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Are Your Clothes Talking?
If your clothes could talk, what would they say about
who you are? It takes less than three seconds for someone
to hear the message your clothes speak - three seconds
for someone to peg you in terms of your educational,
financial and social status. Three seconds to capture
attention with clothes that say, "I am sophisticated
and confident." Or Not! We constantly assess people
by their outward appearance. It is a natural reflex,
just like breathing. Are your clothes talking?
You ask, "What does this mean for me?" Consider
- when was the last time you evaluated what your image
communicates to those around you? Do you know if you
communicate confidence or fear; sophistication or insecurity;
professionalism or arrogance? What exactly is your image
saying?
When you evaluate your image ask yourself these questions:
- Do I know what colors look good on me?
- Do I know what styles of clothes look best for my
body type?
- Do I know what it takes to accessorize this outfit
properly?
- Do I know how to create a professional look?
You are the best marketing tool you have! You can walk
through the door with a "dynamic first impression" or
you can walk through as "less than professional." Don't
sabotage your chance for an ideal career by having your
clothes send the wrong message.
Next time you reach into your closet, think twice about
what kind of image you are going to communicate. Your
clothes ARE talking!
Personal Image Development, LLC
4050 W. Ray Road Suite 17-115 Chandler, AZ 85226
480.899.4298 info@pid-az.com
Copyright © 2005 Cynthia Diehl
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Take cue for interview clothes from job
By Georgann Yara
Staff Writer, Ahwatukee Foothills News
Faded jeans and a wrinkled shirt are usually not considered
proper attire for a job interview.
However, sometimes wearing a three-piece wool suit isn't
appropriate either.
Holding down a job while in high school or college is
common, so many people have experience going on that
first, second or even 10th job interview before they
are old enough to legally enter a bar.
But the stereotypical silk jacket and heels that mom
and dad insist be worn could send an equally wrong message
as that ripped T-shirt bought at a rock concert two years
ago.
Nick Sansone, manager for One80, an Ahwatukee Foothills
store that carries clothing inspired by surf-and-sand
styles that is geared toward teenagers and young adults,
said he doesn't need too much formality when a job hopeful
walks in. He does expect that they come in dressed above
average and little more put together than when they are
hanging out.
"A polo shirt, khaki slacks is fine; not just jeans
and a T-shirt," he said of what he expects from
applicants, who are mostly high school or college students.
Sansone frowns on looks or accessories that might turn
off customers. His clothes are popular with young people,
but he knows their parents are the ones often coming
in to make the purchases.
"(I don't want) something that instantaneously
says, 'I don't know if the average adult is going to
relate to you.' They have to relate to 30- to 40-year-olds," he
said.
Sansone's view is shared by other employers who would
rather a potential employee come in looking like they
fit in instead of standing out, said image
consultant Cynthia Diehl.
"You don't wear a suit when you're interviewing
for Charlotte Russe or Urban Outfitters. You need to
dress for your audience, you need to know who you'll
be around," said Diehl, who runs Personal Image
Development in Chandler.
She suggests doing research on the company before going
in for the interview, whether it's in a corporate office
setting or a mall. When in doubt, go conservative with
styles and colors. Musts include well-groomed hair, shoes
void of scuffs or excessively dirty and excessive visible
piercings.
"It takes someone less than three seconds to develop
three concrete ideas about you," Diehl said of the
first impression.
"That's not a lot of time, so make it count."
Big, dangling earrings do not impress Chris Boillot,
co-owner of Michael's Creative Jewelry in Ahwatukee Foothills,
nor do any accessories that distract from the evaluation
process.
He also does not care for outfits that look like they
are fresh off the runway or could have been worn by a
celebrity in the latest fashion magazine.
"The last thing I want to see is something over
the top, flashy, trendy. You want to blend in, be a team
worker. If you want to be taken seriously, dress seriously," he
said.
"It's not a fashion show."
The reporter can be reached at (480) 898-7917 or gyara@aztrib.com.
Copyright © 2003 Ahwatukee Foothills News
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Trendy touches keep looks on campus classroom classic
By Georgann Yara
Staff Writer, Ahwatukee Foothills News
With the start of a new school year, also comes the
inevitable shopping trip to accumulate a new wardrobe.
But trying to be in vogue while adhering to budget and
dress code concerns can be a tricky maze.
The key to keeping the look classic and hip, yet appropriate
for school is common sense.
"Trendy is OK, as long as it's put together nicely," said
Chandler image coach Cynthia Diehl, who assists children
and their parents with picking out the right pieces that
please both sides through her business, Personal Image
Development.
"Sometimes children don't trust when their parents say
something looks good, or when they say something doesn't.
It's all subjective."
Diehl said the biggest trend misconception is held by
girls who believe that, when it comes to clothing, less
is more.
"The truth is, that's not what guys like. Girls think
they need to show a lot of skin, but that's not what
guys prefer in a girl," she said.
She also says boys tend to not pay attention to their
hair, which can be a cool accessory in itself.
"Get a sharp hairstyle that will dress up any outfit," she
said.
Diehl suggests using belts, shoes, jewelry or other
embellishments to spruce up a basic ensemble and give
it a touch of trend and not an overdose, which might
not fly with a school dress code or look good on its
wearer.
These ideas can be particularly helpful to students
who attend schools that require a uniform. Diehl recommends
wearing a colored T-shirt under a polo shirt, a popular
shirt choice for many schools with a uniform code.
Each school has its own specific dress code details
so check with your child's school for specifics. These
are some general "No's" at Ahwatukee Foothills schools:
* Attire or accessories that promote drugs, alcohol,
sexual activity, violence, disrespect or bigotry toward
any group or person.
* Dress, jewelry and other accessories that present
risk to the health, safety and general welfare of students,
including excessive piercings, wallet chains or spiked
jewelry.
* Any item that expresses obscenities
* Any outfit that immodestly exposes the chest, abdomen,
legs or buttocks, including low-cut or see-through shirts,
undergarments worn as outergarments, tube tops and low-cut
pants that drag on the ground or allow undergarments
to be exposed.
* Wearing of sunglasses, hats or any head covering in
the classroom or school buildings.
* Going barefoot.
* Off the shoulder or spaghetti straps less than 1-1/4-inch
thick.
* Muscle shirts or sleeveless undershirts.
The reporter can be reached at (480) 898-7917 or
gyara@aztrib.com.
Copyright © 2003 Ahwatukee Foothills News top of
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