Style Standards For Work

Although I am a firm believer that there are hardly any fashion rules left, there are some in corporate America. I wear many hats...when I am teaching I will dress appropriately and for Styling Session a completely different way. Every work place has a different dress code. But there are certain tips that you can use for every company. 

 Here are some generic pieces you might be able to apply to your workplace.

TIPS:

Casual Friday: Casual Friday does not mean sloppy! Look cute but still look professional.

Jewelry: Accessories are key to creating a unique and put together look. Keep the jewelry appropriate and tasteful.

Grooming: Always make sure your look polished and professional. It is important to make a good first impression and keep that impression up. Don't have wrinkles in your clothes and always have well groomed hair, nails, and toes.

Hair: There is a such thing as letting your hair grow but that doesn't mean you should ignore trims from time to time!

Makeup: Too much makeup is never a good thing. Be natural in appearance.

Hats: Hats are a big no no. They are not appropriate in the workplace, except for head covers that are required for religious purposes.

Shoes: If you are allowed to wear sandals or any kind of open toed shoes, make sure your toes are properly groomed. Some quality nail polish time never hurt anyone.

If you are in a fashion business there will be more liberties you can take.  It is all about self expression rather than a corporation where they want everyone to look the same. Always dress for the position you aspire to be in. If you are interviewing, you should dress for the job you are going for. You may even want to dress for the next position up. If you are an intern, dress like the assistant.

Here are some thing you should avoid in any workplace just to be safe: denim, logo shirts, sneakers, hats, torn clothing and flip flops.

A Different Approach To Luxury

I pride myself in finding designers that are up and coming or the new "it" person to watch, in the fashion world. Eddie first came into my radar when he won a CFDA award in 2010. After interviewing him I came to find that he has been commissioned to design jewelry for the likes of Marchesa, Proenza Schouler and Josph Altuzarra. His approach is modernistic with a nod to architecture with its geometric shapes and sculptures. I saw his collection at an trunk  show at Neiman Marcus and realized what caught my eye from the start, the guy is uber talented. Bottom line-Eddie Borgo is hot and his designs are going to stand the test of time!

SH - Where do you get your inspiration from? EB - I like to visit the New York picture library. It has a vast catalog if imagery that tracks the visual history of New York through the decades. SH - What girl do you design for? EB - Women today understand that jewelry helps to define your look - without taking it over. I love to see women choosing modern jewelry that speaks to them; layering pieces that make sense together; wearing their costume alongside their fine jewelry.  I am most inspired by the women who surround me in my life; unique and beautiful, elegant and educated, steadfast and inimitable, evolving and human. I aways consider this spirit in my work 
SH - Who gave you your first big break? EB - In 2002, I began to create custom pieces for stylists such as Tabitha Simmons, Camilla Nickerson, and Patti Wilson. In the Summer of 2008, I was asked to create the jewelry for Phillip Lim's SS09 show, at which time I launched my namesake collection. 
SH - Tell me about your men's line? EB - We launched the men's collection in 2010. I look to male icons in my research for the collection: Mick Jagger, Robert Mapplethorpe, David Bowie, Keith Richards and Iggy Pop. The men's jewelry market is changing. There were a few brands that had cornered the men's jewelry market, and those shapes and finishes no longer feel modern. Men are looking for classic everyday pieces that are well designed: a simple pendant in a new shape, a modern signet ring, or a classic ID bracelet with an interesting closure. My men's collection is a new interpretation of those steadfast ideas. 
SH - Did you always know you wanted to design jewelry?  EB - I studied art history in school and became fascinated by the history of adornment. I love the idea that different symbols can help to establish a wearer's identity. 
SH - If I wanted to start collecting Eddie Borgo jewelry (which I do) what piece should I start with? EB - I always recommend starting with out signature cone bracelet. I admire it for its simplicity in design and unique craftsmanship. The bracelet is also offered in a range of scales, colors and materials. 
Shop Eddie Borgo:

Neckline Cheat Sheet

Sometimes the hardest part about accessorizing is finding a necklace that looks good with your shirts neckline. We are all guilty of trying out at least 3 or 4 necklaces before we actually figure out which one to wear (somehow it always ends up being that first one you tried on). Above is a little cheat sheet for you when you don't know which kind of necklace to wear!

1. Wear long necklaces or pendants for a turtleneck sweater to draw the eye up and down.

2. Crew necks are perfectly suited for people with longer necks. Bib or collar necklaces are great for this neckline.

3. For halter tops wear a long dainty pendant. This is a suitable style for people with broader shoulders.

4. Boatneck shirts bring definition to the shoulder line. Longer necklaces help lengthen the neckline.

5. For scoop neck lines pair a statement necklace with it. This works really well for people with shorter necks.

6. Pair a bold collar necklace with a strapless top for some added edge. This is perfect for people with smaller chests.

7. To lengthen your top half pair a v neck top with a triangular pendant necklace to match the neckline.

8.Wear a dainty pendant with a button up top to add some flare but not overpower the shirt. 

Shop necklaces: 

Shop necklines:

Holiday Helper - As Seen In The Press

Need a killer party outfit? Sandy Hapoienu helps you shop in your closet. Or, she'll hit the stores to find that perfect little black dress, instead. The Waccabuc stylist, who runs Styling Session, has worked with Bloomingdales, Ann Klein, Vogue and Vanity Fair. -Cathy Pinsky

What they do: Worried about what to wear - or what not to wear - to all those festive get-togethers? Waccabuc's Sandy Hapoienu, a longtime stylist who's worked with Bloomingdales, Anne Klein, Vogue and Vanity Fair, can help you look fabulous from head to toe. 

She'll come over to edit your closet, offering suggestions now hat items to keep, toss or have altered. "People emotionally shop for things, or buy things that are not for their body type and don't fit them well," says Hapoienu. For special events like a holiday bash, she can pull together an outfit form your own wardrobe - hey, I never knew what to pair with those tuxedo pants! - or go shopping to pick out a dress that's perfectly flattering.

Benefits over doing it yourself: What woman hasn't looked at a closet full of clothes and felt like she has nothing to put on? With Hapoienu's help, she promises that you'll look more polished - and everyone at those parties will notice. "I guarantee they'll feel better about themselves and get compliments galore," she says. 

Details: Hapoienu describes her business, Styling Session, as a "one-stop resource" for any style needs, from personal shopping, wardrobe building and makeovers to fashion shows, photo shoots and corporate professional presence training. Contact her for your free consultation or to buy a gift certificate at stylingsession@gmail.com.

As seen in The Journal News written by Heather Salerno