Comments on: Deal Alert – ShopBop

By: AN

AN — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:33:41 +0000

Nicole

I cannot believe your boss’s comments – which century is she living in?? However if you really are concerned, I’d reserve the pendant for casual Fridays/non-client days. Not sure about the ring as it’s not what I’d wear – but hey it’s important to you and so I’d say – go for it!

A final word, as a non-American, I’m surprised at how “buttoned up (or should that be buttoned-down?)” corporate America seems to be when it comes to this stuff!!

By: divaliscious11

divaliscious11 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:53:11 +0000

Ariella – if they terminated her with no notice and then talk about her, it really isn’t her clothes…. She could dress like a nun, and they’d talk about her clothes….especially because, as you said, she was always appropriate…..

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:47:28 +0000

I really do appreciate all of your feedback. I’m going to continue wearing the ring (it’s subtle but meaningful to me), and I will occasionally bring out the heart-shaped necklace whenever I think my boss won’t have a problem with it. It’s a nice piece of jewelry– very tasteful. It’s Brighton, but it’s not at all gaudy or flashy.

I like knowing that not EVERYONE has the same opinion about this topic.

By: Lawgirl

Lawgirl — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:25:19 +0000

I won’t beat this horse anymore after this (promise!). People think this about a HEART PENDANT?! Maybe I’m from another planet, but as a child of the 70s who’s rubbed shoulders with the “titans of industry” as a lowly lawyer, all I can say is: Wow, wow, wow. Um-um-um. Corporette Girlfriends, call me cRaZy, but this is what I say: Focus more on your work product & get this chick (well meaning as she might be) out of your head. NEXT.

By: LYA

LYA — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:45:59 +0000

Re: The heart jewelery comment -

It really is going to depend. I personally avoid the heart-shaped jewelery at work (and I have some very pretty and tasteful Tiffany silver heart pendants from my college co-ed/ sorority sister days). But I have seen older women, wearing very tasteful and conservative suits, get away with more eclectic jewelery choices. So I think you should consider your overall style and dress when wearing a heart-shaped pendant. If you are otherwise dressed rather conservatively, I doubt anyone will care. But if you prefer to stay more business-casual with regard to your professional dress, it could place your clothing choice firmly is the relm of casual/ weekend-ish wear, and depending on your office, this could in fact be a major faux pas.

I personally dislike religious jewelery at work, but it’s a free country, so if it makes you happy and you believe in the significance of your ring, I say rock it. =)

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:30:26 +0000

I think you should do what makes you comfortable. That said, the cross ring would put me off a little and give me a certain impression of you. If you were competent at your job, you’d overcome that impression pretty quickly – for me. Just my thoughts.

I don’t get the heart thing. That wouldn’t be off-putting to me at all.

By: L

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:15:48 +0000

I think if you step back and assume the boss is coming from a good place, she’s got a point. Personally, I think heart-shaped jewelry generally (though there are always exceptions) can seem a bit unprofessional and perhaps young. Now, if I think that, as a 30-something year old woman, imagine what a 40+ year old man thinks. And chances are, those will be some of your clients.
Does this mean you should change your jewelry or personal style/preferences? Not necessarily, but it’s probably a good thing to keep in mind and maybe, now that you know, you make occasional adjustments based on which clients you’ll be seeing.
Also, it’s possible the boss has the impression that you come off as being very young or less professional than others and is trying to steer you in the right direction w/ some general tips.

All that said, I wouldn’t touch the ring.

By: SUCL 3L

SUCL 3L — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:15:56 +0000

My guess is that your boss sees wearing heart jewelry as something that young people do. That may also be why she suggested wearing more white shirts and blazers to look older. The reason I think of it is when I was a kid one of the first sets of “nice” jewelry my parents bought me was a gold heart pendant with matching earrings. And as an adult I can’t say that I’ve bought too much heart-shaped jewelry (but that’s also my personal taste).
While personally I agree with Lawgirl, Sharon, and everone else, that your boss has some very dated opinions on work fashions, I would suggest humoring her a little. She is your boss and someone who’s trying to mentor you. Wear the jewelry from your husband (which I’m sure is lovely and totally work appropriate) when you’re not expecting to meet with clients.

By: Mel

Mel — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:17:55 +0000

Her views just sound incredibly dated to me. White button-down shirts? Seriously? You need a style that both looks professional but allows you to feel comfortable and confident. She’s acting like wearing a heart shaped locket is akin to tattooing “I love John” in a conspicuous area, which it is not. If you can’t wear a heart locket, might as well forget about wearing a wedding/engagement ring as well- too lovey dovey after all.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:28:20 +0000

I do think jackets — or a third piece in general — often project authority, and if you are young-looking, that’s not a bad thing. But the heart thing? Unless you’re wearing some cutesy valentine’s day sweater, a silver heart locket around your neck or something similar is just fine, IMO.