This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’m delighted by the vivid cobalt color of this carry on from Calpak. They offered to send me something as a gift and I chose this one because we need a new carry on anyway. It arrived and… I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for luggage.

(Small teensy hat tip to my favorite movie.)

The color is a vibrant, bright cobalt, and I can’t wait to use it on my next trip. I haven’t played around with the interior too much, but I like that it has multiple interior pockets, a built-in TSA lock, and expandable packing. It is 21″x13.75″x9″ with exterior dimensions. I love the cobalt (because of course I do) and think it will brighten any hotel room I’m in. There are a ton of colors if you’re not into cobalt, though, including two pinks, a light blue, two greens, and a metallic red.

It’s $245 at Calpak.com; you can also find a few colors at department stores like Nordstrom.

Sales of note for 6/26:

• Amazon Prime Day is still continuing! You can check out our roundup here… Also don’t forget that sister site Shopbop is offering 25% off a lot of great brands if you link your Prime account, including brands like A.L.C., Aeyde, Alex Mill, Alice & Olivia, Anine Bing, Barefoot Dreams, Beyond Yoga, Birkenstock, Black Halo, Clare V., Cult Gaia, Farm Rio, Ferragamo, Frank & Eileen, Jenni Kayne, La Ligne, Marine Layer, Nili Lotan, Printfresh (!), rag & bone, RAILS, STAUD, Stuart Weitzman, Theory, TWP, Veronica Beard, Vince, White & Warren, Xirena, and Z-Supply
• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Alexis Bittar – End of season sale, up to 50% off
• Another Tomorrow – Seasonal sale, 50% off select styles
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale! 300+ new markdowns, extra 50% off al sale styles Readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants, and the Pranayama wrap is marked down to $55
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles
• Boden – Summer sale, up to 50% off – readers love these dresses, these blazers, and the brand’s fun suiting
• COS – New pieces added to sale, up to 50% off
• DeMellier – Summer sale: Final Reductions
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 20% off sale
• J.Crew – Summer sale – extra 50% off all sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off all stores and sitewide, plus 60% off clearance
• Jenni Kayne – Semi-annual warehouse sale
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• M.M.LaFleur – Fourth of July sale! 70% off occasion styles (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new arrivals up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Ruti – Semi-annual sale, up to 70% off!
• Sarah Flint – 30% off select styles (we just ranked these shoes as some of our top 10 most comfortable heel brands)
• Splendid – Up to 60% off women’s sale!
• Strathberry – Up to 20% off select styles
• Stuart Weitzman – Summer styles now up to 40% off
• Talbots – 40% off your purchase and 6/26 only: 50% off all T by Talbots
• Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off sale

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It’s happened to all of us — you’re plugging away at your emails or regular work, and suddenly you get a call to come see the CEO (or senior partner or other Very Important Person). Sometimes it’s “hey, Client X is in town and I’m taking them to lunch in 5, are you free?” In any event, you have 5 minutes to suddenly pull yourself together. What do you do?

(Let’s assume that you are — of course! — 100% completely prepared for the meeting itself. You know the product and client inside and out, you’ve read the latest filings and updates, and the only thing you need to do is make yourself look and feel a bit more polished.)

(We’ll also assume this is a happy surprise — and not an, ahem, HR surprise.)

I’ve gotten this call more than once over the years. Sometimes it was a client who happened to be in the office; other times it was a senior partner who wanted me to sit in on a meeting or assign a new project. Either way, I developed a little five-minute routine (mostly about looking polished!) when I got the call:

• quick mirror check – outfit, teeth, stains, gaping — another argument for keeping a mirror in your office
• tame my hair — control the wispies, etc, possibly put my hair up if it was being uncooperative with something easy like a clip
• freshen my makeup — lip gloss, possibly more blush and eyebrow pencil, an extremely light highlighting concealer (I love Touche L’Eclat for this), and some powder (I love Guerlain for this)
• throw on a blazer (ideally one with pockets!)
• grab a legal pad and pen, and head upstairs

One thing I’ve done that I’m not sure I’d do today: removing things from my outfit that were a bit unusual. Take off the red strappy flats and put on black pumps. Remove the huge agate statement ring. Replace the colorful blouse that purposely contrasted with the rest of my outfit for a simple black or white one.

My perspective now is different from then, though. Earlier in my career, I wanted people to remember my work — not my shoes or whatever ring I’d thrifted. So if I was wearing something unusual, I’d swap it out for a more subdued option. These days, I’m not convinced that’s the right instinct… If your work already speaks for itself, a little personality in your outfit probably isn’t hurting anything, particularly if you’re already on nodding terms with the VIP.

In fact, it may even make you more memorable for the right reasons. Of course, there’s a balance! I’d still probably skip anything distracting if I were meeting someone for the first time or walking into a particularly conservative environment.

Readers, how about you — what is your “unexpected Big Meeting in 5 minutes” routine?

• What’s the first thing you do when you suddenly have an important meeting?
• Is there one beauty product or accessory you always reach for?
• Have your habits changed since you were more junior?

Psst: we’ve talked before about the chance meeting with the VIP!

Nili Lotan Top (also love the pants), Chan Luu Pants, Chanel Sandals & Bag

June was mostly spent traveling, with five days in Paris, then a couple of weeks between Mallorca and Menorca, and what I wore followed suit. Paris leaned a little more dressed, with city prints, a leopard midi, and my favorite shade of chartreuse green that kept reappearing, all set against grand doors and jewel-toned interiors. Florals and pattern-mixing stayed close throughout.

Then came the Balearic Islands, and my style turned sun-washed and barefoot. Bougainvillea in every shot, block prints and ikat, beaded sandals and crochet, color turned all the way up against whitewashed walls and a red Spanish villa. The pieces that closed out the month felt fully in their element, easy and warm and a little undone, and what’s still in rotation feels exactly right for where July is heading next.

Comme Si Shirt, Leset Tank, Valentino Skirt, Miu Miu Flats, Chanel Bag, Sherman Field Necklace | Valentino Jacket, Similar Tank Here, Posse Shorts, Chanel Bag (similar here), Reformation Flats, Sherman Field Necklace

Wiggy Kit Jacket (old, similar here and here), AMO Tee, Mother Jeans, Chanel Flats (old, similar here) & Bag, Sherman Field Necklace | Dior Coat (old, similar here and here), Le Bop Top, Aje Skirt, Dior Sandals, Chanel Bag (similar here),Sherman Field Necklaces

Frame Shirt (old, similar here), Emilia Wickstead Bralette (similar here and here), Saint Laurent Shorts (similar less expensive here and here), Chanel Bag (old, similar here), Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, K Jacques Sandals (similar here) | Libertine Coat, Perfect White Tee, Suzie Kondi Jeans,  Chanel Flats (similar here), Sherman Field Necklaces (and here)

Prada Dress (similar here, here and here), Miu Miu Flats, Celine Bag (old, similar here and here) | Chloe Top, Rabanne Skirt, Chanel Bag & Jacket (similar, less expensive here), Ferragamo Sandals

Muzungu Sisters Dress, Janessa Leone Hat, Miu Miu Flats (last seen here, similar here) | Rosewater House Top & Skirt, Staud Sandals, Sherman Field Necklace

Montce Bikini & Pants, Eliou Necklace (old, similar here), Janessa Leone Hat, Ancient Greek Sandals | Leganini Dress, Loeffler Randall Scarf, Hermes Bag (similar here & here), Ancient Greek Sandals, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, Sherman Field Necklaces

Valentino Jacket, Follow Suit Bikini (bottoms here), Valentino Skirt (on sale), Magda Butrym Scarf, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, Call It By Your Name Tote | La Ligne Halter, Etro Pants, Sherman Fields Necklace, Irene Neurwirth Earrings, Chloe Sandals, Chanel Bag

Chan Luu Dress, Magda Butrym Scarf, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, Follow Suit Bikini Top (& Bottoms) | Emporio Sirenuse Dress, Valentino Bag, Ancient Greek Sandals, Sherman Field Necklaces

Follow Suit Bikini (sold out, similar here and here), Sea NY Pants, Loeffler Randall Scarf, Hermes Bag (similar here & here), Ancient Greek Sandals | Leganini Top, Zimmermann Pants, Miu Miu Flats (similar here), Cordera Bag (sold out, similar here), Sherman Field Necklace

AYR Shirt, Amazon Tank, Libertine Shorts, Miu Miu Flats, Hermes Bag (similar, less expensive here), Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses (old, similar here) | Christiano Marchelli Dress, Eliou Necklace, Loro Piana Bag, Ancient Greek Sandals

Maria de Le Orden Top, Solid & Striped Bikini, Muzungu Sisters Pants, Ancient Greek Sandals, Retrosuperfuture Sunglasseses, Jenna Blake Necklaces (more charms here) | Maria de la Orden Top, Coco Shop Dress, By Present Belt, Chanel Bag, Miu Miu Flats (similar here), Sherman Field Necklace (similar here and here)

Sea NY Top & Pants (similar top and pants), Janessa Leone Hat, Christopher Esber Sandals, Bondi Beach Bikini | Zimmermann Dress, Prada Headband, Silvia Furmanovich Necklace (similar here and here), Chloe Sandals

The Gabriela Hearst Pre Fall 2026 collection celebrates timeless craftsmanship and sustainable luxury through thoughtfully designed pieces made to last. Featuring deadstock fabrics, responsibly sourced natural fibers, and meticulous handmade details, the collection embraces a slower, more intentional approach to fashion. Every garment reflects Gabriela Hearst’s commitment to quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility. Discover the latest Pre-Fall 2026 Collection at Gabriela Hearst flagship stores and online, beautifully captured through the lens of renowned photographer Nikolai von Bismarck.

For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned products/brands,
please do contact us anytime by clicking here

Looking for the best restaurants to book this season? OpenTable’s London Summer Dining Wishlist features four standout destinations for unforgettable summer dining in London. From stylish rooftop venues to elegant alfresco settings, these restaurants offer exceptional food, vibrant atmospheres, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or a special celebration, these best London restaurants deserve a place on your summer itinerary. Book early to secure your table and enjoy the very best of London’s dining scene.

For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned products/brands,
please do contact us anytime by clicking here

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

My eyes are always peeled for nice-looking silk blouses for the office, and this one from Kobi Halperin really fits the bill. I love the drapey fit and pleated neckline, and the hint of stretch will make the fit absolutely perfect. This beautiful navy color would actually fill a hole in my wardrobe at the moment, but it also comes in black, ecru, and ivory.

The top is $298 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XS-XL. 

Sales of note for 6/26:

• Amazon Prime Day is still continuing! You can check out our roundup here… Also don’t forget that sister site Shopbop is offering 25% off a lot of great brands if you link your Prime account, including brands like A.L.C., Aeyde, Alex Mill, Alice & Olivia, Anine Bing, Barefoot Dreams, Beyond Yoga, Birkenstock, Black Halo, Clare V., Cult Gaia, Farm Rio, Ferragamo, Frank & Eileen, Jenni Kayne, La Ligne, Marine Layer, Nili Lotan, Printfresh (!), rag & bone, RAILS, STAUD, Stuart Weitzman, Theory, TWP, Veronica Beard, Vince, White & Warren, Xirena, and Z-Supply
• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Alexis Bittar – End of season sale, up to 50% off
• Another Tomorrow – Seasonal sale, 50% off select styles
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale! 300+ new markdowns, extra 50% off al sale styles Readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants, and the Pranayama wrap is marked down to $55
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles
• Boden – Summer sale, up to 50% off – readers love these dresses, these blazers, and the brand’s fun suiting
• COS – New pieces added to sale, up to 50% off
• DeMellier – Summer sale: Final Reductions
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 20% off sale
• J.Crew – Summer sale – extra 50% off all sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off all stores and sitewide, plus 60% off clearance
• Jenni Kayne – Semi-annual warehouse sale
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• M.M.LaFleur – Fourth of July sale! 70% off occasion styles (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new arrivals up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Ruti – Semi-annual sale, up to 70% off!
• Sarah Flint – 30% off select styles (we just ranked these shoes as some of our top 10 most comfortable heel brands)
• Splendid – Up to 60% off women’s sale!
• Strathberry – Up to 20% off select styles
• Stuart Weitzman – Summer styles now up to 40% off
• Talbots – 40% off your purchase and 6/26 only: 50% off all T by Talbots
• Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off sale