Fashion Show!

One of the things I'm most involved with here on Campus is the Women in Business Club. I serve on the executive board as Events Director and I work with the rest of the board to plan fun and educational activities for our school. Well, last night I saw the culmination of literally months of work... Our first annual FASHION SHOW!

And what would a post be without talking about the clothes?

haha. Prom hair...

{Dress: Target, $20}

{Top: Forever 21, $14}

{Sweater: The Limited, gift}

{Belt: ?}

{Tights: WeLoveColors.com, $10}

{Necklace: American Eagle, gift}

{Boots: Belk, $35}

Along with the rest of the WIB board, I had been working on the details of this event since last summer, and I was SO excited for the fashion show yesterday. It was such a great learning experience to see what all goes into planning an event like this. We had to (get ready, this is a long list...) rent the staging, reserve the area, estimate attendance counts, order catering, find the models, get the models fitted, obtain financial sponsors, find local clothing stores willing to participate, style the outfits, write the script, get an MC, find a DJ, pick music for the DJ, set everything up, practice with the entire set-up, advertise the event, print programs, and then coordinate outfit changes during the show. It was so much work, but definitely worth it.

Our main purpose with this event was to show students some great examples of showing your personality while dressing in Casual, Business Casual, Business Professional, and Business Formal. We also had some interview tips and other helpful information from our career center, who partnered with us to host the event. Something I thought was especially awesome was the fact that we were able to get guy models (and a local Men's store to sponsor!) It really surprised me at how many guys showed up for the show too. I guess it just goes to show that we girls aren't the only ones who like a little inspiration!

Holiday? No.. Presentation.

{Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet}{Blouse: GAP}{Tights: WeLoveColors.com}

{Blazer: Thrifted}{Ring: Charlotte Russe}{Shoes: Target}{Belt: J.Crew Outlet}

I really liked this outfit... But before you think I wore these tights two days in a row- I actually wore this last week for my final presentation in my Internet Marketing Class. I always feel so much more confident when I'm dressed nice. And when I'm dressed creatively nice (not just a suit) I feel extra good. So that was today... er, last Wednesday. Proof that I am keeping up with the 30 for 30!

Work Wear

These sunglasses are a bit too "bug-eyes" for me- but I kind of like goofing off in them :)
About the Outfit

Blouse: Department Store, $15

Pencil Skirt: My sister's

Heels: Department Store, $12

Belt: Came with a dress I bought from Ross

Scarf: Old Navy, $2

Bracelet: Gift

Fun Sunglasses: Rue 21, $2

About the Day

Just another day at the office. For some reason I had the desire to look extra "businessy" today. I tied a printed scarf on to hold my hair back and to keep the outfit from being too boring.

Going There Series Part 2: Internship

From life-guarding to working in retail at the local mall, there are endless opportunities for those of us looking for quick summer cash. However, as we grow older it becomes necessary for us to put a little more time and effort into choosing summer jobs or internships that will help us grow and experiment in our future career plans. For those of us that have worked hard and found the perfect (or maybe even not so perfect) internship, it’s time to buckle down and get a little more serious. Things that may not seem like such a big deal now, like arriving early and looking put together day in and day out may mean the difference in a recommendation or job offer in the future.

There are three main categories of work wear: casual, business casual, and business professional. Even for accomplished professionals the thin lines in between these categories can be blurry, so I’ve put together a few sample outfits and guidelines for getting ready.

Casual

There is a pretty big difference between casual and business casual, so make sure you are confident in exactly which set you will be expected to adhere to. Casual dress means that you are allowed to wear almost anything. Jeans, simple t-shirts, longer shorts, and casual shoes are all acceptable casual wear options. However, stay away from baggy jeans, sweats, and cheap flip-flops. Even though you have plenty of freedom, you don’t want to abuse it. In fact, I’ve found that it’s always a good idea to dress slightly nicer than how you are expected. This shows that you are taking your job or internship seriously and care about making a good impression

Business Casual

Option 1

Option Two

Business Casual is just a step down from business professional. Although you won’t be expected to wear suits or jackets, you should look put together and professional. Unless specifically mentioned, jeans should not be worn in a business casual workplace. Instead, stock up on slacks, nice capris, skirts and dresses. When wearing a skirt or dress, look for a length you would wear to church. While I don’t always stick to knee-length, I definitely don’t go much shorter for work.

Business Professional

Option One (For more conservative jobs)

Option Two (For less conservative jobs)

When it comes to Business Professional, you should be ready to dress like a serious professional. Although the amount of freedom allowed will depend on your exact workplace, blazers or jackets are an expected part of all outfits. While professionals at the most conservative locations (like legal firms) will likely stick to darker colored suits, and minimal accessories, working people at places with more creative freedom (like advertising or graphic design agencies) will probably be incorporating bright colors and fun prints. Regardless of where your job falls on the spectrum, feel free to show your personality with fun accessories like those in the outfits above.

Business Professional... and Fun!

What
Skirt: Belk's
Belt: Came with skirt
Top: Target
Cardigan: Walmart
Shoes: Ross
Earrings Claire's

Where
A Women in Business dinner lecture with Kerry Ford of Stern Advertising

Why
As the Events Director for the Women in Business Club here on campus, I am expected to attend our sponsored lectures and events in business attire. Since these events are almost always a great way to network with professionals in the field, I usually try to dress professionally and creatively. I definitely do dress according to the event though- for example: I would generally stay more conservative at an accounting lecture than at a networking event with marketing professionals. Tonight's speaker is a distinguished career woman in the field of advertising and public relations. Since this is generally a more creative field, I definitely wanted to show of this new ruffle top I picked up off the clearance rack at Target. With a plain pencil skirt and cardigan, I felt right at home :)