Belle’s Workday Reading: February 24, 2015
Feb 24, 2015
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1) Medium has a list of 10 Crucial Skills That You Won’t Learn in School, and discusses how to learn them anyway. I’ve always struggled with networking, so I found this Forbes article filled with quick tips to be a big help.
2) Target’s bag department is killing it–so many great styles, so many great colors, all under-$50. This white tote with cross body strap has great storage and a cool look.
3) 8 Badass Jobs That You’ve Never Heard of Before.
4) When was the last time you bought something from Liz Claiborne? If you’re looking for inexpensive work attire, it’s time to give the brand a look. This inexpensive pale grey trench is phenomenal (phe-nom-e-nal!). I love this printed, short-sleeve wrap dress for casual work days.
5) Bipartisanship is alive and well in the U.S. Senate, at least among its female members. Perhaps the men will get the picture since the chamber’s fairer sex get more done.
6) It’s time to think about spring dresses. This Antonio Melani dress has a unique look, and the neckline on this Ava dress is to die for.
7) A commuter on his way to a job interview spouts off at a man on London’s subway. Hilarity ensues.
8) Need inexpensive, quality cosmetics? I love the NYX brand. Their Finishing Powder gives you the perfect look. The Chic Red lipstick is one of my favorites. And their Mosaic Blush is one of the best on the market in any price point.
9) 12 Women Who Had the Perfect Response to Sexist Questions.
10) Oh, Iris & Ink, I adore your chic work blouses. I love this charcoal grey short-sleeve blouse. And this French blue crepe blouse is so crisp and stylish.
11) Three flight attendants talk about what they pack and what they wish their passengers knew. Speaking of travel, I just bought this 3-piece packing cube set to keep me organized on the road.
12) Chic office supplies are a great way to brighten your work space. I adore these One Day at a Time notepads. This might be the most stylish stapler ever made. And if you’re looking for a chic notepad, this refillable one from Graphic Image is the same one I carry.
*image found here.
I’ve posted about it before, but NYX’s cream blush is my must-have, keep-it-in-my-purse-at-all-times makeup item. I’ve tried more expensive options and it’s still the best. NYX may be inexpensive, but I too love it.
Love number 9. Sure, it is important to make an effort but our appearances shouldn’t be focused on over our accomplishments. Us, “lesser beings,” even find that to be the case from time to time.
Comments at work, “You look tired,” and so forth. Well, am I acting as though I am tired or ill? No? Even if it was well-intended, zip it. Is the work I am delivering reflect that of someone whose effort is lacking? No – judge that, that’s why I’m here, after all.
I love NYX, especially the butter lipsticks and glosses and Doll Eyes volume mascara. Bonus, for those of you who are interested – they are cruelty free! It’s nice to see an inexpensive, drugstore brand that is also cruelty free.
I need that stapler! And a matching Dymo! That would make my life perfect.
And no, the gender equality consultant is no joke. They exist and business is booming.
Love the cube set! I usually use travel space bags to separate everything. I’m into anything that will help me organized and avoid having my suitcase turn into a rolling dumpster.
I purchased two eagle creek pack it folders back in college (many years/trips ago) and still use them to this day when I travel for work approx 1-2 times per month. They make clothes compact, minimize wrinkles, and keep me organized (tops in one, bottoms in the other). They are not chic but boy are they functional.
You, Belle, had trouble with networking? I’m curious to hear what specifically you found challenging and how you overcame it. I was actually relieved to see that article focuses on maintaining your current network, since that seems a bit more comfortable than trying to constantly find ways of meeting new people. I’ve used LinkedIn heavily, but being in grad school/job searching also helps with a cold opener and I have a feeling it gets more difficult if you’re not in transition. I can also be a little shy and have some elements of Impostor Syndrome (what can I possibly offer someone else in a networking relationship), so I’d love to hear if you had similar experiences or different ones altogether.
I find it difficult to talk to people I don’t know, and I don’t like crowds. There’s no cure for the second one, the first one is fixed with the buddy system.
Thanks for the great blog! I have a question for a potential “Ask Belle.” I’m planning a trip to Europe (yay!) and am looking for recommendations for walkable, nice-looking shoes. I’m thinking maybe a slight wedge with either a closed toe or a slide-style sandal, but no ankle straps–I want something I can wear with skirts for logging some serious city walking, without feeling like a schlubby tourist. Ideally under $100. Any recommendations?
I bought this shoe in a lighter color for my trip to Italy last summer. They were really comfortable yet cute enough to wear with lots of different things:
https://bit.ly/1DSw50S
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