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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. I love the colors on this silk blouse from Trinity — I think the pinks, corals, oranges, and navy can be great for spring or fall. I will say, though, that this can veer “weekend!” pretty quickly, and so I think that for the office, it needs to be worn with a structured piece, such as tucked into a high-waisted skirt or trousers with a pleat, or worn with a sharp-looking blazer. It’s $89 at Piperlime. Trinity Geo Print Silk Top Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2)Workwear sales of note for 5.14.24
Our favorites are in bold!
- Nordstrom – Nordy Club members earn 3X the points on beauty; 30% off selected shoes
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 25% off your purchase
- Brooks Brothers – 30% off women’s collection
- Boden – 100s of new markdowns
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off all sale
- Everlane – Shorts from $40; bottoms from $60
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off select tops; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything; up to 70% off clearance – 5/14 only: 50% off summer essential
- Lo & Sons – Memorial Day Sale, up to 40% off
- M.M.LaFleur – 100s of styles on sale, including classic shoes! 25% off Travel-Friendly Favorites (ends 5/14)
- Talbots – 100s of styles on sale
- White House Black Market – Shop more, save more – $25 off every $100 spent
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Stay tuned for a list of our latest threadjacks!
momentsofabsurdity
I wish I could do sleeves under blazers but I think with my broader shoulders, it just feels/looks like too much fabric!
I like the top but it reads more fall than spring to me.
phillygirlruns
i REALLY love this top. i have always steered clear of silk tops since i’m very hourglassy and shortwaisted – generally if it fits in the bust it looks really dumpy, armholes are too deep and show bra, etc. with something like this, though, i’m thinking it might work tucked in. hmm.
PharmaGirl
I’m totally buying this… love it.
b23
Gosh, I love that. I think I’ll buy it after Lent is over. Kat, stop doing this to me!!!
Anastasia
me too. Gorgeous. And maybe I’ll wear it with my magenta Skirt! too much? I’ll have to see…
PharmaGirl
Bam, order placed! I can’t order just one thing so I picked out a boiled wool blazer as well.
b23
Now they only have medium and large. :( I wonder if all of the Corporetters have made them sell out of smalls.
Bonnie
Now only large. :-(
canadian anon
I really like this too. Wow. I’ve never managed to pull off flowy silk tops (although like Lyssa, I love them on other people) but I’m super tempted by this. It looks like Piperlime won’t ship to Canada though, because it disappears and takes you to the Gap home page when you try to change shipping destination. Tragic.
Equity's Darling
Nooooooo!
I just tried also, and it disappeared for me too. I’m still completely baffled by the things that are okay to ship to Canada, and the things that aren’t- is there a list somewhere? How do they decide?
I think the powers that be decided to keep the country from being too fashionable, given Harper’s hair, and his previous decision to wear a fishing vest when everyone else wore linen pants and a pressed shirt.
canadian anon
So sad considering how good Gap/BR are about shipping, and since Piperlime is the same family you’d think it would all be the same. Although we don’t get a lot of the stuff that you can see on the American websites, which also makes for some sad surprises.
Dear world: Please do not judge us based on the sartorial choices of our government. And please stop charging ridiculous shipping! :(
Just Me
If you switch to “shop the US site, but ship to Canada” it still looks like its available……however, it’s wanting $23 to ship and $13 in duties. Nice top but a little steep for my blood.
Nonny
I love living in Canada, but I hate our import duties. I also hate how everything appears to cost more here even though the Canadian and US dollars are pretty much on par now and have been for years. Ridiculous.
AMB
Don’t forget the uber stylish sweater vests. Or good lord, that Stampede outfit with the fringed vest *shudder*.
Herbie
does this count as a sweater vest? Because I wants it. http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=12322563&categoryId=3372855&cp=3138869
Kady
Love the print, but I just can’t buy a 3/4 sleeve blouse. I have such a struggle with this sleeve length under blazers.
anon
Clearly, I was not alone in loving this top. It’s sold out in every size but L. Oh well.
Kady
Wow, the power of Corporette?!?? Kat, you need to try to measure this for your marketing.
viclawstudent
I also want to know if the Corporettes are responsible for the lack of smalls in this shirt. I checked on it this morning at about 7:15 west coast time and it was already down to just medium/large …
More generic comment: I really like the tie-top blouses and hope they continue in style for a while. I find them much easier to wear and style than button-up tops.
anon too
Early threadjack- Please ignore if you do not like pregnancy related posts.
I am fairly newly pregnant (like 5-6 weeks), and I have been nauseated since conception. Lately, I have had an upset stomach pretty much 24-7. However, this morning I was talking to my husband, and all of a sudden I ran out of the room to go throw up.
My concern is what if this happens at work. I think that it would be fairly difficult to keep this thing a secret if I am running out of rooms to throw up. How have you other Corporettes handled this situation? Has morning sickness revealed your secret?
OHCFO
Morning sickness revealed all three of my pregnancies (which was even more difficult, because one ended in miscarriage). When I realized that my boss would otherwise think I was a flighty moron, I let him know. But no one else noticed or if they did, they said nothing.
Good luck! And if it keeps up, don’t hesitate to ask your OB for help. In my case, a prescription for Zofran was the key to me keeping it together during the first tri.
Eloise Spaghetti
This is my worst fear of becoming pregnant. I get nauseaous talking to people who smell like cigarettes but, only in the morning. I do not want to be advising a client and barf in the middle because of their bad smokey breath. Anyways I would just say you think you have some new food allergies to anyone that asks. Allergies can come out of no where.
Herbie
Just wanted to provide an update for all you lovely SF corporettes who so kindly responded to my request for suggestions on things to do last week.
My trip was fan-tastic. I mostly ate my way through SF/Napa like freaking Godzilla.
Unfortch, didn’t make it to the MOMA. Had plans on Saturday, left early on Sunday, and Friday was too beautiful to stay inside.
Brief recap of trip: ate at Zero Zero, Salt House, Tony’s Seafood Restaurant near Tomales Bay, Sushi Ran in Sausalito (om nom nom fresh fish), Bouchon, the French Laundry, and Bouchon Bakery (macarons for breakfast, don’t judge!). Went to Tomales Bay Oyster Farm on Friday and spent Saturday eating my way through Bouchon, TFL, & Bouchon Bakery–Thomas Keller, what what!– and getting scrubbed, wrapped, massaged, saunaed, and otherwise pampered at Spa Villagio in Yountville.
I’m still exhausted, and I need to reacquaint myself with my elliptical in a bad way. But it was a great weekend. You SFers are very lucky.
Left coaster
Sounds like an amazing weekend! You’re right, we SFers are very lucky — but I hear you on the elliptical comment! Since moving here six months ago, I have noticed my weight slowly creeping upwards — it’s just so hard to resist all the temptations!
Godzilla
How did you know I eat a lot? Cuz I do! ;P
Nonny
Just out of curiosity, how far ahead did you have to make your French Laundry reservation?
Hmmm, maybe I should compromise on the warm weather part of my holiday plans (see below) and go to San Fran instead. I do like San Fran and have never been to Napa.
Herbie
5-6 weeks out. BUT– we were on the wait list until the Thursday before a Saturday reservation. Getting off it involved repeated pestering and badgering (including through the AmEx concierge service). So if you want a firm reservation from the get-go, book further out than that.
Woods-comma-Elle
I’ve been waiting for the new post, as I have a cultural question about law firms.
In the UK, it isn’t unheard of (in fact it is relatively common) for people to get pretty trashed with work people/at work parties and more specifically with clients. A US-based colleague was recently bemused by the levels of inebriation of several partners and clients at an event, including the fact that lawyers from the firm (associates and partners) went out partying until the small hours with clients. Everyone had a great time, especially the clients. It then came up in conversation that this kind of thing doesn’t happen in the US as much and it would be much more frowned upon to get drunk with a client.
Obviously this is a know your firm and know your client situation and I personally would be very careful about how much I had to drink if I was with a client (rule of thumb – less drunk than the client at all times but generally just not drunk full stop), but I would be interested in hearing views from people in Big Law in particular but US in general about whether there is a perceived difference here.
I have worked in the US, but not in law. It was a pretty young boozy bunch, but never involved clients and everyone was around my age. Also, FAOD, it would be frowned upon if someone got very drunk with a client who was e.g. teetotal/didn’t drink for religious reasons or something and wasn’t ok with the other person being drunk, this is more about getting drunk with clients, not just in the presence of clients.
Former MidLevel
In my experience, it was unusual to go out drinking with clients (and partners) on a normal basis. But there was this one IP conference that was a well-known “boondoggle” – and my impression was that the clients expected to be wined and dined (mostly wined) and to party with the lawyers. One year, a friend of mine who was an associate (in the U.S.) for a UK-based firm told me that she was totally exhausted by all of the partying she was expected to do with her European colleagues and the clients they were courting.
Herbie
Depends on mix of firm culture and the client.
I came from a big party firm. We drank together frequently and heavily. I have friends at other firms who avoid socializing with their colleagues at all costs and, if forced to do so, certainly won’t get inebriated with them.
Drinking with clients really depended on the client’s own proclivities and how well we all knew each other.
phillygirlruns
having drinks with clients is very common. getting drunk with a client, at least in my practice, would definitely be the exception rather than the rule.
Cat
Agreed. At firm-only events, people tend to imbibe more than they would if clients were around.
MaggieLizer
I’ll be interested to see the responses to this and, not to jack your threadjack, but I wonder if it’s different for men and women. In my mid-sized firm, the men sometimes go out drinking together and with clients, but women have just a drink or two. I only know of one woman who used to drink with the boys, and she got a reputation for being a ditzy party girl even though she’s as far from ditzy as you can get. Another woman in the firm commented that “we keep her around because she entertains us.” Not exactly what you want to hear in a recession. The so-called party girl is more senior now and no longer goes out drinking with the boys.
FlAnon
This is an interesting topic and I am wondering what the overall consensus is about women who tend to go drinking (to excess) with the boys. I have one coworker who is proud of the fact that she goes out to a happy hour with all men and can keep up with them, but I can’t believe these men really think that highly of her as a colleague. I heard comments from a female who went one time that the drinker just bragged about herself the entire time, and not in a manner that was particularly flattering. I think the drinker believes this is networking that will help her land a better job in the future, but the men she drinks with probably don’t feel that way at all.
long time lurker
It is interesting that in MaggieLizer and FlAnon’s case the people who were voiced specific criticisms of the women who goes out with the boys were women, not men.
I’ve gone out “with the guys” or in situations with clients where I was the only woman and people were ordering far more than one or two drinks. I do believe that networking happens at these events. I do not however advocate getting falling down drunk, and you have to know your limits and tolerance. I obviously cannot drink as much as a man that weighs 50 lbs more than me, so I decline the shots and sip my drinks. Frankly, the men shouldn’t be getting falling down drunk either if they want to be thought of professionally. But obviously there is a double standard, which I don’t think is fair, although I’m not sure how to solve it.
MissJackson
Ugh. It sounds like the problem in your example is the attitude of that particular drinker, and not the fact that she “tends to go drinking to excess with the boys.”
I find the idea that it’s somehow unacceptable to “drink with the boys” kind of offensive. I am friends with my colleagues. Really good friends, actually. Also, while the original group of friends/colleagues was pretty mixed-gender, I’m the last woman standing. So I’m definitely “the girl who goes to happy hour with all the guys” at my firm. I don’t drink to excess as a matter of course, but I’ve certainly had my days/nights (and so have all of the guys, so it’s not like I stand out from the group in terms of my drinking).
Drinking with non-contemporaries at work is different. I’ve had drinks with partners, and on those occasions, I follow their lead. The only time I can think of where I got “drunk” with partners was a night that we were out celebrating a huge trial win — and although I objectively had too many that night, I was not any drunker than the rest of the (mixed gender) group.
Drinking with clients is a totally different ballgame. I’ve had drinks with clients, but I’ve never been drunk with clients. That said, if I had a client that I was close enough with to call a friend, that would likely change things.
Herbie
This.
JJ
Amen. A lot of my good friends from my previous firm are men and I go out drinking with them (well, I did pre-baby…). I’m fairly certain they, and others, didn’t think less of me as an attorney because I had a few beers with *gasp* men every few weeks.
Herbie
Yeah, this is something that really raises my blood pressure.
Men can get sloppy drunk with each other, but if a woman has too much to drink in the presence of men, we must condemn her. Why? Because we’re supposed to be demure little things that never do any wrong? Such a f’ing double-standard.
Ellen
IN my firm, the manageing partner makes sure He does NOT get drunk, so that we make good impresion on the cleints.
But if their are NO cleints, then he let’s the men drink alot. That is bad b/c they all start stareing at me, NOT just the manageing partner.
I wish they would just stare at there wives, NOT me. I am NOT there Playboy bunny, and DO not apreciate getting pinched. FOOEY on those firm parties.
cbackson
At my firm, our male attorneys definitely have more opportunities to socialize with clients (and for associates, with partners) than women do. For example, I have a male peer who’s regularly invited to go fly-fishing with a senior partner . Another male peer cycles with a partner. I only know about this because the peer told me – it’s not an invitation that’s open. There is one partner I’ve been running with, which I appreciated, but no other partner has ever invited me to do anything social. I should note that we have only one female partner in my group, and she’s not in my office.
I think that the associates-getting-drunk-together thing may be more common in offices with lots of young, single associates. My entering class was only 10 (even though my office is 300) and almost all were married. And most of us didn’t go straight to law school. I go to happy hour from time to time with a few of my peers, but both age-wise and social-dynamics-wise, going out and drinking a lot doesn’t seem appealing to us, collectively.
With regard to clients, a few drinks – nothing more – is the norm for us for partners and associates, unless you’re good friends apart from the client relationship.
anon
This is a hard thing in my office as well. The male associate in my practice group also cycles with one of the partners and meets others for drinks sometimes. Certainly, this gives him a leg up in that he’s developed a very comfortable peer relationship with these people. Unfortunately, I think it would definitely raise eyebrows if I started working out routinely with one of the male partners or meeting him for drinks. People would think we were having an affair.
JessC
Hmmm, well I can’t speak to drinking with clients but I would agree that here in the US it’s frowned upon to get drunk at work events. But there is a difference between a “work event” and “going out with coworkers”, namely one is sponsored/planned by or in the name of your employer and the other is just going out as friends with people you happen to work with.
At my office, we do attorney happy hours every so often (usually Thursdays after our weekly meeting). But in those cases, planning typically happens via an email blast to the attorney listserv and the partners are always invited (and occassionally do come). At those events, people rarely get drunk – and those that do usually spend Friday hiding in their office with the door closed out of embarassment.
However, I do consider a number of the attorneys at my office friends and we do frequently go out together in the evenings/weekends without the rest of our colleagues. In those cases, the above rules don’t apply.
FWIW, I’m Mid-Law in the Southeast.
Lyssa
I agree that having a drink or 2 is usually fine, but I think it would be rare to find a sub-section of the law where it was normal to drink heavily around clients.
As for with co-workers, I would say that having a few drinks, enough to get loosened up, is usually good, but most would frown upon getting smashed, at least around non-peers.
NYCBigLawyer
Biglaw NYC – partners will definitely “have drinks” with clients, and will invite associates “for drinks” that might most impress the client (so stereotypical there…I’m blonde, thin and in my late 20s and get invited to certain types of client outings and it usually feels pretty obvious to me why). NEVER ever would an associate in my firm (or any of my friends at other biglaw nyc firms) get drunk with clients. Would be very unlikely to see associates these days drunk with partners either. I think maybe pre-2008 assocs were getting bombed with partners and clients, but I’ve always practiced in this era where we all feel lucky to have these jobs and pretty much avoid drawing potentially negative attention to ourselves. Honestly, I mostly just hide in my office and do work and avoid client and firm socialization, although am perfectly social with friends/other lawyers outside the firm. Do other NYC biglawyers have a different experience?!
anon this time
same experience. though i suspect partners still get bombed with clients, we just don’t know about it.
i know where OP is coming from though, I recently met an attorneys and non-attorney from one of my firm’s UK offices (they were on vacation together and we ended up meeting up and going out socially) and they were SHOCKED at the lack of social culture here. and note, that both the staff and attorneys go out every friday together in the office these girls work in. this is bizarre to me, but sounds so great!
Woods-comma-Elle
Yes I should point out that the support staff is generally leading the pack and being plied by partners with booze!
anon this time
by the way, i LOVE that attorneys and non-attorneys at our UK office get along soo well that they even vacation together. we could learn something from them.
it’s only one more reason i’d love to hop across the pond. I’ve lived in NY my whole life and it is so over for me… one more reason to continue my push toward taking the QLTS exam!
Woods-comma-Elle
Thanks for the responses so far, all, this is really interesting – I wonder if perhaps it is a feature partly of my practice area which is relatively male-dominated, but in response to the gender difference, the 3am-party crowd at my firm is mostly female associates and male partners (but again, we don’t have many female partners in the group).
I would have always thought that getting smashed with clients was a big no-no, but there seems to be a rather different view among many of my colleagues (and clients)…
AIMS
I think it varies by practice area/location/firm size. I always thought that drinking with work beyond a glass of wine or two was a big don’t, and I rarely drink much at work events. But I have friends in the PD/DAs offices that drink quite heavily amongst themselves and even with higher ups, though, obviously, not with their “clients.”
I also know people in small firms who do what I consider to be an exceptional amount of drinking, inc. with the bosses and the clients and while I definitely don’t understand how this is wise, I am assured that it is in fact expected. As far as my experience goes, the above goes for both men and women.
Nonny
No, it is not your practice area. I’m from Canada, not the US, and am a corporate transactional lawyer. I’ve worked in a couple of large law firms in Canada, as well as a massive firm in the UK. Although, in Canada, I’ve run into things like cbackson mentions – male partners going taking clients on fishing trips and this not being open to women – never, ever, would a lawyer here dream of going drinking with a client, and certainly getting completely sh*t-faced drunk at any corporate event is a career-ending move. Imagine my shock when attending my first law firm function in the UK and the head of the London office led a drinking game that involved drinking out of people’s shoes. Imagine my further shock when I heard about young female associates taking older, male clients out for the evening and ending up going to clubs until 2a.m. with them. It just would never happen in my experience in Canada, and frankly, I didn’t think it was very becoming to anyone involved.
S
I
MJ
I have worked in law in the US, and investment banking and law in the UK. Yes, you get more trashed in the UK, often with clients (OMG–World Cup parties?!?!?) Also, I remember, no matter what time of day it was, if we had a fire drill at Broadgate, _everyone_ went straight down to the pub for a pint, even if it was 10am. Too funny. We regularly went drinking with clients, to dinner with clients, etc. Drinking was involved.
So yes, not inappropriate to drink with clients from a Brit/Euro’s perspective. But if you were coming from a US perspective, where (in modern times, not the Mad Men era), it’s inappropriate to have a glass of wine at lunch, UK drinking is a sight to behold!
Woods-comma-Elle
This is so fascinating – it definitely is much less of a thing here and it’s interesting to see the comparisons.
Also, anon, you must have worked pretty close to where I work…
CA Atty
At my old firm, representing labor unions, you were pretty much expected to stay up to all hours drinking with the clients, going to bars, strip clubs, etc… This only happened maybe 3-4 times per year, but it was tough for me. I can drink with the boys, but I pay for it the next day in a way many of the guys did not.
But it was very acceptable, even requested, to get schwasted.
Jules
My experience in union-side labor is the opposite. We do socialize at event with clients but the women attorneys especially would avoid getting even very tipsy, let alone drunk — too much opportunity for bad behavior (on the pert of a few of the male clients) or for things to be miscontrued. Several years ago I went to a client meeting/retreat at a lake resort; I got there very late and was about 6 drinks behind everyone else and had only one beer. However, the music was great and I accepted some invitations to dance, mostly with an older (60-65) client who is a real gentleman and knows how to swing dance, but also with a couple of younger ones who just kind of jumped around. At the next day’s meeting, multiple people (men) commented about me at the bar the night before; at least three asked if I felt okay after that wild night. Apparently, everyone thought I must have been drunk to actually be dancing.
And I would. never. go. to a strip club, with clients or not. I’ve been at parties where there were jokey comments and a few of the guys probably really were headed to such places, but no one would think of asking the women (attorneys or not) to go along.
Blonde Lawyer
That’s a problem to me too though. If the men are going and bonding at this event the women who are open to it and into should have the opportunity to go as well – though I guess all around it is just a big sexual harassment suit waiting to happen.
US trained British lawyer here
God, I miss England. The entire country is up for a drink and generally laid back.
Anon
I was a client at a hearing a year ago and three of my attorneys and the JUDGES and I all met up afterward in a hotel bar followed by restaurants. I was pretty shocked. We were all out until 1 in the morning. One of my attorneys (the female partner) got totally sloshed. This is on the west-coast US and the attorneys were from a big-law (not LA or NY size) firm but the hearing was in a smaller town.
Cambridge
Early TJ… any recommendations for great restaurants in Cambridge, MA? Willing to go into Boston but, given logistics, we’d rather stay in Cambridge if possible. We’re all adventurous eaters – no food restrictions. We’ll be celebrating graduation, so price range is a bit flexible. Thanks!
CMJNYC
Check out Craigie on Main and Garden at the Cellar. Both are great!
Diana Barry
What kind of food are you looking for? Also, what neighborhood? :)
BioPharma Girl
Oleana (which may be just over the Somerville line) is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Bondir and TW Food are also good choices. Cuchi Cuchi is fun for interesting cocktails and delicious small plates.
Cambridge
Ideally near Harvard, Inman, or Central Square, but that’s just based on my wanting to walk everywhere (I love walking around in Cambridge). Probably not super-heavy on the meat, but otherwise flexible on type of food – which I realize doesn’t provide much guidance!
qwerty
Sandrine’s, which I recommended below, is right off the square and it’s italian and worked great for me (mostly a vegetarian eater) and DH (a big meat eater)
Diana Barry
There’s Central Kitchen and Hungry Mother, both in Central, and Oleana is always good. Also Craigie on Main, Dali (if you don’t mind waiting), and in the square there’s Sandrine’s and Upstairs on the Square (and all the stuff in the Charles, but that’s fancy-pants and not necessarily great).
anon too
I recently moved from Boston. I think a good celebration restaurant (in Kenmore Square) is Eastern Standard. They have great food and an awesome drinks list. I lived in the North End, and a lot of people there rave about Mamma Maria, nice Italian food. Finally, I would not go here for a celebration dinner, but I think it is a cool place… Think Tank in Kendall Square near MIT. It is a gastro pub with interesting food choices.
momentsofabsurdity
I looooove Bondir but it’s tough to get a reservation. Oleana is also quite good.
anon
Dali’s…definitely. Garlic shrimp and sangria.
TCFKAG
OMG I love Dali’s.
qwerty
Sandrine’s. It’s a bit more formal than my usual taste, but it was the best and most surprisingly lovely meal I’ve had in the area.
qwerty
wooooops, meant french. need coffee
Mo
Ginger Exchange (sushi) or Ole (the best drinks! Oh, and they serve food there.) Both in Inman.
coco
Ginger Exchange is one of my favorite restaurants – but it’s so small I’m not sure if it would be great for a post-graduation celebration.
Cajunqueen
Today’s New York Times gave a very positive review to East Coast Grill.
TCFKAG
Craigie on main is a great recommendation. Elephant Walk is also great (Cambodian-French.).
nona
Ice cream from Cristina’s in Inman square!!!
Fiona
There are so many! What vibe are you looking for? And how many people? A few quick thoughts –
Oleana would be good for a celebration – kind of a Middle Eastern fusion vibe with an excellent vegetarian tasting menu (or the amazing Sultan’s Delight for non-vegetarians).
Dali is awesome but doesn’t take reservations – weeknights are usually fine to walk in though.
I also really like Ten Tables just off Harvard Square, although it’s smaller and darker than the others and would be better for a smaller group.
I’m dying to go to Bondir but haven’t made it over there yet.
Other ideas –
– Chez Henri for French/Cuban (if price is really not a factor)
– Rendezvous (New American)
– Hungry Mother (southern – so good)
anon prosecutor
Oleana!
I don’t live in Boston anymore, but when ever I got back to visit, Oleana is at the top of my list. Once when we were there a couple of years ago we saw Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck there on their date night. I understand his mother lives near by, they must have dropped off the kids and gone for a romantic dinner.
PharmaGirl
These recommendations are making me miss my old stomping grounds so much. Boo.
Jen
Me toooooo! I’m very nostalgic for Cambridge after this thread. :-)
Sutemi
Helmand for Afgani food on 1st st is excellent. I also like East Coast Grill, it tends towards the seafood/BBQ heavy but their vegetarian platter is excellent.
Anna’s Tacqueria for the best burritos!
Cambridge
Great – thanks, all! I’m the one who’s graduating — so I’ve lived there, but I know much more about where to get coffee in that area than where to get parentally appropriate food. This is a great list.
Bunkster
Green Street Grill is awesome. The food is more caribbean in flavor. They also have a great mussels dish.
coco
But closed until April 4, as I learned last week :(
Lyssa
I’ve liked the look of loose and flowy tops like this, tucked in, on other people, but I can never seem to make them look right on me. They always seem to bunch up around the sides of my waist and look like I’ve got my pants hiked way up, even if the rise is actually very low.
Woods-comma-Elle
This may sound weird, but I find it easier to make the tucking look sleek by tucking the shirt in either underwear or pantyhose (usually the latter as I wear them every day) as this keeps the shirt tighter from lower down and then you just cover it with skirt/trousers.
ChinaRette
I do the same thing, Woods-comma-Elle. You’re not weird :). The only thing is that you have to make sure that the underwear or pantyhose don’t ride up above the skirt!
Cat
This is exactly what I do. I have some tops that I only wear when I’m wearing hose for this reason.
Lyssa
I find that helps for a more structured top (like a standard button-down), but not for the looser, flowy ones. Though tucking still can look weird for me. I guess it’s just a my body shape thing (slim, but pearish).
JessC
Not a hose wearer here. ;) But I’ll sometimes tuck my tops into my spanx.
Cat
Quick thank-you for the recommendation for the Mint Julep mask – tried it for the first time last night and not only did it smell yummy, but my skin feels nice and smooth!
KLG
I was not the recommender and did not see the original post but yours is reminding me that I should probably do that tonight!
Charlotte
Early TJ — I apologize. I have a question about dress quality comparison. I have a wedding to go to in mid-April and am trying to decide what dress to wear. I am a big fan of the Lauren by Ralph Lauren jersey dress line, and I have several of them. They are non-constricting, but look great on me and don’t ride up, even though they are body-hugging. I have online shopping bags filled with possible dresses, but it occurred to me to check out J.C. Penney’s American Living line, and some of the dresses online appear to be the exact. same. as the former, but at about half the cost, on average. So before I get too excited…. I know there has been some conversation about JCP in the past, so I was wondering if anyone can comment on the quality of these American Living dresses, and if possible how they stand up to the L-RL line. Thanks very much!
P.S. — I know I can just buy them to see, but they are not available at my local JCPs, and I am weary of the online process right now. So, I am trying to limit the things I must return.
Godzilla
They look very similar in real life, too. So similar, in fact, I’ve always wondered why the Lauren by Ralph Lauren jersey dress line was considered a fancypants line being sold in fancypants department stores.
Charlotte
What about fabric quality — was the weight/thickness comparable?
Godzilla
I think the formal dresses from RL have a heavier weight jersey than the American Living line but the American Living line jersey fabrics are pretty substantial. In terms of cut, both brands have never worked out for me bc I’m short-waisted, so if one brand fits you, I’m pretty sure the other would as well. Hope that helps.
Charlotte
Thank you very much! I think I’ll try JCP out.
Gem
Ok ladies, I’ve caved to peer pressure and bought the hunger games books. So excited to get reading!
PharmaGirl
I bought them at the end of last week and am already on book 3!
MaggieLizer
Me too! I’ve been getting only 5 hours of sleep a night because I’ve been reading before bed. I tell myself I’ll just read one chapter but it never quite works out that way.
SF Bay Associate
I’m impressed you’re sleeping at all! You have more self control than I.
R in Boston
I gave in too and read all three for the cultural context, but I think I may be the only person in the world who thinks these books are irredeemably awful. I now want to go around handing every tween I know a stack of books that includes 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Jane Eyre, Heart of Darkness, Lord of the Flies, and a couple of history books.
qwerty
im worried i will feel the same way, but i just bought book 1 last night. i’m saving it for a flight i have next week, i hope i like it!
B
You’re not the only person in the world. I think the idea behind the books is exciting and interesting, which made me want to read them to find out what happens. But the writing is DREADFUL.
An excerpt from Mockingjay that I just read this morning:
“Stocks, whipping posts, and this, the remains of the gallows. Bad. This is bad.”
I think I might have liked the movie better than the first book, actually.
PharmaGirl
I think the writing is terrible and the ‘inner thoughts’ of Katniss are beyond cringeworthy but I love the story.
canadian anon
Oh, the writing is totally not going to send you into fits of literary ecstasy, and sometimes it’s even distractingly awkward. But the story is great and after the first 50-100 pages you don’t notice the writing so much anymore.
TNT
Oh thank God it’s not just me. I’ve got FB friends who are gushing about these books, so I bought them the trilogy for my kindle. Got through the last one while nursing the flu over the weekend.
Like someone else said, the story is interesting enough but I found the writing terrible. My husband is the only person I’ve given an honest review because I think some of my friends think it’s really good and I like these people, I don’t want them to think I think they’re dumb.
Susan
You’re not the only one. Great story, great moving along of the plot. Likeable characters, too, but the writing sucks @ss.
anon
You are not alone. Although I admit I got sucked into the story of the first book while on vacation at least for a while, I cringed at much of the writing and saw no need to buy the subsequent books.
michelle
good call, I actively disliked the third book, though I have to say the first one really grabbed me
Coalea
I’ve been on the fence about whether or not to read this series … but all these comments about the writing have made my decision a lot easier! Thanks, ladies!
Supra
I agree. I can’t get past the horrible writing.
b23
Question for you lawyer ladies: What percentage billable do you consider a productive day? I’m having a hard time getting much above 80%, even when I’m feeling productive. Which is frustrating, because that means I have to be at the office 10 hours just to bill 8, which isn’t exactly going to win me any Big Law awards.
* I need to visit Corporette less. :)
Former MidLevel
I think 80% is pretty common.
MaggieLizer
Ditto. According to my partner mentor, it looks suspicious to anyone who cares to compare your billable hours to time spent in the office if you can average much more than 80% efficiency.
Supra
How is time spent in the office calculated? Since I don’t punch in and out, I assume that its not tracked anywhere how many hours I am actually here v. how many hours I bill.
Diana Barry
When I was new, I used to average about 90%, bc I had lots of large projects that required big chunks of time, plus I used to come to work at 630 am so I could bill 2.5 before anyone else was even in the office. Then when I started wasting more time on teh interwebz my efficiency dropped. But now I get a lot more work done at home after the kids go to bed (usually an hour a day) so I make it up then.
Maggie, are they really looking at your time in the office? I work at home a lot (and so do many of the partners) and so face time vs billable time is not the same.
MaggieLizer
This goes to Supra too – My office is pretty big on face time, so people make at least a casual note of when you’re here. There’s no formal system for tracking our time in the office. They can only really track your efficiency if you’re doing all/most of your work for one partner and the partner is inclined to pay attention to such things. If that’s the case, I let them know if I plan to work at home just to cover myself. I’ve never heard of an associate getting formally or even informally reprimanded for it though.
Supra
My office is big on face time, too. Although, much to my chagrin, everyone seems to work early and leaves at the dot of 5:30, whereas I prefer to come in a little later and leave around 6:30. Coming in earlier seems to be non-negotiable, so I end up coming in early, wasting *some* time during the day, and staying an hour to an hour and half later than everyone else. I realize the wasting time during the day is somewhat silly, and if I didn’t do it, I could leave at 5:30, too, but I gots to have my internets ;)
Cajunqueen
I’m actually more productive in the afternoon and evening, than in the morning. I don’t know what it is about mornings, but I can’t seem to settle down until around lunch time. In my government law office, if you’re an attorney, you can come in as late as 9:30 as long as you put in your full day. Most of us do that and then some. Some attorneys come in 8 or 8:30 because they need to leave earlier to pick up kids from daycare or aftercare. Bottom line, how flexible your schedule is depends on your direct supervisor.
Woods-comma-Elle
80% is probably about right for me, but I have never made the calculation of billables versus time spent in office. If I have matters on, I bill pretty much the whole day, but aside from firm training/occasional admin, I don’t do anything really that isn’t billable. The exception of course is when I have zero going on and I spend all afternoon on Corporette…
MJ
In Silicon Valley, we are regularly reminded to hit 85% billables/day. It’s doable if you never engage in chitchat and farm out all non-billable work to staff, duplicating, etc. But you have to stay really focuses. Also, this only works if your group is very busy. A few days between deals and you fall quickly.
I find that 85% is doable and many days I hit 100%, if I only let myself do “fun” stuff (like checking corporette and my personal email) at lunch, and keeping lunch to 1/2 hour.
Anon
I think 80% is about right for me, maybe a little more. It usually takes me around 9.5 hours to bill 8 on a typical day. Sometimes I will be much more productive — and only have about 1/2 hour in the office that I do not bill — if I am super stressed/up against urgent deadlines. There have also been days where I’ve goofed off for as much as 3-4 hours when I’m not as busy.
I have a related question. I have a new officemate. He is not very productive. He spends a significant portion of his day not working, and then spends long hours in the office (he’s here late most nights). That’s his choice, of course. There are two reasons it bothers me, one that actually might be something I could say something about, and one that is really none of my business. First, much of his non-work time is spent on personal phone calls. Every single day. For 20-30 minutes at a time. Several times day. Usually just chatting. It’s incredibly distracting. I’ve said something to him twice in the moment when I was up against a deadline, and asked him to take his call somewhere else (we have large empty conference rooms next door to us, and a phone booth down the hall that is specifically for his purpose, and the calls are usually on his cell phone). Both times, he apologized and left with his phone. But he doesn’t do this as a matter of course. I am trying to decide whether I should say something to him more generally. Any thoughts? I do not really see how the conversation could possibly go well, so I am inclined to just suck it up, but if anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate it. I have had officemates for many years in various jobs and have never had this problem before (with my prior lawyer officemates, it was always because they wanted to be productive/bill as much as possible).
Which brings me to the “none of my business” part of the problem. He does not accurately record his time. He makes no record, at all, of how he spends his time during the day, and then “estimates” once every few days based on the number of hours he remembers being in the office (this is what he told me). I suppose he could be correctly “estimating” that he spends many hours a day on the phone/internet/etc., so perhaps he is not over-billing. But that seems unlikely. I personally never realize how much time I spent not working until I add up my time at the end of the day, and am usually surprised at how much the coffee breaks/quick personal emails/etc. add up. Clearly, this is not my business. The only way it affects me is that because he is not accurately recording his non-work time, he has little incentive to be productive, and thus little incentive to get off the damn phone. And, of course, that we are evaluated in part on the number of hours we bill… Anyway, I am not sure what advice I am asking for on this second point, I am mainly just venting.
anon
I would only involve yourself with things that are your business. Life is too short. Deal with the talking. Get some earplugs and say something about the phone calls *every time*. Soon he will stop or leave of his own accord.
ChinaRette
Love the top! I think that pairing it with a structured pencil or A-line skirt would keep things professional.
Thread jack (my first one!) — does anyone here have experience moving from a communications-type role to a more numbers-heavy analyst-type role? I’m in my first job out of college (almost three years now), in which I am responsible for a lot of communications and event planning. Writing and verbal communication have always come easy to me, so it was easy to transition into my current job. I’m involved in interesting work but spend most of my time coordinating events/workshops, conferences, doing post-event write-ups and writing articles. My colleagues and I work in and international environment where a lot of companies come to our organization for advice on strategy and how to implement programs in their organization (we provide advice on a business function — think HR). I’m enjoyed my time here, but I’m planning to relocate back to the States and look at new work there.
I’ve always liked numbers and analysis, and I’d really like to move into a more analytical direction in the future. Most of my work in college was in economics (unfortunately my major wasn’t–it was international relations), and my thesis was a study on the international textiles trade. I would really like to move into a role such as a trade analyst in a state-level trade office or the Dept. of Commerce, or a business analyst in a corporate setting. Do any Corporettes have this kind of experience, or any suggestions on how to make the move? Unfortunately my time at my current job is winding down, so I don’t think I’d be able to spearhead a research project or anything that could show off my mad skills. I’d appreciate suggestions on what to look for (entry-level analyst programs?), how to market myself to show I can do the work or how to get my foot in the door. I think an MBA or a master’s degree would be possible in a few years, but I’d prefer to have a little more work experience before going back to school. Thanks!
Kady
I have a friend who did something similar. Also in China. She started out as a writer/communications person for the chamber of commerce, then after a few years, made a total switch to be an analyst for a multinational i-bank. However, she did the switch in China, which was a lot easier because despite her lack of experience in the field, the fact that she had a US degree (in econ) and was fluent in English gave her an advantage against the local market (this was also pre-recession and before the Chinese market became such a pull for young college grads). I think it was basically possible because her job didn’t just consist of crunching the numbers but also writing (and editing) the English reports that her department put out.
You don’t mention what part of the US you’d be moving to, but I think what you are looking for will vary depending on location.
As a post-script, my friend actually ended up hating working at the ibank, and she is now in education.
big dipper
I used to work as an analyst for a consulting firm and I loved it. I think you might have an easier time marketing yourself to a consulting firm who’s looking for an analyst – they tend t be more open to a variety of background experiences.
When thinking about applying for these jobs, remember that “analysis” doesn’t just apply to numbers. A lot of the work you’re doing in communications probably involves thinking about goals for a project, what you’re parameters and constraints are, and developing a strategy for how to achieve those goals. Just because you’re working problems without numbers doesn’t mean you have the skills.
The big thing when you want to move into an analyst position is problem solving skills – they can teach you how to handle the numbers fairly quickly, but they want to know that you have experience thinking through problems logically and consistently.
Also, brushing up on some commonly used programs might help – like Excel, Access, etc.
Hope this helps!
big dipper
Also, that was supposed to be “just because you’re not working with numbers doesn’t mean you don’t have the skills…”
ChinaRette
Thanks, big dipper! Appreciate your thoughts. We definitely do spend a lot of our day working on goals, developing strategies, thinking about different stakeholders, etc. I need to practice translating my current experience into consulting vocabulary. Thanks, again!
new clothes
Quick Poll –
I am doing a ‘clean out my closet of all the things I never wear because they only look good for one event in my life and instead buy versatile separates’ event over the next two weeks.
About me – when I’m not lawyering, I’m living in a smaller city in the South. I run, I garden, I go to community events and concerts. While I’m making my list, I’d love a little input –
What are the four casual pieces of clothing that you find the most versatile to have?
b23
1. A great gray henley (I think) shirt. It’s a little nicer than a t-shirt. It was about $50, which I was really reluctant to spend, but it fits great, and I love it.
2. A colored pair of skinny jeans. Mine are from Target for $22.
3. A maxi skirt. More comfortable than a maxi dress because you can throw on any shirt with it, meaning you can wear any b r a, etc.
4. A great wrap dress from Pink Tartan that can go either casual or dressier, depending on accessories.
Good question! I’m curious to see what others say. I’ve never been good at casual dressing but have really been putting an emphasis on it recently.
Cat
Aside from ballet flats, jeans and a few tees/tanks… here’s my spring-to-summer go-tos:
1. Medium weight, medium length v-neck cotton cardigan in a neutral color/pattern – my go-to is gray and white striped. Perfect for layering over a tee with jeans, or over a knit dress in spring. (In mid-summer, replace with a pretty lightweight scarf for visual interest/protection from over air-conditioned rooms)
2. Machine washable, throw-it-on dress (see #1)
3. Tunic – use for a tailored look with skinny jeans for lunch/dinner out
4. Slim fit bermuda shorts (mine are j.crew summerweight, hemmed to the perfect above-the-knee length)
b23
I might be an idiot . . . but what exactly qualifies as a tunic?
Cat
hm – I see from googling that a lot of different styles of tops are labeled that way! I used it to mean the lightweight, longish-sleeved, sharp v-neck shape (like the Tory Burch ones – my go-to looks a lot like this one: http://www.toryburch.com/TORY-TUNIC/14121119,default,pd.html?dwvar_14121119_size=0&dwvar_14121119_color=412&start=30&cgid=clothing-tunics
momentsofabsurdity
Most versatile things in my wardrobe (for casual stuff, obviously most of this stuff isn’t appropriate for work):
1) Really great pair of jeans. The kind of jeans you pull on and go wow, I look like a million bucks. The kind of jeans that when they tear/rip you seriously consider sending them to Denim Therapy, even if you only paid $30 for them, and that you curse yourself daily for not buying in 20 different washes.
2) An assortment of plain tanks, in a variety of colors for layer. I like Wet Seal Tanks because they are long and surprisingly high enough to hide cleavage, and are 5 for $20 so I don’t worry if they rip/get a hole.
3) A plain jersey sundress, which you can wear to futz around town on a Saturday, but can also dress up with a cardigan/wedges/jewelry and wear to a nice dinner.
4) A nice cardigan (or casual blazer?) that you can throw on over whatever you’re wearing when you leave the house (JCrew Jackie and the Heritage Cardigan by LEC are my favorites).
If I were just buying basics, I would avoid prints and anything that read “trendy” and stick to solid colors, and express my personality more through accessories/styling.
elz
1) Day dresses/sundresses
2) Chambray Shirt
3) Skinny jeans and a pair of colored skinny jeans
4) Striped shirts
ACCESSORIES-I think accessories change the mood of an outfit so much.
b23
Ooh, I should have said chambray shirt. It goes with so much. And I totally agree about accessories. Buy some bright-colored necklaces, and you’ll look great.
Anon
What is a chambray shirt?
a.
Agree with the chambray shirt! I wear it as a shirt in the winter, then swap it into my cardigan rotation (casual times only, obvi) in the fall/spring/summer. The OP mentioned going to concerts, so I’ll mention that I almost always take the chambray shirt as my live-music cover-up, if I need one–it’s a smidge edgier than a standard cardigan.
PS, By “concerts” I mean “loud stuff played by grungy/delicious bearded men, Dan Auerbach I will love you forever with or without your facial hair,” not “my local chamber orchestra.” Love that I feel the need to qualify statements like that on Corporette.
JessC
1. A comfy knee length jersey dress in a fun color. Something that can dressed up or dressed down depending on the shoes and accessories.
2. A long-sleeve light weight tee in a neutral or neutral-ish color. You can layer it over a tank or under a jacket or cardigan and (as often I do) push the sleeves up when it’s warmer.
3. A pair of non-hoochie, non-denim shorts. Think mid-thigh, in a black, khaki, or white.
4. And, of course, an awesome pair of jeans. No particular style (though for basics, I would avoid colored ones), just whatever is most flattering to you.
a.
No love for the jorts? Come on now :)
If we leave out denim, my most frequently worn shorts are actually brick red, from J. Crew (link to follow)–the 5″ length is nice because can roll them to my desired hoochiness, then back down to be more conservative. I think having an unexpected, but still easy-to-match, short is really useful, because it’s just a bit more special than the black or khaki that everyone has. (Not to hate on black or khaki shorts.) My picks from the current colors would be Ornament Orange, Casablanca Blue, or Bright Green.
a.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shorts/chinocotton/PRDOVR~68925/68925.jsp
JessC
Haha, jorts. I actually do have a pair (hoochie ones at that) that I do bust out frequently during the warmer months. I like to wear them with a 3/4/rolled-up long-sleeve button shirt. Something about the combination of prep and hooch works for me. Not exactly classic, but what the h*ll.
My go-to neutral shorts are actually white. Pulling those out just screams spring/summer to me. Those j.crew shorts are super cute and I’m finding myself greatly drawn the “ornament orange” ones (though I would love to see this brick red color you speak of too).
a.
Yeah, I really want the orange ones too! Especially since mine are a squidge too big now. I got them a while ago, though–must’ve been like 2007 or 8? Guess they’re not making the color anymore.
a.
Posting my answers before reading other people’s responses, because I know then I’d change them:
1. Black skinny jeans from Urban. I live in these things. I basically do not wear other pants.
2. Gray cotton cardigan that’s pretty basic, but has an interesting drape. Comfy, goes with everything, crumples obediently into purses.
3. Bright, cheerful floral-patterned sundress. I have quite a collection, but in the summer, “getting dressed” to me means “throw on sundress, put feet in sandals, walk out door.”
4. Home-made jorts. Don’t hate.
Honorable mention: red-and-blue paisley cotton wrap.
Merabella
girl I love me some homemade jorts. take some of those amazing jeans that get a rip in the knee or slightly too big ones from a few years ago chop and wear!
ANP
Love this thread! Here’s my two cents:
1) A great pair of jeans, similar to what others have said. Skinny would be my preference, in a dark wash — can wear for errands around town or dress up for a night out, concert, etc.
2) A jersey or other machine-washable dress that you can dress up or down. Again, for errands and whatnot, or throw on leggings and flats for brunch with the girls, or add heels and fun accessories for dinner with your SO.
3) If you’re a runner, I’d get some sort of “sweatshirt” (I put that in quotes b/c I mean more of a streamlined running top or jacket) that you can wear for working out or gardening but also throw on when it’s chilly and you’re at an evening outdoor activity. I have a teal Nike half-zip that doesn’t even look like workout wear, but functions in the way I’ve outlined above.
4) A long cardigan that goes over the jersey dress, jeans, and/or anything else you can think of. Something you can wear open or closed.
You said clothing, not accessories, but I think a couple of good pairs of flats are key — plus a cool scarf or two, or an assortment of earrings/necklaces to liven up outfits. Seriously, fun accessories save me from complete outfit repetition 98% of the time!
qwerty
I try to update my look a little bit each year, so the cut or style of denim i want or the colors i like may change year to year – but here are the basics:
– mid tone jeans (this year it’s one pair of bell bottoms for evenings and walking around and one pair of skinnies for bike riding)
– lightweight patterned button downs (on the hottest days these can be worn to work tucked into a pencil skirt)
– casual sandals that i can wear every single day if needed and not hate (woven and cognac this year)
– sunglasses
– casual wear with everything cardigan or blazer in a nice poppy color (cobalt blue blazer this year)
– a few good patterned sundresses, preferably super light woven cotton with some decent length
Diana Barry
I miss regular clothes. Sigh. My clothes this summer will be a nursing top and whatever fits me on the bottom. Usually shorts or a skirt, I get way too hot in the summer for jeans, unless I am going to dinner with DH and no kids later in the evening.
Supra
1. Jeans – My perfect pair is a cross between a straight leg/skinny, ankle jean (DL1961 “Kate” – I can wear them with flats and boots and I can roll them and wear them with wedges.
2. Button up shirt (I like collared shirts under sweaters and blazers). My current favorite is a Madewell denim one. Its soft and structured and looks good on its own or under anything.
3. Cashmere sweater. This changes in the summer, but in the winter, I invest on one, nice cashmere sweater for the winter and live in it. This year is was the J. Crew snowbound sweater in the bright green color.
4. Blazer. I’ve lived in my J. Crew wool schoolboy blazer for three seasons now.
5. Leather strappy flat sandals. Last year, I invested in pair of Pour La Victorie sandals, and I’ll wear them again this year. Simple brown color, nice gold hardware (minimal), comfortable, goes with casual or dressy.
6. Ballet flats. Leather, cloth, patent leather. Whatever they are, just make sure they are comfortable.
7. Flat leather boots.
8. Tee shirts in soft, vintage washes. In a rainbow of colors and white. Go great under blazers or on their own.
9. Scarves. I love throwing a pretty scarf on to dress up a tee shirt, jeans and flats.
10. Hammered gold hoop earrings, gold watch and gold bangles. See #9. Simple, elegant jewlery really dresses up a casual outfit.
qwerty
i swear, we’re style twins!
Supra
Except I can’t count because I put 10, instead of 4! Ha ha.
I hereby declare 4 to be impossible ;)
Valerie
For a long time, I would have said a great pair of straight jeans, a good quality pair of leggings (ie thicker material, a tunic, and a great cardigan, but the last few months I have been obsessed with the Athleta Senorita dress for weekends (the long sleeved version). I own it in black, dark green, and a medium purple (I t hink it is called violet shadow) and they have become my favorite weekend staple. I find I can dress up the black and dark green ones quite a bit with tall boots, a great scarf and cardigan and a nice purse, while the purple one is more a run errands type dress, but they are comfortable, wear well etc etc. If I am not wearing of those on a weekend, I like skinny jeans, ballet flats, cowl neck or faux wrap jersey tops, and a couple of favorite cardigans.
anon
I’m rather permanently casual because I work from home. My four are:
– striped sailor tee. I love stripes and it can go w jeans or under a casual suit.
– semi-athletic/rubber soled ballet flats. Goes w jeans, skirts, shorts, etc
– a navy cardigan – button it up w/ jewelry and a skirt for a lunch, or jeans/shorts for everyday.
– a cute colored jacket – same idea as the cardigan, but a little different. My favorite is actually machine-washable aqua corduroy from Target, 5 years ago.
Nonny
1. a cheap black blazer from Uniqlo that I can just throw on with anything
2. dark wash skinny jeans (mine are AG Stevie)
3. black jersey dress
4. navy blue, V-neck cashmere sweater, also from Uniqlo. A little more interesting than black, and I find I wear it more than is probably appropriate.
Always a NYer
1. Black straight leg jeans for casual Fridays, running errands, tucked into boots
2. Basic tee shirts in an assortment of colors – long sleeve and short sleeve
3. Leather knee boots that are very basic and able to dress up for work or down for weekends and off time (think riding boots without any embellishments)
4. Bomber jacket – I wear mine to work over a sheath dress, when I’m running errands, going out with friends, basically everywhere I can
KinCA
1) Dark skinny/straight leg jeans – I’m partial to GAP always skinny.
2) A gray cotton cardigan with an interesting drape – I received one as a gift from Banana Republic years ago and I wear it with everything. Thinking about the day I’ll have to replace it makes me want to cry.
3) Leopard print ballet flats – surprisingly versatile & they make you look stylish with literally no effort.
4) Flat leather sandals with minimal gold hardware – mine are white Jessica Simpson sandals of all things, but I live in them on summer weekends.
5) “Throw on and go” dresses – usually cotton/machine washable. Can be worn with a sweater/scarf/necklaces/flat sandals for shopping or brunch with the girls or dressed up a little bit with a blazer & pumps/wedges for a night out. Oddly enough, I find that the ones I wear the most are from places I don’t normally shop at – American Eagle, Express, etc.
6) Long necklaces for visual interest – I find that just layering a few makes an outfit way more interesting and it takes virtually no effort.
KateL
1. One perfect pair of jeans – Mine are AG Jessie cut
2. Black 3 quarter sleeve cardigan – mine’s from Target
3. A mix of one season tees in the “in” color from Loft or Target to compliment 1-2 more expensive tees (I like Petite Bateau and Lilla P)
4. Comfortable but cute sandals/wedges/or flats.
And don’t laugh
Fitflops (black patent because they are black strap/black sole).
Amy H.
I like this thread!
For me this depends on whether we’re talking spring/summer or fall/winter. Spring/summer:
1. White jeans;
2. Casual jersey knit dress with short sleeves and scoopneck (mine are Garnet Hill from last year);
3. Cowl-neck modal tees (short or 3/4-sleeve); and
4. Lucky olive green short button-front jacket (I wear this to every single rock concert I to go).
I have on my wish list to buy this summer one of the Roberta Roller Rabbit kurtas (tunic)!
Fall/winter:
1. Dark skinny jeans to tuck into boots;
2. Black Gap 2-button blazer;
3. Long open merino wool cardigans (black and heather grey);
4. Gap black slim crop trousers (they have some stretch) to tuck into boots.
Boring, but the OP did ask for most versatile . . . .
Oh, I also wear my black jersey maxi skirt from Old Navy all the time — yearround. It goes with everything and is SO comfortable. I bought two more of the exact same skirt when I had a 30% code so they were about $14 each.
Skippy pea
Quick TJ.
Does anyone have recommendation for a good moisturizer with SPF for DH? I have convinced him to start using moisturizer with SPF but we have not found one that he likes. He has tried the Aveeno one but does not like it much. One important criteria for him is that it should not smell feminine- better if it is fragrance free. Extra points if it is as natural as possible.
On topic! I love love love this top. I will have to buy it.
MelD
I use Olay Complete Sensitive with the Classic formula. It has no scent and I’ve been using it for years.
Batgirl
Same! I love that stuff!
Bonnie
That’s my favorite too. It has a physical blocker but absorbs well without leaving a white tint.
Godzilla
Dove and Nivea (I think) recently launched a men’s line of products. Shampoos, face washes and moisturizers. My brother likes the Nivea face wash for men because it’s blue. And blue is his favorite color. Shrug.
AIMS
You could try Kiehls. They have a men’s line. Facial Fuel is SPF 15 – lots of natural ingredients and quite masculine (there’s a plane on the bottle!). Nivea also has a men’s only line, I think my SO tried it and liked it in the past.
Or what about Oil of Olay unscented SPT 15 beauty fluid? The name might be less than great for him, but it’s just a simple white bottle.
eek
+1 for Kiehls Facial Fuel. I’ve actually used it in an emergency and it’s strong enough for a man, gentle enough for a lady.
A
My DH has used this one (Kiehl’s Facial Fuel with SPF 15) for several years & likes it a lot.
Amy H.
+3 for Kiehl’s Facial Fuel. The scent is nice but not at all feminine.
fresh jd
I just started using Yes to Cucumbers spf15 moisturizer and quite like it. But from what I know most men like something plain and unscented like Eucerin or possibly Nivea.
Skippy pea
Thanks for all the recs. I will get him a few to check out. I think I will just keep quiet about the price for Kiehls though! I bet once DH finds out the price, he will stop “liking” it for sure! *roll eyes*
Anon
Try the Paula’s Choice one from the Balancing Line with SPF 15. No fragrance at all, not greasy, the only sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my eyes!
SF Bay Associate
This is what I got my DH using after he realized the Kiehls was more than twice the price.
Kate
I use SPF 45 from Paula’s Choice. Customer rep told me it can replace moisturizer. I have stopped using moisturizer since using this with no problems. I do have slightly oily skin though.
Trinity or Hunter
How appropriate that Kat posts something for Trinity. But anyways, for NYC parents, if your child got into Trinity High school or Hunter High school, which would you pick for your child to attend? My smartypants little cousin got into both of them and we’re having a hard time choosing one over the other. Any alumns wanna chime in?
Dahlia
I don’t know much about Trinity, but I know several Hunter alumni who had a great experience there.
Kady
I agree, Hunter.
Kady
PS. I have had several friends who graduated from Hunter, and my SIL went to Trinity, and my sense is that Hunter is superior academically. Trinity is probably better at the hand holding, so I guess it depends in part on your smartypants cousin.
suomi
Love this top!
Seattleite
Thanks (um, or not…) to the posters who recommended AGL flats last week. I’ve been looking for new flats for months, finally bit the bullet and tried on what must have been every pair of flats Nordstrom had. I ended up with two pair of AGL and will probably go back next month for a third. So, poster-whose-name-I-can’t-remember, you are now my friend – or frenemy! :) – for life.
I also bought the thin little orthotics someone recommended and like them as much as the fat custom orthotics I wear in my trainers.
Final note re: AGL – the SA made a point of telling me that Nordstrom will send them back for resoling/refurbishing when they look worn. That was a pleasant surprise; the construction looks like it wouldn’t be possible. But apparently they send them to AGL rather than a cobber, and cost is <$50. That makes the $300 price tag much easier to bear.
SF Bay Associate
SuperFeet orthotics! I am about to buy a pair for every pair of shoes I own, I love them so much.
Niktaw
Can you please explain the benefits of orthotics?
Batgirl
Ooh, do tell more! Are they thinner than normal orthotics?
SF Bay Associate
Yes, very thin. I stuck them in my usual Kate Spade and SW heels, which I had been wearing without insoles before –> thin. They are beyond amazeballs. I’ve worn them all week in various pairs of heels and my knees don’t ache at night anymore. I hate myself for not knowing about them earlier. This is what I get for only shopping online and not ever seeing helpful displays or talking with knowledgeable sales associates.
Niktaw, orthotics support your arch and rebalance the weight on your foot, which is especially important in heels as the height forces all our weight onto the balls of our feet. The orthotics support the arch and force some of the weight back onto the heel where it belongs.
L
Do you use the 3/4 or get the ones you trim and put throughout the whole shoe?
Seattleite
L, I got the 3/4 one.
The benefit of orthotics in flats is that it adds more structure and support. I *hate* the feel of most ballet flats – the soles are so thin that it’s like I’m walking on the pavement. And, of course, the really comfy flats look like old lady shoes. So the orthotics sort of give me the best of both. I don’t know if I’d wear these flats+orthotics for a walking tour of the city, but for general running around, errands, etc., they’re a vast improvement.
Sigh. This is yet another thing about aging that no one warned us about. *longs for days when barefoot was more comfy than shoes*
Batgirl
I guess I wonder how they compare to real orthotics. I suppose that’s a question for the old podiatrist!
Seattleite
Real orthotics are best because they’re custom fitted. But somehow I never manage to 1) call and make the appointment and 2) take the time off from work to see the podiatrist. This is an acceptable alternative. I will admit that having the SuperFeet has motivated me to look for time to do 1 and 2 above.
BlueFish
I wanted to comment on the Nine West pink suit Kat posted yesterday (in store it was $100!) – I bought it and actually found another Nine West suit on super sale (bought both for $170). The pink is more like a raspberry than a hot pink and it’s a really nice weight and cut and fully lined. It looks lovely with my coloring – medium complexion and dark features. The slit is modest and added interest to the skirt. I’ll wear it as separates and think it’s definitely the type of suit that looks great broken up that way (some suits I’ve bought in the past just can’t be worn as separates). A warning that the jacket is a little big if you have a small waist – still deciding if I’ll have it taken in at my tailor. Nine West seems to have some wacky sizing depending on the suit – I bought the pink in a size 4 and the other one in a 2. If you’re between sizes, I’d order both and just be prepared to return one.
b23
Great, thanks for the review!
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
So I’ve been on WW for about a month now and I’ve lost about 1 1/2 dress sizes, but now I face a new/old delimma. The way my body is shaped, I have a significant size difference between my waist and hips which causes all the lovely sheath dresses I can fit into again to ride up when I walk. On the light rail this morning, it occurred to me that maybe I could put small weights in my hems to keep my dresses down, but that’s as far as I could get.
Is this even possible? Has anyone done this (or something similar) and would care to share their experiences? Or am I just going to have to give up sheath dresses and stick with skirts?
Thank in advance for any advice.
ANP
I have no idea how to circumvent this issue, but I would see if you could ask the advice of a good tailor in your area. S/he should be able to steer you in the right direction, and maybe you could have one dress altered first as a test case?
qwerty
i’ve heard of these small weight things. i think they’re coin-like. i bet a tailor could talk to you about this, i think it might be an old school tailoring trick and i definitely want to hear how it goes, i have the same problem but sheaths are my fav.
KinCA
I have this same problem – a very small waist compared to my hips/butt. I bought a bunch of sheath dresses when I went through an incredibly thin period, because I looked like I was swimming in anything A-line/not cut straight up and down. However, I gained 5-6 pounds in the last few months (which apparently all went to my hips/thighs/butt) & am suddenly suffering from the same issue, rendering most of my lovely dress collection unwearable. Any help is much appreciated!
N.
Chanel jackets have a length of chain sewn around the inside edge of the hem to weigh the hem down and make it hang nicely, and you/a tailor could definitely do something like that. I’m a bit skeptical about whether or not this will actually work, though — in my experience with stuff that rides up, the force that’s pulling it up is not going to be easily overcome with the addition of a little bit of weight on the hem. I’m assuming you’re already wearing a slip or something that will encourage the skirt to fall back down on its own?
Mean Girl Interviewer
With all the threads about critiquing interviewees recently, I thought I’d jump in. I am supposed to interview two candidates today. One contacted me at 10:20 last night (email timestamp) to say that something came up and could I reschedule? No reason given, and I am already iffy on this candidate.
I am not unsympathetic to a need to reschedule – in law school, I once woke up very sick and had to reschedule a summer job interview (not OCI), but I was apologetic, explained the reason, and said I hoped the interviewer could accommodate me. But I feel like this person should have given me a reason – car broke down, sick kid, whatever . Aside from the fact that this was the only day for a couple weeks (literally, I don’t think everyone is in the office again until maybe April 16) that we were able to conduct interviews, am I just out of line when I say that I don’t want to interview or hire this person now?
momentsofabsurdity
I am really frustrated by the people I’m bringing into interview who (after I email them saying could you speak at X or Y time?) say things like “I would prefer not to schedule over email. Please call me.”
I have 25 of you I’m trying to schedule so yes – it’s a bit easier for me to schedule a screening interview over email.
rosie
That is crazy. Not even “Is there a time that would be convenient for me to call you?” I would never ask an interviewer to call me because I preferred to schedule by phone. I hope you are writing back to these people something like, “I prefer to schedule by email. If you are interested in interviewing, please let me know when you are available per my earlier email.”
Lynnet
How do people feel about an interviewee providing blanket times when they are available? I often get an email with 4 or 5 open days for interviews asking me when I’m available. I never know whether to email back with, “Free all day on days X and Y and anytime after noon on Z,” or provide a specific time. The first seems much more efficient for everyone involved, but I can also see it being interpreted as rude.
SpaceMountain
That’s not rude at all. It gives the interviewer a lot of room for scheduling.
anon
I wouldn’t see that as rude, either – if I gave a blanket time, I am hoping to be able to accommodate the interviewer’s presumably busy schedule.
Jax
That is what I normally do and find it much more efficient. Something like:
I am free all day Monday and Wednesday or anytime after 2pm on Tuesday.
Usually the person doing the scheduling is looking at people’s Outlook calendars and it would make it easier if they knew what all their options are.
Tired Squared
Wow, that’s ridiculous. As the interviewee, I thought we were supposed to make things easier for the interviewer, not the other way around!
Mean Girl Interviewer
I should add, my boss’s inclination is a no, so if there’s some reason that some of you think I should advocate for this person, I really am open to that…
Anon
I think it depends on why you are iffy. If you are iffy because of gaps on resume (I am just making this up) but something that would tie with her cancelling a meeting at the last minute. Basically does the fact this candidate cancelled an interview at the last minute confirm any suspicions you had about them? If so, I would pass.
I will say this, I have been advised that if you ever need to cancel an important meeting or interview just ask to reschedule and don’t include a bunch of details because it will come off as an excuse. Also, it could be private, embarrassing, etc.
PharmaGirl
Giving a reason could further color your impression of the candidate (not that a last-minute cancellation hasn’t already done so). If they say something came up with a child, would you think differently of them?
It’s a tough call but I would probably give the person another chance.
devil's advocate
I understand how you feel, but maybe the candidate was wary of providing TMI and went too far in the other direction.
MelD
I would give the person another chance. As others have said, giving a reason could end up coloring a person’s opinion more. Perhaps it’s a sick child, a relative in trouble, or an embarrassing but chronic health condition that the applicant doesn’t want to bring up?
Kady
If your company can’t reschedule the interview for another 1/2 month and the candidate that comes in today is excellent, and especially if the hiring need is pressing, I think it is entirely OK to not wait to interview the person who cancelled. IOW, that is the risk of cancelling an interview, and the candidate should understand that.
CA Atty
Agree to this, but also agree that if this isn’t the case OP should give her another chance. Of course, the interviewee should (have?) followed up first thing this morning with a phone call, assuming that whatever came up did so at 10pm last night.
I wouldn’t blame her for not giving a reason, it could be embarrassing, it could be personal, etc…
Eloise Spaghetti
What if you say, I can reschedule but we reserve the right to cancel if the position is already filled by then.
Anon for this
My apologies for the somewhat convoluted threadjack, but I sure could use a little of your ladies perspective on my situation.
Last summer I began dating a woman I knew from college who had recently moved to my town. I had always liked her and we had stayed in touch after school but never really seemed to be in the right place at the right time. When we started seeing each other we found we had similar long term goals and we both wanted a committed relationship so things we fairly serious from the beginning. We met each other’s families, we talked about the future, I spent time with her friends and co-workers. After dating for a few months it became clear we didn’t have a physical relationship so I told her that, while I cared for her a great deal, I thought we should break up. I wanted to remain friends but she didn’t and I respected her need to distance.
Fast forward 6 weeks and one of her co-workers emails me and asks to catch up over coffee sometime. The offer was platonic in nature (especially as the male co-worker was unaware that I have dated men in the past and am open to doing so in general) and I said yes. We went out and hit it off immediately. We dated for several months discretely to make sure the relationship had legs and then he told my ex that we were seeing each other and wanted her to know. I waited a while and followed up with an email telling her I missed her friendship and told her I’d like to reconnect if she was ever interested. She replied with a really malicious and hurtful email. I get that she is hurt and I understand that she is angry, but I’m not sure where to go from here.
I get that the situation is uncomfortable for her and I have tried to be considerate. I do truly miss her and wish we could friends in the future. I guess what I’m asking the hivemind is: is there anything I can do that might make that an option in the future? How would you want the situation handled?
anon
I think all you can do is give your ex some time and space. If she wants to be friends, she’ll let you know. Some breakups are harder on one party than the other, and your dating her coworker probably doesn’t make her feel too good. Sorry.
CW
I agree with this. Don’t push her. I know that you’re trying to be considerate, but I think the constant reminder of you (through her co-worker) is probably pretty hard for her. I know that I would be upset if I had a tough breakup and my co-worker started seriously dating the person shortly thereafter.
D Train South
Respond to her email and say just what you’ve said here “I understand you are angry and hurt, and this situation is uncomfortable for you. If you’d ever like to discuss it, I will make myself available. I miss your friendship.” That leaves the door wide open. Then move on. It sounds like you will continue to move in the same circles to some extent. If you give her space, but you are kind to her if/when you do interact, she’ll come around on her own if there is any chance of that. I don’t think there’s much more you can do until she addresses what is bothering her. Your beau should stay out of it and talk to her about other things at work.
PharmaGirl
I don’t think I could be friends with someone who dumped me and then started dating my co-worker. That must sting.
Flamingo
I agree with the anon reply. Sounds like she needed her distance after the break up. To answer your question about how to make a reconciliation an option in the future – you have already done that by emailing her, and at this point she has been clear that she does not wish to be friends again. So, I would say respect her wishes and let go, as hard as that might be.
Jem
I really don’t think it is fair to expect an ex to be friends. If friendship happens, great but I don’t think she owes you to try.
Woods-comma-Elle
Totally agree with this.
I dated someone who was a friend before we dated and when we broke up, was completely gobsmacked that I didn’t want to be friends. We haven’t really spoken since. He sent me an extremely patronising e-mail about some time later along the lines of ‘are you over it now and can we stop the sillyness’ which went ignored.
He really hurt me and for me personally, I don’t see why I should have him in my life anymore – I know it would make him feel a lot better about us breaking up (FAOD I broke up with him but because of something he brought about) if he could say ‘hey, it wasn’t a big deal, we’re friends now’ but it would just make me feel worse. This doesn’t mean I still want to date him or anything like that, but I just don’t see what I would get out of a friendship with him other than a reminder of the stuff that went down.
She may come around, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she never does. I think you have done all you can and you need leave it up to her to get in touch if she wants to renew the friendship.
CA Atty
Unfortunately, you may have to resign yourself to the fact that it may not happen. Just like she didn’t get a say (rightly so!) when you two broke up, you don’t get a say on remaining her friend. The person with the least desire to be in the relationship trumps, in other words.
You’ve let her know that you would like to remain friends and she is not in that place right now. Maybe it’ll happen in the future, more likely not. Unfortunately, that’s part of life.
Anon
Agreed.
Also, think of it this way – if she doesn’t want the friendship, you’ll be doing all the work. A one-sided friendship works for nobody (except sometimes the person receiving, but that isn’t the case here) and just makes everyone more upset.
Leave it open, don’t push. It’s better for both of you.
cbackson
Ladies, I need you to help strengthen my resolve: my ex-husband was pretty controlling about money. Money he wanted to spend on his hobbies – like tools, or gardening supplies – always got classified as “for the house”, but money I wanted to spend on things that I liked – books, cooking supplies – was “discretionary” and therefore I got a lot of grief about spending, always felt like I shouldn’t spend anything, and was ashamed if I did. One of the things that was “discretionary” was my professional wardrobe.
As a result, I have a lot of, for lack of a better word, deferred maintenance clothing-wise. I haven’t bought new bras in years (and I’m a smaller size now), I’m using a battered and unattractive 10-year-old work bag, I only have two pairs of comfortable, presentable flats (I can’t wear heels, so flats are most of my shoes). I’ve spent some money already this year on stuff that I really needed, but the truth is that I need to spend a decent amount more. And even though I can 100% afford it, I am feeling guilty about it.
Please help me stiffen my backbone – everytime I walk into a client meeting with a bag that Goodwill wouldn’t accept (for example), I feel like I’m not conveying an image of competence and professionalism. But I still feel this awful guilt.
Circe
Do it, girl! You’re just shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t. Schedule a session with a personal shopper this weekend at Nordie’s. They’ll talk to you a bit, get your sizing, etc. Say you need at least work clothes, a bag, flats, and bras. Then spend some time between now and then thinking about what you want specifically. Decide how much you want to spend (I’d recommend $1000 for everything – think of it as a makeover.) Tell your shopper at the outset how much you want to spend. They will put you up in a fitting room, bring things and people to you, and you’ll have a fun time and get good opinions. The shoppers at the flagship Nordstrom are great. Then give away/trash your old stuff, and start anew, refreshed.
No guilt – you need and deserve this and you’re overdue.
eek
Girl, that was soooooo me. But here’s the thing…You want these things, actually you need these things and you can afford it. He’s still in your head and you need to get him out! Do you have a friend that can go shopping with you? You definitely need a new work bag, several new pairs of shoes (maybe some colorful ones to get you excited), and you should straight up be wearing the right bra size anyway. You’ll feel better about yourself and you’ll project the image you want. I’d come up with a budget for the types of pieces you want. I’d recommend some pretty durable/classic pieces, especially for the work bag. Go get fitted for a bra and take it from there and try on all the shoes in the world. I’d go to Nordstrom, just because they are great and you can have some wine at the Nordstrom Cafe. Plus, if you get the Nordstrom Debit Card, you’ll be getting rewards/Nordstrom Notes for future purchases.
cbackson
“He’s still in your head and you need to get him out!”
You are SO RIGHT, and I hadn’t even thought of it that way. YES. That is exactly right.
eek
I know you don’t miss him and realize what he is, as Godzilla so eloquently put it. :D
My first purchase post-separation was an iPhone. And a watch. And new makeup. You get the point. It was/is very liberating and I hope you feel the same way, too!
Godzilla
Dude, your ex was and is a DOOSH. Exorcise him by getting the stuff you need, want and deserve. Don’t let him keep winning like this. You’re awesome! Go forth and spend.
Anon
I think we have the same ex-husband…What helped me was opening an additional checking account and moving money into that for clothes. That way you yourself can control your not spending too much and still see all other expenses/savings are taken care of. Also, don’t see it as discretionary, see it as a career expense when you buy clothes for work. Start with small things. Bras aren’t that expensive, Gap or Nordies have nice ones for $30 or so. Sign up for email newsletters, so you get discount coupons (always helps you feel better when you’re saving some extra $). Don’t go crazy and buy everything at one. Baby steps…just like everything else is baby steps after a divorce, this too is something you need to break down into little chunks. Bra this paycheck, dress the next one, bag the one after that, etc. Happy Shopping!
NOLA
cbackson, you need to get over it! My ex-husband spent a lot of money on books and his hobbies and I was more frugal because we just didn’t have the money and I was terrified by the growing credit card debt. Since my divorce, I’ve gotten completely out of debt, control my own spending, and I have come to realize that my work wardrobe is where I spend most of my discretionary money. The clothes and shoes I buy for work get a lot of wear so if you count cost per use, they’re actually very economical! Figure out what you can afford to spend and shop carefully. Don’t buy clothes or shoes just because they are on sale. Get what fits and is flattering and that you will wear the most. Sometimes you have to spend more to get better quality items that will last long enough to be worth it. And do get new bras. They make you look so much better in your clothes. Trust me – you’re worth it!
TCFKAG
Do it! I’m right there with you on the guilt thing, though I think mine comes from being raised Irish-Catholic without much money. :-P. here was the advice I got on here when I posted something similar on here. It’s a three step process.
(1). Budget a certain amount each month you HAVE to spend on professional clothing, accessories, and shoes. It’s not optional.
(2). Make a list of needs and wants and prioritize.
(3). Pick days to go shopping and make it fun. Being friends and finish it off with wine!
You’ll be happier and you’ll look fabulous.
Tuesday
Would it be easier for you if you made a plan that over the next x months you’ll spend up to $y investing in your career? It might not be so overwhelming if in April you upgrade your bottoms and in May you upgrade your tops and in June you upgrade your accessories (or 2 outfits or one major accessory (nice jewelry, good bag) per month for the rest of the year, or some other plan that makes sense to you).
The past is a b*tch, but you can put it behind you. You’re a strong, professional, fabulous, competent woman, and you deserve to have the world see you for who you are — not for the schlump you’ve been masquerading as.
Also, if you’re not used to shopping, you could probably use some help. Investigate personal shoppers, and explain that you want to build a cohesive wardrobe. The shopper should be able to help you figure out the fewest number of pieces that will make the most number of outfits. And she’ll be happy to work across whatever timeframe works for you.
First of all, though, get a new bra! It will make you feel better, it will make you look better, and it will make your clothes fit differently, so you have to do that first.
Getting started is probably going to be the hardest part of this, but once you do, you’ll feel better about this project and about yourself and how you represent yourself and your company.
You can do it!
Lilly
Take a deep breath, remind yourself it is a professional expense, and buy yourself one good quality, properly fitting head-to-toe outfit. I mean underpinnings, shoes, clothing and accessories. Make it an outfit that that suits some particular need you have often, whether it’s client meetings, firm meetings, whatever. When you wear it, notice your comfort level – literally and figuratively. Is it worth it? If so, and I’m betting it will be, start building your work wardrobe and your personal one too. If it helps, think of that first outfit as a work “tool”. Put the same thought into it that you would for any other item required for work.
Bonnie
This is great advice. And everyone needs an outfit that they feel great in.
Seattleite
cbackson, my ex-husband was much the same and I felt the same guilt. Here’s what I did:
1. Treated spending on clothes like an “F you” to him. Juvenile, but it got me started. (My first purchase was something I *knew* he would have hated.)
2. Assigned myself the ‘chore’ of buying. (Witness my flats purchase supra – it felt like a chore until I actually started trying stuff on.)
3. Threw away the stuff that needed replacing so I was forced to go by more.
4. Said OUT LOUD every day, “Guilt is his weapon and I will no longer let him use it.”
Good luck and enjoy being good to yourself. You deserve to be treated with care and to have your needs and wants met.
P.S. Per your request I posted my email a couple of times, did you ever see it?
meara
I think we should have a Seattle shopping get together, clearly! :)
eek
I’m guilty of #1 and it feels/felt so awesome.
cbackson
Thanks. I think I have been so “I AM OVER THIS SUMB*TCH” that I have been kind of in denial about the degree to which I still have some baggage from my marriage.
(yes! I have had an email queued up in my Gmail to send to you for weeks – doing so after work today…)
Herbie
Girl, get yourself some new bras ASAP. And make sure you go get properly fitted first– I highly recommend Nordstrom’s. You wouldn’t believe how much better you’ll feel just by having the ladies in order and properly attired.
cbackson
Haha. That description makes me think of them as a pair of mid-century career girls with little hats and gloves.
suomi
I agree with the posters who said that there is not much you can do at this point. You have made it clear that you want to remain friends, but if she is not ready for it or does not want to be friends, you can’t change her mind. Friendship takes two. But, the passage of time changes things.
While you probably should not hope that things between the two of you will change in the future, they might. Just keep your heart open.
Anon for this
OP here. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and comment. I agree with what everyone has shared. I know that she has no obligation to be my friend and I certainly don’t expect her to be open to that right away. I just wish she did and I think I just surprised and honestly hurt by the content of her email to me. That being said I will take everyone’s advice and leave the situation alone. Thanks again you guys!
anon too
Threadjack- Please ignore if you do not like pregnancy related posts. (Comment in moderation- so I am trying again….)
I am fairly newly pregnant (like 5-6 weeks), and I have been nauseated since conception. Lately, I have had an upset stomach pretty much 24-7. However, this morning I was talking to my husband, and all of a sudden I ran out of the room to go throw up.
My concern is what if this happens at work. I think that it would be fairly difficult to keep this thing a secret if I am running out of rooms to throw up. How have you handled this situation? Has morning sickness revealed your secret?
anoninnyc
This happened to me at work CONSTANTLY, for nine straight months. Some tips:
1) Keep food in your stomach. The nausea gets worse when you don’t eat. Simple carbs are best for controlling the nausea. It’s counterintuitive because you don’t want to eat, but that really only makes it worse.
2) No one will notice unless you make a big deal out of it. People take bathroom breaks all the time. It’s just not a big deal.
3) If you are like me and the nausea lasts for nine months, then you will be able to read your body and know when you need to take a break. I got very good at noticing when I needed to excuse myself.
Diana Barry
Also, ask your dr about it. Vitamin b6 + unisom may help, or zofran – be insistent if it is happening all the time!!! You could get dehydrated from vomiting and have to go to the hospital to get an IV (this happened to a couple of my friends).
Eat early and often!
Also, when I couldn’t make it to the bathroom (and was in my office), I had extra plastic bags to put in my trash. I would throw up in the trash, tie the bag up and throw it away in the office kitchen or bathroom, and then put the extra bag in my trash.
Anon
I did this too, thought I was the only one even too tired to make it to the bathroom to throw up. I got extra plastic bags from the cleaning staff. I definitely learned to gag and throw up pretty quietly.
Blonde Lawyer
I’ll be interested to read the replies to this. I am getting over a stomach bug and suddenly much more aware of how much can be heard outside the bathroom of my office. From my office, I can hear people coughing and sneezing in the bathroom. I’m sure others in the vicinity hear my other bathroom activities. “Lucky” for me, I can blame all stomach ailments on my crohns. But, it dawned on me that if I ever decide to have kids and have morning sickness everyone at work would know really quickly how frequently I was yaking. I don’t have a solution just want you to know others worry about the same thing.
I know someone who also throws up fairly regularly and she gets sick from a med she takes for a chronic condition. I have not asked what the condition is. I just have been around when she threw up and she said “don’t worry, not contagious, just a side effect of a new med I’m taking.” If you don’t mind speculation about your “illness” that could be a route to go.
rosie
On the noise issue–would it help if your office got a white noise machine or a non-quiet air-purifier/fan to put in the bathroom?
L
Ugh I had a stomach bug too. I feel your pain. There’s something very awkward about throwing up in front of your colleagues.
Willow
Thank you for posting this because I was literally just thinking about this. I don’t have any great advice but I totally sympathize – I’ll be 6 weeks tomorrow and nauseated constantly. I agree with keeping food in your stomach and I’ve been sipping water which seems to help.
ChinaRette
Posted this earlier, but it’s stuck in moderation. Trying again….
Love the top! I think that pairing it with a structured pencil or A-line skirt would keep things professional.
Anyone here have experience moving from a communications role to a more numbers-heavy analyst-type role? I’m in my first job out of college (almost three years now). Writing and verbal communication are my natural strengths, so it was easy to transition into my current job. I coordinate events/workshops, conferences, do post-event write-ups and write short articles. My colleagues and I work in and international environment where a lot of companies come to our organization for advice on strategy and how to implement programs in their organization (we provide advice on a business function — think HR). I’m enjoyed my time here, but I’m planning to relocate back to the States and look at new work there.
I’ve always liked numbers and analysis, and I’d really like to move into a more analytical direction in the future. Most of my work in college was in economics (unfortunately my major wasn’t–it was international relations). I would really like to move into a role such as a trade analyst in a state-level trade office or the DOC, or a business analyst in a corporate setting. Do any Corporettes have this kind of experience, or any suggestions on how to make the move? Unfortunately my time at my current job is winding down, so I don’t think I’d be able to spearhead a research project or anything that could show off my mad skills. I’d appreciate suggestions on what to look for (entry-level analyst programs?), how to market myself to show I can do the work or how to get my foot in the door. I think an MBA or a master’s degree would be possible in a few years, but I’d prefer to have a little more work experience before going back to school. Thanks!
Samantha
I’d like to send you very specific advice on my firm (and competitors) that do this type of work. We hire econ majors out of college. I’d rather not say more without outing too much about myself, so tell me where I can reach you!
ChinaRette
Thanks so much, Samantha! I would really appreciate that. My email is chinarette AT gmail DOT com.
Men Gifts
Any recommendations for a bf birthday gift? We are not into huge gifts (and I’m on a limited student budget – $75 tops), but I would like to give him a little something in celebration of his birthday. So far I’ve thought of: facial line like those recommended above, books … that’s it. The man has anything he would want to buy himself, which makes it a challenge. TIA!
momentsofabsurdity
Does he play an instrument? I got my ex engraved drumsticks which were a huge hit (pun!).
What about something nice from Art of Shaving? Also thinkgeek has tons of good options for slightly nerdy dudes.
anon too
I sometimes spend a lot of money on my husband, and I sometimes spend very little.
So, here are some of my cheaper gifts: really nice socks (the top of dress socks that say extra cushion); seeds, dirt, and pots for an herb garden; new workout clothes (can get cheaply at Marshalls or TJMaxx); or a gift certificate for a massage.
PharmaGirl
Random ideas:
– manly skin products from Kiehls
– something from Art of Shaving
– clothing from a mid-level store like the Gap
– cuff links or tie if he wears that sort of thing
– gift card for loading books on a kindle or nook if he has one
– books/music
– magazine subscription
anon
I think my husband’s favorite birthday gift ever in the 12 years we have been together was when I bought him paperbacks of all the James Patterson books he hadn’t read yet. 5 or 6 trade paperbacks at $7 each.
darby
how about a cool piece of art from 20×200 for his office?
Godzilla
Good quality headphones.
Lynnet
Does he play video games? My go-to in that price range for my husband is the newest, hottest, video game that I think he’d be interested in. It’s been very successful. Although we do spend a lot less time together the month or two after he gets a new one.
ESQuared
Oh on the videogame thread–nice headphones w/ a mic.
And they can double for skyping with you when you are out of town. ;-)
ESQuared
$75 is usually my budget regardless of job status. ;-p
Currently looking for a gift for my dad’s bday, so watching this one–
How about concert tix or tix to something else?
Found this website yesterday which has some really cool things- http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/by-recipient/gifts-for-men
If he’s handy, a really nice drill gun is awesome (I got one for Christmas and love it).
If he likes to cook- America’s Test Kitchen books are great…
Some great down pillows…
hmph, why are dudes so hard to shop for?
Seattleite
The men in my family have all been thrilled with nice sheepskin slippers – the kind with a rubber sole so they can go get the mail/newspaper without changing their shoes.
Blue
Ugh, I overslept by 2 hours today because my iPhone decided to turn off in the middle of the night so the alarm never went off. Thankfully this happened on a day when I didn’t have anywhere to be in the morning, but now I’m going to be neurotically setting two alarms every time I have something important to do in the morning.
CA Atty
I hate that! But the second you stop being neurotic? It’ll happen again. I usually have 3 alarms set, two on my phone with different “rings” and a plug in with battery back-up. I am neurotic, I also HATE getting up in the morning. I’m supposed to be at work by 8 and have a 30 minute commute, I’d prefer to be at work by 9:30 :-)
NOLA
That happened to me on Tuesday night! My Android phone just froze up at 2 a.m. so the alarm never went off. I woke up feeling refreshed and realized that it was light outside (I usually wake up at 5:45 and it’s still dark). It was 7:00! Last night I set a backup alarm and it somehow managed to reset itself for an hour earlier. Yuck.
Discuss Among Yourselves
This weekend, my 16 year old step-daughter revealed she has recently learned that “it takes more than love” to make a marriage. I told her that a friend once shared with me the five things every couple should discuss before marriage: money, kids, religion, politics and sex.
She said she thinks it is unromantic that you have to talk about these things before marriage. I shared that I didn’t do it with my first husband, but that her father and I did do it and it made things much better. For what it’s worth.
This morning, a reader in Carolyn Hax’s column adds porn to the list of things that should be discussed. (Or maybe that is just a riff on the discussion about sex?)
So I’m curious: what did you discuss with your partner/spouse/SO/fiance before committing?
Kady
In hindsight: chores (or really, the roles you see each other playing in the household division of labor, including earning and childcare).
ChinaRette
Our church required us to do a certain number of hours of premarital counseling before we were allowed to marry. I don’t think I discovered many new things about my spouse because we’d been together for 4+ years already, and we’d talked about many of the subjects. We discussed money/finances, our parents’ relationships (family history), s*x, career goals, life goals and attitudes towards family/children. I think the main benefit of counseling was that we had the experience of sharing fears and disagreements, in the presence of a trained professional who could help us discuss and sort through our differences. There was nothing major that we disagreed on, but it helped us to see how to productively work through differences. Our priest (Episcopal) didn’t require us to come to an agreement on any issue, just to discuss it and note our differences.
ChinaRette
I think that couples should read two things together: a book about finances (DH and I like Dave Ramsey, but more for budgeting/household management rather than investing…preachy, I know, but good motivator to stay responsible and to stay within our means), and a book about arguing or communicating.
My husband and I worked hard to create a budget and a system to track our spending, but it’s worked out well. It helps that we agreed on the same ground rules. I wish we’d read a little more about communication. We disagree on very few things and argue rarely, so it is sometimes difficult for us to express disagreement or displeasure to the other.
rosie
Some of these things we didn’t sit down and say “we should discuss xyz,” and then proceed with a discussion, but we ended up talking about it in the context of things in our lives or things we saw our friends going through. Some of the bigger ones:
– money (save versus spend; what’s worth spending money on versus doing ourselves–understood that we have different views on this; approach to charitable giving)
– religion
– end-of-life issues; organ donation
– private versus public schooling
– having kids, adoption
– politics (we both know each other’s political stands pretty well)
– chores around the house
I think it’s important to discuss your dealbreakers. If your partner looking at porn would be a dealbreaker for you, you should absolutely have that talk.
N.
I’d add some sort of general conversation about where you see yourselves in 5-10 years (where you want to live, time devoted to your career, etc). Of course, those priorities can and do change over time, but it can cause major friction if one person’s idea of the good life is a demanding job in a big city and the other person is looking to grow vegetables in the suburbs.
Ellie
Currently working through the 1001 questions to ask before you get married with my fiancé. I think it was recommended to me on this site. We haven’t had any major things come up yet, but it’s definitely been helpful.
ESQuared
I think as per our discussion the other day– prenups. ;-p
No, but seriously, I agree with all of those things. My policy is to be VERY upfront with my expectations about those things very early on in the relationship so that I can see if we are compatible.
Also, anything you know might be difficult for someone to swallow later on should be brought up– for me, that is not wanting to change my last name when I get married.
I think all guys are cool with porn, so it’s probably only worth mentioning if you are not. ;-p
Marriages aren’t always romantic, but the less you fight, the more romantic they can be.
Lynnet
You should point out to her that if she doesn’t know her partner’s feelings on all of those issues, there is no way that she knows him (or her) well enough to marry them.
Discuss
Excellent point. Thanks.
elz
We discussed it all. My church (I’m a member, he’s not) requires a pre-cana class for all engaged couples. We spent a year with a long-time married couple discussing things, then spent several meetings with the priest discussing various issues, and finally took a HUGE questionnaire on EVERYTHING under the sun. You gotta really want to be married in the Catholic church! Oh, and no, we don’t agree on everything, but we know each other’s positions.
My favorite question from the questionnaire “Do you mind if your spouse makes more money than you?” His answer- “She better.” HA! It didn’t happen, but maybe when I win the lottery…
Nonny
Traveljack!
So BF and I were thinking of going to Las Vegas after I finish my current job, but before I start my new one. It would have worked out beautifully as he had business down there anyway so could combine trips. But his business has now been shifted to the end of May so we don’t have to go now in April. I still want to do something fun between jobs and am looking for ideas.
Criteria:
– we only have about 4 days, so not more than a 3-hour flight from Vancouver or Seattle
– somewhere where I can wear sandals and a cute sundress
– access to a Nordie’s and a J.Crew would be awesome
– good food
– generally somewhere fun where I don’t have to think too hard and can de-stress.
I’m kind of thinking this leaves (a) LA (Disneyland!) or (b) going to Las Vegas as originally planned. But are there any other interesting places I should be thinking of? If we do go to LA (Disneyland!), any tips for jazzing up the Evil Empire experience? (Full disclosure: I haven’t been to Disney in about 10 years and do think it’s high time to go again, but part of me thinks it’s also a bit of a cop-out and I should be making more of an effort.)
TIA!
JessC
No idea how long the flight is, but consider this my throw-in for Florida (Disney World!). If you go to Orlando there’s great shopping, sundress/sandal weather, and Disney. :) Oh, and if go to Orlando, it’s 2 hours or less to either coast, so fairly easy access to beaches.
Equity's Darling
The flight from the West coast of Canada to Florida is like…9 hrs, longer depending on layovers. I used to go to Florida with family frequently when I lived in Toronto..now, it will pretty much never happen. It’s sort of like how Hawaii is not “exotic” if you’re on the West Coast, but if you’re from the East, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve never been.
Not Minnie
I live in Orange County. If you wear sundresses and sandals here in April, you will freeze. Plus, Disneyland is firmly in closed-toe-shoes-only territory IMHO.
Now, wendonhave South Coast Plaza. And we are just an hour’s drive from LA and the Getty Villa, the Getty regular, LACMA, Santa Monica etc.
But I would suggest Palm Springs. It definitely is warm enough there in April to wear sundresses and sandals. Plus they have the Cabazon Desert Outlets. Plus if you stay at a resort (I like La Quinta) you have poolside drinks with umbrellas and massages.
Myntwoncents, but I’d take four days at La Quinta over Disneyland any day and twice in April.
Not Minnie
Oops. I see you are traveling end of May. Still too cold for sandals and sundresses. Think foggy and low 60s except for one hour at noon when it is sunny and high 60s.
Nonny
Actually, it *is* end of April. The rescheduled Las Vegas business trip (on which I could potentially tag along) is end of May….
I have been to Orange County in November before and thought it was awesome. Context is that where I am now it is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so if I could get somewhere where it is 70 degrees or so, I would be happy.
Palm Springs is something I hadn’t considered. Is there much to do there though? BF and I are not really lying-by-the-pool kinds of people.
eek
I love Palm Springs. Smack in the middle of some beautiful mountains, some awesome shopping (and drinking). Good high-end shops in Palm Desert, Cabazon as suggested by Not Minnie, and there are some cute smaller shops in Palm Springs. Joshua Tree isn’t too far.
Lynnet
I love Palm Springs (husband’s grandparents live there). Amazing hiking basically everywhere around there. And I am not generally a hiking vacation kind of person. It should be pretty warm this time of year, and I believe the shopping is pretty good. I’ve never been shopping when we’ve been out there, but my MIL raves about it.
Not Minnie
There is a lot of golf and tennis. Good shopping and eating. Some cultural stuff (galleries and one small plaza with a Native American museum-lette and a small early 20th C pioneer house you can walk through). Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park is spectacular and you could easily hike all four days and not see it all. You can also go to the top of some big mountain. I should know the name but I don’t recall.
Worst case, it is a 90 minute drive from Newport Beach and/or LaJolla. You might try flying into or out of Santa Ana if you want to spend one day at South Coast Plaza and/or Disney. Otherwise, I think Ontario is the closest airport? Not sure because we just drive.
meara
Well, San Francisco has a lot of fun and food too, but is not warm either. If you’re leaving from Seattle, I’d take a look at flights to Puerto Vallarta (Alaska flies direct from Seattle) or a few other places in Mexico. Definitely warm (and only some of Mexico is on the “don’t go there or else” list from the State Department!)
I second Palm Springs, too–should be warmer, lots of resorts, outlet mall nearby…heck, if you want even gambling nearby!
darby
palm springs. check out ace hotel or the parker. cute shopping downtown, including a jcrew & great thrift stores/vintage shops for cool accessories. warm weather. kind of golden girls meets cool hipster scene. rather love it.
Amy H.
I vote San Francisco/wine country. I’m biased. At the end of April, it might not be warm enough to wear sandals and sundresses, but it’s usually warmer here in April/May than it is in July/August. And if you go up to Calistoga or Healdsburg, it will likely be even warmer than in SF. SF/wine country will definitely meet your flying time, good food and shopping criteria!
I think you should still go to Las Vegas at the end of May, though. It’s such a fun getaway (and I don’t even enjoy gambling).
Nonny
OK, another question now that I am reconsidering SF – If, say, I wanted to go for dinner in San Jose (Manresa), could I drive to/from and still stay in SF, or is it too far?
anon
Manresa is about an hour’s drive from SF. If you are going to drive yourselves, just really depends on how much you are going to drink at dinner (1-2 glasses over the course of a 3-4 hour dinner are probably OK, wine pairings, you’d want to stay close by and take a cab). Manresa is amazing, btw!
Amy H.
Agree that it’s about an hour’s drive (when not in commuter traffic) and that it depends on how much you want to drink. I haven’t been to Manresa yet — envious!
darby
don’t shoot me, but personally I don’t think it’s worth trekking to SJ from SF for manresa. there are so many (better imho) restaurants in that caliber in SF proper & if you want to drive an hour or so, better to split your time between napa/sonoma & SF since napa/sonoma is at least pretty. (probably offending some south bay folks, it’s fine if you live here but I wouldn’t travel there/go out of my way to get there)
CKB
DH & I went to San Fran on a long weekend getaway at the beginning of May and had a wonderful time. Not really warm, but such a fun city (my second time there since I was a young teen, dh had never been there). We definitely want to go back and maybe bring the kids next time.
Seattleite
San Diego was warm and I had great food. The downtown shopping district is not good, but if you fly out of Seattle you can just hit our downtown and shop there. Flagship Nordstrom!
Jen
Phoenix/Scottsdale! It will be warm and lovely then. You can lay by the pool, go to the fabulous restaurants (there are, surprisingly, a ton), see museums, go shopping, hike, golf, play tennis…pretty much whatever you want. It’s really fabulous. :-)
Shaw
Go to Vegas. I love Vegas. I go a *lot*. I’m a gambler but even if you’re not, there is tons to do: shows, shopping, eats & drinks, tours, museums (seriously), aquarium, spas, golf, seeing the sights. I could go on…
Itchy Legs
Ok, Ladies. I read this site all the time and it’s my favorite! But, I have never commented, and decided that I read all the advice on here anyway, so why not finally ask for some for one of my embarrassing problems?
My problem: Seriously itchy legs (from knees down). If I use lotion, itchy red bumps emerge. If I use self-tanner, the same. It doesn’t matter if I use the lotion or self tanner even a day after I shave. It’s terrible because I am pasty white, and self tanner makes the body look so much better come this time of year. I have tried all sorts of moisturizers, sensitive skin shave gels. I’m not allergic because I can use the same products on my arms and have no problem. I don’t know if it’s serious razor burn or what, but it is literally messing up my life. I just don’t know what to do, if I should go see a dermatologist about it, etc. Does anyone else have this problem, and if so, have you tried any products that have worked for you?
Thank you so much!!!
MelD
Have you tried different types of razors? I know when I used the Venus, my legs would look like they had chicken pox. It was just horrible, but once I stopped using it, my legs looked fine again.
PollyD
You might want to consider seeing a dermatologist. But, in the mean time… I used to have seriously itchy legs, too, like I would scratch in my sleep to point of bleeding. My legs didn’t look red, though, so I’m not sure what it was. Getting laser hair removal seems to have solved the problem.
I don’t know what lotions you use and are sensitive to, but Aveeno might be a good line to try. I found that Suave Intensive Therapy (the name is something like that) lotion, which I would spike with a couple of squirts of clear calamine lotion, helped with the itching. Also, if you use disposable razors, only use them a few times. I do not like women’s razors because I think they are too lightweight, which for some reason makes me press too hard. I like the men’s Schick (I think – they are green and black) disposables, I think they have better balance. The ones I use have (again, I think, not sure) 3 blades and seem to give a close shave without irritating the skin too much.
rosie
Have you tried oil? Sometimes when my legs are ultra dry, I use oil instead of lotion. I have a couple that I picked up from Whole Foods, and I used to have the Benefit Plum body spray (called something like that), and I liked it a lot.
ESQuared
I was going to say this too- jojoba oil from Trader Joe’s (or wherever) is awesome. My skin is super sensitive & when I was on accutane and my skin was crazy dry, I used it everywhere, even on my scalp.
anon
I have this same problem and Curel Itch Defense works like a charm for me. You might want to try it if you haven’t already.
eek
This reminds of me of a post Pioneer Woman had a few weeks ago – not sure if this would help you. Good luck! http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2012/02/cure-for-itchy-legs/
Itchy Legs
Thank you all so much for the suggestions/ideas!!! They are so helpful!!!
WestCoast Lawyer
Have you had kids recently? I developed this problem about 6 months after my son was born. Mine was so bad I almost gave myself a scar itching one day! The derm told me it can pop up as a response to hormonal changes even if you have never had sensitive skin before.
He told me to take Zyrtec + use a prescription topical oil every day for a few weeks to calm the skin, reduce how often I shave and not use any product with fragrance or other potentially irritating ingredients. The problem is now mostly gone, but I still have to stick to fragrance-free products (Nutraderm and Cerave lotions work best for me). Like you, I didn’t have symptoms anywhere but my lower legs. Go see a dermatologist and they should be able to help you out.
Sonya
If it itches after shaving, using aftershave (what guys use) can help. It stings, then it soothes.
Blonde Lawyer
I’m allergic to red dye #40. I could use the same stuff on my arms and legs but only react on my legs because when I shaved I was getting it in my bloodstream somehow. I now can only use dye free shave cream and lotions on my legs. I also can’t eat foods w/ red dye.
JT
I have the exact same problem — most products make my legs break out in itchy allergic rashes but I can use them elsewhere on my body no problem. I’ve come to the conclusion that shaving makes my leg skin more sensitive. I haven’t been able to pin down any ingredients, since the hypoallergenic and sensitive skin formulas also cause reactions. Through process of elimination, I’ve been okay with Aveeno original (but none of the others), one dove lotion (cream oil, i think, even though it’s perfumed out the wazoo), and pure coconut, camellia, and olive oils. the jergens self-tanning lotion isn’t too bad, but the Aveeno one made me itch like crazy. I’ve stopped experimenting because it takes days of zyrtec to clear up the reaction.
BKDC
I’ve noticed this problem for years, and Google hasn’t given me any solutions, so I thought I would ask the wonderful ladies at Corporette.
Sometimes, when I wear a light colored shirt or jacket, I notice a dark mark where my black leather workbag rubs against the shirt. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it’s frustrating. These marks always come out in the wash, but I would like to prevent them.
I bought the bag about 5 years ago from Banana Republic when I started my first law job. Do all black leather bags do this? Does it have something to do with quality? Any suggestions?
EK
ugh. I have this problem except it’s from the cross body strap (on my uber expensive bag) so my smudges are all in between my boobs. Not flattering and all of my light colored tops are ruined now. How are you managing to get your stains out in the wash? Are you using any special stain treatment? Anyway, I read online that cleaning the bag with saddle soap or other product meant for leather can help get rid of any excess dye on the bag that could be rubbing off on you. I tried this on my bag… it didn’t work… but it may be worth a shot since it seems to work for other people. Sorry I’m no help, but I wanted to commiserate.
BKDC
That’s a good idea. For the most part, the stains have come out with regular cleaning, usually done the same day. However, I did have a light colored suit (not terribly expensive) that remained stained. I think the stain eventually faded a bit, but it was still noticeable to me. Maybe I should go with a canvas bag?
Thank you both for responding.
Kady
Color transfer. Yes, it is partially quality related, but not entirely, unfortunately, because I believe it is a combination of the type of leather and the dye used. And there is no good test that as a consumer you can do to determine if this is going to happen with the bag you are about to purchase. My experience is that the more saturated the color (depth of color) the more likely there is to be color transfer problem. Also, smoother leather (as opposed to, e.g., pebbled leather) tend not to have transfer problems as much. I bought a fuchsia Rebecca Minkoff bag about a year ago that has a big color transfer problem – she tends to use very saturated colors in her bags – so I won’t be buying from that brand anymore.
And it’s been mentioned in threads before, but the opposite happens as well, with color transfer of jeans onto leather goods.
EK
My brain is fried from today, so I’m just going to do points
-I read somewhere that the type of dye used may also contribute to color transfer problems – unfortunately, it’s hard to know what sort of dye you’re getting etc etc
-I don’t know if I necessarily agree that a darker colored bag tends to run more or less than a lighter colored bag. I mean, wouldn’t a blush colored bag have as much dye in it as a bright red colored bag? So wouldn’t the only difference be how noticeable the stain is? Take all of this with a grain of salt because I don’t know anything about what it takes to dye a handbag.
-I also agree that untextured bags seem to transfer less than textured
-I have a beauuuuutiful white pebbled lamb skin bag that always gets dye on it from my jeans. Problem always solved with a $5 tin of saddle soap
anoninnyc
Cabo! Great for destressing and lounging, and not that much further of a flight than LA.
For better shopping, how about San Diego? The zoo, good weather, a beach, great food in the gaslight district. (I think that’s what it’s called.)
CA Atty
Gaslamp!
Happy Anon
TJ follow up… weeks ago I posted about having an interview for my dream job (old fellowship supervisor called me out of the blue and said “we’re hiring! apply!” although I’m not actually looking for a job). Well, shortly I’m going in for my second round to meet with all the supervisors. This would be a leap into public interest and my total dream job. I’m SO NERVOUS! Am wondering, in your general experience, how long does it typically take to have an answer (y/n regardless) after a 2nd round?! It is SO hard to focus on my work with the possibility of leaving looming and I’m scheduling court dates, motions, etc. and am wondering if I’ll even be here for it! Fingers majorly crossed that I won’t…. But the uncertainty… I am NOT good with uncertainty!
ESQuared
No clue on the dates, I think that can vary a lot…. but GOOD LUCK!
tika55
This is a mom-related question, so please skip if you aren’t interested!
For those of you who are moms, I need advice/encouragement. My baby girl was born 6 weeks ago. She is my first. I didn’t expect to be a “baby person”, but I am. I am beyond enthralled with my daughter. In a few weeks, I’ll go back to work part time. I’ll be part time for about 2 months before I return full time. My mom is going to come from out of town to care for her during my first week back, and then she’ll go to day care after that. I work from home, so I could probably go visit her at lunch or try to keep her with me at home for part of the day. Still, I am so, so sad just thinking about leaving her with someone else for part or all of the day. Does every new mom feel like this? Will it get better? I know that someone asked a similar question in the last month or so, but I cannot find it. Any advice from ladies who have been there would be MUCH appreciated.
anon
yes, every new mom feels that way. Going back to work is hard. But it does get better. Choose a caregiver that you trust and the time will fly by.
PHX
It will get better. For me, it was the idea that I was leaving a *tiny* baby at d/c, but there is a big difference btwn a 6 wk baby and an 8-10 wk baby — she will seem bigger to you and more “grown up” when she actually goes to d/c — and that was what made it easier for me.
But I also did all my crying about having to leave the baby at d/c while I was on ML. :) I’ll be okay, I promise. Hugs.
Kady
I will add – just don’t feel guilty either way. We are so hard on ourselves. If you go back, and you find that working gives you what you need to be fulfilled, even though you miss your child during the days, that’s ok and great. If it turns out that you just don’t get the same fulfillment from work anymore and would simply rather take some time to be a SAHM, thats ok and great too.
Also in Academia
Leaving them is so hard at first! But I reminded myself that I will be a better mom because I am fulfilled at work as well — I am really not cut out to stay at home, so by making the choice that is better for me it is better for my kids as well. Also, I don’t think I could get any work done with a child nearby — but I did, for the first 6 months or so, visit daycare to breastfeed. That worked well, and it was great on really stressful days particularly — to have that break in the middle of the day was really nice for me and, I think for my son — at least he seemed to enjoy it!
elz
Yes, I think most every working mom feels this way. I certainly did. I cried every morning for a few weeks when I left my first daughter at daycare. It gets better. It takes time, but it does. Congratulations!
Appelican
It is incredibly, incredibly hard to go back to work. With my son, I literally felt like I was giving him up for adoption and would never see him again. (I was completely irrational for whatever reason–probably a combination of hormones, lack of sleep and nerves since I was starting a new job). Of course, I saw him every morning, evening and all day on the weekends and it worked out fine. But I cried and it was very hard at first.
With my daughter, it was still very hard, but I decided that I was not going to be a basketcase about it this time, that working is something I have to do and I also enjoy doing, and I was still sad and missed my little baby, it was much easier. Also probably easier because caring for a newborn and toddler was exhausting. I joked that I needed to go back to work so I could rest!
But really, it is hard but it does get easier as time goes on.
CKB
I think all moms feel that way when you have to put your child in childcare. I know I did. With my oldest ds I went back to work p/t when he was 3 or 4 months old (12 years ago) and left him with dh (who was a student at the time) and it was hard. Ds#3 was 2 when he went to child care and it was hard then to – way harder for me than it was for him! However, it definitely gets better as you get used to your new routine. I hope someone has some more specific and more recent advice for you – more than my ‘hang in there it gets easier but its 100% normal to feel sad’ advice.
anon
Was it easier or harder on you emotionally to leave your oldest with your husband rather than with daycare? That’s our plan too, six months from right now.
Appelican
My husband stays home with our kids (well, he works on a part-time contract basis as an engineer and makes his own hours, so he just works when I am home.) I think this made it somewhat easier to go back to work, because I truly trusted him and he would bring the baby to me at lunch and stuff. But it was still really hard!
CKB
Well, it was harder to leave my oldest with my husband when he was 3 or 4 months old (being my first, and I was still breastfeeding at that time) than it was to leave my 2yo third child with an unrelated babysitter, for sure. They really don’t compare. Since I’ve never left a baby at daycare it’s hard for me to say which is harder. I do remember kind of chanting to myself “He’s with dad, he’s OK” over and over the first few days. And I was easily able to call & check in to see how things were going (although dh didn’t like it when I did that because it made him feel like I didn’t trust him, which wasn’t the case). It was also a little hard to let dh do his own thing with Tim. I’m admittedly a little bit of a control freak, and especially with my first baby after 3 m/c, I think I was a little bit tense as a new mom. However, just because he did things differently didn’t mean the job didn’t get done, and we were both happier when I gave up some control and let him do things the way he wanted to.
One last thing. Dh & ds developped a really close relationship – ds has always been a daddy’s boy, and I think that comes at least in part because of that time alone they had when he was small. It was a wonderful benefit that we hadn’t considered at the time we made the decision. And dh has always been a very active parent, which is great, especially now that I have the primary career and we consider him the primary caregiver (all three boys are now in school f/t) even though we’re currently both working f/t.
Midwest
Big hugs, tika55. I’ve been there and done that. YES, going back to work is hard and it is completely normal to miss your babe. The best advice I can give you is to make the most of your time together and try not to guilt-trip yourself. It does get better, but be prepared for it to take months, not days or weeks. I hope that doesn’t sound discouraging, but I’m telling you this because I always assumed it would get better as soon as I got back into my work routine and was sort of gobsmacked when that didn’t happen. I think you’re very smart to ease back into work by going part-time for awhile. Good luck, and keep us posted.
anoninnyc
It broke my heart and for several months, I actually felt like it broke me entirely. Going back to work after my baby was born was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. A few thoughts:
1) In some ways, anticipating going back was the worst thing of all. I know it’s hard, but to the extent that you can focus on the present and not going back, it will help.
2) I did get better. By nine months, my outlook was very different and I felt much stronger and more confident about leaving my baby with her sitter.
3) You might consider talking to your OB about PPD. I didn’t even realize I was depressed until several months after giving birth, when I realized just how upset I was about going back to work. In retrospect, I can now see just how depressed I was and just how out of whack my hormones were. At the time, I was just lost in a fog of sadness about leaving my baby. I’m not saying you have PPD — just that in retrospect, I clearly did and I suffered for it.
4) http://www.askmoxie.org is a great, non-judgmental, intelligent source of advice for parents about these kinds of issues. She also has a great set of tips for handling PPD beyond just meds.
I never expected that it would be as hard as it was. But I survived, and you will too — and my daughter is so worth it.
anoninnyc
It broke my heart and for several months, I actually felt like it broke me entirely. Going back to work after my baby was born was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. A few thoughts:
1) In some ways, anticipating going back was the worst thing of all. I know it’s hard, but to the extent that you can focus on the present and not going back, it will help.
2) I did get better. By nine months, my outlook was very different and I felt much stronger and more confident about leaving my baby with her sitter.
3) You might consider talking to your OB about PPD. I didn’t even realize I was depressed until several months after giving birth, when I realized just how upset I was about going back to work. In retrospect, I can now see just how depressed I was and just how out of whack my hormones were. At the time, I was just lost in a fog of sadness about leaving my baby. I’m not saying you have PPD — just that in retrospect, I clearly did and I suffered for it.
4) http://www.askmoxie.org is a great, non-judgmental, intelligent source of advice for parents about these kinds of issues. She also has a great set of tips for handling PPD beyond just meds.
I never expected that it would be as hard as it was. But I survived, and you will too — and my daughter is so worth it.
Anonnymommy
Wow. I guess I am the exception here. I went back to work full time early – after 6 weeks. Pretty much just waited for my work clothes to fit again, then went back. I love my son to death (now 7 months old), but could not wait to get out of the house and have adult conversations again. It might be different if I had to put my son in day care as opposed to dropping him off with Grandma, but I quickly discovered I was far more happy/comfortable being a breadwinner than a stay at home mom.
Anon mom
Nope, you’re not alone. After 10 weeks, I was ready to go back. Didn’t cry at daycare drop off, actually asked husband to do it so I wouldn’t risk being late for my first day back.
I chose a center with which I was completely comfortable and knew that they would be taking great care of her. Also knew that if I was home with her, I wouldn’t enjoy her as much. There were days that were hard and days I missed her (still do!) but I just think about how much fun she’s having (now a toddler, so lots of activities) and it’s easier for me to get through. Sometimes, though, I would just leave work a few hours early and go play with her.
Regardless of how hard it is at first, it does get sooo much easier with time. As they get older, they recognize it’s part of the routine and look forward to it. And just think how wonderful it will be when your child finally grows up and recognizes that they have a successful mother who did a great job raising them and also focused on herself and her career!
Not telling
Glad I’m not alone. Went back at 4 months, couldn’t wait to go back! I love love my kid, but I was leaving him with grandma and I really needed a break from the 3-hour cycle of sleep, feed, burp, diaper change, sleep again…. work felt like a vacation after maternity leave!
Left my heart in San Francisco
After two+ years of exile in SoCal, I think we’ve finally figured out a way to move back to the Bay Area. But first I need to find a job. Any recommendations for headhunters for BigLaw? If it matters, I am a third year who practices in a specialized area of litigation, and I would prefer to work in Palo Alto rather than SF.
SF Bay Associate
I can’t recommend any recruiters personally, but if you are a midlevel associate from a good school with good grades looking to lateral from another biglaw firm with a background in corporate (M&A, IPO, etc), tax especially tax llm, or patent with a b.s. or engineering, it’s gangbusters down here in the valley. If any of those describe you, let us know – my firm is hiring in those areas and I imagine much of the valley is, too.
Left my heart in San Francisco
I am at a big firm, and have good grades from a T10 school. Unfortunately, I don’t practice in any of the areas you mentioned. :-(
SF Bay Associate
Sorry, reading comprehension fail. You said specialized lit. What kind?
anon
i’ve heard good things about ryder smith (lee kuhn) & also swan legal – pretty sure they both do HH for biglaw in SF/bay area
LadyGotham
PSA–the shirt is BACK in all sizes– I just ordered me an X-Small!
Anon
TJ: Am I hurting my skin by not wearing moisturizer? I am 32 and have pretty much never worn it. I live in a humid climate and my skin does not get dry. I spend very limited time outside because I work indoors and drive to work. When I am outside for limited periods of time, I figure I am getting some good vitamin D. Of course, if I am out in the sun for awhile, I’ll wear sunscreen. But am I harming my skin by not wearing moisturizer/spf daily? I have become very conscious of putting chemicals on my body so try to avoid any excess products I don’t need, but I’m sure I could find a natural product if I really should be wearing it all the time. Any thoughts?