Coffee Break: Morris the Memo Holder

Morris the Memo Holder - $17.13 - Photo: luckies.co.uk

Morris the Memo Holder – $17.13 – Photo: luckies.co.uk

When I saw this, I first went “Awww”, and then “I need this, now”! Considering my life is an unending trail of post-it notes, memo cards, phone reminders and other alerts, I could use me some Morris the memo holder. 

Loving this contemporary take on memo holders, that is sure to bring a smile to your face as you’re reminded to call your Mom…again! It’s $17.13 at Luckie’s.

The Corporate Sis.

Work It: Tulip-Hem Top

Tulip-hem top - $79.50 - Photo: banana republic.gap.com

Tulip-hem top – $79.50 – Photo: banana republic.gap.com

Ok, Spring is nowhere near, but I’m into tulips (don’t judge me!). Hence today’s pick of this simple, elegant tulip-hem top from Banana Republic. Loving the simplicity of the round neckline, the seasonally appropriate long sleeves, and the pleasantly surprising original tulip-shaped hem.

I’d pair this top with a long necklace as in the picture, some easy slacks or classic pencil skirt for work. it would also work extremely well with my favorite jeans and flats on the week-end. Although I’m a big fan of belting tops, this one would probably look better left alone. This tulip-hem top is $79.50 at Banana Republic (and is available in red, berry, navy and grey).

Like this suggestion? Please let me know what you think and feel free to send your picks at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

The Corporate Sis.

Why You Should Audit Your Own Career

Why you should audit your own career - Photo credit: atlantablackstar.com

Why you should audit your own career – Photo credit: atlantablackstar.com

I’m a CPA and auditor by trade. I dissect processes, systems, companies. Heck, I audit my own household and finances, and as much as I try to refrain from (figuratively) dissecting situations and people, it can be quite a bit of a challenge…

Yet, despite my weird tendencies, I’ve found treating your career as a process in need of regular re-examining and sprucing up is actually beneficial. Too often, we forget our careers are dynamic, living processes that ought to evolve right along with us.

Your career is process all in its own. It has its own risks, objectives, and internal controls you can apply to it. And like any other process, it needs some regular TLC, some freshening up, some unplugging and re-plugging. It needs a regular, on-point audit:

1. At least on a quarterly basis, revisit your career. What are you working on? What is your professional environment like? What are you learning? Are you growing or instead regressing?

2. What are your current career risks and objectives? Identify common current risks and pitfalls such as career stagnation, learning apathy or scarcity of opportunity. Pinpoint the related common and personal objectives to these risks, such as upward mobility, learning opportunities for instance. Put it all down in writing and assess where you stand.

3. Do you have any controls in place to mitigate these risks? Now that you know where you stand, what are you doing about it? If you’ve identified a lack of learning opportunities, are you actively seeking those? Are you pursuing certifications and continuous learning to mitigate the issue?

Once you start looking at your career at a process you can evaluate and control, you’ll notice it starts improving in the direction of your choice. Don’t they say you can only attack an issue you are able to see…

What do you think? Do you take time to audit and evaluate your career periodically? If so, how often, and what have you found?

Coffee Break: Does Dressing Well Increase Your Confidence at Work?

Olivia Pope - Photo credit: facesofblackfashion.com

Olivia Pope – Photo credit: facesofblackfashion.com

On the heels of the professionally fabulous Scandal collection introduced today at The Limited, I was wondering how many among us think fashion and the way we dress make us feel more confident at work. Could  we even, like Tea Loni in last Sunday’s episode of Madam Secretary when she used fashion as an attention-grabbing media ruse, use it to our career’s advantage? I mean, there’s a reason why it’s called power dressing.

My $0.05: I do feel a boost of confidence at work when I’m well-dressed. And I’m probably not the only one. I think tasteful, professional femininity and competent self-confidence make perfect partners in the workplace (plus catching a flattering reflection of yourself in the conference room glass wall is always nice before that grueling presentation)…

What do you think? Does dressing well make you feel more confident at work?

The Corporate Sis.

Work It: The Scandal Collection

Thelimited.com

Thelimited.com

Can I say “Gladiator” fashion? Yup, the Scandal collection has arrived at The Limited! Its on days like these I wish I were paid to try on clothes, but since I’m not, I’ll start with picking my 5 favorite pieces from the new, how-off-the-oven Scandal collection:

Funnel neck tweed jacket - $168 - the limited.com

Funnel neck tweed jacket – $168 – the limited.com

1. Funnel Neck Tweed Jacket: Can I say exquisite? Loving this uber-elegant tweed jacket. The funnel neck makes the jacket in this case, for a modern yet classic take on the Fall jacket. It;s $168 at The Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Plaid Cape: Powerful and luxurious, that’s how I would call this typical Olivia- Pope cape!

Plaid Cape - $228 - the limited.com

Plaid Cape – $228 – the limited.com

It’s definitely a head-turning piece, that would amp the elegance and confidence factor of any Gladiator. It’s $228 at The Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

Tulip Skirt Sheath Dress - $128 - the limited.com

Tulip Skirt Sheath Dress – $128 – the limited.com

3. Tulip Skirt Sheath Dress: Loving the tulip-shaped skirt on this classic with a  twist sheath dress. The square neckline adds an element of sophistication that nicely complements the flintiness of the skirt. It’s $128!

 

 

 

 

4. Neck-tie blouse: Perfect mix of femininity and masculinity in this neck-tie blouse. The long

Neck-tie blouse - $69.95 - the limited.com

Neck-tie blouse – $69.95 – the limited.com

sleeves are Fall-perfect, and this neck-tie just commands fashion attention. It’s $69.95 at The Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer's pencil skirt - $79.95 - the limited.com

Officer’s pencil skirt – $79.95 – the limited.coml

5. Officer’s Pencil Skirt: The classic pencil skirt with a nautical feel a la Olivia Pope. Simple, elegant, confident, perfect! It’s $79.95 at The Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Corporate Sis.