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Over the past few weeks, my college roommate and friend have been battling with the “professional appearance blues”. She’s a Director of Business in a non-profit organization and I’m an Academic Advisor in a college. In both positions, we are faced with the public on a daily basis and we don’t have the luxury of any Pic Monkey cropping, special angles, or filters to help us look our best. It’s completely up to us.
As a full-time employee and part-time blogger, I don’t have the comfort of working in pajamas or lounge clothes; so getting up to a professional gig Monday through Friday, 8-5 with the pressure of a professional dress code can sometimes become challenging and can often get stale.
Because of this, I have shared five things below that you can do over the course of a few weeks to feel more energized and positive about your professional appearance.
#1) Create your own secret Pinterest board.
Create your own secret Pinterst board to begin generating ideas of your ideal look. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it alone – make the board a collaboration and add an honest friend. Together, you can begin to create some fresh new looks.
#2) Get a make-over and buy the makeup.
Whether you choose to handle this at a beauty counter like Clinique, a beauty store like MAC, an at-home class like Mary Kay, or decide on a professional makeup course, you need to have a new make-over done. Getting a new make-over will give you an opportunity to refresh your look with a little bit of guidance.
If you feel you already know how to apply your makeup, you may feel better with something like a Mary Kay skin care class and a new color makeup application that you can apply yourself. Or, perhaps you enjoy YouTube tutorials. Go for it! Either way, just get it done.
I’ll tell you right now, that the best thing I could have ever done for myself as a young woman in terms of makeup is taking a professional makeup artistry course in Hollywood in my early 20’s. But, that was over 10 years ago, so I’ll be taking another reallll soon in Chicago at Glam Lab Makeup Studios.
Stay tuned!
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Finally, what good is a make-over if you don’t buy the damn makeup?! Chin up buttercup. Get the makeup.
A few of my favorites include BH cosmetics which I’ve been loyal to for years. MAC has my heart and loyalty for my foundation and concealer. And, Black Radiance and Black Opal have captured my heart for almost everything. But, don’t forget about Dollar Tree. I love their LA Colors eye shadow palettes, Chic and Sassy nails, and they always get in other brand name products!
#3) Professional Fashion Stylist
Work with a professional stylist or fashionable friend. Several years ago, after staying home for two years with my boys, I had no clue on my size or what to wear to re-enter the workforce. At that time I worked with a fashion stylist named Carly. We chatted over the phone and had an initial consultation. I took pictures of myself and what was mostly in my closet. After that she created looks for me on a secret Pinterest Board. I was instructed to go through and comment “yes” or “no”. For everything I commented “yes” with, she provided me direct links to shop online. It worked out amazingly.
However, if hiring a fashion stylist is not an option at the moment, continue working with a friend on your Pinterest board. After you have identified several looks on your board, decide on what pieces you have in your closet and what pieces you will need to add.
#4) – Go shopping.
Whether you worked with a friend or fashion stylist, it’s time to go shopping. Search online, try new stores, and check out thrift stores to find your perfect looks.
#5) – Get your hair done professionally.
Seriously. Go get your hair done. I am working on my appointment now; just trying to find the time in between this crazy football schedule and work. I have been wearing this bun and chin-length, kinda curled bob all year and I’m over it. I need a fresh cut and some color or a whole new style all together. It’s past time.
What about you? What comfort style are you continuing to hold on to?
This entire process will not magically manifest in one day. However, will a clear plan and focused attitude, you can easily get this done over the course of a week or two.
Remember what Abraham Hicks said, that if you hold a thought for just 17 seconds, the Law of Attraction will kick it. But, if you focus even more and hold that thought for 68 seconds, manifestation will begin.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get focused, create a plan, and get busy! We have some looking good and feeling better to do!
