Belle’s Workday Reading: August 13, 2014

Aug 13, 2014

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1) The Atlantic is taking on America’s culture of overwork.  The author argues that many workers pulling 80-120 hours per week are doing so more for social cachet than actual need.

2) Piperlime always has interesting pieces of jewelry to spice up your everyday basics.  I like this green enamel bangle from Kate Spade, and this cool, horseshoe cuff from House of Harlow.  I also like these simple pave bar studs from Michael Kors.

3) Funny or Die is taking on the wage gap with a video featuring Christina Hendricks from Mad Men.  Stick around for the second video where Kristen Bell does her best Mary Poppins in a discussion about the minimum wage.

4) The Limited has some lovely tops tight now.  I like this blush and black striped number.  This raspberry-colored split-neck blouse is a lovely choice.  And this short-sleeve blouse would make a nice layering piece.

5) Lifehacker has an interesting post on how checking e-mail can hinder your productivity.  The post discusses how the average worker looks at their e-mail every three minutes, disturbing their “flow”.  Several of its points originate from a 2010 NYT article about the zombification of modern life–it’s also worth a read.

6) This pleated, color block skirt is a lovely choice for any season.  It would look great with a black, cashmere sweater for fall, or grab a black silk tee for what remains of summer.

7) Extra Petite has some great tips for styling a floral top for work and casual time.  If you’re looking for an inexpensive floral blouse to finish out the summer months, I like this tie-neck option from Forever21 and this soft watercolor print from Alfani.

8) A few weeks ago, I posted an article that discussed PR being a “pink ghetto.”  The Atlantic has a piece pondering whether many women find their way into public relations because it’s their only option or is it because it’s their best option?

9) My love for J.Crew has waned, but I kind of want these Valentina patent pumps in every color.

10) LinkedIn has an interesting article on how successful people stay calm.  For me, the hardest tip on the list is avoiding the “what if” question.

11) How great is this Cesca two-tone satchel?  Especially for $42.

12) Getting older can be difficult.  I’m far less concerned about the wrinkles and the grey hair than I am about making a career change in my mid-30s.  So I can relate to this Elle magazine editor who was age-shamed during a beach vacation.  Sure, she’s only 29, but no one likes hearing that a younger person thinks their age qualifies as old.

13) Need a primer on belts?  I recommend that you buy a wide brown belt, a skinny black belt and then one belt without a metal buckle.  For variety’s sake, a leopard, snakeskin or metallic belt may also be a good addition.  Check out this Refinery29 slideshow for tips on how to style them.

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Workday Reading

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  1. Chloe says:

    For what it’s worth, I own another Kate Spade hinge bangle and I love it … but the hinge breaks and makes the bangle unwearable after a short period of time. I went back and they replaced it for free, and the same thing happened. So buyer beware.

  2. Nancy says:

    Belle, I went to law school at 29, so restarted my career at 33. The plus was the law job was a path that correlated with me pre law school job – so not a total reboot. If you are doing something similar, try to stress less.

  3. GoGoGo says:

    LOL, to be real about it, checking Lifehacker too much has been hampering my productivity. Lifehacker, Ask a Manager and other blogs about good work habits have officially become a bad work habit for me. 🙂

  4. Reese says:

    Thanks for the belt primer! You’re the best at following up with reader questions and requests for advice.

  5. thb says:

    The last two pieces I purchased from JCrew were short-lived as even on sale, the quality was missing, holes/seam fraying appeared and into the trash (along with my money) they went. They didn’t even last a season. However, the shoes are lovely.

  6. Nora says:

    Those J. Crew shoes look very similar to Halogen’s “Marlie” pump, which are the source of most of my lust. Halogen shoes are SUPER comfortable and seem quite well-made, too.

  7. MRitz says:

    Don’t know where else to post this but I wanted your other readers to know – Cole Haan sale is an extra 40% off today. Ebates alerted me and I was able to pick up a pair of patent navy low pumps and purple slingbacks on the cheap. Happy Wednesday to all!

  8. d says:

    I have the Valentinas- so comfortable and versatile. I have to stop myself from wearing them everyday.

  9. Amy says:

    I just bought a pair of the Halogen “Marlie” pumps in black leather and they are SO comfortable. Can you wear D’Orsay pumps like that year round? I’m new to New England!

  10. Sarah says:

    That video on the Extra Petite blog was amazing! Thanks for sharing.

  11. J says:

    I can’t say enough about the new work collection at The Limited. I have one of the Collection Sheath’s and it is my favorite, go-to, black work dress. The cut is classic, and the fabric drapes very well. With a 40% discount, this dress is a STEAL. Highly recommend checking out The Limited if you haven’t been there in a while.

  12. Mary says:

    On age shaming…
    I am one of those lucky people who went gray early. I have dark brown hair that grows very quickly, so at 60-70% gray, the root regrowth was so much work to keep up and I decide to stop. At the age of 36. I chopped it all off and have a fun pixie cut. I pay close attention to details like dressing in a way that flatters my body, wearing crisp makeup, etc., to be careful not to veer into frumpy. I hear a lot of positive comments on my appearance from people, friends and complete strangers alike. I also receive all sorts of strange looks and age-related comments from people. It is definitely adjustment for me because I used to hear comments in the other direction. If I were less sure of myself and confident in my decision, it might be an actual crisis for me. Honestly, I don’t understand why people have to be so judgmental about people’s appearance, whether it size, shape, hair color, or anything else. Sigh.

    Add me to the list of career changers. I am going to school part time while staying in my current career until I’m finished with classes. At this rate, I will be 45 when I actually change. I have no regrets and very few fears about it because it’s returning to what I wanted to do when I was in high school and I believe is the *right* career for me instead of the one I kind of fell into. My decision has been encouraged and confirmed by a number of people who know me well.

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