Tattoos?

In my previous blogs I have mentioned about the different types of business attire.  As well, I have mentioned different simple hair styles, the perfect accessories, and simple make up and nails.  
As we all know society is rapidly changing.  Things that were frowned up a long time ago are now being seen as normal and acceptable.  People are encouraged to express themselves through hobbies, accessories, style, hair, make-up, etc.  One of the biggest ways people express themselves is through body art, also known as tattoos.  
This is where it becomes slightly complicated.  Tattoos are a permanent mark that individuals choose to put on their bodies.  Whether its a quote that means something to you or a symbol or date.  Some tattoos people are proud of and some tattoos people regret. 
However, should body art be accepted in the work place? 
Many parents and grandparents will warn your when you are in high school and even elementary school not to get tattoos because you will regret when you are older and what will you do when you try to apply for a job.  
Here is my opinion about tattoos.  I think they are a great way to show your appreciation to a loved one that may have passed away or has had a huge impact on your life.  Tattoos are also a great way to remember hard times in your life that have made you stronger.  They could also be a bonding experience between friends or siblings.  Doesn't matter the reason that you choose to get your tattoo, just be careful that you get something that you will not regret when you are older.  
My rule of thumb is to get a tattoo in a place that can be easily covered, this way when you are older if you decided that you want to become and Accountant, a Human Resource Manager, a Professor, etc. you will be able to cover any tattoos that you may have in case it is in appropriate for the job that you are applying or studying for. 

Please comment below to let me know your opinion on tattoos & don't forget to take the poll down below. 

Reminder: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just please do it in a polite way to not offend anyone. 

Should Tattoos Be Allowed In The Workplace?
	Yes.
	No.
	Doesn't Matter.
pollcode.com free polls

Make-up & Nails

Another way of completing your look ladies is by having beautiful and neutral make up as well as clean neutral nails.  
Starting with your nails.  It is important to keep your finger nails clean, by getting manicures or giving yourself a manicure at home.  You can find great manicure kits at Sephora as well as the drugstore and Wal-Mart. 
Two of my favourite nude nail polish colours, great for both short and long nails are: 

• OPI - Bubble Bath 
• China Glaze - Innocence 

If you want more colour on your nails, you can go for a darker pink or red colour.

Some of my favourites are: 

• Essie - Plumberry 
• Essie - First Dance 
• Essie - Wicked 
• OPI - Suzy Says Da! 

Make-up is one of my favourite parts of getting ready.  It can really pull a look together.  It can take you from looking tired to looking awake.  You don't need a lot of make up in order to look put together.   

The picture above is too much for your day-to-day work.  You want to make your self look awake and hydrated and glowing.  

Some of my favourite and must have products are: 

• Mascara - It will open up your eyes
• Concealer - A shade brighter than your skin tone will cover any dark circles and make your face look more awake as well as a shade similar to your skin tone can cover any blemishes from stress and give your face an even tone look. 

This is a perfect example of a simple neutral look that is perfect for every day work as well as any important meetings and any errands you might need to run later on in the evening. 

Hair Styles

Your clothes are not the only aspect of your appearance.  Along with a person's appearance is their hair style. How they wear their hair is just as important as the clothes they wear.  Hair can say a lot about a person.  It can say whether you are put together and clean or look like you don't care.  Remember you want people to look at you and think that you took a long time to do your hair and get ready in the morning, but it doesn't mean it actually has to take you a long time to get ready or to do your hair.  

Here are some quick & easy hairstyles that you can do in the morning that look put together and professional: 

1. Sock Bun - The Sock Bun is one of the easiest tricks to do.  Simply take an old sock, preferably a long knee-high sock.  Cut the toe area off.  Start rolling the toe area all the way to the end of the sock until you made what looks like a donut.  Tie your hair in a ponytail, where ever you'd like your bun to go (up high or down low).  Put your hair through the hole of the donut you have just created.  Start wrapping the ends of your hair around the donut. Start rolling the donut all the way down until all your hair covers it.  Add some bobby pins to secure it in place. 

Didn't quiet understand how to do it?  Here is a video to show you a better demonstration. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koRcJhZEWao

2. Sleek Ponytail - The sleek ponytail is a classic hairstyle.  It keeps your hair away from your face, which means it will not bother you.  It makes your look feel put together and clean.  
Here is another video to explain two easy ways of creating a sleek ponytail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6F4WByFnDo

3. Curls - Curls are a beautiful hairstyle that most women wish they could just wake up in the morning with a perfect curl.  Although it may take some practice and might take a couple of extra minutes in the morning, you definitely do not need to have person hair stylist to achieve a beautiful curl.  There are many different option for curling your hair.  You can use different size curling irons, as well as different size and different shaped curling wands, and lastly you can also use hot rollers.  
Here is a video of a simple way of creating beautiful oscar worthy curls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cilvcK2FV8k&list=UUrKdCadbo4eN_toHMa4-FSA&index=3

All videos were found on "MakeupbyTiffanyD" Youtube channel.  Visit her YouTube channel to find more great ways of curling your hair as well as amazing simple make up tutorials. 

How To Accessorize?

What is considered too much jewellery?

In all my posts I have been describing "subtle accessories."  What does that mean? 
For men and women one of your best accessories is a classic watch.  A watch that is either silver or with a black leather band.  Both types of watches will always be in style and can pretty much match any outfit and any suit.  

Accessories for men:

• Cuff links 
• Leather belt with a small belt buckle 

Accessories for women:

• Simple necklace with a small pendant 
• Simple diamond stud earrings 

Accessories can really pull together an outfit and are encouraged.  However, you do not want to over accessorize.  Putting tons of rings and bracelets on your fingers and wrists can cause you to be uncomfortable when working, especially if you are typing or writing all day.  Just a simple necklace, beautiful stud earrings, and a classic watch can really pull together your outfit.  As well as for men, a classic watch, silver cuff links, and a beautiful black leather belt with a small silver belt buckle, can really accessorize your outfit the right way.  

TIP: Keep your huge rings, hoop earrings, and bangles for nights out! 

Casual Fridays!

What are casual Fridays?  Casual Fridays, do not exist in all work places, are considered to be the best day of the week for most of the employees.  This is the only day of the week that men and women do not have to dress up in their suits & ties.  They are allowed a lot of breathing room, and are able to dress in every day clothing that they would wear outside of work, maybe to a coffee with a friend or a co-worker or to go to a lunch with family and friends. 

For men, casual Fridays can consist of: 

• Casual pants & jeans (NO rips or holes in your jeans!) 
• Shirts with or without collars 
• Sweaters 
• Vests 
• Casual Shoes 

For women, casual Fridays can consist of: 

• Casual pants
• Skirts 
• Jeans 
• Blouses
• Sweaters 
• Vests 
• Casual Shoes 

Remember: Although it is called "Casual Fridays" you do not want to go too casual.  Leave your matching track suits and flip flops at home.  That is too casual.  

All information was found on http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryb/g/what-is-business-attire.htm & http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html

Business Casual For Women

Women have the most options when it comes to clothing.  It can be very overwhelming but it can also be very exciting.  That is why business casual is my favourite type of dress code.  This gives women the opportunity to express their favourite colours, their favourite accessories, and ultimately their style.  You still have to follow some rules, but you have room to put your own individual style on it while keeping it professional.  

For women, business casual consists of: 

• Pant suits 
• Tailored Separates, such as skirts, slacks, and jackets  
• Blouses 
• Sweaters/Cardigans 
• Closed toe/Closed heel or sling backs 
• Accessorized look is encouraged 

What Are Your Favourite Stores To Shop For Business Casual Attire?
	Banana Republic
	Club Monaco
	Le Chateau
	Michael Kors
	Mexx
	Guess
	Bebe
	Bedo
pollcode.com free polls

All information was found on http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryb/g/what-is-business-attire.htm & http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html

Business Casual For Men

My personal favourite type of business attire is business casual.  This type of business attire gives an individual the room to breath and show off their style and personality through their clothing.  This gives more room for accessorizing and following any current trends.

For men, business casual consists of: 
(High-level business casual) 

• Suits worn with dressy sport shirts 
• Fine knit shirts & sweaters 
• Tailored separates, such as tailored trousers  
• Dressy collared sport shirts (that do not require a tie) 
• Sport coats 
• Tie (Optional) 

(Low-level business casual) 

• Khakis 
• Chinos 
• Knit Golf Shirts
• Vests

Accessories: 

• All leather belts & shoes 

Which Store Is Your Favourite To Shop For Business Casual Attire?
	Hugo Boss
	Harry Rosen
	Tip Top Tailors
	Le Chateau
	Banana Republic
	Club Monaco
pollcode.com free polls

All information was found on http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryb/g/what-is-business-attire.htm & http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html

Smart Casual Business Attire

In today's society, people are encouraged to express their personalities through their clothing and accessories. It is difficult to do so when you are restricted with a dress code in your career.  Thanks to the rapid changes in our societies, from the way people dress to the way people behave, business attire is slowly getting more relaxed and lenient in the workplace.  The next type of business attire is just a notch below traditional is smart casual.

For men, smart casual involves: 

• Sport Jackets With Ties 
•  Dress Pants 
• Button Down Shirts
• Turtle Neck
• Dress Shoes
• Subtle Accessories (Similar to traditional) 

For women, smart casual involves: 

• Jacket or Dressy Sweater
• Dress Pants or Skirt 
• Blouse
• Dress Shirt
• Turtleneck 
• Dress Shoes
• Subtle Accessories (Similar to traditional) 

It is very important to understand the type of dress code in your workplace because every job has different requirements.  It is also important to understand the slight differences between traditional and smart casual business because you do not want to be too casual, especially if your workplace does not allow it.  

QUESTION:  What are some of your favourite stores to shop in for a smart casual outfits without breaking the bank? 
One of my favourite places is Dynamite. You can find great dress pants & tailored jackets, as well as dress shirts, blouses, and great accessories. 

All information was found on http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryb/g/what-is-business-attire.htm & http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html

Where to Start?

Although some men and some women don't enjoy shopping because they find it frustrating and exhausting. Shopping can be quiet easy. Your work closet does not have to consist of two floors and millions of pieces. The great thing about skirt suits and pant suits is they are easy to match with any dress shirt or blouse. The most important part is not that you have many suits but simply that you have one to three properly tailored suits.  

Key suit colours that you should have are: 

• Black (Number One!) 
• Gray 
• Navy 

Stores to find great suits for men: 

• Harry Rosen 
• Hugo Boss 
• Le Château 
• Tip Top Tailors 

Whether you are willing to spend a lot on a suit or whether you are trying to stay on a budget, you can find great stores with great quality suits to fit your needs.

Stores to find great suits for women: 

• Lord & Taylor 
• Nordstrom 
• Banana Republic 
• Le Château 

Ladies, there is no need to spend a lot on designer name suits.  If you would like to, by all means, DO IT! However, for us girls on a budget, remember quality is more important than the brand name.  

Quick Reminders: You will not be able to find a suit straight out of the store that does not need to be tailored in some way, shape, or form.  It is important not to get frustrated when something isn't fitting you properly, but instead remember that everything can be fixed.  The bottom of your pants can be hemmed, as well as your long sleeves! 

TIP: Another tip that I learned from my job experience.  If you find a great quality suit and you just can't justify the price, remember you want to take the price of the suit and divide it by the times you will be wearing it.  If you are purchasing the suit for your day-to-day wardrobe for work, it is worth the money to buy a suit that will last you a long time as well as fit you correctly.  

Traditional Business Attire

The first type of business attire that I will be focusing on is traditional. 
Traditional business attire is considered to be very simple and subtle.  This is what most companies, especially well developed and successful companies, will expect of their employees to wear to work day-to-day. 

For women, traditional business attire consists of: 

• Skirt Suits 
• Tailored Pant Suits 
• Dress Shirts & Blouses 
• Solid Stockings & Solid Coloured Socks (Preferably black or any other neutral colour) 
• Closed Toe & Closed Heel Leather Shoes (No higher than three inch heels) 

For men, traditional business attire consists of: 

• Business/Pant Suits 
• Button-Down Shirts 
• Ties 
• Solid Coloured Socks (Preferably black or any other neutral colour) 
• Closed Toe & Closed Heel Leather Shoes 

Both men and women are expected to keep their jewellery to a minimum and for women keep their makeup and their perfume subtle. Both men and women should accessorize their outfits with a brief case or leather folder to keep all paper, notes, files, and pens. 

This look is very professional and put together.  It will ensure that the focus remains on the work that needs to be done instead of basing any decisions due to appearance.  However, I do not think that traditional business attire is as popular today as it has been in the past because now people are encouraged to express themselves through the clothes they wear and their accessories and for women their make up.  That is why business attire has become more lenient over the years.  

QUESTION: Is traditional business attire still considered the dress code at your job?  If so, what are your favourite articles of clothing to wear? 

TIP: This is a tip that I learned from working in a retail store with a strict dress code.  If you look in the mirror and second guess whether what you are wearing is appropriate or not, most likely it is in appropriate and you should change your outfit! 

All information was found on http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryb/g/what-is-business-attire.htm & http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html

Hello Everyone!

My name is Elizabeth Zhalkovsky and I am a college student studying Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. I am in a two year program and next year I will be graduating and entering the working world. Being a student with little to no experience entering the career that you are interested in and have been studying for, it is very important to make an amazing first impression not only to your boss but also to your co-workers. 
What is the first thing that a person will notice about a new employee? Their appearance! 
It is so important to dress appropriately to your specific job. This may not always be an easy task considering the various levels of business attire. Business attire can be considered as: 

• traditional
• formal
• smart casual
• business casual
• casual

The purpose of my blog is to help new employees understand what is business attire.  What is appropriate to wear to work from clothes to shoes to make up and even nails.  This is the first step in becoming successful, respected, and memorable in your career. 

TIP:  If you are a new employee, when you receive your job offer ask your employer what is the "dress code."  Remember, it is always better to be over dressed rather than being under dressed & first impressions are very important!