I started this blog mainly because I wanted to have some fun putting together outfits and sharing my style tips and tricks. But I get more and more involved with gathering content for every post I find myself constantly thinking about why I make such an effort in creating a good appearance. I've come to a feel realizations.
Even though the old adage says that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, this is not really applicable to the business world. From the moment you walk into an interview or office others are unconsciously, or even consciously, observing your overall appearance. Why? Appearance is a form of communication. It shows a lot about you, how you take care of yourself and your identity just to name a few.
The way I see it, and maybe it's because I'm an advertising/marketing major, how you dress is the packaging of your personal brand. People respond to visuals and your personality is partially expressed through your first impression. The bottom line: investing and maintaining a professional appearance will give you a competitive advantage in your career.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Oh the places you can shop...
Reviewing my blog, I realize that I use a lot of clothing from the same places. So I've decided to list my top three favorite stores for buying work clothes.
1. JCrew-This store stocks a lot of great basics for both the office and weekends. A little bit on the pricier side, especially for college interns, I tend to wait for sales or online codes. The JCrew Aficionada is my source for the latest styles and sales at this store.
2. Banana Republic-A great store for office basics also. BR offers a variety of items for a complete business outfit. I find that the color palette of this store's items tend to be more neutral and jewel-toned.
3. Martin+Osa-The older sibling to it's more casual sister company American Eagle, M+O does not carry as many styles as the aforementioned stores the quality of clothing from here is superb.
1. JCrew-This store stocks a lot of great basics for both the office and weekends. A little bit on the pricier side, especially for college interns, I tend to wait for sales or online codes. The JCrew Aficionada is my source for the latest styles and sales at this store.
2. Banana Republic-A great store for office basics also. BR offers a variety of items for a complete business outfit. I find that the color palette of this store's items tend to be more neutral and jewel-toned.
3. Martin+Osa-The older sibling to it's more casual sister company American Eagle, M+O does not carry as many styles as the aforementioned stores the quality of clothing from here is superb.
Party Time!
As the weather gets cooler and Starbucks starts putting out it's red cups you start receiving invitations to the company holiday party. Dressing appropriately for a company party is not difficult, the hard part is to not over do it.
It's easy to get carried away by Christmas' plethora of luxurious items in the shops but when dressing for a company event you want to be elegant and confident.
In order to achieve this, I look for a solid colored, simple cut dress that can be a foundation to build my outfit on. I find a lovely, dazzling piece of jewelry, which is not only an accessory but an inspiration as well. Then I slowly build my outfit. Also, I always make sure to bring a pashmina or cashmere wrap, because I never know what the temperature may be.
The fun thing about parties is the glitz and glam so there is a reason for you to be more formal and fancy then usual.
Below is some inspiration for a holiday outfit.
Holiday Inspiration by sandylikesmakeup
It's easy to get carried away by Christmas' plethora of luxurious items in the shops but when dressing for a company event you want to be elegant and confident.
In order to achieve this, I look for a solid colored, simple cut dress that can be a foundation to build my outfit on. I find a lovely, dazzling piece of jewelry, which is not only an accessory but an inspiration as well. Then I slowly build my outfit. Also, I always make sure to bring a pashmina or cashmere wrap, because I never know what the temperature may be.
The fun thing about parties is the glitz and glam so there is a reason for you to be more formal and fancy then usual.
Below is some inspiration for a holiday outfit.
Holiday Inspiration by sandylikesmakeup
Sunday, November 2, 2008
It's all in the bag!
When you think of briefcase, this is probably the most common image that comes to mind:
But nowadays, there is a lot of leeway in what is acceptable as a office bag. It should be functional as well as fashionable. Large enough for you to tote around your necessary papers and laptop, if needed.
Example of inappropriate:
Don't use a canvas bag that you would take the pool or beach.
Appropriate, casual:
And if your office is more on the formal side:
As you can see, though the basic style of the three totes has not changed significantly, it's the material of the bag that makes a difference. Again, another detail that can be easily adjusted to complete your business casual look.
But nowadays, there is a lot of leeway in what is acceptable as a office bag. It should be functional as well as fashionable. Large enough for you to tote around your necessary papers and laptop, if needed.
Example of inappropriate:
Don't use a canvas bag that you would take the pool or beach.
Appropriate, casual:
And if your office is more on the formal side:
As you can see, though the basic style of the three totes has not changed significantly, it's the material of the bag that makes a difference. Again, another detail that can be easily adjusted to complete your business casual look.
On your feet...
While browsing stores online, I found some footwear that would be appropriate for the office but not the normal pumps or boots. Hope you feel inspired.
Spring/Summer Inspirations
Summer Shoes by sandylikesmakeup
Fall/Winter Inspirations
Fall/Winter Shoes by sandylikesmakeup
Spring/Summer Inspirations
Summer Shoes by sandylikesmakeup
Fall/Winter Inspirations
Fall/Winter Shoes by sandylikesmakeup
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Picture Perfect
In my previous post about paying attention to details, I briefly listed a few make-up tips. I want to extend those tips a little bit because your face is a big part of your overall apperence.
Sandy's Make-up tips:
1. Curl your lashes and/or wear mascara. Getting your lashes out of your eyes will really open them up, making you look awake and alert.
2. Find the right foundation. I've mentioned this before but nothing is more obvious then a foundation color that does not match your skin.
3. Use blush. This will also brighten up your face.
4. Instead of using lip gloss for color, I reccomend a tinted lip balm or lipstick instead. Gloss tends to be sticky and hair tends to get stuck to your lips afterwards.
5. Wear a neutral shadow. If you have dark circles, use a concealer first. This will even out the eyelid and create a clean canvas for your shadow color. My favorite is a shimmery gold.
6. Do not overdo the eyeliner. Line the top of your eyes and the bottom rim if you usually do it but there is no need for excessive liner, raccoon-like eyes.
Sandy's Make-up tips:
1. Curl your lashes and/or wear mascara. Getting your lashes out of your eyes will really open them up, making you look awake and alert.
2. Find the right foundation. I've mentioned this before but nothing is more obvious then a foundation color that does not match your skin.
3. Use blush. This will also brighten up your face.
4. Instead of using lip gloss for color, I reccomend a tinted lip balm or lipstick instead. Gloss tends to be sticky and hair tends to get stuck to your lips afterwards.
5. Wear a neutral shadow. If you have dark circles, use a concealer first. This will even out the eyelid and create a clean canvas for your shadow color. My favorite is a shimmery gold.
6. Do not overdo the eyeliner. Line the top of your eyes and the bottom rim if you usually do it but there is no need for excessive liner, raccoon-like eyes.
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