"Dress to impress"

Dress to impress, the illustrious name of a workshop by famous Belgian stylist Lien Degol I attended a while ago. Main topic: when applying for a job, what in God's name should you wear? It's not applicable on me right now, but still, I figured it wouldn't hurt to get some intel on the do's and don'ts outfitwise when going in for a job interview. The gist of what Lien told us at the workshop was to a) leave your personality at home, b) pay attention to personal hygiene and c) as I interpreted it, you don't have to look freakin' boring. Especially the first rule seemed quite difficult for me to overcome. 

With those and other tips and tricks from Lien Degol in mind - like dark denim pants are always a good idea, wear opaque tights and don't be too sexy (so hard, right?! just kidding), I decided to try and put together a few interesting, adultlike outfits to apply for a job. And that all with the stuff already hanging around in my wardrobe. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

I based outfit number 1 on one of the examples presented in the workshop, namely a black suit with a shirt that pops out, while adding a classic bag and classic heels. I'm not completely satisfied with the outfit, as I think it deviates too far from my personal style. Of course, that's the whole 'leave your personality at home' thing. I think I could have done better with a brighter color as a shirt. Alas, not something I could immediately find in the vast territory of my wardrobe.

Blazer: New Look - Shirt, pants: H&M - Pumps: Primark - Glasses: Rayban - Bag: Sac d'Anvers

The second outfit is something I would actually wear in real life. A colorful but rather cute dress, opaque tights, brown brogues, a brown bag and a black blazer. Although I'd maybe not wear opaque tights, but rather sheer tights with some knee stockings. Again, my personality popping up. 

Blazer: New Look - Dress, purse: Primark - Glasses: Rayban - Brogues: Sacha

What do you guys think? Or what do you wear/would you wear for a job interview? 

What We Wear Wednesday: Black, Burgundy, Gold

Spot the cat.

A really casual outfit today. I'm sitting at home these days, in front of my computer, looking for a job, designing for a graphic test, and other stuff, and editing pictures. (I'm also browsing Pinterest, numerous online shops and fashion blogs, just so you know.) In fact, I don't have to leave the house. Except when I go for a run, but I'm gonna spare you that outfit. So there's no need to really dress up and I'm also not in the mood to show a more festive or 'original' outfit.

Oh yes, my mood. It's not that great these days. Looking for a job is a fulltime job on its own. And today I feel a bit demotivated. I mentioned before that two weeks ago I had two job interviews planned. After my first interview I was mad at myself, because I knew I could have done better, but for some reason my nerves totally took over that day. That translated into flushing scarlet (thanks, fifty shades) and stammering and well basically unable to act normal. I did a major facepalm when I left that building. But OK, we had to do a graphic test (feedback will yet follow) so nothing is lost. Yet. My other interview on the other hand went excellent. Or at least I thought. I was really confident, talkative - but not too much -, and looking that guy straight in the eye. But I didn't get a callback for a second interview. So I picked up the telephone myself yesterday, only to be told I didn't make it to the second round. That really slapped me in the face because I really really thought that interview went really good. Yes, I did want to use 'really' that much in just one sentence.

But let's talk outfit. It's my highwaisted jeans again! I have a tendency to wear / eat / like / drink / hate / ... things for a certain period of time and then suddenly grow completely tired of it (or write love poems about it when I originally hated it). My top's from Pimkie and I really like the simplicity. The mini-studs make it a little less 'boring', they do tend to fall off. The cardigan is from H&M, it's perfect for these windy fall days and to curl up in on the couch. Or to sit in front of your computer while biting your fingernails. My boots are from Steve Madden and totally worth the amount noted on the price tag (they weren't THAT expensive, but more expensive than what I'm used to). Last year, I bought similar boots at H&M because I really wanted lace up biker boots. But I wasn't satisfied, they felt so cheap and plastic. So I ended up selling them a couple of weeks later at Eline's Bazaar Bizar, for only half the amount I had paid for it. So, I made a decision to invest more in more expensive pieces rather than just buy the cheaper H&M version. I don't say H&M doesn't sell quality stuff, I LOVE shopping there and I will never stop doing that I guess. But I want to combine my high street shopping with shopping some labels. Steve Madden has been my first. You know.

Talking labels, I do have some GOOD news too: I won a double ticket for the LABELLOV event this Thursday, thanks to a contest on BELMODO.TV. Unique vintage clothes, jewelry and accessories from even more unique designers? YES PLEASE! I really do hope to take home a vintage Chanel bag. So you can expect a post on that too in one of the following days. (So, I've been checking the website in the meantime, and I think I'm gonna go home crying! But I'll make a post of it anyhow so you can all participate in my grief.)

Actually, how do YOU guys feel about high street shopping versus label browsing? Also tired of plastic looking alternatives and studs that fall off, but don't have the budget for 'the real stuff'? Please, do let us know!

Cardigan, jeans: H&M - Top: Pimkie - Boots: Steve Madden - Ring: Six - Earrings: Karolien's sister Kathleen

Spot the bug.

What We Wear Wednesday: Job Interview

As I mentioned before, I'm recently graduated and looking for a job. During summer I had my summer job, vacations, festivals and the boyfriend on my mind, but ever since I got back from our surf trip and the boyfriend's back in Ghent, the job hunt is open.

I've been sending out my resume, motivation letter and portfolio to numerous interesting companies and I've been applying to several intriguing job vacancies. The VDAB website has been my best friend the last two weeks. 

And my efforts paid off. I have two job interviews planned for this week! Of course it's important that you make a good first impression. So first of all: dress to impress. I want to show you three outfits that I would wear to a job interview. Please do give me your opinion! I actually wanted to share even more outfits, but I ended up making the same combinations with different pieces of clothing. I found out I don't have that much interview-proof clothes!

Outfit number one: Coco Chanel

Parka: Zara - Shirt, jeans: H&M - Shoes: Vans, Bag: thrifted - Earrings: Hema

 I'm not actually wearing Chanel, but this image of Audrey Tautou in "Coco avant Chanel" inspired me. I love the French look with the navy stripes. It's classy, yet not boring. Yesterday I was searching some online shops for a highwaisted jeans, and today I went and got it at H&M. It's a perfect fit and a slight miracle. Usually I get really annoyed when trying on jeans in the fitting room. I end up miserable and feeling like an obese midget. My brain tends to overreact. Today I took three sizes with me in the fitting room and I had to go back to take an even smaller size. I was so taken aback! Clearly in a good way. These jeans fit me like a glove and it makes me want to erase everything I said about my ZARA jeans. I found my new love: highwaisted jeans. A total recommendation for everyone who has jeans issues!

Outfit number two: Variation

Blazer, jeans: H&M - Blouse: Mango - Shoes: Carrefour (true story) - Bag: Forever 21

 This is actually a variation of outfit number one. These jeans just work so well with everything and they seem like the perfect pair of interview jeans. I brought in some more color by wearing my neon striped Mango blouse. I could've easily combined my Vans with this outfit, but I wanted something different. I bought these cute ballerina's last year at Carrefour for five euros. Score!

Outfit number three: Saint-Tropez vs job interview

Blazer, shoes: H&M - Dress (+ belt): Mango - Bag: thrifted - Earrings: made by Eline

This dress always makes me dream about strolling through the Saint-Tropez harbor, with a big hat and oversized sunglasses. But throw in some tights and a blazer and you can perfectly go to a job interview. Right? I wore this outfit for my internship interview at Boondoggle last year. And well, they hired me.

Recap:

I would totally wear these outfits on normal days too, not only for job interviews! They are outfits that I find job interview worthy. I actually already made up my mind and I'll be wearing outfit number one. But please do tell me your favorite! Or if you have any tips, remarks or funny experiences in the field: you know where to find the comment box.

PS: I'm sorry for the indoor photos, but it was pouring outside.