Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Scuba Dress
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
When I was first starting my career, I found a Calvin Klein dress at Macy’s that fit me perfectly, so I bought it in three colors.
I wore the heck out of those dresses in my junior associate years when I was still trying to figure out what on earth “business casual” meant in a white-shoe law firm. (And what it meant in 2010 is very different from what it means today!)
In any event, I still recommend Calvin Klein for building a work wardrobe on a budget, and this scuba crepe fit-and-flare is just begging for someone to buy it in all six colors. I really like the meadow green, but you can also grab black, navy, and gray basics.
The dress is $49.97 at Nordstrom Rack and comes in sizes 2-14.
Sales of note for 4/10:
- Nordstrom – End of Season Sale – Spring styles up to 50% off – lots of great deals from Natori, Boss, Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss, Spanx, True & Co., Hanky Panky, Commando, Tory Burch, Theory, Zella, CeCe, Eliza J, Halogen, Vince Camuto, and more.
- Ann Taylor – 30% off tops and sweaters, and (4/10 only) 25% off dresses, skirts and shoes
- Boden – 15% off new styles with code
- Brooklinen – 15% off sitewide, plus up to 50% off bundles
- Brooks Brothers – Friends & Family Event, 25% off sitewide. Lots of cute florals and stripes in the sale.
- Evereve – 1000+ items on sale, including lots from Alex Mill, Michael Stars, Sanctuary, Rails, Xirena, and Z-Supply
- Express – $40 off $120, $100 off $250
- J.Crew – Midseason sale: Extra 40% off sale styles, 200+ new styles just added!
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything
- Lands' End – 50% off full price styles and 60% off all clearance and sale – lots of ponte dresses come down under $25, and this packable raincoat in gingham is too cute
- Loft – All jeans $41, 40% off entire purchase
- Macy's – 25% off already reduced prices + 15% off beauty & fragrance
- M.M.LaFleur – Spring Sale Event – Buy More, save more! 10% off $250+, 15% off $500+, 20% off $750+, 25% off $1000+ (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off if you find any exclusions.)
- Sephora – Spring sale! 20% off for Rouge members starting today, and 30% off the Sephora Collection for everyone — if you're looking for a really muted everyday eyeshadow, I like both 106 and 301 here!
- Talbots – 40% off regular price tops + 30% off everything else
- TOCCIN – Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off!
- Vivrelle – Looking to own less stuff but still try trends? Use code CORPORETTE for a free month, and borrow high-end designer clothes and bags!
Hi, I posted yesterday about dog deterrents. It was interesting reading everyone’s input – thanks. I am contemplating getting a normal whistle and/or ultrasonic dog bark deterrent device. For those who own dogs, how do you think they would respond? Would the loud noise startle them enough to retreat? I don’t want to agitate them more.
Context is walking in my suburban neighborhood. Recently 2 dogs got loose and attacked a woman and her dog in front of the house. Animal control is aware but dogs are still there and are reported to be loose often. I walk by this house often and want to be prepared.
The whistle might serve to draw human attention to you. I doubt it would change the behavior of a dog coming at you.
I have zero faith that an ultrasonic bark deterrent device you carry would have any impact on them at a distance, and any repellent effect should they get close to you.
I wouldn’t walk by that house. A whistle won’t stop a dog who is going to attack you. A meal delivery driver got attacked by a dog yesterday and had to be airlifted to a trauma hospital.
Since you asked, I think the whistle and the ultrasonic dog bark deterrent device would both be totally useless. I do not think a loud noise would startle them enough to retreat, no.
Long time dog owner, dog lover, and holder of a scar from a dog incident while on a run.
You got some good advice for issues with single dogs. Obnoxious, large and dumb, but not malicious is what you’ll most often encounter. The alpha-b*tch-voice-of-God telling them to go home is pretty much always sufficient. This is the sort of voice that everyone within earshot knows you mean business. You may want to practice if you’re soft spoken or come from a particularly quiet household. The “but he’s frienddddlllly” type owners will think you’re overreacting, but you aren’t. They are idiots and you are drawing attention to their idiocy, so added bonus.
I don’t carry anything when I run, but if you do, make sure you get pepper spray and not bear spray. They work differently. Bear spray makes a fog/screen between you and the animal, while most other pepper sprays work in a stream. The latter is better in the situations you describe.
Where things get legit dangerous is if you encounter more than one dog. Pack behavior is real and it is scary. I am a savvy dog handler. One loose dog, I can handle. Two, and all bets are off. I have a dent in my leg from such an incident. Be loud, get people out of their houses, make all the ruckus. If a neighborhood resident hadn’t rolled up on his way home from work, I’m sure it would have been a lot worse. It was a few stitches, and rabies prophy when the person who had been keeping the dogs denied they were theirs and refused to work with the authorities. That was expensive and annoying but not painful. These were two hunting hounds, not the sort of bully breed most people immediately think of when they think of stray dog issues. That said, I still run, I still have dogs and I still love dogs. This was one incident in probably 10,000 miles over 25 years and has not colored how I feel about running, the outdoors or dogs.
Thanks for explaining the difference and that pepper spray is more helpful.
Also, I see that this is a known are with sketchy dogs. Reroute if at all possible.
My dad is an avid runner and also loves dogs. He has been actually attacked by a dog once in decades of running. He has encountered stray dogs many times, but only once did one bite him. But it bit a big chunk out of his arm, he needed serious antibiotics, and months long follow-up with the wound clinic. He has a big scar. He had to fight the dog off before the owner came and called the dog back.
In this scenario, I would avoid the area in question. If I couldn’t, I would walk with pepper spray and a hiking pole or walking stick, and be prepared to get loud. I would also make sure that those reports that the dogs are loose are reported to animal control, every single time, instead of being grumbled about in the neighborhood gossip channels. If there has been a record of an attack and a bite already, AC should be taking this seriously. If they aren’t, you and your neighbors should make noise until they do.
Dogs are not going to give a F about a whistle or ultrasonic bark deterrent in that scenario.
If you were a politician or similar public figure, what would your “uniform” be?
I saw an article about how Mamdani wears suits everywhere. Press conferences, sports games, meetings, everywhere. It looks professional for sure, but also he wears a pretty similar suit every day. I’m sure he has multiples of the same suits.
I don’t think that would quite work for a woman, but something like the solid colored pantsuits would.
I’d wear a single breasted navy suit with ankle length straight pants and sharp flats. With lovely blouses or loud t-shirts for civic pride.
To that end: where are you getting silk blouses with subtle patterns or detailing in 2026? I can’t do a collared shirt because I have a short neck.
Why wouldn’t that approach work for a woman? I used to work with a woman who had a pretty similar wardrobe.
Isn’t that essentially what Hillary Clinton and Angela Merkel did?
A plain black suit with different blouses (equivalent of different ties) would work.
Agree. Check out the NYC Police Commissioner – she looks very professional and no one spends any time dissecting her clothes.
She is a gem. NYC can never lose her.
Hard agree anon at 9:30am.
Jess Tisch is amazing. I think it speaks volumes that so many people spoke up during the transition for her to remain in role. We are so lucky to have her.
International women’s day had an interesting post about the women running NYC. I didn’t know women are running the MTA and PA.
I don’t know about her uniform, but I was very impressed with the manner and professionalism (and confidence) of Judge Maya Guerra Gamble in the Camp Mystic hearings this week. It was obviously very disturbing subject matter and the defense attorneys engaged in unprofessional and unethical behavior, but she was like a master class in handling it. Apparently she also presided over the Alex Jones infowars case. As I get older, the more I think your style of holding yourself and conducting yourself matters the most. But for all I know, she does have a uniform too!
The plaintiffs engaged in very unethical behavior too, ftr. They said it rained all day on July 3 when it literally didn’t rain at all. They were playing very very loose with the facts.
I agree about the judge, though.
The plaintiff’s lawyer was also very unethical – playing very very loose with the facts. He said directly it was raining all day on July 3 when it was literally not raining at all.
I wouldn’t call a characterization of weather “very unethical.” With all the testimony that came out during the hearing, it doesn’t matter any way because the facts speak for themselves. The camp management was a disaster waiting to happen. I am so sorry for these families.
Not a public figure but in professional settings a lot. I like low key dark solid color pant suits with interesting tops, totes and shoes.
Honestly, I’d prob do something similar. He’s probably always bouncing between things where a suit is needed (or pulled into them, even if it’s not on the schedule), so why not just always have that on for the day?
I think it also just looks good and respectable all the time. Makes him look like the mayor. It’s a good idea.
I’m a big fan of men conveying authority or professionalism by wearing suits to places they’re not entirely necessary. If I were a men’s sports team coach, I’d like to be one of those ones who wears a suit to the game and makes the players wear suits and ties for press conferences.
Agree! You’re the mayor, you’re the coach, you should show up like it. I love when sports coaches wear suits.
that makes sense to me. You might want to be casual for meeting kindergartners or attending a ball game, but then have to give an impromptu press conference on something serious. Suit all the time is just practical.
I think that it really depends on what women are trying to convey. We have much more leeway, which is a double edged sword.
Ideally, it would be some combination of shoring up any weaknesses while still being on-brand.
It’s interesting because this is in contrast to a lot of the fashion-related content I consume. I love reading about royal and election clothing choices for example. If I was a public figure, I would use fashion as part of my personality and to convey various things. Alas, I am not…but I do hold a number of leadership roles that have me in various places…and at the same have many clients who are located in rural areas. I tailor my outfits for what I am doing that day…so don’t see myself necessarily picking an “outfit” so much as a “style”.
Do you follow Elizabeth Holmes? I love her content and insights.
Elizabeth Holmes is not the professional vibe I’m going for
Isn’t she in prison right now??
If you’re talking about journalist Elizabeth Holmes, agree that her content isn’t typically professional attire. I was just commenting that I enjoy her insights in to the thought that goes in to what people wear, particularly royals and the “WAGs” to people of power. I get conflicted because I hate that these message are largely left to the women, but did enjoy hearing her line of questioning to Shapiro this week around his tie.
And if you’re talking about Other Elizabeth Homes, the felon, no. Def not the professional vibe I’m going for either.
I would probably go with colorful suiting/dresses in high end crepe – a lot like what Kamala wore on the campaign trail. My feet cannot do heels, so fancy flats (loafers/brogues/etc.) plus soft shirts. I am small, with a short neck, so tend to look better in softer suits (like what The Fold sells) vs. highly structured suits that folks like Queen Letitzia/Princess Kate wear.
Kamala had some good looks during her presidential run.
I liked a lot of Kamala’s clothing, but it really bothered me that her sleeves often looked too long for her, which then made her jackets look too big on her. I remember even trying to look up if there was a stylistic reason for it!!!
Can’t speak for the sleeves, but the overall bulk was in order to fit a vest under.
Yeah public figures have to remember to get fitted for wearing over a vest.
I always wondered why her blazers fit that way–I thought it detracted from the look, but also assumed she had better advice on styling than I did.
Kamala did a lot of columns of color. It didn’t look the same as Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits – I guess because the silhouettes were pretty different.
Sheath dress with a jewel toned blazer and 2.5 inch stacked heels. Every day.
A friend of mine came back from maternity leave and just bought 10 black and charcoal machine washable sheath dresses (she’s an attorney). She wore them for about 4 years pretty much every day and looked polished and together. She just… never thought about what to wear in the morning in the best way.
I’ve done this before (I was tired of decision making and MM La Fleur was heavily discounting dresses just like this). The dresses plus a blazer/cardigan and I was set for years.
I love this idea actually. For the other options I was thinking that I wouldn’t like to wear those every day but this would feel my style and still work.
We’re moving and need to buy a washer/dryer. They’ll be in a laundry room (yay!). I really hate how frontloaders get the musty smell and need to have the door left open, so I want a top loader. Any recommendations? Is the popular Speed Queen (not sure which model everyone loves?) the way to go? In addition to wanting the clothes to get clean, would love if the machine wasn’t too loud. The laundry room will be adjacent to the main living space.
Also, would appreciate recommendations for any known sale/coupon opportunities.
The usual advice near me is to check appliance stores and not just national chains, consider scratch & dent if you really want a good discount, and choose the dumbest tech you can find.
We have a bare-bones Speed Queen pair (top loader washer) that is probably 20+ years old with no problems. Heartily recommend.
Same, although I have to admit I acquired a purely mechanical set that I’m not sure they make any more.
This looks like the one we have- lol about the disclaimer that it is for commercial use only!
https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/TV2000WN.html?utm_
Can’t say enough good about our Speed Queen. They aren’t the quietest on the market – ours are in our upstairs hallway and we can hear them when we leave the doors to the closet open. I’ve bought them twice – once for our old house and again when we moved, so I’ve never had one more than 8 years, but in that time I’ve never had to call a repair tech.
I would strongly suggest a speed queen or buying a vintage top loader. My 1998 Kenmore came with my house, it’s been repaired once (cost $105). The lovely gentleman who fixed it told me to never get rid of it because it cleans better than new machines and is built like a tank. I do have a new speed queen dryer which I love, the dryer that came with my house was from the era of planned obsolescence.
I’ve bought two washing machines in the last couple years (sigh), and compared prices between the big boxes and the local appliance stores. They were almost always identical. The best times to buy are definitely the big holiday “weekends” which are more like three weeks around Memorial and Labor Day, maybe Black Friday too?
Also, make sure to measure your space carefully. Our decision was driven in part by which models could make it down the stairs to our basement.
I think the value add of the appliance stores is supposed to be not botching the installation (if you don’t have someone else doing that).
Yeah, we’ve tried both. Track record is the big box doing just fine on the two things we ordered from them (one of which we couldn’t get from the local store), and the local store doing a shoddy job on one of the two we got from them (and really badly screwing up one for a friend), so I’m not convinced it matters that much.
The way I see it, the local store is free to be either better or worse than the big box store. There’s a lot of room to be better, but plenty of room to be worse, same as for coffee shops or pharmacies or whatever else.
Agree that if you want longevity and minimal issues, go with the least computerized option possible regardless of noise level, color, style, or anything else.
My 30+ year old Whirlpool mechanical top loader is ugly AF but it is a workhorse that handles everything without issues. We have spent maybe $200 total in repair parts in the 20 years we have owned it. The matching dryer is also going strong, although we do have to spend a Saturday morning replacing the two dollar thermo-resister thing every year, the drum belt every 5 years, and the felt gasket once a decade. We would consider taking these with us should we ever move out of this house.
Counterpoint. I do not get the hate for modern front loaders at all. They really do a great job at not using too much water and are easy to access. Yes, I leave the door open to air out after use, but it’s just not a big deal and I’ve never had mold issues.
It’s a big deal if you don’t have the space to leave the door open! My closet door shuts a washer door for me. And some of us live off of wells in places where the issue is too much water, not lack thereof. It’s amazing how different people can have different needs.
+1 The mold thing is overblown. The one time i had odor issues, it was not mold but that the drain hose was too far down the standpipe. Solution: pull the drain hose up two inches until it’s above the water line.
When I smell mildew in somebody else’s house, it’s nearly always the front loading wash machine. I get that it doesn’t bother them, but it still bothers me.
I like to add something. And I feel that I dont trust the gasket in a way that a top loader lets me not monitor it for the inevitable leak.
Inefficient washers barely use any water. The difference between a HE washer and my vintage inefficient washer is the equivalent of one single hamburger a month. That’s how little water it is in the grand scheme of things. Water is what cleans your clothes, not worth weirdly skimping on.
If they meet your needs, that’s fine!
But they don’t always use enough water to get things really clean for me, the door hanging open is a big deal when I’m walking into it all the time, I don’t trust that they’ll live as long, and I have always been able to get all my laundry in and out of my top loader so far.
My laundry room is essentially a narrow hallway. An open washer door would block the hall, eventually resulting in injury to a person or dog traversing the hallway and damage to the door.
The handful of times I have used a front loader when traveling, my clothes have come out less than fresh. Seemed like there was not enough water to wash the soil out of them and even with only a miniscule amount of detergent, they felt filmy. I ended up handwashing in the sink in order to get them clean enough to wear before I went home.
Get the Speed Queen. We couldn’t get the bare bones model during the pandemic and needed something quickly so we got something mid-level. It is great. We love it with a passion I didn’t know was possible for a washing machine.
You won’t regret it.
What model?
Agree on this.
Bought a Speed Queen based on the recommendations from this board. Love it. It actually cleans clothes. Shakes the house when it is on the spin cycle but that does not bother me.
When I moved, I called up the local appliance store and asked for the washer my grandma would have had. They showed up with a basic white top-loader from Amana, along with its accompanying dryer. The set cost about $800. Works great, clothes get clean and dry, no fuss.
I love my Amana dishwasher. It’s so old and I know it can’t possibly last forever. I’m hoping if I get a new one it will be the same!
I really love the high efficiency top-loader option, which is hardly ever mentioned. I’ve had a Maytag and a Samsung, and they’ve both been good. The Samsung allows for some adjustment in water level if that’s a concern for you. And I LOVE being able to throw in a load in the morning and have the delayed start option on so that everything is getting finished up around the time I get home.
I have an HE top-loader and vastly prefer it to the HE front-loader we used to have. I don’t think they nearly last as long as a good old-fashioned Speed Queen with the agitator, though.
They don’t last as long, for sure, but if you want the shorter agitator, it’s a good option.
I bought a house that already had Speed Queens in them, and absolutely loved them while they worked, but unfortunately ours were the exception to the rule about longevity. I still really wanted a top loader but didn’t want a Speed Queen after that experience, so I went with a simple, knobby GE and it’s been totally solid.
At risk of reviving the cardigan wars, what’s a good topper for a dress like this? I think a blazer with a skirt that long and full just looks like a lot of fabric, at least on someone like me (small and easily overwhelmed). But a cardigan risks looking too …churchy?
Maybe I just don’t like dresses with skirts like that. (No topper is not an option for me.)
I’d do an interesting denim jacket. Last year denim lady jackets were out and those are great toppers when you want to be polished and casual.
Navy blazer, probably an open style (no collar or buttons)
A lady jacket that hits right at the waist, or any sort of cropped open jacket works well for this type of dress. I prefer A-line skirts/dresses and moto jackets, cropped open cardigans, and even denim jackets can all work well. The most important part are the proportions, so you need to try a few options on to make sure the topper hits at the right part of the waist.
Something cropped at your waist, whether a cardigan, blazer, or jacket.
Depends on the occasion. This is the type of dress I wear most often, and have done everything from a denim jacket to blazer to wrap to sweater.
There are lots of options, but how they work depends on shoes, fit, and the level of formality you’re going for.
Most formal, okay with some frump – traditional fine-knit cardigan and pumps or flats
Fairly formal, less frumpy – lady jacket and pumps or flats
Moderately formal, somewhat creative – Y2K-style shrunken cardigan and funkier shoes, like a heeled oxford, chunky loafer, or square-toed mary jane
There are probably ways to wear it with a chunky cardigan like the one from yesterday, a longer open cardigan, or an oversized blazer. But the shoes have to match the vibe of the topper.
Did we ever get an update from Church Jeans? She randomly popped into my head this morning and I just hope she is doing ok.
Friday question – what site/app do you use to check the weather? I feel like everything I use is absolutely inundated with ads, to the point it doesn’t function well. Do you pay for something?
Just the app on my phone. I agree, whenever I try to go to a webpage to check the weather, the ads are overwhelming and slow the page down to the point that it’s unusable.
Weather Underground in Brave browser.
+1
(Everything in Brave!)
My iPhone app.
Same.
I pay $20 for Carrot, because you can tweak the interface to look the most like Dark Sky (the weather app I LOVED and miss!). It pulls from a number of providers. Definitely worth paying to avoid ads, but there are cheaper ones that are also fine if you aren’t as picky about layout as I am (like Hello Weather).
If anyone has other suggestions for Dark Sky replacements, please let me know!!
yeah dark sky was great.
I google “weather [zip code]”
Same. It works a-ok with a city name as well.
weather underground, Adblock
I really like WTForecast. It has the basic information, it’s easy to navigate, it’s free, and the ads are generally a small banner and not at the level of those in The Weather Channel app. However, it is irreverent. It makes me smile every time I open the app, but if you’re bothered by cursing then it’s probably not for you!
If you want in-depth analysis and tracking, there is a group of meteorologists that is located near me that offers subscription services. It’s BAM Weather. They have service models for businesses, etc. that require weather tracking and analysis but there’s also a level for personal use. It’s maybe $100 per year? They’re very thorough. I have followed them since they were starting up and providing local weather info on Facebook, but it’s now an established business with some high-profile clients. Who knew weather consulting was a business model?!
If you already have a smart watch, there’s usually a weather option in settings.
Weather Underground on my computer with adblock and the iphone app where there are minimal ads that don’t interfere with use.
The native iphone weather app, or my local news station’s weather page.
I just google weather and zip code.
Forecast . Weather . Gov
Add zip code. It’s where all other weather sites get their forecasts
A direct report is getting married. I am thinking through the ways to celebrate her which can be easily carried over to a male getting married, which will come up in the next year.
I’m not American so I don’t know the typical norms.
My workplace does showers for whichever half of the couple it is. A few weeks prior to the wedding day.
Same here. It’s nice!
Same.
This was ages ago but a white shoe financial services firm I worked at in the early aughts gave everyone an extra week of vacation and a gift card when they got married, it was lovely. The women would typically also get a lunchtime shower, paid for by the firm, with either a gift card or small items. The men would often get a happy hour paid for by their team.
For pretty much all big events, we just collect at a single point and then do a gift card (if they’re registered just to there) for that amount in a card signed by all of us. In office, we do just cake and coffee/similar. If we know alcohol is okay, it’s common for the boss to give a bottle of decent champagne along with the gift card/card combo. Low key, allows people to give whatever works for them with minimal pressure, allows for rounded amounts.
This is what we do at my office too.
I don’t think there’s a specific norm for this- it varies widely, and nothing but smiles and congratulations is fine. But I think a low-key shower (cake and punch, minimal decor, and a gift card from the team) is a really nice gesture that works for either sex.
My old firm had an assistant have a card that people could sign, and collect money. The money would be used to buy something off the registry. It was the same process when someone had a baby, except there was also an afternoon shower with dessert/treats. The process was the same regardless of gender.
I just give a generous gift off their registry and wish them well, and remind them to take the time off they need, and not to do any work while they are out (and make space for that to happen). In our workplace, the associates all have a group chat and organize activities with each other; I believe they also do some kind of celebration/gift giving for weddings and babies, but the partners are not involved. I think they are probably quite happy to not have their boss attend. Personally I do not think you need to organize an event or celebration unless that is really part of your workplace culture. Not everyone wants to be celebrated in this way, and you set a precedent. I learned this recently when my team grew, and suddenly we were taking the whole team out for lunch for birthdays on a regular basis. Now we have a smaller tradition of buying flowers and a card.
In my experience, the “shower” had been carried over to men for babies but not for weddings. If I ran the zoo, I’d buy everyone lunch and present the person getting married with a gift card. I’m not a shy person but I really hated opening gifts at my office shower.
Maybe it would be different at a tiny company or for a man but an office shower sounds mortifying. I don’t want my colleagues celebrating my bride era or drawing extra attention to a pregnancy. Give them an extra PTO day or set out a cake in the lunch room.
they really aren’t that bad. Usually an hour at lunch.
-Company orders catered something (variety of sandwiches, salads, sides, dessert nibbles)
-The person opens a card from the department and a few physical gifts (as most opt to contribute towards a gift card to a registry store as opposed to buying their own thing)
-The end
I thought it would be mortifying to have one, but it’s my office culture and it ended up being fine. We have them often enough that it’s a nice chance for people to catch up and eat cake, it’s not all focused on the honoree.
I think the norms are specific to your firm rather than to America overall.
My office does not formally do anything for weddings, although if colleagues hear about an upcoming or recent event they will congratulate the employee. Individual managers probably give a card and something off the gift registry, and if there is a friendly group of peers they often do a celebratory shower or lunch on their own.
oh yeah, I commented above about the showers, but to the OP, I’d suggest checking with your peers (fellow managers) about what is typically done for weddings. If no other managers throw formal showers and then you start…. that would be a mismatch.
My point about the showers was more that whatever a workplace does, it’s usually the same for a bride or groom. That could be a shower, could be the manager just quietly buys a nice gift off the registry, could be a corporate gift (like a gift card), etc.
My team pooled and bought something off my honeymoon trip registry. It was very nice of them.
I’d get my direct report a really nice bottle of champagne (like beyond a Veuve) and possibly two champagne flutes to go with it and a handwritten, heartfelt card.
I work in finance fwiw. Office culture isn’t too gift-y (lots of dudes), but this is what I’d do for any direct report or colleague I’m close with.
I’d skip the in-office shower. That would be a little cringe in my workplace. I could see the admins wanting to throw a shower-ish lunch for a bride colleague, but not a groom.
Any bass players in here (like the wooden instrument, not the one you plug in in a rock band)? I played violin as a kid, but would have chosen the bass (based on watching one Police video for me; overruled by parents with subcompact car). I was thinking of trying it now that I’m adult, but looking at the logistics of it, maybe my parents were right and I should stick to violin (which I still have).
I played violin briefly, classical guitar more robustly, and would love to dabble in bass at some point. Could you rent one to try it out? Music schools near me have student quality ones available.
My husband found a vintage 3/4 sized bass on Reverb. It’s big, but not crazy. And it has a wheel that can go on the pin so when he takes it places (in a gig bag) he’s rolling it, not carrying it.
Here for job-seeking advice on 2 levels: 1. Getting almost any job, to pay money now – what would you do and how? Where is hiring? Are there still temp agencies to walk into and get a substitute-receptionist type job? And 2. How to get back into a similar low-6-figure mid-manager consulting career? I am doing the usual on LinkedIn – what works, how to put myself out there? I am getting to a few final rounds but not many even initial screes. It’s hard out there, and here. Please be kind. Thank you.
Similar circumstances. Yes, there are temp agencies for secretarial work. I had a good experience working with a temp agency, but I ultimately wasn’t chosen for the two jobs near my house.
Does your state offer unemployment that’s worth anything? The Deep South states only offer like $200/wk, so you’re better off working, but some blue states can be very generous.
Everything I’ve read said hiring is coming into a slow down. I’m planning on my job search (mid-high 100s, willing to go back down to 100, in a niche field) to take 9 months.
I also had to make the painful decision to let one of my credit cards go to collections. There just isn’t enough money to go around. I called for a payment adjustment and they wouldn’t, so…
Good luck. All the sympathy in the world.
You make mid-high 100s and let a credit card go to collections?
Made, dear, made. Now I make $400/wk on unemployment, as local part-time jobs couldn’t guarantee me more hours than that and, as discussed, I haven’t been hired for full-time, temp jobs. Please go ahead and tell me how YOU would live on $1,600/month, plus some money from family.
Stop with the judgement. Obviously it wasn’t an ideal choice, so circumstances probably made the decision for her. It happens.
I’d personally look at Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, something that will offer benefits plus work. Temp secretary work sounds awful. Or look into being a server or bartender so you have days open to interview.
Depends on the person. I enjoy this kind of work, and would prefer it over Trader Joes.
For 1: substitute teaching, camp counselor, babysitting or nannying, bartending, cater waitering, event staffing for concerts/festivals/etc.
Almost any job: how do you feel about working with kids? All the school districts near me are hiring always, in the $20-30 range for roles like bus driver, aides, etc.
Similar: Home health care & personal care aides also in great demand, in home and in institutions. These entry level roles don’t require a medical/nursing degree, maybe just a CPR certificate.
Substitute teach from now until the end of the school year. Local rec departments are probably currently still hiring summer supervisors for temp summer staff. Sell stuff you own and don’t need on poshmark/ebay/fb marketplace/mecari.
Re: getting back to your former career level – am mostly posting in solidarity. FWIW, I was laid off last year and *just* got an offer – for a more junior role (originally posted at 2-4 years experience, reports to a first time manager, and a 30% pay cut from my last role in a higher COL city).
So here’s a data point for you: no one in my “real world” is going to know this. They are only going to hear the positive gloss “Starting a new job, doing exciting thing!”. So if there’s any internal shame or “why is everyone else doing so much better…” in your mind, remember that you are most likely not seeing a realistic picture of other people’s careers
The second point – while the job market is still pretty rough, it does seem like it’s opening up a little. For me, from April ’25 – Nov, I got literally zero interviews. In the last few months, I’ve had about 10 first round interviews, of which 2 led to offers. That is out of 100s of apps, so not a great conversion rate, but anything is better than 0%!
Hugs and strength to you! You’re going to figure this out.
I’ve realized that although my work wardrobe functions well and I have everything I “need,” it also has become quite boring. In other words, I’ve gone too hard on basics and have neglected to add “personality” pieces. Curious about how others balance this. I’m not one to add personality with lots of accessories; it’s just not my jam. My office is on the dressy side of business casual.
I gravitate towards basic clothing pieces in cool neutral colors. I have a forest green Kaai Pyramid bag to add personality. You can also add personality with more colorful shoes. For big meetings where I want to project more seniority I like an interestingly cut structured dress a la The Fold, but not in a crazy color.
I read an interesting article recently about how fashion in generally is swinging this direction–we all went so hard on the basics and all the social media trends that suddenly we all look the same! Now there is desire for originality. Personally I have been seeking to buy only interesting pieces, such as a unique blouse or pants tailored uniquely. Then I am trying to fit them in with my existing clothes so that every day I am wearing an “outfit” rather than just clothes.
That sounds like a good approach! It sorta happened without me realizing it. For awhile, post-Covid, I needed to rebuild my wardrobe because my size changed. So I went for lots of versatile mix-and-match basics. And it worked, and I look put together! But I can’t say that it’s sparking much joy, if that makes sense.
For the last two years, I have focused on buying more interesting blouses, often with prints but sometimes other detailing. And I’ve upped my price range for these items. I am finding that if I have about 7 interesting tops that I genuinely like, I do not feel the need to constantly shop, which I did feel before.
Ugh, I think you are right. I need to spend the extra money on a few pieces that I truly love and look forward to wearing, rather than trying to get the best price on everything.
I still like scarves and brooches and statement necklaces or quirky earrings. Smaller and more versatile. with the occasional “statement” or noticeable blouse or lady jacket. I don’t wear all of it every day of course, but most days I feel like I fit in well and I’m wearing something that I like that maybe represents me somehow.
I think wearing basics in an on trend color is a good way to do this without too much trouble. Like, for example, a butter yellow sweater or blazer this spring. I also usually look at nordstrom or bloomingdales and what they are showing as trends for the season and if i like any of them i lean in a little with some not too expensive (like a johnny collar sweater or mary janes or whatever)
I’m still sending good thoughts to the woman who was trying to get her mother in to the doctor/hospital for memory and personality changes a couple weeks ago. These situations can be so hard! Please send us an update if you would like.
Posting again about my friends’ 50th!
Another idea popped into my mind yesterday: They are travelling to New Zealand over the summer break. I will check with her what’s the planned itinerary, but for the birthday gift, now thinking of:
– Coffee table book of New Zealand photography. It doesn’t have to be a touristy photo book, but maybe some landscapes would be cool, or maybe something portraying native culture, as she’s very well travelled, has lived on various continents, and I think she’d like that. Could be one photographer or several different ones.
Before I go on a Google hunt, does anyone from this wise hive have any recs?
– Since they redid their patio, I could get some cute string lights, maybe the paper balloon type, or the tiny LED’s that twinkle.
I’m envisioning her sitting on her patio under the twinkling lights enjoying her photo book while sipping some champagne and eating fancy cheese.
Yes to the book no to the patio lights – those are a project and you don’t give people a project. They’re also personal and you’d be amazed at how specific they can be to your actual space. For the book, look at Assouline, they make gorgeous coffee table books. I would also broaden from her upcoming trip, who knows if she’ll like the place.
What’s your budget? For a NZ trip I would want to ship home allllll the wine bought from the local vineyards directly, but no idea how much that typically costs from NZ as opposed to France & Italy, which is generally reasonable enough that you still come out ahead vs. buying imports from a local retailer at home.
Does rosacea have flares? My skin is scarlet. It’s been for several weeks. It doesn’t itch, but it more like a sunburn. Same sunscreen as last year. Allergies are making me miserable but I take Claritin and get allergy shots. What is up with me?
Rosacea can flare. But so can lupus. See a doctor!
Yes, flares definitely happen. I have rosacea and have noticed that seasonal changes can really trigger mine. The up-and-down temperatures of spring are really hard on my skin. Not to mention allergies. My experience is that it does settle down when the weather is a little less volatile.
Yes, before I was diagnosed and treated, I would get sunburn-like skin flares. My cheeks were flaming hot and bright red, it was uncomfortable to mildly painful.
My derm put me on Metro gel and there was small improvement. They switched me to triple cream and my rosacea is basically nonexistent now. Once every few months I might see a hint of it come back; the triple cream knocks it right out. Night and day difference and I wish I had sought out a derm decades ago.
I’ve never heard of triple cream before. Is that a DIY concoction?
I’m googling and getting lots of delicious cheese.
not to be a dead horse but i would definitely want to wear a cardigan over this dress in an office :)
NOT TO BE A DEAD HORSE has me cracking up. I am sure it was a typo, but I am so tickled.
I think the typo actually works better than the original phrase given you, the poster, would in fact be the subject of the beating :)
Speaking of toppers that aren’t cardigans. I saw this in-store last weekend and it caught my eye immediately. I’m thinking it could be fun with either basic tees or dresses. But, the color is admittedly a lot of look. Thoughts?
https://liverpoolstyle.com/products/denim-jacket-8
This color unfortunately doesn’t work well with my face, but if it did I would wear the heck out of this
I would wear that every single day.
aw thank you that was me. unfortunately all of the tests were normal, but her cognitive tests were generally ok also. (MoCA was 23 out of 30, but geriatician said under different circumstances she might answer differently. For clock she drew a stopwatch.) Official diagnosis was clinical depression and beginning dementia. We’re still hoping to get her for more bloodwork, but in the meantime have hope that starting Zoloft will help, as well as stopping Timolol eye drops. (Iron was OK but iron saturation was low. They didn’t culture urine b/c microscope said there was nothing there.)
Maybe consider B12 shots if iron saturation was low. Sometimes it’s a “can’t hurt, might help” kind of thing in beginning dementia (assuming kidneys are okay).
I hope something does help some and am sorry you’re all going through this. I hope the geriatrician continues to be a good resource.
Any button down shirt recommendations for someone with a larger bust? I haven’t worn one for years because they wouldn’t fit somewhere or the other, but I feel like its worth a try. I own casual linen button downs, but I wear those unbuttoned as a layer, not as a shirt.
Rochelle Behrens The Shirt has an extra button inside the placket the prevent bustal gappage. I have one and really like it. They sell them at Nordstrom and Tuckernuck, among other places.
I’ve also been happy with the no-iron button front shirts from Chico’s-of-all-places.