by Solange Lopes | Jul 4, 2016 | Career
Today’s Corporate Catwalk pick will remind you of the Caribbeans with a dash of style. This half-sleeve palm print dress from Last Call is both perfect for summer, and a great addition to any work wardrobe.
Loving the easy sheath cut of this elegant dress, accented by a simple jewel neckline and attractive palm print dress. The silhouette is both comfortable and stylish for work and after-hours. This dress is on sale for $87.75 at Last Call.
Speaking of printed summery dresses, I also love this Tahari watercolor-print dress, also from Last Call. And this Lafayette 148 New York brushstroke pleated beauty is to die for too…
What do you say? Yay or Nay?
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 4, 2016 | Career
You know the feeling…You’ve been out of work for some time, whether it was for a long week-end, some well-deserved vacation time, or even sick days…And now it’s time to go back, and face the pile of emails and work awaiting you without stressing out (read: totally losing your mind)…Talk about stressful…
How do you get back in the groove on your first day back at the work? And actually manage to do some work, keep your hair in place, and refrain from booking the next flight to the closest island? Here are 3 tips, infographic-style, to keep stress (and caramel-filled chocolates) at bay when returning to work after taking some time off:
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 1, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news update, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
Happy Friday, and happy 4th!
To your success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 30, 2016 | Career
Poplin shirt – Photo credit: barneysnewyork.com
You know it already…As soon as Summer starts poking its warm head and we start shedding the clothing layers from Winter and Spring, dressing for work becomes quite the challenge. You can tell when you get the Corporate Communications email outlining the do’s and font’s of summer dressing.
I’ve had my share of summer dressing mishaps at the office myself. And after a few office fashion lessons learned the hard way, I’ve gathered a few essential rules for summer workwear in the office:
Stretch Cami – Photo credit: anntaylor.com
Start with the Basics!
That is, your undergarments. What you wear underneath your clothes can actually be more important than what’s on top. Make sure to wear a cami under anything sheer, or skip the white bra under a white top. This versatile stretch cami from Ann Taylor is a great option, worn alone or layered.
Keep It Classic!
Even as the temperatures rise, your office wardrobe should still remain professional. Hence the need to always keep some classics on hand. My favorite is the classic white shirt, which never goes out of style. Like this classic yet stylish poplin shirt, or this crisp linen version.
Mind Your Feet!
Hello open-toed shoes season! If you’re not in an uber-conservative office that requires you to wear closed-toe shoes (yes, I started in Big Accounting in one of those), then you should take a serious look at your feet. Please, please, get a pedicure if you’re going to show off those toes. And ditch the flip-flops for some more office-appropriate sandals, like these cool Kelsi Daggerwedges, or these Stuart Weizmann chic sandals.
Crop Cardi – Photo credit: barneywarehouse.com
Play the Cardi Card!
Have you ever wondered why most companies have the A/C blasting in the summer, when it’s a whopping 90 degrees outside? I stopped trying to understand…Instead, make sure to play the cardi card as part of your summer workwear. Not only is it a chic way to cover up in the office, it’s also a very elegant addition to any outfit. I love this bright cardigan from JCrew Factory, or this Carolina Herrera crop version. Bonus point: add a skinny belt to the combo to make your entire outfit pop! This skinny version could be your everyday go-to!
Madison blazer – Photo credit: the limited.com
Up Your Game with A Blazer!
Whenever I want to add a touch of sophistication to my summer workwear, I throw on a cool blazer. This wardrobe staple sharpens anything you have on, whether it’s a floral dress or a midi skirt. Go for a lightweight version like this linen beauty, or this Madison piped piece.
Keep it Monochrome!
Office-appropriate doesn’t need to be boring! A key trend this summer is the monochromatic look. So go ahead and be a white vision in a simple white T-shirt, like this V-neck T-shirt and white skirt like this lace version.
Printed midi dress – Photo credit: the limited.com
Go for the middle midi!
If you’re not sure whether to go for a maxi or mini, stay in the middle! A midi skirt or dress is a great way to navigate summer workwear while still remaining cool and stylish. I love this printed midi dress, for instance.
What are your go-to rules for summer workwear?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 29, 2016 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
We look forward to summer all year, and then it comes, with its slew of fun things to do to entertain ourselves. And most importantly for working moms, to entertain the kids…All of a sudden, all this fun has to be combined with being stuck in a cubicle working full-time, while trying not to stress about keeping the kids busy and happy over the summer break.
Let’s keep it real…When kids are in school, we worry less about keeping them busy and entertained. Over the summer break (and any other school break really), getting appropriate childcare becomes more of a headache, as we try and plan our entire kids’ lives for three months. So how do we entertain the kids when we’re working full-time? How do we find time to plan kids’ activities in between the daily to-do’s and fun-packed week-ends? And in the midst of all this entertainment, how do we manage to keep our sanity?
Find the Childcare Option That Works Best for You
When it comes to summer childcare options, while you have options, you’ve got to pick what works best for you. That fancy camp that requires you to drop off at odd hours, and leaves you after mid-day? It may sound appealing, but may just end up stressing you out more than necessary.
Whether it’s a camp, specialized classes, or a more family-based childcare option, pick something that works around your own schedule. You may have to be a little more flexible than usual, but don’t put yourself in a situation where you just drive yourself insane.
Work From Home on Some Days (or Ask to Modify Your Schedule)
Aside from keeping your motivation up during the summer months, worrying about your kids while in your cubicle on an 80 degree day isn’t exactly the definition of summer fun! Break up the monotony of summer days, along with your childcare worries, by asking to work from home on some days. Why not even request a modified schedule in the summer? A girlfriend of mine asked to work 40 hours in 4 days, so she could have every Friday off to spend with her kids during the summer.
Besides, if you can argue that it’ll actually help you be more productive (and maybe a tad nicer), your request may end up going over pretty well…
Budget (And Use) Your Vacation!
Don’t be like the 41% of Americans who didn’t use their vacation n 2015. Summer’s the perfect time to use, and leverage, your vacation time. It wasn’t until I became a working mom that I understood how important it is to budget vacation time. Plan your time off earlier in the year, to ensure your ave as much time as possible for summer vacation.
Let the Kids be Bored!
In our modern obsession with “busyness’, we tend to overbook our kids, especially in the summer. We take them from camp to music lesson, then to swimming and through painful playdates. Yet psychologists recommend we should let kids be bored in the summer, so they can discover what truly interests them.
So instead of overbooking their schedule (and yours), let them flow freely for a bit, and give yourself a break in the meantime.
How do you keep kids entertained in the summer when you’re working full-time?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
