She said what?!

Do you know who this is? It is the most fabulous Anna Wintour. Longtime editor of American Vogue, now artistic director for Conde Nast. She's fierce and flawless and she KNOWS it. 

Last year, Anna gave advice to a room full of fashion-industry hopefuls. It was excellent advice. It was advice you imagine receiving from someone who has walked the walk for 20+ years. It was also suspiciously like the advice I received from many successful women over the course of my life. 

1. Learn from the pros first. This was presented to me as: Don't Reinvent the Wheel. Which is really great advice--why would you pour your precious time into creating something that's already been done?
2. Think about your long term goals. Let's take this one step further--don't just think about them, WRITE THEM DOWN. Know what you want, so you can go out there and get t!
3. Your personality and presentation matter. Yes, we'd love to live in a magical world where you can look at someone and know how fantastically awesome they are. However, we live in THIS world where failing to shower and wearing clothes that are mostly holes don't fall into the "professional attire" category. When you are off the clock, wear what makes you happy. When you are on the clock, dress for the job on your goals list.
4. Get employed, even if it's not your dream job. Oh gods, yes. It's easier to get a job when you have a job. Additionally, use your current job to meet people and learn things--even if what you are learning is how not to do things. 
5. Make sure you have a mentor. I would like to say one thing about having a mentor: IT'S THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR LIFE. I have multiple mentors: for work, for Scouts, for art, for parenting. Everyone who is ahead of you in this game called life has a story that they can share with you. They can tell you when you are headed towards a cliff or when you are getting close to reaching those goals you set. 

What's the best advice you've ever received?