Lessons from The Intern

Have you ever seen the movie The Intern?  If you haven't already seen it, I would definitely recommend it.  I watched this movie a few months ago and loved it.  There were a few themes woven throughout this story that I thought we could apply in our own lives.  

Here are a few lessons we can learn from The Intern...

1. Creating a Work/Life Balance

This can be tricky, especially when you're under the pressure of trying to "Do It All".  Whether you're a Super Mom/Dad, a Super Single Mom/Dad, or are a Super Single Person and are striving for Excellence in Every Aspect of Your Life, finding that balance at home and at work can create a happier you.

• Make Time for Exercise- Making time for exercise before work, after work, or taking a walk with our loved ones after dinner is essential. A 20-minute walk to get out of our minds and into our bodies is better than doing nothing.  
• Tech Free Meal Time- We had a life before cell phones, well some of us did.  There is absolutely no need for us to be on the phone constantly texting or in front of a screen watching video after video.  Also, our response to that latest email can wait a minute while we decompress a little with our loved ones talking face to face over dinner.
• Pre-Plan Meals- Starting out a crock pot meal in the morning will save us time when we get home from a long day at work.  There are also companies like Sun Basket or Blue Apron where we can order organic meals that are responsibly sourced.  Some meal delivery services cater to a vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo diets that can be conveniently delivered directly to our homes.  
• Delegating/ Outsourcing- If we are the boss lady or man, we may want to delegate duties or outsource a service.  Delegating specific tasks to members of our team can grant us extra time to work on more important projects and also give our employees more opportunities to grow and shine.

2. Befriending the Most Senior Professional in Your Company-  When a well-seasoned professional speaks, we know it.  It's in their professional demeanor, acumen, and in the way they dress.  In this movie, he might have come in as a Senior Intern, but he walked in as a very Wise Seasoned Professional.  Have you ever heard of this phrase?  Birds of  a Feather, Flock Together?  When we are new at a company, we don't know everything, but Senior Members do.  It's good to get to know them, let them mentor us and most importantly, Listen. They've been there longer than we have and they know what it takes to be successful in that company's culture.  Making sure we stay humble and ask questions is important to remember.  After all, their wisdom can help build our strength.

3. Never Underestimate Someone Else's Abilities or Talk Down to Your Team When You Become "The Boss Lady or Boss Man"
Understanding each person's strengths can be the biggest asset to any organization.  Taking an inventory of each person's abilities is key.  They may even do certain things better than you can.  So, if you hire them, let them do what they do best.  Also, showing respect to your team by not talking down to them will make Everyone Feel Like Someone.

Photography: Franz Swantko

Makeup: Elizabeth Jones

Hair: Drybar

Dress: Zara

 Heels: Brian Atwood

Envelope Clutch: Sorelli

Scarf: Simply Vera Vera Wang

Sunnies: Tom Ford

Jacket: Armani Exchange

Satchel: Ralph Lauren

Animal Print and Ruffles

Glasses: Tom Ford

Jacket: H&M

Blouse: Talbots

Denim: Paige 

Boots: Donald J. Pliner

Bag: Vintage

Makeup: Elizabeth Jones

Hair: Drybar

Photography: Franz Swantko

Hello!  How are you?  Do you ever get bored and want to try something new? Try mixing something up completely the opposite of what you'd normally wear.  For example, you can try mixing two really unusual color tones together to see what you come up with.  Red and green are complete opposites, but somehow pairing these two just seemed to go together just right.  What do you think?  The real trick here is balancing these two colors with the right amount of black and this neutral pair of gray Paige denim.  

Do you own any vintage bags?  I am seriously obsessed with this black vintage bag.  The unique flap on this bag is so sharp and balances out the feminine ruffles in this outfit.  It's the perfect size to carry around as a clutch, but also as a shoulder bag because it has a hidden strap inside.  I always look for hidden straps on clutches to make it easier to carry for extended periods of time.  

How do you feel about ruffle collar blouses?  Ruffle collar blouses are my favorite kind of blouses next to bow collar blouses.  They are so feminine and add the perfect balance to a more structured blazer.  

What do you think about wearing colorful animal prints?  Yes or No?  I say "yes" to colorful animal print patterns.  You can never go wrong with brown, but I really like to mix it up and have some fun with olive, red, and blue animal prints.  It can take some time to get comfortable with the idea.  A lot of us would never be seen wearing colorful animal print patterns, but I think it shows confidence and a fun personality to the world.  They are bold pieces to wear, but can add a lot of interest to an otherwise very basic outfit.  

Hope you are having a great week:)

Stay Stylish!

Joanna