A favorite author of mine is C.J. Cherryh.  Wandering around on her website I found her "advice for budding authors" list.  Most importantly the glaringly obvious mistakes, or literary devices that make her cringe.  Mirror effects made the list - like nails on blackboard make the "most painful noises" list.  Her belief was that it should only be used once in an author's lifetime, if that.  This includes window reflections, still waters and even eyes.

And since I haven't yet published, the following advice is suspect:  think real life.  Think back to past first meetings with people.  What are your first impressions, second, and third?  And how you noticed them.  
Words and Time my life's Obsessions.