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When dressing for success, it might be good to remember the etymology of the word "glamour." It comes from the Scottish/Celtic word "glammer," which means to cast a spell or an enchantment. Think about the scene in Ridley Scott's "Legend," when the little pixie, who has the hots for Tom Cruise, transforms herself magically into the image of his sweetie, Princess Lily. Tom is about to go for it, but then figures out what is happening and says, "This is nothing but faery glammer!"

To "cast a glammer" is to create the image that you *intend* the person to see. It certainly has its applications in the world: aceing the interview by "dressing the part," changing your *own* mindset by wearing the dress or suit you bought in Paris...the one that always brings out in you your best qualities, dressing to dazzle at the exclusive rave in Soho you finally got invited to, that sorta thing. It can be effective (just look at the success of the clothing and cosmetics industries!), but in my opinion it is always good to keep in the back of your mind that these things have their limitations.

Great clothes and fine cosmetics can create a tremendous first impression, especially for dazzling those who don't *see* too well, but sooner or later even the easily wrapped will discover who lives underneath the flash. So the bottom line is the same as it is for all self discovery. That is, make sure there is someone *underneath* the faery glammer...someone who is just as valuable, just as talented, and just as attractive in sweats as they are in their Armani finest.

As Rama once said, "Style is how you live your life when no one else is watching."

 

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