Tuesday’s Workwear Report: Animal Print Dress
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I think there’s something in my DNA that makes it impossible for me to resist a great animal print, and this dress from Reiss is calling my name. Yes, it’s a cheetah print, but I think it’s a little more subtle than something that my style icon, Fran Fine, would have selected.
For the office, I might add an olive or dark orange blazer, but the long sleeves also make it totally fine to wear on its own.
The dress is $455 from Reiss and comes in sizes 0-14.
Sales of note for 7/29/25
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale is open for everyone — here's our roundup! (ends 8/3)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off wear-now styles + $50 off dresses and shoes + extra 60% off sale
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- Boden – 25% off Mini styles (no women's sales currently)
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My grand boss sent me a scathing email about the quality of a work product I submitted. I was 100% certain I did not submit a product with those errors so I went through the version control history of the document and sure enough my grand boss made those edits late last night. I’m not sure what to do. I showed the proof to my manager and restored the version without edits to ‘resubmit’ to grand boss, but this is a whole new level of psycho. I’m not sure if grand boss knows we have version control or how it works, but my manager understands I didn’t submit a poor quality product and saw the edit history. I don’t even know what I’m looking for by posting this, I just needed to get it off my chest, I’m way too stressed for this early in the morning.
Wait, so he made changes and then complained to you about the changes? Or he made changes you don’t agree with, is complaining about your original work product, and now you’ve reverted it back?
They made changes and then complained to me about those changes and asked me to ‘fix’ it to what I had already originally written.
What was the time lag between the time the changes were made (which you can see in the version history) and the time the email was written?
The lag between the email and last change was 17 minutes.
This sounds like intentional sabotage.
Given it’s your grandboss, I’d keep your resume refreshed and connections current.
What is your manager saying or suggesting you do about all this? If grand boss is truly this irrational, surely your manager and others at your manger’s level experience this behavior even more than you do.
My manager says they’ll go to bat for me but it probably won’t matter since grand boss yelled at everyone yesterday.
wow. If you decide to bring it up, you could frame it as being concerned over his account being compromised.
But this being a person two levels higher sounds like it will be complicated!
Do not do this. That’s fuel to the fire.
Do you mean you wouldn’t push back at all, or somehow not mention that the boss had messed with the file? I probably wouldn’t be able to just swallow it, but then I’m not in a very hierarchical workplace. I was just thinking if you say ‘hey, this isn’t the version I sent to you ‘, then offering an IT related excuse can help to save face. I don’t see how it would escalate further, again, unless you compare it to the alternative of not saying anything.
I both agree that replying is probably not the best move, and also agree that I personally would probably not able to not address it at all. So I like the straightforward response of “This isn’t the version I sent you. Please see attached version I sent on 7.xx.2025. I’m not sure where that version came from, but this 7.xx.2025 version should address your concerns.”
This is one of those times where I don’t care whatever everyone here will say about just taking it because this person is superior you. Fight back hard in writing.
Concur.
…and job hunt. This sounds unhinged and nothing that you’re going to personally improve.
I would take a somewhat middle ground, provided my manager is on board.
“I submitted the attached document at 5:42 pm last night. The changes that were made were made after I submitted it. Version control indicates that those changes were made between 7:10 pm and 9:15 pm.”
Don’t speculate as to whether it’s a hack or the boss sucks or what. Just state.
I had someone two levels up and one department over pitch me under the bus once, with something like this. My biggest regret was not getting my manager on board, because he was furious at how the SVP treated me.
Yeah this is well beyond “grin and take it” territory.
Yup. Grandboss seems likely mentally unwell and is making it a mission to get OP fired.
Could be drinking at night. I’ve seen that multiple times in my career.
Drinking at night was my first thought– my old boss would drink and then get insomnia and start shooting off crazy emails. At some point, other partners found out and chastised her for it, but I was still the one that ended up leaving and looking for a new job.
I wondered about Ambien!
Job hunt.
Ugh, ugh, ugh. Could you re-forward the original copy you had sent up the chain with a note like, “After some investigating, it looks like the original copy I had sent you [in the email below/however you sent it] got corrupted or edited somehow. I’m resending the original copy that does not contain the errors in the later version.” Sounds like it might be too late for that, though.
We don’t use local copies of documents/attachments (for version control reasons). We have a shared drive and all our Microsoft products are set up to track edits (bless IT!) and you can restore documents back to any edit point. So I sent grand boss the link to the shared drive, which they then proceeded to edit, seemingly without realizing it was being tracked.
Is your sense more that this was malicious and targeted, or more that maybe their mind is starting to slip? It’s just so bizarre!
It sounds malicious and targeted to me. All these suggested responses playing dumb aren’t really getting at the point. I would be forwarding this to HR to express my concerns about erratic behavior and reporting that I wasn’t sure if I was being targeted in some way. Make that paper trail now.
The idea of editing and then pretending there was no edit is so erratic. Is it possible someone else did a local edit or opened an older version locally that impacted the version on the shared drive? That’s just so darn weird. I would do exactly what you did, showing boss that you didn’t have the errors. And I would screenshot for record purposes.
It is so weird! I’m not sure what grandboss was thinking. If I were OPs manager I would definitely actually look into it and ask about it. For all we know its dementia.
Ehh then my reply above doesn’t work. That’s frustrating. You could say:
“I agree this version is problematic, however this isn’t the version I last edited. Please see copied version with the saved edits from 7.xx.2025 – this can be verified in the edits tracking history in the original documents. I’m not sure where the additional edits came from after I sent you the link, but this 7.xx.2025 version should address your concerns.”
This is what I would do. I would not be able to not say anything.
This is a great script.
This language is definitely the right approach if you’re going to address it directly — respectful, direct, and honest. (Being disingenuous only risks amplifying the grandboss being upset.)
I also agree with the other poster that this is such odd behavior that it makes you wonder what the level above you must be seeing all the time, whether it’s dementia or alcohol abuse or some sort of mental impairment due to stress/lack of sleep. It is just such strange behavior. I like the wording here of not knowing where the additional edits came from since it gives an out to save face and may indeed be a situation where someone else made them other than grandboss because, again, it’s just so, so weird.
But it’s disingenuous to act like you “don’t know where the edits came from.” Just delete that line.
how is ‘I’m not sure where the additional edits came from ‘ not disingenuous? When everyone can easily see where they came from. I think this is a viable course of action, but it does require a bit of a charade all the same!
I’m usually generous when it comes to whether technology itself can fail. Maybe it was a glitch, or a hack! Or someone else using this guy’s computer. I don’t really know.
Does she know where the edits came from? Isn’t it just as likely that someone may have entered them on his behalf, or a file sync issue? Either scenario has a high probability. I have an easier time believing someone screwed up the version syncing than I do with dementia, honestly.
“I’m not sure where the additional edits came from” means “I didn’t make them,” but is a softer way of putting it.
This is exactly what I would do. And I would start job hunting.
I agree — the whole thing is so bizarre that really you can’t be sure where the bad edits came from.
just chiming in with sympathy. I love the version control / edit history / revert features, because I can’t tell you how many times my former boss would completely f up my slide decks and then ask for a version that was very similar to what I originally gave her.
In your case, I would probably save off a copy of the document with grand boss’s changes and version history, then send an email saying that you have reverted the work product to the state in which you originally submitted it, which did not contain the errors they are complaining of.
If the errors are things like deleted/missing sections, I can see how someone might accidentally have highlighted and deleted with an errand click or keystroke and not realized it. but if they’re factual errors, your grand boss is a piece of work.
I have messed up documents that people gave to me. And then I would ADMIT it and say to pretty please send me the original again.
I think this sounds like someone on the verge of a mental health episode given the yelling at everyone that followed. I would loop in HR with your boss copied and describe exactly what happened, indicating whether grandboss’s review was expected or not (i.e., did grandboss come in and make these weird edits when he/she wasn’t ever meant to read the document?). I would also indicate whether this is out of character. Something like:
I wanted to report an incident I found troubling. Grandboss made edits to a final document I had submitted and then returned it to me in what I can only call a scathing email, criticizing the edits as if they were my own. As you can see from the version control history (attached), the edits were made by Grandboss him/herself. Grandboss wasn’t expected to review this document at all, which makes me feel as though this is some kind of targeted criticism or attack on me. This is very out of character; as you know, Grandboss and I usually have a productive and cordial working relationship. My supervisor has been informed and is copied here, but I wanted to report this incident to HR as well because of the unusual nature and because Grandboss then went on to yell at the entire team. I want to set the record straight, but also make sure he/she is OK.
see, now I would find that a big escalation. You’d need a lot of trust in your HR team for this step.
Right, and I wouldn’t suggest it if the grandboss weren’t giving off major mental health episode vibes. I speak from experience. Even if it’s not that, this isn’t the time to surrender. Use the proof and document the incident.
whoa this is the nuclear option. You might win the battle but torpedo your career with this move.
I like some of the suggestions above (neutrally saying what time the edits were made) or, if the OP’s direct boss is on board, having OP’s boss take Grandboss aside and say “what gives with your email to OP?”
That’s so passive aggressive, though – pretending it’s unclear who made the edits, acting like it’s all a misunderstanding. It’s good to be thoughtful and careful in phrasing, but I’ve never seen passive aggressive go down well.
Letting people save face is different from being passive aggressive.
Saving face is for a honest mistake, not a malicious attack. Unless there’s more OP isn’t saying, this sounds like someone who is mentally unwell or experiencing a cognitive challenge.
Maybe it depends on the relationship and whether this is genuinely out of character? I can understand wanting to act out of concern if there’s concern about an acute health issue. There are many different kinds of serious health crisis that can present with out of character behavior.
But if the relationship is strictly professional, I would stick with the facts, just the facts.
Wow, this would NOT go over well in any environment I’ve been in.
Honestly though? I feel like it’s fair to go nuclear here. What do you owe this person? What they did was malicious, aggressive and extremely dumb. If I was op I’d be more loyal to the organization than grand boss at this point. I wouldn’t want to be on record of having knowledge of this behavior and not coming forward. And that’s without the fact that it was aggressively targeted to harm and humiliate the op. I’m dying to know how this plays out.
I’m the one who suggested that script and I agree, but I will also caveat that I’m suggesting it because I think grandboss seems unwell and may target OP in scary ways in the future. When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Don’t mess around – use another script
If you want, but you must document.
Replying to myself to ask; is this normal to anyone? Are there industries where you alter a subordinate’s work in order to denigrate them and it’s just…a thing that happens? I feel like it should be career ending to get caught doing this but maybe I’m wrong.
Also sorry but one more question: what is the feeling on speculating about someone’s mental health? On the one hand it comes off like kind concern but it’s also kind of insulting right? I really like this script but maybe just put the facts out there and say what they did. At the end of the day they’re wasting time and resources in order to baselessly disparage junior employees. Those are the facts. Maybe let grand boss defend their actions with whatever mental issues they’re having but don’t speculate?
I had an issue with an expert witness a few years ago. He honestly presented as drunk but all I could manage to say to my supervisor was “he couldn’t testify; he was not coherent.” And “he did not seem like himself.” It seemed like I was being prompted to speculate on his mental health and I didn’t feel right.
I agree with not sharing speculation about mental health and the approach you took.
But I would still speculate in the privacy of my mind I guess because if I still have to interact with a person, I want a few working theories of what their deal is. Not to commit to one, but to be prepared if it’s one of the possibilities I considered.
This may be the single worst advice I’ve read here. There is no proof that grandboss did the edits directly (could it be an assistant that entered someone else’s, a local drive’s edits from somewhere being saved up to the shared drive, etc.) With everyone else getting yelled at and no prior history of this sort of thing, it’s also not clear whether it is indeed targeted, let alone pervasive.
So there was someone mad at something you didn’t do? That sucks, but it’s also not worth all the potential downsides from an action like this by trying to challenge his overall fitness. That’s hardly worth risking your career there, your network there, and your own reputation more broadly over. You need to play the longer game here. His or her mental state (if that is even a factor, given it’s just one incident) should be left to those who interact with the individual more frequently. My advice might be different if it were something more egregious, more frequent, or had actual impact on my job (interfering with promotion potential or the like).
I agree there’s no proof and there are a lot of unknowns left. (No wonder some people don’t like to manage employees remotely if they leap to conclusions to this extent?) It’s unfair, but there’s already been some damage control.
You don’t think this is going to interfere with OP’s promotion potential? That’s very generous.
One document? And a boss above that saw what happened. No, I don’t. At least not as damaging to promotion potential as hauling everyone into HR like the approach above would do.
OP’s initial post sounded pretty clear. Like tracked changes in the file show stuff like ‘line 23 edited by username grandboss at 11:31pm’.
Yes, our version control software at my firm reflects the individual who made changes. There is no deputizing and the name is clearly attached to the work. I assume that is the case for OP.
This is your daily reminder that HR exists to protect the company (and by extension senior staff) not you. Especially not you. Do not do this.
OP, please don’t do this
My guess as to what happened: your grand boss edited the wrong document.
He probably thought he was making changes to Matter A and instead made them to Matter B. He then opens up Matter B and sees that it makes no sense for Matter B.
That was my thought as well. Little sleep, lots of stress, and lots of documents that look alike. Heck, I’ve had deja vu with my own edits to my own work product that no one else has access to sometimes.
Does that excuse reaming OP out in an email afterward?
Depends on the email. But generally I wouldn’t get in a battle with senior leadership over a one-off that has little consequence, especially given the boss above OP is supportive and knows what happened. Being right isn’t worth all the potential downsides of going above the direct manager that way.
OP’s boss shouldn’t have reamed her out regardless, but OP’s in a different position vis a vis her own career/protecting herself if she has a boss who’s (1) a jerk when he thinks she’s messed up (even though it was his error and he didn’t realize it), versus (2) actively sabotaging her work product in easily trackable ways and then pretending OP delivered poor work, versus (3) working and emailing when not totally attached to reality (whether that’s a mental health episode or ambien sleepwalking or whatever).
It’s a grand boss. That changes things—it’s likely to end up creating friction with her actual boss if you go above and take it to HR this way. We’re talking one document that never even reached a client. Sorry, but it’s poor judgment to choose to take this on alone over a one-off where the actual damage is largely the hit to ego. And HR isn’t there to be your parent. What are you actually expecting them to do that will benefit you? There is no way to show the act wasn’t anything more than an error. Grandboss gets told to send nicer emails at most—and OP is left in a worse position with both grandboss and boss now.
In the person you’re responding to.
No, it doesn’t. But with the speculation of dementia or sabotage, it’s probably good to think of how this could happen.
That helps to respond in a more neutral manner.
There is no winning with this.
Find a new job and consider hiring a lawyer to negotiate a settlement for constructive dismissal. This is completely unhinged behavior. I would have a lawyer on retainer because you have now been attacked. They can advise you on your rights and the best way to protect yourself.
I think we need to know what the nature of the scathing email was. All the responses are focused on the edits themselves, but what did he or she actually say to you in the email? If there were personal insults involved, that would affect the advice I would give.
Ok first of all, sorry if this is covered above, but — are you POSITIVE that grandboss’ criticism is directed to the changes they made and not to anything in your original version? Any possibility they saw your draft, “fixed” it, and then sent the email but are actually upset with the original work product?
If not, then this is the type of touchy situation where I would take the “just the facts” approach. This means zero speculation, editorializing, finger pointing, etc. Literally just the incontrovertible, emotionless facts: you sent your version at X time; you can see in the version control that edits were made at Y time under grandboss’ credentials, shortly before they sent their feedback, which introduced the issues that are the subject of the feedback. You could soften it by saying you’re not sure how or why that happened (which is true because you really don’t know) but that X version is the correct version for all to review. Leave it at that and let others draw their own conclusions. Take screenshots and keep them in case you need them. Unfortunately I think you do need to make your record here and need to reply all or at least make sure that more than one person sees your reply, because in my experience you can’t trust a single recipient to do anything with information like this. I personally wouldn’t loop in HR, but I don’t work in a corporation.
Drugs are bad. Sounds like grand boss will implode eventually, make sure you’re not collateral damage
Help me find my unicorn bag. In all but two key respects, the Tory Burch bag linked below is the perfect size and shape. Most important, the inside is divided into a couple of long compartments, plus it has a zipper pocket plus slide in pocket. I don’t like just wide empty bags where my stuff all pools at the bottom. I also need a flap, snap or magnetic closure – really dislike zippers. So the bag has all that going for it. The deal breakers are the logo (I don’t want big logos of any kind, not just TB) and the chain strap. I don’t like the look or the sound they make, and I want to be able to replace the shoulder strap with a camera-bag type one of my choosing, especially for travel – the chain straps that attach via holes in the top of the bag don’t permit that. I need the rings at the side of the purse that I can clip a new strap on to.
The quilting I like, but am not wedded to.
Not exaggerating when I say I have been on this hunt for years. I would spend up to $2500 for a bag that met all my criteria.
Are there any brands I should be checking but have not? Assume I have looked online at all the retailers (Nordies, Saks, Bloomies, NM, etc) plus all the usual recs: Cuyana, Strathberry, Mark and Graham, etc.
First, are there niche brands or stores I should consider that are lesser known?
Second, given my level of pickiness, should I consider having a bag made to order? And where would I start, without heading to Europe?
I held the TB bag last night wondering if I could cut the logo and straps off it and have someone add the rings so I could attach my own strap. I am pretty sure i would be left with a ruined bag, but desperation calls.
Suggestions welcome.
TB bag: https://www.toryburch.com/en-us/handbags/shoulder-bags/kira-chevron-convertible-shoulder-bag/90446.html?color=001&s.a=GOOGLE%3Bc.n%3DPaidSearch%5EPLA%5EInterest%5EUS%5ETB_rSC-Remaining%5EAll%5EGoogle%5EEN%5EPLA%5EBrand&dvc=c&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20456108098&gbraid=0AAAAAoxif9ZMoEsu4Xj7l5GUVX0_rP-kd&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjefatIjijgMVwFJ_AB2BQhjQEAQYASABEgLa6vD_BwE
Girl sometimes the answer is you need to buy a thing for sale in stores and move on
+1
How about you let me want what I want?
Ok princess!
That’s a rude response.
Not the OP, but people are allowed to want what they want, rather than what companies want us to want.
What the heck. This is a fashion blog. People ask specific questions all the time. I dislike the TB bag for the same reasons the OP does.
THIS IS A FASHION BLOG. We are allowed to act like princesses here.
Ooh so edgy – an anti fashion hot take on a fashion blog. Someone is lost here, and it’s not OP.
For $2500 just get a bag made, if you live in a major city you will have someone with the necessary expertise to carry out the task.
Have you considered commissioning a bag to your specs?
There’s someone on the handbags forum on red d1t who does this, and the work is highly praised and seems beautiful!
Checking off the Corpore#e bingo square for “comment from something new who did not read the post”
*someone who
Can you just buy a bag that you like with no dividers and add an organizer inside?
Frank Clegg or Lotuff
All Saints
https://www.allsaints.com/us/women/handbags/ondine-grain-leather-shoulder-bag/USW113XC-5.html
With those parameters, I think you might have more luck in the $200-$600 range than the very high end of your budget. So maybe check out some brands you would normally pass on, like Radley, Fossil, Coach, etc.
Would something like this work?
https://www.radleylondon.com/ivydale-road-medium-ziptop-grab-rhc17701-aw24?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=708560304&gbraid=0AAAAADPnjE_FaX2Sdr8NdkyRPZ60ZTEdF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNMFeLGwuQdeyTLlnQLh9biM30T_af4iO-p25YQxp9ZJiMYan_7_dikaArNTEALw_wcB#H1280001
Would you consider adding a bag organizer to an otherwise unstructured tote? That will probably be a LOT easier to find – or commission on Etsy to the exact specs of a bag you otherwise love.
I still like the Mini PS1.
Leather would be a dealbreaker for me, but DSW is great for unbranded, simplified versions of popular bags. The following all appear to have the rings that you need for swapping out straps:
https://www.dsw.com/product/kelly-and-katie-stefany-crossbody-bag/537823?activeColor=001
https://www.dsw.com/product/kelly-and-katie-chloe-crossbody/575001?activeColor=001
https://www.dsw.com/product/kelly-and-katie-bree-crossbody/595729?activeColor=black).
If you want to have something made, I would look at Etsy.
a) look up “flap bag,” there are a million styles of this available that are basically all immitations of the classic chanel flap.
b) agree re having it made, particularly there are probably factories in china already making immitation tory burch bags who could easily keep the logo off for you. but you could also just commission something from a local leather worker or on etsy.
c) the tory burch bag you linked to doesn’t truly look big enough to need that much interior organization – have you considered just using a makeup pouch? i do that so my bags are easy to switch and keep a credit card case/wallet, 3 lip glosses, a pen, and a pill container inside. anything else goes loose in my purse, but it’s often just random things i’m carrying around with me and not stuff i need.
Make your own.
Not sure about the inside, but have you looked at Status Anxiety? I have a bag from them and was really impressed with the quality for the price point.
https://www.statusanxiety.com/products/zenith-black?variant=51739440972139
Also I’m assuming you’ve already looked at the Lo and Sons Pearl, right? It has a zipper, but also a compartment without a zipper.
https://www.loandsons.com/pages/pearl-womens-leather-crossbody-bag-purse-handbag
what about this one?
https://www.strathberry.com/products/lana-hobo-tan
Quilted bags with camera-strap style shoulder straps (or links for such) are relatively rare, I think that’s part of the issue here is that most quilted or chevron bags are based on the “OG” Chanel bag, and for whatever reason, chain straps seem to “go” with quilted bags better visually.
What I’d do is actually look on etsy for diaper bags (I know it sounds crazy but some are SUPER cute), camera or hobby bags of some kind–it will be a functional bag that has those dividers and the nylon webbing strap that you want as well.
Is there a cute but effective lunch box out there? I have been borrowing my husband’s small YETI lunchbox and it works great but I think it’s quite a juxtaposition when I’m wearing a blazer and trying to be stylish. People keep commenting on it so I know it’s not in my head. I can’t fit a lunch box in my work tote because I have to carry my laptop and more.
What are people saying about it? Honestly the YETI looks adorable and functional and I’d guess that’s why people are commenting, unless you’re getting outright negative feedback.
I think it’s just out of character for me and also jarring next to my Mulberry purse and dressy outfit. They just ask a lot of questions about it and I can tell it’s a negative reaction by their face. It does look kind of awkward if I’m being honest.
I’m having trouble processing the idea of coworkers asking *a lot* of questions about a lunchbox. What kind of questions?
Is that a YETI? Do you like it? Is it yours? Etc. but all with a hint of disdain.
Is this a place where carrying any lunchbox is standing out? Or do your colleagues have more elegant versions?
I don’t see many lunchboxes because is brought in, but I don’t eat it usually and so need food.
Maybe they are teasing you because you tend to dress more elegantly than typical in your workplace?
Your coworkers are the problem, not your lunch bag.
What makes you think if you get an executive leather lunchbox or a Vera Bradley or a Bentgo, that they won’t comment on it? I somehow don’t think another lunch bag would solve the problem. Maybe get a larger tote that will hold both your laptop and your lunch.
10:42 has a point. Buy a new lunchbox and anyone annoying enough to tease you about the first one will find a new thing. “oh do you not make enough to buy??”
Sounds like they notice you don’t eat the lunch provided and bring your own, and are pushing your buttons. They @33h0les. If you throw money at this problem, it will backfire.
That is so bizarre. It’s a lunchbox. Ignore them.
What the hell are people commenting on? It’s a lunchbox.
Other than the logo and its association with rugged outdoorsy activities, the box itself is about as sleek as they come. Is it a glaring or twee color? Why do these people who comment care?
It’s a YETI, so it’s name brand and known for high quality merchandise. And not super cheap. Also, it’s a lunch box. Forget the noise. You’ve got a great lunch box.
I don’t get why people are commenting on it but if you like the box from a functional perspective, I’d probably just pop the lunch box in a close fitting generic bag. Like a beige cloth bag or a small Lululemon bag (we have a million of those somehow but they might be less ubiquitous in homes with fewer teen girls)
+1, surely you have a Longchamp or something lying around given the brands you otherwise wear?
I do but I would prefer to give my husband his lunchbox back and buy myself a cute one. No one has suggested any yet.
If you want something more neutral, Vera Bradley has plain quilted lunch bags.
Link for VB-
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/hybrid/vera-bradley-quilted-cotton-lunch-bag?color=041&size=ONE+SIZE&type=REGULAR&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=%5BNB+PLA+US%5D+-+PMAX+-+Home+-+Priority&utm_content=&utm_term=&creative=&device=c&matchtype=&network=x&utm_kxconfid=vx6q4l3b6&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20249314251&gbraid=0AAAAADpxK__jeuK5o9Gvyb797AolgFznP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0_Ge8p7ijgMVBzcIBR3kSB4hEAQYBCABEgJE6vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&quantity=1
I have this one from Vera Bradley (different from the other link provided) and am really happy with it. It is very spacious. https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/vera-bradley-quilted-cotton-lunch-tote-bag?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=001&searchparams=q=lunch&type=REGULAR&size=ONE+SIZE&quantity=1
If you’re looking for a sleeker box itself, the Bentgo modern is pretty nice. If you’re looking for a lunch bag, maybe Calpak? Looks like Kate Spade has some lunch bags too.
How about this one? Expensive but cute:
https://modernpicnic.com/products/the-large-luncher-black-croc?variant=44051772768490&country=US¤cy=USD
Love it. And the enclosed containers are on sale!
so get a new yeti. i think that looks better than any of the suggestions listed here tbh.
Probably because you’re solving the wrong problem.
If you search “executive leather lunchbox” you’ll find things on Etsy. However, I think you might be overly sensitive to how you perceive your coworkers view you.
I also don’t like it, I want something cute. This id a fashion blog, why am I getting so much hate?
Scout has cute lunchboxes.
(I’m trying here!)
Also:
S’well
LL Bean
Simple Modern
Scout
If you’re okay throwing a lot of money at this, maybe swap out your tote for something like Lo & Sons, which has a compartment for a lunch box.
If all you want is suggestions for a cute lunchbox, just ask that :) Talking about your coworkers’ sideeyes and that the Yeti works great is sending us all different directions.
Hate feels strong for what people are doing, which is defending you for having a normal lunchbox and your colleagues being weird about it. Your question is fair but assumes your coworkers are right, and people think you’re just fine and borrowing trouble; I’m reading this as “ignore them and own your effective lunchbox!” not “hate.”
The coworkers probably are right that the Yeti is a departure from what’s usual for her (and probably right that she generally does care).
Omg you’re not.
Sorry OP. I totally know what you mean.
As you are learning, a lot of people on this site like to push back, and there is a significant group that just likes to be here and give it to the man. And those groups are not really into fashion.
Yes its infamous for commenters not answering the question asked.
In this case though, it sounded to me like the commenters were supporting and empowering her and answering a theoretical AITA wherein the coworkers are the ones being mean, she was totally fine and shouldnt be intimidated by them.
I think bento boxes and tiffins are cuter, but it’s partly because they’re typically not insulated (I assume you need insulation).
Look at the Fit and Fresh bags. Might be something fairly neutral that fits the bill. But seriously, why are people looking at a lunchbox that closely?
I think the Stanley lunch boxes are more feminine than Yeti if this style is what is working for you (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/stanley-all-day-mini-lunch-box-25staacasuthlldyrsdto/25staacasuthlldyrsdto)
This question is the 2025 version of “is my water bottle professional looking”.
I laughed when one of the first options I found that looked better than a Yeti cost $3 (https://www.target.com/p/lunch-totes-dealworthy/-/A-94769900?preselect=93130929#lnk=sametab)
No shoulder strap kills it.
https://www.builtny.com/products/gourmet-getaway-lunch-bag?variant=32479829098629
This! I’ve had a Built Gourmet Getaway since my first job out of college from 10+ years ago. Still holds up great. And importantly for OP, these come in a variety of fun patterns.
This is what I have. It’s great. Mine is very old and looks the same now as it did when I got it years ago.
I have a black fit and fresh lunch tote with a gold zipper that matches my work bag which is also black with gold hardware. The lunch bag is insulated and keeps everything cold with an ice pack. It doesn’t have a shoulder strap, but it is fine to throw over my arm. I try to consolidate my bags because I feel like I am the bag lady lol. I have been thinking of getting a work tote with a built in lunch compartment, but haven’t yet.
Why are that many people even seeing your lunch box?
I bought this when pumping and still use it as a lunchbox on the rare occasions I bring lunch to work. Bought at Target and looks like a purse.
https://fit-fresh.com/collections/lunch-collection/products/copley-lunch-bag-black
It’s super pricey for what it is, but the Modern Picnic Large Luncher (which I own) is very cute and elegant.
I’m in a new nice closet and having an accessories condundrum. I own a lot of shoes that I haven’t worn much since covid but still use for various occasions and outfits (and some are seasonal). How many shoes and fashion boots do you all have? And how do you store, particularly the infrequent ones? And I’m having the same issues with purses, totes, and clutches. The ceilings and shelves are high (and I am short). Bins? Boxes? The purses are harder to deal with and chucking them in a suitcase just makes it harder to deal with in a step stool / short ladder. I’d love a boutique-y look, or at least something accessible, but on a budget.
um, a lot. The boots I store flat in underbed storage, which helps them not slouch from gravity. For high shelves, I agree bulky items are inconvenient; I use linen boxes that I purchased like 20 years ago that were marketed for storing dishes.
I have hooks along a wall in my closet. I hang totes and bulky purses there. Smaller purses are lined up on a shelf like books.
Fancy heels live in shoe boxes at the top of my closet. I use a step stool on the rare occasion I need to grab them.
Tall boots are on the ground underneath the lower rack of my closet. It’s not the ideal spot but I don’t know where else to put them.
With the hooks, do you have issues with bags scuffing the wall or having color transfer? I was thinking of doing something with wallpaper (nothing precious, probably a remnant from Etsy or FB marketplace) just to make it more visually busy (but intentional).
For help with reaching items on higher shelves, look into Kik Step stools, which are the type used in libraries. They have small roller wheels so they’re easy to move around with your foot.
For what to keep, my rule of thumb is to keep what I wear and can reasonably store without cramming items or buying too many storage “solutions” since they mostly seem to add clutter. Put hooks everywhere they make sense. My only exceptions to not buying storage items was when I lived in a place with nearly nonexistent storage and had to create my own out of every nook and cranny.
I use shoe cubbies on the shelves of my closet and on the floor under shorter hanging clothing. My closet is not huge (old house) but I know I need to be able to see things to know I have them. So, no boxes, just open cubbies.
I have a million shoes and they live in a closed closet with shelves. Similar to this: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1130122100249111227/
I have another closed cabinet for handbags, with posts from which to hang them, similar to this: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/266979084147110957/ My clutches live in a drawer underneath.
And yes, I’m short and I keep a stepstool in my closet.
I pared down my shoes when I designed my closet, but I put the ones I rarely wear higher up and then arrange my more frequent pair toward the bottom. Boots are under the shelves with the boot shapers in them. And I have step stool from container store specifically for the closet.
Laterpost but I have a kik-step stool in my closet like an old library. Lower activation energy than a proper step stool makes it more likely I can store and access the higher closet shelves
This dress is gorgeous.
It is beautiful but 455 for viscose is outrageous
When is the point (in terms of liquid investments) where people tend to have someone manage their investments for them vs doing it themselves? I am wondering if we may be at a point where some of the things we know about personal finance and investing don’t necessarily apply as much anymore.
Not counting retirement assets or your personal residence/s, likely several million. So not me.
My parents have $10M+ and still self-manage, in index funds mostly. I’m not sure you need an advisor at seven or even eight figures, unless you have a complicated situation with stocks or properties or things.
I’m still self managing at $2m invested. I think the point is probably at least 5-10x away from me or if “investments” become things like real estate and businesses that require more active management. But you can go a very long way just using a 3-4 fund index strategy. What’s your current net worth?
We have ~$5M invested now, plus real estate which is another ~$1M or so. We are mid 30s, so on track to have a ridiculous amount of money as we get older, and on the verge of a big liquidity event in the next couple of years. Both of us feel like we’re very capable at personal finance and have done really well with managing our portfolios so far , but neither of us grew up with money and it does kind of feel like at some point (that may not be super far away) we should be thinking of our money differently as really rich people and I feel a little out of my depth.
In that case, start with reading Smart Money and The Millionaire next door. The big problem with outsourcing is picking the wrong person and not being able on exercise meaningful oversight. You might be a good mark for the wrong person and how will you be able to meaningfully pick between alternative advisors and investments offered?
This is helpful, thanks.
Yes – as an example of what “the wrong person” looks like — we tried to get a financial advisor years ago and a friend had a recommendation (she truly loves this guy and thinks they’re solid because of him). we paid $2500 and went through a 6-session “info” session where we definitely formed a bond with the guy. then he gave us his suggestions:
surprise, all annuities that he gets commission on. so now we just use him to do our backdoor Roth for my husband and that’s it.
I think you are at the point where taxes and insurance become more complicated. A fiduciary personal finance advisor can help with those. I don’t think you’re at the point where investments are already too large for you to manage, but depending on the size of the liquidity event, you might get there then. Do be aware that some financial advisors take a % of your investments as their fee, while others do a flat fee. And some have a minimum assets under control, which may be higher than you currently are at for some advisors.
Is big liquidity event a stock package? If so, meet with a tax advisor to develop a tax strategy.
I think it matters more what the investments are than how much. As long as it’s mostly retirement accounts and a basic brokerage account with index funds, I don’t see any reason to need someone else, even with 5-10 million. But once you have a significant amount of money outside that and tax strategy becomes more complicated, then it becomes more understandable.
Agree with this. We are at about $19M and use a very low-maintenance asset allocation strategy that has served us well since we started the strategy at $4M. But our estate is uncomplicated (mortgage on our house, no other property) to keep our lives simpler. YMMV if you want to spend your money differently.
Can you share a bit more about your asset allocation in terms of risk tolerance? Like, at 19M are you at the point where you want to keep a big chunk in bonds, for example?
We’re about 65/35 stocks/bonds, both of us in our late 40s in good health, two elementary school aged kids. That’s a compromise — I tend to be a bit more conservative and would favor more in bonds, and my spouse would favor more in stocks.
ETA that our brokerage houses both have teams for HNW accounts, which gives us free access to yearly reviews with their estate planners and tax advisors. We take advantage of those reviews, but it’s pretty rare that it changes our overall strategy much. You could check with your broker to see if they offer similar services and if so at what investment level.
Girl, if those estate planners aren’t lawyers licensed in your state, I’d be wary. And I’d want a CFA being who is really looks at this. If you have all this $ but don’t understand how it work, I’d seriously treat managing your $ as your job and go back to school just to learn how this works. You need to know more before you pay someone to handle it for you and because getting free advice is likely to be cookie cutter — it may not be wrong, but it could likely be better tailored.
You have $19M and mortgage debt?
IDK — it could be on an 8M house? But you’re possibly throwing away $ — even if the mortgage is 2M on an 8M house, it’s not deductable (and your schedule A may be limited anyway). A bank dealing with HNW people may let you post collateral and do a loan that way (so if the security is investments, it may be better for you . . . IDK). You want a good tax person, ideally a HNW tax attorney who does estate and wealth planning. IMO the “financial advisors” are good sales people but not good math or numbers or strategy people.
That’s not necessarily bad? Like our mortgage is at 3%. We could pay it off in cash if we wanted but that money is doing better than 3% invested.
Yeah, if they’ve had the mortgage for a while, the rate is probably less than what they’re earning on their investments.
I think you also need to look at life holistically, like are you married, are you in a community property state, how are assets titled, what beneficiaries you’ve already designated, estate planning ALONG WITH income tax planning, how are your wills / trusts / POAs done, who are your likely heirs, do you have life insurance outside of work (key key key so key — at your age, look at 30 year fixed cost renewable term policies please before you get sick; I say this as a former HNW estate planner who has nothing to sell you on this point; also consider disability policies even though they are $$$ — it costs that for a very real and sad reason). And if you don’t understand any of this, you need to before you deal with anything with a financial advisor.
Treat your $ as a business worth that much. That you know nothing about. How can you just hire someone to manage it when it seems that you need to understand the fundamentals a bit more to provide good oversight and direction. If you were hiring a manager for a car dealership or a chain of McDonalds or a hotel, you’d interview people, kick the tires a bit, and understand as much as you could about what the day to day needed to look like. This is no different.
We have around $1M in retirement savings (mid/late 30s) and work with an investment manager. I work in finance and could certainly manage our investments myself, but I don’t have the time nor interest to do so. Yes, we could save in fees by doing it ourselves, but I view it as any other outsourced task that we’re paying to take it off our plate. My job has a very high expected earning potential so I’m not too worried about higher fees in the long run. Our portfolio of investments has consistently performed better than benchmarks so I’m happy. Just another perspective.
Same. Even after the fees, my portfolio is doing a lot better since I handed it over to my guy.
I am not understanding. What is there to DO on a 1M retirement savings, where you are just building income and trading and fees work against your long-term return? I do not get why there should be churn or even much in the way of active management. This seems to be exactly when a lot of active management can wreck your returns. And do you understand when your person is acting and why they are doing X vs Y (and when changes are made, why they weren’t made initially?). This seems off to me for the size of what you have and needing much touching of it.
Mine is significantly larger than $1M.
If it’s “significantly better,” do you know why that is? Was your mix too conservative? It is going better, but also beating how the market (generally or a segment is going)? Still better after factoring in fees and taxes (if in a taxable account, which this isn’t)? Or are you in proprietary investments that he gets you into that we can’t get as ordinary people (which is what I am really interested in, maybe, depending on what you get to see in terms of offering materials). It is so hard to KNOW (I feel like).
I am the poster above. Our manager follows a value investing strategy so is investing in individual stocks vs. just index funds. Value investing should outperform the market over the long run which is why we went with this group. I don’t closely track the individual stock movements in our portfolio – this is what we’re paying them for – but I do understand the strategy and monitor the returns.
Until recently (we liquidated to help pay for a large reno), we had money in taxable accounts so the manager also makes sure our investments in these accounts were as tax efficient as possible.
thanks for sharing – this response helped me a lot in getting an idea about what services are provided.
Honestly, I don’t think you should ever just let “someone” manage your investments. You can ask for advice, but it is almost never worth the fees.
I managed myself until I was close to 2M. I read Mr. Money Mustache initially (not my favorite now) and then moved to Bogleheads. Simple, index funds based. Low fees. No complicated portfolio. No frequent buying/selling. Choose your basic strategy (% stocks/bonds) based on your risk tolerance. Choose your funds (or ETFs) from a small tried and true bunch. Rebalance infrequently as needed.
When I had an inheritance that pushed me to a higher level (>5M) and I had additional tax questions – that is when I looked for more input. After doing some research on the Bogleheads forum, I chose a fee for service Certified Financial Planner that was highly recommended. One fee for a one time review of all of your portfolio, then they give you a detailed report of recommendations for your investments (using a simple index based approach), tax optimization, insurance/estate planning pointers and more. They don’t tell you to buy anything that gives them kickbacks and no ongoing fees. And now I can set up follow-up appointments again with him, as needed, for an hourly fee. Similar to lawyer fees. Not cheap but much much cheaper than hiring someone and paying them to “manage my portfolio” with a yearly % fee ongoing.
Because if you keep things simple, you don’t need someone managing and taking 10s of thousands of dollars of your money every year. And once you have a Bogleheads strategy that works for $100,000 – you learn it works for $1M – and 5M – and 100M. And boy it is a lot easier than managing rental investments properties.
Agree 100% with this approach. I’m the HNW poster above. We didn’t do the fiduciary CFP because my spouse has relevant education/experience, we share the same philosophies on spending/saving/investing, and our estate attorney kept things simple when we set up our wills and initial plan. But otherwise, this is pretty much our approach. Our portfolio has outperformed both the market and the active stock-picking that our in-laws’ investment manager recommended to them.
Has anyone tried Cariumas? Specifically the Toca model? I have slightly triangular feet that run a bit wide at the ball of one foot (prior broken bone that didn’t heal right), but B width generally. Thanks!
I tried and didn’t like. Don’t know which model it was. My feet are on the narrow side, but not narrow, lower arch and also triangular with wider toe box. Found it too unsupportive. By contrast, I do like Allbirds.
Help me figure out if I am overreacting. given a history of controlling behavior and intruding into private things I got a snap today from my h with a heart by my location. This creeps me out to know that he is looking at my location even though he knows I am at home getting ready for work. He has also saved a screenshot of my snapchat info a couple of times, which I can’t figure out why he would do that. I just can’t get past the creepy feeling today and I am having a hard time concentrating on work.
I feel like there is a lot more to this story than what you mentioned there. I don’t know how Snapchat works but my husband screenshotting or bookmarking my account wouldn’t stand out to me, in a vacuum. Also check out yesterday’s post on location sharing if you’re looking for a reason to stop it. Most of us don’t permanently share location with anyone.
Delete Snapchat and stop sharing your location and consider why you’re married to someone you are afraid of.
+1 to all three parts of this.
+2
None of that behavior seems the least bit odd in a vacuum, but your reaction says it’s time to go.
I mean, I’m embarrassed to say how many times a week I accidentally take screenshots on my phone because my hands just “slip”. I’m new to iPhone after being an Android user my whole life. Now, I’m not saying your husband isn’t a creepy stalker, but maybe he’s klutzy like me?
He took a screen shot. Hearted her location. And sent it to her.
You’re too old for Snapchat if you’re reading here, so get rid of it and you eliminate this issue.
OP here, this is the only way a group of our extended family communicates, so deleting is not an option. We have a group chat that everyone can add to.
It is an option to protect yourself from him.
I doubt that that feature requires you to share your location, so at least stop doing that if it bothers you.
Is he creepy in other ways? Like is this the tip of the iceberg?
OP here, just historically has tracked what apps I use, browsing history, questions about everyone I communicate with, has listened in on private conversations. I thought things were getting better, but this really stood out to me as a continuation of the same type of thing just different platforms.
This is bad enough that I hope you are not using a device he has ever had access to while discussing this question here.
THIS.
You might consider asking the mods or Kat to delete this post in its entirety.
oh girl this is so far beyond normal. I think you need to work on getting out safely – which probably includes getting yourself a burner phone that you keep at work and he doesn’t know about.
All of this. Good grief. Sometimes when you are in a really bad marriage, you don’t realize how far beyond the pale things have gotten. And I am here to tell you that things in your house are beyond the pale. DTMFA, but safely.
Wow this is really controlling. Echoing the chorus here.
“Just” is a crazy word to use before that list. Run.
Nope, not normal, not acceptable. DTMFA.
Please use a friend’s phone to call a domestic violence org and a good divorce attorney.
I have never once seen a man do this and not escalate to physical violence.
Time to get out.
I posted yesterday on the thread about location sharing – DH and I location share and frequently check to see where the other one is. This works well for our lives where we often are in different cities.
What you have described is not what we do and is not in any way normal or okay. Your husband is controlling you, jealous, and I project emotionally abusive. You get to talk to whomever you want to about whatever you want to without reporting it to your spouse if you don’t want to. Healthy spouses don’t check browser histories. There is no getting better for him or, if there is, it’s not for you to wait around.
Take the advice here and find a way to contact a DV organization in a way your husband cannot identify. You need to get out of this marriage and protect your physical safety.
You’re underreacting; I agree with others that it’s time to treat this like a safety issue. You’re having a hard time concentrating on work because this is more urgent.
Look up “Why Does He Do Thar?” by Lundy Bancroft. It’s free online.
You already know you need to get out of this relationship. Figure out how to do it safely, which is addressed in many responses here.
Wishing you the best and the strength to do this.
Hi there,
First, trust your instincts even if you don’t know exactly where they will take you.
Next, is there someone IRL that you can talk to? A friend, relative, someone at work, social activity, neighbor. Know that there are people out there that can provide advice or just listen while you are figuring things out.
Check out https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 800-799-SAFE if you want to talk to someone or https://ovc.ojp.gov/help-for-victims/overview
Fellow commenters, be gentle. It is easy to make judgements from the outside and tricky to see things from the inside of a relationship. If you are interested in learning more:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MXPQJ9G?ref=KC_GS_GB_US
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Cant-Just-Leave-Pathological/dp/1647468280#:~:text=Author%20Kristen%20Milstead%20provides%20readers,focuses%20on%20romantic%2Flove%20relationships.
If you want to help, make a donation to your local DV shelter – they are all dealing with reduced fed funding and many are at risk of closing without sustained funding.
That office shooting in NYC yesterday is really sitting in my mind today. I am on that block every time I’m in the city.
Same it’s right by my OB’s office. And the people dead are just like. Normal people doing a job who wanted to go home to their families.
I was wondering how he got up to a high floor and it hit me how and it is so sad. So, so sad.
How? I don’t follow. This is all very sad!
It seems like he killed the security officers who are usually in charge of that and you didn’t need to badge in to go up to a floor (or he just jumped on and wound up on the floor he was on).
Buildings like that generally have security and gates that you can’t just walk past to get to the elevator. He got past security by killing security.
Who was going to stop him?
My kids keep checking out Wilton-style animal cake pans from our library. What would you bake in these that’s not yet another boring chocolate or vanilla cake with buttercream frosting?
Do your kids have adventurous palates? I like coconut, lemon, and cherry cakes.
There’s potential for some really demented jello molds. I’d be leaning into the weird.
Yep, bring on the jello chaos!
Ice cream cakes
Banana bread or similar quick breads?
It is so cool that your library has these!
zucchini bread for those drowning in garden produce!
I think those are more about “how would you decorate this” than what goes in it. Can you teach them how to make fondant eyes and how to texture buttercream like fur?
I like less-sweet breakfast cakes, I’ve got a “cocoa ripple ring” you make in a Bundt pan that could probably be adapted for this kind of pan.
I’m in the market for a Rolex watch. I like the Cartier styles, but I want a Rolex for sentimental reasons. (My father, grandfather, and uncle collect them.) Anyone with recommendations for a Rolex they love? I’d like something small, sleek.
Any chance your dad or grandfather would pass down a watch and leave you to buy what you want?
All of their collections contain men’s watches that are too large for the style I am aiming to achieve. I will inherit the collections, but it is unlikely I’ll wear them. Or if I do, it’ll only be for certain occasions. I am looking for an everyday watch that is smaller in design.
I like the Datejust. Try them on to see what size you prefer.
Agree with this. Also, take a look at vintage Rolex. They changed the style quite a bit over the years.
I was in the same boat and got the Rolex for sentimental reasons. I hated wearing it and sold it and got the Cartier I wanted. I love it.
I’m way too stressed out this morning. I’m in higher ed, and budget cuts are hitting us hard. I had a staff member suddenly resign a few weeks ago, which is a whole other story. My superiors agree that we need to rehire, but it is now stuck in bureaucracy and not being approved by the higher levels. Last week, I had to submit a justification to keep the FTE and rehire. Honestly, I don’t know how hard my bosses are fighting for this, because there are so many dumpster fires right now at the state and the federal level. I have no relationship with the ultimate decider, who knows next to nothing about my department. Not only am I frustrated that I’m stuck in hiring limbo, but I’m feeling like anyone in my job class is very vulnerable right now. It’s not good when people are openly saying things like, “Well, guess I’ll keep showing up everyday until they tell me not to!”
Love the contrast of this post to the 19m net worth poster and Rolex searcher above.
LOL, true. Those are so far outside my realm of understanding that I barely had a response to them.
I know. What I wouldn’t give to trade lives. Like this OP, my job is also at risk thanks to DOGE. We’re constantly waiting for the guillotine.
Seriously.
solidarity! It’s a crazy double think oscillating between ‘let’s all just do our best and it’s business as usual’ and ‘please compile everyone’s salary and role-specific notice period, so we can figure out what it will cost to lay everyone off’.
Do you have any bra fit store recommendations? Either in the DC area or online? I have been unimpressed by Trousseau in the past and need more help than just using a bra that fits.
Have you tried Bravissimo’s virtual fitting? I was skeptical, but the recommendations they made actually did fit me well.
Not the Nordstrom at Pentagon City. They’ve been good in the past, but the last time I went, they told me I was a 36D. Which I presume was because the in-store sizes only go so far. I’m a 36G/H, so even by looking at me you should be able to tell that I’m not a D cup. YMMV.
Not DC but in Frederick MD there is A Perfect Fit- Bra Boutique and Fitting Salon.
Hi friends!
What shoes are we wearing with our casual wide leg pants and crops?
I have to get rid of my Dansko sandals. I have rolled my ankle too many times.
I’m down to sneakers (Hoka and All Birds Couriers) and two styles of Birkenstock – the Mayari and the Siena big buckle.
I think I’d like something cute and easy but with more of a supportive sneaker type sole. Sandals or slip on flats, but I personally don’t like a Vans style slip on.
What are you wearing these days?
Mules. Loving a bone white pair I had made for summer.
You had them made? Tell me more! My college bestie from Hong Kong used to have shoes made for her back home and that seemed like the fanciest thing in the world to rural US upbringing me! Full disclosure: she was/is very fancy.
My most comfortable and supportive sandals are from Ecco.
Vionic loafers and flip flops.
Looking for recommendations or feedback on compact vanity desk with flip top lighted (very important for my poor vision) mirror and hidden seat. It looks like a narrowish chest of drawers when closed up. I see a bunch on Wayfair, Amazon, and other retailers for under $200 but they look like they will be cheap. Not looking for an heirloom but also willing to go up to $400-500 for something sturdier.
OP here, if you search ”wrought studio compact vanity flip mirror” you can see examples of what I am looking at.
I’m also reasonably handy and love a good project so I’m open to semi-homemade solutions.
Are you open to storing a large makeup mirror in a drawer? Lighted portable mirrors are easier to find than a high-quality version of this type of thing. Then you could open your search to all sorts of small desks, etc.
Agree.
If I were a bit shorter I’d buy the Brimnes from Ikea + a separate light up mirror. But the flipped back mirror is like 2” too short for me. I’m 5’10” though, and the height was right for my 5’7” daughter.
I would look for a flip top vanity you like and add battery powered LEDs for lighting.
I don’t have one, but have seen them at Costco. The return policy at least would cover you if it ends up being terrible.
Where should we look to hire someone to move a trundle bed from the 2nd floor to the basement in our house? It’s too heavy/cumbersome for DH and I to do it ourselves.
Moving company
Handyman (who might come with an assistant)
Cleanout company (who are used to moving heavy furniture)
Local high school boys
taskrabbit
+1
Movers. They will come and move one piece of furniture mid-week, non-month end if you are flexible in timing. They are insured and either very, very busy or sometimes bored! Get them on a bored day and they are the best for the job.
Yup, they’ll fit it in between other jobs.
Local movers – you’ll probably get the best price if you ask them if there are any days they’ll be in your area anyway.
I would only recommend experienced movers. Do not hire high school boys for this.
The last time we had someone move a bed out of our 2nd floor they took a large chunk out of our plaster ceiling going down the stairs with cracks extending the length of the ceiling. An utter disaster that I still haven’t repaired.
Taskrabbit.
Check the U haul website for “moving help” where you can find movers who take on small jobs.
I have a similar color scheme snake print button front dress in silk, with knee high side slits. I love it
What brand? I really love this but the fabric gives me pause.
You might try TuckerNYC, they have similar silk dresses at about the same price point. I agree with the poster above — I love Reiss in general but viscose?!
Anyone want to weigh in on a gut check here? I live in a shared house, where each person has their own lease for their room, with shared kitchen, living room, backyard. Our landlord only owns a few properties & is laid back but generally reasonable. The lease is clear that smoking isn’t allowed inside; past housemates have occasionally smoked a joint outside (legal in my state), but there’s never been super frequent smoking.
New person moved in a few weeks ago & is a heavy smoker, and is definitely smoking in the house sometimes (heavy smell, which I know can also come from clothes; but I’m also finding half finished butts on the floor every day, and the smell doesn’t really move with her). Additionally, she’s smoking outside without an ashtray (visible ash every day on the patio furniture, butts all over the yard, including in the vegetable garden & in dry wood/grass). I talked to her about it once, she promised to stop smoking on premises entirely, but started up again within 24 hrs
With any other roommate issue, escalating to the landlord would be my last, last, last resort but I’m not willing to spend very long negotiating this – I either need it to stop entirely right away, or to look for another place. Is this something I owe her more warnings on before I talk with the landlord?
Nope. I would have gone to the landlord after finding the first butt. Some things are too serious to be tentative about.
I agree. But I also agree with Cat’s comment below – you will likely need to move.
Yeah, I am aware & mentally prepped for having to move. Several years ago, we had one previous “big problem” roommate, and the landlord was able to convince them to just leave at the end of the month, so that’s a possibility. But for my own peace of mind, I’ve mentally made peace with the idea that I might need to be the one to leave & I’m ok with that. (I have a good emergency cushion partly built of all the money I’ve saved living with roommates; and I decided that this is the kind of situation that cushion is for!)
Go ahead and tell the landlord, but it seems doubtful she’ll actually quit, so you should be thinking of this as a paper trail for breaking your own lease as much as you are wanting her to stop.
You owe her nothing. It’s a non smoking house, she’s stinking it up with carcinogens, and she’s littering in the yard. Take photos of the cigarette butts in the yard as evidence and escalate this to your landlord. You’re doing the landlord a favor- it’s a fire hazard and I’m sure they don’t want to pay to replace textiles ruined by her smoking
This. Reach out to LL asap with photos. If LL doesn’t take action right away, I’d give my 30 day notice.
No, that’s gross and can ruin the house. Escalate and hopefully she gets kicked out.
The landlord will want to know for his/her own interests, too. There’s a reason that people who smoke in hotel rooms are hit with a big cleaning bill: that stuff gets everywhere and is quite difficult to remove.
If a house has been smoked in, the nicotine and such gets on the walls, into the carpets, and into the duct work. It will smell bad for ages.
Tell your landlord because your landlord deserves to know.
Yes, tell the landlord immediately.
And butts dropped in random places inside the house?? That sounds like a fire hazard, in addition to the host of health issues associated with her habit.
Call the landlord today
+1 for telling the landlord immediately. I have been in your shoes.
I’d get your other tenants involved and collectively go to the LL.
Hopefully low stakes question that doesn’t mean I have anxiety issues.
On July 5, I ordered a pair of shorts from Spanx during a sale. By 7/15, they still hadn’t shipped and showed as pending carrier pickup so I contacted customer service. After a few emails with them, they expedited a pair to me which arrived last week.
Now the original pair just arrived. I don’t have to contact them and try to return them right? I can just keep them?
No, return them. I know it’s annoying to have a chore added to your plate but I would reach out, ask for free return shipping, and if they tell you to keep them at that time, great.
the better karma way is to message the store and let them know. Every time this has happened to me, they say oh thank you so much for telling us but feel free to keep them.
This has happened to me before, you can definitely keep them, they don’t care.
If you’re not busy, reach out and offer to return; if you are, don’t. They are almost certainly going to trash your return since it’s an intimate garment, so keeping them probably reduces the waste.
Link to support this point: https://www.bbcearth.com/news/your-brand-new-returns-end-up-in-landfill
And another: https://www.texintel.com/blog/clothing-returns-are-killing-us-did-you-know-that-most-returns-end-up-in-landfill
But WTH are you supposed to do if you’re a size that isn’t carried in most stores!!! (00P/30E here). It’s a no win situation.
I mean, I’m all for ordering things online!!! I just think this changes the moral calculation for whether you need to exert yourself to return them. You are more likely to use the good than the company is.
I would fly to another city twice a year if there were a place where I could try on all the clothes in my size and in my brands to not have to deal with shipping and returns. It is a fantasy I have in my head.
I say keep, unless they asked you to return the original when they sent the replacement.
I’d guess Spanx already was made whole by their shipping insurance, and it’s the shipping company who might actually be interested in learning what happened if anyone. I don’t think anyone wants them back though.
I once had two pairs of shoes in duplicate because of this. One order got lost in shipping so the store sent a replacement order. Several weeks later, the lost order showed up. The store said they already filed a claim with the shipping company so the shoes were of no use to them. They suggested I donate them, which I did…to my closet.
i would only feel obligated to do this when it’s a small business. enjoy the backup pair!