Style

Personal branding tips on Beauty, Collections, Styling Tips and Style Trends.

Using headshots and professional portrait branding photographs is vital to attract the right type of clientele to your business, so how do you ensure that you are conveying the right messages, that you are an authentic leader?

Your branding image includes the photos that you use to portray yourself on your website, business cards and any other social media or online networking platform.

Here are a few tips on creating the right type of branding headshot:

1) When ensuring the right look for my clients, natural lighting is key! If your images don’t have sufficient light, you may just end up looking rather outdated and dull – possibly a little off-putting to your clients! In addition, avoid any type of harsh lighting as this can bring attention to frown lines. For a great authentic image, it is important to highlight the trust building features of your face, like your smile or eyes.

2) For a great image, make sure your eyes are clearly visible as they reveal so much about who you are. A clear shot of your eyes will also assist you in coming across as more authentic. Remember – People like to feel like they can trust you before they’re willing to go out on a limb and purchase your product or services.

3) Make sure that you take the time before your shoot to dress for the part before you have your photograph taken, especially if you’re trying to brand yourself and business for online success. Visual branding largely relies on the trust that you build, and looking unkept is one of the surest ways to do the exact opposite. For example, if you’re a woman, then enhance your features with appropriately styled makeup or have your hair styled in a professional manner. Your photographer should have a consistency for the look of your corporate branding images, so make sure you ask to see their photography portfolios ahead of time to ensure they’re suitably skilled for the job.

4) A prime example of corporate digital branding gone wrong is using sexy poses and clothing in your online business brand. You may end up scaring clients away. A sexy corporate branding image is an inappropriate representation of your business – if you don’t believe that, let your customers do the talking.

5) Ensure your personality is shining through like a beacon. A tuned in photographer should be able to capture this easily for you. If you do this correctly, you will successfully connect with your clients because you will come across as an authentic person – not just some face they recognise from the Internet. Your clients will feel the authentic connection via professional branding images. You’ll know when you’ve achieved this level of authenticity by the way your clients interact with you, and the way they recommend you to other people.

To make sure you’re getting started in the right direction, make sure you’re using a highly skilled professional photographer who is experienced with online personal branding portrait photography. Investing in yourself will make a difference to your business in the long run. There is a massive difference between your friend’s digital camera images and a professional photographer who taps into you the brand, poses you well, includes the correct lighting, make up and provides an overall positive atmosphere for your personal brand success.

Zahrina Robertson

Zahrina is Australia’s Leading Personal Branding Portrait Photographer for Business Women – She creates magnetic and insightful images that talk 24/7 to best represent her clients businesses in the social media and online world. Through her coaching and authentic approach, Zahrina brings out the best in her clients as she gets to know them behind their public persona, capturing their true essence and X-Factor. To find out more about Zahrina and view a wide range of her images, please see http://www.BrandUPortraits.com

When your boss tells you that you’re being sent on an international business trip, your mind probably fills with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

You research the company and the people whom you’ll be meeting. You prepare your business notes so you can arrive at each meeting ready to go. You even research the hotel where you’ll be staying and find out what fabulous restaurants are nearby. But what about the professional dress code, body language and general business etiquette of the country you’ll be visiting?

Below I want to share with you 5 practical tips for professional women that can help to prepare you for a successful international business trip.

1. Take clothing that is conservative and not too revealing
In some cultures the professional dress code is highly conservative, in others it’s more relaxed. If you’re travelling to Europe on business, make sure you pack into your suitcase a dark coloured suit (navy, black, or charcoal) with a crisp white shirt to wear to business meetings. Add elegance and contrast with unique buttons, cufflinks, or a scarf. You also need to take into consideration how much skin is acceptable to show. In some Asian cultures, it’s not professional to show your bare arms in a shift dress no matter how humid it is. As a rule of thumb, the more conservative your professional dress is, the better. And the less skin you show, the more professional you appear.In Western business culture, you may be able to wear peep-toed heels and still be considered “professionally dressed”, but in Asian and European business cultures, it’s conservative, closed-toed heels that you should wear

2. Wear closed-toed shoes
In Western business culture, you may be able to wear peep-toed heels and still be considered “professionally dressed”, but in Asian and European business cultures, it’s conservative, closed-toed heels that you should wear. Pack a pair of heels that give you a little height, but make sure that you can still walk confidently in them. As much as a fabulous pair of heels can instantly make you feel more confident, the wrong pair of heels can immediately make you feel uncomfortable and insecure.

3. Always wear stockings
Imagine being invited to a business meal in Japan. You arrive at the restaurant and are asked to take off your shoes at the entrance. You then realise that you’re the only business women to not be wearing stockings! Avoid this potentially embarrassing situation and pack a couple of pairs of neutral or black stockings in your suitcase. And why not treat yourself to a professional pedicure before your trip?

4. Use a gentler handshake
We’re often taught that a firm handshake with direct eye contact is how you project confidence and power in the business world. As professional women, we take particular care to convey this exact image when we greet somebody for the first time. But how do you think somebody from China would interpret this type of handshake when they’re more accustomed to a gentler handshake with little eye contact? Soften the grip of your handshake and tone down your eye contact just a little.

5. Be aware of your personal space
Depending on the culture in which you grew up, you may need a large amount of space around you to feel comfortable when talking to others, or a small amount. In Australia, the UK, and the US, it’s usually an arm’s length. In Asia or Latin America, it’s often much smaller. If you travel to those regions on business and you stand an arm’s length away from the other person, you’ll probably be standing too far away. They may feel they can’t connect with you. Close the gap and stand a little closer to that person so they feel close enough to connect with you.

Read Leaders in Heels ultimate guide on how to choose the right management style for you.

Image credit: Sam Churchill

Kara Ronin
Kara Ronin is an international business etiquette expert and founder of Executive Impressions. She offers a wealth of practical advice and inspirational tips to move professional women toward an international mindset and an amazing corporate career. Kara is also the author of the eBook, The Ultimate Networking Roadmap: Rise above fear to network with confidence and class. Visit Kara’s blog Executive Impressions to claim your free 7 Step Networking Roadmap and to get fabulous tips on networking as well as international business etiquette. Connect with Kara on Twitter @execimpressions.

Complimentary Offer:
Visit Kara’s blog Executive Impressions to claim your free 7 Step Networking Roadmap.

Hi ladies, the next instalment of my dressing for your body shape series is concentrating on the hour glass figure. I have previously covered apple and pear shape so check them out if this applies to you.

The hour glass body type is considered to be ideal so lucky you if you have one! The characteristics of an hour glass are a full bust, generous thighs, a narrow defined waist and rounded shoulders that align with your hips. Your bust and hips are roughly the same size creating a curvy silhouette and your upper body is proportionate in length to your legs. You are a picture of balance from top to bottom, a classic voluptous shape. Think Marilyn Monroe or Scarlet Johansson.

Dorothy Perkins Wrap Top Was $43.04 Now $38.74

Miss Selfridge High Waisted Trousers $50.57

Kenzo Belted Blouse Was $594.23 Now $297.12

Karen Millen Pencil Skirt $189.38

Finders Keepers Crochet Waist Top Was $180.77 Now $89.52

David Lawrence Crossover Dress $289

Donna Karan Belted Kimono Jkt Was $2834.79 Now $1700.88

Style tips on how to dress an hourglass body type:

Belted tops accentuate the waist
Choose fitted clothes that nip in at the waist
Pencil skirts keep your body streamlined and hug your killer curves
Choose high waisted pants to elongate the leg
Jackets and coats with two buttons to elongate your torso
Opt for tops with cinching at the waist
Wrap-style tops and dresses are very flattering drawing focus to your waist
Wear voluminous A-line skirts/dresses
Choose tailored shirts and jackets
Don’t wear straight silhouettes that hide your waistline
Belts are your friend, choose a medium size or skinny belt to highlight your waist
Avoid high necklines
Choose boot legs pants/jeans. The flare balances out your wide hips and gives the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.
Choose deep V necklines to draw the eyes to your waist
Bias cut dresses and skirts are great for an hourglass shape

You want to flatter your form without adding bulk and bring attention to your shoulders and neckline. You have a lot of options because your shape is already in proportion! Just remember to try to maintain the balance of your beautiful body shape.

I hope these style tips helped you if you are blessed with an hourglass figure.

Stay tuned for my next post on the rectangular body shape.

Featured Image Credit

Mama Stylista

Hi ladies, this week I’m following on from my article about the apple body type and focusing on the pear shape. I’m sharing style tips on what essentials you should add to your wardrobe and what not to wear!

Some of the characteristics of the pear are petite top half and narrow shoulders, a defined waist, smaller bust and full hips and thighs. If you gain weight you tend to store fat around your lower half.

So the goal of a pear is to draw the eye up and balance what’s below, balance is the key! You want to elongate your figure, minimising hips and thighs to make sure the top half flows through to the bottom half.

Here are my tips on how to dress a pear shape body type:

Rebecca Taylor Python Peplum Blazer $454.75

A fitted hip-length jacket is ideal for a pear body type preferably with shoulder pads, this will balance out your frame . Bold, dramatic styles with lapels work well as they draw attention away from your hip region. A flared peplum jacket is great on a pear shape because it can camouflage the broader lower half.

Sportscraft Mara A-line Skirt $119.95

Go for A-line or flared skirts and dresses as they tend to highlight the waist and skim hips and thighs. They also draw attention to the upper body, shoulders, and neck. Pair with a form-fitting v-neck blouse to create an hour glass shape.

John Lewis Sequinned Shrug $84.56

A shrug is a great look for a pear because it emphasises and expands the top half. Wear a bolero or shrug with a party dress for volume and impact.

P.A.R.O.S.H belted top $237.97

A belt is your friend! A top with a belt will accentuate a small waist and define the hips. This is exactly what you need to balance out your body.

Wren Empire Tie Dress Was $397 Now $119

An empire line dress can add volume to the bust. It is also a very flattering style on the legs and hips and draws the eye away from problem areas. This high waist is great for a pear shape figure because the area just under the bust is usually the narrowest part of the body. The ruffle detail on the neckline of this dress also draws attention to the top half and the pleating highlights the chest and neckline. An added bonus! FYI wrap dresses and tops are great for pears too.

ASOS Kimono Top $52.25

A top with kimono or puff sleeves is perfect for pear shaped ladies. The sleeves add volume to your arms and balance out the derriere and give the illusion of a wider chest and shoulders. You can choose long or short.

Goat Redford Crepe Trousers $342.40

Always make sure that your trousers are darker than the rest of your outfit. Dark coloured flared pants draw attention away from the hips and bring balance between the upper and lower part of the body creating a more flattering line overall. Wear with a jacket with shoulder pads for that all important balance!

What not to wear:

Cargo pants
Hemlines below the knee
Ankle straps
Bias cut skirts
Bottoms with drawstrings
Skirts/trousers with pleats and/or side pockets

Lastly, accessorise with a platform shoe or high heel wedge to balance you out and add statement necklaces, earrings, scarves or embellished necklines to draw attention to your top half! Stay tuned for my next instalment on the hourglass body type.

What shape are you?

Featured image credit

The most important thing to know when buying clothes is what suits your body shape. Over the next few weeks I will be analysing different body shapes and giving tips on what items suit you best. In this first post, I talk about the apple shape.

Apple figures tend to have a rounded stomach, broad shoulders and a less defined waist. Apples also possess slim hips, lovely legs and can either have a small or ample bust. If you gain weight, fat stores around your upper half especially the mid-section.

So your goals are to accentuate slim arms and decolletage. This will bring some shape to the waist and balance the torso. In accentuating slim legs, this will bring balance to your frame by creating a flow from your top half to your bottom half.

Styles for Apple Body Shape

Forcast Roxanne Peplum Top $49.95

ASOS Curve Wrap Top Was $64.69 Now $45.29

Erika Cavallini Key Hole Dress $398.94

M Missoni Diamond Knit Flippy Skirt $320

Jigsaw Wrap Dress $165.96

Dsquared2 Belted Jkt $1190.50

Top Shop Side Pipe Kick Flare Trousers $76.21

Gianni Kitten Heel $258.78

Spurr Cody Trim Wedges Was $39.95 Now $27.97

Style tips on how to dress an apple shaped body type:

Get a properly measured bra and make sure you have adequate support
Experiment with colours and prints. This will add dimension and flair to your outfits.
V-Neck dresses are great for ample busts.
Choose empire line tops and dresses if you have a small bust
Go for tops with ruching or wrap tops
Wear open or v-neck tops
Wrap dresses are great as they accentuate the bust and the side tie draws attention from the waist
Avoid halternecks
Avoid fitted or clingy silhouettes
Avoid double breasted jackets
A drop waist is flattering for apples
Look for dress styles that sculpt the waist
An A line dress is very flattering as the full skirt will give the illusion of a smaller waist
Choose flat fronted trousers or skirts
Boot cut or flared trousers will balance out your body
Don’t wear bulky tops and chunky knits
Wear kitten heels if you have small calves. They are easier on your feet and you can wear them all day.
A chunky shoe like a wedge heel can balance out your top half

Remember you want to draw attention to areas of your body you really like, legs, arms, cleavage. When you focus on your positive points you can look lighter and more shapely.

I hope these style tips helped you if you’re an apple shaped body type.

Stay tuned for my next post on the pear body shape.

Featured image credit

As the spring racing carnival almost here, we thought some of you may not be race day ready and would appreciate some tips. Don’t panic just yet as you’ll be dressed to impress in no time!

Buying an outfit at the last minute pays off, not only does it mean you can check what your peers will be wearing first but as most retailers are now offering mid-season discounts, you can pick up a great ensemble at a bargain price.

Why not revisit my previous articles on colour and print Trends for SS 2013, to refresh your memory as to what is hot for this summer. You can then reference the below guides for each particular race day. Even if you are not making it track side, most companies will be celebrating the Melbourne Cup in some corporate/social way so you need to make an effort, and there is no greater excuse to dress up!

Here’s my Spring Racing fashion and beauty tips to ensure you look your best!

Left: Myer Stevie Fascinator $39.95 // Cue Geometric design Dress $270 // 1 & 20 Blackbirds Fun Clutch $16.95 Middle: Coast Sunshine Fascinator $33 // Milly prom Dress $720 // Just Fab Cleona Wedge $57 // Right: Bottica Dotted Bow Band $245 // Cue Asymmetric Dress $239 // Jerome Dreyfuss Clutch $395

Derby Day Saturday November 2 – Traditionally a day of monochrome, this year you are spoilt with choice as the look is bang on trend

To elongate and slim your silhouette, pick a dress with plain side panels. Most monochrome prints available in the stores at the moment are stark geometric, so be aware that you could see lots of these. I suggest you instead for a print which is less obvious, and maybe prettier instead or one with a fresh highlight colour such as yellow. Think “My Fair Lady” and pick an all-white outfit, and dress up with an over scaled monotone bow or hat.

Left: Coast Tabitha Fascinator $20 // Mary Katrantzou San Fran print Dress $1645 //Sole Society Selma Sandal $52// Middle: Alexon Disc Fascinator $66// Vila Nola Top $22 // Sass & Bide Sequins and Coral Skirt $182 // Publik Sequin Clutch $30 // Right: Vivienne Sheriff Headpiece $1095 // Cue Wedgewood printed prom Dress $235 // Sergio Rossi Mermaid Shoes $1040

Cup Day Tuesday November 5 – The race that stops the nation, demands a knockout and fun ensemble

A conversational dress with a photo real image is a great way of expressing your personality. I love a cityscape, which is an unexpected twist. This summer neon is key, and colour is a great way of expressing a unique look. Rather than thinking purely of dresses, try mixing up some separates instead in clashing but complimentary hues. Blue is the colour spectrum of the season, so splash out head to toe. White ground prints with a prom feel look very relevant.

Left: Jacques Vert Fascinator $105 // Jayson Brundson Floral Dress $189 // Fashion Union Clutch $30 // Middle: Blue Button Baubles Earrings $13 // Anna Sui Ivory lace Dress $451 // Valentino Lace Pumps $1040 // Right: Gregory Ladner Fascinator $99.95 // Rare London ruffled rose Dress Was $280 Now $110 //Guess Pumps $129

Oaks Day Thursday November 7 – Known as ladies day, this is the day to pull out your prettiest and/or most fashionista outfit

Pastels are generally known for their softness, but this summer there are some fabulous structured cloths and silhouettes on offer. Damasks, and jacquards are especially on trend. Lace is very strong too, so look for cotton lace for all day comfort but be careful with your accessories as you don’t want to be snagged. Florals are important, and as the event’s official emblem is the pink rose, why not let that dictate your mood? Wear a great digital printed dress and go for an extreme flower head piece, or find a style inspired by petals.

Left: Untold Jenny Fascinator $25 // Cooper St Ombre Dress $190 // Oasis Clutch $50 //Middle: Witchery maxi dress $190 // Michael Kors Maxi Metallic Sandals $470 // Right: Her Curious Nature Flower Clip $24 // Wallis Spot skater Dress $46 // Jessica McClintock Handbag $99

Stakes Day Saturday November 9 – The most relaxed day, requires a look which reflects the effortless style of summer

Most women tend to dress with structure at an event such as a day at the races, and pick styles that are based on the block of a knee length shift. Although this is a great shape and flatters almost everyone’s body type, why not use this more relaxed day to step out from the crowd. There are two ways to do this, either by maxing out your length or softening your structure. Don’t however be tempted to go short in length, that is a definite race day no-no! Why not try a draped chiffon number in Ombre or alternatively try a subtle print maxi dress and bare your arms instead of your legs. Alternatively you can’t go wrong with spots, think “Pretty Woman” at the Polo, and go for a sophisticated design. Classic is always a stylish and timeless option.

Footwear & Accessories

A clutch bag should be your go to shape, and preferably one that has an additional chain so you can fling it on your shoulder, if the festivities proceed into the night. Let your accessories make a point of difference, go big, bold and beautiful with all forms of jewellery. As for footwear, the higher the better for a visual – but if you can’t walk in them, then it’s a no. Nothing is less chic than a girl tottering or parading around barefoot. I would suggest wedges are a good alternative to a heel, as you won’t sink in the grass and they tend to be a little more comfortable.

Hair & Beauty

With regards to your make up on the day, you must think longevity. You will be able to touch up, but if you use long lasting formulas and wear a lipstick in neutrals or nude tones, you’ll need less maintenance and have more time for fun. Hats and/or fascinators are race day must-haves, and therefore you need to consider your hairstyle in advance. I personally love a big blow wave but I know that my hair drops quickly, so I always choose an up style to ensure that the look lasts for the whole day and that it draws focus to my piece of millinery.

My parting advice – Dress comfortably and you will enjoy the day more, and remember if you feel great you will have the added glow of confidence that always makes a woman shine. Happy Race Day!