OLIVER CHARLES’ Post

"Life is short, keep your dreams big and your hair bigger." ✨ - The legendary Dolly Parton. Being a short female business owner (4ft 10inch to be precise) in the interior fit out and construction industry, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, from trying to be heard in a room full of people (very often taller, often louder) to proving that I belong in an industry where women are still a minority. But one thing I’ve learned from legends like Dolly is to keep going, stay true to myself, and let my personality shine... even if that means my hair has to make up for a few extra inches, which often happens! 💁🏻♀️ Dreaming big isn’t just for the workplace. It’s for every day, whether it's innovating the next bespoke reception desk, creating a stunning commercial vanity trough, or finding the fun and joy in our work despite the bumps along the way. Big dreams are what keeps us growing 👏🏻 . Here’s to all the women out there making space for themselves and to the power of showing up exactly as we are, big dreams, big hair, and all! 💪✨ How do you keep dreaming big in your work? #womeninbusiness #womeninconstruction #interiordesign #construction #furniture

Why did it take me so long to hop on the wardrobe rental trend? 👚👗 Whether you’re in the corporate world, vacationing, or even working from home….rental brands like RentTheRunway.com have something for every age, style and body type. No more spending money on clothes I don’t wear, or shopping for hrs to find that perfect dress. Wardrobe rental is affordable, practical and FUN! Tell me what you think in the comments! #practicalliving #moneysavingtips #corporateworld #workfromhome

I see the office dinosaurs have been out in force this week again. The other week they were boasting about staff working more than 12 hours a day. Now it is grandstanding about dress codes. It’s like being back in the ‘90s. It is important to be presentable if client facing but sweating in a cheap suit and tie isn’t a great look. (And really, what is the point of a tie?) You can be as effective in good quality, more relaxed attire worn with confidence. Be groomed, make sure your clothes fit properly. No one is impressed by a suit these days. You don't need to be a suit in 95% of situations either. I am not suggesting wearing shorts to an office (unless you are the the big boss then you can do whatever you like) but a shiny grey suit is not the answer to the corporate dress game. A suit won't make you look like the fearsome fellows in this image. These people need to look up counter signalling. Specifically countersignalling in the workplace in terms of attire. It's one reason why you'll never see me in a suit. Admittedly, one other reason is that I don't like to follow the crowd and am something of a contrarian but you can still be an individual in a corporate environment. (I can write about countersignalling if anyone is interested. Let me know.) #dresscode #workplace #officelife #dinosaurs

🍃🍂It's beginning to feel a little more like fall in Northern Virginia, especially early in the morning. I'm now ready for summer to walk out and for autumn to catapult me into an amazing new phase!  I'm thinking of a few exciting updates to my house, and my mind can't stop seeing it already done! How about you, what are you working on?  If you need ideas on cost-effective and simple improvements, here are a few tips: Set up or improve kids’ schoolwork area. Give children an area to do their schoolwork that is comfortable, attractive, and well-organized. Ideally, make a large surface available for spreading out big or messy projects. The dining table can work, but if you have the room, consider adding a dedicated project table. Add weatherstripping. Newer double-pane windows may not need weatherstripping, but it will help most older windows retain heat and stop drafts. Check areas with previously applied weatherstripping and remove or replace as needed. Clean your gutters.  I can not over emphasize the importance of doing this to prevent clogging and avoid water seepage through walls and foundations.  If you’re not physically able to, please contact a local contractor to do it for you, and reach out to your neighbors to get others involved and negotiate a discounted group rate! And of course, since I love fashion, Freshen up your fall wardrobe!  If you’ve bought new clothes recently, take this opportunity to sort through the rest of your wardrobe and remove pieces you no longer wear. Collect clothes that need repair and move summer clothes to an out-of-the-way spot so that your fall wardrobe can be front and center. Polish shoes, remove pilling from coats and sweaters, and clean out handbags and totes Fall calls for some really awesome comfort food, so here's a recipe for an apple tart:   https://lnkd.in/e8Cn8Dec  -  Try it and let me know how it comes out!  And if your dreaming of a new home, or thinking about selling your current one, let's chat!  I am never too busy for you and your referrals! #september #helloseptember 📲 703-927-7297 📧 esther@estherbiggs.com

Great heading into the office - always needed to have a change of scene and see the lovely Genie Goals team. It does remind me of the differences of leaving the house now as a working parent Vs pre little ones though… BC (before children):  ◾ Get ready at a carefully planned time to allow maximum time in bed ◾ Grab keys ◾ Leave house AC (after children): ◾ Layout everything they could possibly need night before ◾ Panic as forgotten non uniform day and favourite unicorn top not clean ◾ Get up extra early to try to avoid ‘help’ doing makeup ◾ Get ready (with help from small stylist) ◾ Try to explain I am going to work not leaving forever  ◾ Check for toothpaste stains (not mine) on jacket  ◾ Leave house ◾ Coffee priority! Wouldn’t have it any other way, but it also makes me eternally grateful for flexible working at a great company. #workingparent #flexibleworking

The Wardrobe Revolution: Finding Time and Peace Let's delve into a brief tale about the transformative power of organization. In the heart of a bustling city, a young professional named Emily experienced a life-changing journey. Her life was a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and ever-ticking clocks. Every morning was a race against time, a frantic search through a cluttered wardrobe for the perfect outfit. It was a small part of her day, yet it set the tone for hours of stress and disarray. Then, one day, Emily discovered the magic of wardrobe organizers. It started with simple velvet hangers, which not only saved space but also kept her clothes in pristine condition. She added hanging shelves for her sweaters and compartmentalized drawers for her accessories. For her collection of scarves and belts, she chose a sleek over-the-door organizer, turning unused space into a haven of order. "What used to be a chaotic search every morning turned into a serene selection". Her days began with calm and purpose, as she easily found the outfit she had in mind. The extra minutes she saved each morning allowed her to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace, a luxury she had long forgotten. Emily's newfound organization transcended beyond her wardrobe. It seeped into every aspect of her life, bringing clarity and efficiency. She found herself more focused at work, more relaxed at home, and more present in her relationships. This story is a testament to the power of taking control of the small things, to make a big difference. It's not just about being organized; it's about the peace and time it brings into your life. #WardrobeRevolution #OrganizedLife #TimeSaver #StressFreeMornings #ClosetGoals #EfficiencyAtItsBest #LifeChangingOrganizing #ProfessionalOrganizing #ClosetMakeover #OrganizeWithStyle #DeclutterYourLife #SimplifyYourDay #PeacefulMornings #OrganizingMagic #TransformYourSpace #OrganizedBliss #MindfulLiving #ProductivityBoost #OrganizeAndConquer #StreamlineYourLife #LifeInOrder Picture reference: https://lnkd.in/gk7qsvVC

Are you aware that the average woman dedicates 297 days of her life trying to figure out what to wear from an overflowing closet of seldom-worn attire? 🤯 This common dilemma often leads to wasted time and unnecessary stress. 😩 Imagine transforming your closet into a space that feels your favorite boutique, filled only with items you love and wear regularly. 👠 I’m excited to announce my Free Closet Cleanse Challenge - a transformative experience designed to revitalize your wardrobe in less than a week. This challenge, distilled from extensive experience with numerous high-achieving women, offers a straightforward, step-by-step process. Over six days, you'll tackle manageable tasks, making the daunting job of decluttering surprisingly easy and satisfying. The best part? You'll be part of an inspiring community of dynamic women attorneys, all participating in the challenge, supporting each other, and sharing the journey. This is your chance to connect, encourage, and celebrate wardrobe transformations together. 🙌 Ready to reclaim your time and revitalize your wardrobe? 💃 Click here to join the free Closet Cleanse Challenge today: https://lnkd.in/g72SCcqY. Let's make wardrobe woes a thing of the past! 🌟💼👗 #WomenInLaw #ClosetCleanseChallenge #EmpowermentThroughStyle #StyledByEstelle

🎭 Unleashing the Diderot Effect: A Tale of Dressing Gowns and Identity 🎭 Ever wondered how a fancy dressing gown could wreak havoc on your life? 🤔 Welcome to the world of the Diderot Effect, named after the French philosopher Denis Diderot and his regrettable parting with an old dressing gown. Picture this: Diderot receives a posh new gown, and what follows is a comedic saga of replacing possessions until he's practically tap-dancing on the edge of poverty. Talk about a wardrobe malfunction! 😅 Now, let's bring this timeless concept into the 21st century. We're not just talking about dressing gowns here; it's a metaphor for the things we surround ourselves with in our lives and how they align with our identity. In the age of personal branding, are you inadvertently triggering your own Diderot Effect? 🧐 Upgrading that laptop might lead to an entire office overhaul! A new hobby could send a ripple effect through your living space. It's a domino effect of identity, my friends. Shoutout to Grant McCracken for coining this term and Atomic Habits for the reintroduction. And, of course, kudos to Diderot for inadvertently teaching us about the consequences of a snazzy wardrobe update. On a side note, did you know Diderot was a pioneer in encyclopedia development? 📚 Now that's a man with layers! In a world where a dressing gown can lead to an existential crisis, let's embrace the Diderot Effect, make intentional choices, and perhaps chuckle at the chaos that comes with a stylish robe. 💼✨ #DiderotEffect #IdentityCrisis #LifeUpgrade Image Credit to sketchplanations.com Follow me if you like it 😉

A few weeks ago, I wrote a poll asking you guys what you feel like you struggle with most when it comes to style. Many of you answered that transitioning your wardrobe from the office to date night was a challenge. I asked, you answered, and now I'm here to deliver. ⬇ We've all been there – a hectic day at the office and a date straight after. But what worked for the boardroom might not be the best choice for a romantic evening... Here's a quick guide to seamlessly transition from work to date night 👇 👔 Leave anything too stuffy or formal. Yes, that means leaving the briefcase at work; it's date night, not a meeting. 🔄 Lose the tie and unbutton the shirt (1 or 2 buttons) for a relaxed vibe. Swap the pocket square for a more laid-back look. 🚿 A little freshen-up can make you feel more confident and ready for the evening. A quick mouthwash and teeth brush post-work, and add one spritz of cologne to the chest. Follow along for more style and dating tips! #styletips #worktodateoutfits #transitionalwordrobe #imageconsultant

Elevate Your Style for Work and Weekend! As we step into a new season, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and make a powerful statement, both at the workplace and during your well-deserved weekends. Style House Consulting: Where style meets professionalism and weekend fun. I'm excited to offer personalized styling services tailored for busy professionals who want to look and feel their best, no matter the occasion! Services Offered: Work Wardrobe Upgrade: Elevate your professional image with curated outfits that command attention and exude confidence. Weekend Chic: From casual brunches to Saturday soirées, let's create a weekend wardrobe that effortlessly combines comfort and style. Time-Saving Solutions: For busy professionals, I understand the value of time. Let me take the stress out of getting dressed, so you can focus on what matters most. Tailored to You: Your style is unique, and so are my services. I'll work closely with you to understand your preferences and curate outfits that reflect your personality. 📆 Book Your Styling Session @ https://lnkd.in/g_bWTChA