Business Casual?

Some people dread entering their closets for fear they may never emerge dressed. Others gleefully jump into mini skirts and flip-flops only to learn the company policy the hard way.
Strict corporate dress codes aside, there are no rules describing what business casual means. Naturally this opens the door for misinterpretation and error. The good news is that understanding some fundamental concepts can help.
In many industries, business casual is either frowned upon or prohibited, while in others there’s not a suit in sight. Know your industry, but always remember that casual doesn’t mean sloppy.
If there is an unspoken policy, follow it. Pay close attention to the attire of management and follow their lead.
Clothes affect performance. You’ll feel and act more confident and poised when you are groomed and wearing a polished outfit. Ripped jeans won’t make you feel your best because you won’t look your best.
Geographic regions have different rules. What’s acceptable in Los Angeles at a technology company might be taboo at an investment firm in Boston. Generally speaking the West Coast is more casual than the East Coast, but always consider your industry. The South has retained much of its formality yet cities such as Miami have loosened up over the years. To those of you who travel, investigate the dress code for that city and pack a business formal outfit just in case.
The following are some basic tips for what NOT to wear if you are attempting Business Casual:

Business Casual NO’s:

1. Open-toe shoes & flip flops – Flip flops are never acceptable at work. I know it’s hard during the summer not to break out those beautiful Christian Louboutin's.

2. Blue jeans –Some companies have a specific Blue Jean Friday policy. But blue jeans are casual, period. Not Business Casual, even if they cost you $300.

3. Sneakers – Absolutely NOT unless you are Woopie Goldberg or you are the undisputed boss.

4. Miniskirts – Never!

5.Shorts – No. There are some lovely shorts-suit combos out there but they aren’t meant for the office, much less everyone.

6.Hats or Baseball caps – Never.

7. Sports attire – Someone seems to have snuck a memo past the fashion police stating that sports attire is acceptable. Sweats and team jerseys are not Business Casual – ever.

8.T-Shirts with Messages – T-shirts in general are a no, especially anything with a message. “That’s Hot?” Not.

9. Casual handbags - If it’s the bag you took to the beach last Sunday, it’s not Business Casual.

10. Simple Hair - if you are not in the Entertainment Industry, Fashion industry, Resturaunt Industry, Artist or Hair Stylist; KEEP IT SIMPLE!

The secret to dressing business casual is to look professional and clean cut. Ask yourself as you are picking out your outfit, “What impression am I hoping to achieve with this look” and “What do I stand to lose with the wrong impression?” Take a few seconds to answer these questions and you’ll be dressed for success in no time.

10 Tips for Public speaking

"Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:" www.Toastmasters.org

1.) Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.

2.) Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using.
Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

3.) Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

4.)Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

5.) Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

6.) Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.

7.) Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.

8.) Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.

9.) Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.

10.) Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you — as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.

Visit Toasmasters.org, to learn more about being a better leader or enhance your speaking skills. This is great especially if you are trying to futher your career or an entreprenuer.

Ritzy Couture's Contributor Profile - Associated Content

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Giuseppe Zanotti’s Vs. OTHERS

,br>Giuseppe Zanotti’s designs have been very creative and glamorous with their heels throughout the years. The shapes and sizes of the studs in this black suede sandal are HOT! This "Zip Cuffed Jeweled Sandal" has a 4 1/2 inch heel and has metal studs / ornaments on all 5-cuff straps of the sandal. The metal studded cuff goes past your ankles to create more style and funk to your wardrobe.
If you think, you could wear and afford this Giuseppe Zanotti from Neiman Marcus, then GO FOR IT! However, I found similar shoes at www.Zappos.com and searched for "studded shoes".

Luichiny $66.83 * Luichiny $113.00

Guess $84.50 * Report $145.00

WINNER

Jessica Simpson $97.00

Match these shoes up with a studded bracelets by Ritzy Couture

www.RitzyVintage.com

Weight Loss Tongue Patch

I normally try to stay focus and write about jewelry, fashion, and events, but this had to be reported to Ritzy’s Fashionista’s. Just when you think you know everything to beautify yourself – here comes a new weight loss method (NOT TREND).

A Dr. in Southern California has created the most interested, but yet bizarre weight loss innovation that has been, produced. It is the “Miracle Tongue Patch," created by Dr. Chungay. The patch appears to be a white net custom size patch that is shaped to fit your tongue. The Dr. surgically applies the patch within an hour, making all foods difficult and painful to eat. The patient can only have a liquid diet under the direct supervision of Dr. Chungay, once the patch has been applied.

According to his website http://www.drchugay.com/weight-loss-tongue-patch-surgery.html, it reports that his patients have lost up to 30 pounds in one month, even though the website is only reporting 10 participants or patients to date. Doesn’t it make since to just go on a liquid diet yourself and exercise? Why pay the high cost of a plastic surgeon for this? What do you think?

Happy New Year - 2010

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year wherever you are in the world. Many people make New Year's resolutions each year and do not live up to them, as they should. Some involve having a healthier lifestyle, getting organized, living debt free, completing a project or financial growth. I know everyone is going to start his or her New Year off by networking, staying focus, inspired and productive.

2010 looks set to be a very interesting year for Ritzy Couture Vintage Jewelry (RCVJ), with a new jewelry line coming out spring 2010, plus tons of trunk shows and trade shows. In fact, I will be releasing a press release within the next couple of days, announcing the new jewelry line and what it consist of, and what was the inspiration behind this line. However, I will revile that Ritzy Couture Vintage new line is a combination between Cleopatra Era Meets the 70's. So stay tuned and stay Inspired!

Look forward in seeing more "Ask Ritzy" letters as well as more contests for fellow RCVJ followers in 2010. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to email me at EbonieCaldwell@RitzyVintage.com