Tiffany Nielsen

Dining Etiquette, Business Etiquette and Children's Workshop

What Would Charlene Say? Part 1: Three Habits for Gracious Living

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Family

Charlene Nielsen and her family. Gracious woman, editor and our #1 Fan at Premier Etiquette.

Charlene Nielsen, my beloved Mother-in-Law, Editor and Board Member here at Premier Etiquette, joined the angels in heaven on May 4, 2014 If I were to ask mom what we can do today to feel better about our situation, she’d recommend the following daily habits, which I would like to share with you over the next three days leading up to her celebration of life service.

Part 1

  1. Get Dressed. In spite of a bald head, pale skin and being at war with the gremlins (as we called them), mom got dressed every day. She styled her hair and wigs and she never left her house looking as if she just rolled out of bed.  “Get up, get dressed! You never know who you might meet!” says Charlene. I’d like to add that pajamas are made for bedtime, not for wearing out in public.

To quote mom…

“The hardest lesson to learn is self-discipline”
– Charlene Brooks Nielsen, Author, Editor and Woman of the Year.

Are you getting dressed each morning?  If not, are you open to learning about a few simply ways to transform into a habitual pro at dressing for your day? If the answer is “yes”, we should talk! 🙂

Tiffany Nielsen, Founder and CEO of Premier Etiquette, is your favorite Etiquette Lady and Personal Stylist. She lives in Exeter, CA with her husband, David and travels nationwide representing ideas and strategies to help solve social and business faux pas. You can attend Tiffany’s upcoming program, Mother May I on May 27 and 28th from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. at Brandman University in Visalia, CA or in Bakersfield. The program cost is $34.00.

©Tiffany Nielsen | Premier Etiquette. All Rights Reserved.

Building an Executive Wardrobe

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You have worked hard to achieve the success you have right now. In today’s highly competitive world, paying attention to cultivating an executive wardrobe will accentuate the professional image that supports your objectives. While you know that you get only one chance to make the all-important first impression, it is equally imperative to make every day a day that you look your very best, even if the only interaction ends up around the water cooler. You never know who you are going to run into.

Follow these tips to build an effective executive wardrobe to help you stand out – not stick out.

Know the Environment
Office cultures are continually changing. Knowing what is considered appropriate for your office environment will ensure that you do not make any expensive mistakes when building your wardrobe. For example, when working in a conservative office you will find that a suit is a must, while in some offices, a pair of trousers with a sweater is adequate.  Keep this in mind when visiting another office that might have a different business dress style than yours. Dress for your audience.

Start With a Closet Audit
When starting to build an effective executive wardrobe, be mindful of what you already have before you make a list of what you need. Pull out everything in your closet that could possibly be worn to work. Try everything on. Make sure it fits well, looks fantastic on you and is in good condition. Leave trendy clothes for your weekend activities.

Start With Your Core Color
Start with at least one great suit that fits you perfectly, and is in one of your best power colors. For example, black, charcoal or navy blue are excellent core colors to have in your wardrobe.

Essential Pieces
While the task of getting your closet into “executive shape” may seem daunting, this list will help you find the essential pieces to start with to build your executive wardrobe:

  1. Two dark suits: Black or Charcoal and Navy (men and women)
  2. Ladies, one dark skirt that matches a dark jacket
  3. Two pairs of slacks: Black is safe, followed by grey, navy or shades of brown (men and women)
  4. Two solid shirts or blouses (not prints/geometric designs) in colors that “pop,” but aren’t distracting (men and women)
  5. Ladies, two accent-colored shells that would look great under your suit jackets
  6. A jacket/blazer that is tailored, yet loose (men and women)
  7. Ladies, a knit shell in one of your best colors
  8.  A pull-over men’s wool sweater or a sweater set for the ladies

When in Doubt, Hire a Professional
Consider hiring an image consultant to work with you to define your professional objectives and help you put together your best possible executive wardrobe.

You are now equipped with the knowledge and information to build a wardrobe that can clearly reflect your high level of professionalism. Remember, you only get one chance to make a positive first impression! You are what you wear; therefore, make great wardrobe choices. Remember, to stand out – not stick out.

Tiffany Nielsen is a public speaker, author and business etiquette and children’s manners expert. She is co-author of the books, The Power of Civility and Incredible Business. Her company, Premier Etiquette, offers corporate and small business workshops, motivational keynote presentations, children’s manners programs, editorial content  and private coaching. 

© 2013 Tiffany Nielsen | Premier Etiquette. All Rights Reserved.

International Etiquette: What to Wear to the Vatican

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Vatican dress codesMy upcoming trip to Italy presents an exciting opportunity to see this culturally rich country through the eyes of its residents. I wonder to myself, what is it like to live in Venice?  How do they manage the hustle and bustle of the tourist in Rome without becoming overly annoyed? What can I do to avoid the stigma of the “Ugly American”?

When David and I traveled through Northern Europe in 2007, it was in Russia that I learned the meaning of “Ugly American.”  I’ll avoid providing details of the experience we found ourselves facing there in order to remain civilly thoughtful regarding this matter, warning only that the scene was ghastly, embarrassing and yes, ugly.  I couldn’t help but take a photo of the Ugly American because life’s little lessons become opportunities to help us all present ourselves at our very best.

My mother taught me to dress nicely when I travel and frequently reminded me that we are an extension of our family and our country everywhere we go. She further instilled the virtues of adorning ourselves appropriately for church and when visiting religious sites, which will come in especially handy this time since churches, including St. Peters Basilica, are a part of my itinerary.  I hear dress codes are strict there.  The last thing I want is to be escorted away from St. Peters by a Swiss Guard for not being properly dressed!  No wonder I am thumbing through guide books and etiquette articles written by others as well as by me, eager to be pretty rather than ugly in Italy.

 What to Wear to the Vatican

If you are looking forward to an opportunity to visit Italy, consider these style tips for visiting Vatican City. They come in handy also for respectful appearance at any religious site:

  • Religions sites request decency while avoiding risqué, revealing attire.
  • Covered shoulders are a must and avoid showing cleavage. Save that for date night!
  • No shorts please. This applies to both men and women.
  • Skirts to the knees or longer.
  • Reasonable shoes, yes. Loud noise makers, blister makers and show stoppers are a “no-no.”
  • Choose class over trend and style over leisure wear.

I look forward, on my return, to sharing what I learn, this time, about the pleasures of traveling as an attractive American.

Ciao!

Free Workshop!

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Learn to Build Your Personal Brand

Building Your Personal Brand

Sign up today for our eye-opening, career building workshop hosted by Brandman Unviersity!

In this educational and career propelling workshop, learn how to quickly and effectively raise the bar on your personal image!

Building Your Personal Brand

Mix and Match Your Wardrobe to Save $$$ — Define the Look of Your Professional Brand — Make a Statement with Business Casual — Uncover Power Colors and Fashion Personalities – Discover Must Have Wardrobe Essentials, Image “Makers and Breakers” and Stepping it Up Interview Attire

You hold the power for creating a dynamic image through wardrobe, grooming and etiquette choices that promote your own career success. Accelerate your personal image and business credibility by registering today for this FREE professional training opportunity! 

Join us for this interactive, informational and FREE workshop on:

April 26th 5:30-7:30 pm

Brandman University, Visalia Campus

649 S. County Center Drive

Visalia, CA  93277

Please kindly register by April 23, 2012 to (559) 636-5595 or email your reservation confirmation to Alex Hamilton at mailto:ahamilto@brandman.edu

We hope you can join us for this exciting workshop at Brandman University’s Visalia Campus.

Business Casual for Creative Career Professionals

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John Wind knows how to transform fantastic vintage into posh style. One of Mr. Wind’s beautiful, hand-made necklaces was on a “wish list” at Rosemary and Thyme in Exeter, California. My husband is friends with the boutique owner. Guess who received her wish list item??

I’m a cool season Winter II, but found great joy mixing splashes of gold into this ensemble that I’m wearing today with my new necklace.

To balance the gold in John Wind’s necklace and create length (petite, well almost) , I paired a long black sweater and White House Black Market leggings with the style bonus of my leopard belt. I borrowed my husband’s boot socks (because I can’t find any of my own) and zipped up my new Anne Klein boots for a slimming appeal. The black sweater tied together with the white blouse creates the chic sophisticate look I admire. Of course, I never leave the house these days without my red Talbots Tote and sassy red lip gloss.  Mixing and matching with a little creativity makes it easy to piece together a brand new look, don’t you agree? Creativity is the key word. Planning and patience have their place here too.

As an image consultant, I’m fortunate to work with clients to help them uncover small wardrobe adjustments that create the greatest amount of impact. For some, it’s as simple as adding new jewelry (like I did) to brighten up a black suit. Others find the addition of colorful shoes or bold ties an immediate “can-do” wardrobe primer.

What small adjustments in your wardrobe can you make today that will create immediate impact? Think about it and let me know. Your input can be very useful to a fellow reader, so I appreciate your thoughtful comments.