DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend "Stassie" was just laid off from her job as a receptionist at a hair salon. Stassie has been going on job interviews and hasn't heard back from anyone. I think how she presents herself may have something to do with her lack of employment.
Stassie loves to wear neon makeup, and she wakes up hours early to make sure her hair and face are done up to the nines. I love how she takes pride in her appearance, but I don't think potential employers are as accepting of neon yellow eyeliner.
I want to encourage Stassie to try a more natural look for work and then put on her favorite makeup after hours. But I don't want to offend her when I tell her; I just want her to land a job. -- Daily Fake Eyelashes, Cincinnati
DEAR DAILY FAKE EYELASHES: Maybe you can tell her my story: As a young woman, I was committed to working in fashion. When I had the opportunity for a job interview, I traveled from Washington, D.C., to New York City with a couple of outfits for the interview. Thank God, my friend who was helping me out looked at my outfits. One -- my preference -- was high fashion, and included glitz and plenty of makeup. The other was a suit with a simple white shirt and conservative makeup. My friend cautioned me against the runway look, explaining that the job called for professional dress, at least for the interview. She told me to never choose fashion over professional presentation when looking for a job. I wore the suit, and I got the job.
Be frank with your friend. Neon eye makeup is appropriate for the club and fun times, not for work.