Quick Fixes for a Day Gone Wrong at the Office

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RISMEDIA, Jan. 12, 2007-We've all had something go wrong with our appearance at work (usually it's perfectly timed to happen at the beginning of the day) and had to endure the embarrassment until quitting time. Nothing can wreck your workday like humidity or a cup of a coffee. For all of us out there who experience those occasional wardrobe malfunctions, here are some things to help you in a pinch.

Don't wig out.

Everyone, including Jennifer Aniston-yes, it's possible-has had a bad hair day. You spent time blowing out your tresses only to have them frizz up from humidity; have been too lazy to style your coif; or overslept and don't have time for a wash. Melissa O'Brien, a hairstylist at J. Gordon Designs in Chicago, offers an easy trick to tame your wild mane at the office:

Many people complain about frizzy hair and static electricity, especially during the winter months. If you have hand cream in your purse or desk drawer, moisturize your hands with it and then run your hands through your hair. The oils in creams and lotions add moisture to the hair and help combat frizzy and flyaway hairs.

Make your "Fashion Don't" a "Do."

On your first trip to the restroom you notice a blob of toothpaste on your shirt or a trickle of that O.J. you chugged on your way out the door. Or worse, your fly is broken and exposing those teddy bear boxers your girlfriend gave you. Here are some ways to fix those clothing catastrophes:

Seeing spots?
For spots on washable fabrics, a small amount of hand soap and water from the restroom can help blot out the spot if it's fresh, says Cleveland-based certified image consultant Dianne M. Daniels. If it's a light-colored garment, try using as little soap as possible and dry the garment with the wall-mounted hand dryer if available. For either gender, spot removal towelettes are also an option for washable or dry-clean only items.

Java explosion?
Just in case you spilled your extra large, triple shot vanilla latte, the Hints from Heloise Web site advises: "To remove coffee (or tea) stains, rinse area with cold water immediately. Rub in a couple of drops of a mild, white dishwashing liquid and rinse well. Then treat with a mixture of one-part white household vinegar and three-parts water. Rinse again and launder as you normally do. Note: If cream was used in the coffee, you may have to sponge the stain with dry-cleaning fluid."

Garment glitch?
Linda M. Mullen, Philadelphia-based President of Altus, Inc., is an expert in professional image and style with some quick fixes: Tame a raveling thread by using clear nail polish on it; mend a dragging hem with masking tape; and if you lose a button or have a broken zipper, safety pin your garment from the inside.

It's all about illusion.

When your skin wages war against you, Dianne Daniels has some ways to thwart those surprise attacks:

Banish your blemish
Even though you're well out of adolescence, that doesn't mean you've outgrown all of the angst. Pimples can pop up anytime in adulthood. If you are fair-skinned or bruise easily, avoid squeezing it, Daniels warns. "A warm compress with paper towels or toilet paper can help to soften the skin and give you a way to help release the pressure." Otherwise, use concealer-or just compact powder-even if you're a guy.

Save face.
Those sandpaper-like tissues that seem to be standard issue at work can wreak havoc on your skin. From cold-weather sniffles to a bout with the flu, they can make make your sore and cracked nose look and feel worse than it already does. Try soothing your nostrils with petroleum jelly or lotion, Daniels suggests. But if you have a presentation or a meeting, use pressed powder to camouflage the worst of it.

Get a grip.
If you're the victim of sweaty-palm syndrome, keep a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch at your work area, Daniels says. Whenever you leave your work area, just lightly powder your hands.

Be prepared.
Try stocking up of on some of these emergency items and keep them in your desk or bag. The next time you have a run-in with a slice of pizza or ball-point pen, you'll be ready. And when you come to the rescue of a co-worker, that favor will likely be returned when you're in a time of need.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Source: Careerbuilder.com

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