What resolutions should you be making in the new year?

When the calendar flipped to 2012, it ushered in a new year of potential and possibilities. As a job seeker looking to take the next step in your career, now is the time to make a resolution to turn the new year into a successful one.

As the world leader in workforce solutions, we know what it takes for professionals to succeed. So to help you, we’ve put together a list of recommended resolutions that can help you land your next great job.

Reassess your Career

Did you love your previous position? Did you want more out of your day-to-day? Is part of the reason things didn’t work out because you needed a more positive work environment?

Now is a good time to ask yourself these questions and determine whether or not you want to continue in the same line of work. John P. Strelecky, author of The Why Cafe, suggests that being unemployed is the ideal time to evaluate what you want to do with your career. According to Strelecky, 45% of Americans aren’t happy in their jobs, and if you are currently out of work, you are in the perfect position to explore a variety of options.

If you’re looking for a career change, try taking classes, volunteering or working on a contract or temporary basis to get the experience employers want to see. You’ll learn more about the industry and improve your chances of securing employment at the same time.

Refresh Your Online Profiles

Today, employers turn to social networks when evaluating candidates like you. That means Facebook isn’t just for friending old high school buddies. LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Plus and other online networking sites can also be great platforms to present and market yourself. Of course, you also need to check your privacy preferences to make sure the information you post can only be seen by appropriate audiences. You wouldn’t want a recruiter stumbling upon photos from your wild weekend getaway.

Your LinkedIn profile is especially important, as it is the most popular professional networking site. Click here for a list of recommendations to help you get the most out of your LinkedIn profile.

No matter what service you use, be sure to keep your information up to date to increase visibility and catch the eye of recruiters or potential employers.

Revamp your network

Building up a network of professional contacts – and potential references – could help you in your job search. After all, “who you know” is often just as important as “what you know.”

So how can you build a solid network? You can start by reaching out to former colleagues, bosses and associates immediately. Solidifying these relationships can take time and effort, and you don’t want to miss out on potential opportunities or potential references.

You should also be selective when it comes to building your network; don’t contact people in the hopes of getting a recommendation for a position if you have no prior history with them. Instead, start a conversation on a blog or social networking site, comment on statuses, offer advice where appropriate, and position yourself as a resource. Remember that maintaining your network is a continuous endeavor and remaining in contact with your colleagues will be a vital part of your success.

Rewrite your Resume

Without a doubt, your resume and your cover letter are two of the most important pieces of content in your job search. They are the first things recruiters and hiring managers see and a poorly written or unprofessional looking resume can cost you a job even if you are a great match. That’s why it is so important to make sure yours is up to date and appeals to prospective employers.

According to US News, there are a few steps you can take make a good first impression with your resume. First, tailor your resume to the job. Create unique resumes for each individual opportunity in order to highlight the skills that are specific to the position. Furthermore, be sure to read the application carefully and follow all the instructions. This simple step can provide you with a leg up on other candidates who are applying to jobs without taking the small details into consideration.

Lastly, keep your resume simple. Leave out any irrelevant information, personal information, and photos, etc. You want your resume to be easy to read for the employer. If it takes too much time or effort to review your application, a potential employer will likely move on to the next candidate.

Revitalize your marketable skills

The Government of Alberta detailed the three critical skills that employers are looking for:

• Transferable skills, such as computer and technology aptitude, are very flexible and useful in a variety of jobs and industries.
• Time management skills and the ability to effectively manage your workload and schedule are also paramount.
• Work-specific skills, the ones you will use every day in your chosen career path, should be continually refined. In addition to taking professional development courses, temporary positions can help you gain real world experience and bolster your skill set to appeal to future employers.

As an Adecco associate, you’ll have free access to our online skills training programs.  We offer access to thousands of courses across professional fields that will enable you to brush up on your skills- or learn new ones.

You have the power to make 2012 a truly awesome year. Take the time to enact these resolutions in order to enhance your job search and land your dream job.

But remember, these tips are just the start when it comes to putting your dream job within reach. For more tips and career advice, visit Adecco Staffing Services or contact your local Adecco office today.

And now for a Contest!

Adecco USA will be running a “New Year, New You” contest starting January 15, 2012. Check out the Adecco Facebook page for more details, and find out how you could win daily prizes throughout January 2012!

One grand prize winner will  receive an interview suit and laptop- stayed tuned, and you could be on the path to career success!

Ms. Career Girl Contest

Now that you have these great New Year’s resolutions, which one are you going to stick with? Do you have another resolution that would be great for women in the workforce? Leave a comment here and the best idea will win a $50 visa gift card!  The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday January 13th at 5pm CST.

CONGRATULATIONS you got the job!

The night before, it’s almost as nerve wrecking as the moment you first walk into the reception of your new job  and the young fashionista of a receptionist gives you the once over with a sweet smile. It is the frantic search for that pair of patent heels you thought you had once upon a time. The worry if your new camel trench will match your carefully picked smock dress with the beautiful silk shirt that you had to buy and now you’re hoping your first pay check will cover.

Your emotions are all over the place in a whirlwind of nerves and excitement. The task of choosing that perfect first outfit with the right amount of class and sophistication, but still reflecting your personality, is seen as a big chore by most women;  a worry that we would rather not have. After all, the following day is the beginning to the rest of your life… No pressure! But should this really be as stressful as it is?

Work wear is like stylish armour. It protects us from the stresses of our, what seems like, never-ending meetings and ridiculously late nights at the office. It is the professional boost that is necessary to get us through those days.  After all, we spend so long in those clothes, we may as well adore what we are wearing, and this rule should not change for your first day.

Choosing the perfect outfit for your first day should not be scary. It is obviously essential that whatever you choose should be smart and sophisticated with a classical edge. However, by putting a twist of your personality in the finishing touches, it will finish your look successfully and create an individual image that will make you stand out from your new colleagues. You want to be noticed and remembered, to become the talk of the office for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones because as we all know, first impressions are crucial.

Now days, office wear has a huge selection to choose from.

Keep to these simple rules to create the right first impression but still adding some personality:

1.       Never under estimate the power of any accessory, try a statement necklace or neck scarf to create some individuality

2.       Do not over do on colour, one hue will keep the look smart and professional

3.       Make the base of your outfit a monochrome colour pallet but be daring with shades to keep it fresh

4.       Add a camel coat to a darker suit to keep your look vibrant and effortlessly fashionable

5.       Keep clear of tweeds mixed with plaid, you do not want to look like you are there for your first day at school

With these tips in mind, you can now walk in there with a smile on your face and feel confident in yourself by what you are wearing. Show them you definitely mean business.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you had a fulfilling and productive week and that you have a fun weekend ahead!

What I’m really squealing with excitement about today is that I get to meet the founder and CEO of Stella & Dot, Jessica Herrin in person tomorrow!  Jessica is the kind of woman I admire: a wife, a mother and the CEO & founder of a multi-million dollar company with record breaking growth each year whose sole purpose is to empower women (WHOA- go girl!).

I’m a “Stylist” with Stella & Dot and what I love most about the company is that their mission is aligned with the mission of Ms. Career Girl.  Their tagline is, “Style your Life” which really means something different for everyone: for some it’s one great piece of high-quality, high-fashion jewelry.  For others it’s earning a whole collection of new jewelry for free by hosting a trunk show.  And for people like me, “styling your life” is about pursuing a career path that allows you to spend more time with your family or have the flexibility and independence you’ve always desired.

So, in honor of both my excitement about meeting Jessica Herrin and my serious LOVE for this company that empowers so many different women in so many different ways, I decided to show you different looks from my personal collection. Let’s be honest, it’s Friday and I know we’re all looking for some distractions today!

PS- If you are in love with any of these pieces, let me know. I can hook you up with free jewelry if you host a trunk show (home, office or virtual!).   Plus they are doing crazy awesome specials in October! You can visit my site at StellaDot.com/MsCareerGirl too.

Black & Pink Glam

I don’t care what anyone says, I’m still not over black & pink or hollywood glam.  I love this look for a wedding or cocktail party!  Pictured are 5 different pieces:

LaCoco Jet Faceted Necklace with Plume Brooch (which clips right onto the necklace)

Deco Drop Earrings (so great for brides or bridesmaids too!)

Nouvelle Ring (adjustable for all sizes)

Soho Wristlet

Black Maxi Dress & Jean jacket

I love wearing this comfy yet polished look to a casual dinner, appointments and errands.

La Coco Turquoise Beaded Necklace with Bee Brooch

Marchesa Studs (love the little pop of turquoise!)

Sloane Bangle

Spice up your white t-shirt and look like a fashionista!

How to Accessorize a White T-Shirt

La Coco Curbchain with plume brooch in purple

Clover Single Wrap Leather Bracelet and Clover Double Wrap Leather Bracelet

Estate Chandelier Earrings

Red and Gold

Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings and Bracelet

Aurora Cocktail Ring (also adjustable- and I get tons of compliments on it!)

Together Forever Necklace (which I refer to as “the adult best friends necklace”)

Navy and Gold Night Out

Signature Clover Necklace and Signature Clover Earrings

Casual Saturday Errands Look

Snake Orb Pendant (surprisingly, this is the piece I wear the most out of anything I own!) Serpent Bangle

Leona Pendant

Rio Chandelier Earrings

A note from Nicole: Today’s post is a MUST READ for every young female professional out there! Regardless of what industry you are in- this doesn’t just happen in business, ask your friends who are teachers- you are likely to face some pressure (if not just plain old insecurity) about appearing too young.

I’ve personally dealt with this quite a bit, especially when I was selling mortgages to people more than twice my age at my first job, and working with seasoned business owners, attorneys and bankers at my second job.

I made the same efforts that Melody did in the post below until my Mom (an experienced businesswoman/owner) said, “Who cares!  If you’re good, you’re good. Focus on doing a great job, serving your clients and getting back to them right away if you don’t know the answer to something.  Believe me people won’t care how old you’re if you’re doing a great job.”

And she was right.  As a new manager, I just finished a long round of interviewing and hiring two new marketing coordinators for my team.  In hindsight, there’s no doubt that my final choices were made largely on self-confidence (not experience or age).  Keep these stories in mind before you waste time doubting yourself or trying to make yourself look older!

Thanks for a great post Melody!

–

By, Melody Sabedra

As a young female professional with a baby face, I often find it hard to gain the acceptance of the older executives within my company. Once when I was in the process of being hired, my then boss stated that because I looked so young I should try to dress in darker colors. He claimed that only younger people wore bright colors. Being that I had just been offered a job in this down economy, I took the advice with a smile on my face. I mean, the person had just hired me so they couldn’t possibly be criticizing me, right?

Since that date, I experienced many more times when I was told how to dress, look or appear in order to be perceived as older and more professional. At first these suggestions were welcomed, as I was completely unaware that I was appearing too young to look professional. However, after a while I started to get upset. These repeated suggestions made me wonder, does it really matter how young or old I look to be successful in my career? I got my answer as I was walking into the attorneys section of a courthouse when someone inside the room said, “this room is only for attorneys young lady.” I shut the door and went to the bathroom to hide from the embarrassment of not looking like an attorney when I was one.

That statement definitely lead me to the reality that no matter what I think or how I feel, others perceive me as a ‘young lady.’ My next thought was that I had to try to do something to make myself look older so that I could appear more professional. In an effort to accomplish this goal, I tried numerous things. I first decided to cut my hair into a short angled bob style. As a result, my hair went from below my shoulders to right about the height of my chin. Although this was a drastic change, when I came into work the next day the first thing my boss said to me was, ‘I like that haircut, it is very professional.’ Apparently the haircut was a success.

Then I attempted wearing more makeup to work, as I had heard that maybe wearing more makeup would make me look older. Now, I generally always wear a little mascara, powder, blush, and eye shadow, which I thought was pretty standard. In an attempt to look a little older, I decided to wear darker eye shadows and more blush. This looked ok, but I found it kind of an onerous task for an everyday habit. I also tried to wear lipstick, which I NEVER wear. The result of my makeup extravaganza is that I ended up feeling stupid, like a young girls trying on her mother’s makeup. I started to give up trying to look older.

Then one day during a lunch conference, I noticed a ‘young lady’ that was a guest speaker at the event on the due diligence process of acquisitions (exciting stuff!). Although this woman appeared pretty young, there was something about her that made her appear very professional. While I was at the conference I couldn’t put my finger on just what it was about her. When I got back to the office I sat and thought about why that woman caught my attention. At first I thought it was the fact that she was speaking at an event, which would make anyone appear professional. Then I came to the conclusion that it was not that she was speaking or that she was wearing a nice suit, she looked professional because she had an exuberant amount of confidence. This confidence made her look and appear older and more professional than I am sure she was.

From that day on I realized that persuading others to trust you in business is not always about what you look like. Sometimes all it takes is just a little bit of confidence. Through my experiences of being an extremely fresh faced attorney, I have learned that I need to portray confidence to my client in order to be respected. Obviously a client is going to trust an attorney who appears to know what they are doing over someone who stares at them like a deer in headlights.

Just think about it, when you are in any type of a business meeting with people who have been in your field longer than you, what draws you into listening to some people and not others? I did this one day at a meeting. I looked around the room as everyone talked and I took notes of who I actually paid attention to and who I caught myself day-dreaming to. The result was that the people with the loudest voice and the most charisma caught my attention more than the quiet wallflower type who was only speaking because he was forced into doing so. It was their confidence that made me listen to them. It is confidence that can turn you into a true professional, not a haircut or a fabulous suit.

So next time someone tries to tell you that you should look a certain way to appear more professional, don’t take offense to it. Rather, think about how you are presenting yourself to other people. Ensure that you are always portraying an image of confidence, even in your weakest moment.

I’m super excited to have  Liz DiAlto as a guest poster today!  Liz addresses one of my favorite topics: networking.  If you hate the idea of networking, you might love it after reading Liz’s post.

Whether you’re just starting off in your career, switching industries all together or looking to get better connected in your current field, networking skills are one of the most valuable skill sets you can have.  The most exciting part about networking? You never know when you might come across a “Connector,”  defined by Malcolm Gladwell as, “the type of person who knows everyone” in The Tipping Point (great read by the way if you need some inspiration to get out there and start meeting people!)

Here’s a great example…

A personal training client of mine connected me to her classmate from grad school, who is Editor-in-Chief of a women’s online magazine which resulted in my first opportunity to be a contributing writer.  That would have been great enough but check this out…

Online magazine Editor-In-Chief connected me to:

1. Two Hollywood Publicists who combined connect me to two published authors, one famous actress/filmmaker/dancer, a celebrity spa owner and a celebrity personal trainer.
2. NY Times Best-Selling author of one of 2010’s top women’s self help books.
3. One of the most followed inspirational people on Twitter.
4. The owners and designers of an up and coming accessory line.
5. Owner of holistic wellness boutique in NYC who’s been featured everywhere from Elle Magazine to the Dr. Oz show.

And I could go on for days with a flow chart that stems out from these connections, but I’m sure you get the point.  Now let’s get the specifics.

5 Networking Tips

1. Set your objectives. What kind of networking are you trying to do and why?  Figure this out first because later on I’m going to tell you to get out there and attend some events.  Networking events usually aren’t free, so you’ll want to choose wisely.
2. Research.  Start with a Google search of networking groups in a) your industry, and/or b) an area of interest for you (i.e. women’s networking groups, entrepreneurs, publishing, fashion…etc.) that are c) in your area.  Example: “women’s networking groups, NY, NY.”  Take your time visiting the websites of what your search yields.

• What to look for: Always read the “About” first, to get an exact picture of the group’s objectives so you can see if it’s right for you, or if you should move on to the next one.  (We’re trying to network here, not waste our time!)
• Don’t join yet! If you find a group you’d consider joining, attend a few of their events first before investing in annual dues.  Often, it’s cheaper to just pay the non-member rate for a few events throughout the course of the year.
• Do more research at the events. Chances are the people at the events have attended several others for that group and others.  Don’t forget to ask how they like the group and what others they’d recommend.  (Word of mouth is, and always will be the best form of advertising and referrals!)
• BNI International: BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world.  Annual dues are kind of pricey, but if you have the budget, it’s definitely worth it.  Click the link to find a chapter near you and to learn more about BNI.

3. Prepare your elevator speech and practice it! If you’re not familiar with the good ol’ elevator speech, put simply, it’s the answer to “What do you do?” Imagine you’re lucky enough to be in the elevator for a few floors with the person who could make all your professional dreams come true, how would you describe (in 60s or less) what you do (or what you’re capable of) and what makes you special.  Write it down, edit, and re-edit.  Be familiar enough with it so that you can convey it conversationally in a manner that shows your personality, passion and enthusiasm for what you’re out to accomplish.

4. Get in there and make a great impression girl! You want to show up to events armed with plenty of business cards, dressed in an outfit that makes you feel confident and, if possible, displays what you do.

Example: I’m a health and fitness professional, I always wear something classy and flattering that shows I practice what I preach. I’ve seen owners of jewelry businesses wear a piece from their line, a stylist looking extremely fashionable, finance people looking more professional in suits…you get the point.

5. Don’t wait for people to approach you. Whether you’re shy or outgoing, you must be prepared to introduce yourself to people.  Not sure where to start? “Hi, I’m [your name], (smile, and put your hand out for a firm handshake).”  Conversation usually flows pretty easily from there (especially when you have a great elevator speech ready to go!)

Remember ladies, there are two kinds of people in the world, those who wait for things to happen to them, and those who get out there and make things happen. Now you have the tools to getting started at events.

Stay tuned for Superwoman’s Networking Handbook Part II where I’ll cover how to follow up with all the connections you make. 

Please comment below! I want to hear your questions, success stories, personal networking best practices or group recommendations.

Does your wardrobe reflect who you are as an individual or as a professional? That is somewhat of a trick question, because ideally your wardrobe should reflect both. And believe me, it is more difficult than it sounds.

Each office has a different dress code, which is easy to work with once you have the items in your wardrobe to fit the guidelines. However, fit and tailoring and style aside, what does your work wardrobe say about you? Is it a set of clothing that you look upon similarly to those that you would wear to a private school – you wear them to work and wouldn’t dream of touching them on the weekend? Or do you practically take the weekend into the office?

One thing I would never suggest is to sacrifice your personal style to fit into your office dress code. Your work is part of your life, and you want it to be fulfilling and as productive as the effort you put into it – why wouldn’t you at least want to feel like yourself during this process? If someone would see your headshot and ask, “Is that you?”, that’s not a good sign. In the era of Facebook and Twitter, you need to appear accessible to all audiences of those who you’ve surrounded yourself with. And that means, start with your own style and then work your work wardrobe around it, not vice versa. That way you will be recognizable to all you know from friend to colleague to client – it also shows everyone that you are not hiding behind different looks, which would cause them to wonder if they were dealing with the real “you” and if you can be trusted. If you don’t differ too greatly stylistically from venue to venue, then who’s to question that you aren’t being sincere to everyone you come across?

Let’s start with the basics. Ask yourself what your favorite clothing item is. Is it the pair of knee-high boots, the chunky necklace, or the wrap dress? Whatever clothing category that item falls into, make sure work on that category for your work clothing. So if you adore your knee-high boots but all you own for work shoes is the same worn-down pumps that you’ve had for three years, get some new work shoes. You will no doubt have much more of a spring in your step even through those tedious trade shows.

If you love the chunky necklace but you don’t have one that quite works with your blazer or blouse, find jewelry that makes a statement with your work clothing without being too gaudy. Find a great pendant, a vintage brooch or a statement ring or metallic bracelet that will bring just enough bling into your working look. If the wrap dress is your go-to piece, then you are in luck as most offices believe that the wrap dress is very office-friendly! Just make sure it is at least knee-length, and I would suggest wearing a slip or a tank under it as most wrap dresses have quite a low-cut neckline.

The clothing that we love often makes us feel beautiful and confident – why take that away during the work day, which is usually when we need beauty and confidence most? It can be the simple addition of a favorite bracelet or the addition of a belted cardigan. You needn’t buy a whole new outfit. Whatever you need to do to add some of your personal style into your professional wardrobe, do it!

By, Nicole Crimaldi

In preparation for my spending boycott in the month of October, I summoned the absolutely fabulous Whitney Middleton of fauxshionable.com to come throw a party in my closet. I started a new job at the beginning of October, so the temptation was strong to go out and spend money on new work clothes.

Thanks to Whitney, I don’t plan on spending a dime. Whitney came over and pulled out pieces and put things together that I wouldn’t have thought of before. She has a serious talent for rehabbing a girl’s closet (ok, and spending addiction).

If you’re participating in the “Don’t Go Over in October” challenge and starting to feel the urge to shop, consider summoning Whitney or another friend to shop your closet instead! I was quite impressed!

Check out the looks she created for me at fauxshionable.com.

When checking in with my favorite blogs this morning on google reader, I came across this fun article called Personalities Decoded: Summer Dress Edition on the popular women’s blog BizzyWomen.com. 

I liked the post because it made me think of my closest girlfriends and how each of us has such a defined style when we go out.

I also liked the post because I have a huge crush on one of the dresses.  According to the article this dress is made for “The Fun One” aka as x-sorority girl and party planner extraordinaire.  Although I don’t necesarily think that represents my personality, I’d love to find a cheaper version of this dress somewhere!  This dress is by Marchesa and is $750- ouch!

Any one have any ideas?

After having forged a decade-long career as a successful financial analyst, Kathryn McKechnie traded in her spreadsheets for fashion spreads in 2008, when she launched Crescendo Apparel, her line of pants, skirts and wraps for pear-shaped women. As far back as she can remember–and certainly while she was analyzing data for the likes of Andersen Consulting and LaSalle Bank–McKechnie was a fashion junkie, the kind of style enthusiast who dog-eared her copies of Vogue Italia and anticipated with relish every new season.

There was, however, a rub: Most clothing lines failed to accommodate her curvy figure, while the labels that did failed to meet her sense of contemporary style. For most of her adult life, she paid to tailor clothes that were too big for her waist because there was no other option. And even then the fits weren’t great. Over the years, McKechnie realized she was far from alone. “There were so many women like me out there, struggling with the same dressing-room issues.”

With a mind for research, McKechnie undertook to investigate the fashion industry further. She found that the most fashionable, contemporary design houses focus on clothing for what the industry’s come to call “the ideal figure.” They work with straighter, smaller and less forgiving cuts than required to fit a pear-shaped figure. Lacking options, scores of women who aren’t plus-sized nevertheless shop from the plus-sized rack–often the most style-starved in the shop–heading straight to the tailor thereafter.

“I couldn’t help but wonder,” says McKechnie: “‘Ideal’ according to whom?” When she dug into the industry statistics, she learned that 64% of women are pear shaped, while 4% fit the description of the ideal figure. “I’ve always been a math person,” says McKechnie, who graduated with high honors in finance from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, “but you wouldn’t need to pass so much as an algebra class to understand the implications of these numbers.” At the expense of its own bottom line, in other words, the multi-billion dollar fashion industry was ignoring the needs of a solid majority of women.

“That was the inspiration I needed,” she says. “I realized that my business and financial acumen put me in the perfect position to create an offering for curvy women, a market segment whose fashion and fit needs had been ignored for far too long.”

Featured in Today’s Chicago Woman magazine as a model for any woman who dreams of changing careers in pursuit of her passions, McKechnie went on to earn a second degree in Fashion Marketing and Management at the Illinois Institute of Art in September 2007. “We’ve fused the fashion-forward sense of contemporary design with measurements to accommodate women with pear-shaped figures,” says McKechnie. “At Crescendo, we’re making curvy the new ideal.”

Does this line of clothing sound like something made for YOU? Crescendo is now looking for Fit Models in Chicago!

Focus Group and Fit Party- Refining the Brand and Cut

-Would you describe yourself as curvy – particularly below the waist?

-Are you currently at your ideal weight or within 10 pounds of a healthy weight?

-Do you have difficulty finding clothing that fits YOUR body well – particularly the gap between the waist and the hips/buttocks?

-Are you dying to wear the latest trends but can not find them in a fit for your body type?

-If you or someone you know answered yes to all of these questions, we are interested in your/her thoughts and will pay you for your time.

Event Info: Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:30 to 8pm, or 7:30pm to 9pm

RSVP: Contact kmckechnie@onshore.net and reference this Ms. Career Girl post.   Include your name, daytime phone, and email.

Crescendo Apparel LLC is a women’s clothing line for pear shaped women that provides fabulously fitting separates to take a woman from brunch with girl friends to a night on a the town. Crescendo is launching for Fall 2009 and will offer pants, skirts, and wraps through home parties and trunk shows beginning July 2009.

As featured on womenco.com!

Girls: Tell me the truth. What do you do Friday after work when you know you have a jam packed weekend ahead? What do you do after a recent breakup or terrible week? I hope you have a better answer than I do, because I go shopping (and occasionally dye my hair too, but that’s another story).

Anyways, yes-I go shopping. The girl who writes about putting money into your 401(k), building an emergency fund, buying a home and paying off your credit card debt.

There’s just something about a quick $20 fix that holds me over and distracts me from reality. I don’t feel guilty at the moment because of course I justify that a $20 top is way cheaper than buying one from a nicer store which could cost almost $100. For $100 bucks I could buy 5 new things AND new earrings from a store like Forever 21! Right?

Well, last night I started cleaning out my clothes in preparation for my upcoming move. As I went through my stuff, I realized that I hate half of my clothes and could care less if I ever see them again. Where are all these clothes I hate from?  Cheap stores that shall remain nameless.

They have not held up to my washing machine, the colors fade, the stitching comes out, and after a few months they look dated and cheap. Dare I use the term “disposable clothing” in a time of economic despair?

Then I think about the skirt suit I am wearing today. It is from White House Black Market and I’ve had it for well over a year and I wear it all the time. It has great thick woven fabric that makes it look like a Chanel suit, a skinny white belt and a great fitting jacket. Every time I wear it, it feels like a new suit and I feel great. I wouldn’t even THINK about throwing it away or replacing it.

So now my brain is curious. What is cheaper: buying a $300 outfit and wearing it for 2 years, or buying a $60 outfit and wearing it 3 times?

Let’s say I wear my WHBM suit an average of 3 times per month over the period of 2 years. That is 72 wears. The cost per use of this fabulous suit is $300/72= $4.17.

Now let’s look at the cheap outfit. Let’s say you wear a $20 top, with a $30 cropped jacket over it and $10 worth of cheap jewelry (which will undoubtedly break or change colors immediately). Let’s say I wear the outfit a total of 3 times before it breaks/fades/goes out of style. $60/3=$20 per use. Fine, maybe I’m being a snob. Even if you wear it 4 times, the cost is still $15 per use, which is still more than triple that of my $300 outfit. Plus we should add the “cost” of feeling like the outfit is lame by the 3rd time you wear it.

So, I guess the financially savvy conclusion is to choose quality over quantity when buying clothes. Which means next time I’m having a bad week or want to look fabulous for a night out I will need to find a new “quick fix” other than shopping to satisfy my need for something different.