Meet Brandyce! She works for a small cultural non-profit in sunny Palm Beach managing events and programming for the education and community outreach department. Brandyce is passionate about her work, volunteerism and life and takes this enthusiasm into everything she does. She enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, traveling, discovering fabulous food, and is an amateur shutterbug. She believes life is the adventure and makes the most of it.

Brandyce, show us what’s in your purse!

1. My iPad Mini – for staying in touch with email, social media and reading all on the go.
2. Moleskin Notebook – I get ideas at the strangest times, so having my moleskin is key for when inspiration strikes. Even with all the wonderful technology pen and paper is sometimes best.
3. Lilly Agenda – this bright and colorful agenda makes planning my days and keeping me on track fun-filled.
4. Pashmina – living in FL, its always an Arctic tundra indoors, so I always keep a pashmina in my bag to keep the chill at bay.
5. Fun Nail File – because there is nothing worse than having a mal-nailfunction and no way to fix it.

ProfessionGals- want to showcase 5 items from your closet, purse, or desk? Use the hashtag #5items or email me!

The post 5 Item Friday: Peek Into Brandyce’s Purse appeared first on .

Naiomi Murgatroyd, an event planner at a museum in New Zealand, received some questionable advice from her former boss. She was told by him that there was no point in planning or accounting for the “small” details- it was all about the big picture, he said. This mentality led her boss to fail to book event spaces for events to take place in; promote the wrong date for events; and leave valuable equipment outside in the rain for the weekend. Naiomi chose to follow her instincts and ignore his less-than-savvy advice, which will soon result in a promotion for her. In her words:

While I hadn’t worked in this particular area, before I’d done a few work placements in event planning and in all of them my supervisors had commended my attention to detail. While it was tricky being in the subordinate position, it became very clear early on that I know my stuff. Being quite young for this field of work I also worried that people wouldn’t take me seriously but it turns out that my colleagues were all behind me 100% and have been really supportive.  I’m really glad I stood my ground. It means expectations of me are higher but it’s worth it.

Any questions for Naiomi Murgatroyd? Post them below or share with the rest of the ProfessionGal community on Facebook!

The post The Worst Advice I Ever Took- “Ignore the Details,” Says Event Planner Naiomi Murgatroyd appeared first on .

My first “big girl” job was at a small marketing agency that had more of a laid-back vibe. In stark contrast, I have friends who work in large corporate buildings with a fairly strict dress code. Since every company may have different levels and definitions of their dress code, it’s important to make sure you adhere to their guidelines. Even if you have a more relaxed dress code, you still want to look put-together and make sure not to wear anything too revealing.

The term “business casual” can be defined in a variety of ways. For example, my workplace is defined as business casual, but I get to wear dark jeans and khakis with nice sweaters and blouses. Other companies that enforce a business casual dress code lean more toward slacks and skirts with button-ups and heels. The point here is that the concept of business casual can be defined in many different ways- make sure you check in with your HR department and fellow employees to make sure you’re adhering to the rules.

While keeping the basics of business casual in mind, here are two outfits that will work for most workplaces. This proves that you can still look cute and fashionable even when faced with a dress code!

Pencil skirts don’t have to be boring! The rich blue hue of this pencil skirt isn’t too bright or flashy, and it pairs well with black and white (which you probably have plenty of in your wardrobe already). The peplum top keeps the look fashionable, while the classic black blazer pulls it all together. Don’t forget about the chic black heels (not too high) and some pretty stud earrings.

Gray trousers can be made more fun and feminine with a pretty pastel sweater. The sweet collared details on this one is perfect. Nude-colored flats and classic pearl earrings are two staples of business casual fashion.

Today’s guest post comes from Rachel of Life Unsweetened, which is best described as a life and style blog- without the sugar coating. Rachel is a 20-something from New York who is a SEO Copywriter and freelance writer by day.You could also call her a social media nerd, non-crazy cat lady, chocoholic and sarcastic fireball (yes, people have referred to her as that before).

The post Business Casual, Two Ways appeared first on .

1. Kate Spade makes this adorable iPad mini case. Priced at $65, this folio style case features her signature black and cream polka-dotted pattern that will keep your iPad safe and trendy.

2. This Harlex Leather iPad case is a little up-there in price ($157), but so fabulous! This features an envelope clutch style and is made out of high-quality leather. The best part? It’s customizable.

3. Armani Exchange has this Striped Signature iPad Case for $48. If you’re into logo prints, this one is for you.

4. All of you Juicy Couture lovers will swoon over this Pink Juicy Couture Luxe Leather iPad Case. Super chic and super girly, this case (priced at $210) is definitely a luxurious way to keep your iPad safe.

5. This Victoria’s Secret soft iPad case is on the more affordable side, priced at $30. It comes in black or powder blue with the “Pink” logo on the back.

6. Another affordable find is this Clearly Cool iPad Case. This blue vinyl iPad case features lime vegan leather trim and a removable iPhone pouch in contrasting colors. Priced at $38, you can’t go wrong.

7. John Robshaw makes this cotton and leather iPad case which features custom artisan prints,  a zip closure and pocket. Not to mention, we’re loving the $45 price tag.

8. This Fantastic Elastic iPad Case in signature zigzag from the Kate Space Saturday collection is a super fun, geometric way to keep your iPad safe and sound. Priced at $50, it’s a pretty good find.

9. Last but not least, this Ted Baker London ‘Bow’ Ipad case comes in 4 colors with an easy-access zip-around lip. This one is a little pricier at $70, but certainly gets the job done in style.

The post iPad Case Roundup appeared first on .

Today, we celebrate the women who gave us (or at least put up with) our sharp-witted, sarcastic sense of humor, along with some of our friends who are new moms. And for them, we at ProfessionGal rounded up some standout office supplies from our beloved, funny-yet-functional Knock Knock (you know, the company that makes the hysterical knick-knacks sold at stores like Urban Outfitters) made specifically with your mom in mind.

So, for those of you scrambling to find a gift for mom today and now have five awesome ideas inspired by the cute office supplies below, we’d like to say, you’re welcome.

“What I Love About You” journal. Each spread of this little book contains a fill-in-the-blank line describing some aspect of your affection for mom.

• Fully customizable
• Easy to fill in
• Amazing price point $10

“Do Your Chores” notepads. Divide domestic drudgery into doable chunks with this household chores checklist. Make sure you’ve got all the chores crossed off in the “done” section for added love!

• 60 sheets
• Friendly price of $6.50

“I’m A Parent?” journal. Parenting is terrifying. Filled with playful prompts and candid quotes ranging from Jerry Seinfeld to Kathy Griffin and Bill Cosby, this journal makes it easier to face parental uncertainties.

• Over 70 sympathetic quotes
• The perfect gift for new parents
• Only $16.00

“Parents’ Night Out” notepads. Parents need playdates, too. This pad has everything needed to keep the kid(s) alive (including a list of important numbers) so you can go out and play grownup.

• Unique rift for toddler-whipped couples
• Ideal when your short term memory’s shot
• $6.50 for 60 sheets of playdate reminders

• Because everything that actually matters can fit onto a sticky note
• 100 sheets
• Friendly price of $3.99

Which one is your favorite?

The post Because Mom Loves Office Supplies Too… appeared first on .

The post Introducing: 5 Item Friday appeared first on .

Christina Daves is the founder of CastMedic Designs, a company that makes accessories for medical boots. When Christina broke her foot back in 2010, she was horrified when the doctor came in with a bulky black boot.  She researched the internet for ways to dress the boot up, but didn’t find any viable options. She began designing products, building her company, and working with a business advisor, who gave her advice that she regrets taking. Luckily, Christina learned a valuable lesson from the experience:

I had a business advisor who had me sending samples to anyone and everyone because he wanted me to “get the product out there.” I spent thousands on samples and postage and not one thing panned out. I have since learned to send samples out strategically and not blindly- it is much more effective [especially with a specialized product].

Any questions for Christina Daves? Post them below or share with the rest of the ProfessionGal community on Facebook!

The post The Worst Advice I Ever Took- “Send Samples to Everyone,” Says Founder Christina Daves appeared first on .

One of my favorite writers, Danielle LaPorte, said in her book The Fire Starter Sessions, “Be careful what you’re good at – you could end up doing it for years.” If you’re anything like me, that quote is simultaneously inspiring and terrifying. Some of you have known your passion since you were five, and there was never a question in your mind that you’d become a nurse or a teacher or a lawyer. But for the rest of us, the stages for figuring out our ideal career are still a little hazy.

If you’re dissatisfied in your current job, there may be a couple of reasons for that. Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Do I enjoy my daily tasks at work?

2. Am I happy in my current work environment?

3. Do I believe in the mission and purpose of my company and the role I play in it?

If the problem lies solely in your work environment, then the best solution may be to switch to a company – or even just a different department – in the same industry whose culture you’re excited to be a part of.

If, on the other hand, you don’t feel inspired or engaged by your work, it might be time to look for a totally new job or career field. For some people, moving to a company where they’re completely behind the mission gives them that feeling of purpose and fulfillment, while others decide to start their own business (even if it’s just an Etsy shop on the side) because they know they’ll never feel 100% committed to someone else’s vision.

Changing career fields or considering entrepreneurship is scary stuff, no doubt about it. There’s a lot of risk involved. But consider the alternative – staying in a safe, but ultimately unfulfilling job indefinitely simply because you happen to do it well. You tell me: Which is the riskier option when it comes to your overall life satisfaction? Are you already living your worst-case scenario?

So how do you figure out your next steps?

1. Make a list of all your strengths, both professional and personal. Include everything that comes easy for you – anything from “working on Excel spreadsheets” to “starting up conversations with strangers.”

2. Highlight the things on your list that you also enjoy. When your strengths and passions line up, that’s when you feel really energized and fulfilled by your work.

3. Have some fun exploring companies/organizations/jobs that will allow you to spend your days doing as many things on your list as possible. Make sure you’re not dismissing potential careers just because you don’t have direct experience in that field. As Marie Forleo says, “Everything is figureoutable,” so don’t let a lack of experience intimidate you.

Still having trouble figuring out your ideal career? Consider working with a coach for one-on-one support that will help you gain clarity and direction in any area of your life.

Kristen Walker is a professional life, career, & relationship coach for people in their 20s and 30s who are craving clarity, balance, and purpose. She co-founded Project 20-Something, a coaching company focused on helping Gen Y-ers create the life they want to live. For a free hour-long phone coaching session, fill out our quick contact form.

Image courtesy of [marin] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The post Be Careful What You’re Good At appeared first on .

Take a look at the celebrity-inspired eyewear you might consider rocking (or are currently sporting as your signature look ) to see what they say about you. (I’m a sucker for retro-cate-eye glasses, so apparently, I’m a “nerdy Katy Perry” according to this infographic by Peeperspecs.com:

stylish reading glasses

Which frames are your favorite?

The post What Do Your Glasses Say About You? [Infographic] appeared first on .

Subscription Services for the Working Girl by professiongal on Polyvore

1. Fulfill your coffee cravings with a subscription to Craft Coffee. For just $19.99/month, receive the world’s best coffee, expertly chosen and delivered to your doorstep.

2. Imagine a jewelry store tailored to you! Create a style profile with Jewelmint and shop for pieces in your own personal showroom. Sign up as a new member and get 2 pieces for $29.99.

3. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Discover new healthy snacks from NatureBox for $19.95 a month, delivered straight to your door.

4. Discover your style with a subscription to StitchFix. Priced just for you, StretchFix’s professional stylists will pick out items they think you’ll love—sometimes a little out of your comfort zone, but that’s part of the fun.

5. Are you a beauty junkie who loves trying new products? We know that habit can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Sign up for Birchbox and sample the best beauty/lifestyle products for just $10/month.

6. Are you the queen of DIY but don’t have the time to browse the aisles of your local arts and crafts store for hours? Sign up for a monthly Brit Kit- for $19.99 per month, a different pin-worthy DIY project- instructions and supplies included- will be delivered to your doorstep.

7. Stationary snob? Sign up for an $18 monthly subscription to Nicely Noted and receive three high quality letterpress cards and three beautiful stamps to make it that much easier for you to get those notes in the mail.

Do you subscribe to any monthly services? Which is your favorite?

P.S. Looking to save on subscription box services? Check out My Subscription Addiction for discount codes!

The post Subscription Services for the Working Girl appeared first on .