Working on that Resolution...

Honestly, I really don't like the whole New Year's resolution thing. I'm probably the only person who still remembers their resolution...I feel that everyone is just on the hype about New Years (or maybe all that alcohol) so they proclaim they're going to change/fix/whatever something about themselves- and then don't. Don't get me wrong I know that there are people who are really serious about it but for the 95% of us out there- be real.


But I am (honestly) trying to work on my resolution(s). First was the whole organized thing. Now its Saving Money. *sigh*

I'm not the best saver- I have a chronic disease called Shopaholicitis and I think it's hereditary 'cuz my mother's the same way. I just can't help it...I love to shop (and it doesn't help that my closest friends are the same way). If I see something cute (and afforadable) I feel that I have to get it. The idea of getting new things is exciting to me-the places I'll wear them, who will see me in them, the ability to possibly transform my identity if only for a day.


Hey, you never know. I might meet Mr. Right in my mother's vintage riding boots, my Z.Co skinny jeans, and my H&M button down shirt. All the while smiling with my lips a glazed in Sephora lipstick in No43 and MAC Parrot on my eyelids. **is it bad that I have my outfit planned out already for Mr. Right-- now I'll probably meet him in my old high school gym sweatpants** :-/


but anyways...

I believe this is a process that involves baby steps. While I'd love to say I'm going to stop shopping (quelle horreur!) I'm being realistic and i know that I can (and will) slip off and go on a spree (well deserved, of course). Shopping is my therapy...or according to my mom, my drug. And just as you can't expect a druggie to quit cold turkey...you can't expect me to just stop shopping. Although, I must admit..I have cut back significantly (YAY).


My first step in saving money is...actually getting subscriptions (simple right).


So I just confirmed my subscription to Harper's Bazaar (the love of my life...tied with Vogue, all things Audrey Hepburn, chocolate, and Chanel). The best part...it was $5! $5 for an entire year's worth of Harper's! Do I know how to save or what?!!? Next up is Vogue, Elle, and Allure.


But that would have to wait until I actually have money to pay for such subscriptions...

Fashion Week and Lancôme

Thank you thank you thank you thank you Annie . As I was on her site, I noticed that Lancôme is having a special event in the Short Hills mall in NJ. So naturally I went on the site to see what's happening in NY...and sure enough I found that there has been events all this week! and I missed some...ok like two but still! Go to: http://www.lancome-usa.com/landing/fashionweekny.aspx to see all of the events but here's whats going on for the rest of the week:

January 31st
Get a personalized makeup look from the Behnaz Sarafpour (I luvvvv it) sring 2008 runways show. And you can enter to win 2 tickets (**yikes**) to a fashion show during fashion week

February 1st
Get a personalized makeup look from the Proenza Schouler (THE Proenza Schouler...pronounced school-er)) sring 2008 runways show. And you can enter to win 2tickets (**yikes again**) to a fashion show during fashion week

February 2nd
Be the first to experience the exclusive Juicy Tube lip Gloss (as in the uber glossy, super shiny, so delicious Juicy Tube..yeah that one) created by Christopher Kane (Brit dsigner that we're all falling in love with)- see below for a pic. And you get a personalized look from the Spring 08 show. ALSO (yup there's more) with every purchase of a Christoher Kane Juicy Tube and your fave Lancôme Mascara, you get a copy of the new book "Violet by Design", meet the author (same author who wrote "Violet on the Runway") and have her sign your copy. ANDDDDD (I'm loving this soo much..) Lancôme model Selena Breed will be there answering questions on what its like to be a model.





**gasp**

Give me a moment...at the moment I think my heart is skipping beats...I can't feel my left arm...

All of this!!!

Gotta love Fashion Week!!!!!

I'm Soo Organized

The recent move has taught me one thing about myself- I'm not that organized...at all. I've always prided myself on my organizational skills- all throughout middle school and high school I've always color coded my notebooks. Even when the nuns said NO COLORED BOOKS! I'd always color the outside with markers- red is for math (I hated red and I hate math), purple was for history (I LOVE purple and I LOVE history), blue was for English (see purple), and green was for science (I kinda ran out of options by that point- green was the only other colored notebook the corner store had). My locker in high school was somewhat immaculate- yes I had the whole mirror caddy in my locker with the lipgloss (well the package said pen but who cares) holder. I had (and still do) four different Hi-Liters- each with a corresponding subject.

But as I searched (well practically hunted) through my boxes I realized that when it all comes down to it...school was the only thing that was organized in my life. I am currently in the process of looking for all of my 1239747354824685 makeup items. I swear every time I turn around in this new apartment of mine, there's a lipgloss or eyeshadow staring at me in my face. I have two tin boxes (from the gift set from Curve and baby Phat perfumes) stuffed with makeup and then theres a whole box full of products. Samples, trial sized, regular sized- they're EVERYWHERE!

I'm going INSANE 'cuz I can't find my Sephora lipgloss in #5 (the one perfect shade of pink!) and my Stila lip gloss is MIA (the second perfect shade of pink...but with shimmer!)

One day I see a makeup bag...the next day it's gone. The only thing I currently know the locations of are my Iman Perfect Response Pressed Powder and my .99¢ jar of Vaseline (and that's cuz I carry that everywhere with me).

My Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara- gone!


So I've decided that if my high school locker can look like the Beauty section at CVS...my bedroom can look like the inside of Sephora (and I have enough products to try!) But since my room isn't as big- I've decided on getting a real makeup case (no more perfume gift boxes). I was on Sephora (of course) and I saw some really cute ones but they're soooooooo expensive!

Luxury Ivory Croc Print Train Case $110.00



Midnight Studio Train Case $85.00



Metro Train Case - Pink $98.00



All have of these beauties sport snap locks, have a lock and key to keep your gems secure, adjustable inner trays, a four-tier fold out tray (except for the Midnight Studio Case which has a three- tier fold out tray), and a detachable shoulder strap.

And then there's always this cute option on ebay.com. I was looking at the seller's store and I am quite impressed with the makeup cases that they are selling. And they're going for about $15 to !150 (but that's for the professional grade, rolling suitcase types)


Hopefully this is the start of a new and improved organized me.

*One can only hope*

The Girl I Always Wanted To Be

So on the train/bus ride home from work, I sat there and read my Allure as usual. My New Year's Resolution- well one of them- is to actually read my magazines...I often buy them..glance a few pages..read a few features and then the next issue comes out and I completely forget about the old one. Not to mention I read/ subscribe to so many that its hard to keep up...Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, Allure, Teen Vogue, Glamour (sometimes), Marie Claire (rarely)...it's hard for me to not get sidetracked.

But back to Allure. One of the essays is titled "Girl Of My Dreams" by Jean Thompson. So as I sat there, reading, I realized that this is something that I too am guilty of. Admiring other women (and no not in a sexual way you nasties out there). This essay is definitely well written and I think applies to about 90% of women out there (8% won't admit that it applies to them and I think 2% are those whom we are admiring).

We all have that girl...the one you always wanted to be. You know her, I know you do. She's the girl in your class who has impeccable style, the co-worker who always looks so well put together you'd think she has a stylist, the lady walking by with the Starbucks cup held by perfectly manicured nails- all the time. In her story, Jean talks about her experience at the airport where she looks a hot mess (in simplest terms) and here is this lady who looks like traveling isn't a hassle but "an adventure to be enjoyed, as if it were to be expected that you pulled your look together for the occasion, and that fretting over how to pack miniaturized toiletries into TSA-approved containers was for lesser mortals".

For Jean, she says that this girl is a complete stranger..someone who may look all pulled together but then something can go horribly wrong when she leaves. However, to me, it's much worse when you actually know this girl.

Growing up I've learned (well have always been told) that there will always be somebody better- there will always be that one girl who is smarter, prettier, taller, etc. So it comes to no surprise when I meet a girl I've always wanted to be. Personally, there are millions of people that I want to be- well want to live their lifestyles or have their characteristics. I have a friend who is just so nice and nothing rarely ever lets her down...I envy that characteristic of my friend 'cuz I'm a bit of a pessimist. I have another friend who everyone loves-or hates. She speaks her mind and has a style all her own. Opinionated and real- and everyone loves her (those who hate honesty..kinda don't like her cuz she will let you know). I envy that 'cuz while I'm an honest person, I often hold back for fear of hurting people's feelings (not that my friend intentionally hurts your feelings but we all know the truth hurts at times). Also she's this outgoing creature and you wonder if there is anything she's afraid of...I've never seen her hesitate in doing something. I, however, always over think things and doubt myself and all that jazz. I'm the introvert in my group (and when two of your closest friends are extroverts...you stick out like a sore thumb).

But above both these friends comes The Girl I've Always Wanted To Be. She is my age, if not a year younger, but you'd think she's slightly older (like 21..22-ish). This girl is basically everything I want to be. Her style is just so chic for someone so young. She always looks like she's dressed up (well to me its dressed up...when all you wear is jeans and graphic tees anything is dressed up). I love her shoe collection (I've never seen the same shoe twice) and her hair never looks like she tried too hard (although she swears it took forever). While you know she looks good and she knows she looks good...she never has a snobby, prissy, better than thou attitude. So not only do I envy her sense of style but she's the nicest creature in the world. God I hate her! But in all honesty, I don't hate her... she's a great person.

Every time I ask her where she's going, she asks me "what do you mean?". And then I thought about it...why have so many clothes if I'm not going to where it? I often buy clothes and then say "Ooh I'll wear these when I'm going out" and then when I see it in my closet three months later I'm like "Ooh I'll have to make plans to wear this"- and I never do. It's the simplest thing like shoes-I'll buy a pair of heels and never wear them. I convince myself that my life is too hectic to look so chic and then I get stuck in my jeans, graphic Tee, and hoody rut. Although I must admit, I've gotten better because I actually wear shoes/boots now..before I lived in sneakers =)

But yeah...I was talking to this trés chic friend of mine and she reassured me that my style isn't bad and that I dress "comfortable"...hmm...I guess thats good. People will look at me and say "gosh that girls looks comfortable" . I'm trying to find that balance of looking "comfortable" and chic all at once. Instead of comfortable and boring.

But I must say...there are times when I'm on the train at the end of the day and I'm staring at girls hunting for seats 'cuz their feet are killing them- I stare down at my flats or sneakers and smile.

I'm Baaaccckkk!!!!

AHHHHHH!!! It feels sooo good to be back. I know I know...I took longer than a week but hey....I've been busy.

But back to business...last year- during the whole iPhone craze)- I had read about the LG Prada phone (that's right...PRADA). However, it wasn't bring released in the US because it was alot harder to get proper connectivity (or some other technical thing like that...basically it wasn't going to work properly in the US because it would be hard to get service...the US doesn't have the same bandwidth...and I'm most likely wrong about the word- don't sue me!) But as I was working out- and by working out I mean typing up a paper for my English Lit class, reading other blogs, watching "What Not To Wear", AND browsing style.com (told you it was a work out..all that right click action!)- I noticed that IT was on style.com's "The Shopper".

IT is the LG Prada phone...Europe's response to the iPhone. Touchscreen...2 mega-pixel camera (compared to my inferior Sidekick 3's 1.3 mega-pixel camera)...mp3 player...has Microsoft Outlook, Word...THE WORKS! Basically to me the only difference is the name...PRADA!

I don't know what my deal is but anytime there's a designer phone out (the Juicy Couture Sidekick, Diane von Furstenberg Sidekick, etc) I want it. To me it's like getting the latest IT bag (which, normally, I can't afford). I never get the phones but I stare and drool (yeah I'm woman enough to admit it...I think I drooled a bit over the Juicy Sidekick a couple of years ago). So to all my label lovers...HOO-RAY!

And this beauty is available at J&R World (I know there's one in the city!) for $449.00 (about $490 after tax..yeah I kinda clicked "Checkout" on the website to see how much money I'd need..desperate much?).

Actually the best part of this phone is unlike the iPhone, which forces you to sign a two-year contract with AT&T, the Prada Phone comes unlocked (SWEET!!). This pretty much means that you can hook it up to whatever carrier you want, no additional contract required (as long as you already have one).

Hmm...since my Sidekick is slightly broken...I think I might dig up a credit card and get me my Prada phone...unless that is Chanel comes out with a phone =)

Movin' On...

Heyyyyy guys!!! Ok so I know its been like a good week since I lasted posted something. But your's truly is in the process of moving out and in a new apartment.

Looks like if I ver want a side hustle I can be an interior designer 'cuz I must say my new apartment is lookin fab!

Between the move, not having my computer (I'm posting from my sidekick which is terribly slow) and getting ready for Fashion Week, I hardly have time.

But hopefully I will be posting by the end of the week.

Yours truly,
Fashion's Darling

Oh How I luvvv Marc

Ok so a couple of posts ago (hmm like 2 posts) I spoke of my luvv for Marc Jacobs' and his new Spring '08 ads featuring Victoria Beckham. Well I don't know HOW i could have forgotten. When my friend and I went shopping around the city I bought Lucky mag. And in that mag we saw...TA DA! The Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs ad campaign featuring the one and only...M.I.A.





I absolutely LUVVVV these...except in the ad where she's showing the early 90's style menswear her face looks a tad bit greasy =(

But for those of you who don't know MIA (I have no idea how)here's her bio:

Her name's Maya Arulpragasam . She's from Sri Lanks but moved to London then later India. While on a return stay in Sri Lanka she hardly saw most of her family due to war but then things calmed down and she and her family moved back to London. As a student, she was involved in the arts and published a monogram book of her paintings -- titled M.I.A. She met Roland MC-505, a sequencer she became familiar with after returning home. Steve Mackey (Pulp) and Ross Orton became involved after hearing a demo- they made adjustments to "Galang," (her first song) that was turned into 500 copies and released, under the name M.I.A. Her style is a mix of hip hop, electro, dancehall, grim, and baile funk and its extremely catchy. Most of you know her from her hit song "Boyz" but she's been around for a while...I know- I have practically all her songd on Dior a.k.a. my ipod =)

Style Icon

So in a recent blog I told ya'll of my love for Marc Jacob and Victoria Beckham. Well today I'm going to elaborate.

For the longest I've wanted her book "That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between" . And today I finally got it!


I absolutely love it...and I'm not even done yet.

Memorable quotes so far:

"Looking good isn't about money, it's about style. And style never goes out of fashion."
"My own inspiration comes from fashion icons of the last century: Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and my muse-for-all-seasons, Audrey Hepburn."

WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW!?!??! She has the same style icon as me (who doesn't admire these women) but especially my love for Audrey! I swear for about four months I had the same style (black long sleeve shirt, black slim pants, and black flats)copied from Funny Face.

"Remember: nothing is more expensive than the thing you only wear once."
I completely agree- we're all guilty of this. I know I am. I buy something, wear it once, and lose it behind my closet. Then when I do see it, I'm turned off by it and kinda sorta regret that purchase.

This is the book that speaks of how to find the perfect jean (which is actually a daunting task), picking the right knickers (panties), hair and make up- all of it. She shares secrets from her mom, Geri (from Spice Girls), and famous designers. Plus there are some really beautiful pictures of her in this book.

Ok well I'm off to finish the rest of this book.

**So Sweet**

Ahhh..so today I paid a visit to Dylan's Candy Bar and I fell in love. For those who don't know Dylan's Candy Bar is owned by the one and only Dylan Lauren a.k.a Ralph Lauren's daughter. With connects like that I just had to go see this place for myself.

I fell in LOVE!!! And I mean serious love...I'm a huge candy addict and this place has all the candies that I love! chocolate..NERDS...Razzles...Warheads...EVERYTHING!

So while this is not a beauty/fashion post..its kind of related.

I love candy-->there's a giant candy store in my favorite city-->that candy store is owned by Dylan Lauren-->Dylan Lauren is the daughter of Ralph Lauren-->Ralph Lauren is one of the greatest American designers...EVER!

TA-DA!

Ad Campaigns!!!

Some of you may have seen some of these already but thee are some of my fave (and hates) of the newest ad campaigns.

Faves:
Dolce & Gabbana stars Jessica Stam, Gemma Ward, Lily Donaldson by Steven Klein. I love the art class theme...isn't fashion art anyway?




Versace Featuring Gisele





Moschino Cheap and Chic (I'd Love to know what they mean by cheap...hmm)
Models: Claudia Seiler, Inna Pilipenko, Lera Sheremeta,





I sorta Like:
Fendi with Raquel Zimmerman


Balenciaga with (who else) Jennifer Connelly. Of course she's the spokesperson (but she does that dress justice). I don't know..I'm not hype about this ad campaign.



I Hate:
Miu Miu with Kirsten Dunst. Maybe it's because I hate Kirsten Dunst..maybe its all the red but i know I hate this ad campaign. But my love for Miu Miu remains unchanged




And I LOVE!!!!!
Those who know me know of my love for Marc Jacobs and it makes perfect sense for me to love this being that it is with my FAVORITE person ever! Mrs. Victoria Beckham. Now I love her know matter what anybody says...I used to want to be Posh Spice back in the day ("ugh! This dress is dry clean only!" Spice World the movie). And I loved her little NBC (or was it CBS..whatever) special: "Coming to America". It's because of her that I don oversized shades. I try to do the no smile look but...with my friends it's hard not to be laughing or smiling. I'm totally jealous and want to marry a footballer husband (except I have my eye on Thierry Henry who played for the English club the Arsenals but is with Barcelona now..I think). I personally think people need to stop hating on Victoria (and Marc for that matter!). I think this ad campaign is quite clever...









What are your faves (or dislikes)?

**Simply Wonderful**

Today was one of those days- a day where practically nothing went wrong and I was just happy (finally). I had no work, set up a new template for this blog, and had a wonderful excursion in the city.

One thing that I always do when I am off from work and in need of a pick me up is go to my favorite places- the city. Now I had no intention of spending any money whatsoever- purely sightseeing and window shopping. But somewhere in between my train ride to the city and my train ride back home...I ended up with three bags. But these were good purchases...not just splurges (ok maybe splurges but good splurges).

Ever since I saw a friend with a Coach zip around wallet, I swore up and down that I was going to get one. Finally- a year later- I got one...but not Coach =(. I really wanted one from Dooney & Bourke (oh how I love Dooney: currently craving the Hayden Panettiere bag . The wallet I wanted was the Dooney Bumble Bee zip around (but the thought of spending $165 on a wallet threw me aback and I slowly and sadly walked away). Ditto with the Coach zip around. But I have found one from my home away from home Victoria's Secret (ahh I can't go in there without purchasing something :/


The one my friend has:

The one that I want:

The one that I have:





My next stop was Lush . Now I've heard of this place before but every time I pass the store the smell was overpowering (think Bath & Body but ALOT stronger). But today the smell (well scents) wasn't as overpowering and I decided to stop in (plus I saw the words SALE and BUY ONE GET ONE FREE).

Boy was I happy I did! If you don't know Lush...here's the rundown. All of the products are handmade and have mostly natural or organic products. So some products have a short shelf life but others last up to a year. Also for those of you eco friendly cats (I swear I'm trying but its soo hard) , you'll be glad to know that Lush is a pioneer in eco friendly beauty products.

But yeah I ended up walking out of there with three shower jellies (shower gels) things (it was buy 1 get 2 free!). Keep one in the fridge or freezer and use it when you need help in waking up or to cool off. Cool thing is even if you put it in the freezer...they never freeze solid:


Big Calm
This is delicious. It's like a vacation in a shower gel...it reminds me of the beach (and who wouldn't want a reminder of what the beach is like in this winter weather).

Sweetie Pie
A really cute and sweet purple shower gel smells just like a berry doughnut (and has sparkles! This one's my fave).

Whoosh
Cold citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit and lime. I froze this when I got home and I kid you not I wanted to run in the shower and use this. remember how fun it was (and still is) when you were a kid eating Jell-O..trying to chase the little bugger around...yeah- that's what this reminds me of.

Mind you I only spent $6.59 (told you it was a good spend). And not only did I get 3 things for the price of 1 but I also signed up for a free facial. Lush on Union Square (7 West 14th st New York, NY) is having a Winter Rejuvenation Party happening on January 26 between 1-5pm. You get a free facial and a complimentary skincare regimen with any skincare consultation. And if you spend $50 or more you get a goodie bag filled with Lush products (note to self: get $50). You can sign up in the store Or you can try calling 212-255-5133 (now I don't know if they're taking signups over phone but its worth a try). Here's a mock flyer:
Lush Union Square
Presents:
The Winter Rejuvenation Party
Saturday January 26th 2008
1-5pm
212-255-5133


So after my lush-icious experience I made my way towards 5th Ave. Thats when I nearly fell over myself. They opened up a Free People store in the city!!! OMG!!

Those who don't know Free People...you probably do because their clothes is sold at Urban Outfitters and Anthroplogie. But if you haven't seen Free People clothing...think: Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. The clothes are similar and the store has the same laid back vibe. Free People is a bit girly and has cute tops. I got soo excited (I even filled out a job application there). The clothes are cool and laid back yet girly and fun. It reminds me somewhat of Joss Stone with the semi bohemian look. Visit www.freepeople.com for a taste of what I'm talking about and store locations.

Next (and last) stop was Sephora (I had to stop...I don't think my bank account could've handled all that). Since I was there a couple of days ago there was nothing that I really wanted (well...nothing I could buy. I want EVERYTHING in that store). I just bought powder foundation because it was on sale so I decided to stock up now so I won't have to pay full price later when I need it (thus saving me money in the future...right?). But I did get some free samples 'cuz I used my Insider Card (oh how I love that thing). The service was exceptional in Sephora though. Kudos to the Sephora staff on 19th and 5th! I always struggle with finding my right shade but I asked two different consultants on which shade should I pick an both (on separate occasions) told me the same shade and explained why (I was going with a darker shade but they explained to me about undertones and what balances what, etc). So thanks again ladies!

So overall...today was a good day! Don't you think?

I Did It!

YAYYYY!!! Those who know me know that I'm not great with technology. As far I know...I can:
-write essays
-download music
-update my iPod
-and post blogs.

I can do a few other things but I'm not that great at HTML code and the like (don't ask me how I got that B+ in Computer Science).

Somehow though I managed to add this new template (thanks to loads of Googling).

YAY ME!

and now at...1:40 am...I am going to sleep

It pays to be an insider

Ok so everyone loves free stuff. I love it even more when it's REALLY free and there's no fine print or a fee that comes the next month (or being enrolled in something that has to be paid the next month).

Since I practically live in Sephora, it makes sense for me the be a Beauty Insider. Beauty Insiders are pretty much people who shop in Sephora and loves a good deal. With that said anyone can sign up...really- all you have to do is fill out a little form and they give you three cards (one big one and two that goes on your key chain). This is like those Duane Reade or Grocery "shopper" rewards cards.

Well as a Beauty Insider, I'm often given many things- more than three free samples at checkout on www.sephora.com, a birthday gift, and other rewards. One reward that I get (or we if you're an insider as well) is- hold your breath- FIFTEEN (15- I kid you not) FREE SAMPLES!!!! It started January 6 and I don't know how long it lasts so I ran to the Sephora in Soho to get mine. If you purchase online it's free with any purchase but if you go into an actual Sephora store...they just hand you your little goodie bag no purchase necessary (I love those words).

And all you have to do is show them your little card. Heck if you don't have a card but have a friend who does...grab theirs! But I highly recommend signing up for this...no purchases, no fees, just a rewards program for doing what you love- shopping =)

Here's whats in the bag:



Includes:
-Bare Escentuals RareMinerals™ Skin Revival Treatment
-Bliss Carrot + Sesame Body Buff
-Boscia Regimen Sample Packettes
-Cosmedicine Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers
-Dr. Brandt Pores No More
-Fresh Anise Day Serum and Mamaku Night Serum
-Kinerase Ultimate Day Moisturizer
-Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer SPF 6
-Lab Series For Men Clean Duo Basics
-L'Occitane Ultra Rich Eye Balm
-MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30
-Murad Moisturizing Acne Treatment Gel
-N.V. Perricone Ceramic Skin Smoother Finishing Serum
-Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle
-Philosophy Microdelivery Multi Peel Pads

Laterzz

Business Casual vs. Business Professional

Ok so recently there have been a lot of events that I must attend in need of business professional attire. I had attended a "training" session which the company basically talks to college students on how to prepare for an internship/job interview. When they got to the attire section...I was appalled. I know that suits and stuff are considered professional attire but, does it have to be so boring??!!!?

Here is just a little taste of what they told me that I should wear:

-Solid color, conservative suit with coordinated blouse, moderate shoes, tan or light pantyhose, limited jewelry
-Neat, professional hairstyle, manicured nails, light make-up, little or no perfume

---I'm sorry...what? "little or no perfume"?

HA! NOT I!

Maybe it's 'cuz I'm into fashion or maybe it's 'cuz I like how I look but I refuse to look like a 50 year old woman. What ever happened to a nice looking suit? Does everything have to look so old?

Here's what they want me to look:


Sorry...not for me. That just looks so..old school. Even if it is the "proper" or "correct" way to dress professional, I don't think it should look so 1990's.

I understand the whole "light makeup"...you don't want to walk in the business world with MAC Parrot on your eyes (unless you're being interviewed by me...then by all means go ahead that's my fave shade...hehe). So a nice soft look, that I agree with but little or no perfume? What about light scented perfumes. Nothing too strong--a floral scent, maybe? I'm thinking Daisy by Marc Jacobs...this isn't too strong but it's a nice light, fruity, flowery scent...enough to leave a good lasting impression (isn't that what we're trying to do anyway during an interview...make them remember you).


Instead of the ugly navy suit pictured above...why not something like this:


Two Button Tweed Jacket (top)
One Button Luxury Stretch (bottom)




Editor Pant Tweed (top)
Editor Pant Luxury Stretch (bottom)



High waisted Pencil Skirt (top)
High waisted Skirt in Tweed (bottom)
Some people at this "training" seminar might consider these skirts too short (I was told they have to fall below the knee- when sitting down).



Consuelo Shoes (top)
Pacific Shoes (bottom)


Classic White Button Down Shirt

Now to me this seems like a much better option for a young person like yours truly.
Its really not that much different except it's a lot less boring. And sorry I hate briefcases. If I had it my way I'd be carrying this:


Classic Top Handle bag by Salvatore Ferragamo (top)
the classic Hermés Birkin bag (bottom)

***oh how I wish***

But yeah..back down in reality...

Am I wrong for thinking this?
Are these looks considered "business casual"?