Advice

I am here to offer you advice. If you have any questions or issues with any part of life, I can give you any advice I can. If you have relationship issues, roommate issues, apartment issues, budgeting issues, job issues... ask me about it and I will give you some advice. Just post a question in the comments or e-mail me at rfwarlick@vzw.blackberry.net and I will reply ASAP. 

How to dress your new age!

So now you are out of college, with a closet full of clothes from Hollister and Abercrombie that push your boobs up and out. You are suddenly at a new stage in life and need clothes to match this stage. This is a blog that may help with your decisions when you get up in the morning. As you go shopping, try to pick out clothes that you can wear day to day and at work. This would mean less laundry and less clothes- less money! Also, I do not have the best fashion sense, so do not base your wardrobe 100% on your blog. This is just what I am going for. Here are two fashion on a budget blogs I follow: The Budget Fashionista and The Budget Babe. Also, Shop Style is a great website for style. It has a lot of clothes that are several hundred dollars, but if you adjust your search results you will find some great bargains! 

• Tops: Button up shirts are definitely more grown up. A satin button-up blouse paired with dark wash jeans and black pumps, or a white button-up blouse paired with dark wash skinny jeans and brown boots look great. Also, slight hints of lace are nice. Such as lace on the shoulders. Guys have it a little easier. Day to day guys look fine in a nice t-shirt. But going out at night, once again a button up shirt. The photos below were taken from forever21 (female) and hudson belks (male).

• Bottoms: Dark wash jeans are always great (at least in the past few years). You ladies should have some skinny (for boots) and some flair (for heels). Also, destroyed jeans have been fashionable for awhile now. On men, tighter (not like cowboy tight, but not sagging) slightly destroyed jeans look good. Now, the jeans that I am describing are the jeans that are $100 plus. I bought a pair of big star jeans that start at $90 and only go up for $45 from plato's closet! Go check out here, especially for jeans! The female stirrup jeans (great for boots) are from wet seal. The other two are from buckle. 
  

• Shoes: To me, the most adult shoes for women are heels. There are great heels that aren't very high. I would say at least get black pumps. It takes awhile to get your feet, back and knees used to wearing heels all the time, so don't wear them to the mall your first day. I would actually suggest breaking in new shoes while drunk. I would also suggest brown boots. Beyond this, be careful! Color shoes take practice. Luckily, flats are very in style right now, so wear these as much as possible! But I still like my heels (there is a reason guys like them: they make your butt and boobs stick out the way they make you stand). As far as guys, no more tennis shoes! Never! Always dress shoes. The women's shoes should be simple enough, but I have included a pair of nice mens day to day shoes below from Belks (although I believe this may be a North Carolina based store). 
  

• Make-up: This is only for girls (sorry, you emo boys may be attractive to some girls, but in my opinion, not the sign of a mature 20 something- to each his own though)! Natural. I cannot say this enough, go natural! By this I mean don't wear bright blue and green faded eye shadows unless you want dollars in your g-strings. Use browns and blacks, earthy tones. Use light to medium browns during the day, and light, medium, and dark browns and a little black at night. The smokey look is very in right now. Here is an example of great smokey eyes. Tone it down during the day, but this is great for night. And don't expect for it to look perfect the first time! Try it out on your own, and tweak it until you create a look perfect for you! 
• Nails: This is for girls and guys! Keep your nails trimmed, or at least smooth. Do not bite your nails! Let's get specific: Guys: your nails should be trimmed, below or at the end of your finger. You don't need a manicure, but it is nice to keep a manicure kit hidden away. This goes for your toes, too! Clean your feet! Trim your toenails! Girls: Don't have those crazy long nails! It's not hygienic or professional. Or crazy nail colors! Natural nails or fake keep them just past the tips of your fingers, and keep your colors nice. Reds and pinks, or french tips. Either way, you wear nice clothes, clothes that could get pulls and runs if hang nails get snagged. Always carry a nail file, because you never know what happens! 
• Don't forget! Accessorize! Putting thought into your outfits will show maturity and professionalism. Not only necklaces and earrings, but the appropriate shoes and belts. And even jackets. Just because it's 50 degrees outside doesn't mean you can't wear a nice jacket over it. If one item in your outfit is nice, all the items should be. As you buy outfits plan them out, don't just hope you will find something that goes with it, because you may not! It's better to regret buying something for a season than to buy something and run out of money, and then never even wear it!

Dressing your age is very important. At 23, trying to be an adult also means looking like an adult. If you are anything like me and do not look your age (I am constantly mistaken for a high school student, college at best) it is even more important to dress my age. Not everyone feels like dressing up everyday, I constantly have days where I run out in sperry's and a t-shirt, but the way I see it, you never know who you will see that you want to impress (your boss, an attractive member of the appropriate sex...) so it is important to dress the way you want to be perceived. These are just suggestions based on the fashion I see and I like, but fashion is different everywhere and with everyone. I would suggest not dressing totally for someone else, you should always be comfortable and confident in your clothes! 

Relaxation!!!

After a long day of work, or a bit of drama, everyone needs to relax. Increased or constant stress can harm us, and it is best to find something to do that will help us relax. 

• Exercise: If anyone ever angers you, either at work, in a friendship or a relationship, having it out with them when you are still angry can only cause more problems. If they are trying to talk to you, explain to them that you are angry, and are afraid of what you may say. Then go take your frustrations out on gym equipment that won't take anything out on you. 
• Television series: If you have a very stressful job, think of something you can look forward to. Record a tv series every day and then when you come home turn it on. It will give you something to look forward to every day! I watch Desperate Housewives on Lifetime. At least where I'm from it plays at 12 and 1 everyday. It's already several seasons in, so you can either wait for it to start back over, or rent them to catch up.
• Movies: Have a good stock of chick flicks (or action movies, depending on your preference. You could always rent a movie, but having one already at home is easier. Target and Wal-mart often have dozens of movies that they switch out that are only about $10, but these movies are usually a few years old. Go home, put on a comfy outfit, pop in your dvd and watch a great movie.
• Books: Get a good girly book (Nicholas Sparks is great and constantly writing) and curl up and just read. Movies are great because they take us away from reality, but books do the same! And they take longer to get through. A good movie takes a few hours to get through. But a book usually takes days, sometimes weeks to read. You get more connected with the characters. 
• Bubble bath: Take a lovely, candle lit bubble bath. Put some candles on the side of the tub and around the bathroom. Put some bubble bath in. As far as scents, lavender is very relaxing. Get a washcloth, wet it and put it on your forehead. It will cool off quickly and it will feel really good. Play your favorite slow songs (create a playlist). Afterwards, get dressed in something comfy and play your favorite girl empowering songs and dance around! 
• Clean! Often time when you get mad at people or a situation, you don't feel as though you are getting anything done. If you clean, you will feel very accomplished and empowered once you are done. Getting something done will help clear your head and may help with the original situation. 
• Eat! Everyone has a comfort food, usually expensive and fattening fast food. Do what you want (EAT!) because holding yourself back will only cause more stress. But, make it yourself, and alter it! Making it yourself with save money, and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Alter it so that it is less fattening! If you really like burgers, get a George Foreman grill that drains the grease- healthier! If you like asian cuisine, learn how to make it yourself. This stuff can get really expensive, but I love it! So I will be posting recipes that cut the costs! 

Relaxation is very important! Stress can cause harm on your body and it is important to relieve the stress. If you are ever fighting with a friend, coworker or significant other, explain to them that you don't want to say something you don't mean, and then do one of these for a little while. Or if you just have a hard day at work, give one of these things a try! 

A fresh month

It's getting to be the end of January, we are all about to begin February. Think of this as a fresh start. Think of each new month in this! I know it is only the second month of the year, but I have read studies that say that the majority of New Year's Resolutions have already been given up by now. Don't wait for next year to make new ones. You could do so much damage by waiting around for the next time for resolutions. Make new ones at the beginning of each month! Here's some of what I'm talking about

Budgeting!!!! 

• Credit Cards! I know I have said they are great in the past. Let me clarify how to use them in a good way. Get a credit card with a low limit!!!!! like $500 low. Pay this off every few days and write these amounts in your registrar!!!!!! Don't get a huge credit card unless and carry it around for emergencies, then on a shopping spree! 
  
• Pay off Credit Cards! Let's say you have already maxed out several credit cards, as I'm sure some people have, and are thousands of dollars in debts. Or let's say you are in debt because of school. The simplest piece of advice would be to take it one day at a time, and set aside as much as you can. Get professional help if you are far in debt. The more professional, the more expensive, but the more they can help. But even if you are making enough to live a fairly cushy lifestyle, cut your expenses significantly, budget wisely, and pay off your payments fast to get a better credit score! And don't forget! Those minimum payments may only cover your interest, you may not actually be making a dent in what you owe! 
• Budget week by week! Set aside the right amount of money for your set expenses in the beginning of the month: rent, utilities, insurance, payments... The rest is for your changing expenses: food, clothes, entertainment... Divide the money into 4 (for four weeks in a month) and spend this amount each week, but no more. If you have problems (like I do) try withdrawing this money and spending cash each week. Then once you run out, you run out and don't spend anymore. 
• Keep looking! Keep the cost of all your bills out, and their due dates! Make sure they are all paid in full on time. Some you can even pay in advance! Make sure you have enough for all of your bills, because this is the most important thing. You may be living paycheck to paycheck for a few years (hopefully you then get that huge promotion, or that huge wedding ring...) and you can finally move up in life. But you can't if you have bad credit. 
• Save! The economy :-(. It's not doing well, as everyone hears about daily, but it's the truth. I have heard that it should be doing better by the summer, but you never know. Keep your portfolio and resume ready just in case. And keep some money set aside to get you through if something does happen. It is wise to keep at least 2 months saved up, of daily living expenses. I've heard as much as 9 months should be saved up. But do what you can. Because once your income goes, you can't really do anything. 
• List! Make a list of everything you WANT! This is help you save for these things instead of blowing it on spur of the moment small purchases! Put on there your barstools, and those hot $150 jeans your dreaming of! (Or maybe this is just my list) But make a list, and maybe put pictures up in a few strategic places to entice you to save up! 

Health!

• Exercise! It's never too late to start exercising! Don't be ashamed to exercise. What's the worse that could happen? People make fun of you? No one will! Esp not in a crowded gym! They would get their butts kicked by all the in shape people! You fall off the treadmill? I've done it! Maybe that hot nice guy will see you and realize you're human and check to make sure your ok! Its better to do it now, than 20 years and 40 pounds later! 
• Eat healthy! It's cheaper first of all! Think about how much you spend at McDonald's or Moe's everytime you go. Then think about how much you would spend on a casserole, and how many servings you would get out of it. Also think about how much healthier this is. Everything for lasagna is about $30 (this one is a bit expensive). I usually get about 8 servings out of it, this is less than $4 a serving. And most of the things that go into it you already have! 
• Vitamins! Take a multivitamin everyday made for women (or men if you are a man). This will give you an extra boost that will help you out. It only takes a minute to take and you will feel much better! 

Personal

• Job! Now I'm not going to tell you to quit your job, esp in this economy. But I will tell you to do something to improve it! If you don't like your position, think about what you could do to get a promotion. If you actually dread coming into work, begin putting your portfolio together so that you can be ready if another position comes up. But stay realistic. Don't expect to become the CEO anytime soon if you just graduated from college. 
• Relationships! This goes for both romantic and friendship. Relationships are a two way deal, each side has to give and take. Make sure you listen to all of your friends! And make sure they are listening to you. If you think you aren't getting what you deserve, talk to your friend. It's better than blowing up at them down the road. Getting your feelings out may create a tense situation, but think about how tense a situation would be if you blew up at her during brunch because she's going on and on about her stupid dog (not a real life event hopefully) 

Think of each new month as a new beginning, and do what you can to improve yourself. Most peoples New Years Resolutions don't last but a few weeks, an average of 3. Think about if you did this for 3 weeks each month. If you ate well, budgetted well, and exercised for 3 months out of the month? That's 3/4's of the year you would be doing good, instead of 3/52's. Who knows, it may even become a constant habit! 

How to go grocery shopping

Grocery shopping is something everyone has done by the time they are our age. Most of us have done serious grocery shopping by now. This blog will give you more tips and tricks to going grocery shopping effectively, and hopefully not have to make another trip out an hour later.

• Make a list: Through the week write down things you need as you run out of them. This is most easily done on a dry erase board you can keep on your fridge, or somewhere else easily accessible. Then, on your grocery shopping day transfer this to your list! As for the rest of the list, it would be best to plan out your menu for the next week, to save gas on multiple trips a week. Write down all the ingredients you may need and buy them then. 
• Make a menu: At the beginning of each week write a menu for the rest of the week. Add these things to your list. Include, or don't include, date nights. I listen to Cosmoradio on Sirius, and they talked about one girl who would arrange her dates in the beginning of the week and then write her menu to save money. 
• Take your list! Make sure you make a list and take it with you! Otherwise, you may forget something. Organize your list based on your grocery store, to avoid having to double back. 
• Coupons!  Before you go, gather up your coupons. Check expiration dates, and pick up staple items that are about to expire even if you don't need them. I'm talking about paper towels and tissues, not chicken broth. 
• Eat! Don't go to the grocery store hungry. At least buy some fast food on your way, if you really have no food at home. Otherwise you may buy things that look good, but that normally you wouldn't actually buy.
• Check prices! Buy the less expensive brand, unless you really like a certain brand and are willing to pay extra. But things like rice, buy the store brand. 
• Check expiration dates! Before you buy something, check the expiration date. Think about when you plan on using it, and try to figure out if it will be used before the expiration date. 
• Double check your list! Before you leave, run back through your list and check for everything. Make sure you got everything you needed. 
• Pull out your card! I usually save dollars, as much as $10, just on food for me between my coupons, and my membership card. They usually don't sell your info (I have about 10 different cards and have never gotten anything, but I have heard some do), they just want to know what you buy. So make sure you have one to every grocery store you may shop at.

Make sure you bring you list everytime you go shopping! It will be your life saver. And if you don't know what you want to get because your new to grocery shopping (like me) base it on what you have coupons for. 

Organize your life

I have spoken with some friends and have come to discover that one of the most frightening things about being independent involves organization. Many people are afraid that there will be issues paying bills, and also organizing doctors appointments. The key to each of these is organization!

Bills

• A desk! Have a set place to pay your bills. A desk would be best, but a plastic drawer set beside your dining room table would work as well. Just make sure you keep everything together. You need several things around here:
  
• Bills: You need a special place to put your bills. I have a divider at the corner of my desk that holds my bills, and as soon as I walk in (and open to look at the damage and due date) I put them here. As soon as you get a bill go ahead and pay it so you don't forget. Make sure you also have stamps here, because bills do not provide them.
  
• Due dates: If you think you'll forget to pay your bills, post a list of due dates and the cost of your bills. I have mine on a dry erase board on the wall beside my desk. I have the bill, the cost (or the last cost for thing such as electric) and the due date. Then I write the date they were paid to make sure I got this months and it has been paid. 
  
• Save them! Once you have paid your bills put the invoice and anything else that came in the envelope back in the envelope. My checks come with a carbon copy and so I save this in here which has the date and amount. I have an accordion folder and I keep all of my bills in here. 
  
• Savings: As you do your bills, think about a savings account as another bill. When you pay your bills, transfer a set amount of money (maybe just $50 or $100 a month) and put it away for unplanned things, such as a car accident or medical bills. If you can't do this, get a credit card just for these. You will have to pay interest, but you won't have to worry about being indebted to someone else, just a credit card company! But don't keep this card in your wallet. Hide it, and only take it out if you have an EMERGENCY! (And a $500 dress on sale for $300 is not an emergency)

Appointments

Most people who live with their parents, have the luxury of simply being told when a doctors appointment is, not having to actually call the doctor, and remember a doctors appointment is coming up.

• Appointment book! Make sure you buy an appointment book, or use your phone to consolidate. Write down all of your appointments! Your work appointments, your friends appointments, your doctors appointments. Anything you say you will do needs to be official. It will help you remember appointments, and also look forward to fun appointments.
• Here is a list of when you should visit your doctors:
• Dentist: every 6 months
• General practitioner:  once a year
• Gyno: once a year
• These do not count if you have a special condition. Ask your doctor (or your parents who have been scheduling these appoints) and write these down as well.
• Also, if you get sick and don't get better, go to a doctor. If it is just a sore throat that won't go away after a week or more, go to urgent care. If it doesn't go away after you see urgent care, or if you have more serious symptoms, go to your general practitioner. Don't run to the doctor everytime you get sick. Most things can be fought if you give it a few days, just manage the symptoms with meds when you need them. Also, health insurance goes up the more you go to the doctor. 
• I would suggest writing down the date of each of your last visits, and the approximate date of your next visit, or else schedule it in advance. Write this down in your planner, or post it on a bulletin board at your desk.

Don't only write down your work and doctors appointments, write down everything! Write down your fun appointments with friends and significant others, it will give you something to look forward to. 

• Friends: Make sure you see at least one friend a week. In the beginning of the week schedule this day so that you will have something to look forward to. But as the new person at your job, you are often very busy. But make sure you make time each week to see a friend. If you are tired, simply sit around and watch tv with them. Or go to a bar. But make sure you write this down in your planner to make it just as official as work. And don't let anything else come in the way (although things do happen).
• Love life: Just like your friends, make at least one day a week for your significant other, or a potential significant other. Even if you have been dating someone and are past the honeymoon stage, make at least one day a week to spend alone in or out doing something special. Make this day just as official by writing it in your schedule. 
• Home life: Spend everyday cleaning a little bit. I have written a previous blog about keeping your apartment clean called How to Clean. Basically, you need to clean as you go. And spend a little time each day doing detailed cleaning. For instance, clean your counter each time you cook, but also run in and spend five minutes on the toilet on Mondays, then five minutes on the shower on Tuesdays... 
• Pets: I don't have a pet, because I can barely take care of myself, but I grew up with a dog, so I may be able to give a little advice. Make time for your pet each day. Write down everything that needs to be done (feedings, walks, potty breaks) and write down a time for each (with breakfast, after work...) Then, when you are winding down in the evening, or getting ready in the morning, sit down with your pet and pet it as you pick out your clothes. Talk to it as you brush your teeth or shower. Give it treats as you cook. 

Organization is the key to getting everything done. In order to pay your bills you have to have a set way of doing it. You have to know where your bills go, when they are due, and a guesstimate of how much they will be. You also need to write down every appointment you have, not only work but also friends. 

Figuring Life Out

I was reading a forum on 20 Something Bloggers (a social network for 20 something bloggers) and a young 20 something (20 to be exact) said that she was scared of growing up. Growing up... This is what my blog is all about. How to deal with growing up, learning independence, and not failing at this.
Almost everyone is afraid of the future. I know I am. It is a very sad and scary thought, but at any moment you may loose your job because you company may fold, someone close to you may pass away, your apartment/house may burn down. I won't go into any more detail, but it is a reality that things can go wrong fast. And dealing with any of these things on your own is an even scarier thought.
In order to deal with the possibility (and hopefully not the reality) of these things it is important to do things to make you feel more comfortable with the present and future. These things can include staying happy, having a place to go when you want to be alone, and preparing for the future.

Staying happy

• Friends! Everyone needs a good group of friends that they feel comfortable around that can cheer them up. Unfortunately, friends move, and so do you. But luckily, it is possible to meet new people: through work, through friends, through personal ads (craigslist has strictly platonic ads). So if you ever feel lonely in a new city, definitely check out some of these outlets for new people. 
• Therapy and meds: If you ever feel as though you are too unhappy, you may have a chemical imbalance of some sort... it may not be your fault! There is nothing wrong with this, and you will feel better once you get help. But professional help can be expensive. May I suggest B12 supplements. I currently take these, and I love them! Vitamins are water soluble, and what isn't necessary just passes on through. B12 makes me not stress the small things and the things I can't control. 

Have you own place:

• Sometimes this isn't always possible, especially if you have a roommate, or if you live in an apartment that you can't customize. If you have a roommate, make this place your bedroom. Invest in a very comfortable mattress or mattress pad and a really nice bedspread. Decorate your room with things that make you happy and relaxed. Go here if you ever feel like being alone, and just breath for a little while. As far as apartment living, many apartments let you decorate as you wish. If you paint the walls, you may have to put a layer of primer over dark colors, and for heavy wall hangings, you may have to hang at a stud. Ask your apartment leasing office what their policy is on decorating. If you ever realize that when you come home, you don't feel at home, paint your favorite color and hang up your favorite posters, invest in decorations because this is where you spend most of your time. 
• As I type this, this happened to me, as I hear the person who lives above me open and close his door and walk from the stone tile, to the carpeting, it makes me realize that this living arrangement is only temporary. If this happens to you, invest in a white noise machine. It makes a humming noise that somehow blocks out background noise. 

Prepare for the future

• Save! You never know when you income may stop coming in. Set up a savings account and put aside a certain percentage of your paycheck. Most people live paycheck to paycheck. It is wise to have at least two months of living expenses saved up. But don't worry about it if you don't. There is always unemployment, but this isn't very much.
• Insurance: Don't just get the bare minimum on insurance. Get as much as you can afford. I have Nationwide, and can tell you that it is great. Each insurance company has its own perks, so you need to do your research and figure out what you want. I have full car insurance at $86 a month (I have 3 tickets, one at 16, two at 21. The first two were thrown out and the last I used a PJC, I also have no accidents). I also have renters insurance at $8 a month (I have an 838 sq ft apartment). But if something were to happen, having all of this insurance helps me out a lot.
• Fireproof box: If a fire starts in your apartment or house, you will very likely loose many very important documents, including renters insurance or home insurance, necessary documents for getting help from insurance. You should keep insurance documents, personal identification documents... anything you feel is necessary, in a fireproof box. Also invest in a safe that can be drilled into the floor (if you live in a house) for your passport and social security card, and any other documents with important numbers such as check books. 

Overall, you need to live you life day by day. Live it to the fullest. Don't turn down any opportunity just because you are scared. Take reasonable risks (don't jump off a bridge just because your friends say it's cool). Don't have regrets. If you do something you wish you hadn't, think about how it really affects your life, and if it doesn't affect your life in a bad way, think about how much fun you had doing it! 

Don't ever think you have anything all figured out, including yourself. Everything constantly changes, including yourself, and the best way to deal with these changes is to adapt. Let everything flow! Nothing is permanent, this is both good and bad. Good things don't last, but don't worry, bad things don't last either. 

Always look professional

It is always important to look your best. You never know when you may run into someone you may want to impress, such as your boss, your significant others parents, or a future significant other. And if you are anything like me, this always happens when you just run up to the grocery store for some laundry detergent on laundry day. So every time you leave you house, at least look presentable. Here are some tips to doing this.

• Iron: As you fold your laundry, look over it and make sure there are any wrinkles. Don't let your laundry lie around, in the dryer or on the floor, hang it immediately! If you forget about it, set up your iron and ironing board in front of your TV, and just work on laundry for about 30 minutes. Then hang it up immediately! Also, don't stuff your nice clothes together. Make sure they have plenty of room. And as soon as you get home either put them in the clothes hamper, or hang them back up immediately, don't sit around in your nice clothes. 
  
• Hygiene: This doesn't necessarily mean heels and dress pants. Even in jeans and a t-shirt you can look put together. Take a shower everyday, or at least make is seem as though you did. Pulling your hair back is a great way to make it look nice. A low bun is very sleek, or for shorter hair, pulling half your hair up in a clip is simple. If you're hair looks like a 90s headbangers, definitely wash it, which only takes about 5 minutes. Even wet hair is better than grease and dandruff. If you worked out that morning, and have just been sitting around for a few hours, at least bath. This only takes about 5 minutes. Check yourself! (Privately) smell under your arms, maybe even ask a close friend what they think. Depending on your body, you may be able to risk a quick trip without a complete shower. A suggestion would be extra deodorant, brushing your hair, and definitely wearing clean clothes. Don't wear perfume, especially not anything expensive, this is pretty obvious. Also invest in febreeze. This may make it fairly obvious, but it is fresher than cigarette smoke and liquor if you were at a bar the night before. 
• Put a mirror beside you door: Take a fast look in the mirror on your way out, just to make sure you are acceptable. Keep a few necessities in a drawer beside it. Keep a brush, a hair tie and some bobby pins in it. Concealer and mascara. Deodorant. Lint Roller. And anything else you may think of.
• Keep a bag with you: Make sure you have a few necessities with you at all times, just in case something happens or you miss something. Most of these are for ladies, but guys can pick and choose as you see fit:
• Deodorant
  
• A small make up bag: concealer, foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara...
  
• Red eye eye drops
  
• Breath mints
  
• Perfume
  
• Lint Roller
  
• Brush, hair tie, bobby pins
  
• Stain remover sheets

The key to looking presentable at all times is to think ahead and check yourself out. Even just a quick run up to the grocery store, make sure you look clean, smell clean, and look put together. Always dress as though you may run into someone you need to impress. Check yourself on your way out the door. Remember, that one time you run out right out of bed, will be the one time you run into your hot neighbor!