Ciao Tutti,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and please keep the people of Mumbai in your prayers.  Since being laid off I have been busier than ever.  I have a couple of side projects going on and I am changing the format of GlamourGirlNow and you will see those changes coming in the next couple of weeks. (Hope you will enjoy.)  I have decided to dedicate the month of December solely to GMAT and b-school apps.  I find looking for jobs out of desperation always leads to someplace I don't want to be doing things I could care less about.  I plan to spend 4 hours on the GMAT and 3 hours on apps a day.  Almost a full time job.  It seems like a lot but as I told MBAMonk  "...it has to be done."  I took a practice test through Kaplan and scored a 530.  Not great but I haven't truly studied for a while.  Hopefully I can only go up from there.  I will do daily updates of my study progress on my twitter account glamourgirlnow.

Step One: Sentence Corrections Idioms 2 hours

        

Monday 11/10

• 10:00 am Dentist appointment
• Receive company email about Holiday party on 12/15
• Finish reports within 3 hours
• Receive email stating company closed for Veterans day (has never been closed for veterans day). Joke with co-workers watch chains will be on the door on Wednesday. State nothing is ever truly free.
• Receive another email about new positions available in the company
• continue discussing plans for day off

Tuesday 11/11

• Sleep in till 8am
• begin blog post for Rainerism after discovering slide.com
• leave for MRI on knee (tripped over the dog)
• realize only have 100 mins on cell phone for 4 more days
• get call to be stylist on commercial shoot (1st offer, paid, super excited) Don't except immediately suppose to be in San Francisco this week for friends b-day.  Realize need to seize the opportunity and accept position. Reward self with sushi and Starbucks
• return home finish blog post, watch Tyra (she is so trashy it is good)
• look up 20 cheapest apartment in NYC.  Find them cute and charming.
• prepare for work

Wednesday 11/12

• 8:30am finally friend calls back advise unable to make to birthday weekend and I am berated for being inconsiderate and need to apologize.  Not addressing like a friend but like a client.  Completely pissed off at friend's response before entering work.  Down to 70 mins on cell phone.
• 9:00am Check emails need to create more reports and review some invoices
• 10:00am meeting about Thanksgiving potluck.  Explain concerns to director advised everything will be taken care of just need to help set up next Thursday
• 10:30am emergency town hall meeting being advised due to economy cutting company down by half.  Many voices of concern due to houses just being bought, expecting babies, and the holidays.  Surprise for many people the company had an open house last Thursday and closed down Canadian division advised all work done in this main office. Feeling guilt about Starbucks and sushi.
• Unable to concentrate, answer client emails, or create reports.  All coworkers sit at desk in silence.
• 11am first lay off in department. then nothing for over an hour and a half
• still unable to concentrate just watch as people collect boxes and walk out
• 1:15pm go to lunch not really hungry just order fries for $2. Get further details about commercial.
• Return to work other departments completely gone people crying left and right.  Company cut down 80%. Wondered why CEO would even lie about that.
• Advise others everything happens for a reason and we always talked about other things we would rather do.
• 3pm finally told services no longer needed handed unemployment form.  Advise will not return for rest of the week. Gather stuff , say goodbyes, delete personal emails. plan for a happy hour tomorrow night.
• 4pm cancel gym membership (was offered lower rate and accepted, but now realize need to fully cancel). Realize will be broke and super fat.
• 4:30 down to 50 mins on cell phone.
• Realize last paycheck next week and live paycheck to paycheck.  Anger sets in along with some fear over what will happen next couple of months. Contemplate moving in with the parents. 
• 4:45 call T-mobile get old school plan (text messages and 1000 minutes) cancel Blackberry package and hot spots
• 5:00 leave for dinner with family. Order several alcoholic drinks
• Family advises got too comfortable at job and need to move on.  Stylist position great opportunity.  Mom states I need to start thinking like an entrepreneur and stop worrying about bills.
• 8:30 cancel Netflix subscription
• 10:00 35 minutes left on cell phone. extremely sober, Try to watch Across the Universe, realize don't care about the movie
• 10:30 lay in bed wide awake. dog jumps in bed but don't care to get him off
• 1:00 am watch The Daily Show
• 1:30 check out jobing.com realize just want part time job to concentrate on GMAT and applications
• 3:00 am watch Anderson Cooper discussion on the economy pour a glass of wine.
• 3:30 begin this post.
• 4:00am watch Mike and Mike on ESPN.
• 4:42am discover laidoffcentral.com
• 4:47am realize GG has overcome many things in life and this is just a minor setback.

Anyone else get laid off recently?  How is it going for you?

        

I am currently a guest blogger for rainerisms.com, a blog from a MBA graduate student that documented his admission process and his experience at University of Michigan's Ross School of Management. I will do a post once a month on his site which will feature what I think is a need-to-know in fashion and culture.  Hope you enjoy.

 

 
10. Need: Tights.  Who knew a simple purple day dress could turn into a cocktail dress by adding some black tights and a bracelet.  Ladies tights are in and they can completely change an outfit by adding sophistication to an outfit. (I am talking plain tights not the crazy Cavalli ones.)  So head to Target and purchase gray, black, navy, and purple tights for around $5 each.

9.  Cool: 70s inspired music.  I recently checked out the Kings of Leon album Only by the Night and Robin Thicke's Something Else and I loved both of them.  Cool music you can relax to while studying or working from home, entertaining the significant other, or for a gathering at home base.  To keep it modern get T.I. Paper Trails which has great hooks and melodies- even those who don't favor rap/hip-hop will be humming some of the tunes.

8. Need: Tuxedo Jacket.  If there is truly one trend piece every woman needs this fall it is the Tuxedo Jacket.  It was perfected by Yves Saint Laurent and I don't know why it went away.  This jacket truly goes with everything.  Pair it with a dress and you are ready for happy hour.  Put it on with some jeans and you have a great date look.  Whatever you buy this autumn please don't forget the Tuxedo Jacket.

7. Awesome: Pumpkin.  The best thing about fall is that Pumpkins are in season.  I truly splurge on my pumpkin.  Weekly Starbucks runs for Pumpkin Spice Lattes (nonfat of course), pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake, I even have Pumpkin conditioner from SexyHair.  And for those who like to drink Pumpkin Ale is available at your local Trader Joe's.

6. Cool: TrueBlood.  TrueBlood is an HBO series based on the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse series and is a must see.  This show honestly makes Vampires extremely sexy.  You got Fangbangers, shape shifters, and Sookie's best friend's cousin Lafayette dealing V which is better than Ecstasy, all wrapped up in a small Lousiana town.  I promise just look at one episode and you will be hooked for life.

5. Need: Boots.  Boots in all color and sizes.  Shoe boots, such as Chloe and Guiseppe Zanotti pictured above, are in.  Ladies get a pair of shoe, calves, and knee-high, and for those who dare thigh high boots.  Don't just go for the basic black definitely look for patent leather, purple, gray, and blue.  Be daring with your boots they will spice up any outfit.

4. Want: Fendi Cocktail Dress.  I have given you the tights, the boots, and now I finish the outfit with the Fendi cocktail dress.  This dress is on net-a-porter.com and I fell in love with it immediately. It is classically cut in the front but then the back is completely open to allow some clear sexiness. Pair this dress with black or purple tights and the Guiseppe Zanotti shoes and you are ready for a holiday party and dancing at the club.  I haven't stopped dreaming about this outfit since I found it. But even I don't have the dough to spend on this dress now ($1200 on sale) so for 1/6th the price I offer the fun Anna Sui dress.  Again just pair some tights and shoe boots and you have a fantastic holiday outfit.

3. Cool: Power Suit Male Dolce & Gabbana.  While living in Italy I learned to appreciate a man in a suit.  They always caught my eye first while ordering my morning cappuccino or during aperitivi (Italian happy hour) I wanted to know more about the men in the suits.  This suit is tailored well and for those of you who want to go into those power positions in real estate and banking trust me your client sees you in a well made suit they will pay more attention to what you have to offer.

2. Want: Spring 09' Donna Karan dress.  I think the fashion in fall is top of the line out of all the seasons, but sometimes all that layering is bothersome and there are a lot more fat days.  So to stay in the gym this fall I am looking forward to this draped Donna Karan dress which clearly tells me the legs need to be toned. Don't you just love the subtle sexiness of this dress?

1. Awesome: President Obama.  I cried when MSNBC declared Obama the President elect.  I never thought in my lifetime a black man would be President of the US, and I am not old.  I am clearly pleased with America these days and look forward to what this country will become in the next four years.

Photos courtesy of: amazon.com, net-a-porter.com, style.com, stockingirl.com, express.com, starbucks.com, sexyhair.com, time.com, nymag.com

        

Guys this is a collection you need to keep in mind when it is time to buy suits for your career.  Victor & Rolf are offering a variety of styles just in this one collection.  Remember plaids, stripes, and colors are your friends.  If you want to be forgotten put on the traditional blue pant suit, but if you want to make a statement when you walk into a meeting don't be afraid of a rust color, skinny tie, or herringbone design.  For evening the suit jacket could simply be replaced by the leather jacket and this will take you from happy hour to the club.  I know I know these are expensive suits, but look at them as a long term investment or remember what you like about the suits and try to find the same idea in a less costly version.  Happy shopping!

Photos courtesy of men.style.com

        

      
Took a trip to Old Navy during lunch yesterday and enjoyed the colorful display of jackets.  The jackets ranged from $39.99 to $89.99 and were extremely COMFORTABLE.  They can definitely dress up a work suit and a date dress. If the jackets appear to plane change out the belts to a different color or a tighter one , add a large sparkling broach, or change the buttons to add drama to the coats.

 



I finally did it.  I bought purple tights from Target.  I am still trying to figure out what wear with them, but it shall be done.  The best part, if they don't work out I only spent $5.00 on them.  The other best part, I can still wear some of my summer skirts and dresses by wearing them with tights and cardigans.  I have a whole new fall wardrobe without cleaning out the summer clothes.

Tights Photos courtesy of Target.com

        

As we continue through the Fall season (and the low economic times) we look for clothing that gives us quality and economic comfort.  Don't fret fashionistas Target and H&M are here to help us out.  Commes Des Garcons is a Japanese based label known for avant-garde pieces (even I have a hard time knowing how to pull off.)  Their collection for H&M is scaled back a bit but can still be considered just as dark. Commes Des Garcons for H&M  offers some deconstructed jackets that will enhance a suit for both men and women.  Some of the pieces for H&M go as a high as $340, but you can consider these your trend pieces for the season. 



 On the other side of Fall is Jonathan Saunders for Target, a textile designer from Scotland, who offers colorful pieces for fun and work.  The prices are more reasonable ranging from $16.99 to $59.99.  Have fun and go shopping.




Photos courtesy of nitrolicious.com
Photos courtesy of  Target

        

Banana and Goodwill are teaming up again to offer 30% off on Banana clothing just for bringing in your slightly used sweaters and jackets.  Consider this guilt free shopping because you aare participating in helping the community.  I personally love Banana because they offer quality clothing, especially for work, at a great price.

Press release following the pictures.



Pictures courtesy of bananarepublic.com

BANANA REPUBLIC’S 30 PERCENT PROMOTION TO BENEFIT GOODWILL’S JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS

Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries Sponsor Sweater and Coat Trade-In Promotion

Rockville, MD - Sept. 30, 2008 – Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are giving customers a chance to get ready for the holiday season and make a little room in their closets and hearts at the same time. Customers who donate their gently-worn sweaters or coats at any Banana Republic in the U.S. and Canada from October 16 through October 26 will receive a 30 percent discount on all regular priced Banana Republic merchandise for the same time period - some exclusions apply, see stores for details.

Donated items will be sold in Goodwill retail stores and the revenues will help fund Goodwill job training programs and support services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience and other job seekers. In 2007, more than one million people benefited from Goodwill’s programs. 

“The tremendous success of last year’s campaign encouraged us to continue this collaboration with Goodwill Industries,” says Chris Nicklo, Vice President of Marketing for Banana Republic. “This year, customers can get a jump start on the giving season by donating sweaters and coats to a great cause and once again join us in giving back to the local communities where we do business.” 

“By donating to Goodwill, people are making an investment in their communities,” says Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Each donated sweater or coat will help us earn the funding we need to provide vital employment and support services for those who need it most.”

Banana Republic is committed to giving back to local communities across the country. This initiative is part of the company’s broader philanthropic approach, “Give Where You Live”, which encourages customers and employees to help make stronger, more livable communities. Banana Republic plans to expand this program with other partners in the future.

This is the second year that Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are partnering together. Last year, the partnership generated more than 110,000 sweater donations and an estimated $438,000 in revenues to support Goodwill’s employment programs provided by local Goodwill agencies.

About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers the best in city style. Characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications, the Banana Republic lifestyle collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc., can be found at over 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, BananaRepublic.com, or (888) BR-STYLE.

About Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 184 community-based, independent member organizations in the United States, Canada, and 14 other countries. Each organization provides education and career services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support for people facing economic challenges including people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, low-wage workers and other job seekers. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,200 retail stores, and online at www.shopgoodwill.com. In 2007, 1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill Industries International reported $3.2 (b) billion in revenues, and channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online zip code locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.

        

I checked my email and received wonderful news, Catherine Malandrino is having a 20% off sale on her Fall 2008 collection.  Then I looked out my window and was quickly reminded I don't live in NYC so I won't be participating in this shopping experience.  For all you lucky to be living in New York right now or will be in the NYC tomorrow (and have some spare change) check it out I know you won't be disappointed.  Malandrino is one of my favorite designers because she keeps it feminine and strong at the same time.  This is a must for every Power Woman's wardrobe.  Location details listed below.

Wednesday, October 15th
11am to 8pm

Soho Boutique
468 Broome Street
New York
212 925 6765

Enjoy twenty percent off
the entire fall/winter 2008
collection. Gift with purchase.

I also checked out the sale at her online store http://shop.catherinemalandrino.com/, and it looks like some pieces from her spring collection.  I didn't enjoy most of what I saw I thought the below pieces were quite a deal for $73.50 and $157 respectively, and it is a savings of 70% off.



Photos courtesy of Style.com and Catherine Malandrino.com

        

Diane Von Furstenberg shows a great outfit that includes some of the basics every women should have in her wardrobe.  The black pencil skirt, a white or cream blouse, and dark cardigan. By adding a small belt as an accent to he outfit and presenting your own power woman confidence this outfit will impress any client.

        

Currently BCBG is offering $100 for $300 dollars spent off all non-sale items.  Below are some fantastic dresses for $340 and $310 respectfully.  If the shopaholic is still raging inside of you, despite the economy, than shop BCBG this weekend and know you are getting a fantastic deal.



Below are some options for under $300.  The shoes are $210.  The dresses are $178 and $268.



All photos are courtesy of BCBG.com