What Microsoft’s Chief Experience Officer Looks for in an Intern

Sep 09, 2015

Julie Larson-Green is a boss in every sense of the term: She’s the Chief Experience Officer for the Applications and Services Group team at Microsoft (where she’s worked since 1993!), is passionate about building technology and has earned a handful of notable accolades in her field, like being named one of the Next Most Powerful Women in Tech by Fortune in 2013. Needless to say, we’re welcoming Julie with open arms to take the stage at Re:Make THIS FRIDAY! We chatted with Julie about how she starts her day, what she looks for in an intern and how to get past the dreaded creative block. Here’s what she had to say:

This is how I start my day:

On Mondays, I get up at 7:00am, I spend time catching up on what’s going on in the world while drinking coffee in bed. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I work with a trainer at 7:00am, so my alarm goes at 6:00am.

What advice would you give an intern on the first day at their dream job?

I’m often asked by interns this very question. I tell them to be reliable and be the one everyone can count on. Just promise — do exactly what you say you are going to do. Don’t under-promise and over-deliver — just deliver. And when it’s tough, remind yourself that you get better when challenged.

Here is a photo that fits the caption #iamcreative:

This one I would change to #myteamiscreative! Our team, as a part of our summer picnic, built and raced cardboard boats on Lake Sammamish. Teams worked together to design, construct and sail them. We shared our creative genius and some of the best #epicfails.

What inspires you and where do you go to find it?

I am often inspired by the people around me and the places I visit. I believe that to be creative and inspirational, you must have some life experiences that you can bring and share. It’s about trying new things, like kitesurfing. I love to find out what people are doing and why. When I travel, I think about my experiences and what could make it better.

What is your secret to overcoming creative block and finding productivity?

I have a few things I do to distract my mind and do something else: I talk to a friend, exercise or go for a walk. I find I’m able to think better.

What apps do you use daily?

I love trying out all sorts of apps and I have a few go-tos that I use every day. I stay connected with Outlook, Twitter and Facebook. I’m big on Hulu, Pandora and Net-a-Porter. One that’s rarely heard of but I love for my Android phone is the Next Lock Screen. I’m able to get to my calendar, get on conference calls and get to my favorite app shortcuts.

Who is your favorite maker or someone who’s up-and-coming and doing something really cool in your field?

Dona Sarkar. She’s a great engineer, an accomplished writer and always ahead of the fashion trends.

What is the last thing you made that you were really excited about?

Early in my career, I made my own wire wrapped jewelry. Today, I don’t have the time. I’ve also been known to tinker with my son on computers.

Have anything you’d like to ask Julie? Share your questions for her in the comment section below.

(Photos via @julie_lgreen)

16 Oh-So-Flattering Black Dresses You Won’t Be Able To Resist

One thing every girl needs in her wardrobe is a good, reliable black dress. It's that comfort piece that can carry you through so many seasons, events, and milestones. Whether you're headed to a wedding, a funeral, a bridal shower — truly, you name it! — a classic black dress has you covered.

However, not every black dress is THE black dress. Since there are so many out there, I scoured through hundreds of dresses to find the best of the best — and the ones that are the most loved by fellow shoppers! So, keep reading to see which black dress should be your next trusty purchase!

Ann Taylor

The Scoop Neck Sheath Dress

This is a quintessential little black dress! Between the scoop neck and the knee-length skirt, you could wear this just about anywhere! I definitely see this as your next office siren slay, but I wouldn't blame you if you pulled it out for date night, jury duty, or anything in-between!

J.Crew

J.Crew Fitted Knit Mockneck Dress

A mockneck dress is so perfect for transitional seasons like fall! It covers just enough, while still allowing you to layer your outfit appropriately for the weather. I especially love that this J.Crew dress could easily be worn on your stroll through the farmer's market, or in your next boardroom meeting.

Dôen

Dôen Ischia Dress

If you ever wondered what my most worn item of clothing was, then here you have it! This Dôen dress genuinely makes me want to get dressed every morning — I'm not even kidding. It's an easy outfit to throw on and not have to think about, plus it's insanely comfortable! I honestly feel like I'm wearing pajamas, and I'm sure it'll easily become your most worn piece of clothing as well!

Reformation Arabella Dress

Black midi dresses are a great way to create a solid, comfortable, and cozy outfit for the fall and winter. You just need to accessorize it well with a coat, belt, boots, and slouchy bag. This one from Reformation is super well-loved by many, and I can see why. It's great quality — and it's actually one of their lower-priced items! Score!

Nordstrom

Reformation Mayve Black Dress

A little, cutesy mini dress is all a girl really needs in her wardrobe. Well, that and some adorable accessories to go with it! A mini dress with a matching bag and boots combination is one of my favorite looks in the fall, because it's just so fashionable, and so easy to style.

Target

Wild Fable Women's One Shoulder Maxi Slip Dress

Target never lets me down, so I'm not surprised they have a fantastic black dress for us to pick from today! I love this elegant neckline — it's so sleek and sophisticated! This dress sizing goes up to a 4x, making it a great option for a wide range of bodies, too.

Madewell

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress

I can totally picture this little ruffled number at a Friday night wedding! It's a flowy, feminine look that would pair so well with some black heels, silver jewelry, and a sleek low bun. It gives you something elegant to wear with enough movement to totally take over the dance floor throughout the night.

Free People

Free People Butterfly Maxi

I love a good patterned dress, and I've seen this one all over social media lately! It went pretty viral for being extremely flattering, and I've seen it look good on so many different body types. I'm currently been debating picking this one up, and seeing all the rave the reviews for it makes me convinced!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress

This dress from Anthropologie has a ton of reviews, so it's safe to say that it is definitely a popular "little black dress" contender. I love how elevated yet casual this dress is at the same time — it gives you so much versatility! You can style it up with heels, or even style it down with sandals, depending on the occasion. The velvet is also fabulous given how perfect it is for the fall transition into winter — it'll be here before we know it!

J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Lace-Trim Slip Dress

This screams "date night dress" loud and clear! I love how sexy and mature this black dress is, complete with lace trim, spaghetti straps, and sleek satin. Grab your strappiest heels and a red lipstick to make it a night to remember!

Anthropologie

Significant Other Long Sleeve Dress

This dress is for all my ladies on the hunt for a modest dress option this wedding season! This long sleeve, maxi dress is a great option — and has plenty of reviews to prove how incredible it is! Personally, I would pair this dress with some statement, sparkly heels to go with the matching clutch as pictured above. You'll be sure to shine in this stunner.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Boatneck Pleat Front Belted Sheath Dress

This is another fantastic, classic black dress. I'd throw this on for a big presentation in front of the C-levels at your office, or accessorize á la Blair Waldorf for a preppy everyday look. Either way, you're sure to look gorgeous!

Reformation

Reformation Rayana Dress

I love having one good, reliable wedding guest dress that can be used just about every time. It seriously helps divert the impending stress of buying a new dress every time you get invited to yet another wedding. Trust me: the invites just keep coming as you get older. This dress is that perfect option, giving you something silky, luxurious, and flattering to wear every time!

Nordstrom

Zoe and Claire Midi Dress

This under-$100 dress is well-loved over on Nordstrom for being insanely versatile and insanely affordable. It could take you straight from the office with its professional and chic cut, right into dinner with the girls after work. I'd pair this with a trench coat and flats, or with heels and a clutch!

Reformation

Reformation Petite Mini Dress

Okay, Kacey Musgaves, we see you! The country star's collection with Reformation has been a hit all over social media, and this dress has been all I'm thinking about for the past couple weeks since it dropped. The coquette, cottagecore style has me in an absolute chokehold this fall and winter.

Amazon

Memoriesea Black Dress

This black dress has over 1,400 reviews singing its praises for how form-fitting and flattering it is. It's seriously ideal for so many different body types, because the slinky and stretchy fabric will accentuate your body and make it look fabulous! I think this is the perfect for any occasion, from a nice date night to a fall wedding.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

8 Hydrating Night Creams To Rescue Dry Skin Overnight

It’s only mid-October, but I already feel my skin severely drying out. These days, I never let a tube of Aquaphor out of my sight, but what really saves my dry skin is a solid night cream. I’ve been loving thicker, slug-worthy formulas (like the few I’ll mention in this list), but there are a ton of different options to choose from when it comes to the best night cream for you. No matter what, late fall and winter are surely going to bring on more dryness than you’re used to – so stock up on one of these effective hydrating night creams now. They’ll put in all the work for your dry skin while you sleep peacefully, so you can wake up looking rejuvenated and moisturized to the gods!

Best Tested & Reviewed Night Creams:

Amazon

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

This is my absolute favorite night cream, and honestly, one of the best skincare products I've tried in my life. I've repurchased the pot three times now. Why do I love it so much? Well, for nighttime, it's exceptionally hydrating. I am a huge fan of the slugging technique (AKA slathering your skin in a thick jelly or cream to prevent water loss), and this pick really gets the job done. I wake up looking super hydrated, especially living in a dry climate! Plus, this product is very fun to scoop up and put on. The formula is also boosted with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil to support the skin barrier, which is always welcome.

Amazon

Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask

Not only does this mask hydrate, it also brightens – we love a multi-hyphenate! The formula has a very rich texture that soaks into the skin while simultaneously sitting lightly on top to lock in moisture. It's like a fresh gulp of water for your dry skin – with a subtle fruity scent that makes applying it very fun.

B+C’s VP of Content, Alison Ives, is a big fan of the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask.

“Believe the hype, people! I’d heard amazing things about Youth To The People for years, so when I saw a mini version of this for sale, I couldn’t resist ordering it to try it out. The jar was the ideal size for frequent travels when you want to keep up with your skincare routine while away, and the formula felt really luxurious on my dry skin. I use it a few times a week when I need an extra boost of hydration overnight. Plus, squalane is great for anti-aging concerns and reducing the little lines I have in my eye area.”

Amazon

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

If fine lines and wrinkles are your primary skincare concern, this is one of the best night creams for you. CeraVe products are commonly recommended by dermatologists for any and all skin types, since they're often gentle, yet effective! This cream in particular is fragrance free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating, so those with sensitive skin can enjoy its hydrating benefits. It has hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides to boost the skin's hydration and elasticity, which can help reduce the look of those pesky wrinkles.

Amazon

Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizing Face & Neck Night Cream

Dealing with uneven skin tone and texture? Opt for this night cream that still gloriously hydrates your skin. It features niacinamide, a skincare hero for reducing the look of dark spots. The brand reported that 91% of users had softer, smoother-feeling skin in just one week after using this product!

Amazon

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream

Made to soothe and hydrate, this night cream also purifies the skin, drawing out excess oil overnight to minimize blemishes and clogged pores. It has a gel-cream texture to it, so it doesn't feel overly heavy on the skin – but is still nourishing! The fragrance-free formula is safe for sensitive skin types, and works most effectively in conjunction with other La Roche-Posay products.

Amazon

Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

This rich moisturizing cream lets you easily get the look of plumped skin overnight. It includes polypeptides that aid in collagen production, improving firmness while combatting fine lines and wrinkles. The formula has a "dreamy" and "cushion-like" texture that hugs the skin so it can deliver all the goodness!

Amazon

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

This cream is a true staple in my skincare routine, morning or night. It sounds unreal, but my skin truly looks more alive after I slather it on. It's somehow rich and creamy, but still lightweight enough that I can wear it throughout the day under my makeup. The 4.5% squalane helps maintain the skin’s moisture, while the glycoproteins (derived from glaciers – so fancy!) boost hydration even more. It helps your skin feel balanced and healthy, no matter what time of day you apply it.

Dieux

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

This is another one of my beloved night creams that I use on a weekly basis when my skin really needs quenching. Dieux's Instant Angel Moisturizer is a total expert at providing your skin with moisture and protecting its barrier. Supporting your skin barrier can help it maintain healthy hydration levels, so you won't have to overcompensate with more creams and products that may not work 100% of the time.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

dry skin skincare moisturizers shopping beauty

40 of the Best Family Costumes For Halloween

With Halloween coming up, now is the time to get planning and prepping those costumes. Why not get the whole family in on the fun this year? It will be exciting for you and the little ones in your life. From classic storybook characters to throwbacks from your favorite movies, we've got ideas for every type of family costume this year.

Brit + Co

The Cat in the Hat + Goldfish

This costume was completely DIY for the little goldfish, and the Cat in the Hat was super easy because we purchased the accessory package that made this look come together.

Brit + Co

Trolls

We are still in love with Brit's pregnant troll costume — nude body-con dress, YASSS girl! We updated this costume for the whole family — it's pretty simple, and all you'll need is tan colored clothing and wigs for you and your family.

A Beautiful Mess

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys

Harness that rebellious spirit as a whole family this Halloween. All you'll need are some PJs , cardboard swords and a Pan getup.

Brit + Co

Big Bird and Elmo

We decided to go ALL IN on DIYing Big Bird's costume, so we felt it was best and more realistic to just purchase the Elmo costume for your mini. Real talk: Who has time to make BOTH costumes? :) It's okay, because your mini will lose their minds when they see the life-like Elmo 'fit in person!

Brit + Co

Outerspace: If you need an awesome and easy family costume for Halloween — we've got you. ICYMI, the Morin Fam is kind of a big deal around here (obvi), and they never disappoint when it comes to creative Halloween costumes. This year they really hit it out of the park (or rather, the atmosphere)!

Costume Works

Beekeeper + Bees

Keep it light and sweet this year with an adorable beekeeper-themed costume.

Tell Love and Party

Monster Family

Take a little inspiration from the famous Munster family this Hallows' Eve. We're sure your little mummy and bat will approve.

Brit + Co

Sriracha and Taco

This one is a show-stopper! The popular hot sauce will give you an excuse to turn your mini into a teeny tiny taco!

Say Yes

Disneyland Tourist

Okay, this one might be a little confusing to the kiddos, but just tell them you are just practicing for that trip later this year ;).

The Rollins Ruckus

Superheroes

Let your little ones choose their favorite superhero for this year's costume. They'll be full of all kinds of powers and fun once they get into character.

Brit + Co

Pac Man

Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and the cutest little ghost you ever did see? Yes please. This retro family Halloween costume is colorful, fun, and super affordable to DIY.

Brit + Co

Finding Dory

Delight your little Dory fans with this family favorite.

Vintage Revivals

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It's never too early to break out those Christmas socks. Whoville won't know what hit it with this family costume.

Brit + Co

Toy Story

Get ready to go to infinity and beyond this Halloween. Feel free to add more characters depending on your family size.

Tell Love and Party

Circus Family

Everything about this costume just screams cuteness. We can't decide which we like better: the cute lion or the super strong little man.

Brit + Co

Labyrinth

Okay, to be fair, this isn't a full tutorial, but take this fam costume as some seriously adorable inspo.

Brit + Co

Princess Peach and Toad

Forget Mario and Luigi. We all know *these* were the fastest characters in Mario Kart.

Brit + Co

Paw Patrol

Kiddos love PAW Patrol? This is the cutest group costume for you, paws down! Click to learn how to DIY costumes for everyone — like firedog Marshall, high-flying Skye, recycling Rocky, and police pup Chase.

See Vanessa Craft

Care Bears

Perfect for busy moms and dads, this tutorial is even no-sew, so you won't be up all night before trick-or-treating.

Monkey Mash Button/Flickr

Pirate Family

Excuse us while we try to get over how adorable this baby parrot is with his pirate dad.

Brit + Co

Queen Bey[oncé] and Blue Ivy

Go for a punny pop culture costume with this playful look at the Queen and her kin.

Loft 3 Photography

Addams Family

Get creepy and spooky with your favorite scary family this Halloween. “Thing" required.

A Beautiful Mess

halloween family costumes group costumes halloween ideas fashion