Yes, you read that right – Booty Parlor. Who doesn’t love a cute play on words? Booty Parlor is a line of products that were created with women’s sexuality in mind, whether she’s single or in a relationship. It is a brand that encourages women to indulge in their sexiness, free of shame or self-consciousness. I had the opportunity to speak with the creator, Dana B. Myers, who is inspirational as both a female entrepreneur and a sex-positive role model.

What inspired you start Booty Parlor?

I was inspired by my mom – she was a makeup artist. I watched her transform women. While she was doing makeup, she would chat with her clients about everything women talk about. They felt so much better about themselves after – it was a big influence on me, where women were helping women and inspiring each other. Also, I was very interested in all things related to sex. I was lucky enough that it was never a taboo subject in the house. I felt confident, open and excited to explore and experience sex. It made me the go-to sexpert for my girlfriends. Fast forward after being in the music industry, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to combine beauty and sexiness and create a beauty parlor for your love life. I wanted to do products from the beauty world that you could use in your bedroom. I wanted fun and sassy, not sleazy and trashy. I told my boyfriend, and he said “sounds great, let’s do this together!” A month later we lost our jobs and we started working on our business plan.

How did you start promoting yourself?

What is the mission of your brand?

The mission is to help women gain confidence. In my book, Mojo Makeover, I address it in two parts. The first involves seductive beauty, body rituals, and sexy mantras. There are little actions you can do with our products that daily wait to infuse some sexy into your life. It gives women the info and product – living a sexy life is as important as eating well, getting a workout, excelling in your job or at school. It’s a facet of women’s lives that’s put in the back corner. When it is integrated in your daily life – feeling sexy, and talking to your friends or boyfriends about your sex life, you start to feel that sense of empowerment and you carry it out with you, and you feel more confident. You feel like you know yourself. You start seeing the positive effects and getting more positive attention and want to now what’s going on in your world. It’s exciting to see that change happen. The book is four weeks of steps and tricks to invigorate your sex lives.

The second part relates to sexy experiences – a lot of women are are in the dark about what turns them on, what they enjoy, and we want that information. I describe sexy scenarios that women can create with their lover. Language tends to be a barrier because they think they have to use dirty words. In the book, I think I found language to communicate with women to make it accessible and fun, and it’s saucy, but not dirty. It’s important to take away that dirty edge, but keep it fun, sassy, and exciting in order to break through the stigma. We carry shame through our families or negative experiences, and I encourage women to forgive themselves . It’s okay to not be perfect.

What are the most common anxieties?

1. Negative body banter – that self-destructive mental chatter that we inflict on ourselves, where we start comparing ourselves to other women, we compare ourselves to the unrealistic images in the media that are impossible for most to attain. Our self-worth and self-confidence are linked to our size and external beauty. We think we’re too big or too small or too bony or too curvy, and we feel ashamed. It’s hard to be open and share yourself with a lover and express yourself sexually when you feel that way. I encourage women to create positive banter and self-love. It’s about radical self-acceptance and self-love. Stand in front of the mirror and fake it ’til you make it if you have to. Stand in front of the mirror and say “I love you, thighs, because you’re mine and you make me have a great swagger.” Even if it feels awkward, the more you repeat it, the more you start believe it and build self-confidence.

2. When women start viewing sex as a chore 
It starts off really exciting, but things start to slow down. You start having sex only once a week, and it becomes hard to keep the desire alive. It becomes hard for women for enjoy sex for the joy that it is.

3. Poor sex communication skills. 
We’d love it if our boyfriends could read our minds, but they can’t. If you’re not talking about sex or learning to communicate about sex. It’s hard to find out what the other person means or discover new things you’re interested in. Being silent or talking about things on a surface level and you can’t find the words to express yourself, it’s hard to find your sexiest satisfaction. First, you have to know what you want to communicate it. To create a great sex life, you’ve got to learn to talk about things. The book addresses learning how to communicate. Start with talking to your girlfriends – talking things out, sharing your problems with the women you trust can be so powerful.

4. When women hold on to sex guilt. 
It’s not uncommon for women to have a dark experience in their sexual history that left them guilty, dirty, shameful or gave them some baggage they can’t let go of. I think for women to feel empowerment, they have to work through that sex guilt. Whether it was a traumatic experience and you need to see a therapist or confront the person you had the experience with, it’s important for women to move forward. Guilt is the least productive emotion I’ve ever experienced. Letting go of guilt is very impacting and it’s a great experience.

What is the best way to combat the negative stigma that can be attached to being single?

When I moved to LA, I didn’t know how I was going to meet anyone. In NY, everyone’s on the street; in LA, everyone’s in their car. I was at work and I was like, “Will I ever find another boyfriend?” If I look back into my 20s, what I wish that I knew was that “You will find your true love.” Everything up to that point is just fun. Everything is an experience that will enrich your life, and will teach you what you do like, and what you don’t like. When my friends break up with someone, I’d just say “Next!” If it isn’t right, it isn’t right. Booty Parlor does have a line called Flirty Little Secret that includes pheromones. There’s a firming cream, body butter, bronzer, perfume, and a shower scrub. You can layer them and the experience of putting on these creams, creating a ritual, creating a seductive body ritual, and as you do it, you’re thinking sexy thoughts, and you feel sexier and walk with confidence, and you notice you’re getting more attention. If you want to flirt, great. If you don’t, then don’t. If you have tactics in your back pocket and you have some language, to have those tools is empowering.

What is your favorite product?

Aphrodisiac Berry Lip Gloss. It gives you this perfectly kissable pout, and it’s infused with aphrodisiacs. So it makes you look great and makes you feel a little riskier. The other is my skin honey. It’s a kissable lotion that can be a massage gel and a lubrication. It’s inspired by 9 and a Half Weeks. The product is meant to be drizzled anywhere you want to be kissed, and makes the experience even greater.

What is the appeal of your book, Mojo Makeover?

I’ve gotten great feedback from women in their 20s to their 50s – after all, confidence never goes out of style.

I love any message that encourages women to take control of our sexuality. Dana gives some great advice – even if you’re not into gels or candles or lip gloss or this specific kind of femininity, taking the time to appreciate your body and love it for its ability to receive pleasure is never a bad thing. Letting go of all the accumulated negativity that can cling to us is also an incredibly empowering thought. Dana’s book, Mojo Makeover, is available for purchase now!

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

Dear Tuffy Luv,
I’m a college sophomore girl and I seem to have a major problem with boys — I am CLUELESS when it comes to them! I just got out of a short relationship (actually my first one) and what it made me realize was I gravitate toward guys who express their interest in me FIRST because I feel unworthy of the guys that I have a crush on (like they’re too good for me or something along that line). Now, I have my eye on a new guy right now, but these questions are mainly for any guy I’m interested in, in the future. But as for this guy, I’ve gotten his number and we’ve talked a few times, one of those times being with my roommate and his roommate, and the talks were all pretty short and “meaningless.” Now first of all, if I just simply want to get to know a guy better, how much is too much as far as texting goes and how much should I go up to his room to talk to him (we’re in the same dorm)? I’m really focused on just getting to know him better before I start to dive into something, if it’s there. BUT when/if I do get to the flirting part, HOW DO I DO THAT? How much is too much?

Sincerely,

Boy-Inept

Dear Boy-Inept,

Honey, I’m gonna be honest with you: I think you’re just chicken. Texting?! OMG. How NOT effective can you be. No! Girl!!! Go to his room once. Ask him if he wants to grab coffee. And THAT’S how it’s done. Confident. Cool. Fun. THAT’S what guys like. And you can so be those things. It’s all about working up the courage. Anyone can do it. So listen up, the rest of youse:

(1) Decide on a day and time you will make your (very casual) move.
(2) An hour before you do it, have a dance party by yourself. Put on your favorite music and dance that shoop out.
(3) A half hour before, get dressed and spray yourself with perfume. No changing.
(4) Five minutes before, look yourself in the eye in a big mirror and say eight times out loud: “I am awesome.”
(5) Go say hi to him and ask him if he wants to grab coffee.

Wow. So easy. You can totally do this.

Because, like, what’s coffee?! Chances are, he wants to hang out with you ANYWAY. But no matter what, it’s a totally tiny commitment. And once you have coffee with him, you’ll know if you’re even interested in trying again. It’s so win-win I could vom.

I’m rooting for you, girl.

Hearts & Skulls,
Tuffy Luv

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Dear Tuffy Luv,
I’m going back to college in the fall and I wanted to re-invent myself, still stay the same but have a total new outlook on life and a new attitude. Back as a freshman guys would make fun of me and torture me, and it was horrible. I wanted to go back in the fall as a new person, and have those guys who made fun of me not know what hit them. Also, I had a friends with benefits situation with one of my guy friends, and when I had asked him why he hooked up with me, he said along the lines of, ‘We’ll I was bored and I knew that you’d hookup with me.’ It was something much worse along those lines but it’s too embarrassing to disclose. SO, I wanted to know how do I show my ex-hookup buddy and those other guys that I’m tougher than ever and started a brand-new attitude?

Thanks for your help in advance,
Looking to find a new me

Dear Looking,
I think Aunt Tuffy may be too late on this one in time for the fall (sorry, babies!! I gets a lot of questions and I gots to work through ‘em!!) but I still wanna address it. Okay?

So, I want to punch every single one of those guys in the groan and then I want to take their small testes and put them in a testes tube and mix them up and then I want Carrot Top to poo on them. That, I should wish on them. You don’t say how these guys tortured you, but I’m going to assume it was just verbal picking-ons. Giiiiirl. These guys are so not even WORTHY of looking upon you when you go (went?) back this fall. For reaaaaaalz.

I don’t know what the problem was, but I DEFINITELY think that YOU are not the one who needs to change. These ashholes better hope they never meet up with Tuffy. I mean, seriously. Bullying is so 1990s. But let’s say there’s something about yourself you’d like to improve. Yes, of course, go for it. We can all be better, and we should all always be TRYING to be better. Some people are bad listeners. Tuffy has a bad temper and cuts people who are bad listeners. Etc. So, by all means, self-improve.

BUT!!!!!!!!

It sounds to me like you somehow fell victim to a particularly cruel group of  the species known as Jerkus Offus. AVOID THESE DOOFI. They are SO not worth the toxic energy they’re sending your way. Just steer clear of them. And if you run into them, just smile, say hi, and, no matter what they say, just keep walking.

IF they are being physical in ANY ANY way, you MUST tell your campus police and file a complaint with the school. You hear me?! MUST!!!! In the meantime, your “ex-hookup buddy” does not deserve to be your friend. Sever all ties. Seriously.

Although, honestly, why would you ask someone why they hooked up with you?! Which brings me to: I’m guessing you just have very poor self-esteem. You’re letting it show, and, unfortunately, jerkus offus smell the blood in the water. You don’t have to change yourself, honey. All you have to do is be more confident. And to be more confident, you just have to ACT more confident, and soon you’ll start believing it.

Do me a favor and make yourself a mantra. Every morning, before you leave your room, look in the mirror, look yourself right in the eye, and say eight times out loud: “I am awesome.” Sounds stupid, but I bet you all my bubblegum it’ll work. Get out there, girl. You better WERK.
Hearts & Skulls,
Tuffy Luv

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

It’s time. That moment when you are standing on the beach, or a yacht in Miami if you’re annoying and you have to find a sexy way to take off your maxi dress (which sounds impossible might I add) and debut your healthy and freckle-less skin. To the rays of sunshine. And all of the men ogling at your fun bags and all the girls admiring your creativity to mix-match your Target swimsuit.

It’s a tough, tough world out there Target goddesses.

In my mind, I want to step out in my Egyptian looking maxi (Kim Kardashian style) and rip it off like a sexy, slim, and bodacious lady-Hulk. And you know what? I can. All it takes is a little confidence, body shimmer and a pearly white smile. Kind of like an Orbit commercial.

Get out those spaghetti strapped swimsuits ladies, it’s time to show some skin.

initiating the gallery...

Click each photo to see the next.

Sex can breed a lot of things – familiarity, contempt, intimacy, orgasms, babies, hysterically awful stories to tell your friends… but the association with sex I want to address this week is insecurity. That crippling insecurity that a fellow CC writer detailed struck a nerve with me, and I’m sure many of you as well. I completely relate to those crippling fears that totally take me out of the moment. I’ve seriously stopped guys from taking off my skirt because, oh my god, it’s been over a month since my last wax (yes, my insecurity over a little hair outweighed my love of oral). I’ve almost had meltdowns while giving head because I was so worried about my technique.

Eventually, I realized I had to rectify this situation. Sexy time doesn’t have to leave you drowning in self-doubt. There are a few little things you can do to increase your confidence and feel great and sexy.

Find a mantra that sexually empowers you.
It doesn’t matter what it is. It can be something as simple as “I am sexy,” but whatever it is should inspire you. Repeat it to yourself a billion times a day if you have to. Its important to give yourself positive affirmations to counteract all the negative messages we give ourselves or receive from the outside that chip away our self-esteem.

Stop comparing yourself to other people.
There was a time when I couldn’t get in bed with a guy without wondering what his previous partners were like. Was she more aggressive? Was she quieter and daintier? Was she able to give head for hours? Were her boobs bigger? Was her stomach flatter? It was miserable and completely fruitless. You are the person your partner is choosing to be with right now. Not this fictional porn star goddess you’re obsessing over.

Engage your insecurities in battle.
You’re not comfortable at your current weight? Take steps to live a healthier lifestyle. You don’t think you’re pretty? Spend at least 2 minutes a day complimenting the features you do like. It sounds cheeseball, but it totally works. You don’t like the “flaws” you think your body has? When you have the opportunity, get naked and dance. Put on your favorite Britney song and shake it. It might feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but learn to love your body for what it is and what it isn’t. A little jiggle never hurt anyone, your cellulite does not diminish your beauty, and at the end of the day, you are going to be in your body for a very long time. Enjoy it!

Make every hookup a learning experience.
If you’re feeling inadequate about your sexual prowess, get a little feedback from your partner. It’s okay to ask, once, if they like what you’re doing. Your partner will appreciate your selflessness and you’ll either score an awesome compliment or a piece of constructive criticism (emphasis on constructive. If your partner is rude, don’t take it personally. They’re gauche and classless.)

Relax. 
At the end of the day, it’s sex. It’s not rocket science, it’s not neurosurgery, it is not anything remotely life or death. Generally, people go into it just wanting to have a good time and/or get off. Most people don’t expect unattainable perfection from their partners – they just want a mutually pleasurable experience. Generally, no one is ever as critical of us as we are of ourselves.

You encounter a lot of enemies in your lifetime – backstabbers, draconian bosses,  clumpy mascara, people who don’t know how to walk through a bar without spilling half their drink on your favorite pair of pumps – there’s no reason to add yourself to that list.

You got this, girl.

Alright post-grads, future post-grads, and people who think they are post-grads but are really just thirty-years-old and clinging on to their blissful youth.  For some reason as a post-grad myself, I’ve found it easiest to write about things that depress me.  I guess I just like an excuse to indulge in brownie sundaes nightly. But the truth is, the post-grad life isn’t depressing!  In reality, it’s a beautiful time for all of us to open doors after some have been slammed in our faces.  Think about the power you obtain in that single movement!

But I digress.

When we leave college, we immediately assume we’ve lost so much. And by so much, I mean everything. I’ll be straight up honest with you: when I was in college, I was an annoying, cocky, lady-child (in the best way possible). I think it had something to do with the fact that while I was living the dream, napping intensely during the week, drinking until 3AM, getting in everywhere for free as long as I flashed someone my boobs student ID – basically living like a homeless celebrity – I felt as if nothing could get past me.

College was my own protective placenta of awesomeness; a slice of time when I could bask in everything that was working out for me (i.e. free food, a semi-careless attitude, eating whatever sat in front of me, not worrying about what anyone thought).  I know I’m completely sounding like a cocky a**hole, but college made me feel weirdly confident.  I felt like I could do anything, dream anything and, most importantly, see everything clearly.  Perhaps it was some evolved pair of college beer goggles, but I saw everything without any glitches, scratches or worries.  I knew that by the end of the semester I would have survived somehow and I could look forward to a fresh slate in January.

When I graduated, though, I lost that college invincibility factor.  I was no longer sitting on the top of the world or starring in my own personal Fantasia movie, controlling whatever I wanted with my ‘I-don’t-give-a-sh*t’ magic wand.  I was sitting in a world engulfed by people who would not adhere to me, who wouldn’t pay my loans and who didn’t give a rat’s about how entirely awesome I was at college.

I tried to get back in touch with that ‘amazingness’ factor for so long but couldn’t find it because I didn’t have college to back me up.  I didn’t have all my friends constantly telling me how fun the weekend had been. I didn’t have professors praising me for joining clubs on campus. I didn’t have parents patting my back when I made it on the Dean’s List or did well on a test.  I left college and suddenly, an amazing, satisfying life was entirely up to me. I no longer had college to define what was happening. I needed to define this new life myself.

Well, that’s scary…

…And the soul reason why I think everyone should keep a piece of that college cockiness within them (in good measure, of course) as a post-grad and hold it close to their heart.  Many people view cockiness as a negative quality, but I believe cockiness can be turned into an element of confidence that helps us get by. Especially when we’re facing the unknown head-on. We don’t need to shove cockiness in other’s faces (i.e. make YouTube videos where we talk about how amazing we are and how our bodies are fueled with Tiger Blood); we can simply remind ourselves of our personal greatness (because we’ve all got it, girls, even if it doesn’t feel like it right about now) and use it to believe in ourselves and push ourselves forward.

In college, I believed I could do anything I wanted, from acing a class to bonging 2 beers in one funnel. As a post-grad, I continually want to believe I can do anything.  I want to feel invincible.  And I don’t want to have to chug a few shots of liquid courage to get there. (Trust me – drinking just isn’t as easy when you’re out of college. Sad face.) That is when I channel my inner cocky college girl. I don’t need my friends or parents or teachers to back me up here; I got everything I need to kick ass out here and take some names (and numbers. Call me, boys!). I’m an adult, dammit. A woman. I learned everything I need to know about my profession and have the skills I need to be successful out here.

I know it now, so I’m lifting my head up and forging on.

I used to just be really good at college, but now I’ve got a whole new list of things to feel good about. Watch out, world – cocky bitch comin’ through.

So I decided to show you how I really look without anything on my face.

I also wanted to do a Quick & Dirty Review of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which is AMAZING. If you can only buy one product for your face, this is the one you have to get!

If you have any of your own skincare tips, leave them below; we’re a community and we need to help each other out! And, as always, leave your suggestions for what you want to see on CC Beauty Live!!

[Got a Dude itch you just can’t scratch? Sick of getting the pity-eyes as you sift through the Self-Help section at your campus bookstore? Over wondering what those boys are thinking?  We got your back, girlfriend. Send your question over to askthedude@collegecandy.com. The Dude won’t sugarcoat it, beat around the bush, or any other weird cliche that means lie to you. Like a nice, juicy hot dog, he’ll be 100% real beef, 100% of the time.  So bring it on, ladies.]

Dear Dude,
Without sounding conceited, I’m smart, funny, pretty and I’ve got an hourglass figure. My problem is that I’ve got a whole lot of personality and apparently I’m intimidating to guys. Whenever I go to parties, I get hit on but it never goes anywhere because although I act really outgoing, I’m secretly shy when it comes to guys and, ironically, I am attracted to guys who are also shy.

None of my friends would believe it, but I can’t for the life of me ever think of what to say to a guy. I’ve tried visualizing them as girls, but it never works, I just can’t get comfortable around them. Part of my problem is that my best friend, who I’ve known since I was a kid, is gay, but I didn’t figure that out until recently. When we hang out together, it’s like we’re two girls. Now every time I’m with a guy, I expect it to be the same level of ease, but it never is. Even with my guy friends, I’m not at ease and would never call them to hang out alone.

Can you think of anything to help me out? I’m getting desperate here.

Thanks,
Tongue Tied.

P.S. I always find out their interests and steer the conversation onto that topic, but I still can’t seem to make anything of the flirtatious encounters. 

Dear Tongue Tied,

Shyness is a debilitating condition. I’ve been a recovering SST (shy silent type) my entire life. Fear not though all you fellow sufferers, there is a cure.

Confidence is key Starting the conversation is the scariest part of the process. We’re terrified of rejection. We feel like we have nothing to contribute. Part of the fuel for shyness is the fear of disapproval. We want to be accepted. Acceptance is approval. Has the chain of logic belted you upside the head yet? To combat the panic attacks, you have to take the pressure off of yourself and look at the situation with a little perspective: “If he/she throws a slushy in my face I’m not going to die, I’m not going to be suddenly rendered mute, I’m not going to run out of people in the world to talk to, and I’ll know this person is a dJ*©#e not worth my time.” If you relax, he’ll relax. Deep breaths, ignore the ringing in your ears, and just say “hi.” You’ve got nothing to lose! Fortunately, Tongue Tied, sounds like you’re already past this stage of rehabilitation. Onward…

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Start up a conversation with everyone (unless he has a John Holmes mustache or is wearing a 70’s disco shirt. If he has both and is paler than Sheamus from the WWE, then seek out the Slayer immediately). Conversation is a skill that has to be developed. You’ll feel embarrassed at first but you’ll find your rhythm. Ask any aspiring artist you know, they’ll explain from painful experience that to survive and thrive you have to thicken your hide to rejection.

One of the things that the painfully shy are prone to do is overcompensate. We go from a vow of silence to rambling like Bob Dylan on Adderall. This can be completely unconscious (to you, not to the other person looking for an escape hatch). By taking over the conversation we come on too strong. This turns people off. Ask questions. When you offer opinions make sure you leave room for discussion. Let him be the leader for a while. The next guy you chat up, gauge if you’re intensity can stand to be dropped a few levels.

A pretty, smart, sexy, funny woman isn’t something guys want to run away from. My intuitive inference is that the problem you’re having is your approach due to your shyness, which stems from years of reinforced fear of rejection. You’ve got to take the pressure off yourself to impress. You’re goal shouldn’t be to “win him over” or “convince” him you’re who he wants. That’s putting your self-worth in his actions and belittling all you’ve got to offer which sounds like A LOT. Remove expectations of approval. Focus on having a good time getting to know him because he interests you. If you approach him relaxed then that will set the tone for everything else.

Next time think: you’re not being graded, he can’t hurt you unless you give him the power to, and there’s always the cute guy that just walked in.

Don’t freak out,
The Inter-Dude

Unless you have an amazing job where you can work in your PJs, you’re going to need to update your wardrobe with some real people clothes (that don’t permanently smell of pizza and beer, no matter how many times you wash them).

I, for example, currently own one pair of nice slacks and two dress shirts. And because of all that pizza and beer, they don’t exactly fit as well as they used to. Looks like it’s time to update my closest. But like most college students, I’m not exactly rolling in the dough and can’t exactly afford to buy an entire new wardrobe.

So as per usual when I need some real life advice, I sought out my go-to career hero, president of Hearst Magazine’s Cathie Black. With her work wardrobe guidelines, I’ve compiled a no-nonsense guide to work fashion, complete with tips to help you (and me!) navigate the world of appropriate work wear.

1. Dress for the occasion: Dressing well isn’t about having the most expensive outfit. It’s about knowing what the appropriate clothes are for your place of work, and wearing them with confidence. Obviously you’ll need to dress differently if you’re working in a law firm then if you’re working at a chic indie magazine. But no matter where you work, dress with confidence.

2. Cleavage: Save it for the nightclubs. Nobody at work needs to see your funbags. You can still feel sexy at work, without over-sexing yourself. Pair a form-fitting pencil skirt with a long-sleeve blouse. An outfit like this will still show off your curves, but is still work appropriate!

3. Perfume: Don’t overload potential employers or fellow employees with the Britney Spears Fantasy you bought on sale at Marshall’s. It smells like a baby prostitute. Instead, keep your fragrance simple and fresh or just use a lightly scented lotion.

4. Makeup: Like perfume, keep it fresh and simple. Unless you’re working in an industry that allows a work wardrobe to be a little more creative and free, keep your makeup to neutral colors. Go for the “You think I’m wearing no makeup but I really am” look. Don’t cake on the foundation or try to look like Avril with your eyeliner.

5. Don’t be afraid to use color: Neutrals are great and perfect for a work environment, but don’t be afraid to accessorize your work outfit with a pop of color. Find your power color, aka your color that makes you feel powerful and in charge. For me, it’s coral or an orange-red.

6. Shower. Seriously, shower. You don’t want to show up to work smelling of last night’s festivities or looking like Ke$ha on any given day.

When to splurge: There are certain work pieces every gal needs that should be of good quality, so they can last forever.

A nice blazer: This can be in basic black, grey, or any neutral color. The best part about this piece is you can wear the blazer both day or night. Wear it with slacks and a nice blouse for work, and then switch into a pair of skinny jeans and heels after work and you’re ready for happy hour!

Slacks: At some point or another, you will need to wear a nice pair of slacks. Having a few pairs in neutral colors and the perfect fit can last a long time.

Classic button down: The classic white button down is a work attire staple. Worn with slacks or a pencil skirt, this will make you look refined and professional. But work with skinny jeans and some chunky jewelry, you’ll be ready for some after work festivities.

Black pumps: I don’t know about you, but I’m not the most graceful girl when it comes to heels. I can typically wear a pair for about an hour before I have to take them off. There is no way I could last 9-5 in heels if they weren’t a 100% comfortable fit. So make sure you get a nice pair that is of good quality. Also, Dr. Scholl’s Heel Inserts For Her are a gift from the heavens.

When to save: There are certain closet pieces that you can spend the extra buck on and pieces where you can still shop for at the typical college girl’s favorite store, aka Forever 21.

Basic tees: American Apparel is one of my best friends. Despite its often awkward and super slutty advertisements, they have still mastered the construction of the most comfortable basic t-shirt ever in existence. There is no reason you should be stocking up on C&C basic t-shirts or camisoles for over $50 a pop.

For an even better price but still solid quality, stock up on tons of basic color tees and cardigans at Old Navy.

Work Skirts: H&M will be my homie once I finally get a job. At most of their stores they have a large career-conscious clothes section filled with tons of work skirts, suits, fancy camisoles and blouses. And you don’t have to sacrifice color or high-fashion just because you’re a working woman, as H&M has tons of bright colors in work appropriate cuts and styles.