Gray hair, either the salt and pepper combination or pure white, for men and women has become more popular. Not yellow tones, though! Folks with auburn hair tones need to stay away from coloring that highlights yellow whites.

Most folks who capture their color in the eyebrows will look the best because it highlights true coloring. Gray eyebrows work well with those who have natural gray tones in the hair and even better with an accent of the natural hair coloring before going gray. The role of the eyebrows is to capture the eyes. Strong eyewear frames can offset gray eyebrows.

The recent announcement of Lonnie G. Bunch III as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution reminded me of a recent Chicago Tribune article where he was quoted saying politics can be a good thing.

Lonnie mentioned the way he could bring together all the folks to ensure the success of the Chicago History Museum. Successful leaders understand that everyone working together on goals pushes projects forward – long term.

I found out later in life it how much it matters to like, and even be passionate about what one is involved in. It seems that earlier in life earning a living was the first goal…to pay bills and still be left with some freedom to live a life that matters.

In my travels, I like and enjoy being around people that make a difference and demonstrate similar values to mine. It is especially important because when we hit a bump in the road, the passion and joy of the work will push us through it.

There are many books that focus on the importance of passion. Some simple exercises to discover what you may be passionate about include journaling and taking a pause to reflect about a moment that brings you a feeling of a brilliance. It is like when athletes say they were in “the zone”. It worked for me.

Leggings are back in full force. I love them because they feel comfortable for workouts and just running around in and out of the house. Jennifer Lopez has taken the look to the extreme by wearing lounging or bedroom clothes as street wear.

They are too casual for business or workplace casual. Skinny jeans and pants can be like leggings when they are too tight. If they bunch up around the knees and hip areas, you might as well wear leggings!

Color can be used in full force if the style and cut of the clothing item works. You can even wear the same color top to bottom!

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady has been on a whirlwind. 99% of the time she wears a suit (Yes!) in an array of colors from a metallic cyan-hue suit to a multicolor strip golden suit. Material chosen, cut, and styled, plays a major role in expressing a powerful statement with color. It also needs to be the right occasion.

Her stage presence has always been as a dynamo!  This includes her book tour presence which has been a showstopper and fun to watch. Her suit colors and choices accent her brilliance.

Stephen Covey always advocated a reputation as capital. You expand it by investing in it. Delivering on promises and being accountable to others in a commitment means growing your capital.

Developing relationships and giving back to those relationships are a few other ways to keep banking capital. Strong capital results in job promotions or being favorably considered in a reorganization.  Capital is like having money in the bank when a withdrawal is necessary.

Affiliations offer companionship, respect, and safety which is why folks belong and groups grow. The negative side is when groups become one voice of yes people.

We all want relationships that bring a foundation. Beyond that, how do we retain our individuality with integrity and honesty yet keep the group strong? It is a question, I often ponder. Hopefully, groups will keep this issue on the forefront and avoid groupthink and shutting out different voices.

Recently, I decided to repurpose a white silk pantsuit that was worn fifteen years ago rather than wear a formal gown. The jacket needed alterations by taking in the sides. I wore a pair of fabulous earrings and black swede sandals.

This suggests that classic designer styles stay timeless when taken care of. This pantsuit was placed in a fabric garment bag and spot checked for stains. Necklaces were not needed since they would have dated the garment. Let me tell you humbly, the pantsuit rocked!

My favorite colors are black and gray. When worn in jackets and outerwear it gives me comfort. Plus, those colors are also very easy to mix and match with other shades.

However, when photographed wearing these colors, I look dreadful! But wearing reds and bright colors always photograph well. So, I counteract the drabness of the gray and black with red by putting on brighter makeup and a bold lipstick. I have too many dull pictures of myself in dark colors and learned that a bold lipstick makes my skin pop!

Why do women still wear capris when so many stylists say not to do it. Capris make legs look heavier and thinner. They cut the leg in half which is usually not flattering. It also will show any imperfections a leg might have. Instead of capris, take advantage of the many slacks in very comfortable and cool fabrics.