How to be Smarter: A Pictorial Guide to Avoiding Camera Loss. How to be Prettier: It’s hard to find a sequined dress that looks both classy and fun, so I start shopping for New Year’s Eve dresses early (I think it’s important to ring in the New Year in sequins). This is the dress I [...]

How to be Smarter: I get a lot of questions about blogging and how to increase blog readership, and I read a lot of books on the topic myself. This e-book is one of the most inexpensive, helpful guides I’ve read for new bloggers. How to be Prettier: A trend I am seeing everywhere this [...]

How to be Smarter: Even before you start thinking about leaving your job, start looking at job postings for other jobs a level above yours. What skills do these positions require? Now is the time to expand your skill set so when you do update your resume and go on interviews for your next position, [...]

How to be Smarter: Few things ruin a relationship faster than unwarranted, nervous jealousy. How to be Prettier: In college, make sure to invest in a bedspread you enjoy looking at, because in a small, crowded dorm room, your bed will become a dining room table, a desk, and a place to sleep. How to [...]

How to be Smarter: The best book, the very best book, I have read this year is Think by Lisa Bloom. I cannot recommend it more. Please read it, e-mail me, tell me what you think. It’s the perfect discussion book. How to be Prettier: Francesca’s Collections is offering SP&A readers 30% off a single regular priced [...]

How to be Smarter: When throwing items into your beach bag, scrunch up your beach towel inside your sunhat to prevent it from losing its shape in transit. How to be Prettier: I still see the feather hair extension trend in many girls’ hair (including my own), but if you aren’t ready to make the [...]

How to be Smarter: A really fun word games site. How to be Prettier:  I love this dress: the pattern says hippie chic, but the shape still says girlie dress. I’ve already worn it twice this week (and I only got it in the mail last week!). How to be (less) Awkward: I think at the [...]

How to be Smarter: If you are making the choice whether or not to study abroad, go. Never again in your life will you have all that time off from school/work to go, the ability to have travel “count” towards something (your degree),  a basically entirely scheduled trip at your disposal, and new friends/travel buddies (the [...]

How to be Smarter: A few weeks ago, I posted about how much conversation the book Marry Him by Lori Gottlieb sparked among my friends and I. Christina from 40:20 Vision and I further explored the conversation, from a 20-something and a 40-something perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts, as well! How to be Prettier: Keeping your [...]

How to be Smarter: A sweet video about how much a good love can change your life. (The video will probably make you cry). How to be Prettier: If you are wearing a print, you can go easy on accessories as the print provides the majority of the outfit’s visual interest. But if you are wearing a simple [...]

How to be Smarter: Every few months, find a way to update your resume even if you are not planning on changing jobs: ask to take on a work project that expands your skill set, start taking classes to get a certification in your field, or look into a new offbeat hobby you can list [...]

How to be Smarter: Whether you want to change careers within your current industry, break into a new industry, or just feel excited about your present job, I can’t recommend the benefit of going to an industry conference more. Spending a day hearing from speakers, mingling with other inspiring people within the industry, and just [...]

Coffee with Molly, which is Smart Pretty and Awkward‘s subscription newsletter, turns four months old today. Over the past four months about 25 newsletters have gone out, covering topics including First Date Tips, Love vs. Career, a Fashion Journalist’s guest post, Q&A with emails I’ve received, and updates on more personal things including outfit posts and [...]