Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I recently graduated from college and after spending several months pounding the pavement I (finally!) found a job. The problem is I have to be there by 7:30 AM and its a 45-minute commute from where I live. I've been late a few times already and when I am on time my outfit is noticeably less pulled-together. Do you have any suggestions for ways I can get to work on time and be dressed well?

Signed,

Poor Timing

------------

Dear P.T.,

First and foremost, congratulations on finding a job. Now the goal is to keep said job! To do that you have to have a game plan for managing your time accordingly. Since you're not a morning person, it would be best to move your alarm clock from arms reach and across the room so you won't be tempted to hit snooze from the comfort of your bed. Another suggestion is that instead of an alarm, use the radio setting so you aren't startled awake. Choose a radio program or station that you like to listen to and it can not only serve as your wake-up call, but background noise while you start moving through your morning routine.

Your next task is to plan your outfits out before wearing them. The most common practice of this is to pick your clothes (including accessories) out the night before, but take it a step further. Take the time out of your weekend to pick out a week's worth of outfits and photograph them so you'll spend even less time agonizing over what to wear. You can put a date on the pictures so you'll know the last time you wore what when, but more than that, now you'll have a 'look book' created from your wardrobe that'll come in handy for more than just work.

Also make sure you're getting the right amount of sleep at night. These tips should help you correct any habits inhibiting a good night's rest. And if you really like this job you may want to start saving and planning to move closer to truncate your commute. Now hurry and put these tips into your routine: time is of the essence.

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com