Photo credit: shop style.com
Stripes make an unexpected statement with this A-line cotton blend skirt from Toyshop. Loving the interplay of vertical and horizontal stripes on this comfortable and chic midi skirt. It’s $95 at Nordstrom.
As alternatives to this midi skirt, I’d suggest this gorgeous pleated faille midi version, or this scribble-print number from Neiman Marcus.
Which one is your favorite?
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
There’s something about white tops that make summer even brighter (even when you’re stuck in your office). Hence today’s Corporate Catwalk pick, this fringed Rudin top from Saks Fifth Avenue. Love the fitted bodice accented by the uber-flattering peplum hem on this original top; not to mention the fringe added wow factor! It’s $102 at Saks.
Speaking of summer white tops, I also love this Tory Burch geometric lace tee, or this simple and chic Elizabeth and James papillion top.
What do you say? Yay or Nay?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
Summer’s calling, and so is that well-deserved, long-awaited vacation…You’re ready to get the heck out of the office, and go breathe some real air, on a warm beach somewhere with a cold margarita in hand…Except, before you actually step out of the front door and get on your way, there are a few things you must do to make sure you don’t come back to angry emails, aggravated co-workers, and some serious work trouble in tow…
How do you effectively prep for your vacation before shutting your computer down and saying sayonara to your inbox? Do you just take off and hope for the best, at the risk of stressing out during your entire vacation? Or are there specific steps you should follow to ensure you leave with your reputation intact, and actually enjoy your time off? I’d pick the latter…
You know the feeling, vacation’s a few days away and your mind seems to have left for the Caribbean islands already…Well, now’s not the time to mentally check out and let your tasks slide! Before you can actually lay on that tropical beach and sip on that margarita, there’s still work to be done! Instead, try to finish off any pending tasks, and anticipate any upcoming need or question from your manager and/or co-workers.
Leaving your manager in the dark before you leave for vacation is never a good idea! Even worse, you wouldn’t want her/him to have unanswered questions or requests while you’re away. Instead, be proactive and set up a meeting with her/him to let them know where you stand before leaving. Even better, show them exactly your current status by preparing a status memo or spreadsheet they can refer to in your absence!
Although you should check in with your boss first, don’t forget the rest of your team! Put your proactive hat once again, and ask everyone around what they need. Whether it’s co-workers, project stakeholders, or clients, make sure to check in with them and discuss pending questions and upcoming deadlines. Not only will you avoid any (bad) surprises, but they’ll thank you for it too…
As part of updating your boss and team as related to your work priorities when you leave, make sure to communicate these in order of priority. You want them to be able to know where to start when you’re gone, and what should come first. Prepare a schedule of work priorities you can leave with your boss and co-workers to help them navigate your workload when you’re away.
Your work BFF is not only good to grab coffee and gossip at the watercolor. S/he can also be instrumental when you prep for vacation. See if they’d be willing to be your point-person while you’re gone. You could even include them in your out-of-office automatic replies for reference.
The best way to ruin an upcoming vacation is to leave some deadlines unmet. If you know a big project is gone the week after you leave for vacation, then make sure you work on it immediately and leave all the necessary elements behind. The same thing applies if you have a crucial deadline right when you get back. Take a step ahead and smash these critical upcoming deadlines, so you can go in peace…and come back in peace!
This is usually the detail I leave for the last minute…and the one I usually forget most easily! Instead of leaving it for last, prepare a concise and to the point message informing others you’re away on vacation, when to expect a reply from you, and who to go to in case of emergencies.
PS: Like this post?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
Today’s Corporate Catwalk pick will remind you of the Caribbeans with a dash of style. This half-sleeve palm print dress from Last Call is both perfect for summer, and a great addition to any work wardrobe.
Loving the easy sheath cut of this elegant dress, accented by a simple jewel neckline and attractive palm print dress. The silhouette is both comfortable and stylish for work and after-hours. This dress is on sale for $87.75 at Last Call.
Speaking of printed summery dresses, I also love this Tahari watercolor-print dress, also from Last Call. And this Lafayette 148 New York brushstroke pleated beauty is to die for too…
What do you say? Yay or Nay?
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
You know the feeling…You’ve been out of work for some time, whether it was for a long week-end, some well-deserved vacation time, or even sick days…And now it’s time to go back, and face the pile of emails and work awaiting you without stressing out (read: totally losing your mind)…Talk about stressful…
How do you get back in the groove on your first day back at the work? And actually manage to do some work, keep your hair in place, and refrain from booking the next flight to the closest island? Here are 3 tips, infographic-style, to keep stress (and caramel-filled chocolates) at bay when returning to work after taking some time off:
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news update, 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…
Happy Friday, and happy 4th!
To your success,
The Corporate Sis.
Poplin shirt – Photo credit: barneysnewyork.com
You know it already…As soon as Summer starts poking its warm head and we start shedding the clothing layers from Winter and Spring, dressing for work becomes quite the challenge. You can tell when you get the Corporate Communications email outlining the do’s and font’s of summer dressing.
I’ve had my share of summer dressing mishaps at the office myself. And after a few office fashion lessons learned the hard way, I’ve gathered a few essential rules for summer workwear in the office:
Stretch Cami – Photo credit: anntaylor.com
That is, your undergarments. What you wear underneath your clothes can actually be more important than what’s on top. Make sure to wear a cami under anything sheer, or skip the white bra under a white top. This versatile stretch cami from Ann Taylor is a great option, worn alone or layered.
Even as the temperatures rise, your office wardrobe should still remain professional. Hence the need to always keep some classics on hand. My favorite is the classic white shirt, which never goes out of style. Like this classic yet stylish poplin shirt, or this crisp linen version.
Hello open-toed shoes season! If you’re not in an uber-conservative office that requires you to wear closed-toe shoes (yes, I started in Big Accounting in one of those), then you should take a serious look at your feet. Please, please, get a pedicure if you’re going to show off those toes. And ditch the flip-flops for some more office-appropriate sandals, like these cool Kelsi Daggerwedges, or these Stuart Weizmann chic sandals.
Crop Cardi – Photo credit: barneywarehouse.com
Have you ever wondered why most companies have the A/C blasting in the summer, when it’s a whopping 90 degrees outside? I stopped trying to understand…Instead, make sure to play the cardi card as part of your summer workwear. Not only is it a chic way to cover up in the office, it’s also a very elegant addition to any outfit. I love this bright cardigan from JCrew Factory, or this Carolina Herrera crop version. Bonus point: add a skinny belt to the combo to make your entire outfit pop! This skinny version could be your everyday go-to!
Madison blazer – Photo credit: the limited.com
Whenever I want to add a touch of sophistication to my summer workwear, I throw on a cool blazer. This wardrobe staple sharpens anything you have on, whether it’s a floral dress or a midi skirt. Go for a lightweight version like this linen beauty, or this Madison piped piece.
Office-appropriate doesn’t need to be boring! A key trend this summer is the monochromatic look. So go ahead and be a white vision in a simple white T-shirt, like this V-neck T-shirt and white skirt like this lace version.
Printed midi dress – Photo credit: the limited.com
If you’re not sure whether to go for a maxi or mini, stay in the middle! A midi skirt or dress is a great way to navigate summer workwear while still remaining cool and stylish. I love this printed midi dress, for instance.
What are your go-to rules for summer workwear?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
