Former NY Senator Fuschillo to Address Business Community at Image of Success Networking Series February 4, 2014

Acting in his new capacity as head of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), former senator Charles Fuschillo will be a guest speaker at the popular “Image of Success Networking Series” on February 4th at Mio Posto in Hicksville. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the AFA.

“We are delighted that Mr. Fuschillo will be joining us and helping to draw attention to this devastating disease,” says Cathy Berger, founder and president of Business Societé, which organizes the networking series. “Currently over 5 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s.  The AFA’s mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia and to their families – through member organizations dedicated to improving their quality of life. This is so important to patients and their loved ones.”

The Image of Success Networking events run throughout the year and feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, first rate opportunities to connect with prominent members of the business community on Long Island and beyond and noted speakers to provide fresh business ideas. On February 4th, Mr. Norman Wasserman will be the featured presenter. Norman is a successful producer of concerts and fundraising events throughout the metro NY area and Las Vegas since the late 80’s. He is also the founder of Friend Entertainment USA, which appeals to all ages and adds a new dimension to an old idea – creating highly profitable fundraising events. His topic is “CONCERT + OPM = FUN-RAI$ER.” The event runs from 6-8pm. Mio Posto is located at 600 W. Old Country Road in Hicksville.

NEW YORK (January 2, 2014) — Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Chairman Bert E. Brodsky announced today that Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., an eight-term New York state senator, has been appointed chief executive officer of the leading national nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to optimal care for individuals with dementia and their families.

Standard and VIP tickets include the program, raffle prizes and  hors d’oeuvres. Standard admission is $18 online or $30 at the door: VIP admission, which is only $39 online or $55 at the door, gets you over $100+ worth of goodies plus a ticket to premium raffle prizes. Online tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/K3JQl1. To learn more about this event and future events in the Image of Success Networking Series visit businesssociete.com. If you prefer a direct line to the company, email cathy@fashionsociete.com or call 347.574.4600.

Perseverance: NYC Mom Moguls Discuss Life as Working Mothers

By Sara Anne Fingerman, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Sara@gemmagazineli.com

Balancing motherhood and marriage, social life and the school play, a female–owned business and finger painting doesn’t have to be a struggle.  It can be achieved with a little patience, organization, and ease, while still looking and feeling fabulous.

Designer Rebecca Minkoff, Gilt Groupe’s Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, celeb stylist June Ambrose, jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher and style and beauty expert, Mary Alice Stephenson, actress and fashion icon Veronica Webb were among the panelists at the May 7 First Annual Mom Mogul Breakfast hosted by Divamoms.com founder Lyss Stern and More Magazine’s Sabine Feldman at Restaurant Bond 45 in Midtown Manhattan.

Panelists helped share their secret to success.  Here are a few that stood out:

Best known for her handbags, Rebecca Minkoff wanted a fancy designer dress when she was a little girl. Her mother gave her a needle and thread and encouraged her to sew one herself.  Rebecca’s mother offered her the gift of independence, which resulted in a successful brand. Minkoff told attendees to “take time to stop and smell the roses and everything will come into place”.

If you are a working mom struggling to get the kids out on time, celebrity stylist June Ambrose suggests meditation. “Wake before the Quake”, wake up an hour before your children (and have some time on your own!).  Not only will you feel wonderful, but also your children will see a more relaxed, ready–to–go mom.

Stern asked panelists what advice they would give to moms who are aspiring to launch their own businesses. Jennifer Fisher, jewelry designer said, “ Just do it, you never know how it’s going to go unless you try. Who cares if you make mistakes? Just try!” Fisher started her business out of her bedroom selling jewelry and turned her side business into an empire. Her jewelry has been worn in many feature films and hit television shows and movies.

Model and actress Veronica Webb told attendees to take time to do nothing. Cuddle time with your children is important. They need to feel loved and you need to bond with your children as well.

10 Powerful Secrets To A Winning Image -fantastic article from Canadian Expert Charmaine Mills

Having an image that is of a consistently high standard projects a message of quality and self confidence; it increases your responsiveness to your clients and colleagues, and removes the attention of yourself and onto the needs of the ones you are serving.

As people begin to see your name and become aware of the benefits and knowledge that you offer, before you know it thousands of people will not only know who you are but they will begin to seek out your services and expertise. They will identify with your brand which is you.

1.  Don’t overlook the power of a good first impression. People make amazing assumptions about your professional  credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first meeting. It’s very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.

2.  Be notable! Identify the components that differentiate you. How do you stand out among the other options? Perfect an eloquent descriptive and memorable introduction of yourself and your position. To promote yourself effectively, you must know (and be able to articulate) who you are and why you do what you do.

3. Ultimately, it is always the person who dignifies the position, and not the position that dignifies the person. If we want others to take us seriously and view us as a professional, we must first view ourselves as one.

4. Body language is defined as a type of communication between one or more persons which does not utilize verbal words. Instead, body language is read by each person by carefully watching the facial  expressions, hand gestures, posture, and movements made by another person.  Body language can dominate the spoken words.

5. Raise your professional and personal standards until even you are impressed. The pursuit of excellence is not only politically correct it is also highly profitable. Do not settle for mediocrity.

6. You are always making visual statements. No matter where you are going or what you are doing, you are telling people something about yourself.  Thinking “big picture” means that to get where you want to be in three years, for example, you may have to pay extra close attention to those visual statements you are making today.

7. Invest in quality instead of quantity. Have clarity about the purpose you are buying for. Don’t spend money on something that doesn’t look great on you even if it’s almost free! Dress better than you have to and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.

8. One of the main elements of an introduction is your smile, or at the very least, a pleasant facial expression. A smile sends a positive message and adds warmth and an aura of confidence. Others will be more receptive if you remember to check your expression.

9. Managing your attitude is an important business tool for every successful leader.  Your attitude is infectious and drives behavior, make it work for you.

10. There is power in perception. To those you meet, how you are perceived is who you are. What kind of image are you projecting? Remember, your career could depend on it.

Charmaine conducts transformational Image & Etiquette consultations worldwide through teleseminars, phone coaching and face-to-face consultations.  Her head office is based in Toronto, Canada.   http://www.advanceimageconsulting.ca

New Designer Lines Coming to Forever 21

Target and H&M have taken on designer lines so why shouldn’t Forever 21? The trendy store had a designer t-shirt line back in August made by Brian Lichtenberg and now they are taking on two more.

Last week Petro Zillia’s bright and fun collection was revealed in Forever 21 and Rory Beca’s super chill line will be introduced to all 250 stores on March 4.

“This is sort of new for us,” Linda Chang, daughter of Forever 21 founder Don Chang said. “We want to be able to keep fresh new designs in our stores so that our customers want more and different things. We’re not really concerned with the financial impact [of the partnerships]. Our mind-set wasn’t that they’d be profit generators. We always like to be on top of trends, and collaborations are a trend in the industry.” (WWD.com)

The prices for these collections will fit nicely into the inexpensive retail tags that Forever 21 is known to have, ranging from $5.80 to $32.80. There will however, be a few fancy pieces that will be on the pricer side like the Petro Zillia’s Aztec-inspired silk chiffon top for $148.

Hello Bright Eyes

Color is all around and for spring its no different, especially when it comes to your eyewear. We have been seeing some vibrant hues being sported with some pretty cool looking frames like the latest styles from Escada and Thierry Lasry, which both have the cat eye style. These shades are cool with the 50’s inspired vibe but the bold colors of reds, yellows and greens make them fresh and fun especially when the warm weather hits.

Other designer brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Vera Wang are bringing in the pastel shades with their wire frame aviator styles. The lens colors are soft but noticeable in shades of golds, purples and blues.

Spring is all about color and wearing sunglasses is the easiest way to achieve it. Simply put on a pair of transparent frames with a bold lens and you are ready to hit the streets in style. A perfect addition to your super cool outfit for Fashion Week might we add?

Ralph Lauren’s New Take on Denim

Denim never looked so good. Ralph Lauren just recently created a new line, Collection Denim and there is nothing ordinary about it. The new luxury denim line includes more than just jeans, although that does make up for a lot of it. The collection features not only “super skinny jeans” but also leggings, trench coats and tuxedo jackets–yes all made out of denim.

Of course there are other items in there as well that aren’t denim-made like tuxedo blouses and shearling vests. These pieces are simply put in there to actively achieve the overall glam style that Lauren definitely knows how to pull off.

Sure, we see denim all the time, but this collection is so much more. There are cargo pocket and button details on the jeans and the jackets are coated to have a smooth look of make believe lush leather.

You will be able to get your hands on these fancy new duds coming this July, with prices ranging from $300 to $2,000.

“You see jeans for kids, but you don’t see them for women who want something more sophisticated,” Ralph Lauren said. “I thought there is a woman out there who wants to wear denim. Denim is not the newest thing in town, so the question is, what’s new?” he said, scanning the lineup. “This looks new. I think it’s a real new category. I was very excited about this category, because I feel that it hasn’t been done before.” (WWD.com)