Our negotiator heroine was made head of her project back in January, which drove her co-workers absolutely crazy! It didn’t get any better when she was chosen to present at the corporate overnight retreat – not that she cared. One of the reasons that she gets these kinds of accolades is because she’s good at what she does, and that she’s very flexible – she recently attended a function with a client and their union, at which absolutely NOBODY knew what to expect. She didn’t flinch…
She’s inspired by this lovely painting, and this timeless color palette:
“She’s wearing a blazer!”
“Yeah, but it’s velvet, so it’s not really a serious business outfit…”
“And did you see that her office is all cleaned out? I think maybe she got laid off…”
Yes, they call her “The Black Widow” because of her dark wardrobe, and the fact that they never hear anything about her love life…
Earrings – Lord & Taylor; blazer – J.Crew; necklace – Alexis Bittar; watch – Movado; dress – Eileen Fisher; bag – Bao Bao Issey Miyake; boots – Black Suede Studio
“And those boots? Are there roaches somewhere that she needs to kick? I don’t know if they’re really appropriate for an office…”
In fact, she’s traveling to the home office of her employer. To haggle out all of the details of her move there. Permanently. To run all of the negotiations for the entire organization.
Red knit top – Eileen Fisher; earrings – David Yurman; brooch – Kieselstein-Cord; scarf – Saachi; blue shirt – Lands’ End; black ponte knit skirt – Lands’ End; pumps – Calvin Klein; grey ponte knit dress – Uniqlo; bracelet – Alexis Bittar; evening bag – Okhtein
She knows that she’s not going to need all of these clothes, but she wants to have flexibility to be able to respond to the situation that presents itself to her. That’s one of the hallmarks of her negotiating style – observe, assess, respond. That requires having a range of possibilities in hand…
If the going gets tough, she can always pull out her 3-alligator brooch!
She’s also going to take advantage of being in the city to dine out at least once – probably twice. So a couple of dresses are a smart choice! She’s comfortable being on her own in restaurants, and loves to hone her people-watching skills when she dines alone…
I wonder if her co-workers have any idea that she’s going to be their new boss?
love,
Janice
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God! Dresses like a vampire! No love life! Eats alone! Has “people-watching” skills! No wonder they don’t want to be managed by her.
It IS possible to be a success without being Morticia, you know.
This is sooooo unhealthy and outdated…..
Ah, I’m afraid I didn’t make it clear. She doesn’t have a social life that THEY know about. Unlike so many of us, she keeps it under wraps… I’m sort of reacting to those in offices who over-share, and who are more eager to be loved than to be in charge. Sorry if she comes off as being too hard-nosed – I would never want a heroine who was completely unlikable!
regards,
Janice
I love it! No need to soften her.
I think she’s intriguing. And I love the variety of personalities in these vignettes!
I want very much to dress like a vampire. And to be brave enough to eat alone in public. And while I’m at it, to get promoted above the mean girls 🙂
Phones (especially with the kindle app) make it a lot easier to eat alone now! Plus, I find it’s very nice to go to an expensive/high-end restaurant but sit at the bar. Usually there’s a full menu available (and if not, the bar menu is at least elevated), you can sit by yourself without feeling self-conscious about taking up the table, and maybe the bar tender or fellow solo person will be interesting (not for dating, I’m married, just for a conversation).
I learned to eat alone after moving to London by myself (temporarily) right after college graduation. In those days, I used to bring a book.
This woman is utterly fabulous. The clothes are nice too.
Haha! I love this particular story Janice! Great wardrobe too.
Great story! And that colorful geometric scarf is really tempting me.
Me too! I looked it up and it’s super affordable ($32). I’m going to Paris in February and my wardrobe with be black/grey, olive, and fuscia/burgundy – it almost works but not quite, I’m going to keep looking for something similar that has olive instead of gold.
I’m up for a potential promotion at work, which would involve more travel & customer-facing duties, so I love seeing this kind of wardrobe, professional with a little edge to it. I’m still trying to find my authentic corporate style and Janice’s blog is incredibly helpful!
I like the accessories for today–the jewelry especially.
When I was still traveling for business, I was all about the black separates – black blazer, black skirt, black pants, and a black sleeveless dress. Throw in some blouses and cardis. Done!
I forgot to mention that some of my staff thought I was in mourning since I wore black all the time. I wasn’t I just preferred the ease of wearing black because it goes with everything.
Great capsule wardrobe. Love the blue and red accents and the velvet blazer. Well done you.
Love watching each of these stories and the wardrobe choices that accompany them. As the seasons progressed it’s fun to watch the choices reflect the woman underneath.
Love the story, love the clothes, love the colors. But can’t imagine going anywhere without a cardigan, a pair of pants, and comfortable shoes. 🙂
Me too! I’d probably replace one of the sleeveless dresses with slacks. And a cardigan would be a great additional second layer in addition to the blazer. – nancyo
I had a 75% work travel schedule until a couple of years ago (still working, just back in the home office) and I almost never took pants. I’m just a person who feels more professional and well dressed in a skirt.
I am struggling with shoes right now. I have very fussy feet and a foot injury from 2+ years ago that is still problematic, especially if I wear anything except flats, even 1-1.5″ heels. I have just bought & returned 2 pairs of flats that I thought would work for me but the first pair rubbed my Achilles raw within 10 minutes (my no-see socks didn’t go up that high) and the 2nd hit in exactly the same spot when I tried them on, so they were out immediately. I’m thankful for Zappos return policy, but feeling frustrated!
Ooh. Pointy objects, aligators, black widow spiders. Wish I had had this wardrobe and sass when negotiating my own salaries. I was still in the mindset that women need to be soft and agreeable to make it in business. As for the present, I am going to order that gorgeous blazer in navy. Looks very versatile, even for a retirement wardrobe. And, Janice, if you are still with me, the link to the silver evening bag with pointy objects will not work on my phone.
Janice a request if you’d like. Could you go back to the Owl series that you did for spring and summer and revisit it for fall winter?
It’s another incredibly beautiful, very restrained and extremely creative wardrobe.
What would the owl lady do for winter?
Maybe just a few things to top it up for winter, a few more scarves and earrings.
Of all your heroines, this one is the one I’d most want to be when I grow up. 😉
This woman can come sit by me.
Love it, too! Can you do more dresses/tops with V-necks, though?
I can certainly try to look out for them!
hugs,
Janice
bwahahahahahahahaha…. evil, evil laugh all the way up the ladder! i volunteer for her assistant!
Janice,
I admire any woman who kicks roaches !
I enjoy reading your stories–and viewing your terrific capsules, of course. Love seeing your colour combos and selection of accessories.
My favourite heroin and my favourite palette from this series! Please develop her wardrobe for winter (maybe some of that intriguing ivory?), and then next year too…
Alice