My Twenty-Twelve Haiku

A new year, a refreshed focus. I’m still on the hunt for a full-time job, and considering that my last interview was two months ago, I really need to restart and bring new life to my search for my out of retail hell.

Minimum wage job,
Is cutting it no longer.
I need benefits.

- Carlo 

 

Missing the “write” things that matter

It’s been four months since I’ve graduated, and while I enjoy this extra free time that I have in my hands, waves of nostalgia and reminiscing have started to become the norm in my post grad life. Yes, my plans and current situation aren’t what I had intended them to be when the prospect, and the reality, of graduation was beginning to settle in. I’m working a part-time retail job asking customers if they’d be interested in opening up a credit card with us; I’m not really on my way to getting one step closer to my Pulitzer with that…

I mean, it’s not to say that I’m completely unhappy with my job situation. I mean, at least I have a job, right?…It’s just that when I visited my college newspaper’s redesigned website, and watching reports by my new reporter crush, Atom Araullo, I missed the days of truly doing what it was that I know that I was meant to do, and most importantly, knowing that what I was doing truly meant something and mattered.

Writing is my outlet. I love it, even if I’ve been in a bad funk about trying to find a job that fits this outlet of mine. There have been times the past couple of months where I questioned whether this was what I really wanted to do with my life, and there was even a brief moment where I felt complacent (ugh) with this retail job. But looking back at what I’ve done in the past year for The Flyer, and all the hard work that we invested into making that newspaper what it is today, I know that I was made for more than just standing at the cash register and helping customers find the right fitting jeans. Sometimes It’s always good to look back at the good things you’ve done, and most importantly, the moments/actions/efforts that have made you come alive to remind yourself of where you should be.

The staples to my life-long uniform

First things first, a preface for this post: After months of looking for a “grown up” job (and striking up very little to no luck thus far), I’ve decided to apply for part-time positions to save up money, especially now since we recently bought a new car, and because the start of my student loan payments is looming closer.

Anyway, I’ve got my second interview at a local clothing store at the mall this week, and it got me thinking of what I would wear. I mean, it isn’t necessarily a corporate position that I’m going for, so business attire would be overkill; jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, on the other hand, would be too casual.

So, I decided to comb through my closet and really pick out a couple of pieces that I know would not only work for the occasion, but are pieces that are mainstays to an outfit that I’d consider wearing for “the rest of my life”; a life-long uniform, per se.

Long Sleeve Button Down: A long-sleeve, striped Oxford button down shirt is hands down one of my favorite garments of clothing, especially because of how you can easily wear it. The cut and fit of a button down is key (or any other piece of clothing, for that matter) and this particular one is from Gap. I’ve had it in my closet since senior of high school and it’s been with me during job interviews, baptisms, presentations for classes and parties, so it’s definitely become a workhorse garment. It’s preppy, timeless and versatile.

Cotton Knit Tie: The main reason I love these types of ties is the fact that they’re skinny and long, which definitely helps my case, since I’m a little on the short side. Pairing this with the Oxford button down is perfect because it coincides with the vertical stripes, thus elongating the torso. Perhaps the other reason why I love this tie so much is because I bought it for twenty-five cents at a local thrift store. After a rigorous steam cleaning, it’s become one of my go-to ties.

 

Dark Wash Denim: A straight cut, dark wash pair of jeans is key for any person’s wardrobe. Wear them out for a party, or dress them up like slacks–that’s what I love about a good pair of dark jeans. One precursor to keep in mind though, is that if you’re going to dress a pair up, keep the wash and treatment simple; absolutely no holes or fraying, and keep the whiskering light. This particular pair is a straight cut and from American Eagle Outfitters.

 

Braided Leather Belt: I’ve had this belt since eighth grade and it’s definitely grown with me as I got better and better at dressing myself (I hope). It’s definitely seen better days; the buckle’s got scratches, the leather’s gotten softer and even has a couple of cuts on the side, sorta like a baseball player’s favorite mitt. But though it’s weathered down, and definitely something I can’t wear with a suit to a more formal job interview, its got character and charm. I know I’ll have a hard time letting it go when it’s down to its last thread.

G.H. Bass Oxfords: In keeping with the preppy/Oxford theme, I found it fitting to wear a pair of classic G.H. Bass Oxford shoes with this look. They’re comfortable, and I really love the construction of the shoe…plus they’re suede! I got pretty lucky with this pair because not only were they were on sale at DSW, I was also able to use a rewards coupon, making this $80 pair of shoes only $21; definitely a proud frugal purchase.

 

All in all, this look is definitely something I’d consider my “life-long uniform.”

Here’s to my interview…