ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 117 Comments

Coffee Break: ‘Medium Pashli’ Leather Satchel

3.1 Phillip Lim 'Medium Pashli' Leather Satchel | CorporetteHmmn. Azure? Or electric blue? Azure? Or electric blue? Phillip Lim's very popular 3.1 satchel hasn't been my favorite in the past — I just wish it were big enough for, say, a legal-sized notepad — but these two (two!) new blue colors are both calling my name. So: azure? Electric blue? Azure? Electric blue? Hmmmmmmn. The bags are $895-$1095. 3.1 Phillip Lim ‘Medium Pashli' Leather Satchel Here's a lower-priced option. Dec. 2015 Update: While it looks like this exact color has sold out, the style itself has been around for several years and is very popular — check out the latest colors in stock at Nordstrom.  (L-3)

Sales of note for 12.5

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

117 Comments

  1. I have had the worst time finding a bag that I want. I got a bonus and thought, “Oh good, I’ll go buy something nice.” Not super-expensive, but in the $300-ish range. But it turns out that I hate all of the bags. I want something with a strap that easily goes over my shoulder, that zips closed, that is structured, that is not hideous. I think the problem is that all the structured satchels have dumb shoulder straps (like the above bag), and all the hobos that have appropriate shoulder straps are unstructured. Any suggestions? I need the bag to be big enough for 8.5 x 11 files.

    I have thought about abandoning the idea of a nice leather bag and going with MZ Wallace. Anybody have experience with that brand and want to put in a pitch for them?

    1. yes! I’m looking for something similar. I love satchels but don’t like the idea of carrying them over my forearm all the time. I can’t find the right combination either.

    2. I have a Jack Georges bag that fits all those criteria perfectly, except that it might have been closer to $350 or $400. It’s more work-looking than fun-looking, but it sounds like that’s what you want, if you’re looking to fit files. Mine is from several years ago, but try checking their website. It is beautiful leather and excellent quality.

      1. Second the Jack Georges recommendation. My briefcase is from there, is 15 years old, and holding up well. I have had to get shoulder strap replaced–I am a bag-stuffer–and they do it for free.

    3. no one makes the bag I want either, maybe we need to start a c r e t t e bag company and design our own line??

      1. Seriously. I have very similar requirements for purses and rarely have any luck. I was getting a pretty good option at The Limited that I had to just keep replacing but they shortened the shoulder straps. I kept it anyway and have just adjusted to the crossbody strap. It isn’t really what I want though.

        1. I want shoulder straps that are long enough to go over my shoulder but ALSO are wide so that they don’t cut into my shoulder, I hate how everything has super thin straps these days.

          1. Exactly! That’s what I meant by dumb shoulder straps. I want shoulder straps that are wide enough that they comfortably sit on my shoulder.

        1. I had to replace my purse recently (I wear the same one 7 days/week, pay a little more for them, and replace them when they are no longer presentable — and it was time). Needed shoulder straps (not the silly cross-body add-on one), fully zipped, structured, relatively simple exterior, compartments inside. After a six-month search, this was the only one I found. (Most failed on the shoulder strap.)

          I’ve had it for about five weeks now, and I like it. I was concerned that when it was full it would be too heavy for the narrow straps, but it isn’t. The straps are my least favorite part because while they are sufficiently long, they are also pretty narrow, so they are floppy when you place the bag down. I got used to it/small price to pay for meeting other requirements.

          I won’t be able to comment on workmanship for a few years…

    7. MK has just adjusted their jet sets to be a little smaller and include a zip top – which is also a crucial feature for me…

    8. Yes x1million to MZ Wallace. The bags are gorgeous and they hold up really, really well. I know the first thought when looking at their prices is usually “really? for nylon?” but my MZ Wallace is a million time better-constructed than my similarly-priced leather bags (Kate Spade, Coach, etc.).

      1. I will echo the endorsement for MZ Wallace. The design is amazing, and has really spoiled me for a well-organized bag. I am hard on bags, and have had some issues with zippers sticking, and the company has been great about repairing or replacing.

        Of note, I recently got a Lo & Sons OG for travel because MZW does not offer a bag with a padded computer compartment. As much as I loved the OG for its size and ability to tuck over my suitcase handles, I found it very difficult to keep track of so many small things in the main compartment, which is what MZW does so well.

    9. Related to the bag discussion. Has anyone tried the Dagne Dover tote (the $265 version). It looks to have everything that I’ve been searching for in a work bag. Structured, easy to clean, big, handles, fun color (the purple/blue version). But I haven’t seen too many reviews of it or know anyone who has it.

      1. i got this bag (in the purple/blue color) for christmas and have been using it as a work bag. for the most part, i really like it.

        pros: holds a lot (work laptop, ipad, wallet, water bottle, a few folders), super durable, easy to clean, great color (get tons of compliments), and the straps are pretty comfortable. i like the interior organization, the feet on the bottom, and the fact that it is structured enough to stand up and stay up on its own. I like that it has a zip top

        cons: when fully loaded, it is pretty heavy and it’s larger in dimensions than my previous work bag (MK laptop bag that Apple sold a while back). it does not tuck well under airplane seats (because the handles stand up). you can smoosh them down to get it to fit, but it isn’t graceful. while I like the full zip, because of the way the zipper is attached, it leaves a gap on either end of the bag that is not closed up. (i couldn’t find a good photo, but if you google image “dagne dover tote zipped up” you can kind of see the way the zipper is attached). i haven’t encountered any issues with things falling out going through security at either court/the airport, but it wasn’t exactly the design i was picturing.

        overall, i really like it and am looking forward to seeing how it holds up to daily use. i switch out to another lighter bag (like the OG) when i travel as it is lighter and seems to hold more things. ping me if you have any other questions, and i’ll try to answer :)

    10. I have a Knomo Wigmore and love it. It’s a little thin, so I can’t stuff a bunch of files in it, but it fits my work laptop perfectly, as well as my emergency umbrella, clutch, and two phones. It zips shut and has straps that are a nice length, plus the business card pocket is very handy. There is an external pocket that I keep my ID badge in so I never have to rummage around for it. It’s on sale on the Knomo website–$180. I have it in the orange and have gotten a ton of compliments on it.

  2. LL Bean Town and Field Tote. It fits all of your criteria-can wear on shoulder even over a winter coat, definitely big enough (even for redwelds), solid zipper, structured enough to stand on its own (though after 8 years mine is getting slouchy), and beautiful leather.

    2. Great suggestion! I like the look of it and it’s in my price range. I will have to check it out.

  3. Love the color but don’t think the shape/look is classic enough. Or at least enough for me to buy at that price.

    1. This is what’s holding me back too. I’ve loved it for years though but I think it’s on its way out…

  4. Related to the bar membership question, does anyone have any suggestions for low/no cost online CLE options, especially for NY? I am barred in NY but live/work in a different state (in-house) and the local law firms usually don’t offer CLE’s that are already pre-approved for NY. My company is willing to pay for CLE’s, but I want to keep the cost as reasonable as possible.

    1. Yay! I love satchel’s like this one, but I am afraid if I have to many, my dad will start calling me satchelass again. I finally got him off of that kick b/c I told him I would NOT walk any more if he called me that. FOOEY!

      As for the OP, you should get on the INTERNET, and look at BIG law firm’s in NY b/c they offer FREE 1 hour CLE webinar’s that you can watch sitting at your desk. The onley downside to this is that you will have a big tuchus like me from all the sitting, but the good side is they are FREE! Personaly I do NOT worry about CLE b/c the manageing partner knows someone at the Bar Associeation, and we get blank CLE certificate’s we can just fill out ourself.

      Also, we teach a few CLE’s as educator’s and get 3 hours for every hour we teach, so I have plenty of credit’s without ever haveing to do anything at all! The last time I actualy had to research something was on Antitrust law, but I forgot what I did, execpt that the manageing partner got mad at ME b/c there was a typo in his powerpoint that he did NOT fix. FOOEY on him for not proofeing the powerpoint, since he was the one that looked dumb, not me.

      Myrna told me NOT to take any more bannana’s from the janitor b/c she think’s he would like me to be his girlfreind. She faced the same situation with some kook downtown and that guy literaly followed her into the ladie’s room when she wanted to make poopie, but thought it was OK b/c he had talked to her about 2x a week for a month beforehand. She said you have to be carful with men even being nice in the hall b/c they then think that you want to have sex with them, but that still does NOT explaein him following her into the toilet when she wanted to make poopie! That is the last place women want to get romantic, but these guy’s just are clueless she said. So I will NOT accept any more fruit from this guy, nor will I be to freindley to him.
      DOUBEL FOOEY!

      I wonder if the HIVE has faced this weird behavor? What would the rest of you do in such a situeation?

    2. Zelda – apologies if I’m wrong, but I think you are in/near Atlanta. There should be at least a handful of firm-sponsored CLEs that will give you credit for NY (Jones Day and K&S, at minimum). They each have an annual full-day program (K&S fall, Jones Day spring, and there are others as well e.g. Bryan Cave).

    3. The Practicing Law Institute has a couple of free pro bono “webinar” CLEs that give credit for NY.

    4. PLI offers one free class a week–Google PLI Free Fridays and you should be able to find it. Westlaw and Lexis also sometimes have webinars that are approved. You might check with your malpractice insurance carrier if they’re a multistate carrier–our’s has free CLEs available. Also, are you sure you have to get it pre-approved? Depending on what state you’re in, your CLEs may not have to be pre-approved by NY so long as they are properly accredited in your jurisdiction. You may just have to calculate the credits differently depending on your state. Here’s the link: https://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/approvedjurisdictions.shtml

    5. If you are an ABA member, you can get 18 hours/yr of “free” (w/membership) CLE live webinars. I think you can get NY credit for them, but you should check if you go that route.

    6. Do you do any work in NY? Because if not, NY allows you to just pay without fulfilling any additional NY CLE requirement. If, during the twenty-four month reporting cycle, you start working in NY again, you just do your pro-rated shared of CLEs.

        1. The only barred in NY seems to me to make it more difficult. If you’re practicing law, and only licensed in one state, that’s quite the presumption that you’re practicing in that state. I’ve never been too concerned in my case. I was a government lawyer in NY, and now I’m a government lawyer elsewhere (where I am now also barred). I don’t think the public defender in the link truly needs to worry, but your case seems different to me.

          Did you by any chance go to law school in New York? My school gives free CLEs every year on reunion weekend. That was my plan for CLEs before I realized I’m exempt.

      1. I purchased an online CLE bundle for NY from CLECenter.com. It covers all my credits for the registration period. It was regularly priced at $250 for the bundle but they have discount codes a lot if you sign up for their emails. I paid $125.

    8. Sign up for the Lawline emails – they run deals nearly every week where you can get two years’ worth of credits online for $159.

  5. Any tankini suggestions? I am pear shaped-not quite plus sized but close-and have a Kim Kardashian type rear (OK, not that bad). I also have a long torso. I’m intrigued by this ruched tankini one from Long Tall Sally but the reviews (especially of the bottom half) are bad. Also like this company (so many cute designs!) which I found on Pinterest but they don’t allow returns, only exchanges. Should I try the Long Tall Sally one and return if bad, or should I take a risk with the DivinitaSole one and keep exchanging until I find one that fits?

    http://www.divinitasole.com/
    http://us.longtallsally.com/p/tall/ruche-detail-tankini-12J22?redirect=false&currency=usd&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feeds&utm_term=12J22MAG&utm_campaign=googleshoppingus&gclid=Cj0KEQjwxpipBRCap8PR2Om7vq4BEiQA6V7OVQoI_X1oCiq_omjNPJTjdCiB_RWhry0toQO1tBM-QBwaAtdz8P8HAQ

    1. We’re not the same shape, but I have had great luck with Lands Ends suits and they have tons of different styles of tops and bottoms, choices for every body type, extra modest to not-so-modest, mix-and-match tops and bottoms for size customization, and great quality.

    2. Lands End allows you to buy in separates, so you can buy a different sized top and bottom, and they have the option for long torso on some of their suits.
      The plus sizes also go down to a 14W, so while I technically can fit into the non-plus sized suits, I’ve found that the W sized bottoms fit my pear bottom half curves much better.
      I’m not seeing anything quite as cute as the ones you posted at first glance, but some years they do have some cute ones – it’s a bit hit and miss, but worth browsing.

  6. So, I have this thing where I will have a bunch of weird things going on with my body, that could be connected, but also could be separate, could be serious, but could not be serious. I end up calling my nurse/doctor, they do blood work or whatever, and it turns out (according to them) to be nothing. I’m not super impressed with my doctor, but in general I trust what he says. I’m beginning to think though that I’m either a) a hypochondriac or b) I have some sort of underlying thing that causes all of this that hasn’t been found yet.

    Which brings me to today: I’ve had 5 bloody noses since Sunday, plus I found blood in my stool, and I can’t bring myself to call the doctor’s office, because I’m convinced they think I’m a hypochondriac. I don’t know what I”m looking for here; maybe just venting frustration at myself/my body and maybe commiseration.

    1. Be your own advocate. Bloody stool is not something to ignore. Not trying to scare you and I’m not a doctor. I just know if it were me, I’d call the doc again. Maybe you need a new one.

    2. Hug’s. I had issue’s like this 3 year’s a go, and I thought I was pregenent b/c Alan was very sloppy with his winkie. It turned out it was NERVES. Alan had me so uptight b/c all he did was get drunk, and then compleain about me both in and out of the bedroom. Nothing I could do was right. I got so nervus b/c somehow I thought I needed him and was afreaid of loosing him. It turned out he was BAD for my self esteem — why else would I, an attorney at law in good standing — be afraid of loosing an unemployed drunken acountant who NEVER GOT HIS CPA???? FOOEY! I eventualy got smart and dumped him and have NOT looked back! YAY!!!! You should do the same if you have a looser that is getting YOU nervus! DOUBEL YAY for YOU! You will be fine!!!!!!

    3. Hi, are you me? Last year I developed multiple enlarged lymph nodes on my neck (they’re still there), itchiness, and fatigue. Totally convinced I had lymphoma. Bloodwork was normal but my doc said we could do a CT scan to be sure. I balked at that and have just let it be, but still don’t know what’s going on.

      Here’s the thing. I’m not a hypochondriac. I don’t think you’re a hypochondriac. In my case, I have a chronic illness and am sort of hyper-in tune with my body because I’m always trying to anticipate a flare-up or progression. I notice when something changes or seems off. I go through periods of time when I go to the doctor a lot – usually when I’m feeling more anxiety about my illness and pain.

      For this issue – frequent nosebleeds and bloody stool – I’d go to the doctor no matter what. It’s new, it involves blood, and you are concerned about it. If you trust your doc, why not go in and see what he thinks? And if you’re comfortable, why not explain that you’re concerned about a larger systemic problem? If he’s seeing you sporadically, he may not be seeing a pattern until he considers everything all together.

      I hope you’re well and find an answer.

    4. I feel you. I have several auto immune disorders and they took a long time to get diagnosed. Last year I went through a scare with some type of muscle flare up and they couldn’t pinpoint a cause. Eventually it cleared up on its own and they chalked it up to a “freak virus.” Does your doctor’s office do email? I like to address these small but could be serious issues that way.

      Also, tmi here but if you are talking about a bright red blood it is probably coming from right around the exit and not your actual intestines/stool. That could be anything from a small fissure to a hemorrhoid. I’d still chat w/ the doc but there are some non-serious reasons too. I hope you start feeling better soon.

      Also, yes yes yes to being your own advocate. You know your body better than anyone.

      ETA: one other thought. Were the bloody noses severe enough that you swallowed a decent quantity of blood? I wonder if it could get in your stool that way. Not a doctor of course.

    5. If you are in a city with One Medical I would highly suggest joining just to get the attention of enough medical professionals to sort this out.

    6. You need to get your platelets checked ASAP. ITP is an auto-immune disorder which can be caused by a lot of different things and covers your symptoms (it’s when your body destroys your platelets so you can have a spontaneous bleeding — things like nosebleeds and in your digestive system). It is also not something to ignore. Please call your doctor and get a blood draw right away.

    7. Doctors miss sooooo much. I can’t tell you how many friends/siblings that I know that went to the doctors so many times and were told it was nothing and kept not feeling great. They hated being that nagging person, it takes a lot of energy to go back in but ultimately they found someone that listened and things got sorted out. Find a doctor that will really listen, bring someone to your appointment to help advocate for you! Its not a fun journey, but if something feels off its best to listen to that.

    8. This week I went to urgent care convinced I just had the stomach flu because of diarrhea with intense abdominal pain. I felt like a hypochondriac. Turns out, it wasn’t the stomach flu but was appendicitis. Had to have surgery the same day. Trust your gut and go to the doctor. It could save your life.

      1. Please go back to the doctor; and if they don’t listen, switch practices. I felt, over the last two years, like my body was falling apart (all sorts of things going wrong at once, not clearly related), and with the help of my GP and a specialist, I learned it was an autoimmune condition and I’m doing much better. You could have something similar, but you’ll only know if you have the right medical help.

    9. No medical knowledge, but the 2 times I’ve had something wrong and ignored it I had 1. appendicitis and thought it was the stomach flu (whoo almost bursting your appendix because you are an idiot) and 2. pneumonia when pregnant that I thought was a cold that kept coming back. Luckily for 2 my husband freaked out and forced me to the doctor. Basically: Get it checked out. If they do think you are a hypochondriac, who cares? It’s your health.

    10. I am prone to frequent nosebleeds, especially when it’s really dry, but it’s not part of anything that shows up in the toilet (noting BL’s comment). I’m also not a role model for hydration, but I improve over the winter when air is dryer.

      How is your diet – you aren’t eating a lot of red beets – that can change colors.

      Get a doc you can talk to – and read reviews for practices you may get referred to – make it easy for your doc to make a referral. They know many other docs, but not everyone, and sometimes there is a routine referral that warrants a discussion of other professionals.

      Re: hypochondriac – I told my internist that I’m a stoic with a high pain tolerance, (My OB confirmed this when I went into labor with my first child) so when I mention something, it’s a better presumption that I’m under-reacting. When I mention something seemingly small, there is that beat or two of assessment – who is this patient? How often do I see them? I have a thick file because she’s been here for years, with 1-2 sick visits/year, yeah, she’s asking because it’s a genuine concern.

      I’m pleasant with the nurses and staff, but don’t let them, or their concerns get in the way of my treatment. If I think someone is having a bad day, or worse, getting in the way of my medical care, I mention it to them, or bring it up with the doc.

  7. Gift help — A Catholic friend has invited us to his baby’s baptism. Any ideas for gifts? I’d like to spend no more than $50. I’d be fine with something religious or not religious. (Not getting her the “baby’s first rosary” with plush beads and a cross made out of teething stuff, though. I’m Protestant so my knowledge of rosaries is limited, but not sure I’m cool with encouraging baby to gnaw on the cross. And not totally sure my friend would like that, either.) The friend is sort of a medium-level friend. We were law school section mates and are in the same big group of friends, but we’re not super close. Maybe a book of Bible stories?

    1. I’ve done a really nice photo album. You can find really cute one in that price range and it’s both sentimental and useful. I think the one I got had some kind of sleeping baby angel (not overly cutesy) on it which felt appropriately religious without being up there with plush baby rosaries. And if you have the time, maybe you can have it inscribed with the baby’s name/date of baptism.

    3. We bought our good friends’ son a framed personalized print (his name, baptism date and location) from SayitinStyleart from Etsy. It was beautiful and everyone raved about it–it was a huge hit. I was in a similar boat–we’re not Catholic and I wasn’t sure exactly what to get, but based on the response I will definitely do the same for any future baptism gifts.

      1. The name decoration is a very nice idea. FYI — the only people who gave my kids baptism gifts other than cash/check were the non-Catholics. At least in my Northeast Catholic family, sticking $50 in a card for a kid is standard.

        1. Interesting, maybe it’s regional? We are in TX and actually didn’t realize baptism gifts were a thing until we went to the baptisms for another friend’s kids (before the one I mentioned above) and everyone brought gifts–books, religious paraphernalia, picture frames, etc. Most of the other attendees were Catholic. There may also have been cash gifts, but it seemed like most people brought a physical gift. We were embarrassed because it honestly had not even occurred to us!

    4. A savings bond or a card with a check in it is the right gift. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of someone giving an actual gift other than maybe grandma getting some jewelry.

    5. I’ve had to winnow through piles of Bibles and Biblical story books, it’s OK to step away from the tried and true. A photo album, a charm, books that have a good theme like Amy Krause Rosenthal’s first “Cookies” book. (She has a wide range), a book that is customized with the baby’s first baptismal name as the character (they may feel cheesy, but kids LOVE them)

      Savings bonds are tricky if you don’t know a relevant SSN, or aren’t close enough to ask about one. Cash and gift cards are simple & easy.

      It’s a little early for a rosary – that’s usually when the kiddo can recite a prayer – and babies already have lots of chewables, so if you did get one, it would likely be tucked away for later.

  8. Anyone from Chicago on here? I arrive in your fair city tomorrow and am unsure of how to pack -just wandering around town will I be OK in flats or cold?

    1. I’m in Chicago – it’s very damp here right now, though it shouldn’t be raining tomorrow too much. People around here are wearing light jackets and pants; I think you’d be fine in flats (temperatures in the 50s). I think most Chicago residents’ perceptions of hot and cold are different than the rest of the country’s, though, so you may need to dress more warmly than people living here.

      1. Well I’m coming from Canada so am VERY excited about it not being freezing and snowing! Light jacket is definitely coming.

    2. Weather this week is effed up. Right now, there’s talk of tornadoes. Maybe pack a pair of trouser socks to wear with flats, if that doesn’t offend your sensibilities.

  9. Can I just throw out my opinion that I think it’s dumb that comments get deleted from the “substantive” mid-day posts if they are not on topic? I mostly just show up to read the comments, so I may be biased, but I liked it better around here without the censorship. I find those mid-day posts rather boring now, and it seems like the number of comments in general has dwindled. I know the change was made after some people complained about too many off-topic comments, so perhaps I’m in the minority. I just felt like offering my two cents.

    2. Agree with meme. I feel like the OT commenter probably made an honest mistake by posting on the “substantive” thread, but the discussion was interesting and it’s a shame it was deleted.

      2. Yes, I thought maybe it would have been moved to this thread, since it was deleted just before the “substantive” post went up.

        On the other hand, I’ve clicked through to some of the “previously” topical posts and been pretty annoyed to have to wade through so many threadjacks, so I understand why Kat/Kate would delete it, especially since they put up the big disclaimer.

        1. +1. Kat/Kate started putting the notice about thread jacks for mid day posts after a lengthy discussion here about thread jacks and how difficult it is to look through the comments which are on topic. Even though today’s off topic discussion was good and I do believe that the poster didn’t see this message, it is correct to delete the off topic post. I think if there is way for Kat to move the off topic discussion to coffee break/open thread, it would be fantastic.

          1. I agree, guys – but there is no way to move it to a different thread, and we instituted the policy in response to intense reader discussions. (at least I don’t think there is – will check with my tech guy.) thank you for reading!

          2. Maybe now that people are mostly playing by the rules, we (“we” meaning “Kat”) could give a reminder and request to cease and desist, rather than deleting?

    3. Senior Attorney – What was the interesting discussion about? I missed it.

      la vie en bleu – Why has the commenting dwindled?

      1. The poster had moved to a new city with her husband, then gotten divorced and was planning to move back to her home city. But she hadn’t told her colleagues and was feeling awkward about (a) having kept the divorce secret for many months, and (b) going to an out-of-town job interview during a very busy time at work, which might involve giving an excuse that might be exposed as a lie when she gave notice and left.

        1. Thanks for filling me in. That is an interesting topic. OP, if you are out there reading this, please repost if you’d like some more advice.

    4. I think Kat wants those to be discussions about very specific topics. There is a clear statement on those posts that off-topic comments will be deleted. The poster could have just as easily posted on the morning thread.

      1. I know there’s a giant disclaimer, I’m just saying I think the “on-topic” rule is dumb, because the posts are just not as interesting now because the comments/discussions are the best part. Just my opinion.

    5. I think there are fewer comments because topics have been repeated / people run out of things to say, and because the responses can be snarky or annoying. But that’s just me.

  10. Does anyone else get dark splotches under their eyes? I’m not talking about undereye circles, but more the top of the cheekbone/maxillary sinus area and below the eye “bag”. I first noticed it last fall (just turned 30 if it matters) and it seems like they come and go. So far I’ve noticed that they are more visible after I’ve been in the sun, but they are also bad today and it’s been cloudy all week. I’ve tried googling but I just get lots of results for dark eye circles.

    1. I get them when my allergies are flaring up or when I have a cold. I never made the correlation until my doctor took one look at me one day when I came in sick, and said he could tell I was feeling bad because of the dark circles under my eyes. He also asked about my son who gets them too.

    2. Could it be melasma? I get this on my forehead in the summer when I’ve had more sun exposure. It’s exacerbated by being on oral contraceptives (and pregnancy, I think).

  11. What do you guys do when youre extremely bored at work. I have a job in my field but my position isnt really interesting but looks super great on my resume. Its been almost a year and im entry level. I know Ill get another job at some point but some days are just mind numbing. Anyone got advice?

    2. What will it take to get to the next level? Classes or volunteering with your professional org or learning Tableau or starting a blog? What are people in your department scrambling to get done? What can you take on that shows that you are a good colleague who wants to learn? Unless you are not allowed to work on anything but tasks you don’t have enough of, you shouldn’t be bored at entry level. There’s a lot out there to learn.

    3. Take one of those online courses (EdX or similar). You can audit them at your own pace.

    4. This answer may not be what you are looking for, but I would check with your boss, let them know you have some extra bandwidth and ask if there is anything you can do to assist. If they do not have anything, I’d try to do some learning related to your career.

    5. I listen to podcasts. A lot of podcasts. My job can be extremely mind numbing.

    6. You know what I did? I studied for my GRE exam and applied for graduate school. It was an entry level job in software engineering where most of the time I just didn’t have anything to do !!!. We were five people in the team along with our manager. Manager completed PMP certification, team lead completed his distance education graduate degree in software engineering, person 1 cleared GMAT and went to business school, person 2 stuck around for some time and changed the company, person 3 and myself wrote GRE and left the company for graduate school. So every one of us did something on company dime:-)

      1. Thanks for all the replies guys!! Im hopefully going to start grad school next fall. I spent a lot of time working on my essays, doing prep for the program to get in, paper work, etc while at work so that took up a lot of time . Also, Ive been listening to/discovering podcasts thing the last few months and its helping a lot and Ive been teaching myself a bunch of stuff in Excel/trying to learn other skills. In the meantime (during non-work hours of course) Ive been applying to other jobs that are more directly related to what I want to do and less administrative/mind numbing. So there I know there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. =)

  12. I need a new black cardigan – hip length, preferably with pockets. Where can I get one that won’t fall apart immediately?

    1. I have a new black cardigan from J Jill that I like. Some of theirs have pockets. Some don’t. Some are more “relaxed” fit (which I don’t like – too boxy). Would post a link but there is something wonky going on with the their s!te right now.

  13. What do you ladies think of someone in their late 20s spendkng $5k on a purse? Granted that this person has no debt and makes a decent salary. Go for it or wait a few more years?

    2. When I see something like that, I say to myself, “Gosh, I guess she has no debt (house, car, school, consumer) and has fully funded her retirement and her future kids’ education (if she plans on having any).” Then I remind myself it is none of my business.

    3. If you have $5K to spare after funding your emergency fund and your retirement, and the Chanel bag is the thing at the top of your list of “things I want badly enough to spend 5K on,” then go for it. If the emergency fund and retirement are not in good shape, then you can’t afford it and you need to hold off.

    4. If you have the money you can do whatever you want with it. Hopefully you have an emergency fund and retirement savings that are appropriate for your age and needs.

      1. Adding – People used to get married and buy houses in their 20s. I think you should be allowed to commit to a handbag without being shamed by your community.

    6. There was a long post and lots of comments on an intern who was carrying around a Birkin bag. Look for Birkin on ‘rettes and I bet you’ll find it. People gave really thoughtful opinions on that post.

    7. If you know you want one at some point and are planning to buy a classic flap, go for it now. The prices are only going up, so it’s best to get in as early as you can. I bought a year and a half ago and if necessary could sell mine for about a 30-40% return–a combination of buying at European prices with VAT refund and before a significant price hike.

    8. It’s totally fine to buy whatever you want. You do you. But if you carry a $5000 bag (like a Birkin), other people will think that you are rich – independently rich, family rich, husband rich, whatever. But people will perceive you to be rich. If you’re ok with that, go for it!

    9. Sometimes I feel badly for this person because I imagine she inherited a lot of money when her beloved relative died, and that she’d rather have the relative than the money. So sad, to have all that money from such a loss.

    11. I would totally judge you. Not necessarily because it’s fininacially irresponsible, although it probably is (unless you are a trust fund baby, you should save for a house and fund your retirement before buying bags like that), but more because I feel like it’s very representative of our generation’s (I am the same age) “need it now” attitude. You haven’t worked for very long and it seems sort of greedy to start buying yourself huge treats so soon and like you are unable to delay your gratification. FWIW, I don’t feel the same way when I see older people with these items, because there is much more of a sense that they may have earned it through their own hard work.

    12. Unless I was explicitly informed that they had bought it, I’d just be mad jealous of their thrifting skills.

  14. Just wanted to give a big thumbs up to Ann Taylor’s (relatively) new Curvy line. I haven’t seen it in my local store but just got a curvy fit pencil skirt and jeans from the website and they fit me perfect! For reference my hip circumference is about 25% bigger than my waist.

Comments are closed.