Biz Chick Style 2011 – An Interview with Stylist Teresa Morisco January 1, 2011 By Tia Peterson About Teresa Morisco: Teresa is the founder and creative force behind Wardrobe 911 and a nationally recognized personal stylist, wardrobe therapist, speaker and author. We got in touch with Teresa the minute we decided to add a style department to bizchickblogs.com. Hey, if we’re going to talk about the ‘whole’ business woman, we can’t leave out the clothes, can we? Plus, just admit it – you know you throw in a copy of Instyle when you go pick up your BusinessWeek at Barnes and Noble. So, thank you, Teresa, for being willing to address our style questions for 2011. We appreciate it!
An Interview with Stylist Teresa Morisco BCB: Most of us biz chicks manage a family and a business at the same time. Plus, many of us work from home. Still, we don’t want to lose the style we had when we were working for the man. Do you have any suggestions for a style routine that keeps us looking awesome instead of shabby? TM: It’s so easy to fall into the Shlumpadinka trap — especially when you work from home! I’ve been working from home for over 6 years and gone through all the ‘phases’ of dressing up, down, and just out of bed. My style routine has been honed over the years and what works best for me, and most women I work with, is that magic word “routine.” You have to realize that you need to take care of yourself first and having a routine adds some stop-gap measures so you can stay on track. The first thing you should do in the morning after you get out of bed is jump in the shower –it sounds silly but if you run over to your office in your pjs for a quick check on email, you’ll end up staying in the office chair all day like that. The shower will force you to “get ready” in the morning and put on something other
it sounds silly but if you run over to your office in your pjs for a quick check on email, The second key thing is to get ready for work just like you’re going to an office. you’ll end up staying in the When you do this, you subconsciously are telling yourself that you take your role and your job seriously. Base your at-home work wardrobe around some great jeans office chair all day like that. than what you wore to bed.
in colors such as dark wash, black, grey, and white. Jeans are extremely comfortable, don’t wrinkle and if you have them in sophisticated colors, can make you look put together. I recommend sticking to business casual elements on top which means stylish tops paired with cardigans or jackets. I always wear a jacket to work because it adds a note of professionalism and I personally feel more productive when I feel pulled together.
BCB: We know accessories can make or break an outfit. What’s hot right now in terms of bags, belts, jackets or shoes? TM: Accessories are the perfect way to communicate your personal style and I love how jewelry and scarves can do that most effectively. Instead of looking for the latest trend, pick something that really reflects who you are. For example, I have one client who is extremely outgoing and very classic in her overall style. So, instead of adding classic jewelry such as a strand of pearls to her already classic outfit, we add some of that fun element that is part of her by layering strands of big and small pearls. Another example is if you look to dress in neutrals a lot but want to show off your creative side, wear a colored shoe or a big bold ring. BCB: On January 6, Mashable is holding their annual awards gala in Las Vegas (should be pretty fashionable). What’s acceptable to wear to a high-profile awards ceremony (where most of us have never been)? TM: Location and audience are your first cues that you should be dressing creatively and adding some glam or sparkle. Long or short dresses are equally acceptable and a bit of sequins or cocktail jewelry will be just right. You don’t want to vamp it up too much because it is an industry event where you hopefully will be networking and you don’t want them to remember you for your breasts. Pick a color dress that complements your hair or eye color — when I say complement, I mean the opposite on the color wheel. For example, If you have brown eyes, then a blue or blue-green is the complement to the orange or red-orange (brown is a darkened orange or red-orange.) When you wear your complement, you really come alive — it’s what I call your expressional color. BCB: Any other style tips for launching the new year right? TM: Know what works best for your body type and coloring. When you do, your personal style will start to blossom and that’s the best way to start off a new year!