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- Lincoln Best Dressed 2013
First of all, we would like to congratulate our 2013 Best Dressed winners who are pictured on our front cover! We recently honored these six individuals for their “Look of Success”, as they are all excellent examples of how their fantastic sense of style is recognized by their co-workers, clients, and the Lincoln community. They also offered some thoughts on the importance of fashion in the workplace, and even shared a few fashion secrets!
TJ King : TJ King Interiors & Design
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My top influences are very simple. I love the old Great Gatsby look, and if was living in the old Hollywood glamour days I would have fit in nicely.
Where do you like to shop? – I love to shop at the Post & Nickel and believe it or not, Men’s Wearhouse! They know me and what I like, and they go above and beyond every time I visit their store. They always make my shopping experience pleasurable (Thanks Mitchell!!). I love the Post because they let me know anytime something comes in that they think I will like—and most of the time they are right! Another one of my guilty pleasures are the sale racks at Von Maur and Dillards; I always score some good stuff from there.
What advice can you offer on finding your own, unique professional style? – The only advice I can offer is to dress for you and what makes you feel comfortable. And always have a good tailor! Nothing looks worse than an ill-fitting suit. Don’t be afraid to accessorize either. A great watch and great shoes, and of course a great tie, always pull an impeccable business look together.
Laurie Dunn : LIBA
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My mother was a major influence in not only my fashion sense but how and where I shop. She definitely taught me how to be a great sale shopper. She always said, “Would you rather have one outfit or five?” and I always have always gone with five!
Where do you like to shop? – The Jockey women’s clothing line is one of my absolute favorites, but I mainly frequent locally owned retailers.
What advice can you offer on finding your own, unique professional style? – I advise purchasing several really good statement items that have color and versatility, and never go out of style. I really utilize my go-to pieces, which are mainly black but can be any solid neutral, and then add pops of color and jewelry.
Heath Stukenholtz : Tabitha, Your Answer For Elder Care
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My top fashion influences tend to come from everyday people wherever I may be. I enjoy observing others who have an individualized approach to how they dress and carry themselves. Not particularly following a trend, but pairing my unique preferences with those of others who are fashion forward.
Where do you like to shop? – I love finding unique pieces while traveling out of state, but prefer to shop locally and support family businesses. In Lincoln and Omaha, the best example of that is the Post & Nickel. They stay up front with fashion trends and have a great variety of options in all price ranges.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – Be yourself! Fashion is much more about your individualized approach and comfort level than what someone tells you is right or “in”. Find what works best for you and focus on what you’re comfortable in. Be confident and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In a business setting, be aware of your surroundings. That first impression is important, so keep it simple, but don’t be afraid to incorporate that bold tie or unique shirt that catches their eye.
Justin Cooksley : Venue
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – I like to create my own look, but I use magazines and my favorite brands to help influence my style.
Where do you like to shop? – I like the unique options at the Post & Nickel, but I also think Von Maur has a nice collection of designers.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – A good suit is a must in any profession, and can be used on many occasions. Ties are nice and fun way to change up an outfit, while allowing you to have fun and be professional. As far as new trends, I love the skinny tie and experimenting with various ways to tie them. I am also looking forward to fall to bring out more layered looks. Vibrant, fun socks are something I have been experimenting with lately, and they are definitely an inexpensive way to liven up your outfit!
Mel Specht : Blue Cross Blue Shield
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My fashion influences are from designers such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Etcetera and many, many others. These designers create professional wear, business casual, and western wear clothing that fit well in my existing wardrobe. There are certain brands of clothing that work well for my body type like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. I’m also attracted to unique items of clothing that are still stylish years later.
Where do you like to shop? – I enjoy shopping at Omaha area Goodwill stores. This has been a hobby of mine for over 35 years. It’s not just the thrill of the find, but the number of top designer items I find. I have found items designed by Escada, Stella McCartney, Salvatore Ferragamo, Kenneth Cole and Versace – to name a few. Some of the top department stores in the area donate new items of clothing to Goodwill stores at season change and after a sale.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – I’m not a trendy person as trends seem to come and go way too fast. I enjoy creating my own style and believe that other women should do the same. When buying clothing, I search for what works for my body type and my style. Business/professional fashion has changed over the years and ladies don’t wear suits to the office as much as they did in the past. They should, however, remain a staple in every closet. Conservative cut suits in black, tan, brown and gray are a great start. Conservative suits allow for much more versatility and can be coordinated with many other items of clothing to stretch one’s wardrobe.
Jamie Peters : Health at Home Consultants
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My influences are a combination or many looks that I see every day around town, as well as those that I see on fashion-forward television shows and magazines. I am also incredibly lucky as my mother-in-law is my biggest fashion mentor, and a huge influence in my professional fashion as she selects many items for me when my schedule does not permit shopping!
Where do you like to shop? – I absolutely love to buy local, especially at unique boutiques!
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – I like to have a balance of classic and creative in my professional wardrobe. Nude pumps are a must-have, as they can go with classic or trendy looks. Utilizing trends for each season really adds a pop of something fresh that can create an entirely new look from your existing staples. I really think that versatility is important so you should limit the amount of items you have that can only be worn one way to the things that you see and absolutely can’t live without!
Presentation is key to how information is received by others, and your professional appearance—or how you present yourself in the workplace or to your clients—speaks volumes. It shows that you are confident, put together, and showcases your individual sense of style that sets you apart from everyone else. When you make a bold fashion statement, everyone takes notice. Likewise, if you are dedicated to putting the best you forward every day, everyone will certainly notice that as well. Paying attention to all details, including how you present yourself, is fun for most but truly crucial for everyone who wants to be taken seriously as a career professional.
For better or for worse, our culture glorifies facial esthetics, and a beautiful smile with straight teeth can go a long ways in making a positive first impression as well as boosting an individual’s confidence. Dr. Elizabeth Katzberg, DDS, MS of Genesis Orthodontics notes that when people think of orthodontics, they usually think of straight teeth. She explains, “Not only is our goal to straighten teeth, but we also strive to help those straight teeth look their very best in harmony with the rest of the face. Many adults who did not receive orthodontic treatment during childhood have simply lived with misaligned teeth or a dysfunctional bite most of their lives. But as people have become more health conscious, and as orthodontic treatment has become both more accessible and affordable, many adults today elect orthodontic correction. Each year, between 20 and 25 percent of our patients are adults.”
As far as corrective techniques, glasses are also becoming increasingly popular as a fashion accessory. Dr. Andrew Bateman of Clear Vision says, “In fact, we have patients come in who want glasses, even though they don’t have a prescription. Glasses help express your personality and often are a symbol of sophistication. In the past glasses were an afterthought, professionals would have impeccable wardrobes and then throw on their old, scratched, outdated glasses. It seems more people realize that their glasses are on their face every day and are people’s first impression. They want their glasses to fit their style…whether that is classic and simple, cutting edge fashion, sophisticated, bold, etc
. We love helping our patients select frames that are best for their face shape, style and activities. Unique frames attract a great deal of attention as well. We pride ourselves on carrying things you won’t find anywhere else in Lincoln. We want to help you select frames that get you noticed. We love hearing stories of when a patient gets their new glasses and they are stopped several times a day to get compliments. Who doesn’t want to be showered with compliments?” Dr. Bateman adds, “Fashion sunglasses are another accessory that has ballooned in popularity the last couple of years. We sell several fashion lines of sunglasses. Not only are they great looking, but our sunglasses come with very important UV protection and many with polarized lenses. Not all sunglass lenses are created equal and it is imperative to find glasses that are protecting your eyes. Your eyes are most susceptible to damage when you are wearing dark lenses which allow your pupils to get larger, and if you are not wearing high quality lenses more damaging sun rays are allowed in. Many think of sunglasses as a summer accessory. However, here in snowy Nebraska, most patients appreciate the benefits of polarized lenses when there is glare off snow and ice. Remember that your glasses a part of the first impression people have of you. You want them to say “professional, organized, detail oriented and stylish!”
The best part about fashion is that it is always changing and the options are endless. We have a really great fashion scene in Lincoln, which offers many terrific places to find your signature look locally. There is great diversity between each of these local fashion sources as well, as each offers items you just can’t find anywhere else. Boutiques such as Blu Velvet and Rachel’s Boutique offer a hand-picked selection of women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, and accessories from quality brands that are not often represented at major retailers. They also purchase a limited amount of these items, so you are sure to be one of the few people lucky enough to snag a true find. On the same note, consignment boutiques such as One More Time Divine Women’s Resale (omt!) and Crazy 4 Consignment offer shoppers the chance to find true gems; designer brands and high end items that are in excellent condition for a fraction of the retail price. Specializing in tailored clothing for men, Gary Michael’s Clothiers is another excellent local fashion resource that provides the finest quality apparel, from suits to sportswear. Gary Michael’s Clothiers can assist men of all ages and sizes with their clothing needs, and their knowledgeable staff will help you look your best for any occasion. Furthermore, whether you are going for a unique, polished look or for a more business casual look, Shirts 101 can provide a wide variety of options for professional wearables that will ensure you and your staff members are promoting your business or organization in a fashionable way. Whatever your fashion needs may be, these Lincoln businesses have you covered!
Dressing for success assists you in putting your best foot forward and is one way to build confidence, but it’s not the only way. In addition to improving other areas that will help you make a positive and lasting impression, career coaching is another way to enhance how you present yourself and how you are received by your clients, colleagues, and the professional world. Sometimes in life we just need an outside perspective on how we can improve, and how we present ourselves to others is one of those things that we can always reflect on and adjust in order to be at the top of our game. Life changes just as much as fashion, so when you have a coach in your corner you have an experienced, objective professional who can help you focus on who you are becoming and what you want to accomplish. Coach Lori Botz of Coach2Win explains, “If you build the person first and then design a winning environment that supports who the person wants to become, this winning formula will sustain them for life.” While you are building your professional wardrobe and experience, your coach will work closely with you to promote growth in all areas of your life in order to meet and surpass the goals you have set for yourself. When you become successful by your own definition, it is likely that your journey is full of meaning and value to you. A coach can help you understand each step in your journey–past, present, and future–so you can utilize this knowledge to your benefit. Coaching is an excellent tool that will boost your overall Look of Success in addition to enriching many other aspects of your personal and professional life.
We are fortunate to be living in a time where there are many more ways to explore fashion that are widely accepted in the workplace. You can dress professionally while showcasing your unique style, and you can make your own statement to those you encounter in your professional life. Spending time to perfect the little things about how you present yourself goes a long way—it really is your first chance to be remembered. So make the most of every chance you get to make an impression by mastering your own Look of Success!