Gifts for Graduates

Happy Monday, dolls!  If your like anything like us, your Facebook news feed has been bombarded with graduation posts this past weekend and we're sure there are more to come!  As May comes to a close and June is fast approaching we can bet we'll be seeing "Class of 2010" splattered on every other car we see.  So, since graduation season is here and those parties are right around the corner, we've decided to kick off this week with a graduation inspired post.  Here are some gifts, both unique and traditional, to show your loved ones how proud you are of all their accomplishments and help them continue on their path to success!







For a less formal gift, maybe for a close friend or fellow grad, we like something the high school graduate can take off to college with them. Things like simple organization can be essential to college success, which is why we like the idea of giving a cute message board, like this magnetic one by SteelDreamingDesigns.  They can display this board to add some style or color to their dorm, but also use it to post important messages, dates, a course syllabus, assignments, pictures etc.






One of the biggest issues facing new college students is time management!  Combine lack of supervision, a flexible schedule, and constant socialization and you're just asking for disaster.  Help them tackle this first semester by providing them with a great calendar to organize their events and deadlines.  If your student is allowed to stick things to the walls (silly dorm rules..), then we think this re-writable dry erase wall calendar by SimpleShades is absolutely genius - practical, stylish, and unique!  We also love this for great wall decor for the office as well.






Something we wish we had back then was a Keurig!  When you have 8am classes, late night study sessions, or the mundane 9-5 job you'll need something to get you going every once in a while.  Instead of having to trek to the dining hall, find someone to give you a ride to Dunkin, or buy that crappy cafeteria coffee, we think it would have been so nice to have had one of these. Plus, not only will they get a quick, quality cup of coffee, think of the money they'll save just because you thought to give them such a practical gift!






If your graduate has a job lined up, then you can get something to help decorate their desk and add some personality and style to their office or cube! A business card holder, such as this adorable cast iron kitty cat one, is both functional and decorative. Pick a business card holder that is professional, but also reflects your graduate's personal style. For more college graduate gift options, try Gifts for Professionals.










Or, for something of a more traditional gift, how about a commemorative piece of jewelry. Those graduation rings that they give out are just down right ugly and no one ever actually wears them, you just get them to have them as a keepsake.  Instead, give your high school or college grad the key to her future with this cute charm necklace by RiskyBeads that we think she actually be pleased to wear proudly.







And, of course, the classic gift for graduations is a solid frame for their graduation photo. We love this "shadow box" available at Walmart that allows you to display both a photo of the graduate and their tassel, creating a wonderful keepsake. This gift is great for both high school and college graduates!






 
Finally, it's no surprise, there is one thing that every graduate needs, wants, and will be eternally grateful for, and that is MONEY.  High school students are pretty much broke and in the upcoming months they will need items for their dorm, plus books, and of course that little thing called tuition. And college grads are in the same boat!  They have loans looming in the distance, rent to pay, have been living off of Easy Mac for 4 years, and can't even imagine how they will afford a new, "professional" wardrobe.  Give them money and help them ease into the next chapter in their lives!  We hope they'll use it for those practical things like bills or clothes... but maybe, like us, they'll take some money and use it to take time to explore and travel the world..and that's ok, because after all their hard work, don't they deserve it?  We think so!



Oh, the places they'll go!



XOXO
Jen & Saira
Source URL: https://quinnfabrayhair.blogspot.com/search/label/office
Visit quinn fabray hair for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Power Suits

Every girl needs an outfit that makes her feel like she could conquer the world.  The "Power Suit" is just that!  A power suit is not really a specific kind of suit, but it is a suit that you feel powerful in, something that makes you look strong and makes you exude confidence when you wear it.  The key to looking the best in your suits and feeling the most confident is to have a suit that looks like it was made just for you, so don't hesitate to take that skirt to the tailor for a hem or to get that jacket taken in a bit in the back... it will really make all the difference in the world.



Take a look at a few of our suiting selections, but remember, a well tailored suit is a powerful suit, regardless of brand, style, etc.  And, remember, ladies, buttoning your jacket approprately is very important to how you will be perceived.  If in doubt, follow the ASN Rule = Top button = Always buttoned.  Second button (on a 3-Buttoned Suit) = Sometimes, if you feel like it.  Bottom button = Never!!



We also would remind you that the pieces you choose to accompany your suit are almost as important as the suit itself.  So go for that bold printed top, the ruffly yellow blouse, and that chunky bracelet (see our cuff bracelet post for some ideas) -- they will only make you feel even more confident and beautiful.








 
This suit, from Express, would be great as your "basic" suit for interviews, meetings, etc. We opted for this sort gray shade because a good rule of thumb for interviews is to wear gray or dark blue, and not black, as it can come off as looking too severe. Another rule of thumb when picking your interview outfit is to go for a skirt suit (pictured above). Most career counselors state that employers, especially old, out of touch men, have a preference for women in skirts. But if the feminist in you finds that to be a bit uncomfortable, then go for the pants. The power suit is all about making you feel confident, so if wearing pants will do the trick, then by all means, ditch the skirt!






 
Our favorite power suit is a well-fitted slack suit, because it's bold, sexy, and is sure to get your confidence vibes flowing.  Plus when you think "power suit" you're probably thinking black, and for good reason -- they look strong and chic, and basically everyone looks good in black!  We like to pair our suits with feminine tops, which help to soften the color and make it a bit more subdued.  The above suit, by Nine West, is a great example of how to pull of a black suit by combining it with a flirty blouse!










Or, check out this other great option for a black suit.  This look is very fashion forward, pairing a black cropped pant suit from J. Crew with a casual t-shirt, bold accessories, and interesting shoes! Because the suits are sold as separates it makes it easy to find the proper size for your body type.  Plus, you can choose different jackets (two or three-buttoned), pant styles, or you can opt for a sexy pencil skirt! 







Now we know spring is here and summer is just around the corner.  None of us want to be schlepping off to work in our black or dark gray suit on an 80 or 90 degree day!  Luckily, there are some great suiting options that are perfect for the season, like this tan suit from Talbots.  With the white shirt and fun necklace, this suit looks fresh and crisp and will take you through Spring and right in into summer.










These suit separates by Ann Taylor are also perfect for the spring and summer, and are a bit more playful. The jacket can be worn with black slacks (as shown on the model), but can also be paired with the  matching skirt to create a very classy, Jackie O-esque ensemble.










Pinstripes are also a popular choice for the power suit. This charcoal, pinstriped suit by Calvin Klein would be a great interview suit. The pinstripes are very subtle, and charcoal is another one of our favorite shades to wear when interviewing. Plus, it's available at Macy's for an incredibly low price (as far as suits go), so it's definitely a business savvy investment.



XOXO,
Jen & Saira
Source URL: https://quinnfabrayhair.blogspot.com/search/label/office
Visit quinn fabray hair for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Dress Shop: Flirty Florals

Dress shopping can be a fun, all-day event with your girlfriends. But more often than not, it's something you do after work or online in between drafting emails, going to meetings, and reading gossip blogs. So, to help make life easier, we thought we would share some of our favorite dresses for all occasions with you, our lovely readers, starting with some of our spring favorites:









We are obsessed with this vibrant, fun dress from Anthropologie. It has a vintage look to it, and is perfect for a lunch with the girls or dinner out with your man. Plus the full skirt is perfect for twirling.







Or, check out a slightly more traditional floral print with this great spaghetti strap dress from Arden B.  This dress is so extremely feminine with it's dainty print & romantic colors. And the details like the tiered & ruffled top, faux rhinestone buttons, and pleats make this dress even cuter!










Sophisticated and pretty without being boring, this dress from J.Crew is what every girl needs this spring. Add some flavor to your work style by topping it off with a blazer, or show off your tan with bangles and sandals.







Not looking to make such a big color splash at work? Nordstrom offers a more subdued alternative that is professional and fashionable. The floral print is a nice addition to the traditional sheath dress, and the patent leather belt emphasizes the hourglass silhouette.




If you want to keep up with the trends but floral prints aren't really your thing, play it safe with this chic dress from Ann Taylor. The colors are muted and the floral pattern is very subtle. This dress can be extremely versatile and would be a great piece to spruce up your spring wardrobe.








While we usually try to share pieces that are affordable, this floor length gown by Theia, (available at Bloomingdale's,) is something we would definitely splurge on if we could! Sexy and romantic, you're sure to be the center of attention at any event... just ditch the tulle headband.



Thanks for reading!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira 



Source URL: https://quinnfabrayhair.blogspot.com/search/label/office
Visit quinn fabray hair for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

These pumps were made for working...

The saying is "dress for success," and this most definitely includes shoes. Every girl in the workforce knows that a good pair of heels can go a long way. While we prefer a pair of cute flats for every day in the office, heels are a definite must for every professional woman. They are sexy, sleek, and powerful... plus we hear that they help tone your legs when you walk. So here are our top picks of professional, yet stylish, heels to wear in the office and spice up any ensemble.







One of our favorites is the "blush" colored "ULLTRA" pump from Steve Madden. This heel is incredibly wearable to the office or would look great with a cute pair of jeans and a flirty top! Or, now that spring is here (fingers crossed), imagine dressing up these pumps  with a pretty floral dress and blazer. We can't wait! Plus, if you have pale skin (like Jen), this color will help make your legs appear even longer! Ah, what a magical pair of shoes!






This from Joan & David pump is an another comfortable option, but one that is slightly more conservative and perfect for your big meeting (or interview)! It offers a subtle pop of color and a little bit of hardware, giving the classic pump a modern twist. It stands out just enough to be fun, but is discrete enough to wear in front of your boss. Plus you can coordinate it with pretty much every suit color!









One look that we can't get enough of are lace-up heeled oxfords like this pair by Mossimo. This is a modern take on the traditional men's dress shoe that is just perfect for the winter, fall, and early spring. While this look may not be for everyone, it's ideal for the working girl who wants something more practical, and without all the fuss.











For a dainty and ultra feminine look, try this adorable pump from Nine West! The heel height is just right to be able to comfortably wear at the office all day, but the patent finish allows for a seamless transition for an evening out or special event. Our favorite part of this shoe is the delicate ankle strap which adds both style, and more importantly, support! Also available in pink and black! 





Like the strappy look but not the 3 inch heel? Ralph Lauren offers a simple, comfortable choice with their Mary Janes. They are conservative but still very chic and feminine, and give a classy touch to every outfit. Not only are they a throwback to our youth, but they're also on sale!







And, finally, the ULTIMATE pair of pumps is, of course, the Christian Louboutin Platform Pump. While they sport a staggering 4 1/2 inch heel, they are one of the most comfortable heels on the market, not to mention the most popular. Forget about just wearing them in the office, these heels are everywhere on the red carpet. Of course, there is the teensy matter of the price -- they go for a whopping $695.00 at Bergdorf's. But never fear! Many designers have copied the style at a much more affordable price. While not as comfortable, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, BCBG, and Mossimo have all come out with comparable pieces, at a fraction of the cost.


Happy shopping!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira Source URL: https://quinnfabrayhair.blogspot.com/search/label/office
Visit quinn fabray hair for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection