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Suit of the Week: Agnes B.

Linen Suit: Agnes B. SuitFor busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. We haven't featured a suit from Agnes B. in a long while, and I'm loving this classy little linen skirt suit. Little details like covered buttons, satin lining, and welt pockets speak to its quality, and the overall vibe is reminiscent of Jackie O or another ’50s suit. I'd pair it with simple separates, like a black blouse, a pair of pearls, and perhaps a red lip. The jacket (Agnes B. Black Marl Violet Jacket) is $685, and the skirt (Agnes B. Black Mottled Bridie Skirt) is $385. There doesn't really seem to be a comparable suit at a lower price or a comp in plus sizes right now, but here's a linen-blend skirt suit (jacket + skirt), and here's a skirt suit in a marled knit pattern. (L-3)

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:

113 Comments

  1. Any shampoo or conditioner recommendations for fine wavy hair?
    I want to change my shampoo and conditioner. Any suggestions? Any price point but I’d like to keep it under $50 for both and drugstore brands are ok.
    Also, has anyone tried the Loreal Everpure Cleansing Balm or something similar? Does it work? Any reviews?

    1. I have similar hair and I actually find that the Pantene Pro V standard 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner works really well for me. I first bought it for using in the gym and found it really good.

    2. I found the Loreal Everpure Line to be very harsh on my similar hair. I also use the Pantene line mean for curly hair, but I do not use the 2 in 1

    3. Same hair. I love Costco’s Kirkland shampoo (the one in the purple bottle) of all things, after years of using pricier ones. It gives my hair better volume than anything else I’ve tried, and works well with the wave.

      1. I have fine straight hair (and tons of it) and also love this shampoo/conditioner after trying a million others.

        1. I’ve heard rumors that this shampoo is an in-house version of a salon brand. Anyone know if that’s true?

          1. Don’t know which one, but Costco doesn’t make very many of their own brands. They “plain-label” other brands’ stuff. For instance, their Greek Yogurt is Chobani, but it doesn’t say that on the box. So this is very likely true.

          5. I don’t know, it just seems like Chobani could sue if Costco is selling their yogurt under a different name. Not exactly false advertising, because I guess that’s a claim the consumer would have, but brand dilution or something like that?

          6. Yes, it’s legal – Costco/Kirkland pays the company to make them a generic version and label it with their name. Sometimes it’s the exact same formula/recipe as the name brand, sometimes it’s a variation. Or they pay for the rights to the recipe or hire someone to make them a copycat version.

            Heck, I worked for a consumer product company (not food or shampoo) that put the exact same product into packages with at least 3 different names on it, all of which were sold at the same store. Not just similar product – one batch of the product could be split with half filled into one label and half into another. It’s pretty common.

          7. It’s not illegal, because usually its Costco contracting out the production to the company. Costco coffee is roasted at the Starbucks Roasting Plants, and I assume they have production contracts with the other companies to make a Kirkland Signature line. I’m pretty sure that Kirkland Signature vodka is made by Grey Goose, for instance.

            Also, the Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner is the best.

          9. Tons upon tons of products are made this way side by side with the name brand stuff. That’s one of the reasons those products can be cheaper. In my experience it’ll be things made on different production lines with slightly different formulations, but it’s all under the same facility. The store brands would not assert that this is a Chobani or Starbucks or whatever product. They’ll just make vaguely similar packaging and place them side by side. This is allowed. My food clients don’t use the same formulations for store brand items, but they’re on the lines right next to the other stuff. if you think about what it takes to run a factory that makes stuff like that, it makes sense to contract with them and not try and do it on your own, and not just from a bottom line perspective.

          10. Agree with everything above, and I’ve heard (though it’s never been said outright) that Costco’s shampoo/conditioner are made by Pureology. I love them.

    4. I combine Pantene’s “Color Preserve Volume” shampoo with the corresponding conditioner most days. On weekends I deep condition (latest is the Pantene 3 minute miracle because it was on sale at CVS, and it’s been great at enhancing shine).

    5. I have similar hair (though very wavy – almost curly, but not quite). I tried the L’Oreal Evercurl line, which I liked, but eventually fell in love with the Organix product line, a similarly sulfate free line. I use the Nourishing Coconut Milk shampoo with the Argan Oil Conditioner. My hair is much more manageable and takes better to styling. I buy it in bulk at BJ’s for around $10 per container.

  2. Can you recommend summer shoes with really, really good arch support? I find that every summer I get pain in my calves, and it seems to be because my summer shoes (AGL ballet flats for work, flip flops around the house, Naot on weekends) do not have as much support as my winter shoes (often Le Canadiens or other boots with supportive inserts).

    I want to find casual summer shoes that offer support but don’t look like grandma shoes. Any tips? My most supportive shoes ever are from a German brand called Theresia M. I bought comfortable walking shoes from the brand at Footstock (a great Boston store for comfort shoes). I was under the impression that this brand was discontinued, but now I see some pairs on e8ay and now I wonder if they are still made.

    Please share tips for supportive shoes!! Thanks.

    1. Birkenstocks? At least for the weekend. if anyone has good suggestions for the workweek I’ll be interested to hear them as well. I feel like I have the feet of a 70 year old woman, I literally don’t understand how people wear unsupportive shoes (But I also don’t want to look like a grandma)

    2. I wear flip flops around the house/yard incessantly and also have high arches – Reef flip flops are my life-saver. I think I would have balked at spending $40 on a pair of flip flops, but my brother got me a pair, and they were so life-changing I bought another pair after I wore those out. I’ve been wearing them for like 10 years at this point. They last really well and I replace them every few years when the traction wears out. The particular style I had for years has been replaced, but now I wear the men’s Slap II.

      1. I just went looking for a flip-flop with more support and ended up buying Reefs.

    3. Why not do foot strengthening exercises (e.g., towel scrunches, raising and lowering on one leg while standing on a soft unstable surface) instead of paying for a shoe to further weaken your foot by providing the support?

    4. That might be plantar fasciitis. I had calf pain like that and discovered what I really needed were shoes that kept my foot in them so now I wear these for flip flops:
      https://www.amazon.com/Okabashi-Womens-Pacific-Sandals-Silver/dp/B00U9XXMIK/ref=sr_1_11?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1466017032&sr=1-11&nodeID=679337011&keywords=okabashi

      And flats with straps, like the Trotters simmy ballet flat. I recently realized that – with the exception of the Okabashi shoes mentioned above – all my most comfortable shoes are made by Trotters.

      And, FWIW, I’m also in Boston…

    5. I am religious above only wearing sandals with backs. My legs feel so much better since I instituted this policy. I don’t feel much difference between so-called comfort brands (Aerosoles) and random other shoes I got at TJ Maxx, as long as there is a strap across the back.

    7. I am really happy with my Munro Pisces sandals. They’re a little clunky looking, but in the hipster way, if you get them in a solid color or the white/natural.

    8. Natives are made of rubber like Crocs but have way better support. I really like mine.

    9. Consider getting a pair of low profile orthotics that you can slip into whatever shoes you like. I have a pair and they make all my cute shoes comfortable shoes!

  3. Has anyone been able to re-train their bodies to need less sleep? If I had all the time in the world, I’d regularly sleep 9-9.5 hours a night. I currently get 8-8.5. It’s fine once I’m up but even at this rate I’m always very tired in the mornings and at night. If I get less than 8, forget it. The problem is if I’m accounting to try to get 8.5 hours of sleep a night, I just start running out of time in my day. I wake up and have a 25 minute commute to work, and by the time I get home, I usually only have about 2-2.5 hours to spend with my husband and dogs before going back to bed. I basically can’t find time to work out unless I sacrifice sleep or time with DH and pets, neither of which I’m really willing to do. The obvious answer everyone tells me is wake up earlier and work out, and I’ve done that at various points in my adult life but it always inevitably fails because I start getting so tired by taking that chunk of sleep away. I already drink coffee (1 cup, most but not all mornings). Any thoughts?

    1. Focus on quality of sleep, rather than quantity? Are you waking up or overly restless during the evening? Is your sleeping environment disrupting your sleep (too warm, too light, disruptive sleep partner, etc.)? Work less?

      1. I think I sleep very well – I don’t wake up, I’m not restless. DH doesn’t say that I snore or anything…. And I’d love to work less but not sure that’s an option.

    2. I also need at least 8 hours of sleep. I have no tips for needing less. Could you figure out a way to exercise that includes your husband or dogs? That way you’d be combining time with them with another goal? Or make your commute into exercise by biking, running, something else? I think that you also need to think about how much time you are spending at work. Could you use lunchtime to work out? Trust me, I know it’s hard to fit everything into a 24 hour day. But when I cut back on my sleep, everyone suffers! Good luck.

      1. I so agree with SSJD (who I assume is also a lawyer). You must have good uninterupted sleep to be FUNCTIONAL during the day. That means not haveing some yutz in bed poking at you at 3 in the morning when he get’s frisky. I had that alot with my Alan, and believe me, NOT haveing him around any more when I was trying to sleep has made me MUCH more alert at work, and now I am SO much better at spotting legal issues and arguements to make in my court appearances!

        I read an article in Web MD about sleep deprivation. It is serius stuff, and you can NOT bank hours of sleep you lost during the week on weekend’s. It does NOT work that way. You need a quiet room that is NOT to hot, and it should be WELL VENTILATED so you do NOT sweat and wake up.

        Mom alway’s got enough sleep even tho Dad was up half the night workeing on projects for the Goverment, and now she still looks much younger then others her age, tho Dad says too much sleeping puts weight on. I do NOT think this is true.

        Anyway, my best to the HIVE. If you want to read an execellent NY Times Article from yesterday about NYC women, and another woman like me with a tuchus, read this one! I guarentee you will LOVE it! YAY!

        http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/nyregion/metropolitan-diary-mrs-sprats-ultimate-demise-at-katzs-deli.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share

        Exercise and dieting were no match for an invitation to the famous kosher delicatessen in the Lower East Side.

    3. If you are that tired after getting 8 hours of sleep a night every night, it’s worth talking to a doctor about a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea or another condition that is causing you not to have a restful night’s sleep. It’s possible that you really do just need 9 hours a night to be fully functional, but worth asking if you have either a sleep condition or vitamin deficiency that is adding to the exhaustion.

      Are you going to bed at the same time on the weekends? I read a study that suggested staying up later and sleeping in on the weekends was effectively the same as being jet-lagged at the beginning of the week.

      Can you workout at lunchtime? Can you workout *with* your husband? When I get myself into a good workout routine, I know I fall alseep faster and sleep deeper – I just get overall better sleep – but it’s hard to get myself into that initial “just make the time” routine.

    4. Some people just really do need 9 or more hours. I do. I’ve consulted with multiple doctors, had bloodwork done, done sleep studies…and the consensus has been that there’s nothing biologically wrong with me or the quality of my sleep and the reason I don’t feel rested after 8 hours is that I just need more sleep than the average person.

    5. I’m the same way and I’m hoping to find a job with fewer hours per week and also to reduce my commute as much as possible. I’m more willing to trim in other areas since I just feel terrible if I get more than a few nights of subpar sleep. I’m also an introvert who doesn’t need to go out at night a lot, although I do wish I had more time for hobbies in addition to chores after work.

    6. Some thoughts:

      -How many hours a week are you working? Because if it’s 50-60+, there’s not much you can do about your conundrum other than get a different job, because there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

      -If you aren’t working overtime and weekends, then by my calculation, you are spending about 38 hours a week with your husband (2 x 5 + 14 x 2). Do you feel like you don’t get to see him enough because the time you spend together is not quality? If so, work on that.

      – Do you have this idea of working out that is perfectionist? Like you would rather not work out at all than work out fewer than the “perfect” number of times per week? If you went one time per week, every week, that would be better than nothing, right? Or no? What about if you worked out once Saturday and once Sunday?

      – I know some people on here think you aren’t “really” working out unless you’re lifting your body weight and then running four miles, but walking is very good for you, and that’s something you could do with your husband and dogs.

      – I don’t think there is necessarily anything wrong with you either. I regularly sleep 9+ hours a night. Some people just need more sleep. And if you need sleep that you aren’t getting, that can have a big impact on your health.

    7. How long have you been giving yourself to adjust to morning workouts? And how many days a week do you do them? I’ve been working out in the morning for awhile now and I get up reallllly early to do it (4:30), but like you I need my sleep. The first week or so I did it, it sucked. Royally. I was exhausted by lunchtime and nonfunctional by dinner. But now I’m within 15-3o minutes of the time I used to go to bed. I think it does take some time (a month probably) to get your body adjusted. I also don’t do it every day. I aim for 3 days a week, plus a weekend workout at a reasonable hour. I get up at my normal time (6-ish) the other days. That now feels like sleeping in to me…

    9. I’d try some nutrition and other options if you can’t get the sleep your body needs – for me (I live up north and have digestive/absorption issues) I need B12 and D all year long and occasionally need shots of iron for a few weeks at a time as well as directed by my doctor, but you might find added greens (juicing, spirulina etc) help without needing vitamin formulas

  4. any Boston ‘rettes have a recommendation for wedding dress alterations??

    (typical sizing tweaks to make, but also adding some bling elements to the dress)

    1. Best Fit Tailoring on Newbury Street. They did my dress and two coworkers’ dresses and we were all very satisfied.

    2. Bridal Alterations by Anahit in Watertown
      She is a pro, and she will do fantastic work for a very reasonable price.

  5. I’m looking for a lined bralet for a small band size. I’ve tried Coobie (slightly too roomy in the band — I usually take a 30). I’ve found a lot of unlined ones (indecent on ey — I am obviously cold and want something I can wear outside / out to the store). I’ve tried ones in the girls section (which are too small in the cup area) with no luck.

    Does anyone have any recommendations? I am stuck b/w real bras and sports bras and things that don’t fit quite right.

      1. +1

        I have several and have a 30 in band size. They’ve got stretch in them, too, which helps improve the chances that one will fit. The lace ones are just so darn adorable.

    3. Or go a different route and wear the unlined bra with a silicone nipple cover. They’re actually comfortable (I forget I’m wearing them) and pretty long-lasting; I like the Hollywood brand, get them on Amazon.

      1. I did that ^ when I was first pregnant and was horribly constrained by my too-small underwire bras but didn’t have time to shop for the weird sized bra I needed. I got the “n!ppies” brand on amazon and wore them under some soft gap body brale t t e s. Worked really well.

  6. Your personal comfort level is obviously up to you, but I’d rather not promote the idea that the physiological reaction of “nipping out” is somehow indecent. That’s just how b00bs are.

    1. Eh, disagree. You could say the same thing about cleavage. The fact is it’s become s*x u a l.

    2. One-layer nylon bras can also be too sheer to wear under a light or summer-weight shirt. I get navel show-through, too, and don’t like to be too nekkid if I’m actually clothed.

  7. Any restaurant recommendations for downtown Denver? I’ll be staying near the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, eating solo, and will have a car.

    1. There is an awesome free shuttle that runs up and down the mall area, so you can get around the core of downtown between that and short walks. I really like Osteria Marco, Work and Class, and Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs. Union Station is a working train station with a cool mix of bars, shops, restaurants, and architectural details.

    2. NDR ‘s recommendations are all great. Rioja and Bistro Vendome are delicious, and in Larimer Square, a fun hang-out place.

  8. Just need to vent for a second – one of the partners I work with (and the one who needs to review everything before it goes out) is so difficult to pin down. He chooses to go out for 3-4 hour lunches on a regular basis or rarely comes in to the office and we’re consistently missing deadlines. I’ve brought it up to the managing partner and he doesn’t want to stifle this partner’s creativity so now I’m just stuck dealing with it.

    I’m in my 4th year and I’m really worried this is giving me a bad reputation with opposing counsel. (and yes, I’m looking for something else…)

    1. I’m not in law, but my boss is similarly hard to pin down. I work very closely with her assistant to ensure that I get a meeting scheduled on her calendar to review things. I also make sure her assistant understands that this is a critical meeting. When we do review, I bring absolutely everything that I need to discuss with her, along with a list for myself so I remember everything.

      1. He doesn’t respect internal meetings or deadlines so that definitely won’t work. I’ve tried! Basically I just send out emails nagging him and pushing back deadlines we’ve agreed upon. It’s stressful.

        1. Not in law, but I have similar issues with deadline blowing and lack of respect for internal meetings. Things I have tried with varying results: putting deadlines on my (shared) calendar in red, sending emails that are bulleted lists of things I still need feedback on and bolding the deadlines in my email with something spelling out the consequences (for me, this will need rush shipping, this will impact our sales team, etc.).

          … and documenting for my own purposes and looking for a new job.

          Good luck.

    2. I am at a smaller boutique firm. But I had this problem and would send an e-mail at 4 p.m. (back in days of paper filing – e-filing started about 3 years ago so now this wouldn’t work because we have until midnight) saying that I had reviewed what needed to be filed, I could take it to another partner if he wants me to do so, but that I am filing it at 4:30 or we will commit malpractice.

      Don’t throw him under the bus to opposing counsel but rather say “I am waiting on Mr. Missing’s final approval to file” if it ever comes up. I don’t think OPC would notice as much as the judge. But, I guess if you are trying to move out of there, you don’t want to hurt any reputation.

      Does he even make changes? The only part that bothers me is the missing deadlines part. I mean either he gets there in time to proof or he doesn’t. But missing deadlines here is malpractice so I am not trying to play. What partner is going to back up someone who argues that they had notice to proof prior to filing but didn’t? IDK

      That sux. sorry.

    3. Have the partner’s secretary put you on his calendar for meetings. For items with deadlines, email him a week before the deadline reminding him of the deadline. Do it again a few days later if he doesn’t respond. If he still doesn’t respond, email him again the day before stating that you assume he is fine with the document and will be filing the next day.

      I wish they showed the suit pieces together.

    4. If you give this person notice and reasonable opportunity to review and they don’t respond by the well-documented deadline, I don’t see why you would blow a deadline (and potentially harm your client) over his “need” to review things. Based on the info provided, it seems like you are enabling him.

    2. I only tried it in the showroom but it was too soft for me. I prefer a pretty firm mattress.

      1. I bought that one and I’m still sore if I sleep on it after running. (Sore on the side I’m sleeping on, not just generally.)

    6. I researched lots of online mattresses and ended up choosing Brooklyn Bedding Co. It was very affordable, had 3 pressure levels, and I’ve been really happy with it over the past couple of months.

  10. Where to buy a swimsuit for someone who is on the cusp of plus sized and apple shaped? Recommendations for particular suits?

    1. I am on the cusp of plus sized and apple shaped and I just bought a Land’s End one piece. I bought the largest chest size option they had and I really really love it.

  11. I bought the Betsy Johnson dress featured here from the Nordstrom sale a couple of weeks today.

    It. Is. Awesome.

    It is very comfortable, fits great, flatters, etc. I am between sizes and bought down, like Nordstrom recommended, and it was the right move.

    1. Is it the v neck one in royal blue and black? I absolutely loved it too, but I have a little pooch post-baby and I just hated that it showed in this dress, so I sadly returned it.

  12. Underwater camera recs under $500? I have a Panasonic Lumix and it’s decent but I’m hoping I can upgrade to something that’s more professional (I have a DSLR for non-water photography and that’s a million times better than the Lumix) without spending a fortune. Friends have suggested a GoPro but I haven’t been thrilled with the images I’ve seen on-line and I’m not super adventurous, so I don’t need something to strap on my head while I go ziplining. I just want something that will take excellent underwater photos for snorkeling.

    1. I have the Olympus tough camera, recommended to me by a friend who’s a professional photographer. It takes very good pictures and has a lot of options for manual settings.
      I actually broke my first one in the ocean in Sydney – I failed to read the part in the manual about rinsing the camera after it has been in saltwater. Lesson learned :) My replacement has been great.

      1. Seconding the Olympus Tough. I took it waterfall rappelling, dropped it off a 70 foot waterfall by accident, it ricocheted off the canyon wall at least 4 times and dropped into a 10 foot pool of water…and it was totally fine, except some cosmetic dents on the outside of the camera. Olympus checked it all out and there was ZERO internal damage. It takes pretty clear underwater photos (not Nat Geo level great, but good).

        I’m not sure what better endorsement there could be.

    2. Does your DSLR manufacturer make a waterproof enclosure? We have one for a Canon and swear by it.

      1. I should probably look into that. I’ve been hesitant to do it, because I’m scared the housing will leak and ruin my expensive DSLR (which isn’t actually that much for a DSLR, but is more than I’ve ever spent on a camera before). I think for the quality of the underwater pics I want, that’s probably what I have to do though. What housing do you have? I have a Canon Rebel T3i.

        1. We felt the same way but Canon makes great enclosures (that’s what we have) and we’ve never once had a problem. It can be a bit of a chore getting it in, just a bit time consuming, but it’s worth it. We’ve taken it snorkeling a ton, on boats, through several waterparks, you name it.

        2. You can rent housing on borrow lenses dot com. I haven’t tried it specifically but have rented lenses from them and been happy.

  13. DC ladies, anyone have a favorite nail spot? I almost never get my nails done, but I’m in a friend’s wedding this weekend and want to get a manicure. I’ve gone to some budget-friendly places before but would like to go to someplace a bit more upscale this time (or at least somewhere with better quality control).

    2. I also really like Oasis nails in Rosslyn/Courthouse if your’re over that way – anyone but Natalie!

  14. I just read the survey results post and am curious about Kat’s comment that she was surprised at the ELLEN votes. They weren’t a surprise to me (vast majority being either “meh” or “hate it”) so now I’m really curious why she was surprised!

    1. I called my senator’s office earlier this afternoon and was told they didn’t know if she’d be supporting it or not. I said she should. A couple hours later, there she was on the floor! Really thrilled.

  17. I’ve read some great decor advice here and am hoping some of you can give your thoughts. I have to pick a light fixture for above my dining room table. It’s an open floor plan, so it will be visible from entryway, living room, and kitchen.

    I have a mostly traditional decorating style (oriental rugs, blue and white ginger jars) with some contemporary touches (nailhead trim on couches, moroccan trellis pattern on some pillows). I try to keep my contemporary touches limited to items that are easily swapped out (pillows) and stay more traditional with bigger items (rugs, chandeliers).

    However, I found this one chandelier that is within my budget and really pretty– but definitely contemporary. I thought I wanted a traditional shape, gold base, with some crystals. (Well, I really wanted to go full crystal, but I also didn’t want to spend $2K, so I talked myself down to gold with crystal accents.) This one is gold with crystal accents, but it’s just so…. modern. I don’t know why I like it, but I do.

    Will I regret buying a too-modern and almost out-of-character (for me) light fixture? I’ve read that traditional and contemporary decor, when combined, means I have a “transitional” decorating style. Maybe I’m actually “transitional,” not full-on “traditional,” and I can embrace that by buying this modern chandelier? Thanks for any advice!

    1. I love chandeliers and say do it. But if you want a different chandelier, you can keep looking. If you love this one, buy it.

    2. I think it’s always best to buy the things that you are drawn to, and that stick in your mind and delight you for no discernible reason. I buy things that I think are gorgeous and can’t resist (after thinking about it for months and months). I’ve never been unhappy with one of those purchases. I saw my Persian rug and knew it was the one. This seems like a safe place to go a little wild for you- traditional chandeliers are *very* traditional looking and really impact the look of a room. You might be subconsciously drawn toward something that is a little simpler, cleaner, less fussy, because that will provide a nice contrast in your home. It still sounds like it incorporates some traditional elements- gold, crystal- that will be similar to/fit in with other elements in your home. If it was vivid lime green or something, maybe it would clash wildly. The modern and traditional elements make each other stand out more rather than just all getting mashed into one “traditional” design. Having a variety of patterns, textures, colors, et al. can be a very pleasing aesthetic.

      Ugh, I feel so inarticulate today, but I hope that makes sense.

    3. I have this issue as well. My automatic response is to always grab traditional, white and gold or clear home decor, but it makes my house feel a bit boring. I recently started questioning my automatic response (eg grabbing the traditional pitcher-shaped pitcher instead of the straight-sided one) and found that traditional textures and materials in modern shapes gives home stuff a more contemporary and “now” feel without clashing or feeling sterile.

      I think a chandelier in gold with crystal accents will blend with any decor, unless you live at Versailles. If you love it, go for it.

  18. I think I found these shoes on a rec from this site…. I had two pairs of Saks Fifth Avenue Blue Hidden Wedge ballet slippers and I LOVED them. The first pair bought the farm a few weeks ago and the second pair is now falling apart around my feet at work (awkward). I don’t think they make these anymore. Any other devotees had to switch to something new and equally magical?

    1. Those shoes fell apart really quick for me. I’ve switched to tieks but there is probably a less expensive answer.

      1. I’ve seen a bunch of ads for Tieks lately and would love an opinion from someone who wears them!

        1. I found the dye rubbed off near the bottom very quickly. they dont stay up on my heel very well. they re comfy in that they do not rub my feet and i have huge issues with that, but they are very flat/not supportive. i like my pair but i won’t be buying another pair.

    2. I’ve been wearing a pair of Cole Haan Elsie Cap-Toe Flats that I got at Nordstrom Rack a few weeks ago- I think that they are similarly not being made anymore but they are similar in shape, have great cushion, and have been mistaken for ferragamos twice!

  19. How do you deal with job expectations that aren’t commensurate with pay rate? My job operates by the assumption that on time is 15 minutes early. To be honest I just don’t get paid enough to give them 50+ hours of free work a year. I show up on time as is legally required of me but I still get snark. I’d be okay with the extra face time if I got paid well, but I don’t and working for free is possibly my biggest pet peeve.

    1. Are you paid hourly? Because working off the clock is illegal and you should complain to HR/corporate about that. If you’re salaried and exempt, then that’s just a job expectation that’s probably not going to change. If it doesn’t work for you and you can’t change and it won’t change, I’d look for a new job.

    2. I am assuming you are paid hourly? Because otherwise this is pretty outrageous… I don’t know a single person who actually works 40 hours a week. It is not necessarily right but I’d start looking for another job that doesn’t chafe you as much

      1. Its a combination of both my pay checks are an exact 40h/week irrespective of when I sign in or out. I’m salary paid out as hourly. Where I am labor law doesn’t have salary exemptions (only doctor and architect exemptions), so I am entitled to extra pay/ overtime if I work beyond the 40h/week specified on my contract.

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