So Work Week Chic

• Don't get thrown off by their initial reaction- people are generally fearful or resistant to things they don't understand. So focus on what is not changing so they can gain some perspective on what is changing and what will remain the same.
• Be confident in what you saying- I know for a fact that what I bring to the table will help my company and I am sure that you bring a new perspective with you, so take solace in that fact and don't be afraid to share your point of view.  We all put our pants on the same way.  Mine just happen to be from Ann Taylor.
• Continue to blaze a trail through your company- "We might as well require a man to still wear the coat which fitted him when a boy, then to remain under the regimen of their barbarous ancestor." -Thomas Jefferson, 1816.  As professionals, we too,  need to leave behind the coats that we have out grown and exchange them for something more suited to the environments in which we live and work.  

Now don't forget that because you are the only one saying or doing something different now doesn't mean that it is wrong, just means you are a TRAIL BLAZER.  Speaking of blazer, I got this fabulous, versatile blazer at the Salvation Arm. It is just one of the many white blazers that I have. Actually, every So Work Week Chic professionista should have a white blazer in their closet.  I know many of you may shy away from wearing white but the way white helps you stand out in a crowd and get the attention that you deserve, it is worth the risk.  If you are trail blazing out there, send me a few pictures of what you wore when you blazed a trail in your office.

•       Mineral oil or petrolatum.  This oil is a by-product of the process of distilling petroleum and it is a very profitable side business for gasoline companies.  In the U.S., the majority of our lotions, body washes, sunscreens and hair products use this oil as the base.  Unfortunately, this oil coats our skin as if we were wrapping ourselves in plastic.  Clogged pores can result, and at the very least our skin is an organ that needs to breathe and release toxins and this oil will interfere.

•        Parabens.  Your label will read “methylparaben” or use another prefix with “paraben” at the end.  These are inexpensive preservatives used in many soaps, deodorants, cosmetics and lotions.  Studies are being done, however, to determine the extent of the possible link between parabens and many types of cancer.  These toxins have been found extensively in cancer tissue.

•        Artificial colors.  “Some artificial colors, such as Blue 1 and Green 3 are carcinogenic.  Impurities found in commercial batches of other cosmetic colors such as D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer not only when ingested but also when applied to the skin. Some artificial coal tar colors contain heavy metal impurities including arsenic and lead which are carcinogenic.” - The Safe Shoppers Bible

•        Animal by-products and/or animal testing.  Does your ingredient list include tallow, lanolin, beeswax, and/or stearic acid?  These are always or almost always (depending on the ingredient) made from animal ingredients. 

•        FC5 Cooling Foot Crème:  Our feet take a beating when we walk around on concrete and wear flip flops all summer!  Soothe them with this energizing, cooling and moisturizing crème.

•        Fit Chews in chocolate, caramel, lemon or mango pineapple are the perfect summer snack or treat.  The mix of herbs in these chews helps us feel full for a couple of hours.  If you’re hoping to keep or improve your summer figure, give these a try.

•        Sheer Finish Tinted MoisturizerBroad Spectrum SPF15 Sunscreen is the perfect light covering for summer faces.  You can moisturize and add a smooth light foundation and include sunscreen all in one step!  Five shades to pick from.

•        Made in the Shade Self TannerBroad Spectrum SPF15 Sunscreen is your best bet when you want to look sun-kissed without the sun damage!  The spray applicator is great for getting a smooth, non-splotchy look.

Michelle Obama was caught letting it loose by abcnew.com in this must watch  YouTube video teaching Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, DC how to "Douggie"in this fabulously fresh and versatile outfit.  Her breezy neon Zero + Maria Conejo top (similar, similar) was cinched with a fabulous metallic belt.  How brilliant!  Her outfit is an excellent example of what you can wear when you know you will have to be outside and possibly dancing, moving around or participating in an activity but still wanting to look chic.  She so smooth with it, go Michelle! 

Everybody has a few black and white pieces in their wardrobe. Now is this time to pull them out and wear them in ways like never before. Almost every designer had at least one white and black look this summer so take it from the experts and challenge yourselves to turn those classic pieces into a summer masterpiece! Send me a few pictures of your B&W mash ups to info@soworkweekchic.com and you could be selected as the So Work Week Chic professionista of the week.