CONSUMERS ARE DEFINITELY MORE COST CONSCIOUS THEY’RE LOOKING FOR A “COUPON” BUT ARE STILL INSISTING ON QUALITY.

AS A SPECIALTY STORE OWNER I FEEL, THAT I AM COMPETING WITH THE DISCOUNT STORES AND THE DEPARTMENT STORE “SALES.” IN MY OPINION THE SPECIALTY STORES HAVE TO COME UP WITH A NEW PLAN OF ACTION TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS GET THE MOST OF WHAT THEY ALREADY OWE I.E.:

~TAKE THE “DESIGNER” BLAZER OR CARDIGAN SWEATER THAT THEY BOUGHT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND UPDATE IT WITH NEW BUTTONS

~WITH THE “LBD” ADD A SLIP WITH LACE ON THE BOTTOM TO MAKE IT A BIT MORE TRENDY

~BLACK “BASIC” PANTS CAN GO A LONG WAY WITH MANY AFFORDABLE TOPS: DAY-CRISP WHITE BLOUSE; NIGHT-SEXY HALTER TOP-ADD THE BLAZER OR CARDIGAN WITH THE NEW BUTTONS AND CHUNKY PIN AND YOU GET TWO TOTALLY UNIQUE LOOKS.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR OPINIONS AREL WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT!

Interview Tips!

Written By: Rebecca Norman

When interviewing for a job, it is important to be as professional as possible.  The key to getting hired is leaving a lasting impression on the hiring manager.  There are five critical aspects that help build a candidate’s “first impression” which should not be overlooked.  These include: Professional Dress, Eye Contact, Firm Handshake, Good Knowledge of the Company, and Extra Resumes.

Dress: It is important to be as neutral and conservative in your style as possible when on an interview.  You do not want your clothes to distract your interviewer from YOU.  Suggested Look: Neutral Stockings, Dark Suit, Pearls (real or fake!), a pair of black pumps.

Eye Contact:  Poor eye contact reveals weakness and insecurity.  Maintaining good eye contact shows that you are well grounded and confident in what you are stating.  It is good to research the company and prepare ahead of time on answers to anticipated questions.

Firm Handshake:  A firm handshake is another indicator of professionalism and confidence in a candidate.  Upon meeting and greeting your interviewer, it is important to stand and smile naturally while looking directly at the interviewer.  This sets the tone for the interview.

Knowledge of Company:  Read up on the company’s website before the interview.  It is good to have a general sense of what the company does and what their “mission” is.  Some points to research: Key People, Operating Budget, Year it was Established.

Extra Resumes:  You’ll never know how many hiring managers you’ll be introduced to -and if you follow all steps above, you may just meet more than one!  The more people you meet, the better your chances are of landing the job.  Make sure you’re prepared for this possibility by carrying extra handy resumes.

GOOD LUCK!!

Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Beautiful.

Due to the recent changes in the economy, many women are reentering the job market after years of being a “stay at home” mom.  Another group of women entering the job market are the college graduates.  Both of these groups are in the same situation; the catch-22 in all this is that to be successful you have to look successful even before you are successful and you can’t be successful until you look the part.  We hope the following advice will help you achieve the look you are going for on a limited budget.

- Check out your closet.  Don’t buy what you don’t need.  Make sure that what you have us still in style but isn’t too trendy.

- Make sure you have the basics: tailored suit (skirt/pant), jacket or blazer, buttoned down shirt and comfortable shows (appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously).

- Even if you are aware that the employees of the company dress casually, dress up for the interview; this will impress the interviewer that you are serious and confident.

- Never confuse an interview with a social event.  You are not going to a party or on a date

- Absolutely NO:   Flip Flops, Stilettos, Flashy Jewelry, Strong Scents

If you look good you’ll feel good and that is when the confidence, boldness and beauty will prevail!!

“Prevention”

Written By: Dr. Susan Greenberg

It seems like everyone today is taking a medication to treat or to prevent a problem.  But here is a simple preventative pill that requires nothing to buy-exercise.  Just simply putting aside the cardiac health benefits, it has now been shown that women who did about 3.25 hours of running or 13 hours/week of walking had a 23% lower incidence of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer.  The younger the women were when they started to exercise was also important. So get up off the sofa for your heart, your bones, your brain, and your breasts.

“Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes”

Written By: Dr. Rebecca Cipriano MD, MA, Masters in Clinical Nutrition

A Better You is a medically-supervised weight management program for people interested in making healthy lifestyle changes.

We do not believe in pre-packaged food, weighing and measuring food or counting calories.

The thee basic principles we feel provide success are to examine an individuals current diet which we find most are eating excess sugar and fat; we make an individualized eating schedule which takes away unconscious eating done by most overweight people and we create an exercise habit that is incorporated into their daily schedule.

FDA-approved weight loss medications are also offered to jump start weight loss but many people have as much success or more success without the medication.

www.abetteryouweightloss.com

“Recession-Proof Your Exercise Plan”

Written By: Sue Torchia

In today’s economy, you don;t need to spend a lot of money to have an effective exercise program! What you need is your body weight, a chair, two five pound dumbbell’s (which cost approximately $10) and a soft surface. Try exercises that utilize your own weight (so that dumbbells are not needed!). Push ups, back extensions, squats, lunges, jumps are all good examples. Utilize a chair for triceps dips and leg lifts, as well as dumbbell exercises seated or standing for shoulders, biceps and triceps.

“The Beauty of Basic Black Pants”

Written By: Carole Colin

Smart shoppers know that classic wardrobes begin with the basics, investment pieces that fit you well, flatter the figure and will always be in style from season to season. 

One of the core basics that a woman should have in her closet is a great pair of black pants.  By investing in one good pair of black pants, a woman can maximize her wardrobe.  When shopping for this “perfect pair,” look for a style that can easily move between the workplace and a night on the town.

 Work: Pair with a blouse and jacket

 Happy Hour: Pair with a tank, decorative necklace and boots.

Weekend Wear: Pair with trendy bulk knit sweaters or a long sweater coat, or step it up for a stroll through soho in the popular leather bomber jacket. 

Dress It Up: Pair those perfectly fit black pants with a beaded tank or a funky blouse for a night on the town.

Learn how to mix and match!  If your pants look great your tops do not need to be “top dollar.”  Remember as long as the pants are a good quality and you accessorize, your outfit will look “put together.”

Trendy Tips on What to Wear!!

Etiquette 101

What Not To Wear To A Wedding- Anything White! You are not the one walking down the aisle.

Wardrobe Tip For Casual Afternoon Weddings- Stay away from any heavy beaded garments, but accessorizing with fun jewelry, or a cute purse will always earn you compliments.  Depending on the region and climate of where the wedding is being held, outfits such as strap less, knit, or jersey cotton dress is always a great way to go.  The wrap dress style is one of our favorite recommendations!

Wardrobe Tip For Attending A Company Dinner- We always suggest to remain comfortable yet professional.  When attending company dinners, you are often in a more relaxed setting then the office but you are still working.  Dont let your outfit make you the “talk of the office,” wearing clothes that are too revealing or sexy may result in embarassment and loss of respect in the work place.