The Calm Closet: 4 Simple Steps

August 2nd, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

(image: apartmenttherapy.com)

Tranquility, Joy, Confidence—these are the thoughts and feelings I’d like you to have when you go into your closet to get dressed each morning. Not exactly how you feel when you open the door? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

Following a process to rid your closet of unwanted and unwearable items is necessary to get there. Take the time to consider what you should and should not keep in your closet, and you’ll be astounded at how easy it is to get ready every morning. Ladies and gentleman, welcome to closet bliss!

Schedule time to go through the contents of your closet, gather your cleaning supplies, and prepare to defeat the chaos (and those old pantsuits from 1995) once and for all. Make sure this time is all your own – no distractions. Who wants to spend 3 to 4 hours working in their closet? No one! If you have distractions, you’ll easily get pulled away.

So you’re ready to start the process, but unsure of what to keep and what to toss? Here are the first few steps to ridding your closet of clothes that just don’t deserve to be in your closet or on your body :

1. Create designated places for the following piles:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Consignment
  • Give to Someone Else
  • Mend
  • Out of Season
  • Don’t Know Yet

2. Remove an armful of items from your closet and lay them on your bed or a chair.

3. Decide what to do with each piece by asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do I love it?
  • Is it in season?
  • Have I worn it in the last year?
  • Is it a great color for me?
  • Does it fit me?
  • Is it mine?

4. If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to all of the questions, the item belongs in the Keep pile, and can be placed back in your closet at the end of the sorting process. If not, then add the item to a different appropriate pile.

WARNING: Do not put anything back in your closet that you would not wear today or tomorrow. If it’s out of season or the wrong size, it belongs elsewhere. Do not intermix seasonal clothing!

Follow these 4 easy steps and watch as the chaos of your closet disappears! The process itself can be a little daunting—but in the end I guarantee you won’t miss any of the discarded items one bit.

Interested in more helpful organizational info? All of this useful information (and truckloads more) can be found in Get Organized Today, a book written by me and 18 other organizational specialists!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Organization | No Comments »

Ditto & Co’s Guide to Interview Attire for Men

July 29th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

A lot goes into the first impression you make with a person. During an interview, more than almost anywhere else, it’s crucial that you take the proper precautions to present yourself as the professional, competent, and confident person that you are. In order to help you make sure that the way you look generates a positive first impression, I’ve created a guide to men’s interview attire.

How to make the way you look say, “I’m the man for the job!”

Attire:

  • Wear a dark suit, preferably in charcoal gray or navy (black is ok but can appear as a little harsh)
  • Does your suit fit? Too big? It looks like you’re wearing your dad’s jacket. Too small? well, then we know what’s been going on since you bought that suit 10 years ago.
  • Your shirt should be spread collar, not button down, and white or blue
  • Your tie should be a current small to medium pattern (bought in the last year) and compliment your suit (click here for ditto & co’s tie guide)
  • Shoes should be thin-soled (not thick!), dark, very polished, and lace-up, (not slip-on). (click here for ditto & co’s guide to men’s shoes)
  • The heels of your shoes should never look worn down
  • Belts should always match your shoes
  • Socks should match your suit pants or shoes
  • You should wear a metallic watch that isn’t too flashy (save the sports watches for the workout!)
  • If you wear glasses, make sure they are a current style – which means bought in the past 2 years. Old, outdated glasses can distract from an interview and send the message that you may not be up to date with your skills as well.

Grooming:

  • Sport a fresh haircut
  • Keep your mug clean-shaven
  • Make sure your nails are cleaned and groomed
  • No cologne/bodily smells exuding from your body

Fulfill this simple checklist and you’re sure to look the part—you’re already halfway to making a great first impression!

If you’re unsure about your attire, ask someone to give you honest feedback. I’m available to give feedback as well. Interviews are make or break moments – invest in preparation.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, How to Dress, Image Management, Mens Style | 1 Comment »

Ditto & Co’s Guide to Interview Attire for Women

July 25th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

The most important part of a first encounter with someone occurs in the first 7 seconds. During interviews the way you initially present yourself holds even more weight. Dressing for an interview can be a daunting task—so much rides on the clothes you wear and the image you relay. This is why I’ve decided to create a simple outline of the fundamental components of interview attire for women.

Interview Essentials for Women

Attire

  • Dark suit in navy or charcoal gray (this can be a skirt or pant suit).  A black suit is ok, but can look a bit harsh – not something you want to convey during an interview.
  • If wearing a skirt, the length should be at the knee or a little below the knee and never shorter than just above the knee
  • A white or light colored blouse in cotton or silk.  A light colored shirt with a dark suits provides a strong contrast which conveys confidence.
  • Keep the cleavage covered – no matter your age.
  • Pantyhose should be flawless and conservative in color (consider packing an extra pair to avoid disaster).  Note:  If your wear a skirt suit, then pantyhose are appropriate for an interview. If you don’t like wearing pantyhose, then wear a pant suit instead.
  • Basic pumps with a 1”-2” inch heel (leave the strappy sandals, peep-toes, and stilettos at home)
  • No visible body piercing such as nose piercing or eyebrow rings
  • Carry a light briefcase or tote (NO PURSES or backpacks)

 

Grooming

  • Wear minimal makeup in conservative tones.  Makeup is a must – too much and you look like a tramp, too little and you look drab. At a minimum, wear foundation to smooth your skin tone, mascara to lengthen your lashes, and lipstick to brighten your eyes. When in doubt, call me, I’ll give you a make-up pep talk.
  • Pack breath mints to ensure fresh breath
  • Clean, tidy, fresh and up to date haircut
  • If you wear glasses, they need to be current (bought in the last 2 years)
  • No noticeable perfume or strong body odors
  • Nails should be clean, groomed, and short to medium in length
  • If your hair is longer than your shoulders, it should be pulled back
  • All excessive lip hair removed and eyebrows shaped

Heed this checklist and you’re sure to start the interview process off on the right foot (and in the right shoe). Dressing the part is half the battle, as they say!

Finally, ask for some honest feedback at least one week prior to your interview. If you don’t know of anyone who will give you honest feedback, then call me, I’d be happy to help.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, How to Dress, Image Management | 1 Comment »

10 Things You Should Have at Your Desk & 3 You Shouldn’t

July 18th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image Personal Branding Advisor

Considering the amount of time we spend at the office seated behind our desks, it’s no wonder that we’ve all developed our own little stash of must-haves. I should hope at this point that it goes without saying that the way your desk looks—your office organization—is an important component of your professional image (See below for my guide to desk organization). But what are some absolute desk drawer must-haves, and some absolute desk no-no’s? I’ve made a list of the top 10 and the worst 3. Take a look and see how the stuff in your drawers compares!

Top Ten Items to Keep Desk-side

  1. Lint roller: how many times have you accidentally leaned against Fido’s favorite spot on the couch right before you walk out the door?!
  2. Mirror: Check yourself before you wreck yourself
  3. Toothbrush kit (paste, brush, and floss): nothing is more antagonizing than knowing you’ve got something in your teeth when you’re helpless to get at it
  4. Water bottle (dehydration drains us physically and mentally).
  5. Emergency wardrobe item: for men this is a tie. For women, a scarf.
  6. Sewing kit: the front button of your trousers just popped off and it’s only 9:15? Not a problem!
  7. Mini spot remover: keep your look fresh and salvage your clothes. Tide makes a nice little pen spot remover.
  8. Pictures of loved ones: not only do these serve as a nice reminder of why you do what you do, they also remind coworkers of why you do what you do.
  9. Healthy snacks: avoid the vending machine and cut down on time wasting
  10. Breath fresheners: opt for mints instead of gum, which shouldn’t be chewed at the office

Three Things that should Never See the Fluorescent Light of the Workday

  1. A flask: Madmen is NOT real life… sorry
  2. Inappropriate pictures: limit the images to family and close loved ones only (avoid partying photos or bathing suit photos – even if you are sporting a six pack.)
  3. Your resume open on your desktop: you might as well just stand on your seat, shout “I HATE IT HERE!” and walk out the door

Click Here for Ditto & Co’s Guide to Office Image

I’m sure you’ve got a few desk must-haves of your own. What are they? (friends share best practices with friends!)

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Image Management, Office Tips, Organization | 1 Comment »

Airplane Etiquette

July 14th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

Not so long ago I had a job that resulted in me flying three times a month. Boy, was I cranky—so many people with so little regard for those around them all jammed into a tiny space—it was enough to put anyone over the edge. Those days of mega travel are long gone for me, but I still fly on occasion to speak at events, and of course, to vacation! On a few recent trips I’ve started observing, taking notes, and talking with flight attendants about proper flying etiquette. Here’s what I’ve learned:

DO

  • Give the person in the middle seat both armrests. A problem arises if you’re stuck in the middle and your neighbors don’t know this. In that case, get their business cards and send them this blog as soon as you land.
  • When you’re boarding, always smile and greet the flight attendants – look them in the eyes.
  • Lend a hand to anyone who seems like they need a little extra help with their luggage. I often just see people sit there and stare at the poor soul who is trying to heave her bag into the overhead – get up and lend a hand. Good karma.
  • When a flight attendant is talking to you, give them eye contact.
  • When a flight attendant is talking to you, remove your headphones. This is the complaint I heard over and over from flight attendants.
  • If you’re a parent travelling with a child, prepare with silent toys and distractions as much as possible.
  • If you’re travelling with a child and bring video toys, be sure to pack the headphones as well. Video games and movies are great, but if your neighbors can hear them then they aren’t so great.
  • Leave the place better than you found it (this includes the bathroom).
  • Ask your row-mates before you open or close the window shade.
  • As in church, always wait your turn to get off the plane.
  • Smile and thank the crew as you leave the plane.

DON’T

  • Eat Mexican food before boarding.
  • Grab the back of the seat in front of you as you heave yourself up. Use your legs.
  • Have your music blasting so loud that other people can hear it.
  • Touch a flight attendant to solicit their attention.
  • Prop your feet up on other people’s seats.
  • Remove your socks and shoes.
  • If there’s a screaming child nearby, don’t glare at the parent—ear plugs!
  • Talk your neighbors ear off (unless you’re really clicking).
  • Sit there and stare at people struggling to stow their luggage—lend them a hand.
  • Confuse “flight attendant” with “personal attendant”—they’re real human beings!

Keep these simple do’s and don’ts in mind, and we’ll all make it up and down with just a little more peace of mind and less stress.

Is there something that you like to do to make others more comfortable when you fly?

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in About Ditto & Co, All Articles, Etiquette | 5 Comments »

The Do’s & Don’ts of Wedding Attire

July 11th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

Dressing well for a wedding signifies the importance of the event and shows others you care. What’s more, doesn’t it just feel plain ol’ good to dress up and look great every once in a while? Read on to make sure your wedding-wear knowledge is up to date.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Dressing for a Wedding

  • Double-check the invitation for any dress code specifications
  • For women, NEVER wear white or champagne—this is considered competing with the bride
  • Don’t wear tennis shoes or flip flops unless there’s sand under your feet
  • For women, avoid wearing black, which is said to clash with the general tone of the wedding. Instead, opt for a dress in a color that compliments your eyes
  • If the wedding is held in the church and you’re a woman, make sure your shoulders are covered
  • Don’t dress like you’re going to the club. For women: nothing too tight, too short, or too revealing. For men: keep those shirts buttoned!
  • For an evening wedding, men should opt for a classic dark suit. For a day wedding, men can get away with a shirt and tie, but a sport coat is best.
  • Day wedding = no sequins!
  • Ladies, when selecting a shoe, keep in mind the location. If the wedding’s outside, select a cute pair of wedges to avoid that sinking feeling you get when you’re, well, sinking into the grass.
  • Ladies – wear reasonable height heels.  Avoid the hooker-height heels – you know, the ones with huge high spiked heels – keep your heels between 1 and 3 inches.
  • With a dress, carry a clutch instead of your normal purse. For Ditto & Co’s Guide to Carrying a Clutch Click Here
  • When in doubt, overdress.

Do you have any personal wedding dress rules? Do tell!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, How to Dress, Image Management | No Comments »

How to Give a Wedding Gift

July 7th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

$6.9 Billion will be spent on wedding gifts this year, according to The Wedding Report! Wowzers! With that much money spent, there have to be rules…

Ditto & Co’s Wedding Gift Guidelines

  1. Always try to get the couple something off the registry or give good, ol’ cash-o-la.  Unless, of course, you know the bride and groom well and you’re known to give them something special for their wedding that they are expecting. If this isn’t the case, stick to the registry.
  2. You have up to a year after the wedding to give the newlyweds your gift, but the most ideal time to gift is just before, during, or after the wedding. Oh no! I just realized I may have forgotten to give someone their gift… better late than never!
  3. As a recent bride, I never the extra work required to haul gifts around— I’ve vowed to mail all gifts from now on. No more lugging them into the reception.
  4. There’s no such thing as an inappropriate amount of money. The fact that you gave it will suffice (as mom used to say, it’s the thought that counts!) Don’t go broke, but don’t go cheap either.
  5. Don’t inquire about your gift afterwards.
  6. Include a gift receipt.
  7. Don’t hesitate to go in on a big gift with a group of friends or others—it’s these larger purchases that make a huge difference to a new couple.
  8. Send a gift even if you don’t attend the wedding.

Keep these easy-as-wedding-cake pointers top of mind and you’ll be sure to please the bride and groom without the hindrance of heavy lifting, duplicate presents, or awkward moments.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Etiquette, Gift Giving | No Comments »

Is it Time to Breakup with your Hairstylist?

July 5th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

No one likes a breakup: the tension, the goodbyes, the hurt feelings… But, as mama always used to say, ya gotta do what ya gotta do! We all form habits when it comes to our style and image. Some habits are worth keeping, while it’s time to tell other habits to hit the road. Perhaps you’ve stuck with your stylist for good reason—maybe they’re a magician when it comes to your ‘do—but there’s a good chance that going to someone new could result in a more fresh,  stylish, better-looking you. Read on to find out if it’s time to pull the plug.

If these apply to you, it’s time to bid adieu:

  • You’ve asked for a different color and your hairdresser says they can’t do it. This happened to me years ago. She kept making me blond! It was a lovely color, but it made my skin tone look horrible! When I asked to go more ‘natural’ (brownish/red) she said she couldn’t do it. Hmph!
  • You’ve had the same haircut for the past 15 years
  • Your stylist has had the same haircut for the past 15 years
  • You’re trying to move up the corporate ladder or look more professional but your stylist insists that you keep your long locks of 15-year-old bliss
  • Your stylist has bad hair or bad taste
  • You haven’t received a compliment on your hair in the past 3 months (or past 30 years)
  • Your hair colorist only uses 1 color (most people have multiple colors in their hair naturally)

If any of these apply to you, prepare for a new, fantastic look. Unsure where to turn for your new trim and style? I highly recommend my favorite stylist, Natalie Pinnault at Salon Intrigue (952-922-0588). She’ll have you looking like a million gorgeous bucks in no time flat.

p.s. in all seriousness – hair is one of your most important accessories. It shouldn’t be ignored. I want you to be able to look in the mirror and say “wow, I look amazing!” If you have bad or blah hair, those words just can’t come out of your mouth. So, it’s time to sass it up a bit. Make a move, take a chance – you’ll be glad you did.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Image Management | 4 Comments »

11 Must-Read Rules: Attending a Wedding

June 30th, 2011

By Gretchen Ditto, Image & Personal Branding Advisor

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a number of weddings on your calendar in the coming months. Attending a wedding can be a whole lot of fun and excitement, but there is also a lot of protocol that accompanies these once in a lifetime (or twice, or three, or four times in a life) occasions. Although I can’t help you improve the form of your Macarena or chicken dance, I can help ensure that you’re the best damn wedding attendee you can be when it comes to guest etiquette.

Ditto & Co’s Wedding Guest Rules

  1. If your invitation is only addressed to you (no +1), do not call and ask if you can bring someone.
  2. Never rely on the old adage, “Don’t ask permission just ask forgiveness.” Just don’t bring someone.
  3. Research the wedding location ahead of time so that you don’t show up 15 minutes late looking like a sweaty frazzled mess.
  4. Don’t make any requests of the wedding party within a week of the wedding. (The only exception: Is there something I can do to help?)
  5. Always turn your phone off during the wedding and reception. Texting, emailing or playing angry birds during these times is extremely rude – no matter how long you’ve been sitting there.
  6. If the wedding is held in a church and you find yourself unfamiliar with the protocol, take a cue from the other people in the pew and fake it.
  7. Always respect your seating assignment at the reception. An unbelievable amount of planning goes into seat assignments (exactly why I chose not to have assignments at mine – who needs that stress??)
  8. Even if the food at the reception tastes worse than your elementary cafeteria, don’t say anything!  It’s all good.
  9. Don’t drink too much—and always tip your bartender (even if it’s an open bar).
  10. Get out on the dance floor – even if you’re not Fred Astaire, the bride and groom will be happy that the money they spent on music hasn’t gone to waste.
  11. Last but not least:  The dance floor at a wedding is not the same as a dance floor at a club – no bumping, no grinding, and no making out (unless you’re the bride and groom and that’s an entire different list of Do’s and Don’ts that I’ll get to one of these days).

Remember that the day is about celebrating your loved ones and not your love of cake (just eat one piece) or that guy that’s perfect for you that you just met in the buffet line—and, oh yeah, have fun!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Etiquette | No Comments »

Events & Blog

June 28th, 2011

Way to go! You’ve stumbled upon the place to discover style tips, articles, news, and a list of Ditto & Co speaking events.

Upcoming Events

August 3, 2011: Office Organizing Lunch & Learn
Private Event

August 11, 2011: Be Yourself, Brand Yourself & Dining Etiquette Workshop
Private event

August 16, 2011: Cold Water Creek Fall Line Roll Out & Ditto & Co’s Wear This, Not That
Free Public Event, 8:30 am, Mall of America

August 17, 2011: How to Dress your Body Type
Public Event, Family First Chiropractic & Wellness Center

August 22, 2011: Wear This, Not That: a Guide to Professional Attire
Private Event

August 23, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Private Event

August 25, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Ditto & Co Public Event, Click Here to Register & Learn More

August 31, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Private Event in Chicago

September 13, 2011: Style Myth Busters
Twin Cities Live 3pm, Channel 5

September 14, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Public Event for Network Buzz (JOIN ME!)

September 17, 2011: Coldwater Creek Event
Public Event, Mall of America Click Here for More Info

September 19, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Private Event for HR Professionals only. If you’d like to attend, email info@dittoandco.com

September 22, 2011: NYC Shopping Trip
(Isn’t research just a drag?!)

September 29, 2011: 3 C’s of Dressing Well
Private Event for Trustpoint Financial

October 8, 2011: The Weight Loss Journey: A day of education and an evening of celebration for clinical providers and patients
Public Event, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Abbott Northwestern

October 13, 2011: Be Yourself, Brand Yourself
Private Event for the International Association of Administrative Porfessionals (IAAP) Twin Cities West chapter

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in All Articles, Etiquette, Events | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »