Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
7.29.04
Shoes make the man; put the tennies in the closet
Kathi,
I’m starting a new job in August. The dress code is business
casual. Are tennis shoes considered appropriate?
Rob,
Encinitas
Rob,
Unless
you are a professional skateboarder, basketball player, or work in
a medical setting, tennis shoes are not appropriate work attire. Purchase
a comfortable leather black-soled shoe in a solid color. Shoes and
glasses define a man’s wardrobe. Have you ever heard the phrase,
“you can tell a man by his shoes”? Shoes and glasses are
the investment items to buy high-end because it is very obvious if
they are inexpensive. These are also the areas that you can most easily
define your style and make your image count. A well-dressed man wears
tennis shoes only when travelling to and from the gym. When dressing,
try to match socks with trouser color or a shade darker and never
wear white socks with dress shoes.I am vowing to eliminate the stress
of the holiday season this year.
Kathi,
Do
you have any suggestions on ways to save money and be more organized
prior to this busy time?
Gabriella, Entrepreneur
Gabriella,
Compile a list now of the people you will buy Christmas gifts for
this year. Keep this list in your purse or wallet. As you go into
stores for errands, buy presents and make a note on your list. Keep
a running tally and you will avoid duplicate gifts. Wherever you decide
to store these gifts, make sure to keep them all in one space. An
under–the-bed storage box will serve you well throughout the
year. Pre-shopping increases the likelihood that you can take advantage
of sales. You will also be more in control of your money.
Your
gifts will be thoughtful and it becomes easy to buy extra items while
you are already shopping. By the time November rolls around, you will
be finished with your list and ready to check it twice. If you come
up with a missing item, use the ‘After Thanksgiving Day Sale’
to buy any remaining gifts on your list. It is always a good idea
to buy three–five extra small gifts for the occasional hostess
gift, co-worker gift raffle, or surprise holiday guest. Implement
this practice now and in
December you will be able to enjoy the parties and holiday cheer without
stress. Give this a try and you’ll never shop on Christmas Eve
again.
Kathi,
I get so much mail at my office. What is the best way to sort through
it and not have piles of mail overtaking my desk all of the time?
Leslie,
Cardiff
Leslie
As
you receive mail, sort and toss immediately. Throw out every letter,
flier or advertisement that you know is junk right away. Don’t
let it touch your desk. Remove the outer envelopes from the important
mail and put the letters in a designated waiting area on your desk.
If you get numerous publications that you must read, flip through
these quickly as they arrive and tear out the important articles.
Put these loose articles in a basket or bag with a handle. When you
take a lunch break or go home, your reading is ready to go with you
and removed from your desk permanently. A few minutes each day will
save you many hours of frustration each month.
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner
based in San Diego California.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer
