Tag Archives: Kimberly Law

Etiquette

Business Card Etiquette

4 Comments

Even though the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver / Whistler will be a social event for most, there may be an opportunity to exchange business cards. Unfortunately many of us were never given instruction on how to conduct this exchange. Here are a few tips: 

  • Wait to be asked – don’t just hand them out.
  • When asked for a business card it is polite to reciprocate the exchange
  • In many cultures the business card is considered very important. When receiving a business card, take a moment to look at the card before putting it away.
  • Respect the card – don’t just stuff it into your back pocket. Place it carefully into a business card holder or into a jacket pocket.
  • Don’t pull out your pen and make notes on the card. This again is about respecting the giver and the card. 
  • When handing out a business card, the card is held with the print facing upright on the card so the receiver can read it.
Business Dress, Colour, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Do Socks Really Matter?

Leave a comment

In the Vancouver City Hall Protocol Manual for the 2010 Olympics one of the clothing details that were addressed was wearing the right socks. Although, this may seem very basic or even unnecessary to some, you would be surprised how many of us get it wrong. When choosing your socks consider the following:

  • Coordinate your sock colour to the hem of your pants. For men, neutral tones work best.
  • The thicker the sock the more casual the look. This style works best with casual clothing and casual shoes; the thinner the sock the more dressy the look. Always wear thinner socks when dressed in trousers or slacks and thin soled shoes. 
  • Avoid sport socks for work
  • When worn with pants, socks should cover the shins. This way it is unlikely your shins will show when sitting with your legs crossed, unless your pants are too short. (a later blog post).
  • Never wear socks with sandals.
Business Dress, Etiquette, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

Olympic Etiquette – Is Vancouver Going Overboard?

Leave a comment
It is an exciting time to be living in Vancouver. With the Olympics less than two weeks away, there is a buzz of excitement in the air and a lot of controversy. Over this past week I had calls from Global TV news and CTV news asking my impression of a etiquette / protocol policy guide that the City of Vancouver, created for it’s staff members. The media wanted two questions answered. 1) Is a protocol policy manual a waste of tax payer’s money?  2) Does the policy manual go overboard with the amount of detail and some of the items it covers? Here is what I said on CTV.

Olympic Protocol – Are We Going Overboard? Kimberly Law’s Perspective

My only regret? I didn’t try harder to get tickets.

Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe

The Easy Way to Get the Correct Tie Length

Leave a comment
The correct length for a tie changes over time as fashion changes. However, for a classic look, the tie should end at the middle of your belt buckle. For many men, getting it to the right length the first try can be a challenge, especially for those who are new to wearing ties or exploring different tie knots.

I recently learned about a new tool called Eazytie. It is a gadget that will make it easier to get your tie knot tied at the right length, saving you time and frustration in the morning.

Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Deodorant or Antiperspirant Marks on Clothing How to Get Rid of Them

2 Comments

I think it has happened to all of us at one time or another. Even the clear gel antiperspirants often leave white marks on our clothing. If you have found an antiperspirant that doesn’t leave a mark, I would love to hear about it.

The good thing although this can be frustrating, it is also easy to remove. Rub an old pair of panty hose over the area and the marks should vanish quickly.

Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Never Let Them See You Sweat

Leave a comment

Visible perspiration is not only embarrassing for you and those around you, it can leave clothing stained and discoloured.

Disposable garment shields work well for both men and women and are widely available. They stick onto the inside of your clothing, protect your clothing and are virtually invisible on the outside of your clothing.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Men, Uncategorized, Wardrobe, Women

Fashion Tape Quick Fix for Hems

Leave a comment

Leaving the house and just noticed your hem coming down? As a certified professional image consultant my first suggestion would be to change into another outfit. However, in some circumstances this just isn’t possible. Instead of pulling out the safety pins or the duct tape…

Fashion Tape again, is the better solution. It will be less visible and do a better job then a homemade remedy.

Business Dress, Look Younger, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

How to Keep Your Bra Straps from Showing

Leave a comment
Over the past few years, a popular look for women has been wearing layered tank tops and casual camisoles with the bra straps showing. Although there may be a time and place for this look, it isn’t appropriate for every occasion. Unfortunately, many of us have a problem with bra straps slipping. If your budget or body shape doesn’t allow you the option for purchasing multiple bra styles, there are several great solutions:

Bra clips (which are available under a number of different names) are a plastic clip which will clip the bra straps together, holding them in the center of your back. http://www.thestrapper.com

When your bra style has the option for changing the straps, clear plastic bra straps work well. They stay in place and generally aren’t noticeable even when you are moving around.

Fashion Tape can also work to keep your bra straps in place.

Wardrobe, Women

Wardrobe Malfunctions – Stay-ups that Don’t Stay Up

Leave a comment

Ever have one of those really embarrassing moments? Although many of us think wardrobe malfunctions and mishaps only happen to celebrities like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, it happens to all of us at one time or another… And recently it happened to me.

I was wearing stay-up hosiery. The kind with the silicone at the top, which is supposed to keep the hosiery in place. I was being escorted to my car by someone that I didn’t know very well, when suddenly I could feel one of my stockings sliding down my leg. How embarrassing!!!  Yes, even professional image consultants have their embarrassing moments.

Although there really are not guarantees, the stay-ups are in good condition, they are more likely to stay put. To keep them in good condition longer. Wash them in cold water with mild detergent and avoid the dryer.

Don’t try to extend their life. As soon as the silicone starts to peal off, it’s time for a new stocking. The nice thing about stay-ups though is that often only one is ready for the garbage. By buying the same brand in the same colour, you mix and match as needed.

Another thing to consider is what you have on you skin. They tend to stick better if they are clean, and worn on clean skin without any creams, lotions or powders.

If you have any other suggestions to keep your stay-ups from malfuncting, I would love to hear about them.

Dining Etiquette, Etiquette

9 Steps to Breaking Bread with Ease and Grace

1 Comment

If you have ever been unsure of which bread plate is yours; or whether you are supposed to butter the whole slice of bread. You are not alone. As an etiquette expert many of my clients and friends ask about the etiquette of eating bread and rolls. Here are the steps to take next time you are faced with the challenge of breaking bread.

  1. Your bread plate is the one to the left of your place setting.
  2. Don’t reach; Ask the person closest to the bread basket to pass it to you.
  3. Take the bread or roll and place it on your bread plate.
  4. Ask the person closest to the butter dish to pass it to you.
  5. Using the butter serving utensil (if there is one) or your butter knife (if there is no serving utensil), place some butter on your bread plate.
  6. Rip off a small piece of bread / roll, the appropriate size for one or two bites.
  7. Butter that piece of bread / roll holding it on the plate while spreading the butter.
  8. Eat it with your mouth closed and enjoy!
  9. Repeat…

Use this etiquette for Holiday Dining and Everyday Dining…Happy Holidays!