I Look Fly, I Look Good

I have a weird love for random music.  One of my favorites a few years ago (and I still rock it in my car sometimes today) was "I Look Good" by Chalie Boy.  Now, you may be wondering how this coincides to Social Media or Online Reputation, well here goes it.

Perception is EVERYTHING in our world today.  The way you carry yourself, present yourself, and even view yourself is how people will see you.  The 1st impression is honestly the most important part of networking, interviewing, and in general....life.  While most people will tell you to have a good suit to give a good impression, I think it goes deeper.

Having confidence in yourself is something that can make anything you wear, stand out.  Believe me when I say that I don't own a suit.  I don't think it fits who I am as a person, it doesn't reflect my personality, nor give the impression that I want people to have about me.  HOWEVER, even though my outfits aren't suits, they are professional and give people a sense of who I am.  I can pair a bright colored blouse with a gray pencil skirt, add a belt and heels .... ta-da, my outfit!

Here you can see an example of what I would piece together ...   The bright color embraces personality while the structured skirt gives a touch of professionalism BUT the item that is rocked the best is her smile!  This conveys confidence in that "I Look Fly, I Look Good" sense (and yes, I do say this to myself on occasion as reassurance...especially when putting on an outfit for a business event).

You can create outfits that give a professional impression from the clothes you wear already, you just need to know how to put them together and have confidence that you look good.  Believe me, it took me a bit to master this, and I still question my choices at times...but then I just remind myself that "I look fly, I look good".  As a college student and freelancer, I know that budgeting for "professional" attire is hard, so I try to buy basics that I can incorporate into my daily personal/professional life and am comfortable wearing.  

Now, how does "looking good" matter w/social media and online reputation...well, PICTURES SAY A THOUSAND WORDS!  While you'll be meeting people in-person, the pictures taken at the networking event, school function, etc. will most likely always end up online.   Presenting an overall polished look that reflects you as a person will allow others online to see you, form an impression of you, want to get to know you more!

Believe that you look good and you will outshine that person next to you.  Perception is everything, but that doesn't have to include a $500 tailored suit.  You just need to let your personality shine thru with a smile.

And if you need more insight into how to pair clothing together, check out my Pinterest board as I regularly post professional outfits that I find for men/women that are simple.
http://pinterest.com/anasantellana/professional-wear/ 

Now....for your viewing pleasure (and for me as I get ready for a networking event tonight) ... "I Look Fly, I Look Good" by Chalie Boy.

Just Say NO!

Have you ever been inundated with requests from family, friends, co-workers, schoolmates, or random people you meet on the side of the road even?  I've had that issue lately.  Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE being able to help those around me; however, it's taken a toll lately.  I've realized that me doing everything for everyone else has led ME to slack off on my own responsibilities.  I've learned that I need to learn how to say that 2-letter word…what is it again…oh yeah, NO!

Now, most people may think that saying no to all those requests I get may be easy…BUT if you're like me (and think you can do it all) then you know saying no is just plain hard.  It makes me feel as though I've failed for some reason.  Yes, weird way to feel when it's not even your responsibility in the first place but its how I feel.  Some may say its the OCD need to be in control, which I don't deny, and others may just think I'm plain crazy.  Either way you put it, there's a reason I have an issue saying no and I'm trying to find what that is.

My question to you (whoever you may be, is anyone reading this?  HELLO…??) is….do you have issues saying no?  If so, how do you deal with the requests to help?  Do I need to learn how to prioritize better?  Do I need to say no to every other request?  What are your ideas??


Now let me leave you with these pictures to emphasize my crisis….

(http://zodiacchic.tumblr.com/tagged/capricorn/page/8)

(http://sumikomaser.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/too-much-of-yes/)

(http://vdoblog.net/)

"Summer days driftin' away…."

Earlier in the year I told myself that this summer would be one that I actually do something.  I would better myself by working out and being outdoors as much as possible, I would date more, and I would definitely further my knowledge in social networking/online reputation.  Well….I think this summer will definitely be one for the books.

I'm taking 12 hours of summer classes at UTD:  

• Business Finance
• International Business
• Managerial Methods
• Operations Management

I've decided to take on some new outdoor activities:

• Rowing.  Yeah, on the water and in a boat rowing out at Bachman Lake through the Dallas Row Club.  Sculling to be exact actually.  I've been wanting to do this for a while now (I use the stationary row machines weekly and LOVE the workout) but didn't want to go alone…so, with my best friends birthday in early June, I figured its the best gift I can give!!!!  Don't worry, she knows and agreed to the gift bc she's AWESOME like that.
• Pole Dancing.  Yup, another workout class at Poleiticians…not really outdoors but its a new physical activity.  A great Groupon purchase with the bestie again.  She's my partner in crime when it comes to testing out new outings.
• Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and SUP Yoga out at DFW Surf in Grapevine... if I have time and energy.  It sounds really serene to be honest and come on…how many people do you know that do this?  It'll be a great conversation starter!!!  

AND on top of all of that…READING!  Okay, this really isn't that big of a problem.  I'm a HUGE book nerd and LOVE LOVE LOVE to read.  I don't stick to any one genre or author.  I like to keep my brain working and change it up.  Here's a snapshot as to what I've purchased over the past few days to start my reading marathon for the month.  

• http://instagr.am/p/KvBV2FuAPX/ 

I'll be giving my reviews on each book as I finish them on Amazon (as I do everything basically) and will probably blog about certain ones that I find outstanding.  If you're interested in a full reading list…let me know, I'll get it to you.  Warning though…the list runs about 45 deep at the moment.  

I'm just hoping that some some my summer days will lead to some summer love now….lol.

Dallas Row Club: http://www.dallasrowingclub.org/cms/

Poleiticians: http://poleiticians.com/

DFW Surf: http://www.dfwsurf.com/index.html

Float On Yoga: http://www.floatonyoga.com/

Taking the Plunge…sort of.

I've taken the plunge, in a sense. Do you know someone who is the "go-to" person in your circle of friends for advice, the shoulder to lean on, or even gives you that slap in the face dose of reality? Well…that's me in a nutshell. I'm always dishing out stuff to my friends and family, whether they ask or not(sorry!!!). Yet, I hardly ever take my own advice or put my tips into practical use. Now it stops. I'm taking the plunge and will start living what I preach.

Okay…I know, I know. Crap. If I couldn't do this already, how am I supposed to start now. Well, I've thought it out and have a plan. (Come on now, if you know me, you know that I plan out everything just about. I'm a crazy organized freak.) The plan starts with me not making any changes to be honest. I've realized that every time I try to change something with my life, it always goes awry. I try to change everything instantly and it never works. So, this time around, I'm not changing. Instead, I'm going to think.

Yup. I said it. No changes but more thinking. Make sense?

By thinking about the changes I want to make, I'm slowly able to change without even realizing it. The entire process of how I do certain things just balances out. It's weird but it works for me. I've thought a lot out recently:

• losing weight
• starting up my own business/writing a blog
• being less of a procrastinator
• and of course…relationships

As for the results:

• I've lost over 40lbs in the past 9 months
• started my own business/blog
• and currently I've started to think over the procrastination/relationship aspects in my life.

By thinking over these items, I let myself reevaluate what's important, make smarter decisions, and have lasting results.  The change happens naturally.  Each of these are areas I've always want to change in myself.  I tried every which way to change too.  Ask my mom about my weight, my friends about my business/blog ramblings, coworkers/classmates about my procrastination, and all of my exes about me in a relationship (ouch!).  I've said it over and over again…I WILL CHANGE…and I did change, for a bit.  It just never stuck, until now…I hope.

Thinking.  Not changing.  Take the plunge and think more!!!

       July 2011                November 2011

April 2012