Finding signature items to make yourself standout
While Terry and I were in Vancouver doing some soft skills training sessions for APEGBC we also did some shopping (purely for some image consultant fact finding for you our loyal readers). We found some great signature piece finds to take home to Alberta.
So what is a signature piece?
In our dress for success seminars, we often mention that a signature item can set you apart and stamp your personal style on your image. A signature piece is often an accessory such as a belt, jewelry, handbag/briefcase, eyeglasses even a pair of shoes that makes you stand out and demonstrates your own unique personality or personal style.
Granville Island signature finds
A place we love to explore is Granville Island partly because of their great food market but mainly because there’s so many artisan studios, galleries and shops there that have some really unique pieces. It’s a hub of creativity and art and you never know what treasures you will find there. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s good for your spirit just to experience the art (tip – visit the Emily Carr University of Art and Design on the island).
Silk Shawls, Scarves and ties for guys
I found some gorgeous scarves and shawls and Terry saw some beautiful one-of-a-kind silk ties for men at Alarte Silks. (click here for nifty fashion tips photos how to tie and wear scarves) I purchased a very striking scarf pin with a ball of fabric on the end.
A signature way to secure your scarf
A scarf pin is a fantastic way to keep your scarf together or stay in place and add a bit of pizzazz. Izabella of Alarte Silks had a gorgeous range of colors but I purchased a more neutral pin to tone with my scarf collection. Also on Granville Island we visited the Silk Weaving Studio where you get to see the weavers in action (tip – it’s hard to find – look for it hidden down by the waterfront past the Sandbar Restaurant, we’ve been to Granville many times and had never seen it ). They had many lovely pieces, most in beautiful earth tones. I bought another scarf pin here, a pretty jeweled one. See photo on right.
Fluevog shoes
Further afield in the Gastown distict of Vancouver while looking for a restaurant we accidentally came across the Fluevog shoe store (very serendipitous, as loyal reader Shannon had just suggested Fluevogs in our pumps article blog). Wonders of wonders I didn’t buy a pair of shoes… but Terry did.
Guess what funky Fluevogs Terry bought
Here’s a little secret – Terry likes shoes but as a corporate image consultant he normally chooses fairly classic men’s styles. Well, he decided to cut loose and get something a little more funky for casual wear. We have included a photo of four pairs that Terry was considering, take a guess which pair he went home with. The first person who comments with the correct guess, wins … blog recognition.
What signature items do you wear?
Have you got a favorite unique individual accessory item that you prize? (Not just in your dress for success wardrobe.) What is it? Why do you like it? Where did you buy it? How does it make you feel when you wear it? Have you ever used it as a networking tool? Our networking training advice is that a signature piece can make the start of a great conversation. And you never know what other finds that can lead you to.