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Bracelets Through The Ages
Author: J Lewis
Article source:
http://www.articlealley.com/.
Used with author's permission.
The earliest bracelets date back to around 2500 BC and were
those worn by the Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia. Bracelets,
necklaces, anklets, finger rings and ear rings made the women of
Sumer into show windows of their husband's prosperity. Bracelets
were found in the tombs of Ur where it was customary to bury
royalty with their jewelry and unfortunately their poor
servants.
By about 2000 BC, in Ancient
Egypt, bracelets emerged as major pieces of jewelry. Bracelets
were found in the ruins from the Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii in
79 AD. It was during the age of the Egyptian Pharaohs that charm
bracelets were first seen although charms themselves dated back
as far as the Neolithic era when men would gather unusual bits
of wood or pieces of stone which would be carried about their
person in order to ward off their enemies. So these charms were
considered 'lucky charms' and powerful protectors against evil.
It wasn't until the time of the Pharaohs though that these
charms were incorporated into elaborate pieces of jewelry such
as wrist and neck bracelets which were not only deemed to offer
protection but were also a sign of how prosperous the person had
been in life and after death would be an indicator to the Gods
of this persons proper status in the after life.
In Grecian times bracelets were popular with men and soldiers
wore defensive bands of leather, often decorated with gold,
silver and or gemstones, on their forearms. They were known as 'Bracels,'
from the Latin Brachium, meaning, 'arm.' When women caught on
that these Bracels would look great on them, they started
wearing smaller versions, called little Bracels...or 'Bracel-ets.'
The history of bracelets stretches forward through the Middle
Ages of medieval Europe through the Baroque period of the 18th
century, and on right through to the present.
Throughout time, bracelets
have been made from many different materials such as leather,
iron, copper, beads, bone and teeth as well as precious metals
and gemstone. Throughout the ages bracelets have always been
popular and the styles seem to have varied according to dress
styles. In cultures where people wore sleeveless or short
sleeved attire such as the Romans and ancient Greeks, the
wearing of bracelets both on the upper and lower arm became
popular with both men and women. The wearing of upper arm
bracelets is still popular today with modern fashionable skimpy
clothing lending itself well to the wearing of more jewellery.
Today, bracelets are worn by
both men and women in a variety of materials such as traditional
precious metals like gold silver and platinum. Modern plastics
and acrylics are now much used to make trendy, unusual bracelets
as well as metals like titanium and zirconium which have become
popular because they are hard wearing, very light and
hypoallergenic. Whatever your tastes and whatever your budget,
there is an enormous choice of bracelets and bangles to suit
everyone.
Written by John Lewis of
Love2Have. Love2have specialises in quality handcrafted designer
bracelets made here in the UK by small independent designers.
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E-mail Protocol – 12 Simple
Rules To Stay Connected
By: Joy
Fisher-Sykes
Electronic mail is a quick,
easy, and convenient way to instantly link up with people around
the globe. To ensure our messages don’t confuse or alienate
others, it’s important to practice basic e-mail etiquette. Here
are twelve simple e-mail rules to keep you connected and make
sure every communiqué is clear, polished, and professional.
Rule #1 – Be concise. Follow
the KISS rule (keep it short and sweet). Get to the point in a
clear manner. Keep paragraphs short - three or four sentences at
most. If you find you need to send an e-mail that is longer than
a few short paragraphs, revise the message or consider picking
up the phone or paying a personal visit instead.
Rule #2 – Watch your words.
Before sending any e-mail, check your message. Ask yourself,
“What is my purpose for sending this e-mail?” Anger, enthusiasm,
and anxiousness are all emotions that can trigger an itch only
an immediate heated reply can scratch. Always consciously choose
your words and be sure every communiqué accurately and clearly
conveys your message. Be careful about what you say and how you
say it because your words can come back to haunt you. Words,
especially the written word, can live and be remembered forever.
Don’t say something in the heat of the moment that you can’t
take back.
Rule #3 – Follow a format.
Every correspondence you send is a reflection of you and your
organization. Therefore, at a minimum, each e-mail needs to have
these elements – a greeting, a skipped line before and after
each paragraph, a closing or call for action, and a signature
(which identifies you and provides alternate ways to contact
you).
Rule #4 – Spell check. While
spell check can accurately check for misspellings, it won’t
recognize all errors. Before you hit the send button, check
every e-mail for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. An e-mail
filled with multiple errors is not only difficult to read and
understand; it tests the patience of the recipient, who may
decide your message has no value and simply is not worth
reading.
Rule #5 – Send messages to
your outbox first. Disable the “auto send” feature in your
e-mail software and, instead, have messages sent to the “outbox”
first. This gives you a second chance to review your e-mail for
content and intent. If your e-mail is a reply, you will now be
able to reread the original message to be sure you didn’t
misunderstand the message. When in doubt, seek clarification
before responding.
As a rule, always wait at
least 24 hours before responding to a heated e-mail. This is
often enough time to cool off and think clearly. Reread the
message and ask yourself if you misinterpreted the e-mail. If
so, at least now you can hit “delete” instead of “send.”
Remember to always communicate with integrity and respect.
Rule #6 – Avoid writing in
all caps. Text written in all caps is hard on the eyes and is
difficult to read. More importantly, all caps in an e-mail
SCREAMS at the reader. Better to write in upper and lower case.
If you need to draw attention to a word, consider using bold or
italics for the emphasis.
Rule #7 – Reply to all
sparingly. When you respond to a mass e-mail (a message sent to
multiple recipients), determine whether everyone listed needs to
receive your reply. If a reply to the sender only is sufficient
and appropriate, hit the “reply” vs. the “reply to all” button
to cut down on multiple and unnecessary mail.
Rule #8 – Stay current. Just
like voice mail, be sure to keep your auto-reply message
up-to-date. An outdated auto-reply is as bad as dated voice mail
– information that serves no purpose.
Rule #9– Office e-mail is
never personal. Unless you own the company, any e-mail sent via
your office computer is the property of the employer and is
subject to their purview. There is no such thing as personal
e-mail at work. Be aware and watch what you say because every
message represents you and the organization.
Rule #10 – Stay organized.
Attempting to save every e-mail creates clutter. Get in the
habit of saving only necessary e-mails and discarding the rest.
Be sure to delete messages from your inbox, deleted, and sent
message boxes. This will cut down on the clutter and free up
much needed computer space. Review periodically so you don’t
feel overwhelmed at the sight of months’ or years’ worth of
messages. If your box is full right now, commit to reviewing at
least 15 messages from each box daily until you are all caught
up. Also, be sure to regularly back up all mail boxes, just in
case.
Rule #11 – Answer e-mail. I
can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent an e-mail requesting
specific information only to receive a reply with half, if any,
of my questions answered. This now requires sending a second
message to get the necessary answers. When responding to an
e-mail with multiple questions, type your response right next to
the questions in a different color font than the original
message. This clearly shows your reply and enables the reader to
easily match the response to a question and ensures you have
answered all of the sender’s questions.
Rule #12 – Be patient. With
the proliferation of text messaging, PDAs, and Blackberrys, many
people send an e-mail and expect an on the spot response within
moments of a message being sent. It’s unreasonable to expect
others to drop everything to instantly cater to your every whim.
When sending e-mail, be patient and allow a reasonable amount of
time to pass before you expect a reply.
Electronic mail can open up
doors to you from around the world. Apply these twelve simple
e-mail rules and you messages will be clear, concise, and always
connected.
About the Author: Joy
Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success
coach in the areas of communication, leadership, motivation,
stress management, customer service, and team building. You can
e-mail her at mailto:jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call her at
(757) 427-7032. Go to her web site,
http://www.thesykesgrp.com,
and signup for the newsletter.
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Your Prom Night Essential 'To
Do' List
By Jason Anderson
In the lead up to a
once-in-a-lifetime event like your prom night, it can be easy to
forget to organize something. The easiest way to prevent this is
to plan ahead. Remember, the day of the prom will be very busy -
get as much organized before the day as you possibly can!
Here are some of the things
you should organize beforehand so you don't accidentally turn
one of the greatest nights of your life into a disaster.
Check opening hours - make sure you know when shops, etc that
you will have to visit on the day are open. More than one girl
has gone to pick up her dress on the day of the prom, only to
find that the shop doesn't open on a Saturday!
Research photographs - make sure you get a price list from the
school before the night of the prom, so you know how much photos
at the prom will cost (you can easily spend between $30 and $130
- even more). Check with the photographer before the night to
find out what payment options are available - many will accept
checks or credit cards, which is much safer than carrying cash.
Eat! - it seems like such a
simple thing, but remember to eat a good breakfast and lunch on
the day of the prom. You may be rushing around getting things
ready, or feel like you can't eat, but you will need all the
energy you can get for the big night!
Make records - when making your appointments (hair, nails,
make-up, restaurant, limousine, etc) be sure to make a note of
the date and time of your call, and who you spoke to. Make sure
you ring to confirm your appointments 2-3 weeks before the prom,
just to be sure that there are no problems.
Prepare for your hair
appointment - it may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget.
Remember to wear a button down shirt when you have your hair
done.
The right purse - you don't
want to be carrying around a huge purse or handbag all night.
Choose a small purse that is just big enough to hold lipstick,
money, an extra pair of hose, a number of small safety pins, and
possibly a camera.
Prom checks - while at the prom, take a bathroom break to do the
following:
1) Refresh lipstick & powder
(if needed);
2) Reapply body glitter
(especially before a grand march);
3) Make sure everything is
right with your dress; and 4) Hair check. But don't take too
long to do all this - your date won't like to be kept waiting!
Have a great time - this is one of the biggest nights of your
life, so make sure you relax and enjoy it! Once you are at the
prom, there is no point in worrying about what you could or
should have done. Simply make sure you have a great time. Jason
Anderson has more tips at
http://www.prom-dress-envy.com/prom-tips.html
where you will find what you need to do to get ready for the
perfect prom night.
Article
Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Anderson
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Good Girls Guide to Buying Lingerie
Author: Christine McClinden
Article
source:
http://www.articlecity.com/.
Used with author's permission.
With the popularity of Lingerie boutiques in shopping malls
across America the stigma of buying and wearing lingerie is now
a thing of the past. However for women who've never bought
lingerie before or are still a little shy about visiting a store
here's our guide for styles you are likely to encounter.
Baby Doll Set
A baby doll set
encompasses a large category of lingerie items. Basically it's a
two piece set, consisting of a robe or loose billowy top and
matching bottom. The top is always loose fitting and comes in
just below the bust line, like an empire bodice. The top is very
loose fitting and short, ending at or just below your rear. Baby
doll sets are available in wide variety of fabrics from silk and
satin to sheer lace.
Chemise
A chemise is a short
flowing A-line gown that's longer than a baby doll. The top
usually has spaghetti or halter straps. The angular shape of a
chemise looks good on almost every figure type. If you are
concerned about your mid-section look for a style that has built
in figure control. Sometimes a chemise comes with a matching
bottom, but this varies from style to style. The fabric choices
range from patterned and solid silks to very revealing lace, so
there is something for everyone's taste.
Camisole
A camisole is female
undershirt. It is loose fitting and has thin spaghetti straps
that go over the shoulder. It's usually paired with a matching
bottom. Camisoles are now also available as outwear. While they
are not usually worn as formal office attire, they can be worn
for casual occasions.
Corset
A corset is the opposite
of a camisole. It's a structured garment that has bones or ribs
to force your body into certain proportions. The effects of a
corset can be very dramatic, and can create a very enticing
curvy shape. Some corsets are more difficult to wear than
others, depending on how much shaping they are doing. If you've
never worn one before choose something that's not so difficult
to get into. Corsets are also now being made as outwear. While
not something you would wear to the office, they are perfect for
a dinner party, club or night on the town.
Bridal Set
A bridal set or merry
widow as it's sometimes known also covers a wide variety of
items. Basically it's a set that consists of a bra, corset or
camisole top. It also has matching panties, and usually a garter
belt and stockings. The styles range from silk or satin sets
with full coverage to skimpy string sets with very minimal
overage.
Boy Shorts
If you've never heard of
boy shorts think of sexy hot pants for your bedroom. They offer
full coverage on the sides and some coverage on your rear.
Conservative styles cover most if not all of your rear, the more
daring styles give you partial coverage. Boy shorts are figure
hugging or shaping, something those of us with less than perfect
bodies will appreciate. They come in wide variety of fabric
choices from comfortable cotton to see through lace.
Bikini
Bikini bottoms offer full
coverage on your rear, and have thin straps on the side. They
are available in loose fitting of figure hugging styles in a
wide variety of fabric choices.
Thong
A thong offers full to
minimal coverage in the front, and has thin sides usually 1" to
½" in width that come to a t shape in the rear. The t-shape
gives you practically no coverage on your rear. Thongs are now
worn just as frequently outside of the bedroom as they are in
it. If you are wearing tight, or figure hugging clothing a thong
is your best solution to combat visible panty line. Cotton,
lycra or micro-fiber fabrics are the most comfortable for
extended wear thongs.
G-String
While the back of a thong
has very minimal coverage with a narrow strip a g-string offers
you no coverage, with a simple single strand or string, usually
1/8" or less in width, not for the faint of heart.
Garter Belt
A garter belt is made of
piece of fabric that wraps around your hips and usually has four
straps (one for the front and back of each leg). Sometimes the
straps are attached to the lower edge of a corset or camisole
top. These straps attach to the top of stockings, holding them
up. The proper way to wear a garter belt is to attach the
stockings first, then put on your panties. While this may look
strange you'll understand why the first time you need to visit
the bathroom.
© Lingerie.6ln.com, All Rights Reserved.
This article was written by
Christine McClinden of
http://lingerie.6ln.com
which features women's fashion items including lingerie, and
shoes.
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Find The Best Fit in Plus
Sized Clothes
By Kelly Reyes
Plus sized clothes are needed
now as much as ever. In the United States and Canada millions of
women, more than half actually, need plus sized clothes for a
proper fit. Finally, designers and retailers are recognizing
this need and it is reflected in the newest styles and trends in
fashion.
Understanding plus sized
clothes, for one thing, can be difficult for many people. Some
women don’t even completely understand it. For one thing,
clothing in plus sizes sometimes need to also be petite. This
presents an additional challenge.
One thing is for sure, the days of plus sized clothes meaning
baggy, draping clothes that hide rolls are over and done. Today,
clothing for full figure women have reached a level of design
that allow curvy women to show off their curves with skirts and
pants that actually fit. The trick of plus sized clothes is to
emphasize curves and assets and to de-emphasize any problem
areas. It's not about hiding the woman. It's about accentuating
and enhancing.
Many women who want to buy
plus sized clothes don’t like going into the stores for them.
They still feel the stigma. If that is the case, though, there
is an alternative. There are many stores on line that cater to
voluptuous women. On most sites, a woman can look at all the
styles. Next, there are often sizing charts that help in getting
a perfect fit. Most sites will advise on how their clothing is
cut. This way, if the buyer finds herself in between sizes, she
will know whether it is best to by the next size up or not.
When buying plus sized clothes, women should be careful to get
the right sizes. A bad fit can mean that outfit can end up
making a woman look bigger. For instance, when shopping for plus
sized clothes and looking at pants, it is important that a woman
get the correct inseam size. Baggy pants will end up making a
woman look bigger and shorter than she actually is.
Undergarment fitting is also
important. Plus sized clothes stores, both on the street and on
line, should have lingerie sections. Remember, even if a woman
is shopping for plus sized clothes that wearing the right under
garments can make her them fit better, make her feel better, and
set a good foundation for her entire look.
Lastly, plus sized apparel shopping really should be enjoyable.
There should be no guilt when looking at plus sized clothes.
Instead of worrying about judgments of others, larger women
should simply enjoy the shopping experience. It is nobody’s
business if a woman wears larger sizes or not. If the experience
of shopping for plus sized clothes is enjoyable, then a woman is
more likely to pick the looks that are best for her. She is more
likely to find the outfits that emphasize her assets and make
her feel good.
The secret to making a plus sized woman look good in her clothes
is the right fit. When plus sized clothes fit a woman properly
she feels better about herself. This in turn gives her
confidence. It's all about comfort and confidence.
Kelly Reyes enjoys writing about the latest fashion trends,
lingerie, and romance. She is an author and the editor of the
lingerie blog at
http://www.AmplePleasure.com
Ample Pleasure Lingerie carries a variety of lingerie styles for
curvaceous confident women and is committed to providing a
secure, luxurious shopping experience.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Reyes
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Bra Sizes and Bra Types - Finding the Right Fit!
Author: Reno
Charlton
Article source:
http://choosehealthnow.info/.
Used with author's permission.
Unlike years gone by, there
is now a vast array of bra sizes and styles available to suit
every taste and every figure. This is great news for those
amongst us that are petite or larger than average. It is also
great news for those that like to combine the practical benefits
of a good bra with style, comfort and a dash of sexiness.
Getting a Good Fit
It is important that in
order to get the most out of your bra you are fully aware of
your correct bra size. This will not only improve posture and
comfort, it will also ensure that your clothes are a much better
fit. There's nothing quite as embarrassing as going out to a
function with your breasts bulging from the sides of your
under-sized bra - except, perhaps, going to a function and
having your breasts fall out of an oversize bra!
Before you purchase a bra, you should always check your bra
size. If you think you may have lost weight or put weight on
since you last bought a bra, don't assume you will still be able
to get in to the same size bra - measure up again!
The best way to check what
bra size you need is to stand straight and wrap a tape measure
around the ribcage, under the bust. Pull it so that it is firm
but not tight. This will give you the size of your required
band. To check the cup size you need, wrap the measure around
the fullest part of the bust, and again pull until firm but not
restrictively tight.
Whatever the inch size around the ribcage, you should add five
to it (and round it up to the next even number if adding five
gives you an odd number). This will give your band size. Then
calculate the difference between the band size and the cup
measurement to get your cup size. If the measurement you get
when you measure for your cup size is the same as that of your
band size once you have added five, your cup size will be A.
· Up to one inch
difference is cup size B
· Up to two inches is cup
size C
· Up to three inches is
cup size D
· Up to four inches is cup
size DD
· Up to five inches is cup
size E
· Up to six inches is cup
size F
· Up to eight inches is
cup size G
The Perfect Fitting Bra Should:
· Contain the whole
breast in each cup with no bulging or spillage
· Contain the whole breast
in each cup without excess space in the front part of the cups
· Should rest levelly
against the ribcage, with adequate room to slip two fingers in
at the back
· Should support your
breasts totally, and remain in place even if the straps are
slipped off the shoulders
Bra Types
There are now bras
available for every occasion, from weddings and special
occasions to pregnancy and sports. Whatever you are looking for
in a bra, you are certain to find something that suit perfectly.
So, whether you want to enjoy an innocent game of badminton or a
naughty night of seduction, you can get just the bra for your
needs.
The Internet is the source of
a vast array of bras: you can find all colours, styles, sizes
and prices online. Whether you want something cheap but
effective or whether you are looking for the latest in designer
bras, the Internet is the place where you are certain to find
it.
Different Sizes
The bra sizes available
these days are incredible, and whether you are large, small or
in between you can get a great fit at the right price - and you
can choose from some stunning designs and styles.
You no longer have to
compromise on the look, comfort and style of your bra, whether
you are an A cup or a G cup. These days, the power of the
Internet allows you to choose from retailers all over the
country - in fact, all over the world - so choice is something
you will have plenty of.
Special Occasions
We all have the odd occasion
where we need a special type of bra to really set off that
stunning dress or that flowing gown. The good news is that there
are plenty of special occasion bras around. You can get backless
or strapless bras for that sexy little black number, sheer bras
for that special night of passion, push-up bras for when you
want to make the most of your assets, minimiser bras for the
times when you want to tone it down a little - in fact, you
really can get a bra for every occasion.
Colors and Materials
These days there is also
a vast choice in colours and materials, leaving you spoilt for
choice when it comes to choosing a bra. Some of the popular
materials for a range of occasions include:
· Cotton
· Lace
· Satin
· Lycra
And the colours available are
incredible. You can choose from white, black, red, green, pink,
purple, beige, blue, silver, gold - every colour you can think
of. If you fancy something a little different, you can get all
sorts of prints and designs on your bra as well, so the choice
is endless.
Other Bra Types
As mentioned earlier, there are bras available for every
occasion, taste and budget, not just special occasions. Whether
you are a housewife, a mother-to-be, a new mother, a teenager, a
fitness fanatic, or whatever else, you can get the perfect bra
for you. These include:
· Teenage bras
· Nursing bras
· Maternity bras
· Sports bras
· Full size bras
· Petite bras
· Designer bras
With so many bras available for the women of today, it is at
last possible to combine comfort and affordability with style
and sophistication and practicality and support with sexy and
savvy.
About The Author:
Reno
Charlton is an award-winning author and freelance writer from
the West Midlands, England. She has written many articles
providing consumer information on such topics as plus size and
full figure bras, and sports bras.
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Because Sometimes Style is Substance
So What--or Who--are you Dressed as Today? Do clothes make the
man? Can a lawyer wear sandals? Should I have really worn that
cheerleader outfit to the the company Halloween party? To answer
these questions and many more, I recruited the help of Style
Consultant and marketing wonk Darcey Howard.
Darcey is a friend, a client, a former marketing exec for
Seattle's Best Coffee and Nordstrom and, really, an excellent
dresser. We sat down over burritos and margaritas to chat about
style, substance and that too-rarely visited island in the
marketing sea, Personal Branding.
CH: Ok, so, what's a personal brand?
DH: Glad you asked. A personal brand is the idea and impression
people in your life or in the world have of you. We all know
companies have brands, but people do too. If I say "Chris
Haddad" to anybody who knows you, a certain attitude, a certain
personality and a certain style will immediately pop into their
mind. And that's your personal brand. That, really, is
what people are buying when they hire you.
And we all have personal brands. Me, you, Bill Gates, Michael
Jackson . . . every one of us has a brand. You can either just
let your brand happen--which we both know from our marketing
work is a bad, bad idea--or you can take control of it. What I
do is help you take control of it. I help you shape your brand
so your brand doesn't shape you.
CH: And you do this through . . . clothes?
DH: Yea. Here's the thing: we live in a very image conscious
culture. I don't care if you're an accountant, a copywriter, a
politician or a ice cream store manager, the way you look--and
how comfortable you are in your clothes-- will have a huge
effect on your success, both personal and professional.
CH: So you're saying I need to be stylish and wear those leather
pants the Queer Eye guys keep talking about?
DH: Not at all. Personal branding and personal style isn't about
being fashionable. It's about looking the part. It's about
taking a look at who you are, who you want to be and dressing in
a way that will help you get there. When I work with a client I
take the sort of "rules" of their profession or company and
blend them with colors and cuts that look good on them and fit
their personality.
Basically, I help my clients dress for the career and the life
they want to have, not the one they have now.
CH: But, shouldn't just being good at your job be enough? If I'm
a great accountant, shouldn't I be able to go to work wearing
whatever I feel like? Shouldn't that be enough to get me what I
want in my career and in my life.
DH: Well, yes and no. Being good at your job is important, just
like delivering a quality product is important, but you also
have to think about what people are investing in you. being an
expert isn't enough. Your image communicates everything to your
coworkers, to your clients and to your boss.
If you put two people next to each other and one looks he just
rolled out of bed and the other looks like he took the time to
get dressed and look professional and confident, who are you
going to invest your money in? Who are you going to pay to be
your expert.
CH: But doesn't that seem sort of shallow? Wouldn't it be better
to live in a straight meritocracy.
DH: Sure. Yes. I'll be the first to admit that it's a little
shallow. But, again, we live in an image conscious culture.
There's just no way around it. There's an old and very true
cliche': You never get a second chance to make a first
impression.
CH: Or a second impression.
DH: Or a third. Or a fourth. And as we know, branding is about
impressions over time. You're making an impression every day.
Every day, the way you act and the way you look is having an
effect on the people around you. It's tuning their ideas about
you. It's building (or destroying) your brand.
CH: But what about being yourself?
DH: It's all part and parcel of the package. I never put anyone
in clothes they aren't comfortable in. If there's a color you
love, I'll try and make it work. If you really like suspenders .
. .well, we'll talk about it. Basically, it's your personality
plus your goals mixed together with your target market--the
professional and social world you live in. Stir well.
CH: So, should I wear a suit everyday?
DH: No. If that's not something you're comfortable in, it's
going to show. You need to have clothes that you're comfortable
in in ever situation. Clothes that prepare you for the modern
world. Clothes that help you be the go-to- guy or girl for your
company.
CH: OK. So, what are some of the big mistakes you see people
making with their appearance and what are some small changes
they can make that'll have an effect on their lives and their
careers?
DH: First off, for business owners: You are your company's
brand. You embody the goals of your company. So keep those in
mind when you think about who you're talking to and how you want
them to respond.
But on a more concrete level: Most people don't dress for their
size. Ill fitting clothes, whether they're too big or too small,
can have a devastating effect on the impression you're trying to
make. You need to be flexible when you shop. Sizes today--due to
some pretty big changes in American demographics--aren't the
same as they used to be. You need to be flexible when you shop
and find things that work for the body you have now, not the one
you had ten years ago.
And then, look at what things in your closet you really do like
and get them tailored so they fit better. A lot of people have
clothes that didn't fit them to begin with and now they're all
worn out. If your clothes look tired and dated, people will
think you are tired and dated.
CH: Thanks, Darcey.
DH: No problem. Just remember, Sometimes Style is Substance.
Chris Haddad is a copywriter and marketing wonk living and
working in Seattle, Washington. Chris specializes in using
rhythmic, conversational copy to break down the final barrier
between company and customer and to turn one-time buyers into
highly loyal, high spending friends. You can learn more about
Chris at
http://www.haddadink.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Haddad
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Building A Business Wardrobe: Aim for
Quality and Versatility
Author: Aldene Fredenburg
Article source:
http://www.amazines.com/. Used with author's
permission.
You've just gotten your business degree, and now you're looking
for that new job, the one that will allow you to show your
stuff.
Whether you're aiming for a Fortune 500 firm or a laid-back
dot-com company, the first clothing investment you should make
is one or two really great suits. A couple sharply tailored suit
coats in neutral "power" colors like black, navy blue, or gray,
along with matching dress slacks, will see you through the
interview process. Even if you're applying for a job with a firm
whose employees look like every day is casual Friday, you need
to walk into your first interview like you're a CEO on Wall
Street. Wherever you work, you're still going to need
traditional business attire for meetings with clients, so don't
worry that you're wasting your money on the interview clothes.
Before, during, and after your job interviews, pay attention to
how employees are dressed. Do they all wear formal business
attire? Or are they dressed casually in pullover jerseys and
cargo pants? Are they wearing dress shoes, business loafers, or
Air Jordans?
There's a saying in business: dress for the job you want, not
the job you have. Once you've got the job, pay attention to what
upper level management is wearing, and aim for a wardrobe that
mirrors that. If your new coworkers are a pullover and cargo
pants lot, you'll still probably notice a pecking order
reflected in the clothing choices among the staff. If you decide
to go casual, go high quality casual, using natural fibers,
solid construction, and a neat, put-together look.
Once you have the job, add clothing, both traditional and
casual, in warmer neutrals like tans and browns, to your power
suits. Try to build a day to day wardrobe that will see you
through at least a week and a half of work without repeating any
clothing items that way, you'll have time for a weekly trip to
the dry cleaners or Laundromat before you run out of clean
clothes.
Your business accessories should also reflect your
professionalism. A sturdy, attractive briefcase is a must, a
coordinating wallet and business card holder also makes a good
impression.
And finally, don't forget the after hours environment of the
office. Does the management team play golf or handball? Does the
company offer a gym membership, or possibly have its own gym?
You'll want a high quality, well maintained sports wardrobe
appropriate for whatever activities are prevalent at the office,
including whatever equipment and accessories are necessary for
pursuing the activity.
Getting your business wardrobe together may sound expensive, but
if you do a little planning and set yourself a budget, over time
you'll find that you can make careful choices that quickly get
you wear you need to be. For some, those choices may include a
specialty store for big and tall sizing. You'll want to be able
to participate fully in the corporate culture, both in and out
of the office. A well chosen, versatile wardrobe will allow you
to do that and make a favorable impression on your colleagues in
the process.
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer
living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes
to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local
and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including
business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature
articles include an interview with independent documentary
filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New
Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at
amfredenburg@yahoo.com
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Customize Your Image With a Custom Suit
Think of the best-dressed gentleman you know. What makes you
think of that person? I’ll bet it’s difficult to pinpoint the
reason why, other than you notice he’s always looking clean and
professional. Well, there are many reasons why that person
projects the image that commands respect. The biggest one,
though, is probably the fit and fabric of his suit, and the
coordination of his outfits.
Are you projecting that image of success that you desire? As
your career progresses, you want your image to progress as well.
Now, I’m not talking about spending an outlandish amount of
money here, although you could. I’m talking about projecting a
clean, professional image. One that is a step above your peers,
and most importantly, your competition.
Consider a custom suit, and why it may provide those elements of
professionalism you may be looking for. An image that made you
think of your best-dressed friend.
Typically, when you enter a retail store, you are only provided
a small number of choices in suits in your size. This is fine if
you only want the basics, and are an easy fit without too many
alterations. But for most of you, your desire to stand out
leaves you wanting more.
Just for a moment, I’m going to ignore the fact that you have
literally hundreds of fabric options when it comes to purchasing
a custom suit. And also, for this article, I’m going to bypass
the discussion of suit coats. So, let’s discuss just a few of
the options on only the trousers of your custom suit. This will
show you just how many options the custom suit truly provides.
First the waistband. This may seem to be an obvious choice, but
the waistband can be fitted to the quarter inch, can be fitted
with griplets which help prevent your shirt from pulling out, or
an expandable waistband for more comfort and clean fit.
Now, the pleats. Do you desire flat-front pants, deeper pleats,
double-reverse pleats or triple pleats? Just these few options
in pleats can help solve many fitting problems. For example, a
trim, athletic build looks great in a flat front. A fuller build
should wear pleats.
Next, the pockets. Choose from the on-seam pockets, besom or
cord pockets, or quarter-top (angled) pockets. You can even
choose to get your pockets with or without the small inner
‘change’ pockets. And the pocket choices should be properly
coordinated with your pleat choices.
The width of the knees and thighs in your trouser is always a
key element. Depending on your physique, you may require a
trimmer or wider knee and thigh to compliment your body. If you
like a looser fit, this is a very important item. Each
measurement can be specified to your preference.
And finally, the bottoms. Request plain bottoms or cuffs on your
pants. These will also be coordinated with your pocket and pleat
choices. You can even specify the width of the cuffs, and the
width of the opening in the bottom of your trousers. These
choices will depend on your shoe size and your style choices.
It may sound complicated, but Exclusively Tailored, or the
custom tailor of your choice, can easily recommend which
direction you should go, according to your physique. The idea is
to compliment your physique with fitting and styling options, so
that you will project a professional image that commands
respect.
And soon, when someone thinks of the best-dressed gentleman they
knows, they’ll think of you.
Michael A. Moon, owner of EXCLUSIVELY TAILORED
e-mail:
m.moon@exclusivelytailored.com web:
http://www.exclusivelytailored.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Moon
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How to Spice
Up a Dull Wardrobe
Less than inspired by your wardrobe? Is it giving you the blues?
Certainly an outdated wardrobe is not your most serious problem, but
it can
be a limiting factor when you are trying to be promoted, going for
that new
job, going on a first date, or just needing to feel good about
yourself.
Never fear - here are 10 wardrobe secrets to add some life back into
those
dull garments!
1. Add a
colorful scarf or tie. This will breathe life into unexciting
colors, and liven up your face, as well.
2. Wear more accessories. If you are wearing less than 5 pieces of
jewelry
(earrings count as 2 pieces), you are a bit underdone! Spice it up
a
little.
3. Push sleeves up to the elbow. This will give your outfit a
slightly
different look. Bonus: it will make you look thinner because you
have less
fabric hanging near your hips. I notice that some of you already do
this.
4. A low-heel shoe will dress up your outfit. A one and one-half
inch shoe
will go a long way towards updating your outfit (and making your
legs look
longer and thinner, which makes you look taller).
5. Give tired shoes a new lease on life by taking them to the
repair shop
for professional help.
6. Treat yourself to a closet cleansing. Get rid of anything that
doesn't
give you that "Wow!" feeling. Let your friends treat themselves to
the
items you no longer want and maybe they will treat you to what's in
their
closet, as well.
7. Go out and buy three items to add to, and to mix and match with,
what
you already have.
8. Find a colorful piece of jewelry to wear near your face.
Brooches have
really made a come-back. Treat yourself to a new one or browse a
local
antique store.
9. Find a great alterationist to take in or let out pants and
jackets in
all the necessary places. Remember, you want to dress the body that
you
have now, not the one you used to have.
10. Accessorize with inexpensive, non-prescription, glasses in
several
colors and shapes that are complimentary. If you wear prescription
glasses,
maybe now is a good time to think about switching to contacts or
making an
appointment with an eye surgeon.
No wardrobe update will work if you still have an outdated
hairstyle and
poorly manicured hands. Treat yourself to an updated 'do,' or maybe
just a
fresh hair cut, and a manicure. While you're at it, treat yourself
to a
lesson in makeup application.
Still worried that you can't pull off these changes? If you've seen
the
movie A Bug's Life, you might recall the scene where the ants are
marching
in a line and come upon a leaf that is blocking their way.
Because
they were used to traveling in a straight path, the unexpected leaf
stopped them dead in their tracks; they had no idea what to do.
However a leader stepped from the group and proclaimed these three
things,
1) "Do not panic!" 2) "We are trained professionals," 3) "We will go
around
the leaf. This is nothing compared to the twig of '93."
Well, your trained Image Consultant has seen many more wardrobe
'twigs'
and 'leaves' than you can imagine - don't be afraid to call and ask
for help
with yours.
A Word About Alcohols in Skin Care
If you read labels on cosmetic products, often you will find an
ingredient or two with the word "alcohol" in their names. Are
they safe to use? Many of them are - and for any skin type.
The word "alcohol" refers to
the chemical structure of a substance, not its properties.
Indeed, some alcohols dry and irritate skin due to their solvent
and astringent qualities. These alcohols are used mainly in
aftershaves and skin tonics.
Alcohols used in creams and
lotions are fatty alcohols. They are produced from natural fats
and oils, however there are synthetic fatty alcohols that are
structurally identical to the natural ones. Fatty alcohols are
emulsifiers, they also make skin smoother and prevent moisture
loss.
Examples of fatty alcohols
are: Cetyl Alcohol, Decyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Stearyl
Alcohol, Jojoba Alcohol, Palm Kernel Alcohol.
(C) Natalie Katsman 2003
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com, where
you can find fine quality aloe
vera products for beauty and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin
Newsletter filled with beauty tips,
recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic
chemistry.
Wedding Day Hair Styles - A Top Ten
Checklist
The big day is fast approaching, and the energy of the moment
sweeps you up. But does it carry your hair along too? Use the
following checklist to ensure your wedding day hair is
everything you dream it will be:
1. Which stylist? Make bookings
for consultations with more than one stylist well in advance and
decide on the one you feel most comfortable with. You should be
able to express your likes and dislikes without feeling awkward.
2. Long hair, shoulder length,
or short hair? It is important to consult with your stylist well
in advance and make a decision. Long hair obviously gives the
stylist much freedom for creativity but a skilled stylist can
also work well with medium and short styles. Be sure to choose a
length that fits with your personality and style.
3. Have your hair compliment
your wedding dress. This can be done by both style and
accessories. Smooth, straight hair and pinned up curls are often
paired up with smooth satin gowns, whereas a tulle dress often
goes well with soft curls.
4. Take into consideration your
silhouette. If it's along horizontal lines such as with a wide
dress, you'll want to stick with that look for your hair as
well. The same goes for a vertical profile.
5. You'll be spending a lot of
time at the salon picking out the perfect hairstyle, so it's
best to be prepared. Be sure to wash your hair the night before
your consultation, and try to have some pictures of styles you'd
like to try out.
6. Take a picture of your
wedding dress along to your stylist. This will greatly help the
process along. Also take your veil with you, and let the stylist
know what kind of wedding you are having: formal, informal,
evening, daytime. Alternatively, consult with your stylist
before deciding on your headpiece.
7. If you are interested in a
new cut or color to your hair, don't wait until right before
your wedding. Make the changes during the initial consultation
with the stylist, so that you don't have any unpleasant
surprises down the road.
8. After you have decided on
your style, make sure you walk around with it. Your wedding day
will be a long one and you certainly don't want an uncomfortable
hair do causing irritation!
9. Your veil length will have
some influence on your choice of hair style. Normally, the veil
is longer than the hair. It is often secured in back swept hair
(for up dos) and it's important to make sure the style can hold
the veil in place.
10. What accessories are you
going to wear? You will already (hopefully!) have your head
piece picked out. Flowers, pins, and beads can be used to add an
extra sparkle to your hair, and you can and should coordinate
them with the rest of your jewelry.
It may sound like choosing a
bridal hair style is a strenuous activity, but the care and
preparation is simply to make sure your wedding day is the best
it can be.
Following this ten point
checklist will ensure your wedding day hair style is a delight,
not a disaster!
Jewelry has been
around nearly as long as human beings. The ability to trace the
history of jewelry is due primarily to the custom, beginning
with the earliest peoples, of burying the dead with their most
valuable possessions. As far back as the Old Stone Age, people
made and wore jewelry. Using their primitive tools, they
fashioned necklaces of bones, animal teeth, pebbles, feathers,
shells and leather. Although some were probably worn as
adornments, others may have been worn to ward off dangers, evil
spirits or sickness. Jewelry made of gold and silver is
believed to have made its first appearance with the ancient
Egyptians. Gold was used because of its warm, glowing color and
its ease to work, being relatively soft and pliable.
The Egyptians were
among the first to use precious stones in their jewelry using
turquoise and lapis lazuli. Many tomb paintings show Egyptians
wearing bracelets, brooches, headdresses, pendants and rings made of
gold, silver and precious gemstones. Ancient Greek jewelry is noted
for its elegance and grace. Many designs were used, but their
specialty were adornments made from gold filigree of wire openwork
in the naturalistic shapes of flowers, leaves and animals. Likewise,
the Romans loved jewelry. As a means to show social status and
wealth, rings made of gold, jet, and other materials were worn by
both sexes. Sometimes many rings were worn on the same finger just
as many people do today.
During the Middle
Ages, styles and income levels rather discouraged the wearing of
most jewelry. Brooches, however, became an important part of the
wardrobe since they were practical in holding up tunics and cloaks.
During this period rings were commonly worn by every social class.
Rings were made of iron, copper, silver or gold with the metal often
denoting the wearer's social standing.
During the Renaissance
period more skin was shown with the new fashions and consequently
more jewelry was worn. It was during this period that jewelry making
truly became an art. Many Italian sculptors trained as goldsmiths
and created stunning ornaments. Necklaces began to appear in large
numbers and were worn by both sexes. Men's necklaces tended to be
more like chains, while women's were more complicated with twists
and beads added. It was the Elizabethan era where pearls became the
rage. Earrings made their first appearance in Europe, where the
most common were single pearl drops worn with a simple matching
pearl choker.
The Georgian period of
jewelry production began during the years when Great Britain was
ruled by the four Georges, thus the name. The Georgian period
encompassed most of the eighteenth century and into the first part
of the nineteenth, through the American and French revolutions, and
the development of a distinctive British identity after the
Napoleonic Wars. Jewelry of the period was entirely handmade and
consequently quite individualistic. Both men and women wore heavy,
richly-jeweled chains, rings, shoe buckles, and hair ornaments,
buttons and brooches. Gemstones were sewn onto clothing in an
ostentatious display of wealth. Jewelry settings were designed to
display the color and sparkle of the gemstones, particularly
diamonds. The primary theme of the period was inspired by nature,
including flowers, leafs, insects, birds and feathers.
The art of
jewelry-making was refined during the Victorian period in Europe,
and exquisite pieces such as lockets and cameos made their first
appearance. Jewelry was being worn by nearly everyone by the middle
of the nineteenth century. But, instead of being individually
crafted, quality pieces could be stamped out and molded. Rather
than unique pieces, jewelry could be created to a standard that was
able to be duplicated. The new affordability brought quality
jewelry to the middle-class consumer for the first time. Platinum
came onto the jewelry scene at the end of the 20th century. During
the early 20th century, industrialization, increasing job
opportunities and rising family incomes brought jewelry within reach
of the middle class. Large scale firms, created by jewelers such as
Carl Faberge and Louis Tiffany achieved great success and amassed
great wealth by making fine pieces for the newly wealthy.
The Roaring Twenties
has been portrayed as a decadent era: the time of prohibition,
gangsters, speakeasies and the Charleston. Women won the right to
vote in 1920, and they asserted their new equality with radical
fashion changes. Long dangling earrings, long strands of pearls or
beads, diamond watches, cocktail rings, and multiple bracelets on
both upper and lower arms became the rage. Platinum and precious
stones, particularly diamonds, were wildly popular during this Art
Deco period.
The Thirties were a
decade of economic depression, both in the U.S. and Europe, and the
Forties brought World War II. It was in the 1940's that flamboyant
curves and bows in large pieces of jewelry became known as Retro
Modern. Yellow gold regained prominence during these years, since
wartime restrictions made platinum unavailable to the industry.
Semi-precious stones and man-made rubies and sapphires became more
popular due to the high wartime luxury taxes. Cocktail rings,
bracelets, watches and necklaces were massive. Many of today's
consumers would consider this style to be quite gaudy and flashy.
Platinum made an
enormous comeback in the early 1990's and such pieces as the tennis
bracelet and the diamond solitaire pendant made their first
appearance at this time. Men began to wear bracelets, necklaces and
even earrings in larger numbers as the Twentieth century drew to a
close.
Today, jewelry is
increasingly worn by both men and women. From bracelets and toe
rings, to necklaces and tongue studs, jewelry continues to be a
popular adornment for the human race and most body parts have been
pierced to allow for the wearing of such.
About the Author:
Larry Denton is a retired
history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High School in Hobson,
Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet
business dedicated to providing valuable and accurate information and resources
on a variety of topics. For a treasure chest full of additional information
about jewelry please visit
http://www.jewelryjaunt.com
Be
Mine...Bejeweled...Beware
Gemstones can be
naturally mined, laboratory-created or total imitation. Natural
gemstones (like rubies, sapphires, diamonds), as the name
implies, were made by Mother Nature. Stones created in a lab can
look identical to stones mined from the earth since they have
essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as
natural gemstones. The major difference is the cost.
Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity or uniqueness
of naturally colored stones and, consequently, are much less
expensive than naturally mined stones. Because these synthetic
stones look similar to the real stones, they must be identified
(labeled) as being lab-created. In contrast, imitation stones
look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass,
plastic, or less costly stones.
Gemstones can be
measured by weight, size or both. The basic unit for weighing
gemstones is the carat (with a C), which is equal to one-fifth of a
gram. Carats are divided into 100 smaller units, called points.
For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50
points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is
expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 mm.). Many gemstones are
treated in some manner to improve their appearance or durability, or
even change their color. Jewelers should tell you whether the
gemstone you are considering has been treated since it may affect
its value or require some special care.
Diamonds, the
proverbial girl's best friend, are valued on four basic criteria:
color, clarity, cut, and carat. The color of a diamond is usually
"graded" on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a "D" may be
the best color on one scale, but not for another. Clarity refers to
the presence or absence of internal flaws, called inclusions, which
occur naturally within the stone, or to external blemishes, such as
scratches or chips. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if
it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed
under a 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader. Make
sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color
or clarity of the diamond you are considering. Cut refers not only
to the shape of the diamond, but also to size, angle, uniformity and
polish of the facets (faces of the stone). Carat weight may be
described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat, as described
above.
Imitation diamonds,
such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much
less costly since they are made in a laboratory. Other synthetics
such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not
be detected by the instruments used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask
your jeweler if he has the latest testing equipment to distinguish
between real diamonds and lab-created stones.
Natural or "real"
pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls are
also grown by mollusks, but with human assistance: that is, an
irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow.
Imitation pearls are completely man-made using glass, plastic or
organic materials. Because natural pearls are very rare, most
pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation. Cultured
pearls, because they are produced by mollusks, are usually more
expensive that imitation pearls. A pearl's value is largely based
on size, usually state in millimeters, and the quality of its nacre
coating, which gives it luster. Jewelers should tell you whether a
pearl is imitation or cultured.
Some black, bronze,
gold purple, blue and orange pearls, whether natural or cultured,
occur that way in nature. Some, however, are dyed through various
processes and jewelers should tell you whether the colored pearls
are naturally colored, dyed or irradiated.
When you're in the
market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop
around. Whether it is online, in catalogs or at a traditional
store, make comparisons. Compare quality, price, and service. Ask
about refund and return policies before you buy. Check for the
appropriate markings on metal jewelry. And make sure you get a sales
receipt containing any information you relied on when making your
purchase.
Best wishes for an
enjoyable and rewarding shopping experience!
About the Author:
Larry Denton is
a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High
School in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin
Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing
valuable and accurate information and resources on a variety of
topics. For a treasure chest full of additional information about
jewelry please visit
http://www.jewelryjaunt.com
top
You can find many styles
of sunglasses in stores today. These styles include
everything from fashionably chic to practical and
functional to groovy and retro. While looking stylish
is one reason to wear sunglasses, there are many other
benefits as well.
1. To keep the sun out of
your eyes. The lenses should be large enough to
actually protect your eyes from the sun.
2. To cut down on glare.
Polarized sunglasses help to cut down on glare and make
things much clearer.
3. To help prevent
cataracts. A pair of sunglasses with a high UV
protection factor are recommended.
4. To keep other people
from recognizing you. Hollywood stars use sunglasses in
this way quite often.
5. To hide the fact that
you’ve been crying. The darker the lenses of your
sunglasses, the better for this purpose.
6. To spice up an
outfit. Sunglasses come in many colors and styles so
that you can accessorize nicely with any ensemble.
7. To keep the wind out
of your eyes. This is especially helpful while riding a
motorcycle.
8. To protect your eyes
while playing sports. Be sure to have sunglasses with
impact-resistant lenses.
9. To accentuate your
looks. Your facial shape can drive which shape of
sunglasses look best on you.
10. To look cool! Enough
said!
Copyright © 2005 Susan
Daniel and Debbie Overstreet
About Susan and Debbie: Susan and
Debbie are internet marketers. You can review more
articles on sunglasses and also find the perfect pair of
sunglasses for your needs by visiting
http://www.spunkysunglasses.com.
Though it might seem quite perfunctory, the three-second ritual of
shaking hands can provide you with as much information about the
other person as a psychological profile, if you know how to read the
signs. Access to this data is easily available to you insofar as
this simple gesture is always performed before job interviews,
performance evaluations, meetings, etc. By understanding the other
person's body language, you can discover whether he/she is sincere
or insincere, dominant or submissive, deceitful. This is because the
body cannot lie no matter how much a person may try to cover up
his/her true intentions.
This article describes how to interpret the messages of the most
common handshakes. Such nonverbal information is an invaluable
addition to whatever you may learn from another person's verbal
responses, clothing, resume or work record. To interpret
handshaking, you'll need to learn how to pick up the subtle signals
that are sent during a handshake.
There four basic steps in this process include:
1. Engage. A proper handshake should engage the other person's full
hand. This means that the web between your thumb and index finger
should be touching your partner's. The hand should be flat enough so
your palms are touching. This puts your hand in the proper position
to give and receive messages.
2. Pause. Pausing is the key ingredient to a successful handshake.
By pausing or lingering at the natural conclusion of a handshake,
you are expressing sincerity and openness. The objective of the
pause is to be the last one to release your hand from the handshake.
As you pause, hold your hand slightly at an angle. Cup your last two
fingers under slightly, with enough force to support the edge of the
other person's palm. This will allow you to receive any of the
information your partner sends during the conclusion of the shake.
Being the last one to let go may seem awkward at first. But if you
project a positive attitude with the rest of your nonverbal
communicators (e.g. positive voice, good eye contact and smiling or
restraining a smile), the lingering won't be offensive.
3. Observe. Pausing allows you to observe what type of handshake
you're receiving. The hand is particularly suited to this kind of
investigation because it has more nerve endings per square
millimeter than any other part of the body, with the greatest
concentration in the fingers. Observe whether the other person is
pushing, pulling or twisting your hand. Notice whether he or she
shakes your hand vigorously or barely moves. Is the hand warm and
wet or cold and dry? Is it flexible or stiff? Alert your
subconscious to be particularly aware at the moment you shake hands.
Say to your subconscious: "while I'm doing what I need to do,
collect the information you receive, sort and categorize it, and
give it to me as I need it."
4. Remember. After the meeting, remember what the handshake was
like. Ask yourself who shook first. Who let go first? Was the person
nervous or relaxed? Was the handshake coherent with what he or she
was saying? Compare the opening and closing handshakes. To remember
more easily, make a visual image of the handshake each time you
greet someone. Write down your impressions.
Once you start remembering handshakes, you can categorize them into
12 basic types. These interpretations should be modified by your own
observations but they are a good place to start.
 The
All-American
This is the handshake used by most leaders and corporate executives.
The person delivering it will look you right in the eye, fully
engage your hand, smile and pump your hand two or three times. This
handshake expresses a feeling of relaxed self-confidence. The person
using it will be open, trustworthy and willing to listen. There's no
hidden agenda here. He or she is a good "people" person and could be
trusted in a highly classified position.
The Lingering Handshake
This one
is firm with a warm grasp and two or more pumps. The end of the
handshake pauses or lingers. The lingering quality may denote
openness and sincerity, or it may suggest that the person has
something up his/her sleeve. Trust your gut feeling about what the
shake means. Check the person out carefully if the other signals you
get warrant it. If you find that the other person is sincere, he or
she will be an excellent candidate for a job or a promotion. I would
recommend that you offer people a combination of the All-American
and the Lingering handshake. This will send the message that you're
open and friendly, while allowing you to pick up the other person's
signals.
 The
Push-Off
Even
though this grip may be firm and warm, at the end your hand is
pushed or flicked away. The Push-Off can range from a slight
stiff-arm to a flat-out rejection. This handshake implies that the
other person has a strong need to establish his or her own territory
and agenda. He or she will tend to be a stand-offish person without
good "people" skills. This person will probably not make a good
manager.
The Pull-In
This person holds on
to your hand to pull you closer or direct you through a door or
toward a chair. This is a somewhat manipulative handshake. Because
this type of person is a controller who wants things done certain
way, he or she may not be a good team player. If the organization's
goals conflict with this person's goals, there will be a problem.
The Two-Handed Shake
During
this handshake, the person's right hand will grab yours while the
left hand grasps your wrist, forearm, biceps, shoulder, or neck. The
higher the left hand, the greater the manipulation and control. This
is the favorite handshake of politicians because it implies a quick
sincerity and intimacy. This person is trying to sell you something
that's not really there, e.g., "we're great buddies." He or she
would probably not make a good salesperson because other people will
tend not to trust this "used car salesman" shake.
The Topper
 The
dominant party in this handshake has his/her palm facing down in relation to the
other person. Like the winner of an arm wrestling match, the hand on top is
clearly in control. To retain equality, simply step into this handshake with
your left foot. This handshake says "I'm in charge, I'm the Boss." It tends to
be the handshake of the conventional boss or manager who manages through
control. If this person is too controlling, this can limit his/her effectiveness
with other people.
The Finger Squeeze
Like
the push-off, the finger squeeze is used to keep someone at a comfortable
distance. This kind of handshake will hurt your hand. This is a very insecure
type of person who equates brute strength with personal power. They use their
hands as weapons to dominate and overpower people. These days, some women are
misguidedly using this kind of handshake.
The Bone Crusher
Will tend to turn other people off. However, if
this person matures, he or she can be a strong leader.
 The Palm Pinch
This
person just offers you two or three fingers. It is usually given by a woman who
hasn't learned how to shake hands properly or who has a fear of intimacy. This
person will tend not to be very good at interpersonal skills. If you're going to
promote the Bone Crusher or the Palm Pincher, you should tell them to shift to
the All-American shake.
The Twister
In this one, the other person grabs your hand
normally but aggressively twists it under his/her hand at the end. This person
is saying, "We may be coming into this as equals, but in the end I'll be on
top." This person can turn on you. You may think you're in control, but he/she
will attempt to catch you off guard. This is a deceitful or devious type of
person. Don't gloss over the Twister too lightly. The Twister is a major red
flag for a serious background check This candidate may not be a good team player
or a good security risk.
The
Dead Fish
We all know people who offer this kind
of cold, clammy, indifferent handshake. It tends to drain your
energy. This individual tends to be somewhat passive or apathetic.
This type of employee will usually be better with computers,
machines and information than with people. If he/she has good
technical skills, don't promote him/her to a managerial position.
Dead Fish handshakers probably won't have the energy and interest
necessary for that type of work.
This information may make a useful addition to your repertoire of
people skills. You may want to practice using these skills for at
least three or four weeks so that they become second nature to you.
By following these simple steps and fine-tuning your own
interpretive powers, you'll be better prepared to make more accurate
decisions about other people based on your first impressions.
by Robert E. Brown
(Reprinted from the NCHRC Quarterly)
© R.E.Brown Co. and Associates
Fax: (510) 233-0865 Voice: (510) 234 8800
Email: bob@rebrown.com Web: http://rebrown.com
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