Anna Soo Wildermuth

Welcome to Personal Images, Inc.!

Here I'll give you up to date tips on developing your personal and professional image to ensure your first impression will be your best impression. Also I will blog about current image and communication blunders. Feel free to join the discussion by leaving comments, and stay updated by subscribing to the RSS feed. Thanks for visiting my blog. – Anna

Change One Thing is a superb book that gives excellent advice to help jumpstart your engine." Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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Archive: Appearance

What does your face say?

smile_postcard-p2392812495396762627onr_325Actress, Andie MacDowell, and romantic interest of Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral in Sunday NYT, says: “If you carry around anger and ugly emotions your face will show it.” She calls it keeping control of her monkey mind.

I also believe your face will show sadness, unfriendliness and friendliness. Unfortunately, the majority of those in today’s business world are not showing the face of engagement.

Begin the day with an attitude of excitement while keeping in mind that the purpose is to have a happy day. If you are not sure what your face is showing, stop by a mirror and take a quick. What does it say? Is that what you want it to say?

 

Warm or cool colored makeup

red lipstick11127502Bobbi Brown, my favorite makeup artist, and I both agree is it important to recognize your color temperature. If your skin tone is warm it is best to wear blush and lipstick in the warm families with yellow undertones.

For example, a red lipstick would be a tomato color with red undertones. This also suggests that those with colored skin tones can wear blush and lipstick with blue undertones. The red lipstick would be a cherry red with blue undertones. When you try to do the opposite it tends to make your skin look harsh and dry.

 

Classics never go out of style

that-touch-of-mink-movie-poster-1020503582Just recently, I watched an old movie, A Touch of Mink with Cary Grant and Doris Day. I saw that Cary Grant’s tie and button down navy cardigan is catching on again. Suits with vests, like the ones worn by Cary’s right hand person in the movie, can also be seen on the streets today.

Doris Day’s simple suits and evening wear can also be seen in today’s fashions. Even her hair style is being worn by all ages.

Classic fashion never goes out of style.

 

Short pants on men leads to sockless feet

In the June 17th New York Times Sunday Style section, Tom Browne, a renowned men’s designer (he also made our first lady’s inaugural ensemble), has shortened the length of his pants for men. This has had the effect of making it acceptable for men to wear dress or casual shoes without socks.Men italian sandal

From a fashion standpoint it is the right approach because wearing socks with short pants is definitely not fashionable. However, I would recommend men only going sockless when wearing a full leather sandal and only on a very casual day. That being said, check with the company’s dress policy before you go sockless. And never go sockless on a client visit.

 

Fashion hits and misses when traveling

louis-vuitton-keepall-45-luggage_1These last few months I have been in and out of airports twice a week and am constantly intrigued at the fashion smarts and disasters.

Here are a few of both:

Fashion Smarts:

– White shirts with casual slacks or jeans – still a classic look for men and women

– Sharp looking carry-on bags in a multitude of colors with both soft and hard shells

– Slimmer looking pants for both men and women

– Jackets are still popular and they project a finished, elegant look

Fashion Disasters:

– Long beach skirts with flip flops

– Anything with flip flops

– Worn out baseball hats

– Short shorts on folks over 25-years of age

– Sweat pants

There is no reason to look like you are cleaning out the garage or headed for the beach when you are travelling. There are many styles and fabrics that you can be comfortable wearing and still look well put together.

 

Eliminating annoying fillers when speaking

3637986782_Google20Talk_xlarge_answer_2_xlargeI just finished watching Roger Love onYouTube talking about how to eliminate “ahs and ums” when speaking. These fillers become annoying and distract the listener. My thoughts have always been to stop and breathe. Saying nothing is better than a constant stream of fillers.

These are Roger‘s recommendations:

• Use full sentences.

• Connect your words together.

• Only stop for commons and periods.

• Do not make a sound between sentences.

The power dress is the new suit for women

The dreCoat dress_fpxss is slowly replacing the suit with a skirt as a power look. Wearing a jacket with the sleeveless dress can add a splash of color to a neutral tone dress. Color blocking has also become very popular and is perfect for the neutral tone dress.

What are some of the key elements of a power dress?

• When a dress fits properly at the shoulders and hips it projects elegance. The weight of the fabric is critical so it hangs correctly and moves well with the body.

• The color of the dress must enhance your skin tone. This is especially true if the neckline is close to your face.

• Solid colors always exude a classic, rich look.

• Two color prints in geometric shapes have been replacing the solid color dress.

 

The impact of eye contact

eyeEye contact is always important in these situations:

• When first meeting a person, good eye contact gives an instant connection. In some cases it is how you will be remembered.

• When you are presenting, eye contact helps you engage each member of the audience. Even if you cannot see them, they can see you.

• When you are having a very intense conversation, whether sad or happy, the impact of it will be felt with serious eye contact.

 

 

Name Tag Visibility Do’s and Don’ts

name tag

Do’s

• Do wear a name tag on your left side. The reason for this is so when the person shakes your hand they can easily read your name.

• Say your name when shaking hands to help the person remember it.

• If the name tag is on a string or lanyard, wear it chest high so it’s easy to see.

Don’ts

• Don’t wear it so it sits at the middle of your stomach or below.

• Don’t put it in your pocket so no one can see it.

 

The no-color nail polish

I have always belieNails 2ved that nails look more professional with color polish. However, nails can be made to look worse even with nail polish, if the cuticles are unattractive.

My nails have always been a challenge because I have very dry and unattractive cuticles that are continually aggravated by nail polish. So, I have gone cold turkey and started getting manicures without nail color.

That being said, your hands and nails must look well taken care of. They must enhance your overall professional impact. This also means that you probably need to stay away from distracting polish colors and designs.

Remember, though, that if you go decide to go without nail polish entirely, you must stay vigilant in keeping your nails clean because polish hides the dirt that accumulates underneath them.