The color red is often worn by brides in the East. At the same time, it is the color of mourning in South Africa.

In Russia, the Bolsheviks used a red flag when they overthrew the Tsar, thus red became associated with communism. Many national flags use red. The red ruby is the traditional fortieth wedding anniversary gift.

It is a bright color and will attract attention. Here’s how you can you wear red so it doesn’t shout:

• Break it up: Use it as an accent in a top, jacket or piece of jewelry.
• Blend it: Red shoes or a red purse can be fun when the color blends with the rest of the ensemble.
• In coats: Red in a coat or as a raincoat can be very smart.

Never be afraid of wearing red if you wear it in a smart, elegant manner.

A personal brand is important especially when we all want to stand out from the crowd during these difficult economic times. What is it that makes you special and engages those around you?

The points below will help you determine whether your brand will stand the test of time:

• Proof it works
• Consistency
• Special Sauce(You are different from your competitors.)
• Memorable
• Specific for a target market
• Irresistible (Everyone has to have it.)
• Dependable

Think of yourself as the brand manager of your company and the company is you. In 1997, Tom Peters coined the phrase “You’re the Brand”. If you can absorb this, you will stand out from the crowd.

It has been suggested in many body language books that the arms crossed around the chest indicates a close-minded person. In many cases, this may be true of a person who might be closed to a conversation s/he is currently in.

However, I believe some folks cross their arms because they may be cold, or they may be long in the torso so crossing their arms helps their back.

The main thing is, that if you like to cross your arms, I recommend you cross your arms gently and hold your body not too stiff and tight. This will enable you to cross your arms and still look approachable.

Jewelry choices for both men and women have changed dramatically since the year 2000. The different pieces (worn appropriately or inappropriately), send various messages.

Below are some suggested rules for wearing jewelry:

For men only:

• Watches: The styles have evolved from dress to casual to sporty. President Clinton made the sporty style watch appropriate to wear with a suit. The main idea is that your watch should not be the first thing that is noticed. The Rolex (the heavy gold watch is very popular) is still for those who want the world to know they have achieved business success.

• Rings: Less is always better than more. Wedding bands are personal and vary in all different styles. I do not recommend two rings on one hand.

• Bracelets: One is fine, two too many. The only exceptions are medical bracelets.

• Earrings: Best worn with casual wear unless you are in the arts and entertainment field.

• Necklaces: Wear chunky chains only if you are a rock star.

For women only:

• Watches: Smarter looking ones today have a larger face. The small or large tank style watches are always in style.

• Rings: Big stone rings can be distracting especially if they sparkle.

• Bracelets: Beads have become very popular for casual wear as long as they do not become distracting by making noise or by dangling.

• Earrings: The preference is one moderately styled earring in each ear. You don’t want your earrings to be the first thing that is noticed.

• Necklace: Pearls will always be traditional in style. The updated ones are large and differently shaped water pearls. Gold and silver chains have been in style these past two years. You can wear them layered on a simple top.

Jewelry is a great accessory. It adds interest, polish and elegance to any outfit you wear. When you follow the above guidelines, you will wear the jewelry; the jewelry will not wear you.

Vintage clothing is rising in popularity. So, many of us are wondering if that twenty plus item in the closet will still work. Or, what should we look for at the vintage store? Also, can vintage clothing be worn at the office?

Here are a few general vintage clothing guidelines:

• The fabric must feel soft
• It must be in good condition (no holes)
• It must fit – you can take it in but very rarely can you let it out
• It must work with other pieces of clothing in your wardrobe
• You must love it – don’t buy it just because it is the rage

Follow these few tips and you will look fashionable and not fashion-less!

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.

Men’s styles continue to change. One the major shifts is the rising popularity along with the acceptance of the different styles of men’s suits.

The European cut is once again moving into the mainstream. This mean a narrower suit lapel, closer fitting jackets and flat front style pants without cuffs.

What does this actually look like?

A great example is the difference between the look of the suits worn by FBI agents and the main character in White Collar series. It appears the younger, slimmer body wears the more European cut suit. The older man with the more robust body wears the fuller cut suit.

Here are some brands to look for to determine a style and shape of a suit for the male body:

Fuller: More traditional shape – Hart Shaffner & Marx
Fuller: Slight European shape cut- Hugo Boss
Slimmer: European shape- Joseph Abboud
Slimmer: European shape- Armani Collezioni

Does this mean if you are an older man, you cannot wear the European style suit? Absolutely not! What is more important is your body type and audience. Once you are aware of this, you will always be in style.