Congrats! You've successfully graduated from college. No longer is it acceptable to dress up as a Cheetah, wear black leggings every day, roll out of bed at 1pm, or drink aggressively on Tuesday nights. Now it's all about briefcases, skirts, 7am alarm clocks, and going on real dates with men who don't wear jerseys 6 days week. You're a badass professional, working in the real world!
And while the glory days of pounding Natty Ice and Barton's Vodka might be over, there is still some room for fun, we promise. You just have to come to the realization that you are no longer in college and fully outfitting your apartment in IKEA furniture and Justin Bieber posters is soooo sophomore year. It's time to upgrade from that sorority shirt to that J-Crew blouse. Here are our top 6 purchases to make when transitioning from the glory days of college to the real world:
This may be a tough pill to swallow. Your letters no longer represent a sign of social status and as comfortable as they might be, it's time to grow up Snow White. Your new and improved wardrobe will need to feature a balance of work appropriate and going out clothes.
Where to start: Check out Gilt, Netaporter, J-Crew, and Zara for affordable and fashionable clothes.
Even if you don't plan on reading them, books make for some sophisticated decorations around your apartment. Additionally, a well-stocked bookshelf can be a great conversation starter when you start having the inevitable classy dinner parties.
Your apartment building may have a gym in it... If so, you're all set! If you aren't so lucky, you're going to want to get a gym membership, preferably at a location within walking distance of your apartment or work. Now that college is over, you're going to want to revert back to a healthy, more balanced lifestyle, and stopping counting the walk to and from the bar as being your "daily workout".
While a life-sized poster of Justin Bieber duct-taped to your bedroom wall probably worked out just fine in college, it's probably time for some new artwork. This will add sophistication and elegance to your apartment.
Where to start: Head over to Pinterest to get inspiration and then either buy online or swing by a local store to find your perfect pieces.
Nothing beats a nice glass or three of wine after a long day on the job. Now imagine if tasty bottles of wine were delivered to your door each month, ensuring you never had an empty glass.
Where to start: Sign up for Club W or The Tasting Room.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) it is no longer acceptable to sleep on the spring mattress that has been passed down to you from Great Aunt Mildred. I know it can be tough to leave that college mattress which is filled with fond memories, but it's time for an upgrade. You're a professional now, who needs her beauty sleep in order to crush it at work the next day.
Where to start: Shopping for a good mattress can be confusing, so check out Tuck, a memory foam mattress company that ships an awesome new mattress straight to your doorstep. Don't forget to use the discount code "MsCareerGirl" for $50 off any order until January 31 st, 2016.
Abbi Gabasa is the Managing Editor of MsCareerGirl.com and owner of UpraisedLiving.com. Having the background of a Marketing and Public Relations Manager with years of professional experience in various industries has given her an insightful perspective on careers, lifestyles, relationships, and attitudes which she humorously applies in helping people through her writing. Abbi is a training life coach, and an advocate of children's charities, women empowerment, optimistic thinking, and slow Sundays. A self-confessed Jane of all trades, she hopes to help girls all over the world find their calling and pursue their passions.
