Image, Style and Life in General

Everyone has an opinion about Tiger Wood’s apology but my initial thoughts are “an apology is not an apology when you bring up everything but the kitchen sink.”

Yes, there were some strong parts of Tiger Wood’s apology but I can’t help thinking that he spent the last 45 days writing it.

Wood’s apology covered all the bases with is part of the problem. It was focused on acknowledging and pulling on heart strings and setting the stage for “recovery.”

There were some positive highlights in Woods apology but much of it was – contrite. And I, as a few others, can see right through it.

So here’s what went well in Tiger Wood’s apology:

• He had a strong open and close so that is what most people will remember.
• Tiger did show emotion in his apology, albeit most of it displaced.
• Tiger wore the right colors for his apology, he wore a soft lavender to help him look more sincere and create visual integrity.
• The solid jacket and shirt allowed viewers to focus on his message instead of a pattern.
• His suit was the right fit, not too tailored  as to appear "vogue" and not to unshaped to appear disheveled.

Incidentally, Tiger Woods lavender shirt is one of the ways, I recognized that his apology was planned and deliberate BECAUSE only someone as good as I am as an image consultant would pick that color!  It was the perfect color.

Here are the tell tale signs of why I thought Tiger Wood’s apology was contrite:

• Tiger’s apology acknowledged too many people and too many things.  If he has a pet, I’m surprised he didn’t apologize to him too.
• In Wood’s apology, he mentioned strategy partners and not others. Why?  Because moving forward, he knows there is only one place where is money can come from so why either bother mentioning Nike.
• Tiger’s apology included mentioned performance enhancing drugs. This was mentioned only because if the American public thought he took Viagra, we would also assume he took steroids on the golf course!
• And there is one more HUGE tell tale sign that it blew his cover but that one, I'm going to reserve for my clients!

Finally, Tiger introduced religion into his apology, that’s a desperate move and typically reserved for men on cloth when they are caught behaving badly.   That’s when I spit my coffee because it was the final sign that the elements of his apology were pulled from all the “great apology speeches” in history.

Social Media is like exposing yourself in public, there may be some things you want to keep  - PRIVATE!

Just like your clothing choices speak to your state of mind, so does what you choose to post and appear online.  In both cases, you should only present to the world what you want to be seen – we call that your image and everybody has one!

Now, a quick word about me and social media - I am not a social media expert, I’m an image consultant for men. My podcast has put me in social media.  In one year Tailored Edges grew to a listener base of 23,000 and my twitter profile exploded to 16,000 followers.  What I’m about to share with you, are a few experience based thoughts about social media, that you can use to manage your image and style online.

1) Your image is your brand. Decide how you want to be seen and make sure your posts are consistent with your desired image and brand. There is no cookie cutter formula, so what is right for one person may not be right for all. Be clear in your own vision about what you want.

2)  Be Responsible. You are responsible for your online image and reputation. If you think something will hurt, haunt you, or you’re just unsure – don’t do it. It’s really just that easy.

3)  Protect your privacy. Every social media site has a privacy feature, learn how to use it.

4)  Nothing is really private. Keep in mind that the privacy feature is not fail safe. Just because you sent something to a friend doesn’t mean it won’t be forwarded to your enemy.

5)  You are subject to interpretation. Remember that social media posts are like email. It is devoid of feeling, keep in mind that things may not come across the way you intended.

6) Use the delete button. Use the delete key if you have a “drunk” tweet or post something online you know you will regret, it will help you, to at least, limit the number of people that see it.

7) Be Proactive. Before your next important meeting or interview, go through your social media profiles and remove unflattering photos and comments that may compromise your online image.

8)  Don’t be afraid to post. Just remember that what’s morally and socially acceptable applies online and off.

9) Finally, remember the 2nd GOLDEN RULE, not everyone needs to see your private parts!

Robin Walker writes, speaks and consults on Menswear, Image and Style. Find out how you can update your image - online and off - with your Personal Style Blueprint and free 60 minute consultation by contacting Robin at 312.431.9662 or visiting www.askRobinWalker.com

New Years resolutions don’t always have to involve a gym, working out and total upheaval. As a matter of fact, most resolutions aren’t kept simply because they are too hard.

I’d like us all to do well in 2010, so I’ve redefined some of the common New Year resolutions so that everyone can get off to a good start in 2010 – and look good in the process.  From getting fit, eating better, losing weight,and getting organized, here are a few easy and stylish solutions to your resolutions.

Look  fit by wearing clothes that fit.
Fit is the first principle of style. My definition of “fit” is wearing clothing that graces and enhances your body. Clothing should be neither too loose or too tight. The image impression behind the ways clothes fit is a major image maker or buster.   If its  too tight, you look out of touch with reality; too loose and people will assume that you are hiding something. You gotta get it just right.

Eat better by improving your table manners.
Have you ever seen anyone chew and think “ewww?” Immediately update your Style by learning how to eat pretty. Take smaller bites and some time to chew before you speak. Hold your fork the right way and remember your table manners.

Lose weight by shedding your clothes.
Immediately toss or donate clothes that don’t or shouldn’t be wearing anymore. Seriously, you know you shouldn’t be in it but a lot of times we keep thing too long because of some false sense of attachment. If it’s dated, worn or you can’t coordinate it, its taking up valuable real estate in your closet. Move it out and move on.

Meanwhile, welcome to 2010. Whatever your resolutions are, I wish you well and keep checking back for more tips on style. Sometimes, it takes another perspective to see what’s right in front of you.

Guys, when it comes to choosing a winter coat - STAY out of my BEAVER!




As much as I like to think of myself as being "open minded", I’m never going to get use to seeing a man in my beaver. Some things should be reserved for women only and fur coats are one of them.

Its not that I’m against fur, it's personal choice for women. Some women look incredibly glamorous, elegant and warm in their beavers, others look like beavers. But when I see a man in a fur coat, my first thought is MAN UP, it’s not that DAMN COLD!

There’s just something about a fur coat on any man that says "pimp or p*ssy".  On some subconscious level, it's off putting. Women expect a man to hunt and gather and bring it come to his Baby, not club it, kill and  keep it for himself.  The whole concept goes against the laws of attraction.

Guys, if you’re really into beaver AND want to wear man-fur, consider a shearling or a  fur collar, that way you get the warmth and feel of fur without looking like a pimp or that other P word.

We've all heard "there's no such thing as a dumb question" but that's not true.

When it comes to fashion, there is such a thing as a dumb question. Today on twitter, the trending topic was #dumbquestions and I had to jump right in.

The folloiwing is my twitter stream about some dumb fashion questions along with my fashionably honest answers.

#dumbquestions re fashion Does anybody really care about what I wear?

FASHIONABLE ANSWER: No, not really, people don't really care, they just won't trust you if they think you can't dress yourself. They'll just pick someone else. So while they may not care, you should care.

#dumbquestions re fashion I work from home so why should I bother dressing up?

Eventually, you will have to leave the house.  Leave the house in something mucked up, then ask me this question again! If you really think it doesn't matter then you either have Bill Gates type money, live on another planet or don't want your sales and success to go to the next guy.

#dumbquestions re fashion Does this make me look fat?

BEST FASHIONABLE ANSWER: No, when is the baby due? Oh sorry, I thought you were pregnant! Come on! You know when something makes you look fat, the problem is usually that you just want to keep it. Get rid of it.
 
#dumbquestions re fashion  Does this fit?

BEST FASHIONABLE ANSWER: Do you mean right now ? It probably fit when you bought it 5 years about but since then, you've changed ... so NO!
 
 
#dumbquestions re fashion Are pink dress shirts gay?

FASHIONABLE ANSWER: Two men sleeping together makes you gay, not a shirt. So, if you don't start off GAY... it won't make you GAY! However, if you are gay, it does have a tendency to makes you gayer.

 
#dumbquestions re fashion Can I wear this to work? 

FASHIONABLE ANSWER: Are you a hooker?  Seriously, think about the type of job you have then decide what's really appropriate for work. (or call me)

 
#dumbquestions re fashion I bought this years ago, can I still wear this?

FASHIONABLE ANSWER: Probably not, there's a difference between vintage and old. Plus, if you have to ask, you'll be second guessing yourself all day.

 
#dumbquestions re fashion Is this shirt see through?

ANSWER: If you can see through it... so can I!


#dumbquestions re fashion  Black goes with everything, right?

ANSWER: Just because you wear it with everything doesn't mean it goes with everything. So ... NO!

I hope these answers help.  And if you have a question, just ask.  Dumb questions accepted, they're my favorites!
 

I just received an endearing response to my invitation to my custom trunk show and mixer, it said,  I’d like to come but WTF is a Trunk Show?

Of course, it warmed my heart and made me smile because up until a few years ago, I didn’t know either!

Here’s the short answer:  A Trunk Show is a special event that introduces a new line, product or designer.

Trunk shows originated from "olden days" when designers would pack up a “trunk” and set up shop at various locations to introduce people to what they do and/or have to offer.

With that being said, all trunk shows are not created equal and mine are the best!

My trunk shows are fun, relaxing ( and a little decadent) because I love a good party.  I host custom shirt trunk shows to entertain and stay in touch with my clients and other people in Chicago who want to see and sample what I do.

And, not that I'm bragging BUT I love what I do and how people look in the custom shirts I design for them. It also doesn't hurt that I'm one of the very best custom tailors in Chicago.

Back to what takes place at my custom trunk show... guests relax, mix, mingle, ask questions about custom clothing, touch and feel fabrics, get measured up and just kick back . I'll have awesome food, drink and a touch of swag. And, if guests see something they like they, can order it at a special savings.

Come mix, mingle, touch, feel and ask questions, relax, meet people and checkout what I do.  And remember, whether it's a question about a trunk show or anything else for that matter - just ask, I'm here to help!

Now that you know "WTF a trunk show is"   Click to RSVP

You know the type ... hasn't changed his hairstyle since college because someone said it looked good on him 30 years ago.

I call this the “I can’t let go” hairstyle. Its a tell tale sign that someone is stuck. I see you, you see it, his barber sees it,  but he doesn't see it.
Bottom line: Hair is one of the first tell tale signs of age AND it's also a very sensitive subject.

We look at ourselves everyday and get use to things being a certain way, but that doesn't always mean that its good for us. The deal is that hairstyles do need to change every couple of years to stay current.  Sometimes it may be the cut, sometimes it make be the color, sometimes it to adjust for fading features like eyebrows going gray.

Little changes can make a big difference and shed years off your face.

A seasoned hair stylist once told me that the secret for taking years off your age is to start cutting it close, especially, when it starts to gray and you're not ready or willing to dye. In other words... the older we get, the more bush we need to whack to maintain our youthful appearance!

Aside from the obvious, like people telling you your hair is outdated, here a couple of ways for you to decide if it's time to update your hairstyle.

1)  You know you haven't changed your style in 3 years.

2)  Your body and/or other features have changed.

3)  You're bored with what YOU see when you look in the mirror.

Change is hard not matter what, but it does help when you know it's for the better!  You'll get over it after you get your first compliment.

Sure you’re going end up naked, but the art of the “take off” applies to both men and women!

I'm not kidding when I say "I dress my clients from the bedroom to the boardroom." Style doesn't stop at the bedroom door because what you wear to bed, may have a significant impact on what happens going forward.  Last weekend, I wanted to find out what other women thought about your bedtime attire, so, I tweeted about it and here's what the ladies said.

Ultimately, Naked is sexy.  But you could start off with something. Most of us actually like to help you take off your clothes.  It turns us on to undress our men and it brings out another side of our personalities that you will totally miss if you stripe down in 1 minute and jump in bed.

Start off with something Interesting. Leave the white Fruit of the Loom briefs in the drawer. Even if you choose boxers over pajama bottoms, they can still be sexy and have some personality.

Pay attention to the hole(s).  I'm referring to the ones that may be in your clothes!  Anything ripped, torn or bearing a hole is a turn off. It makes us wonder what else is raggedy and immediately lowers our libido.

Now, with all that being said, scuba equipment, fire fighter uniforms, and super hero costumes are all appropriate to wear to bed, we know that you're not going to sleep in it but it really turn us on.

Crotchety People: a Case for Custom Trousers

If you've ever worn a pants that didn't fit in the seat, you'll know where phrase "crotchety" old man came from. 

Some people think that custom trousers are a luxury but its not all about style -  its also about comfort.

Is it okay to wear White after Labor Day?

I say "yes, you can" but you want to wear it strategically and transition into heavier fabrics, unless, of course, its a white shirt or you're a bride. And, in the event you are a bride, you should probably be in ivory, but that's another story.

The problem with wearing white after Labor Day is that people will think you're a heathen wiith no fashion sense and sometimes, its just not worth it giving off that impression. Personally, I like to wear white beyond the season, it makes me feel a little decadent and fashion forward, I just make sure that I wear it so that it looks like I am intentionally going against the grain.

If you want to wear white after Labor Day, do like I do:

1) Layer it.  Wear it with something else that is Fall like.  My favorite is a cardigan or jacket. It helps ground the white and it clearly shows that I'm not a fashion mistake.

2) Keep is heavy.  A pair of white jeans makes more sense than wearing a pair of linen pants.

3) Pair it up.  Wear it with fall accessories, in other words, no white shoes, hats, purses, or belts.

Follow this advice and you can easily bend the wearing white after Labor Day rules and even be admired for bucking the system.

Not to pick on fat people and the obese, but one of you broke my chair! 

So, this is a good time to share a few fat people rules from the perspective of an average sized image consultant and style coach. Again, not trying to be mean to the fat or obese, but its important that you know this.

Before we go any further,  remember, I am an image consultant, my goal is to help people achieve their goals AND I do work with a number of large statured people i.e. fat people.  For fat people, my job is to help others see past your size and look at who you really are.

Now, stop whatever it is you're doing and read this, my intention is to be helpful.

First, no matter how fat you are (including obese) please do not look like you gave up on yourself because if you do, other people will give up on you. If you look like you don't care, we won't care.

Second, being healthy is a powerful image impression.  Unless you are dealing with a Black Widow, everyone wants someone who looks healthy, so do everything you can to look healthy i.e. grooming, clothes that fit, colors that help you look healthy and attention to detail.

Third, you know you are fat so please be prepare for yourself at work, at home and as a guest.  Bring what you need where ever you go so that you and the people around you are comfortable and at ease.

Now, about my CHAIR, if you are fat or obese and are visiting others, be respectful of your host's hospitality.  For example, most chairs cannot accommodate  more than 250 lbs. BUT, you already know this ... Your host may not.  

Finally, what's the harm in bringing your own fold up chair?  Nothing, and you shouldn't be shy about it and your host will appreciate it.Not to mention, dining rooms chairs are expensive!

Its small things like this that help you "fit" into the the average sized world. I have plenty of more tips and advice for fat people, so pick up the phone, I'm here to help.

Robin Walker is a style coach and clothier with a national client based  of men who what to look good in their clothes. As a trained image consultant Robin shows her clients how to dress for their body, message and goals. And may I suggest you take a look at the Personal Style Blueprint, so you know what to wear and how to wear it well:)

Anyone can increase their sex appeal by wearing the right clothes

... and on Tailored Edges we talked about how.  Style is sexy, so is communication anc cleaniless. Of course, I want you to listen to my entire podcast but for now, here are three things you can do - to up your style factor and sex appeal.

1) Look Interesting. It's hard for others to see how great you are in boring clothes.

2) Dare to be Different.  If everyone is wearing black, wear something else. If everyone is in khakis, wear trousers instead.

3) Be squeaky clean. Go beyond basic grooming and pay close attention to everything.  Your job is to look lickable!

In the podcast, I played a clip of  what my custom shoe maker, Mark Austin of Mark Austin Bespoke has to say about men's shoes and what they say about the man. Listen up because if don't care take of
what people see, who knows how you're taking care of things that are covered up.  Mark Austin said it very well... if your shoes look dusty, chances are a potential mate will think you let a few other things get dusty too!

Who wears custom shoes?  Today on Tailored Edges, I interviewed my custom shoe maker, Mark Austin of Mark Austin Bespoke.

I wanted him to explain the process of how custom shoes are made and tell us more about "who" wears custom shoes BECAUSE, its not all about fashion. There is practical side to custom that can add to your professional presence.

Check out my Image Quickie with Mark Austin of Mark Austin Bespoke and listen to his special offer for Tailored Edges listeners.   And, by the way,  don't don't forget to subscribe to Tailored Edges on iTunes and you can also listen here.

Some people, regardless of their actual income, look broke.

I never really understood this and I always wondered what was going on in their head.

Well, sadly enough, the answer is "that they don't think anyone is looking."  Totally wrong!   You just think no one is looking.  We see you even more.

Recently, I've been meeting a lot of sales people. Some of them, I would do business with, some of them, I'd run the other way.  Why? Because they look like they haven't had a sale in years.  AND it makes me suspect!

Personally, I like for my sales professionals to look successful. I find it comforting when my insurance guy can afford a Lexus.   I want him to have one and I want one too.

If you're in sales or any profession where you leave the house, don't look broke. Before you walk out the door, stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself  "Do I look broke?"  Then look around, maybe even ask a few other people that you trust "Do I look broke?" take heed to their answer. 

Its really not anything personal, but most people  want to work with people with money! Do yourself a favor and dress like you've got some!

Robin Walker is a style coach and image consultant based in Chicago. She gives straightforward style advice for men and women who want to be seen and remembered for all the right reasons.

I'm baffled, when did  "cool" become a substitute for saying Thank You?

Recently, I went out of my way to help a stranger, I gave them some great information that could help them reposition their image. They listened, took notes and talked about how they were going to use the information I gave them to make a difference in their life. I was delighted to help and feeling really good about it. But as the conversation winded down, I was expecting a "thank you" but all I got was "cool". 

I felt jipped!

When did "cool" become a substitute for "thank you"? Saying the words Thank you should never be casualized to "cool". It just sounds unappreciative.

Here's the bottom line, people are busy; busy at work, busy at home, busy pursuing their interest and developing new ones.  What's important to you may only be important to YOU. There are very few times throughout the day when someone has the time to do something "extra" BUT if they do, a real heartfelt thank you applies.

If a friend, colleague or even a stranger gives you 1 minute of their life, doing something that benefits you, let them know AND say the words - Thank you!

By the way, Thank you for reading this blog post:)

There's a new breed of consumer these days and they want to see the beef!  

They can sniff out hype and empty promises, they've heard it all before AND they know the only magic pill  is Viagra!

What does this mean to you?  It means you've got to look, act and be on top of your game.  Your prospects and clients know that you are competing for their dollars and if anything is out of sync,  i.e. suit, hair, style,   they will turn away and go to the next guy.

Show them the beef, don't rely on your sales presentation to do the selling for you. Look successful at what you do, and show them who they are working with!

This day and age, most of us can receive a phone call from almost anywhere. Thanks to technology, we're  in constant state of being “call ready”, but do we really want to look like it? Case in point – a Bluetooth earpiece.

 Admit it, isn't  there something strange about speaking to a person who has a blinking light radiating from their ear?

Aside from obvious obstrusion, I’m mostly unsettled about the message it sends.  Is the thought of missing a call that bothersome? Or worse, is the person in front of you  not worthy of your undivided attention?

Well, that's the message. No one knows that your mother is gonna to call you when her plane lands  or that your kids are with a new babysitter and you want to be available or that you simply forgot to take it off.  They don't know AND they probably won't even mention it, they'll just assume you're an ass unless they are wearing one too.

If you want to engage others in conversation then don't create a self imposed communication barrier? Life is hard enough. Don’t make it harder, take that thing out of your ear.

If you really want to be dressed for success...  here's a tip, never let your clothes drop an "F bomb."

Quite frankly, I've never heard a successful person say "clothing doesn't matter." Yet, I’m amazed at how many people ask "does it really matter what I wear?" My first thought is "you're doomed" and my second thought is "you're carrying a sign that says I don't give a [blank]"

And, that doesn't inspire trust or sales!

Please folks, if you're part of my inner circle, don't drop the F bomb. Instead, tell yourself that What you wear reflects who you are, how you feel and what you know. It goes well beyond a suit and a tie. It’s an outward statement of the inner workings of your mind. It can’t be an afterthought, it should be your forethought.

Here's are the three things I'd like you to do right away.

1) Get rid of everything that is ripped, torn, broken or doesn't fit.

2) Get rid of everything that doesn't look good on you. You know what I'm talking about!

3) Decide to never leave the house in clothes that make you look doomed or like you don't care about yourself.


And remember, not paying attention to what you wear is like creating your very own personal Doom's Day and an unspoken F bomb!

Summer is almost here and with warm weather come – FEET!

Now, most of us know not to wear flip flops in the office but in some offices, like mine, its okay to bare toes with a few precautionary steps.

Everybody take notice so your feet don’t cripple your career!

· Pedicures are a must,  heels should be clean and toenails clipped.

· Wear sandals that fit; heels shouldn’t hang over the back and toes should grip the sidewalk.

· Hairy toes and legs  on women  should be outlawed. . .  not pretty! 

·  And, if you “smell feet” or someone says they “smell feet”, handle it immediately.

Feet are a touchy subject and very, very personal. And, quite frankly, most people don’t have pretty feet. If you are one of them, don’t expose them to the world. You don’t want to be remembered for your little piggies.

Trip Tips: What to Bring, Wear and Pack

I must admit that sometimes I pack a little heavy but the new policy of $15 a checked bag put an end to that!


It also didn't help that my husband discovered I was packing books and started making me carry my own luggage!


Of course, I want you to listen to my podcast, Tailored Edges, but here's the skinny - don't bring a lot of crap.

Here are my top travel tips.

1) Think about where you're traveling and what the "colors" are for that climate because walking around in all black when everyone else is brightly lit, is depressing.

2) Make sure you pack a couple pairs of shoes and a pair of bathroom/pool flip flops. If you saw the show I saw on 60 minutes you'd never walk barefoot in a hotel.

3) You need more tops than bottoms. Pack a couple of tops (shirts, polos etc) for two changes a day. You can cut back on the bottoms, because just like real life you can wear bottoms a few times before they start to walk on their own.

4) Have a color plan. Ideally all tops you pack should work well with all bottoms so you don't need to bring as much.

5) Please take you good stuff. Don't schlep your crappy clothes. You're on vacation take a few thrill pieces and whoop it up.

6) This has little to do with packing BUT you should dress the way you want to arrive. In other words, don't go the airport all jacked up. You never know who you will meet and you'll get better service!

Want the rest of my tips? Listen to my broadcast on Tailored Edges with Robin Walker http://blogtalkradio.com/tailorededges and Get an Edge on Packing for your Trip.

I claim Mother's day as my own Personal Service day.  I went through labor, and now, I'd like some labor.  Tomorrow is my day to sit and command!

Actually, its tradition in my home to celebrate Mother's day with peace, quiet and most importantly, cooperation. It started a long time ago, when our daughter was little, my husband asked me "what would you like for Mother's Day?"  Much to my surprise, my answer was "to be left alone!"

That's probably not the most "motherly" response, but you don't know my family. They're good peole, but very high maintenance. 

My life is sandwiched in between a vegetarian (and I'm a meat eater) and a daughter who is a BAJP (Black American Jewish Princess).  When the BAJP was little, the most my family could do for me was Leave me Alone!

Nowadays, Mother's Day has evolved from Leave me Alone day to Personal Service day and I'm as happy as can be.  I make a list of things I'd like done, usually things that I've been begging for all year and things get done!

I encourage all mothers to make Mother's Day their own personal service day!

Mission accomplished!  I have a blog on my site. So.... now what? 

I don't really know, however, I'm going try to post regulary and about things I find interesting and hope that you might too.  But, be forewarned, I will probably post, like I tweet - with VERVE and VIGOR!

Over the years, I've learned to do things with "verve and vigor."  Now, that doesn't mean go do some stupid stuff, it means that if you're going to do it and you care about it - try to do it well!

Back to my first blog post . . . I do work for myself so there is a fine line that I don't want to cross because this is "The Internet" but . . . I'm going to step right up to that line and see what happens. Why not?