The Daily Eight: October 5, 2016
Oct 5, 2016
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1) The 2016 study of women in the workplace is utterly depressing. (McKinsey)
2) Talbot’s has a lot of gorgeous fall colors. For work, I love this peacock teal top and this dusty rose pencil skirt.
3) How to turn failures and setbacks into successes. (Get the Gloss)
4) This Halogen snap-front hooded cape is so chic. This knit-moto jacket could be styled for work or weekend.
5) “Honestly, Why Do Clutches Exist?” I vehemently disagree, but it made me laugh. (Racked)
6) Cle de Peau’s Quad Eye Color palettes come in the most beautiful colors. I need to start hunting for dupes.
7) This ‘How to Email’ article is likely to stir some debate. No greeting? Really? (The Atlantic)
8) Pair these raisin cords from Old Navy with this plaid poncho and this ivory turtleneck for a chic fall look.
*image found here.
I love that quote! A good reminder!
I know it was a joke, but in my opinion a clutch is the only bag that works with a sari. With a pallu over the L shoulder, a shoulder bag just looks odd. No pockets either. I’ve seen very modern saris with pockets but they are the exception. In the old days a wristlet style bag, tying keys to the end of the pallu, a chatelaine, or a servant to carry your stuff were the norm.
Curious to see how others feel about the email etiquette article. Personally, I would love to get rid of the greeting and signoff in emails. If we can all agree it’s a waste of time, then it doesn’t need to be considered rude. It would be great to spend just a little less time trying to find the proper way to address people. And I dislike how forced it feels to read or type “Best” and “Regards.”
I disagree with the justification, “Text messages and chat platforms like Gchat and Slack require no such formality, so why should it seem rude to forego it in email?” An SMS or IM is *not* an e-mail just like a walkie-talkie isn’t a telephone. By its very nature a different level of formality is appropriate. It’s a, “know your audience,” thing.
I have a great working relationship with my boss and teammates, so we don’t bother with those things unless Other Important People are on the message. Others with whom I have not yet established that level of rapport (fellow other departments, clients, vendors, etc)? I’m keeping greetings until our level of familiarity indicates that otherwise is acceptable. With some of those, that level of familiarity will never occur, and that’s OK. It may seem abrupt or unseemly to jump right into the the matter at hand without starting with a simple, “Good morning Jane.”
I’m huge on efficiency, but that doesn’t mean we need to be impolite. If you can type worth a damn, it isn’t a huge impediment to your productivity. If it is, that’s a different problem. All of this said, I can generally do without a sign-off, but it’s a situational thing too. You might be able to skate by by including it in your e-mail signature. “Best,” and, “Regards,” feel dated and stilted.
On brevity, self-editing and being concise is important, but I also disagree about calling for 3+ sentences. Personally, if you call my desk phone, 9/10 times you are not going to reach me unless you are: My boss, her boss, or someone I’m already expecting to hear from. I read faster than most people type, period. FWIW, I’m in IT, so YMMV based on a number of factors.
Furthermore, for many professions, there is no, “check your e-mail only 2-3x daily.” It’s a cute idea, but it doesn’t work in real life as much as we might like it to.
Agreed on the email front–I usually do greeting/signoff in the first email and then stop, unless it’s formal communication with a superior, etc. I also feel like an email should be a certain length to warrant that. I’ve always felt insecure about my email habits, though.
Would love to see your Anne Taylor picks for today’s sale
Good call. I’ll have a look.
I’ve seen a few cute work dresses on Talbots.com and are interested in ordering. Any word on how their sizing runs? Generally, I’m a 2 in dresses.
I haven’t ordered from there in a couple of season, but for me, it always ran a little big. I take a four usually, and will often buy a two. If you can afford it, buy both sizes and return one.
Thanks, Belle!