Saturday, 23 March 2013

Farewell Post: Keep dressing professional!

Today's  post will be my final post. I actually enjoyed posting and creating a blog more than I thought I would. I took my love for fashion and clothes and incorporated the aspect of business and turned that into my topic for my blog assignment.

I really learned that blogs are a great form of communication. They require research, personal input and great visuals to attract the reader/audience. I enjoyed researching about professional attire and learning new tips and tricks to share.

I hope my blog was a helpful resource for dressing successful in the workplace. My favourite post for this assignment would probably the wardrobe meltdown post where I talked about tips/tricks to help you prevent malfunctions with your attire.


Farewell, Remember always dress to impress!


- Vanessa







Monday, 18 March 2013

Look Chic not Cheap: Affordable Business attire

In today's post I decided to share this YouTube video I found about dressing professional but staying on a budget. I think it's a great alternative to high end department stores or other clothing retailers because you can find key wearable pieces for great prices. I enjoyed this video because as the stylist is talking there's a model featured in the video showing you a budget friendly outfit.

I think the stylist's tips are great because there easy to follow and hopefully you can find a budget friendly work outfit!



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

International Business: Dressing in France

I've always wanted to travel to France, especially Paris it's always been a city I've been interested into going to. I mean France is known for their amazing fashion! I decided since my blog revolves dressing professionally it would be interesting to focus a blog on international business attire. What we consider in Canada to be "Professional" might not be in France. Entamons le vêtement d'affaires français!



 
 
 
  • In France Men are accepted to wear dark suits with either a plain solid or striped dress shirt underneath
  • Women In France should dress in a simple manner but still maintain elegance.
  • Accessorizing is accepted while dressing and is done by many French business professionals
  • During business meetings men should be clean shaven and have their hair cut and your nails must be trimmed
  • Your dress shoes should be shined
  • Women should wear light and minimal makeup
  • Jackets and bags should be just as nice as the suit your wearing
  • The French people always prefer style and maintaining a classy image over being comfortable
 
For all you future professional business employees who would love to work in France or conduct any business Internationally In France I hope you enjoyed this post! It's always interesting to learn about international cultures and their way of doing things. I thought it was interesting that the French would rather sacrifice comfort over style, I guess they don't have casual Friday's.
 
 
 
Au revoir jusqu'à ce que le prochain post
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Business Etiquette Approach (Attire)

In today's post I'm going to cover Business Etiquette through attire. I think it's important because you want to leave a good impression and who wants to have a reputation of being known as a "slop"? The way you dress yourself and take care of yourself tells your boss and co-workers a lot about you. Appearance is great tool because it can give you a great impression! Let's jump into some tips!


1. Follow the dress code that is established in your workplace. There's a dress code for a reason to ensure everyone looks professional and appropriate.

2. If your on the fence and are really questioning whether you are sure of the dress code opt for being in the "business dressy" zone.

3. Good hygiene and a groomed appearance is mandatory for feeling good and looking good. You want your clothes in great shape and you want to smell and look clean too.

4.  Don't think expensive budget, your suit can cost $100 or $40 dollars it's really about finding great pieces and looking after them.

5.  Casual dress down days, don't take them super literally wear casual pieces with still a touch of professionalism.











source: http://www.corporateclassinc.com/blog/2012/06/22/business-dress-etiquette-tips-for-the-workplace/

Monday, 25 February 2013

Dressing for seasons: Summer time tips!

Today's post revolves around changing your wardrobe with the season. As the summer approaches the sun is beaming, the weather gets warmer, and who want's to be sweating at work? Your summer work attire should be comfortable and keep you from suffering in a heat wave. In this post I'm going to be discussing some tips on how to dress for the workplace in the summer season.



  • Layers can help you as you can go from being out in the heat and coming into air conditioned areas. Wearing a light weight jacket is good on hand. Try a short sleeved top to keep cool
  • Keep your hair out of your face by keeping it in a high ponytail or chignon
  • Opt for high thigh or knee high tights to keep your legs cool
  • Wear a skirt or dress at appropriate  length instead of dress pants
  • Lighter perfume and makeup, as makeup can get messy and sweat off.
  • Minimal items in your bag something that's easy and perfect for on the go.



Remember that although you love your flip-flops and shorts there not appropriate in the workplace. Sometimes it's hard to manage keeping cool and comfortable in sweltering heat. Just remember you can still look good and feel good in the summer. You just have to do a couple of things differently to just to the change of season. Throw on those sandals after work and enjoy the beach after a long hard day!















source: http://www.career-intelligence.com/management/DressingForSummer.asp

Sunday, 17 February 2013

Guys Guide: Dressing for Work

Okay so today's post is dedicated to you Men! I know it can sometimes be difficult for a guy to get dressed up.  They like sticking to their hoodies and jeans. Looking good is super important in the workplace, and Men should be fashionable to right?

 Hopefully these quick tips can make getting ready for work and dressing up a little less dreaded for!


 
  • Button up shirts, look for ones with buttons on the collar as well. Remember to tuck it in and find a shirt which fits you and isn't loose.
  • Your tie should hit right above the waistband of your dress pants.
  • Stick with closed toe and lace up shoes and stick with a neutral colour
  • Who says men can't accessorize? Finish your work look off with a watch either with a leather or metal band. It's a great piece to pull the look together.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

How to: Styling Denim for the Workplace



When I think of jeans or when anyone thinks of jeans you don't necessary think of them as "professional attire". Jeans are seen as a casual piece, something you wear for your casual days. When were used to professional attire we think of dress pants,skirts, or knee length dresses. How about transforming jeans and incorporating them into your professional wardrobe! Jeans don't have to be saved for your weekend afternoon's anymore. The right pair of jeans can make you look great and feel comfortable!






Looking for the perfect pair? If they fit this checklist your pair of jeans is good to go! 


  1. The wash of the Jean: Avoid light coloured or printed denim. Dark wash denim and black denim are the most appropriate for the workplace. It's more professional and classy looking and will pair great with your other professional pieces.
  2. The cut of the jean: Skinny jeans can still be worn to the workplace. To find the perfect pair make sure they fit your body's shape. Balance the look with more of a flowy top; They look great tucked into boots. Another great cut for the workplace is a bootcut or straight leg. They look great paired with flats or heels. They give the illusion of longer and leaner legs. Avoid wide leg or bell-bottom style jeans.
  3. Don't follow trends: Skip the bright coloured denim, blinged out pockets or the distressed look. These are great pieces for your casual wardrobe but not for your professional look. These can be distracting and may not look like your taking yourself or your position seriously.
  4. Fitted Waist:  Find a pair of jeans with a high rise fitting waist.
  5. Styling the outfit: Now that you've found your perfect pair of jeans, now here's the fun part styling the entire look! A blouse or a fitted blazer can be great while paired with jeans. Adding a tweed jacket can add more feminity into your work look. Accessories are also great, a pair of studs or a simple necklace.


 



 
Blinged out denim- DO NOT





 
Perfect Outfit: Trouser Jeans





 
Wide-legged trousers: DO NOT







The perect outfit incorporating jeans



 









This video I got off YouTube is great because it's short and simple. Try out a nice pair of jeans for work next time!















source: http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/office-jeans-advice/2/



































Friday, 8 February 2013

Business wardrobe meltdown anyone?

Today's post talks about wardrobe malfunctions and how to prepare for them. Isn't that everyone's worst nightmare, well if it's not you should still be prepared. When your appearance screams disaster it's hard for people to take you seriously. Imagine you have an important business meeting and your boss requires you to make a presentation. Do you really want to be up there worrying about if anyone can notice the run in your tights? Of course not! You want to be confident and ready to go!


That's why I decided to bring this post your way today! Being prepared and ready to tackle wardrobe meltdowns so you can carry your day with success.







I'm going to give you some tips on how to prepare wardrobe meltdowns!

  • Tights can be prone to getting runs in them, If you plan on wearing your tights spray them with hairspray and hang them to dry the night before.
  • If you carry on with your day and notice you have a slight run, carry a bottle of clear nail polish with you. Apply the nail polish onto the desired area.
  • A fallen hem can be fixed with double sided tap, duct tape or even masking tape. Just make sure nobody can see the tape. Take one side of the tape and place it on the inside of the hem. Then place the tape onto the part of you skin where you wish the hem to fall.
  • Carrying dress tape is handy with you, using it to fix a hem or other clothing mishaps.
  • Falling shirt straps? Use dress tape.
  • Suffering from static cling? Using hairspray, water or even dryer sheets can stop the static.
  • Embarrasing dedorant stains or a stains from lunch, remove them with a dampened washcloth to avoid leaving behind lint which paper towel can cause.
  • Avoid picks in your shirts by taking a pin and poking it through the thread back to the front of the shirt.
  • Dress for your body. Making sure your wearing fitted clothes can minimize the chance of your clothes getting snagged onto someone.
  • Bring extra clothes with you. A back up pair of tights or an extra blazer.







Wave good-bye to bad wardrobe malfunctions, and hello to dressing for your success!


















Wednesday, 6 February 2013

What Not to Wear- Unprofessional Attire

Have you ever put on an outfit before getting ready for work and question if it's the" right outfit"? Today's post will be what to NOT wear to work. Our attire should make us feel comfortable. Feeling good on the outside can enhance our work experience and career. Throwing on the wrong outfit or piece, however may not help you.


Here's a video I found on you-tube which outlines what to avoid for the work place.




Clothing items to avoid at the Workplace:

  1. Tank tops with spaghetti straps/short dresses/dresses with spaghetti straps.
  2. Anything that cuts to low.
  3. Don't be flashy. For example, sequins or big chunky jewellery.
  4. Non closed toe shoes. For example, flip-flops or open toe pumps.
  5. Jeans. Lighter wash pairs or  distressed denim. 
  6. Avoid too many printed tops or even printed bottoms. Stick with solid colours as they appear more professional and are not distracting.


Don't 










Do




 source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYovg3kL_sg


Wednesday, 30 January 2013

How to choose the perfect interview outfit

Interviews can be scary, we all want to make a great impression. What better way than the way we dress!


In this post I wanted to start off sharing some tips to help you choose the perfect outfit to land you that dream job. The interviewer will judge you based on your physical appearance. You want to come of as being a great choice and that means no wardrobe malfunctions!


  • The outfit you choose to wear to the interview doesn't have to cost you a lot. You may  feel free to shop the sale section. The outfit definitely should be defined as simple, conservative and of classy taste. I would suggest something safe and neutral, such as black, Gray or white. Choose any outfit that can be versatile in a sense which you can wear to work as well and not just for the interview. Pick something that makes you feel confident as that will shine through when you walk into the interview. Pick something appropriate in length and tailored to fit your body.

  • Accessories are great but keep them simple! Do not wear big or flashy jewellery. Stick to stud earrings or a simple necklace, or even a watch which men can sport as an accessory as well. As for men, choose a simple belt and tie nothing super printed or detailed.

  • Make sure that your outfit is in pristine condition, no stains and no wrinkles on your clothes.










source: http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/yourjob/ht/professionaldress.htm