Recently, we profiled some essential gear for men who are graduating from university this year and entering the ‘real world’. This time, we have some suggestions for those of you who are of the female persuasion and in equal need of making a good impression, living out your dreams, and balance the practical while making a bold statement in style.
What did our research turn up? Here are some suggestions.
Little Black Dress
This is a concept that never gets old – so no matter what your tastes may be, you should embrace it. A Little Black Dress is versatile, sexy, and truly an essential piece of any woman’s wardrobe. Wear it to a cocktail party, a dinner date, a friend’s bachelorette party, a museum opening, or many other occasions that you may encounter as an independent adult. For picture purposes, we are showing this one by Alexander McQueen, but what you choose is up to you. www.alexandermcqueen.com
Global Blends Spice Kit
At some point, cooking became associated with antiquated gender roles. But because of the popularity of food shows, making a delicious meal is becoming cool again for contemporary women. So as you graduate from ramen noodles, why not arm yourself with all of the spice essentials? This is a great way to always have a variety of ready-to-go blends on hand so that you can save time and not divert any attention from your career. And it’ll make you look extra cosmopolitan when you have friends or a date over for dinner. www.etsy.com
Macbook Air
Offering a slim profile and enough power to run your favorite programs like Mail, Word, and Skype, this little computer by Apple is still the computer to get for those who don’t need to do heavy duty computing. It’s light, which means you can take it to the coffee shop without much effort, lasts for several hours on one charge, and is cute enough to carry around without a case. You’ll have to get an external SuperDrive to play/burn DVDs and CDs, but otherwise this is a winner. www.apple.com/macbookair
Yoga Kit
Whether you join a pretentious studio or prefer to try it at home, yoga is an approach to exercise that you will inevitably undertake in the real world. But to do it right, you do need some basic tools, like a mat that will act as a buffer between your body and the hard (and dirty) floor. But why stop there? A full kit will be a convenient thing to have if you need to transport your mat and other gear anywhere, or just want to stand out from the crowd with a stylish ensemble. www.gaiam.com
Fragrant Candles
When it comes to your home, keeping it smelling nice and fresh will be crucial to your happiness (and for those around you). And candles are not only a good way to do that, but can also double as a romantic and relaxing way to light your favorite rooms. Just make sure that you don’t put them near any flammables. These Skeem Pure Pillar Candles are a good choice, but what kind of fragrance and look you choose will require your own research. www.anthropologie.com
Weekender Bag
Weekend getaways will become a way of life for you in order to reset from the pressures of daily life. And you’re still too young to be getting all conservative with your luggage, so make sure to pick up fun and casual items like a slim yet spacious weekender bag. We love the ones offered by LeSportsac, because they stick to one reliable shape and give you the option to choose the pattern you like. www.lesportsac.com
Vespa
How do you move around town quickly, without perspiring endlessly into your clothing or potentially breaking a heel or two? On your Vespa, of course. This will be the best way to transport you from home to work to dinner to the grocery store and home again, without missing a beat. And unlike having a car, you won’t ever have to worry about finding enough space to park. www.vespausa.com
