ByKat Hours Updated
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Tuesday’s TPS Report: Cardigan 12 Ans

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Agnes B. Cardigan 12 AnsI'm not usually a fan of a high crewneck, but the tiny blue dots on this classic snap cardigan from Agnès B. is making me reconsider that. It looks simple but chic, and I like the adjustable side tabs. Génial! It's $225. Agnès B. Cardigan 12 Ans Psst: Ooh, a matching cotton shell if you want, for $135. Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-0)

Sales of note for 12.13

  • Nordstrom – Beauty deals on skincare including Charlotte Tilbury, Living Proof, Dyson, Shark Pro, and gift sets!
  • Ann Taylor – 50% off everything, including new arrivals (order via standard shipping for 12/23 expected delivery)
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 400+ styles starting at $19
  • J.Crew – Up to 60% off almost everything + free shipping (12/13 only)
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything and free shipping, no minimum
  • Macy's – $30 off every $150 beauty purchase on top brands
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
  • Talbots – 50% off entire purchase, and free shipping on $99+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

177 Comments

  1. Just received my first post clerkship job offer at a firm, can anyone give me a list of questions to ask the hiring partner before accepting? If I accept, this will be my first “real” job other than clerking, so I want to make sure I’m asking the right questions. If it matters, it’s a firm with approximately 100 attorneys in the northeast. If this has already been addressed, I apologize. Thanks in advance!

    1. In my opinion, not many. What’s the pay, what’s the starting date. Have you had a chance to meet with any associates? If not, I might ask to do so, but honestly unless you’re weighing competing offers, only ask questions that would make you not take the job.

      1. Assuming that you want this job and are not weighing competing offers (which was the situation I was in when I was offered my post-clerkship position) , then I agree with Anne. Not sure whether you have received only a verbal offer or an offer package yet, but it is likely that your offer package will include details about salary and benefits such as health care. If you need to relocate, you may be able to ask the recruiting contact about recommended neighborhoods. Definitely find out what your class year will be and, if they know, what practice group you will be in. Congrats!

    2. We just did interviews for a vacancy here, and one of the questions that one candidate asked was, “what do I need to do to be successful with this position, and how do you measure success?”

      You could ask about what a “typical” day would look like for you, and what an atypical day might be too. Ask about growth potential, and how the firm supports your career development. Ask where they see this position in 5 years. Is it always going to be an entry level position, and you will have to move up, or will the position grow with you?

      I think Anne’s comment about not asking something that isn’t a dealbreaker is a good idea, but you can tease out some of that even with broad questions such as what I suggested. Example: if they came back and said, “we measure success by the number of cases you win and the hours that you spend on the job.” If this isn’t something you’re looking for, or something you’re not willing to commit, then you can take it into consideration. I’m not a lawyer, so I have no idea how a firm would measure success, so please don’t take my naivete as a slight at lawyers that all they want is winning and long hours…

      1. Also: you are a first year (or maybe a second-year). They measure success at your stage differently than when you’re pitching in front of clients and first-chairing cases. If you do have questions, you can take your offer and use it as an excuse to have a lunch with some of your future colleagues (so you want to go with 3-5th year associates or maybe a very junior partner) to get some real color on the job as you decide. I don’t think that anyone expects you to decide on the spot, but if you have homework to do, don’t do it with the hiring partner.

    3. I’m assuming you’re getting hired into a litigation group. Maybe you know this already, but is it for a subgroup (appellate or white collar or general civil or people who usually do regulatory-type litigation) or a particular partner (awesome partner or crazy screaming partner)?

      Many random questions (when am I eligible for the 401K, do you offer parking, etc.) can be taken up with HR and are probably in a package of stuff they’ll send you (read, then ask). Maybe the big things are: which class year are you getting slotted into and how do bonuses work based on your particular start date.

      The other big thing is conflicts: how does this affect the tail end of your clerkship and your work in front of your judge once you start working for the firm.

    4. -Are you getting credit in for your clerkship year, both in terms of salary level and partnership class?

      -It is pretty standard in big firms to get a clerkship bonus. Does the firm offer one? Do you want to negotiate for one?

  2. I posted 3 weeks ago about medical stress leave. I have obtained another position and resigned. I gave 4 weeks notice and have served 1 (and a bit) of those 4 weeks. Handing in my resignation worsened what was already a toxic work environment. My physical and psychological symptoms are ramping up and I am requiring increasinly more medical intervention in order to come to work each day. I am considering shortening my notice, but know that it is extremely unprofessional to resign without notice and don’t want this to harm my reputation.

    1. Are you a professional, in the traditional sense, with an ethical duty to your clients independent of your employer? If not, I’d send an email this morning that since you will be able to transition your work by Friday, that will be your last day.

    2. +1 to this, only because 2 weeks is the usual and you’ve already done most of that already. If you can wrap everything up by Friday, kiss this place goodbye and take the next two weeks to get yourself better before starting your new job in a better environment!

    3. I am a junior lawyer and have notional carriage of files although I am not the lawyer of record for any files. It’s not possible to “wrap up” my files as they are in ongoing litigation. It does not appear that the firm is making any plan for the transition of those files, and I have been told to stop asking about it.

      1. It is entirely possible to wrap up your involvement with these files. Write a memo to the partner on the case, cc the file, and explain shortly and succinctly 1.) the background of the case, 2) any knowledge you have that is not elsewhere in the file, and 3) all deadlines in the case. For anything that needs to be filed in the next 2 weeks, prepare a draft and send it to the partner.

        Done.

        If you have appeared in any matter, file a notice that you are withdrawing your appearance. Lawyers quit on 2 weeks notice all the time- you can do this!! Nearly there!!!

        1. Agreed. When I left my firm last year, they stuck their heads in the sand and didn’t want to talk about transition. I just cleared my office as much as I could, sent all my records to the files, and gave my secretary a list of who to call on any matters that might come up after my absence.

          And yes, GTFO and take your last two weeks as rest to get yourself refreshed for your new job.

        2. This. Write “transition memos” to the files. If you were doing research on an issue, write a summary of what you’ve found so far. If you were negotiating, write a summary of what number each party is. Then leave!

      2. This maybe the one time where sh*t flows up hill. This is the firm’s problem.

      3. Can you put together some notes for the lawyer of record and stop worrying about it? Sure, some things may get messed up, but that’s not your problem anymore. You could also talk to your employer and say that you’ve been asked to start earlier than anticipated, and transition out this week or next.

    4. GET OUT. WHY ARE YOU OKAY WITH WORSENING YOUR HEALTH???? ACTUALLY, REVISE THAT TO GTFO OF THERE!

      1. Godzilla rawrs the truth. Spend the rest of the week putting together your notes, and then leave. Your health is more important than trying to transition your workload in a work environment that clearly couldn’t care less.

    5. Your bosses have probably noticed your health and how it impacts your work. Staying longer, when you’re not at your best, serves no purpose. Leave earlier after putting together some transition memos and take care of yourself. If you’re up to it, volunteer to help out by email or phone after you leave. Good luck!

      1. Nope. Do not volunteer to help out your old job for free with no malpractice insurance because they’ve been so abusive you need to get out quickly.

        1. Answering simple questions, like where is file X, would not expose OP to malpractice.

          1. True, but it’s a quick slide from “Where are those dep abstracts” to “Is there a reason we took X’s dep but not Y’s” to “Where do we go from here on this file.” Make a clean break and take a nice two week nap.

          2. She doesn’t need to have any contact with them at all. Working for free for a hostile former employer is a stupid idea and no one should do it. If they can’t find something in the file, they will have to look harder.

          3. I agree with Anne Shirley. What would they do if she got hit by a bus tomorrow? They’d figure it out w/o her. So they can figure it out w/o her after she leaves.

        2. I’m with Anne Shirley. Write your transition memos and leave. Do not answer any more questions.

          Plus there could be confidentiality concerns – if you are not longer the party’s attorney and not with the firm, the attorneys should not be discussing the case with you.

      2. 100x agree with Anne Shirley.

        Once you leave, don’t let these employers, who clearly don’t care about your health, which was breaking down right before their eyes, and who aren’t going to magically start caring once you leave, rope you into working for free for them after you’re gone. If they don’t want to pay attention and read your transition memos, it’s on them.

        I am not a lawyer, but I have a black belt in setting and maintaining boundaries. And I am calling for you to karate chop whatever feelings of obligations you have for this employer once you write those transition memos and GTFO the door of this place.

        1. I so badly need a black belt in boundaries. I have an inappropriately strong sense of obligation. I know I am paying a high price so that my employer can have 4 more weeks of “normal” and only start figuring out the transition on the first day I’m not there.

  3. I have a telephone interview coming up for a graduate job at a Big 4 firm, and I’m freaking out a little bit. I’m definitely qualified for this, really want it, and they’ve been very straightforward and helpful in the application process so far, but… eeep! Nerves!

    Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice for me? Any moral support would be hugely appreciated. I’m working at a little startup right now and just want to get out of here so badly.

    1. Deep breaths. If you weren’t a good candidate for this job, they wouldn’t be interviewing you! Stress and nervousness, while natural, will not help you get the job.

      Advice: do your homework WRT interview prep. Make sure you speak slowly and clearly, since you do not have the benefit of eye contact/body language with a phone interview. At all costs, see if you can conduct the interview on a landline instead of a cell phone (cell phone isn’t a dealbreaker, but landlines are obviously more reliable). Relax, because you can hear tension in a phone call.

      I know it’s hard to do this when you want a job SO BADLY, but try to look at this interview as mutual. You’re seeing if they’re a good fit in the same way they’re considering you! Good luck and let us know how it goes. When is the interview?

      1. As a note- if I am reading this correctly, you are currently a student of some type. I know at my colleges they would set you up in a conference room or empty office with a land line specifically for situations like this. If you would like to be in a quiet, distraction free environment, I highly suggest contacting your Career Services office to ask if this is an option.

        1. I’m actually no longer a student – it’s a “graduate” job, but I graduated in 2011. They don’t have any problem with people who are a bit older applying, and I’m hoping that my work experience will help. I really think it will. I’ve done fantastic things here. But I want to get into a bigger place so, so much!

          But I’m thinking that I’ll ask my husband’s aunt if I can do the interview on her landline (as ours is currently on the fritz.) If that works, it should be pretty much silent.

          1. I’m not in accounting, but, based on my experience in law firms, my guess is that the Big 4 firms are very hierarchical such that a straight-from-school 2011 grad would be much more senior than you when you start. When discussing your work experience, make sure you don’t make it sound like you’d have trouble being the most junior person on the team – especially if the person supervising you is likely to have less work experience.

          2. Yeah, I’m definitely expecting that to happen. Someone who came into this role straight out of uni in 2011 will be just about qualified and moving up now, whereas I’ll be right at the start, studying and doing scut work. But that’s okay with me! I have no illusions on that front and don’t mind at all.

            Can I ask what HMRC stands for? Because of course I assume Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs! :)

      3. ANP, I’ve been trying to reply to you pretty much since you posted, and it keeps saying I’m posting too fast. Argh! Let’s hope this one works…

        I’m kind of bouncing between “super-confident” and “ball of nerves”. I need to just do my research and find a happy medium, I guess. Very good point on the landline. Ours is not currently working, so I was going to do it on a cell phone, but to be honest the service at home isn’t very good. Luckily my husband’s aunt lives across the street (we get along really well, thank god) and is happy for me to use her landline for it.

        The interview is next Wednesday. I’m spending a lot of time before then brushing up on current events and putting together interview answers. It’s going to be fine… it’s going to be fine…

    4. Yay! This is a beautiful Cardican, Kat! I want one for ME even if the manageing partner say’s no, but I think its’ OK for reimburesement. I will show ROSA b/c she will look so cute in this one also!

      As for the OP, do not worry about the interview. You will do FINE! When I was interviewing in college, I had one of these, and it is actueally easier b/c the guy will NOT be abel to stare at you, so you will have less to be concerned about. At some interview’s guys will stare at my boobie’s and I find that VERY annoyeing, to say the least. They need to look at your eye’s, but they dont or if they do, their eye’s drift down to our boobie’s and when we leave, they stare at our tuchuses. I realy do NOT know what their probelem’s are, but I do NOT think stareing at our boobie’s and tuchuses will solve them! FOOEY!

      Mom and I will be heading out shoppeing soon, so everyone have a great day! I might not be abel to post this afternoon b/c I am going to Target too, just in case they do not have the $16 necklace up in Harlem when I get back to NYC. YAY!!!!!!

    5. You don’t have to wear a suit, but make sure you are fairly put together. Studies show that you are more inclined to mentally tend toward what you are currently wearing, e.g., wearing a lab coat can actually make you smarter.

      Smile and do all the same types of motions you’d do in actual conversation, it will help to liven up your voice.

    6. When I’ve done phone interviews in the past, I use the fact that they can’t see me to my advantage. While you are prepping, write out bullet-pointed cheat sheets on what you want to get across, the highlights of your experience, etc. You’re probably going to get asked to tell them about yourself, why you want this job, when have you been successful, when have you failed, i.e. the basic interview stuff. Write or type (and practice!) answers to those kinds of questions and keep the notes in front of you.
      Also, when they ask a question, take a deep breath before you answer. Check your notes (quietly), and dive in!
      Best of luck!

  4. Hive wisdom needed!

    I am a lawyer on a work trip for depositions. It was originally going to be 2 half days, scheduled over two days in case one ran long. I only packed two deposition-worthy outfits. However, things are progressing slowly and it now looks like we may need to add a day. Do I go out and buy a new suit for the third day?

    Additional considerations:
    – I can theoretically mix and match what I brought, but the re-wearing would be quite noticeable because while not statement pieces, they are a step up from basics (e.g., textured blazer).
    – I could actually use a new suit, due to some recent weight fluctuation.
    – The opposing attorney dressed nicely but did not wear a suit – she wore a wrap dress and cardigan. I do have a cardigan and an extra top such that buying a pair of pants or a skirt would get me to a full outfit. Counterpoint: I am at least twenty years younger and far more junior than this attorney, and I think a suit lends me a little more authority both with her and my clients (and for my own confidence!).

    What should I do?

    2. I’d re-wear your first suit, unless you really really want a new one. Wear it with a new shirt.

    3. I honestly don’t think the rewearing is a problem considering you’re travelling. I would make sure you wore a different top and probably a different bottom but I don’t think re-wearing a blazer is cause for concern.

      Personally, I would not go shopping for a new suit because I find when I’m looking for something under pressure, it’s never perfect and I always slightly regret it. Shop for a new suit when you have time and patience to get it right!

      2. Counterpoint–I’ve shopped under pressure–brought a non-tested heel to moot court in foreign country, left suit skirts at hostel, went last minute shopping before job interview–and some of my favorite/best finds were from these situations. I did not replace the skirt and simply rewore my suit dress multiple days but did end up with my favorite “court shoes” from LK Bennet while looking for replacement skirt, and bought great skirt suit and silk shells. I found that mid-week shopping with a mission had me trying on and considering things I might not normally have considered, which then led to discovery.

        tl;dr: you can/should rewear if you want to, but shopping if you have the time might not hurt either!

    4. Wear the shirt and cardigan with pants or a skirt you already wore. No one is likely to notice and if they did they certainly wouldn’t care. As to suit v. no suit, I think cardigan and blouse is fine. Last week at a depo I saw lots of polo-type shirts, a pair of jeans and a denim jacket (on the attorneys).

      1. I agree with this. I have also noticed attorneys get a little more comfortable/casual as the deposition progresses into multiple days. So for the first day the men would be in suit, tie and jacket the entire session, but by the last day, jacket was off, sleeves were rolled up, etc.

    5. If you have time, I would breeze through a few stores and if there is a well-fitting suit for a suitable (ha..) price, I would get it. But I would not be married to the idea and wearing day one suit would be fine as well.

    6. If you need a new suit anyway and have time to go get one, I don’t see the harm in doing that. Otherwise, just re-wear what you already wore. If the depo was originally scheduled for 2 days, it’s totally understandable that you wouldn’t have packed extra. I’m skeptical that anyone would notice anyway – they probably have more important things they’re thinking about.

    7. I always find that when you are “rushed” into buying a new staple, many times you end up having buyer’s remorse. Better to mix your existing suit with a new top, as others suggested. Good luck!

      -Natalie
      ourstylefiles.com

      1. Hi Natalie – Gentle suggestion but if you link your name to your site, you don’t really need to sign your posts with it. Historically there’s been a bit of a hubbub about the double promotion.

  5. Has anyone successfully had The Skirt taken in at the waist? I have lost some weight recently and it is too loose on me. I did buy it full price at Nordstrom but that was 6 months ago so I assume I can’t use their in-house tailoring services. I don’t know if the construction of the skirt allows for it to be easily modified by a tailor. Any experience with this?

    1. Do you have the new one with the waistband or the old one without? The one without the waistband should not be too difficult for a tailor to take in. The one with is a bit trickier, but a good tailor could still do it.

      1. Also thought I’d add: You’re looking at probably ~$30-40 charge either way, which is about how much the skirts cost on sale, so might not be worth it.

      2. If you have a skirt without a waist band, and it just has seams & darts, if you are handy at all with a needle & thread, you should be able to do some minor tailoring yourself. I wouldn’t trust myself to do more than taking in by an inch, but if it’s less than that, you can usually make it work pretty well by just altering the existing darts.

        Speaking of alterations, I have now successfully changed the character of several shirts. The one I am wearing today was clearly meant for someone with a longer torso, because it just hits at the wrong spot. It was just a straight-cut knit/drapey top. Softly gathered at the neckline, so it is just barely swingy. I threaded elastic through the bottom of the hem so that it is now more like a bubble-top. Totally fixes it for me. I’ve now done this with several, but so far this one is the biggest success. Super easy, and I thought about it as I was trying it on. The print is gorgeous, so I didn’t want to pass it up.

      3. I think it’s the new one – it’s the black skirt with a crinkle textured panel that was featured here a while back. You make a good point about the cost of tailoring. I usually wait for their sales but was in a situation where I needed a black skirt urgently and so I paid full price. I’ll take it to a local tailor and see if they can do it for cheaper.

    2. You can always use their tailoring service but keep in mind that an alteration like that is not free, but probably cheaper than elsewhere. I’ve had them alter clothing that I’ve worn but always make sure that it is freshly laundered.

    3. I took several to a tailor recently … the ones without the waistband. Cost of altering it to fit a size down was $45. Given that I had paid less than that for the skirts in the first place I didn’t get them done, but he told me that it was possible.

      1. i never really understand this logic. if it is an item you like and will wear, why does it matter if the alterations cost as much or more than the item?

        its one thing if you could just buy the next size down for the same cost as alterations and it would fit perfectly, but i find that is rarely the case.

      2. I think I’m Just Me’s point was that it may make more sense to just buy a smaller size than to go to the trouble of altering it. Clearly, if she’d still have to alter the smaller size, it wouldn’t make sense.

    4. Yes, most of the time you can get it taken in, but most tailors recommend not taking things in more than 1-2 inches. Are you in NYC? If so, I have a couple of great, reasonably priced tailors to which I send my clients.

      Natalie
      ourstylefiles.com

      1. Not in NYC despite my moniker. Based on tailoring costs posted here I think I should just buy a new skirt. Thanks everyone

      2. I’ve recently moved in NYC and I’m in dire need of a tailor recommendation. Lots of work pencil skirts to take in :)

        1. I like Wagner tailor on fulton street. They are reasonably quick and cheap. The tailor is in the back of a strange divey tourist shop.

    5. Is it just me or does it seem that the online offerings of The Skirt have all but disappeared. I know it is available in cotton. But it was the fabric content of the skirt that I love and all I can find is a black skirt. If it is only available in black and not available in stores I would absolutely have it altered.

      1. It’s true, I looked the other day as well. I think they may release some new colors around the time of the anniversary sale, at least they did last year.

  6. I like the buttons on the featured cardigan but wonder whether they would prevent the sweater from being worn open.

  7. All,

    I have an interview coming up (which I’m SUPER excited about). I’m a second year corporate associate at a regional law firm who is interviewing for a real estate transactional position at a larger, global firm. The reason I applied for the job is that I was sought out by a current associate. The new firm is much more prestigious, pays more, and gives me the opportunity to work on more complex deals. I am just not sure how to answer the “why us” and “why are you thinking about real estate” question. I know that drafting and acquisition skills are transferrable (especially so early in my career), but I know they will be wondering why I want to start over in a new field of law. Has anyone ever made a similar transition? How did you handle it?

    1. I’m in a very similar place in my career, and am looking to make a similar (not quite identical) move. I think “more complex deals” is a good answer. Is there anything about the firm’s reputation you can cite as a reason to go there? Even if you’ve heard one person say one good thing about the firm, I would say you’ve heard they’re respected because X.

      I do corporate and real estate transactional work, and I like real estate because I get to see the things I work on, and I like the feeling of contributing to something tangible (my city). Real estate and corporate work can also be complimentary, so you could talk about wanting to expand your skills into related fields, or broaden your practice, or something like that.

      1. Perfect. This was tremendously helpful! Good luck with your similar career move.

  8. Must be interview day, what with the thread topics…

    It’s gray and rainy here today. Threat of flooding through Wednesday.

    It is a good day to wear gray: today is black danskos, gray cords, a gray/black/yellow mosaic print top & a black cardi.

    What are you wearing today?

    1. Are you in DC? You described our weather perfectly. I’m wearing a pencil skirt, because I hate getting my pants wet, a sweater, and Hunter wellies. And no, I have absolutely no plans to change the wellies for heels today.

      1. I’m wearing almost the same thing. My Hunters are next to my desk while I work barefoot.

      2. If I had wellies, I’d wear them too. Not in DC, but we’re getting all of the craziness that is coming up from eastern TN yesterday/last night. It looks like it may clear out some today, but our forecast says flooding potential through Wednesday.

        Funny you mention hating getting your pants wet–I drove past a girl walking this morning in a skirt (short shorts?), trench & rubber flip-flops. It was a wee bit chilly for me to want to do that, but I’m guessing her theory is, if it’s going to rain on my commute, I may as well get wet and not care. Seems logical to me–bring a pair of pants & flats, and call it good!

        FLA panhandle looks like it is getting jacked up.

      3. Same weather. Ugh. I’m wearing PJs, for all intents and purposes: black skinny cords, black riding boots, oversized purple sweater, giant snuggly paisley scarf. I don’t usually get near the outer limits of my office’s casual dress code, but today…I needed to.

    3. All black topped by a camel cardigan and coordinating necklace. I had a big work event yesterday so I’m taking advantage of business casual today.

    4. It’s nasty weather here today and with my foot bandaged (but not broken after all!) I’m in jeans, a nice top, cardigan, and gray Adidas. I’m sure people will comment on the sneakers all day because I never wear them but I was limited in what would fit on my foot and wouldn’t hurt it. and no flipflops because I need to protect my toe!

    5. Navy skirt suit, grape 3/4 sweater, metallic ballet flats. I was planning on another outfit and then remembered I had a big meeting this afternoon.

    6. Grey suit, black patterned tights, booties and a comfy t-shirt. I am so done with tights, but it is still too cold to go bare-legged.

    7. Black and white print wrap dress. I have yet to change out of the comfy flats I walked into work with, as my leg muscles are still reminding me of the long run I did on Sunday…

    8. Grey pinstripe pants, white top with ruffles around the neckline, wedges, and a yellow cardigan. It’s sunny in South Florida! (Feel free to hate me lol)

      1. This is very similar to what I’m wearing, except my shirt is plain, and my cardigan has ruffles all around the neck & hem (curved hemline, doesn’t close).

    9. Watercolor print pencil skirt in shades of blue and green, navy longsleeve tee with white stripes, navy blazer, green patent pumps with navy and white striped heels, white bag, giant pearl pendant. It’s supposed to hit the 90s today!

    10. Another area with gray, dreary weather…

      Khaki slacks, black cotton modal t-shirt, and leopard-print cardigan from Lands End. With brown leather boots since I am running back and forth between buildings in the rain all day.

  9. Hi ladies, threadjack please! My husband and I are going to Europe next month. He’s going to bring a backpack to carry around items, and I want to get one too, but is there such a thing as a stylish/cute backpack?! I’d prefer a backpack over a shoulder bag in order to distribute the weight evenly on both shoulders as we’re walking around and sightseeing. Any suggestions for a cute backpack would be appreciated, thank you!

      1. I hadn’t heard of that brand before and just checked out their site. Love the city, post and survey styles! I wasn’t in the market for a backpack, but now I really want one.

    2. A backpack is going to make you look like a tourist, and put you at greater risk for pickpockets. If you insist on having one, make sure nothing valuable is in there, and in particular in the outside pouches. I had a messenger bag and I didn’t find it bothered my shoulders. You could rotate shoulders you sling it over to give the other one a break.

      1. I am a complete tourist! I have a shoulder bag for work and it absolutely kills my shoulders. They are f***ed up. I plan to store mostly clothes in the backpack (so I can change depending on where we are going, so I don’t have to go back to our apartment in between).

        Thanks for the other tips though.

      2. +1 I never use backpacks when travelling, unless I’m going on a hike. They are pickpocketing targets, and you will also be taking them off/on all the time (as opposed to a shoulder bag where you can still wear it while sitting).

        Is there a reason you actually need a backpack? When I walk around cities, I usually can just get away with large pockets to hold: credit card, passport, cash, map, phone/camera. If I really need to bring a guide book, I might have a shoulder bag, but obviously this isn’t exactly heavy.

        1. I can’t do a shoulder bag for long periods of time. My right shoulder is really effed up.

          I want to bring clothes so I can change for various things that we’re doing throughout the day and night without going back to our apartment.

          1. It’s a vacation, not a fashion show. Beyond a cardigan/scarf/jacket, you shouldn’t need to change clothes. If you’re going to a super fancy evening event, go back to the apartment. Do you change throughout the day like this at home. Bizarre, unnecessary, heavy, and pointless. Because no matter how cute and appropriate the outfit, once you put on a back pack you’ve ruined it.

          2. Haha Anonymous, I will pray for you to have a better day today b/c it certainly sounds like something is up your butt!

          3. Um ok? If you want to look cute, don’t wear a back pack in Europe. Jeans/top/scarf or cotton dress/jacket/scarf are perfectly appropriate for day and evening in all but very fancy places in Europe, and either will be much better than any outfit + backpack.

            If you’re concerned about weight, I like longchamp type nylon bags- easy to squeeze a purchase into and the bags themselves aren’t heavy. They make a backpack but it pretty much screams rob me.

          4. Goodness. I agree with Anonymous. If you don’t want people’s honest opinions, don’t ask for advice. No need for the playground insults.

          5. Honestly though, it’s people like you that give corporette a bad rep. You can give opinions without being a complete tool. Do you see how Bonnie politely gave her opinion and offered an alternative suggestion without saying something condescending to me or judgmental? That’s the route to go if you actually care about giving advice.

          6. Oh I see, mature and catty insults are much better than playground insults because they’re somehow dressed up? I asked for an opinion on backpacks that weren’t your typical jansport style backpacks. I didn’t ask for anything other than that.

          7. Honestly though, Anonymous, it’s people like you that give this site a bad rep. You can give opinions without being a complete tool. Do you see how Bonnie politely gave her opinion and offered an alternative suggestion without saying something condescending to me or judgmental? That’s the route to go if you actually care about giving advice.

          8. I don’t think anybody insulted you by saying a backpack is going to make you a target for pickpocketers and it’s probably unnecessary to change throughout the day. If anything, people are trying to help.

          9. Orangerie, so you would agree that it’s trying to help in a respectful and helpful way by saying “It’s a vacation, not a fashion show” and “Bizarre, unnecessary, heavy, and pointless”? You think that’s along the same lines of saying “I agree that a backpack will make you a target and would recommend a crossbody bag like this instead”?

          10. @Orangerie- yup. Trying to help. Didn’t realize I had to coat any advice in barbe de papa to get it to go down easily.

          11. I’m saying I think you’re getting unnecessarily offended. I agree that carrying around a change of clothes is probably unnecessary/pointless unless you have to go to a cocktail event, and definitely heavy.

          12. Orangerie, thank you for letting me know when I should and shouldn’t be offended. Very much appreciated.

          14. I agree with cc. If you’re offended, ok, but I think there may have been a bit of an overreaction.

          15. Not going to weigh in on the to be offended/to not be offended thing, but Anon S, I’ll join the chorus encouraging you to reconsider bringing multiple changes of clothing for the day. If you want to, cool. You do you. But I’ve traveled in Europe a ton, both with chilled-out friends and my fancier-minded family, and can’t imagine any situation where Anonymous at 11:00’s outfit suggestions wouldn’t get you through a full day, with the exception of a dressier evening event (and even then, would you want your formal-wear to get smooshed and creased in your backpack? I wouldn’t). Whether or not you have a backpack, it’s going to be heavy, awkward, and IMO not worth it, unless you have some type of special itinerary where you’re going museum -> meeting with a diplomat -> cathedral -> business-related thing -> drinks with friends -> the opera -> the club.

            Also, in my experience, one of the greatest joys of traveling with a dude you’re sleeping with is the ability to put all the crap that you don’t feel like carrying yourself in his backpack. YMMV.

          16. “Also, in my experience, one of the greatest joys of traveling with a dude you’re sleeping with is the ability to put all the crap that you don’t feel like carrying yourself in his backpack. YMMV.”

            So much this.

          17. Even Kate Middleton managed to get through most days in their recent Australia/New Zealand tour without a change of clothes (or a simple swap of heels to flats or a different top, occasionally). Considering that she has worldwide media scrutinizing the appropriateness as well as the appearance of every outfit, if she can do it, so can you. I guess if you’re planning on doing very active things (hiking or biking or something) at one point and then touristy/sight seeing at another, you might need a complete change of clothes but otherwise? You’re fine in jeans, a nice top and cardigan/scarf or a comfy dress and cardigan/scarf like other people have said.

        1. That isn’t bad looking. Do you own that one personally? Is it super heavy or light? Thanks bonnie.

          1. I have the slightly smaller model (the Auburn) and use it whenever I travel. It’s very light and the wide strap makes it comfortable. The bag is also made from a tough nylon that is hard to cut and has multiple pockets to keep valuables safe.

          2. I own an older version of this bag in black, and prior to my current REI purse (the Tranquility Bag by REI), I did love it a lot. It’s light–made of ballistic nylon, lots of pockets, with a highly-adjustable strap. You can wear it hip-slung on either shoulder, or when you’re walking a lot/in a crowded area, you can cinch it up and wear it closer to the small of your back, or under your arm. I always feel awkward carrying a purse on one shoulder, I think I have really slopey shoulders, so I always use a crossbody. I typically wear the bag on the left/strap on the right shoulder, but I switch occasionally.

            If I were you, I would opt for a bag similar to this, rather than a backpack. You may find that it is more indispensable once you return from your vacation too (makes a great on-the-go diaper bag when you don’t want to carry the whole shebang)

        2. +1 on this bag. I own it in red and it is light, less than a pound. I like the cross body because I am always aware of where my bag is and can wear it while sitting down in crowded cafes.

      4. God, I almost hesitate to jump into the fray here, but I travel abroad while in the shipboard in the Navy. In that case, you real have almost no opportunity to go back to the ship to change and restrictions on what you can and can’t wear traversing the brow of the ship, and you’ve been wearing the same uniform for weeks on end, the thrill of wearing real clothes and shoes without steel toes in palpable.

        Anyway, I understand the desire to comfortably bring along a change of clothes. I also appreciate the concerns that a backpack makes you a target for pickpockets and it will make you stand out as a tourist.

        In my experience, the best bet is to carefully consider outfits, layer, scarf, and if you must bring a big[ger] bag, consider an nylon shoulder bag (like the le pliage).

        Enjoy your travels!

      5. I have a convertible backpack from eBags that also has a shoulder strap and is a regular “carry by the handle” suitcase too. It just looks like a normal soft-sided bag when not used as a backpack. I got a nice royal blue color. It’s very highly rated on the eBags site and it’s their own in-house brand. I’ll post a link if I have time. Very lightweight and versatile.

      1. But yeah, a backpack is not the smartest place to keep your wallet & other valuables.

    4. As someone who was pickpocketed in Europe, I can tell you that traveling with no money and no ID is a nightmare. Backpacks are never, ever, never ever recommended for your valuables or traveling can fit your passport in too.

      papers. If you really want to wear a backpack, get a money belt…they’re not uncomfortable and you When I travel, I like to have a purse big enough for water, tour book, small souvenirs (think postcards), phone, and a sweater or wrap scarf. It’s generally not a heavy bag. I usually like a shoulder bag or a very small crossbody purse (that I wear on the front). And I do wear a money belt if I am traveling alone.

      1. Hmmm…that post came out garbled! What I meant to say was:

        As someone who was pickpocketed in Europe, I can tell you that traveling with no money and no ID is a nightmare. Backpacks are never, ever, never ever recommended for your valuables or traveling papers.

        If you really want to wear a backpack, get a money belt…they’re not uncomfortable and you can fit your passport in too.

        When I travel, I like to have a purse big enough for water, tour book, small souvenirs (think postcards), phone, and a sweater or wrap scarf or raincoat/umbrella. It’s generally not a heavy bag. I usually like a shoulder bag or a very small crossbody purse (that I wear on the front). And I do wear a money belt if I am traveling alone.

        1. I have used a back pack around Europe and a little common sense goes a long way. I didn’t have anything important in the pack and carried what I wanted through the day that way. Money and documents were in my pockets or an inconspicuous money belt. I hate carrying purses (leave them everywhere – so I never do) and didn’t want a shoulder bag. Mr. Fiona and I like to travel light and we don’t often spend more than a few days in a city. A backpack makes the most sense for convenience and ease.

          1. Sounds a bit like me. If I’m on my own I use a backpack as it can carry more and is easier on the shoulders. I bought a ‘smarter’ one with suede areas thats actually made for carrying camera equipment. I just use common sense when out and about – swivel it under my arm in crowded situatons and keep papers etc in a moneybelt.

            I work on the basis that my colouring and lack of ‘local’ clothes marks me out as a tourist before I open my mouth. I don’t have the colouring of a Spaniard/Frenchperson etc etc and I dress in what I like – so I could never pass myself off as anything other than a tourist so I don’t even try. I’ve never worked out why people don’t like to be known as tourists. Usually the slowly wondering around with a map and a camera gives me away…

      2. Whether or not you decide to use a backpack, +1 on the money belt for money and valuables like your passport. I bought the Rick Steves lightweight silk version and wore it all over Southeast Asia on my last trip and loved it.

        1. Any advice on a store where you can purchase a money belt? I am going on a trip and don’t have time to buy one online. Already checked Target and that was a fail. TIA!

    6. When I was in Europe last summer, I used a nylon marc by marc jacobs cross body bag (on sale on gilt, it’s ~100-150) and LOVED it. It was light, bright and colorful and a little more chic, but still fit my scarf and water bottle and sunscreen.

    7. I would caution you that depending on what you’re doing and seeing, mostly in museums, etc, you may be asked to take off your backpack and carry it around. It would probably be easier to streamline what you need to carry around.

      1. In some museums/sights, the backpack may not be allowed at all. I was just in Paris, Rome, Venice, and Florence last year, and quite a few of the major tourist sites did not allow bags larger than a purse. Some, not all, of these places offered a place to check your bag (for a fee and it required leaving the long line you just waited in and going to a separate bag check line, then getting back in the entrance line).

    8. When I went to the South of France last fall, my partner and I had a backpack and used it on a daily basis. I actually bought it at the AAA store when we went to pick up our international licenses. It was very sleek and the shoulder straps had good padding – don’t recall the name brand, but I suggest AAA as a starting point. (Just to note, it was great for carrying around – bathing suits (I know, seriously, who changes to go swimming at home? totally bizarre and unnecessary), picnic lunches, extra layers, bandaids, sunscreen, water bottles, etc. Another advantage – I could trade off carrying everything with my partner who would not have been too psyched about carrying one of my cute totes!)

    9. You didn’t say how much you want to spend, but I have a marc jacobs backpack that has held up unbelievably well and looks really low profile. I have bad feet, and so I’ll often pack an extra pair of insoles to rotate with my orthotics or a different pair of shoes if I’m doing something involving a ton of walking for the day. I can usually fit shoes, water bottle, cardigan, and makeup bag easily.

      Here’s a link to similar.
      http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-preppy-nylon-backpack/3194752?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=1556&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_4_A

      They often have them on sale at the Off 5th bricks and mortar stores.

      I also really like the backpacks MZ Wallace is doing right now. I have a few purses from the brand and they’ve held up really, really well–so I suspect that might be even better. If you’re comfortable with Ebay, you can often find them at a really great price. They look like they can even hold more.

    10. Can I say that as someone who lives in Europe and uses a backpack a lot (sadly, overloading purses has taken its toll on my back) – it would really depend on a) where you are traveling and b) which type of backpack you are using.

      In most cases, unless you overload the backpack, or have a really big one, you would probably blend in enough.

      And as long as you avoid putting money and passport in the outer pockets, or leave it unattended at some point, a backpack is really not that much riskier for pickpockets than a purse.

  10. I believe a poster or two around here was going to meet up with a career advisor? Any updates on how that went and whether it was useful?

    2. That may have been me – I posted a few weeks ago. I think it’s been incredibly useful so far. She gave me some really good pointers on my resume and some new formats to try. She also has a pretty wide network and has already put me in touch with people she knows for informational interviews and such. Essentially what I needed was a kick in the pants and a strategy for networking that was more evolved than “show up to stuff and talk to people”, and that’s exactly what she’s helping me with.

      She’s also helped me realize that it’s actually my current job that’s the crazy one, not me, which was one thing I was a bit worried about. And she confirmed that I’m correct in that I’m severely underpaid for my experience and abilities, which is validating. Overall, the service is a bit dear, but it’s not so dear that I can’t say it’s not a good investment in my future.

    3. Any recommendations for one for the bay area? or maybe one that can do coaching through a computer/phone so you don’t have to be in the same city?

      Thanks!

  11. Do you all ever replace the buttons on your suits with new ones? I have an inexpensive Calvin Klein suit that has logos on the buttons, which I don’t particularly like, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the bother.

    1. It is so easy to replace buttons. I don’t usually do it on suits, but I do it for coats all the time. Get thee to Michael’s or JoAnn or wherever, and pick out so better ones and some thread that won’t detract from the buttons or the suit. You can probably replace all of them in less than an hour.

    2. If you are replacing them yourself, I say go for it. Depending on the button you choose, your cost would likely be $5-10 including the needle and thread. And if you are hesitant, there are great tutorials on youtube!

    3. If you like the suit, do it! Its extremely easy to buy new buttons and probably the simplest sewing task to replace them yourself.

    4. Just make sure the new buttons have the same diameter as the old ones, otherwise your buttonholes won’t work (too big, button won’t fit; too small, button won’t stay buttoned).

      Do the current buttons have a shank (meant to compensate for the depth of fabric when the garment is buttoned)? If the old ones have it, or there is a thread shank, take that into account when you buy/sew the new buttons.

    5. Yep. Actually did it on a Calvin Klein suit. I took a spare button from the suit and went to the button store with it so I could make sure I got the same size. Super easy and makes the suit look so much better. Your post is actually making me consider doing it on another blazer with bright shiny buttons I don’t like.

  12. Because we’re skewing professional today–what are y’alls thoughts on self-promotion on Linkedin? I work in government and as a staff attorney do not have the equivalent of a firm bio to present my credentials and notable matters. I’ve had a Linkedin profile for a while (predating said job) and have the basics (education, clerkship, past positions).

    Recently, a few matters I’ve worked on have gone public, and I’ve been name-checked in the accompanying press releases. I’m debating linking to them on my Linkedin profile. On one hand, I’m proud of my cases, like the idea of showing that I’m working on press-worthy matters, and want to keep a record of what I’m up to. On the other hand, it feels a tad braggy and I’m not actively in the job-hunting market.

    Thoughts? I guess I’m wondering how everyone feels when they see these sorts of things pop up on someone’s profile (good/bad/neutral). TIA.

      1. I agree this is what LinkedIn is for, but you may want to use caution if you are linked to current coworkers (or especially your HR). I think there is a way to turn off updates for your network? Because its mostly used for job-hunting, whenever I see someone has super overhauled their linkedin profile, especially if I get an email notice about it, my first thought is “so-and-so must be job hunting”.

        1. I don’t know, I think this depends on how active you are regularly. If it goes from radio silence to updates and new connections every day, I might think that person was job hunting, but if she’s regularly posting stuff related to her field & work I honestly don’t think it’s a big deal.

    3. Fellow gov’t attorney. I started doing this last year and I think it is part of the reason I got promoted. We do awesome work and we have to be our own PR machine because our elected officials sure won’t do it for us!

      1. I hadn’t thought about that…I’m in local gov’t too, and it has been said by elected officials that I work with, that I do good work, but the difference is that my work isn’t exactly press-worthy. It would be a stretch for someone to pick up my name and then google me for my profession, as my name just doesn’t get attached to much.

        I will have to think about this–I’ve never joined Linkedin, but it is something to consider, I suppose. I am trying to negotiate a raise, but my boss has a ton of stuff on her plate at the moment, so it’s been hard to get answers from her, when really, it’s HR and the manager who are in charge of the salary negotiations…I don’t know.

        1. I’d list projects you worked on – for example, “Completed land swap allowing local business to develop $5MM new industry while security City’s interest in right-of-way” or “Managed City’s role in four Superfund sites, including negotiations with EPA and Fish and Game on site closure.” These are huge things, even if we don’t get deal trophies for them like our private industry counterparts seem to have. Are you in the attorney’s office or somewhere else?

          Raises take FOREVER. I’m a department head and I have v. little discretion on these, it’s pretty much all up to the elects.

    4. I don’t know that I would even notice if someone added something like this to their profile but I probably would not think anything of it if it was job related. The only time I raised eyebrows at anything a person added to Linkedin was when I guy I know added a novel about his personal life with really weird non-relevent details.

      1. Agreed, actually, which is why I was thinking that Linkedin updating would be a good habit to develop when I am definitely not job hunting (literally just left on maternity leave). DH is in BigLaw and they are constantly tweaking their bios to reflect their matters/new areas of expertise or skills/etc. I realized it was silly for me to present such a static portrait of myself online, when my private-sector peers were continuing to update. Also, it has only been in the last month or so that I even had anything I could post; everything else I’ve worked on was non-public.

  13. This is your daily reminder that we have a ‘rette FitBit group now. If you’re interested in joining, email fivetomatoes at gmail dot com.

  14. Thanks everyone! Posts are up. And I’d probably raise a serious eyebrow about anything personal on Linkedin, too.

    1. Vent: If I am helping you in your job search process (because you are not getting interviews) and I suggest to you how to amend your resume and cover letter in order to increase your chances of getting an interview, then please follow my advice. It’s annoying to take the time to help you and have you ignore what I say!

      A professional acquaintance who I like wants to transition into my field. Her resume doesn’t show she’s got the traditional background for these kinds of jobs. So for one particular job I suggested she emphasize certain parts of her resume, and then in her cover letter put in the job functions that were listed in the job posting and little bullets about how she actually did have the experience to enable her to do the job functions. I’ve hired people and we usually get hundreds of applicants and something like that would show me in a quick way (because I only look at each application briefly) that they understood the job.

      Apparently she doesn’t want to do that because we’ve been through two drafts of her cover letter and in neither one has she done it.

      At this point I feel like rescinding my offer to help her.

      1. It’s frustrating and I’ve so been there, but I think you also have to keep in mind that she is probably getting advice from many different places and all of that advice isn’t likely to agree. I wouldn’t take it personally. Just because someone asks your advice and doesn’t end up taking it doesn’t mean it hasn’t been appreciated.

        Now what I find most infuriating is helping someone with overnight turnaround on no notice only to have them then sit with it for a week or more while they update…not that I’m bitter.

  15. I need to set up an HSA for my health insurance. Any advice on selecting an administrator, etc?

    1. No advice on setting one up independently, but my firm uses Chase as our HSA administrator and I generally have had no problems.

      If you have Aetna insurance, there’s a partnership between them and Chase HSA so you can set up auto-deductibles and never have to write a check. Unfortunately we switched from Aetna to Blue Shield CA this year, and things aren’t as seamless between BSCA and Chase.

  16. I (almost) love this sweater. Polka dots are one of my favorites, and the tin buttons look cool. But — the 3/4 sleeves are a turn off for me. They make my short arms look weirder, and if I’m going to wear a sweater, I want sleeves! Otherwise, I’d want one in every color.

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