Damsel in Distress No Longer

I know a girl who is always in need of something. She constantly borrows my things or is need of a helping hand from a friend. Often times I wonder, "How does she function without these basic necessities?" However, I've come to realize she may not be alone. Even though we are officially a whole decade into the 21st century, many young women are sorely unprepared for living independently. Although we may not be any closer to having flying cars or saucers, I think that it's time that we young women put the age-old 'damsel in distress' stereotype to rest. I realize that we can't always do it alone, but below I've listed some items that will help get us all closer to becoming 'Miss Independent and Self-Sufficient'.

Things Every Miss Self-Sufficient Should Have:

A Simple Toolkit
A little will go a long way in this department. The average college girl won't need a 20 lb monster tool set with a power drill. Having the following tools will usually be more than enough for any projects that come up; You should have a Phillips and Flathead Screwdriver, pair of Pliers, a Hammer, and a Wrench. As we head into 'Move-in' time in August, I usually get several requests to borrow my handy little kit. But it is my firm belief that every girl should own their own set of tools. Nothing fancy, but enough to help you assemble and disassemble your own furniture without needing to run and cry to the nearest fella with a tool belt.


HOW:A great tool set option for the ladies is this FIXA Tool Set from IKEA. Not only is this gem only $7.99, it comes with pretty much everything you will ever need and more to do some handy housework.

Two threads and a Needle
Your pants are too long. Your interview is today. There is no time to go to a tailor. A simple solution would be to do a quick and dirty hem on your pants that lasts long enough for you to get them through the day. Needle and thread are two of the world's oldest inventions. However, I can't tell you the number of times people have come to me begging for a simple needle and thread. Even if you aren't interested in becoming the next Project Runway star, you should at least own a simple hand sewing needle and two thread colors: a dark(black/navy) thread and a light(white/ivory) thread.


HOW:A great option is to pick up a free sewing kit from the next hotel you stay at. These kits usually come with more than enough thread colors and a sewing needle.

The Phone Number of a Cab Company
For those late nights when you've ventured downtown with your girls and don't have a DD, DON'T phone your roommate to pick you up (unless she's asked you to!). Instead share a cab and get home safely. I can't tell you the number of times this has come in handy when I've been stranded!

HOW:I use Yellow Cab Austin (512) 452-9999. Put this in your list of phone contacts. Now. You never know when you'll need it!

A Suit or Professional Outfit
Every business student knows that wearing a suit to an interview is Rule #1. However, it surprises me how many college students show up to job fairs or (even worse) interviews not wearing professional business attire (e.g. dark Grey/Black Jacket and matching pants/skirt). For many job opportunities, being dressed professionally not only shows that your respect but also that you are a professional. But there are some exceptions to the rule, if you're interviewing for a creative position or industry a business professional suit may not be the best option. I learned this the hard way when I showed up to interview for the fashion industry in my boring suit only to see the recruiter dressed in a very cute and color professional outfit demonstrating her fashion taste. Needless to say, I didn't get the job!
HOW:If you're in need of a suit, shop around. Suits can be purchased at many department stores. Get a basic color in a basic cut, a good suit is an investment that will last for years. For those looking for something a little less conventional, the current August 2010 issue of VOGUE has some great professional and chic inspiration for professional wear!

Iron, Ironing Board, Starch and a Lint Roller
Unless you intend for that wrinkled look to be crumpled(even though this look is 'in' right now), you should iron it. Unintentionally wrinkled clothing looks sloppy. But even if you iron, you need starch if you're going to be ironing.
If you don't starch, you will most likely have wrinkles again within 10 minutes! Lint rollers pick up all that nasty lint off your clothes. It beats having to take a piece of office tape to your black suit for an hour!

HOW:If you don't have these items, go to your nearest Target or Walmart and pick them up. They are all pretty cheap, but go a long way in presentation value. For those of us living in small spaces, ironing boards also come in mini sizes to be placed. Convenient!