Luggage: I”m possibly OCD, but I do match my luggage with my ensemble. Before you judge me as obsessed, I do often go straight from the airport to a client meeting or office and have to drag my suitcase with me – so it makes an impression. I stick to my Brics suitcases (stylish but not slavish or cliched) my Tumi laptop backpacks – either red/black combo or burgundy/tan – depending on what I”m wearing. Loving my new Missoni carryon (though the balance is off and it tips forward – annoying!!!) because it is so versatile and looks amazing in any situation. Why would luggage matter? Consider the job interviewing panel I participated in as an interviewer a few weeks ago where the professional headhunter/recruiter arrived late (already breaking my cardinal rule – I don”t do late) she was dragging along a pink polka dotted suitcase with a bright green ribbon detail. A suitcase appropriate for a 6 year old Barbie devotee, but not a grown woman making an impression on interviewers and candidates.

Nails: mani and pedi polish must coordinate – red/red; dark/dark; or you can do dark pedi and light mani. Avoid light pedis (looks too fleshy – ewww) and never ever ever put gel nails or other extensions on your toes. Talons on your feet are not attractive.

Metals: You can mix gold and silvertones with intention – but consider your zippers colours if exposed or a design feature, metal on your shoes and metal sunglass frames. I have too many sunglasses for one girl, but my favourites in rotation this summer are gold framed Ray Ban aviators and silver framed Chanels. I change the glasses to match the metals scheme. The exception to metals matching is your wedding/engagement set.

Undergarments: Bras and panties have to match, gals. I do have “sets” but then I also have my everyday basics – nude bras/panties and black bras/panties.

Eyebrows and hair: Unless you have an amazing face and a fierce attitude and are making a deliberate fashion statement, make sure your eyebrows match your hair.

Shoes/Bag/Belt: Okay, so you don”t have to fixate on the geriatric bags/shoes must match-match; but they should coordinate in tone and style. Even if the colours match (black/black) if they styles aren”t harmonious (ladylike pumps with a bohemian chunky bag) then it”s just all wrong. You”re only as dressy as your most casual piece – so think about what”s appropriate and accessorize from there. I change my handbag, briefcase and convenient scarf tie-on every day to match my shoes, outfit and occasion.

Lips/eyes/cheeks: Play it safe – stick to bronze tones; pink tones; or classic red lip simple eye. Don”t go throwing bronzer on with a red lip or you”ll look like a crazy person!

Jewelry style: ditto to the shoes/bag/belt paragraph above. Your jewelry should have a theme and coordinate (again, excepting the wedding set) know if you”re channeling a bohemian, elegant, sporty, artistic, dramatic, geometric or whatever theme and make sure the pieces balance each other, work with the outfit, and don”t overwhelm.

At the beach/pool: Again – pick a style and a colour palette for your suit, shoes, coverup, hat and beachbag. You work out, you watch your weight, you don”t want to fall apart in the styling department! I”m loving my b/w Michael Kors bikini with white sandals, a black Sweaty Betty coverup dress, and red/pink beach bag. My alternate look is a sophisticated Vix one-piece in turquose with a brown/turquoise sarong, brown leather sandals and a khaki canvas beach bag. The best accessory at the beach is your sunscreen and remember the Elizabeth Arden face SPF stick!!

People form a first impression the minute they see you – make sure it”s one of calm, collected and coordinated!

XX

C