Pictured at right: Kate Spade engraved classic green correspondence cards
$352.00 at Crane

The art and importance of the thank you letter is often underestimated. I absolutely believe this on both a personal and professional level. This article is specifically for the professional scenario. A thank you letter can be the difference between getting passed over and getting the job; it also makes a difference in graduate school interviews.

Tips on a knock-out thank you letter:

• Keep it short and sweet
• Make it personal
• Reference your qualifications and compatibility with the company
• State your interest
• Don’t forget you can always mention something you forgot to bring up in the interview
• Always proofread…more than twice!

There’s some controversy as to which method is better: email versus handwritten. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I love handwritten, it’s just so much more personal and gives you a small opportunity to showcase your style. But then again, I’m a stationary freak too, so that may have something to do with it. The best advice I can give is to pay attention to the climate of the company, and go with your gut instinct.

A stellar thank you letter gives you the opportunity to trigger the hiring manager’s memory and really underscore your compatibility and qualifications for the position…don’t let the golden opportunity pass you by!

If you’re interested in reading samples check out this link and this one, too.

Over the years I’ve devoted a lot of time to the study of SATC. My favorite part about the show was that it became so iconic and so legendary that we reference in the context of which character we would be - based on style, personality, profession, etc.

I came across a great article on fashiontribes on how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw based on pics from the much-hyped SATC movie. The replica outfit they suggest is dead-on and they provide some uber-helpful tips and hints.

Aside from the purse (a little too quirky for me) I am totally digging on this look. It’s sweet with out being sickening. The tough accesories tone it down, the print on print is tres chic without being too matchy-matchy.

So now, of course, I have to ask you…

Not sure which character you are? Take this quiz and find out!

Photo courtesy of fashiontribes

Tight on storage space? I recently posted about stylish magazine/file storage alternatives. One reader was specifically interested in finding ways to organize magazine clippings - without enough space to save entire magazines, she prefers to only keep the articles that really interest her. The options below aren’t your high school-style binders with the clear EZ view top, so be prepared to pay a little more. What I can guarantee is that these binders add a dose of color and style to your home or office environment. Check ‘em out:

From left to right: Kolo Trivino Presentation Binder (1″ ring size), SALE! $34, available here; Cork Binders (0.5″, 1″, 2″ ring sizes), starting at $32, available here; Vera Bradley Citrus Three-Ring Binder (1″ ring size), $16, available here; Bonded Leather Flexi-Spine Binder (1″ ring size), $36.99, available here.

I love the leather ones most - on the far right (but that’s probably just my $$$ taste talking). Champagne taste on a beer budget, as my mom likes to say.

Don’t forget the top-loading sheet protectors and dividers for further organization.

You knew I wouldn’t be able to resist, right? Here are my picks for standout models on the first week of Bravo’s Make me a Supermodel.

You gotta love a man with determination. I mean a broken foot scores major points. Plus, Perry’s got the best attitude, best walk, and hello - he’s hot.

Holly can be a little severe looking, but she’s got an edge that makes her high fashion. Plus, she’s a quick learner. (can’t say that about everyone in the bunch, can we?) And I like her quirkiness.

Alright. Jacki did not score points by refusing to wear the thong. Hello, you chose this career path and it’s all about your body, all about your look, all the time. Please. But, girl’s got a solid walk with necessary attitude and a there’s some kind of spark in her that I really like

And for the record…Yes, I actually paused the show so that I could write this post from the most unbiased position possible. Now I’ve got to tune back in to see what the “judges”have to say.

Photos courtesy of about.com

About six months ago I was feeling really inspired by black and white silhouette pictures - a type of portrait that was popular in the 1800’s. Random, I know. I think was first inspired because I was reminded of an art project I did in grade school. (I’ve been trying to hunt down said project ever since.)

My quest for the silhouette led me to Karl Johnson’s site, Cutarts. You can probably imagine that it’s pretty difficult to find an quality artist who specializes in this domain. Karl’s work has been featured in Instyle, Domino, and Elle Decor. Each piece is cut freehand (can you imagine?) and prices start at just $25 for a 5 x 7!

Side Note: Of course, you also know that I’m really into mixing modern and vintage - everything old being new again and all - and I think this is a perfect example. Go for the classic bust OR do put a twist on it and do a full body silhouette…in a color!

I remembered this all when I came across the Lucky Me Beads website. Want another take on the silhouette? Lucky Me Beads is now making custom silhouette pendants. So awesome.

top photo from November 2007 issue of Instyle; pendant photo courtesy of lucky me beads

I just ordered this little gem of a necklace by artist Pablo Valencia. The owl of course symbolizes wisdom. I couldn’t resist. Available at Giving Tree Gallery, one of my favorite online jewelry shops.

I know, it’s the middle of winter, silly. But how ’bout some spring colors to cheer you up? Pantone - the premier color authority - has released their color predications based on the Spring 2008 shows. The results? Classic, pale neutrals punctuated with bursts of color. The colors remind me of popsicles…or something…and I like it! The sheer possibility of color combinations in the spring color report ensure that there will never be a dull moment (errr…outfit).

The top 10 Spring 2008 colors are (drumroll, please):

Snorkel Blue (PANTONE 19-4049)
Freesia (PANTONE 14-0852)
Daiquiri Green (PANTONE 12-0435)
Croissant (PANTONE 16-0924)
Rococco Red (PANTONE 18-1652)
Silver Gray (PANTONE 14-0000)
Spring Crocus (PANTONE 17-3020)
Cantaloupe (PANTONE 15-1239)
Pink Mist (PANTONE 13-2805)
Golden Olive (PANTONE 16-0639 )

The full report is chock full of awesome information, including designer quotes, sketches, and headshots. You can check it out here.

I’ll be posting color combination suggestions periodically, so be on the look out!

I’m a relatively organized person, but I also happen to be a magazine addict.

Last weekend we were cleaning the apartment and PRD says to me, “We have a magazine problem.” I looked around the living room and sure enough there were piles of magazines everywhere. How had I been oblivious to this? “Can we throw them out?” He asked. “No!” I exclaimed, “I use them for research…”

So. The solution is to find a new organization system for all these magazines.

Maybe your New Years Resolution is to get organized. Maybe you’re searching for desktop file storage at work that’s a little more well….stylish. Here are some great alternatives at a variety of price ranges.

From Left to Right: Brown Magazine Box, SALE! $10.39, at Target; Motorp Magazine File, $12.99 (set of two), at Ikea; Acrylic Magazine Holder by U.S. Acrylic, SALE! $13.42, at Organize.com; Magazine/File Holders, $40 (set of two), at Neiman Marcus

Interested in DIY? Check out this crafty solution. I think they’d be adorable (and sturdier) if covered in a fabric.

*First photo courtesy of fashionisspinach

They said the silhouette was changing this winter. More tapered, more feminine, lines closer to the body - while we’ve definitely seen that (skinny jeans still here, anyone?), the truth of the matter is that volume is still huge (pun intended). I’ve had more than one friend complain to me - “I just can’t wear this trend”…”It’s not right for my body type”…”It makes me look pregnant”…etc.

Trust me - you CAN wear volume, but like everything else in life, this trend is about balance. Here are some tips [Read more →]