While it’s true, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” in business it’s even more accurate to say “Every detail counts.” Wearing an inappropriate outfit to a job interview will hinder your chances of making the impression you truly deserve.  The rules for what is appropriate when you are applying for a job at the law firm may not dazzle the hiring team at the ad agency. I asked some industry leaders to give me their view and I’m sharing their thoughts below:

Tory Johnson (@ToryJohnson) of Women for Hire:
“Something that shows their style while being reflective of the industry and professionalism…nothing boring, bland or basic.”

Thomas P. Farley (@MisterManners) of What Manners Most and New York Insider TV:
“I’m a big believer in dressing to impress. As a member of the media, first as an editor for Town & Country magazine and now, as a manners expert and red-carpet reporter, I appreciate an ensemble that demonstrates confidence and flair. Even if the job-seeker is just starting out and doesn’t have a big wardrobe budget, it’s possible to send the right message with a great haircut, thoughtful accessories and an outfit that’s well-tailored. Equally important is good grooming. If a job-seeker shows up in a wrinkled shirt or with a mess of a manicure, my first thought is that the individual didn’t put much time into preparing for the interview. Sartorial finesse is no guarantee of a prospective hire’s job performance, but to me, it certainly communicates consideration and attention to detail–essential traits for anyone on my team.”

Erica Diamond (@WomenOnTheFence) of Women On The Fence:
“It always depends on the job – in a corporate environment, a nice pencil skirt, heels and a blouse (with blazer) or dress with a blazer. If more of a relaxed environment, black pants and a blouse would work. At the end of the day, it’s more about YOU and less about your clothes.”

Chanel Dror (@CamilleStyles) of Camille Styles:
“Being that we’re a creative company based in the ultra-casual Austin, TX, we never expect potential employees to dress in business attire to an interview. And since the Camille Styles brand is so focused on inspiring readers to infuse style and personality into every aspect of their lives, we really look for interviewees’ outfits to reflect their personal style and to display a certain level of effort and creativity. And of course, there’s nothing we love more than meeting an applicant who’s wearing a big smile and positive attitude!”

Heather Huhman (@HeatherHuhman) of Come Recommended:
“The ideal job candidate would wear a stylish, yet classic, suit for their interview. It should be in a neutral color, such as navy, black, or grey. The key is getting the suit tailored to your body so that it fits perfectly and you aren’t fidgeting with it during the interview. Adding a pop of color with your suit, such as a yellow or blue top, sends a message of confidence and show some personality. Accessories, such as a scarf, nice bag, or jewelry, can also help give your outfit some flair.”

John J.Daly, Jr. (@JohnJDalyJr) of The Key Class:
“Neat, professional, simple but elegant.”

Nan S. Russell (@Nan_Russell), Author and Professional Speaker:
“I’d be impressed by a candidate who came to an interview in attire that was at least one level above the position they were applying for, who had studied the company culture enough to know what that ‘looked like,’ and who telegraphed through their attire both confidence and business savvy. In general, I find that a candidate can’t go wrong erring on the side of conservative, business attire no matter what position they’re seeking. When in I doubt I recommend dressing-up, not down. I’ve interviewed thousands of candidates, and what you choose to wear to an interview speaks volumes before you ever do.”

Noelle Cellini (@NoelleCellini) of My Best Foot Forward:
“I advise men not to wear the blue shirt! Everyone wears it – not memorable! Opt for brown shoes – much more sophisticated!“

I hope the tips above have inspired you to step into your closet and pull together that winning interview look. Tweet or Facebook us with a photo of yourself in your interview “best” outfit!

Professionally and Fashionably Yours,

Diane

Congratulations on landing your dream summer internship. You are already well aware that a summer internship can help you garner valuable work experience and make an impression on those who may want to hire you full-time after graduation. Here are ten summer internship etiquette tips to assist you in making the most of your time:

1. Be prepared to arrive on time and stay late. If there is a project that
needs attention, you will make a more positive impression if you are more
interested in the outcome of the project than you are making it home in time
to watch the latest episode of The Bachelorette. Consistently showing up when you are
supposed to and leaving when the job is complete is an indicator of someone who will be a good future employee.

2. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You aren’t expected to know or
understand the nuances of your new work environment right away. Listen
carefully, take notes and ask thoughtful questions in order to understand
the company’s procedures.

3. Dress the part. You are judged by your appearance. Take the extra time in
the morning to dress your best, even if you only have  a few key pieces. Get
creative and wear them in different ways throughout the work week. Showing
up sloppy, wrinkled or too casual sends the message that you don’t take your
internship seriously.

4. Be a self-starter.  As valuable as interns may be for a company, it can
sometimes be challenging for busy executives to set aside the time to direct
you with a list of daily or weekly tasks. Instead of acting bored or feeling
discouraged, find something productive to do. Strategize about a new social
media approach or advertising campaign that may benefit the company.  Do the
research, create the presentation and schedule a time to share it with the
appropriate staff member(s). They may just love it!

5. Put your cell phone away. Texting and taking personal calls during the work
day will give the appearance that you are only biding your time until you can check
“summer internship” off of your to do list. Take your job personally and
limit your cell phone use to your lunch break or for emergencies only.

6. Network within the office. Make a positive impression on every staff
member you encounter. Say good morning to people who work in other
departments, mingle with your own coworkers and show a genuine interest in
getting to know the people you are around during the work day. You
never know – one of the team members may end up being your future supervisor. At the
very least, they may be able to provide you with a good recommendation.

7. Stay above the fray. There will always be someone who is unhappy
with his or her job or doesn’t like the boss or fellow colleagues. Make every
effort to associate with those that have a positive attitude and are
respected by their corporate team. An office gossip generally does not have
the best reputation within the company – steer clear.

8. Take a close look at your vocabulary. The less you use the words “like”,
“uhm” and “dude” at the office, the more seriously your colleagues will take
you. Make an effort to eliminate any words that will send the message of
young or immature.

9.  Mind your email Ps and Qs.  Speaking of your vocabulary, compose every email as if it will be read by the CEO of the company.  No slang, always professional and courteous.  Respond to emails in a timely manner (within a business day).

10. Stay in touch. After your internship has ended, continue to keep in
contact. If you continue to build a relationship with your boss and
coworkers, you will probably be the first person they think of when an
opening comes up in the company.

I often wonder what my children will remember most about their childhood when they are all grown-up (one already is), and on occasion have asked each of them to share a special memory. I would love to say that their responses are joyful and incredibly tear jerking – but in reality I am greeted with a shrug, a little eye roll and some random experience that I wasn’t even a part of.

When my oldest daughter (now married herself) was younger, I decided to implement some family traditions that she could look back upon with fond memories. I would make a special tea every fall and a special cookie every Christmas with the sole intention of instilling a strong “family tradition.” Not long ago, someone asked her to share one of her favorite family memories (she would definitely have two – the special tea and cookies). She responded without a blink of an eye, “Nope, I really can’t think of one off the top of my head.” Seriously Dana!?!

So, to that end, I will inject a little mother’s guilt to get the ball rolling this Mother’s Day:

To my eldest daughter, Dana- When you told me you were going to quit teaching to find another job, I almost dropped my latte. I secretly thought you were crazy and worried that you were making the biggest mistake of your life, but my psychology classes did not go to waste. I bit my tongue and suffered in silence as I helped you update your resume and buy clothes that were “corporate” rather than “kid friendly.”  You now have a job that you LOVE and I have seen you grow by leaps and bounds.  You are strong and tough, but also sweet and caring.

A memory for Dana: our Christmas tea

I would appreciate it if this year, when I go around the table and ask about a special moment (that preferably includes me), you don’t mention the time I nicked your little ear while trying to save a few dollars on a haircut. You were 4 years old and barely cried, and after the bleeding stopped you didn’t seem to be in too much pain. In case you are carrying an emotional scar about that unfortunate accident, I’m sorry! (I’ve said it before but I’m sure you have forgotten that too!) Here’s a thought…let’s not mention that incident anymore, thanks. You are such a beautiful daughter and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your efforts to come “home” even though you are married and have other obligations.  You are a truly wonderful daughter.

Jon – My favorite thing you ever said when you were younger was, “What you been doing mom?” You were the cutest boy in my entire world and always will be. I could never imagine you not running up to hug me or hang on me until you almost made me fall down, but boys turn into teens and at age 15, I’m grateful for an occasional smile and a “How’s it going Mom?” You still are the cutest boy in my entire world and I am so proud of you for the young man you have become. You are nothing if not a fine young man who daily amazes me with your incredible smile, your commitment to your friends, your school work ethic and your ability to make the right decisions. I want you to excel, but I also hope you fail – at least a few times. I firmly believe that your failures will guide you towards your greatest successes.

When dad asks you to say something endearing about me at the dinner table this Mother’s Day, PLEASE don’t mention AGAIN that I occasionally misuse the words “good” and “well.” We have all heard you and I would appreciate it if you could work on something else original that bugs you about me. Thank you in advance for your consideration. You are my cutest son.

Lulu – You are my little red bird and my miracle child. It was a struggle getting you here and a bigger struggle keeping you here those first few months, but you are a fighter with a heavenly spirit. I thank God every day for you. I know you would much prefer I don’t dance in front of your friends, do the wave when I get happy, play on your Wii or breath in your direction at the school dances, but you are stuck with me and you’ll get used to it. It’s unfortunate you grew out of my shoe size before you could borrow my shoes for the high school dances in a few years, because if I do say so myself, I have a great selection. Tough break!

Lu, when it’s your turn to say something nice or funny about me this Mother’s Day, I beg of you to please NOT pull out any ridiculous pictures of me giving birth to you. Oh my gosh, who took those horrible pictures? We know who… I have carefully preselected some pictures that are “mother approved” if you are interested in my assistance. No pajamas, bad hair days or body parts! You are as sweet as a sugar cube most of the time, but this almost-thirteen-year-old thing is making me a little weird. I guess you have to grow up sometime.

This Mother’s Day, I want to thank my kids for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.  We are all given opportunities and sometimes we take advantage of them, other times we botch them up disastrously – that’s where the real lessons come from.  Moms do the best they can, often under very difficult circumstances. I applaud the single moms who are raising their kids on their own, trying to work, make school functions, keep up with their friends and juggle life. Very few of us have had a perfect childhood, so if you are still harboring ill will about something your mom did or didn’t do when you were young…get over it.

So Dana, Ya and Lu, if anyone asks you what the most important thing your mother has ever taught you has been, please make sure to say something deep and meaningful, like “She taught me to never give up…” or, “She always encouraged me to listen to my intuition.” (BTW, you really should). But, what I really want you to remember is that you should always add cumin to your Mexican food dishes, and that Knorr chicken bouillon always makes everything taste better. Also, don’t wear shoes that make your feet look big, and turn off the &%*# television set while you are eating breakfast.

I may not be a perfect mom, but I love you with a perfect love. If you remember nothing else, remember that I did the best I knew how to do. The greatest job I have ever had is being your mom. The second greatest is being a daughter to a great mom. Happy Mother’s Day.

P.S. Dana, you REALLY have got to let go of that whole ear nick story! xoxox

Mother’s Day is a day of love and recognition for the women who have shaped our lives. For many of us, that includes stepmothers.

Some people have a relationship with their stepmother that is as warm as any biological bond. For others, the relationship is more complicated, with personality differences and conflicting loyalties.  It is my hope that you are experiencing the former than the latter.

Whatever your relationship with your stepmother may be, here are some thoughts to guide your actions this Mother’s Day:

• Stepmothers count. If you have any form of a decent relationship with your stepmother, do remember to acknowledge her on Mother’s Day. Being a stepmother is a challenging role under the best of circumstances. They often help raise and mold your most valued possessions – your own children.
• Make it a Girls Day! Consider scheduling a spa day or other fun adventure with your stepmom as an alternate to a standard greeting card.  This could be a great way to build your new relationship or enhance an already strong one.
• A positive letter or heartfelt card can be valuable beyond measure. It’s always nice to feel valued and appreciated, especially on a day that’s created especially for mom.
• Include the kids.  Even if you don’t share a strong bond with your stepmom, your children may, and will benefit from the example you set. Make an effort to get the kids involved in selecting a present or making a card that will bring a smile to their “Nana’s” (stepmom’s) face.
• Think about Dad.  Nurturing your relationship with your stepmom will make your dad proud.  After all, what little girl of any age doesn’t want her father to be proud of her?  There is very little downside to doing the right thing and making a point to brighten someone else’s special day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Whether you receive an announcement or invitation from a high school senior or a college grad, there are always questions as to what and how much to give.  First and foremost, every graduation invitation does not require a gift.  You will want to use your best judgment when making the call.  Your biggest client’s son? The decision is an obvious “yes.” Your sister’s daughter…yes. Your neighbor’s sister’s cousin…you can skip if you would like to. The litmus test – if you don’t recognize the person’s photo or name on the invitation, move on to the next piece of junk mail.

The following are a few suggestions for proper gift-giving etiquette for both high school and college graduates:

• Mail, deliver or drop off the gift in advance. If you plan to attend the ceremony, don’t show up with the gift in tow. There is too much of an opportunity to break or misplace the graduation gift.
• Money and gift cards are appropriate and welcome. A few gift card ideas: think gas, grocery, coffee, mega store and even iTunes gift cards. Always include a card and a handwritten note with the gift card, check or cash. When giving cash, take the time to go to the bank and get some new bills.
• Skip the urge to gift clothing.  Only give the gift of clothing if you are close to the graduate and positive you know his or her size and style preferences. Professional apparel can be a great asset to a new college graduate entering the career world, but only if you are sure he or she will wear it.  A gift card to a men’s or women’s store would be a good option.
• Electronics and accessories are a practical gift and greatly appreciated, but only if you can afford to give them. Among the items that are on a graduate’s “wish list” are iPad cases, a phone docking speaker station, a Nook or handy noise-cancelling headphones for late night study sessions or long airplane trips.
• Small appliances for dorm rooms are wonderful gifts of convenience. Appliances allowed in dorm rooms are usually small refrigerators and microwaves. A gift certificate to “stock up” would be an added bonus.
• Avoid graduation memorabilia. A 2012 keychain, pen with the name of the university, or a paperweight with the university mascot will lose momentum by the following year, or the following week.
• Personalized gifts are a classic: a Kindle cover, travel bag or toiletry kit, monogrammed fountain pen and stationary or a leather business card case are all good choices for the college graduate about to embark on his or her first job.
• For the college graduate moving into his or her first apartment, choose something useful such as a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, sheet set or other functional items that will be put to good use. When in doubt, ask his or her parents – or, better yet, ask the grad yourself for some ideas.

Truly, for the college grad just starting out on his or her own, cash is always king! While it may seem cold and emotionless, it is a gift that is most appreciated and can be used specifically for something needed.

As for yourself, staying within your own budget is the smartest gift of all.

Sunglasses are far more than just a practical accessory to protect your eyes from the sun. They’re also a fashion statement and a reflection of your personality that can enhance or detract from your professional image. Here are the do’s and don’ts of proper sunglasses etiquette. Follow these tips to wear sunglasses in a way that helps, not hurts, your image.

• Remove your sunglasses when conducting business. Being able to look someone in the eye is an important part of communicating. Talking with someone whose eyes are hiding behind a pair of dark lenses hinders one of the key ways we read others emotions. If you’re lunching with a client outdoors, find a shady spot to sit and remove your sunglasses so that he or she can look directly into your eyes.
• Make sure your shades reflect your professionalism. Blinged-out, hot purple frames may be great with summer shorts and flip flops, but not with your work attire. Same holds true for your polarized Oakley’s that you typically wear when riding your bike or racing your car around the track. Stick with a pair of classic black or tortoiseshell frames during the workday.
• Don’t use a pair of sunglasses as a mirror. Resist the urge to use the sunglasses of the person you’re talking with as a mirror to fix your hair or check your teeth. What you are doing is obvious and distracts the person watching you primp.
• Take off your sunglasses indoors. Unless you have a medical condition that requires that you avoid strong light, remove your sunglasses when you enter a public place. It makes you appear disrespectful and as though you have something to hide. If you do have a medical issue, put the other person at ease by explaining the situation: “Sorry, I have to leave these on; I just came from a doctor’s appointment.”
• Take care of your sunglasses as you would a pair of good shoes. If the plastic is chipping, the lenses have too many scratches or the frames are bent, it’s time to invest in a new pair.
• Don’t use sunglasses as a hair accessory. If you are running into the grocery store or taking care of a quick errand, a quick swoosh of your sunglasses up to the top of your head is fast and easy. Any other time, remove and store them in a safe place so they’re protected and out of sight.
• Remember the practical purpose of sunglasses. It’s not necessary to buy a $200 pair for business. A classic, elegant pair with UV protection doesn’t have to be expensive and probably shouldn’t be – given their delicate, easy-to-lose nature.
• When in doubt, take them off. The bottom line…Unless you are driving, working in the yard, lounging on the beach or doing something in the sun, professionally you’re creating a barrier between yourself and those around you. In conversation, people won’t be as easily able to listen to what you’re saying. Instead, they will wonder what your eyes are doing, what you’re really thinking about, what you are hiding – or perhaps what rock band you’re in.

Exception to the rule:
When you are out with friends or on a cruise ship sipping a drink with an umbrella in it…preferably NOT with your boss!

Business email isn’t always composed at your desk and sent out after a careful spell check.  Today, email can be sent via your smart phone, iPad or other device; messages are shorter, slang is more prevalent and emoticons have replaced proper punctuation. Needless to say, it may be time for a quick email etiquette refresher.

Below are five common “on the go” email faux pas to avoid:

1. Omitting the greeting.  It’s easy to overlook including a greeting when responding to an email via your mobile device.  Don’t make this mistake – instead, take the time and effort to start your email off with a personal greeting, using the person’s name.
2. Using texting abbreviations or slang.  Using your phone to text a friend is different than corresponding with a client or your boss. Don’t assume your boss will know that “LOL” means Laugh Out Loud, versus Lots of Love!  Keep your email to the point and professional.
3. Failing to set-up your full email signature.  Refer to the “settings” on your mobile device to customize your email signature.  First and last name, title, business phone and website should all be included (in addition to the “sent from my iPhone/iPad” default if applicable).
4. Responding via mobile device when the matter is not urgent.  Avoid the temptation to read and respond to all emails within minutes.  Balancing your work life, family life and personal time without checking email at every “ding” can be a challenge.  Don’t become another iPhone addict.
5. Grammar and spelling mistakes.  Be sure to take the extra few minutes to read over your email before you hit “send.”  If spell check is not turned on, refer to the email settings on your mobile device to activate this feature.  Auto spell check can also be dangerous, especially if you aren’t taking that extra minute to re-read your response.  Typing “to” when you meant to type “do” can completely change the meaning of your message.  And that’s a best case auto-correct scenario!

Being tech-savvy with your mobile communication device is an important part of your personal brand.  Taking the extra few seconds (or even minutes) to show courtesy and professionalism when composing email “on-the-go” is a wise use of your time.

The Fiesta Pooch Parade is an annual tradition each April in San Antonio as part of Fiesta, an 11-day, citywide celebration of the city’s heritage and culture. Dogs and their people dress up and strut through neighborhood streets ( right in front of my home) to the delight of spectators all along the route.

To make sure that this or any other pooch-friendly event stays fun and enjoyable for canines and humans involved, here are a few doggie etiquette rules that I have learned fist hand by my own Pooch Parade experience:

1. Careful with the costumes. Consider the weather and your dog’s comfort.  I feel sad for the sweet little niblets that parade by my house with their puppy crowns hanging in their puppy eyes and their costumes twisted around their back paws.  Puppy’s costume should fit well and allow him or her to see and prance about comfortably while wearing a matching fiesta sombrero and doggie size serape.
2. Don’t be a parade pooper. Carry a few plastic grocery bags tucked into a zip-top bag — use the grocery bags to clean up the mess and the zip-top bag to contain and carry your puppy poop away.
3. Know your dog’s temperament. If you have a dog that’s nervous around crowds or doesn’t like kids, leave her at home. There’s a good chance that someone will want to pet your parading pup so make sure she is ready for attention. Spectators, keep your kids from running up to pet dogs in the parade – this can spook even the best-behaved canines. If your dog lives along the parade route, the noise and excitement of a long parade of dogs marching by might be too much for her. Make a comfortable place for her in a quiet room away from the hubbub.
4. Water with care. Some dog-loving spectators along the parade route (ME!) put water out for hot and tired dogs. If you are one of these kind souls, be warned that the bowl will get slimy and nasty very quickly. If you decide to put out water, keep it clean and fresh, especially after big drooly dogs stop by for a drink. If you’re in the parade, bring water and a little dish for your pooch and pull over to the side when she is ready for some refreshment.
5. Avoid throwing treats. Cheerfully throwing dog cookies (ME!) onto the doggie parade route can create a variety of hazards, from dogs lunging for the same goodie (then fighting over it) to creating hazards for humans tripping over leashes or stumbling on dog treats.  If you want to provide goodies for the dogs on parade, keep a decorative bucket of treats handy and a little sign inviting pet owners to help themselves.

The annual Pooch Parade is always fun and with a little consideration and attention to small details… the Pooch Parade can be paws-itively wonderful for everyone involved.

The 14th Annual Fiesta Pooch Parade supports the Therapy Animals of San Antonio, bringing people and animals together for healing. For more info, please visit www.therapyanimalssa.org.

Happy Fiesta!

If you’re a recent college grad, landing your first job and making a favorable impression is an important step towards establishing yourself in the business world. The way you carry yourself during the start of your career can have lasting effects and should be approached with much thought and preparation. I’m sharing a few of the most common mistakes young professionals make in the workplace. Do yourself a favor by avoiding these pitfalls:

1. Pushing the lines of the company dress code. Avoid the temptation to dress like you are still attending college classes.  Guys, invest in a package of inexpensive white t-shirts and wear them under your dress shirts. Women, if it’s too short, too low, too stretchy or too casual, it’s not work appropriate. If budget is a challenge, purchase a few key pieces in neutral colors until you’ve built up your professional wardrobe. Slow and steady is the key.

2. Abusing the company’s internet policy. Just because you have internet access at work doesn’t mean you should be Facebooking, tweeting and shopping on company time. You never know who may be looking over your shoulder (including the IT department monitoring and reporting to your supervisor). Yes, it does happen more often than you think.

3. Getting too close and personal at work. While there is nothing wrong with making friends at work, be careful not to divulge too much of your personal life too fast. Spend some time getting to know everyone before you decide to trust them with your confidences. Make every effort to keep your nose clean by staying out of the office gossip.

4. Not filling it back up. Whether it’s the last few sheets at the copier or the last few sheets of toilet paper, be a good colleague and take the extra few seconds it will take to restore and refresh the paper. Your efforts will not go unappreciated. On the same track, don’t drink the last cup of coffee or eat the last piece of cake and leave it for someone else to clean up behind you.

5. Personal phone calls. Don’t bring personal calls into the workplace unless absolutely necessary. At one time or another, everyone has an emergency but making calls at the office while everyone else is diligently working on their projects sets you up to fail. Stay off your cell phone and use your lunch hour to make your hair, nail and spa appointments.

6. Texting at your desk. Texting can be just as much of a disturbance (and just as unprofessional) as making personal calls at work. Not to mention the clicking sound your phone makes with each letter you text and the “ding” to alert notifying you of a new text. It’s not only distracting but disturbing to be in a meeting or out to lunch with someone who is looking down, instead of paying attention to the conversation.

7. Arriving late.  Being late (even just a few minutes) on a regular basis creates a less-than-desirable image that can be hard to shake.  Your morning commute should factor in traffic, weather, a stop at the coffee shop and an extra tap on the snooze button. There’s no excuse that will suffice when your boss notices that you are consistently late to work.

8. Dialing down your productivity in the late afternoon.  When  4′ clock rolls around, some employees start checking out and checking in with the friends they are going to meet for dinner. Others start getting ready for the second job at the mall. If your work day goes until 5 o’clock, your productivity should go until then as well. Just because you’re anxious to meet your friends after work doesn’t mean you can spend the last hour and a half planning your night, emailing friends to confirm or otherwise not doing your job.

9. Interrupting.  This is something that plagues professionals of all ages.  Interrupting is a sure sign you’re not fully listening.  Rather than completing someone else’s sentence or breaking into an existing conversation with your own thoughts, wait until the other person pauses to inject your own opinion. Standing at the office door of someone who is on the telephone is another form of interruption. Be respectful of your fellow colleagues and give them an opportunity to speak – as well as their privacy.

10. Expecting too much, too soon.  We all know you won’t stay in your first job forever.  You may even be over-qualified for the position you currently hold.  But, don’t expect a promotion before your 90-day review.  Hard work pays off, but not overnight. Show your boss what you can do, and how you are not afraid to roll your sleeves up and do what is necessary to be part of the team. Climbing the ladder is a matter of hard work and perseverance.

Every opportunity that’s been afforded to you is a step closer to your long-term career goals.  Learn as much as you every day and give every task your best effort.  You won’t be disappointed!

No, unless your office is extremely artistic and even then it would be difficult to walk in these all day (photo courtesy Neiman Marcus)

Who doesn’t love a pair of great looking sandals – always a great reason to indulge in a fabulous pedicure! Worn with the right outfit under the proper circumstances, you can shine at your girls’ lunch, poolside party or dinner with friends. But, when it comes to the boardroom…think again. Refer to my tips below for sandal etiquette.

• Consult your company handbook for shoe-particulars. Even if you can, you shouldn’t. Unless your office is on the beach, wearing a strappy sandal to the office takes your corporate look down a notch (or three). A “flip flop” never belongs in the corporate corridor.
• Does a peep toe count? Technically, a peep toe falls in the pump category and showing a little toe doesn’t hurt – especially when your tootsies are perfectly polished.

Yes, worn with a professional, light summer weight suit (photo courtesy Neiman Marcus)

• Look around. Just because your cubicle mates are wearing rubber straps around their feet doesn’t mean you should follow suit. You are responsible for your own corporate image and that includes your choice of shoe.
• Use your best judgment. Take a careful look at your work environment. If you work in retail, a fashion forward choice is perfectly acceptable but consider comfort before selecting a beautiful, 5 inch sandal. While a sandal with a low to moderate heel may be an acceptable shoe for your office, a jewel encrusted satin sandal sends a different message.
• Make sure your feet are sandal-ready. If you haven’t invested in a pedicure at your favorite salon in several months, you are overdue. If you have the time and talent, opt for an at-home spa option. Avoid neon colors and bejeweled artwork on the toes if you plan to show them off at the office.
• Check the weather. Even if the calendar says Spring/Summer, if the thermometer still says “freeze,” keep your toes warm and wait it out until it’s a more comfortable sandal wearing temperature.
• Don’t wear sandals (or any shoes) that are plastic, foam, or otherwise beach or pool appropriate to the office. Again, just because sandals are permitted at your office doesn’t mean you should wear them.
• Don’t remove your sandals (or shoes) and walk around the office barefoot. The general rule is, if it slides between your toe, it is not office appropriate. It’s also too easy to kick your shoes off under your desk and take a quick trip to the coffee pot or water cooler.

Just because the weather is starting to change doesn’t mean we should change our attitude about office appropriate.