The Protocol Post - September 2010

September 2010

Greetings! I'm happy that September is finally here. School is back in session and I'm gearing up for a fabulous fall season at The Protocol School of Palm Beach. To kick off the season, I'll be going to New York City to appear on the new talk show, "Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer." This show is hosted by Sirius XM's "Whatever" hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt. My etiquette segment will air on Friday, September 17 at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT on the Hallmark Channel. I'm very excited about this opportunity and hope you will tune in to watch or set your DVR.

When I return home I will prepare to host the first-ever Etiquette & Image Consultants' Retreat in my home on October 1-2. If you're interested in signing up, please hurry. There are only five spaces left! Details about the retreat can be found in this e-newsletter.

Oliver at the library

On a personal note, my dog, Oliver, and I will begin our volunteer work at the West Palm Beach Public Library this week. Oliver is a certified therapy dog and the children love reading stories to him. He's a non-judgmental listener and he doesn't laugh if a child makes a mistake or stumbles over a word. We humans can certainly learn a lot about patience and unconditional kindness from animals!

I hope you have a great month ahead!

Warmest regards,
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Why Everyone Needs A Good Hairdresser

The need for good hair is universal, beyond all boundaries. If you don't believe me, ask anyone who has lost, or is in the process of losing his or her hair. Hair is your crowning glory and also a measure of your self-image. Hair is also your body's barometer indicating good health or lack of it so if you still have your hair, don't be afraid to spend money on it. After all, it is the one thing that you and others see every single day.

I'm a firm believer that you should change your hairstyle at least once a year. Doing this will keep you looking fresh and current. If you're still wearing the same hair style since college or if you're still sporting that mullet style or that fifteen-year-old ponytail, it's time for a change. The right hairstyle can dramatically change your appearance and make you look years younger.

A good hairdresser is like a good pair of shoes - necessary and worth every penny. When you find a good stylist or barber, hang on to him. Make friends with him, tip him well, and don't forget to buy him gifts during the holidays. You may think I'm being overly dramatic but these principles were instilled in me by my mother who was a hairdresser for more than 50 years!

Hair plays such an important role in determining your overall look that when you have an inept hairdresser, your appearance suffers along with your sense of style. If you aren't completely satisfied with your look or the way you are treated by your hairdresser, or if you feel like your hairdresser is burned out, you're better off moving on for the sake of both you and your hair.

If you're a man, try going to a barbershop. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense experience with none of the frivolous accouterments that a unisex salon offers. A barber is trained to cut with clippers, the main tool in cutting a man's hair. Additionally, he will most likely be an interesting person with fascinating stories to tell. Every time my husband, Brian, goes to the barber shop, he comes home feeling a little bit manlier. I don't know what it is. Perhaps it the combination of the smell of hair tonics and the all-man atmosphere!

Here are five ways to tell if you have a good hairdresser or barber:

1. She keeps the lines of communication open. She listens to your ideas and instructions and gives you honest feedback and suggestions whenever necessary. If you ask for a one-inch trim and you get a three-inch trim, it's time to consider hiring another hairdresser.

2. He takes your individuality into account. He observes your hair color, face shape and hair texture before recommending a new cut or style.

3. She keeps up with the latest products and hair styling techniques. If your hairdresser doesn't attend styling conventions and conferences to advance her skills, your hair may suffer.

4. He will show you how to style your hair so you can easily make it look just as good when you style it yourself.

5. She won't take personal calls on her cell phone or gossip with other coworkers while she's cutting your hair.

Six Must-Have Investment Pieces

Everyone should own a few good investment pieces. These six items will complete your wardrobe and polish your look.

Cuff Links: They may be small, but they speak volumes about your sense of style.
Watch: Most people notice what kind of watch you wear. This investment piece is the one accessory that you glance at multiple times during the day. A quality Swiss watch will not only take you from day into evening, it will stylishly enhance anything you wear and will last you for many, many years. Go for something with a genuine leather band or, if you can afford it, purchase a white gold or yellow gold watch.
Custom-made shirts: At least once in his life, a man should have a couple of custom-made dress shirts. The unbeatable fit and the attention to detail that goes into making a shirt that suits you perfectly is well worth what you'll spend. For business meetings or when you need to dress to impress, a French cuff shirt will help you create a seriously fashionable look.
Coat: Invest in a great coat because it's what people initially see on you. If you live in a cold climate, you'll get a lot of use out of a coat so go ahead and splurge. For men, choose a timeless, stylish look like a button-up wool or cashmere coat in black, gray, navy or camel. For women, buy a coat that has a bit of flair - a bright color, a distinct pattern, a standout collar, oversize buttons - anything that's going to make you stand out in the sea of black or brown. A knee- or mid-calf-length coat works best. A woman in a plain black coat rarely makes an entrance. (When I worked for Northwest Airlines, the female flight attendants wore red trench coats. We received so many compliments when we wore our coats and you could spot us coming from a mile away!) If you decide to own more than one coat, add a classic trench coat to your wardrobe. It can work in any kind of weather and it goes well with almost everything.
Sunglasses: Your eyes are worth protecting so everyone should own at least one pair of killer shades.
A Great Bag: All women should own at least one classic handbag (okay, maybe two or three) that will go with you anywhere.