This is the time of the year that everything is on sale. How many items do you have in the closet that used to be the bargain of the year that you have not yet worn?

Here are some tips before you buy the savings of a lifetime item to ensure that it is truly not only a bargain but also something you will actually wear:

• Do you have at least three things in the closet that you can wear with the item?
• Is the item a staple that will provide you with multiple wears?
• Can the item be worn all year around? (Buying a great winter coat may not be practical if you live in Florida!)
• Does the item fit well? (You don’t want to have to lose 5 pounds to get into it.)

Remembering these tips will ensure the sale item you purchase is truly a bargain.

What does tilting your head say to someone? Is it saying I am agreeing with you? Or is it saying I am only pacifying you?

Tilting the head sideways can be a sign of interest in what is said or what is happening. It can also be a flirting signal suggesting, “I am interested in you!”

Tilting can indicate curiosity, uncertainty or a question, particularly if the head is thrust forward. It’s as if the person was trying to look at the subject in a different way in the hope of discovering something new.

A tilted head that is pulled back tends to indicate suspicion because the uncertainty of the tilt is combined with the defensive pulling back motion.

Understand what tilting your head can mean. (Maybe the safe thing to do is to always keep your head straight!)

The US is in a deep freeze! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could still look like the models we see on magazine covers? The reality is that we need to stay warm. But when we dress for warmth, we may not look too glamorous. However, I believe we can still retain a respectable and contemporary look.

Here are some warm weather clothing tips:

• Wear natural fabrics, they retain heat and mold to your body shape.
• Layer up and put the most attractive piece of clothing on last.
• Wear a Beanie Ear Flapper, they are warm and very popular.
• Wear a bright scarf.
• Check out the smart, water proof leather boots at www.sorel.com

When you put these clothing choices in action, you will look smart and be warm at the same time.

The poker face sends a message that says “I don’t trust you.” I just sat in a meeting with a such an individual and tried hard to read this person’s face, body language while listening to their words.

I understand the person with the poker face is being guarded, but s/he needs to know that others are listening.

For instance, I found myself thinking, “I don’t know what this person is really trying to say.” Is that the message a poker-faced individual really wants to convey?

Here are some tips to ensure you are not the poker face:

• Look at the person you are speaking to and not thru them – engage their eyes
• Nod your head when you agree with the person
• Ask questions
• Listen intently

If you engage by using these tips, folks will walk away realizing that you want to have a relationship with them. Then, they will begin to trust you.

The Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, January 11, 2011, featured Nicolas Cage’s ever-changing hairstyles from his nearly 70 titles. They range from Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) to The Season of the Witch (2011) which is set in the 14th Century (with shoulder length hair appropriate for the times!). His hairstyles set the tone for each character he plays.

What’s fascinating today is the rapid pace of change in hairstyles for all men, not just for actors. In fact, hair has become the trendy image setter for men much as it is for women.

No longer is the traditional hairstyle the only acceptable one for men. The key, though, is for men to make sure the hairstyle remains in synch with his lifestyle, stays age appropriate and accents clothing choices. If a man can pull that off, his hairstyle will be the crowning touch around his sense of style.

The jacket (blazer) continues its resurgence each year among business casual attire. It still represents authority and professionalism.

Here are some nuances to be aware of when you decide how to choose your jacket and the impact you want to create with it.

Fabric:
• Tightly woven material – authoritative
• Soft knit – casual
• Nubby knit – very casual

Style:
• Notched collars- lapels or one, two or three buttons – authoritative
• Shaw collar – casual except in formal wear
• Usual collar style or collarless – neutral

Color
• Dark color – authoritative
• Light color – casual
• Bright and dramatic colors – tends be have more authoritative

Understanding these messages will help you decide how to control the “first impression” in creating the impact you desire when choosing a jacket to wear.

All of us have experienced situations when those we trusted have disappointed us not once but several times. The most difficult thing to do is let the individual know how you feel without it sounding like you are just venting. You want to have a crucial conversation that is inclusive and if possible, produces some resolution.

Here are some tips to ensure your conversation is productive:

• Have the conversation only when both parties are calm
• Never bring up the past situations, only present ones
• Practice the points you want to cover in front of mirror
• Never interrupt
• Realize that sometimes it comes down to both of you agreeing to disagree

Keeping these points in mind when you have a conversation will help your dialog go beyond the realm of rant and into an inclusive crucial conversation.

A recent New York Times article indicates color is in again. Black and other dark shades like blackberry, charcoal, and chocolate brown are slowly giving way to color.

Pantone’s color of the year choice is honeysuckle, the rosy-meets-magenta hue. Visit http://www.pantone.com to see the actual color. It is vibrant and an attention getter.

This rosy magenta is a very strong color so use it wisely:
• For men: Wear it in a tie or shirt – never in a jacket or pair of slacks
• For women: Wear in a blouse, sweater or piece of jewelry.

Never use it in a full outfit unless you are wearing a formal gown or intimate wear. The color will look best around your face if you have dark hair and a light complexion.

So to ensure you are stylish and elegant – put a bit of Honeysuckle in your wardrobe for 2011.

It is hard not to be tempted by all the great food and drinks at festive holiday parties. We all want to be sociable when attending them, especially the ones in private homes where the hosts have spent many hours planning menus.

Here are some tips on how to conceal an expanding waistline.

• For women, bring attention to your face by making sure your hairstyle, makeup and accessories are the current style and look great. Men should wear a great tie (no rep stripes).
• Color should be worn on the top half of your body
• Avoid bulky sweaters and jackets
• Women – no leggings with short top
• Men – no heavy sweaters
• No prints or materials that are too sparkly

Remember these few tips when putting your outfits together and you will always look slim during the holidays.

During the holiday season we will all get invited to multiple events where food will be in abundance. The goal is to network and strengthen relationships while just sampling all the holiday eats.

So, here are some rules to follow:

• Eat before you attend
• Keep one hand free to shake
• Never take anything you cannot eat in one bite
• Never eat anything that causes sticky hands
• Drink only one class of wine

Remember these key strategies and you will continue to strengthen your relationships while maintaining your waistline!

Happy Holidays!