Do Comfortable, Professional, AND Fashionable Shoes Exist?? YES!

Comfortable high heels, unicorns, and mermaids are all beautiful mythical things.  Or are they??  You can find beautiful pumps, but they're never comfortable, you can find comfortable shoes- but maybe they're not professional.  Well, my goal is to debunk this myth.  Read on!  (I'll leave the rest of the myths to the National Inquirer.)

The following quote perfectly describes the dilemma at hand: "Lawyers stand in court all day, business executives race through airports, and real estate agents are going up and down stairs showing houses. When you consider that all of that activity often takes place in painfully uncomfortable shoes, it is no wonder so many women professionals are looking for new shoe solutions."  In fact, possible problems can include:  hammertoes, dislocation of joints in the feet, and even stress fractures in the metatarsal bones. Yikes!!

So, what's to be done?  I've rallied up a few solutions:

1)Flats!  If you will be standing for long periods of time or will be walking quite a bit, keep them handy to change into.  Most of the time flats can fit in a purse, briefcase, or backpack!  I even know several friends who keep an extra pair in their car, desk drawer, or gym locker.

2)Tennis shoes! For those who live in the city and have to walk longer distances, you need to protect your feet, and this might allow you to walk at a quicker speed. However, I've never been comfortable wearing tennis shoes with business attire, so I just stick with flats for walking. (Puma makes some comfort shoes that almost look like professional flats: http://www.shop.puma.com/Winning-Diva-Bling-Ballerina-Flats/pna304000,en_US,pd.html&cgid=13120#!i%3D0%26color%3D01)

3)Inserts!  Not my favorite option because sometimes the inserts move around and can irritate your foot.  However, Dr. Scholl's makes some great options!

4)Know good brands!  There are a number of brands that tote comfort and professionalism, and you might find a pair that suits your taste!  Note: they can be quite expensive, but a really good pair can last for a couple years.  Here are some of my favorites: 

-Geox: My absolute favorite. A European brand that is carried by Nordstrom and can be found on Amazon as well.  Known as "the shoes that breathe." (www.shopgeox.com)

-Cole Haan: Paired with Nike to use Nike Air Cushioning to make the heel more comfortable.  Check out this gorgeous number, but beware of the price!(http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=135382&productGroup=135379)

-Sofft and Born: very similar brands with a similar look (and a nice sturdy heel!).  They take a while to break in, but they are SO comfortable after you get used to them! (www.sofftshoe.com and www.bornshoes.com)

-Naturalizer: Typically are really easy to walk in. (http://www.naturalizer.com)

5)Shape of the Shoe!  Ankle straps, wedges, and platforms offer the foot more support.  However, be careful that you keep these in the professional realm- typically pumps are more closely associated with professionalism.

As always: Be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.

Best Looks for the Workplace: Do's and Don'ts of Make-up!

The essence and purpose of makeup is to present your best self.  There has been a lot of debate as to where the line exists between not enough make-up and too much make-up. I would add to that confusion by saying: it depends on the individual!  I found some great tips from womeninbusiness.about.com, but before presenting them I want to tell you all: keep it natural, elegant, and be confident!

• If the first thing people notice about you is your makeup- you are probably wearing too much or the wrong colors.
• Too much makeup can make you look gaudy, older, and like you are on the prowl.  Send the right message to others by keeping makeup light and fresh.  Heavy makeup under office lighting does not do any woman justice, in fact, if your office has fluorescent lighting any makeup you wear will appear heavier than it would under incandescent lighting.
• Dark colored, bright red, and heavy lipstick is fine for evening events but keep lipstick colors pale and sheer for the office.

Like the tips say, wearing too much or too colorful makeup can communicate all sorts of messages that you don't want to be sending: not confident, too gaudy, too self-absorbed, or, my favorite: "on the prowl."  So I stick with my message: the more yourself you are, the more people will respect you!  I've attached some pictures, I hope they help!  Comment if you have questions!! (I'm not a makeup professional, but I have makeup artist friends!)

Interview Prep Part 2: You've got a suit on, does the rest matter? YES!

Sorry girls.  Having a suit on isn't the catch all.  Your whole first impression needs to align and say to your interviewer: I'm professional, prepared, and put in the time and effort to show you I want this position!   Thus, let us discuss other helpful accent pieces and possible deal breakers: accessories, hair, and anything else you may have on or with you!

1)Hair:  So many possibilities!  I'll pose a couple options, but feel free to contact me if you have specific questions.

• Down- I once tried not to laugh when I had a girl walk in with her hair done as if she were going to prom- you know what I'm talking about right? The hair-sprayed crisp curls?  Maybe she DID have a prom that night, even though she was about to graduate college.  Either way, stick to your natural look.  If you straighten it, don't go too crazy, but if you decide to curl it, just stick to something simple like curling the ends.  Make sure it looks nice... everything in moderation, right?
• Up- I think a pony-tail or bun is completely fine!  It can look sleek or sophisticated (and if you have a tendency to play with your hair when you're nervous, this might help you take away the temptation!). Keep it age appropriate though, you don't need to look like a 70 yr old librarian.  
• Half-up half-down- this is always a good "I can't decide between up or down so I'll do both" look.  And it typically flatters any face shape.  Just make sure any elastics you use aren't 80's scrunchies or bright yellow.  Match your rubberband or barretts with your suit color.

2)Accessories:  SO MANY OPTIONS!  Remember, less is more.  

• Nylons- I personally avoid them at all costs.  However, if it's the middle of winter, I would suggest wearing them especially if you are wearing a skirt suit!  If you go with nude, make sure it matches your skin tone, and if you go with darker tights, promise me that you will only wear the "sheer" shades.  Mat dark tights are really only meant as fashion tights and don't look professional.  
• Scarves- Scarves are one of my favorite accessories, but I don't suggest wearing one in an interview.  It can detract from clean, sharp lines created by a suit.  
• Glasses- Is it true glasses make you look smarter?  I haven't checked for statistics, but it can create a more "serious" look.  But you don't have to wear them to prove a point.  I think glasses are completely personal preference, and in all cases, stay away from excessively bright or funky frames.  (And don't walk into the office with your sunglasses pushed to the top of your head!)
• Jewelry- The more simple, the better.  Dangly earrings, statement or chunky necklaces can all be very distracting.  I usually just stick with simple studs.  And if you find that a necklace is absolutely necessary, stick with a VERY simple one (and stay away from long necklaces).  Also- I can't live without a watch, so if you wear one, make sure it's classic and goes with your suit, and try to avoid looking at it!  (And this goes without saying, but toe rings and ankle bracelets died in the late 90's).

3)What to carry??

• Portfolio-This is the best option: sharpest looking, simple, and the easiest.  All you need in an interview is typically your resume and something to take notes on.  (I have a portfolio with a zipper section where I store my car key... and I leave my phone in the car!)
• Purse- Only take it if you have no other alternative.  You don't particularly need to apply lip gloss every few seconds!  And if you worry about leaving it in your car (for safety reasons), try storing it in your trunk.

I hope this was helpful, but I'm sure I missed something!  If you have questions, tack them below in the comments section, and I'll be sure to address them in subsequent blogs.  

As always: Be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.

Girls: Want the Job? Here's How to Dress for the Interview!

Tomorrow is the big day.  It's late at night, and you really should go to bed, but you just can't decide- what should you wear for your important interview tomorrow?? And you haven't even started thinking of shoes, accessories, perfume, and the portfolio vs. bag vs. purse dilemma!

There are so many opinions out there, but lets get to the root of the issue: how can you make a great first impression and get the job?!  Although many people much more experienced than I am, I conducted somewhere between 1,400-1,700 interviews in the past three years, so I have developed a bit of a strong opinion on the issue.  Especially as it pertains to females- as I believe I've seen more variance in their interview attire.  This post is going to be PART 1 and will focus on how to dress.  PART 2 will focus on accessories and other tips!

So, first things first-  whatever your outfit choice is, make sure it fits the culture of the company.  What type of company are you interviewing with?  If you're interviewing with a company centered in the arts, fashion, or even tech- they might see your outfit as a way to get a sense of your personality and artistic sense.  BUT- in all other cases, all professional companies (or any company run by those of older generations) will expect you to arrive in professional attire.  So read on!

I developed a quick and standard checklist, so hopefully your decision will be that much easier: (and remember this is targeted to the female audience!)

1)Clothes: 

• Suit- Wear a suit especially if you're interviewing with a financial company or where highly competitive.  I recommend sticking with conservative colors (black, charcoal, or navy).  I have occasionally seen a sharp looking tan or brown suit, but your safest bet is to stick with darker colors.  In the pantsuit vs skirt suit debate, I'm neutral!  Go with whatever fits your body type best (you'll feel more confident and happy).  However, if you do chose a skirt suit, make sure the skirt at least comes to the top of the knee, and doesn't have a slit higher than two or three inches in the back!  
• Blouse- Stick with classic colors (white or light blue).  A white blouse makes your dark suit look sharp, and blue blouses evoke a sense of calm.  Stay away from other colors (yellows, reds, etc can tend to cheapen the look or be too overpowering).  Stay away from low cut or silky tops- you're not going to the club!  You don't want anyone to be distracted by what you're wearing. You want them to focus on your personality and what you're saying!

2)Shoes: 

• High heels- Yes- you can wear them! ONLY if you wear them correctly.  I would stick with closed toe, dark shoes with a 2 in. heel or less.  High heels can make any look classy!
• Flats- These work as well.  Stay away from flats that have excessive bows or sparkly things.  Again, you don't want to cheapen your look.  Stick with dark colors that compliment your suit.

Stay tuned for next week's post, and you'll be sure to be successful!  And don't forget: Be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.