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 Omaha community. They also offered some thoughts on the importance of fashion in the workplace, and even shared a few fashion secrets!
Joe Rosner : The V Entertainment
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My top fashion influences are quite eclectic; “The Artist Formally known as Prince”, Donald Trump, and John Maxwell.
Where do you like to shop? – Lindley Clothing Omaha. They have a great staff, and I love to support local businesses.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – For men, build up a staple of ten suits. Avoid pin stripes, and the best colors for business are black, blue and grey. Build up a diverse variety of shirts and ties as well. Up front it can be expensive building your wardrobe, so be conscious of build it up gradually over time and maintaining your collection. In order to balance wear and tear, buy a new suit at least every six months if you wear one every day to work. Always AVOID cheesy ties, such as cartoon and tabasco ties, as this will likely make you look like someone who is not professional or serious about your job.
Dr. Daniel Beninato : Premier Dental
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – I like to stick to the classic look. I am also influenced by Image Consultant Sarah Hathorn.
Where do you like to shop? – Von Maur locally, but I have to admit I do most of my shopping online for ease and selection of sizes and styles.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – If is important that your dress attire reflects your personal attention to detail and professionalism. Pieces that work best are those that are essential yet versatile. It is also crucial that your clothing fits your own body type. Watches are a great statement piece, I can’t live without one!
Kimmylea Konsel : LimeLight Expressions
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – My top fashion influence was my mother. She taught me as a young woman to dress for the job that I wanted and to dress like a lady. I see many different trends and ideas on a regular basis but I want to be unique, creative and professional in everything that I do whether it is my dress or the events that we plan.
Where do you like to shop? – My favorite place to shop is Von Maur. You can always find professional and fashionable dresses, blouses, pants and suits. The staff is always willing to take the time and help you find just the right item. I am always looking for new and fun boutiques in Omaha as well as online to complete new and different professional looks.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – Getting dressed for the office doesn’t mean to put your personal style behind. Everyone needs to find out his or her personal and professional look and style. Professional fashion is all about making you feel comfortable while dressing for your career. When purchasing off the rack clothes, having them professionally altered works well to have the perfect fit. Choose suit jackets that fit your body type and be careful that skirts are not too short or too tight. Keep your shoes clean, attractive, and shined. Most of all, be yourself and be original.
Beka Doolittle : thepinkstore.com
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – I generally choose things that fit my personality and my style. I prefer to be fashionable, but also feel that fashion depends on what looks good on a person’s body type. As far as influences, I like People magazine or online research for what’s trending now.
Where do you like to shop? – Boutique shopping is my most favorite! I went on the shopping trip put on by Strictly Business Magazine last fall and will be going again this year. I found tons of unique clothing and accessories in the boutiques. This prompted me to begin selling a little more fashion online at thepinkstore.com. I’m still learning the art of fashion merchandising, but it’s a very fun part of my company!
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – Every professional woman needs a pair of versatile shoes. These shoes need to be comfy enough to wear all day, in and out of meetings, in and out of the car, with most outfits and then from work to date night or a night out dancing with the girls. And, of course, they must be cute! Infinity scarves are an absolute necessity for fall, winter and early spring. They complement most outfits day or night, are easy to wear and add a touch of personality to a dress or top.
Kevin Hensel : Convenient Care Plus
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – I can’t really pinpoint any one source. I like most classic styles, I’m not too trendy. I do like the “Mad Men” looks, going back to what I consider some very classic and sophisticated styles.
Where do you like to shop? – I always keep my eye open for good looks and great deals all around town, but never any one particular place.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional style? – A basic medium to dark colored business suit is a must; the look can be changed up with different colored shirts and ties. A navy blazer goes with just about anything. I like having some shoe choices to shake things up and not having to wear the same dress shoes over and over. Clean, polished shoes in good shape really finish things off. I’m a firm believer that how you dress sets the mood/tone of your day. Feeling confident about your appearance permeates throughout everything else you do.
Stefani Fisher : Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
What would you consider to be your top fashion influences? – Pinterest is a huge influence on how I keep up with trends and find new ideas. I love to see all of the different styles and tastes that people have.
Where do you like to shop? – My favorite store is White House Black Market. However, I frequent Ann Taylor Loft and local boutiques such as Kajomas as well. I balance my love for shopping versus spending too much by hitting up TJ Maxx for those great, inexpensive finds.
What advice can you offer for finding your own, unique professional look? – I like to keep my wardrobe classic and professional but far from boring. Looking polished is all in the details. It takes time, but it’s worth it!
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. Finding your own look of success will ensure that your confidence and presence in the business world gets noticed!
When it comes to professional networking or meeting that special someone, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Fair or unfair, people make snap judgments! Dr. Michelle Callahan, renowned psychologist and relationship expert notes, “…studies indicate that lasting impressions are made within the first three seconds of seeing someone.” In three seconds, unsightly teeth don’t stand a chance! In fact, an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) study showed that smile flaws provoke incorrect assumptions about your personality, happiness, success and intelligence! Similarly, according to the 2012 Kelton study, Americans consider those with straight teeth to be more trustworthy, happier, healthier, and smarter. The survey also showed that 38% of single adults would not consider going out on a second date with someone who has crooked teeth! Improving your smile can improve your life! A smile makeover can make you look younger and feel better. Improving the look of your teeth and gums creates a healthier, more youthful appearance and correcting your bite can improve your profile, muscle tone in your face, your posture, and relieve chronic pain.
Half of all Americans are unhappy with their smile—that’s a lot of people! There is no reason to be embarrassed by your smile because there are many options available to you. By addressing the color, shape, alignment and overall health of your teeth, as well as any damage caused by past dental work, a smile makeover can correct the appearance of all of your dental flaws including: chips, cracks, gaps, missing teeth, crooked or shifted teeth, discoloration and staining, visible fillings, flawed gum line, and misaligned bite. At Premier Dental, they offer 12 month interest free payment plan options to make this affordable for you to make the investment in yourself.
When choosing a dentist to do your smile makeover, Dr. Beninato of Premier Dental recommends asking a few simple questions:
1. What are my options and what are the advantages and disadvantages? What procedure would you recommend for me?
2. How many smile makeovers (or the procedure you choose) do you do a month?
3. What training above dental school do you have that will help you perform my procedure?
4. What ongoing training are you doing to keep in touch with advances in dentistry?
5. May I please see before and after pictures of patient cases that you have done this procedure on?
6. What complications have you seen in previous treatments and how did you handle them?
7. If I am unhappy with my results, what will you do?
In addition to our 2013 Best Dressed winners, owner of BelAir Fashions Dick Lerner was also in attendance and offered some tips on assembling your own professional wardrobe. “When done right, your choice in clothing makes a powerful professional statement each and every time you get dressed. Choosing certain clothing styles that fit like a glove and enhance your professional appearance is crucial, as is color which provides a good contrast that will make you look energized and enhance your professional presence. You never want to look washed out or sallow in your clothing. If you want to be seen as a professional your clothing needs to enhance, not detract. It begins with the fabric–if the fabric is cheap, it looks it and if the clothing is made cheap, it looks it. There is a significant difference between just getting dressed and dressing for what makes you successful in how others see you. Everything you wear should reflect quality and be cohesive. Accessories polish off the outfit, but should never be the center of attention and you should never wear more than six at a time. Every single detail is important, because at the end of the day it is the message you send out each and every time people see you. You don’t get second chances for first impressions; image and aptitude go hand-in-hand together. A classic wardrobe is an investment you make in yourself. It is not something that just happens, it takes time to achieve. Moreover, it doesn’t take a lot of clothes to make a wardrobe–just the right ones.” Lerner adds, “It is truly important to be a good student when it comes to planning your wardrobe. Invest time to learn the difference what makes a garment good or bad. Go in all kinds of stores, even if they don’t initially appeal to you, and make sure you feel, touch, and try garments on. The more you learn the more you know. Labels and names mean nothing; it not only takes a great recipe to make a great cake, but great ingredients as well. Knowing what is good and bad will not only be the difference in how others see you, but also will make a difference in creating a long or short term wardrobe and whether you are investing your money wisely or throwing it away. Crafting your personal image properly will make a compelling statement about you, and done right it will give you an excellent return on investment in many different ways.”
The best part about fashion is that it is always changing and the options are endless. We have a really great fashion scene in Omaha, which offers many terrific places to find your signature look locally. There is great diversity between each of these local fashion sources too, as each offers items you just can’t find anywhere else. Local boutiques such as Nouvelle Eve , beyourself, J’Amour and Kajomas 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. Specializing in quality clothing for a professional or business casual appearance, BelAir Fashions is another excellent local style resource that provides the finest quality apparel and accessories for both men and women. Gentlemen’s Choice also provides career apparel in addition to formalwear so that you can dress to impress for any occasion. Whatever your fashion needs may be, these Omaha businesses have you covered!
Success Through Fitness
Cornerstone Fitness offers a variety of options in order to educate clients on how to achieve their personal health and fitness goals. Owners Dan and Anne Peterson work hard to ensure that their clients find success through fitness. Dan says, “We would like to use one of our clients as an example of what fitness goals can do for one’s overall professional success. Trevor Scott, a top sales consultant with his current employer, came to Cornerstone Fitness with medical problems along with a weight problem that he allowed to get out of control. At Cornerstone Fitness, Trevor received a personalized training package designed specifically for his personal fitness goals and tailored around his medical and health profile. We started out by sitting with Trevor to listen to what his goals were and limitations were. We want to understand what each client may be battling with in order to plan a successful partnership. As Trevor puts it, ‘By taking the time to understand what I wanted to achieve and the limitations that I have physically, I am able to train with confidence knowing that I won’t re-injure my shoulder or knees.’ Just by being around Trevor you can feel him exuding new found confidence, and he says that his confidence has increased not only in his personal life but also in his professional life. He says shopping is more fun now that he has to go buy smaller clothes from losing over 40lbs in less than three months from training with Anne Peterson. Since Trevor has made the commitment to himself and lets Cornerstone Fitness hold him accountable, he has seen leaps and bounds of success in his life. He tells us he is more focused at work and has more stamina throughout the day which has enabled him to be one of the top sales consultants for his current employer. Trevor also says he is able to speak to people with more confidence and focus on them instead of his insecurities about his appearance. In fact, his sales increased so much that he is presently looking at moving into a management position and attributes his new found success and opportunity to further his career to his fitness and health transformation. We find it incredibly rewarding that he credits his success to Anne Peterson and Cornerstone Fitness!”
Max Muscle offers customized nutritional planning, taking into account your gender as well as other factors such as age, height, weight, body fat percentage, activity level, and workout schedule. This allows them to tailor a nutrition plan to fit your metabolic requirements and lifestyle in order to achieve your Look of Success. The team at Max Muscle is composed of experienced and educated professionals who will provide you with the best customer service and knowledge in the business. Steve Lucchino, the Omaha Metro store director, and Jason Reese, the Papillion store director, offer a combined 12+ years of experience to offer their customers and employees. Lucchino emphasizes that they won’t just sell you a product at Max Muscle. On the contrary, they will work with you to find out the solutions you actually need to meet and maintain your health and fitness goals. For men over 30, they also have the most scientifically-backed natural and safe testosterone booster on the market. Within 30 days you will feel years younger in terms of your libido, performance, strength, recovery, and endurance. Confidence is an essential factor to your overall Look of Success, and Max Muscle can definitely help you look and feel great!
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!