We’re looking forward to co-hosting tonight’s #BEaLEADER Twitterchat as @PrPinkPonies/@PrettyPinkPro and our networks from Meetup.com, Etsy, USC et al…
As you may know, Pretty Pink Ponies has a successful and accomplished team of over 100 small local merchants with online shops.
You were known as a focused player who wasn’t very personable. Did that hurt your career?
Well, it had a negative effect on how I was portrayed. But I had no one to explain the value of public relations to me. When I was in college, there was such an intense demand from the press that John Wooden said they couldn’t talk to me at all. So that was what I took for normal going into the NBA. Being at the top of my game and working as hard as I could for the people who employed me—that was my primary focus, and everything else was secondary. So I didn’t always respond to social situations in a pleasant way. When it came to talking to people, I was kind of reserved. But shyness is something you have to overcome. Later in my career, I started doing a lot better relating to fans and talking to the media. I think that’s continued to improve in my retirement.
Excellent interview with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Harvard Business Review. This interview highlights elements of success and transcends industries beyond sports. We continue to explore lessons from athletes on tonight’s #3PChat with @RickardonSports. Please follow and ask questions using “#3PCwin”. Thank you.
This interview discusses:
We highly recommend this interview with Kareem as he reflects on his trajectory as he evolved from a great player to a winning player on and off court:
Can a high-ranking woman official expect respect from male counterparts and direct reports while carrying a baby and a D&G bag?
Spain says ‘yes’. This is not new news, but a great example that illustrates how to execute balance while serving as a high-ranking political official:
When Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s new cabinet members took their oath of office before King Juan Carlos on Monday, one of them, the recently-appointed Defense Minister, stood out from the rest. Literally. Carme Chacón, 37, is not only the first woman to head Spain’s armed forces. She is also seven months pregnant.
Article take from Time.com
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1730927,00.html#ixzz1s3tSNwKr
That said, it was always so refreshing to become “un-pretty” during weekends.
What does it mean to be “un-pretty”? First, let’s take a look at what “pretty” means:
I define ‘pretty’ as being polite, pleasant and polished. “Pretty” is the very essence of being a lady — coiffed hair, a manicure, a poise presentation, warm, approachable and socially graceful. (Think of a house party’s hostess – friendly and sociable). Someone “pretty” offers you coffee and cookies when you visit their homes. The “pretty” girl tells you how great you look (to simplify the concept); she is concerned about whether or not you’re comfortable and considers what your preferences are.
When I use the term “un-pretty”, I’m not implying that I made an effort to look unattractive (although, a lot of times, this was the case). What I mean is, my style of presentation was less ladylike and lacked the polish and niceties one would expect from a pageant-trained woman.
How does one achieve a “pretty” look?
Feminine make up highlighting the shape of one’s eyes + full lips + groomed brows and hairstyle + polished ready-to-face-the-camera style + tailored and put-togehter – any piece of hair out of place
I love the “un-pretty” side of my closet as much as the polished and tailored pieces I own. It’s necessary, at times, to wear wrinkled shirts, athletic shoes, cotton tees and unruly hair. I say this because I think it’s an advantage to be comfortable even without having to project the socially-constructed version of “girl”. You can be attractive in various ways — wearing pearls and a tiara or sneakers and a baseball cap.
To me, an un-pretty style can convey the gritty sexiness of Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski.
Un-pretty means dressing with style without having to make a lot of effort — in So Cal this laid-back style is one that many non- L.A. natives try very hard to emulate. It’s the confidence in one’s self without having to look like a doll who took two hours to apply make up.
It’s an image that actors and models (who spend their working days in full make-up) naturally have on their days off. A look that conveys the understanding that if they wanted to, they could very well shave their scruff and be as pretty as they come. The “unpretty” girl doesn’t necessarily say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ in a bubbly voice. She may give you a smirk or a nod of acknowledgement if she’s pleased with you.
Simplified, the “unpretty” girl asks you for a smoke without taking into consideration whether or not you approve of her smoking. She is not as self-conscious as her socially-graceful “pretty” girl counterpart.
How does one achieve this un-pretty too-cool-to-care style?
“undone hair” + cotton tee + element of relaxed or athletic gear – bubbly persona – string of pearls – “matchy-matchy” accessories + grit + attitude…
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| Stephanie Tanner (Full House) |
“Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty. There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.”
― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
(Love to Bridget for sharing this with me.)
“Chuck” – as Will Smith calls her – acknowledges the opportunities she was afforded by those who vouched for her when others thought she was just another pretty face.
I finished sending the first batch of holiday cards to friends and family last week. I’ll be sending the second batch tomorrow. This is an exciting time for me. I love wrapping gifts, making cards and most importantly, the holiday and new year cards I purchased at discounted prices throughout the year redeem their value and reward me for my early holiday preparation.
It may seem silly to buy holiday cards in March and April despite their discount, and many naysayers who see me shop probably think to themselves that I’ll only lose the cards before Christmas. But I know better. I feel great about not spending a dime on holiday cards especially because some of the finer paper cost a fortune!
I. First, I
considered what [little] I know about her style as well as her professionalresponsibilities as an etiquette expert.
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B. Professional
Suggestion: Rich colors, soft leather, and a hint of Old World craftsmanship that convey refined taste and gravitas.
There are effective ways to convey success and professionalism without looking like a contestant on The Apprentice.
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C. Social
Suggestion: Festive, fun and quality footwear that can dazzle the crowd without being the loudest one in the room.
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Overall, our Etiquette Expert will always be the paragon of class and good taste. She’s a delightful example of how to reach success with style….in fancy, high-heeled shoes!
https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
To contact Jacqueline Whitmore, please visit:
www.etiquetteexpert.com and @etiquetteexpert.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE IQ?
TAKE THE POP QUIZ!
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What are your thoughts?
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“ Interestingly, I often try and downplay my youth and femininity to prevent the common assumption that my “looks” (and not my intelligence, savvy and professionalism, etc…) helped me with my achievements. There’s nothing more irritating than having my intelligence and other valuable qualities overlooked or minimized because of my femininity.
“
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| ponies postage |
Older postage stamps that haven’t been cancelled (used) can be combined in value to send mail. For instance, using vintage postage with regular postage is a great way to add character to your mailings.
Choice of notecard design can make a difference, too. For instance, these watercolor fashion sketches by Christian LaCroix (below) are something you can use to write to your “fashion-forward” friends.
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| Christian LaCroix Stationery |
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| Ponies on Etsy.com |
Crane’s classic customized stationery is understated which makes it perfect correspondence for new acquaintances and those whose personality you’re not yet sure of. It’s a bit more formal and has less personality, however, covers a lot of different situations and a ‘must-have’ in your stationery repertoire.
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| Crane’s – personalized for Pretty Pink Ponies LLC |
Hand-written notes aren’t always boring. There are a variety of notecards in the market that suit various needs and personality types. In the spirit of differentiating yourself, send a thoughtful greeting by mail.
P.S.
Who is our favorite fine stationery store? Flax, of course!
We get it. When we’re busy and under a lot of stress, we get into tons of petty fights with others. Since this isn’t productive and only adds further stress in our lives, we decided we’d figure out how to prevent from turning mild situations into ‘pi$$ing contest$’ with those we interact with. Even if you’re a pissing-contest-champion, winning pointless arguments rarely ever helps anyone move closer to their long-term goals.
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| VOGUE (TURKEY), June 2011 |
One way to prevent unnecessary stress is to improve communication.
For instance, before getting upset with others, see if you can communicate what you need effectively and in a manner the other person can understand clearly.
An article published by the Mayo Clinic (below) observes behaviors leading to stress and frustration in relationships. The article suggests preventing conflict by communicating your needs assertively without making the other person feel attacked.
As it turns out, people don’t usually care to hear what an insulting person has to say and will dismiss it – even if it is a good point.
Synopsis: Communicate what you want and need without making others feel like they’ve done something wrong.
Rather than:
I hate the way you speak 100 decibels louder than necessary when you’re on the phone…It’s so annoying!
Another option:
Would you mind making your call in the other room for 30 minutes? I’d like to finish reading/watching TV/doing sit ups and I find it hard to focus when I hear your exciting conversation with [such-and-such].
(note: do not say this in a sarcastic and mean-spirited tone)
Ready to learn more about how to have healthy dialogue with peers, colleagues, friends, family and all human kind? Good for you!
Forget about eye-contact and firm handshakes, here are three ways to make a lasting impression…
related articles:
“10 ways to make more time for yourself” by chronicbabe.com
“Nice girl = Bad Networker” (Thanks to Connected Life)
” waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!! ”
Before this project, I had no idea what “user experience” technically meant. Let’s just say I have much more respect for programmers and what they do to make sites “legible” and “pretty” to a wide range of people.
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| Office-appropriate version (Reiss) |
This dress works [pun unintended] at the office (+ blazer), after work get-togethers, or (if he’s lucky) during your date this weekend (- pumps; + strappy sandals).
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| Princess Letzia of Spain & Co. |
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| image: Reiss |
In conclusion, during those moments when you want to reflect regal elegance, stay towards the less ostentatious side of the frilly / not-frilly continuum.
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| Fallen Princesses Exhibition |
Pretty Pink Ponies 