How will you make a difference?



Photo courtesy of Unicef.org


"I have learned how to live…how to be in the world and of the world,
and not just to stand aside and watch."
- Audrey Hepburn

2011 hasn't skipped a beat since January 1st and most of us started out the year jotting down a well intentioned list of resolutions. Of course by now, many of us have also likely already forgotten or tossed out this well intentioned list of feel-good goals. Of all the things that people generally add to the list - lose weight, eat healthy, go to the gym, save money, pay off debt, travel more, find love, find a better job, etc. etc. etc...volunteering and giving back also comes up on many lists year after year. And with April's National Volunteer Week behind us and the birthday of the iconic and inspirational Audrey Hepburn coming up next week on May 4th, I thought it would be fitting to share some resources that can help you fulfill at least one of your resolutions this year.

Volunteer Locally - If you aren't sure where to start and don't know who, what, when, where and how to connect with your local nonprofits, try these 3 national volunteer search sites that can help you identify volunteer opportunities in your city based on your interests and availability:

• HandsOn Network
• Volunteer Match
• One Brick

There are also many international volunteer organizations with local chapters like Rotary International and the Association of Junior Leagues International that organizes opportunities to volunteer locally and globally.

Volunteer Abroad - For those of us who possess a travel bug and love to explore new cultures, "voluntourism" or volunteering abroad is a great way to learn about new countries, volunteer with local nonprofits or non-governmental organizations (NGO) and meet new people who share your love for travel and volunteerism. Cross Cultural Solutions is a fantastic organization that provides the expertise and resources to help you volunteer abroad in over 9 countries spread throughout the world. You might even catch yours truly on one of these trips before the year ends!

Do It While You're Young is an amazing site overflowing with resources for you to peruse for traveling, working and volunteering abroad.

If you're not convinced that volunteering is your 'thing', here are a few things to consider if doing good for the sake of doing good and the personal feel-good factor isn't enough. So here's what's in it for you and your career:

1) Gain new skills that can be applied at the workplace. Practice management and leadership skills you'd like to strengthen like team building, time management, coaching and mentoring, and interpersonal relations.

2) Currently out of a job? Volunteering is not only a noble way to spend your time in between jobs, but it is also a great way to keep your skills polished and shows potential employers you are actively applying your professional skills, and for social benefit which will help you stand out among other candidates! If you are currently employed and have a strong desire to offer your professional business skills to a nonprofit as a Pro Bono Consultant, visit Taproot Foundation and find out how you can make an invaluable contribution to a nonprofit in your community.

3) Volunteering is the new golf game. Many a business deals have been made on on the golf course, but as more and more corporations invest in social impact programs, smart businesses are finding ways to partner with key clients to build deeper rapport and relationships through mutual volunteerism projects and major community investments.

Now, get out there and 'be the change you wish to see in the world' - anyone and everyone has the ability to make a difference!

New Season, New Style!



Courtesy of Lulu's

 Ahh, after a three-month long hiatus I have rejoined the blogisphere and it feels good to be back! And at the perfect time - springtime! After all the heavy wools and boots from a long winter, I'm so ready to switch wardrobes and pull out all the fun, light and colorful fabrics of spring! And here are three spring trends you'll definitely see me wearing this season:

1) Maxi dresses - What's not to love about a maxi dress? They're fun, festive and oh, so comfy! Throw on a pair of sandals or wedges and a casual blazer with a long strand necklace and you're good to go - summer music festivals, picnics, city exploring...here we come! Asos.com has a great selection of maxi dresses online. But be mindful of the shape of the dress. Be sure it falls naturally to your curves so that you don't lose your figure and look like you're wearing a balloon.

2) Midi skirts - I love midi skirts! It's a definite throw back to the fifties and I'm diggin' it. I recently picked up a light, flowy tan midi skirt with a black waistline from H&M and have been getting rave reviews. Pair it with a tank and flats for a more casual look or dress it up work with a pair of pumps and you'll look like a total dame.

3) Nautical stripes - I'm obsessed with the nautical theme! I've picked up several fitted stretch striped tanks from Aritizia and have been practically living in them. Pair one of these tanks with a pair of loose fitting tapered khakis (roll up the hem 2-3 times) and throw on a pair of fun booties or wedges for a city hipster appeal. Add a straw fedora for good measure and you're ready to hit up any summer street fair.

There are two trends that are still going strong but I would tone it down because it's on it's way out!

1) Animal print - Please refrain from wearing the entire zoo all in one look. Leopard and zebra - they're e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. And when you see a trend being sold all the way from Barneys down to Walmart, it's a tell tale sign it's on its way out. Rather than wear it H2T, use it like you would a pop of color - in small doses. Curb your desire to go crazy with the animal print and keep it to a demure purr rather than a ferocious-everybody-make-a-run-for-it roar.

2) Leggings - This is a trend I'd personally hate to see go because I love leggings for the ease and comfort factor. But as a stylist, I am so ready for this to be over because way too many women kill me with its improper use and abuse! Please read the following slowly and carefully - opaque tights are not the same as leggings. We can see EVERYTHING when you wear your tights as if they were leggings. NOT OKAY. This also goes for buying cheap leggings - again, we can see London, France AND your underpants. Invest in high quality leggings if you're going to wear them. And unless you have an amazing and financially insured booty like J-Lo, choose a top that covers your butt. TMI. Enough said.