by Solange Lopes | Aug 6, 2014 | Career
For our water cooler fashion convo today, I got a bit fashion greedy and picked two pieces that I really liked, instead of just one. And since these are my favorite fashion things in the world, well…
Charles Jourdan Colorblock Leather Tote – $146 – lastcall.com
First pick is this Charles Jourdan color block leather tote bag from Last Call. I just couldn’t resist the timelessness and classic elegance of this tote. From the rolled leather handle to the golden logo chain, it just screams “lady”! Reminds me of my mom (who is still one of the best dressed women I know…). This cult classic is on sale for $205 at Last Call.
And for a more frugal selection, yet as classic
Enzo Angiolini Christaz ballet flats – $49-50 – myhabit.com
and timeless selection, I fell in awe of these Enzo Angiolini Christaz ballet flats from Myhabit. Loving the versatility of this color blocked nude shoe which can easily transition from summer to fall. And did I mention the closure buckle…This flat is also on sale for $49-$50!
Like these? Please send us comments or suggestions!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 6, 2014 | Career
Draped Watercolor Dress – $146 – openingceremony.com
I love an original yet classic dress, hence today’s Work It pick, this Opening Ceremony draped watercolor dress. The draping, inspired by Korean formal wear, is original but exquisite. The waist tie is a flattering addition to it, without appearing too matronly.
While the dress is available in black and white, as well as dusty blue, I prefer this dusty pink option that is still feminine but elegant. The dress is on sale for $146 (down from $485) at Opening Ceremony.
Any suggestions on pieces you’d like to see featured? Please email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 6, 2014 | Career
how to start loving your job – newyorkdiversitynews.com
Happy Hump Day!
I like to add up numbers on car plates while sitting in traffic, or reading words in reverse, or finding patterns in the pitch of people’s voices during casual conversations. Nothing that I’ve ever bragged about at work. Not that I don’t find my quirks quite endearing, but they are usually a part of myself I don’t walk into work with. Even as I’m writing this, a part of my brain keeps interrupting the other, screaming “Oversharing alert!”
Yet, everywhere we turn, all we seem to hear is constant talks about authenticity, being yourself, bringing in the unique YOU that will make you stand out from the crowd! YOU are special, one-of-a-kind, and just what this imperfect world needs…Right? Except while the world seems to crave authenticity, you need a paycheck which kinda requires you to bring your “authentic” best to work, you know, just that part that is politically correct and acceptable. As for the rest, please leave it at home…
A study by the INSEAD reveals “how much of yourself you put on display” depends on what and who is around you. So much for authenticity, right? And while women at work are all breaking their backs to lean in while jumping up to punch the ugly glass ceiling in the face, they are still being told how to act, what to wear, how (not) to style their hair, if they so much as want to stand a chance at work. Now that’s some real authenticity right there…
Now even with all the controversial spiel about being authentic at work, who really wants their boss to know about their obsession with YouTube college videos? Apparently, most people don’t. And for those who do, they’re probably sitting in their home office in their pajamas laughing their socks off while reading this post…
What do you think of this? Would you be yourself at work? Or do you think it’s virtually impossible?
by Solange Lopes | Aug 4, 2014 | Career |
http://www.aquaidwatercoolers.co.uk/why-drink-water-2/why-drink-water-at-work
Being healthy at work sure ain’t easy…Or at least remaining healthy while you’re pulling in well over 8 hours of work sitting down (when you’re not almost plopped on your keyboard), and refraining from munching on anything remotely sugary…Yet, according to a Penn State University research, women tend to be more stressed at work than at home, even more so if they don’t have children at home!And so do men, even if only moderately as compared to women...
With two toddlers, backed up laundry and no time to keep hydrated on the week-end, I can empathize (albeit secretly)! Even on the most hurried of work days, isn’t it easier to walk around with your bottle of water or bite on an apple as you’re finishing your monthly report, than while rushing from soccer practice to piano recital?
With the balance of stress piling up more on the side of work as opposed to home, do you find you’re healthier at work than at home?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 4, 2014 | Career
Long sleeve surplice dress – $89.97 – nordstromrack.com
Although we don’t want to think about it yet, summer’s almost over, and as we start preparing for Fall, lighter, long sleeve dresses are slowly making a comeback. Hence today’s Work It pick, this Tracy Reese long sleeve surplice dress from Nordstrom Rack. Love the designer, and love this graphic, punchy dress with an original hem cutout!
I’d pair it with easy black pumps for work and minimal jewelry, not to deflect from the dress pattern. It’s going fast, and is currently on sale for $89.97 (down from $288!) at Nordstrom Rack!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 4, 2014 | Career |
how to deal with a nice boss – pay scale.com
Happy Monday! How to deal with a nice boss? Duh…be thankful and pray s/he never changes! I’ve had all kinds of bosses, good ones, not so good ones, nice ones, short ones, tall ones…And like most people, what I seem to remember is the not-so-good-experiences with the not-so-good ones. After all, don’t we all tend to remember bad times more than we do good ones?
According to a 2013 survey by the Workforce Institute at Kronos, 75% of employees said they’d rather have an effective and high-performing boss over a nice one! So much for praying for a nice boss when your current one adds yet another project to your already overwhelming schedule…Yes, really, it’s a problem when your boss is not nice at all (not to use other more suggestive terms), and it’s a problem when your boss is too nice. Except it’s easier to identify and target potential problems with a not-so-nice boss (among others how to make them nicer), than with a sweeter, less demanding manager. And since as women professionals and corporate sisters, many of us do not necessarily possess the innate ability or opportunity to challenge the status quo, this can literally turn into a career-killer. So what is one to do to reverse the apathetic tendency that sets in with a nice manager who may knowingly (or unknowingly) under-manage and reduce your chances at career success:
1. Take Ownership Of your Career! Unfortunately, most “nice” managers are not the best at challenging the status quo. They may not also be the best at providing the tough feedback, challenging opportunities or lateral assignments that will make you noticed and advance your career. While you may be able to rely on a tougher boss for honest, no-nonsense feedback and motivation, here you may have to take ownership of your career and success! Request more feedback from your boss, start asking questions, look into opportunities around you, observe the politics and dynamics and begin charting your own path!
2. Enlarge your network! Success is built through connections, so start enlarging your professional network. Discuss upcoming opportunities with other managers, find common ground with related departments and groups, join common interest groups and associations at work. You never know where the next opportunity may come from, but you can get ready for it…
3. Make a move! If all else fails and you can sense your career dipping down the wrong end, it may be time to make a move! Whether you choose to move laterally or take an entirely new position outside of the company, getting away from the negative clout of a “too nice” manager may sometimes be the only career-saving move to make! Don’t fear looking ungrateful or taking too big of a risk, your career will thank you later!
Is your boss too nice?
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | Aug 3, 2014 | Career |
Weekly news update – auto straddle.com
Happy Sunday! Hope everyone is having a great week-end, refueling and relaxing before the start of the week (again!)…As for me, I’m sipping on my morning’ Joe, sifting throughout the news that made me smile, sigh and outright burst into laughter (or other things) this week:
- Looking at my backed-up laundry loads, I can definitely relate to this NPR blog post around “when work becomes a haven from stress at home“, just sayin’;
- The NY Times confirms paid leave encourages female employees to stay (as we’ve been saying for years);
- The National Journal tells us, in a compelling, must-read article, what it’s like to balance work and family as a woman of color;
- Speaking of women in tech, the Hire More Women in Tech campaign gives us a few real pointers on how to hire much needed women in tech, while Fast Company reveals New York’s tech companies have the biggest gender gap and the Huff Post confirms diversity data shows the need to focus on women of color;
- In positive, woman-forward news, For Harriet celebrates attorney Michelle Roberts’ election as first woman head of the NBA Players Association;
- WSJ points out the scary, but real, fact that unfortunately, women are penalized for promoting other women, and more so when it comes to minorities pushing for other minorities, just sad!;
- As you think about packing your meals for the work week, Mashable shares 5 nutritionist secrets to supercharge your 9-to-5;
- In happy, feel-good news, Business Insider tells us about two MIT grads who created a startup almost exclusively hiring autistic employees;
- And if you’re looking for a match made in heaven between your boss and yourself, well, eHarmony unveils a service to do just that;
- In work fashion news, I’m loving Elle‘s selection of “perfect” work pants, while Refinery 29 reveals Banana Republic’s new fab collection with Roland Mouret (can’t wait!), along with 8 brunch outfits even better than your meal;
- Lat but not least, The Corporate Sister is keeping it real with advice on how to break up with your inner critic, why you should have a “stop doing list“, and how to develop thick skin at work.
That’s it for my news ranting for this week, I’m off to brunch! Enjoy your Sunday, much love!
The Corporate Sis.
