to a minimum to go with the natural wholesome professional image; for example a ring, earrings and watch. When you are talking to the visitors you do not want to have any distractions.

Always keep your booth neat and tidy, just like you would your home or apartment. You and the booth are the best advertisement for the business.

Think of the trade show as an opportunity to communicate how wonderful your space is and what you can offer the public.