Embracing Style in the "Working World"

I happen to care about fashion, I care about makeup, I care about new hair conditioning treatments, and  how to get that sun-kissed skin glow... I might sound ditzy but these topics are my hobbies, as they are for MANY of you out there! So, what's a girly girl to do when she enters the work force, or the corporate world and pink is considered an optional color for a highlighter and nothing more? Are trends of black nail polish and hobo bags suppose to fly out the window so you can fit in with your new atmosphere? In my few years of post-graduate work experience, I find myself encountering these  little quams.

What I don't understand is why do some women feel that while they are crossing that bridge into "adulthood" they must throw cute skirts, fun eyeshadow, and sexy high heels overboard?! I'm half peruvian and maybe this suits the stereotype that latin women tend to be vain.  I can hear my mom saying "where's your makeup?" Everytime I would attempt to leave the house, in a rush to make class on time.  But, if this vanity does fit the stereotype... Well, then I don't consider this to be a bad thing :)

So, I did a little experiment. After having a small inner conflict with what my "look and style" is  versus what my "look and style" should be in a corporate atmosphere, I realized... When I'm not dressed in some kind of fashion that suits my style... I don't work as well.  I feel lazy, tired and not my bubbly self. And, who would want to bother with a lazy and tired girl?! But, when I've got my heels on, nails and hair done. And a cute but, appropriate, work outfit on I feel ready to conquer my day...scratch that! The world!

So my conclusion to this little experiment...All because you've entered a new phase of your life, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice what makes you feel good, just because you feel the need to fit in! If you're that eager to fit into a new clique try going back to high school.  The working world should be a place where you are learning new things all the time and building that foundation for what your passion will eventually lead you to.   Bottom line is when you look good you feel GREAT! When you feel great, anything is possible. So throw away the chunky heels, and the stiff navy blue pant suits and embrace your style.  It's a nice feeling to over hear co-workers talk about how you always look good. Besides, you never know who you might see that day.

A Dream to Tackle Train Travel

I am not sure if men will ever understand how envious women are of their ability to commute day to day with out being weighed down with nothing more but the jingling and jangling of the keys in their pockets. What about their brush of luck with clothing? Every piece of attire most men own have pockets, that are meant to actually carry your most important...daily...items...like your money, your keys, credit cards and chapstick... they have pockets that are built for a purpose, not just a fashion statement.

Unlike our everyday New York City chicas... you know who I'm talking about... we are a generation full of revolutionized twenty-something year-old active, go-getters who are in the midst of starting our careers (not a family... just yet) and developing a "brand..." for ourselves. With money, power and success on the brain... there are a ton of gadgets and accessories we pile ourselves up with in our pricey purses. Let's face it... we tend to carry alot of SHIT!

So when I see these men gliding through the crowded platforms with speed and ease and not an unweildy item holding them down, except for maybe an umbrella...I can't help but turn green with envy. Meanwhile I'm tripping and panting and awkwardly being tossed around the platform and train cart, with one arm holding a newspaper (or magazine), my hair in my face that seems to have become a siamese twin to my lip gloss, my shoulder in pain as I try to keep my bag situated underneath my arm pit, watch out for pick-pockets and find a pole to grasp onto so that I can prevent myself from becoming a ping-pong ball, bouncing back and forth amongst other commuters... right before the train attempts to take me to my wonderful destination.

However, all in the end... I am not ready to sacrifice my tight skinny jeans and cute matching clutches and get-away bags just yet...but the idea of commuting without feeling weighed down by a friggin everyday suitcase just like a man is able to do?

Well, a girl can always dream... can't she?