BE A BOSS The Tailour Intern Guide
SUMMER 2013 A chic handbook for the savvy intern
Tailour.com
S
o you’ve spent the last year stressing over finding the perfect job or internship, and now that you’ve nailed that, time to relax, right? Hardly. If you are anything like us, once we got the job, we had even more questions:
How can I make a great first impression? What do I need to do to guarantee I get a full-time offer or don’t mess up if this is a full-time job? And, the seemingly most stressful question: What do I wear? We’ve been there. We each spent our post-college days trying to figure out our career paths, testing interesting jobs (designing special events for Lauren and a stint working on getting Rock Band into bars for Chrissie) and learning what to wear along the way. We started Tailour to redefine workplace fashion by solving two frustrations we’ve personally experienced: 1) work clothes never seem to fit your body shape, and 2) you never want to be seen in your work clothes outside the office. With Tailour, we’ve designed our collection around different body shapes: a “work dress” for a pear shape should inherently be designed differently than one for someone whose body is straight. Along the way, we’ve combined Chrissie’s business experience with Lauren’s fashion instincts to create a collection that can live beyond the end of the workday. We’re excited to share our first intern guide with you and hope you find the advice helpful in your summer or post-college adventure. We’ve posed your most pressing questions to some of our most successful friends and customers, providing you with a guide for the summer and beyond. For us, this is a natural extension of Tailour’s mission to empower young professionals to look and feel their best in the workplace and beyond.
Chrissie and Lauren
Tailour Co-Founders
CONTENTS 06 WORK SMART - INTERN INSIGHTS 8 10 12 14
Setting Firm Goals The First Impression The Extra Mile Internship to Full-Time Job
16 Dress Chic - Workday Wardrobes 18 19 20 21
Business Formal Casual Creative Fashion
22 Play In Style - City Hotspots 24 25 26 27
New York City Chicago Washington, D.C. San Francisco
INTERN INSIGHTS
SETTING FIRM GOALS What tips would you give an intern to help her set reasonable goals?
Break your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Studies have shown that this approach helps you actually accomplish them, because the sense of pride as you accomplish step after step keeps you on track. Also, if you feel you have a mentor at your internship, ask for her advice. People love getting questions, and she may think of things you wouldn’t. -Holley, Los Angeles, Law
Why is goal-setting important for summer interns?
Internships are actually really short experiences, so you want to go in with a mentality to maximize! Everyone (you and your employer) will get more out of the experience if you have realistic expectations that encourage growth and development in specific ways. Plus, by setting goals for yourself, you will better understand how to manage your own time. -Jen, Philadelphia, Apparel & Retail
WHaT are soMe PraCTiCal Goals THaT a suMMer inTern Can seT For HerselF?
Turn in your work early. Proofread, proofread, proofread; make sure you never turn something in with a spelling mistake. Try to eat lunch with at least one new person at the company each week. -Lisa, Los Angeles, Entertainment
THE first Impression How much does clothing/attire matter when it comes to making a good first impression?
In my experience, the number one rule of your work attire is that you don’t particularly want to be remembered for anything. My go-to is the “three item” rule—if you are wearing at least three items (skirt, blouse, blazer—dress, cardigan, belt—skirt, top, tights, etc.), you’re probably going to look pretty put together and decrease the odds that there will be too much skin showing (or that you’ll be freezing in the office!). -Megan, NYC, Law
HOW CAN AN INTERN LEAVE A MARK IN JUST ONE SUMMER?
Meet as many people as possible to learn more about your employer and industry—you can meet them over lunch or during coffee breaks. If you aim to meet with 1-2 new people per week, that’s 4-8 people per month! You can learn about other divisions you may want to work in, get smarter about how the company works, and, if you make a good impression, they may be an advocate to increase your odds of getting a full-time offer or future recommendations. -Lisa, Entertainment, Los Angeles
What are some ways that an intern can make a stellar first impression?
One of the best things an intern can do is have a positive attitude and be willing to help with anything! Often times, this may mean that you are working longer hours or doing work that you may feel “overqualified” for, but this can really go a long way helping you build relationships and make yourself visible for other opportunities. -Melanie, NYC, Finance/Consulting
The Extra mile What REALLY MAKES AN INTERN STAND OUT ABOVE THE REST?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—your boss might assume you know the workday starts at 8:00 a.m., but if you don’t ask what time you are expected to be at your desk and waltz in at 9:45, that’s not going to impress anyone. Same thing goes for when you are getting work—it will never hurt to ask the person assigning you a task how they’d prefer for it to be executed (do they want a 100-page dissertation, a simple email paragraph, a PowerPoint presentation?). -Megan, NYC, Law
Why should an intern go “the extra mile”?
Interns should go the extra mile for many reasons. Some of the most important are: 1.) Interns have a limited amount of time to prove themselves—go the extra mile to show how hard-working and interested you are. 2.) Organizations usually invest time and resources into training interns—go the extra mile to show your appreciation. -Swarna, NYC, Technology
What are some ways that an intern can go above and beyond?
Have some side projects that are meaningful to your manager. In my own experience, summer internships are difficult to micromanage (as the manager typically already has a lot on his/her plate), so being able to make productive use of your time without constant input is key. -Jen, Philadelphia, Apparel & Retail
Internship to full-time job When should an intern APPROACH A company about a full-time opportunity?
What should an intern do if she wants to turn her position into a full-time job?
It’s best to broach the topic with your superior in the middle of the internship. You should take the initiative to schedule time with your superior to check in on how you’re doing, and you can bring up the topic in that conversation. Then he/she can work on figuring out whether there is a place for you before you leave. If the company can’t make a decision, keep in touch with your superior—check in every couple of months. -Ashley, Chicago, Strategy
Do a great job first and foremost. Tell the company you loved the experience. Then, be explicit and just ask the question directly, “Will there be opportunities for me to join the company full-time?” Then, stay on the radar. When you’re back at school, there’s a risk you can be out of sight, out of mind. Stop by to visit. Email with your colleagues. Engage on social media. Act like you’re still part of the team even when you’re back on campus. -Entrepreneur, NYC
How can an intern network with individuals in executive/ management positions at a company?
Executives understand that interns want to learn more about the company and will often try to be available. See if someone you work with can introduce you and set up a conversation. Alternatively, find out what an individual is working on and see if there are ways that you can get involved. -Swarna, NYC, Technology
WORKDAY wardrobeS
Business Formal Tailour’s Montana+Kinney Dress
1. Tailour Montana+Kinney Dress, tailour.com 2. J. Crew Golden Knot Earrings, jcrew.com 3. Nixon Time Teller, nixon.com 4. Warby Parker Crosby Revolver Frames, warbyparker.com 5. Givenchy Pandora iPad Cover, barneys.com 6. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel, barneys.com 7. Banana Republic Skinny Belt, bananarepublic.com 8. Barneys New York CO-OP Harper Pumps, barneys.com
CASUAL
Tailour’s Melrose+Olive Dress
1. Tailour Melrose+Olive Dress, tailour.com 2. Karen Walker Eyewear Helter Skelter Sunglasses, gargyle.com 3. Kendra Scott Sky Earrings, kendrascott.com 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Goodbye Columbus Colorblock Bentley Tote, shopbop.com 5. Lemlem Dehina Beehive Cotton-Blend Voile Scarf, net-a-porter.com 6. Jenni Kayne Leather D’Orsay Flat, jennikayne.com 7. Stitch & Hammer Stud Wallet/Pencil Case, stitchandhammer.com.com
Creative Tailour’s Franklin+Rosewood Dress
1. Tailour Franklin+Rosewood Dress, tailour.com 2. Illesteva Peto Optical Frames, illesteva.com 3. Tom Binns Splash-Out Shawl, farfetch.com 4. Cambridge Satchel Company Canary Yellow Satchel, asos.com 5. Moleskine Large Notebook, paperhaus.com 6. Zara Soft Slipper with Edging, zara.com 7. Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag, rebeccaminkoff.com
FASHION Tailour’s Melrose+Kinney Dress
1. Tailour Melrose+Kinney Dress, tailour.com 2. Elizabeth & James Puck’s Garden Mushroom Post Earrings, shopbop.com 3. Michael Kors Ladies’ Runway Goldtone Watch, lordandtaylor.com 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Stick Necklace, shopbop.com 5. Nicholas Roxanne Thin Gold Plate Belt, shopbop.com 6. Graphic Image Foldover iPad Case, katespaperie.com 7. Alexander Wang Lovisa Pumps, forwardforward. com 8. Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Large Leather Shopper, net-aporter.com
CITY hotspots
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New York City 01 Lunch
02 Happy Hour
03 Brunch
Shake Shack Treat yourself to a lunch outdoors! The original Shake Shack is the perfect spot to grab a burger in NYC.
230 Fifth This classic rooftop bar always has a place for young professionals in NYC. Sip a few drinks while enjoying one of the best views of the city.
The Marrow While in NYC, you must check out this West Village brunch spot. Trust us—you’ll want to try just about everything on the menu!
Southeast corner of Madison Square Park New York, NY 10010
230 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10001
99 Bank St. New York, NY 10014
Photo Credits: Shake Shack - Esto Photographics / 230-fifth.com / Noah Fecks / Franks ‘N’ Dawgs / Clayton Hauck / Anthony Tahlier
CHICAGO 04 Lunch
05 Happy Hour
06 Brunch
Franks ‘N’ Dawgs Spend your lunch hour at Franks ‘N’ Dawgs. Their gourmet hot dogs are downright amazing!
Longman & Eagle We’re huge fans of the seasonal craft cocktails at Longman & Eagle. Stop by with a few co-workers to wind down at day’s end.
Lula Café Savor the weekend with a serving of Lula Café’s scrumptious French toast. Lula offers the best brunch in the Windy City.
1863 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
2657 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647
WASHINGTON, D.C. 07 Lunch
08 Happy Hour
09 Brunch
Oyamel Looking for a spot to take co-workers for a sit-down lunch? Oyamel gets our vote. Also, stop by after work for a margarita or two!
Edgar Bar and Kitchen D.C.’s Dupont Circle area is the place to be after five. Visit Edgar Bar and Kitchen to enjoy champagne served in chic vintage glassware.
Founding Farmers Be sure to visit this farm-to-table eatery while in D.C. Founding Farmers’ extensive brunch menu tops our list.
401 Seventh St. NW Washington, D.C. 20004
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20036
1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20006
Photo Credits: Greg Powers & Audrey Crewe / Edgarbarandkitchen.com / Founding Farmers / Twitter.com/sentinelspecial / 620-jones.com / Miss
SAN FRANCISCO 10 Lunch
11 Happy Hour
12 Brunch
The Sentinel You won’t find any boring sandwiches at The Sentinel. Instead, enjoy handcrafted perfection all wrapped up in butcher paper.
Jones Bar This trendy rooftop bar is the perfect after-five spot. Enjoy drinks long after the sun goes down.
Mission Beach Café This restaurant has the best fresh and seasonal brunch menu in town. Its New American cuisine will keep you coming back all summer.
37 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105
620 Jones St. San Francisco, CA 94102
198 Guerrero St. San Francisco, CA 94103
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