Style Girl *FASHION FIX* - Work It: Dress for Success

Work It: How to keep your cool + look professional

In anticipating the sizzle of a
mid-summer day, it becomes easier to skimp on the formalities of professional, work-appropriate attire. As dress codes loosen and unemployment rates rise, you start to wonder, “What is the modern-day
power suit?”

No matter whether you’re employed, seeking employment or working for yourself, it’s paramount never to underestimate the first impression.
If you’re going for an interview, do your research not only on the company and the job responsibilities, but find out what the work
environment is like. Do the associates click down the halls in designer heels or is everyday casual Friday?

Foz, host of Wilmington’s most popular radio show on Z107.5, shared, “On my first interview at a radio station, I came in all buttoned up wearing a suit and tie. My potential boss (not in a suit) took one look
at me and said, ‘You look like you’re trying to sell me something.’”

Since the goal of any interview is to sell yourself, the balance in dressing for success lies in not letting what you’re wearing distract from what you have to say. Don’t let your style outshine you.

Different style standards do apply based on your line of work. Classic pumps and a skirt suit are still the standard for a corporate interview
(read Refinery 29’s tips on what to wear)
whereas mixed prints or funky accessories worn by a graphic designer could be considered part of the “uniform” (and a positive sign of their creativity) by a potential client.

Work It: Neutrals
Now & Later

These transitional, feminine pieces will transition with you from
spring to fall.

Look Styled by: Jess James

Drapey wool casell jacket in wild mushroom $130 from J.Crew

Vanessa Bruno cross-over floral blouse $446 from Hampden Clothing

Fendi drape front wool blend skirt $810 from net-a-porter.com

Suede pump $48 from Urban Outfitters

Jane Pope Collection 14K gold bloom stud earrings $635 from Jane Pope

Jane Pope gray moonstone “Venus” ring set in 14K gold $1,300 from Jane Pope

Whether you are preparing for an interview or an important meeting,
here’s a few tips on How to Keep Your Cool while still looking Stylish
and Professional:

* Pick out your outfit the night before and try everything on to make
sure you feel comfortable and confident.

* Watch your hemline and neckline. Practice sitting down and make sure
your skirt doesn’t ride too high and your top does not gape too low.

*Wear closed toe or peep-toe pumps.

* Keep your accessories minimal. Save your statement earrings for happy
hour and stick with more solid studs or smaller, delicate earrings.

* Choose well tailored pieces with neutral or subdued colors (with
perhaps a “pop” of a more saturated hue) that fit well and are
wrinkle-free.

* Make sure to select lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep you cool
under pressure.

* Keep your hair polished and out of your eyes and face. Try a low
ponytail or a bun.

* With makeup, less is more. Go for a fresh, natural look with neutral,
subdued colors on your eyes, cheeks and lips with a clear lipgloss.

* And don’t forget your most valuable accessory - you got it…
Confidence.

Work It: Day to Night

Polyvore
collage styled by: Jess James

Start with a pencil skirt with an eye-catching detail. Add a cropped
blazer so you don’t lose the detail in the skirt.

DAY:
Choose a leopard print silk blouse, briefcase and a pair of statement
pumps for the board meeting.

NIGHT:
Change into a cropped deco top, with deco studded accessories for a
night on the town.

To see where to find these pieces for sale, click HERE.

Sponsored by:

More details to come… time to clean out those closets!

Ziabird, located at Lumina Station, was selected as a
nominee for Niche Magazine’s 2010 Top Retailer Awards. NICHE magazine,
the exclusive trade publication for independent specialty retailers,
annually recognizes 24 retailers and gallery owners as “Top Retailers”
and names one “Retailer of the Year.” Ziabird, known for its eclectic
finds from  small, independent designers curated by owner Lynn
Manock, is one of 78 Top Retailer nominees, and the only one in
Southeastern North Carolina.

Award winners will be announced at a ceremony Monday morning, August
23rd, during the Buyers Market of American Craft at the Baltimore
Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. The full list of this year’s
nominees by category are now posted at

www.TopRetailerAwards.com

James + Dunne

FALL FASHION

PREVIEW

SAVE THE DATE:

October 14

@ Blue Hand Home

Rachel Gordon / ONE LOVE Sample Sale

478 King Street

CHARLESTON

WHAT: This Saturday, for ONE DAY ONLY, all of the ONE
LOVE dresses by Rachel Gordon will be on sale for $75-$100
each.

WHEN: Saturday, July 31st / 11am - 3pm

WHERE: 478 King Street - above the Silver Dollar

July 31

Julia Faye Davison Swimwear Fashion Show

Folly Beach

CHARLESTON

WHAT: 2010 Charleston Fashion Week semi-finalist Julia Faye Davison will be
showcasing her 2011 swimwear collection.

WHEN: 5pm-6pm

WHERE: 1 Center Street / in the sand behind the Holiday Inn / Folly
Beach

July 31

3rd Annual “Arts for the Arts” Hair Fashion Show

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
This WWII era inspired show will feature cut and color styles, glamour,
avant-garde and fantasy hair pieces in an effort to raise money for the
downtown youth woodworking program, Kids Making It. Models will be
dressed by local designer Chanel Dupare with jewelry by Joanne Miranda
Designs.

There will be two shows: 1)  a VIP show with
cocktail party, hors d’oeuvres, gift bags, seating. 2) For the
nightlife crowd with a dance party to follow.

WHERE: The Beam Room -  the 3rd floor of Front Street Brewery
/ 9 North Front Street / Downtown Wilmington.

WHEN: VIP premiere showing on Saturday, July 31, 8pm; doors open at
6:30pm. Second showing at 10pm; doors open at 9:30pm.

TICKETS: VIP Premiere, $30. Couples, $50. Tables, $300 (seats 6-8).
Second showing, $20. INFO: Tickets on sale at Nsalo
Salon, 212 N. Front Street

910.251.9666, nsalosalon@gmail.com

August 7

“Acting Up” with Legacy Talent Management

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
A fun, interactive acting/modeling seminar for ages 7-17. Lunch, snacks
AND photo shoot are included! Featured guest NYC Ford Model and Legacy
Talent Model / Actress Hannah Jelinovic, will work with aspiring models
& actors on: How to Walk the Runway, How to WOW the Casting
Directors & How to Work in Front of the Camera.

WHEN: Saturday, August 7th, 11am-3pm

WANNA
GO?: Space is limited! Contact Leslie Corriher to reserve your space at
leslie@LegacyTalentMgmt.com or by calling 910.795.7753. For more info,
visit www.LegacyTalentMgmt.com

August 19

STYLE SWAP

128 South

WILMINGTON

WHAT: The time has arrived -
Style Girl is hosting Wilmington’s first Style
Swap of 2010!!

WHERE: 128 South located at 128 South
Front Street / Downtown Wilmington

WHEN: Thursday, August 19th / 7-9pm

More details coming soon!