CMB 10 #WorkFashion Picks for Fall - Under $50!

I love fall. 

As it finally starts to cool down in NYC, and I smell pumpkin spice everywhere, I'm excited about the season. I'm especially excited about revamping my work wardrobe with these fun #workfashion picks!

Work fashion is a lot more fun in fall because you can play with lots of layers and accessories; and, the weather is a lot kinder to your shoes. I spent an afternoon going through my favorite stores and picking cute, comfortable and professional pieces for the millennial woman's wardrobe. Each piece is under $50 so it fits the college student's budget too. 

Do you have any of these #workfashion finds? Tag us when you wear it! We want to shout you out on instagram @TheColorMeB !

1. Window Pane Infinity Scarf from NordstromRack.com
I'm loving this fly pink scarf from Nordstrom Rack! Their scarves are so beautiful and affordable. This pink scarf would look great with black, browns, greys, brighter colors, skirts, pants, blazer or no blazer. Cost: $12.97 ! I like it for work because it's one of those scarves you can leave at the office and it matches with everything!

Window Pane Infinity Scarf from NordstromRack.com

2. H&M Sleeveless Dress
This style of dress is great for the working millennial woman because it looks great at work and transitions nicely to after-work fun. This rich navy blue is flattering to many skin tones and body types. The blue also matches well with different accessories. I'd wear it with some big stud earrings and a power watch. And big hair of course. 

H&M Sleeveless Dress

3. Express Studs, Online Exclusive - 3 for $30!

Check out the spectacular earrings! They're glamorous! Express has a lovely assortment of fashion earrings. There are studs, jackets, hoops and more included in this promotion. 

Black Stone Ear Jacket

Gold Cut-Out Hoop Earring

Gold Fireball Post Earrings

4. H&M Ankle Boots
I love this style shoe for work. It's so comfortable and it gives you the extra height you get with high heels - but way less pain! I'd like a pair in black, brown, grey, and navy blue and in leather. I'll be getting these next for my fall wardrobe. They're also super affordable - $34.99!

H&M Ankle Boots

5. Old Navy V-Neck Sweater
Every store has fall sweaters. I chose this v-neck from Old Navy because it is on sale for $16. When it comes to #workfashion, I try not to spend too much money on sweaters, blouses and skirts because I get sooo many of them! It doesn't make much sense to splurge on $50+ sweaters when I'm trying to get one every color! Go for something comparable and less expensive like these comfortable, cute sweaters.

Old Navy Lightweight V-Neck Sweater

6. Old Navy Blazer to match!I also suggest a lightweight sweater because it's easy to layer and match with weather changes. I want this blazer so I can wear the sweater and some cute booties with it to work, on 5th Avenue (seems like the perfect outfit for it right?!). 

Old Navy Jersey Blazers

7. A cute watch!

Target always delivers. If you're looking for a fashionably chic watch, under $50, check out Target's accessories. I like this watch, and they have a bunch more affordable styles. If you recall from our Work Wardrobe Essential post, I mentioned how having a watch, at work, is important because it shows you "have the time" and you're on a schedule. Invest in a power watch today. I'm eyeing this one at Vince Camuto.

Peugeot gold-tone watch, $49.99

8. Pencil Skirts from NY & Co. - $21.97 - $49.99

Yessssssss! NY & Co! You know every fashionista loves a good sale! They have select pencil skirts with 50% off right now, including the skirt pictured below! Again, skirts are great because they're comfortable in the cold + warm fall weather. You can also add a pair of cute tights if it gets really chilly. I would wear this skirts with a simple black top and some poppin jewelry.

NY & Co Pencil Skirts

9. Hair Accessories from Nordstrom Rack

Year-around, I have those mornings where my hair will not do anything besides fall neatly (kinda) into a bun. I need these fun ponytail holders to keep it cute (and lazy)!

France Luxe Bow Ponytail Holder

France Luxe Bow Ponytail Holder

10. Cute Rainboots!Here's an affordable option for your rainboots! Living in NYC, the weather can be pretty cruel to rainboots and shoes in general. Sperry is a great brand, and their rainboots are $49.99 at Nordstrom Rack. I really like these because they don't look like rainboots. I'm always searching for a pattern that makes the shoe look less rubbery and more like a chic boot. Aren't these fabulous?!

I love talking about affordable #workfashion for millennial women! Do you have anything to add to our top 10 list? Tweet us at @thecolormeb !

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xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Confidence at Work: 8 things NOT to say

As bold and fierce as we are, we sometimes have the tendency to unwittingly undermine our own confidence. This comes out in the way we speak - little subtle phrases that we use unwittingly signal to our audience that we lack confidence. Here are 8 things NOT to say if you want to sound more confident and assertive at work: 

1. DON'T: end a sentence with "...if that makes sense"

WHY NOT? Underlying this statement is a hint to your audience that you don't really know what you are talking about. The implication is "I know I'm being unclear so you probably don't understand what I am saying."

INSTEAD:  Be very purposeful and clear in your statements. If someone needs clarification, let them be the one to ask. Or you can say, "let me know if you need further clarification?" 

2. DON'T: use the word "JUST"

...as in "I just wanted to know if you reviewed that document yet" or "just wondering if you could meet with me today" 

WHY NOT? The word "just" is a permission word. Using it makes you sound apologetic (and weak) when you don't have a reason to be. 

INSTEAD: Eliminate the "J word" altogether. "Please let me know if you are able to meet with me today" makes you look way more confident and assertive. 

3.  DON'T: say "I'm not good at..." or "I suck at that"

WHY NOT? As women, there are already so many messages out there about why we are not as good. Don't feed into that. 

INSTEAD: Draw attention to your strengths. If you actually do suck at something, say "I don't have experience in that," and then highlight your ability to learn it or desire to improve. 

4. DON'T: say "This may be wrong , but..."

WHY NOT? You already lost credibility for anything that comes out of your mouth after this phrase. Again, you are highlighting your lack of confidence.

INSTEAD: Of course, it would be best to fact-check before engaging in conversations. But sometimes you're in a situation where that isn't possible. Try to only speak on things you are confident about. If you have a hint of uncertainty, you can say "I'll make sure to double check this, but..."

5. DON'T: Use Excuses

WHY NOT? Excuses are the tools of the incompetent. And you are not incompetent.

INSTEAD: Try to avoid having to come up with an excuse altogether. If you find yourself needing to explain something, be firm and offer alternative solutions.

6. DON'T: Be Silent

WHY NOT? This is passive communication. Even though you said nothing, your audience might perceive that you don't have an opinion or you are not confident that your voice matters.

INSTEAD: Speak up! One caveat here: sometimes less is more. But you definitely don't want to be silent. Your thoughts and input are important. 

7. DON'T: use "umm", "uh" or "like"

WHY NOT? This is a tough one. We are all, uhh, guilty of, like, using these words. It makes your speech less smooth and less clear.

INSTEAD: Practice not using these words, even in casual conversations. Speak more slowly. It's OKAY to take a minute to think before you respond, so take your time and make sure your statements flow well.

8. DON'T: Avoid eye contact (I know this isn't a phrase but it is nonverbal communication)

WHY NOT: Eye contact is one of the most important, yet underestimated, communication tools. 

INSTEAD: Hold your head up and look your audience in the eye. But don't be weird about it. One trick I've learned is to look at the middle of their forehead.



By Christyl Wilson
Guest Contributor


Christyl is a currently pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology at Georgia State University. She is also a program manager at www.cinnamongirl.org.

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CMB Item of the Week - Cute Booties for Fall!

Hello everyone!!!

Now that Labor Day is over and the pumpkin spice lattes are available, it's time to start buying new #workfashion for the fall! I'm so excited to rack up on autumn-colored booties, scarves and sweaters. This week's CMB Item of the Week is from Nordstrom Rack!

Ladies, Nordstrom Rack has so many nice booties, UNDER $90! I chose these 14th & Union booties to feature because they're super versatile and easy to match with a myriad of outfits. These booties look great with tights, leggings and skinny jeans, as well as just about any and every color!

Nordstrom Rack also has really nice scarves and matching hats for under $15. If you want an affordable, professionally-chic wardrobe this fall, I highly recommend looking at Nordstrom Rack's site. I'll also share the fun finds I pick up from there. 

Check back tomorrow for pictures of my new #workfashion finds from Old Navy! I'll post them here and wear them on my Periscope broadcasts. Download the app and follow me @courtney_ball6 so you don't miss it! 

Have a wonderful week!

-Courtney

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14th & Union, Kimber Bootie

Even cuter in grey!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

3 Things You Need in Your Next Interview!

Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic - interviews! Ok, probably not your favorite thing to do, but everyone experiences some form of an interview. For college and career women, interviewing for a job is a popular one. 

It can be a nerve-racking experience but it doesn't have to be. As an HR pro/recruiter, I'll tell you a secret- an interview is simply a conversation. You and the recruiter agree on a time and setup a meeting, similar to your other meetings. You come prepared to discuss your qualifications and why you're good for the job. For the most part, the recruiter enters the meeting with the intention of finding the right candidate for the job. 

What happens when you're in the interview together? You TALK! You're having a mature, professional conversation. To rock this interview, remember to bring the most important piece- your confidence. You're reading this blog so I know you're smart, organized and focused. Your experience is robust and compatible to the position. I know you'll have your resume memorized like your favorite Beyoncé song, so when you answer the questions, really go for it! Tell the interviewer about your accomplishments and experiences with pride and integrity.

You can also show your unique experience. 2nd thing to remember is a hard copy of your resume and a professional portfolio. Yes, you sent your resume via email. The recruiter can print it out and probably will print it out. However, bringing your resume is classic professionalism and it's a kind gesture. Your professional portfolio can be emailed or brought in, if appropriate. For example, my 9-5 job is in HR. When applying to a different job, I will send a recruiter a link to CMB's website because it highlights experience not included on my resume. Graphic designers may bring in a portfolio to share. Interviews are not the time to hold back and be shy about your experience, especially as a recent grad. Did you complete a branding strategy for a small business during your capstone project in school? Did you write a policy brief in your political science course? Before an interview, think of the requirements and responsibilities for the position and make a list of all your experiences that would be helpful to mention. Then, practice answering some questions you’re sure to get. 

Check out the episode of “Krystal & Courtney’s Career Chat” that covers interviews. We include sample questions and how to answer them.

You have to look super cute for your interview! 3rd thing to bring is an amazing outfit! When you look good, you feel good. When I'm feeling my outfit, you can't tell me nothing! My confidence is at an all-time high. Next time you have an interview, put on your favorite professionally-chic outfit or buy a new one. If money is funny, no problem. Call your best friend, and borrow something from her. When you get to her house, discuss a hairstyle that will be on point, for the occasion. You can also practice a couple interview questions with her.

We want to do a webinar about interviews! Would you be interested? What difficult interview questions would you like me to cover?! Let me know in the comments!

For more information about career development, networking and work fashion, go to our website at www.thecolormeb.com and join our mailinglist!