WOWednesdays: Things that Make You Say "WOW"

The breathtaking images and jaw dropping coverage since the earthquake in Haiti have certainly caused us all to say "wow" at one point or another. The past few days have been devastating, and it is hard to fully comprehend or imagine what the current state of the island really is. This tragedy has opened the world's eyes to a country that was in dire need before the quake. Although Haiti is a land that is considered poor in riches, it has always been undoubtedly rich in culture. The tremendous support is comforting. However, the reality is that this is only the very beginning of Haiti's recovery. When the media coverage dies down and the immediate hype fades away, it will be even more important to support. (We will continue to keep you updated on how you can do that.)

In these crucial days following the quake, basic needs like food, water and medicine are immediate priorities. (Click here for a full list.)

With all of the many efforts, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to support. Here are a few tips to help you help Haiti:

• It's always wise to give to reputable organizations. The Red Cross has proven themselves time and time again in countless crises, and of course they have been instrumental in Haiti's relief.
• Check with your employer to see if they will match your donations, which can easily multiply your efforts.
  
• A gift of any size is still a gift. Give whatever you can. (You can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.)
• Look for local projects where you can donate food, clothes, supplies and time.
  
• Spread the word! Some people feel removed from the situation and just need a little encouragement. If you get 9 of your friends to send a text, it's like you contributed $100. Doesn't that feel good?)
  

This is only the beginning of a long journey, but there are glimpses of hope with each person that is rescued and with each volunteer that supports the effort. Call me idealist, but I see this as our opportunity to build a new Haiti. I'd love to see the crowd of proud Haitians who dance along Eastern Parkway on Labor Day march through the streets of Haiti with helping hands. I'd love to see a Special Rescue Series of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition rebuild Haitian homes. And I'd love to see Haiti transformed into an island paradise that welcomes visitors and shares the beauty of its culture.

The reality is that this is a tragic situation, and it will take as many people as possible to make this better.

Motivational Monday: Look the Part

Work attire is different from those college days of wearing pajama pants and sweats to class or work-study. Though everyone likes to dress comfortable, what you wear to work reflects on your personality. Let’s face it, what people think of us does matter-even if we say it doesn’t. However, there is a way to dress chic-comfy but you must follow your employers’ dress code, as well as industry guidelines.

For example, do you work in advertising, media and/or public relations? Most professionals in these fields dress very trendy and fashionable! Suits are okay but you really want to shop for:

• Funky outfits
• Cute and sexy shoes
• Funky but chic accessories.

Most people who work in advertising or related fields are flashy but classy dressers.

Speaking of classy dressers, accessories are important…especially depending on what field you work in. I don’t care if you are a lawyer, accountant, marketer, clerk, teacher, professor, etc; do not wear clunky or offensive jewelry to work. When I say clunky jewelry, I am talking about Wilma from Flintstones clunky!! Funky accessories are great but be very wise in your choices. Coolcat in Brooklyn, NY has great and inexpensive accessories. Casual accessories are great and you don’t have to wear them but they make outfits stand out.

Employers have problems with “casual Friday” because there are some employees that feel they can wear whatever they want as long as they are hygienically clean. I never wear anything less than jeans, slacks and sometimes a nice dress to work. But from what I’ve seen around me, I would advise others not wear:

• Sweat pants
• Jogging suits
• or clothes that are too little or too tight to work.

Once you do this you ruin it for all. I would suggest:

• Wearing a nice pair of jeans with a cute top with flats or kitten heels.
• Dress down but you can still be cute and casual.
• If you are not sure what constitutes casual, ask your human resources director or your supervisor.
• There may be others that do not follow the dress code but don’t follow in their footsteps.

I would also advise others not to dress casual every Friday; maybe dress up a one or two Fridays a month. Reason being you don’t want to seem too comfortable and you want to show that you are a fantastic employee. Just because the “casual Friday” policy exists doesn’t mean you have to exercise your option to dress down.

The last bit of advice is to be a trendy but thrifty shopper. I am not a fashionista but I know the basics. If you want to learn more about style and fashion, visit http://www.womensmafia.com/. Also, find out more about dress code policies or guidelines in your industry—each employer has a different overview so check with both.

Tell us your thoughts! What are work attire dos and don'ts?




Desiree Frieson, 24, is a marketing and PR manager at Odyssey Networks, an interfaith media production company located in New York City.

Fun (Foto) Friday): Where in the World is Miss Journey?

Do you know where this is? Look out for a post about Miss Journey's latest adventure!