by Solange Lopes | Sep 16, 2014 | Career
Does body image matter at work – Photo credit: pinterest.com
Have you ever wondered if your size matters at work? Does it make a difference whether you’re a petite size 2 or a secure, beautiful size 11? Are you judged more harshly depending on your body size? And is it worse for minorities at work?
For some, size certainly does matter. And not just in the US, as overweight women (not men) in China face serious discrimination at work. And unfortunately, overweight individuals at work are not necessarily identified as a protected class of people.
My $0.05: Although I’ve never experienced bias or discrimination based on body image at work, I’ve heard a few interesting stories from friends and co-workers alike, all women. This is confirmed by a recent Business Insider article proposing overweight women are seen as less competent, while only obese men get perceived similarly.
As if it’s not enough we’re bombarded with stereotypical body images by the media, must we also put up with it at work? Apparently so…
What are your thoughts? Have you suffered from body image bias at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 16, 2014 | Career
So the much awaited Altuzarra collection for Target is here, and is now entirely available online. Of course, as a Target girl and an Altuzarra fan, I’ve been ready…
Here are my favorite five pieces of the Altuzarra collection for Target so far:
- Peplum Blazer: Loving this blazer with peplum detail fromtheAltuzarra collection.
Altuzarra for Target Peplum blazer – $54.99 – Photo credit: target.com
With its satin collar notched lapel, single-covered button closure and peplum-inspired jacquard back placket, this is the evening gown of blazers! It’s $54.99 at Target.
2. Python Pencil Skirt: I like the sassiness of this python pencil skirt. The pattern is uniquely
Altuzarra for Target Python Pencil Skirt – $34.99 – Photo credit: target.com
original, while the classical shape of this pencil skirt lends itself to work and/or after-hours. t’s $34.99 at Target.
Altuzarra for Target Peasant Dress – $54.99 – Photo credit: target.com
3. Peasant Dress: Now this one was a pleasant surprise. I wouldn’t usually think of sporting a peasant dress to my 9-to-5, BUT this Altuzarra for Target peasant dress is no contest! This 70’s bohemian style dress has been remixed with a fresh, modern edge. Loving the sheer flounce sleeves and covered front buttons on this dress. I’d wear it under a classic blazer or alone for work and after-hours. It’s $54.99 at Target.
Altuzarra for Target Sheer Bow Blouse – $29.99 – Photo credit: target.com
4. Sleeveless Sheer Bow Blouse: I’m a bow girl (check out prior bow-adorned selections here and here), hence my pick of this sleeveless sheer bow blouse. This is the perfect layering piece for chilly mornings or formal meetings at the office; or styled alone on warmer days. I like the contrast of the white pussy bow against this sheer blouse, under which I’d add a simple black cami. This blouse is $29.99 at Target.
Altuzarra for Target trench coat – $89.99 – Photo credit: target.com
5. Trench Coat: I’m a sucker for trench coats and similar toppers (check out prior picks here and here). I love, love, did I say I love, this strong military-inspired trench coat with beautifully feminine details. Where do I start? The belted and double-breasted silhouette, the contrast sleeves, the buttoned epaulettes, all scream “fabulous”. It’s $89.99 at Target.
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 15, 2014 | Career
Photo credit: nydailynews.com
Recently, a woman told her boss about her devastating cancer diagnosis, and in response, he did the unexpected: he fired her. Now that ought to make you think twice about sharing any health information at work. I know it got my thinking wheels going for a while, and not in a happy direction…
I personally think firing an employee because of health reasons is unconscionable. No one should be punished for their health, least after years of faithful professional service.
My $0.05: If your personal health is going to affect your work, then you should let your management know you may not be able to fulfill your work duties due to illness. However, revealing your diagnosis to your employer is still at your discretion, granted you are still performing your work duties.
Would you share information about your personal health at work? Do you think it could/ should negatively impact your career?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 15, 2014 | Career |
Fitted dress – $34.95 – hm.com
For our Work it feature today, I’m loving this fitted dress from H&M. This knee-length, cap-sleeve sheath dress adorned with a faux-leather waist band is perfect for work or after-hours.
I’d pair it with pearl earrings and a simple pair of black pumps for work. For after-hours, I’d probably merchandise it with some more substantial bling and statement stilettos.
A great buy!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 15, 2014 | Career
Cartoons are great for your career – Photo credit: http://abcpartyideasforgirls.org
I watch a lot of cartoons, much more than I ever thought I would. Not because over time, my taste drastically changed and I evolved from Sex and the City to Doc Mcstuffins. I just happen to be a mom of toddlers.
Yet, have you ever wondered what cartoons had to do, if anything, with your career? In an era where work appears to be (and not so seamlessly so) integrated with our lives, what could seasoned professionals learn from a bunch of cartoon characters?
I believe all our experiences enrich us, and the different areas of our lives happen to all work together to make us who we are. And that also would happen to be who we take to work and expect all kinds of successful achievements from…So if we can enjoy Doc McStuffins, or sing along Frozen’s lyrics, why could we not leverage our cartoon acumen all the way into our careers:
1. Cartoons remind us it’s OK to dream…Actually, it’s recommended to dream, especially in our careers. It’s because work has lost its ability to make us aspire to bigger and better that we stop trying as hard. Or maybe because our aspirations have changed? Our baby boomer parents worked for their white picket fenced-homes, now under water. What is our generation of millenials dreaming of? Are we even dreaming any more?
2. The Impossible is really disguised Possibility…In the midst of all the career strategizing, professional path charting, planning and predicting, we often forget to make room for some good ol’ faith in the seemingly Impossible! We forget we CAN have the career of our dreams, we CAN look forward to work, and we CAN make a difference, yes, at work…
3. Good guys do finish first. Last but not least, I believe the most important career lesson of cartoons is just that. Good guys win! Even though it seems they’re destined to lose, they do end up winning, and saving a whole lot of people in the process. It wouldn’t be as much fun to watch the hypocritical financier, or the corrupt investment banker, win and screw everyone over, right? Well, then maybe we should keep those same values, good ol’ Integrity, Honesty and Hard Work as part of our corporate jungle too…
The Corporate Sis
