What To Wear To A Job Fair

When you are going to an interview you know that your best bet is to get a really spiffy suit and some sort of basic blouse (I'm not a fan of button downs. A largely catholic school education will do that to you) classic low heeled shoes or flats and pearls, studs, etc... But, what about a job fair? After my experience today I feel like many people aren't sure what to wear to these events and sometimes the impression you make there can be the only chance you get.

This might seem to some like I'm stating the obvious but, don't wear jeans or pajamas! This isn't a casual affair for most employers this is them casting a net to potential employees and if you want to be thought of as such you should dress the part. The same goes for wearing clothes that is too big or too small, you will look sloppy and unkempt. If you think you look that way people probably see what you see especially when they are trained to do so. You can wear a suit but, if you don't have one or want to save that look for a potential interview you can try out some of the styles I've illustrated below.

These are just a few general ideas of what you could wear. I wouldn't say that you have to dress in completely formal business attire to attend a job fair (although, it wouldn't hurt.) Perhaps you don't even own a suit yet (ahh, college) either way, you do want to convey a sense of professionalism in what you are wearing. The person you meet at the fair, whether hiring manager or recruiter, is your ticket in and you don't want to make the wrong impression!

September 30, 2010: I've Got Camel Print

 

Camel and animal print... yeah I know, I'm so witty! Anyway, I have a job fair to go to today so, I am dressing the part of a young Human Resources professional... like every other day. Why am I trying to escape, you ask? I don't know what you are talking about! Ok fine, job fairs are mixed bag, sometimes they can be really fun but, I have a feeling that today is not going to be one of those occasions. Hopefully it will go quickly so I can get back to the office. You didn't see anything... Except for my awesome outfit, that is!

• Top: camel v-neck sweater, GAP; gray leopard tank top (for the modesty), Express/gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom  
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

 

September 29, 2010: I've Got A Long Skirt

Actually, what I really have is a a maxi dress disguised as a long skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers who make their clothes (mainly dresses) do double duty; whether it's a skirt as a dress, or a dress as a shirt, or some other cool thing that I couldn't come up with it's absolutely motivating but, I digress...

I honestly wasn't really sold on this fall trend... I'm still not sure how I feel about it... no, not yet... not now either... How about you? I just think that shorter skirts are more flattering on me and long skirts make me look oddly proportioned. But, as they (whoever they are) say: "you never know until you try" and I'm glad I did but, I'm not sure I would do it again. Are there any fall trends that you're not sure about?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: black maxi dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

September 28, 2010: I've Got Jewel Tones, Skinny Pants, and a Little Leopard!

I have another training in the city today, exciting I know! The last time I was in the city for training I was the only person who was wearing jeans. I felt a bit under dressed to say the least. I was also the youngest and most "junior" position wise so it felt even more awkward. Today I decided to dress it up a little more to avoid that but without going overboard. The trends weren't the only focus but, I still made a concerted effort to include a few. I mostly wanted to keep it casual and comfy for the commute, a long bus ride in a suit doesn't work for me. But, this comfy sweater, skinny jeans, and flats are perfect for that. I think I reached a nice middle ground, no? I'm also throwing on a khaki green jacket (not pictured) to ward off any chill which gives a little military vibe.

• Top: purple sweater, ABStudio via Mom; white embellished tank top for the modesty, LOFT
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here and here:

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Update: "I Complete You!" Product Challenge

Another one bites the dust! I just finished one of my (many) bars of soap. That's one thing that I might not be able to stop stockpiling. One thing isn't that bad right? I just happen to like nice bar soap! Should I ignore it if I happen to find one with an intoxicating smell or, even better, that on sale!? I'll try but, I make no promises... What is the one personal care product that you couldn't live without?

Check out my progress here

September 27. 2010: I've Got Lace

 

First of all I just wanted to say a special thanks to these ladies who indicated that they would be joining me (in one way or another) and shopping their closet for fall trends, don't forget to check out the looks that they come up with!

• Melanie - Unravelled Threads
• Frances Joy - Mad Dress Game
• Marilou - 20 York Street

One of the things that I really wanted this fall was a lace top but, as stated before, I am really trying not to spend money on anything unnecessary which that shirt became when I remembered that I have this awesome lace skirt. It's been a while since I wore it (it's a little big) but, that's what the whole idea behing this challenege (and this blog) is! Is lace one of the fall trends that you are excited to style?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here)
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; black beaded necklace from a craft space in Laguna Beach; black onyx earrings, V'ta; yellow alley bag

 

Items from this out are previously seen here:

 

 

Closet Makeover: A Friend In Need

When it comes to closet organization/reorganization I consider myself an expert on the topic (modest I know.) So, when my coworker/friend Natalia asked me for help I was happy to oblige and spent most of the weekend with her making this new amazingly organized and totally functional closet happen. I also took some pictures to illusrate the process for you. This is how it started:

It doesn't look that bad, right? That's what I thought too that is, until we started with step one (analysis/selection) and I realized that worse than it looked. 

In Natalia's case I attribute the misleading first impression to one simple thing: shared hangers. She had multiple dress/skirts/shirt stored together on the same hanger and as we went through the closet she kept indicating that she had forgotten about alot of the really cute items we were coming across. After everything was said and done we ended up with a really nice pile of donations, as well as, consignable items. 

To Donate

To Consign

After all that business was taken care of the next (and last) thing to do was get it all back in the closet. As I mentioned before she was not utilizing her entire wardrobe due to the attempts at saving space by hanging different items on one hanger. She is more of a visual person than either of us realized. My suggestion: tiered hangers and some sort of visible shoe storage. We picked everything up at Target for probably less than she will get back on her consigned items and put them to work!

We sorted items by type (shirts, pants, skirts, etc.) and made special effort to make sure that anything she could wear to work would be easily seen and accessible. Almost everything was hung on hangers that could be hung on each other so everything was visible but, not necessarily sitting on the main dowel. This was what we ended up with:
 

That didn't include any of Natalia's warm weather items. She was content to put them in some form of storage but, I took a look at the unique shape of her closet and figured we could use that to our advantage! I came up with this extra mini dowel fastened to the shelf above which would hide behind her current wardrobe. This way it's perfect for storing summer items now but, when the weather warms up again she can put heavier winter items back there!

I wish I could take credit for the construction too but, that was all BF. He did an awesome job, you can't even see it unless you are looking for it. Overall, a one day whirlwind for a fresh wardrobe perspective! Totally worth it... If you need help with your closet and would like my help you can email me and I would be happy to lend my organizational skills for a nominal fee.

Friend Friday: Fashion Dos and Don'ts

1. What do you think are some of the top fashion don’ts? Anything that doesn't fit or is unflattering (too tight, too big, too short, too long) regardless of the trends.

2. What previous fashion don’t do you now wear with pride? I never used to mix patterns, which is obviously not the case anymore... I do it on the regular and LOVE it. I was so silly to think that it would be unacceptable.

3. Do you think there is a universal fashion do? I think universally speaking everyone needs to dress for themselves. By that I mean what they are comfortbale in and what is flattering on them whether it is colors, shapes, or styles!

4. What items lately, either recently in style or coming in now, do you think should never make it off the retail shelves? Rompers, they were so unflattering on 90% of the population in my opinion... sorry if you disagree but, I was one of those people.

5. In your opinion, is there any blogger, fashion icon, celebrity who some how manages to pull off some fashion don’ts and still look good? I think most of the style bloggers that I have come across each have their own unique ways of dressing some of which I don't think I would ever consider personal fasion do's but, they make it work and look gorgeous doing it!

September 24. 2010: Endless Meetings

I'm glad it's Friday but a little frustrated because it's one of those when the casual norm (and all my time) gets hijacked by meetings and I am forced to lean more twoards the business side of things or casual is gonna get it! Just kidding, casual will be returned to me next Friday in all it's comfy glory...

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Steve Madden; tigers eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown leather bag, Kooba  

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here and here:

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Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

 

I'm sticking with this and have finished another lotion and the first (of many) deodorant although, I threw away the containers before I took a picture. Do you really care? If so I will make sure to get that done the minute I have finished the next one. Thanks for all the support when I post these updates, I really appreciate it!

 

I have been working on putting a stand alone page for this challenge but, things have been crazy busy, hopefully I can get to it this weekend... It's not to late to join me in this or my fall trend challenge just comment (here for the trend challenge) and I will include you. I love having company!

• philosophy Raspberry Mousse Shower Gel
• Bath and Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Body Lotion
• Boots Mediterranean Bergamot, Orange, and Olive Body Butter
• Jergens Soft Shimmer: Skin Radiance Moisturizer
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
• Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Peony Body Lotion

September 23, 2010: Somewhat Autumn

This first day of fall doesn't really feel like fall yet but, the calendar (and my challenge) don't lie! Regardless, I have a meeting this morning at 8:30 (what is up with that?) so, I need to look put together despite the slightly ridiculous hour. I think this sweater with the pearls and these fabulous shoes really do the trick! I might even throw on a blazer to combat the morning chill and enhance the professional look! I know, I'm going all out...

• Top: cream sweater with natural stone collar embellishment, August Silk via Mom
• Bottom: red eyelet trim skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, birthday gift from mom a few years ago; brown leather tote, Bulga

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

"You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010

I have a confession... I have been SUPER tempted to buy things for fall. I know, it's the complete opposite of what I should be doing given my personal style challenge but, nevertheless I have been making a mental shopping list (ivory lace shirt anyone?) and popping into a few favorite stores to look for some new "must have" trendy items on the cheap. That is, until I realized that I already have so many of these things in my closet already and it would be a shame for me not to utilize them! Enter, "You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010!!

We've been here before but, I'll go over it again. Basically, the theme of this coming week for anyone who wants to join me is to form trendy outfits with things you already have in your closet. No buying anything new! I a little nervous about this one because although it was getting cool things are starting to warm up again. I have this awesome camel sweater that will not work at all in 80° weather but, I hope am sure I'll figure it out. It just seemed so apropos to announce this challenge on the first day of autumn tepid temps or not but, I digress... If you are interested in joining me please leave a comment with your name and a link to your blog, I will compile a list of all participants for the first post on Monday, September 27, 2010. Also, please grab the banner and link back to 260 Days, No Repeats,

Here are some Fall 2010 trends we can be inspired by:

• leather (or faux) jackets
• faux (or real) fur 
• animal prints
• camel (as the new neutral)
• military chic
• lace
• jewel tones
• longer skirts
• capes/ponchos
• chunky knits
• pants suits
• menswear inspired
• minimalism
• layers
• skinny pants/jeans
• pearls

September 22, 2010: The Right Time

I wanted to wear this dress the minute I got it (yes, I'm one of those people) but, since it was the beginning of August in one of the hottest summers in a while I decided to hold off. The black fabric, sleeves, and high neck definitely helped with that decision. But, now that the weather is cooling down (but, still warm) I excited to liberate it from my closet. Are there any items that you have been holding off on wearing until the weather cools down?

• Top: black dress, Maggy London via Unique Thrift Store/Mom. This was a great find! Maggy London dresses can normally run you anywhere from $100-$200.
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; black belt, from these Apt.9 via Kohl's pants; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.;  silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

September 21, 2010: Getting Back To It

Mondays are the worst and this Tuesday isn't feeling much better! I'll admit it: I am so burnt out from work (and life in general) that I am going to go insane if I don't get a vacation (hence some down time yesterday)! Thankfully BF and I will be going away in less than three weeks!! Part of me thinks that sounds a million years away but, when I check back into reality I know I have alot of things to get done in that short while. Ominous much? Perhaps...

Today I was feeling like wearing PJ's to work so I picked the next best thing: skinnies and an oversized sweater. I'm telling you, this picture does not do the sweater justice. It looks so much better in person AKA like a slouchy sweater not a potato sack... The outfit also works for the Young Professional's Committee (YPC) meeting I have to go to after work in the city. Speaking of work...

• Top: gray jewel drapey top, LOFT (now on sale)/birthday gift from mom
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach outlet

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Friend Friday: Work vs. Blog Wear

I stumbled across this cool new (to me) thing called Friend Friday over at Modly Chic and I am excited to participate!

1. When it comes to outfit posts on your own blog, be honest are they what you actually wore that day? Definately, that's why sometimes I don't update until 11 at night. If it's not I will let you know but, it hasn't happened yet!

2. For a fashion blogger, working in a corporate environment can be tricky. How do you mesh your day job with your personal style choices? Almost everything in my closet works double duty. While my office is techincally business casual I think it is more twoards the latter of the classification.

3. When you get dressed in the morning, do you think what should I wear to work or what should I wear for the blog? It's definately a combination. The vast majority of the time I dress for me and my life, whatever that entatils ex: work, errands, etc. But, sometimes (especially when I am taking part in a theme week or something like that) I think about how to make what I have in my wardrobe work for that. Although, I still need to be work appropriate (and comfortable) either way.

4. Do professionals you interact with ever make comments about your clothing choices? For sure! It doesn't happen everyday but, when it does it puts a smile on my face because it is always positive. Although, I doubt that anyone I work with on a daily basis would say something negative about what I was wearing. If you don't have something nice to say...

5. Some bloggers openly admit to wearing outfits only for the blog post. What's your opinion on that? If that's what works for them then YAY but, personally I wouldn't bother unless I was trying to illustrate something specific not, I actually spent all day wearing PJ's but, I put this on for a picture.

Weekend Wear: A Multipurpose Outfit

As I mentioned yesterday, I have a million things to do today! Well, maybe not quite that many but, half a million at least and they all involve some serious travel throughout the day. I was looking for an outfit this morning that could work for all these different events and still be comfy in the car while trekking in between and walking around once I get to the city later this evening. You know: not too fancy but, not too casual... What's a girl to do? Enter jeggings, embellished tank, and comfy cardigan! This kind of outfit (or some variation) is going to become my weekend "uniform" for the fall, I just know it!

I'll tell you a secret, I am not quite ready for the cooler weather. While many bloggers (and friends IRL) are talking about how happy they are for this season change I don't know if I am really that excited. I love the warm weather and the summer (even ones as hot as this one.) I am lamenting this one coming to a close (I only made it to the beach once!) My hope is that when I start shopping my closet (hint, hint... details to come) for fall trends I'll get more excited...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

September 17, 2010: Stripes and Flowers

Sorry for the late post. It really has been quite a week and this is the earliest chance I got to let you see my outfit today. The sad thing is it isn't over; I have to go to work tomorrow (yes, I know... it's Saturday) then it's my grandmother's 89th birthday celebration (Happy Birthday Mamá!) and some birthday gift shopping with BF for his little cousin (she's turning 16 and I'm thinking a little blue box might be in order) But, I digress... As I have discovered this week stripes go with EVERYTHING so, I decided to keep it going today by layering a long sleeved striped t-shirt under a short sleeved flower patterned one... I think it translated well to casual friday.

• Top: floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target 
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

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September 16, 2010: Stripes and Stripes

In this impromptu pattern mixing theme week I have tried polka dots, stripes, florals, and plaid. I think it's been going well! Each day I get a little more comfortable putting together outfits that I would normally consider out of that zone. You know... the one of comfort? Anyway, one thing that I have realized (and maybe I'm the last one) is that stripes are the universal pattern mixer, they go with EVERYTHING!! Originally, I was thinking of pairing this navy and white shirt with a polka dot skirt but, it's another early day and these pants are super comfy. Which left me with a new connundrum: what pattern to mix with this top? How about more stripes? I think it works perfectly, don't you?

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; navy tank top with silver stripes (for the modesty), GAP
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

September 15, 2010: Early Morning Again

It's been a while since I had to wake up super early but, today is one of those days. I could totally go back to bed but, unfortunately I have some things to take care of...  While I want to be comfy and pajama-like I have a job fair to go to later today so (unfortunately) that can't happen. Instead I am keeping the pattern mixing thing going with polka dots and stripes!

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); polka dot scarf, New York and Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, and here:

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