By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

The way we look sends an immediate and powerful message to others.  Impeccable dress will never take the place of business smarts but it will increase your chances of success.  Credibility, trust and value can be easily achieved through 7 simple ways. Done properly can send unconscious messages that are recognized and immediately noticed as a sign of confidence. With a little effort and a lot of personality it is easy to look polished and professional in any line of business. 

1. Wear properly fitted clothes. Never underestimate the power of a great fitted pant and elegant blouse. When things are perfectly fitted you instantly look reliable, dependable and capable. The same goes for a jacket or blazer the simple addition of this piece adds structure, confidence and authority.

2. Up-to-date on self maintenance? Making sure that you go for regular haircuts, get your eyebrows shaped and fingers and toes nicely manicured and polished. It is small things like these that have a big impact. You may feel that a peep-toe pump or sandal are inappropriate for the corporate world but a good mani/pedi and personal nail colour will give you a beautifully finished look.  Details make all the difference. A chic outfit will be completely degraded by chipped nail polish.

3. Scent is a very powerful memory trigger.

4. Jewelry is an integral part of your personality. It can be a topic of discussion and even a point of envy.  Accessorizing your outfits says “I respect myself as an individual.”

5. Lipstick/Lip gloss, worn regularly will make a subtle, yet remarkable change on you. Giving the impression that you value yourself. If you take the time to add a little lip gloss it’s pretty likely that you’ll take the extra time to do other things.

6. Scarves are a great inexpensive way to pull your entire look together adding colour and warmth to a understated outfit.

7. Practice Your Posture, the goal should be to look perfect yet natural

By Kena Paranjape of In Life & In Fashion

Getting dressed for work should be easy.  No one has time to rifle through their wardrobe and accessories before racing out the door in the morning.  At the same time, you don’t want to arrive at work and realize too late you are wearing different colour socks!  My suggestion (and personal strategy) is to rely on the essentials and fill in with the rest of the contents of your closets.  With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of ten must have’s for your work wardrobe.  With these pieces you should be able to get dressed with ease and arrive at work looking stylish and polished.  

1. Pencil Skirt – a pencil skirt is an instant grown-up look.  Tuck in a silk blouse or pair with a fitted v-neck sweater for an easy chic outfit.

2. Wide Leg Trousers – go for charcoal rather than black as it looks more sophisticated when paired with colour

3. A Fantastic Blazer – don’t feel that you have to stick with a basic black boring blazer!  Choose something that fits you perfectly and you love – you will find ways to work it into your wardrobe.  (Tip: this is an item worth splurging on)

4. Mid-Heel Closed Toe Pump – an absolute must-have.  Choose a heel you can wear all day with or without tights.  Closed toe means you don’t have to worry about a pedicure to slip them on.

5. Tie-Neck Blouse – this item may not appear on other must have lists, but consider it a new must have!  A tie neck blouse is a fun way to replace the classic white shirt.  It also looks great under a v neck sweater (see #6).

6. V-Neck Sweater – layer over a tank or blouse.  Choose cashmere for winter and a fine-gauge cotton for spring and summer.

7. Cardigan Sweater – if you find a cardigan you love, buy as many as you can afford.  You will wear them more than any other item in your wardrobe!  Depending on your work environment choose classic or embellished or longer styles. 

8. Silk Tank – another item not found on most must have lists, however, a silk tank is the perfect day-to-night top.  Tuck it into a pencil skirt or trouser with a jacket for day, and off comes the jacket at night!  A silk tank is a good place to add a print to your work wardrobe as well.

9. Flats – be creative with your flats – try a print or patent, a bow or a buckle.  Wear flats on trousers or a-line skirts and dresses but avoid pairing with pencil skirts. 

10. Dress – I am purposefully avoiding being too specific here.  Depending on your work environment you can go for a bold print or may prefer a simple, solid sheath. Either way you can easily personalize with accessories so make it your own!

By Kena Paranjape of In Life & In Fashion

Summer is the time to take fashion risks.  Step out of your comfort zone and find a way to make one or all three of the following trends work for you!

 1. Bright-en up your wardrobe. Add either a drop or a wash of bright to your wardrobe. If you are a black and white kind of girl, start small with a scarf or your fingertips! But if you love colour, now is the time to go for it! Wear bold beautiful colours from head to toe. (Photo courtesy of style.com)

 2. “Make a Statement” Necklace. Hands down the easiest way to update your summer wardrobe. Pair with a tank or tee and you will look effortlessly of the moment. (Burberry necklace available at Holt Renfrew)

3. Reach for New Heights with Platform Shoes. Such is the beauty of the platform shoe – it appears to be much taller than it actually is! This is a trend made for a low-heel gal like me. Head to your favourite shoe store try on a few and walk around the store. You will be surprised! (Shoes available at Piperlime.com)

By Kena Paranjape of In Life & In Fashion

There have been countless articles written on taking your look from the office to a night out with friends.  In truth, there is no need to stash heels or a glittery purse in your handbag to make the transition.  Here are a few simple ways to glam up your look as you head out for a fun evening:

Unbutton an extra button on your blouse and roll up your sleeves. This simple step takes you from conservative to casual (and sexy!) without a wardrobe change.

Switch from simple studs to sparkly, swinging earrings. Keep a few pairs of chandelier or drop earrings in your purse and make the switch before you leave the office.

Apply eyeliner, perfume and lip gloss.  Eyeliner is a simple way to take your look from day to night.  A roll-on or solid perfume will easily fit in your make-up bag and is a signal to you that you are no longer on the company’s time!  Lip gloss is a fantastic multi-tasker.  In addition to applying to lips, dab on cheekbones and brow bones to give your skin that evening glow.

Most importantly, as you walk out of the office leave your over-due projects, tough meetings, and workplace squabbles at the door.  You are on “you time” now!

By Kena Paranjape

Contrary to popular belief, a suit is not always the best wardrobe choice for an interview. If you work, or want to work, in a creative field (fashion, public relations or graphic design are good examples), your choice of outfit can play a key role in getting you the job (or not!).

Imagine you are sitting in the office of the hiring manager trying to sell them on your creative abilities, your experience and your strengths. If you are wearing a buttoned up, conservative suit, your image will not correspond to your words. You want to sell them on YOU – the full package including your style, personality, business savvy and skills.

The key to mastering an outfit appropriate for a creative job is to ensure it conveys your personal style while also remaining polished. Keep either your top or bottom classic, and add personality through colour and accessories. The outfits below are a good place to start.

1. Printed wrap dress, heels and a great bag

2. Wide leg trousers and a silk blouse

3. Pencil skirt, a crisp white shirt and a bold necklace

Creative Job Interview by kena_p featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs blouses

Before heading to any interview, check with the human resources department directly on what would be appropriate. It is in their best interests to help you succeed in the interview. Even better, connect with an employee who can give you insider tips on dress code and style within the company. Finally, whatever you choose to wear, make sure you feel both fabulous and comfortable in it so that your personality and skills shine brighter than your outfit!

Have a tip or question? Post Here.

By Aurea Crotty

Spring is here…finally! As you bid your winter boots adieu and store your winter coat, you feel the thrill of a new shopping season. The new styles, trends, and colours inspire you to want them all, but updating your look shouldn’t require you to buy a whole new wardrobe.

To keep you au courant on a budget, here are five steps to Savvy Spring Shopping.

1. Flip, Read, Tear!
   Invest in a few spring fashion magazines, take note of trends, tips and colour. Look for styles you feel suit your personality and you would feel comfortable wearing. Tear out your favorite looks and pieces.
2. Audit What You Already Own.
   You may be surprised with what you’ll find. Be creative, look for things you own that can be repurposed through alteration.
3. One Part Expensive, Three Parts Cheap, Equals Fierce Fashionista!
   Invest in classic pieces, chince on trends. When you invest in good quality, classic pieces you can mix and match them with less expensive, trendy pieces which make for a great look.
4. Your mission should you choose to accept it…
   Go shopping with a mission! Know what you’re looking for. Aimless shopping can lead to impulse purchases that many times end up being a waste of money.
5. Try It On! *Warning* Sales staff may not be trusted, bring an honest friend!
   Don’t assume that looks in a magazine or on a mannequin will be the same on you. Make sure that the clothes work for your body and have an honest friend tell you the truth.

Do you have a savvy shopping tip, or question? We want to hear them.