2009年2月20日
好不容易忙碌了一周，能在周末睡个懒觉是妈咪觉得最幸福的事情了。可是布莱森已经习惯早起，一醒过来就要妈咪陪玩。妈咪总希望能把布莱森支开一下，可以享受这难得的松散时光。今天，布莱森起来之后，说：“妈咪，我要你起来陪我玩。我帮你拿衣服。”还挺能诱惑激励别人的！布莱森把妈咪的衣服一件一件的从凳子上拿过来，说：“我给你拿了，你要起来了。”妈咪还是躺在床上，哼哼哈哈不愿起来。小乖乖又走到衣橱边上找来找去，说：“咦，怎么没有呢？”妈咪问：“小乖乖你在找什么？”小乖乖说：“就是那个。。。那个可以包你肚子的那件。。。”。。。妈咪看着所有的衣服小乖乖都拿了，就只差文胸，妈咪使劲憋足劲不笑出声来！把小乖乖支开后，妈咪问还躺在床上的答的说：“你知道小乖乖刚才在找什么吗？”答的和尚摸不着二丈头脑，妈咪一跟答的解释，两个人就爆笑不已！答的补充说：“太恐怖了，真是小流氓啊！”哈哈哈哈。。。谁就布莱森就一直是妈咪的贴身保镖和影子呀，想保护妈咪的隐私都难！
Saturday, February 27, 2010
鼻子是干什么用的？
晚饭过后，妈咪和布莱森在玩。妈咪突发想法，想考考布莱森知道有多少。两个人站着，面对面，边讲边跳，就象”石头剪子布”一样的有弹性。
妈咪：嘴巴是干什么用的？！
布莱森：嘴巴是来吃饭用的！
妈咪：肚子是干什么用的？！
布莱森：肚子是来装饭的！（小乖乖很得意地，边拍肚子边跳着说）
妈咪：对了，那耳朵是来干什么用的？
布莱森：耳朵是来听话的！
妈咪：对了！那眼睛是来干什么用的？
布莱森：眼睛是用来看东西的！（小乖乖一幅考不倒的得意样子，用手从眼睛那里往外划）
妈咪：对了！那鼻子是来干什么用的？
布莱森微微一想，高兴地说：鼻子是来流鼻涕的！
妈咪笑翻了说：对了，但鼻子主要是用来呼吸的。（妈咪边说边夸张的做深呼吸状）
妈咪：那妈咪再问你，牙齿是用来干什么的？
布莱森：牙齿是来咬东西的。（边说便夸张的做咬东西状，还说好吃好吃！）
妈咪：对了！那脸脸是用来干什么的？
布莱森又稍微想了一下，得意说：脸脸是用来擦防晒霜的！（这真是绝顶聪明的回答！妈咪还真想不出更好的答案！）
妈咪：嘴巴是干什么用的？！
布莱森：嘴巴是来吃饭用的！
妈咪：肚子是干什么用的？！
布莱森：肚子是来装饭的！（小乖乖很得意地，边拍肚子边跳着说）
妈咪：对了，那耳朵是来干什么用的？
布莱森：耳朵是来听话的！
妈咪：对了！那眼睛是来干什么用的？
布莱森：眼睛是用来看东西的！（小乖乖一幅考不倒的得意样子，用手从眼睛那里往外划）
妈咪：对了！那鼻子是来干什么用的？
布莱森微微一想，高兴地说：鼻子是来流鼻涕的！
妈咪笑翻了说：对了，但鼻子主要是用来呼吸的。（妈咪边说边夸张的做深呼吸状）
妈咪：那妈咪再问你，牙齿是用来干什么的？
布莱森：牙齿是来咬东西的。（边说便夸张的做咬东西状，还说好吃好吃！）
妈咪：对了！那脸脸是用来干什么的？
布莱森又稍微想了一下，得意说：脸脸是用来擦防晒霜的！（这真是绝顶聪明的回答！妈咪还真想不出更好的答案！）
我好想你
在虎年的第一个星期，妈咪特意请假陪小乖乖，另外的一个重要任务就是让布莱森当好第一个“一周之星。”妈咪修假的这一周，帮小乖乖做了大简报，作了纸老虎，放在中国红包里。总共23个，把妈咪忙坏了。还有就是妈咪天天接送，步行，一天两个刚花在路上的时间就要两个小时。这一天实在很累，妈咪就让奶奶去接小乖乖回来。到了家里，妈咪赶快迎上去，想着小乖乖应该兴高采烈地扑到妈咪的怀抱里。没想到，小乖乖一到家里，表情沮丧，妈咪蹲下来，“小乖乖，怎么回事，怎么不高兴？”小乖乖这是候放声哭起来：“我好想你！”妈咪把小乖乖紧紧的抱在怀里，亲了又亲。妈咪的心都熔化了。小乖乖，妈咪虽然没有去接你，但是妈咪也很想你，妈咪在家里所做的一切，都是为了你。这是小乖乖第一次跟妈咪说这么动人的话。小乖乖，你要知道，妈咪自从有了你，你就是妈咪的世界，妈咪永远爱你。。
一只眼睛看孙悟空一只眼睛看你
布莱森和妈咪网络视频聊天，一边在看孙悟空。妈咪呢确是全神贯注地陪小乖乖聊天。妈咪就不满地说：“小乖乖，妈咪跟你聊天，你要看妈咪呀。”布莱森把脸一抬，看着妈咪，喜皮笑脸，用手指着一只自己的一只眼睛，说：“我一只眼睛看孙悟空，一只眼睛看你。”把手指着自己的另外一只眼睛！
这个水太烫了
2009年独立日，一家子去西雅图。第一日参观附近的Snoqualmie Falls。到了瀑布边上，所有的人欣赏着高高的瀑布一泻千丈在下面的瀑布谭里溅起壮观的水雾，布莱森突然一语惊人：“妈咪，这个水太烫了！”观察之细腻想象之丰富，唯有我家的聪明宝贝！
鸭子在哪里？
精彩的夏天到来了，布莱森已经三岁啦，妈咪想在今年的夏天开始让布莱森熟悉水性。没想到到布莱森很害怕，不管妈咪怎么在水里逗，就是不肯下水。看了很久，终于要跟妈咪在水里。妈咪抱着布莱森，刚一进水，小家伙就哭着说：“妈咪我裤子湿了。”在大庭广众下就要脱裤子拼命要上岸。布莱森对裤子湿是很挑剔的，平时稍有一点湿，就必须换掉裤子。妈咪没办法，出游泳池，用毛巾包着布莱森，换条干的裤子。看着那么多小朋友高高兴兴地在水里畅游，妈咪好希望布莱森也能享受游泳的乐趣。妈咪边给布莱森换衣服，边自言自语说：“真是只旱鸭子。”没想到这小家伙竟然来了劲，四处张望说：“鸭子在哪里啊？”搞得妈咪真是哭笑不得。
蚊子bye bye
蚊子bye bye布莱森第一天去幼儿圆，等妈咪去接回来的时候，非常兴奋。妈咪教导跟老师还有小朋友说bye bye. 布莱森跟每位老师都告别，刚出幼儿圆就看到一只蚊子，布莱森也毫不犹豫地说：“蚊子bye bye，我要回家了！“
书本在脑瓜里
妈咪从图书馆借了一本书 patty cake patty cake baker's man。布莱森非常的喜欢。这本书退还给图书馆后，布莱森还老是念念不忘，每次到了读故事的时候，就吵着要那本书。妈咪说那本书已经还给图书馆了，下次再去借。小乖乖还是不愿意，要就是要。妈咪说：“好吧，妈咪读那本书读了很多遍了，没有书妈咪还是能读那本书，因为所有的内容妈咪都记在脑瓜里了。”妈咪边说边指着自己的脑瓜。布莱森这时马上抱着妈咪的头，说：“妈咪，把书拿出来了。”妈咪笑得快掉牙，布莱森还继续说：“书本在头发里，我来找！”
苹果是骨头
妈咪喜欢把各式各样的水果拼在一起给布莱森吃，保证营养全面。有一次，妈咪把清脆的苹果和熟透了的桃子混在一起给布莱森吃。没想到，一口刚下，布莱森就把嘴巴里的东西吐出来，说“妈咪，有骨头。”妈咪吓了一跳，看看他刚刚突出来的东西，不禁大笑。当然了，清脆的苹果对于熟透的桃子来说，说是骨头一点都不过分了。
把爸爸从牙齿里边掏出来
帮布莱森刷牙真是件不容易的事！妈咪每次总是要费尽心机讲一些有趣的东西吸引他的注意力。妈咪知道布莱森喜欢火车，妈咪就把整齐的牙齿比喻成铁轨，说可以要牙刷掏火车出来玩。于是布莱森就会把嘴巴张得大大地给妈咪掏。还会说“火车出来，飞机出来。”某一天，布莱森想答的，就说“还要把daddy掏出来！”随着布莱森长大变得越来越越懂事，知道要刷牙爱护牙齿，妈咪只能说成“把虫子掏出来。”使得布莱森配合。
离别
2008年5月17号，爸爸终于结束了博士生活，要从洛杉矶到旧金山去上班了。这是第一次可以说是布莱森经历的第一次离别了。妈咪布莱森奶奶三个人还是在洛杉矶，等待妈咪答辩找工作毕业。爸爸一走，大人都很感伤，对刚刚才满两岁的布莱森何尝又不是如此。布莱森坐在外边的院子里，看着爸爸已经走远了。妈咪告诉布莱森“小乖乖，爸爸去很远的地方去上班，要过好久才回来。”布莱森说：“不是，爸爸去买菜，我要等爸爸回来。”面对着未知的毕业走向和离别，听着布莱森这句话，妈咪泪水就控制不住地留下来了。这么小的小乖乖，情感世界已经就很丰富了，只是大人有时候无法体会而已。
眼睛痒痒
有一天布莱森老是揉眼睛。对话如下：
妈咪：小乖乖，眼睛是不是痒痒？给妈咪看一下。[妈咪看了布莱森眼睛，没发现什么异样]
妈咪：没事。可能眼睛里边进了点脏的东西，哭一下就好了。[布莱森眼睛就一眨一眨的，嘴巴装得瘪瘪的，发出渥渥的哭声，还做出痛苦的皱眉头状。。。妈咪还吓了一下，怎么一下子就哭了？转头一看！]
布莱森：妈咪，我哭了，怎么眼睛还痒痒？[哈哈，原来是妈咪表达不够准确，自己假设哭等于流泪，没想到给布莱森精准的反映揭穿了。真是聪敏的小乖乖啊！
妈咪：小乖乖，眼睛是不是痒痒？给妈咪看一下。[妈咪看了布莱森眼睛，没发现什么异样]
妈咪：没事。可能眼睛里边进了点脏的东西，哭一下就好了。[布莱森眼睛就一眨一眨的，嘴巴装得瘪瘪的，发出渥渥的哭声，还做出痛苦的皱眉头状。。。妈咪还吓了一下，怎么一下子就哭了？转头一看！]
布莱森：妈咪，我哭了，怎么眼睛还痒痒？[哈哈，原来是妈咪表达不够准确，自己假设哭等于流泪，没想到给布莱森精准的反映揭穿了。真是聪敏的小乖乖啊！
遥控开花
布莱森看着大人那遥控器可以控制电视，觉得很新奇。只要大人一拿起遥控器，布莱森就会说：“我来我来”，然后就抢走遥控器。有一天，布莱森拿着遥控器，跑到院子里。看着院子里的花，有的美丽地盛开，有些还是含苞欲放。布莱森对着花蕾举起遥控器，按着开的按键，说“开花！”。天真烂漫而又严肃认真的神情真是令人爆笑.
Dress for success
http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1476.htm
How To Look Your Professional Best -- Females
Our physical appearance, our words, and our actions express to others the person we are within. The strongest personality indicator is clothing because our clothing reveals how we think we look. Clothing can be easily changed to stress our strong points and camouflage our weak points.
Clothing permits us to state who we are and helps us reach our goals. When our clothing is changed, our mannerisms also change and a new set of reactions, both internal and external, affect our behavior. If we feel unattractive, we tend to withdraw and thus evoke a negative reaction from other people. If our clothing is attractive, however, we gain confidence in our appearance and demonstrate confidence in our behavior.
It is more difficult for a woman to project a clear clothing message than it is for a man. For the woman who is bridging several worlds, functioning in a professional role, as well as being a wife and mother, there is a problem of style confusion. Women must choose clothing that will carry them through several roles, sometimes in a very short time span.
Approximately 2/3 of all working-age women work in a paid job outside the home. In fact, women comprise over 40 percent of the country's total work force. A large percentage of these women are not just working; they are planning a career, and the correct clothing should be an important part of the plan.
A look that promotes a feeling of polished and professional competency ranks highest among those who do the hiring. A professional look includes clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories that work together to create a professional image. There are certain kinds of clothes appropriate for working women. Fashion taste and good judgment are essential for an adequate and professional wardrobe. Analyze and describe the appropriate career dress for your chosen career, and then plan your wardrobe around this description.
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Plan Your Career Wardrobe
It is common to hear someone say, "I haven't anything to wear." If this describes you, then you need to survey your wardrobe and make a plan. It is possible to spend a great deal of money on clothes and not really be well dressed. If you plan ahead, this need not happen to you.
Plan an adequate wardrobe. Have enough suitable work clothes to carry out your job and feel good about the way you look.
Find out what you already have that is useful and that looks good on you. Get rid of the garments you have negative feelings about. Clean and straighten your closet in the process.
When you find the items that are still usable and comfortable, plan what you need to add to your career wardrobe. It is usually not possible to spend a large amount of money on clothes all at once; so plan to update your wardrobe by adding to it gradually.
A plan for an adequate and appropriate wardrobe is never completely finished. It changes not only as you change but also as your clothing goals and ideas change.
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A Basic Career Wardrobe
Carefully select and coordinate a few basic garments. Choose solid colors that you can mix and match with solid or multi-colored accessories.
Two three-piece suits (jacket, skirt, pants). For summer, a light colored one; a darker one for winter.
One solid-color blazer.
One sweater (cardigan).
Two basic skirts (straight, flared, or dirndl) to compliment figure.
One classic pair of pants.
Two solid-color blouses (one with a tie or bow).
One pinstripe blouse.
Two shirts.
One shirtdress (to wear with the blazer).
One classic dress (with several accessories to change the look).
One all-weather coat.
Shoes and accessories (scarves, jewelry, belts, etc.).
Studies have shown that certain clothes lend an air of authority to the person wearing them. If you would like to enhance your authority on the job, consider these suggestions:
Wear quality.
Wear a jacket to work -- the higher the quality, the more authority.
Wear subtle, sophisticated colors. If bright colors are becoming to you, wear them occasionally.
Wear small, sophisticated prints or geometrics rather than large shapes or designs.
Carry a fine leather handbag -- not trendy but classic.
Always add finishing touches to your outfit -- a belt, a small pair of earrings, a gold chain.
Wear good quality jewelry if your can afford it; if you can't, wear a fine costume copy.
Always keep the same high standard to your look. Be consistent.
Look and act in a professional way.
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Lines for You
Your physical build is the first clue to help you decide what styles or lines look best on you. Look in a full-length mirror and "size yourself" to see if you are tall and thin, tall and heavy, short and slim, short and heavy, or average.
The lines in your clothes can play an important part in your appearance, but lines can be deceiving. Look at the five lines shown here. Which seems longest? Shortest?
The lines are really all the same length, but "3" appears to be longest while "5" seems to be shortest. The tricks played on our eyes by the lines are called optical illusions.
A single vertical line makes you look taller and thinner and is good for almost everyone except the tall, thin woman.
A horizontal line going across the garment makes you seem wider at that point. Many horizontal lines add more width to the figure.
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Wardrobe Planner
Garment
Fabric
Color
Cost
Already Own
Need To Buy or Make
Three-piece suit
summerThree-piece suit
winter
Blazer
Cardigan sweater
Straight skirt
Flared skirt
Classic Pants
Blouse with bow
Blouse, solid color
Pinstripe blouse
Two shirts
Shirtdress
Classic dress
All-weather coat
Shoes
Accessories
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Dressing Don'ts
Don't wear plunging necklines.
Don't wear clinging skirts.
Don't wear loud, shocking colors.
Don't wear short skirts.
Don't wear tight sweaters or skirts.
Don't wear see-through fabrics.
Don't wear pants without a jacket.
Don't wear faddish clothes.
Don't wear sundresses.
Don't wear large jangly jewelry.
Don't wear childish clothes.
Don't wear scuffed shoes.
Don't wear runs in hose.
Don't wear wrinkled or soiled clothes.
Don't wear clothes in need of repair.
Don't wear skirts with slits higher than the knees.
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Hints for Each Body Build
Tall and Thin
Wear horizontal lines in two-piece suits/dresses.
Avoid vertical stripes.
Wear contrasting jackets with slacks/skirts.
Sleeveless styles are unflattering.
Wear flared or gathered skirts.
Avoid long, tight sleeves and other tight-fitting garments.
Wear wide belts, full sleeves, and cuffs.
Take advantage of fabrics with texture.
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Short and Slim
Wear outfits of one color/pattern.
Avoid large plaids or designs.
Wear single-breasted coat or suit styles.
Wear slim or slightly flared skirts.
Avoid too much fullness, large pockets, large accessories.
Wear simple shoes.
Keep accessories simple and delicate.
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Tall and Heavy
Wear dark or subdued colors.
Hems should be medium length.
Wear outfits of all one color/pattern.
Avoid bulky sweaters, coats, and suits.
Avoid garments that are too tight, too full, or too short.
Avoid large details -- bows, huge sleeves, big collars, etc.
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Short and Heavy
Wear suits or coats with minimum shoulder padding.
Avoid bulky textures and big patterns.
Avoid sleeveless styles if arms are heavy.
Wear outfits of one color or pattern.
Avoid very light- or very bright-colored outfits.
Wear gored or slim (not tight) skirts.
Avoid wide belts and full sleeves.
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Career in Colors
Colors can enhance your appearance. The colors you should choose to wear are determined by your feelings about a color, by your personality, and by your own personal coloring.
Look at your coloring, which is created by complexion, hair, and eyes. You can hold different colors up to your face to see the effect. Although all colors will not look equally good on you, you can still wear them away from your face or as an accessory. Find your best colors and stick to them.
What color looks best on you?
What is your second most becoming color?
Be wise and plan your wardrobe around one or two basic colors that are becoming to you. Using only one or two basic colors makes mixing and matching clothes and accessories easier. This way you can increase the number of outfits you wear without actually increasing the number of garments you own.
Your personality is a factor to consider in your color decisions. Bright, stimulating colors seem appropriate if you are vivacious. If you are more reserved, choose soft, subdued colors, but accent them with livelier ones. The colors you wear should do something for you emotionally as well as physically. Here are some things to consider about color:
Light colors make you appear larger.
Bright colors make you appear larger.
Dark colors make you appear smaller.
Dull colors make you appear smaller.
Bright colors in rough textures make skin blemishes more obvious.
Bright colors in large amounts become tiresome quickly.
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The Finishing Touches
Hair, makeup, and accessories are important finishing touches you should not neglect. Remember: Understatement is always better than overdoing.
Hair. Keep hair simple, clean, and well-cut. Your hair style should flatter your facial structure and be professional looking. Avoid childish hair styles; they undermine your authority. Above all, you want an easy-to-keep hair style that does not require much time.
Makeup. Research among top executives shows that a medium amount of makeup, or natural look, is most desirable in professional women. The "painted lady," or too much makeup, looks harsh and gaudy. No makeup at all makes you look tired or lazy with an "I-don't-care" attitude.
Strike a balance with your makeup. Use it to maximize your good features and minimize your bad features. Perfume should be kept to a minimum.
Accessories. Accessories can make or break an outfit. Use accessories to set the tone of your look by pulling it together and setting it off with just a touch of flare.
One of the tricks of the trade is the Rule of 14. When you think you are ready to walk out the door, do some quick addition. Give yourself one point for each of the following:
Each visible item of clothing.
Each accent color.
Each pattern or textured fabric.
Each decorative trim.
Each piece of jewelry.
Colored nail polish.
Colored toenail polish (if toes show).
Colored or textured hose.
Hat.
Handbag (3 points if it is multicolored, has contrasting trim, or has decorative hardware.)
Exposed handkerchief.
Contrasting belt (2 points if it is especially ornate).
Decorative, eye-catching buttons.
Eyeglasses (2 points if ornate or in a fashion color).
If your total is over 14 points, you are probably overdressed. Remove or change something to bring down your total. The result will be a more pleasing, unified appearance.
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Evaluate for Quality
Learn to judge quality in the clothes you buy to get the most for your money. Being able to recognize quality is a great asset. Become a wise shopper and you can understand why seemingly similar garments may vary greatly in price.
The quality you look for will depend on the use of a garment. If you occasionally decide to indulge in a fad item, do not buy the best quality. Coats, suits, and other basic items you will wear often and for a long time should be the best quality you can afford. Remember, high prices in clothes sometimes mean high quality, but not always. Use the checklist below to evaluate your clothing purchases for quality before you buy.
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Evaluate Your Clothing Purchases
Is the fiber content of the fabric labeled?
Is the fabric free of flaws?
Will the fabric be durable?
Is the fabric practical?
Are seams smooth and sturdy?
Is sleeve cap free from pucker?
Are fasteners secure and do they work?
Do plaids and stripes match?
Is hem even, secure, and invisible on outside of garment?
Are points of strain reinforced?
Do trims harmonize with the style, design, and color of the garment?
Are linings and interfacings used where necessary?
Can you launder the garment at home?
Will it require ironing?
Is the price within your budget?
Do you really need it?
Does the garment fit properly?
Does the garment look good on you?
Will the garment coordinate with at least two garments already in your wardrobe?
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Shopping Tips
Shop early for the best selection and to find the size, color, and style you want.
Find two to three clothing manufacturers that have your type of clothing and look for these brands.
Find two or three shops/stores that work for you and stay with them.
When shopping in a department store, look for special "career" shops and see what the models and mannequins are wearing.
Don't be an impulsive shopper or an indecisive one.
Be a cautious shopper. Buy for a need, not a want.
Before you buy, be satisfied with the price, fit, style, and color.
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References
Clothes Sense by Barbara Weiland and Leslie Wood.
Dress With Style by JoAnne Wallace.
Dressing for the Job by Clemson University Extension Service, Clemson, SC.
Looking, Working, Living Terrific 24 Hours a Day by Emily Cho.
Glamour's Success Book by Barbara Coffey and Editors of Glamour.
Your New Image Through Color and Line by Gerrie Pinckney and Marge Swenson.
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How To Look Your Professional Best -- Females
Our physical appearance, our words, and our actions express to others the person we are within. The strongest personality indicator is clothing because our clothing reveals how we think we look. Clothing can be easily changed to stress our strong points and camouflage our weak points.
Clothing permits us to state who we are and helps us reach our goals. When our clothing is changed, our mannerisms also change and a new set of reactions, both internal and external, affect our behavior. If we feel unattractive, we tend to withdraw and thus evoke a negative reaction from other people. If our clothing is attractive, however, we gain confidence in our appearance and demonstrate confidence in our behavior.
It is more difficult for a woman to project a clear clothing message than it is for a man. For the woman who is bridging several worlds, functioning in a professional role, as well as being a wife and mother, there is a problem of style confusion. Women must choose clothing that will carry them through several roles, sometimes in a very short time span.
Approximately 2/3 of all working-age women work in a paid job outside the home. In fact, women comprise over 40 percent of the country's total work force. A large percentage of these women are not just working; they are planning a career, and the correct clothing should be an important part of the plan.
A look that promotes a feeling of polished and professional competency ranks highest among those who do the hiring. A professional look includes clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories that work together to create a professional image. There are certain kinds of clothes appropriate for working women. Fashion taste and good judgment are essential for an adequate and professional wardrobe. Analyze and describe the appropriate career dress for your chosen career, and then plan your wardrobe around this description.
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Plan Your Career Wardrobe
It is common to hear someone say, "I haven't anything to wear." If this describes you, then you need to survey your wardrobe and make a plan. It is possible to spend a great deal of money on clothes and not really be well dressed. If you plan ahead, this need not happen to you.
Plan an adequate wardrobe. Have enough suitable work clothes to carry out your job and feel good about the way you look.
Find out what you already have that is useful and that looks good on you. Get rid of the garments you have negative feelings about. Clean and straighten your closet in the process.
When you find the items that are still usable and comfortable, plan what you need to add to your career wardrobe. It is usually not possible to spend a large amount of money on clothes all at once; so plan to update your wardrobe by adding to it gradually.
A plan for an adequate and appropriate wardrobe is never completely finished. It changes not only as you change but also as your clothing goals and ideas change.
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A Basic Career Wardrobe
Carefully select and coordinate a few basic garments. Choose solid colors that you can mix and match with solid or multi-colored accessories.
Two three-piece suits (jacket, skirt, pants). For summer, a light colored one; a darker one for winter.
One solid-color blazer.
One sweater (cardigan).
Two basic skirts (straight, flared, or dirndl) to compliment figure.
One classic pair of pants.
Two solid-color blouses (one with a tie or bow).
One pinstripe blouse.
Two shirts.
One shirtdress (to wear with the blazer).
One classic dress (with several accessories to change the look).
One all-weather coat.
Shoes and accessories (scarves, jewelry, belts, etc.).
Studies have shown that certain clothes lend an air of authority to the person wearing them. If you would like to enhance your authority on the job, consider these suggestions:
Wear quality.
Wear a jacket to work -- the higher the quality, the more authority.
Wear subtle, sophisticated colors. If bright colors are becoming to you, wear them occasionally.
Wear small, sophisticated prints or geometrics rather than large shapes or designs.
Carry a fine leather handbag -- not trendy but classic.
Always add finishing touches to your outfit -- a belt, a small pair of earrings, a gold chain.
Wear good quality jewelry if your can afford it; if you can't, wear a fine costume copy.
Always keep the same high standard to your look. Be consistent.
Look and act in a professional way.
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Lines for You
Your physical build is the first clue to help you decide what styles or lines look best on you. Look in a full-length mirror and "size yourself" to see if you are tall and thin, tall and heavy, short and slim, short and heavy, or average.
The lines in your clothes can play an important part in your appearance, but lines can be deceiving. Look at the five lines shown here. Which seems longest? Shortest?
The lines are really all the same length, but "3" appears to be longest while "5" seems to be shortest. The tricks played on our eyes by the lines are called optical illusions.
A single vertical line makes you look taller and thinner and is good for almost everyone except the tall, thin woman.
A horizontal line going across the garment makes you seem wider at that point. Many horizontal lines add more width to the figure.
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Wardrobe Planner
Garment
Fabric
Color
Cost
Already Own
Need To Buy or Make
Three-piece suit
summerThree-piece suit
winter
Blazer
Cardigan sweater
Straight skirt
Flared skirt
Classic Pants
Blouse with bow
Blouse, solid color
Pinstripe blouse
Two shirts
Shirtdress
Classic dress
All-weather coat
Shoes
Accessories
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Dressing Don'ts
Don't wear plunging necklines.
Don't wear clinging skirts.
Don't wear loud, shocking colors.
Don't wear short skirts.
Don't wear tight sweaters or skirts.
Don't wear see-through fabrics.
Don't wear pants without a jacket.
Don't wear faddish clothes.
Don't wear sundresses.
Don't wear large jangly jewelry.
Don't wear childish clothes.
Don't wear scuffed shoes.
Don't wear runs in hose.
Don't wear wrinkled or soiled clothes.
Don't wear clothes in need of repair.
Don't wear skirts with slits higher than the knees.
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Hints for Each Body Build
Tall and Thin
Wear horizontal lines in two-piece suits/dresses.
Avoid vertical stripes.
Wear contrasting jackets with slacks/skirts.
Sleeveless styles are unflattering.
Wear flared or gathered skirts.
Avoid long, tight sleeves and other tight-fitting garments.
Wear wide belts, full sleeves, and cuffs.
Take advantage of fabrics with texture.
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Short and Slim
Wear outfits of one color/pattern.
Avoid large plaids or designs.
Wear single-breasted coat or suit styles.
Wear slim or slightly flared skirts.
Avoid too much fullness, large pockets, large accessories.
Wear simple shoes.
Keep accessories simple and delicate.
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Tall and Heavy
Wear dark or subdued colors.
Hems should be medium length.
Wear outfits of all one color/pattern.
Avoid bulky sweaters, coats, and suits.
Avoid garments that are too tight, too full, or too short.
Avoid large details -- bows, huge sleeves, big collars, etc.
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Short and Heavy
Wear suits or coats with minimum shoulder padding.
Avoid bulky textures and big patterns.
Avoid sleeveless styles if arms are heavy.
Wear outfits of one color or pattern.
Avoid very light- or very bright-colored outfits.
Wear gored or slim (not tight) skirts.
Avoid wide belts and full sleeves.
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Career in Colors
Colors can enhance your appearance. The colors you should choose to wear are determined by your feelings about a color, by your personality, and by your own personal coloring.
Look at your coloring, which is created by complexion, hair, and eyes. You can hold different colors up to your face to see the effect. Although all colors will not look equally good on you, you can still wear them away from your face or as an accessory. Find your best colors and stick to them.
What color looks best on you?
What is your second most becoming color?
Be wise and plan your wardrobe around one or two basic colors that are becoming to you. Using only one or two basic colors makes mixing and matching clothes and accessories easier. This way you can increase the number of outfits you wear without actually increasing the number of garments you own.
Your personality is a factor to consider in your color decisions. Bright, stimulating colors seem appropriate if you are vivacious. If you are more reserved, choose soft, subdued colors, but accent them with livelier ones. The colors you wear should do something for you emotionally as well as physically. Here are some things to consider about color:
Light colors make you appear larger.
Bright colors make you appear larger.
Dark colors make you appear smaller.
Dull colors make you appear smaller.
Bright colors in rough textures make skin blemishes more obvious.
Bright colors in large amounts become tiresome quickly.
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The Finishing Touches
Hair, makeup, and accessories are important finishing touches you should not neglect. Remember: Understatement is always better than overdoing.
Hair. Keep hair simple, clean, and well-cut. Your hair style should flatter your facial structure and be professional looking. Avoid childish hair styles; they undermine your authority. Above all, you want an easy-to-keep hair style that does not require much time.
Makeup. Research among top executives shows that a medium amount of makeup, or natural look, is most desirable in professional women. The "painted lady," or too much makeup, looks harsh and gaudy. No makeup at all makes you look tired or lazy with an "I-don't-care" attitude.
Strike a balance with your makeup. Use it to maximize your good features and minimize your bad features. Perfume should be kept to a minimum.
Accessories. Accessories can make or break an outfit. Use accessories to set the tone of your look by pulling it together and setting it off with just a touch of flare.
One of the tricks of the trade is the Rule of 14. When you think you are ready to walk out the door, do some quick addition. Give yourself one point for each of the following:
Each visible item of clothing.
Each accent color.
Each pattern or textured fabric.
Each decorative trim.
Each piece of jewelry.
Colored nail polish.
Colored toenail polish (if toes show).
Colored or textured hose.
Hat.
Handbag (3 points if it is multicolored, has contrasting trim, or has decorative hardware.)
Exposed handkerchief.
Contrasting belt (2 points if it is especially ornate).
Decorative, eye-catching buttons.
Eyeglasses (2 points if ornate or in a fashion color).
If your total is over 14 points, you are probably overdressed. Remove or change something to bring down your total. The result will be a more pleasing, unified appearance.
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Evaluate for Quality
Learn to judge quality in the clothes you buy to get the most for your money. Being able to recognize quality is a great asset. Become a wise shopper and you can understand why seemingly similar garments may vary greatly in price.
The quality you look for will depend on the use of a garment. If you occasionally decide to indulge in a fad item, do not buy the best quality. Coats, suits, and other basic items you will wear often and for a long time should be the best quality you can afford. Remember, high prices in clothes sometimes mean high quality, but not always. Use the checklist below to evaluate your clothing purchases for quality before you buy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evaluate Your Clothing Purchases
Is the fiber content of the fabric labeled?
Is the fabric free of flaws?
Will the fabric be durable?
Is the fabric practical?
Are seams smooth and sturdy?
Is sleeve cap free from pucker?
Are fasteners secure and do they work?
Do plaids and stripes match?
Is hem even, secure, and invisible on outside of garment?
Are points of strain reinforced?
Do trims harmonize with the style, design, and color of the garment?
Are linings and interfacings used where necessary?
Can you launder the garment at home?
Will it require ironing?
Is the price within your budget?
Do you really need it?
Does the garment fit properly?
Does the garment look good on you?
Will the garment coordinate with at least two garments already in your wardrobe?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shopping Tips
Shop early for the best selection and to find the size, color, and style you want.
Find two to three clothing manufacturers that have your type of clothing and look for these brands.
Find two or three shops/stores that work for you and stay with them.
When shopping in a department store, look for special "career" shops and see what the models and mannequins are wearing.
Don't be an impulsive shopper or an indecisive one.
Be a cautious shopper. Buy for a need, not a want.
Before you buy, be satisfied with the price, fit, style, and color.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Clothes Sense by Barbara Weiland and Leslie Wood.
Dress With Style by JoAnne Wallace.
Dressing for the Job by Clemson University Extension Service, Clemson, SC.
Looking, Working, Living Terrific 24 Hours a Day by Emily Cho.
Glamour's Success Book by Barbara Coffey and Editors of Glamour.
Your New Image Through Color and Line by Gerrie Pinckney and Marge Swenson.
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