Tuesday, May 13, 2008

It's Q & A Day

Welcome to Q & A Day. Today I have a number of great questions from you, my loyal readers, that I shall attempt to answer with wit and charm. And if not that -- well, then I'll resort to words.

First, Kevin Hogan asks: "Is there some kind of a mental disorder attatched to a closet stuffed with clothes from 15 years ago that I've not worn (and I've moved in the interim)?"
Jennifer responds: Yes, there is. It called compulsive hoarding. But before anyone starts to worry, very few people with just an over-flowing closet would fall into the category of a compulsive hoarder. Most people with too many clothes just have an unrealistic picture of how many garments they actually own, how many they actually wear, and how many they actually need. They may also be victims of affluenza and the KUWTJ virus ...pesky psychological challenges, but not full-blown mental disorders. Unless the hoarding extends to spaces beyond your closet and to things other than clothes, I would say you just need to invest a little thought and time in some good ol' purging. Fifteen years is a long time to hold on to clothes you don't wear.

Next, Aaron asks: "If I want to convey a comfortable, confident image, how do I bring my evening/weekend wardrobe into harmony with my work stuff?"
Jennifer responds: It really depends on several things. A few have invested a tremendous amount into their image as a brand...and for them, there is very little difference between work/not work. They dress for their public no matter what the occasion. An example of a person with this view is Dave Lakhani. His image is consistent across the board. For the rest of us, however, there is the recognition of a difference between work clothes and casual clothes. My recomendation is that when choosing casual attire, aim for neat and clean. Unless you're off to the gym, avoid tennies and sweats. If you're wearing a cap, that should be clean, as well. Avoid throw-away T's with silly slogans (although sports team T's are allowed--especially Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins). You can also mix up the work/casual wardrobe as well. A nice button-down with jeans and loafers for example. I'll go into this topic at more length in a later post, as it is a really good question deserving of a more thorough answer.

And last, Sue wonders: Have you been peeking into my closet, Jenn?"
Jennifer responds: Oh, Sue, you caught me! X-Ray vision. Bought my glasses from a comic book ad...worth every penny.

Have a good evening, all! And come back next time for a discussion on the pros and cons of new clothing. See you then...same blog time...same blog channel....

Jennifer Skinner, Wardrobe Planning, Style Development, Image Consulting

12 comments:

Matthew Shields said...

Jenn
Great responces
so what book did the glasses come from??? I could use a pair
Focus Your energy
Matthew Shields

Midlife Dating Expert, Singles Workshop Conference Speaker said...

oo, OUCH! I resemble that comment. But I'm IMPROVING!

All the best,

April Braswell - Online Dating Coach, Romance Coach

Dr Peter Helton said...

Kevin, toss the double breasted suits, you look more powerful in the single breasted suits.



Dr Helton, making your skin beautiful without surgery, nationally renowned Cosmetic Dermatologist

Yann Vernier said...

Ohh I want some X-ray glasses too... :-)

Great advice as usual.

Yann
Yann Vernier - Personal Coach

Susan said...

I think I have the same problem as Kevin. And, too many closets.

www.SueCrutcher.com

Aaron said...

Thanks again for the answers to my questions!

Aaron

Tim Birch said...

Ever see Joe versus the volcano?(old Tom Hanks)

The clothing scene will be of great interest to you.

I see I have much work to do.

'TimBirch –Can it be better?

Unknown said...

My grandmother kept a few things from when my Mom was growing up. The dresses looked better on my sister than what you can find today.

Sheridan Randolph

Jennifer Skinner said...

Sheridan-
That's lovely that your sister has the dresses your grandmother saved. I have no problems with certain items being saved for posterity -- and I would heartily agree that certain items are worth saving to pass along. If an item is being kept for a special reason, however, it needs to be carefully stored to protect the fabric. Even dust can harm the fibers in an article of clothing. If you know you are going to save something for a period of time, remove it from your closet and store it in an air-tight container with a dehumectant and a moth inhibitor. Use acid-free paper to line the container. Keep the container in a place that won't get hot--an attic is not an ideal storage area. In this way you are able to keep your closets for the clothes you wear while still holding on to the items you wish to save.

Jennifer Skinner

Dave Lakhani said...

Jennifer -

Great post, very insightful.

Of course I don't advocate wearing a suit to work out in, I strongly endorse proper attire and I completely agree with you about what to wear with a couple of adjustments to be more persuasive.

1. Even if you are working out you are on display, what you wear matters. Fresh, clean, not showing heavy wear or holes, stains etc. and of a style that makes you stand out just a little from the rest of the crowd.

2. Same is true on the golf course or tennis court. Dress at least as well or one step better than your client.

3. No stopping off at a clients office or any place they may engage you, sweaty or smelly after working out.

Good sense of course always prevails. The key is to be sure that when you are in a position to influence that the experience with you matches the expectation.

Can't wait to read more of your blog, I'll be telling people about it shortly over at http://www.subliminalpersuaisonbook.com/blog

Lisa M. McLellan said...

I need those glasses!

Jennifer Skinner said...

Dave-
How nice to see you here! And thank you for the fabulous comment. Your insight and wisdom are always appreciated.

Jennifer Skinner