Today's Fashion Affirmation

I stand tall in my clothes.



I strive to maintain good posture because I understand that the way in which I carry myself affects my health and well being. When I stand up straight, I am perfectly aligned from my head to my toes. My spine is supported, there is less stress on my joints and muscles, and my internal organs have enough room to perform optimally. Like a highly efficient machine, I move gracefully and effortlessly.

When I keep my head up, pull my shoulders back and open my chest, I command a strong presence in the world. My straight carriage changes everything about my appearance. I stand out, look proud and appear more confident. I am stylish and stately in my clothes, which fit as if they were custom made. People often compliment me on my appearance.

I know that good posture is a habit. When I find myself slouching and shrinking, I know that I can reverse this tendency through awareness and practice. When I pass by a mirror or see my reflection anywhere, I check out my posture and immediately make the corrections that are needed. I also regularly do a quick body scan, especially when I am sitting or standing for long periods of time. If I’m slumping, I focus on what that feels like, and I also experience the reverse sensation of filling out my frame.  The difference is unmistakable. Every day I choose to stand tall for my spine, my health and myself!

Do's and don'ts of casual business attire

Business casual is now the most widely accepted corporate attire in the United States, and companies in Greenville are following this national trend. Although it appears that there is no standard definition of the term “business casual”, employers develop their policies for this for this dress practice based on the following general guidelines: 

• Men:  slacks, short or long sleeve collared shirts or sweaters, closed toe non-athletic footwear and socks. 
• Women: knee length or longer dresses, skirts, full or Capri length pants, tops and blouses with or without collars, sweaters, and closed or open toed shoes. 

Often companies allow their employees to “dress down” on certain days. Employees of the North American corporate headquarters of Michelin tires in Greenville may wear jeans on Fridays. The Greenville offices of Hubbell Lighting permit their employees to wear jeans a few times a month, usually before holidays or in conjunction with a charitable fundraising or food drive. Steve Nail, Vice President of Human Resources,  pointed out that jeans and specially designed tee-shirts are also worn at events celebrating the achievements of individual departments. 

Business casual is not synonymous with informal or casual attire. Certain clothing and accessories are always off limits in a business casual environment.  Leisure, athletic clothing, club wear and beach attire are prohibited, and so are clothes that show too much skin or undergarments.    Hubbell Lighting and other companies also prohibit clothing and accessories that display inflammatory or profane language, designs or photos. 

Business casual by no means sacrifices seriousness of purpose for comfort. Janet Wade, Michelin’s Director of Corporate Personnel, emphasizes that ones work clothing should reflect a single purpose:  doing business. Image awareness professional and owner of “DotThati”, Tamra Silvestre, stresses the “need to maintain a professional image that is a positive reflection” on one’s company.  Alicia Abrahams, Community Manager at Verandas at the Point apartment residences on Carolina Point Parkway, strongly believes that a professional appearance from “head to toe” also sends the message that employees take pride in their work and value the customers they serve. In Ms. Abrahams’opinion, the gold standard for business includes being neat, well groomed and polished. 

Although all employees need to become well versed in their organizations’ dress code, from time to time they may have questions about the appropriateness of certain clothing. Jason Loftis, Corporate Recruiting Manager at Michelin, offers this essential piece of advice to employees and job candidates alike: always seek clarification from a supervisor on matters relevant to professional attire.

Shorts are for fashion and easy living

Shorts available at  www.facebook.com/fabrikgreenville 

Dressy shorts with draped front panel and print top available  at www.facebook.com/fabrikgreenville

Shorts, an ever present summer wardrobe staple, are now also one of the hottest fashion trends. Now is the time to find the latest shorts online at bargain prices. White House Black Market carries classic dark wash denim jean shorts, cargo shorts with front pockets, and flat front cotton cuffed shorts, all on sale for $39.99. Although most styles come in versatile neutrals, some are available in bold shades like pomegranate.  J.Jill, known for its distinctive linen apparel, sells a machine-washable linen walking short in white and black with an elastic waist. For those who prefer to show more leg, J Jill is now selling a linen twill cuffed short for $39.99. At Talbots, classic styles with contemporary sash accents are currently on sale. The “cuffed sash short” and the “parachute sash short” in summer palettes like sand and pale pink, are available at a deep discount. Styles like these can be dressed up when when worn with fitted jackets as a “short suit”, or graceful silk tanks and wedge sandals.

As the summer heats up, shorts fit the bill for comfort, coolness and incomparable style.

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I accessorize artfully and thoughtfully.

Opportunities to express your individuality and creativity present themselves every day.  You could invent a new recipe, transform a room by adding touches of color to it, or write in your journal. Fashion provides another vehicle for self expression. When you wake up each morning, you can decide not only how you want to look, but what image and mood you hope to capture. Do you wish to project a powerful presence for an upcoming business presentation? Are you going for a chic and sophisticated appearance for your vacation to Italy? Dressing with intention and looking your best requires that you have the proper clothing essentials to suit your personality and lifestyle. Next, you need a host of accessories. Like icing on a cake, accessories are what help you to stand out and look finished. In addition, they are the personal touches that reveal your authentic style. If you have a bohemian streak, you can wear a head scarf and multiple bangle bracelets. On the other hand, a double strand pearl chocker may be exactly the right jewelry choice for your classic and traditional tastes.

Would you like to learn how to “take your outfits from ordinary to extraordinary”, and also gain the confidence to create a polished look from head to toe? The expert DRES stylists at Holobi are eager to assist you with all your accessory styling and personal wardrobe needs. Find a stylist near you by visiting  http://www.holobi.com/.  I am also a regional director for Holobi, and one of their independent Holobi consultants. You may either contact me at coreyurbina@fashionforstylematters.com or cu@holobi/com.