cube dwelling: kids in the hall

Posted on November 23, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

dear high school,

remember how I didn’t like it the first time around? Remember how we’re grown ups now?

stay classy.

ac

my friend wrote that and it reminded me that the cube dweller’s experience can sometimes feel like being in high school all over again.

and why not?, you’ve got all the players: the principal (the boss whose office you never want to be sent to), teachers (supervisors who are there to teach you stuff), and the kids (the overachievers, underachievers, cool kids, mean girls, geeks and everything in between).

what’s also reminiscent of high school is the bullying, gossiping, and cattiness that can happen in the workplace because people forget that they’re not kids in the hall anymore – think of workplace email slandering, fb misuse, cyber-bullying.

in the workplace we should remember to behave like the grown ups and professionals we are. seriously, who really wants to re-live high school (especially if you went during the ‘80s)?

leave the high school antics on the playground or save it for when you get your own reality tv show. always stay classy in the cube.

me

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my closet: uniqlo dress

Posted on November 22, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

Rediscovery – dress from uniqlo. bought it in nyc spring 2010   

 

 dress – uniqlo (2010)/ white belt – joe (2011)/ shoes – franco sarto (2011)

me

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closet redis: weekend of shop-n’-purge

Posted on November 21, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

the splurge

last weekend found me in the mall. it was ‘friends and family’ event at banana republic.

i was looking for a new interview suit but then had a change of heart after i asked whether i can still ‘work with what i got’ – i own a black pant suit (2009) – i don’t love but can make it work.  so, instead of a suit i bought:  

  • 100% silk button-down blouse (burgundy) – something a little different to wear with my suit than the standard crisp white or blue cotton button-down shirt; and
  • a black merino wool cardigan. i needed an updated black cardi.

and purge

when i got home i decided to take an “in-with-the-new-out-with-the-old” approach and did a quick closet purge. my ‘donation’ pile now includes:

  • 3 piece grey suit (jacket, pants, skirt) – loved this jacob suit (it had a good long run, 6 years i think)
  • 1 pant suit
  • 3 skirts 
  • 1 red corduroy blazer 

it felt really good.

me

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cube dwelling: dude..like…umm..whateves

Posted on November 20, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

when recounting events with colleagues, please refrain from speaking like you hang out with wayne & garth: 

“and i was like dude! and he was like yeah, and then i was like no waaay! and then he was like, way! and then…”  

unless you’re starring in a remake of dumb and dumber just stop it.

do: use ‘adult’ words

speak in a professional manner.  people will be more inclined to take you seriously and listen to what you have to say. this is particularly important when you’re a young professional looking to make some serious strides in your career. 

the statement you make in your style and presentation will give you office cred, so go ahead embrace the english language and save the urban dictionary references for when yu hang wit yo peeps in da ‘hood, ahh-rite? 

me

 

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quote: celebrity

Posted on November 19, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

celebrity lines are a bit like ice cream, they’re going to be fabulous for a second then they’re gonna melt and just fade away

hilary alexander
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shopping 101: before hitting the mall

Posted on November 18, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

so you’ve decided to buy some new gear for work, you’ve got your list, and your budget (and hopefully, you’ve received your emails about deals to be had).  

Here are a few other things to consider before embarking on your shopping mission:  

  • start on a full stomach – eat a good breakfast beforehand
  • start early to avoid the afternoon crowds (except for shoe shopping, which is best done later in the day or if you don’t mind crowds)
  • stay hydrated – bring a bottle of water
  • wear comfy footwear – (no, not running shoes – opt for ballet flats)
  • light easy-to-pull-on-off clothing (you want to be able to try things without hassle. plus all that shopping will make you sweaty)
  • be patient – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your wardrobe be. so relax, take your time, and when in doubt or frustrated, ask for help.

me

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cube dwelling: Theirry Mugler Event – the Room @ the Bay

Posted on November 18, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

every now and then i come out of my cube and into the light (by “every now and then” i mean like as rare as a solar eclipse).

anyhow, i went to a theirry mugler event last night – the room @ the bay – with my cousin jerome. jerome’s a big fan of mugler’s creative director nicola formichetti (who also works with lady gaga) and i basically invited myself along.

jerome and nicola formichetti

we spent the evening wandering amongst some very fashionable peeps, like socialite suzanne rogers (she brought marchesa to toronto this year and oscar de la renta last year), suzanne boyd (editor-in-chief zoomer magazine), anita clarke (blogger – i want i got), fashion designer jeffery micheals, and people i recognized from fashion magazines.  

despite feeling out of my element Jerome and I had a good time and we met some lovely people. 

discovery: i need to get out more. also this was a good example of why it’s important to look your best no matter where you work. you never know what opportunities might pop up where you get to attend a great event, meet some cool people, and network, network, network. if you’re lucky it will be an event that includes free champagne and fancy finger foods. it can happen.

me

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my closet: leather pants, nice to see you again

Posted on November 16, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

rediscovery: since i discovered my old leather pants, i’ve been playing dress-up. here are 4 ways i can ‘work’ it:

Look 1

sweater – joe fresh (2011)

white tee – gap (2009)

necklace – fragments jewellers (2011)

belt – mexx (2009)

mustard handbag – matt and natt (2010)

booties – franco sarto (2011)

Look 2

pinstripe shirt – h&m (2011)

leopard flats – kenneth cole (2011)

red trench -old navy (2009)

Look 3

sweater – winners (2011)

white shirt – banana republic (2010)

shoes – joe fresh (2010)

paprika handbag – bought at treasure trove boutique (2009)

Look 4

white tee – gap (2009)

blazer – gap (2010)

leopard scarf – jacob (2010)

shoes – sam edelman (2010)

braclets – aldo accessories (2009)

me

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my closet: leather pants – an oldie but goodie

Posted on November 15, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

this weekend i discovered my leather pants. they’re an oldie but goodie – had them for over 8 years. and they still fit!   

leather pants – dynamite (circa 2001 maybe)

blue blouse – zara (2011)

leopard wedges – 9west (2011) 

blazer – gap (2010)

and the purging continues: i gave away 2 tops, a pair of boots and a pair of evening shoes.

me

 

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cube dwelling: droppin’ f-bombs like it’s hot

Posted on November 14, 2011 by cassandra mcd.

 IMG_9971

f@#* me!

f@#* off!

no f’ing way!

get the f@#* outta here!

are you f@#*ing kidding me?!

that’s f@#*ing bulls@#*t!

that’s really f@#*d up!

i once worked for a guy who used to drop f-bombs on the regular.  i found it jarring and offensive so i asked him, politely, not to use that language when speaking to me. he stopped.

maybe you think it’s funny, or you and the boss are tight like that so you’re comfortable sharing expletives, or maybe the boss is just the expressive type. what’s the big deal, its harmless, right?

dropping the f-bomb or other expletives, shouldn’t be how you communicate in the work place. it’s inappropriate, can be offensive to others, and just down right unprofessional.

unless you’re in a profession where it’s part of normal business practice, or if you’ve found yourself accepting an oscar award and in the excitement you accidently let it slip, leave the potty-mouth for outside the office.

me

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