(We had a little publishing problem this morning.  But as they say, better late than never...)

Here at Savvy Style, when we talk about personal style we're usually referring to an individual's personal fashion sense - their way of presenting themselves through clothing, accessories, hair and make up (for the women) etc.  We're not dissecting anyone's style as in personality, speech and mannerisms.

But the VP debate last night got me thinking about style from the latter standpoint.

A number of years ago, a friend of mine, a very powerful woman with a high profile career; confessed to me how angry she was about what her male boss had said to her.  Wait - let me correct that sentence: she wasn't  angry - she was "corkscrewing herself through the ceiling" enraged.  What had the man done?  He had accused her of being more of a show horse than a work horse, and told her she wasn't getting enough real work done.

Well, after calling him a multitude of names that I won't print here, she made this statement: "If someone doesn't like my style - fine.  I can live with that.  But how dare he say I wasn't doing my job, just because I do it differently than he would!"

Argh... this is a can of worms if there ever was one, because the reality is: what plays for some audiences, goes bust for others.

Which brings us to last night.  Sarah Palin was all winks, and nose crinkles and "you betchas."  I don't know the woman; so I don't know if that really is her style, or just an affectation that she and her handlers think will win over the "Joe Sixpack" and "Main Street hockey mom" crowd.  (Her words)

But early this morning before I started writing this, I went on several political sites to see what was being said.  And most of what I read was overwhelmingly negative.  For my part, I wasn't surprised because I too, had a less than favorable reaction to her.

Now I'm not even going to get into the actual substance (or lack thereof) of what she said.  I want to focus on her style - her manner of communicating. 

Before starting my own business, I worked in various  business environments: from smaller corporations to Fortune 500 companies, to a short stint with the DOD.  In some offices women made up the majority, while others were overwhelmingly male dominated.

If I, or any of my female colleagues, had delivered a speech or presentation like Gov. Palin did last night; I would have been... let's just say my career would have suffered.  When you're trying to impress people with your knowledge and authority, winks and colloquialisms don't cut it.  A good delivery, great humor - absolutely!  But as Martha Stewart said regarding Palin, "And, oh my god, words do have ending consonants."

Is it fair to slam someone because of their style?  My friend whom I wrote about above, would say NO.  But she would also add that she's damn good at her job, knows what she's talking about, and no one else has ever questioned her abilities and skills. 

And if people are questioning your abilities and skills?  And in addition to that, your style adds to the impression that you really are a lightweight?  Whether you love her or despise her, Gov. Palin is a perfect example that your personal style can make, or break, you.  So watch out!

To read the full article with the Martha Stewart quote - VP Debate: McCain's Gamble Comes Up Snake Eyes  (This is an illuminating piece, as it has quotes from women attending Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit.)