Bobbi 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.

In a recent photo shoot with a client we wanted to add impact to his picture. He has a very nice face as well as an engaging smile. However, his skin tone and hair color appeared similar. In a picture, this looked washed out.

To add impact we chose a red background, a pinstripe blue shirt and blue jacket. The color combination gave the photo some color pop. It created a very smart, contemporary image showing that the right color combinations have impact and create value.

Just 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.

If you are constantly being asked to repeat what you say, generally it is because of three things:

1. You are not speaking loud enough. Counteract this by using your voice as if you were speaking to three people in a crowded room. Do not shout – just project your voice to up a level.

2. You are mumbling. Read a paragraph out loud each day with a pencil in your mouth. This will help stretch your mouth muscles. Do this for a month

3. You talk too fast and run your words together. You can slow down by stretching out a word or two in a sentence.

The next time someone asks you to repeat what you just said, ask them if you have one of these three problems. This will help you select the best exercise so you can be heard.

Apparently, the new communication etiquette in replying is no answer instead of politely declining. In other words, no response is necessary when the answer is no. Well, if you want to buck the trend and stand out a little bit, decline by using one of these responses:

For an invitation:

• Thank you for the invite, but unfortunately, I will not be able to attend.

For a project:

• We value what you provide and we will get back to you when ___________.

When you respond, even though you are delivering a no, it shows you appreciate their efforts.

Bill McDermott, co-CEO of SAP, the software company, said employers “will make bold bets on people who have an unwavering passion for success”. In a recent NYT interview, he shared his thoughts on the subject.

He talked about his unlimited drive for success beginning at the age of 11. What is obvious is that he clearly is a director type who is passionate, competitive and gets the job done. He has clarity in what he wants and hires those who can share their own drive with both clarity and passion. They must love what they do. In my work with clients, the successful ones all have that plus a big picture vision.

Prints, in a variety of clothing, have become very fashionable for both men and women. For men, plaids and checks are all the rage including wearing prints (stripes and checks) with patterned ties and shirts.

Women’s patterns are available in all clothing choices and also accessories like handbags and shoes.

Here are some tips to mixing prints and patterns:

For Women:

– Feminine prints – flowers with a masculine print (stripe); keep colors in the same family

– Only wear three prints or patterns at once; example- blouse with skirt and purse or shoes

For Men:

– Balance bolder and brighter shirts with your natural physical size

– Chose a solid tie when shirts have a bold pattern

Train your eyes to see the commonality and balance in prints and patterns. Experiment first, starting small with your choices.

I have been a long time Trekkie. The recent movie, Star Trek into Darkness, continues the trend of communication differences and why the relationship between Kirk and Spock has its challenges. In this movie, we see their relationship hit a pothole. However, a threat brings them together as they eventually recognize their differences and acknowledge each other’s strengths.

Spock’s behavioral and communication styles are that of a Thinker. Logical thought processes are important to him. Kirk is a combination of Socializer and Director. He cannot always explain his reasoning because he relies heavily on his instincts. He is highly impulsive but gets the job done.

I continue to be fascinated by their interactions. The lesson in the latest film is to honor each communication style by recognizing its value. If you can do this when working with others, you will experience more successful outcomes.

If you have not seen this movie or the first one, Star Trek by JJ Abrams, you might consider renting it. You will be entertained and at the same time be able to observe different communications styles in action. Who knows, it might help you when similar situations arise in the workplace.

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.

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.

These 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.