Career Builder.com offers some terrific advise for Facebook/text immersed teens and young adults as they are looking for their first jobs.
Texting - Avoid it altogether - There is a time and place for text message lingo and emoticons, and potential employer correspondence is not one of them. Even if the communication is done via email, use your basic writing tools--grammar, punctuation, capital letters when appropriate--with any current or future work-related contacts.
Don't treat recruiters like friends - No matter how nice or encouraging they are, at the end of the day, recruiters are recruiters, not your friends. Save the "LOLs" and happy faces for someone who is.
Play it safe - You have no idea what hiring managers find charming and what they find annoying. In the job search, keep a constant eye on your home page/Facebook, making sure they represent you as a fun, but stable individual who can make good judgements.
If you have to ask yourself, 'Should I?'...then you probably shouldn't.
Actions speak louder -- and more professionally -- than emoticons - If you want to convey a happy and upbeat personality, use words and actions instead of font colors and symbols.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Layering with Style
Layers, layers. They've been around now for years. But how does one get just that right look?
Start with the basics. Tanks are must-haves for every teen and tween girl. They provide added warmth in the winter and important coverage in the front all year round. Find well made tanks in cottons or nylons that include at least 5% spandex to hold their shape!
Add color. Wear more than one tank and make sure they can both be seen at the neck or hem. Add a contrasting colored t-shirt or sweater. Be bold! The sky's the limit with the combinations you can create.
Add shape. Avoid clothing that fits snugly all over. Add a baby doll top that flows at the bottom or an unstructured sweater with full sleeves. Create interest while maintaining good taste.
Add a scarf. Scarves go with every outfit. Since too much layering can add bulk, not to mention warmth on these changeable spring days, scarves are a nice alternative. Accent your tops with colors from your scarf. Use scarves to express your personal style. Feel free to go wild. Have fun!
Have fun with layers. Experiment! Your friends will tell you if you've come up with something that does not work for you or for that day's occasion. Change out the combinations for a different look each outing.
Remember: buy well made clothing so it lasts over time. Not only is it economical and earth friendly, combining the clothing you have into new outfits brings out your own creativity.
Layers are your ticket to color, shape and personal style in every outfit you wear. Find layering options at Zelaz.
Start with the basics. Tanks are must-haves for every teen and tween girl. They provide added warmth in the winter and important coverage in the front all year round. Find well made tanks in cottons or nylons that include at least 5% spandex to hold their shape!Add color. Wear more than one tank and make sure they can both be seen at the neck or hem. Add a contrasting colored t-shirt or sweater. Be bold! The sky's the limit with the combinations you can create.
Add shape. Avoid clothing that fits snugly all over. Add a baby doll top that flows at the bottom or an unstructured sweater with full sleeves. Create interest while maintaining good taste.Add a scarf. Scarves go with every outfit. Since too much layering can add bulk, not to mention warmth on these changeable spring days, scarves are a nice alternative. Accent your tops with colors from your scarf. Use scarves to express your personal style. Feel free to go wild. Have fun!
Have fun with layers. Experiment! Your friends will tell you if you've come up with something that does not work for you or for that day's occasion. Change out the combinations for a different look each outing.Remember: buy well made clothing so it lasts over time. Not only is it economical and earth friendly, combining the clothing you have into new outfits brings out your own creativity.
Layers are your ticket to color, shape and personal style in every outfit you wear. Find layering options at Zelaz.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Grab some Color for Spring! Check out the 2009 spring palette
Spring is on its way. Rising hemlines, bare legs, and uncovered shoulders all usher in this season of renewal and excitement. My grandfather once said to me, “It would be a shame to die in the Spring… you made it through the doldrums of winter and then don’t get to enjoy the buds on the trees and the returning robins.” He was right; Spring is terrific. Maybe it’s the color: we move away from blacks, browns and neutrals, into greens, yellows and pinks.
We just returned from market and color is everywhere. Pantone, Inc., the fashion industry’s expert on color, annually defines the emerging color palette for Spring. This year it suggests shades that are lively and a bit quirky. A few favorites that will show up at Zelaz:
Bright Yellow (thank you Michelle Obama!) is hot and in terrific shades this season: yellow grass, lemon, sunlight, all evoking the earth and its exuberance.
Fuchsia Red has deep blue undertones. It exudes warmth and vibrancy. An easy color to overdue, use it to splash up one of last year’s favorites.
Dark Citron is citrus-inspired soft green that is heavy on the yellow. It is calm and earthy and works well on nearly everyone.
Lavender is back. It’s lighter and softer than last year’s purples, but is less violet than its friend periwinkle. Be careful with lavender; not everyone can wear it. If you are one of them, rather than using lavender as a primary color, accent with lavender or find it in a print.
Lucite Green hasn’t shown up in several years, and it’s back in full force this Spring. It represents renewal and vibrancy and compliments subdued neutral tones. Not quite turquoise and not quite aqua, it pairs well with Salmon Rose, another great color on Pantone’s list.
Not used to wearing color? Some of us dive into color in the spring, but that’s not for everyone. Try it in a scarf or add a jacket to offset your naturals. Have fun and enjoy what Spring offers.
We just returned from market and color is everywhere. Pantone, Inc., the fashion industry’s expert on color, annually defines the emerging color palette for Spring. This year it suggests shades that are lively and a bit quirky. A few favorites that will show up at Zelaz:
Bright Yellow (thank you Michelle Obama!) is hot and in terrific shades this season: yellow grass, lemon, sunlight, all evoking the earth and its exuberance.
Fuchsia Red has deep blue undertones. It exudes warmth and vibrancy. An easy color to overdue, use it to splash up one of last year’s favorites.
Dark Citron is citrus-inspired soft green that is heavy on the yellow. It is calm and earthy and works well on nearly everyone.
Lavender is back. It’s lighter and softer than last year’s purples, but is less violet than its friend periwinkle. Be careful with lavender; not everyone can wear it. If you are one of them, rather than using lavender as a primary color, accent with lavender or find it in a print.
Lucite Green hasn’t shown up in several years, and it’s back in full force this Spring. It represents renewal and vibrancy and compliments subdued neutral tones. Not quite turquoise and not quite aqua, it pairs well with Salmon Rose, another great color on Pantone’s list.
Not used to wearing color? Some of us dive into color in the spring, but that’s not for everyone. Try it in a scarf or add a jacket to offset your naturals. Have fun and enjoy what Spring offers.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Help Teen Girls Dress Tastefully for Spring
Spring is nearly here! Even though it may be 10 degrees below zero today, spring is nearly here. The robins will soon return, the tulips will soon emerge, and clothing will soon cover less. Spring is wonderful, and at the same time can cause mothers everywhere to question their daughters’ judgment. Does that scooped neck top scoop too much? Do those shorts climb up the bum? Wouldn’t that skirt be just as fashionable if it were two inches longer? Are those jeans too tight?
While this seasonal change can be stressful, it can also be a time for girls to stretch their personal confidence and individual style. They can do this without stretching their clothes too far. A few tips to make the transition a breeze:
Love the layers. Layers don’t have to mean turtlenecks or heavy sweaters. Layers for Spring include multiple camisoles in more than one color. Find different cuts based on body curves to cover cleavage while still looking healthy and fit.
Go with 3-inch inseams. A 3-inch inseam is a reasonable standard for shorts. Measure the inside of the leg, and insist the inseam (from crotch seam to hem) is at least three inches in length. Anything less rides up the bum.
Add leggings. Leggings give versatility to a favorite shift. If a shift or top has become too short due to growth, add leggings for interest and modesty. Plus, leggings cover a portion of the upper leg that doesn’t always need to be seen, particularly as protected skin emerges from the long winter months.
Add a sweater or bolero. Summer styles in early spring can seem shocking. We just aren’t in the habit of seeing all that skin. Yes, we get comfortable with it as temperatures rise, so in the short-term, add a sweater or jacket to balance the look.
Add a scarf. Scarves continue to add interest and creativity to any outfit. When wrapped loosely around the neck, they fall across the front, covering cleavage that isn’t covered by a cami. Have fun! Go with color. Scarves even start great conversations.
As always, have a conversation with your daughter about what is suitable and what isn’t. Refrain from judging her style – you simply won’t agree on what is attractive and what is not! You can, however, agree on what parts of the body should be covered and with how much fabric. Spring is just around the corner, and the fun starts now.
For more spring styles, and styles for all year round, visit zelaz.com
While this seasonal change can be stressful, it can also be a time for girls to stretch their personal confidence and individual style. They can do this without stretching their clothes too far. A few tips to make the transition a breeze:
Love the layers. Layers don’t have to mean turtlenecks or heavy sweaters. Layers for Spring include multiple camisoles in more than one color. Find different cuts based on body curves to cover cleavage while still looking healthy and fit.
Go with 3-inch inseams. A 3-inch inseam is a reasonable standard for shorts. Measure the inside of the leg, and insist the inseam (from crotch seam to hem) is at least three inches in length. Anything less rides up the bum.
Add leggings. Leggings give versatility to a favorite shift. If a shift or top has become too short due to growth, add leggings for interest and modesty. Plus, leggings cover a portion of the upper leg that doesn’t always need to be seen, particularly as protected skin emerges from the long winter months. Add a sweater or bolero. Summer styles in early spring can seem shocking. We just aren’t in the habit of seeing all that skin. Yes, we get comfortable with it as temperatures rise, so in the short-term, add a sweater or jacket to balance the look.
Add a scarf. Scarves continue to add interest and creativity to any outfit. When wrapped loosely around the neck, they fall across the front, covering cleavage that isn’t covered by a cami. Have fun! Go with color. Scarves even start great conversations.
As always, have a conversation with your daughter about what is suitable and what isn’t. Refrain from judging her style – you simply won’t agree on what is attractive and what is not! You can, however, agree on what parts of the body should be covered and with how much fabric. Spring is just around the corner, and the fun starts now.
For more spring styles, and styles for all year round, visit zelaz.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Lighten Up This Year
We all have had those truly disgusting new year's resolutions: exercise more, meditate daily, lose 10 pounds. They so often fall by the wayside. Therefore, I suggest another way to lighten up this year. Get rid of the clutter!
What is it about the new year that causes us to clean? It seems especially appropriate this year after such an ICKY (yes, I said Icky!) 2008. Cleaning out and throwing away is a good way to make a deliberate act at starting anew. It feels good, somehow, a physical lightening up!
We've been cleaning out EVERYTHING at my house... closets, drawers, even the garage. We use the Three Year Rule: if it hasn't been touched in three years, out it goes. I think that comes from all the moving we did early in our marriage; it still works. I think, though, we violated the rule this year: we threw out a number of things that hadn't been used in two years or even less!
Most of the stuff then goes to another cause: homeless shelters, second hand stores. Its amazing how big the recycle pile became! So lighten up, do it deliberately, and then move on.
Check out where Janet Polach's fellow parents can shop for their choosy tween and teen daughters: zelaz.com
What is it about the new year that causes us to clean? It seems especially appropriate this year after such an ICKY (yes, I said Icky!) 2008. Cleaning out and throwing away is a good way to make a deliberate act at starting anew. It feels good, somehow, a physical lightening up!
We've been cleaning out EVERYTHING at my house... closets, drawers, even the garage. We use the Three Year Rule: if it hasn't been touched in three years, out it goes. I think that comes from all the moving we did early in our marriage; it still works. I think, though, we violated the rule this year: we threw out a number of things that hadn't been used in two years or even less!
Most of the stuff then goes to another cause: homeless shelters, second hand stores. Its amazing how big the recycle pile became! So lighten up, do it deliberately, and then move on.
Check out where Janet Polach's fellow parents can shop for their choosy tween and teen daughters: zelaz.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
When to Let Go: Conflict between Teen Priorities and Parent Priorities
I hear it every day in the store: "My daughter used to wear anything I picked out for her. Now I can't begin to figure out what she'll like!" Yes, its true; as our children move into their tweens, they are more opinionated and much more preferential in their choices. That's what they are supposed to do.
Yet, it's hard for us. We've shepherded and guided, encouraged and hauled around. The trick now is to know when to let go and in what ways. My 18-year-old, soon-to-be college student, recently taught me the delicate balance. He is a very gifted musician and particularly talented on the piano. I had tapped rhythms, counted measures and hauled him to recitals and contests since he was five, always imagining that he would continue piano in college, not as a major, but as a lifelong passion.
I recently asked him about fitting in practicing while he was balancing his other commitments of school, sports, and a very special girl in his life. In a frustrated moment of being too short of time to do anything fun, he snapped, "Mom, this piano thing NEVER was my deal; it was always yours. I did it because you wanted me to...."
And so it went. We had a good conversation about his own priorities. I asked him a number of questions, supportive mother questions: Is the music too difficult? Do you want to consider other composers? Is the teacher too rough on you? No, we both concluded, it just wasn't as satisfying or rewarding as the other things he had going on. Sadly, I agreed.
A funny thing happened a few weeks later. I was having an especially challenging day and dinner had been tense. After dinner was cleaned up and his homework finished, he sat down at the piano and played lovely music for nearly half an hour. It calmed the entire house.
Since then, he's practiced many times, dragging out old pieces, and tackling new ones. I asked if he was back on for a senior recital. "No," he replied, "I'm enjoying it this way."
It was a great lesson that he could never have verbalized to me. And so, I won't get the opportunity to sit as the proudest of parents while he plays a number of spectacular pieces on the grand piano in our church. He's playing the piano, and loving it - on his own time, in his own way.
Check out where Janet Polach's fellow parents can shop for their choosy tween and teen daughters: zelaz.com
Yet, it's hard for us. We've shepherded and guided, encouraged and hauled around. The trick now is to know when to let go and in what ways. My 18-year-old, soon-to-be college student, recently taught me the delicate balance. He is a very gifted musician and particularly talented on the piano. I had tapped rhythms, counted measures and hauled him to recitals and contests since he was five, always imagining that he would continue piano in college, not as a major, but as a lifelong passion.
I recently asked him about fitting in practicing while he was balancing his other commitments of school, sports, and a very special girl in his life. In a frustrated moment of being too short of time to do anything fun, he snapped, "Mom, this piano thing NEVER was my deal; it was always yours. I did it because you wanted me to...."
And so it went. We had a good conversation about his own priorities. I asked him a number of questions, supportive mother questions: Is the music too difficult? Do you want to consider other composers? Is the teacher too rough on you? No, we both concluded, it just wasn't as satisfying or rewarding as the other things he had going on. Sadly, I agreed.
A funny thing happened a few weeks later. I was having an especially challenging day and dinner had been tense. After dinner was cleaned up and his homework finished, he sat down at the piano and played lovely music for nearly half an hour. It calmed the entire house.
Since then, he's practiced many times, dragging out old pieces, and tackling new ones. I asked if he was back on for a senior recital. "No," he replied, "I'm enjoying it this way."
It was a great lesson that he could never have verbalized to me. And so, I won't get the opportunity to sit as the proudest of parents while he plays a number of spectacular pieces on the grand piano in our church. He's playing the piano, and loving it - on his own time, in his own way.
Check out where Janet Polach's fellow parents can shop for their choosy tween and teen daughters: zelaz.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Minnesota Parent This Week: November 26, 2008
Store Opening
Zelaz
Walk into Zelaz (pronounced ZEE-lahz), a new tween/teen-centric girl's clothing store at Ridgedale Mall, and you'll be struck more by what you don't see than what you do: no pounding hip-hop music, no dim lighting, no overwhelming stench of cologne, and, as owner Janet Polach says, "No logos on the backside!" Polach opened Zelaz last August after being frustrated by the lack of stylish but appropriate clothing options for her tween-age daughter Alex (Zelaz is Alex's name backwards... minus an 'x' and plus some 'z's). Zelaz is a comfortable, open store that offers funky purses, jewelry, dress clothes, and everyday basics that girls from middle to high school are fans of (I heard more than one "OMG" while flipping through the racks). From Billabong thermals and Peruvian knit hats to dresses for winter formals, Zelaz has a range of affordable clothes for all occasions. And Polach is happy to weigh in what's stylish this season - "Anything with a peace symbol" - for those looking for tween gift ideas. And parents can feel good about every purchase not just because the clothes are classy: 5 percent of revenue goes to girlsBEST, a charity that supports girl-specific programs that promote self esteem, leadership, and activism. -Monica Wright
Ridgedale Mall,
12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka
Hours this weekend: Friday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.,
Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Zelaz.com
Zelaz
Walk into Zelaz (pronounced ZEE-lahz), a new tween/teen-centric girl's clothing store at Ridgedale Mall, and you'll be struck more by what you don't see than what you do: no pounding hip-hop music, no dim lighting, no overwhelming stench of cologne, and, as owner Janet Polach says, "No logos on the backside!" Polach opened Zelaz last August after being frustrated by the lack of stylish but appropriate clothing options for her tween-age daughter Alex (Zelaz is Alex's name backwards... minus an 'x' and plus some 'z's). Zelaz is a comfortable, open store that offers funky purses, jewelry, dress clothes, and everyday basics that girls from middle to high school are fans of (I heard more than one "OMG" while flipping through the racks). From Billabong thermals and Peruvian knit hats to dresses for winter formals, Zelaz has a range of affordable clothes for all occasions. And Polach is happy to weigh in what's stylish this season - "Anything with a peace symbol" - for those looking for tween gift ideas. And parents can feel good about every purchase not just because the clothes are classy: 5 percent of revenue goes to girlsBEST, a charity that supports girl-specific programs that promote self esteem, leadership, and activism. -Monica Wright
Ridgedale Mall,
12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka
Hours this weekend: Friday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.,
Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Zelaz.com
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