Summer means vacation for school children and certainly a time to spend lazing around the house or the beach in shorts and cool and comfortable summer tees and tank tops to counter the rising temperature.  But for those in their business suits, you wonder whether you will ever feel as cool as these kids and if it’s possible to make your business casual as casual as can be.

Some may think that it’s okay to take a vacation from professionalism just like these kids take time off their school uniforms. Wrong! No matter how warm the weather is, there is no reason to take time off your business clothes and despite feeling like you are wearing a suit of armor instead of a business suit, you can still make a strong statement in the workplace. Taking a vacation from professionalism by coming to the office in shorts or tank tops sends a message to your boss and clients that you are not fully engaged with your job. It would seem to others that you would rather be lounging at home than doing your job, especially if you are the only one wearing it. According to the experts, 82% of human resources professionals believe that the way you dress affects your place at work.

Even if your office practices the “casual Friday” policy for the summer, it is important to know what constitutes summer business casual. It is everybody’s responsibility to know what she or he can and cannot wear even when their office relaxes their dress code over the summer. If you are just starting your career it would be important to understand the company’s policy for summer office attire. If it is not discussed with you then learn to ask about it rather make the mistake due to ignorance.

People make the mistake when talking about business casual. "You don't want the emphasis placed on the word 'casual' instead of the word 'business’,’” says Sherry Maysonave, author of Casual Power. “Casual could be jeans, sneakers, T-shirts and shorts, whereas business casual is a relaxed version of business dress. It’s how you might dress to go out to a nice dinner on the weekend, not how you would go to the grocery store.” If it’s something that you wear everyday when going to your friends house then that is not business casual.

Women have a bigger problem or challenge in this case because a woman’s business attire is different from social attire and what we often see in fashion are good for social events or parties but not for the workplace. On the other hand, what men wears in a social event or party could also be worn in the office. But certain rules stay the same and that is the less skin showed in a workplace the better it is. Showing off your well-toned bodies in tight-fitting dresses, short-shorts and uber-tight tank tops no matter how trendy, is more appropriate for your free time and not during work hours, no matter what kind of workplace you are in. 

[RH-RH61] - Red House Ladies 3/4-Sleeve Dobby Non-Iron Button-Down Shirt

Each office might have specifics but one cannot go rule with a rule of thumb which is that business casual may include chino trousers; pencil skirts; relaxed button-down shirts; and linen, polo or knitted shirts. And each company has their own rules but there are some fashion statements that both men and women (especially those just starting their careers) should avoid even during summer:

• Revealing attire – mini skirt and plunging necklines or midriff top or sheer dress without the appropriate undergarments.
• Shorts or Capri pants or denim cutoffs (no short-shorts ot super-baggy shorts)
• Sleeveless shirts or tank tops 
• Halter tops, strapless or spaghetti straps
• Sweatpants, jogging suits or any workout attire
• T-shirts with offensive, derogatory or racist slogans or logos
• Flip-flops

Summer is just around the corner and then school starts again after two months. And knowing how kids spend their vacation, it would surely fly so fast. This time around parents will not be surprised by changes because debates with regards to the school uniforms policy have been ongoing for the past months.

The School Boards of the different districts, including Volusia County schools and Bridgeport public schools, have been holding meetings to talk about their final decision. Volusia County School Board members decided against school uniforms and instead decided towards adopting a "moderate" countywide dress code that still gives students leeway in what they wear to class.

Bridgeport public schools has a two-year old school uniform policy and they are thinking of expanding it to include Bassick, Harding and Central high schools. They also have a Technical High School with a school uniform policy for almost three years already. The mandatory school uniform policy was approved by the Board of Education at the April 25th Board of Education. So, starting next fall all registered students in the Bridgeport public school district K-12 will have to wear a uniform. Uniforms are in place in Hartford high schools and have been introduced in some New Haven high schools already.

Dickies Girl's Twill Jumper

Although parents used to be so against the school uniform policy, Malibu High School parents are the primary proponents of instituting high school uniforms requirement for the school. A mother to sixth- and eighth-grade students, Jennifer Denker started the discussion of implementing schools uniforms and approached the school administration with her proposal. The reason why she is proposing a school uniform policy is because of how the kids these days dress up since they are given all the freedom to choose what to wear. She also described the ease some of her friends have who has enrolled their children in private schools where students wear school uniforms. And the positive effects the school uniforms have on the students’ by refocusing their attention to academics instead of fashion.

The idea of mandatory school uniforms at public schools is not new, with the numbers of public schools implementing uniform requirements steadily growing over the years. Both parents and students are divided on whether school uniforms should be mandatory. Those who have found school uniforms to be helpful in its positive effect on student behavior and attitude in the classroom are agreeable to school uniforms policy. Students believe that they would not be able to express their individuality.  They, like those before them, would be able to find ways to individualize and accessorize within the constraints of their school uniforms. Not all students oppose the idea of school uniforms because aside from looking organized and studious, the uniforms kept everyone at one level, with no one standing up because of what they wore. It also helped their parents as they did not need to buy so many clothes.

Experts believe that uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure, and assaults perpetrated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. They also allow some kids to focus better, especially in the lower grades but there will come a time that they will chafe from it as clothes are their form of expression. Strict dress codes, like school uniforms, are not for everybody. So it is important that school districts study the best decision for their students. But once they have decided on it the key to its success is to ensure that the whole school personnel is committed in making the school uniform policy work.

Every graduate thinks that education is all they need to find a good job, think again. While education is crucial to getting a job, not all graduates of any degree land the job that they truly want. Having a diploma, a degree or certificate, is not sufficient enough to get you a job. It is also important that you make a good first impression especially during the interview. This is the time when the company human resource will think whether you are worthy to go another step in the long process of gaining employment.

Not many people know that first impression is not when you start to speak or when you show the person doing the interview how knowledgeable you are or how competent you can be if given the chance. The first impression starts the moment you enter the building and the person doing the interview sees you. It will be in how you look in your corporate apparel , how confident you look, how you react with the people around you and the situation you are in. What few people know is that the time they are waiting outside for the interview also matters. Those who do the interview know that any person who wants to get the job will do everything to impress while on the interview. And the few minutes or hours before the interview is when you show the real you, the time when you are silently observed.

Dressing smartly and appropriately is very important in standing out in a job interview. While you are intellectually prepared for the interview, one must also be dressed for the part. And only few schools, colleges and universities, prepare their students for their entry in the corporate world. While some colleges and universities do that here in the US, some college students are not that lucky. Strathmore University in Kenya makes sure their students are ready to face the corporate world as soon as they get their diplomas. They have a very strict dress code and students are not allowed to wear jeans, tight trousers, sleeveless tops, sneakers and even the latest fashion fads for students. Some students may not agree with this, they may find it very restraining but when they step into the corporate world they would then realize how fortunate they have been.

In the corporate world, professional image is everything and if these students failed to get proper work uniforms sense from the school the task would then fall on the company. Unfortunately for some, not dressing smartly from the onset could create a huge difference in getting the job. Companies know that sloppy and poor dress sense could mean or translate to poor and sloppy workmanship. The fastidiousness that you give to the way you wear your corporate uniforms would also mean the same care you give to how you work.

Even before the global crises, there have been moms who have opted to stay home. Their decision stemmed from the fact that one of the parents needed or wanted to be there for their children. Before the internet boom, they would have been busy with other household chores. The internet has changed a lot of things because those who wanted to stay home were given opportunities to still earn a living.

Aside from the fact that they are able to take care of their children, home based or stay-at-home moms were able to enjoy the fact that they need not ready themselves, wear their work uniforms, and struggle with a 30-minute commute to the office or brave the horrendous traffic. They can simply wake up, take care of the kids, finish their chores and do their work at home. And so several work came out in the market such as freelance writing, blogging, affiliate marketing and many more. And even those who were working fulltime in the office resigned from their work when they realized that they could earn work even when at home because of technology and the internet. Though some thought working home based is simply a hobby, worse, some thinks it is a job meant for those who do not have a successful career.

When the global crisis happened, some felt the big effect when they lost their jobs when their companies downsized. And so they turned to some work in the internet which they thought were simply hobbies for some. Usually, those who have worked all their lives for some company had a hard time adjusting and adapting. For some who are still struggling with the change and you feel that there is a need to look good or feel that you are in a working environment, then go ahead and wear a corporate polo shirt or any corporate apparel that makes you feel more professional.

Nowadays, you can also have a career when you stay-home for your children. Yes, it still needs a lot of balancing act but at least one has better options. It may not pay as big as your previous jobs or career but it is better than not having a job at all.  One has to be really careful about finding legitimate and profitable jobs online because there are also a lot of scams. There are now so may careers that can be had even when you are home based.

Home-based Call Center
While call centers is known to be outsourced to India and the Philippines, a growing trend is home-based call centers in the US itself, manned by stay-home moms. Call center workers can either be doing sales or customer service, or even technical support, for the company that hires them. For this kind of charge, they sometimes require that you set an office or a room where you can work in. Companies usually require that there are no audible distractions like a baby crying or a barking dog and they do interviews to test it. Also, they also require high-speed internet, and a good working computer, phone line, good quality headset and sometimes even cams.

Virtual Assistant
Wikipedia defines virtual assistant as an entrepreneur or independent contractors who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance and support to clients from a remote location, either their home or office. The work can be customized depending on what the customer needs. They are independent contractors rather than employees so they will not be subject to the tax as well as benefits of a regular employee.     It is the perfect solution for when one needs a solution for an ongoing help but do not need a full-time employee. Virtual assistants function the same way as personal and executive assistants without the burden of a commute, high heels and corporate clothing.

Web Design, SEO Specialist and Other Technical Jobs
If you are computer savvy and have the basic knowledge on the way a website is set-up and optimized then you can look for jobs that need this kind of expertise. Web design is a collection of online content, both documents and applications, which reside on a Web server. And with so many people needing specialized and technical work such as these, then they can use your services. You can start by bidding on Odesk or other marketplace of online jobs. If you do a good job, then you can expect more clients to choose you or even ask you to work permanently for them or give you more tasks.

Tutoring Service
If you have a specific skill or a teacher who wants to make take additional work, you can offer tutoring services. You can make a website to advertise your skills, whether it is tutor kids in various academic subjects or to teach adults how to use a computer or any specific skill. If you know several languages and you can also teach anyone interested to learn another language.

Set Up Your Own Business
Before there was eBay, people would scour thrift shops and flea markets for antique treasures. Now it’s easier to find these things with eBay. If you want to earn additional income, you can sell or auction on eBay and other marketplace. Just make sure that you follow through very well so that you do not get negative feedback from customers which can ultimately destroy your business.

The different works stated above are just few of several things you can do online. It would be best to look for something that you are very interested in, a hobby or a skill. Also, remember that just like any other career it is not easy but if you are patient then you will go a long way. A career at home is a way to build on your interest and skill while at the same time fulfilling your need to be available for your children, which takes precedence. There are a lot of pros and cons so it is a must that you make a thorough research, including tax obligations. And if you are married, this is something that you both should talk about before venturing into it. But for someone who has lost their job, there is simply a lot of ways to forge a new path in your life if you are ready for it.

There are now a quite number of fashionable styles in medical scrubs. No longer are nurse and other medical and health practitioners’ limited to their nurses’ whites. There are students who hate wearing the starchy white school uniforms required while they are studying especially during clinical. They have something to forward to as these days nursing scrubs are available in different styles, colors and sizes.

There are two ways to distinguish the styles, either based on the waistline or in the neckline. Finding the right medical scrub for yourself based on the neckline depends on your natural features. It frames your shoulders, neck and face and can affect the apparent width, height and angularity of the wearer. Here are some of the styles of medical and nursing scrubs that no longer look like scrub uniforms, come to think of it.

Basic Styles of Medical Scrubs based on Neckline
V-Neck Nursing Scrubs
The most basic scrub style is the V-neck. It can be worn by both men and women nurses. The V-neck style is formed by diagonal lines that meet on the chest that creates the letter V shape. It is said that a shirt neck and face will appear lengthened with vertical lines such as the diagonal lines of a V-neck styled nursing scrub.

Example of a V-neck Nursing Scrub is the unisex CH-1777 from Cherokee scrubs which has a single chest pocket and dolman sleeves and available at a very reasonable price.

Another is AD-601, the classic V-neck tunic from Adar, which is made with superior poplin fabric and available in 31 colors.

Both these styles are uber comfortable and best of all available in less than $10.

Square Neck Nursing Scrubs
Square neck literally forms the square-shaped frame around your collarbone. It is said that square necks are flattering on every body shape and size. It can also provide a stylish frame to the décolletage without revealing a lot of skin, especially the cleavage.

Cherokee scrubs are some of the most popular medical scrubs on all online stores. This fine example of square neck nursing scrub CH-2949 comes from Cherokee again.

This example of a square neck medical scrub CH-2695 is not so basic but more fashionable with a delicate soutache neck trim and front shirring.

Round Neck Nursing Scrubs
The neckline more often seen on T-shirts is also called jewel neckline. It has a circular or round neckline that sits at the base of the throat. This type of neckline is said to balance long faces.

Far from being common with round neckline, the Landau scrubs are made more feminine because of the raglan sleeves with soft shirring at the shoulders and back darts that flatters the curves.

Scoop Neck Nursing Scrubs
This neckline style has a curved U shape, or a concave up, where the depth of the U can vary from demure styles to plunging that shows a lot of skin.

The antimicrobial nursing scrubs of Landau (LA-8162) has a scoop neckline.

This Cherokee scrubs is a stylish type of scrub top form in a U shape neckline that shows shirring at the front for a truly unique and dainty look.

Sweetheart Neck Nursing Scrubs
I consider this neckline ultra-feminine. It is said that neckline with curves certainly makes an angular face softer. The neckline has curved edges, not linear, that is concave down. It has scallops and the curved edges meet on the neck which resembles the top part of the heart. So, it really has more curves than the usual necklines which are usually one continuous line.

Uniforms for companies and organizations are important. It gives one an impression of organization, competence and professionalism. It also distinguishes them from other people who are not part of their organization. Take the case of policemen, they become more effective in doing their job because they are wearing their police uniforms and people are able to approach them because they are distinct and identifiable from other people. At the same time, the police men are more confident about what they are doing because once they don their work uniforms they know what they need to do.

Wearing uniforms simply because you have to is not enough. Keeping your uniforms and work clothes in its most professional standard creates a positive impression on anybody. Although people in one office might wear the same work uniforms, some may fail to impress their boss or the customers because of a sloppy and unkempt look that will most likely turn-off even colleagues. People will see and perceive you differently if you keep your work uniform above the substandard appearance.

No matter where you work it is clearly important that you keep and maintain your work uniforms and other work clothes in order that it will keep for longer use. A clean work uniform, whether a hotel uniform, nurse uniforms or corporate uniforms, keeps one looking properly groomed and present a more professional look. Taking care of your work uniform is not a difficult responsibility. Although some industries and companies have their own laundry service to ensure proper care of uniforms, some though need to do it on their own. Here are some guidelines when laundering your work clothes or your scrubs, such as Cherokee scrubs or Landau scrubs:

• Rinse work clothes first in cold water to get rid of large amounts of caked on solids or large debris in pre-wash to keep it from circulating throughout the wash.
• Wash your uniforms in hot or warm water to remove any minor stains and kill bacteria.
• Separate any white uniform shirts from any colored uniforms, especially if colors bleed, as it will stain other items in the wash.
• Tumble-dry your work uniforms for at least 30 minutes as it helps destroy micro-organisms. Although some would suggest hang dying uniforms to ensure less wrinkles. If your job does not involve possible contaminants then hang dry if you like, you not only conserve energy but also helps preserve your work clothes.
• Iron your work uniforms. Heat from the iron also helps lower pathogens. Aside from that, uniforms that are wrinkled look less professional and would give the impression of laziness and carelessness. Just make sure of the proper iron temperature setting for your uniform or the fabric of your work clothes.
• If your work uniforms have developed odor, use ¼ - ½ cup of vinegar to eliminate odor.
• Use starch if your work uniforms wrinkle easily.
• Try color brightener or white wash to keep your work clothes looking bright and sharp.

The best way to maintain your uniform will depend on the fabric. Thus, it is best if you know the fabric or blend of your work clothes.
Cotton uniforms: Cold wash by hand or with machine. Hang dry.
Wool uniforms: Dry clean or wash by hand. Hang dry. Never machine wash.
Leather shoes: Brush off dirt when it dries, wipe with damp cloth, oil and polish as needed.

For workwear and industrial uniforms:
Read and follow the care instructions carefully that is stated on your uniform, such as Red Kap uniforms, or the care for the fabric of your uniform.
Laundry Care Instructions for Non Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165°
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
Dry Clean Only – Professional Dry Cleaning

Laundry Care Instructions for Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165ºF
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
 
Important Notice:  
Do not use detergents with Bleach.
Do not use detergents that contain Animal Fat.
Do not use Chlorine Bleach
Do not use Fabric Softeners or Dryer Sheets.

High Visibility Flame Resistant Uniforms are most of the time laundered by the company to ensure proper washing off especially when stained with contaminants or toxins. But in case it is home washed make sure that:

• Wash separately in a Normal or Cotton cycle at any water temperature up to a maximum of 140ºF (60ºC). You can use any typical home laundry detergent except those that contain bleach and animal fat.
• Do not use chlorine bleach or liquid nonchlorine bleach. Repeated chlorine bleaching can ruin the FR polymer.
• Turn garments inside out before wash to reduce streaking from abrasion. Fill the washer no more than 2/3 full and use high water level.
• It is important that all soils and other contaminants are completely removed from garments during the wash process. This may require the use of stain removal products or presoaking garments prior to washing. The use of hot water can often make detergents more effective in the removal of soils. If all contaminants cannot be removed in home care, garments should be brought to the dry cleaner.
• The use of conditioned or soft water can help improve removal of contaminants from garments. Hard water precipitates soaps and can result in the build-up of calcium and magnesium salts. These can serve as fuel in the event they are exposed to a source of ignition.
• Starch, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives are not recommended because they can coat fibers and mask Flame Resistance performance, or serve as fuel in case of garment ignition.
• Do not over dry garments. If desired, you may press with an iron on the Permanent Press/Low setting.
  
• Dry cleaning is recommended if garments are heavily soiled with oil or grease, dry cleaning is recommended because this is more effective in removing these type contaminants.

Care for your work uniforms may seem like a lot of effort, but you will realize it is worth the effort once you make the impression on your boss as it shows you take pride in your work.

In April and May there were several some states who decided to cut or make a slash from the education budget. Though the federal government has increased its contribution around the country, it is not enough to get the states out of its financial problems. In concession to this budget cuts, some schools were forced to make school district reforms which may or may not be good for the school. Experts are divided in this where some say it will be good for the education system which has become bloated and inefficient due to the availability of financial support. While some say it would be detrimental to the education and devastate schools, making do with larger classes and programs in the arts and physical education might be the first to be shelved as well as advanced classes.

These budget cut will not be felt outright but the bigger effect would be felt more a year or 2 from now. For those schools with standing physical education and sports programs, the best thing to do would be to make do with what you currently have. If the option to continue with the program comes with a no-buy conditions then simply recycle old sportswear uniforms. At this point what is important is that the school sports program can continue. But this would also need the support of the different sports teams, the students and the parents.

If there is a need to buy some teamwear, go to online stores that gives discounts on bulk orders as well as provides other deals and discounts. One of the things to look for would be the inexpensive screen printing and embroidery service. This is critical as the new sportswear uniform needs to be embroidered or printed on with the school logo and the number. There are online stores which offer embroidery with no logo set-up fees. This would be a great way to save because digitizing or the set-up fee is the most expensive expense in embroidery, especially if the design or team logo is a bit complex and has several colors.

Uniform Point is one online store which provides different sportswear uniforms at discount prices as well as offers low-cost and professional screen printing and embroidery services. All you need to do is upload your team logo for a no-obligation set-up quote. If you are happy with the quote and you have chosen the item for embroidery, then Uniform Point can process your order. You get more discount as they can give you the bulk pricing for wholesale and bulk orders. Free shipping is also available for order $35 and more. Why not check out the various uniforms we offer and all the discounts and deals you can avail.

Dress code is the unwritten rule of clothing. It is the standard that is set by society that they deem appropriate and thus may vary depending on what is accepted. The dress code signals certain indications which may include the wearer’s gender, income, occupation, social class and many other things. People usually follow the status quo and wear the dress code that is befitting their stature, gender and all other indications. On the other hand there are people who wants to be able to state their own personal stand on what to and what not to wear, defying the status quo for personal or political reasons, or sometimes to appreciate comfort and functionality rather than follow what the rule is.

Unfortunately for some, there are places where one is obliged to follow the existing dress code. It may be the case that the organizations or religious bodies insist on particular dress codes. Examples of these would be military with their military uniforms, schools with their specific school uniforms, or companies where employees are required to wear their corporate uniforms or whatever prevailing work uniforms there are.

Dress codes functions for certain occasions or for certain jobs. And so there are several Western dress codes being followed right now.

Western dress codes
Formal wear
          Formal - Formal wear or formal dress are the terms used for the clothing suitable for formal social events such as wedding, formal dinner, dance or cotillion where men wear white tie and women wear ball gowns. It is typified by black and white garments. In other countries, formal wear would mean the national costume.

          Semi-formal – Less formal than formal wear but often called a black tie where men either wear tuxedo or dinner jacket and women an evening dress.

Informal - Also called International business attire, the informal attire is characterized by a suit and necktie for men. Compared with other dress codes, informal attire is more formal than casual and led formal than semi-formal.  Take note that informal attire should not be confused with smart casual.

Smart casual – Often, said to be interchangeable with business casual with men wearing dress trousers and collared shirts. It is like a casual wear with additional blazer or jacket to make it smart casual.

Business casual - In the work place, there has been a major shift in the dress code from formal clothes such as shirt, necktie and suit. In the 1950s, business clothes for men and women were clearly differentiated with what was appropriate and acceptable for each gender. Nowadays, corporate uniform styles have merged such as that women can now wear suits as well as pants in addition to the usual dresses, skirts, and blouses that have been their accepted dress code.

With the advent of information technology companies in the Silicon Valley, informal clothes have now entered the work place which started what we now call the business casual which Monster.com defines as: In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. According to employment counseling experts, business casual is the middle ground between business formal wear and street wear. The acceptable business casual consists of:
•    for women: a skirt of reasonable length or trousers combined with dress shirt, polo or sweater set or an informal dress with appropriate length.
•    For men: A pair of collared shirt (dress shirt or polo shirt) and khakis or dress jeans with belt and dress shoes such as loafers. Blazers or business jackets are optional. Jeans are generally not accepted in workplaces but then some entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley like Steve Jobs are often seen in jeans and dress shirt, but then again who can question a boss if he wears blue jeans?
•    It should be noted despite the relaxed look of the business casual, there are some unacceptable attire such as gym clothes, mini-skirts, revealing attire, flipflops, rumpled or ripped clothing.

Active attire – Clothing used for sports and physical exercises such as track suits, shorts, t-shirts and rubber shoes or trainers. Sportswear uniforms, teamwear and gym clothes are not acceptable in workplaces. Sportswear is also at times worn as casual fashion clothing or street wear.