The Ten: December 5, 2016
Dec 5, 2016
***
1) Why can’t we stop sexual harassment at work after decades of trying? (Bloomberg)
2) This Tasks Over Teal handbag is a unique take on the work bag for under-$75, love the braided handle.
3) Cheap Ways to Care for Your Fancy Sweaters. (Racked)
4) This ‘piggy bank’ USB power charger is useful and positively adorable. #goodgift
5) How the people at DeBeers are rebranding to keep Millenials hooked on shards of shiny carbon. (The NYT)
6) This ivory strapless Alexis dress, these crystal-burst earrings, and these Iris & Ink burgundy sandals is the perfect outfit for a holiday cocktail party.
7) Two articles for travelers: Expats who step into help when Americans are in trouble abroad, and how to stay safe when traveling overseas. (The Washington Post)
8) Madewell’s sweaters include this perfectly chunky cable knit cardigan and this on-trend lace-up hoodie.
9) Why I started wearing makeup to work, the logic behind lipstick. (Cosmopolitan)
10) Clinique’s Very Honey palette was inspired by cult-favorite Black Honey Almost Lipstick, and it’s just as fab.
[image found here]
The article about make-up in the workplace really hit home for me. I resent that I’ve been getting more attention at work and more people are joining the committees I run now that I’m wearing make-up and spending more money on clothes. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I’m mad that it now costs me a lot more money to feel “presentable” at work. It’s not enough that we make less, but now we have to spend more too.
There was an NYT article a few years ago where they found that women who wore a certain amount of makeup appeared more confident, competent, etc. It is somewhat unfortunate that face paint is what people think projects those qualities, but maybe that’s why?
Well, it is true that if someone’s eyeliner is really on point, then I do assume that she’s got her stuff together, but I still resent that it’s not enough for women to just be amazing in the workplace, they also have to look amazing while doing it.
I, too , have mixed feelings about that article. I’m a 2L working full time in a management position and there are some days, especially for the ones leading up to an exam, when I just don’t have the energy to put any thought into my appearance. It doesn’t affect my work or what my colleagues think of me. I truly think your work speaks for itself. I abide by the, “If I Have An Important Meeting I’ll Put a Blazer On” rule. Other than that, I frankly don’t care what people think of what I look like. I’m #3 in my class with a great position at work, and if I show up with bags under my eyes it’s because my colleagues know I was up all night studying for civ pro. I think it does depend on where you work and what your goals are, but we really shouldn’t be just giving into something because “science says” that people respond to women who wear lipstick. Trust me, I love Chanel and Nars just as much as that woman who wrote the article did, but it just doesn’t sit well with me that this is the kind of message we are sending out to young girls.
9 struck a chord with me, too. I didn’t start wearing makeup until I was 21 – a mix between feeling that profession-driven pressure and not wanting to shell out for a makeup artist for the wedding I’d have about two years later.
There has been a marked difference between the days I try to scrape by with just a swipe of mascara and the days I get through what I normally try to do for work. It is ridiculous and slightly maddening. I’ve come to view it as a necessary evil, though – so if I must do it, why not have fun with it?
Meeting days, or when I randomly give extra bothers, get a full face – not caked, just attended to. Meeting-free days get concealer, brows, a crease shade, mascara, Black Honey.