Green Geometric Print Jacket

What would you wear for a formal event at this time of the year? I prefer something loose and boxy. Colorful, but not over-the-top. I love this coat/jacket by Milly. Its a beautiful and extremely comfortable coat which I wore out on a warm day and didn't sweat at all. I, of course did take it off to reveal this beautiful white Erin Erin Fetherston dress, paired with my white block sandals.

Outfit Details : Shoes - ASOS (unavailable but like this) | Dress - Erin Erin Fetherston | Coat - Milly

Getting Your Linkedin Profile Picture Right

I met up a few friends the other day over brunch and got talking about our profile pictures on Linkedin. Believe it or not, the profile picture is one of the key components in building a professional relationship. Even before someone scrolls down to the experience and educational qualification, the profile picture is the first thing that comes up. And it's on the top left corner of the page, which I remember from my advertising days that human eye travels from top left corner of the page to the bottom right corner. So by that definition, it's the very first thing one sees.

We use Linkedin for professional networking. Sometimes we seek jobs, sometimes business partnerships as well as sometimes, we are looking to hire. In all these situations it's important that the person looking at us has the right impression.

Let's ask ourselves a question before we begin.

What impression are we trying to form?

A: Well, since it's a professional networking website we would like to come across as someone who is professional, looks confident enough to get things done. At the same time, you are friendly and people like to approach you.

As Sean Koppelman, President of The Talent Magnet says that "What you should portray is that you are a happy, professional person, who is going to bring something positive to the organization!" Click here for his entire video

Here are a few things that you should avoid while taking the picture.

• Do not flinch. You are probably flinching because you are standing under direct sunlight. Which is bad because firstly it makes you flinch and secondly it's going to burn your picture. Stand in shade. It can be in your office, or in front of a wall that has a nice painting or even without a painting. Or some sort of background that's not too busy and distracting. 

• Keep your outfits clean and sober. You may be a party animal, but keep that side of your personality for Facebook. When it comes to Linkedin dress up remembering what the purpose is. Also, industry is important. What is appropriate for a creative advertising professional may not be the right outfit for a finance professional. So check that. Similarly other things like hair, skin, makeup etc.

• When posing for the picture, keep a check on your expressions. You could possibly be laughing or smiling way too much or looking somewhere else. Or have some weird expression. These are a big NO for profile pictures.

• Don't get other people to pose with your for "your" profile picture. Not your kids or family or friends. Nobody but you should be in that picture because people who are looking at you are interested in "you" only. 

• Don't go for fancy hair or makeup. If you look clean and pleasant then you have got it right. 

• Make sure the lighting is right!

And that's it!

Given below are some examples of pictures that you should not!

And here are some examples of profile pics below, that you could try.

Cute Black Wear-To-Work Outfit

Outfit Details : Dress - See by Chloe | Sunglasses - Prada | Shoes - Ted Baker | Bag - H&M

How To Prepare For Networking Meetups

I have spent my childhood being a shy introvert child. I was a single child and had family around at all times, so once I stepped out of my comfort zone like school and then high school. College & then work and more studying thereafter. In all these situations I interacted with people, great people who helped me along the way to grow with them and with that I learnt to be better prepared for these interactions. I learnt to introduce myself right, and present myself. 

Visiting Card

Visiting cards are the easiest way to introduce yourself. And the information remains with the person all along. I can understand that it can be an investment for someone who is just starting out. But trust me its a worthy investment. Try Vistaprint, as their cards can be inexpensive and designs can be picked up from the website. And if you are a designer then you know the drill.

 Be On Time

Cant stress this enough, but people do like to be respected. If you arrive on a time that everyone has decided or you have agreed to be present somewhere at a particular time, then it means you are someone perfectly capable of keeping your promise. Lets remember, that when someone doesn't know you, he/she is judging you constantly. Your absence makes the same a magnitude of impact as your presence. Also, if you know someone, its just nice and professional to be on time!

 Go Easy On Your Outfit/Look/Makeup

You are a creative individual and are proud of it. And I think thats awesome. However, it may not be the best idea to consider yourself as the canvas. You will meet people like say 'me' with ADD who will not be able you focus on you or anything that you say because of the beautiful peacock green eyeshadow. But thats not why you are there. You are there to introduce yourself, and want people to know the 'you' and partner or collaborate or anything else with you, instead of being impressed by you and look up to you as a goddess. I do think its a personal choice as well, and our eyes and instincts are the best judge. As long as we keep those 2 on, we should be ok. 

Carry Your Work Along

I am a photographer, stylist and a blogger. I have some work which I am really proud of and have compiled them into a pdf. I have downloaded that pdf on my phone, just in case someone wants to see it. And not to mention, just for this kind of eventualities, please keep your phone charged.

Go Easy On The Perfume

Trust me on this one. People are sometimes allergic to certain fragrances. They would avoid you like plague because they don't want to get into a sneezing frenzy the moment they come at a distance of a feet. I am not saying go without perfume, but opt for more subtle fragrances that are not overwhelming. And when you apply add just a little, like here. In which case you may not even have to apply the perfume repeatedly.

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Wear to Work

One of the most difficult question to answer and it appears daily is "what do I wear today?" As we are progressing into fall, but haven't left heat behind completely, I tried to keep it a little warm. A goes-with-everything black turtle neck light pullover. And along goes the green tartan-plaid skirt with the zip controlling the side slit. For a more conservative environment. I left accessories at home, to keep it light, of course other than my Loeffler Randal Bag!

Outfit Details : Black Turtleneck || Skirt - Jcrew || Loeffler Randal Saffiano Rider Bag || Nine West Leather Sandal 

Wear Flares to Work

As seen here:

Blouse - Mango (currently on discount)
Trouser - The Limited
Watch - DKNY
Shoes - Target

Do you like this look? I would love to know. So, please do leave behind your comment, suggestion, insights, love notes... I am listening.

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#Peasant Top - Wear to Work

I paired up my peasant top with an old skirt from Banana Republic. Accessorized with off white wedges from Target. For a more formal look, put on a jacket. I tried it and it looks fab. And if you are wondering where I got my haircut from then its here. My stylist was Mose and I am very happy with what he did with my hair. In fact I am considering sticking to this hairstyle for quite sometime now.

By the way, have you tried the lime-peach green ice tea at the Starbucks? Yes its back! Its the perfect drink for summer. cool and refreshing. Try it if you haven't done that yet.

Top - Urban Outfitters
Skirt - Banana Republic (old)
Shoes - Target
Rings stack - Forever 21
Sunglasses - Vogue Eyewear

Do you like this look? I would love to know and have a conversation with you. So, please do leave behind your comment, suggestion, insights, love notes... I am listening.

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Wear to Work - Orange

If you remember one of my earlier posts, I claimed orange to be a big color this season. But how could it be if I didnt keep my own word, and never used it. So here is another addition to my Wear to Work series where am gonna suggest wearing 'Orange ' to work! yes, you read this right.

What if I told you that you can wear orange eye shadows to work. And I am not talking only about those who have the privilege to be funky at work, but those who have dress codes to follow. Yes, its doable. And here we also, have to keep in mind that we are gonna have very limited time to do this. Rush hour guys. So, lets find out how:

Once you are done with your foundation, concealer, powder routine start with your bronzer at the hollow of your cheek. Keep blending in circular motion on both sides till you have blended it all evenly.

Apply a shimmery light color like silver or another neutral subtle color that compliments you.

Apply the orange now, starting at the outer corner of your eyes. Do not be too generous with the color, as we want to keep it subtle. Also, be careful about choosing the orange, and pick up the one that goes with your skin tone.

Similarly apply it on the lower lid

Apply mascara on both upper and lower lids

Apply lipstick. I used a neutral, brownish shade that compliments my skin tone.

Products that I used

Bronzer - No7 Perfectly Bronze
Eye Shadow - Urban decay electric palette (Revolt and Slowburn)
Mascara - Covergirl Lashblast fusion
Lipstick - L'oreal 180 Silky Java
White shirt - MNG See here
Pair it with a grey trouser and black jacket (coming soon)


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