Fashion

Dressed to Kill

As promised from the previous post- here is your “How to Dress to Kill” on an interview! To make life easier for you and I, I have pulled examples of my own outfits as well as outfits from other places that have inspired me!

Keep in mind that when you are picking out an outfit for an interview you should always over dress and never under dress. Just keep in mind that you are trying to secure the job, you don’t have it just yet! A “go-to” outfit that will most likely never fail you for an interview is a pair of business casual slacks, blouse, heels, minimal jewelry & makeup.

LADIES

Depending on what type of industry you are trying to break into depends on how you should style yourself when going to an interview. Most likely jobs that are not in the business world ( finance, accounting, sales, IT, etc.) you have a little more flexibility. However, if you are trying to land a job within the business world- slack , blouse and maybe a blazer will be your ultimate go-to. ( But don’t worry- you can always dress it up and make it personal with some stylish jewelry and colors!)

Here are some of my past interview/work examples that work well!

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Maroon Pants-H&M
Creme Blazer- H&M
Black and Gold Peplum Top- Necessary Clothing
Flats- Jessica Simpson
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Polka Dot Blazer- Target
Creme Blouse- New York & Company
Black Slacks- New York and Company
Flats- Target

xxRae

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Lifestyle

Interviews: A Two Way Street

One of the biggest parts of your 20s is landing a job or internship. Although it may seem like an interview is a one way street, it is actually a two way street. Landing an internship or job for the sake of having an internship or  job will not help you in the long run. Make sure it is the right fit for you and is something that you actually want!

However, the hardest part isn’t getting the interview but it’s getting through the interview to get the job or internship. Whether it’s a Skype/phone/or in person interview the preparation and steps you should take are fairly similar.

PREPARATION [Phone/Skype/In-Person]:

No matter what kind of interview it is there are always a couple of steps that you should do to make the best out of your interview:

  •  Research Research Research!- It is important to research the person who will be interviewing you as well as the company. Having some background about the interviewer may make it easier for you to find common ground so they are most likely to remember you. In addition you should always do research on the company and the job you are applying for.
  • Know your resume like the back of your hand– This is crucial because they will most likely ask you to walk them through your resume…plus you may be nervous so it’s always a good idea to refresh your memory.
  • Resources/Supplies– Make sure to bring at least 5 copies of your resume as well as references. You never know who is going to sit it on your interview
  • Social Media Clean-up– Make sure you screen all of your social media platforms by making everything work appropriate (pictures, statues, etc). A safe thing to do is google yourself and see what comes up!
  • Transportation- I know it may be silly but make sure you have the contact name, number, and address of your interviewer. You never know how long it will take you to get there so allot at least 20 minutes leeway time for travels. ( You should be there at least 15minutes early!!)
  • Dress to Impress– Dressing for an interview may be one of the hardest things to do- however you should always dress more dressed up than you think–> see follow up post for How to dress for an interview!

SKYPE/PHONE:

  • For Skype make sure that you have the correct Skype name for your interviewer or vice verse.
  • For phone, make sure that your phone has 100% battery and is on loud !
  • For both: make sure you locate yourself in a quiet place without any distractions

DURING THE INTERVIEW [Skype, Phone, In-Person]

  • Body Language– Body language can communicate to people in ways that words can’t. Make sure you relay positive body language- this can be done simply but positioning yourself in an open and attentive position (up -right posture, uncrossed arms, etc). In addition, eye contact, eye contact, eye contact. Keep yourself engaged in the conversation or at least act like it!
  • Be Confident– It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous when going on an interview, the cure? CONFIDENCE. Act confident, be confident, and you will come off as confident.
  • Ask Questions– This may be one of the most important things to do during an interview. This is your opportunity to get a feel for the company and the interviewer and to see if you can envision yourself working there. Typically the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Your answer: YES YES YES.
  • Contact Information– Make sure you ask or confirm an appropriate contact number or email from your interviewer ( this will be used when thanking them!)

POST INTERVIEW

  • Post Interview Email– Within 24 hours you should send a follow up email to your interviewer thanking them for their time as well as any follow up questions you did not have time to ask them or forgot. This is crucial and sometimes the deciding factor when hiring someone.

c8aa6d1e31730a82be2822dac5b902b6xxRae

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Lifestyle

Challenges

Lets just face it. Challenges are pretty much a pain in the ass, but they do make life interesting.

In your 20s you face an innumerable amount of challenges whether it deals with your friends, family, relationships, school, or work. Challenges are constantly bombarding us, but maybe it’s for the better?

The decision between right and wrong is often not the problem. People in their 20s tend to know what the difference is between right and wrong  and if we should do something or not. However, when you come head on with a challenge all of that talk about right and wrong suddenly becomes a blur and you’re left with what the heck should I do right now…in this moment. So you think to yourself, “well I’m in my 20s, when is there going to be another time for me to do this?” or “it’s only going to be one time so it doesn’t really matter…”

These are the challenges that help shape us as human beings for our future. These are the challenges that separate the good from the great. These are the challenges that define who you really are.

xxRae

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Relationships

What’s the point?

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Advice.  Let’s be honest with ourselves, us girls always ask for advice whether it’s about what shirt you should wear, if you should put your hair up or down, what you should eat as a snack, should you work out today, should you do your homework now or later, is that bag really worth it, and the most famous what should I do about him.

From past experiences, I’ve always been the one to listen to everyone’s problems and give advice. And to be honest, I enjoy it…most of the time. One thing that irks me is when advice is given and it goes in one ear and out the other. What’s the point of asking for advice  when all you are going to do is do the opposite! I feel that if you are seeking advice from someone, you either trust that person or want to hear a different perspective other than your own. But if you keep on asking and asking and keep doing the opposite over and over again YOU WILL END UP ALONE, with 12 cats, in your lonesome (just kidding!) But really, if you are seeking for advice, consider it. I’m not saying that you have to take the advice and follow through with it but you should take it into consideration when making your decision. After all, you did ask for a reason right?

Now from a girl’s perspective, I’ll be completely honest- we think too much into things and make ourselves crazy while guys probably do the complete opposite…or so you think. I’m not really sure why we over think things but maybe it’s because we try to analyze the situation from every angle; trying to decipher what his next move will be or what he is really thinking. I think it’s safe to say that we are programmed to think a certain way as girls and the same goes for guys. We really aren’t supposed to figure out what the other is going to say or do. It’s part of the mystery of life and the thrill of it.

Bottom line here is: If you ask for advice constantly try and take it into consideration. If you don’t, stop asking.

xxRae

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Lifestyle

20 Things You Should Do While In Your 20s

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Your 20s are said to be the prime years of your life. The time where you don’t have the responsibility of kids or a family yet, you have enough independence and freedom to do whatever you want with whoever you want. So take advantage of it!

1. TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH. Fears are a funny thing. Everybody is always so skeptical or scared to overcome their fears, step out of their boundaries and take a damn leap of faith (myself included). However, this is the time to do it. Step out of your comfort zone. Go out with that guy that you normally wouldn’t be drawn to, karaoke at an open bar, sky dive, go to a coffee shop and start up a random conversation with a random stranger, do things you wouldn’t normally do. Overcome your fears. Take a leap of faith.

2. GO WITHOUT A PLAN. I’ve always been a planner whether it’s been for school, my career, my relationships, friendships, or everyday routine, I love to plan and I can’t help it. Take a drive somewhere by yourself or with your girlfriends and do not have a destination. Just get in the car with some tunes and drive. You have the rest of your life to plan out what you’ll do in the future. Take your 20s as the time to explore everything.

3. REKINDLE. No, I do not mean rekindle the relationship you had with your horrible ex. I mean rekindle a friendship that you had in the past. Call that person whom you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up. Overcome your fears ( look back at 1) . Suck it up, take a deep breath and communicate. It’s better to clear out all of the cobwebs now before it gets too late!

4. SPLURGE. Personally, splurging for me has not been a problem as I have been told to have a shopping addiction. However, when I say splurge I mean go to the store and buy that $500 watch just because, or that bag you’ve had your eye on for months. Go out on a financial limb now because when you leave your 20s you’ll have to start spending your money on other things and people. So trust me, get that one thing you’ve been dying to get!

5. ACCEPTANCE. One of the hardest things in life is to learn acceptance. There will be times that you will be rejected. Accept the fact that you won’t get the job or that guy. Acceptance is all about growing up and pouring your energy into something else. The way I look at it, is it’s an opportunity to move onto something different. It’s  motivation. Accept it and move on.

6. STOP COMPLANING. It’s natural for us to complain a lot. Whether it’s because we do not like the outcome of something or because we put ourselves into situations we don’t like. Listen up, you are the only who controls your life. If you don’t like something, change it- because you can. That’s the beauty of it.

7. 1 NIGHT. Have that one night to do something you would not normally do. That one night where you can be carefree, careless, and overall spontaneous. Have a one night stand, with a complete stranger ( just make sure he looks safe and clean), or stay out until 7am. Let go of everything and be wild for the night.

8. STOP BEING SO SERIOUS. One thing I’ve learned from being in my 20s is to not take everything so serious. Life is too short to take things so seriously and to care too much about things. Have fun. I know it sounds cliché but your 20s will fly by. So take this time to have that extra drink, cookie, or slice of cake. Stay out until 4am when you have to be up at 9am the next morning, and leave things to the last minute. Sit back and enjoy your life instead of planning every detail out. It’ll be a lot more fun.

9. BE ALONE. Learn to live your life on your own without depending on anyone. While you’re in your 20s you won’t and shouldn’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. It’s okay to be alone, in fact this is the perfect time to be alone because you’ll have the rest of your life to be surrounded by people. Be able to trust yourself before you can trust others. After all you can really only rely on yourself.

10. TRAVEL. Before you start a family of your own and have the responsibility of kids and a home- travel! Go to that island or city you’ve been dying to go to. Take off from your job now because you won’t have time when you age out of your 20s. Experience what the world has to offer, see what it has to offer, and embrace what it has to offer.

11. EAT WHATEVER, WHENEVER. Right now your metabolism is up and at em’. Spoil yourself and indulge yourself. Go for that second slice of cake or cookie. Eat as much as you can, whenever you can. After a night out with your girls, go to McDonalds or Taco Bell or the pizzeria. Don’t be ashamed.

12. LOVE YOUR BODY. As stated by J.Cole, “No need to fix what God already put his paint brush on” Love yourself just the way you are. Yes, I know it sounds so cliché and every one always has something they want to fix about themselves, but this is the perfect time for you to be self confident and embrace your own skin. We all strive to have skinnier arms and legs, or a bigger butt and breasts but if we all strived to be perfect we would be walking around like Barbie dolls ( which personally I don’t think is very flattering). So love yourself and your body, and be self confident- plus that’s what guys like anyway!

13. QUIT YOUR JOB (ONLY IF YOU HATE IT OF COURSE). I’ve had a variety of jobs during my short life time, from scooping ice cream to being an office bitch to selling sunglasses. Like many I had a variety of jobs so I could have money ( although I’ve been called a workaholic in the past). One thing for working at many jobs is if you don’t like it quit. If you aren’t treated right or respected for that matter quit. There are plenty of other jobs out there that are constantly looking for people. Don’t stay at a job because you are afraid you can’t find another one. There will be another one. Or you can always work on the corner…(just kidding!!)

14.  SAY YES! Say yes to anything and everything. Take whatever chance comes along, whether it’s to going on a blind date, a crazy adventure with your girlfriends, or something simple like staying up all night. Meet a ton of people, talk to strangers, and socialize! Later on in life not only will it be harder to socialize and meet people but you won’t have anytime! So take advantage and be that social butterfly!

15. VOLUNTEER. Helping other is always a great way to get involved with organizations and learn about how other people live. Try and participate in a mission trip or volunteer service through any community organization. Get involved with charities! Help the people who have made the world you live in so great. Give back while you have time on your side.

16. EXPERIMENT. Experiment with your life- careers, friends, love, fashion, music. Be open to changes and something new. It’s most likely that you aren’t sure of what you actually do like or don’t like. This is the time to figure it out. Find out what makes you you. It’s okay to not like something once you’ve tried it- you can just throw it away and start all over again.

17. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. Get involved in a relationship where you can’t stop thinking about the other person, where you have constant butterflies just thinking about them. Fall deeply in love and embrace that connection where you can be your best, your worst, and your most honest.

18. CRY.  It’s okay to break down once in a while. Give your tear ducts some exercise! Cry whether your happy, sad, or stressed. It’s healthy and you will feel much better, plus you should be self indulgent.

19. DATE SOMEONE OLDER. Just try it. Dating someone older will open up your mind to different perspectives and experiences. It will teach you to think differently and maybe even more maturely. (…so I’ve heard). Have the upper hand- or think that you have the upper hand, after all you don’t have anything to lose.

20. BE WORRY FREE.  You’re in your twenties! Have fun, go out, get drunk and pass out. It’s your twenties, there won’t ever be a time like it.

xxRae

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