It’s the Little Things that Say a Lot

It’s the little touches, the extra care taken to be sure something is “just so,” that completes a look. Imagine presenting a simple report in a beautiful binder with an enticing cover page (rather than simply handing it out stapled), or how much a garnish of mint adds to the beauty of a dish of sorbet. Although the ordinary presentation is acceptable and gets the job accomplished, that extra touch gives it interest and gets noticed with admiration. It’s that finishing touch that says you’re mindful of the details that make a lasting impression.

It’s the same with your personal presentation. Putting a simple, basic outfit together is one thing, and it certainly gets the job done. But going the extra mile to make sure the outfit is special (which does not mean that it has to be obvious, flamboyant or expensive) is the difference between good and great.

Here are a few subtle extra touches that get noticed.

1.  One Spectacular Accessory.

This is possibly the easiest and most effective way to accomplish this feat. You can even keep it simple by dressing monochromatically (wear black, white, brown, navy… any neutral color works well) and add a beautiful handbag or colorful shoes. The key is not to have millions of scarves or a closet full of handbags and shoes. It’s to have a few extraordinary accessories. You can spend the same amount of money (often even less) on a few wonderful things rather than on a drawer full of ordinary accessories. In the long run, you get more value from them because you wear them more.

Check out this statement necklace at Spiegel and how it enhances her outfit

2.  Beautifully Manicured Hands.

People notice hands. In fact, since we are always shaking hands, making a point with our hands, or talking with our hands, it’s hard not to notice them. And, because they are so functional, it’s easy to unintentionally neglect them. The first step, if you don’t naturally do this, is to evaluate the condition of your hands:

• Are they in good shape or are they dry?
• What’s the state of your nails and cuticles? Manicures are not expensive. They protect and preserve the look of your hands. Polish isn’t necessary. Keeping your cuticles and nails groomed, however, gets noticed.

Try this awesome line of nail products from SpaRitual (www.sparitual.com or www.dermstore.com) (socially responsible, environmentally conscious and 100% vegan and cruelty-free) (my favorite color is Gold Digger).

3.  Have a Good Hair Day.

Okay, so we’ve been having a couple of months of bad hair days here in the northeast. With snow, sleet, freezing rain and winter hats, our hairstyles don’t stand a chance. Believe it or not, I’ve even heard weather people (even men!) report that a particular day will be a bad hair day. We live with this possibility all year round but it has been particularly bad this winter.

Your hair is your biggest accessory. It’s one of the first things someone notices because it’s right there front and center. I also know that for many people if their hair is not cooperating (or changing in a way they don’t like for myriad reasons) then somehow other things don’t seem to work right either. One of the keys (weather aside!) is having a great cut that flatters your face and good grooming and maintenance. Messy hair is distracting and an unflattering (or style-less) haircut will never do you justice.

Having a hairstyle (and color) that you love just makes you feel better. Trust, me I know all of this intimately having just grown my hair out for the past year from short to just beyond my shoulders and my stylists can tell you that I have done my fair share of complaining along the way.

If you don’t have a great stylist, get a referral and go to someone new immediately. Having a hairstyle you love can lift your mood, bring focus to your eyes and, hey, for those of us over 40 it can provide a kind of mini-face lift.

These are just a few of the “accessories” that can make your personal presentation look and feel special. Remember that just because someone doesn’t say anything about how you look doesn’t mean they don’t notice.

Nine times out of ten proper decorum will prohibit someone from mentioning something negative. The little extras will at the very least get an appreciative glance and many times a compliment. The best part of all, of course, is that you will look and feel great!