Business Rule: "Never buy a piece of clothing unless it enhances your presentation. I mean it should actively benefit you, not be just OK"

Those that choose to purchase clothing with the purpose of advancing or enhancing their career will be rewarded and appreciate the value in their decision. During the process of acquiring and building your career wardrobe I recommend finding a professional clothier that really listens to you, has a complete understanding of your industry and profession and will be able to offer you the correct clothing options and selections for your consideration. Most successful professionals and leaders do take their clothing choices seriously and most do have a professional clothier as their "coach and advisor" for all of their business clothing needs.

We have about 90 seconds to make a first impression so my question to you; How do you want to use your 90 seconds? Wisely I would assume. In most business settings, our clothing choice will speak volumes about who we are, and will make a statement about the seriousness you have for your career and purpose. And in most business settings our opportunity for the first impression is actually an everyday occurrence in some form or another. So, clothing with a purpose will optimize your opportunities.

Of course, separate of our daily business attire is the time to have some fun clothing, more fashionable attire, etc. So, please! Enjoy, be creative and have fun while shopping for these fun clothing and accessory items. I do encourage you to certainly recognize the difference of business events and social events that may relate to your career objectives so be sure to dress appropriately and accordingly. But for fun?....let you creativity shine!!

Dress up......Dress down....that is your business
Dress well............... that is my business

Oh, by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself and my company too, please send me their name and contact information.

Continued success,
Doug

• QUOTE:
  "The Sport Coat was introduced in the 1920's as "The Odd Jacket". Now an important clothing choice for business casual. A jacket with purpose."
  

The main point I want us to think about regarding the above quote is the idea for us to embrace change. Today, in most professional and personal dress choices, the sport coat is as common or mabe even the more appropriate choice rather than a suit and tie. Make no mistake, we all have the responsibility to dress appropriately, dress respectfully, dress well, however, over time and through the decades, adjustments are made and additional options are part of dressing well. The one thing that remains constant is style (for the individual) versus fashion (for the masses) as well as continued good taste. Also, the choice of quality fabric, usually natural fibers, will remain the dominant choice for timeless and permanent style.

We have seen so many changes this past decade regarding business casual dress, the options for appropriate dinner and formal event apparel and the daily business dress choice. At times, the choice has confused the proper clothing choice and the dress selection has then become inappropriate at best. The good news? Recently, you may have noticed the pendulum is swinging back toward a more respectful dress option. A subtle and respectful updated look is noticed once again rather than the extreme casual or weekend casual dress that was attempted in some business environments.

Appropriate dress and representing yourself respectfully has not changed. However, we can embrace change concerning tasteful dress options. We will want to always present ourselves both professionally and personally that will allow us to accept compliments, not comments.

Dress up......................dress down........that is your business

dress well.........that is my business

Labels: Formality

PERSONAL BRANDING: "Seek out a professional clothier, a person willing to listen and understand how to help you develop your individual style."

The above quote is a reminder that as individuals we should strive to present ourselves as best possible while developing our professional and even our personal life journey. I suggest we internalize and understand how our thoughts, our hearts, and our actions determine how we project to others the person we choose to be. In doing so, we then have the unique opportunity to establish a presence. We as individuals can simply do the same as most company branding entities strive to do and if we will do so, we will position ourselves as leaders and the probability of more successful opportunities and rewarding experiences.

"Most of us are good at one or two things. A mark of wisdom is to let others help with everything else."

Most often we establish professional partnerships with our accountants, doctors, legal situations, career counseling or coaching, and our sport activities/trainers, etc. In this spirit, I encourage you to consider the possibility of how a professional clothier, in a comfortable working relationship, will benefit your life goals and objectives. I do believe the relationship will serve you well!

Dress up.....Dress down........that's your business
Dress well................that's my business
Continued success as you develop your individual style for your life's journey.

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INVITATION: "Black-tie optional" No it isn't. Wear the appropriate formal wear for the lady on your arm and the host. Dress respectfully.

Often, we receive invitations that are confusing or the invitation seems to not be clear concerning the proper attire. When this happens, simply dress to the"up side", therefore worst case, you have shown complete respect to your host, the event you are attending, and most importantly, the person you are escorting or the person escorting you! A non-verbal message that will speak volumes for the person you are and you will make a statement simply showing you care. So, dress well and it will always serve you well!
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As always, please let me know your thoughts and suggestions for this page or future writings.

Oh, by the way, if you know of anyone I may introduce myself to, please send me their contact information and I will be sure to touch base with them.

Continued success,
Doug

As we begin our new year, I am reconnecting my informational blog site for all of us to learn and hopefully apply Style and Clothing ideas. If you have ideas, suggestions and questions for me and my Company, Doug Paris Wardrobe & Design, please email me or call me. Hearing from you and your thoughts will allow me to provide information that benefits clients, friends and other interested parties I am privileged to be connected with through this thing called "Social Media".

This first 2k10 addition will contain two quotes from the past few weeks of FB and twitter posts. Every week I will comment further on the ideas and quotes you see from me or you may have read from my book "STYLE: A LIFE"S WORK"

Quote:

"Style is for the individual......Fashion is for the masses".

This statement is about a person's ability to establish who they are and how they choose to live their life. It is not necessarily about the clothes chosen to wear. I believe that one's style starts with; a smile and attitude; their chosen Character, Principals and Values; and simply the consistency of one's life choices. It is about being an individual. The clothing choice will enhance your style. Fashion is something that is seen as different and always changing. If a person does not commit to their core beliefs and is always changing ideas and life choices, they risk not being on solid ground for the life they have chosen. And usually, clothing choices and image follows suit. So, solid choices for life and then authentic classic clothing will enhance the presence.

Quote;

"Good Clothes Open All Doors". Thomas Fuller 1608–1661, was an English churchman and historian.

One of my favorites!! This is all about longevity of style, no matter the century, decade, a particular year or current trends. It is all about first impressions and all about opportunity. If you want to position yourself for the best possible opportunity whether it be for career, for social settings, and maybe simply being treated respectfully, then you will find it in your best interest to dress appropriately, dress respectfully, and dress well. Literally on a daily basis's I see how we dress and present ourselves can make an impact no matter the situation. So, if it is important enough, use your clothing as an impact tool. A simple choice that has incredible results.

As mentioned, I do hope to address your ideas and questions you may have for this venue of communication. Please send your comments, questions to me and I will add your request to my daily quotes and weekly informational blog.

Thank you for taking the time to review this weekly press clip!
Continued success,
Doug Paris

As many of you are aware I recently had the opportunity to appear on 9News "My20" with Greg Moss. It was an exciting and rewarding chance to share my observations.


Having observed successful, significant people for over thirty years, I have found there are usually 4 points in consistent professional and personal development for success.

The 4 points are:

Making a difference
The purpose
The Details
The How To’s.

While these 4 suggestions are simple in form, I am the first to acknowledge, they are not necessarily easy. To embrace these ideas and strive consistently in developing them, accept the probability that slight adjustments will be made.

1. Making a difference:
First, take the "can’t" out of your vocabulary, sustain a sincere positive attitude, and wear a smile.
Take time to write down 5 things that are your strengths, something that you know well and do with confidence. It could be a life experience that you know will be an asset. Keep it simple, do not over analysis, and just write it out.

It may be helpful to first think of someone you admire, a mentor, a family member, a person whose influence has helped shape you. What are their strengths? Can you apply those attributes in developing yours?

2. Your Purpose:
Thoughtfully list your true feelings about what you want your life’s journey to be. Think of who you are, not what you do. For example, I help people with their clothing selection, which is what I do. Who I am is the person I strive to be both professionally and personally. What you do is about your job. Who you are will affect your character and achievements; your monetary success is just a bi-product of being significant. You will separate yourself from the masses if you will develop who you are and not just what you do.


3. The Details
Make a written plan for your goals and objectives and a timeline for implementation. Set benchmarks to review your progress. Develop your dreams and passions into your vision; then write them down which makes them goals and objectives. This is where “the rubber meets the road”. Pay attention to the details in all facets regarding your opportunities. Jump start your day with the plan you have now created for yourself.

When given the opportunity to introduce yourself or present yourself, this is the time you will want to be sure you have paid attention to the details. Professional courtesy, manners, knowing as much as possible about your opportunity and yes, being appropriately dressed. Remember there is only one opportunity to make a first impression. The goal is for your message to be heard, let your message and words speak volumes, not allowing your clothing choice or manners to be loud and obnoxious.

4. How to
Four suggestions for presenting yourself well that will help you separate yourself from the masses. In my book STYLE: A LIFE'S WORK, I discuss many more suggestions than the few I am listing here.

a. Top ten inches and the lower ten inches. The area of your head and your feet are the most noticed consciously or subconsciously. Take the time to take care of these areas.

b. 4X4X4 rule equals 64. As an example, combine 4 shirts/blouses, 4 jackets and 4 slacks or skirts together and you potentially have 64 different ensembles.

c. Less is more regarding jewelry, make up, and men, please rethink the facial hair.

d. Wear a smile, it speaks volumes and attracts those with like values; Display a positive attitude; be calm in manner.


Embrace and internalize these 4 points and you will become empowered. You are in control, not the government, not an employer or direct superior. You are in control of your life and in doing so, you are well on your way to enjoying your life’s journey.

Of course, please contact me if I may expand further on any questions or comments you may have. Also, please visit my website www.parisdesignonline.com for information regarding ideas and suggestions for your life’s journey.

Resuming My Public Speaking


In addition to my wardrobe design and consultation services to men and women I have resumed the part of my career that includes public speaking. My goal is to further develop that division of my company.

I am so proud to have the assistance of Eleanora McGarraugh managing the organization and scheduling of engagements. Because of her expertise and professional skills, we will be able to expand the amount of presentations offered to businesses and associations.


If you know of an organization or group that may benefit from my presentation based upon "Making a Difference", developing leadership and professional presence, please let us know.

Again, thank you for your patronage and continued support.