New Job: New You!

You just landed an interview or a new job; now it’s time to look your best.  Here are a few tips that will help you make the best impression.

 

1. Start with a great suit!  If you don’t own one yet, it’s time to head out and purchase a proper business suit.  Aim for a navy, black or a slate two-button suit.  Take the time to have it properly tailored.  It’s worth spending a bit more money for quality and proper fit.

 Italian Wool Aldridge two-button suit – Available at J. Crew

 

Heritage Glen Plaid Suit – Available at Banana Republic

 

2. The shirt and tie.  The two versions every gentleman should have in his wardrobe are the standard point collar and a spread collar.  Having these styles on hand in white and blue will be money well spent.  Consider pairing a blue shirt with a charcoal suit for a modern look.  When purchasing a new tie you should aim for burgundy, navy or gray. Stripes or prints are great, but be careful that they do not overpower you.

Pinpoint Ainsley Dress Shirt – Available at Brooks Brother

Basketweave Dot Tie – Available at Brooks Brothers

Solid Repp Tie – Available at Brooks Brothers

 

3. Last on the checklist are your shoes.  Without a doubt purchase a classic loafer or a pair of lace up oxfords.  They should be black, dark brown or oxblood and have a rounded toe with a leather sole.  Please remember these two things:

1.  Your belt and shoes should coordinate with your suit.

2.  Your shoes should ALWAYS be polished.  Walking into work with unpolished shoes is like not brushing your hair. 

Cole Haan Air Jackson Bal Wing – Available at Zappos.com

Cesarion – Available at Aldo

Stylish Moms-to-be

Let’s face it ladies, there are those women who just simply glow while they are pregnant; as if they are completely happy eating for two, no longer fitting into their regular clothes, and overall overjoyed at their swollen ankles… Having never been able to experience the joys (and woes) of pregnancy myself, I have been privy to a lot through my girlfriends (friends that are girls) who have. And from what I hear it is not all gum drops and candy canes. So I offer my guide to staying stylish, happy, and comfortable when you’ve got a bun in the oven:

The Be Band:

Be Band $16.99 available @ Target

Available at Target for the low cost of $16.99 the Be Band, so I have heard, is wondrous. The stretchy tube undergarment works triple duty. In the beginning stages of pregnancy the band helps to keep up your normal jeans that you may have to unbutton a little. During pregnancy it helps to keep your maternity jeans from being pushed down by your belly. Post pregnancy the band helps to keep your too-big maternity jeans in place until you are ready to switch back to your regular jeans. This item is great because according to everyone who I know that has used it really works, and it provides the wearer with comfort while allowing her to still wear stylish denim. 

Old Navy Jersey 

Breathable knit jersey is always the best way to go when searching for comfort. Step up the style by looking for dresses in this fabrication. My recommendation that wont break the bank it this number from Old Navy. 

Maternity Jersey Maxi Dresses $29.50 www.oldnavy.com

Available in a variety of colors including slimming black this dress is a great stylish option for moms-to-be and can be stepped up with accessories for added glam. 

Layering in this fabrication also works great. Try paring a fitted T-shirt under a flowy tank top for everyday style. Again with their bargain prices and multi style and color range Old Navy is a great resource to bring these looks together. 

Maternity Pleated-Jersey Halter Top Reg $16.50 Sale $12.50 www.oldnavy.com

Maternity Layering Tee $12.50 Buy 2 or more, $10.00 each www.oldnavy.com

Pair these tops with comfortable, yet proportioned leggings or denim for simple but stylish looks that will carry you through your day.

Refit your Support

From taking to my friends, I have found that a women’s body goes through a great deal of transformation during pregnancy, as is to be expected.  You should resize your bra to your body’s changing needs. Purchase a maternity bra as soon as your breasts begin to outgrow your current bra. Be resigned to the fact that this may not be the only maternity bra that you have to buy as you move through your pregnancy. Providing yourself with optimal support during this time will not only add greatly to your comfort during pregnancy, but also will directly impact your appearance in your clothing. Make sure to switch to a bra designated as a “maternity bra” they are designed for added support during pregnancy. Don’t just up size the current “normal” bra that you have. Maternity bras are engineered for additional comfort and support during pregnancy, a feet your normal support is just not cut out for. They may be a little bit more expensive than a normal bra, but you get what you pay for, and your comfort and appearance are worth the price! For additional information on this HerRoom.com is a great resource:

http://www.herroom.com/maternity-nursing-bras,943,30.html

As is their bra fit guide: http://www.herroom.com/measure-bra-cup-and-band-size,903,30.html

Maintain Your Maintenance!

With the added responsibility of being an expecting mother it very easy to let lax your regular hair and nail maintenance schedule. Don’t do it! It is crucial that you take time for yourself during pregnancy and nurture yourself in this way. By maintaining your appearance you not only show respect for yourself but for your upcoming duties as a mom as well. In addition, it just plain makes you feel good - which you deserve! Take out your calendar and make appointments for your hair and nails in advance. This way you will have already allotted the time for yourself and it does not become an after thought whenever you have free time. Chances are something will always be around to take it’s place. Talk to your doctor about any chemicals that you may want to stay away from during pregnancy and make sure that you inform your stylist, colorist, and/or manicurist that your are pregnant so that they and you can be watchful. 

Continue to be Active!

Bodies in motion stay in motion - according to expert sources, keeping up regular physical activity while pregnant is very important. It not only simulates your body keeping you fit and tone, but exercise can also clear your head and provide you with a sense of mental wellbeing. As you prepare for the for the added joys and stress of being a mom put your best foot forward and make sure your are in the best physical and metal shape to do so!

All my best wishes to all the future great and current great mothers of the world! I hope these suggestions are helpful in keeping you comfortable, stylish, and happy during your pregnancy :o) 

~Written by Brian Ciabotti

Summer Style

One of my favorite things about the summer is that it is all about paring down and loosing those now useless and hindering layers from the past season. Embrace your summer fever and shed! Now, I am not saying you should run out and join a nudist colony or anything, but it is definitely the time to float through life like a feather in the wind. Nothing expresses this light and airy feel better than incorporate clothing that is breathable and carefree.

Knit to Perfection:

The perfect lightweight knit will serve double duty in and out of the office. Look for styles that can be partnered with dressed-down denim, or played up with a pair of leggings. Keep an eye pealed for interesting necklines and eye-catching silhouettes to amp up the style.

Silence & Noise Cowl Neck Tunic - $42.00

Silence & Noise Asymmetrical Ruffle Top - $48.00

Kimchi Blue Dolman Sleeve Flower Appliqué Top - $48.00

Kimchi Blue Antique Tunic Top - $48.00

All available @ Urban Outfitters

Press Stopping Printed Dresses:

Dresses will be your best summer flings with a variety of styles and silhouettes to choose from this season. From geometric, paisley, and Ikat the selection of prints are endless. When going for length with a maxi dress stick to styles with prints that are simple and not too busy.

Joie "Albury Mykonos" Printed Halter Maxi Dress - $208.00 available @ Bloomingdales.

When looking for a shorter options you can play up the colors and prints, because there is less dress it won’t be overwhelming.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Block Printed Matte Jersey Dress - $128.00 available @ Bloomingdales.

BCBGeneration Asymmetrical Mixed Print Dress - $118.00 available @ Macy’s

Keep the cut of the dress in mind – if you are bigger on top then you are going to want a style that will provide you with support such as a halter dress or a dress with straps. If you are more concerned about your bottom portion look for style that place emphasis up top such as an empire waist - keeping clear of styles with a low waistlines or low belted details.

Prints mixed with pleating, wrapping and ruffle details are all the rage

Alice + Olivia Mini Polka-Dot Bustier Minidress $352.00 available @ Bloomingdales

Don’t Flip or Flop – Step up, by stepping out in a great sandal:

With all the great choices of comfortable and stylish summer footwear there is no reason your presence should be announced by the rhythmic beating of your footwear. If mobility in the heat on a budget is your concern, trade in your flops for a great flat sandal. Gladiator straps, beaded details, and studding all add style bonus points.

Marc Fisher "Davin" Sandal - $79.00

Steve Madden "Charger" Sandal - $79.00

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Bristol" Sandal - Reg. $125.00 Sale $87.50

All available @ Macy’s

To get a step ahead of the pack add a heel with real get up and go. Again, added strap details will keep you trend right this season.

BCBGirls "Levona" Sandal - $98.00 available @ Macy’s

Or pick up the punch with interest in the heel

BCBGirls "Warren" Slingback Sandal - Orig. $98.00 Now $67.99 available @ Macy’s

Like the tinkling of a distant wind chime bangles always remind me of summer. They are a great way to express you personal style and put the finishing touch on any outfit. Look for pieces that work together with one another. They should be like little friends that you take along with you on your day’s adventure. Don’t think too much about being matchy to your outfit. When these pieces of jewelry standout in just the right way, they add a perfect pop of style.

Rainbow Sliced Bangle Set - $5.80

Raised Dot Bangle - $3.80

Athena Metal Bangle Set - $5.80

Color Stripes Lucite Bangle $5.80

All available @ Forever 21

So embrace each of these sunny style points this season and your summer is sure to be easy, breezy and carefree! And if it isn’t? Well, the nudist colony is always a backup plan…

~Written by Brian Ciabotti

Beauty Pit-Crew

If you haven’t yet heard of Alli Owens, you soon will. She is making waves on the NASCAR circuit and is positioned to be the first female driver ever to be inducted into NASCAR! Planet Style Concierge was on hand yesterday at Taka studios, in conjunction with makeup artist Christopher Drummond of Christopher Drummond Beauty and hairstylist Colin Lively, to rev up Alli’s look - taking her from zero to glamorous in no time flat. 

Alli’s spirit is fun loving and sweet, girl next-door, with a “can do” attitude about life and an unwavering passion for her sport. Alli’s “beauty pit crew” worked together to give her a look that was completely her own, one she could feel confident in, and one that will shift easily between the different gears of her life. From the track, to a press junket, to an evening event - Alli is definitely taking home the checkered flag! 

Planet Style Concierge’s founder Colin Megaro, executive assistant Guillermo Moncada (aka G) and I were all present to make sure Alli’s wardrobe was just right! Coordinating separates were the stars of the day. Alli is ready to greet press and fans at the track in slim fitting skinny jeans by Nobel Denim, and a sporty rouched v-neck knit with stain trim by BCBG Generation. Just so everyone knows she mean business we topped it off with a tailored jacket featuring feminine details by BCBG Max Azria. Alli is also trading in her childish Chuck Tailors for a more sophisticated Donald J. Pliner patent leather moccasin with a kitten heel for just that little added height (open toe shoes and high heels are a no-no trackside).  For a night on the town Alli rocked a multi-layered tunic length tank with embroidered and beaded embellishment by Miss Me parried with perfect fitting knit black leggings by INC. Planet Style Concierge was very careful to pick the right length legging so the correct amount of calf is exposed - a key point to pulling off a great legging look! Alli was looking fast while standing still in BGBC Girls multi-strapped high heel sandal with front zipper detailing. Finishing off her look were all black metal bangles, earrings, ring, and necklace all from H&M, driving home the point that she doesn’t have to redline her wallet to get people’s heads turning! 

Hairstylist Colin Lively updated Alli’s doo, retaining her signature pink highlights in a way that not only kept her look youthful, but updated, stylish, and sophisticated as well! With his skillful hand and exceptional all natural product line, makeup artist Christopher Drummond gave Alli just the right finishing touch keeping her fresh, bright and glowing! 

It was a very fun and exciting day, not only for Alli, but also for everyone involved who got to watch her go through this transformation! Alli’s look has got the green flag to take the NASCAR world by storm! So keep your eyes peeled for her - chances are she’ll be flying by you! 

~Written by Brian Ciabotti

Check back at www.planetstyleconcierge.com to see complete pictures and video of Alli’s transformation! 

Mens Footwear

Here I stand; in line again at a local lunch stop near my work, pondering if I am actually going to get a “healthy” salad, or should I just douse the whole thing in ranch dressing? Tossing around this thought, I look to the floor and I am a gasp, appalled, and bewildered. What has caught my attention you ask? Is it a lack of cleanliness that is causing me to question my choice of eating establishments? Did someone just trip and fall causing the contents of there lunch to go flying all over the floor? No. It is shoes, footwear, men’s footwear to be exact. I am completely confused. How are these men, who look quite well put together from the ankle up making such bad decisions? Is finding good male footwear really that difficult? Are we in a mist of a footwear famine?!? Oh my god what can I do to help? Feeling stressed I give in to the ranch dressing urge and set forth to bestow some basic advice about footwear…

 

Let’s simplify. There are three basic options that everyman should have in his wardrobe.

1.) The loafer - Easy and breeze these babies slip on and off. Graduated from their prep school upbringing loafers can complement a suit or even dress up a pair of jeans.

2.) The oxford - The name given to any dress shoe usually with a lace closure - although there are variations, the best keep it simple with fine craftsmanship, good materials, and a great fit.

3.) The Chelsea Boot - Originally called the Beatle Boot after the band that made it popular, this boot features a side elastic insert making it easy to slip in and out of. A great cold weather option, these boots also complement straight leg pant and jean styles as their ankle height allows the pant to fall cleanly, and wont get caught up when you walk. It may be A Long Days Night, but get a good fitting pair of these and it wont feel as such.

If your budget only allows you to choose one of these options take a good look at your wardrobe and lifestyle. Which would best fit your needs? Black or Brown? Do you need something for everyday wear (loafer), or something dressed up (oxford). Do you travel often? The easy step in and out of a loafer or Chelsea Boot will whisk you through security at the airport while the oxford may cause delays...

Important Points of Interest:

* Watch for materials and craftsmanship - A piece of footwear is only as good as the leather it is made with, and as strong as the stitches that holds it together.

* Too Pointy! Too Square! Too Round! Just Right! - A great shoe has a great shape not an extreme one  - if it looks dumpy, elfy, knomey, or nursey, put it down and move on! I cannot emphasize this point enough as this is the most common offense. Unless you are driving a car with no floor or engine and live in a rock this footwear is not for you. Leave it for some other Neanderthal to buy. A classically portioned shoe will serve you best and always look just right!

* Rubber is for sneakers and tires, leather is for shoes - Leather soles please!!! Although slippery at first, leather soled shoes are the only way to go. A cobbler can add taps to your shoes for about $15 increasing their traction and wear. 

 *  Fit – Remember the Old Lady who lived in a Shoe? Don't you think she would have rather lived in a sneaker? Her shoes must have been pretty comfortable, right? Make sure yours are the same.

 

Where to Shop:

OK the big question. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, what you get is what you pay for. So during these tuff economic times in order to keep in budget this is where being a smart shopper pays off. Fortunately, for you the shopper, everyone and his or her mom is on sale during these tuff economic times. If you shied away from the big "expensive" department stores before now is your time! Don't be afraid! It is the end of the season and everything is on clearance in addition is being super discounted (did I ever tell you about the $1200 Paul Smith suit I bought for $240, well I just did). Get out there quick and check it out! Look for the store's private label brands as well (the shoes that have the store’s label in them). They are generally great shoes and are crafted quite well, and because they are produced for the store, they will more likely be at a greater discount because the store offers these goods at a higher margin. Don't be afraid to shop the rack and try on as many pairs as you need to, don't let the sales associate persuade you, and feel free to judge him by his footwear! Although I am a huge supporter for trying on in the store, online can have some offerings as well, so point and click your way to pedi-perfection!

Stay Away From:

*Low to Mid Range Chain footwear stores – For some reason these places just don’t get it.

*What you already have – This sounds simple, but people are drawn to items that are similar to ones that they have owned in the past, because they are subconsciously comfortable and familiar. Break this mold and elevate your taste level.

*Your male friends’ tastes and suggestions – The likely hood that they are committing the same offenses is quite high. This is your choice and you have to be happy with it. Besides, with your new acquired knowledge you are more than prepared to meet this challenge head on, or on foot as the case may be.

With that I take the last ranch-laden bite of my salad and feel at easy, if not extremely full. As my food comma sets in, it is my hope that I have done some good and that this advice will reach those in need – for my hearts sake. 

~ Written by Brian Ciabotti