(More) Women In Business!

So... I apologise that it's taken me much longer than I might have hoped to get back on the blog, but I couldn't let the recent International Women's Day and the publishing of the McKinsey report 'Women Matter' pass too far by without adding my observations. So this isn't directly retail related- but as our industry employs a lot of women, hopefully you'll still find it relevant.

You are probably already aware of the controversial headline statistic from that report: that whilst 55% of university graduates in Europe are female, women still only occupy 12.5% of FTSE 100 company board positions. This seems unforgiveable and such a wasted opportunity. But I don't need to preach about the benefits of having women at senior levels in industry- the results speak for themselves, as the report confirmed- company boards and management committees with more women simply have the best performance, and generate 'a richer set of ideas',

The real issue is understanding what is happening here, and crucially- what we can do about it.

I don't doubt that an element of this is due to discrimination resulting from still deeply entrenched sexism at senior levels within business; as an anecdote from Cherie Blair at a recent Google event ('Women Who Inspire') demonstrated. She regaled the audience with the story of the Davos World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in which the overwhelming male delegates were issue with 5 plus ones, and instructed that the fifth should be a woman (obviously to improve their opportunity for the same high level access, visibility, and networking opportunities that this somewhat old boys club already enjoy), and the astonishingly high number who chose to only bring four (male) delegates with them rather than find a women to offer the fifth invitation to. But I don't think this is the whole story.
It's also well known that previously 'high flying' career women come crashing back down to earth, and out of the running for the rum jobs, after they have children. This is of course by choice for a lot of women, as this major life event forces us to re-evaluate priorities and our work-life balance, and many decide that family life is more important. But I suspect that for even more women, this slowing down (or complete standstill) of a previously fast moving and rewarding career is simply due to the lack of flexible options at senior levels, to allow women to balance a senior role with parenting responsibilities.
There are so many ways in which companies could facilitate a more flexible working week for mothers that would enable them to still perform at a high level at work whilst still being able to be as involved at home as they needed to be. Some might argue that options such as part-time work, compressed weeks, job-shares, flexible start/finish times, or working from home, mean that mothers aren't able to achieve as much in the role, are not as committed, or 'aren't working as hard', these arguments are simply a distraction from the real goal- ensuring that all the knowledge, expertise and the skills a woman has developed and honed throughout her working life, are not lost to the company as soon as she enters that delivery suite.

Finally, I wonder how much of the problem lie with ourselves as women, and the innate traits that many of us apparently share, as more and more evidence suggests that femalemisplaced modesty and self-deprecation about our achievements and abilities, and a sometimes debilitating lack of self belief, is what hinders many of us in reaching for (and getting) those senior jobs, whilst male colleagues with more confidence and less caution, aim higher and get further. We can learn something from this approach, trusting more in our own abilities, taking a few chances and lets face it, being a bit more ballsy, in order to get where we want to in our careers.

Perhaps you're wondering why I haven't mentioned the contentious quotas that are already in place in some part of Europe and may come our way if we can improve those percentages? Well, if this is the only way we can get more women on the board then I reluctantly support them, but as a last resort. Quotas are patronising, and even worse, mean that any women who does succeed in reaching a high level in their career may well always get a sideways glance from colleagues questioning whether they got there on their own merits or are simply making up the numbers- and that would be a terrible shame.


Let hope that by next year's International Women's Day, we've managed to improve the situation without having to consider this option...

Essential Maternity Working Wardrobe..

OK, at the risk of alienating some of my loyal readership, I am going to dip my toe into the niche waters of the maternity clothing market, of which I have recently become rather more interested (I think you'll only need one guess) and highlight a few observations I've gathered.
It's unchartered territory for me, and having been spoilt by the plethora of magazines and websites advising on every aspect of fashion for the non-preggos amongst us, I have recently found myself in something of a fashion wilderness, struggling to figure out the basics such as where (and when!) to get maternity jeans that look like actual normal jeans, how does one dress for a formal work environment when all the maternity tops seems to be billowing crinkle smock creations, what about a swimsuit that won't make me look (as much of a) beached whale...?

Tips on all these and more coming up... And anyone with any knowledge of these, or any related matters, please leave a comment and I'll add your feedback to this or a subsequent post. But first topic I'll tackle will be:

Formal Workwear

Also known as, what a nightmare. The first question is, what should I buy? Yes I'm going to be pregnant for months, but then I won't be, and I'm not particularly inclined to spend a fortune on workwear that will subsequently sit in a drawer for years (plenty of other things I can blow a fortune on now, after all).

The answer is, with the following well-priced staples that will work well together, you can build a decent capsule working wardrobe around the existing stuff that you still fit into- one that won't blow the budget but will still leave you looking sharp (as is possible with a large bump protruding from around the area where you used to have a waist). They are all fairly sober colours which are typically more flattering, versatile and smart, qualities that won't go amiss in the coming months.

1. Black Trousers. No need to explain this choice, but I will recommend these Classic Trousers from Mamas and Papas which come in short, regular and long, and look smart, but importantly are comfortable too. These ones are 'under bump' which is fairly self-explantory, but I think for trousers this looks smarter.

2. Black Skirt. Another wardrobe staple. You'll probably find that you ave a numbe rof tops (particularly knitwear) that still fit so with smart maternity bottoms you can give these a new lease of life. It has to be a pencil skirt to give you a smart streamlined sillhouette, and in this instance I think 'over the bump' looks better, with the illusion of a 50s style high waiste. Check this one out from TopShop- it's jersey so still comfortable, and double layered so no flashing your undies in the sun.

3. Plain Dress. Dresses will become like your best friend who you don't phone enough- forgiving, flattering, and always available when others just don't fit the bill. You may be lucky enough to have smart jersey dresses (especially wrap styles) in your wardrobe already, in which case these should come in handy for at least a while yet. Maternity dresses sometimes don't tend to be smart enough for a really formal business environment, but I think this Summer Shift Dress from Seraphine is perfect, also this Pencil Shift Dress from TopShop is lovely but selling out fast. Unless you've really kept up with the pregnancy Pilates, I'd recommend dresses with a sleeve or at least covering the top of the arms, this looks smarter and more refined. And keep it plain, that way you cna get away with wearing it more often..!

4. Top. OK, like I said, plenty of tops out there but very few I've found that are smart or formal enough- and so few decent shirts??!! This Grey Pinstripe Shirt is sharp, and comes in White as well. The other thing you could really do with are a selection of Maternity Vests (I prefer these to 'bump covers' as I think they're more versatile) so that you can remain your demure self with nothing on show, despite an ever expanding bust and bump. These Long Vest Tops are 3 for 2 from Mamas and Papas, and I'd recommend you get the White, Black and Grey for work. (Long enough to cover the zip that won't quite do up if you haven't gravitated towards the Maternity Trousers yet- added bonus). Yummy Mummy has a nice line in maternity wear also, this Silk Top looks good with black separates.
5. Trench Coat. Although the weather is fairly questionable at the moment it's still a little early for Coats so not a great deal to recommend yet, especially as this also depends on your dates and when you'll need one for. I'd play safe with a black or beige trench coat for now, such as This One from Seraphine again (who incidentally have a lovely range). In terms of Jackets/Blazers, if you're lucky you'll be able to keep wearing (albeit open) the ones you have for quite a while- if you can get away without buying one then great.

Of course a suit with a well-fitting jacket would come in handy- but in all honestly I haven't found one I like enough yet. Which isn't to say it's not out there somewhere, but give that maternity suits are not cheap, and that you're able to build a smart stylish wardrobe with pieces such as the above, I'm not sure one is strictly necessary. But of course if I find one I'll keep you informed.

And finally, shoes with a small heel or wedge, such as these Carvela Wedges, will ensure you can continue to observe at the twin alters of Comfort and Style- and the accessories? Well I'll leave that bit at least, down to your imagination... Although I will tell you that I don't think a cocktail ring ever looks out of place.

Hope that has been helpful, more to follow at some point!