by Solange Lopes | Aug 1, 2017 | Career
Our Wear to Work feature presents workwear selections in a range of styles, sizes and prices.

Wear to Work: Colorblock Sheath Dress – Photo credit: whitehouseblackmarket.com
If you’re looking for a head-turner in your work wardrobe, this is it! This color block sheath dress from White House Black Market is an absolute stunner! It’s perfect for any day in the office, and transitions perfectly to a networking event in the evening, or even a night out.
I love the shape-making silhouette of this dress, with its slimming side black panels. It’s available in Petite and Regular sizes. The best part? It’s on sale for $59.99 at White House Black Market!
What do you think of this style? Want to have particular workwear styles featured? Email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 1, 2017 | Career
How would you like to start your day feeling energized, powerful and filled with stamina? Instead of dragging yourself out of bed, barely able to make it through the morning with your usual (massive) intake of caffeine.
I know the feeling…Although I enjoy early mornings, getting up with energy and stamina after two kids, unending laundry and loads of work was a struggle. As much as I set my alarm for 5am, got my clothes ready for the next day and promised to myself I was going to start fresh, the struggle was real. It wasn’t until I started reading about and studying the habits of influential figures I admire, that I started realizing that starting the day in power is more a matter of habit and mindset than actual disposition.
Here are three of the most effective rituals I’ve learnt to decrease the crazy factor in your mornings, increase your mindfulness, and help us all start the day in power:
Quiet Time
When my first business coach recommended I add an additional 15 minutes to my mornings dedicated to just being quiet, I had to chuckle. I barely had enough time to jump out of bed, get the kids ready and manage to look human. Never mind adding more time to my morning craziness schedule!
However, I discovered that spending 10-15 minutes in quiet contemplation does effectively change your day…for the better! Whether you choose to spend it prayng, meditating, or just doing absolutely nothing, is your choice.
Sit quietly somewhere, preferably before everyone else wakes up, and chaos starts, and spend some time with your eyes closed in perfect peace. Let your thoughts wander as they will and surrender to the moment. You’ll notice feeling refreshed, energized and even having more clarity afterwards.
Gratitude
What are you grateful for? Have you thought about actually putting down these things into words every single day?
I have to admit it was a challenge at first, when my coach advised to write down 10-15 things every day that I was grateful for. First, I didn’t think I had the time. Second, what was I going to write? Not that I didn’t have anything to be grateful for, but developing a habit that very few of us have is challenging.
Nevertheless, I started. To my surprise, not only would it make me feel happier, and ever more grateful every day. I also noticed that better things, opportunities and events would also happen. The Law of Attraction defines this as the power of thoughts becoming things. The more you think about what you’re grateful for, the more there is to be grateful for. Now that’s power to start the day…
Write down your goals
Writing down your goals is not just about recording your objectives down somewhere. Most importantly, there’s something almost magical that happens when you put your dreams and goals on paper. Not only does it convince your mind of the possibility for these to come to fruition, it also gives you that extra motivation to accomplish them.
I’ve had as a habit to write down my goals on pieces of paper and carry them around in my wallet. I’ve seen many successful people do so, and I thought it a good idea to try it. Little did I know that after some time, I would dig out the same pieces of paper and update them with this single note: “Goal accomplished”!
In conclusion:
- Reserve some quiet time for reflection in the morning
- Practice gratitude as you start your day
- Write down your goals
What other rituals do you practice to start your day in power?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 29, 2017 | Career
Welcome to our weekly career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
by Solange Lopes | Jul 26, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips |
It's that time of the year again! Back-to-school season is in full swing, and with it what I like to call the "backpack fever". The other day, my little one pointed out the fact that his backpack's zipper was broken, so here we go!
In my household, it's a tradition to shop for new backpacks at the start of the year (or dust off the old backpack if it will be surviving another school year). We make it a family affair and love to browse fun, sturdy and reasonably-priced backpack options with the kids.
As a recovering nerd and eternal school lover myself, it takes me back to those days back home in Senegal when getting a new backpack for the school year had me partying for days.
I was raised by a struggling single mom at the time, and getting a new backpack was the closest thing to luxury back then. It's still one of my fondest memories of growing up.
Fast-forward decades later, and the whole "choosing a backpack" ritual is still very much close to mine and the kids' hearts. While I try to remind them that they're very fortunate to have so many options to pick from, I also enjoy the process to celebrate new school beginnings with them. Along with officially claiming freedom from the busy-ness of summer!
This is why I've curated a list of my favorite backpacks that take me back to being a kid and that your kids (and mine) will love:
My daughter is a huge fan of Wonder Woman, and so am I! This DC Comics Wonder Woman backpack is perfect to inspire the power girl in any school girl! It's $29.99.
This fun and colorful LEGO backpack will make your little master builder grin from ear to ear! I know mine will, and I personally love the practical knob-styled pockets and classic brick shopping. It's priced at $28!
With the
coming out in a couple of days, this
hits perfect timing! The water bottle pocket, padded straps and other extras make this a great choice for kids!
Who doesn't love cute monsters to take to school? This adorable backpack with monsters makes is fun to carry books to school. Oh and there's also the coordinated Monster pencil case, and Monster lunch box too…
Minecraft fans alert! This Minecraft backpack brings one of the most popular games to your kids' school routine, and they'll love it!
Got Pokémon? This cheery backpack just makes me smile! I love the roomy design, large front pocket and cute details.
If you're a Star Wars fan, you may hide out and occasionally borrow this backpack from your kids. The futuristic details are great, and it's roomy enough to accommodate all their school stuff too!
This dinosaur backpack is just great for any little paleontologist in the making (shoutout to my little nephew Khalifa)! It's a fun, roomy and just original pick for your future little scientist!
This Marvel Comics Super Hero Backpackis perfect for your little superhero, and includes a nice side space for their little water bottles too! I know mine is already hooked..
Why settle on one superhero when you can have the whole collection?
Unicorns have officially made their back-to-school debut! This fun unicorn backpack is for the unique, trailblazing girl who likes to dream big and…in color!
Which ones are your favorites? What do you look for in back-to-school backpacks?
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | Jul 25, 2017 | Career

Our Wear to Work feature presents pieces of workwear for women at work at various price and style ranges.
I've been on the hunt for tailored, modern suits that don't take me back to the "Working Girl" era (no offense). Suits like this tailored number from J. Crew!
I absolutely love the easy fit of this suit in a non-traditional light blue. It's perfect for summer and even into early Fall.
The coordinating tailored trousers are also cut to perfection and extremely flattering.
What do you like about this suit?
To your success,
The Corporate Sis.