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.

Fall Trends 2010: What (Not) to Wear

When the seasons change, the inevitable fashion question arises… what are the hot or must-have trends this year? As an image consultant it’s part of my job to know those trends. But I don’t live and die by trends, and I don’t recommend that approach to my clients.

With that in mind, here’s a list of seven trends that are popular this fall, followed by my comments on how to – or whether you should – incorporate them into your wardrobe.

1. Camouflage/military clothing. Military-inspired garb has been popular for a few seasons and it’s as strong as ever this fall. The camouflage print works well on certain dresses, shirts, pants and hats. But camouflage leggings? I guess if you want to make your legs ‘disappear’ this is a trend for you. I say a little camo goes a long way, so use it sparingly.

2. Faux fur. Several designers have faux fur jackets and vests in their fall collections. Some of it looks good, in shades of gray and brown. But a faux fur vest with long white strands looks like you were competing on Project Runway and had to make a garment from shag carpet remnants. (Note: I recently saw a department store with the faux fur and camouflage clothing displayed side by side. I could not tell if it was an unfortunate coincidence, or a clever inside joke asking shoppers to choose if they want to be the ‘hunter’ or the ‘prey.’)

3. Hats and scarves for men. Duh. It’s fall. But these particular hats and scarves are not just utilitarian. They take a big cue from the television show Mad Men, adding a specific design aesthetic to transform what could be boring into something of which even the sartorially splendid Don Draper would approve.

4. Aviator and cat-eye sunglasses. Yes, you still need to protect your eyes in fall/winter. Again evoking the Mad Men era, sunglasses in styles from the 50s and 60s are very popular. But these styles are not flattering on everyone. Depending on the shape of your face, it may be best to skip this trend and stick with what looks good on you.

5. Statement necklace or ring. Oversized jewelry – such as necklaces that form a ‘collar’ and giant flower-shaped rings – will continue to be popular. If you are tall or have a large frame, these items may work for you. But be careful if you are petite. It’s never a good idea to wear a necklace that’s bigger than your head or a flower ring that bellows ‘Feed me, Seymour!’

6. Nude-colored fashions. A favorite of fashionistas like Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, the popular color has become a staple on the red carpet and can be found in everyday wear including dresses, blouses and slacks. Frankly, I find it boring and uninspired. How boring? It makes beige look exciting. The exception is nude-colored shoes because they make the legs look longer by not ‘chopping’ them off at the feet. FYI… everyone’s ‘nude’ is different; if your skin is chocolate brown, then your nude shoes should be chocolate brown.

7. Camel-colored garments. This is a classic color that works well on men and women. (I know you’re thinking, ‘What’s the difference between camel and beige?’ The two are worlds apart!) A camel-colored wool coat (pictured) in a classic style will serve you well for years to come. Camel looks elegant with charcoal, black, red, dark brown, navy and even winter white.

Instead of blindly following trends, you should explore ‘what’s hot’ and decide which ones, if any, work with your personality, profession, and body type. If a trend works... great. If it does not… just let it pass and wait for the next one!