Accessories are an important part of your overall appearance and should match your dress code.  For example sports watches are exactly that and look out of place with corporate attire.  On men necklaces, bracelets, and chains that are visible detract from a formal business look.  Where women’s jewellery is concerned avoid pieces that clank, make noise or are overly cute when conducting business.  Your jewellery should compliment your look rather than be a distraction.  Call me on 07766 466 688 for more tips and advice 

At last the summer is here and we are experiencing some lovely warm weather.  Many of you will have booked your summer holiday and are looking forward to some well earned time off.  When it comes to packing we can all get a bit stuck and often end up taking far more than we need but even more annoying leaving out the very thing we should have popped in.  To help with this dilemma during June and July I am offering a 2 hour style session for £75, a 25 % discount.  I will come to you and go through your clothes with you to put together that perfect summer wardrobe.   It may be that you have all you need to take you through but if there are any gaps I can help you identify where they are and what extra items would be useful.  Give me a call on 0776 466 688 to find out more

  For all you single men here are some more tips for making a good first impression with the ladies: 

Cleanliness is next to godliness so they say but in my book it is the single most important thing when going out socialising with everyone other than your mates who are more likely to forgive a bit of body odour.  Guy’s we won’t!  Jump in the shower just before you get ready.  Use aftershave, we love it BUT don't overdo it - we want to smell it when we get close to you not be knocked out by it at 20 paces!!

 

If you have designer stubble or any facial hair make sure it looks well groomed and not like you forgot or couldn’t be bothered to shave.  What else might you not be bothered to do is the message!

 

 Taking care with your appearance gives the message that you care about yourself and that is the best starting point for caring about someone else.  We want a man to be proud of not one we have to make excuses for or coax, bully or shame in to smartening himself up!  Good luck guys! 

For more advice and to book a consultation email me at mary@maryerrington.co.uk or call me on 07766 466 688. 

Shoes! Right guys it is not ok to throw on a pair of trainers, however new and bright white, to go out.  Trainers are for the gym or for exercising not dating.  We do look at shoes and judge you on what we see.  They should be clean and appropriate for the rest of your outfit.  Work shoes aren’t right either.  Invest in some great casual shoes and wear them!  Clean socks every day and ones that match your trousers.  Not white, not jokey, not sports socks.

 

 

For more advice and to book a consultation email me at mary@maryerrington.co.uk or call me on 07766 466 688.

Wear a fantastic shirt which fits well, is freshly laundered and ironed for the night out.  T shirts generally look a bit casual unless they are designer and even then they need to fit well and be a good colour.  Footy T shirts are a big no no for us girls.  Bad enough that you are obsessed with the game, don’t remind us when you are out with us!

For more advice and to book a consultation email me at mary@maryerrington.co.uk or call me on 07766 466 688.

Things you might not have thought of: 

• Make sure you spectacles are clean – this applies to sunglasses also.  There is nothing more distracting than talking to someone with smeary glasses!

 

• The tip of your tie should finish just where the waistband on your trousers starts.  Short ties make you look silly and who wants that?  Oh and forget the jokey ties – people will be laughing at you, not with you!

 

• When wearing formal trousers your belt and shoes should match in terms of colour and finish e.g. shiny black shoes with shiny black belt.  Keep the buckle simple – save the chunky or rodeo style buckles for your jeans at the weekend.

 

• An overstuffed wallet wedged in to your back pocket does nothing for your image.  You will find that most of the items in there are not necessary every day – old receipts, business cards you have accumulated and so on.  Go through your wallet regularly and just keep in there what you actually need.  Oh and make sure your wallet is a good quality leather one.  Surf dude nylon ones won’t cut it if you’re not a surf dude!

 

• Check the length of your trousers and make sure the bottom of the hem rests where your shoe joins the heel.  The front should rest on the shoe.  Trousers dragging on the ground will fray and look scruffy and short trousers – well need I say?!

 

• Clean your shoes regularly (don’t forget the backs) and not with one of those quick shine pads.  The first thing women look at by the way is a man’s shoes.  It is worth spending money on good quality shoes.  They will look better and last longer!

 

• Loafers look fine with a casual shirt and cotton pants but they are probably too informal to wear with a suit.  Generally speaking lace-ups look better although dressier slip-ons can work.

 

• Cuff links should only be worn with a double cuff shirt.  This is the shirt of choice for a formal business look.  Keep cuff links simple and understated at work.  It looks much classier!

 For more advice and to book a consultation email me at mary.errington@ntlworld.com or call me on 07766 466 688.

With the weather at the hottest it has been for a very long time in this country we can find ourselves wondering what to wear in the workplace that is cool and comfortable but still looks smart and professional.  Follow the tips below:

 

MEN 

• To keep you feeling and looking in work mode, as a general rule, avoid wearing anything that you wear on holiday, at the weekend or for going out.
• Keep to lighter colours and fabrics in natural fibres such as linen and cotton.  There are lots of lightweight and linen or linen mix suits in the stores at the moment.
• Cotton shirts are more comfortable than polyester.  If your workplace has a formal business dress code wear long sleeved shirts rolled up rather than short sleeves and never wear short sleeves with a suit jacket.  It is now acceptable in many workplaces that no tie be worn but if a tie is expected then loosen it except for formal meetings and when meeting clients.
• Cotton socks are cooler on the feet.  Take a spare pair to change at lunchtime if your feet sweat a lot.  Alternate your shoes daily to give them time to dry out.  Your shoes will smell less and your feet will be more comfortable.  Leather shoes are more comfortable and professional than manmade materials.  Avoid trainers or canvas shoes and no rubber flip-flops!
• If you have a dress down code and jeans are permitted keep to darker shades.  Bleached and or torn styles are not appropriate in the office.
• A light aftershave is pleasant – keep to fresh or citrus fragrances during the summer
• Daily showers and deodorant are essential.  If you suffer excessively with a sweat problem many offices have a shower facility for use at break times.  Otherwise carry deodorant and plenty of wet-wipes to freshen up throughout the day.  There is nothing worse than being in the presence of someone with body odour at work.
• Wash hair daily and keep it short and well groomed.  You should visit your hairdresser at least once every 6 to 8 weeks.  Keep styling products to a minimum.  Lank greasy hair looks very unprofessional.
• Keep a bottle of water and sip frequently throughout the day.  This way you will remain hydrated, feel less tired and it will also reduce the likelihood of you getting a headache
• Last of all smile.  It puts others at ease and makes you more approachable.

  For more advice and to book a consultation email me at mary.errington@ntlworld.com or call me on 07766 466 688.