What to Wear - Career Events

As any savy college girl knows, it's never too early to start thinking about the future. College is the time to start building your resume, getting internships, networking with alumns, teachers, and fellow students, and preparing yourself for whatever career you wish to pursue.

As a freshmen, I haven't had much experience with career fairs and networking events. Yesterday, I attended my first career event. I thought it was an information session, so I showed up in a nice pair of black straight-leg 7 for all Mankind jeans, black booties, a black tank, and a gray cardigan. Imagine my surprise when everyone else was decked out in straight up suits and dress suits.

Turns out, it was actually a formal networking event, not an info session. Oh, and it happened to be with J.P Morgan, arguably the best financial services firm in the country.

First of all, I was not prepared for the event. I don't quite no what exactly an investment banker does or what's the difference between working in asset management versus in IB risk. I was in no way prepared to compete with the third years who aggressively sought out the J.P Morgan representatives and asked them poignant questions. Luckily, I came with a friend and feeling completely out of place, we dipped out after ten minutes.

But my lack of competence is another story. This experience did make me realize that I need to be prepared with several business outfits that I can wear to future networking events, career fairs, and interviews. With so many able applicants, it never hurts to hopefully make an impression by looking good.

The first set of outfits consist of the traditional dress-pants-and-blazer look. They're perfect for any type of career event, from career fairs to interviews.

These two outfits are professional yet chic at the same time. I chose tanks instead of the usual white collared button-up just because button ups can look so stuffy and manly, especially paired with a suit jacket. Save that for twenty years later. Just be sure that the tanks don't cut too low - cleavage is not something you want to impress your potential coworkers or boss with - unless you're applying for a position at Hooters.

The two options below are more creative and feminine than the two above but are just as appropriate. I'm personally not big on dress pants, so I would definitely prefer wearing a nice dress paired with a sharp blazer.

The thing to watch out for when wearing a dress or skirt is to make sure that the length is appropriate, which means miniskirt lovers out there - you must wear something that hits or is below the knee. If not, it's fine to wear tights underneath, but even with tights, the skirt should at least hit three-quarters of the way down your thigh.

In addition, you should bring a shoulder bag, not a clutch, since you'll be shaking lots of hands. Wear shoes that you're comfortable in and don't over accessorize - it's not a fashion show. Keep the makeup natural (no turquoise eyeliner or bright pink nails!) and come prepared with business cards that you can easily hand out to people that you meet.

Of course, unless you want to be a model, your appearance can't land you the job. However, unprofessional attire and behavior can hurt you in your career search.


What do you wear for business events? Do you have any interview/networking tips?

Style Guide: Designer Denim

If I had to pick one type of clothing to splurge on, I would choose jeans. Okay, you might be wondering, why jeans? They all look pretty much the same, right? That's what one girl in my dorm said after seeing an entire expandable rolling rack of my 20+ pairs of jeans in the hallway on move-in day. She laughed to her friend as she walked by, exclaiming "What is this? Uniforms?"

I heard her and had two immediate reactions: one, I was angry that she insulted my jeans. Two, I pitied her lack of fashion sense. I firmly believe that any fashionista should have an appreciation for designer denim. Since I laid my hands on my first pair of Miss Sixty jeans during sophomore year in high school, I've become obsessed with designer denim.

Over the years, I've built up a nice collection consisting of 5 pairs of 7's, three pairs of Citizens, two pairs of Rock & Republics, three pairs of Miss Sixtys, two pairs of True Religions (my absolute favorite), and some other random designer brands. My latest purchase over winter break was a pair of bootcut Marcianos that's become my new go-to pair. I'm also waiting for the pair of AG jeans that I just ordered on Gilt to arrive in the mail.

In my opinion, there's nothing like a pair a well-fitted designer jeans. That perfect pair can slim your hips, elongate your legs, look fabulous from behind, and be a total confidence booster. Since jeans can be worn pretty much every single day, they're a very worthy investment. Plus, designer denim last much longer than normal jeans and don't lose their shape or fade for years. I definitely get more wear out of my designer jeans than the expensive tops that I buy which only see the light of day (or night) when I go out to parties.

Here's my guide to some top brands of designer jeans:

7 For All Mankind

7's are less expensive than brands like True Religion and Rock & Republic and usually have more simple, everyday styles. I have a pair of 7's that I wear probably a fourth of the time because they're so basic and comfortable. I love the signature "A" pocket jeans, especially the ones adorned with Swarovski crystals. The length of 7's typically run a bit shorter than most designer jeans, which suits my 5'5 figure. The styles vary a lot, from tight-fitting to loose trouser jeans, from skinny to flare. I'd recommend buying a size up for the non-stretch styles as they can run a bit on the small side.

Rock & Republic

Rock & Republic jeans are probably my second favorite behind True Religions. The brand prides itself on its luxe yet edgy designs. The jeans are wonderfully made and last absolutely forever without fading or losing shape. Their innovative styles are always on the cutting edge of fashion and the brand has recently expanded to include high fashion handbags, footwear, and accessories.

Rock & Republics generally fit true-to-size and with so many styles out there, there's surely something for everyone. Recently, they launched a new Recession Collection which features the same quality and fashion-forward designs at a more budget friendly price. Perfect for college students who love designer denim but not the price tag that comes with them.

True Religion

In my opinion, True Religions are the royalty in the land of denim. Oftentimes heralded by hip-hop and R&B artists in their songs, I love them for their effortless, boho-chic look and their amazingly flattering fit. When I'm having a "fat day" or need a confidence booster, I turn to my True Religion "Billy" jeans and rock them with some black pumps or booties. Instant mood lifter.

Seriously, when a perfect pair of jeans can be a mood and confidence booster, it's worth that $300 price tag. Plus, with True Religions, you look fashion forward but never like you're trying too hard. The varieties are endless, including carefree vintage washes, effortlessly chic distressed styles, and stunning white varieties.

Of course, a designer denim guide is not complete without mentioning Acne jeans, which are supposedly the "best" jeans out there. I've yet to try on a pair so I can't comment, but I'll throw the name out there. Some fellow jean-obsessed friends of mine are big fans of Joe's jeans, which carry beautiful trouser styles, and Hudsons, with their famous logo of a British flag. As for me, I've been coveting some Rich & Skinnys.


Do you think designer denim are worth the splurge? Do you have a favorite pair?

Style Guide: Leggings - A Girl's Best Friend

I hated leggings all throughout high school. Maybe I was stuck in the jeans-and-T-shirt rut or maybe the girls at my school just wore leggings badly (*cough* as pants). However, after one semester of college in Chicago, I'm totally loving leggings.

They are so versatile and go with absolutely anything. You can wear them to class, for dinner at your boyfriend's parents, to go shopping, for a jog in the cold weather, for a night out, anything. And they're incredibly comfortable too.

Their soft and stretchy texture is amazing for those days after you've indulged in a little too much Ben and Jerry's or for sitting through those mind-numbing final exams. When you're scrambling to recall the difference between meiosis and mitosis or struggling to find the integral of some complex equation, the last thing you need is the uncomfortable feeling of the top of your jeans digging into your skin.

What do you think of leggings? What about the "jeggings" that are all the fad lately?

Below are two ways you can wear leggings, the first for going to class, the second for going out with friends:

With this look, you can be just as comfortable as the girl sitting next to you in class sporting the giant hoodie and sweatpants, but you'll look so much cuter. Another great thing about leggings is that they can be worn with any type of shoes. Well, except maybe not flip flops. They look great tucked under a pair of boots (as above), with booties of pumps, or you can even wear them with flats.

Going out look

I just got a pair of liquid leggings like the ones above over the holidays and I absolutely love them. They're so unbelievably soft and really feel like liquid on your skin. Plus, they're so trendy and edgy at the same time. Pair them with some sky-high studded pumps, a sequined clutch, rockstar bangles, a simple tunic top and you're ready to rock the town.


What do you think of leggings? What about the new "jeggings" that are all the fad this season?

Style Guide: Boots Boots Boots!

Boots boots boots. From the hate-em-or-love-em Uggs to Miley Cyrus' cowboy boots in Party in the USA to the kelly green Hunters that gets me through those gloomy, rainy days, I love them all. In the harsh Chicago winters, boots are a must-have for me.

Lately I've developed an adoration for those mile-high over the knee boots, which I first coveted after seeing them on Louis Vuitton's fall 2009 show. To my joy, various designers and fashion companies have made affordable versions this fall. Here's some of my favorites:

I'm a huge fan of the gray Chinese Laundry suede boots on the top right. Suede is such a versatile material and is great when you want to appear effortlessly chic on your way to class. It can also be dressed up for a night out when paired with a minidress or a tunic top. The top also folds down and can be cuffed into a knee-high boot.

Below are three possible outfits: one for going to class on a cold winter day, the other two for a night out in town. The color and fabric of these boots work with almost anything. I stuck with mostly neutral tones although they'll also look great with a pop of color.

Going to class look

Going out looks

Over the knee boots are an excellent investment as they can be worn in the fall, winter, and spring. With so many varieties out there, there's something for everyone. Steve Madden and Chinese Laundry carry many great styles in under $100. One warning of advice though: be careful about buying a pair with high heels. While the Boutique 9 above is very classic, a pair with a leathery exterior and pointy heels can easily appear trashy-girl-does-Halloween.

Would you wear over the knee boots? Do you have a favorite pair?