Look the Part- How to Dress for Success

Intellect, intelligence, and personality are all part of what a successful employee brings to the table, but it's safe to say that it's not only on the inside what counts in this world of visual stimulation. Dressing the part and looking professional is also an important factor to an overall successful workplace effort.

Depending upon the field of work you're in, "dressing the part" means something different to everyone, but for the most part, these three tips will have you looking sharp, leaving a good impression, and keep your confidence soaring. It's time to put one sock on at a time and walk into your place of business with a sense of swagger!

1. Invest in a Decent Suit

You needn't blow your entire paycheck on your wardrobe. One nice foundation piece, be it a 3-piece suit, a basic sheath dress, or something else fitting for your line of work, is a great starter for a number of ensembles that can be created with this item as the base. One good investment will have the other mix-and-match pieces looking high-end and stylish. You'll look put together and sophisticated day in and day out.

Career Cast suggest "something tailor-made to ensure a correct fit and to choose a solid color that isn't distracting." Plus, steer clear of fads and trends that will pass before you've gotten a good run with the clothing and the most wear for your money. Think classic, timeless, and well-made.

2. Details Matter

Along with the perfect fit, the little things count when it comes to dressing well for the office. As per Forbes, "Ensure that your clothes are cleaned and pressed." Even the finest designer clothing will look like they're straight from the hamper if you waltz into work with wrinkles and stains. Match your personal appearance to your clothing care too… no ragged nails, keep your hair clean and fresh, and use makeup mindfully. This isn't "the club" or the weekend. Save less formal and more revealing looks for your personal time.

Stick to simple jewelry and accessories, match well, and de-lint that pet hair off yourself before leaving the house. Make sure your shoes are clean and workplace appropriate and don't overpower your aroma with heavy colognes, lotions, perfumes, or hair products. You want your look and presence to lead, not Chanel No. 5!

3. Go With the Flow

If you're not sure how to dress for your workplace, check out how the boss and upper management is dressed. As per Forbes, "When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly over dressed, rather than show up looking too casual." As they say, dress for the job you want, not necessarily for the job you have.

You can also speak to the human resources department for a dress guideline and recommendations for appropriate attire. Look around the office and catch the overall vibe. Of course, everyone has their own style, but stay in line with what's considered befitting for your line of work.

Ready to get that custom-made suit? Check out these 10 online options for something tailored to your taste and style at a variety of price points. Brown bag it for a few weeks rather than lunching out and you'll never regret the purchase. The investment will pay off with that promotion! Here's lookin' at you!

According to The Balance, "Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics says 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look." Dress for success and be sure you've got 100% of their appreciation from top to bottom!

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

via Tiffany & Co.

When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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