recent [style] resolutions

In full disclosure, New Year's resolutions just aren't my thing. I think a year should only measure finances & the length of friendships - not the number of times you plan to go to the gym or the start of a "new you." If you want to do something - do it. You don't need a calendar date to determine the start of personal goals.

That being said, I am always looking for new ways to improve upon my personal style and love the pieces again that I become sick of. Far from New Year's resolutions, these are style resolutions that I have been working on recently, in an effort to refresh my personal style and appreciate the items I have.

Mix & match the crrrrap out of my wardrobe | In an effort to be more Glitter & Gingham-esque, I am challenging myself to mix and match patterns and colors that aren't my usual go-to. Of course it's great to have a classic "go-to" look, but I also love discovering new and exciting style combos. Plaid & leopard? Black & navy? All of the above, please.

Wear more lipstick | I alluded to this in my last blog post, but I am making a serious attempt at incorporating a colorful lip into my looks. I must admit, wearing lipstick makes me feel polished, put-together, and feminine. Plus, it's easy and inexpensive to change up your makeup look with lipstick.

Use what I have | Instead of always going out to buy the latest item of makeup or a new dress for an occasion, I am making a conscious effort to take a new perspective on items that I already own, whether it be in home accessories, makeup, or clothing. It's amazing what a quick search on Pinterest, a new pairing, and some rearranging can do. And remember: inspiration is often free [a trip to Nordstrom rarely comes with a small pricetag]. As far as makeup goes, I'm realizing I need to first use up what I have, because having less stuff just makes me feel lighter and good.

Of course these non-New Year resolutions aren't as serious as someone who wants change the world or hit the gym five days a week, they're just a few fun fashion goals I've been working on. So expect to see lots of pattern play, lipstick, and new takes on old items in upcoming style posts.

Do you have any recent style resolutions? Let me know by commenting below.

xoxo,
G

one month mark

This past friday marked four weeks at my new job. After some reflecting, I realized that I learned a lot in four short weeks. Time has absolutely flown by. Although I am certainly not claiming myself to be an expert in career growth and development (quite the opposite), I want to share some of the things that I've learned to do in order to grow in your current position.

1] If you don't know, don't ask...yet. I am slowly adopting this mentality. At some point, your manager wants you to be self-sufficient, for the most part. I certainly encourage asking questions when you begin training, however, at some point you must figure things out for yourself. Chances are, you have the tools you need to solve the issue. What I mean by "don't ask...yet," is the notion that if you're struggling with a task, think through it logically, look back on your notes, and use every mean that you can to solve the issue at hand. Then, if you cannot do it yourself, you can ask someone. By forcing yourself to figure it out alone, you are learning more than you would if someone simply told you what to do.

2] Be nice to everyone. The doorman/woman, the building manager, the stranger you run into in the hallway. Smile at everyone and always be courteous. You never know who you may be running into, or if you'll be collaborating with them someday.

3] Get to know your co-workers. Too often people fall into the "can you do this for me?" or "you need to complete this" mentality. Which is completely normal in a work setting. However, I encourage you to get to know your co-workers on a personal level. Get to know what they like, their family, what their weekend plans are. This creates a more human element to the relationship, which I think boosts both parties' productivity. You might have more in common with your colleagues than you thought.

4] Learn about other departments. It will help you learn more about the company than what you would learn from keeping in only your department. A week ago, I was interviewing someone for an internal story I was writing. I simply wanted to know some information on an event, but the person I interviewed actually ended up teaching me so much about a product line that we carry. It was awesome, and I left the interview with a greater knowledge of something that can ultimately help me do my job better.

5] Give your brain a break, and go out and do things during the weekday. Whether you plan dinner with a friend, a movie night with your boyfriend, or simply shopping at the mall alone, get out and do something during the week. This allows you to break up the week and refuel. I find that if I sit on my couch after work, I feel unproductive and lazy. Planning these things keeps me active and simply makes me feel good!

6] Buy a steamer. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the morning and realized that the outfit I so carefully picked out the night before didn't appeal to me in the morning. So, back to the closet I go. Most of the time, the button down or blouse I want to wear has a few wrinkles in it, but I don't have enough time to iron it. So, I switch on my steamer, and in about 1 minute the water is boiling and ready to steam. It might sound silly, but it's a lifesaver for rushed mornings. Plus, you'll head to work knowing that you look polished and professional.


What has allowed you to be successful in your career? Comment below! Or, let me know if you are interested in this type of blog post!

xoxo,
G