Affiliations offer companionships, respect and safety which is why folks belong and groups grow. The negative side is when we become one voice and all yes people. We all want relationships that bring us the foundation pieces. How do we remain our individuality and keep the group strong and with integrity and honesty? It is a burning question I have. Hopefully, groups will keep this issues on the forefront.

My favorite colors are black and gray. When worn in in jackets and outerwear it gives me comfort and very easy to mix and match with other colors. However, when photographed wearing these colors, I look dreadful. Wearing reds and bright colors will always photograph well. How do I counteract this, is to wear brighter makeup and a bold lipstick?  I have many dull pictures of myself in these dark colors and learned a bold lipstick with make my skin look alive.

Especially now on Zoom. A person’s face is always the star of the show. Hair, jewelry and clothing choices are what should frame the face. How you look someone in the eye and smile will say it all. Yes. from a distance, we notice the posture, color and some style choices now in virtually more so.

The pandemic continues to prohibit individuals from attending live seminars. These days, webinars and virtual presentations often help bridge the gap. Presenting virtually comes with its own set of challenges though. Here are some tips to ensure a successful presentation.

• Offer pre-work by asking virtual attendees to suggest three items for discussion: what do they want to walk away with having learned?
• Allow for questions to be asked during the presentation.
• Use visuals. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. PowerPoint presentations should have more pictures than words.
• Use Zoom or Go to Meeting – these formats offer screen sharing and the opportunity for verbal interaction.

Apple, Nordstrom, Warby Parker, and Kohl’s rarely disappoint in their service. Just yesterday, I needed a consultation on a replacement connector for my MacBook Air. I made a reservation with Apple, the service person was on time, and the item was replaced. Last week, due to an update on my iPhone 6S, my anna@personalimagesinc.com address was not receiving emails. I called Apple support and they were able to walk me through the steps to get Microsoft emails to work. Nordstrom provides consistently good delivery service and easy exchanges, as does Kohl’s with their curbside pickup or returns.

A signature brand can be a color that is recognized as belonging to an item or person. Take McDonalds, for example. McDonalds’ signature colors are red and yellow. Apple’s signature is the apple with a bite missing. For Anna Wintour of Vogue, it is her hair cut. Eyewear has now become an easy way to make a statement and be a brand. For Simon Sinek, it is his colorless eye frames. Consider choosing a color or jewelry pieces that can be worn constantly.

During the pandemic, it is proper etiquette to politely refuse an invitation if masks will not be worn. Ask the hosts before the event if individuals will be required to wear a mask. If masks are not required, there is no need to say you will not be attending due to the lack of masks. Politely state that you will not be able to attend. If they ask why, it is your personal decision whether to let them know why you will not be attending. It is important to respect others and respect how one feels about the wearing of masks.

In the middle of a global pandemic, new etiquette rules must be considered. One must be aware of local guidelines as to the number of people allowed at gatherings (currently fifty people or fewer in Illinois). Always indicate on the invitation that wearing masks and social distancing should be honored by attendees. This means a mask is required and attendees must stay six feet apart. Offer masks to those who attend without a mask and indicate, in a non-confrontational manner, that masks must be worn. If someone chooses to not wear a mask, let them know it is for their safety and the safety of others and they will not be able to participate without a mask.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as a United States Supreme Court Justice from 1933 until her recent death. She was the second women to serve. Ginsburg was a small woman in stature. Her statement collar necklace became famous. It served in many ways as a tie for the men in the court. A necklace collar is one that surrounds and lays on the collarbone like a collar. It can be of cloth or metal and have stones or jewels on it. In a recent Brother to Brother episode (Drew and Jonathan Scott Show on HGTV), the judge wore a collared necklace of metal, bones, and a pendant. It was a statement piece. The necklace drew the attention to her face. A word of caution, the statement collars adds to one’s image. It is not the only image.

Statement necklaces are coming back into style. In virtual meetings, the statement necklace draws the eye to the face and gives a brand statement. A statement necklace is a necklace that represents the person wearing it. It is a piece of jewelry that has versatility. It can be worn time and again with many different shirts and tops. A statement necklace can be made of gold or silver metal or semi-precious stones or gems. It never looks cheap and it has a way of catching the eye. A statement necklace is elegant and timeless.