a life update

Happy Wednesday!

This week doesn't seem any less busy than the last few weeks. It's that time of year! 

This is the busiest time of year at my job, we have our biggest event/fundraiser next week. 

It's going to be great but it's also bittersweet because it's the last event I'll work at my current job.

Because I accepted a new job!

Without going into too much detail, it's transition time for me. I'll be at another local non-profit doing the same type of work I've been doing, helping to organize the fundraising events. I've loved my job the last few years and I am looking forward to the next chapter. Jeff will also be starting a new job in the fall, he will be a 5th grade teacher! We've had a few bumps in the road this past year and I really feel like we are on an upswing and we are starting to live the life we are supposed to live. I am never a fan of transitions but I am looking forward to this one for both of us. I'll be starting my new job in August, which means things might be slower here again. I'll always keep my instagram up to date though. 

Thank you to all our friends and family that have been so supportive and excited for both of us! 

midnight gift

J.Crew factory peter pan top, J.Crew factory skimmer pants, Target coat, 

Zara heels, American Apparel clutch

At work, my co-worker named this outfit Midnight Gift {and he specified "not in a weird way"}. 

This day ended up sunny but after a few weeks of gorgeous weather it was hard to pull out my wintery work clothes for a few days of showers. Bring back the sun! 

But it gave me a chance to photograph this outfit which are all pieces I've had for months but haven't had a chance to take photos. 

1// Thanks to my BFF for gifting me this cute Peter Pan collar sweater for Christmas! 

2// I bought this coat on clearance so obviously it was past the season to wear it but I loved it. 

At least I'll have it for next season right? 

3// And someone please tell me why I didn't buy these skimmer pants in all the colors? 

I love wearing cropped pants to work because I can wear flats as opposed to a wide leg pant that usually calls for heels. I threw on my favorite heels here but I usually wear flats to work.

profesh

LOFT embellished sweater, Gap chambray, Juicy Couture tweed crop pants, Urban Outfitters heels

This is a work outfit. 

I can usually be pretty casual at work, not sloppy and only jeans on Mondays when the gallery is closed but there are days when I need to dress professional (meeting, professional development, etc) and this is an outfit for those days. Comfortable but still pulled together. Every job is different, what is the dress code at your place of work? Casual? Power suits every day? I'd love to hear!

Profesh pt. 2

Since I was thinking about professional clothing with the Dress for Success Drive, I thought I'd share an outfit I will probably be wearing more often once I start the job hunt. I might switch out my comfy t-shirt for a button up on a blouse but until then. 

A clean cut blazer and well-fitting pants are a great way to start a professional outfit. 

The rest is just accessories. 

Check out my first post about professional dress here. 

Jacket: F21, Shirt: BP Nordstrom, Pants: Ann Taylor, Belt: J.Crew, Clutch: American Apparel, Hat: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelets: J.Crew/Urban Outfitters

Pins: Top; from Grandma, bottom; H&M

I'm in Salem this weekend celebrating many things. 

Happy Wedding day to Kristin & Michael and Happy Bachelor/Bachelorette weekend to Tim & Kaylee!

A Clothing Drive for Dress for Success Oregon!

Hi lovely friends and readers!

I have a great announcement!

Next week, Monday May 7th through Friday May 11th, I will be holding a women's suit/professional wear/accessory drive to support the organization Dress for Success!

"Dress for Success Oregon is a nonprofit organization that has been helping low-income women successfully transition back into the workforce since 1999. We promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

-dressforsuccessoregon.org

How many of you have a bag of clothes to get rid of sitting in the corner of your room or closet or back of your car or by your door?
I know I always have a bunch of clothes to get rid of and I would appreciate any donations possible from any of you. 

This is a great time for some spring closet cleaning and a reminder that even though sometimes we might feel like we have nothing to wear {guilty..} there are some women who really don't have much or any professional clothing. Having professional clothing and support can really affect a woman's confidence in the job search and application process.
I know when I am walking into an interview or a first day on the job I feel so much more confident when I look put together and professional.

I'm working on an image so you can share it with your readers if you so wish, but until then, here is the information:

Hosted by: Sam Rosen, PSU Child & Family Studies Honor Student, Third Party Supporter of Dress for Success Oregon

What: Collecting Women’s Suits and Professional Clothing/Accessories to support Dress for Success Oregon.

When: May 7-11

Where: Drop off sites on Portland State University campus at the Women’s Resource Center and School of Social Work Front Desk

{Email me if you're interested in hosting a drop off site at your place of work or home, I can do some personal pickups. Also email if you're in Salem and interested in donating}

Why: To benefit and support disadvantaged women entering or

re-entering the job market

Acceptable donations, all women’s sizes 00- and Plus Size 16+:

Skirt & Pant Suits

Blouses

Jackets

Pants/Slacks

Skirts

Professional Shoes

Jewelry

Scarves & Belts

Handbags & Umbrellas

Please consider all clothing donated fit in these guide lines:

Clean -- no spots or stains

Current Style -- within the last five years or timeless

Excellent Condition

On Hangers

No bags or boxes unless used for shoes/handbags/accessories.

Tax write off forms available upon request

Please email Samantha at samantharosen5@gmail.com with questions

Profesh

Shirt: Banana Republic, Pants: Juicy Couture, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Watch: Target

I wore this to a meeting recently and it got me thinking about professionalism and style. Rules I use for myself when getting dressed for an interview/meeting with potential professional co-workers:

1. Pants, be it slacks or cropped. This breaks my heart a little bit since I live in dresses but for my potential line of work (social work) pants are the best choice for the first meeting.

2. Button up shirt, buttoned ALL the way up. No need to have any risk of showing too much skin or fidgeting with a shirt. And I always tuck my shirt in. 

3. Flats. This is also tough for me, but I figure I can always dress up more once I get the job or internship.

4. Hair back. Again, this was tough since I have long bangs (that need a trim desperately) but that way I am not touching my hair or playing with it and my face is the focus.

5. Less jewelry than usual. I do this so my jewelry isn't distracting, even though sometimes it's a good conversation starter. Stick with classic pieces but always remember...

6. Stay classy and keep a little bit of personal style. This day my little bit of personal style was my necklace. It was subtle, not too flashy, and added to my menswear inspired look, kind of like a tie. 

One last note. Once you get the job or internship, even if everyone in the office is wearing jeans, that doesn't mean you have to. Same for going to school. Just because everyone is wearing sweats and uggs, does NOT mean you have to as well. My philosophy is I'd rather be overdressed than underdressed.