Contact Info Jacqueline M. Peros
Cell: 917-704-4072
Office: 212-685-5114
Email: jmp@jmpstyle.com
   
|
By Jacqueline Peros, on May 2nd, 2011
Looking to connect with other successful and business minded women? If so, Empowered Women…Making Powerful Connections–a series of educational, inspirational panel of expert professional women and the opportunity to connect with other women in business is a must attend event this year! The series was the brainchild of a number of our panelists, including myself (see below) at the end of last year.
The series will kick off in Westchester but will make its way to NYC on May 26th, June 2nd and June 9th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Details for the NYC events will be sent out shortly. In the interim, check out the dates for Westchester and secure your spot today. Look forward to seeing you there!
Register Today! www.empoweredwomenwestchester.eventbrite.com
Tickets are $20 per session or a discounted $50 for the series, and include food & cash bar. Net proceeds will go to the family of Gail Lewis, who designed our logo and who recently lost her battle with cancer and leaves a husband and college-age son.
Panelists include:
May 3rd- Your Money, Your Life (River City Grille in Irvington, NY) 5:30 pm
Susan Glusica, Chair, VP, Wealth Advisory Group www.wagroupllc.com/susanglusica
Alicia Jori Klat, Esq. www.aliciaklat.com
Mary Ellen O’Connor, Home Mortgage Consultant, Wells Fargo www.wellsfargo.com
May 10th – Image & Your Personal Economy (Il Sorriso, also in Irvington, NY) 5:30 p.m.
Jacquie Peros, President, JMP Style www.jmpstyle.com
Hana Rubin, Chief Operating Officer, The Maxon Company www.maxonco.com
Georgia Woodbine, Author, Speaker, Life Coach, Spiritual Focus Publishing www.georgiawoodbine.com
May 17th – Networking & Beyond (Club Cabo in White Plains, NY) 5:30 p.m.
Leslie Grossman, Co-Founder, Women’s Leadership Exchange www.womensleadershipexchange.com
Karinta DiMartino, Account Manager, Statewide Abstract Corp. www.statewidea.com
Ellen Dougherty, Esq., Federman Steifman LLP www.federmansteifman.com
In Memoriam:
Gail Lewis, Marketing/Communications Director, Gail’s Graphic Designs www.gailandco.com
By Jacqueline Peros, on April 19th, 2011
 Jacqueline Vazquez, Founder of Lifetime Events by Jacqueline When people spend money, it’s because they feel a connection with your business. The basic rule of professionalism and polish is that your business has to look like the person your customers want to hang out with. This is called your business’ brand, and it consists of image, style and other related elements. When you represent your business, you should always be conscious of the brand you are representing, because ultimately, people are giving you money because they are attracted to your brand.
 Recently, I was asked to speak at an event hosted by Jacqueline Vasquez, owner of Lifetime Events by Jacqueline and the topic for the evening was How to Achieve a Professional Image Through Wardrobe and Communication. The audience consisted of members and non-non members of the Association of Bridal Consultants and many of them run their own businesses whether it’s wedding events, corporate events, audio visual and alike. Each business owner is their own personal brand and it’s important they project the right image. I spoke about image and personal branding and reminded everyone that every little detail matters. Everything from the cut of my suit to the topics I spoke about. I am a NYC image expert, and those words are a sort of brand in and of themselves. New York City, the heart of global commerce. Image, I have to look good. Expert, I have to know what I’m talking about. Each of these things are elements of my brand, and when I show that I embody any of these things, my stock goes up. If I were to slip up and show the opposite, my credibility would be damaged, and I might not get invited back to another speaking engagement.
It is similar with brands for small businesses. Whenever your business takes a public stance in the world, it differentiates itself from the competition. When it takes a repeated public stance, it develops a brand around the images, words and media it uses to express itself. The trick is to make sure that your business has the best brand. Image and style are everything where marketing is concerned.
Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and style depends on who’s buying. If you’re trying to be “hot,” the styles and images surrounding your business would look much different if you’re selling to, say, a sixteen-year-old girl than if you’re trying to sell to a thirty-year-old man. When you differentiate yourself in the marketplace, be sure you take your market into account.
There are so many details when it comes to creating a successful, professional, polished brand. Do you know if your business is projecting a polished brand? Take my poll (upper right hand corner) and let me know!
By Jacqueline Peros, on April 17th, 2011
 Left to right: Joan Volpe, Joan Volpe Managing Coordinator - FIT Center for Professional Studies - School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Me in the middle and John-Harvard Reid - Director of Development Services - FIT Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries, Photo courtesy of Smiljana Peros When I decided to leave my corporate marketing career and venture out into the new world of image consulting, I think family and friends were a bit taken aback and wondered what I was doing! However, when they found out I would attend the Fashion Institute of Technology for my certification, just the name “FIT” seemed to put them at ease. This shows the power of certain brands!
Fast forward to today and here I am, president of the AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) NY Tri-State Chapter and running my own image business. FIT provided me with the tools and knowledge I needed to jump start my business and follow my dreams. Because I love and passionately believe in what I do, part of my chapter strategy is to maintain and attract industry talent and what better place to recruit talent than FIT.
For the first time ever the AICI NYTS Chapter is donating an annual gift to be shared with two outstanding students who have completed the Image Consulting Professional Development Certificate Program. Last month, we donated the first gift to FIT and are in the process of accepting applications to select the first ever recipient of this award. For more details, visit the Image Award Application
Congratulations to my amazing chapter! This is an incredibly important initiative and we led the way in establishing this first ever Student Image Award for our industry!
By Jacqueline Peros, on February 6th, 2011
 Growing up I was taught to send thank you cards to those who were kind enough to give me a gift for special occasions such as a birthday, communion, graduation etc. or performed an act of kindness that my parents felt warranted a thank you note. While I didn’t look forward to this ritual I did learn the importance and meaning behind it and as a result, it has helped me both personally and professionally.
Sending a thank you doesn’t just apply to gift givers but also includes acts of professional kindness such as a client referral, a business introduction, or an interview. Taking a few minutes out of your day to craft a nice thank you note will most definitely set you apart.
I’ve recently become surprised at how many people no longer think it necessary to send a thank you note; for anything! I cannot determine if it’s because of the perceived “casualness” of today’s society and people view thank you notes as a more “formal” task or is it that people just don’t know any better?
If you believe that a thank you note / email / phone call is “old school” and not necessary in today’s world, here are 5 (I think) great reasons to counter that argument. After reading, let me know if I’ve changed your mind!
1. It eliminates the guesswork – a gesture, whether it’s sending a gift or maybe a client referral, business contact etc. should be acknowledged because it enables the giver/sender to know that it was received. How often have you wondered whether your gift was received? Or if that a client referral or connection worked out for the receiver? With technology at our fingertips at all times, a simple thank you takes only a few minutes to craft and send.
2. It builds rapport and establishes long-term relationships – taking a few minutes out of your schedule to acknowledge a kind act helps to build rapport and trust in both personal and professional relationships. People want to do business (or develop relationships) with people they like.
3. It shows respect – thanking someone shows that you have respect for that person and their time. If someone takes the time out of their schedule to do something nice for you, why wouldn’t you show respect to that person and acknowledge their kindness?
4. It demonstrates good manners – think about how you feel when someone doesn’t say please or thank you to you. It’s not a nice feeling right? Why? Because as early back as you can remember, your parents instilled the importance of manners so when it’s not returned to you, it’s disappointing.
5. It shows gratitude – at times I feel there is a strong sense of entitlement amongst people today and I often wonder if this is why showing gratitude is a foreign concept for some. Recently, a friend sent me a client referral and I was grateful that she took time out to not only recommend me but she called to give me a little background on this individual so that I was prepared for the conversation. I was truly grateful and sent her a handwritten thank you note. Once received, she called to tell me that she cannot remember the last time she received a note like mine and it made her day.
So did I change your mind? Will you be sending more thank you notes when appropriate?
Thanks for taking time to read this blog article 
By Jacqueline Peros, on December 24th, 2010
So often we think we know someone by reading their bio or a blurb about them which really just gives a small glimpse into “what” they do and not necessary “who” they are. Without going into an autobiography, I put together a list of 25 things you might not have known about me (beyond my bio). I recently gave this to my husband to read and there were a few things on the list he didn’t know about me! What about you; have you done a list like this?
 Simon Burch movie - Photo courtesy of Sidereel.com 25. All time favorite song is Amazing Grace.
24. All time favorite movie is Simon Burch.
23. All time favorite sound is the sound of thunder.
22. I cannot open my eyes under water (some sort of mental block).
21. All time favorite chocolate candy is the Kit Kat.
20. I read magazines and newspapers from back to front.
19. I love cheesy love songs.
 Photo courtsey of kbkickboxing.com 18. I’ve been kick-boxing & boxing for over 10 years.
17. I’m shy (which most people can’t believe).
16. I’m a vegetarian and have been for 20 yrs.
15. If I switched careers today I would become a kindergarten teacher.
14. I can’t properly pronounce Gruyere & foie gras regardless of how often I practice (strange, I know).
13. I’m afraid of flying which only started a few years ago.
12. I am a control freak.
11. I LOVE non-fiction mystery novels.
10. I cycled 350 miles (NY to Boston) for a charity event which was the hardest physical challenge I have experienced to date.
9. I loathe Broadway musicals.
8. I love drama filled plays.
7. I love roller coasters; the higher the better.
6. I dread getting pedicures because my feet are so ticklish.
5. Friends and family call me Jake.
4. I am a reality TV show addict!
3. I am 1 of 6 kids.
2. I’m claustrophobic.
1. I have a sister with cerebral palsy who is an inspiration to me every day!
 My sister Patty and me at my wedding in 2006  My sister Patty and me hanging out after a BIG Christmas dinner!
By Jacqueline Peros, on December 16th, 2010
With temperatures in the teens this week, it’s all about bundling up and staying warm. However, you don’t want to add to much bulk or girth especially for New Yorkers who have to squeeze into a crowded subway car! Sometimes I see people walking around that have the “I can’t put my arms down” look (The Christmas Story) and they definitely look uncomfortable.
I picked some cozy, comfortable and chic pieces that you can add to your winter wardrobe. Who says you can’t be stylish and warm at the same time!
 Upper Left: Vince Camuto Fabi boot | Bottom Left: Verdure Rapids Scarf | Top Center: Ralph Lauren Cashmere Gloves | Center: A Coat of Note | Upper Right: Newsboy Hat with Zipper Flower | Bottom Right: Modcloth Striped Cardigan
By Jacqueline Peros, on December 12th, 2010
 Much of my professional career was spent in technology marketing up until a few years ago when I decided to become a certified Image Consultant and founded my own business. Having worked in a corporate environment gave me unique insights into behavior that got people noticed and ultimately promoted. Many employees overlook their misuse of email and are surprised to learn that it does negatively impact their image in the workplace.
Here are a few tips you can start to implement in your email messages that will help you communicate more effectively with your colleagues, customers, prospective customers and vendors and also provide you with a competitive edge in the office.
1. You craft a great subject line – I’m not suggesting you take creative writing classes and craft an award winning subject line; I’m suggesting that your subject line represents (in a succinct manner) the body of your email. Have you ever received an email with a long chain of responses and by the time it gets to you, the body of the email has nothing to do with the subject line?
2. You highlight next steps – On average, we receive approximately 200-300 emails a day so if you need the recipient to take action, be sure to indicate and highlight action items or next steps.
3. You summarize an email chain – Don’t expect the recipient to read through an email chain and respond accordingly. Take a few minutes to summarize the chain and indicate why you are forwarding it to recipient.
4. You don’t “reply all” – If the content isn’t applicable to everyone on the original email distribution, don’t hit reply all. If you do, it is a complete time waster for all those on the email.
5. You don’t forward “sensitive” emails – Before forwarding ANY email check the content and be sure it doesn’t contain any confidential information or negative comments about a manager, colleague, customer, etc.
6. You spell check – There is a function called “Tools” so be sure to turn on spelling & grammar.
7. You don’t use acronyms – refrain from LOL, LMAO, DL, WTH, etc. Corporate email communications are business related and should written in a professional and more serious tone rather than an email written to a friend.
Do you have any effective email tips that you want to share?
By Jacqueline Peros, on December 8th, 2010
 Woman in Lace Bonnet - Photo credit: Getty Images Have you noticed the invasion of lace found in stores lately? It’s quite the fashion trend these days and can be found on everything from dresses, tops, leggings, to shoes, handbags, headbands and more.
While lace (back in the 15th century) was considered a luxury fabric and a sign of prestige, once the lace machine was invented (19th century) and easily accessible to all, it lost its unique appeal. However, many countries today still invest in the hand making of lace and it is now once again revered as a luxury fabric and one can pay a handsome fee for a garment made of lace. One only has to look at a $10,000 price tag of a Vera Wang hand made lace wedding gown to understand the true value of this fabric.
Fortunately, due to technology advances in manufacturing, we can enjoy wearing lace but at affordable prices and in modern and chic styles.
Here are some of my favorite looks in skirts, tops, shoes and dresses. With the holidays just around the corner, lace is a great choice to celebrate tradition and look stylish at the same time!
Lace Dresses
 From left to right: TopShop Lace Dress, DVF Leather Lace, Spinning Lace Dress by Anthropologie Lace Tops
 From left to right: Free People Aphrodite Jersey Top, Ann Taylor Laced Tier Shell, Tracey Reese Silk Lace Blouse
Lace Skirts
 From left to right: Elle Tahari Laced Trimmed Sequin Skirt, Forever 21 Contrast Lace Skirt, Ann Taylor Metallic Lace Skirt Lace Inspired Shoes
 From left to right: Giuseppi Zannotti Lace Silk Peep Toe, Ann Taylor Ankle Lace Bootie, Oscar de la Renta Lace Ankle Boot
By Jacqueline Peros, on December 1st, 2010
 It’s that time of year again when eating drinking and acting merry is the norm. The holiday season is filled with endless celebrations both at home and in the office. What one does in their own home is their business but the office is a public venue and can make or break one’s career.
Having worked in the corporate world as a marketing professional for some time, I can tell you that I’ve seen my share of careers gone bad because of inappropriate behavior at the annual holiday office party. It’s OK to have fun and enjoy your accomplishments at year end but why risk your reputation and potentially your job by showing poor judgment in one night.
Here’s my take on 8 career limiting mistakes that happen at the holiday office party and I can say that I have witnessed many of these.
1. Don’t do club wear – plunging necklines (yes this is for both men & women) short mini’s, excessive make up, funky footwear, overpowering perfume and cologne can be left for weekends not the office party.
 Dress is too revealing for an office party and guys need not show chest hair
 2. Don’t do shades indoors – not sure how this “trend” started but I assume some celebrity thought it was hip or cool to wear sunglasses indoors so the rest of society considered this to be acceptable. Unless a person has entered into thewitness protection plan and doesn’t want to risk being recognized, please don’t wear sunglasses indoors. It looks ridiculous and communicates “I have something to hide” or “I’m too cool to look you in the eye when speaking to you.”
3. Don’t gossip, point or poke fun at your colleagues or management team. This is a sure way to limit your ability to move up in the organization.
 4. Don’t over indulge in alcohol or food – while this might seem obvious to many, for some reason, employees still do it. If you get drunk, you will be the person everyone talks about for year’s to come. And while the food buffet or passed hors de vours are yours for the taking, it’s not necessary to eat as if it’s your last meal. Ample portions are good, super size portions not good. One could be perceived as ill mannered or selfish by over indulging.
5. Don’t be an ingrate – companies don’t have to provide a holiday party but they do it to thank the employees for their hard work throughout the year so don’t complain about the venue, food, or the fact they didn’t have “premium” alcohol.
6. Don’t be inappropriate – while the event is festive in nature, it doesn’t mean you should discount the do’s and don’ts of appropriate office behavior. This means no ogling at co-workers and no overly outward displays of affection.
7. Don’t be ill mannered – thank the hosts for their generosity in throwing the event, don’t ignore the staff who are serving you instead thank them, introduce yourself to a colleague if you don’t know him or her and be sure to look as if you are enjoying yourself and not as if you want to make a clean get away when no one is watching.
8. Don’t not attend – we all have hectic schedules, particularly around this time of year but it’s considered disrespectful to not show up for your company party. Of course if you are out of town that’s an appropriate excuse but if you just don’t want to make the effort, that’s showing a lack of team spirit or lack of leadership.
Eat, drink and yes be merry but do it appropriately and in moderation!
|
|
5 Unfiltered Questions You Shouldn’t Ask Someone
Oops! Probably shouldn't have said that! Photo courtesy of www.zazzle.com
How often have you been at the receiving end of an unfiltered thought and it has either hurt your feelings or made you angry? I know I have and it leaves me wondering if that person was being intentionally cruel or just clueless. I typically give the person the benefit of doubt but lately I (along with a few of my fabulous friends) have encountered such a lack of “filtering” going on that I’m writing this blog to help people understand why it’s important and necessary to filter their thoughts.
To ensure we are all on the same “blog” page here, I want to define what I mean by “filtering” since there are multiple meanings. One of Webster’s definitions used in verb form is “to flow slowly; trickle” and this is the one we will use for the purpose of this article. When a thought comes to one’s mind and the initial reaction is to blurt it out without any regard for consequences (someone’s feelings) please remember this definition and apply accordingly. Think, process slowly, and let it trickle to your mouth in a slow manner so that the insensitive part of your comment or remark is filtered appropriately.
I recently had a conversation with a few female friends and we discussed the lack of “filtering” that people seem to exhibit these days and it’s baffling to us what some people feel is acceptable to ask or say. For example, before I was married, I was asked repeatedly by relatives and acquaintances “Why aren’t you married yet?” “What is wrong with you?” “Are you a lesbian?” Yes I was asked about my sexuality at a kid’s birthday party held on a Sunday early afternoon on Long Island (about an hour or so outside of NYC and two trains later). Instead of thanking me for coming out for this kid’s party, I was asked this question while on the buffet line! I guess because I didn’t feel the need to ask a random guy to a kid’s party, my sexuality came under question. Now that I’m married (4 yrs), I’m of course asked about why we don’t have children yet? Do you want kids? Do you have fertility issues?? And so on. It’s interesting to me that most people steer clear of talking politics because it’s considered a somewhat private topic but everything else from dating to marriage to children is considered fair game for discussion.
So in honor of all my fellow “peeps” that have had to endure an unfiltered remark, question or conversation, I’m jotting down a few of the more commons questions that should be considered off limits to ask.
1. Are you dating anyone? Are you going to get married?
If your friend or family member is dating anyone seriously, trust me, they will tell you. If they aren’t, they don’t need to be asked repeatedly as it could be a sore subject for them. And if they are dating anyone seriously, don’t ask about when they plan to marry. They might be fine with never getting married and that’s OK. However, if your friend or family member thinks it’s time to get married and he or she hasn’t popped the question, this is a sensitive topic so don’t ask.
2. When do you plan to have children? Do you want children? Are you trying?
Really people? This is a topic that is extremely private and should be kept that way. You never know if a couple is struggling with this issue. However, some couples might not want to have children and aren’t comfortable saying it out loud because there is at times a judgment placed on adults who come out and say this. For some reason, their character is questioned because they consciously opt out of procreation.
3. How old are you?
Never ask anyone how old they are. Age doesn’t define a person and most people are uncomfortable with giving out that information for fear of being judged about where he or she is in their stage of life.
4. How long have you been unemployed?
Being unemployed in this economic climate is frightening and stressful so asking for the precise months (or years) someone has been collecting unemployment only makes that person feel worse.
5. How much do you make? Or how much did something cost?
Why would it be necessary to know this information?
These are just a few of my top offenders for lack of filtering. Do you have any to add? Would love to hear them!