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
by Solange Lopes | Sep 14, 2014 | Career
Weekly news update – Photo credit: thegrio.com
Happy Sunday!
I hope you’re having a great week-end, and that somewhere in the midst of the busyness of life, you find a few moments to reach and inquire within. You may like what you hear when the noise of the world dissipates a bit…Here’s a bit of our Sunday inspiration, the news that made us smile, laugh and frown up a bit this week:
- In fabulous news this week, the New York Times writes about SheTaxis, a new cab service in NY by women catering exclusively to women. And Jezebel anticipates we may need some SheRides credit pretty soon…
- I wrote earlier this week about the new hustle economy, which was inspired by the Harvard Business Review‘s breaking down of the current freelance economy;
- Brazen Careerist reminds us of why our first job (how long ago was that again?) is the most important of them all;
- To go to grad school or not? The Daily Muse recommends we ask ourselves 5 questions before making the move;
- Did you ever wonder if gender plays a role in the types of feedback we receive at work? Well, Fortune confirms in no uncertain terms that it definitely does…;
- Ever wondered what bad things people had to do at work? Business Insider lists 9 of the most hilarious and horrendous things people had to do while on the clock;
- Got texting etiquette? Black Enterprise tips us off on a few rules to follow when texting potential clients and business contacts;
- Too busy to care? Well, Fast Company confirms that everything we tell ourselves about being oh so busy is really a…lie (so please get down your busy pedestal…);
- I’m dreading “cleaning” my closet this Fall, again…Maybe I should get inspired by Positively Positive‘s tips on how to enjoy living with less (really, how many shoes and pocketbooks does one two-legged, two-armed woman need);
- Last but not least, for the next time you refrain from asking advice, NYMag reminds you that asking advice actually makes you seem more competent. So, ask and you shall receive!
Happy Sunday!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 13, 2014 | Career |
Photo credit: prosinthecity.com
So you know what they say about hanging out with Pookie n nem? Whether you’ve grown up in what is socially considered to be the “hood” or have any connection to it, you’ve heard the proverbial urban sayings about hanging out with Pookie n nem…And even if you haven’t, truth is, we all have our own ghettos (some fancier than others), and we all have our own Pookies, Ray Rays, n nem (some standing at more obvious corners than others, at which point it’s more a matter of geography than social status)…
“If you hang out with Pookie n nem, you’ll end up just like them!” Or you know “you are the company you keep”! And as much as I’ve had my share of Pookies growing up (some of them the object of my fondest memories), I’ve had to realize as I matured that growing pains also involve the pain of moving on to build a network I could grow with…
As we evolve through life and strive for success, whether it be entrepreneurial or corporate, we also evolve as people. Our dreams get shaped, our pursuits change, and somewhere along our path, we crave the network that understands us and speaks our language. And as naturally as we formed chance friendships growing up, we start seeking kindred spirits and like minds.
My father always says, “your network is your net worth”! And as a savvy businessman, he should know. As your mindset and career evolve, and you seek to grow and prosper, are you paying attention to your network? Is your net worth stalling because your network is no longer stimulating you? Is it time to let go of Pookie n nem, at least a bit so you can start building the network that will increase your net worth?
As for me, I will always cherish my Pookie n nem, and we still talk on occasions. But life is big, and I set out to keep reaching, so I’ve got to keep striving….and if they ever make up their minds to come for the ride, I’ll be right there…
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 12, 2014 | Career |
Because of them we can backpack – Photo credit: http://www.becauseofthemwecan.com
I’m in love with this signature backpack from the Because of them we can collection. I first stumbled on the Because Of Them We Can organization through YouTube blogger and naturalista extraordinaire Mahogany Curls. The “Because of Them We Can” movement was created by social entrepreneur Eunique Jones Gibson, in the aftermath of the death of Trayvon Martins. The campaign is to remind us of all the African-American leaders who’ve paved the way for us all, and inspire us to keep dreaming and keep excelling. Since then, the movement and its founder have been featured all over the media (check out a few of the articles written about it in Ebony, theGrio, the Washington Post, and Forbes to cite a few)., I love this movement, and am eager to get the latest of its collection items, this stylish backpack. It’s now available for pre-order on the site for $50. Check out the signature T-shirts (I love the Maya Angelou inspired ones), and coffee book as well. Because of them we really can… The Corporate Sis.
