Author: Igor

  • How To Style Women’s Work Shirts For A Professional Look

    If you’re a woman working in a corporate setting, you probably know the importance of looking put together. But sometimes, the same, old workwear can be boring.  

    Thankfully, with some creativity, you can style your work shirts to add personality while maintaining a professional look. No more settling for boring outfits that make you feel uninspired!  

    So, if you’re ready to revamp your work wardrobe and make a statement with your shirts, keep reading. In this blog, you’ll find eight ideas that will help you achieve your desired polished appearance. Start here: 

    Clothing on hanger at the modern shop boutique

    1. Stick to Neutral Colours

     

    When it comes to work shirts, it’s best to stick to neutral hues, including: 

     

    • White  

     

    The use of white in work shirts has always been a symbol of professionalism, as it complements any colour or pattern. Whether you opt for a crisp white button-down shirt or a flowy white blouse, you can never go wrong with this staple.  

     

    • Black   

     

    Another versatile colour that adds sophistication to any outfit is black. A black work shirt can be easily paired with tailored pants or jeans, perfect for that casual Friday look.  

     

    • Gray   

     

    Gray is a subtle, understated colour that can still make a statement. It matches various complementary colours and is a great alternative to black or white. 

     

    • Navy Blue   

     

    Navy blue adds some colour to your work wardrobe. It’s a subdued alternative to bold colours and is still considered professional. You can pair a navy blue work shirt with khaki pants or a patterned skirt for a polished look. 

    You can find work shirts in these colours at nearby clothing stores or on the internet. For online shopping, just search ‘Shop Women’s Work Shirts’ on search engines and explore a plethora of chic choices. 

    2. Choose a Well-Fitting Work Shirt

     

    One of the most essential factors to consider when styling a work shirt is the fit. Ill-fitting clothing can quickly ruin an otherwise polished look. 

    When choosing a work shirt, prioritise finding the right fit that neither constricts nor overwhelms your body shape. The key is to strike a balance that allows comfortable movement.

    3. Accessorise with a Statement Necklace 

     

    Another way to elevate your work shirt by accessorising. A statement necklace is the perfect addition, bringing personality and visual interest to your outfit by accentuating your neckline.

    Opt for a statement necklace in a colour that complements your work shirt, and watch how it instantly transforms your professional ensemble. For instance, say you’re wearing a plain white button-down shirt. In this case, a bold statement necklace with colourful gemstones can add a pop of sophistication to your outfit.  

    On the other hand, if you opt for a black work shirt, a metallic statement necklace can bring glamour to your look. 

    4. Tuck it in 

     

    One classic, foolproof way to style a work shirt is to tuck it into your bottoms. Whether you’re wearing pants or a skirt, tucking in your shirt creates a clean appearance. 

    To find your preferred style, experiment with different tucking techniques, such as the full tuck or the half-tuck. These accentuate your waistline and give you a streamlined silhouette.  

    5. Roll up the Sleeves

     

    For a more laid-back look, consider rolling up the sleeves of your work shirt. This simple styling tip gives your outfit casual elegance. It’s ideal for those warmer days or if you simply want to switch up your appearance. 

    Just ensure to roll up the sleeves and avoid any wrinkles to maintain a polished appearance. 

    6. Don’t Overdo it on Prints

     

    While adding prints to your work wardrobe can be fun, it’s vital to exercise moderation. Avoid overdoing it on prints, as it can overpower your professional look.   

    Opt for subtle prints or small patterns to bring visual interest without overpowering your outfit. For example, you can choose a work shirt with a delicate pinstripe or a small geometric pattern. 

    7. Add a Blazer or Cardigan 

     

    Upgrade your work shirt with a blazer or cardigan for a touch of sophistication. These outerwear pieces offer both style and practicality.   

    For instance, a well-tailored blazer or a chic cardigan can transform a basic work shirt into a stylish outfit. Picture yourself looking sharper on a business trip with a blazer elegantly draped over you.

    8. Wear with Fitted Pants or a Pencil Skirt  

     

    When it comes to bottoms, fitted pants or a pencil skirt are excellent options to pair with your work shirt. The following are some of your choices:  

     

    • Tailored Trousers  

     

    Visualise how sleek you’ll look in tailored trousers that fit you like a glove. Tailored pants can flatter your figure while maintaining a professional appearance. Pair them with a tucked-in work shirt and some pumps or loafers to complete the look.  

     

    • Pencil Skirt   

     

    The pencil skirt is a timeless fashion essential that remains eternally stylish. It flatters the figure, exudes femininity, and adapts effortlessly to any occasion.

    If you’re bold, opt for a patterned pencil skirt for a playful look. Wear it with a tucked-in work shirt and some heels or flats, depending on your preference. 

    Keep in mind to choose a skirt with a workplace-appropriate length and pair it with your work shirt for an effortlessly chic ensemble. 

    Stepping Up Your Workwear Style

    Ultimately, applying these simple tips to your wardrobe allows you to style your work shirts for a confident look. Remember that the secret to a polished appearance is selecting the right fit and strategically accessorising.

    With the right combination of style and professionalism, you can gracefully rule the workplace. Good luck finding silhouettes and fits that make you feel comfortable at work!

     

  • How to Better Your Future with Working Out

    Leading a sedentary lifestyle is a huge issue in this country and things are only getting worse. It has been estimated that about one in four Americans spend more than eight hours sitting per day and that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the chances of death by more than 70%. This should be alarming to you if you don’t exercise regularly. Humans were made to move. We have only started working inside in offices in the last few decades and our bodies haven’t adapted to this change yet. This is why you need to make exercise part of your routine. Whether you prefer working out alone or in a supportive environment, joining an all women’s gym in Miami can provide the motivation and structure you need. With monitored workouts and strength training for women, you’ll receive personalized fitness to guide you toward your goals. Here’s how you can better your future by working out.  

    Working Out Will Elevate Your Mood

    Working out is not only great if you want to improve your athletic performance or muscle mass. It can also help elevate your mood and ward off the symptoms of depression. Several studies have found that regular exercise is one of the best natural anti-depressants on the planet. A lot of it has to do with the fact that it can boost the body’s serotonin production, and low serotonin is associated with depression cases. Another benefit of exercise is that it increases the level of oxygen in the blood, which can help improve mental clarity, and this could be one of the reasons why exercise works so well for depression.

    The quality and total hours of sleep you are getting plays a vital role in the overall routine of your exercise program, as the better your sleep, the better you recover. One way to improve your sleep is to upgrade your mattress. If your sleep is uncomfortable and you wake up sore, this is something to seriously consider.

    Greater Functional Strength

    A lot of people think that strength and muscle-building training is all about vanity, but being stronger comes with many benefits. Having more core strength will reduce the chances that you suffer from back issues later on, for instance. Having more muscle mass will also allow you to carry heavy loads much easier and for longer distances without fatigue. If you follow a proper strength training routine and add the right foods and supplements to your diet, you might be surprised at how fast you’ll get stronger and how strong you can get. 

    If you want to significantly boost your power and performance, one of the supplements we suggest you check out is turkesterone. Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid which is a type of steroid, but it is actually plant-based and doesn’t have the same side effects, so do your research on it and see if it could work for what you’re trying to accomplish.

    Better Cognitive Function

    As we said earlier, exercise can help boost mental clarity by oxygenating the blood, which can directly affect cognition. But did you know that working out could actually help you grow more neurons and even increase your brain’s size? Multiple types of exercise have been shown to increase neurogenesis including swimming, running, and yoga/meditation. Aerobic exercise has also been shown to increase gray matter. So, if you want to be smarter and get rid of that dreaded mental fog, you should try adding some exercise to your daily routine.

    Keep a Healthy Weight and Ward Off Disease

    One of the most direct benefits of regularly working out is that you’ll be able to shed some pounds and maintain a healthy size. And since excess fat is associated with all sorts of conditions, you’ll be able to prevent them from occurring through working out. You will be less likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and different types of cancers, for instance. You’ll also be less likely to suffer from joint issues and arthritis as well as mental disorders like anxiety.

    As you can see, there are tons of reasons why you should try to get more exercise into your life. Make sure that you at least try to get a few minutes of exercise every day and gradually ramp up your level of activity over time.

  • Do You Need Travel Insurance?

    Travel insurance can often seem like a lot of hassle and paperwork. Booking a holiday is exciting, but can also be difficult when you are working with a budget. So the additional costs of travel insurance, just because something might go wrong, often gets pushed aside. The thought of something going wrong may seem so far out of reach as if it is something that would never happen to you.

    You may look after yourself well while you are on holiday, but unfortunately, you never know when something could go wrong, and travel insurance might just be the lifeline you need. It is therefore important to understand what travel insurance is, and how it can benefit you, to help you make your final decision. 

    Image credit

    What is travel insurance?

    Travel insurance provides you with a layer of protection if something on your holiday doesn’t go as planned. There is a range of different travel insurance policies out there, that can help protect you against a variety of different factors that may go wrong on a holiday, including:

    • Illness
    • Cancellation
    • Injury
    • Delayed departure
    • Missed transport
    • Damaged, stolen, or lost images 

    If you experience any of these unfortunate events while away on holiday, you will have to cover all the costs yourself, including losing your entire holiday if you become ill, which could cost you thousands. If you have sufficient travel insurance, you can save yourself stress, and a lot of money.

    Benefits of travel insurance

    Here are some of the benefits of travel insurance that can help you significantly.

    #1 Cancellation cover

    Imagine how it would feel to have worked hard all year, and saved up for your annual break away in the sun, and you had to cancel it due to an unforeseen circumstance that was out of your control? It would be bad enough knowing you could not go, but how would you feel if you also lost all your hard-earned money? Travel insurance can help you to recover the costs of your holiday. 

    #2 Personal possessions

    Most travel insurance policies will provide cover for certain personal possessions such as the typical items you would carry in your luggage, for example, clothes, shoes, and jewellery, up to a certain value. A policy would cover the items if they have been lost, stolen or damaged.

    #3 Medical expenses 

    In the unfortunate event you or a person you are travelling with becomes ill or injured while you are on holiday, the most important thing is that urgent medical treatment is sought, without any barriers. Travel insurance can be particularly helpful, as it takes away the barrier of finances in this situation. Different countries have different rules and costs associated with medical care, and you don’t want to find yourself in a situation having to pay thousands in medical expenses. 

    #4 Legal expenses

    If you run into any problems while abroad that require legal assistance, for example, someone has hurt you, or you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may find yourself in a lot of debt trying to argue the case. Travel insurance may cover you to obtain legal advice, and cover a certain threshold of costs.

    Travel insurance is vital protection for anyone who may encounter legal problems while away from home. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of death and injury among travellers, and many of those involved in these accidents face high legal costs. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident while travelling, having travel insurance can help you recover some of these costs. Motorcycle Accident Attorney typically charge high fees, and if you cannot pay these fees, you may be forced to settle for less than you deserve. Travel insurance can help cover these costs, allowing you to focus on getting the best possible outcome for your case. In addition, travel insurance can also cover other legal expenses, such as the cost of hiring a private investigator. While no one likes to think about being involved in a legal dispute while travelling, having travel insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected if something happens.

    Each travel insurance provider will have different offerings, so you must ensure your policy covers everything you want and need before you go on holiday.

    Before you buy holiday insurance 

    Make sure you follow these tips before you buy your holiday insurance.

    Figure out what you need

    You can get generic travel insurance policies, but it can be more beneficial to take a little time to figure out what you need and find one that ticks all the right boxes for you. For example, if you are going on a more adventurous holiday and will be participating in activities such as skiing, or watersports, then you are going to require cover for your equipment and medical expenses for those specific sports. You should also consider where you are travelling, as in some places, such as the United States, you may need higher medical cover. Any previous medical conditions should also be considered, as this will impact your cover.

    Shop around

    Before you buy holiday insurance, it is important you shop around to see what different providers are offering and which deals you can get on your insurance, such as those at Netvouchercodes.co.uk, to ensure you are getting the best policy possible. 

    Read the policy

    As tempting as it can be, to just accept the terms and conditions, it is vital that you check the conditions of the policy to cover everything you need it to. For example, some policies don’t cover cruises or may need you to add on things like medical cover, which you won’t know unless you take time to read the policy. 

    Travel insurance is an important part of your holiday.

  • How to Increase Employee Productivity?

    Are your employees productive enough? Instead of blaming the personnel for their low productivity, companies should consider their influence on this aspect. 

    There is a multitude of ways for businesses to increase employee productivity, some of which start at the organizational level. Productivity isn’t about completing tasks faster but conducting them consistently. Chair time has little to do with high performance, unlike the opinion of many employers. 

    Therefore, many countries have become interested in trying alternative work models, such as the four-day or six-hour workweek. 

    The information below will assist you in increasing workers’ productivity by making both minor and major changes.

    How do changes in productivity occur?

    There’s no universal solution when it comes to productivity, and such changes aren’t bound to occur overnight. While most changes happen at the employee level, it’s indispensable for organizations to make some alterations at the organizational level by changing their culture and processes. Most businesses still rely on the forty-hour workweek norm to calculate the salaries of their workers. See this site, https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-the-40-hour-workweek-2015-10, to learn about the history of the 40-hour workweek.

    Nevertheless, by replacing this outdated model with a more efficient system, employees will be much more productive and happier. Chair time shouldn’t be maximized, but instead, a new system should be implemented, which works best for the employees. Planning sessions should be held regularly between staff members and managers to set weekly and monthly objectives and devise a method for time allocation. 

    The most popular alternatives to the outdated 40-hour week are the four-day and six-hour workweek without reducing the salaries of workers, as well as signing contractors based on the outcome. Certain countries have made extensive tests on the four-day workweek, including Japan, Iceland, and New Zeeland. Instead of compressing the forty-hour work into a four-day week, they have put priority on certain tasks.

    The results from adopting this model have been incredible, as employees reported an increase of 25-40% in productivity, better work-life balance, more family time, fewer sick days, and greater flexibility. In Iceland, different businesses, ranging from offices to social services, have tested the four-day week for years and noticed a fascinating improvement in productivity, less burnout, and lower stress levels in staff members. 

    Another alternative for businesses to try is the six-hour workday, which eliminates wasted hours. According to many surveys, employees are considered to be productive only three hours per day, which is why most of them find the eight-hour workday exhausting. By the end of the day, workers become physically and mentally exhausted, which has adverse effects on their productivity levels. This article explains how 6-hour workdays in Sweden boost energy, productivity, and happiness. 

    By knowing that their workdays are shorter, individuals feel more energized and invest more energy into every hour. Given each workday is less labor-intensive, people waste less energy during the workweek and feel more upbeat on Friday. The output of working shorter days is of higher quality than working longer days. 

    How to increase productivity in employees?

    The inceptive step to making workers more productive is designing an environment that stimulates productivity. Start by making changes to the physical environment, as it has shown to have a tremendous impact on productivity and employees’ attitude. Make sure natural light is maximized, and windows are open more frequently. Ambient lighting, plants, and artwork are excellent for improving office design. 

    Apart from making aesthetic changes to the environment, you should also focus on the way work is conducted by consulting staff members about common problems like noise, desks, office layout, etc. For instance, some individuals work better with music in the background, while others consider it distracting. By allowing headphones, both groups will feel satisfied. 

    Regarding the layout, modern offices, by the rule, share workspaces and breakout rooms. Anyhow, you aren’t obliged to copy the layout but create a small office design that works best for your team. There’s no reason to set up permanent desks if your team finds hot desking enjoyable. 

    Chronic pain is the usual outcome of sitting all day. Therefore, businesses should invest in laptop stands, standing desks, exercise balls, and other ideas to change the sitting habits of their personnel. You should also stimulate your workers to take micro-breaks and get up at frequent intervals. 

    It’s key for businesses to hire employees who are a cultural and personality fit. Your work culture should be put in writing for every member of the company to have access to the document. The cultural elements worth including are the company’s values, communication guidelines for employees, the firm’s approach to compensation and salaries, business objectives, etc.

    Company culture should be promoted, as today’s workers consider cultural fit an essential priority. The following blog, https://www.teamly.com/blog/how-to-improve-employee-productivity/, provides invaluable advice on improving employee productivity. The values of your company should be advertised in interviews and job posts. Candidates should be addressed directly about their opinion regarding your culture and whether they will be a good cultural fit. 

    Employers should make physical and mental health a priority, as workers are the core of every business. Healthy employees are more productive than those who suffer from physical and mental health issues. Keep in mind that stress and anxiety induced by work have a huge impact on the decision-making process and work rate. 

    Another method for increasing productivity is discouraging the culture of presenteeism. Most employees force themselves to come to work when sick so as not to miss deadlines or out of fear to request sick leave. Employers should emphasize the importance of health over work and give sick leave to workers whenever they need it. 

    The truth is that almost all deadlines can be moved, whereas tasks can be reassigned. There isn’t any benefit from having an employee present if he/she isn’t feeling well. The risk of making judgment errors is high. In such cases, absenteeism is considered better. 

    Final word

    Such changes cannot be implemented overnight. 

    Nevertheless, in a few months, you might notice an improvement of some kind!

  • What You Should Know About a Mortgage Broker

    Purchasing a home is an achievement for some people. And, it might be stressful. The reason is that getting and closing a home mortgage is usually a long and complicated process. 

     However, there are firms that specialize in helping you with your mortgage application processes and all. They are mortgage brokers. These firms are responsible for finding the lowest fees and convenient interest rates to close and complete the loan application on time. In fact, their experience and expertise might be what you need to close that loan fast. 

    Working with mortgage brokers can assist you in navigating the market and making wise decisions, especially for first-timers. However, there are several mortgage broking offers available. So, ensure you research the company before you proceed. You can check out Ascension Finance Home Loans for mortgage options.

    Who Are Mortgage Brokers?

    They are like ‘middlemen’ in home loan financing. Brokers help to match borrowers to a lender for home loans. For instance, if you intend to buy or refinance a home, brokers can assist you in finding lenders with the best rate for you.

    Besides getting you the best rates, the broker uses your needs to ensure that your loan comes from the best lenders. And, if you have a particular broker in mind, they can help you close a deal with them. For instance, if you need a loan from FHA (Federal Housing Authority), an experienced broker might simplify the procedure for you. 

    In addition, a broker does all the necessary calculations and tells you the size of the mortgage that you may qualify to collect. With this, you do not have to waste time guessing what works or not. You can read this article to know more about how to qualify for mortgage pre-approval 

    However, you should note that these firms are not the ones that would disburse the loan. Instead, they generate loans and send them to the lenders responsible for disbursing funds at the end. Furthermore, a reliable broker will access several lenders compared to a bank fund administrator.

    The Operations of A Mortgage Broker

    Brokers work with several persons to ensure a smooth lending operation. The process might include real estate agents, underwriters, and closing agents. These players ensure that you get and conclude the process for your desired loan on time. Home loan brokers might work with brokerage companies or independently. 

    Another of their functions includes researching loan offers and bargaining with the lenders on your behalf. They might also need to pull your credit reports, arrange all the documentation, and verify your income and expense. 

    Professional brokers have a system that can access the rates of several lenders at a time. With this system, they are able to streamline and speed up your lending process. 

    After closing the loan, the brokers receive a commission or fee calculated by percentage from the lenders. But, some brokers collect their charges from the borrower – you in this case. However, you might only need to pay a small fee which you can do with the fund at closing. 

    Duties of Mortgage Brokers

    These firms perform several duties. However, their duties depend on their liabilities and service offerings. Their general tasks include:

    • Marketing and promoting their benefits to prospects
    • Educating and accessing themselves on circumstances and financial positions of potential lenders. 
    • Helping to determine suitable mortgage products for clients through research. 
    • Helping their clients gain loan pre-approval. 
    • Collecting all the relevant information and documentation. For instance, pay slips, bank loans, and more.
    • Helping to complete application of clients
    • Ensuring that their clients understand the legal disclosures 
    • Submitting all required client documents to the lending company
    • Ensuring that their options save money for clients. 

    Differences between a Lender and Broker

    Mortgage brokers do not give home loans. Rather, they generate and close the loan deal between the borrowers and lenders. In addition, they partner with several lenders in the industry like credit unions, commercial banks, mortgage firms, and several financial institutions. Also, they work with brokerage firms or work independently. 

    On the other hand, lenders might be credit unions, banks, or other financial institutions that are responsible for providing loan products. Lending officers employed by the lender are responsible for overseeing such duties. 

    Furthermore, lending officers are responsible for assessing, recommending, and authorizing a borrower for loans. However, they do not handle only mortgage loans, unlike mortgage brokers. Hence, they might not have much knowledge about home loans like brokers. You can click on https://www.indeed.com/ to read about the duties of lending officers.

    Finally, brokers can secure your loans with lower rates, unlike rates offered by commercial banks. However, banks claim that they are a safer option for borrowers because of their hefty portfolios. 

    Advantages of Hiring Mortgage Brokers

    Lower Fees and Interest Rates

    A broker has links to a range of loan options. Therefore, hiring one might give you the chance to get a better offer than when you do it yourself. In addition, brokers also help you find lenders that offer low-interest rates. 

    Save Time

    Another benefit of investing with a broker is timeliness. Taking a home loan requires so much research and calculations. The entire process is indeed tasking. However, brokers handle all these processes on your behalf and get your application ready faster.

    Avoid Mistakes

    You are likely to make several mistakes in your application, especially if it’s your first time. But, you can avoid these pitfalls by hiring a broker. Due to experience, they understand the requirements and know what the loan officers are looking for in your application. 

    Help Out In Tricky Situations

    You may find yourself in a tricky situation like poor credit history or when you want to buy an unusual property. However, a professional broker would be able to help you out. They can locate a lender with flexible credit scores or those who fund such properties. 

    Disadvantages of Hiring Mortgage Brokers

    Limited Relationships

    Some brokers do not have relationships with some lenders. Therefore, they might not have entrance to loans at some financial institutions. However, if you have a lender in mind, ensure you ask your broker for affiliations with the lender. 

    Fees

    You might need to pay fees for brokerage services. Though some brokers charge lenders directly for the service, you might also need to settle some percentage in some cases. Ensure that you ask about charges before choosing a brokerage firm.

    Conclusion

    Taking a home loan can be tasking especially if you are a first-timer; however, you can hire a professional for home loans – mortgage brokers. They ensure that you get the best rates and make your application process smooth and fast. Hiring a reliable professional would guarantee your home financing faster.