Tag Archives: Kimberly Law

Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

How to Be the Perfect Dinner Party Guest!

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As an image and etiquette consultant, I am often asked to do corporate and group workshops, on the topics of dining etiquette and table manners.

A long time ago etiquette and table manners were established as a way of keeping the peace and domesticating our behaviour.  Over time, these rituals were handed down from generation to generation eventually becoming tradition.

However, as the guest, the most important way to conduct yourself at the dining table is not always the way it is described in the etiquette books. And in most cases, manners and politeness will always override the rules. When in doubt, ‘show respect to your host’ and ‘follow their lead’.  With this in mind, you will be the perfect dinner party guest.

Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Women

6 Top Dining Don’ts

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The Christmas Holiday season is also the festive season that will likely lead to opportunities for dining with others. That is unless in years past you made a bad impression… Here are some don’ts to consider.

  • Don’t chew with your mouth open
  • Don’t pick your teeth at the table. If something gets stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
  • Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
  • Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. Ask the closest diner to pass it.
  • Don’t put your elbows on the table until the meal is finished and all the plates and cutlery are removed.
  • Don’t leave your hat on your head, while at the dining table.

For more on this topic see: What Not to Do at the Dining Table. Or to add a little formality to your dining experience see: eBook Formal Dining for Informal People.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Men, Wardrobe

Is there a Beauty Advantage for Men?

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I was recently interviewed by Douglas Todd, reporter for the Vancouver Sun. He was doing a story on how men are becoming more conscientious about their personal appearance at work and also in their personal lives. He asked if it is advantageous for a man to take care of himself and do what he can to look his best. For more, read the article.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Should You Wear Animal Print to Work?

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Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way?  OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?

  • If possible, keep animal print for social occasions.
  • If you work in an environment that encourages a playful approach, but you still need to look like you are capable and are there to do your job, wear subtle versions of animal print. This can be done with low colour contrast, worn in small areas or by choosing non-descript versions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

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I love black! It is mysterious, chic and intriguing. And it is the perfect colour to wear any time you want to look dramatic, especially in a social setting.  But is it a good colour to wear to work? The answer is… it depends on what message you want to convey.

Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour.  However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.

If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:

  • When interacting with clients or subordinates break up the black. Instead of dressing in head to toe black, wear black dress pants and a coordinating jacket in a different colour or the other way around.
  • Keep the black suit for those times when you are interacting with others in top leadership positions.
  • If you want to come across authoritative but a little more approachable, try navy instead. In navy you will still maintain an appropriate level or authority and others will trust that you can do the job. However, because blue is the colour of trust, others will trust that they can open up and ask questions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Dress for Success, Etiquette, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Reinforce Your Company’s Image with Your Image

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Most companies spend a lot of money each year developing and maintaining their company image. As a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that’s consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, whether we like it or not, we instantly form an impression about them. If the impression matches what they are trying to communicate, we are more likely to trust them. Once trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships.

Business casual, Business Dress, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Accessory Fad or Accessory Fashion?

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If you are on a limited budget always consider whether that accessory you are considering for your next purchase is a ‘fad’ or fashion’?

Fad items appear every season. They are fun and can instantly update a wardrobe… But ask yourself “How much does it cost?” In addition, “Can I afford to throw or store it away in just one year?”

A ‘fad’ is here today and gone tomorrow; even though fashions change over time, the change is much slower and more subtle. A ‘fashion’ can become a true investment.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Accessories Add Personality

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For some of us women finding clothing that fits well can be so challenging that we feel stuck with a very small selection to choose from each season. This can lead to major frustration, especially when your personality isn’t in-line with the current selection of available items.  However, with a little imagination and creativity, accessories can save the day. Accessories are the extras that can give you an individual style. By choosing the right accessories, you can create the look that says “you”.

When purchasing new accessories, always your figure challenges, your scale and your lifestyle in mind. By matching these qualities in your accessories with these qualities in you, your accessories can easily pull together your wardrobe and make you look great!

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Match the Scale of You and the Scale of Your Attire

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Even when a garment fits your shape and proportions, the scale of the print, the details of the garment or the size of the accessories may not. To bring your wardrobe into sync with your physical appearance, you must make sure they match your bone structure, body frame, height and scale.

Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Women

Neutral Nails are Best for Business

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Because our hands are so expressive it is one of the first things we notice about a person so it is important to keep them well groomed, especially in a business setting.  However, many of my female clients are a little less sure about what colour nail polish is considered acceptable in the workplace.