• Are you playing it too safe at work? In this candid interview with MAKERS, Brandon Holley, editor-in-chief of Lucky magazine, shares her career highs and lows. “If you’re not actually doing something that might make you fall on your face and signing your name to it and being ready to be blamed for it if it doesn’t work, you’re never actually going have a thing that succeeds.”

• Wanna know why I think it’s so important for every professional woman to own a sheath dress? Check out my guest styling feature with renowned fashion brand LUCZA. Founder, Karen Scofield, was born in the US, but now lives in the UK with her family where she designs beautiful and extremely versatile, quality garments ideal for us career women. Don’t miss LUCZA’s exclusive offer for CF readers too on free shipping now through June 22, 2013! Use promo code: LUCZACF.

• Looking for a job in a creative field? Blogger and graphic designer, Breanna Rose, reminds us that it’s super important for our materials (ie. resume, cover letter) to look creative too.

• GateGuru Is the Ultimate Airport Sherpa — Don’t Travel Without It [GeekSugar]

• I found the perfect new piece to add to your Office Fashion Emergency Kit…Quick Tips instant heel caps. I tried them…they’re amazing! Best solution to swiftly fix worn high heels in-between your shoe repair visits. Prolong the life of your shoes, plus say goodbye to that annoying (and unprofessional) clicking sound! No tools required. Founder, Grace Hwang is brilliant! Watch demo. Great for mid-day mishaps and business travels! Available in small, medium and large.

• How to Break a Habit… or Start a New One [Goop]
  “What you’re looking for is for that new response to be automatic, so you don’t have to have that tussle with your willpower.”

• Here’s a simple way to stretch your shoes, “fill a ziplock bag with water, place it in your shoe then stick it in the freezer. As the water freezes it expands and it will stretch the shoe”, says podiatrist, Dr. Krista Archer. She shares more great tips on Summer Shoe Dos and Don’ts with Dr. Oz including spraying hairspray inside your sandals to prevent your feet from sliding after sweating in the summer heat. Clever, huh?!

• This Is a Graph of Your Productivity [Mashable]
  “In this comic, Angela Liao of 20px shows us the difference between when we expect to be productive and when we’re actually productive.” Are her results as true for you as they are for me?

• The Clarisonic: Ultimate grooming gadget—or potential skincare hazard? [Beauty Editor]
  The best review I have read to date!

• Sallie Krawcheck : Why I’m Investing In A Women’s Network [Forbes]
  This former financial services executive says, “The progress of women in business has plateaued. The next step is to move from advocacy to real investments in women… I am becoming involved with and investing in 85 Broads because investing in women is smart business. And women investing in themselves and in others, as they do through the network, is even smarter business.”

• The Valley Girl Show does a fun interview with Mandy Ginsberg, CEO of Match.com. Mandy believes it’s important to be who you are and to take risks as a professional! She also highlights the 5000 social events Match.com will be hosting this year, the efforts they are making with their site for mobile users, the big misconceptions we have about men, plus her and host, Jesse Draper, Zumba together.

• 9 Moves to a Tighter Butt [Self]
  Because…summer is just around the corner!

• How To Know What That Job Pays [Forbes]

• What Does It Mean When You Don’t Hear Back After A Job Interview? [The Prepary]
  “It does NOT mean that they don’t want to hire you!”

Corporate Fashionista’s ‘The Boardroom’ features the latest news in business and fashion geared towards the professional woman.

Did you know your savvy shopping skills can have a direct, positive impact on your salary and overall job satisfaction?

According to acclaimed Silicon Valley venture capitalist, Heidi Roizen, they can!

The trick is to harness your masterful shopping techniques and apply them to your business negotiation strategies relating to salary, promotion possibilities, special projects, teams that you want to be on, work hours, etcetera.

I was recently watching Heidi Roizen speak at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business Women in Leadership Conference and my ears perked up when she shared a handbag analogy that I think you’ll appreciate too.

One of Heidi’s favorite business principals is, “negotiation is the process of finding the maximal intersection of mutual need”.

The idea is there is enough pie for everyone. Success is not finite. And that if you are clear at explaining what’s important to you during a negotiation and understanding what’s important to the other person, then you’ll have a better opportunity of finding not only a mutually beneficial solution, but surprisingly, an even better one than you expected.

“I might have ways of getting more of what you want than you even know to ask me for, but…if you don’t frame it in such a way that I can use my creativity to help you solve your problem then we’re not going to get a better solution out.”

Here’s Roizen’s clever handbag analogy to further explain this negotiation principal:

“If you go to the store and you think you need a tan handbag and there are no tan handbags, you won’t get a tan handbag. If you go to the store and you say, ‘Well, there are none being shown, but let me ask the sales clerk’ and she says, ‘Well, I don’t have any here at this store, but I can order it in from another store.’…that’s one more level of helping you in a way that you couldn’t have solved your problem on your own. But if you actually walk in with the dress you’re trying to match and you say, ‘This is the dress I want to wear…what handbag will go with this?’, the sales clerk, who’s in fashion and presumably knows this stuff certainly better than I do, might say, ‘Well, here’s a teal handbag and that would actually look killer with this dress!’ and you might hold it up and go, ‘Well, wow! I would never have thought of a teal handbag.’

The idea is if you can really do this, maximal intersection with mutual need, I think you end up with better solutions and that to me is an incredible skill and also incredible when you get stuck in a negotiation.”

Sounds like a win-win approach to me!

Heidi’s relatable handbag analogy makes me feel much more confident about my own ability to be a better business negotiator. Plus, it’s certainly easy to remember during an often anxiety-inducing negotiation process!

What are your thoughts on Heidi’s handbag analogy? Do you think it will be useful to you during your next business negotiation? Please share!

Image credit: Citrus Refreshing Fashion. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

I love handbags.

I love, love, love shoes.

The challenge is finding just the right ones to support a busy life with a demanding career…I mean a girl only needs so many weekend and cocktail options.

Sound familiar?

Plus, it’s extra tricky finding work appropriate bags and shoes to wear during the warmer months. Since daylight lasts longer that means more social engagements after work requiring extra room in your already over-stuffed bag; and shoes, well, they need to allow your feet to breath to cool your body temperature while still complying with company dress code policies, be budget-friendly and versatile, feel comfy and, of course, look super stylish.

I know the shopping criteria list is a mile long, so you can imagine my excitement when I found several options. I got a little carried away, but I know you’re crunched for time too and we need all the help we can get!

Here’s a collection of some of my favorite, office-friendly bags and shoes currently available to jumpstart your summer shopping:

SHOES:

1. JCrew Etta Cap Toe Pumps
2. Banana Republic Liza Pumps
3. DVF Alina Studded Pumps
4. Sigerson Morrison Sky Slingbacks
5. Tory Burch Careen Loafers
6. JCrew Etta Bead-Stitch Pumps
7. Kate Spade NY Licorice Pumps
8. Coach Terri Sandals
9. Studio Pollini Raffia Sandals
10. Jeffrey Campbell Pierre Wedges
11. KORS Michael Kors Vivian Wedge Slingbacks
12. JCrew Lillian Patent Wedges
13. Derek Lam Bijiou Sandals
14. Sigerson Morrison Calee Sandals
15. Steve Madden Nanncy Wedges
16. JCrew Straw Flats
17. Rebecca Minkoff Idelle Woven Flats
18. Belle Sigerson Morrison Andromeda Flats
19. JCrew Darby Stripped Loafers
20. Report Silverton Dorsay Flats
21. Loeffler Randall Luella Mignon Sandal
22. Opening Ceremony Fisherman Sandals
23. Schutz Angelica Ankle Strap Sandal
24. JCrew Allie Gladiator Sandals
25. BC Footwear Independence Day Sandals
26. Corso Como Talia Sandals
27. L.A.M.B. Ciara Sandals
28. French Connection Kirsten Sandals

BAGS:

29. BCBG Allie Whip-Stitch Satchel
30. JCrew Biennial Linen-Leather Satchel
31. Rebecca Minkoff Dylan Tote
32. Rebecca Minkoff Brett Brief Bag
33. Rebecca Minkoff Box Weave Bonnie Satchel
34. JCrew Biennial Satchel
35. Vince Camuto Perforated Tote
36. Marc by Marc Jacobs Top Chicret Bag
37. Christopher Kon Alisson Tote
38. Rebecca Minkoff Python Jayden Satchel
39. Botkier Wanderlust Woven Tote
40. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Chantilly Tote
41. JCrew Colorblock Tartine Satchel
42. JCrew Biennial Hobo Bag
43. Rachael Ruddick East West Shopper Tote

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to buying a handbag or shoes for work? Do you find it easy to meet your shopping requirements? Please share!

Image credit: fortheloveofpretty.tumblr. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking…not exactly the type of career style recognition you were looking for, right? But there is much more to learn here than meets the eye.

Danielle from We Wore What looks adorable in her whimsical striped tee. It’s fun. It’s flirty. It’s perfect on her. And it’s part of her job to take fashion to its limits. She’s a personal style blogger and in order to stand out in her chosen field she must visually provoke her audience. There are a million and one shots on blogs of girls wearing stripes, but Danielle was extra savvy in her choice, allowing her to separate herself successfully from the masses. Her style strategy worked…tweets, shares, pins and repins…connections galore are plentiful certain to lead to increased opportunities in her career.

You need to do the same at work!

Style is one of the ways you should lean in as a professional rather than lean back. Just go for it! It is a business tool you can and must master (whether on your own, reading great style blogs or hiring a talented stylist). And it’s always a good idea to get inspiration whenever and from wherever you can.

Case in point…unless you’re a personal style blogger or work in the fashion industry, obviously your fashion choices will be different from Danielle’s and appropriate for your specific career and workplace, but your style strategy should be the same.

Do you agree it’s vitally important for you too to stand out as a professional in your field, department and company? It goes without saying your sharp skills set and innovative ideas come first as a way to grab higher-ups attention and create more business opportunities for yourself, but make no mistake fashion has its powers too.

You’re entitled to have attention and it doesn’t have to be over-the-top to make a positive impact on your career.

Believe me; even small, becoming, unique style updates make a big impression! For example, it’s perfectly acceptable to participate in similar fashion trends as your work colleagues, but I highly recommend distinguishing your take on a specific trend. Managers are always looking for self-confident appearing, independent thinkers to help them take the department to the next level. So something as simple as opting to wear a different on-trend shoe is a form of leaning in. If your fellow female co-workers are all wearing black or nude Tory Burch ballet flats perhaps you can opt instead for something on-trend, but more dynamic, such as a textured, red Sigerson Morrison flat. Appropriately differentiating yourself and your style at the office…it works!

In today’s über competitive marketplace you need to take advantage of all the tools available to you and honing your professional style at work is certainly relevant and worthy; as are you…just lean in and get noticed!

How do you ‘lean in’ and distinguish yourself with your style at work? Please share!

Image credit: We Wore What. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

It’s not always easy to dress fashionable at work, is it?

You’re right! It certainly can be a challenge, especially when it comes to translating popular trends into your everyday work wear. With your days already jam packed with non-stop professional and personal demands, the last thing you want to fret over is what to wear. But! You still want to have fun with your style and visually convey your career ambitions.

That’s why I’ve expanded further on my previous list of hot spring trends for you and put together a collection, guaranteed to give you loads of fashion inspiration!

Each spring trend is categorized for different work environments. I call it the Three C’s: Conservative, Creative and Casual. (Yes, you’ve seen this before with my nail polish guide, but for this demonstration I switched cocktail to casual.)

Take note, these general dress codes vary per workplace and professional field. For example, your office’s business casual dress code may be an everyday affair allowing you to wear denim and open-toed shoes to your hearts content. Or your company’s definition of casual solely rests on Casual Friday’s, but still requires a denim free and closed-toe shoe policy. Use your best judgment and tweak these fashionable trends as necessary.

Look no further; here are tons of ideas for you to start incorporating more of your favorite spring trends into your work wardrobe today:

Please share how you make trends work at work! Which fashion trends do plan to incorporate into your professional wardrobe this season?

Image credits: [Top] 9to5Chic, [Stripes] This Time Tomorrow, Washingtonian, Wear A Wishbone,[Florals] Hello, Framboise, District of Chic, Elle.com, [Graphic Patterns] BlackHasItAll.tumblr, Kéla’s Kloset , Framboise Fashion, [Brights] Fast Food & Fast Fashion, ldsfashion.tumblr, Stockholm Streestyle, [Pastels] Leanne Barlow Elle Apparel, Pink Peonies, Living In Color Print, [Go-Global] Tory Burch pumps via Vogue.com, SimplyCyn (aka Addicted2Etsy), Phil Oh via StreetPeeper, and [Tropical] MietteShoppe.tumblr, Vanessa Jackman, 9to5Chic. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

• “I don’t know how to explain what it was like to run my business, the joy of every day.” Remembering fashion designer, Lilly Pulitzer [BoF]. Kelly Ottinger of Kelly Market created a lovely product collage of Lilly’s bright, cheerful prints.

• Next time you’re at the newsstand, check out Cosmopolitan’s May issue and turn to page 138 to see Corporate Fashionista’s work style tips. I’m thrilled to be quoted in journalist, Sarah Bruning’s cover article, “She Did What at Work?!”

• Looking for a fab pair of frames? Rivet & Sway is the mecca of online eyeglasses exclusively for women. This boutique company is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. I tried them and the quality is superb! They have a free personal stylist which I highly recommend too. Rx lenses, coatings and shipping included in price, plus new and innovative specs designs are plentiful and ever-expanding. More good news! **Special offer** – $50 off one pair of frames thru May 31, 2013. Use discount code: CFSWAYS

• Mad Men fan? Then you’re gonna love this humorous and insightful professional perspective from journalist Jessica Taylor for The Daily Muse, 5 Career Lessons I’ve Learned From Mad Men.

• Google Reader is shutting down on July 1st. Bummer! Thankfully, Lifehacker’s got five of the best alternative news reading apps and services.

• Move Over BB Cream, Here Comes CC [ABC News]

• Learn what each sized curling iron does from The Beauty Department.

• According to Jeremy Neuner, CEO and cofounder of NextSpace, 40% of America’s workforce will be freelancers by 2020. “We are quickly becoming a nation of permanent freelancers and temps.”

• Why Your Resume Is Not Enough from career expert, Nicole Williams. [HuffPost]

• The Top FIVE Must Watch Videos For Your Career [Classy Career Girl]

• I.could.not.stop.laughing! Enjoy Joyce Wadler of the New York Time’s hilarious take on today’s denim dilemma and The Low-Rise Insanity Defense.

• Get ready for April showers in style with Blunt XS Metro’s ultimate umbrella and swap out your clunky rain boots for Swims’ water-resistant loafers.

• Dr. Mehmet Oz shares helpful tips on surviving allergy season.

• Sheryl Sandberg is still a hot topic in the news while promoting her book, Lean In. I was inspired by Amanda Steinberg, founder & CEO of financial media company DailyWorth, and her loving challenge for the Facebook COO. Also, Sheryl joins Marlo Thomas for an interesting interview and shares her views on why she and most other women are uncomfortable with success.

• Arianna Huffington On Leaning In, Leaning Back And The Second Women’s Movement [HuffPost]
  “I think this really is a second women’s revolution…because this time we’re not just fighting for a space in the world, we’re fighting to change it…for women, but for men too, the new metric of success is well-being.”

• 7 Ways To Push Back Without Being Pushy [Forbes]

• Caution: Salad Toppings Pack On the Pounds [FitSugar]

• Are you a book lover like me? On Refinery29, 12 fashion insiders share their favorite books.

Corporate Fashionista’s ‘The Boardroom’ features the latest news in business and fashion geared towards the professional woman.

Have you ever been in a dressing room excited to try on all the goodies you found, but once you put them on, piece by piece, you’re just not sure you look good in them?

You ask your girlfriend to come out of her dressing room and take a peek at your cobalt blue sheath dress…she loves it! You even get another thumbs up from the store’s sales associate. So you decide to go ahead and get it. Once you’re home you ask your partner what he thinks and he says, “You always look great!” But you’re still not convinced. Now, the magic seems to be dissipating and the more you contemplate the new top, trousers, dress, necklace or pair of boots…the more you question yourself and your style choices.

Sound familiar?!

Don’t worry…you’re not alone in your self-doubt!

I’ve got four telltale signs to share with you, guaranteed to increase your confidence with all your fashion decisions.

Get the proof you need by making sure your new garment or accessory passes this simple Q&A test:

1. Does it fit? Every part of your new garment or accessory must fit your body properly. Pay special attention to clothing seams and darts, sleeve and pant lengths, shoe size and width, necklace adjustability and bracelet diameter…most pieces should look fitted, but not tight and rest at their anatomically correct areas. Some designs require a slightly loose, relaxed fit; but not sloppy. Use a tailor as necessary.

2. Does it flatter? It’s crucial that your new top or handbag or pair of earrings or sunglasses, etcetera is proportionate to your body frame and/or facial features. A petite body frame can still opt for an oversized handbag, but the angles in the bag design must support her frame and not visually overwhelm her. It’s also imperative that your new garment create a proportionate silhouette too (ie. an hourglass body shape is almost always ideal, because it’s symmetrical and symmetry is pleasing to the ‘eye’). Other factors to consider are design shape, color tone, pattern size and placement and whether or not your garment or accessory elongates your neckline, limbs and overall body frame. In all cases, stand at a moderate distance from your full-length mirror and look at everything objectively.

3. Does it function? It goes without saying your buttons must button, zippers must zip, clasps must close and, of course, you must be able to move freely in your new piece, but the new piece must also be versatile, so that it operates well in your wardrobe and into your life. I always recommend trying everything on again when you get home from the store to be certain that your new blouse does actually go great with your red pencil skirt, navy trousers and floral cardigan sweater. All too often when it comes to fashion, theory differs from actuality (ie. style-wise…the blouse should look good with those other pieces, but once you put each complete outfit together something is just not quite right). Do the at-home function test and then trust your aesthetic instincts!

4. Does it feel good? The true fashion litmus test is whether or not you feel good in your new garment or accessory. What you wear should always boost your confidence! If you feel diminished in any way then your answer is clear…it’s just not the right piece. At this point, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, how you feel overrules. Your new pieces should enliven your complexion, elongate your body, add versatility to your wardrobe and spike your energy…always. Ultimately, fashion is a tool to fuel you. This is especially vital for you as a professional.

I want to hear from you! How do you know when something looks good on you? Do you think these questions will help you with your buying decisions?

Image credit: Emerson Fry. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

I love springtime!

The cheerful colors, the fragrant scents and, of course, the warm weather…no wonder everyone’s got a sunny disposition.

It’s a great time for fashion too.

This spring/summer season is no exception.

The overall focus is a fresh take on classic patterns, prints and colors and less on new shapes.

The challenge for us becomes how to interpret new trends for our everyday life, especially work activities. Hint: the tried-and-true trick is to opt for a conservative take on the trend without omitting its very essence. But we’ll delve more into that in upcoming articles.

For now, I wanted to share with you a quick overview of my top ten trends list for this current spring/summer season:

1. Stripes: Nautical stripe patterns and prints have become a year-long staple garment…you’ve likely already got a few pieces hanging in your closet. You’ll still be on-trend wearing those classics, but what’s fresh and new this season is vertical stripes and wide horizontal stripes. As always, a flattering stripe placement is still key.

2. White Denim: White pants are another spring/summer classic staple piece. This season go for head-to-toe white outfits, opting for white pants, a white skirt or a white dress, or what I’m really drawn to is including a pair of white denim jeans into your wardrobe. You could easily wear them throughout the weekend and on Casual Friday’s, depending upon your work field and office culture. Thankfully…because white denim is such a hot trend, it is available in all styles…skinny, straight, wide leg, etcetera.

3. Graphic Patterns: I’m just giddy over designer’s spring/summer versions of enlarged checkered, windowpane, plaid and other bold, graphic patterns. They are available in a variety of color palettes, but a black and white combo is the most classic and popular…it adds to the drama.

4. Florals: What would the season be without floral fashions? Last spring/summer colorful floral patterns and prints were seen on everyone and everything…jackets, blouses, pants, bags, shoes. The trend continues this year with lots of new color combinations and proportions…the biggest difference I see is that head-to-toe florals and/or floral suits are out…instead sprinkle some into your outfits here and there.

5. Tropical Prints: This retro print has made its comeback this season. I like the feeling it gives me that I am on a tropical vacation any day of the week. These colorful prints can be found on bomber jackets, skirts, pants, blouses, dresses and more.

6. Plastic Accessories: Clear and colorful see-through handbags, hat brims, sunglasses, jewelry and shoes are all the rage this season. This trend is just pure fun!

7. Brightly Colored Lace: Back by popular demand, we first saw this trend in late winter, but there were so few pieces to choose from…thankfully, designers and stores got the message and, now, there are a variety of brightly colored lace pieces available. Wear this trend and compliments are guaranteed!

8. Multi Teeny Tiny Rings: Another well-liked fall/winter trend made its way into this season. You can still layer your necklaces or bracelets, but the true micro trend is wearing multiple thin rings on each hand…it’s not for everyone, but there are ways to make the style look sophisticated.

9. Pastel Colors: I really enjoyed the surprising yet short appearance pastel colors made this past winter season and, so, I am thrilled to see them readily available this spring/summer. These soft, sorbet colors are soothing and just exude the spirit of the warm weather season. Keep your eyes open for pale blue, mint green, lilac, coral, soft pink, yellow and more. But don’t worry…vibrant, bright colors are here to stay too!

10. Go-Global: I was happy to see another popular fall trend make its way into this season. Globally influenced patterns and prints from Asia and Africa and even Spain are available in a variety of designs. The biggest appeal to these beautiful designs is the incorporation of fresh, bright, electric colors. It’s easy to feel like you’ve spent your entire summer traveling the globe even when you’ve really been madly working!

Which trends would make you feel on top of the world? Please share!

Image credits: Stockholm Streetstyle, tjmaxx.tumblr, Harper & Harley, vogue-enfant.tumblr, Gary Pepper, Phil Oh for SaksFifthAvenue, They All Hate Us, Vivaluxury.blogspot, restyle.restore.rejoice, Sugar for your closet, Kéla’s Kloset and scprep.tumblr. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

Today marks the 1st official day of spring!

It’s the perfect time to start thinking about your warm weather wardrobe.

New clothes and accessories are one of the best parts about starting a new season…wouldn’t you agree? Just don’t let budgeting for them suck out the fun factor!

In fact, just as your outfits should empower you, so should your smart shopping strategies.

To avoid overspending and becoming a financial fashion victim, I’ve got a quick tool that’s certain to help. I call it a lifeSTYLE diagram. I first introduced this chart to new clients during their closet overhaul and wardrobe revamp, but soon got feedback that it’s super helpful when creating and adhering to a fashion spending plan each season too.

Rather than starting with a dollar figure, let’s first assess your lifestyle.

Here’s how it works:

1. Create a basic circular pie chart. Do this in Mint or another preferred financial tool, in Excel or simply draw it on your phone, tablet or on a piece of paper…whichever application or device works best for you.

2. Estimate proportional sectors. Identify the main activities in your life and create categories – eg. Professional Responsibilities, Social Engagements and Leisure Activities (see above). Each sector should be a different lifestyle category and be directly proportional to how much time you spend participating in each particular season.

3. Guesstimate sub-segments. Break down your main categories into subcategories (ie. specific activities) – eg. Professional Responsibilities: in-office, client meetings, presentations, travel, interviews, networking events, etcetera; Social Engagements: date night, girl’s night out, weekend parties, weddings, etcetera; Leisure Activities: outdoor adventures, vacation(s), exercising, hobbies, sports, summer festivals and more.

4. Determine Dollar Amount. Since great style can be displayed at all prices points, it’s truly up to you how much you want to spend on clothing and accessories for the season. After you decide on your style budget, apply it to your lifeSTYLE diagram. You can do this in your mind’s eye or go all out and mark your dollar percentages accordingly. Granted some clothing and accessories will overlap into other subcategories, but in practice very few usually do – so often we wish to clearly separate the different areas of our life.

5. Seeing is believing. It goes without saying, you logically already know where you spend most of your time, but graphs are memorable and can help you be a savvy shopper too. The idea is for you to be very aware of where you are spending your style budget. Do your wardrobe, budget and shopping habits proportionally reflect your personalized lifeSTYLE graph? Or is there a particular segment or subcategory that tends to lead you over budget time and again? Are you spending more money on party shoes or bathing suits than you really want? A visual aid is easy to recall while you’re shopping and building your dream seasonal wardrobe.

After you’ve created your very own lifeSTYLE diagram, feel free to apply some additional smart shopping tools, such as the cost-per-wear equation.

You’re all set to fully enjoy the season. Bring on spring!

Do you have an annual or seasonal wardrobe budget in place? Is it easy to adhere to? Let me know if my lifeSTYLE tool helps!

Image credit: Pink Peonies. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.

Color is a form of nonverbal communication.

It’s powerful. It’s persuasive.

There is an art to it and there is a science to it.

So, why not take advantage of the opportunity and wear colors that help you further succeed in business?!

Here’s an example: You’ve scheduled a 15-minute meeting with your boss. Your objective is to request more responsibility and you’ve laid out a sound plan on how and why this would be advantageous to his or her department. You’ve got a proven track record and, now, you want more. Do you think you are more likely to hear a “Yes, great idea!” by wearing a blue blouse or a red blouse? What about a purple blouse versus a green blouse?

My answer is any of these colors would be better than opting to wear your all-too-often, go-to white or black top or jacket or dress.

The study of color theory and color psychology is useful, but it can also be overwhelming and the bottom line is the way color is perceived is subjective. Meanings of color can vary depending upon culture and circumstance and can vary from one day to the next with any individual…just think of the color red…it can symbolize both excitement and anger.

Here’s why I think color (other than white or black) is so vital to you as a professional. It does affect decision makers. And it does affect your confidence which, in turn, affects decision makers too.

You want to look smart, capable, dynamic, and enthused on the job.

Wearing white or black or other neutral colors all the time makes you look boring, bland…a wallflower…and who wants that in a (future) leader?

So, my recommendation? Separate yourself from the crowd and wear more color on the job, especially on days when you’ve got a super important engagement!

I would not get distracted by the meaning of colors. Instead, place your focus on actually wearing colors, besides predominately neutrals, and wearing your best color tones that enliven your skin tone, invigorate you and make you feel great. Although mint green may be a hot color trend, pistachio may look best on you. Also note colors do not have to look bright to be effective…focus on personally flattering colors.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to go overboard! Simply incorporate one colorful piece into your business outfit and get ready for lots more opportunities at work.

Do you have a power color that you rely on for important business engagements? If so, please share with readers why you think that particular color works so well for you?

Image credit: Le 21ème. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.