13 Successful Women Share Tips on Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

Alli Hoff Kosik
Mar 08, 2018

Most of us have grown up with the understanding that entering the workforce as a woman comes with its own set of challenges — lingering sexism, power imbalances, and a gender pay gap are just a few that come to mind. In traditionally male-dominated industries like tech, real estate, architecture, finance, and venture capital, things can be especially tricky.

We reached out to a handful of highly successful career women working in these fields to get their take on how to be a powerhouse on the job. There’s no doubt these insights will inspire you in your rise to the top — whether you’re the only woman at the office or part of a killer female-only team. Keep scrolling for their advice.

1. Tune in to culture. “When you are interviewing for a new job, pay close attention to the company’s culture. It can vary greatly, even within a given industry. I’m exceptionally lucky to work… in a special place where we not only allow for many different kinds of leaders to lead, but where we actually reward people for fostering a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, growth, and evolution, so we can all achieve our highest potential. This has been a critical component to my professional success and day-to-day happiness at work.” — Annie Gottbehuet, managing director, individual advisory services at TIAA

2. Support other women. “Without question, I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of other women in the workplace. It was absolutely critical to my career trajectory, as well as my overall growth and empowerment. Together, we are rewriting the rules of what it means to lead in the workplace — but there is still much to be done. We need more representation of women on executive boards, which is proven to benefit business, as well as a larger share of women in tech jobs and in C-suite roles. It is absolutely crucial that we continue to encourage and mentor one another to take on more leadership roles, seek out promotions, and help establish a healthier work-life balance.” — Christa Quarles, CEO of OpenTable

3. Look for the yes. “There was a time when I had to make multiple attempts and approach three different teams just to coordinate one deal. If I listened every time someone told me ‘no,’ I would always be stuck doing the same thing. I truly believe there is always a creative solution to every problem. Stay true to yourself and always keep a positive mindset. Most importantly, pay it forward!” — Natalie Cheung, general manager of drone light shows at Intel

4. Stay confident… and humble. “I have learned to find confidence in myself and my work. As the only woman, you can help bring a different perspective to the table that is often needed. At the same time, I believe that every day should be treated as an opportunity to learn and gain new insights. Therefore, you need to balance confidence with the ability to trust, respect, and collaborate with your coworkers.” — Linda Jiang, head of industrial design at Essential

5. Believe in something bigger. “Being in a male-dominated industry for over 30 years, I have learned that the most important lesson is to never lose sight of who you are, and always, always, always be true to yourself. Maintain your faith in something more — whether it’s your faith in God, your core beliefs, your spirit, or your moral center. Once you achieve this mindset, you’ll value your knowledge and hard work and, through that, anything is possible.” — Maile Aguila, senior vice president of residential sales at Swire Properties

6. Focus on the opportunity, rather than the challenges, of being a trailblazer. “When I began at The Glimpse Group, I was excited to be the only woman working at that tech startup, because it meant that I was responsible for setting the expectation for other women to eventually follow. Since my first day, the company has on-boarded some really incredible women with strong work ethics and bright minds. I am proud that my performance influenced the hire of these women… I know so many women that were beaten down by their jobs and various industries their careers were in, but this new industry is a completely blank slate with little prejudice or preconceived assumptions.” — Katelyn Coghlan, General Manager of In-It VR, a subsidiary of The Glimpse Group

7. Find your tribe. “Advocating for yourself is a lot easier when you are surrounded by people who support you. Find your allies and find your team. When you’re choosing a new job, don’t just pick the hottest company of the moment. Pick a place that fosters an environment where you can thrive. There are walls everywhere, but often, there are also great people — especially women — who are working hard to break down those walls brick by brick. That’s how we create real change, in all fields and careers.” — Emily Chang, author of BROTOPIA: Breaking Up the Boys’ Club of Silicon Valley($28)

8. Know your worth. “Being women in a field filled with men has helped us learn about self-worth. [As women], we have so much insecurity and anxiety when it comes to our ‘price tag,’ whether it be salary or the cost of the products or services your business provides. Instead of giving yourself the pressure to demand a high price straightaway, take time to test incremental increases with various clients or by project. Know your self-worth and create a case around it. That value will change over time, so make sure you are continually checking in with yourself.” — Jane Lee and Eva Chan, founders of Launch Pop

9. Use your intuition. “A lot of women are told not to bring emotion into business. I say to stay in tune with your emotions, and don’t be afraid to let them help guide you in the workplace. They have paved my career! Women in business carry an incredible amount of innate intuition and emotional intelligence that I don’t believe my male counterparts tap into enough. This important quality has guided me to grow my brokerage firm from 40 agents to more than 800 over the past 10 years.” — Mayi de la Vega, founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

10. Use your differentiating qualities to your advantage. “Do not try to downplay any of your femininity or any aspects of your emotional being that make you who you are. Instead, use it to your advantage. Realize that in a male-dominated industry, the very essence of a woman at the table is a differentiating point and will be viewed as such. The ability to differentiate or diversify is often used as leverage in business.” — Natalie Diaz, chief of staff at Time Equities

11. Be you. “I am so proud of women. We are working our butts off with such dignity and collaboration. No longer are we undercutting our sisters in the office or downplaying our skills to be subservient to men. We are standing together, expressing our opinions, and moving mountains. My advice? Be proud of your womanhood, build relationships that count, seek community, and emotionally tune in. Yes — tune in to your emotions! Your passions and perseverance will skyrocket you to the top. Anyone pushing you down… let them go.” — Nicole Liebman, director at Hudson Realty Group

12. Don’t overthink it. “Working in a male-dominated industry, I quickly realized that I needed to rise above it, meaning I don’t dwell on the fact that I am in the minority. Kick ass and you will rise above it. Don’t focus on the people who want to pull you down. Find someone else to work with, work somewhere else, or tell yourself they don’t matter, and you will quickly realize that there is no gender when you reach the top of your game.” — Jessica Worman, co-president of M2G Ventures

13. Be fearless. “Architecture has been called the ‘most masculine of arts,’ and yet, when you lift the veil, you find both men and women hard at it. The profession is not for the faint of heart, and it requires great teams and intense collaboration. I grew up during the feminist movement when there was a new freedom to challenge traditional roles. I never had any doubt that women could achieve great things. I was fearless and vocal and unwilling to let gender stand in the way of achieving my potential. Constantly and consciously find meaning in every challenge and build strength through every experience to fuel your creativity, ideas, and strategy.” — Marianne McKenna, founding partner of KPMB Architects 

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever gotten? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

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10 Unexpected Lessons I Learned From A Career Coach

My first career out of college was as a matchmaker. Not exactly something you get a degree in (I studied musical theatre and psychology at NYU), but fate had a different plan for me. But ultimately, I found my purpose at 21: making meaningful connections would be a theme throughout my entire career — up to my current role at Liminal.

After 5 years, I transitioned from my role as cupid, to fostering connections at a larger scale as a community builder — building social clubs, organizing retreats and conferences, then launching my own tech companies in the self-development space. A few years ago, I worked on a platform inspiring women to open their homes for group coaching and workshops. But, the moment the world shut down during the pandemic, so did my company.

My team and I worked around the clock to keep the lights on, and 9 months later, with two weeks of payroll left, we raised $3.5 million in venture funding. To add to the whirlwind, I also went unexpectedly viral on LinkedIn with my first ever post reaching 20 million views. All of this happened in 30 days. The pendulum swung so fast from almost heartbreak to exhilaration it left me feeling emotionally whiplashed. I was running on fumes, at the starting line.

Enter a career coach.

Serendipity led me to this career coach. It felt like fate — within just two days, his name came up in conversations with four different people.

I cried after our first session. I suddenly didn’t feel alone in all the responsibility I was carrying as a solo founder.

3 years later and we’re still working together. He helped me through the pandemic, my company pivot, and navigating difficult conversations with my team. He’s built up my confidence, and reminded me who I am and my worth in moments I felt lost. He’s held me accountable to my vision and taught me how to make decisions with clarity and ease.

The lessons he’s taught me have turned me into a leader and person I am proud of. Before I started working with him I was a young woman, navigating imposter syndrome, playing the role of what I thought a leader should look like. Today I carry a quiet strength and confidence as the leader I was meant to become.

Is a career coach really worth it?

Photo by RDNE Stock project / PEXELS

I believe everyone needs and deserves a career coach.

We spend 1/3 of our lives at work — sometimes more — and usually don’t have formal guidance on how to navigate our transitions and limiting beliefs throughout.

I'm often asked about the difference between a therapist and a coach, and how to choose between them. My simplest answer is that therapists focus on how your past has influenced your current situation, while coaches guide you from the present to where you want to be in the future.

Here’s a non-exhaustive cheat sheet to know if a career coach is right for you:

  • You’re unhappy with your current job but have no idea what you would do next.
  • You're navigating limiting beliefs in your current role that are holding you back.
  • You struggle to accomplish goals that you care about.
  • You are navigating a challenging situation with a coworker.
  • You want to develop yourself as a leader, either in your own company or within your organization.
  • You want to discover your purpose to make the most of your time on this planet.

What should you expect from a career coach?

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

I remember my coach telling me early on that a leader is anyone who can share a vision of the future that’s so inspiring, someone wants to follow them there. With this definition I see us all as leaders — whether in the traditional, professional sense or simply in leading our own lives and being in relationships with others.

While I can't predict what every career coach can offer, here are the 10 lessons that completely changed the way I lead, plus 10 questions you can use to reflect and integrate these lessons into your daily life:

These lessons will help you:

  • Be the leader of your own life journey
  • Lead with care and clarity
  • Make genuine connections
  • Realize that becoming a leader is a fast track to personal growth

Photo by Alexander Suhorucov / PEXELS

1. Trust is built in a context of care

Whether it’s with people you work with, or in your personal life, make what you care about known — needs, wants, desires, values. You can’t expect someone else to know them if you don’t clearly communicate them. And, make sure you make it known that you want to know theirs, too.

2. Riots start in the stands

There are 2 types of people: the people on the field, and the people in the stands. Find the people who want to be on the field with you. Rolling up their sleeves and doing the work — this might be at work in the trenches of your start up or in a romantic relationship. You won’t get far if you’re on the field alone surrounded by people in the stands.

Photo by RF._.studio / PEXELS

3. We live in a mirroring reality

Our external reality is a projection of our inner reality. When we offer kindness and compassion, we receive kindness and compassion. When we offer criticism or judgment, we receive that, too.

4. Curiosity is the emergency break to judgment

If your “mood elevator” is falling, curiosity is the fast track to lift it. In these moments, you can say something like: I notice I’m being judgmental, I wonder what that’s about? Then start to list things that have come up for you that you’re reacting to. Maybe you spent a little too much time on social media, or a colleague cut you off while you were talking and suddenly you’re in a reactive state. This is human. Use curiosity to get back on track.

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

5. Clarity is kindness.

Being clear and direct with others is a way to show respect and consideration. Ambiguity can create stress and uncertainty, but when we are clear we give others a sense of stability. This is a form of kindness. And if you feel unclear, communicate that and see where it goes.

6. Being someone’s fan is > anything else.

Sadly, we live in a culture where people get more attention for spewing their criticism at each other publicly than when we lift each other up. Seeing people tear each other down, whether it’s on social media, in relationships, or during meetings breaks my heart. Especially, when I’ve seen without fail, the positive impact offering admiration and support has on someone’s confidence and overall growth.

While I don’t blame people for the system that has normalized this behavior, I urge us all to do what we can to break free from it and do the inner work to heal our insecurities and fears, and celebrate each other’s unique gifts.

Photo by Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

7. You can’t work harder for someone than they can for themselves.

“Help 49%” is something a mentor said to me a long time ago. As a leader, I’ve learned this time and time again. You can’t want something for someone that they don’t intrinsically want for themselves.

This applies to every type of relationship we have, both professionally and personally. You can’t help someone until they decided that growth is their priority. It’s up to you if you want to stick around patiently during that time or move on.

8. Love is allowing the other person — and yourself — to be whole.

This one really is about accepting and seeing people for who they are, not what we want them to be. As a leader, I try to see each person I work with as a whole, unique being and accept them fully as that person. Which means it’s my job to make sure I am not projecting onto them the person I want them to be as they grow.

The root of this wisdom lies in attachment theory, and while this line of thinking is usually strictly applied to romantic relationships, I think it’s useful for all relation aspects of our lives.

Photo by Kindel Media / PEXELS

9. If you need to win every fight, then you’ll be surrounded by people who are always defeated.

I often say the only competition anyone should be in is with themselves. The ego trap I’ve seen many people fall into, when choosing a romantic partner or building out their team, is subconsciously choosing people they can feel important or powerful around versus challenged by.

10. People need to be pointed to their own resiliency.

It’s fascinating to me how easily people forget their own capacity and strength. We have and continue to overcome a great deal as humans in this lifetime.

As a leader and friend, I've learned how important it is to remind people of their proven ability to bounce back, adapt, and recover from challenging situations or setbacks. As someone who’s worked with a therapist for decades and is professionally embedded in the mental health space, I initially underestimated the transformative power of a career coach.

However, my experience has been nothing short of revelatory, upgrading every facet of my life. My coach has been instrumental in helping me create a life I’m excited to wake up to. This journey was the catalyst for founding Liminal — the company I now head up – because I understand how hard it is to find the right coach at the right price point. Motivated by my own experience, I built the bridge, ensuring others could also access this life-altering guidance.

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15 Stunning Zillow Houses For Sale That Only Chuck And Blair Could Afford

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

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Header image via Zillow

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A Creative’s Handbook For Turning Your Hobby Into A Career

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Intuit TurboTax

From fashion to home decor to DIY and family content, our friend Steffy does it all – from the comfort of her home. She has built a loyal following doing what she loves and inspires us through her creativity on so many levels. But overnight success isn’t a thing and she has worked hard over the last decade to get where she is today – running a successful creative business full-time. Thanks to getting help on the tax front with TurboTax and expanding her niche, Steffy shares how she built her online business in this fun reel for creatives looking to do the same!

Turning your hobby into a career can take a little trial and error, a lot of resilience, and some good business sense. TurboTax can help you make your moves count so you can focus on what you do best! Whether TurboTax experts prepare your tax return or you do it yourself, they guarantee their calculations are always 100 percent accurate, or they’ll pay any penalties.

If you’re a creative person looking to take your hobby to the next level, here are tips for getting started and growing your business.

Choose your focus: Before Steffy started focusing on the DIY aspect of her business, her niche was in fashion, mostly vintage fashion, which helped her build a following who loved her aesthetic. “My first big win was I booked a blog a month with a major fashion brand. It was the first time I realized that big companies are paying attention to people on the Internet,” says Steffy. “Over time, working with brands just legitimized what I was doing and made me feel like, yes, this is fun, and yes, this is something that is still a hobby, but also there's a future in it as my business.”

Set clear goals: Define your career goals – actually write them down – and create a roadmap for achieving them. Set short-term and long-term goals that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Set reasonable dates for achieving those goals and stick to them!

Create a personal brand: Establishing a strong personal brand that feels unique to you and your target audience can help you stand out in a crowded space. Make sure it’s clear what you do from your branding and what services you offer.

Develop a business mindset: Brush up on budgeting, marketing, sales, and customer service to understand how best to monetize your passion. “My first challenge was tax wise,” says Steffy. After getting hit with a big tax bill at the end of year, Steffy realized that she had to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer to avoid hefty fees. “When you work for yourself, you're thinking you're making all this income, but really a lot of it goes back to the state and the government, and you have to really be on top of that.” TurboTax experts can help you determine all of your deductions as a freelancer and entrepreneur while helping you get your max refund.

Scale wisely: Do you invest in hiring help or do you stay small? That’s a question solopreneurs often struggle with. “I hit a certain point where I realized that I did need help. I'm still working through what that help looks like. I have a part-time employee, but I always grapple with whether I need more hours and more hands on deck,” says Steffy. Balance your creative life by contracting out the responsibilities that take up a lot of your time and that you don’t necessarily enjoy doing. Wearing too many hats can take away from your talents and lead to burnout so get help when you need it, like tax time, but choose wisely where you invest your time and money.

Adapt as you grow: Once you start to gain traction, adjust and adapt your business plan to suit your growing needs. “I was already doing DIY projects behind the scenes, but I just thought, it's not my niche. People won't be interested in this,” says Steffy about transitioning her fashion-focused brand to her other hobbies. “Then I filmed one video of DIY, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and it went viral. That's what made me realize that maybe people do come to me for my fashion, but that my fashion sense trickles down into all aspects of my life, including how I decorate.” That led Steffy to eventually writing a home decor book A Home for Every Season. “It just shifted my business completely,” she says.

Connect with other creatives: Being a solopreneur can be lonely. You have friends and family but they may not understand your business struggles. That’s where a creative community comes in. “A community definitely helps even just to have comradery and bounce ideas off of each other,” says Steffy, who often shares content with other influencers. “We're all on the Internet and then getting together and creating content and sharing it, it definitely helps lift everyone up.”

Consistently show up. Consistency is key to building a following and accomplishing your goals. “The biggest tip I would have is to just get up and do it every day,” says Steffy. “You have to have a strong foundation yourself to grow and just keep coming up with new ideas and trying new things and just showing up, not necessarily every day, but a few times a week, for your audience and trying to inspire them and be creative.”

Photos: Courtesy of Steffy.

Running a business or thinking about starting one? Make your moves count with TurboTax!*

*Experts only available with TurboTax Live. See details at turbotax.com/guarantees

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Shonda Rhimes Is Still Sad This “Princess Diaries 2” Scene Got Cut

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

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The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

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