Category Archives: he’s got style
12 Ways to Fake a Professional Headshot
If you want to fake your own professional headshot, you’ll appreciate this post I wrote for My Colleges and Careers.
Photo: Portrait Photographer Dallas
If you are looking for a job, having a professional headshot on your social media sites will go a long way in making a positive first impression. While you may not have the dough to shell out on a professional headshot, you may have a friend who is a photographer and is willing to trade taking your photo for personal favors.
We interviewed professional photographer Kate Peterson (who actually took my headshot) and here’s how to fake a professional headshot. Grab a friend and your digital camera and let’s get started!
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Photo: Sophia Field Photography
Wear professional clothes
. Opt for classic, timeless designs in your clothing and jewelry. In five years if you haven’t taken a new headshot, you don’t want to look dated. Dress for your industry — if you work in PR, that may mean you can bemore creative, whereas accounting will mean to go more conservative, like the photo to the right. - What not to wear. Avoid white which can reflect light, and if you’re shooting against a light background, can make you look like a floating head. Avoid bright colors which can detract from you. If your shirt has a logo on it, swap it out for one that doesn’t. Also, avoid patterns and opt for solid colors instead. The emphasis should be on you, not the loud Pucci print you’re wearing.
- Grooming matters. Men and women alike can benefit from a light dusting powder on their face to avoid shine. Guys, if make-up isn’t your thing, use a tissue to blog any excess oil on your face. Ladies, don’t overdo the make-up! Save the red eye shadow for another day.
- Get a good night’s sleep. The night before taking your headshot, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. If you were up till 3am cramming for a midterm, it will be written all over your face.
- Bring a mirror. In order to make sure there is no remnants of the salad you had for lunch in your teeth, bring a mirror. Before you take the photo, double check for smudged lipstick, flyaway hair, a shiny forehead, etc.
- Shoot in the shade. If you’re facing into the sun, the result will be a photo with you squinting — not flattering. Shootin the shade so you can relax your facial muscles and produce a better headshot. For best results, make sure you have even lighting.
- Choose a clean background. Instead of a cluttered background with lots of detail, a simple background will make sure you’re the focus of the photo.
- Turn at an angle. Mugshots shoot straight on, so make sure you turn at an angle, then look directly into the camera. Your headshot will look more natural this way.
- Stand up straight. The camera adds 10 pounds. Good posture makes you 10 pounds less. You do the math.
- Smile and look into the camera. Eye contact, accompanied by a warm smile, will help build rapport and make you seem trustworthy. Practice your smile in the mirror the day before.
- Take several photos. You’ll have several options to choose from, even after discarding the ones of you mid-blink.
- Crop tight. The standard headshot will include your head, neck, and shoulders. Zoom in and crop everything else out. On LinkedIn and Twitter where the profile pictures are small, a tight crop will be in your favor. Here is an example of a tighter crop.
For more reading on what not to do, check out Stacy Zapar’s blog about LinkedIn photos gone wrong.
Posted in fashion tips, grooming, he's got style, professional image
Tagged career, professional headshot, professional image
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Back to College Clothes Shopping on a Budget – For Him
Here’s a guest post that was published on My Colleges and Careers.
For guys looking to do back to college clothes shopping on a budget, we’ve got what you need. Here are eight versatile core cluster pieces you can buy for interchangeable outfits to make the most of your clothing money this year. Even if you’re enrolled at an online college, don’t underestimate the effect that the clothes you wear can have on your productivity. (Plus, these are clothes that chics will dig.)
- Jacket. As the weather cools down, this jacket can be worn over virtually everything and will help keep you warm. Plus, the off-center zipper adds some personality.
- Sweater. This sweater can be worn alone, or over one of the collared shirt for a preppy look.
- Collared shirt. Not just for the office anymore, collared shirts look great with sleeves rolled up worn with jeans.
- Pullover. For cooler mornings, this pullover would be great. If you wear lots of T-shirts, you can also substitute this for an extra tee.
- Short sleeve collared shirt. Wear this plaid shirt with jeans or shorts, depending on the temperature.
- T-shirt. Let your personality shine through with fun graphic tees.
- Shorts. Since some guys wear shorts all year long, even in the winter time, this is a durable and versatile pair.
- Jeans. These dark wash jeans will go with everything here.
Shoes, shades, belts, and bags will help you to express your style further.
Don’t miss Back to College Clothes Shopping on a Budget — For Her.
What I Wore: Chinese New Year
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Sarah and Eric exchange red envelopes.
To celebrate Chinese New Year and the incoming year of the Rabbit, my husband’s office brought in Chinese food for lunch on Thursday. Since Eric spent several years living in Taiwan, and I look for every excuse to embrace my Chinese heritage, Eric and I talked about dressing up in traditional Chinese garb to ring in the New Year. It just so happened we both wore blue!
Eric was telling us that during Chinese New Year in Taiwan, they shut down the country for two weeks to eat and party! I could go for some of that, couldn’t you?
What I wore:
- Royal blue cheongsam blouse. The cheongsam is also a one-piece dress, made famous by upperclass Shanghai women in the 1920s.
- Jade bracelet. It’s very common to see Chinese women wear jade bracelets like this one. The Chinese believe that jade will protect them, that the jade will break before they are hurt. Needless to say, after our car accident, I now have a jade pendant in my car.
- Black slacks
- Black boots
Do you celebrate Chinese New Year? Do you have any fun traditions?
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Let’s party like it’s 4709!
Copyright 2011 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Posted in formal, he's got style, what i wore
Tagged cheongsam, chinese new year, daily outfit blog, gung hay fat choy, what i wore
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Top 10 Blog Posts for 2010
As we look forward to what 2011 will hold, here are our top 10 blog posts for 2010 according to Google Analytics.
- The Benefits of Short Hair
- Menswear: Benefits of Wearing a Tie
- 2010 Hair Trends: Go Short
- I Love Edward Cullen’s Closet
- Date Night for 2 Masquerade Ball
- Business Casual: Are Jeans Work Appropriate?
- Cover Up In Style
- Halloween Costume Idea: Wicked Witch of the West
- Easy Halloween Costume Idea: Old Spice Guy
- Trend Alert: Wingtip Brogues
What would you like to see more of in 2011?
Copyright 2011 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Posted in dress code, hair, he's got style, menswear, wear one piece five ways
Tagged short hair, style blog
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Un-Casual Friday
Who says Friday is just for jeans and T-shirts?
This is Tracey. A few weeks ago, I saw him dressed sharp in a crisp black button-down shirt, a matching tie, and black dress pants and shoes. When I asked him if he was going anywhere special that night, he simply replied, “It’s un-casual Friday.”
Un-Casual Friday? I was floored. Brilliant!
Now that it’s Friday again, I’m inspired to do the same.
Are you willing to go against the norm and participate in un-casual Friday? Or will you be donning your T-shirt and jeans instead?
Copyright 2010 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
I Love Edward Cullen’s Closet
New Moon is ripe with fierce competition between Edward and Jacob. When it comes down to who looks better without his shirt, there’s no doubt it’s Jacob. But when you consider who looks better fully clothed — trust me, this does have value! — Edward is the obvious winner.
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the New Moon premiere — a big thank you to Celeste Casey! During the movie, I came to this conclusion: I love Edward Cullen’s closet. You have to admit, the man knows how to dress. Here are three looks that Edward sports in New Moon.
I Love Edward Cullen's Closet
Edward Cullen’s closet consists of well fitted tailored suits that make him look smashing. This whole suit-with-no-tie-and-top-button-undone look is unbelievably alluring. I’m sure you’d agree.
I love Edward Cullen's closet
Even when he dresses dress, you’ll notice Edward Cullen wears a collar. And wears it well.
I love Edward Cullen's closet
This look is my favorite of Edward Cullen’s from the film. This T-shirt under a blazer and jeans look is more relaxed, but still has great appeal.
As much as I love Edward Cullen (and his closet), the overall winner in New Moon — judging by the screams and sighs from the girls in the audience — was Jacob. Everyone loves the underdog (no pun intended).
But Jacob is clearly the favorite when the shirt comes off. Wouldn’t you agree?
Copyright 2009 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday Brunch at the Grand America Hotel
Sunday Brunch at the Grand America Hotel
This weekend, I had the pleasure of being treated to Sunday Brunch with four other magnificent women at the Grand America Hotel. If you’ve ever been to the Grand America, you know it was an event to remember! The food, of course, was unbelievable!
During our delightful meal, we had the treat of having a live band providing wonderful background music. I recognized the songs they were playing but had to concentrate hard to place them. Would you believe this trio, dressed to the nines, was playing the likes of Kanye West, Coldplay and Oasis at Sunday Brunch at the Grand America Hotel? As unexpected as that might be, we agreed we could have listened to their music all day!
Here is the Joshua Payne Orchestra, all in sharp matching suits, playing songs you would never expect to hear at Sunday Brunch at the Grand America.
Joshua Payne Orchestra
Should you have the opportunity to take in Sunday Brunch at the Grand America Hotel, I would highly recommend it. You’ll definitely enjoy the music.
Copyright 2009 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Posted in he's got style
Tagged grand america hotel, joshua payne, joshua payne orchestra, live music, utah
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He’s Got Style – Casino Junction
Casino Junction. Photo c/o Justin Hackworth
Casino Junction are an incredible indie/acoustic band from Canada who are in the studio working on their debut album. The band is comprised of Joseph and Steven Ward, brothers who have a strong sense of personal style, on and off stage, and have agreed to be our guest bloggers today for He’s Got Style to share fashion tips with the men.
Joseph Ward of Casino Junction. Photo c/o Justin Hackworth
Joe of Casino Junction:
Whether or not you are willing to admit it, we all dress to impress someone. Why else does it take us 30 minutes to get changed in the morning….not saying I do that…
One of the worst things to see when you are watching a band is when you can tell they are trying REALLY hard to look cool. A wise man once told me, “IF you want to look cool then stop trying. Your cooler when you don’t try!” Your clothes do not shape your performance but they can have the ability to boost your confidence level.
Find clothes that compliment your body and, most importantly, that you are comfy in. NOT FRUMPY, NOT BAGGY, simply comfortable!
There are tons of ways to add to your outfit. Fall is coming up soon, and the best thing for colder weather is LAYERS. A leather Jacket on top of a hoody is classy! You can’t go wrong with that. Vests, cardigans, KNIT sweaters are fantastic for fall — lighter then a jacket and not too heavy for the chillier days.
Joe of Casino Junction layering during the colder months.
The secret is to take something classic and “make it your own.” If you use simple outfits as a base, then you can take it to town!
I am usually caught always wearing a white t-shirt, but there is nothing wrong with that. I am a man of simple taste. If I need to go out, then I can just throw on a plaid shirt (with white you can wear ANY COLOR), or a vest, a knit sweater or leather jacket, and I am ready to go!
Joe of Casino Junction performing -- spot the accessories.
That doesn’t mean you can only use blank white shirts — experiment with colors and don’t be afraid to try on things you don’t usually wear! If it looks like crap then you don’t have to buy it! When I buy clothes in a store, unless it makes me go, ‘wow’ then I don’t buy it. If it doesn’t make you turn your head the first time, then it NEVER will inside your closet.
P.S. MIX and MATCH. TAKE or SWAP. Don’t be afraid to trade! My friends walk into my room all the time and let themselves into my closet. But when they take something, they have to leave something behind. Be willing to EXPERIMENT with different styles.
And besides, clothes always fit better when they don’t belong to you.
Steven Ward of Casino Junction. Photo c/o Justin Hackworth
Steven of Casino Junction:
One of my favorite parts of fashion is being able to take an already good looking outfit and make it look better with accessories. That is a great way to take a classic style and make it your own. Anything from hats to glasses to bracelets to watches to belts, scarves, shoes — your limits are endless. Just remember that it is NOT cool to go get the 3D glasses from the theatre and pop out the lenses and wear them.
A favorite accessory of mine is the scarf or pashmina. You can pull off a scarf year round — thick scarves for the cold months and thin ones for the warm ones. You can wear it with anything from a T-shirt and jeans to a suit and tie. They’re a unisex fashion so you can find them pretty much anywhere. But remember to wear them in a comfortable fashion. You can’t look good if you’re trying to correct yourself every five minutes.
Steven of Casino Junction experimenting with color.
It is important to try and mix colors into your wardrobe. When matching, remember primary colors always look great together. When in doubt, white and black are always a pretty safe bet. But here’s a piece of advice when matching colors. I t’s something our sister told Joe and I and it’s stick with us for ages. ‘Blue and green should never be seen except in a washing machine.’ It’s true! And guys, girls love it when you can wear an outfit that matches.
A big thanks to Casino Junction for sharing some of their fashion tips with us. Would you agree?
Take a listen to Casino Junction’s latest tunes online at www.myspace.com/casinojunction.
Copyright 2009 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Posted in fashion, fashion tips, he's got style
Tagged accessories, casino junction, fall style, fashion tips, indie music, men's style, skinny jeans, vest
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He’s Got Style: Mat Kearney
Introducing He’s Got Style: Cable Car Couture will periodically do a feature on a man with style. We kick off this segment with a feature on singer/songwriter Mat Kearney.
While you may not be familar with Mat Kearney, you’ll definitely recognize his music. Turn on the radio and you’re likely to hear his latest single “Closer to Love” with his happy, chill heartbeat woven throughout. His music has also been featured on the likes of One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy.
My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing Kearney in concert in Salt Lake City with Keane last month and were floored. On Mat Kearney’s tour blog, they said of the Salt Lake show, “The show tonight was the best one yet.
He also has a great sense of relaxed style. The man knows how to wear a hat well.
from tourblog.matkearney.com: Mat Kearney Boston
from tourblog.matkearney.com: Mat Kearney in DC the day of the City of Black & White Record Release
from tourblog.matkearney.com: Mat Kearney in St. Paul
from tourblog.matkearney.com: Mat Kearney Backstage in Salt Lake City
Here’s an amazing shot I snapped at the concert:
Pull up www.matkearney.com and listen to Closer to Love. If you like what you hear, create a Mat Kearney radio station on Pandora.com for a better taste of his fantastic style.
Who would you like to nominate for Cable Car’s next segment of He’s Got Style?
Copyright 2009 Cable Car Couture. All Rights Reserved.
Posted in he's got style
Tagged city of black & white, he's got style, mat kearney, music
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