Emily Post's "The Etiquette Advantage in Business"

Completely revised and updated, the third edition of the Posts' The Etiquette Advantage in Business is the ultimate guide professionals need to navigate everyday and unusual situations in the office—the key to professional and personal success.

Today, more than ever, good manners mean good business. The Etiquette Advantage in Business offers proven, essential advice, from resolving conflicts with ease and grace to building productive relationships with colleagues at all levels; from successfully networking to winning clients and closing deals. It also offers up-to-date guidance on pressing issues, including ethics, harassment in the workplace, privacy, e-mail and social media dos and don'ts, and knowing how and when to take responsibility for mistakes.

Written for professionals from diverse backgrounds and fields, The Etiquette Advantage in Business remains the definitive resource for timeless advice on business entertaining, written communication, appropriate attire for any business occasion, conventions and trade shows, job searches and interviews, gift-giving, overseas travel, and more.

In today's hyper-competitive workplace, knowing how to behave can make the difference between getting ahead and getting left behind. The Etiquette Advantage in Business, Third Edition, provides critical tools for building solid, productive relationships and helps you meet the challenges of the work world with confidence and poise.

Tasteful Halloween Costumes

You don't have to dress provocatively to get attention this Halloween. These costumes were mostly done with make up.

Oscar de la Renta Named Peter Copping as Creative Director

 

"Oscar de la Renta, the king of the ladies who lunch, has appointed a crown prince. On Monday, the house announced it had named Peter Copping as creative director, putting to rest a month of rumors about the move, and putting into place a succession plan for the brand.

“We have spent a considerable time determining how best to bring a new and important creative voice into our company,” said Alex Bolen, chief executive of Oscar de la Renta (and the designer’s stepson-in-law), announcing the news. “Peter will bring a fresh perspective to our brand, continuing the evolution of our business.”

 

Mr. Copping, the 48-year-old former artistic director of Nina Ricci, who officially left that brand at the beginning of October, will be responsible for all product categories, including ready-to-wear, accessories, bridal and home décor. He will report to Mr. de la Renta and Mr. Bolen.

His appointment makes him one of the few designers in the modern fashion industry to have actually been anointed as an heir apparent by a sitting creator, and it comes at time when a number of established designers are facing issues of succession, including Giorgio Armani (age 80) and Ralph Lauren (74). As a result, it will be one of the most closely watched creative moves in recent years.

Though Yves Saint Laurent worked with Christian Dior before briefly taking over the house at the designer’s untimely death, and Karl Lagerfeld was hired by founder Gaby Aghion at Chloé, the modern fashion world is not known for its smooth passing of design power. Indeed, according to Mr. de la Renta, this was an impetus for the decision to identify Mr. Copping and put him in place.

“Our industry has not always done the best job when it comes to changes in design leadership,” Mr. de la Renta said in the announcement. “My hope is that, in leading this selection and actively participating in the transition, I can ensure the right design future for our company and brand.”

Hubert de Givenchy, for example, was critical of the state of his brand after he sold it to LVMH and retired in 1995. In 2009, Tom Ford, speaking to The Advocate of his time as creative director of Yves Saint Laurent (which had been bought by then-PPR, now Kering), said of the house’s founders, “Yves and his partner, Pierre Bergé, were so difficult and so evil and made my life such misery.”

 

Mr. de la Renta, who is 82, and whose health has been precarious (he had cancer in 2006, and at his women’s wear show in September looked frail), had been thinking about naming a successor for the last few years. In 2013, John Galliano, the former Christian Dior artistic director, had a very well-publicized three-week stint in the de la Renta atelier, and though the resulting collection looked a bit like an uncomfortable amalgam of Mr. Galliano’s dramatic bias-cut styles and Mr. de la Renta’s more classic work, the house seriously considered hiring Mr. Galliano full time. In the end, however, they could not reach an agreement, reportedly in part because Mr. Galliano wanted to bring a number of former colleagues with him."

 

Taken from:  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/fashion/oscar-de-la-renta-names-peter-copping-as-creative-director.html?action=click&contentCollection=Fashion%20%26%20Style&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article

 

Take Care of Your Clothes and Accesories

I'm a big believer in taking care of clothing, shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry. All of these will hold their value and appearance much longer if taken care of.

CLOTHING: Hang up your clothes inside out after wearing them. This allows the fabric to air out and wrinkles to fall out. Turn them right side out the next day, check for stains and loose buttons then hang them in a designated area so you will know they have been worn at least once.

SHOES & BOOTS: They should be wiped off at the end of the day. Don't put them away until they have aired out. Check for scuff marks or worn out heels so you can take them for repairs ASAP. Use cut to fit swimming "noodles" inside your boots to keep them upright in your closet. Save your boot boxes for storage during warm weather.

SCARVES: They are handled frequently as well as being worn next to the skin. Machine wash and air dry synthetic scarves. Always dry clean scarves that are 100% silk or have some silk in them. Wearing a scarf under a jacket or shirt collar will keep the collars clean longer.

JEWELRY: Jewelry should be cleaned every time you wear it. The exception is wedding rings. Necklaces collect skin oils, hair spray and perfume so place them in a bowl of cool, clean water then lay them on a clean tissue to air dry. NEVER put genuine pearls in jewelry cleaner because they will dissolve. Clean earrings and bracelets too. Be careful when cleaning Vintage jewelry. Sometimes the glue holding stones in place has dried out and too much water will allow the stones to fall out. Vintage pieces and pearl jewelry should be stored in individual bags so they don't get scratched or damaged.

HANDBAGS:  If you have invested in an expensive handbag you should take very good care of it. Find out if you can clean it with neutral polish or if a clean, damp rag is recommended. If you have evening bags with embellishments they should be stored in gallon size zip loc bags. Store leather and canvas bags in cloth handbag bags or use old pillowcases. You can make them pretty in your closet by tying a color coordinated ribbon to the top of the pillowcases.

Watch for sales on wooden hangers for your heavy coats and jackets. Use them for suit jackets too. Buy hangers with clips for slacks and skirts so there are no coat hanger creases in the slacks. You will want to use hangers with rounded ends for shirts and blouses. I use padded hangers for clothing made of delicate fabrics. Wrap your shoes in individual bags when you pack them in your luggage.

Invest in an iron and ironing board. You can learn how to use them by viewing YouTube videos if there is no one around to teach you. Never put a hot iron on stained fabric. It will "set" the stain and may be impossible to get it out. Pay attention to the heat settings on the iron. You should read the garment care tag before setting the temperature on the iron. Test the iron on an unseen area of the garment to make sure it's not so hot that it will damage the fabric.

Invest in a sewing kit to make small repairs and to sew on buttons. I pre-thread needles with colors of thread that match most of my clothes and keep them in a pin cushion in my sewing basket. I can make a last minute repair very quickly because the needle and thread are ready to go.

Read the washing instructions on every garment you own. It's best to dry clean anything that has "Dry clean only" on the tag. Most people wash their clothing too often which damages the fabric and shortens the life of the garment. Over drying damages and shrinks fabric too. I use detergent for dark colors to launder all of my black clothes and dark rinse jeans. I tumble most of my clothes on the "Delicate" cycle and hang them up to air dry. Jeans don't shrink as much when dried this way. I use the clip style wooden pants hangers for slacks and jeans so they will dry straight and look nice.

It takes a little extra time to care for your clothes and accessories but it is time well spent. Your self confidence will benefit and others will notice when you look your very best!  
By Pamela Owen

13 Things You Should Have in Your Closet by 30 from House Beautiful Magazine

1. Something Cozy Underfoot.  You know how you feel when you step into your favorite slippers? It’s like that, but EVERY time you walk into your closet. “I think that by the time you're 30 you should really be personalizing your closet,” says Melissa Picheny, Principal of Declutter + Design. “It shouldn’t just be a place to throw your things anymore it should be something that showcases your personality and speaks to who you are.” Choose a great sisal or leaf rug to warm up hardwood flooring or use floor tiles to create your own design.

2. Great Lighting. Not only will great lighting make you feel great but you’ll be able to see your entire wardrobe. Picheny suggests lighting that automatically turns on when you open the door or a great table lamp or chandelier to add character to the space. “It's time to make the investment—to be on your way to seeing the differences between your black and navy tops and trousers!” says celebrity closet designer, Lisa Adams of LA Closet Designs.  “If you have a walk-in closet, it's nice to have a chandelier or some type of ceiling fixture to complete your closet design; if not or in addition, replace your hanging rods with lighted hanging rods.”

3. A System For Your Shoes. By 30, shoes should not be thrown on the floor or under your bed. “You should have a dedicated space for shoes—for all types of shoes (e.g. Flats, heels, wedges, boots, etc.), and they should all be visible so you will wear them,” says Adams. “If you have to rotate shoes by seasons, then do so, but the ones you can wear should be easily seen at first glance.”

Small space tip: Not everyone has a walk-in closet but great organization will make the most of your space. “You can do a simple canvas shoe bag on the top of the door,” suggests Picheny. “I wouldn’t hang it over the top of the door I would drill it into the door by the corners.”

4. A Place For Treasured Items. Like handbags and jewelry. “Having a special place and moment for these things in your closet is important,” says Picheny. “So you know where to find them and where to put them.”—The key to not only a great looking closet but a well-organized one.

For jewelry: Use inserts or a small jewelry box to fit in the drawer. She also suggests putting treasured items toward the back of your closet.

For Handbags: Open shelving and clear dividers are a must! “[Handbags] should be on display because they are so beautiful,” says Picheny.

Quick Tip: Avoid storing items in the space between your top shelves and your ceiling, it’s hard to access and the space gives a less cluttered feel. “Its nice to have that clean line all the way around the closet, it makes It feel less cluttered.”

5. And A Designated Space For Everything Else. “Each category of clothing should have its own space. You should have a drawer (or two or three) for your workout clothes, for lingerie and undergarments. Same for your handbags and jewelry, (see above)” advises Picheny. “It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but you’ll know where to find your things and you’ll know where to put them which is key. That’s where people get a little lost, they have all this stuff and don’t know what to do with it.”

6. Pliios And Acrylic Shelf Dividers.  These are a great way to keep everything tidy. “College t-shirts have left (or they need to now!) and you are now buying designer pima cotton t-shirts,” says Adams. “Pliios are a great way to organize your t-shirts in a drawer in a filing system so every t-shirt is visible when you open the drawer.”

7. Hardware. “Be your own designer!” says Adams. “ Pick out your own handles and/or knobs for drawers based on your design style.  The options are unlimited.”

“Leather drawer pulls add richness to the space,” explains Picheny. “Or go fun and flirty with jewel tones. Something that really accents who you are. It changes everything.”

Budget Tip:You can use beautiful hardware to get an expensive look. Cheaper shelving and drawers can be elevated with beautiful drawer pulls.

8. A Mirror. A full-length one either in or near your closet.  “It's an important element to have in your dressing process,” says Adams. “Adding a decorative frame to your mirror creates a nice design touch and can add glam in an instant!”

Small space tip: Short on space? Picheny advises using a built-in, pullout mirror to make the most of the room you have. Or, purchase a mirror with shelves built in the back— a great way to sneak in extra storage.

9. Walls Painted In A Color You Love. Nothing changes the look of a space more than the wall color. Add a color that shows your personality. This is your space, “paint it a color that really speaks to you,” says Picheny.

Renting? She recommends temporary wallpaper to get the same glam look without losing your security deposit.

10. A Scent. It will make you feel like you’re shopping in a boutique everyday. Put sashes or diffusers in your drawers or around your closet.  “It looks pretty and it makes your whole closet smell good,” says Picheny. “And the scent gets on your clothes as well.”

11. Hooks. “Pull-out valet hooks are under-rated and a must have for everyone,” advises Adams. “They are perfect for packing, unpacking dry cleaning, and deciding what to wear every day.”

12. Hangers. By 30, you should have all of the same hangers. “Pick what you like and make them all the same,” says Adams. “Having all of the same hangers is a quick way to beautify your closet!”

13. A Safe.  “A must-have by the time you’re 30,” says Picheny. “You’ve probably built up a little collection of jewelry or things that are important to you so it’s good to have a safe tucked away, and feel safe about where your items are.”

by Lindsey Campbell

"10 No-Fail Cocktail Party Conversation Starters" from Town and Country Magazine

1.  "I will first ask them to explain to me their work. People usually have a way they explain their job, or how they spend their day, so they can feel comfortable." - Alexa Hampton, interior designer and author

2.  "My favorite icebreaker is to find something to compliment them on – their outfit, hairstyle, handbag, shoes…something. I ask them to tell me about it, so the person can’t just respond with a simple thank you. Then I jump in with follow-up questions and that usually gets them going." - Teri Agins, Fashion Writer and Wall Street Journal columnist

3.  "If the person is attending with his or her significant other, I like to ask, “How did you two meet?” This always puts the person at ease since it’s a happy story and they’ve told it many times before. Also, it usually reveals enough common ground to keep the conversation rolling along." Carla McDonald, founder, The Salonniere

4. "I like to ask, “When and where were you happiest in your life?” Ashley McDermott, Writer and Philanthropist

5. "I find everyone loves to eat and talk about eating and share what and where they’ve been eating! So I ask, “Have you been to any great new restaurants lately?” Debi Lilly, event designer and author of A Perfect Event: Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion
 
6. "I ask, “If you had the opportunity to meet one person you haven’t met who would it be, why and what would you talk about?” Fred Anderson, president of soon to be launched lifestyle brand Hanley Mellon

7.  "My favorites are, “If you could have an alternate career, what would it be?” and “What was your most embarrassing moment?” The answers always spark a lively conversation." Angella Nazaria, best-selling author and philanthropist

8.  "I can’t stand small talk, so I’ll turn to the table and say, “Let’s talk about something that we can all learn about from one another. What do you think is the driving force in your life?” Kathy Freston,  New York Times best-selling author
 
9. "Compliments are nice as are open-ended questions like, “How do you spend your day?” or “What’s new in your world?” Daniel Menaker, author of A Good Talk: The Story and Skill of Conversation
 
10. " I always lean on books or travel. They are my go-to topics. So I’ll say, “I’m looking for a good summer read. Have you read anything good lately?” Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Lifestyle and Entertaining expert

Tips for Buying Vintage Clothing

By Lauren Conrad
I’m a firm believer that most trends never really go out of style; they just go into hibernation. Some trends lay dormant for a few seasons and some for decades. But sure enough, everything comes back around again. Take this season’s “It” shoe, the mule, for example. It’s true that the mule is having a major moment, but this isn’t the first time. The mule was wildly popular back in the ‘90s, and in the ‘70s and ‘50s before that. And that is just what makes shopping vintage so fun…
But before you go digging through racks of ‘70s slip dresses and Mad Men-esque frocks, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Generally speaking, the term “vintage” refers to an item of clothing that is between 20 and 100 years old (anything more than 100 years old is considered antique). So as you can imagine, there is a whole new set of concerns that go along with shopping for a garment older than you are. While a vintage item doesn’t need to be in mint condition to be wearable, you’ll want to make sure it is still worth your hard-earned dollar. Especially since a designer vintage item can cost just as much as couture! Here are a few things to keep in mind…

Check for Stains, Odors, and Rips

If a vintage piece has a noticeable stain or an offensive odor, chances are that it’s been there for years. And once stains and odors are set, your dry cleaner probably won’t be able to remove them. Also watch for rips that aren’t along the fabric’s seam or edge. These are much harder to mend and might not be worth the effort. Plus, vintage fabric is often more delicate, which makes it harder to wash or repair.

Know What Can Be Fixed

Broken zippers, rips along the seam, and damaged clasps on jewelry can all be fixed. But beware of damaged signature hardware, or missing stones or beads. And if a unique looking button is gone, keep in mind that you’ll have to replace them all with another style.

Try it On for Size

Sizing standards were very different 30 and 40 years ago, so never assume a vintage piece will fit without trying it on. Pieces older than 50 or 60 years might not even have a size label at all. But also keep in mind that the right vintage piece might be worth tailoring. With something one-of-a-kind you can expect to need at least a few alterations.

Decorate and Display

In my opinion, a truly beautiful vintage piece is like a work of art. So think outside of the “clothing” box when shopping vintage. If you find a beautiful piece that’s not your size or is too delicate to wear, consider putting it on display in your bedroom or workspace. Lauren always has several vintage items hanging around the Paper Crown offices as decor—from a vintage mannequin dressed up in tulle to a collection of lace slips hanging in the window. You’ve never seen anything so pretty!

Ask Questions

Unless you’re a seasoned vintage shopper, you’ll probably have a few questions about when and where the piece came from. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales associate for the whole story. That’s just what makes vintage so special!

If You’re Buying Online…

Sites like Ebay and Etsy have a wealth of pretty vintage pieces, but buying vintage online is tricky. Make sure that the images are clear, all measurements are included, and that the return policy is clearly stated. You don’t want to be stuck with an item that looks much different in person than you imagined.

Wearing White After Labor Day

Wearing white in the summer makes sense. Desert peoples have known for thousands of years that white clothing seems to keep you a little bit cooler than other colors. But wearing white only during the summer? While no one is completely sure exactly when or why this fashion rule came into effect, our best guess is that it had to do with snobbery in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The wives of the super-rich ruled high society with an iron fist after the Civil War. As more and more people became millionaires, though, it was difficult to tell the difference between old money, respectable families, and those who only had vulgar new money. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow. That way, if a woman showed up at the opera in a dress that cost more than most Americans made in a year, but it had the wrong sleeve length, other women would know not to give her the time of day.

Not wearing white outside the summer months was another one of these silly rules. White was for weddings and resort wear, not dinner parties in the fall. Of course it could get extremely hot in September, and wearing white might make the most sense, but if you wanted to be appropriately attired you just did not do it. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, and society eventually adopted it as the natural endpoint for summer fashion.

Not everyone followed this rule. Even some socialites continued to buck the trend, most famously Coco Chanel, who wore white year-round. But even though the rule was originally enforced by only a few hundred women, over the decades it trickled down to everyone else. By the 1950s, women’s magazines made it clear to middle class America: white clothing came out on Memorial Day and went away on Labor Day.

These days the fashion world is much more relaxed about what colors to wear and when, but every year you will still hear people say that white after Labor Day is unacceptable, all thanks to some snobby millionaires over 100 years ago.   Kathy Benjamin

When Women Wore Evening Hats

These Vintage hats and turbans turned a plain evening outfit into something glamorous and spectacular! Too bad they went out of style.

Vintage Turquoise Dresses

I love this color in late summer. It's a refreshing change from basic black.

R.I.P Lauren Bacall

One of my favorite actresses from the past.