Going gray instead of coloring one’s hair can, in the long run, be liberating. However, other elements need to be added for body. Color adds body to the hair if the hair is thinning. Going gray may make thinning hair more noticeable. Color with highlights often gives a look of fullness to the hair. If your hair is gray, look into products that will add body to your hair. Be sure the cut is one with an up to date contemporary style. Look at the color choices in your clothing and your make-up to ensure a contemporary impression.

These days, as we are all wearing masks, your eyes are often what people see and notice. Eyebrows help frame your eyes. Sparse eyebrows or a lack of eyebrows brings less definition to your eyes. We want eyebrows to have an expression of questioning or agreeing–not just a blank look. Eyebrows that are too heavy can be alarming or intimating. There are numerous products to help define eyebrows. If you’re not sure what to use, take several pictures using your phone and send it to other individuals for feedback.

Clothing choices can become a symbol and an identity. We are currently in a stay-at-home situation. It is very easy to become relaxed in our clothing choices (the apparel industry is having challenges). So why do we have to change outfits daily? After all, no one sees us. There are important reasons. Changing outfits, tops, pants, etc. every day gives us a sense of purpose. It can impact how we feel and give a sense of identity. When we don’t care how we look and what we wear, we can lose a sense of personal pride. This feeling can begin to erode our sense of identity and impact other choices we make.

We often talk about reviewing, paring down, or purging our wardrobes. It is equally important, on an annual or semi-annual basis, to consider hair products, makeup, and other grooming tools. You may need to refresh or get rid of such items. They often collect bacterial quickly. Use the following link to determine shelf life for products. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-shelf-life

Below are 7 rules to use that will help ensure a successful conference call:

1. Schedule the call with a minimum of one week of notice unless it is an emergency meeting (24 hours or less can be scheduled by telephone or by text depending upon the participants).
2. Send a clear agenda and ask for approval or change requests to be submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled meeting date.
3. Provide instructions as to the login and the code needed for login.
4. Set up clear instructions at the beginning of the call regarding using the mute button.
5. Set up guidelines for using the speaker phone setting on the call.
6. Confirm all parties are present at the opening of the call. Also confirm the time allotted for the meeting.
7. Have a wrap up of the meeting approximately 3-5 minutes before the close of the meeting.

Colors have different hues and tones. Imagine the color pink. Pink is red with white added–more red or white will cause it to be darker or lighter. Pink with a drop of yellow can become peach. For individuals with olive skin tones, peach may be a color to avoid, as it can give a washed-out skin look. To test a color, put the color next to your face. If it adds color, the hue works; if it washes the color from the face, add more color to the face (make-up or lipstick) to make the color of the item work. Colors add pop and style. They can bring attention or vibrancy or can take away and make individuals look washed out and tired.

How does one get better at a skill? Is it meeting new people? Discovering how best to feel good about oneself? Or simply learning? Doing something new that brings a fresh element in view is the impetus for growth and change. I will always remember Wayne Dwyer’s talk about growing and expanding our circle. This can mean going to a new restaurant, trying something new at a favorite restaurant, or going to an event where no one knows you. This brings me to my first effort as a new golfer. At first, golfing with new people, especially good golfers, terrified me. Being brand new to golf, I dreaded playing in front of other people and I lacked confidence. For one year, I played at different golf courses where golfers didn’t know me. When I didn’t have the time to play on the course, the driving range became my best friend. Whether trying something new or strengthening a skill, finding a way to practice in a space where no one knows you can be helpful.

The fashion industry, along with major designers, have the consumer on a merry go round. Styles change as we speak. They are dictated even before the clothes are in the stores. When the clothes make it onto the rack, another change begins. Before chasing after what is new, pause, and wait. Contemporary clothing items are not always timeless. They can quickly look dated. One example is the cut of a jacket. The trend for men has become much slimmer and tighter around the shoulder; it almost looks too small on a man. The classic style is much fuller; however, it can look dated. Move toward the middle – such as a relaxed fit, especially in shirt styles. It is important to choose a trendy item or accessory. For men it might be a shirt. For women, it might be the print on an item. Check social media, and especially the business magazines, for professional ideas.

Wardrobe choices can define a person. The choices often display a level of positive attitude that says I belong and have a seat at the table. Clothing choices should somewhat mirror those around the table. However, they can also say a lot about your personal style. These individuals wear their clothing with confidence – especially when a word is not spoken. Their presence speaks. The fit of the shoulders, the sleeve length, the color choices, and the item selection show that the individual is not a carbon copy of someone else. Wardrobe choices can help an individual create a presence when they walk into the room. They are authentic.

Jackets can have very different looks and send different messages depending on the fit, fabric, and color. Some jackets send a message of authority; others send a message of approachability. Softer fabrics, more relaxed fits, and a companion piece often make you look more approachable. When choosing a new jacket, here are some tips to take into consideration:
Dos:
A jacket must fit at the shoulders. The length on the sleeve should fall to the top of the palm of the hand. The length of the jacket should cover the widest part of one’s hip.
Don’ts:
Avoid jackets with zipper closures as they tend not to be flattering around the hips. Jackets that are too tight across the chest might also be too tight around the hips.