Hey everyone, have you heard about BeKnown yet??  It's a professional networking tool created by Monster.com to operate as a Facebook app - in other words, BeKnown helps you build your professional network with your existing Facebook contacts!  While there are other professional networking sites out there, let's be honest... you probably check Facebook more throughout the day than those websites, right?  I know I do!

Ok, I know what you're thinking... why would you want to use another networking tool, especially one that is connected to your (most likely) unprofessional and/or very personal Facebook profile?  First, it never hurts to network everywhere - you just never know what opportunities may come up!  Second, BeKnown allows you to create your own professional profile that is not linked in any way to your Facebook profile on the reader's end.  So, you can post those all those crazy party photos for your Facebook friends to see, but your BeKnown contacts will only see the professional profile you set up through the app.  Pretty cool!

Also, you can connect with current Facebook friends, people on Facebook that are within your extended networks (schools, companies, etc.), Twitter connections, and e-mail contacts.  This is truly an all-encompassing networking tool!  With so much emphasis now on first impressions through social media, BeKnown is a powerful way to connect to a broad range of people while also staying in control of what you want them to know.  In fact, I know a number of people who won't connect to their colleagues on Facebook, but now you can without revealing the details of your personal life.

BeKnown is a new app, so to kick things off, they want to offer 2 Employed Panache readers an interview survival pack!  This includes a limited edition beauty kit by Benefits cosmetics, a professional (and cute!) business card holder, and a $10 Starbucks gift card (total $70 value).  Wow!  To enter, all you have to do is sign up for BeKnown and leave a comment below telling me that you did so. For additional entries, leave separate comments telling me how you follow Employed Panache (Google, Bloglovin', Twitter, and/or Facebook). You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me @EmployedPanache.



* Please note: Please use Disqus to leave a comment. Make-up kits may vary from the sample pictured.  This giveaway is open until 11:50pm EST on Thursday January 19, 2012. I'll pick a random winner on Friday January 20, 2012.

Get networking and good luck!

Happy 100th Blog Post to Employed Panache!!  Who's excited?!  I'm excited!!!  Ok, maybe it's just me ;)  What a great day to have my 100th post... not only do I give you my picks for office holiday party dresses, but I am also hosting my very 1st giveaway!!

First, the dresses... The key to dressing for a work party is to make sure you're not showing too much leg or cleavage, and that the outfit isn't too tight either.  But, this doesn't mean that your outfit needs to be boring!  Check out these picks... all dresses because in my opinion, a dress is the easiest outfit to style.

For those on a budget who want a fun and playful dress (all from Forever21):

Find them here, here, and here.

These dresses are perfect for a holiday party with dancing!  Fair warning: if you're really tall or leggy, be sure to try these on first... since Forever21 is a juniors store, some of their skirts can be extra short.


For those on a budget who want a more professional look (all from Target):

Find them here, here, and here.

I love these dresses... demure but stylish with clean lines!  The best part?  You are guaranteed to wear them again to another event!


For those who can afford to spend more and want something between playful and professional (all from ModCloth):

Find them here, here, and here.

Similar to the dresses from Target, but with fun details like sequins or rosettes.


For those who can afford to spend more and want something with more coverage (all from Macy's):

Find them here, here, and here.

Maybe I'm getting conservative in my old age, but I am loving every. Single. Dress!  So classy but still fun... and definitely no frump here :)


Accessories for every budget (from Forever21 and Ann Taylor Loft):

Top row: here, here, and here Bottom row: here, here, and here

Ok, and now what you all skipped to the bottom for... 


Employed Panache's Shine into the New Year Giveaway!


As I mentioned above, this is my 100th post and I am blown away by all of YOU!  Not only have I networked with some amazing bloggers, but I also love hearing all of your comments.  And let's not forget my dear lurkers... I know you're out there, Google Analytics tells me so ;)  So as a THANK YOU to my readers, I am giving away 4 fun items that will help you sparkle and shine into the new year:

• Anthropologie 2011 desktop calendar
• Essence nail polish in Walk of Fame and Gold Rush
• Target jeweled headband

Happy Monday everyone!  Today has been crazy... and rainy.  Outfit pics just weren't meant to be.  So instead, I wanted to remind you of where else you can find me, beside here of course!

Facebook ~ I created a fan page for Employed Panache as another way for people to see my new posts without friending the world with my personal profile.  But I also want to add more of a personal touch, so I'll be posting more off-duty outfit pics here.

Twitter ~ Follow my ramblings and articles that I re-tweet on style and personal branding.

Chictopia ~ Beside my favorite style blogs, I go here often for outfit inspiration.  If you're on Chictopia, friend me!

bloglovin' ~ The BEST way to follow all your blogs!  Including this one, of course ;)

Weardrobe ~ I admittedly need to update my profile with more recent outfit pics... but again, friend me if you're on this site as well.

E-mail ~ Ah, good old fashioned e-mail :) nmartin227@gmail.com