During the holiday season we all want to look festive. Most all of today’s fashion magazines are encouraging the bling look in jewelry (pins, necklaces and earrings) sweaters and scarves. So how can we have fun with this and not shine so bright we cause an overpowering glow?

Here are some tips:

In the office:

You can wear multiple items as long as sizes and colors are balanced. For example, red and gold are very bright, so a little of those colors will go a long way. A bright pin (larger than a tangerine) made in a lighter, more subdued color will add a touch of festive elegance.

At a holiday event:

You can wear more bling and stay very fashionable and classy by layering multiple rows of crystal necklaces onto a simple black sweater. Sprinkle some glitter in your hair for a final touch of pizzazz.

Follow these simple tips and you will sparkle during the holidays and into the New Year!

During the holiday season we want to thank those who have been significant factors in our professional life. Sometimes a well written thank you note is enough.

Here are some suggestions you may want to consider if you want to go one step further:

• A donation to a favorite charity in their name
• A CD of music (current poplar choice)
• A DVD of an old classic (best for suited for women)
• Hosting a function that combines networking and fun such as an indoor golf event or a spa night for women only

The most important thing to remember is that the gift is more than just the thought. It makes the recipient feel special because you have acknowledged that he or she has been significant in your life.

Often, I hear the comment that employees who possess executive presence are promoted. Conversely, I will also hear of another individual who did not get to the next level because of a lack of executive presence.

What does it mean when someone has executive presence?

Senior management sees this person as someone who appropriately represents the company, has a presence consistent with the company brand, and is one who can communicate effectively with anyone. Part of this is the ability to cultivate and demonstrate leadership skills.

Appearance (clothes, grooming, body language) make up some but not all of executive presence. Communication skills such as being able to present ideas, whether in a large or small group, in a succinct manner are a critical part of executive presence. In addition to selling ideas, it is necessary to be inclusive to all.

So do you have executive presence?

An easy way to obtain a hint is to ask five people to give you three words that best represent you as a professional. Then examine those fifteen words. Do they include words or phrases that add up to executive presence? If not, then take it as an opportunity to develop the presence you desire.

Up until the late eighties, changes in men’s hairstyles and clothing were very slow in coming. In fact, it used to take about eight years for a dramatic change to occur in the color and cuts of men’s clothing. The same with hairstyles for all age groups. The young adults had either crew cuts or very long hair (for the artistic and possibly the rebel look).

Now changes come quickly. Males between the ages of six to the mid- forties, wear the mildly spiked hair to the bowl cut over the eyes. The looks range from Tom Cruise to Justin Bieber and everyone in-between.

In Japan, the young males under 30 have very dramatic cuts, while those over 40 wear the conservative, traditional styles.

In the professional venue, it has also changed. The traditional hairstyle is still more acceptable but you are seeing more variations of it than before.

My comment to all of this is that your hairstyle should compliment your face and not strive to be your only noticeable feature.

If you take this approach, you will always be smart and in style.

In Japan’s “The Daily Yomiuri” The Language Connection, November 2, it talks about privacy and the key factor of what determines self-disclosure in personal situations.

When do you share items like divorce or deaths in families?

Behavioral scientists Joanna Schug, Maskai Yuki and William Maddusx suggest that “relational mobility” is a key factor in determining the role of self-disclosure in strengthening relationships. In research, it was found that American students were more apt to share personal information. They felt it was a key to strengthening relationships. The Japanese students thought it might be the opposite.

Americans felt their relationships were less strong when there were concealments of major events. The Japansese thought too much self-disclosure might place a burden on the relationship.

For example, when does one share pregnancy in the family or an engagement to be married? Especially, when is that done in the workplace where you are trying to build relationships?

The critical thing is understanding the culture of the individual and the organization. Then you will understand what is appropriate and when you can share personal insights in order to build relationships. This sensitivity will help you be successful with long-term professional and personal connections.

In todays fast paced, professional and social environment, we want to create an instant connection with those we meet. Unfortunately, the intial engagement with those who do not know us can also leave a negative impression.

These are few tips that will help you have a positive impact.

• Your facial expressions must be relaxed and softened with a casual smile – it needs to say, “I want to meet you.”
• Eye contact is critical; so form an easy lock into their eyes with the initial greeting
• Relax your body language
• Maintain an appropriate personal space—about one arm’s length
• Use a proper handshake—firm and easy

Keep these critical elements in mind when you first meet someone. You will create a positve first impression that will last.

After you select the colors that flatter you and determine that your clothing fits like a glove, the final step is style. That is what brings everything together.

Style is an understanding of what works best for you.

It is knowing that your visual impact will always be smart and contemporary.

It is creating an instant impact when someone meets you and gets your look.

It is deciding on the hairstyle, make-up (for women) and eyewear enhancments that complete your style.

Once you understand your color, clothing fit and develop your unique sense of style, you will always create a powerful impact that will always separate you from the crowd.

It is very rare that you will be able to buy clothing right off the rack and have it fit like a glove. (The tailor/seamstress should be your best friend!)

Here are some common mistakes on fit that will make you appear heavier than you are:

• Slacks that look too wide
• Skirts that are too boxy
• Shirts that have too much material in the back and on the sides.

In addition, sleeves and hem lengths on skirts and slacks are some other areas people neglect. Besides looking sloppy, neglecting sleeves and hems will also make you look heavier.

Avoid these fashion fit faux pas and your clothing will always look like it was custom made for you.

These are three key things you can to do to elevate your presence that will set you apart from your peers without you having to spend a ton of money. We will cover them in the next three blogs.

Wearing the right color:

• Will add color to your skin (even when you are worn to a frazzle)
• Can make you look thinner
• Can make you look taller

Color can send messages:

• Dark colors create authority
• Light colors create approachability
• High contrast colors will create drama

When you use color to your advantage, it will become your best friend. It will add subtle impressions and project strength. It will add richness to your overall impact.

“Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.”

When we think of orange pumpkins, Halloween comes to mind. Orange by definition is a wonderful color. It can be worn with many colors other than black.

If you wear it with navy, brown and grey, you will not look like Halloween. You will look smart.

Here are some suggestions for wearing orange:

• Orange sweater combination with navy, camel or gray slacks
• A touch of orange in a tie for men
• A knit orange scarf wrapped around a neck
• Light orange nail polish for fun (women only)
• Darker orange sweater set with gray (women only)

Matching orange with these different color combinations will remind us of the fall season and bring a smile to those around us.