issue no.4 may/june 2012 no. 1
the sweet lemon team
C a r ly A . H e i t l i n g e r , E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f C ar ly i s a q u i r ky, Type A w or kah oli c with a pas s i on for all t h i ngs pr e p. H er close t i s fi lled w i t h collar ed s h i r t s and balle t flats. She always has a stash of Band-Aids and mu lt i ple flavor s of li p balm t ucke d i nt o h er h and bag. S h e w ou ld n’ t be caught d ead w i t h ou t h er pear ls on and t hinks you s h ou ld li ve you r d r eams. tweet her: @collegeprepster
pa r i s ro u zat i, c r eat i v e d i r ecto r Par i s i s a ch ar mi ng s ou t h er n gi r l. She ’s a bookw or m, lame j oke connoi s s eu r, and W hole Foods-oholic. She has an unrivaled ar g yle s ock collect i on and can’ t go a day w i t h ou t eat i ng i ce cr eam. If Vogu e and T h e Economi s t h ad a love ch i ld , i t w ould be Par i s. S h e’ s alw ays t h er e t o make you laugh and smile, and believes in spreading love ever yw h er e s h e goes. f o l l o w h e r o n t w i t t e r : @ pa r i s r o u z at i
m eli ssa n o u cas, ed i to r i a l sty li st Melissa is a perpetual hostess, shopaholic, and s t at i oner y lover. S h e h as a knack for pu r ch as i ng t oo many s t r i ped s h i r t s and w i s h es peony s eas on w as year - r ou nd . She goes weak in the knees for old Hollywood glamou r (i f s h e cou ld , s h e’d h os t a Gre at G at s by- s t yle law n par t y ever y d ay), but s t i ll enj oys t h e li t t le lu xu r i es of city living like taxi rides and coffee dates. follow her on twitter: @mnouc no. 2
B RIG H TEN U P | a n i s s u e c e l e b r a t i n g s u m m e r + s u n
a letter from the editor in chief Summer is more than a season. It’s a feeling. I remember being in elementary school and literally counting down the days to summer vacation. Summer is, in short, the best. To me, the feeling of summer is a mix of energy, lightness, and passion... with a dash of magic. During my senior year at Georgetown, I have had the absolute privilege of meeting some extraordinary people. These men and women have that same energy, same lightness and same passion... that same magic... as summer. You can feel their presence when you walk into the room and their energy stays with you for hours, even days, after you leave. Just like the sun radiates warmth, they radiate contagious enthusiasm. Listen to one of these people speak and you are sure to leave inspired. Shake one of their hands and feel a legitimate spark of energy. Work with one and realize your own true potential. You may be one of these magical people yourself ! If you are, be sure to share your energy and passion with others. If you’re not, seek these people out and learn all you can. Even though the summer is more laid back than the rest of the year, you can still spend time exploring new passions and meeting new people. Instead of soaking up sun’s rays (they’re dangerous anyway!), soak up the energies of others.
live your dreams,
Car ly A. He i tli ng e r @collegeprepster www.thecollegeprepster.com no. 3
the editorial team no.4
hanna howard copy editor @_HannaHoward
Kate Christensen contributing author @k8_christensen
cali harrison contributing author @ CALIenteSwag
ally lopez copy editor @allylopez
Caroline Ariail Editorial Intern @carolinemerritt
Wendi Chiong contributing author @wchiong
Carleton English contributing author @CarletonEnglish
Sarah Solomon contributing author @urbanJAP
no. 4
Carly Souther contributing author @carsouther
the editorial team no.4
Vett Vandiver Editorial Intern @vettt14
Alison Vinciguerra contributing author @luvfromafar
Michaela Warner contributing author @michaela_noelle
the design team no. 4
hannah lokken design intern
meghan lynch design intern
no. 5
lauren vanderbroek asst. editorial stylist @lauren_rae_vb
your complete guide #shoparound n0.10
8. We’re Sweet On 10. Sunny-Day Best 12. Show Your Stripes 14. A Walk in the Park 16. ATL/DC 18. Mark Your Calendar 19. Summer Reading
#puckerup 20. Merritt Beck: Blogger, Business Woman, Blonde Bombshell 35. Meet Quincy
n0.20
42. Summer Beauties
#lemonaid 54. Get Your Body Bikini Ready 62. Sunscreen: A Love Affair 68. Dating.
no. 6
n0.54
to issue no. 4 #sweetlife 70. The Real Elle Woods: Getting Into Grad School
n0.35
74. Résumé Tactics: Don’t Just Be Impressive – Be Relevant 78. The Modern College Woman: Life After Graduation 82. How to Survive an Indoor Job During the Summer
n0.94
#zestyliving 84. The Weekender 94. Buying the Big Stuff: Understanding
n0.62
the Softer Side of Finance 98. Entertaining is All in the Details
#lemonlove n0.84 n0.102 no. 7
# s h o pa r o u n d
we’re sweet on F r o m ATLANTA t o P H ILA D EL P H IA , C H A M PAGNE t o S O D A , C ARLY, PARI S & M ELI S S A spill what they’re loving for summer
carly who :: Editor in Chief
where :: D.C.
what :: Kate Spade iPhone case, Franco Sarto Espadrilles, Paris Versus New York Book, Anthropologie Hair Ties, Juicy Couture Earrings
no. 8
paris who :: Creative Director
where :: Atlanta
what :: Topshop Corset, Miu Miu Sunglasses, Mono & Me Bracelet, Louis Vuitton Noe Damier Azur, Native Union Pop Phone
melissa who :: Editorial Stylist
where :: Philly
what :: Illume Candle, Kate Spade iPad Sleeve, Anthropologie Bikini, Zara Sandals, Leigh Viner Print
no. 9
Topshop :: $68
Anthropologie :: $98
Target :: $50
Tory Burch :: $50
Mara Hoffman :: $195
best
cu r a t e d b y C a r ly no. 10
Kate Spade :: $78
Old Navy :: $40
Kate Spade :: $198
Lacoste :: $25
Old Navy :: $30
Anthropologie :: $136
no. 11
showyour
cu r a t e d b y m e l i ss a
Kate Spade :: $20 Topshop :: $56
Madewell :: $90
Jessica Simpson :: $98
Club Monaco :: $80
no. 12
Madewell :: $138
J.Crew :: $98
Soludos :: $36
Marc Jacobs :: $68
Madewell :: $70
Aubin & Wills :: $155
no. 13
DCI :: $15
Irregular Choice :: $154
Karen Walker :: $280
Kate Spade :: $428
Capri Blue :: $16
Vera Bradley :: $60
no. 14
ModCloth :: $17
Jack Rogers :: $88
Topshop :: $110
Lomography :: $130
ModCloth :: $26
Tory Burch :: $295
no. 15
J.Crew :: $230 Anthropologie :: $35
Target :: $20
Tory Burch :: $395
Ann Mashburn :: $70
cu r a t e d b y pa r i s
Milly for Sperry Top-Sider :: $125 LuciusArt :: $39
Urban Outfitters :: $10
no. 16
Vineyard Vines :: $20
Anthropologie :: $148
Baggu :: $12
J.Crew :: $185
Kate Spade :: $278
cu r a t e d b y c a r ly
Vera Bradley :: $32
AsYouWishPrinting :: $17
TOMS :: $79$10
no. 17
may 15. National Chocolate Chip Day 17. First Merry-Go-Round was built
::
25. National Tap Dance Day
::
noteworthy
dates
in
may+jun
19. Bike to Work Day
2012
18. Tina Fey’s birthday
31. Brook Shields’ birthday
june 1. Doughnut Day (A Sweet Lemon Favorite!) 3. Anderson Cooper’s birthday 8. First Indoor Pool built 14. Flag Day 23. Typewriter Invented 27. Helen Keller’s Birthday
no. 18
summer reading Divergent by Veronica Roth If you’re experiencing Hunger Games withdrawals, go pick up Divergent. Set in a dystopian Chicago, the main character goes through the unique coming of age ceremony and her life is forever changed. (I must admit, I found the love story in Divergent to be much better than that in Hunger Games!!!) Divergent is a super quick read. Save it for a long rainy summer day! - Carly A. Heitlinger The Gospel According To Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most E l e g a n t W o m a n by karen karbo We all know, a girl must be classy and fabulous, but what else does Ms. Coco have to tell us? Let’s hear what the mother of style has to say about style, love, passion, money, success, femininity, and being your own leading lady. A must read in my opinion, and lots of fabulous illustrations to look at. - Paris Rouzati is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns) by mindy kaling If you’re looking for a hilariously insightful book to add to your beach bag this summer, look no further. With chapter names like “Karaoke Etiquette” and “Why Do Men Put on Their Shoes So Slowly?” Mindy will keep you laughing like a loon the whole way through. - Melissa Noucas no. 19
#puckerup
no. 20
Merritt Beck. blogger. Business woman. Blonde bombshell.
by Pa r is Ro u z at i :: @ p a r is r o u z at i p h o t o g r ap hy by A ma n da Fo s t e r
no. 21
erritt was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and ventured over to Dallas to spend four years at the beautiful campus of
Southern
Methodist University. She describes her childhood as ordinary, but filled with some of the most extraordinary people. Her father –who passed away her freshman year in college– was a superior businessman and philanthropist and supported all of Merritt’s endeavors throughout her life. Her mother on the other hand, is a gracious woman, and although Merritt proclaims herself as being a “pill in high school,” her mother always had her back. This past year, Merritt went through tough times with personal and work transitions but her mother always believed in her, reminded her to have faith and inspired Merritt to be brave. Merritt’s travels and family shaped the leading lady she is today, “I definitely think it is important to travel and gain knowledge of cultures outside your own – it was essential to my personal growth and really believe it is a big part of why I am the way I am today.” no. 22
no. 23
When she first attended SMU, she was actually a vocal performance major. After about a year and a half, she decided that the singing route wasn’t for her, and had taken a few psychology classes already and loved them. So how does psychology help her now? “It was probably the best choice I could have made for a degree, because it allowed me to learn about how to work with a variety of personality types within a business environment. It’s been a very useful skill set in each job I have taken on since graduating.” Even though she spent class time studying psycholog y, her extracurricular time was dedicated to fashion. Well, Merritt worked directly under the style editor at D Magazine (a magazine for all things Dallas), where she assisted in pulling looks for photo shoots, features, interviews and events -- gaining the experience she needed in looking into the world of fashion from a publishing standpoint. She also interned at Fashion At The Park, Dallas’ version of fashion week, gaining valuable experience in fashion event planning. Those internships, along with a variety of marketing internships, laid the groundwork for Merritt to become the successful businesswoman she is today. no. 24
no. 25
no. 26
on dallas: “[it] is definitely the most fashion-centric city... which is perfect for me at the moment.� no. 27
on traveling: “Traveling allowed me to absorb other cultural styles and provided me with an open mind for evolving trends.� no. 28
After graduating in 2009, she took a detour to Houston and, as she was trying to adjust to the new city, began blogging in her spare time. After living in Austin, Dallas, and Houson, she knew the three cities like the back of her hand. She loved the southern hospitality that came with living in Austin, but found her heart longing for a city with a more vibrant fashion scene. Besides the Neiman Marcus and Zara, Austin lacked what Merritt needed, and that’s when her journey back to Dallas began. “Dallas is definitely the most fashion-centric city out of the three, which is perfect for me at the moment. You can always count on a fun fashion event almost weekly and there are always new store openings. Most of my good friends live in Dallas and I’ve made several new blogger friends that live in the area as well throughout the last year,” she said. Merritt’s style is influenced by her travel experiences as a young child and her family’s fabulous fashion sense and exquisite taste. She says, “Traveling allowed me to absorb other cultural styles and provided me with an open mind for evolving trends.” Her style icon? Well, no matter what anyone says about her personality, Olivia Palermo has the sickest personal style, and most killer wardrobe Merritt’s blue eyes have seen. Merritt adds, “Every single time I see her snapped in a photo (whether at a fashion show or just on the street), she’s always donning something I want or inevitably will obsess over.” Knowing how involved she is in the world of fashion, I had to know Merritt’s “must-have shoe” for the summer. Her go-tos are cork platforms or wedge pumps. “My favorite [pair are my] Prada’s that I bought on sale last summer! They are dressier than an espadrille but casual enough for daytime wear with a sundress, which makes them the essential and most wearable shoe throughout warmer birthday. There was only one bag left in the style and color scheme she wanted in all of Neiman Marcus, and she’s no. 29
months.” Her “must-have handbag” is definitely her brand new Celine mini luggage tote she received for her birthday. There was only one bag left in the style and color scheme she wanted in all of Neiman Marcus, and she’s been wearing the timeless bag 24/7 ever since she got it.
no. 30
on her blog: “It’s ... a fun view of how I see style evolving.” no. 31
no. 32
The Style Scribe, Merritt’s personal blog, started off as an anonymous hobby and creative outlet for her love of fashion because she wasn’t working in the industry at the time. Once different affiliate programs and brands looked into working with Merritt, she decided to put her name on it, and transform her blog into a business. She draws inspiration from whatever she’s coveting. “It’s not some deep blog with ridiculously intelligent anecdotes, but a fun view of how I see style evolving. I post about clothes I want, clothes I own, fashion events and runway shows I attend, designer interviews and the like. Every once in a while I do silly posts on recipes I’ve tried, home décor and beauty, but I don’t pretend to be a master in any of those topics. The online world is ever-evolving, so if you can’t roll with the punches, you should probably be doing something else.” she said. Merritt is the perfect summer “It-Girl.” She teaches us that with the right amount of hard work, experience in multiple industries and a strong educational background, you can be successful in chasing your dreams. She works a ton. During the week, catch-her-if-you-can...and on the weekends, she writes her blog posts. Currently, she’s working with Amber Venz at rewardStyle where she is the Online Marketing Director, and working with a fast-paced growing start-up, she doesn’t have time not to work. But, if you love what you’re doing, it all ends up being worthwhile. As for the future? Merritt hopes to collaborate with designers with a brand on a collection, something similar to Man Repeller with Dannijo, or Sea of Shoes with Reed Krakoff. “Now that is a goal worth working towards.” she says. Her advice? “Work hard, play hard and of course, surround yourself with people who are going to encourage and support you. Last but not least, remember that you can’t please everyone. There’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like what you’re doing or has an opinion, but either use that negative criticism to inspire and shape your work or shove it under the rug.” no. 33
like her style? pop over to merritt’s blog: www.thestylescribe.com
talk to her on twitter: @ merrittbeck
no. 34
meet Quincy Meet Quincy, the clothing brand that emerged when a mechanical engineer and an opera singer crossed paths in business school. As many a tall girl can relate, their friendship began with the standard verticallyblessed camaraderie of commiserating over the impossibilities of finding pants and dresses that are long enough to be suitable for the office and beyond. Alex Nelson and Christina Wallace initially planned to pursue some sort of entrepreneurial endeavor in the vague five-to -sevenyear future after graduating from Harvard Business School. However, when a spark of inspiration came to Alex while riding a red double-decker bus down Oxford Street in London on her way to work only a year after graduation, the pair decided to pursue their idea of revolutionizing women’s fashion full-time.
On Model: Jane jacket $258
no. 35
On Model: Madison stretch wool jacket $198
no. 36
Quincy’s founders are a seemingly odd couple by fashion industry standards. While having experience in the realm of fashion retailing, Alex’s career path focused heavily in engineering and consulting. Christina came from a theater management and consulting background. Both knew first-hand the uphill battle that is trying to dress in a fashionforward way in a professional setting – a battle that was magnified by being a hard-to-fit shape, to boot. Both had a passion for fashion and a drive to work in the industry. So, with the encouragement and agreement of friends and colleagues, the two set out to conquer what they termed the “department store dance of death.” The solution? Designing on-trend professional wear that infuses classic shapes with current fashion. Along with designer Althea Harper of Project Runway fame, the Quincy team is revolutionizing the way women’s fashion is fit and sized. Alex encourages all young entrepreneurs to make it happen for themselves: “Life is too short not to be doing something you’re absolutely passionate about. If you haven’t fallen in love with someone else’s business, why not create your own?”
“Life is too short
not to be doing
something you’re
absolutely passionate about.”
no. 37
On Model: Chelsea wool jacket $228
On Model: Stretch wool pencil skirt, price unavailable
no. 38
Quincy has an innovative approach to sizing that removes the guesswork from women’s fashion. Taking a page from the book of menswear, the brand grades its garments using actual measurements – bra sizes, arm and torso lengths, height, shape, and inseams – to produce the most tailored fit available off the rack. In an interview for Business Insider Christina explained, “If it doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t matter how trendy it is — it doesn’t look good. Fit is where we start everything as the fundamental to good style”. The founders believe that shopping should be straightforward and women shouldn’t have to keep track of which dress size they are with every different brand. Though inspired by menswear sizing, Quincy is anything but masculine. Details like surgical sleeves, notched lapels, bright linings, and high-quality fabrics are signature to the brand. Their meticulous seaming combined with luxurious, forgiving fabrics not only flatter but glorify the female body – details that illustrate Quincy’s commitment to femininity and functionality. To top it all off, all the garments are sourced and produced locally in New York City. On Model: Jane Jacket $258
no. 39
“Fit is where
we start everything as the
fundamental to good style”
For the professional girl who is looking for relief from the painstaking experience of suit shopping to the intern or recent grad looking to integrate office-appropriate staples into her wardrobe, Quincy is the perfect fit for any girl’s closet. Their mixand-match pieces work well together or as separates and can take an outfit from work to cocktails effortlessly. Most importantly, the flattering fit of a Quincy garment enables the wearer to showcase her most vital asset: confidence.
by Kate Christensen @k8_christensen
On Model: Madison stretch wool jacket $198 // Sophia silk blouse $118
@ QuincyApparel www.quincyapparel.com no. 40
Meet Christina
Christina Wallace, co-founder and CEO of Quincy, has a unique background in arts and business. She first trained as a classical musician at the Interlochen Arts Academy, then as a mathematician and theater director at Emory University. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School where she served as chair of the 2010 Harvard Social Enterprise Conference and wrote for the HARBUS newspaper. Branching out, Christina worked in consumer goods and sales/ marketing at the Boston Consulting Group in Washington, DC. She continues to be a part of the NYC arts culture through music, theater, and writing.
Meet Alex
Alex Nelson, co-founder and COO of Quincy, originally studied mechanical engineering at MIT. Frustrated with entry-level engineering she began consulting for The Boston Consulting Group’s Boston, London, and New York offices. Her focus was on supply chain and operations within the retail industry. In 2008 she continued her studies at Harvard Business School. While at Harvard she ran the Retail & Apparel Club Fashion Show, interned at Hermès, and consulted with Rent the Runway. Her experience helped define the fashion industry as a realm in which her personal passions and career aspirations could exist.
no. 41
no. 42
SUMMER beauties I t ’ s summer t ime , s o w h e r e v e r you are, grab a group of friends, put on your best sundress and your b i g g e s t s m i l e, d a b o n t h a t c o l o r f u l l i p g l o s s , b r i n g s o m e b u b b ly & s w ee t s . . . a n d h a v e a b a l l ! Yo u a r e n e v e r t o o o l d t o p l ay d ress - u p, s o h e r e ’s a l i t t l e g u i d e t o l o o k i n g e v e r -so cute head-to-toe...and getting t h a t s u m m e r y su n - k isse d g l o w ! PHOTOGRAPHY & WRITING BY PARIS ROUZATI @parisrouzati :: www.destinedforparis.com no. 43
no. 44
dresses for breakfasts, and d i n n ers , a n d balls; dresses to sit in, and stand in, a n d wa l k i n ; d r e s s e s t o da n c e i n, a n d f l i r t i n , and talk in; dresses in which to do nothing at a l l ; dresses for w i n t e r, s p r i n g , SUMMER, and fall. ~william allen butler no. 45
Bu b b l e g um g l o ss , r o s y b l u s h , g o l d e n e y es , f l i r t y c u r l s f o r w o o i n g y o u r c r u s h !
no. 46
r o m a n t i c s t a r e s , c a t- e y e l i n er , l us c i o us re d l i p s t i c k , n e v e r l o o k e d f i n e r ! no. 47
Bri g h t f us c h i a l i p s , blowing a quirky kiss, A b l ue f l o w er i n y o u r h a i r , a soirée you don’t want to miss!
no. 48
no. 49
CO R AL L I P S , and TURQUOISE E Y E S, b r o n z e r on the cheeks & a doe-eyed smize! no. 50
no. 51
" p l a y i n g d ress u p s t a r t s a n d a g e 5
no. 52
a n d n e v e r t r u l y e n d s . " - K at e S pa d e
no. 53
#lemonaid
no. 54
get your bo dy Bikini Ready Itsy-Bitsy Teeny-weeny Yellow Polka Dot
by ca l i h a r r i s o n : : @ CALI e n t eSwag p h o t o g r a p h y b y p a r i s r o u z at i no. 55
It’s that itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow
Working out can be a waste of your
polka-dot bikini time of the year!
time if you do not focus on what you are putting into your body. The saying,
Time to shed those long pants, shave
“garbage in is garbage out” also applies
your legs for the first time in how many
to your body. The better your nutrition
months? Well if it were that easy to look is, the faster you will see results. Sorry fabulous in a bikini then life would be
girls, but throw the diet sodas in the
perfect. It’s not, but it’s your lucky day!
trash for at least the next month and
I am here to help make your life seem
start drinking good ol’ wholesome H2O.
a little (or a lot) more perfect. So, put
Get on the coconut bandwagon and pick
down the magazines and turn off the
up some coconut water the next time you
television shows that make you think, “I
are at the grocery store. Also, up your
wish my body looked like that.” Get out
fiber intake, but remember to drink lots
there and make the changes to your body of water or you will experience some adverse results (wink wink). One of the
that you want!
best ways to jump start an upgraded nutrition Getting your body ready to bare it all
plan is to eat lots of fresh vegetables and
this season is about to get a lot easier.
fruit. Try switching out your normal
First and for most, curvy is IN right
mid-afternoon snacks (like muffins at
now. The quickest fix on the planet to
Starbucks) for sliced fruit.
improving your bikini bod is to just simply improve your posture. Pull your
Now for the workout! This is the easy
shoulders back and hold your head high.
part girls. You don’t need a gym to burn
This naturally pulls your stomach in and
fat and build muscle. So update your
gives a sexy curvature in your back. Now playlist and crank the music up. Basically exfoliate and moisturize all over! That
do what ever it takes to get through this
pretty much sums up the look sexy and
or any other workout. Sweat is GOOD
fast tricks.
for you, do not be afraid of it! no. 56
D o t h i s c i r c u i t at l e a s t 3 t i m e s . R e s t 2 m i n u t e s a f t e r t h e p u s h - u p s b e f o r e s ta r t i n g a g a i n .
no. 57
1. jumping jacks: 50 reps
2. jump-rope: 50 reps
no. 58
4. p u s h - u ps : 1 5 r e ps
5. goblet squat: 15 reps
no. 59
jumping jacks One
get dressed
of the easiest and highest calorie burning
I’m personally more motivated to
moves out there is the good old
workout when I am wearing fun
fashion Jumping Jack. Make sure to
workout clothes. Lululemon Ath-
contract your core (abs) while doing letica is one of my favorite stores this move in order to maximize the out there. They sell fashionable results of this move.
jumping rope Next pick
workout clothes and most of their pieces can be worn in public without anyone knowing that you just
up that jump rope you had when
finished working out or were plan-
you were…what five? Yes, start
ning to get that sweat in later that
jumping rope again; burn calories
day. Finally, the most important
and reminisce on some childhood
part of looking sexy in your bikini is
memories at the same time.
feeling sexy. Buy a suit that you feel
jump squat The next thing on the list is the jump squat. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, squat down and then jump up. Land with “soft feet” (toe to heel) and immediately squat and jump again.
awesome in. If the suit is flattering it will make you feel more confident and having confidence is one of the sexiest qualities out there.
push-ups Finally, don’t forget about your upper body. Pushups a a great exercise, but make sure you keep your elbows close to your body. no. 60
1. downward facing dog
4. h ea d sta n d
3. warrior two
no. 61
no. 62
n e e r c s n u r s
i a ff a e v o l a
a iguerr c n i V elli n n o o s t i l n a a by y j e n na b y h p a r photog
spending hours on our lakeside dock every summer. My cousin and I always compared takes me back to one of those childhood who got the deepest tan. (Some summers memories I know will never fade: I am eight she won, other summers I did.) I never reyears old, lying next to my mother on the alized just how ridiculous these competitions beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina. She seemed. Today, I ache to go back and just finished lathering me in her trusty change the damage I did to myself all Coppertone SPF4. I have on my coolest new those years, but I opt to remember the neon two-piece and I feel like a million bucks. happiness of those summer days. Today, I wish I could go back in that memory and somehow erase the worry I carry Being tan was almost a requirement growing every single day. At eight, you don’t realize up in southern Indiana. The pale kids were how wonderfully carefree those moments are. the ones who stayed inside and played on The days of feeling like a million bucks in a their Nintendo 64. I never went to the tanning swimsuit are few and far between, but that bed in middle school, though many of my isn’t what bothers me most. It is my new friends started that ritual with a parental awareness that I am no longer invincible in guardian as early as 13. I got my sun the the sun. good old-fashioned way--laying out in my
Sunscreen. The simple smell of
it
Growing up, I browned and never burned –
backyard and talking on my cordless phone
no. 63
with my best friends. Many days, I wouldn’t wear sunscreen, unless it was the kind meant to “enhance” your tan. The shade of your tan was an outright badge of honor: you wanted to be the tannest, even if, in my case, it meant doing your homework outside. (Nerd alert.) When I was 15, I had my first winter formal and went with a childhood friend. Our parents never expected the sparks to fly (and they didn’t), but I remember it being the first time in my life when I felt pale. My mom offered to take me to the tanning bed, but I refused. The next year, I didn’t turn down her offer. Winter dance loomed and I was determined to look fabulous in my sparkly silver gown. I decided to take a turn in the tanning bed to fight off the paleness – and it worked. I rocked those sparkles and had that million-dollar feeling once again, like I did at eight years old on the beach in my neon two-piece.
“ I justified my tanning as a few minutes to relax in the midst of a crazy schedule.” The problem was that I never stopped tanning. For the last two years of high school, I was the same color all year round. Even in the summer, I rarely tanned outside because ten minutes in the “ultimate bed” would accomplish more than four hours in my
backyard. I didn’t have time for that…I was too busy with my AP classes, my track practices and my choir dress rehearsals. Going to the tanning bed was my way to help me feel like I looked great in the least amount of time possible. By most accounts, I was a goody two shoes in high school, but tanning was my vice. I didn’t touch alcohol until college and I never smoked, yet I was still doing plenty of damage to my body every few days when I stepped into that tanning bed. My tanning didn’t stop once I got to Georgetown. I justified my tanning as a few minutes to relax in the midst of a crazy schedule. The prices were threefold what I paid back in Indiana, but I was willing to pay it. Over the years, I have made the realization that I had a strange addiction to tanning. I was never oompa loompa orange, but I now look back on pictures from that era and wonder why I ever let myself tan so much. No one in my family had a history of skin cancer, so I never worried that my tanning would lead to any long-term issues. Sure, I might have more wrinkles when I was older, but I could look back on my 20s and feel tan and glamorous. Fast forward to May 2008. I was sipping a piña colada on the beach in Turks and Caicos, relishing in my first “grown-up” vacation. I graduated the previous May from Georgetown and finally had the chance to take a big trip
no. 64
with my boyfriend, Chris. Even though he worked long hours at an investment bank, I encouraged him to go to the tanning bed before our trip so he wouldn’t burn once we arrived. He agreed. We both arrived to our resort on Grace Bay with a “base tan.” Our beach time required lots of sunscreen, but I maxed out around SPF15. While he read some Tom Wolfe, I caught up on a mountain of magazines. One in particular changed my life forever. It may be weird to give that much consideration to a magazine, but in my case, it is no exaggeration.
I received my fifth stitch of my life ... where “that mole” made its home. In that particular magazine, I read an article on skin cancer. I had had my eye on a mole I developed halfway through college, but I never thought I would see its identical twin on the pages of Glamour magazine. I was scared enough to call and schedule a dermatologist appointment the Monday after I got home from paradise. In typical DC fashion, I waited two full months for an appointment. I continued tanning- and even tanned the night before my visit with the dermatologist. I thought nothing of it, that is, until my dermatologist reacted to seeing “that mole”. She took a sample of the mole for biopsy and went on with her day. I received my
fifth stitch of my life (after my four wisdom teeth), right square in the middle of my chest where “that mole” made its home. My day was ruined. For a week, I waited anxiously for the biopsy results. The day I got the phone call, I was driving across the Key Bridge into DC. Not exercising my best judgment, I saw the office number come across my caller ID and answered it- while driving. The medical assistant explained to me that I had a melanoma (cue bombs dropping everywhere) and that I needed to go for a body of tests immediately. I remember stopping at a Subway on K Street and calling my parents and Chris. I was numb. I felt stupid. Most importantly, I just wanted “that mole” off my body. Immediately. After X-rays, blood work, and consultations, I went into surgery two weeks later. It was done in the dermatologist’s office because it (thankfully) hadn’t spread to my lymph nodes. Chris took two days off of work, a nearly impossible task, and came up to DC to be with me. While waiting with one of my best friends in the waiting room, Chris admitted just how hard this had been on him. Though my dermatologist promised that I had caught it early enough, something changed for him that day. Following my surgery, I went back to that office every three months- scared beyond belief
no. 65
that I would leave with a new set of stitches after each visit. Chris proposed five months after the whole experience, later telling me how it helped him realize that he needed me in his life for a lifetime. I don’t thank my melanoma for that, but I do count my blessings that I now have a partner in my lifelong fight against skin cancer. When I walked down the aisle in April 2010, I sported my natural olive skin--without an ounce of self tanner or a minute in a tanning bed. I felt like a million bucks, even without a tan.
“our generation needs to change its mindset on being tan.” As I look to the fourth anniversary of this discovery, I realize just how far I’ve come. It took me a long time to tell many people outside of my closest circle of friends. I feared their judgment on my past decisions to be a tanning bed regular. I worried what they would think if I ever did have some color to my skin again. These days, I find comfort in spreading the word about the dangers of too much sun because I can hopefully help them avoid my outcome. I know that the people who love me know how cautious I am about my skin – and that is all that matters.
mindset on being tan. Sometimes, I wish I could go back and shake some sense into myself for the years I spent laying out or lying in a tanning bed. I long to get that time back. The reality for me is that I know I had skin cancer for a reason: I was meant to share with others that we aren’t invincible from the sun. Last summer, I had a new precancerous spot removed from my lower torso. I still go to my six-month skin checks and keep an eye on all my moles. Though my worries about future spots will never go away, I know I will be doing everything in my power to fight skin cancer from taking my life. I can still enjoy the smell of sunscreen, except now I know it is vital to the long and happy life I want to live.
for more on becoming sun savvy www.sunsavvybloggers.com
check out alison’s blog
When I co-founded Sun Savvy with Danielle Moss last year, I did so because I fervently believe our generation needs to change its no. 66
www.longdistanceloving.net
tweet her @luvfromafar
Don’t sacrifice an ounce of fun this summer with alison’s stylish (and sun savvy) picks
7
1 6
5
4 2 3
no. 67
This is a short excerpt from the book I’ve been writing entitled If I Have A STD It’s Only Because I’m Popular. If you like what you see and happen to know any literary agents, for the love of God please have them email me at sarah@sarah-sol.com. Dating is one of those painful necessities of life. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate its fun level a 3…the same as camping. You try to kid yourself into thinking you’re going to have a great time, but throughout the entirety of the trip just feel dirty, tired, and nervous about encountering bears. And for lack of better things to do, end up drinking heavily. So camping and dating are essentially one and the same. The key to making it to dates two, three and beyond is hiding your crazy long enough until they have some sentimental attachment to you. Then you have emotional ammunition for that dark and inevitable day when they realize what a walking train wreck you truly are. Since kindergarten we have been taught that everyone is as rare and unique as a snowflake, and should be appreciated as such. After that proverbial life lesson many of us have not only enjoyed the quiet splendor of a snowfall — but also shoveling for hours on end followed by a case of pneumonia. The key to tolerating the dating scene and even the person you have become as a result of it, is painlessly evading hopeless situations. Within five minutes one can determine if someone has any potential, or if you need to retreat back to the luxury that is your life (aka Netflix, sweatpants and frozen yogurt).
no. 68
Labeling someone in such a short amount of time may seem like a daunting task, but it all comes down to recognizing the type of person you can envision yourself with.
H e l ooke d good on papeR. The person you wouldn’t have to lie to your mother about. Went to a good school, has an excellent job, and even gives large amounts of money to Charity. Six weeks later you find out “Charity” is the name of his favorite stripper.
He re a l ly g e t s m e. Generally found in cafes and hipster bars. The artist, the guitar player, the man who will listen to your problems and honestly enjoys romantic movies. Everything is going swell until he starts wearing your jeans and looks better in them than you.
He ’s j us t m e t ros exua l . You met through trendy friends or at an art opening. He is attractive, fit and always dressed to the nines. You admire him for his honesty and opinions on everything from pop culture to your wardrobe, and always defend him when your friends say he’s gay. Until you meet the rest of his dance team.
But h e ’ s m y P r inc e C h a r m i ng . The guy who has no qualms about getting what he wants. He’s outspoken, intelligent, charming, well connected and loaded. At first it’s romantic dinners, stimulating conversation, and surprise vacations. Then he bequeaths to you his most intimate gift: herpes.
By Sarah Solomon @urbanJAP www.sarah-sol.com
no. 69
#sweetlife
s d oo lle W
THE REAL
E
THE STRUGGLE TO STUDY & SOCIALIZE WHILE STAYING STYLISH & SANE! PART I: GETTING IN TO GRAD SCHOOL
—“What, like it’s hard?” “Do you think she just woke up one morning and said, ‘I think I’ll go to law school today’?” If only it was that simple! As my second year ends, I’ve become painfully aware that I was absolutely oblivious to the realities that a post-FUNdergrad lifestyle entails. My college years were spent successfully balancing dollar wells (and Two-Dollar-Tuesdays!) with Division I Cross Country while, somehow, also managing to graduate magna cum laude in less than four years. Clearly, law school would be another three years of bottomless mimosas with my new law school friends, right? While it is obvious to everyone reading these words that my outlook was nothing short of delusional, I honestly believed that I was exceptional. I had been at the top of my class since for-ev-er; in elementary school, I was always picked first for dodge-ball, which clearly foreshadowed
my transition into the best beer-pong partner since Van Wilder; I was accustomed to being one-half of a power couple—hello, my Frat-Prez boyfriend and I (between studying abroad at Oxford and Norway; and volunteering in South Africa and India) were obviously the Brangelina of college. So when others posed “hypotheticals” about how hard law school would be, I pompously dismissed concerns because I was certain that it’d be “just like winter formal, but FUNNER!” “—
hello, my Frat-Prez
boyfriend and I were obviously the Brangelina of college”
no. 70
While I’ve spent the last year reevaluating my unsubstantiated superiority complex, I don’t want anyone else to experience a (perhaps?) I should have similar shock—a rude awakening that can only adequately be described as comparable prepared a bit more. ” to discovering that your aerobics instructor had liposuction (see: Brooke Windham –“Yes! And…I was wrong. I was arrogant and I know I’m a fraud, but it’s not like normal inconceivably self-assured for someone that women could have this ass!”). If you plan on had accomplished relatively nothing of siggoing to graduate school, the summer is a nificance in comparison to my new law-school perfect time to start preparing. Here are a peers. As I stepped into my first Contracts few pieces of advice that I wish I had had the class in August 2010, I quickly realized that fortitude to accept before I graduated college. (perhaps?) I should have prepared a bit more. While my résumé was neither pink nor scented STUDY FOR THE LSAT, GMAT, ETC. with Burberry Brit, it might as well have Do not procrastinate enrolling in a been. I was an entitled 21-one-year-old child graduate admissions test program. in a room full of men and women with masStudying for the test is the biggest component ters, doctorates, and published books. Rather considered during admissions and your test than acknowledge that I was more clueless score is weighted, on average, more than about the law than Enrique Salvatore was other factors combined—including your about the fact that Elle’s Prada shoes “aren’t undergraduate G.P.A. To do your best, you last season,” I spent my first semester want to sign up to take a course that will help recreating undergrad by drinking nightly, you master the skills needed to succeed and blowing off class, and attempting to learn feel comfortable taking the admissions test. the entire semester the two weeks leading up To maximize your chances of getting into to finals. If you guessed that I made terrible the graduate program of your choice, you grades and felt defeated, you’d be wrong. I must plan ahead. did fine. Straight Bs. But, that was the problem. I was just “Eh, average.” I wasted NETWORK WITH PROFESSORS $30K and four months’ worth of “potential” Now that you’re thinking ahead, remember: (used with the same disapproving tone as you’re going to have to get at least three professor your mother’s gossiping girlfriends when discussing how Helen’s son James lost his full recommendations to apply to graduate school. It is not too late to build relationships that are scholarship because he failed a drug test… meaningful and professional. Participate in class, “It’s just so sad. He had so. Much. Potential. do your homework, go to office hours, volunteer He’ll probably get some girl pregn—oh, yes, with a professor’s organization. I’ll have another Bloody Mary.”).
“ I quickly realized that
no. 71
NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK. Not only will you learn more about yourself and increase your knowledge, you will be more capable of establishing long-lasting relationships with people that may be an important resource in the future.
keep a positive attitude and continue studying if you didn’t do as well as you’d like.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In the Spring, ask three professors that you have developed relationships with–meaning, that they know you personally, and you have SERIOUS STUDYING & SIGNING (UP) been diligent and dedicated in his or her course– Ideally, you should take the admissions test if they will write a recommendation for your Junior year so you don’t have to spend your graduate program. You need to ask early senior year worrying about graduating and because professors are busy with a host of graduate school. I suggest enrolling in 12 other tasks; however, you need to ask what credit hours the fall of your Junior year. With date that you can expect they will have a light schedule, you will be able to fully completed the rec. Make sure you handconcentrate on a test preparation course. write a thank-you letter within two or three Using the LSAT as an example, I advise days after they have accepted not only to show signing up to take a course with Kaplan, your gratitude, but also to serve as a reminder. Power Score, or Princeton Review that begins In the letter, provide a copy of your résumé in September. Make sure to practice problems or CV so that they can gain insight into your and devote 20 hours a week to studying the life outside of their classroom. Do NOT, absoclass materials. While you’re in the process lutely DO NOT, ask someone that you do not of signing up for a test prep program, go personally know to write your rec just because ahead and sign up for your Law School of that person’s status as a hot-shot attorney or Admissions Council (LSAC) number. LSAC famous professional in the legal field. controls the LSAT and sending applications However, if you happen to be close with to the schools to which you apply. Becoming someone that has influence, by all means familiar with this site will save countless utilize that relationship – but the point of headaches when trying to figure out how recommendations is for admissions to to submit professor recommendations and learn more about how you interact in transcripts. Next, you want to sign up for the professional or scholarly environments. December LSAT. Test prep would be useless “Make sure you handwrite a if you didn’t put your new skills to work! After the December test, you will receive your scores around February of your Junior thank-you letter within two year. If you don’t do as well as you like, you can re-take the test. Since most schools or three days...” accept your highest test score, you should no. 72
Go online to LSAC to print off the recommendation forms for your professor. Provide them with pre-paid and addressed envelopes so that the only step left for them is to drop the envelopes in the mail box. If your professor has given you a date to expect the recommendation, then take the envelopes to them two to three days before that date. You want to place the envelopes directly in your recommender’s hands not only to make sure that they get the envelopes, but also to check on the progress of your letter. To ensure that the professor is available, a good time to stop by would be during office hours. Professors are already expecting to discuss matters with students, so they are less likely to be busy or distracted—which, in turn, means that they are less likely to forget that they have to finish your recommendation. Hopefully, the professors with whom you’ve developed strong relationships are organized, punctual people and you won’t have to send constant reminders about your rec.
during a semester at Oxford. One of those professors never submitted the recommendations. The other professor was the first person to submit my letter. The Department Chair and the Assistant Department Chair of my Political Science program both submitted my recommendations without too much nagging. However, it took constant inquiries to secure the recommendations from the other two professors. Many deadlines for law school had passed before their recs were submitted and processed. You can keep recommendations and LSAT scores on file for five years. The earlier you get these in, the less stress it will cause you when you’re trying to make other application decisions—such as,
WHERE SHOULD YOU APPLY?! Unless, of course, you “don’t need backups. I’m going to Harvard!” In which case, please send me your advice!
“Do NOT, absolutely DO NOT, ask someone that you do not personally know to write your recommendation” My experience taught me that this timeconscious professor is the exception. I asked six professors to write recommendations for me. An example of using an institution’s status to your advantage, two professors that I had requested recs from had taught me no. 73
- Carly Souther, FSU Law @CarSouther
no. 74
Résumé Tactics: Don’t just be impressive—be relevant by Wendi Chiong
S
o you’ve found the perfect company or industry you want to break into. You know you’d be great for the role - you’re smart, personable and you’re confident you’ll rock the interview. Congrats! How do you make sure you’ll be considered for the job? Your first task is to get past the résumé screen and land that call or in-person meeting. The single best piece of advice I’ve learned about résumés: know exactly what the recruiter is looking for. Know the description, skills and qualifications needed for the role (conveniently, they’re listed right in the job posting) and know how to explain why you fit those qualifications perfectly.
best pick of candidates who have exactly the skills and competencies they want. If you’re lucky, she’ll skim your background for 2030 seconds and something will catch her eye to put you in that small “Yes” pile before she moves right along to the next résumé in the batch. With your résumé, you’ve got one shot to convince her you are the perfect candidate she should bring to the team.
Your goal is not just to impress her. Your goal is to convince her you have just the skills and experience she is looking for to fill the role. You might be a stellar candidate with an amazing background, but if she sees your application and thinks, “Wow, Jen is really smart and has done lots of interesting stuff – she studied abroad in Argentina! However, Put yourself in the position of a recruiter I’m not sure how that’s relevant to position for a heavily sought-after employer – whether XYZ,” then you’re out of luck. in consulting, PR, banking, nonprofits or But here’s the catch. If you know this job’s whatever industry you choose. She receives the one for you, you do have exactly the hundreds of résumés for every position skills and interests necessary to do great in needed. Her job is to work with internal business partners and provide them with the this position. Now all you need to do is sell it. no. 75
The main point is this: Don’t let a recruiter paint her own picture of who you are from what she can piece together in your résumé – past job titles, descriptions, and other tidbits. You should always be in control of what that picture is. Here are a few tips on how to:
#1: Write a professional summary. Start your résumé off with a summary that highlights the general skills, experience and interests you bring to the table (which just so happen to align perfectly with this open position). Or for those starting off from college, a career objective statement also works well. This is the easiest way to control the image that recruiter has of you from square one. Instead of reading first about your education (“Hmm, so Liz majored in Government, but now she’s applying for a role in marketing?”) or your previous job, she sees: “A dedicated team player with three years of sales experience seeking a position in marketing, advertising, or PR. Has direct experience managing projects and working with clients in industries XYZ. Fluent in Spanish.” Bingo. It’s easy to tailor and the first impression the recruiter has of you speaks just to what she’s looking for. There are plenty of good resources online for how to write an effective professional summary. The key to remember: Don’t make a recruiter work to read through your résumé and figure out how your past experience is relevant to this new role. Lay it out plain and simple – right at the top of the page.
#2: Create customized résumés for every position or industry you apply (or even better, for every individual job). I know it sounds like a ton of work, but it really isn’t. 90% of your résumé content will generally stay the same, but tailoring that last 10% (your professional summary and a few quick changes to your past experience or college coursework) will make your résumés much more convincing to the recruiter that you’re a shoo-in for the role. Say you’ve set your sights on a PR firm, but you’re open to starting out in whatever role will get your foot in the door. Depending on what position is available, the skills you want to play up are different if you’re applying to be an Administrative Assistant versus an Accounts Manager. The recruiter knows exactly what skills are needed for the role that’s open, and you’ll be much more successful in getting that interview offer if you’ve tailored your résumé accordingly. no. 76
Tip: Stay organized if you have multiple electronic versions of your résumé. Keep a master folder of résumé templates that you can easily refer back to, and store customized versions in subfolders categorized by industry or type of position. Use whatever works for you to stay on top of everything so you don’t send the wrong résumé out to the employer!
#3 Be mindful of how the rest of your résumé fits into the narrative you build about Yourself. This is particularly important if you’re looking to enter a new field. Maybe all your experience to date has been in healthcare work and you’re looking to expand broadly into business. That’s OK – you know you have the skills and potential to make the switch, so just make sure you can communicate that convincingly. Don’t let a recruiter pass over your résumé thinking you can’t find a job in the area you really want and you’re just wildly applying to new fields. Once you get that interview, you can explain in more detail why this industry is the natural evolution for your career - yet you still have to get past the résumé screen. This doesn’t mean every past position you list needs to fit perfectly into the job you’re applying for. It’s great that you bring a unique set of experiences to the table, but don’t pigeonhole yourself by only highlighting experience applicable to the field you’re trying to leave! Wherever possible, play up skills and accomplishments relevant to the position you want. Use buzzwords that are applicable to the industry and emphasize general, transferable skills you bring. Don’t let it sound fake, but where it works, make tweaks to your professional summary and to the bullets or descriptions you list for each job. The bottom line is this: once that recruiter’s picked up your résumé, you’ve got 30 seconds to sell yourself. Make sure every item on that page is impressive, interesting and relevant. Then start preparing for your interview!
Wendi is a 2008 alumna of Stanford University and Fulbright Scholar who is passionate about global business and economic development, social responsibility, and design thinking. With a background in international political and corporate consulting, she looks towards finding that “sweet spot” of work which combines innovative collaboration, business acumen, and social impact. An avid traveler who loves to experience new cultures (and great food!), she has lived abroad in Peru, Chile, and Spain and would love to put a few more countries on that list. no. 77
life after graduation
In 2012, the Modern College Woman is ambitious, driven, and headed toward success - and people know it. However, “What are you doing after graduation?” may still be one of the most obnoxious and nerve-racking commonly asked questions for a college woman. As a young woman approaching graduation and the real world in a year or so, I was curious to find out how other women are handling the transition and how women already in the real world are feeling about their lives and dreams. After reading about these seven young women and their post-graduation thoughts, I hope you feel more confident and excited about life after college! What I hope you take away from this article is that there are many different paths to take. There is no “right” path... it’s a personal journey!
You’re graduating in May. What are your plans and any advice for other college women?
AC : I have a summer internship with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) right outside of Washington D.C. In the fall, I will be attending Duke University to obtain a Master’s in Engineering Management. It’s challenging to think of life after college while you’re still trying to get out of college. Planning ahead is key! And by ahead I mean during your third year you should be thinking about what you want to do with your degree. I’m an advocate for higher education so my answer is a little biased. The working world is very competitive and you want to stand a fair chance against others so I strongly suggest seeking higher
no. 78
education whether it be a one-year master’s program or a five-year PhD program. Before you start this process, find a mentor or someone that’s been through the application process so you don’t miss any deadlines and you know what you’re getting yourself into. There’s a lot that goes into applying for grad school (taking the GRE, getting recommendation letters, writing essays, interviews, application fees, visiting campuses, etc.) but it’s all doable with proper planning. You’ve been through the entire graduation routine already...any advice? And what are you doing now with your degree?
SW : As graduation neared, I knew that
I wouldn’t take the traditional engineering route. I was uninspired by manufacturing environments and 9-to-5 office jobs. At the age of 22, I realized that money didn’t motivate me, but making a difference did. I had also spoken with far too many alumni who emphasized the importance of “loving what you do.” With this in mind, I searched for positions that would allow me to serve my community. To my surprise, a year-long position in the Office of International Education at Georgia Tech opened, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect fit. As a returned study abroad student, I had spent much of my senior year promoting international education to freshmen, prospective students, and their parents. I had a particular interest in increasing the number of minority students that studied abroad. My position at OIE has allowed me to reach
my personal goal of shifting the culture of study abroad in the African American community at Georgia Tech, and to learn about the career possibilities that international education has to offer. As my year at OIE comes to an end, I can proudly say that I have learned a lot about my professional self, the industry, and the power of making a difference. My next endeavor will be in technical sales, in a position better suited for my degree. Sales will give me the opportunity to create my own schedule, to serve others by providing value-adding products to customers, and the financial stability to save for a house. I am grateful for my year-long internship at OIE and look forward to starting my new position in technical sales. What is your dream job and how do you plan to pursue it?
SV : I am starting out in a public relations
agency called Porter Novelli in Washington, D.C. I will be working in the food and beverage group, and I am so excited! I’ve always wanted to be in an agency and my future goal is to work in food and beverage. I think I would love to have my own business one day, either a boutique PR firm or my ultimate dream would be to have my own restaurant. I love trying new foods, experimenting with combinations and meeting new people. I also think that with a background in public relations, I would be well suited for publicizing a restaurant.
EM : I want to become a doctor and work
in a private practice. In order to pursue this
no. 79
I will be continuing school after graduating, hopefully at Georgetown, to earn more science credits and a Masters in Physiology and then apply for medical school. I am very excited about this because I have dreamed of being in medical school and becoming a doctor ever since I was little and now it seems like my dreams are so much closer to becoming a reality.
ER :
I want to make a difference in real people’s lives in a profound way! I will one day work to get clean water to different parts of Africa whether that is through the Peace Corps, an NGO, or some other agency. I am currently in consulting to get as many different experiences as possible. But ultimately, I would love to do some service work! What do you love about your current job? Describe your future plans.
KS : I was drawn to news design during
school through various classes, internships and jobs, and after graduating I accepted a position with a nonprofit in Atlanta doing graphic design. It was great for crafting my design skills but didn’t offer a lot of growth, and didn’t exercise the writing skills I had built in journalism school, so after two and a half years I moved over to Georgia Tech’s communications department. I now do a great deal more writing and still get to be creative in that outlet is always appealing — however, if it were a workfrom-home situation, I’d miss daily interactions with others too much for that to work for me long term. I think I’d enjoy doing freelance writing, editing and design full
time, but it takes an incredible amount of energy to pitch ideas and build up a client base. Working with student communications also lets me interact with and meet new people on a regular basis, which is one of the things I always looked forward to about journalism as a career. After almost a year and a half, I’ve loved it and am learning a great deal about the broader communications world. As someone who had a great undergraduate experience, working on a large, spirited college campus is a lot of fun, too. I hope to pursue a master’s degree at some point, and actually took the GRE a couple years ago, but haven’t settled on what I’d like to study. How did other women play a role in your post-graduation plans?
CD : Upon graduating, I knew I wanted
to pursue a career in student affairs. I was accepted to the Graduate School at the University of Georgia to attend the College Student Affairs Administration Programs (CSAA). Long term, I saw myself becoming a Vice President for Student Affairs at a mid-size institution. Prior to that pinnacle moment, I hoped to do my doctorate work at a reputable institution. Almost a year later, I still have similar career goals, but with simultaneously more options yet a smaller focus. I see my career path as having many options. I had many mentors and role models throughout my undergraduate career; however, one stands out. Abby Priehs, then a Doctoral
no. 80
Intern for the Vice President of Student Affairs, taught me a lot through our interactions my latter half of undergrad. Some of the pivotal lessons included: work/life balance, social justice and navigating a political culture. Abby provided for me both a mentor and friend relationship. She was willing to have tough conversations with me. She wasn’t afraid to challenge my thinking and she continually pushed me to do and be more. She believed I could accomplish much more than I ever did. Without her influence and presence in my life, I would not as successful in graduate school. Through her role in ASAP (Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals) she provided insight into the field, preparation for the graduate school application process and search, and ultimately created a support group for the graduating Front Area Leaders and Central Office iNterns (FALCONs). While I spent time considering my options, Abby was the person to consistently check-in and offer an alternative perspective or simply act as a person with which to process my experiences.
graduating seniors
Ellie Mentonelli
Ariane Callendar
Sarah Vakili
working women
When I think of the sacrifices, the late nights, and the extended conversations both in and out of the office, I am incredibly grateful to Abby. She taught me so much about higher education, a woman’s worth in the field, and my ability to be confident and succeed. Abby is the kind of mentor and support I hope to be for students I could possibly work with in my career. Her role in my life inspires me to pay that forward to future students who cross my path.
By Vett Vandiver - @vettt14 Illustrated by Hannah Lokken
Shannon Wilson
Kristen Shaw
Chrissy Daniel
Elyse Rester
no. 81
How to Survive an Indoor Job During the Summer Hear the word summer and the sound of crashing waves, sleeping late each morning and plenty of free time probably comes to mind. At least that is how you remember summer! Flash forward to reality as you enter the working world and summer suddenly becomes just like any other time of year, just much warmer. Foregoing pool dates and movie days for the “real” world is quite the adjustment; especially considering how many internships and first jobs largely consist of performing meaningless,
Avoid the comparison trap It is easy to feel left out when friends are sharing their summer adventures via Facebook. According to Andi Teggart, blogger at the
repetitive tasks. However, working a
inspirational polish-my-crown.com, “You
summer internship or job doesn’t have to be all work and no fun. There are small, simple steps one can take to ensure a better
can’t get through life – or a job/internship by comparing your situation with someone
day and contentment at a summer desk job.
else’s…You made the decision to take the job
Lucky duck
it and excited!”
or internship for a reason – now be proud of
Be happy that you have a job or internship! Everyone knows that with the current economy
Think positive
landing any position is tough. So give
Even if your current position is far from
yourself a pat on the back for being the
glamorous– look ahead. You may be in the
one chosen for a job.
perfect place now for getting you to your no. 82
next big step on the ladder. “No job or
cramped cubicle, you can at least take your
internship will be absolutely perfect every
lunch break in the fresh air. Packing a lunch
single day…it’s your responsibility to see
is not only economical and often more
beyond the day-to-day. You may not love
healthy than buying from a cafeteria or
what you are doing – but it’s investing in
restaurant, but being prepared with food can
yourself,” says Teggart.
also allow you the time to enjoy lunch while catching some rays. Sometimes a break in the
Aim to learn something new every day
heat is the perfect reminder of the little luxury,
While working as a camp counselor or lifeguard
natural light – forego the windowless
may be more fun, interning or working with
conference room whenever possible.
AC. Another option is working by a window in
a company is a truly valuable opportunity. As foot in the door while you are gaining
The weekends are still yours
applicable résumé experience and skills. As
Even if the work week is long and monotonous,
an intern or new hire, you have got your
an intern, one way to gain a greater repertoire weekends can be the perfect little pick-me-up of skills is by volunteering to work in another
and burst of excitement to keep you happy
department or assisting another supervisor
and content. Plan ahead with friends, but make
for the day. Another tip for mixing things up:
sure to leave time to relax or exhaustion will
say yes! Attend staff meetings, seminars and
ensue the next week. Like in college, working
events (even those outside of work). Sure, it
hard during the week pays off because the
means more work but you never know what
weekends can truly be a time for enjoyment.
the result will be from your willingness to
Consider planning a Saturday pool date, an
jump in. You are guaranteed to get to know
afternoon hiking excursion or a little R&R at
more people.
the spa…after all, you are a working girl and
Take in the sunshine
deserve it!
If you are forced to work all day in a tiny
- Caroline Ariail @carolinemerritt no. 83
#zestyliving
st. helena, ca
wine & dine
the d n e k e e w h s i 8 styl m o r f s y a w a g et s e t a t s e h t across
austin, tx
by melissa noucas :: @mnouc illustrations by Lauren Vanderbroek :: @lauren_rae_vb no. 84
relax on the lake
beach it with the girls nantucket, ma
get inspired new york, ny
new orleans, la
indulge in culture fall in love longboat key, fl
savannah, ga
bring the family paint the town red miami, fl no. 85
is h t k pac
chicago, il
miami , fl
by way of airplane Nicole Speake and Lauren Staley of Nico & Lala
i n th is no. 86
stay
Hotel Victor
do
Prime 112 Steakhouse, Joe’s Stone Crab, and The BIG Pink! Drinks at the Delano Hotel is a MUST.
for
A girls’ weekend!
etc.
Well obviously you cant go to Miami without your bikini! Pack wedges or espadrilles for a night on the town ... flip flops just won’t do everywhere. Of course every girl needs a good book for the flight and to delve into while laying out. Emily Giffin, perhaps? No beach trip is complete without a maxi dress! From poolside to cocktails and appetizers on Ocean Drive, the maxi dress is a must!
tampa, fl
longboat key, fl
by way of car carly a. heitlinger, editor in chief Longboat Key Club Hang out by the beach or pool all day. Start with a light breakfast and pack a small cooler with snacks to bring down to the beach... and maybe order a drink or two while you’re laying out. After a day of sun and swimming, swap out your bathing suit for a cute maxi dress. Try the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill f o r a c a s u a l o u t door restaurant with a mean g rouper sandwich, and then stroll in St. Armand’s circle. Kilwin’s is the place to go for dessert!!! A family vacation.
pack this
stay
do
in this
for
no. 87
philadelphia, pa
pack this
new york, ny
by way of car or bus melissa noucas, editorial stylist
stay
The Soho Grand Hotel
do
Have room service for breakfast, wander & window shop the streets of Soho, head Uptown to Ladurée for delicious salted caramel macarons, picnic and people watch in Central Park .
for
An energetic weekend jaunt. Don’t expect to relax much, but you’ll definitely leave feeling inspired.
i n th is
etc.
no. 88
Pack easy, but chic pieces that you can style and re-wear throughout the trip. Maxi dresses & wedges are my goto summer staples. Sunglasses & a camera are a must – you never know when you’ll be inspired. And don’t forget your Metro card & a pop of color!
darien,ct
nantucket, ma
by way of car, ferry & bicycle mackenzie horan of design darling Rent a house in Naushop Dinner at The Brotherhood and an ice cream cone at the Juice Bar! In terms of shopping, Flowers on Chestnut is an amazing gift boutique with fresh flowers on the first floor. And you have plenty of options in terms of beaches but we tend to stick to Surfside or ‘Sconset (or Jetties if it’s the Fourth of July!). Girls’ weekend! An easy breezy maxi dress is perfect as a cover-up at the beach or a dressier look for dinner. Bring classic accessories like a tortoiseshell necklace, floppy hat and espadrilles (Just be careful on the cobblestones!) Pack it all in a monog rammed travel bag – Nantucket is prep central and this will fit right in!
pac
s i h kt
stay
do for
i n th is
etc. no. 89
pack this
dallas,tx
austin,tx
by way of car merritt beck of The Style Scribe
stay
The Driscoll
do
Shop at The Domain, eat at Maudie’s on Lake Austin Boulevard for some of the best Tex-Mex you’ll ever have, and try to spend some time on the lake. Whether you head out on a friend’s boat or just sit at Ski Shores for a margarita, a visit to Lake Austin is always worth it.
for etc.
i n th is no. 90
A fun trip with your girlfriends. Austin is pretty hippie chic, so my list leans toward bohemian style.
ATLANTA, ga
SAVANNAH, ga
by way of car (WITH GREAT MUSIC!) PARIS ROUZATI, CREATIVE DIRECTOR The Avia Savannah or The Gastonian Savannah is beautiful, and filled with historic homes, churches and buildings. It’s also located on a river and boasts a boardwalk where you can g rab River Street Sweets, Lady & Son’s for some Souther n Comfort food, and shop at The Downtown D e s i g n D i s t r i c t ( fo r b o o k s, b a u b l e s, a r t , jewelry, interiors, etc.). A charming romantic getaway.
pac k
th is
stay
do for
in this no. 91
San Francisco,Ca
s i h t pack
St.Helena,NapaValley,ca
by way of car lauren vanderbroek, assistant editorial stylist
i n th is
no. 92
stay
The Inn at Southbridge
do
Once you’re here, you can walk the entire Main Street from your hotel. Grab breakfast at Model Bakery, shop along Main Street (gorgeous clothing AND home boutiques are here), take a wine tour/ tasting at a vineyard– you can’t walk half a mile in any direction without passing one. Eat lunch at Gott’s Roadside. Watch the sun set from the outdoor hot tub at the hotel, then head to dinner at Farmstead.
for
A romantic getaway. This is a quiet town, and the people are friendly.
etc.
Think layers, as the temperature in Norther n CA seems to change by the minute.
New Orleans, LA by ..way ofstreetcar Zoe bjornson
New Orleans, LA
pack this
Hotel Monteleone (Don’t forget to check out their Carousel Bar!) Stocking up on shoes for the season at Feet First, dining at Emeril’s Delmonico and then h av i n g b e i g n e t s at C a f é d u Monde for dessert, seeing Trombone Shorty at Tipitina’s Uptown, brunch at Atchafalaya (they have a make-yourown Bloody Mary bar!) Great shopping, g reat food, g reat music! The key to packing for New Orleans is having versatile, fun pieces. All you need is a shift dress that can easily go from day to night, comfortable sandals that can do the same, and some jewelry to add some funk to your outfit. Don’t forget an umbrella because you never know when there’ ll be a surprise storm in NOLA!
stay
do for
i n th is etc. no. 93
buying the
big stuff
Understanding the Softer Side of Financing written by Carleton English : : @carletonenglish : : www.carletonenglish.com illustrations by Meghan Lynch
We all know how to make daily purchases have to turn to financing, or applying with cash and the occasional use of credit for credit. While there are many things cards. However, there are a few purchases to consider when buying a house or car, that come up in life that will not fit on the I want to touch on some of the lifestyle AMEX card with even the most generous considerations to make before taking the credit limit. For houses and cars, we often big plunge. no. 94
What Do I Need? We need a place to live and a way to get around. Now we are going to discuss figuring out how exactly what you need. I recently had to go through this exercise myself when moving back to the east coast. I was very lucky to have been able to work within walking distance of my apartment for my first few years in the workforce. As such, I was able to avoid having a car and all the expenses that go with it. However, my new job has me commuting to an area without reliable public transportation. For the first time since high school, I find myself driving on a daily basis. While I have been very lucky to have a family member donate an old car, I know that in a few months I may have no choice but to buy a new one. So what do I need? I need a car that will reliably get me to work in all the weather the northeast has to offer. Also, I need a car that will hold up nicely for driving colleagues and clients. While I love eyeing the luxury cars, I realize that I do not “need” an Audi A7 for my commute or even for driving the fanciest of colleagues.
speak generally. The press often points to current historic low interest rates and low home values as being a time to buy. This is true, IF, (notice the big if ?), you can afford home-ownership. We all have had experiences when buying something solely because it is cheap has backfired on us, do you really want to have that experience with a house or condo? So how do you know if you can afford home-ownership?
Where Do I Expect to Be in the Next Few Years?
So many people make decisions with lasting financial consequences based solely on how they feel now. These are the people who will buy a house because they heard that “it’s a good time to buy” even though they may not have savings. Or the person who bought a two-seater sports car even With regards to housing, there has been a though they are planning to have children lot in the news recently about the merits next year. Do not be one of these people! of owning versus renting. Since I realize that Sweet Lemon readers span the globe When it comes to buying a house, think of and real estate markets vary, I will only it as buying a place to live for at least five no. 95
years. Perhaps you are able to afford to buy a small one bedroom condo for yourself now. Before doing so, make sure that you can see yourself living there comfortably for five to ten years. Are you still going to enjoy the neighborhood? Are you considering going back to school, moving to another city, starting a family? We are no longer living in an era when real estate prices are expected to skyrocket. A home purchase is now a commitment and not solely an investment. As for cars luckily cars today last well past 100,000 miles which means that you can
expect to have a decently running car for a few years after 3-5 years of making payments. Instead of looking at that as a time to buy a new car enjoy that time of being payment free! Use that money towards personal savings or a bigger down payment on a new car when the time comes.
How Much Can I Afford? In my first piece for Sweet Lemon Magazine, 5 Steps to Put Your Money Where It Matters . . . To You, I created a monthly budget for someone making $50,000/year. If you look solely at monthly expenses, theoretically, you could afford just about anything provided you were given enough time to pay it off. So it is really important to use other metrics to determine how much you can truly afford. We have all heard stories about people who have gotten in over their heads in the real estate market. The question is, how do we avoid their mistakes? The litmus test for being able to afford to own is, can you comfortably afford to make a 20% down payment
on a house or condo? If you answer is no, then home-ownership is not advised right now. If your answer is yes, the calculator’s at www.bankrate.com provide conservative estimates for how much house you can afford. Typically, the cost of your house should not exceed three times your gross annual income. Anything more than that and it is likely that your mortgage payment will exceed 28% of your gross annual income, which, if you read my earlier pieces, you know is a big nono! Also, when factoring the cost of the house or condo, you must also include property taxes, insurance and an emergency fund for repairs.
no. 96
Much like a house, a car comes with many expenses of its own; insurance, gas, maintenance, parking and also, it is a good idea to have an emergency fund. If we were to look at the luxury cars again, perhaps they are affordable if the monthly payments can be stretched out over 60 months instead of 36 months, but what happens when a car part needs to be special ordered from Germany instead of a local PepBoys? If you find yourself stretching out your payment term solely for lower payments, it may be a sign that you are taking on more car than you can afford.
Carleton English recently returned to her native Philadelphia to take a position at a medical device start-up. She spent five years in Seattle where she worked as a Client Associate with a wealth management firm serving high net worth clients and leading financial literacy seminars for teens and young adults. She is an active member of the Junior League of Philadelphia and a former Treasurer of the Junior League of Seattle. When she is not reviewing spreadsheets and watching
The Point
the Dow Jones, Carleton enjoys tango
While there is a lot to consider when making big purchases and this article ignores most of the quantitative aspects, it is important to start with your values when making big financial decisions. Finance has a lot of jargon in it but the truth is, it all comes down to simple arithmetic; do you have enough money coming in to cover the money going out? Understanding your needs and capacity will help you make informed decisions and decipher what is right for you when the jargon is thrown around. Best wishes to you and your financial health! no. 97
dancing, classic movies and finding good food. Carleton is a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Feel free to ask her any financial questions!
Entertaining is All in the
Details by Michaela Warner photography by Victoria Carlson
I’m not sure about you, but I love a good tea party, luncheon or any type of girls get-together. Chatting with friends and eating sweets and treats around the table all afternoon is so wonderful, but more than anything, I love the details that come along with
da r l i n g diy projects for the next t i me y o u p l a y h o s t ess
parties. For a planner like me, the party really takes shape in my head, then in a notebook. I write down all my ideas for decor, food, and accessories, then get to work! I always try to incorporate as many things as I can from around my own home, as it keeps me creative and on budget. Today I’m sharing a few simple, budget friendly and adorable details for you to use at your next girls gettogether. Hopefully these crafts can be stashed away into your Hostess-with-the-Mostess tricks and tips folder! no. 98
chalkboard wine glasses what you’ll need: Wine glass, champagne glass or goblet with a stem // Chalkboard paint // Colored chalk // Tape
Step 1:
Tape off the stem of the wine glass so paint is only able to reach the base. This insures a nice, straight line and no paint on the stem of the glass.
Step 2:
Paint your chalkboard paint on the base of the glass. Let it dry, then apply a second coat. Your first coat may be a bit streaky, but the second coat always fixes it! Let the second coat dry for a few hours.
Step 3:
Use the side of a piece of chalk to color over the entire base of the glass, then wipe it off. This helps create the “worn-in� look. Finally, write guests names on the base of each wine glass, or better yet, let them write their own name as they arrive! no. 99
Paper FlowEr Napkin Holders what you’ll need: Patterned Paper // Scissors // Tissue Paper // 1 Brad // 1 Brad hole punch // Lace
Step 1:
Cut out 3-4 circles from your patterned paper. I used 3 different patterns to add more interest. Each circle should be of varied size so when you stack them, it gives the illusion of a flower shape. Also cut out 2 additional circles of tissue paper to give the flower some volume.
Step 2:
Crunch and crinkle up the circles, creating texture and shape for the paper flower.
Step 3: Stack the circles on top of one another; biggest on the bottom, smallest on the top. Using your brad hole punch, punch a hole through the top of the layered papers and use a brad to hold all the layers together.
Step 4:
Cut a strip of lace long enough to tie around a napkin and use the brad to secure the lace onto the flower. Tie your lace ribbon around the napkin, and violà! you’ve created a flower napkin holder!
no. 100
trendy name cards what you’ll need: Thick, tag-like cards // Paint // Paint brush // 1 Brad hole punch
The final touch for any party are the name cards that sit at each place setting, letting guests know where to dine. Sometimes this can be too formal, but depending on the type of gathering you’re hosting, it could be just right!
Step 1:
Create a background on your tag using your paints. I chose a simple chevron pattern.. (because if you know me, you know I’m genuinely addicted to chevron! If I was doing more name cards, I would probably alternate patterns). Let it dry.
Hopefully these little details will be the cherry-on-top of the next girls get-together
Step 2:
In a darker shade, paint on the name of
you throw! Remember the best parties are
your guests and set each tag by their
the ones with lots of life, laughter, sweets
place setting.
and personal touches!
@michaela_noelle www.michaelanoelledesigns.com. no. 101
#lemonlove
our fresh picks for a
BEACH PICNIC
Anthropologie : : $48
LAUREN Ralph Lauren : : $69
styling by Lauren VanderBroek photography by Jonah Podbereski no. 102
Nordstrom : : $48
Anthropologie : : $12 West Elm : : $16
OLD NAVY : : $23
Anthropologie : : $58
no. 103
until next time ... we hope you’ll keep in touch! twitter fa c e b o o k tumblr i n s ta g r a m Pinterest
xo, the sweet lemon mag team
no. 104