by Solange Lopes | Nov 3, 2016 | Career
Our Wear to Work section features selected pieces of professional and business attire for women at work.
I’ve been obsessed with camel coats lately. There’s just something about this classic piece that defies time, trends or styles. Hence today’s Wear to Work pick, this Camille coat from Sole Society.
Love the distinctive length of this sleek essential you can pair with your favorite jeans or your most elegant suit! The slightly oversized look adds some edge to it, while the simple cut makes it a wardrobe classic. It’s $218 at Sole Society.
I also like this Karen Millen fur-collared version, as well as this double-breasted Cinzia Rocca number available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Plus Sizes.
In plus -sizes, this Lauren Ralph Lauren Reefer Coat from Nordstrom is available in sizes 14W to 24W. I also like this Via Spiga faux-fur version in sizes 16 W to 24W, on sale at Macy’s.
Petites.
In Petite sizes, this luxe camel coat from Talbots has me doing the happy dance. I also would gladly do a twirl or two in this Eliza J stand collar wool version from Nordstrom.
Which one is your favorite?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 3, 2016 | Career
Note: This is the answer to a question asked on Quora, which i wanted to share on the blog.
I remember being in the hot seat, interviewing for a new job after having been at my current job for less than a year. I knew the question was coming. “Why are you looking for a change?”
I had mentally prepared a generic response to it. Something to the effect that I was seeking more advancement opportunities and stimulation on the job, etc. Yet as I was getting ready to spit out my carefully rehearsed answer, I realized the lack of authenticity was not even fooling me. The words of one of my mentors came back to me:
Every time you present yourself in a way that is unauthentic, you’re setting yourself up for failure. The trick isn’t in the message you have to deliver, but in how you frame it.
So I sat up in my interview chair, and calmly explained that I was looking for a change because I couldn’t handle the travel expectations, in addition to not seeing eye to eye with my manager. At which point I was ready to grab my purse and be excused…
The opposite actually happened, as I drew the attention of the interviewer. Not only did she value my honesty and straightforwardness, she also could relate because she had been through the same experience earlier in her career.
The trick for me was to frame what could have appeared as negative circumstances as an opportunity to be transparent while emphasizing the positive side of the situation. I made it clear that I had learnt a lot and was thankful for my experience at my former position, but was looking for an environment that would be more conducive to mine and my future group’s growth.
My point is, while you certainly must be diplomatic in how you explain seemingly negative circumstances, you can gain more by being transparent rather than vague or even worse, unauthentic.
Besides, it allows you to make a real, human connection with the person on the other side of the table, which can be an invaluable asset right off the bat.
You should also keep in mind that in certain industries, there are chances that your former co-workers or managers know your future group members, and may share information about you. Think about damaging your reputation later on…
All in all, try to be as forthcoming as possible, while framing your answer as positively as you can. The more you can paint a picture of growth and progress in spite of obstacles, the better you can present yourself in a strong and authentic light. And the more you can make a unique, powerful connection.
How have you handled this question in interviews?
PS: Join the conversation, click HERE to follow me on Quora!
To your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 2, 2016 | Career
Our “Wear to Work” feature presents selected pieces of professional attire for corporate and business sisters.
Adriana Papell Sweater Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
This dress is available in black and grey, as well as in wineberry. It’s $118 at Nordstrom.
I also like this Cynthia Steefe beautiful long-sleeved collared sweater dress from Neiman Marcus (only available in medium and small though). And this Marc Jacobs sweater dress from Shopbop is absolutely gorgeous.
Plus Sizes.
Jessica Howard Geo-contrast Sweater Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
In Plus Sizes, I absolutely love this Jessica Howard Geo-Contrast sweater dress from Macy’s, available in sizes 1X through 3X. I also like this Vince Camuto lace version from Nordstrom, available in sizes Plus 1X through Plus 3X. Lastly, this Eliza J turtleneck sweater dress from Lord & Taylor, in sizes 1X through 3X, is a great addition to any work wardrobe.
Petite Sizes.
Jessica Howard Petite Fit and Flare Sweater Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Which one is your favorite?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 1, 2016 | Career
Today, I’m sharing a passage of the revised edition of my e-book “Girl, Take Back Your Career” with you! Here are a few tips on establishing your power network, whether you’re a corporate or business sister…
In other words, who’s in your “Who’s Who” list? Not that you should play “Corporate Groupie of the year”, but knowing and being known by the cream of the crop in your team, department or company does open up a world of opportunities, knowledge and wisdom for you.
But how do you get to know the who’s who, the cream of the crop, when you don’t report directly to them, and have literally no work interaction with them, other than seeing them on the Intranet’s front page day in and day out? Do you just crash the Director’s office on a random day with a smile and a thousand questions (please don’t)?
There are ways to go around the “I don’t know all these high-powered people” problem. Start by seeking one or multiple mentors, which is nothing more than asking someone you highly admire in your team, department or company to share their experience and show you some of the Big Corporate ropes. Most high-powered executives have themselves had mentors who helped them further their careers through networking, opportunities and oodles of corporate wisdom. And most would be happy to send the elevator back down…
Joining professional associations and groups, as well as attending professional conferences and events, is also a great way to meet and network with high-powered execs in your field.
Even in your day-to-day interactions and meetings, pay close attention to the individuals you come in contact with. Networking doesn’t have to be this formal exercise in meeting other human beings. And it doesn’t have to be restricted to after-hours venues, or golf courses for that matter. It could be as easy as sending an email to someone you may have come across to ask for advice, or pick someone’s brain in the hallway at the end of a meeting.
All in all, it comes down to purposely and consciously leveraging your professional interactions, whether they happen in the hallway at coffee break time, or in a more formal professional event, or even from afar with someone you greatly admire.
Have you started building your power network yet?
PS: Click HERE to get the full copy of “Girl, Take Back Your Career!”.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2016 | Career
Our Coffee Break feature discusses everyday issues or topics faced by women (and men) at work. Think of it as your daily chat with your work BFF…
So….Halloween is right around the corner, and I wonder if I should celebrate at work. If so, how can I pull a fun Halloween celebration in the office without losing my professional edge? Or should I skip it altogether, and save the festivities for after-hours?
My $0.05: Ok, so for those of us who are really into Halloween, it can be a bit depressing not to be able to enjoy the holiday at work. While many offices are OK with employees dressing up, many others are just not. And if you’re concerned about losing your professional edge in your favorite Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman costume, you can always:
Check in with your manager and HR first.
Before you make any plans (or drop any of your plans), make sure to check in with your manager and/or HR first. This could be particularly helpful if you’re planning to organize any team-based or group activities.
If You’re Going to Dress Up, Use Your Best Judgment!
If your office code allows for employees to dress up, the only rule really you should follow to make sure you keep your professional reputation intact is: Don’t wear anything embarrassing! As a guide, use this infographic from Refinery 29 to decide if your costume is offensive or not. And while you’re at it, why not make it a group/team thing? Here are 14+ office group Halloween costumes you can experiment with…even if it’s last minute!
Have Some Desk-Decorating Fun!
If you’re worried about your professional reputation at work, or didn’t find a decent enough costume for the office (or if you’re still deciding), how about having some wild fun decorating your surroundings? Plastic spiders, cobwebs, and other fun apparatus can add a nice festive touch to the day too…Short on inspiration? Brit+Co suggests 17 Halloween decor ideas for your cubicle or office.
Do it Potluck Style!
Why not release all that pent-up Halloween spooky energy into some fun and delish food? Organize a potluck within your team, and assign a special dish to each team member. No time for planning a food extravaganza? Well, bring your own spooktacular disk (here’s some inspiration for Halloween-themed food)!
Candy It Up!
After all, everyone’s favorite part of the holiday is all the candy we get to eat! So bring plenty of candy to share with your team and the entire office. Encourage the rest of your team to bring in some sweets to share and celebrate too! Oh…, and check out Thrillist‘s selection of 20 best Halloween candy to make your candy corner the best in the office!
What do you think? Is it OK to celebrate Halloween at work without losing your professional edge?
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2016 | Career
Suede flap cross body bag – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our Weekend Wear feature presents a selected piece of clothing or an accessory for corporate and business sisters to sport on week-ends. Please note this post may contain affiliate links.
Ever wondered how to combine the need to carry your essentials around while still looking cute on-the-go? This suede flap cross body bag from The Limited may just be your answer. I love the clean and simple design of this bag, not to mention the neutral color, that makes it perfect to pair with just about anything…Bonus: it’s on sale for $39.99 at The Limited!
I also like this Sole Society “Thalia” number in faux leather from Nordstrom for casual week-ends. For a sophisticated night out, I wouldn’t mind this Rebecca Minkoff Love Jumbo from Saks Fith Avenue quilted leather beauty, or this Kate Spade New York Cedar Street compact version! And for anyone in the mood, why not splurge on this gorgeous Chloe caramel smooth leather Drew mini-crossbody bag from Barneys New York?
Which one is your fave?
Happy Weekend!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, 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…
- The US elections are only a matter of days, and it’s hard to avoid talking about it at work… The Lindsey Pollak blog has an awesome final election-at-work survival guide (and you can check out my thoughts on talking politics at work too);
- Speaking of the elections, Ellevate Network has an interesting outlook on how they could affect hiring;
- If you thought the world’s on the brink of achieving gender equality, think again! Forbes Woman lists 7 important facts to know about the global gender parity gap;
- Thinking of changing careers? Get inspired by Business Insider’s list of 19 successful people who prove it’s never too late to start over;
- Love TED Talks? Corporette lists a few of the best ones for working women;
- Sallie Krawcheck of Ellevate Network writes this compelling article about how celebrating women’s success can actually hurt their careers;
- Entrepreneur lists 20 habits that could be preventing you from becoming a millionaire;
- The holidays will be here before we know it! Forbes suggests 10 dress styles perfect for any occasion;
- Not sure what to do with all that leftover pumpkin? David Lebovitz has this great (and easy) pumpkin jam recipe.
Last but not least, enjoy this Business Insider video to find out exactly what a hiring manager scans when reviewing resumes:
The Corporate Sis.
