Career Corner

You've spent endless hours applying online for jobs, filling long forms, and trying to find old job numbers and BOOM you finally scored a job interview. Sooner than you expect, they want to meet with you and then it hits you.... What am I going to wear?! Well thanks to my previous experiences, here are my tips on looking your best for your next interview in today's Career Corner.

CLASSIC AND MODERN

Throughout my interview experiences, I've seen it all. Men dressed in oversize shirts and suit jackets, baggy khaki pants, over-worn dress shoes and few other mistakes. But one thing I can tell you, is that a classic suit will never run out of style. Whether you wear it with a tie or not, that's up to you. However, make sure its fitted. If you're on a tight budget (like myself) there's no need to worry. Nowadays, suits aren't as expensive as they used to be. Instead of focusing on quality, focus on the overall image. Stores like H+M, TopMan, Banana Republic, Zara and others offer a wide variety at an affordable price. Try to stay within classic colors (Charcoal, Navy, Black) and the biggest advice I can give you: just because it looks good on him, doesn't mean it will look good on you! Therefore try everything on before you buy it!

TOSS THE FOLDER!

Honestly! I can't stress this enough. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT take your resume on a manila (or any other color) folder!!! You're in your mid-20s (or older) and still carrying that wrinkled, stained thing with you? ABSOLUTELY NO! Instead invest in a professional portfolio bag, or clutch. Believe me, not only will it make you look modern, but it will allow you to carry several items (resume, business cards, keys, phone, agenda, etc.). Leave the bulky side pockets and heavy wallets in the past! Depending on the portfolio, you can now travel comfortably and with no extra baggage.

Oppermann London is a brand I truly and profoundly love! These gentlemen created a whole new dimension and vision for the modern man's portfolio bag. It's sleek, modern and professional! Best part, it's AFFORDABLE! I mean I don't know about you guys but, when it comes to versatility and simple design, I ALL OVER IT! (I own the Goswell Portfolio in navy and I'm obsessed with it.)

RESUME REVIEW

I'll keep this section simple as it can easily be a whole different topic. From what I've been coached, you should generally take anywhere from 3-5 resumes with you as well as business cards. I've had interviews in where the person interviewing me had no resumes, they forgot to print out a copy or they invited other people (without me knowing) and having those extra copies helped a lot. Employers aren't necessarily focusing on the paper quality but the information rather. Therefore, I print my resumes on normal 8.5 x 11 print paper. If I ever happen to interview for my dream job (fingers crossed) then I'll consider purchasing high quality resume paper. 

Side Note: Edit your resume to apply for each individual employer. Even though your major is in design, it doesn't mean you can't apply for a marketing or merchandise job, therefore you should edit your resume to fit those qualifications.

ACCESSORIES
Keep them simple and minimal. A (simple and subtle) watch, a tie and a tie clip. Or a square pocket, a watch and no socks (and by no socks I really mean no-show socks, google it). Sunglasses are okay, but take them off prior to walking in to the office. Belts? optional.

SHOESSSS!

This section may be a bit challenging to describe simply because it all depends on your suit and taste. Personally, I have worn a navy suit, no tie and loafers (similar to the second image below). I have never really been a fan of colored or patterned socks (just not my thing). However, If you're going for a more traditional look and would prefer to wear socks, make sure you either match your socks to your belt (i.e. Black/Black or Brown/Brown) or in the event that you decide to go belt-less, wearing black (cotton) socks is always a safe bet. If you're rocking the sock-less look, then the belt should be similar (or a complementing tone) to your suit.

Your shoes shouldn't look worn out (invest in shoe trees, google it) or as if they were from your dad's era (toss them along with you folders); Invest on thinned-sole dress shoes (Aldo, Call It Spring, DSW, etc.) in where they're not bulky or out of style.

And for your sake, DO NOT WEAR WHITE SOCKS with your suit! The only person I know that rocked that look amazingly was Michael Jackson.

Plan ahead, do your research, and thank me later!

86th Annual Oscar Awards

Once again, Hollywood stars shined at this year's 86th annual Oscar Awards. From Gucci to Tom Ford, this year's Oscar nominees dashed the red carpet in their dapper look!

Channing Tatum in Gucci

Leonardo DiCaprio in Giorgio Armani

Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Calvin Klein

Kevin Spacey in Burberry

Jared Leto in Saint Laurent

Ethan Hawke in Dior Homme

Zac Efron in Calvin Klein

Michael Fassbender in Tom Ford

Bradley Cooper in Tom Ford

"...this is for the 36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS. And to those of you who have ever felt injustice because of who you are and who you love, I stand here in front of the world with you and for you. Thank you so much, and good night."

-Jared Leto

SKIP!

SKIP is a new segment in my blog in which I will talk... well blog about menswear faux pas! Whether its tacky, gross or simply not cool, I'll let you know why you should.... SKIP!

In today's entry, I will be dissecting, the horrible and tackiest shoe ever! I'm talking about the white dress shoe.

Gross

WTF?!

Disgusting!!

Not only do they NOT go with anything but they make you look like an idiot, honestly. The only acceptable form of usage is if you're about to receive your first holy communion. Toss them afterwards; I am sick and tired of seeing men 'reinvent' this fad that, sadly, never ends. I don't know if its because they think they look great in them or maybe because that's the only option they've got. Whatever the reason maybe, throw them away! Don't donate them or hand them over to your family (because that's not helping the issue).

But then what do I wear to an all white party then?! Well thank God there are options for you, my friend! Depending on your outfit you can opt for keds, driving mocs, or even boat shoes. These options provide you comfort, style and a "put together" look and remember you can wear off-white shades as well.

Personally, I don't own any white shoes (at the moment) but usually I try to stay away from them because I'm the one that dirties them right away and/or people always end up stepping on them (which is so annoying!!).

Let me know what's your opinion on white dress shoes. Do you like them? hate them? I want to know!!

Also let me know of any fashion faux pas that you think I should feature and I'll be sure to review it! 

Menswear Enthusiast

FALL TRENDS

Tweed Blazers, Topcoats, & Double Breasted Suit Jackets

Motorcycle Jackets

Military Boots

COLOR:

Forest Green

Cargo Pants + Michael Bastian

If you would of asked me a year ago how I felt about cargo pants, I would of said I hated them and no man should be allowed to even try them on. 

However thanks to one of my favorite menswear designers, Michael Bastian, he gave me the desire to own a pair (no pun intended)! In the words of my fashion idol, Miranda Priestly: groundbreaking.

These M.B. pants are slim, pockets aren't puffy (unlike your commercial ones), and the crotch area is risen. The main focus being the appropriate fit.

Now, if you're like me and cannot afford M.B. (yet!) I've got the solution. Purchase any cargo pants (whether they're from J.Crew, Gap, or wherever) and take them to your local tailor and have them shortened the rise (which basically means to take it from the crotch and thigh area). Prices vary but definitely will be a lot more affordable than an actual designer pair!