Belle’s Workday Reading: October 22, 2014
Oct 22, 2014
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1) Esquire magazine is running with a piece about what’s wrong in Congress, straight from the mouths of 90 Congressmen. Want a better legislative branch? I believe that improvement will take three things: higher voter turnout, competitive primaries filled with new talent, and redistricting via algorithm to create fewer “safe” seats.
Some people advocate for term limits, but I believe that we already have term limits. They’re called elections. If we had the three things listed above, members would have to be more accountable and work harder to keep their seats.
2) This week’s under-$50 bag comes from Kelly & Katie. This winged-satchel is a knock-of of my favorite Michael Kors bag. A sleek shape at a sweet price.
3) 28 Things You Should Never Say to Your Boss. (There are always exceptions, but the list provides food for thought.)
4) Ah, Cooper & Ella, I love this brand. This sheer-mix top is such fun. I also love this v-neck blouse with lace trim; it would look so good with a one-button blazer.
5) A judge refused to postpone a hearing because the attorney was on maternity leave. Unable to find other childcare, she brought the baby to court with her (she was dealing with a set of somewhat extreme circumstances).
6) Have you heard about Mango’s new Violeta line? The pieces are available in sizes 8 to 22, and they are phenomenal. There are more than a few pieces that I wish were available in my size. This grey herringbone dress is a modern work option. This navy dress would be lovely for a cocktail party. This leather and ponte skirt is also a winner, and don’t miss this white top with a gorgeous embroidered hem.
7) WSJ has an article about what your decision-making skills say about your happiness. So are you a maximizer, a satisfier, or something in between?
8) If you love makeup hues with a hint of sophistication, this Bobbi Brown eye and lip palette is a must. It has a mix of gorgeous taupes, neutrals and roses. Need a drugstore option? This BR Makeup color kit is a good option.
9) The CEO of The Container Store pays his employees an average of $50,000 per year. He advocates for what he calls the “1=3 rule,” the idea that one qualified, satisfied, well-paid employee is equal to three lower-paid, less-qualified ones.
10) I hit Nordstrom’s under-$50 jewelry section every few weeks to see if there are any lust-worthy items. This week, I found these Nadri bar earrings in a mix of gold and hematite (also in a totally cool inside-out hoop). You can never go wrong with a long, link necklace. And don’t miss this chic statement ring in shades of gold and grey.
11) Oscar de la Renta has dressed every first lady since Jackie Kennedy. On Monday, he passed away at age 82. So I thought I would share this fabulous article about the fashion advice OdlR gave to Hillary Clinton.
It’s criminal that the redistricting article doesn’t mention that Iowa already draws their districts with a computer program. While the incumbency advantage still exists, the districts are generally competitive and open seats tend to not be a guaranteed win for either party.
I didn’t know that. That’s interesting.
But who writes the computer code and what inputs does it use?
Oh, what an interesting article from Esquire! I totally agree with you, Belle, on the question of term limits (and I’m from the opposite side of the aisle — see, consensus is possible!). I think to further fix things up in Congress, we’ll also have to elect more women. And although Citizens United certainly didn’t create this morass, there’s got to be a way to fix campaign finance.
Belle, I am dying to know your thoughts on the Renee Zellweger situation…her new face? What is happening?
Size 8 is now plus size?! This might give me some major body issues.
I don’t think the line is accurately described as “plus-size”, though that’s what they’re calling it in the press releases. I think they’re just creating a line that markets to the majority of women. With 14 the average size for an American woman, 8 to 22 would basically be your bell curve.
The fact that someone who works in politics advocates for more competitive primaries as a way to fix our political system actually blows my mind. I’m a big fan of CA’s top two system personally.
I don’t like the mentality that once an incumbent is in a seat no one from their own party should challenge them. For me, it’s not about purity, but about the fact that some people aren’t cut out for public service or don’t do a good job representing their constituents and should be replaced before they’ve been in for years. The “jungle” or top-two system can work, but I think it can also create the opposite problem where the primaries become too crowded and voters don’t have access to most of the candidates, esp. the ones who aren’t well-funded.