How to find a cause you love and get involved

[Photo by hobynye]

You probably see my many posts on Facebook and Twitter about Dress for Success Miami - that's my cause. Volunteering and getting involved with a cause is a great way to help others, meet new people and add some life into your work/life balance.

But where do you start? There are thousands of causes out there, all with good intentions. How do you select the one that's right for you? First, think about the following:

Your heartstrings
What pulls at you? It could be injustice, poverty, animal welfare, homelessness or any number of things. But if you are going to spend time and energy in cause, choose one that you feel personally drawn to.

Your experience
What have you done or been through that can help others? Perhaps your days as a food server in college can be channeled in a soup kitchen. It could even be a match of professional skills – I started volunteering with Dress for Success Miami by offering communications, writing and marketing services pro bono (and I still do).

Your time
Be realistic here – how much time can you commit to helping out? Is it once a week? Once a month? For certain events? It could even be taking on administrative projects you can do on your own time or in your own home. Knowing this beforehand will keep you from getting in too deep too fast and not enjoying the experience.

Now that you've picked a cause, ask around or do a search on Volunteer Match or Idealist to find an organization close to you. Contact them to get an overview of the organization and get to know the people running the place. If your gut doesn't feel good about it, it might not be the right organization for you, but don't get discouraged.

Some easy ways to get involved:

• Volunteer. Most nonprofits, especially local ones, have more demand than capacity. Find out how you can help out as a volunteer, whether it's helping deliver services (like mentoring or tutoring), staffing events (a personal favorite of mine), doing manual labor (think Habitat for Humanity) or helping out in the office (like data entry or answering phones).

• Donate/Fundraise. Time is valuable, yes, but some things do require money. Can you donate some funds? You can even help organize a fundraiser or 

• Pro bono services. If their needs fit your professional expertise, consider offering pro bono services. This is common for areas such as public relations, accounting and legal services. It helps to define a scope and set some expectations.

What does it mean to be on a nonprofit board of directors?
To be honest, I knew very little about nonprofit boards before I joined one. First and foremost, board members serve as ambassadors for a cause – representing the organization, spreading word about their good works and building relationships and good will. Most nonprofit boards also provide financial oversight and accountability for the organization. For philanthropic nonprofits, such as charities, arts organizations and those that thrive on donations, a large part of a board member's duties will include fundraising.

Are you involved in a nonprofit or volunteer cause? How did you pick one and how are you involved?

New job checklist: part II (or part I)

Now that you know what to update and what to do once you're in the job, let's backtrack a bit. Technically this part precedes that part (and technically this post preceded that post, it just got lost in my drafts), so I'm not sure whether this is Part II or Part I.

So here is the rest of the checklist (the beginning of the checklist?) for your shiny new job.

What to know

• Daily schedule and hours of business, including lunch hours
• Dress code
• Vacation/sick day procedures
• Holiday schedule
• Pay schedule and how to report time
• Performance review schedule and procedures
• Parking arrangements and permits needed (if any)
• Best rush hour route (and how long it takes)
• Available amenities (kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, water cooler, etc.)

Who to know, aside from your superviser and coworkers

• HR representative
• IT person
• Payroll 
• Administrative staff in your department

Did I miss anything?

From the archives | Shoes, belts and unmentionables

I've published nearly 600 posts on this blog in almost three years (eek), with some of my most prolific blogging days back near the beginning. Enjoy some of these oldies but goodies from the archives!


Underneath it all - A good fit starts with a good foundation, so check out these tips for picking the right daytime underoos.

How to accessorize with belts - From the fun to the frightful, a little walk through my discovery of belts.

How high is too high?  I love a good heel as much as the next gal, but there office appropriate heels and there are non-office appropriate heels. Do you know the difference?

Walking the halls, not the streets - How to wear knee-high boots without looking like a hooker.

How to wear jeans to the office - No elaboration needed.

New job checklist

You've got the job.  You've transitioned smoothly out of your old position. Now what?

The whirlwind of starting a new job can be overwhelming. Time is a-ticking, though, so make sure you do a few things before the new job becomes old hat.

To help you out, here is a new job checklist (also a downloadable PDF). Some of these should be done immediately (like benefits enrollment) while others are just nice to do eventually (like updating your Facebook).


Update these

• Resume. The best time to add in a new job to your resume is right at the beginning, when the job   description is handy. Though your initial entry may be a near cut-and-paste, it will be much easier to change it as your job evolves than trying to hunt it down later. 

• Emergency contacts. If you have listed a daytime contact number anywhere (for example, kids' schools or childcare, condo associations, etc.), you'll have to swap out your old job's phone number. I usually put in my cell number for personal reasons, but if you're comfortable with it, you can put your new job number, too.

• LinkedIn and other professional and/or social media sites. If you have any personal memberships to professional organizations, or just Facebook, don't forget to update those, too. LinkedIn is especially important to keep up to date – it lets your professional network know where you've moved on to.

Do these

• Reevaluate your retirement plan. Whether you have a plan through your previous employer or a personal account you contribute to (or both!), now is the time to assess your retirement planning and saving. Take into account the benefits, if any, offered at your new job. Things you may consider - rolling over your 401k, increasing or decreasing your annual contributions, or the balance of investments in your portfolio.

• Revisit your budget. Your new job probably comes with a new salary, so make sure you can meet your budget. Or just look at how much more savings you'll be able to squirrel away – that's always good, too.

• Update your references. You've probably already thanked your references and let them know the outcome of the search, but it's always good to keep the lines of communication open. Now is also a great time to reach back out to any new references you approached at your most recent position (if they weren't references already).

• Benefits enrollment. Most employers give about 30 days for initial enrollment in benefits programs, and many will give you a packet of information before you start to begin musing over. Take inventory of what's being offered and find the plans that work best for you.

Once you're in the office

• Get set up. Make sure you have (or will be getting) all the things you need for your new job, such as a computer, keyboard, phone, etc. 

• Meet and greet. Who will you be working with and what will your priorities be? Sometimes your boss will have it all ready for you, but if not, it's a good idea to identify those you'll be working with closely and get to know them and what expectations they may have. 

• Set a regular schedule. Your new job may have different hours than your old one, and though the difference may be small, it could throw a hitch into your regular routine. Try a few things during your first few weeks on the job and find your rhythm again. If your employer is flexible, it may mean customizing your work schedule to your other obligations.

• Set goals. You probably know what you'll be doing, but now that you're there it's time to set some tangible goals. This is how you'll be evaluated at your first review. Be realistic but don't be afraid to aim high.

• Jump on in! The best way to get acclimated to something new is to just jump on in. Your employer has already shown they're confident in your abilities, now shine!

Download the PDF checklist here.

What do you think are must-dos when you get to your new job?

The Shoe Grid [infographic]

Not all shoes are created equal, and not all are appropriate for each outfit. Pants and skirts of varying cuts and volumes look different with pointy-toed shoes than with round-toed ones, so how do you pick a pair each morning?

Have no fear, the Shoe Grid is here. Check out this handy guide to get the look you want.

Embed Code:

I left off square-toed shoes, because they are rarely seen these days (though I am a fan of them in flats and boots). Those go much better with pants than with skirts.

What toe-box is your favorite? How do you decide what shoe goes with what outfit?

How to wear lace in the office

While cold weather never really hits Miami, the winter season has me longing for texture after seasons of breezy floaty stuff. Cozy knits can be too warm (except for in an air-conditioned building), but lace is a great alternative to add another dimension.

I'm a little torn on lace in the office, though. While it is a classic fabric that has been around for centuries, it also often evokes sexy lingerie, which really shouldn't be visible in an office environment (whether you wear it for your own knowledge is up to you). I'm a bit of a prude —I still haven't worn anything more open than peep-toes in my workplace so maybe it's just me—but I'm determined to branch out, starting with this top I got a few weeks ago.

Super-conservative offices (like law firms or banks) may not be the right place for lace at all, but if your workplace is a little more lenient, here are some tips on keeping lace ladylike for the office:

• Cover up underneath (more than just a cami). Avoid flesh-tones underneath, too, lest folks mistake it for actual flesh. As with regular clothes, bra straps and bras should not be visible. 

• Watch your colors. The lace and underlying layers should be complementary. I personally love the subtle look of tone-on-tone lace (with the under-layer in the same color).

• Keep the silhouette conservative. This goes for both cut and fit. A lace skirt looks much more ladylike at knee-length than mini, and with a little give instead of skin tight. Anything that could be mistaken as a bustier or lingerie should be avoided.

• Take care of snags. If you're a klutz like me, minor snags are bound to happen on any fabric other than sturdy cotton. Keep your lace looking neat by using a straight pin or safety pin to push the snagged threads back through the fabric so they're not visible on the surface.  

• A little goes a long way. If you're not quite comfortable with statement lace just yet, there are plenty of intermediate options for you. Try it out a little at a time.

Tops: Manoukian lace-accented sleeveless top from Saks, Chaps lace overlay top from Kohl's; Bottoms: Dorothy Perkins lace-edge skirt, ASOS pencil skirt in lace; Dresses: Cap-sleeve lace dress from JCP, Melonie lace fit & flare dress from Kohl's; Jackets: Maurice's lace trim blazer, Charlotte Russe hot coral lace blazer; Accessories: Milly floral lace print iPhone case from Saks, Accessory Street lace shawl from Loehmann's. 

What do you think about lace? How do you make it office appropriate? 

Summer Work Staples: The Peep-toe

Continuing the summer style series, today we explore the peep-toe. Whether you like it in pump, wedge or flat form, we all enjoy a little extra air down there in the summer. I'm a fan—I have basic peep-toe pumps in brown croc, black leather and nude patent to keep me covered.

Uber-conservative offices are generally closed-toe year-round, but if you have a more relaxed dress code and can toss in a little toe here or there, here are some things to consider when shopping for and styling peep-toe pumps for the office.

• Peep a little, peep a lot. Even among peep-toes, there is a lot of variation, from a tiny cut-out vee to an entire exposed toe-area. Try a few styles on to see what you're most comfortable with. The more conservative your office is, the smaller your peeping area should be.
• Coverage. Keep the rest of the shoe more conservative in coverage. I recommend saving the peep-toe d'orsays or slingbacks for events rather than office wear. Peep-toes in open lace (unlined), crochet, or other open fabrics are also not for the office.
• Color. I'm a big fan of working color into your work wardrobe, and shoes are no exception. Keep the look balanced by pulling a single color from the rest of your outfit into your shoes, or by accenting an otherwise neutral outfit with a pop. Leave the ultra bright neons at home unless you're in a very creative environment.
• Embellishments. Add a little pizzazz to an office shoe through texture or try something with a little embellishment (buckles, bows or cut-outs are pretty easy to find). A mary jane, t-strap or ankle strap are also fun spins on a classic peep-toe pump.
• Perfect the pedi. A messy or unkept pedicure can make even the chicest peep-toe look bad. There's not need to go out and spend money on regular pedicures (unless you're into that kind of thing), just make sure your nails are clean and clipped. If you do go with a color, make sure it is office appropriate—you have a little more leeway on your toes than your fingers, especially in summer, but don't go totally crazy.
• Wear with...anything. Peep-toes are pretty versatile in the office. They look chic with a knee-length dress (any shorter and it can look like too much skin) or with a pair of floor-skimming pants (or some skinnies on Casual Friday). 

Some fun office-appropriate peep-toe styles:

Pumps
Platforms

Are peep-toes part of your summer shoe collection? How do you keep them office appropriate?

On writing better

Whether you're writing executive briefs or emails, you probably write more in a day than you realize. Even if you're comfortable writing the daily stuff, most people can get overwhelmed and intimidated by larger writing assignments or the thought of writing something for fun.

Learning to write well doesn't happen overnight, but the steps to get there aren't that difficult. Here are a few easy ways to get on the path to better writing.


Read good writing
The thing I enjoy most about reading is immersing myself in good writing, whether in books, magazines or online publications. When you're familiar with what good writing sounds and looks like, you'll be able to recognize it and practice it yourself. In the same vein, reading crap all day long can neutralize your ability to recognize bad writing and fix it. Junk in, junk out.

Write often
Practice makes perfect. The more you write, though, the more comfortable you will be with writing. Plus, getting words down on paper (or on the screen) gives you a great starting point for editing. It sounds so easy, but can be difficult to practice. Play around with different formats. I'm usually busy with technical proposals, marketing copy, reported stories or blog posts, but I've also dabbled in essays and fiction (very light dabbling) and want to try other types of writing as well.

Share it with others
Get a second or third opinion to see how effective your writing is. Do you have a weird habit or resort to a single type of sentence structure? Getting some outside feedback can be great for developing your voice. Even a simple business email can benefit from a quick review—how is your tone coming across? Find a friend or two you trust, and give them some context for why you're writing to help them get into the right frame of mind.

Play editor
Here's a fun experiment: take a piece from a magazine or website and look at it through an editor's lens. How would you restructure or reword the piece? Is there a better way to get the point across? Think about the things you like and things you don't like about the piece, and then experiment with applying that to your own writing. By editing other people's work for a living, I pick up on common pitfalls and personal preferences, which often come to mind when I'm writing my own stuff.

Stay humble
Writing is not one of those skills you "master" and then leave alone like building the perfect ship-in-a-bottle. That mindset will ruin your writing—in my experience those who are cocky about their writing ability are also in dire need of a good editor (not to be confused with a confident or self-assured writer). Every new piece is a blank slate, and it doesn't care how many awards or A+s your last piece accumulated, if you don't work at the one, it will still be crap.

What do you write? How do you stay sharp?

Five ways to dress up a T-shirt and jeans

My go-to outfit has always been a solid-color t-shirt or tank and jeans (currently this tee and this tank...I have each in 4-5 colors. I'm a creature of habit).

As I'm exploring dressing up more on a daily basis, I've learned a few easy tips on making a basic t-shirt and jeans look a little less basic from the bottom up and found some affordable pieces to help you on your way, too.

1. Forbid the flip flops and most sneakers. Just about any non-flip flop and sneaker option can make a t-shirt and jeans look instantly more polished.

More Rialto...

2. Just wear jewels.  A statement necklace adds an embellished collar and a chunky watch anchors the look.

More Asos...

3. Throw on a layer. A fun blazer or cardigan turns your t-shirt and jeans into something else.

More Design History...

4. Scarf it up. We all know scarves are a great accessory when it's less than pleasant out, but a gauzy or silky one can make the seasonal transition (or switch it out for a sarong on the beach).

More Betsey Johnson...

5. Use your head. Not just hair accessories and hats, but fun hairstyles, too. I always feel more put together when I have a good hair day. Check out some reader hairstyles and various hairdos I've worn over this blog's life. For other hair ideas, I really like the tutorials on the Beauty Department and YouTube.


Some of my t-shirt and jean-based outfits:

How do you dress up a t-shirt and jeans? Or do you have a different go-to casual combination?

Summer Work Staples: The Shirtdress

I don't know about where you are, but it is not spring anymore in Miami (it's not full-on summer yet, either, so I'll enjoy the 88 degree/70% humidity weather while I can). Summer in the office can be a touchy balance, but it's no excuse to let your style wilt. I'll be focusing on some summer style staples over the next few weeks (months? We'll see how many I find) and offering some tips to make them appropriate for the office.

First up: the shirtdress.

I've harped on shirtdresses before, but I'd like to add some special summer notes:

• Length. It is tempting to go a little higher in the hem for summer, but your skirts and dresses should be office-appropriate length year-round. For the most part, this means no more than an inch or two (max) above the knee. 
• Fabric. Structured fabrics are always chic, but I do think you can get away with a nice silk for summer. Avoid anything too clingy or synthetic (breathable is best). Fabric makes a huge difference and can make a modest dress bearable in hot weather.
• Sleeves. Depending on your office, going sleeveless may be a year-round thing or a never thing. When in doubt, I'd choose sleeves. To avoid having to take a jacket or cardi on and off all the time, try a cap sleeve or short sleeve. Three-quarter sleeve dresses in a light breathable fabric can be super-chic, too.
• Double-sided tape. I'm a huge fan of wearing a slip under my dress at all times (or at least a half-slip) but I don't overheat easily. If you absolutely cannot bear to wear a full slip in the summer, make sure to double-stick tape between the buttons. If you choose to go slip-less completely (again, not recommended), I'd double-sided tape the whole way down.
• Pattern and color. It's summer, I get it, you want to lighten up. Have some fun and bring in some lighter colors and basic patterns, but keep your loud prints and colors for the weekend.
• Accessories. When wearing a more casual dress, accessories can take the look from one end of the spectrum to another. A structured bag and closed-toe shoes will ensure you don't look like you're on your way to a summer picnic.

Some ideas to get your creativity cranking...

Pumps
Day Dresses

Love a pop of color in the shoe and the light fun print of this dress.

Day Dresses
Flats

A rosy pink is feminine without being too sweet, and flats are the ultimate practical shoe.


Does your work wardrobe change in the summer? What staples do you rely on in hot weather?

How To: Barely there manicure

Sometimes less is more, and I think that is especially true for nails. Clean, well-kept nails are appropriate for any situation, and definitely for the office. Some women have a standing nail appointment to keep their pointers on point, but I prefer a DIY approach.

Everyone has their own nail preferences of shape, length and color. As long as your nails are clean and tidy, any length can be appropriate for the office (as long as they don't get in the way...you should be able to type just fine).

Tools

• Large nail cutter [similar]
• Buffing block (switch out every other month) [available]
• Nail polish remover
• Orange stick (disposable) [available in stores]
• Q-tip
• Nail file (I prefer metal because I can wash and re-use) [available]
• Cuticle cream [available | similar with remover]
• Base coat/nail hardener [available]

 
Before
My nails are uneven and the cuticles are a little scraggly. I have a bad habit of picking at my cuticles, so they're often rough and messy. They're also longer than I prefer (I usually cut the whites off completely).

Cut. I like to use a large nail cutter. I think they're designed for toenails, but they're much flatter in curve than the typical nail cutter, so I use them to get a flatter shape on top. Still, there are usually some weird angles sticking out here and there, which leads to the next step.

File. This is where the shaping really comes in. File in a sweeping motion from one consistent direction; don't saw at your nail! I usually do a few up-strokes along each side, too. Do this over the same paper/basket you cut your nails over, to catch the nail dust. It's ok if the edge is a little rough...we'll take care of that in the next step.

Buff. I like this buffing block (and its sister, the buffing stick) because it's super easy—just follow the numbers! Side 1 cleans up your filing job and Sides 2-4 are for your nail bed. If you buff your nails often, go easy on Side 2: Smooth Nail, because you don't want to wear through your nail bed. Since I do this on an almost-weekly basis, I only swipe 2-3 times per nail, and in the same direction all times (sort of like filing).

Condition. Rub the cuticle cream into your cuticles on all sides. If you have not touched your cuticles in a while, start with cuticle remover (follow directions on package; this stuff can be potent) and follow up with a cream for moisture.

Push back. Using the flat end of the orange stick, push your cuticles back gently. I do not recommend trying to clip or trim your cuticles; it can lead to infection (and that is not healthy). After the cuticle is pushed back, I rub any excess cuticle cream in again for good measure.

Clean the nail. If you plan to leave your nails bare, you can skip this step. But if you want to polish them next, use nail polish remover and a Q-tip to clean the cuticle cream off your nail bed (try not to get too much on your cuticles...they're still moisturizing!). Any residue on the nail (even hand soap) can weaken the bond to your polish, which results in peeling.

From here, the world is your oyster. I stuck with basic nail hardener today. Much better than before, wouldn't you say? And not bad for just a few minutes of work. Because I keep my nails short, I cut them once a week (usually Sunday afternoons while watching whatever sports game is on), but your home manicure will last longer if you're not always picking at your nails like I am. In between manicures, if I'm just relaxing and reading a book or watching some TV, I'll rub in some cuticle cream (right on over any polish) to keep things smooth.

Are you a home manicure girl or do you prefer the full service treatment? Share your nail tips and tools below!

How to accessorize with belts

Back in the business-casual shopping-diet days, I stumbled across the most obvious accessory ever: the belt. Before then, I only had one belt, and it was only ever paired with jeans. One of my first non-clothing purchases on my shopping diet (because what else do you do when you start a shopping diet but...go shop), was a red-orange skinny belt, and it has become quite the closet workhorse. I've since added to my collection, which now includes a range of colors and widths, and today I'm sharing some tips and examples for accessorizing with belts.

Create shape
Proportion is a delicate balance (and there are certainly many right balances). I'm a big believer in making your clothes fit you instead of the other way around, and belts are an easy way to do that when the balance is just slightly off from what you're going for. I like to add a belt to an otherwise loosey-goosey outfit or cinch a top to offset a straight skirt or flowy trousers.

Add color
My wardrobe is not all that interesting color wise (though that's something I'm working on), and especially with my love of neutral sheath and shift dresses, belts are an easy way to add color.

Fill belt loops
This never used to bother me before, but nowadays, when I have exposed belt loops, I have to fill them. They just look so lonely when they're empty. If you're not a tucker, this probably isn't an issue for you, but I like to tuck, and a belt is often the difference to keep the look clean.

Icing on the cake
Much like Portlandians like to put a bird on it, it's become common to just put a belt on it. No belt loops? No waistband? No problem. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

To belt or not to belt?
Sometimes a belt isn't a make-it-or-break-it item. It's purely optional, such as with decoration, or can create different shapes depending on your mood. Here are some examples of like outfits or pieces styled with and without belts.

When belts go bad
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but every one of these outfits had at least an entire workday of wear. What can I say...sometimes you gotta live with a decision for 8 hours before you realize you look absolutely ridiculous. We all have these moments, right? (Right?!?)

Tips for accessorizing with belts

• Too many layers or too loose of layers under the belt can cause bunching. Not pretty (see outtakes above).

• Consider where you wear your belts and plan their length accordingly. Belts that will fit on your waist (for shape or decoration) probably won't fit in your belt loops.  

• I equate belts with purses...check out the fabric/textile, the width/capacity and the accessories (studs, patterns, buckle type, etc). 

• As a baby step, try adding a belt on top of an existing waist seam or in place of a corresponding/built-in belt.

• If you don't have belt loops in your skirt or pants but want your fabric belt to stay put, use a safety pin in the center of the back of the belt (I like to put it vertically so it's slightly less noticeable).

• Loose ends? Knot them around the buckle or use some fashion tape to keep the ends from flapping (just make sure to keep extra tape handy in case the adhesive wears out, for example if you make frequent restroom stops or are on a shopping trip that requires disrobing).  

• Belts are one of the cheapest accessories, so go crazy! Thrift stores usually have a treasure trove of belts for $1 or less. The majority of my belts have come from thrift or vintage stores or swaps. The rest I bought on sale for $10 or less.

How do you rock a belt? What are your best tips for belting?

How to talk about politics (or not) at the office

 [William & Mary Law Library]

Growing up, I had it drilled into my head that there are two things you don't talk about at work: religion and politics. Personally, I'd add sex as a third topic to avoid, but still agree on the first two.

Politics is a hugely sensitive topic for some, though not all. People tend to take their politics personally, and issues and candidates can create an almost religious fervor, with folks evangelizing for the left or the right. Especially during campaign years, it may not be possible to completely avoid the topic, so here are some tips on how to avoid a potential sticky situation.

Be neutral. This is as much about the unspoken as it is the verbal. It's tempting to nod along with a speaker when they're talking in a group, but try to keep your body language as neutral as possible. You could also take the opposite tact and play devil's advocate to everybody and regularly contradict yourself, leaving others guessing about where you actually stand (which I personally think is sort of fun if you keep it light and low key).

Be a social butterfly. Even when you don't say anything, associating too closely with a group that is vocal about their politics may lead others (like your superiors) to indirectly associate you with that group's views as well. That doesn't mean you have to jump ship from a group completely, but it might be time to expand your circle to include others with differing opinions.

Be direct. We all have that one coworker who will ask the awkward question and put you on the spot. If you don't want to talk about politics in the workplace, then just say so. By making it about your own personal policies, it is less likely that people will take your choice as a slight on them. Just make sure to be consistent...word gets around.

Be funny. This is harder said than done (humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder), but if you can pull it off, try a joke. Perhaps you could start a mock campaign for your boss as a write-in candidate to lighten the mood—just make sure they know it's a joke and that you're not just trying to get rid of them.

Take it off site. If you have friends at work that share your political interests, or if you're campaigning for office yourself, save it for your own time and another place. Work should be a neutral zone, politically, but it is a valuable network, so if you do find others who share your interests, don't be afraid to strike up a friendship outside of work, too. Do not—really, please don't— display campaign materials (for candidates or issues) in your workspace.

If you work in a political office or for a politician, this is pretty moot, but for the rest of us, these tips can help avoid landmines. While most people can separate a others' political leanings from their professional work, keeping your politics to yourself can still save you from unnecessary disagreements or tension (you never know who's keeping score against you). And who doesn't want their workday to go a little smoother?

Do you mix political opinions into your professional dealings? What tips do you have for addressing (or not addressing) sensitive political topics at work?

Office supply hack: hemming denim

Though the average American woman is 5'4" and rocks about a 29"-30" inseam, the average inseam of "regular" size denim averages 33"-34". This makes it a lot easier to wear heels with your jeans, but we all need at least a few pairs of pants to go with flats. A few years ago, a friend referred me to YouTube learn how to hem jeans yourself without losing the original hem (like this video). It's easy, especially if you have a sewing machine, but I wanted a more temporary solution.

Why do I prefer temporary? Pants inevitably shrink over years of washing and wearing and then the hem doesn't fall right anymore (or I'm getting taller, but that's not likely). I usually buy jeans for heel height and then they eventually get transitioned to flat length after a while. The one time I did get jeans professionally hemmed (for heels, mind you), they were too short to wear even with flats two years later. It's not the dryer...I run my jeans through cold wash and air dry them. Does this happen to anyone else? 

My temporary solution: staples

You follow basically the same concept—cuff the pants leg up half of what you want to hem—and use staples instead of sewing it down. This usually lasts me about six months before I remove the staples and re-staple. I don't recommend doing this on thinner or more delicate fabrics; denim holds up really well, though. Here is a messy step-by-step.

The further away you stand, the more seamless it looks (noone actually gets this close to my feet). If you want a more permanent fix, YouTube has some great video tutorials.

Do you DIY your hems?

I rock the iPad

Left these at home for my trip, but brought them with me on the iPad.

For the first time in a long time, I went on vacation without my computer. Although I did have access to my parents study room, I went on it only once, to print my boarding passes for our return flight. I did, oh, about 5 minutes of actual work, too (reviewing my latest post over at the Daily Muse). Aside from those two tasks, I stuck to my phone and iPad, which more than did the trick.

I'll be the first to say I was skeptical about the iPad. And then I received one as a gift (thanks, M&B!), and now I'm addicted. I've had it for about five months now, and it's been a great tool. My favorite uses for the iPad?

• Reading. I wasn't looking for an e-reader of any sort, but I have to say, I read more now than I have in years thanks to the iPad. Not just ebooks (I use the Kindle app and iBooks, depending on price and where I have a gift card), but also magazines and blogs. Nearly all of my print subscriptions have digital counterparts that are free with my existing subscription. It really comes in handy when I don't want to lug a pile of magazines with me on a plane or to the treadmill. As for blogs, I use MobileRSS free, which syncs with Google Reader and easily opens posts in the browser when I want to comment.

• Blogging. I never thought I'd need it, but I bought a blogging app and love it (I use Blogsy). If I already have photos uploaded into my Picasa or if I'm using a creative commons photo from Flickr, it's super easy to get my text ready and publish from the iPad. More often, I type a post and then save to draft to polish and add photos on my computer. 

• Communication. Though I already have a smartphone, I prefer to use my iPad to respond to messages when I have it handy. I've also started using Skype and FaceTime since I've had my iPad. It's easier to hold than my laptop so I can walk around with it (I gave my friend a video tour of my apartment on our first Skype chat), and it's nice to be able to video chat with my iPhone-toting friends (I'm a Droid owner myself).

• Entertainment. I keep up with HGTV and Bravo shows through their apps, and have been known to like a few games as well. And then, of course, there are those Saturday mornings spent rifling through YouTube videos in bed.

Just to clarify, I am not an Apple fan girl. I've never even bought an Apple product (my MacBook is a hand-me-down). But I see iPads everywhere, and have found mine to be really useful. I hope this post will be useful for fellow iPad owners who want to get more out of their tool. There are many other tablet options out there that probably have similar features if you're on the market for one.

No iPad post would be complete without a link to this gem (possibly NSFW), which came out years before the actual iPad. Enjoy!

Tablet users—what are your favorite apps and uses?

Staying professional during pregnancy [Guest post]

Hi New Professional readers! I'm S. of Narrowly Tailored, and I'm thrilled to be pitching in for Angeline while she's away (returning the favor she did for me while I was on maternity leave a few weeks ago). Today, I'm tackling a topic that's fresh on my mind from recent experience: building a professional wardrobe while you're pregnant. 

My daughter M. was born just over a month ago, and I live in the mid-Atlantic, so my advice is slightly colored by having been barely pregnant in the winter and having gone through my third trimester during the hottest summer on record in our region (a fact I'll be sure to tell her when she gets older). I'm also a third-year law student who spent the summer working at two law firms in a major city with different dress codes, so I ended up needing clothes that fit a range of business casual to business-not-so-casual environments. In addition, like all of us, my body, my pregnancy and my closet are all beautiful and unique snowflakes, so your mileage may vary as to what works best for you. With that in mind, here are some of the things I wish I'd known about building a maternity wardrobe for the office:

• First of all: you can do it! You will have days where you don't feel awesome, and where nothing fits right, and you can't imagine buying one. more. piece. of maternity clothing. But I promise, it is possible to put together a maternity wardrobe for the office that is stylish, current and makes you feel fabulous in your pregnant body.

• Consider your office dress code carefully (I've written more about this here). In particular, do you really need a suit? Will your colleagues cut you a little bit of sartorial slack during your pregnancy? If you have friends at work who've recently had kids, ask them what their essential pieces were, and any stylistic pitfalls they ran into.

• Take a hard look at your existing closet. What might fit for a while longer? How heartbroken will you be if some of these pieces get stretched out in the process? How comfortable are you using a bella band and/or the rubber band trick to extend the life of your pre-pregnancy pants?

• Cast a wide net when it comes to sourcing maternity items. 

• Do you have a friend or a sister of a similar size who has recently been pregnant? Is there a clothing swap coming up among your friends or in your region? I had good luck "shopping" a size or two up early in my pregnancy at a clothing swap a friend organized. 

• Embrace shopping online. Many maternity lines are online only, so check your measurements regularly and be prepared to be a frequent visitor to your local post office to return things that don't work. Take advantage of free shipping whenever you can. In addition to brand-specific websites, try Zappos, Diapers.com, Figure8Maternity and Amazon.

• Consider renting if you need a specific piece for a special event, like a suit for a job interview or a dress for a formal event. Websites like Mine for Nine have some great options, but think about the true cost per wear of renting a piece: it may be more economical to purchase an item new (or used) and then resell it on eBay or at a consignment shop.

• Think beyond the Gap, Loft, Old Navy and Liz Lange for Target. I purchased a number of items from each of these stores during my pregnancy, and some of them were my MVPs. But for professional pieces and things I knew I was going to wear every day, I had better luck when I branched out a bit, to brands like Olian, Japanese Weekend, and Maternal America, many of which can be found used or new on eBay at huge discounts.

• eBay, eBay, eBay. I got so many of my key pieces from eBay, including a pair of discontinued Loft "real waist" trousers, two pencil skirts for less than $5 each, and two pairs of Olian work trousers late in my pregnancy (and on a semi-emergency basis) for $15 a pair. There's a high-volume trade in new and used maternity items available, and it can be a great source for hard-to-find items if you're willing and able to hunt for them.

• Don't do it all at once! While I tried to come up with the "one list to rule them all" early in my pregnancy of exactly what I would need, I quickly realized what a goofy idea that was. While I tried to prioritize purchases and think critically about how big of a capsule wardrobe I was acquiring, saving room in my budget and my closet to accommodate my changing body (and changing waistband preferences) as my pregnancy progressed was critical. 

• Be willing to experiment. Your body is doing a crazy and completely amazing thing! It will change in ways you won't expect, and in some ways you will. You'll be more excited about some of them and less excited about others. Take advantage of the freedom of an unfamiliar body to experiment with styles and proportions you wouldn't necessarily wear. You might surprise yourself with something you love.

• Stay true to what you love to wear. I thought about putting together a list of "essential" items here, but I realized the answer to that question is in many ways, way too individual, and also one to which you already know the answer. Think about what you love to wear to work now, and what kinds of things make you feel comfortable, put together and like your best, most brilliant self. Seek out the maternity equivalents of these items, or refashion or adapt your existing pieces to make them work with your changing body. You are doing something difficult and incredible, and you deserve to feel both fabulous and competent while you're doing it!

If you've recently had a child, what do you wish you'd known about building a maternity wardrobe? What surprised you most about dressing your pregnant body?

5 tips to create an outfit that helps you achieve your career goals [Guest post]

Hello everyone! My name is Virginie, I am a movie producer and small business owner and my blog is Virginie's Cinema. I started getting interested in personal style when I realized it could help me achieve my career goals. Since then, I have discovered many ways our wardrobe can be a tool in our success and wanted to share with you five basic tips to make your outfit help you accomplish your dreams. Every work occasion deserves a different outfit strategy, but these tips apply to all situations and all fields. Here we go!

• First, know what your goal is. You need to know specifically what you want in order to get it. Sure we all want success, but how do you define it? Do you want to get a promotion, be liked by everyone, establish your value in your company, get financiers to participate in your small business? You need a specific goal. My job is to get together the finances and organize the planning for the movies I make so my goal is always this: to convince and inspire—financiers, actors, service providers, my artistic team, etc. I have to convince and inspire them to come on my boat and row with me, although the seas will not always be clement. 

• Then, choose 3 words that define how you want to be perceive. A leader, an indispensable employee, an approachable and human boss, a feared business person...what do you want your clothes to say? I like to be perceived as a serious and ambitious but creative producer. That's why I'll wear something traditional for the workplace such as a pencil skirt (serious) but with a sweater instead of a blazer (creative) and am not scared to use bold colours like yellow (ambitious). Pick three words that describe the business person you want to be and translate them into your clothes.

• Stimulate imagination. By captivating the imagination we captivate the heart. And as much as we were made to believe business is emotion-free, it's not, even if only subconsciously. It's like publicity: no one is forcing you to shop at this or this store, you are choosing to because their ads stimulated your imagination and touched you. In today's world, you are your own brand and you need to sell yourself. How you look is definitely part of the equation. You want to choose an outfit that points to the goal you are looking to achieve and that shows you in your best light. You want to dress as if you have already achieved your goal so to inspire this energy in the people you are dealing with (and put it out in the universe!). I like to use subtle details like textured stockings or colourful shoes to add imagination to my outfits and like to be a little more dressed up than I really need to everyday to inspire, and hence create, success. 

• Be memorable. You don't want an outfit that is shocking and over the top but you want something that will make sure you are remembered. We meet a lot of people everyday and you need to stand out in a way that helps you achieve your goals. In a world full of grey, I find using colours is an enticing and creative outfit strategy. The people you work with need to keep a positive souvenir of you long after you have left the room so that when they need your expertise they will think of you right away.

• It's all in the details. Paying careful attention to the many details that make an outfit come together (accessory, jewelry, make up, nails, bag) says volumes about the care and attention you will give to your work, which is very important. It's a reflection of your work ethic.

I hope these tips are useful to you and I'd love to hear how they have inspired you and your work clothes! For more tips for the workplace, small business owners and freelancers check out my series You're the Boss Apple Sauce. We can all have the career of our dreams!

Thank you so much Angeline for having me over!

Virginie ♥

Shop this look!
Skirt: Vintage
Bag: Cole Haan
Shoes: ModCloth
Sweater: H&M
Pendant: Swarovski
Belt: Pretty Colourful Vintage
Stockings: Walmart

When a friend gets laid off

[Mykl Roventine]

In this economy, lay-offs are nothing new. As a child, I remember them being talked about only once, briefly. They were an adult thing. And then I got into the workforce, and the economy tanked (in that order, thank goodness). In the nearly four years I was at my previous company, I saw and survived three rounds of lay-offs. A few friends were also laid off from their jobs. As an employed person, I wasn't quite sure what to do or how to support my friends, especially since I had never been in that situation. But through the years I've learned a few ways to help a friend after they've gotten the pink slip.

• Be a listening ear. Unless you've been there before and have good advice to give, just sit and listen. Even if you do have advice, it's good to listen first. Losing a job takes a major toll not only on a person's income, but on their self-esteem and overall security. I don't know about you, but those are things that I'm not equipped to address.
• Offer to connect them to your networks. If you know the person to be reliable and you happen to know others in their field (even if they're not hiring), introduce them. It will help keep the recently laid-off friend in the circle of their industry and perhaps even lead to something more. One of my favorite people to refer folks to is my dad...he's super connected and almost always has good advice about positions or occupations that match the individual's skills, however high or low they may be. 
• Be sensitive about their finances.  Don't leave them out, just get creative. Help your friend's savings last longer by inviting them over for a potluck instead of eating out. Or watch your latest Netflix with homemade popcorn—don't forget the chocolate chips and hot sauce for customizing to your taste (I don't recommend them together). It's okay to pick up the tab every once in a while when you do still go out, but don't make it a habit or it will start to feel like charity.
• Maintain friendships with laid-off coworkers if you were close before. Being employed while a coworker is laid off is an awkward situation. There is no way to sugarcoat that. If you weren't friends before, you don't have to start now, but if your lunch buddy got axed, don't give them the cold shoulder, too. Just steer clear of employer-bashing or too much work talk, and definitely don't have them meet you at work.
• Be interested in their job search. Lay-offs are like the giant elephant in the room (or is it the pink elephant? Or the pink gorilla? Cliche schmiche): No one wants to talk about them, but is avoiding the topic doing your friend any good? Don't speak up if you're just reminding them about their situation. But if you know your friend is actively searching, ask them how it's going and encourage them to talk about it. Take the taboo away.

Have you ever been laid off or survived lay-offs at your company? What tips do you have for helping a friend or coworker through the experience?

Reader Question: Mixing beach and business

I received a great question from a reader in the comments recently and it really got me thinking. You've probably seen Lorena's blog, which includes her daily work outfits and glimpses from around her city (check out the big houses in her neighborhood...gorgeous!). But she has a dilemma.

I have a question I thought you might be able to help with. I have a huge convention coming up and after it ends my boss chose to invite a few of the participants—all men—to a fun weekend. The weekend will consist either flying to an island or taking a boat to the island and spending the night. The thing is, it is a work-business related trip that I am also invited to. BUT the thought of going and having to wear a bathing suit in front of these men is totally intimidating. I want to go but I want to keep it professional. Any thoughts?

I haven't been in the exact situation Lorena describes, but I have worn my swimsuit (a bikini, no less) in front of male coworkers before. The first time, a female superior was also present and wearing a bikini. The second time, our spouses were with us and we were on different sides of a super-crowded hotel pool (for what it's worth, it was the same male colleague as before). Super-buttoned-up folks will also be horrified to learn that the bikini revealed my tattoo, which is not visible when I'm fully clothed. ::gasp:: Kosher? Maybe not, but it happened.

Back to Lorena. Some questions to think about: What will you be doing on the island? Will there be any activities that require getting wet? Will your male colleagues be in their swimsuits? Is the outing structured and scheduled or will you be free to do whatever you'd like?

The easy answer would be: if you don't feel comfortable in a bathing suit, don't wear one. But if water activities are on the schedule and expected of you, you should be prepared to participate. Conveniently forgetting your beach wear could come off as being unprepared, which is not an impression you want to impart on your colleagues. If you know you may get wet but still don't want to wear a swimsuit, keep your cover-up on. That begs the question: what kind of cover-up is appropriate?

If you can avoid being in the water, a sundress and sandals can keep you covered up and comfy relaxing on the sand or even throwing a frisbee. If you need more range of movement, perhaps for a hike or sporty activity, try capris or bermuda shorts and an embellished tank or tee (perhaps something borrowed from your business wear in a casual fabric).

Day Dresses by Lands' End Canvas
Sandals by Report

Shorts by Tommy Hilfiger
Sleeveless Tops by New York & Co.

If water activities will be part of the mix, try a tankini with a top that looks almost like a regular tank or halter. Throw on some bermuda boardshorts for a look that's modest but water-friendly. Bonus—you can wear it to dine or shop without it looking like you obviously threw on shorts over a one-piece swimsuit. I'd recommend against wearing cotton into the water, because it's sort of awkward wearing clothes not meant for water into the water and afterward you'll be damp for hours. Wearing something that's meant for water, like boardshorts, shows that you're not only prepared for the situation but are game for whatever they come up with.

Two-Piece Swimwear by Volcom
Sandals by Madewell

I think the key to make casual beach wear a little more appropriate in a potential business sense is accessories. Although I wouldn't normally wear jewelry with a bathing suit, I might put on some simple (and cheap) jewelry—something that you don't mind getting wet or putting away in your bag and leaving while you're in the water. If jewelry is not your thing, a gauzy scarf or hat will do the trick as well.

Sunglasses by Fossil
Scarves & Wraps by Madewell

Ashley of Ashley Getting Dressed asked a similar question last year...check out the comments on her post for their take on swimsuits and coworkers.

What do you think? Do you have any advice for Lorena?