Even if you don’t work in a corporate environment, per se, you need to own a couple suits. Buying matching suit pieces is a good way to jump-start your GGG wardrobe because you can mix it up: wear the pants on their own regularly, wear the jacket with another skirt or jeans, or wear the top and bottom together when you have an interview or important meeting. Here are some tips for finding your perfect match:

1. Your first purchase should be a basic black suit, then buy a couple more neutrals, such as navy, charcoal, or dark brown.

2. Unless you already have a big wardrobe of suits, or need them because you’re, say, a tv newscaster, avoid buying brightly-colored suits. Even though a pink suit may be a great fashion statement a la Elle Woods, you probably won’t get much mileage out of it because everyone will know you wore it last Tuesday. If you are still building your collection, add a stylish and interesting, but less-conspicuous, suit into your mix by choosing a neutral tweed or pinstripe version.

3. Look for suits at department stores, such as Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, or Bloomingdale’s. In addition, try discount emporiums like Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement or TJ Maxx. Oftentimes, these stores have the exact same items (aka “overstock”) you see full-price at the mall.

4. Expect to pay at least $200.

5. Look for first-rate fabrics, such as lightweight wool, or high-quality synthetic blends; many great designers work with polyester, rayon, viscose, or nylon nowadays. A little bit of stretch (i.e., Spandex or Lycra) is good as well. Avoid linen or khaki suits; they are a wrinkle nightmare. Also, look for quality construction: straight, matching seams; sewn-in, rather than glued, linings; well-sewn buttons.

6. Do you go lined or unlined? Jackets and skirts should be lined, but for pants, it’s a personal preference. Many of the more stylish makers, such as Theory or BCBG, nix the pant lining on lighter weight fabrics for a more modern look and feel.

7. Here are some markers of a good fit: In the jacket, shoulder seams should be centered on the top of your own shoulders. You should have enough room in the upper arms and back to allow full range of motion (i.e., hold your arms out to the side), while still creating a fitted shape. When your arms hang straight down, the sleeve cuff should fall between the wrist bone and top of your hand. You should be able to fit two fingers in the waistband comfortably. Pants should smoothly drape down your backside, not cling or hug, especially not to the bottom half of your tush. Skirt lengths should be at or just above the knee. Pencil skirts should not ride up. In short, buy something looser off-the-rack, and bring it to your trusted tailor.

8. In addition, keep in mind what you will be wearing underneath. You’ll usually wear a button down or knit top beneath your jacket (i.e., no flimsy camisoles!), so make sure there’s enough room to accommodate. Or, you may be looking at one of those new style jackets that button all the way up the front and are worn more like a shirt. Even then, make sure there is room for a lightweight undershirt to absorb sweat. Hint: Try an uber-thin, moisture-wicking tee from brands like Autrepeau or Uniqlo.

As a Go-Getter Girl, oftentimes your day is a non-stop whirlwind of activity—but you still need to eat! Stalking the vending machine at 4 p.m. can lead to a dietary crash and burn, so here are some ideas for healthy, filling snacks that won’t weigh you down (hint: you may have to pack ahead.):

• Handful of raw nuts, like cashews, walnuts, or almonds
• 1 cup dry, crunchy bran cereal with some raisins or dried cranberries
• Drinkable yogurt, like Dannon Frusion
• Sliced apple or banana with a bit of peanut butter
• A hearty nutrition bar from brands like Think, Odwalla, Kashi, or Clif
• 4 or 6 oz yogurt (try the Greek style!) or cottage cheese, with cinnamon
• Low-fat mozzarella string cheese (yes, just like the kind you ate in second grade)
• Small bowl of oatmeal
• Sliced veggies such as carrots, cucumber, or red pepper
• 2 oz of dried fruit, such as dried apples, mangoes or plums
• 1 cup edamame
• 1 oz pkg Flat Earth Baked Veggie Chips Farmland Cheddar (borderline junk food, but cures your jones for something salty/crunchy!)

For many budget-conscious young women, joining a gym can seem like a waste of money: Why pay a fee to sweat, when you can just run in the park for free? Well, that’s fine if you actually do put on your running shoes and hit the pavement. If not, you may need to join a dedicated exercise location. Sometimes, just showing up at the gym makes it virtually impossible to throw in the towel and give up working out that day. How to pick the right spot? A few key do’s and don’ts:

• Do pick a gym that is super clean and has up-to-date equipment. Bonus points for amenities in the locker room, like free razors and nice lotion.

• Do test out the gym before you sign anything. Legit places offer at least one free workout; many offer free two-week memberships or a few trial group fitness classes. (And if it’s not advertised, ask for it anyway).

• Do ask around to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances about what are the best gyms in the neighborhood. Usually people that have lived in the area for a while know where the gems are and can break down what groups of people go where (e.g., stockbrokers are Gym X, stay-at-home moms are at Gym Y).

• Do look for a gym that has adequate facilities for how you like to work out. If you love to swim, make sure there’s a great pool. If you love fitness classes, make sure the studio and teachers are up to par.

• Don’t break the bank. Your monthly gym membership shouldn’t be anymore than, say, you would allow yourself to spend on a great date night top. Depending on your budget, that could be $29, or $150. Also, take advantage of discounts. Many spots offer student or summer memberships for lower fees.

• Don’t pick a place that’s too far from your house and/or office, depending on when you tend to work out. If it takes more than 15 minutes to get there, you know you’re not going.

• Don’t get suckered. If the salesperson pressures you to buy, look elsewhere.

If and when you do decide to jump to new professional pond, following these tips will help preserve your relationships with your former boss and colleagues.

1. DON’T use this opportunity to finally “let your boss have it” or tell off your idea-stealing cubiclemate. The fleeting satisfaction is not worth the consequences! (See Tip #6).

2. DO give adequate notice so that your employer can have time to replace you. Two to four weeks is standard.

3. DO stay engaged and do your best until the last minute of your final day! You may think of yourself as a lame duck, but you’re still a member of the team.

4. DO leave complete, written records of your work, your contacts, your procedures, or any other details your officemates need to know.

5. DON’T disappear once you’ve resigned. Leave your new contact info so that colleagues can reach you if they need help on something you handled in the past.

6. DON’T let your former colleagues drop from your life. Update your status on professional sites like “Linked In” and keep in touch. One day, you all could be working together again!

Sometimes, having a successful negotiation is not just about “showing you the money.”  You can maximize your chances of getting a great total package by thinking about what you want in less conventional terms. Here are a few suggestions for terms and benefits you can negotiate—some of which may not cost the employer a penny!

• Delayed or deferred start date
• Your title
• Flexible hours or telecommuting
• More vacation
• Signing bonus
• Administrative support (e.g., an assistant)
• Tuition reimbursement or training opportunities
• Company car or gas/mileage allowance
• Free parking
• Air travel vouchers
• New equipment, such as a laptop or Blackberry
• Gym membership
• Stock options
• Deferred compensation
• Childcare contribution
• Mortgage subsidy
• 401K contribution matching
• Upgraded medical benefits