Tag Archives: Fashion

Living, breathing, and interviewing fashion

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Because next summer is so far away, I started planning the ways in which I could fill the fast-approaching winter break with ways to get job experience, or money, at the very least. Last winter break was a bleak, depressing stretch of time in which I was desperately bored when I wasn’t celebrating the holidays (a mere four days out of the month, mind you). By the end of it, I had started talking to my dogs, who I was home alone with all day as my mom, dad, and brother returned to work and school. In order to avoid such repetitious fate, I took to the web to see what internships would be available to me in New York City over that period of time.

One of the most helpful things I stumbled upon in this search was the website ed2010.com, which caters directly to people interested in editorial internships. Magazines and websites post there frequently looking for writers. Though I don’t really know what type of writing I want to exactly be involved in, I felt that winter break was a solid amount of time to try out, but not fully commit, to some industry that I was interested in. Looking at the website, it quickly became apparent to me that fashion magazines were the ones seeking interns the most. I knew that a lot of Scripps women had been involved in the fashion journalism industry, and that we had a good reputation within it, so I decided to apply to one internship at a fashion website that had posted a listing just that day. The application didn’t require a cover letter, just a resumé and a short blurb detailing your work availability. I sent it in, and, in what has rarely ever happened to me, I got a personal response thanking me for my application.

I don’t know what Gods had shined down upon me that day, but later that week I was emailed requesting a phone interview. I felt incredible. On top of the world. Even if I didn’t get the job, I could see myself later boasting the accomplishment of getting a phone interview to my friends and family.

In order to prepare for the interview, I did my research on what the website’s brand was all about. I read their articles (even when, honestly, I hadn’t before), decided firmly what my favorite brand of eyeliner was, and started thinking of ways that I could eat, breathe, and sleep fashion. Though the fashion world was something that I’ve always been interested in, I always found myself to be intimidated by it. I had to figure out how to make myself a contender, so I did. I also started thinking deeply about the importance of fashion journalism, and how it was shaping the idea of what modern, progressive women looked like, and how it could be something that I wanted to be a part of.

When the interview came, I faked it til I made it. I spouted off the names of articles that had just been posted on their website, detailing why I liked them and why I saw them as important. The interviewer and I bonded over our love for poetry, and the way that writing about the Kardashians was kind-of stupid, but it got a lot of hits, so it had to be done. I emphasized my hard-working nature; I found myself relating back to my past experience more often than I thought I would, as I mentioned how I constantly had to keep myself busy working in an ice-cream shop and with second graders. I worried that I wasn’t well-versed enough in the industry, but I think that overall, the quality of being a hard-worker with a passionate drive won out: I got the job.

I’m a little nervous for what this job entails, but luckily, I got it at the right time: with Black Friday and Cyber Monday happening, I’m able to shape up my wardrobe and buy a bunch of cute clothes to fit my new “fashion intern” persona. I also plan on expanding my research in the next month, and reading up on magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Instyle to see what the latest trends are. Though I wasn’t sure at first if I even wanted the job, now that I have it, I’m beyond excited to dedicate my time to exploring a new industry that I could really see myself in.

Business Attire: Stylish yet Professional

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Hi everyone. Previously, I blogged about The Fullbridge Program for several posts. Now, I will be moving on to more general topics as we wind down for the semester.

Today, I want to explore the world of business attire.

Here’s an example of what not to do:

reese-witherspoon-black-suit-aries-fashionReese Witherspoon is a gorgeous and talented actor, but even she can’t pull off this all-black (mostly black) ensemble. Aside from the gold embellishments, there’s not much to look at here. Rather than slimming her down and looking professional, the all-black outfit makes her look rather nondescript.

Please avoid wearing all black. You are not dressing for a funeral. I’ve learned from experience that black is not only extremely boring, but it guarantees you’ll blend into the background as completely unmemorable.

I like black just as much as the next person. But black is not the most cheerful of colors, and is usually regarded as unapproachable. It’s helpful to pair black with a brighter (but not too bright) color, or single pattern. “Dressing to impress” might sound like an obvious decision, but you would be surprised at how little thought people put into their attires. Although it might sound unfair, employers may not hire you or regard you respectfully if you don’t look the part.

66f720666188e891b4ec5908692e2db4In the image above, the silver metallic elegantly offsets the white suit jacket and white heels. This may work well in a more creative work environment, but make sure it’s not too flashy for your particular field of work. 

asian-womanWhy not try a grey jacket instead of the traditional black? The bright blue underneath gives off a happy and friendly vibe, though most other colors would work as well. Keep in mind to choose a single pattern, whether it’s one on the outside jacket or the blouse underneath.

19a23d95be40a9f7a61d696b24e2dcbfThe outfit above suggests a more casual vibe, but still allows for a clean and polished figure. The colorful pants and flashy jewelry may be a bit much for some work settings. Again, you’ll have to make your own judgment call.

02a363ec5c7e6a7eb46f134f08d099f8A bit darker in shade, but not all black, this outfit perfectly balances elegance and professionalism. Careful with the heels though– more than a few inches high may appear ostentatious– and worse, may hinder your job performance.

black-business-womanA solid-blue jacket offset with black buttons looks chic, yet professional. A black blouse is a smart choice, as any other color would look too bright and distracting. Even white would not be advised, as it seems quite informal. Considering pairing this ensemble with black pants or a skirt– even a subtle pattern if you can pull it off.

43a020ab7ba03ea458d5d67d20c3a60cThis particular shade of green may not look great on everyone, but this example proves it’s possible to dress up without looking drab. A darker shade of green– emerald or olive, perhaps– would also work quite well. The patterned shoes might be rather risky– check with your workplace if you’re not sure.

b1216c125bb8cf388f035d610c322a28The riskiest of this lot, the outfit above may turn heads for the wrong reasons if you’re working in a more formal setting. The jacket makes good sense, as do the plain black heels, but the dress calls for second thoughts. The dress’ colorful neckline looks too much like party wear, unless you’re working in the fashion or entertainment industry.

Want more ideas? Check out additional suggestions on my Pinterest board. 

What makes you feel most confident in an interview or at work? Do you have a go-to pair of shoes or set of colors?

A Hairy Situation

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I have a secret talent. This special talent happens to be that I am freakishly good at braiding hair. I had several very different kinds of jobs over the summer (one in retail, one at a restaurant, a nannying gig and an internship at a television studio). I found that due to dress codes, health codes and general convenience, my hair was constantly changing. Taking some of what I learned in each of these settings, here are some DIY hair tutorials that will hopefully help you find the right “do” for any of your job needs.

Also, don’t forget to stop by the CP&R fashion show  on Sunday 9/30 at 6pm in Vita Nova Hall to find outfit inspiration for your new hair options!

Here’s a link to the tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAt1zfFbAhU&feature=plcp

 

Be Fabulous

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I’m having a serious first world problem today: I don’t know what to wear. Because I generally work four to five days a week, my “school clothes” must also function as my “work clothes”. Of course, it’s not that I’m expected to uphold a stringent dress code at any of my workplaces, but it’s important to exercise some common sense. For instance, when I give campus tours Thursday afternoons, I make an effort to wear comfortable walking shoes. On the other hand, when I work the morning shift at the Sallie Tiernan Field House, I simply wear my staff t-shirt and pack clothes to change into.

I find that dress codes at most workplaces are becoming more casual, especially in California, which is known to be laidback and relaxed. I know many young professionals who dress business casual on most days or at least on Fridays. But what is “business casual”? Does that mean I can ditch the sheer tights? Or even better, does that mean can I just wear jeans to work? The workplace is definitely not where you should test-drive the newest avant garde fashions, but even as professionals, we cannot help wanting to maintain our individuality.

Every girl knows the basics: close-toed shoes, tame makeup, and absolutely no plunging necklines. Nevertheless, there are some grey areas we must learn to navigate. Is this dress too short? Is my eyeliner drawn on too thickly? Situations such as these are when we most need to exercise good judgment. What may be appropriate at Barney & Co. may be inappropriate at Muppets, Teletubbies, & Sesame Street. The bottom line is that our coworkers may perceive something we feel comfortable in as tasteless. Thus, I adhere to six very uncomplicated principles:

  1. Keep it classy. Pretend your boss has your grandmother’s sensibilities. This means you will swap the bedazzled UGGS for a pair of elegant black heels. Or at least I hope you will.
  2. When in doubt, chicken out. Maybe today is a cutout dress kind of day. But most likely, it is not.
  3. I like tights. This is just a random fact about me. It is always appropriate to wear tights. It’s Friday, go crazy! Pair a simple black dress with merlot tights. Oh em gee, you totally look South Market!
  4. Put the Jeffrey Campbells down. Wear flats. If you’re a college student like me, you’re probably working at the service level. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It just means you will probably be on your feet most of the day.
  5. If competitive cheerleading taught me anything, it’s BOBBY PINS + HAIRSPRAY = YES. Even if you’re just wearing your hair in a ponytail, you will look that much more put together.
  6. “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” – Coco Chanel.

Now go be fabulous! P.S. I start a new job as an assistant at the Clark Humanities Museum today. How do I look?