Found this while reading tumblr:
(Source: youknowyouarefromwvwhen)
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Sunday, August 12, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
The Tyranny of Prep School Uniforms
I attended a Catholic prep school from the time I was in Kindergarten all the way through my senior year of high school. For most of those years, I had to wear a uniform. It was your typical prep school uniform; tartan plaid skirts complete with Peter Pan collared blouses. Thankfully in high school it switched to khakis and a polo shirt with the school logo.
Prep schools aren't the only schools who have uniforms, many public schools are making the switch as well. There's the old arguement that uniforms can stifle a kid's creativity. I never have bought into that idea, because even with the most stringent of uniforms there is some style wiggle room, which I'll show you in a minute.
Before I go on, please make sure to read over and make sure you know your school's dress code. If you're not sure about something, ASK. That way you don't waste money on clothes you can't wear, and you're not stuck in the principal's office trying to give a half-assed arguement over some wording in the student handbook.
Prep schools aren't the only schools who have uniforms, many public schools are making the switch as well. There's the old arguement that uniforms can stifle a kid's creativity. I never have bought into that idea, because even with the most stringent of uniforms there is some style wiggle room, which I'll show you in a minute.
Before I go on, please make sure to read over and make sure you know your school's dress code. If you're not sure about something, ASK. That way you don't waste money on clothes you can't wear, and you're not stuck in the principal's office trying to give a half-assed arguement over some wording in the student handbook.
Most uniforms that I'm familiar with you have a uniform skirt or pants that you have to pair with a white blouse. If that's the case, here are some ideas for blouses that can give your outfit some punch. I know some of them have no sleeves, but Polyvore doesn't always have exactly what I'm looking for. So save those blouses to wear with cardigan or blazer. These all have collars with no prints or logos (another big no-no). The lace shirt can add texture, the tuxedo shirt can add hint of formalness, and the peplum shirt just because I love it. These can also all tuck in, with the exception of the peplum shirt, so again, make sure that's allowed before buying.
Many schools also have a blazer requirement, or will allow you to wear a sweater in the school colors. I chose navy, since that seems t be the most popular option. You can choose from a varsity-inspired cardigan, to a blazer with draped lapels. The last sweater on the right is a dolman-sleeved sweater from Gap. I think this would look incredible over a long-sleeved shirt with whatever else you have to wear on the bottom. I think this isn't probably a true navy blue, but it might be close enough to pass.
I don't remember the exact rule for shoes at my school, except no open toes/backs and they had to be neutral colored. These shoes all are neutrals, but also have an element of style than just some plain brown loafer.
The real challenge in trying to show style in a uniform is with accessories. If you're allowed to wear backpacks or carry a purse, look for something in a fun color or print. An armful of bangles, a statement necklace, knee socks, there's all sorts of great ways to jazz up your look.
LOOKBOOK: August 10
Isabel Toldeo for Payless Anasis Loafer Pump ($50, Payless Shoes)
Normally I find Isabel Toldeo's designs a little too avante garde for my tastes, even her Payless line.
When I first saw these, I thought they were ugly. I then took a closer look, and I love them.
I don't know why. I just do. So perfect for fall.
Is it fall yet?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
LOOKBOOK: August 9
Nantucket Red Messenger Bag (Murray's Toggery Shop, $225)
Nantucket Red is one of my favorite colors ever. And it gets even better with age.
This would make an amazing back-to-school bag.
To order, visit the Murray's Toggery Shop Facebook page for contact information
You can also visit their website for more Nantucket Red goods!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
How to Not Dress For Work
I'm a member of an organization called The Levo League. To describe it rather quickly, it's a networking organization for women by women. There are job postings, mentors you can actually talk to, and all sorts of other stuff to help young women develop their careers. Personally, I'm not sure why I joined, seeing as most of the advice/discussion/etc., tends to lean towards positions within marketing/advertising/blogging in big cities and I'm in the landscaping/construction business in West Virginia. Maybe one day it'll come in handy, anywho.
The Levo League also likes to discuss fashion, mostly work-related. While surfing around Facebook today, they posted the following picture with a link to a guest blog post:
Had the blouse in question been just a plain pink blouse, I would be okay with the outfit. Okay, so I really hate the skirt, but the outfit would have been appropriate for either of the positions. I simply don't think the blouse is appropriate for work, period.
I always like to error on the side of caution and professionalism. Even when I was in college and was applying for a job as a waitress, I showed up to the interview in a suit, well-groomed. I also started out making more money per hour than the other waitresses hired at that time with similar experience.
You don't have to spend lots of money on clothes to wear to work or an interview, but make sure that they're appropriate for your position. Even if I was hiring for a social media consultant in New York City (my dad's hometown), I would question the person who came in dressed like Minnie Mouse.
The Levo League also likes to discuss fashion, mostly work-related. While surfing around Facebook today, they posted the following picture with a link to a guest blog post:
I don't know why the League chose to use this picture, as it's not used anywhere in the post. But since the Levo League is about women helping women, let me give some advice as someone who has been a hiring manager:
- I hired for landscape designers and apartment managers, both positions that were required to deal with clients. My company did have a dress code which wasn't too picky but the designers had leeway with their dress code and the apartment managers had to dress business casual.
- Had anyone shown up to an interview dressed like this, I would ask them "Why should I hire you to represent this company professionally when you don't seem to have a grasp of how a professional should present themself?"
- Even though most of the landscape designers wore jeans and tees, I would have sent anyone home to change if they came in dressed like the woman does in this picture. Again, it's simply not professional, and I wouldn't want that person representing my business.
Had the blouse in question been just a plain pink blouse, I would be okay with the outfit. Okay, so I really hate the skirt, but the outfit would have been appropriate for either of the positions. I simply don't think the blouse is appropriate for work, period.
I always like to error on the side of caution and professionalism. Even when I was in college and was applying for a job as a waitress, I showed up to the interview in a suit, well-groomed. I also started out making more money per hour than the other waitresses hired at that time with similar experience.
You don't have to spend lots of money on clothes to wear to work or an interview, but make sure that they're appropriate for your position. Even if I was hiring for a social media consultant in New York City (my dad's hometown), I would question the person who came in dressed like Minnie Mouse.
Loafers!
Loafers are going to be the shoe for this fall. I can't turn around without seeing yet another pair becoking me from a store shelf. I originally saw them last fall, and saw a few pairs in the spring. Honestly, these really shouldn't be called loafers, they're actually smoking slippers, which are worn with a smoking jacket. I'm guessing many people wouldn't get the reference so they've been calling them loafers instead. Whatever.
Gap has some incredible loafers, all the reasonable prices between $40-$50:
Gap has them all sorts of colors, textures, and details. I'm loving the ones with the tassels and the basic tan ones. Target also has several pairs for under $25 that are worth looking at as well.
I don't think you need to throw out your round toe ballet flats just yet, but from the trends I've been seeing for this fall and next spring & summer, pointy toe shoes are making the best statements. So to get the most bang out of your fashion buck, invest in pointy toe flats.
Gap has some incredible loafers, all the reasonable prices between $40-$50:
Gap has them all sorts of colors, textures, and details. I'm loving the ones with the tassels and the basic tan ones. Target also has several pairs for under $25 that are worth looking at as well.
I don't think you need to throw out your round toe ballet flats just yet, but from the trends I've been seeing for this fall and next spring & summer, pointy toe shoes are making the best statements. So to get the most bang out of your fashion buck, invest in pointy toe flats.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
BGP: Suave Scalp Solutions Shampoo
I've been having a lot of trouble looking for a great shampoo. I had fallen in love with Sally Hershberger's Shampoo for Thick Hair, but it's become increasingly impossible to find, and getting burned from a seller on eBay put the nail in the great hair coffin. So I've been continuing to try everything under the sun. Enter Suave's Scalp solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
I have super oily hair, and I've found that anti-dandruff shampoos can help with controlling the oil better than clarifying shampoos. So, my line of thought when buying this shampoo was A) helping control the oil and B) I love the smell of coconut, so it seemed like a perfect purchase.
Beyond smelling fantastic, it lathers well (if that's important to you), and rinses out easily. Since I don't use anti-dandruff shampoo to chase away flakes I can't comment on if it works for that purpose. But what I wasn't prepared for was the fact it completely dried my hair out. It felt--and looked-- like straw, and the conditioner I used with it didn't help at all. However, there wasn't a speck of oil in my hair. Obviously, due to the dryness, my hair was hard to handle, even though I just wear it up in a ponytail most of the time.
If you do have dandruff, it might be worth a try if you're having trouble finding a shampoo to help control flakes. If you're like me and looking for ways to control oily hair, I'd skip this one.
(Suave Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $4, drugstores)
I have super oily hair, and I've found that anti-dandruff shampoos can help with controlling the oil better than clarifying shampoos. So, my line of thought when buying this shampoo was A) helping control the oil and B) I love the smell of coconut, so it seemed like a perfect purchase.
Beyond smelling fantastic, it lathers well (if that's important to you), and rinses out easily. Since I don't use anti-dandruff shampoo to chase away flakes I can't comment on if it works for that purpose. But what I wasn't prepared for was the fact it completely dried my hair out. It felt--and looked-- like straw, and the conditioner I used with it didn't help at all. However, there wasn't a speck of oil in my hair. Obviously, due to the dryness, my hair was hard to handle, even though I just wear it up in a ponytail most of the time.
If you do have dandruff, it might be worth a try if you're having trouble finding a shampoo to help control flakes. If you're like me and looking for ways to control oily hair, I'd skip this one.
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