Is Your Poor Image Blocking Your Promotion?

When you were interviewing for the job, you dressed up and paid extra attention to your grooming. But after you had the job for a while, did your grooming regimen take a vacation? If so, the lack of attention to your appearance could be blocking your climb up the corporate ladder!

According to a survey by Careerbuilder.com, employers have identified the personal attributes that would make an employee less appealing for a promotion. Bad breath, unkempt clothes, piercings and visible tattoos topped the list.

CareerBuilder said bosses look at the whole package – not just strong performance and leadership skills – when it comes to promoting successful employees. Employers want to promote employees who have a professional image on the inside and the outside.

The top 10 personal attributes employers say would make them less likely to extend a promotion include:

1. Piercings (cited by 37 percent of employers)

2. Bad breath (34 percent)

3. (tie) Visible tattoo (31 percent)

3. (tie) Often wears wrinkled clothes (31 percent)

4. Messy hair (29 percent)

5. Dresses too casually (28 percent)

6. Too much perfume/cologne (26 percent)

7. Too much makeup (22 percent)

8. Messy office or cubicle (19 percent)

9. Chewed fingernails (10 percent)

10. Too suntanned (4 percent)


Your boss probably won't tell you, but now you know. So, check yourself before you wreck yourself… and your career!


The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive among 2,878 hiring managers (non-government) across industries.

Summer Trends 2011: What are You Wearing?

Although the weather has been sweltering for weeks, summer has just (officially) arrived. So, what are you wearing this season? Have you found clothes that help you feel cool while looking cool?

If you’re shopping for summer attire, here are a few 2011 trends for women and men. Not much middle ground here – you’ll either love or hate these!

Seven Trends for Women…

1. ‘70s inspired. Floppy hats, peasant blouses, macramé belts, beaded earrings, denim skirts, high-waist flared jeans, cork wedges and espadrilles. Lots of fun stuff here, but a little goes a long way. Do not – unless you’re going to a theme party – wear more than a couple of these ‘70s trends at once.

2. Crisp white. Summer and white clothes go together like fireworks and the Fourth of July. This year’s white dresses, skirts and blouses have clean lines with lots of structure and/or texture to keep them interesting. You can’t miss with this one, so go crazy!

3. Very bright colors. Eye-popping greens and blues ranging from emerald to aqua to turquoise, along with battery-powered shades of pink and orange. If you wore this trend in the ‘80s – when it was called neon – you might want to sit this one out. However, if you can’t resist, get a couple of pieces. But don’t fill your closet with these glow-in-the-dark garments because this trend should pass quickly.

4. Structured handbags. Oversized totes with metal accents take a backseat to smaller, more streamlined bags. Envelope bags, satchels and clutches in perforated leather, bright colors or two-toned leather force you to edit what you carry, while elevating your style. Get it.

5. Faux snakeskin. This print is everywhere and on everything. From the expected – handbags, heels and loafers, to the unexpected – dresses, blouses and trench coats. Think of it as the ‘new leopard’ print. If you’re on the fence about this one, start with the safest choice: a faux snakeskin bag. Could be fun!

6. Maxi dresses. This billowy look works for most body types, as long as the fit is good (i.e. not too tight or too long). That’s probably why it’s still around after a few seasons of immense popularity. But get one this year because its 15-minutes should be up soon. Tick. Tock.

7. Classic loafers and men’s-style oxfords. Not your father’s shoes, but an updated version for women. There’s something for everyone… bright colors, two-toned, even faux snakeskin. A good alternative to flats, so give them a try!

And Three Trends for Men…

1. “In between” shoes. Dressier than sneakers, but not as dressy as leather oxfords. Driving moccasins or linen bucks are a perfect summer companion to jeans or shorts.

2. Unlined blazer. Again, working the dressy-casual zone. An unlined blazer dresses up your jeans or khakis, but it’s more relaxed – and less bulky – than a lined blazer.

3. Cotton slacks in many colors. These are basically khakis… but in blue, green, pale yellow and even red. Step out of your comfort zone (at least a bit), and away from the usual khaki, tan, taupe, stone and olive slacks!

Remember, by their very nature trends are fleeting. So, carefully choose what works for you and ignore the rest. (I can’t say this enough: every trend is not for every body!) New trends, perhaps more to your liking, are just around the corner.

It’s Spring: Time to Shake Up your Clothes

Many of us are creatures of habit, treading the well-worn path of familiarity. We often order the same dish, regardless of the day’s special. (Guilty!) But nothing is more familiar and soothing than wearing our clothes exactly the same way each time.

Well spring is a time of rejuvenation, so I suggest seven easy ways to breathe new life into our wardrobes – and a few other areas of our lives.

1. Give yourself permission to try new things. You always can go back to the familiar if you don't like it, but begin by saying 'yes' to something new.

2. Inject more color into your wardrobe. Spring is the perfect time to take a break from your all-black or neutral attire. Start with just one brightly colored blouse/shirt. Or at least add a few colorful accessories or a necktie.

3. Try a new restaurant or coffee shop. Or try a new dish or beverage at your favorite haunt. At the very least sit at a different table.

4. Mix patterns with confidence. With pinstripes (and certain plaids), just ignore the stripes/pattern and treat it as a ‘solid’ color. This allows you to wear a patterned blouse or shirt with a pinstripe or plaid suit, creating a new look.

5. Take a different route for your commute to work/home. You may be pleasantly surprised – or even inspired – by what you see.

6. Send your clothes to Divorce Court. Just because you purchased the top and bottom at the same time doesn’t mean they must spend eternity together. Break them up! Changing your combinations will make your wardrobe seem larger.

7. Wardrobe choices are not permanent. If your fashion experiment ends up in the “don’t” column, no worries. Each day brings a new opportunity to get it right.

Here's to a wonderful and stylish spring!