Goodwill Tips: beating the heat…fashionably speaking

Monday, August 1, 2011

beating the heat…fashionably speaking

It has been so HOT outside this summer that the outside temperatures are leading to some questionable fashion choices.

You know what I mean…bathing suit tops worn as regular clothing, short shorts in the work-place. It is hard to determine what to wear when it is so stinkin’ hot! I mean, I get it…I don’t want to sweat through my clothes, and I want to do what I can to be somewhat comfortable.

I have been giving this a lot of thought, and have come up with some simple tips on beating the heat…fashionably speaking.

1. Dress in layers. It seems that would not be the answer to beating the heat, but the secret is to keep the layer closest to your skin a natural fiber (like cotton or linen). The layers will allow you to take off a jacket or sweater when you are outside, but still have your shoulders covered inside…covering your shoulders is the most appropriate for the office. And, you can pick up simple cardigans at Goodwill for about $5.00

2. Dress in a dress! Or a skirt. Dresses and skirts are infinitely cooler than pants or shorts. If skirts aren’t your thing, and you are worried about investing in something like that just to keep cool…skirts and dresses run about $5.00

3. Loosen up! Simply stated, stay away from tight or clingy things. The more floaty the fabric and style is, the cooler you will be!

4. The color story. Keep the color of your clothing light. White is best. Remember that darker colors absorb light (heat) and lighter colors reflect light (heat). Every little trick helps, right?

5. Skip the beach. At least, the beach clothes, for work. The general rule of thumb (regardless of the outside temperature) is if you would wear it to a picnic, to sleep in or to the beach…do not wear it to work. This goes for flip flops too.

GOT A FASHION QUESTION?!
I’d love to answer it, AND to send you a coupon for 30% off the next time you visit one of our local Goodwill stores! Simply post your question in the comment section of this blog post, and we will randomly choose a few of your questions as winners! Be sure to include your email address so that I can get in touch with you to get the coupon into your hands!

PHOTO CREDITS:
http://www.janellelee.com
http://ecoquisitive.files.wordpress.com
http://wxgeekchic.blogspot.com

Kathy Friend

Kathy is a nationally

known Wardrobe Stylist and Image Consultant and the President of the Style & Image Institute. She has styled looks for celebrities in Hollywood for Warner Brothers, amazing looks for red carpet events, for political campaigns, and most importantly...she has
upped the style-factor for moms, business owners and entrepreneurs.

She writes for several magazines and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs as a Fashion Expert. Through the Style & Image Institute, she trains and certifies others who want to be a personal stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and image consultant.

In her words: “I pride
myself as a "fashion therapist" and am convinced the right
pair of shoes CAN change your life.”

Debie Coble

Debie Coble is the President & CEO for Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. She started with the organization in 1990 as a store manager. Later that year she started serving in the department that executes the mission of Goodwill.

In 1996 she became the Vice President of Workforce Development Services, and in November of 2013, she began serving as the President & CEO.

Debie has an undergraduate degree in business management from Anderson University and a Masters in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. She completed Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Training Program in 2007. She serves on the board of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, the St. Joseph County Re-Entry Task Force and the South Bend Violence Reduction Taskforce.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

VISION

We envision a community where all individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will have opportunities to enjoy the full benefits of competitive employment. To make this vision become reality, we will focus on being the leading provider of workforce development services in the communities we serve. The core of our programs and services will continue to empower each individual to be productive and independent based on his or her abilities.

MISSION

Our Mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.

VALUES

Work - We believe in the inherent value of work; if there is work, there is hope. Work has a greater value than charity.

Respect - We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship - We honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.

Ethics - We commit to strive to meet the highest ethical standards.

Learning - We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation - We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.