For 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.
Elie Tahari is having some nice sales right now — but many of the products are marked as final sale, so be wary if that’s not your jam. I love the structure, darts, and color of this suit — as well as the chic collarless look. It’s available in sizes 0-16 in aubergine (pictured), white, and black. The pants and jacket were $248-$398; now they’re $124-$199.
If you like the color but prefer Boss, the “grape” suit that was part of the NAS is now marked down 60% — it comes to $119-$595 depending on size and color. (It looks like the petites aren’t marked down but the regular size range is.)
For plus sizes, I love the drama of the big bow on this oxblood blazer at Eloquii, as well as the matching pant.
This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
Psst: we just updated our hunt for plus-size suiting options!
Some of our favorite plus-size suits for interviews: MMLF / Halogen / Talbots / Universal Standard (not pictured but also Eloquii, J.Crew, and Calvin Klein)
Workwear Sales of Note (as of 2-26-21)
- Nordstrom – Winter sale, up to 70% off! Designer clearance continues also, up to 70% off. (Big sales on Natori bras!)
- Anthropologie – Extra 25% off all sale items
- Loft – 48% off for 48 hours (ends tonight)
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40-60% all sale styles
- Ann Taylor Factory – Up to 60% off 100s of styles; extra 25% off your purchase
- Lands’ End – 40% off full-price styles
- Banana Republic – Up to 50% off must-haves + extra 60% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off almost everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 60% off tops & skirts; every dress and jumpsuit $29–$59
Help
Does anyone have any experience with a bald spot suddenly appearing on your scalp? Will be seeing a doctor but can’t get in for a few weeks and understandably, am pretty distressed about it.
Ellen
I think it has to do with eating to much salty foods. My Dad told me to lay off the salt b/c he knew a pretty woman from the Ukraine who salted everything, and lost nearly all of her hair on her head (which was beautiful, BTW), and she wound up wearing a wig. Dad says it was unusual b/c she continued to have hair on her arms and legs, and in other personal places. Now, you may be different from her, so he recommended you seek the opinion of a Medical specialist in dermatology.
anonyK
My husband’s cousin (male) had something like this before his wedding. Unfortunately I can’ t remember the exact diagnosis, but it ended up being a stress-related autoimmune type thing. It was treated and resolved (had to wait for the hair to grow back, but it did).
holidays
+1
Once it was lupus (autoimmune), another time a bit of fungus. Hormonal changes too (testosterone too high, menopause).
Anon
+1 to autoimmune. I don’t have a bald spot (yet?) but I’m experiencing heavy overall hair loss due to an autoimmune disease.
No Problem
Yes. I have alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition. Look it up and see if your spot matches the description. For me, they generally occur on the back of my head, never on the crown or near the front. The solution is steroid creams from a dermatologist. They don’t prevent the bald spots from happening, but do help the hair to grow back faster.
Alopecia areata – or any other type of condition that causes hair to fall out – is certainly distressing. I have to remind myself that while it’s embarrassing to be seen with a bald patch and annoying that they can’t be prevented, it’s not painful, itchy, contagious, or otherwise impeding my life or lifestyle. Good luck.
cat socks
Yes, that happened to me several years ago. I got bloodwork and found out I had hypothyroidism. I also went to a dermatologist. She was able to injcect a steroid into my scalp that triggered hair growth. I had spots occur off and on for a while, possibly caused by stress, but the injections from the dermatologist helped and I no longer have issues.
Hope you are able to get some answers. There’s no physical pain, but it can be difficult to deal with emotionally. Sending some good vibes your way.
Anonymous
Happened to me. In my case, I had just switched birth control pills from name brand to generic. The generic did not agree with me; once I switched back, there was never a problem again. Would’ve been cool to realize the cause before the dermatologist injected steroids into my scalp to treat the symptoms…
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Incredibly stressful!
Anonymous
Jacket is beautiful! Has anyone used California Closet or Container Store services to have a closet outfitted with better organization? I’m at my wit’s end with my closet and would like it to be more functional for storage — particularly shoes and sweaters.
No Face
The previous owners of my house used California Closet for all the closets in the home and they are excellent. I have small, non-walk-in closets (midcentury home), and I can fit so much in them!
Anon
I’ve used container store Elfa closets multiple times and loved them. For me, the key was that I could move the components around — While I planned everything out carefully, a year or two later I wanted things shifted and it was pretty easy to do. My husband installed everything himself — he’s moderately handy and found it easy to do.
Sunshine71
Same! I love my Elfa. I used The Container Store’s free online planning service to build out our closet and it was perfect. My husband put it all up with no issues.
anon
You might look for a local outfit as well. California Closet is $$, but I found a local company that did it for about half price. They gave really great advice for organization too.
Anon
The previous owner of my house worked for The Container Store. My closets are great!
Pep
My house came with Container Store’s Elfa system already installed. I love it – I was able to go into the store and buy components to rearrange the existing system to better meet my needs. They do a big sale in January, I think. They have design personnel on staff to help you configure your system.
Daffodil
I have the Laren closets from the Container Store, and love them – the ability to customize color and format, and also add things like a full length mirror, were great. Easy install too. Highly recommend.
In-House in Houston
I used California Closets to design my closet and I love it. They were great and helped me maximize the space. They aren’t cheap, but I found they were competitive. You can also move things around. I even have some drawers for jewelry that have really nice felt dividers. I was very pleased with the install. I got so lucky when mine was installed – it was the installer’s last day at work and he had a bunch of “extras” that he gave me for free – like boot/purse dividers, valet rods, belt rods. I mean really lucky!
ANON
For all of us who are home in front of the TV this winter–
Do you have any favorite Hallmark Christmas movies (or new ones your looking forward to)? What are they and what is it that makes them better than the rest?
This is a carryover from the morning thread:
I like the Hallmark ones with these actresses: Ashley Williams (Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater, for example) and Rachel Boston (An Ice Sculpture Christmas, for example). I think their acting abilities are a little above the others. We also watched a movie with a woman who unknowingly invites a prince to her family hotel for the holidays … it had some theater actors who did a great job … but I can’t remember the title and google is no help as this premise is so common! … It was One Royal Holiday
Anonymous
Following up on this, I’d love recommendations for Christmas movies with beautiful historic homes. The Home Alone house is a great one, but what else is out there? Anything in New England in particular? Or maybe Charleston or Savannah? I love nothing more than a beautiful colonial decorated for the holidays.
anon
Oooh, I am here for these recommendations.
Anon
Not a movie, but I follow Southern Living on Insta and they always have gorgeous shots of beautiful southern homes decorated for the holidays. It’s pretty festive!
Anonymous
Thank you!! I think I just figured out a new way to not listen to this webinar…
Anon
Also, I’ve posted about this here before, but there is a holiday home tour that takes you inside of fancy decorated houses in New Orleans, and it’s virtual this year, so you can watch from home: https://prcno.org/event/holiday-home-tour-2020/
Anon
There’s a series on Netflix called Virgin River that is kind of like a Hallmark movie in series form.
I roll my eyes a little at how white their version of rural California is (which I say as a native rural Californian) but this kind of watching requires a suspension of disbelief.
Anonymous
It’s really cute in a saccharine way. The lead guy is really hot. Season 1’s plots are much better than Season 2, but I enjoyed both.
Anon
I think both lead guys are hot, and yes I mean the doc.
Anon
Also, not a lead, but HELLO Preacher.
Anonymous
oh, good point. The men are all really topnotch.
ANON
Yes, agreed. I found Sweet Magnolias on Netflix to also have the same tone.
Anonymous
I like pretty much all the ones set in Europe or that involve cookie contests. Ironically, DH particular hates the ones set in Europe as he says all the Christmas decorations look super American even though it’s supposed to be happening in Europe. He’s not wrong but IDGAF. I’ll take Rome or Vienna at Christmas anytime.
cbackson
I enjoy all the ones that are set in made-up European countries that are basically Liechtenstein – small monarchies with vaguely Germanic names – particularly given that most of them feature a generic Alpine architecture that suggests that they’re filmed in the resort village of a major ski area.
Ribena
They’re often filmed in Bulgaria, it’s MUCH cheaper (certainly A Christmas Prince was).
Anon
is this like the Crows movie from Schitt’s Creek?
PNW
You mean the timely allegory about prejudice?
Anon
Oh bebe, indisputably.
Ribena
This day last year I was drinking mulled wine at the Karlskirche Adventsmarkt in Vienna. I’m very unhappy about the pandemic today as a result.
ANON
Did you fall in love with a widowed diplomat while you were there? Not sure if watching Christmas in Vienna on Hallmark would make this better or worse … it’s a movie that exists though.
eertmeert
I watched The Nine Lives of Christmas, and it is awful in the best way. Doesn’t exactly fit your brief, but i loved watching it. Even if you don’t watch it, please please read this recap. It is so funny. Also, the website might have some good recs.
https://thedudsandstuds.wordpress.com/2015/11/26/recap-the-nine-lives-of-christmas-2014/
ANON
Thought of another category — shows/movies with locations that make you feel like you’re on vacation:
On Netflix: Dash and Lily (for NYC), Emily in Paris
PNW
There was one from about 10 years ago, kind of before the whole Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas movie explosion, called On Strike for Christmas that I thoroughly enjoyed. Also one starring Mayim Biyalik that was just so ridiculously implausible that I found it charming. Can’t remember the name of that one.
Monte
The Flight Before Christmas! I definitely had to suspend disbelief because Blossom and that dude did not seem like a match, but I enjoyed it anyway.
Shelle
Now that it’s getting dark earlier, I’d like a desk lamp for generally working (on a laptop) and better illumination of my face during video calls. I’d appreciate suggestions on specific lamps or stores. Does it make a difference to spend more on this item? Is there a type that has superior light, e.g., banker style or LED? Preferably something with a small base to fit better in my WFH setup. TIA!
Anonymous
I bought this lamp from Target for my bedside table and really like it. I can’t guarantee it would provide good light for Zoom, but it’s low-profile and I like the look.
https://www.target.com/p/hayes-marble-base-stick-lamp-project-62-153/-/A-53332433
anon
I have something very similar from Target that works well for Zoom.
Anonanonanon2
I have the IKEA Ranarp and am quite pleased with the way it illuminates my face for video calls. I keep the overhead light off and use just the lamp, in a windowless room.
Sloan Sabbith
I bought this time: TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp Fully Rotatable Dimmable, Wider Lighting Zone, USB Charging Port, 4 Color Modes & 4 Brightness Levels, 1 Hour Timer, Official member of Philips Enabled Licensing program and really like it. It has different warmth levels and can be dimmed.
blueberries
I’ve discovered that Patagonia’s regular fit tops are a million times more comfortable and flattering to my post-kids body than slimmer cuts of tops. I’d love to have more variety than just Patagonia, though.
Anyone know of other brands that have cuts similar to Patagonia’s regular fit?
anon
Possibly Eddie Bauer. Boden may work for you, too. But really, many brands will still work — you may have to choose slightly different styles than you might have in the past. (Man, I miss the days when I could wear slim cuts without feeling self-conscious.)
Anon
What would you get jewelry wise with a $100 Bloomingdales gift card? Willing to add another $100 cash to it, so up to $200. I’m a Tory Burch jewelry fan, so I may go that route, but interested in hearing what you would get.
Ellen
I would go small, meaning get a gift card from a small shop that needs your busness. Bloomies will survive with or without you, so go small. You could also get a Restruant Takeout giftcard that gives cash to the Restruants up front! FOOEY on the Covid! YAY!
Anon
I’d probably buy some splurgey makeup. They usually have nice sets around the holidays.
Anon
There are several Nadri items on sale in your price range that are really pretty.
Kitten
I’d get a few earrings from Gorjana.
Anonymous
Lagos
Anon
For the poster asking about Dyson hairdryers in the morning thread but not sure about the cost, just an fyi you can buy refurbished hairdryers from Dyson at substantial discount via their official eBay storefront. Because they’re sold by Dyson, they qualify for warranties etc.
Anon
Different Anon, but I ordered one last year from the ebay store and can vouch for its quality, its as good as new. Also sometimes the ebay store as 20% off everything discounts so keep an eye out.
anon
Reading between the lines and the looks on people’s faces, a few members on my team are Not Okay right now. We’re living in a hot spot, and things are grim. Everyone is very, very isolated. Thankfully our work is in a slow period at the moment, but is there anything else I can do as a boss to make sure they’re feeling supported? Truthfully, I also am not doing great on a personal front and my concentration is shot, so I don’t have much useful advice to impart.
Anon
Give them Friday off, or tell them they can leave at noon on Friday
Anon
Yup. This. Say “You know what? It’s been a long week coming back from a holiday. Everyone can leave at noon local time on Friday if you’d like. Have a great weekend.”
Flats Only
Encourage your team to take time off, especially since you mention work is slow? I was surprised how refreshed I felt after Thanksgiving, which was really just a long weekend. I always think that working from home should be much less stress than commuting to the office, but I realize the stress reduction is really around maybe 25%, vs. the 50% I would expect. Taking actual time off, without “keeping an eye on email” was really helpful.
Anonymous
Yeah, if work is slow, let them go home.
anonyK
Do you have regular zoom team meetings for just general updates/check in (ie not specific project related)? We have them weekly or so and sometimes the end turns into a big group commiseration/whine session of the challenges with life right now. It is nice to be able to talk about it, casually, and just commiserate- like you would in a real office. With remote work, a lot of that general comradery you have in a normal office is missing and I think it is a nice morale booster to just give people space to talk about stuff.
LaurenB
That may be, but sometimes it’s also – what more is there to say? We all know it sucks, and then the election / politics on top of that, and then if you are privileged enough to be able to work from home and your loved ones are not ill, you have to (rightfully) acknowledge that and then … what else is there? I think it’s hard to be on multiple calls where you are asked to vent about the pandemic. There’s nothing new to say about it, maybe rehash a few things about how we’re looking forward to the vaccines but it’s kind of trite.
Cat
IDK about this, we have similar zoom meetings and it ends up dragging everyone down because it’s a whinefest. I’d rather skip them. (And because I’d want someone to tell me, it’s “camaraderie” despite it sounding like it has fewer letters than that!)
OP, if bigger amounts of time off aren’t available, can you encourage people to step away from their computers during the day during slow times? Take an hour or two at a time to take advantage of less crowded times to grocery or holiday shop?
anon
Possibly? It’s a tough line to walk (public institution).
anonyK
I googled the spelling before I posted and google says gives both- says comradery is north american and camaraderie is french. Though I’m in north america and I feel like I see french version more often so idk.
Cat
huh I have never seen it spelled the “north american way” ever and I’m in the US! Interesting.
anon
Oof, hard pass on this. In my experience these become the “I have it worse than you, I swear” olympics and I definitely don’t have time or the mental space for that.
Anonymous
If you can’t authorize time off (I know my boss can’t) can you try to tag up with each team member individually and ask about work-life balance, child care, family issues? My company had all managers do this in the summer. You could just talk to them and relate to them about how much this sucks, I wouldn’t attempt to give advice on any issues. My boss did encourage a few of our new hires to move back home for WFH (they were here alone in apartments with no family), and that works for them. Also, try to eliminate work-stress. Keep them informed of the company’s return policy, even if its constantly changing, tell them every update. Let them know that even if they don’t have facetime, their work is still valued and you still need them on the team. Give approval for some tasks to slip schedule.
time off
+1 to giving them time off, especially on Friday afternoons. Also re-setting expectations on reply times if that’s a thing. My manager, her peer, and my skip-level boss repeatedly reiterate that we are not required to respond outside of our business hours (we have teammates in other timezones so if we don’t sign off, US people could be online until the wee hours of the morning), we can turn off notifications and block focus time hours, etc. To be fair, the culture at my company is great, and popping into chat to say you have a childcare issue or something so you will be AFK for a while is totally acceptable.
Re: the Zoom check-ins or calls just to talk, we’re all so tired of sitting on video calls. Our team has a Slack channel for a variety of discussion topics (work included), but at least once or twice per week, someone comes in with something random. Today’s was a request to share your Spotify Wrapped, which kicked off a lovely thread about kids songs, what is that genre of music, how does so-and-so listen to so much music!?!? Teach us your ways! We’ve had ice breakers like mountain, water, or snow thrown in randomly, we pop in cute pictures of kids in Halloween costumes (or pets or nieces and nephews or yourself for non-parents). Basically just throwing in some non-work, non-covid, non-whiny things. And you can participate or not, but it tends to result in a nice little break with a book recommendation or recipe recommendation.
Anonymous
If you don’t have the authority to give people time off, what about little individual check in calls? Particularly if you have a group zoom or email focused culture. I’m definitely finding the isolation and news tough…which led to less than stellar work on a project…which led to spectacular catastrophizing. Finally Had a call about the project and of course it wasn’t the end of the world. That took a big emotional weight off. Sometimes it’s as small as: Talked to boss. Boss isn’t mad at me.
Anon
Just a thought– my Junior League group has been trying to have happy hours, and they just ended up being miserable and everyone made excuses to end it early. This month I texted each person individually and actually think it helped. I think most people are over the phone/Zoom. Texting allowed them to respond if they felt like it. Also, quite a few people did have good life news to share like engagements or buying a house, etc. that they had felt uncomfortable sharing to the group because everyone else seemed to miserable. Maybe try something lower key like a text or a one on one conversation?
Anon
I’d ask each of them directly – the answers will vary a lot, I bet. Some people would want time off, some to have more but easier work, some want longer-term deeper projects … you can’t necessarily meet everyone’s wants but knowing what would help them be successful and supported will help you make a plan within the realistic constraints.
Monte
This, exactly. I don’t know how big your team is, but if you can check in with everyone individually, that would be great. There are likely folks like me on your team who are…not loving the pandemic (because it is so tragic for so many people) but also not struggling. They likely don’t need to chat. And then you can focus on hearing what is needed by your colleagues that are struggling. Maybe you can help, maybe you can’t, but the individual attention seems like a better fit than throwing together a bunch of folks with disparate circumstances and needs.
Anon
If you cant give them half of Friday off, then make it a “no meeting” friday where they can take time off in the afternoon and catch up on work later/whenever. They dont need to be at their desks. We had his at work and it was super helpful.
Sparky
My parents are spending their first winter in Toronto, any recs for a hat and gloves for my 50 something mom for a Christmas present would be appreciated. TYIA!
Puppy Q
I got a puppy. He will poop one one side of the sidewalk. And then the other (like b/w 1 and 5 minutes later). Dude: IT IS COLD OUT. I make a point of not interrupting him, but this is a constant thing with him. So I think he is done, pick up poop, tie off bag and . . . there he goes again. New bag. The constant de-glove / re-glove / manage to only pull one poop bag from the spinny thing is wearing on me.
He is getting fixed soon, but it doesn’t seem to be anything relating to being an un-fixed male puppy at present. He is ~ 6 months old and we have had him for 3 months. He is eating more, but it has always been a thing with him (but not such a big deal when it was 70 and sunny).
Vicky Austin
A few thoughts (from North Dakota, with all empathy for your poor cold hands):
-Can you leave the glove on while you pick up the poop? If you’re doing the stick hand in bag, grab poop, flip bag inside out thing, I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t work.
-Relatedly, if you know he’s going to poop again in just a few minutes, can you stick gloved hand in bag, grab poop, stand around waiting for round two to arrive, grab more poop, then flip bag inside out?
-Can you pull two bags off at once and stash the other one in a pocket, thus only degloving once to unhook the bags, or have a stash of at least two in your pocket when you leave the house?
-Are you wearing super bulky gloves? Slimmer pairs help me do more fiddly stuff like picking up poop through a bag.
Vicky Austin
Oh lord, now I’m gonna be the Dog Poop Lady. Oh well. Hope some of that is helpful for you, OP.
Anon
What Vicky said. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.
Anonymous
I have a small crossbody fabric purse that I put opened up bags in before we head out (I have two doggoes and either or both can do this multiple times on walks – unpredictably). I can stash some treats there in a ziploc baggie and also my phone where I play my podcase/radio show to my wireless headphones.
I live in the FAR north and just have learned to be quick with right mitten off under left arm when one starts her little revolutions, bag out of purse and in right pocket, inside out with hand inside waiting for her to finish, poop picked up and tied off – hand back in mitten. Handwarmers in mittens if it is minus 25 or below.
I like the purse – I used to keep opened up bags in my pocket but found that they would just accumulate there and fly out at inopportune moments.
Apparently I am also a crazy dog poop lady.
Anonymous
Also I have a small flashlight in the bag because it is dark here for 18 hours a day for months at a time, (or it sure feels like it).
pugsnbourbon
I wear a headlamp! I look 100% insane but it helps.
Anonymous
Ohhhh – a headlamp is a great idea…
anon
I feel you, my dog goes multiple times per walk as well. If you’re taking bags off of a baggie holder, it is near impossible to get the bag opened up without the use of your actual fingers (gloved fingers don’t have enough tackiness/resistance). I’ve just always dealt with it by keeping my hands in my (fleece lined) pockets during walks, but maybe invest in a pair of fliptop mitten/gloves? That way you’ll still have the use of most of your fingers and you won’t have to take the gloves off.
ANON
In this case, maybe tear off two bags, open them each enough that they won’t stick together later and put them in an easily accessible pocket before you go out?
Anon
I have a bag dispenser by the front door, grab and open one before heading out so it’s ready to go. No need to de-glove outside.
anon
As a non dog owner, I thank you all for picking up after your dog.
anon
As the owner of a puppy who recently got giardia–which has been a real treat to deal with– I too thank everyone for picking up after your dog. To everyone in my condo complex who thinks it’s nbd to leave heaping piles of dog crap in the common areas, just think about the fact that you could be leaving bacteria, viruses, and parasites that little puppies without full immunity could pick up. Just glad it wasn’t parvo.
poiu
I prep a bag or two and put them in my mitten before walks. I also strongly recommend long underwear. I’m actually going to get some of the ll bean flannel lined jeans soon (finally caving after 5 winters of dog ownership).
Of Counsel
Pull off several bags and tie them (loosely) individually on the leash at the top loop. They stay on just fine and are much easier to take off rather than pulling them off the roll.
And wear gloves you do not need to take off.
– Signed My Dog Does This Too
Anon
Teach him to poop on command by using a word, probably poop, and giving him a treat after he poops. once he knows what you’re talking about, just tell him to poop twice in the same spot. Like, we’re not done yet, poop again.
Anonymous
I love this advice. I can see my dog looking at like I was crazy and am totally impressed that this works for you. Generally my dog is a one-poop-per-walk type, so I don’t have to deal with this.
Don’t forget to add a light to your leash and/or collar so your pup can be seen in the dark.
Anon
This kind of training is kind of how I taught my late dog (RIP best dog ever) not to bark incessantly. First I had to teach him to bark on command. Then I taught him to stop. Both were treat based trainings, as he was EXTREMELY treat-motivated.
Then if he was barking, I could tell him to stop barking and he would know what I meant.
S in Chicago
Mine does multiples as well. The one before did, too. I think that’s just part of being a dog.
I have a few Columbia jackets that have the thumbholes on the end. I find they are the most practical for when I don’t want to mess with gloves but also don’t want frozen hands.
Anon
Anyone have a recommendation for a cookbook for a teen (16) boy who’s just starting to realize he loves to cook? My nephew is taking a culinary class as his school and he is really enjoying it! I want to gift him something for Christmas that helps build upon his new found hobby!
Anonymous
Salt Fat Heat Acid
10 Recipes
Ribena
Mob kitchen! A really approachable book with playlist links, which is pretty neat. They also have Mob Veggie if he’s veggie-curious – my 24-yo brother has stolen my copy after a nasty bout of chicken-related food poisoning.
Anon
I like the Joy of Cooking as an all encompassing basic cookbook, but he may also like The Food Lab if he does a lot of YouTube/redd1t stuff, because Kenji Lopez-Alt is kind of a god around there. I say this as the mom of an 18 year old boy who got into cooking a couple of years ago.
If you’re feeling extra generous, a basic Lodge cast iron skillet would also probably land well. They have good sales.
Anon
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Assist Handle Holder, 12″, Red Silicone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2XGC88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_1L.XFbH5M75AH
I bought this exact one for my son and he basically uses it every day for everything.
Now if there were a book I could buy on cleaning up after yourself….
Anon
Sorry this links to the 12”. I got him the 10.25” which is about $26.
AnonATL
Another fun youtube cooking rec especially because of the pop culture references: Binging with Babish.
His voice soothes me, and I like his tattoos.
Panda Bear
Salt Fat Acid Heat!
editrix
Cheffy son wants Silpat mats. He enjoys baking and making pasta.
Anon
The original Mark Bittman How to Cook Anything is pretty good. I also have the baking one which I like too.
Mathy
I really enjoyed “Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking” by Michael Ruhlman when it came out. You can get the basic idea of the book by reading the title — here are some standard ratios that work out nearly all the time — and once you get those ratios down you can experiment a bit.
MJ
keys to the kitchen by aida mollenkamp is a great how-to book. Cannot recommend highly enough.
NY CPA
Subscription to Cooks Illustrated magazine?
Anonymous
I really like the NYT Cooking app if you think he may prefer something digital.
LL Bean duck boots -- still cool?
Duck boots were the rage here years ago, but my kids were smaller then. They are leaning towards getting them as we are in the SEUS and it’s more wet than snowy here.
In your experience, especially with this age, does it matter if they are LL Bean duck boots or the Sperry or Lands End versions? I had the Bean duck shoes and boots, but I am an old and DGAF re practical gear. But kids can be tender and something that isn’t cool may rot in the closet (this year it may matter less as we are remote until hell freezes over perhaps). I don’t go to the usual places I’ve seen kids previously to know (although have noted that Golden Goose sneakers continue to be popular and worn everywhere all the time (kicking myself for not trying to sell pre-scuffed sparkly expensive sneakers to people)).
Cat
Your kids are “leaning towards getting them” – what brand do they want? FWIW either Bean or Sperry is what I saw around a few years ago; Lands End is/was definitely not the thing.
Hunters remain popular too for girls.
Anonanonanon2
Ages/genders?
Are you set on duck boots? I thought those were so 2017 for the youths. But, we’re adults, and whatever we get is going to be wrong.
Anon
I had the Sperry version for myself and they fell apart after 2 years of moderate wear. If I was buying them again, I would get the LLBean.
Anon
Do any of you have experience with pricey ranges? We’re redoing our kitchen and I found a gently used LaCornue CornueFe 43″ for $3k. It’s such a big purchase! Do any of you have one? Would you get it again? Is it just the trendy thing of the moment? I’m not normally a luxury person – think J.Crew level in life – but I don’t want to kick myself later for not getting this.
Flats Only
You must live really close to me, because I saw that same range advertised on NextDoor!
Diana Barry
WHAT those things retail for $20K!!! What’s wrong with it? LOL!
FWIW, I wouldn’t pay La Cornue prices but I did get a Bluestar range the last time I bought one – $7K and $3K for the hood. WELL WORTH IT.
Anon
+1 million for Bluestar. It is a cooking machine, and it you really want to splurge you can have it finished in almost any color your heart desires.
Anonymous
No direct experience, but I was admiring LaCornue on Instagram and blogs and it sounds like they aren’t big enough to make a pizza or put a full-size sheet pan in. That would be a dealbreaker for me.
Anon
Oh gosh, thanks for the tip about the pizza! Though I measured the interior of the one I’m considering and it was 15″ x 17″ inside…so that’d fit a 12″ pizza. (Off to google our usual lazy night frozen pizza…)
I knew about the cookie sheets, since I’d been considering a vintage double oven range – they say the same thing, that they won’t fit modern cookie sheets, but since you have two ovens, just put two sheets in at a time. And while this LC has two ovens, one is convection only and I don’t know if you can bake cookies in a convection oven.
And yep, this model is $11k new.
Flats Only
I just googled it an it appears that a new one will cost about $11K, so this could be a good deal. It weighs 350 lbs, so you’ll need help collecting it. Contact Zags Moving via NextDoor for assistance.
Anon
I also have a bluestar that my in laws generously purchased for us and while it is excellent, I am not sure it is truly worth the money per se. like you, I am not really a luxury person.
Aunt Jamesina
In addition to the issues with size, another thing to watch out for is that very few repair companies will work on stoves like this, and it can be harder to get parts when you need them, especially if you aren’t in a major metropolitan area. But they are SO beautiful!
cbackson
I have a La Cornue Chateau range. TBH, I wouldn’t recommend it. Parts are eye wateringly expensive, it takes a very long time to preheat, and once heated it holds heat forever so reducing temperature is hard. It was in our house when we bought it but I would never buy one myself.
Anon
They are beautiful, but I’ve read they’re hard to gauge the temperature on. Like you think you’re cooking with one temp for one period of time and the food is undercooked or overcooked or something, I’m sure it’s out there maybe on the williams sonoma site. Good luck!