TeeMcBee Image Consulting

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Generational Thrifting at Goodwill

It was so exciting to discover that today’s teens like to find a deal and have found the value of thrifting. Generational thrifting has shifted from the thrill of the mall. Deal hunting is one of the top reasons most teens I spoke to mentioned and dressing uniquely and not like everyone else since everything is a one of a kind at Goodwill. I chatted with friends and neighbors on this topic, and some shared they have regularly thrifted or haven’t done so in years or never have.
Teens have dialed into the awareness of how fashion impacts the environment and sustainability. So it is not just about finding a deal, although it’s a bonus.

Generation Z

When our 14-year-old granddaughter, Emily, visited Ohio, we shopped several Goodwill locations and found tees and shorts for Summer. She especially loved our local sports team’s memorabilia and purchased an almost brand new button-up Cleveland baseball team jersey and Cavs shirts for her and her father. The little corduroy purse she bought for two bucks got so many compliments from strangers.

Emily and Tessa in their Goodwill treasures

My 18-year-old niece, Tessa, joined us shopping at North Olmsted Goodwill’s and found some charming décor pieces for her room and a few t-shirts. Another niece Raeley, 20, talks all about how 98% of her wardrobe is thrifted. She loves the vintage vibe of finding past-era pants and jackets and t-shirts from old rock bands. She has a hack of styling some hippish looks, and it works for her style.

Baby Boomers

The older generational thrifter is my sister Kym 63, who calls Goodwill her ‘happy place’ and regularly stops by the one near her in Cincinnati. Her favorite finds are home and garden décor, as well as vintage purses, gloves, and unique blazers. She often uses her finds in flat lay photos for her social media posts and shares them with me.


I have to admit my sister Kym influenced me to dig deeper into Goodwill thrifting years ago because she was finding so many great pieces, many times better than the garage sale items I saw at the time.


Being in the Boomer generation myself, I love popping into Goodwill’s on the hunt for unique dinnerware for layering when entertaining. I always check out the art, mirrors, and accent furniture. I’ve never shied away from restyling my finds with paint or fabric. It’s a fun challenge. I recommend my clients take their teens for a little generational thrifting and deal-hunting of their own. It opens up inspiration and communication, always a good thing.

Kym’s Purchases at her “Happy Place”

Generational Thrifting Tips

Tessa’s Shops with Friends:

  • She found a brand-new University of Texas sweatshirt.
  • She finds time to pop into Goodwill 1-3 times a month with friends.

Kym’s Top Items for Thrifting:

  • Garden cloches, apothecary jars, and enormous vases.
  • Particular addictions are lamps and lampshades (she has a whole closet of shades for the seasons)
  • Kym’s Pro Tip: keep a list of what you need and measurements—Paper, pen, and measuring tape.

Emily’s Reasons for Thrifting:

  • I love finding unique, relaxed and comfortable clothing for totally cheap.
  • The thrill of thrifting with friends is a bonus, and we always have a blast
  • I like thrifting with my mom for back to school because we get so many more items for so much less that at the mall.
  • Everyone can afford Goodwill.

This article was written and posted for Goodwill Industries.

Traci McBride is a Life Stylist and founder of TeeMcBee Consulting Ventures, LLC, focused on individual personal styling and wardrobe management since 2008. Traci worked with and has been certified by Style for Hire’s Stacy London celebrity stylist.
Visit Traci at Zspaces.teemcbee.com  coming soon Zhooshing Spaces website offering services virtually & in-person, offering complimentary Chat with Tee 30 min. Calls by visiting our website.
Traci is passionate about bringing form, function & style into every area of one’s life while expressing yourself. More Color, More Style, More Self Expression = More Passion & Confidence in Your Life

Prepping your Closet for a Stylish Spring Refresh

As the days finally get longer, we all enjoy a new spring in our step as we can feel the anticipated Spring season within reach. As a wardrobe stylist, I understand the excitement in buying some new fashion to be prepared, but I advise you to do some needed homework in your closet before heading off to Goodwill. Here are some tips for prepping your closet for spring.

Prepping your Closet for a Spring

10 Colorful ways to Transition your Closet for Spring at Goodwill

  1. Add yummy colors for Spring to pump-up your energy and make your skin look amazing: Add Pastels, Sky Blue, Pink and yellow to your wardrobe.
  2. Push the wool and knit scarves aside and bring out the lightweight cotton and silk scarves with striking prints and colors to wake up even your neutrals.
  3. Find fun, colorful suede mules & loafers for comfort and a sophisticated finish.
  4. It is still cool, but the calendar says Spring- Find 100% Cotton Sweaters.
  5. Layer with Supima cotton v-neck tees with ¾ or long sleeves.
  6. White jeans are a great addition to your wardrobe. They always look fresh!
  7. Jean jacket is universally perfect for Spring in traditional denim. Perfect to layer over a tank or dress.
  8. Forever classic is a trench coat. Choose one in a length that flatters your body.
  9. Blazers always provide a beautiful finish to slacks, cotton dresses, and even dress-up jeans. Look for blazers in a madras plaid, stripe, or floral print that you love.
  10. White details in a purse, cute sneakers, or accessories will always communicate Spring in a way nothing else does.

Have you been STUCK in a STYLE RUT (8 ways you can tell)

  1. Lack of Color in your closet. You have 50 shades of grey or black, from tees to suits.
  2. You own more yoga pants (women), athletic pants (men) than you own tailored pants.
  3. Your 1st thought is to ‘be comfortable’ when getting dressed.
  4. Never get compliments on your appearance, and others ask if you are tired.
  5. You experience no joy or excitement when dressing each day.
  6. You have had the same hairstyle and or make-up for 5+ years.
  7. You decided not to buy new clothes until you reached your ‘goal’ weight 2+ years ago.
  8. Your closet is full, yet you have nothing to wear, or you wear the same 20% over and over.

7 Ways to Kick it Up for Spring

  1. Color is CONFIDENCE & ENERGY. Learn to harness it & discover your personal POWER COLORS. You will be shocked at the way you feel!
  2. Evaluate your wardrobe and DETOX your Closet from anything that is not honoring your NOW body or bringing you Joy.
  3. Put a full-length mirror where you dress each morning – and use it before, during, and after you dress.
  4. Create positive affirmations and hang them up where you will see them each day.
  5. Learn your body shape – this alone will save you much time, energy, and money.
  6. Create a Style Vision Board. Use magazines, catalogs, and your phone to gather visuals of what you would like to move towards in your style.
  7. Change one thing. Many times, improving one positive change motivates you to continue.
  8. Create a team of advisers. By investing in your team, from a manicurist & hairstylist to a personal wardrobe stylist & image and confidence coach, you can do what you do best, and they will always make sure you look & feel your absolute best.
Traci McBride - TeeMcBee

Traci McBride is a Life Stylist and founder of TeeMcBee Consulting Ventures, LLC, focused on individual personal styling and wardrobe management since 2008. Traci worked with and has been certified by Style for Hire’s Stacy London a celebrity stylist.

Visit Traci at www.TeeMcBee.com, or her home styling website, Zhooshing Spaces, offering services virtually & in-person, starting with a complimentary Chat with Tee. Schedule a 30 minute call by visiting one of our websites.

Trending Pantone Colors of the Year

How to Add Them to Your Decor & Wardrobe!

Each year the color experts choose a color that will be trending in home décor and wardrobes. Pantone picked two for 2021 because of the balance the two give to each other. One on its own could feel too bold and the other on its own too boring – but together they provide a lovely balance.

Illuminating yellow & Ultimate Gray are colors I have worked with for an exceptionally long time for both wardrobes and home décor. Not everyone embraces them in the same way, for instance some prefer a toned down more mustard yellow instead of the brightness of Pantones color of the year, illuminating yellow. The yellow can be jarring for many to wear on a substantial portion of their body as in a dress or owning a large piece of furniture such as a couch. If you like the pop of color but want to bring it more softly into your home or wardrobe here are some ideas.

These items were found and purchased recently at the N. Olmsted Goodwill. Here is how I worked them into my décor and wardrobe, breathing new life into them while spending just eight dollars on all these finds.

How to use Pantone Colors of the Year in your wardrobe

While shopping I came across this designer scarf and just knew I needed it to partner with the neutrals in my wardrobe of black, white, shades of gray and even navy blue. I always suggest wearing the best shade of any color that best perk-up your personal skin undertones, also so your wardrobe harmonizes and works well together.

How to use Pantone Colors of the Year in your Home Décor

During another visit to Goodwill, I found two illuminating yellow bowls as I looked for pieces to add to my entertainment serving pieces. Perfect for a charcuterie board to hold nuts or olives or to use as a pop of color to my place setting as you see here.

Finding these pillows were a perfect match to the Pantone Colors of the Year as well and now provide a pop of color in my home. Making the most of your shopping dollars will serve you well especially if you put what you save into a savings account. As an example, the yellow scarf I purchased was a designer item and I knew what it previously retailed for on their website, so the difference I saved from buying at Goodwill went into my Christmas Club at my local credit union. Saving for future purchases can be so rewarding.

Embrace the Pantone Colors of the Year to add a little joy to your day when you wear them and see them in your home. Feel the power of color.

TIPS for Shopping Goodwill while elevating your décor and wardrobe

Keep a list of wants and needs

Every idea gets put on my Goodwill list in a little notebook in my handbag. Take note of sizes of empty spaces on your walls for art or space for furniture or rugs. When I find myself walking through the store, I pull those notes out to keep me on track. Avoid buying haphazardly which only leads to cluttering your home. Be specific.

Be prepared for your finds

Keeping protection for breakables in your trunk. Bubble wrap, newspapers or even paper bags will protect your great new finds until you get home.

Tools of the trade

Cash is king and keeps you on budget. Measuring tape. Photos on your phone. I take photos of the spaces I am decorating and garments I am building around so I can check my memory before putting them into my shopping cart. I also have a photo file of inspiration items of what I am wishing to find, you could get lucky.

Avoid missing treasures

I highly recommend shopping each aisle at least twice but the best is thrice. Some of my best finds were when I backtracked to the aisle multiple times. Easy to get distracted by something and miss other items. Shop your favorite Goodwill often, as items get added very often.

Buddy up with other Goodwill treasure hunters and share your shopping list

I usually shop solo because that is what I do for clients on a regular basis. Although I discovered shopping with my sister is great when she is in town to help inspect linens for any imperfections having another pair of hands unfolding the larger items. Another benefit since we know what the other is looking for, we can be another set of eyes when shopping to avoid missing treasures.

Sign-up to reap the rewards

Many Goodwill locations have a points system to earn as you buy your treasures – sign-up and save money.

Snap a picture at the door

Our brain is on overload and remembering the color of the day for extra discounts gets forgotten while shopping in the back of the store. Snap a picture on your phone of the discount board on your way in for a quick double-check for savings.

Traci McBride is a Life Stylist and founder of TeeMcBee Consulting Ventures, LLC, focused on individual personal styling and wardrobe management since 2008. Traci worked with and has been certified by Style for Hire’s Stacy London celebrity stylist.

Traci is passionate about bringing form, function & style into every area of one’s life while expressing yourself.

More Color, More Style, More Self Expression = More Passion & Confidence in Your Life

Visit Traci at www.TeeMcBee.com. Coming soon: Zhooshing Spaces website offering services virtually & in-person, offering complimentary Chat with Tee 30 minute calls by visiting our website.

Shopping The Sales with Tips from TeeMcBee

What do the holidays, the end of the year, an end of a season, Labor Day, and Memorial Day all have in common? Sales! But before jumping on the sale bandwagon and splurging on great discounts, be cautious, be aware and be patient. How do you do that? Read these guidelines carefully before bringing all those discounted items up to the cash register.

Shopping with purpose and list of what is actually needed.
  1. Be true to your size. Shop for the body you have now, not the body you assume you’ll have after you lose those holiday pounds or after your New Year’s detox. The only exception is if you love the item so much and it’s close to fitting. If you are confident that simple alterations will make it fit you perfectly, then go for it. But remember that extensive alteration charges added to the price of the item will make your bargain price disappear.
  2. Know the return policy. Huge department stores and well-known brand name stores usually have a great return policy, but some items are truly final sales, so you won’t be able to return them. Boutiques usually offer store credit at best and sale items may not be returnable. Consignment stores usually have a no-return policy. Hopefully, you love what you buy and will wear it. However, recognize from the start what type of return policy makes you feel most comfortable so you won’t be disappointed.
  3. An incredible sale can be a huge deception. Sale items that are practically discounted to nothing may seem like steals, but there is a reason why they are marked down. If you buy something and never wear it, that incredibly outrageous sale item is a 100% bad investment.
  4. Check out websites before perusing racks. If you are planning to go shopping at a specific store, check out their website first. You may be able to find a coupon to use, a scheduled extra discounted day, or something that is on sale only online.
  5. Know your inventory before investing in more. What items are missing from your wardrobe and what items are you well stocked up on? When shopping, we tend to load up on the items that we are familiar with and most likely have a version of them already. Make an inventory list of what you need and shop sales with the intention of filling your needs first.
  6. Fitting it in with ease. Before saying yes to a sale item, ask yourself if it will slide right into your wardrobe. If you can wear it with other pieces you already own, then it’s a keeper. If the piece will make you have to shop for supporting pieces, the sale item just turned expensive.
  7. Turn bargains into bodacious outfits. Let TeeMcBee help you shop those enticing sales and get you into what’s right for your wardrobe. Or if you’ve done your bargain shopping and need help getting your sales items to work into your wardrobe, Tee can help get you to create great looking outfits that you can wear now. Let’s make ten new outfits using your new pieces. TeeMcBee will help you truly enjoy your bargains!

Summer is short – make the most of it with TeeMcBee pulling it all together and creating a virtual LOOK BOOK so you just rinse & repeat.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

Avoid The Haphazard Purchase- 8 Strategies by Tee

It’s that time again — summer clearances and awesome deals at every store as they transition into receiving the early Fall merchandise — happens every single year. Hold your wallet tight and use some simple strategies to avoid over-buying, or worse — buying items that won’t work in multiple outfits or celebrate your now body shape.

STRATEGY #1: WRITE IT DOWN:
Make note of all upcoming events, weddings, vacations, galas etc. This is key to knowing what your actual needs will be. I’ve watched women buy, thinking, “This is cute; I’ll find somewhere to wear it.” Over time they have huge amounts of dressy dresses that fill an entire closet. Don’t be that person; be mindful of your needs vs. wants.

STRATEGY #2: REFRESH FALL
Replace the items that are looking tired but also layer easily with early fall. One of my favorites is to move my cotton tanks to my PJ drawer and buy fresh ones on clearance in fun pops of color.

CPW = Cost Per Wear is a great tool to Maximize your investment.

STRATEGY #3: COST PER WEAR
Staying on top of Cost Per Wear is a wise way to get more for your money. It seems obvious, but I see women with expensive items they only wear a few times. Instead, master your wardrobe by knowing what you already own and how many new looks a garment will give you before buying it.

STRATEGY #4: SAME OL’ SAME OL’
Avoid the trap of owning everything in multiple colors. Many believe this is saving money but it is similar to the wearing-all-black rut. You’ll end up owning a pretty boring wardrobe with no style over time.

STRATEGY #5: FOCUS ON YOUR LIFESTYLE & MANAGE YOUR SWOON TRIGGER
Always ask yourself, ‘Where will I wear this?” Now, I remember one client that had a very casual lifestyle, yet she had an abundance of dressy dresses. Her dresses far outnumbered the few times in a year she could ever wear them. So she had dozens of dated, ill-fitting dresses that she just wouldn’t get rid of. When I pointed this out, she said, “I’ll loan them out to my friends.” No helping that mentality — well, not until they are ready to see a different perspective.

I worked with a woman that had a swoon trigger item that she just couldn’t resist buying that did not fit into her lifestyle. Sequined tops, camisoles & jackets. Each and every one of them were stunning, but she never wore any of them — ever. All with tags. I’m talking nearly 100 pieces. She was living on a farm and mostly wore black slacks and a camisole and jacket for work.

Have a balance of garments that celebrate your real day-to-day life. That goes for shoes too. If you love stilettos but mostly wear kitten heels or flats, then adjust what is in your closet. The closet is sacred space, everything needs to honor you and fit you and support you in your goals and work.

STRATEGY #6: FILL YOUR BASKET THEN EDIT
One of my personal favorite ways to save money is to fill an online shopping basket then save it and then close the webpage. Over the coming weeks, I will receive enticing emails with coupons or free shipping to get me to complete the transaction. I then go back in and really narrow it down to what I really need and pay less money for it. I call it Stalking a Deal. Try it!

STRATEGY #7: VOW TO AVOID ORPHANS
This can be easier said than done. I know this because of all the orphans I find in all the closets I visit! You know, the enchanting designer silk print blouse that had an amazing design that just stopped you in your tracks and happened to be marked down from $250 to $25? OMG, how on earth could you leave it behind? Right? Over the years, if those situations occur in which you just buy something while hoping that you can figure out later how to wear it, you will end up with a whole section in your closet that you love but don’t know how to wear.

When the next opportunity pops up (and it will), remind yourself of those items and the growing space they take up. Use that smartphone and take pictures of the current orphans you own before you go shopping to either remind yourself to not add to it, or that any new deal MUST complete one of the orphans you already own.

STRATEGY #8: DON’T GO OFF YOUR WHEEL
Knowing your skin undertone and your POWER COLORS is two-fold. Wearing those colors near your face will make you look fresh, modern and energized. The bonus is — if you build an entire wardrobe around that flattering palette you will find a better mixability with your entire wardrobe, and that will make saving money, packing and looking confident every single day so much easier! Who doesn’t want to consistently look their best?

MYTH & TRUTH

MYTH: All women LOVE to SHOP till they DROP!
TRUTH: 90% of women I meet do NOT like to shop for clothes!
Perhaps they love buying shoes or purses – but not clothes.

MYTH: It was SO marked down it was a STEAL!
TRUTH: 95% of the time that STEAL rarely get worn — if at all.

MYTH: Never wear white after Labor Day.
TRUTH: It’s the fabric silly, not the color.
White jeans are fine but white linen is warm months only.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

The Cost of Procrastination in Your Closet

Recently I received a blog post from a time-management expert about procrastination. It had me thinking about how that same topic applies to your closet, and that what’s in your closet influences your personal and professional image. And that image, in turn, influences your relationships both personal and professionally.

We communicate details of what others can expect from us by how we put ourselves together each day—and what we can expect of ourselves. Are you deliberate with your image or haphazard? I often hear, “As soon as I get through this big project at work, I’ll invest in my image.” Another popular procrastination phrase is, “As soon as I hit my goal weight, I’ll work on it.”

Whatever your personal reason is for procrastinating on improving your image, I’d like to share what some of the costs could be in your life and career. Why the closet? That is where it all begins. We all begin our day in the closet. How do I know this? No one is walking around naked, so at some point in your morning routine you walk into or reach into a closet or dresser to get your clothes.

Consider the cost of procrastination

Missed opportunities: If you are not dressing for the next job or the next client, you can and will be overlooked.

Loss of confidence: I’ve been told many times some version of this: “I just didn’t feel comfortable with myself and didn’t apply for that job (or raise my hand or attend that event). I sat in the back and just listened as I was too intimidated by all the others to speak up.”

Life stress: Have you ever turned down an invitation because you didn’t feel you had the right type of clothes to attend an event that wasn’t in your usual experience?

Time waster: Do you change clothes 2-5 times before leaving for the day? You feel you want to change it up, but you’re not sure how or where to begin—so you wear what you’ve worn dozens of times before.

Boredom: Do you procrastinate because you feel stuck in a rut, bored with the all-black look, and feeling dated and tired.

Panic: You panic when you’re invited to a gala, wedding, reunion or a work conference. You have no idea where to begin and want to avoid rushing to buy more of the “same old.”

Delayed goals: Studies have found weight loss goals are reached faster when you improve your wardrobe. You lose right away rather than waiting until the goal is reached. Replacing key garments and tailoring as needed will keep you looking great through the process, and will help celebrate and honor yourself.

So how do you know if you are a candidate for elevating your personal and professional image? Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you ready and willing to improve your current personal image?
  • Are you ready to invest money and time in your wardrobe so you can enjoy more confidence and influence?
  • Are you willing to see yourself from a different perspective?
  • Do you want a promotion if you are an employee, or as a business owner, do you want to reach the next level of your business?
ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

Maintain an Interesting Appearance—It Matters

Nothing explains who we are and what we’re all about better than style and fashion. Style matters. Fashion is important. You know it when you see it — someone enters a room, and you say to yourself, “He has style” or “That is someone I want to meet.” It’s an energy that is undeniable, a confidence you can feel.

Not everyone has “it.” Not everyone does “it” authentically. As an example: When buying an outfit off a mannequin, you don’t need to wonder if the pieces go together because someone in the store already put it together — it’s easy. You might find the outfit appealing, but that doesn’t mean it represents the true you. If you are not the same shape or size as the mannequin, it doesn’t fit you the same.

I find many people dress blandly. Men do this often — a polo and khakis with boat shoes, for instance. Bland, typical, doesn’t say much about them. The “safe” dressing for women that I see most often is the all-black default. For example, in the last month I’ve been the guest in several new closets with all black shoes. Black sandals, athletic shoes, pumps, wedges, etc. — all black. Not very interesting, just safe.

Most people play it safe when shopping; they try to work themselves out of that safe, bland box, but without individual guidance and advice specific to their body and lifestyle, they fall short and flat. Many times I can show them how to create a more interesting image without shopping. It all begins in how items are paired or layered.

Just yesterday I worked with a plus-size 60-year-old businesswoman. Using items she already owned, some clothes pins, a belt I had in my tote bag, and a necklace she had shoved away in a drawer and had never worn, I made her look interesting. I focused on teaching her proportion for her 5-foot-3 frame, I created a waist that wasn’t previously visible, I pushed up her sleeves, and I visually sliced her in half with a pop of colorful print worn in just the right place. She looked ageless, modern, approachable, and professional. How perfect — these were the very style words she had written down before I even arrived.

I showed the client why the neckline she had invested heavily into wasn’t flattering in any way. I demonstrated how fabulous her legs were and why she needs to wear more skirts and hem them to her “sweet spot.” Oh, my, we had some “ah-ha” moments. Now she can’t wait to shop with me so we can flesh out her new fresh look.

Helpful tips to show who you are (men):

  • Try on a suit vest and wear with jeans.
  • Add a pocket square that contrasts your tie.
  • Roll your jean hem up a little and don’t wear socks.
  • Buy some denim lace-up shoes.
  • Pop some color other than living in black or navy.

Helpful tips to show who you are (women):

  • If you always wear pants, get into a skirt or dress or try a jumpsuit.
  • Ditch black shoes for the entire summer and wear metallic, nude or color instead.
  • Don’t always wear the same tiny earring and small-scale necklace. Go up a size or try a statement necklace or earrings (but not at the same time).
  • Try something new: a scarf, hat, belt, colored purse.

Each day you choose what you are communicating about yourself. You decide whether you’re bland and playing it safe or confident and interesting. I’m here to advise and support you with your personal image investment. You can avoid frustration, save time, and save your money by engaging with professional support — sooner rather than later!

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

To the Best Dressers Go the Spoils

You make an impression everywhere you go and with everyone you meet. So, what do you want it to be?

For the most part, you do control it. Think of your “indelible impression” — is it a little dated and frumpy? Perhaps you want to look fresh and modern. Maybe you’re dressing a bit too young or even too old for your age. Do you feel as if you look too sexy for your profession?

Personal lesson: Decades ago, as a stay-at-home mom, I was looking for part-time employment. I decided to check out some companies before making a long-term commitment to work for them. So I had the idea of working for a temp agency. I decided the best way to “become a fly on the wall” was to be a receptionist, and I asked for assignments that were no longer than two weeks. Why just two weeks? Anyone can be on their best behavior for a few days to a week, but by week two, people show who they really are.

There were some great lessons I learned that were related directly to image. Remember, this was about 25 years ago — before I ever thought of starting a consulting business. This was a time when I was struggling with my style and self-image after being a stay-at-home mom for several years. Over one year, I noted all these details at six different companies in unrelated industries.

Those who were best dressed boasted the …

  • nicest office
  • admiration of peers
  • more staff
  • more respect
  • little to no “busy work”
  • clean, organized desks with empty “to do” boxes
  • expressed the WOW factor

and were …

  • not necessarily qualified for the position they had
  • well compensated with the best benefit packages
  • invited to lunch, golf outings, and speaking engagements
  • happier and friendlier
  • confident

And those who were the WORST DRESSED (frumpiest) had

  • an over-flowing “to do” boxes
  • a bagged lunch every day
  • minimum compensation and basic benefits
  • low self-esteem
  • a “poor me” attitude

and were …

  • the “staff” to the best dressed
  • often overqualified for their current position
  • often unnoticed until needed to do the work
  • errand runners
  • invisible
  • scapegoats
  • working late or weekends when there are deadlines
  • clock watchers
  • unhappy and complainers

Observing these traits was a real eye-opener for me and helped me decide, both consciously and subconsciously, who and what I wanted to be.

Which list appeals to you? Change your image; change your life!

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

The Elements of Your Personal Presence

I write regularly about personal image, a subject I am passionate about and have been for many years, even decades before I was trained as an image consultant. As a young person, I noticed how people were treated differently based on their how they acted and the way they dressed.

Have you ever been in a room full of people and instantly been attracted to one person? You’re not sure if it’s their clothes, shoes, looks or something more intangible, such as an energy or vibe that they put out. Well, that is “presence.”

Your personal presence isn’t only about clothing or physical looks. Personal presence is much more than that. Since others decide in a nanosecond certain aspects of who you are, it would make sense to understand what your personal presence is communicating, right?

Usually we read articles to understand others, but I’d like you today to turn to yourself. Your habits and behaviors are either opening or closing doors for you. Plus it’s easy to see what others are doing wrong but much more challenging to understand our own behaviors and how others are reading us.

Ask yourself:

How do you show-up in conversations? Do you share irritating things that happened to you that day or instead focus on the positive events going on around you.

How do you inspire others? Do you easily share and connect with people based on their needs instead of your own? Being enthusiastic is contagious. Others love the energy they feel when they are listened to and cared about, more so then the words you say. Be mindful to give them credit for what they’ve accomplished. Being open minded and vulnerable make you relatable. Sharing about those that inspired you allows others to know that you value people and in turn will value them.

How do you influence others? Do you share yourself? Do you get involved with organizations that matter to you? Do you serve in that organization or instead let others plan, do all the work, then you to show-up and point out how they could have done it better? An influencer joins a committee or board then takes on some level of responsibility. They share their perspective by collaborating on elevating the organization. An influencer never bullies or pushes his or her own agenda.

How do you listen? Do you listen intently to understand their point of view and ask follow-up questions based on what they shared? Do you interrupt others mid-sentence assuming you already know what they are going to say? Do you talk over them to share a similar experience that you had? Do you feel like you have to solve their issue by telling them what to do? Do you focus on what you are going to say in reply as they speak? Do you look and engage with them or keep your eye on the action happening around them so that you appear distracted?

Elements of developing presence:

  • Dress in a way that shows respect for yourself and the event you are attending.
  • Use appropriate body language by including cues of engagement such as open movements, strong eye contact, a sincere smile, gentle nodding of understanding, a firm hand shake, or gentle touching of an arm or shoulder.
  • Talk in a clear rhythm and pronunciation so others easily understand.
  • Be in-the-moment, focused only on the people in front of you.
  • Build rapport by asking follow-up questions.
  • Follow up with whatever you promised, such as social media or email connections.
  • Display etiquette and grace. Know the proper and respectful way to greet and introduce yourself and others, arrange meetings, and all other social graces.
  • Communicate publicly with consistency on social media and in person. Avoid having two personalities. This all leads to your authenticity.
  • Exude confidence, charm, and humor. You will stand out for all the right reasons.
  • Feel good when you leave the event, knowing you presented the best of yourself and elevated the conversations around you while connecting people to those who can support them in their endeavors.

Tips to communicate and behave in a way to exude personal presence:

  • Self-assessment—Make two lists, one a list of all your positive attributes and a second listing the areas that need some enhancement.
  • Enlist your inner circle. Ask them for both positive and negative feedback of your overall presence using the lists above. Promise not to be sensitive about anything they might share that you didn’t see. Your inner circle will support you in growing and elevating.
  • Read, research, and attend workshops on wardrobe, body language, and etiquette to build on your skills.
ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

Maybe It’s Time to Change Just One Thing

What dressing, grooming or shopping habits have you developed over the past 30, 40 or 50 years? Are all those habits serving you? Along the way have you become stuck in a rut but keep doing it that way because you don’t know what else to do?

While I’m in closets and dressing rooms with men and women across Northeast Ohio, I see all kinds of long-held beliefs. I will often ask why a client wears that item or why she bought this one. In the process, I can help direct the client to consider another way of dressing. I have him or her look in the mirror to demonstrate how just changing one thing will increase confidence and save money.

Many times I hear from well-meaning people, “I am going to work with you when I lose [some magic number] pounds and get new clothes.” Over the next year, I’ll see the person again and again at events, and he or she is still in the same boat—wearing clothes that do not serve or showcase his or her brilliance.

Sometimes the excuse is, “After my kids are off to college …” or “When I get a decent job …”. Meanwhile, the person is continuing to buy clothes for all the occasions of life—and unfortunately not the right clothes.

A professional wardrobe stylist will make every buck you spend count. Learn to see the big picture: Get more from each investment by creating multiple looks from the same pieces as they are coordinated in unique ways. You’ll look like you spent a million bucks—except it’s all on a budget that you determine. My challenge you is to just CHANGE ONE THING this season.

Here is a recent example that represents a theme I often see and discuss with clients.

Tailoring. While performing a Closet Detox I can see clothing that isn’t fitting correctly—rolled sleeves, baggy at the bust, the break of a pant leg, blazers, skirts or dresses too long, etc. So I pull out my clothespins to show how the item would fit if we tailored it. Wow—it’s eye-opening! Usually the client appears taller, streamlined, detail-oriented, polished, and professional.

Then I’ll ask, “Do you like this piece enough to invest a few more dollars in it, or would you rather put that money toward a new item?” A wardrobe coach and stylist helps you make these decisions deliberately rather than randomly—the way you used to when standing by yourself in a mall dressing room with a well–meaning sales clerk at the door, telling you the outfit looks great.

Are you ready to change one thing?

Here are some other changes to consider making. Once you do, you will feel and look better. Just changing that one thing will motivate you to make another change, because after all, we never get it all done.

How about your make-up routine? It’s easy to get in a habit that no longer serves you as you mature.

How about your scent? Your eyewear?

Men, do your accessories need an update? How about your briefcase? Updating to leather speaks volumes.

As you can see, there are many ways to kick it up a notch (or more) that will visually communicate who you are and what you stand for in your life.

I’d love to hear from you. Tell me what you decided to change.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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