Thursday’s TPS Report: Sloan Sheath

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Banana Republic Sloan DressI've been eyeing this Sloan Sheath from BR for a few weeks now — it comes in multiple colors, multiple sizes (0-16, regular, tall, petite), and has mostly good ratings. The wild orchid (pictured) and “lava” are still full price at $140, but the black is on sale for $110 — but with code BRLUCKY you can take an extra 40% off your purchase, bringing the price down to $66-$84. Nice. (You may want to try your regular size and one size up, as a few of the reviewers note that the dress runs small.) Banana Republic Sloan Sheath (Psst: While you're there, check out the Chantal sandals — I think they're lovely (for a weekend or evening shindig.)) Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-3)

Sales of note for 2/7/25:

  • Nordstrom – Winter Sale, up to 60% off! 7850 new markdowns for women
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 25% off your $175+ purchase — and $30 of full-price pants and denim
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 15% off
  • Boden – 15% off new season styles
  • Eloquii – 60% off 100s of styles
  • J.Crew – Extra 50% off all sale styles
  • J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything including new arrivals + extra 20% off $125+
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 40% off one item + free shipping on $150+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

207 Comments

  1. The neck and shoulder area looks a bit like some bridesmaid dresses that I’ve had. I can’t seem to get past that. I am recalling a big of gape from this sort of cut when bending forward.

    1. The material is also really bad. It’s that super stretchy material that gets really puckered whenever it gets a tiny drop of water on it. I was really unimpressed when I saw it in the store.

      1. It’s part cotton- that kills it for me. Looks super wrinkle-prone. If it were ponte, it would definitely be a buy.

    2. I wanted to love this dress but the neckline was too wide to wear with a regular bra.

  2. Early TJ: for some reason my cuticles have gone all to heck (I am pregnant, but I don’t think it’s related). They are peeling all over the place, and I’m left with raw, bleeding skin that hurts. Other than not picking (I know, I know), any other suggestions? Will cuticle cream help at this point? Do I just have to wait it out?

    1. I accidentally hit report instead of reply. I find nothing offensive about your cuticle post!

      Was going to recommend a product like Aquaphor. Slather on frequently, maybe sleep in gloves if you can stand it. It helps heal things up. Then a daily cuticle cream or, my preference, nail oil, will help keep it from happening. My nails/cuticles/skin/hair/entire being was super dry while I was pregnant with my third.

      1. Second this. I apply Cetaphil lotion or cream to my hands, then slather them in Aquaphor right before bed, and put them in cotton socks or gloves. I also keep a small tub of Vaseline and a bottle of Solar oil in my desk and apply that when I think about it. The main key is just being really vigilant about whatever steps you take.

    2. Neosporin and bandages will heal them faster. Cuticle cream might sting. You could use something like Aquaphor to combat the dryness.

      1. Agree with band-aids and Neosporin, but don’t use Aquafor or Vaseline as anything but a barrier. It doesn’t moisturize, but it does protect. I would use Neosporin and coconut oil for dryness.

        1. I’m going to have to disagree with you about Aquaphor. I have bad cuticles and Aquaphor is the only thing that works– it absolutely moisturizes my cuticles better than anything I’ve ever tried, and I’ve tried lots of products.

          1. Agreed, used right after a shower. I also use it overnight on my face when it gets painfully dry in the winter with no problem.

    3. mine are always like this these days (i’m right there with ya on the i know, i know). I keep burts bees cuticle cream all over the place — its inexpensive so its at my desk, in my purse, on my nightstand — and put it on whenever i think about it — sitting on the phone, in a meeting, whatever.

      I also keep hand cream (not just body lotion, but hand cream) all over as well and reapply frequently, but especially after i wash my hands.

      This has all helped a ton, and if I would stop biting them, im sure it would be all better.

      1. Do you use the cuticle cream when you’ve painted your nails, or only when they’re bare? I know I need to moisturize my cuticles, but I feel like the lotions and creams wreck manicures, and I’ve been keeping my nails painted all the time lately. Is this just me imagining it?

        1. I think this is where solar oil is great. It moisturizes your cuticles, your nails through the polish, and doesn’t wreck manicures at all.

    4. If you’re planning to b-feed, you’ll want lanolin cream – and its also great as a chapstick and cuticle cream. So if you’ve been gifted any already or plan to buy it, go ahead and break it out now.

    5. Have you been eating a lot of citrus? I’ve been going through Halos and Trader Joe’s Josie’s mandarins in stores right now like crazy, but peeling several of those a day is definitely weakening my nails and shredding my cuticles. Just a thought as to what might be the cause–if yes, you could try using a spoon and paper towel to peel and eat them so that your hands don’t come in direct contact.

      1. Me too! My thumbs were cracking, and then one day my lips were really chapped and I realized it was from all the Halos I was eating.

      2. How strange! Unfortunately, I’m not eating much these days (even though I’m in the 2nd trimester, sigh), so citrus isn’t my problem, but thanks for the suggestion!

        Thanks to everyone else for their ideas too!

      3. this can totally do it! way back when, i was a bartender and my cuticles used to crack and peel so bad (totally different than me biting them now becuase of stress) and finally one day i realized it was from cutting the limes and lemons and oranges for drinks. I started wearing special gloves and it cleared right up.

    6. Burt’s Bees makes a cuticle product that I really like. It comes in a little tin disc, which makes it easy to carry with you.

      1. I was going to recommend this as well. I have those little discs everywhere (just like chapstick).

  3. So I want to buy a new bag for spring, something that will go with black, which I wear too frequently, but also with lighter spring colors. I’m so sick of black handbags, I want something different. I’m also tired of trying to match my handbag to my outfit, and thinking that it’s too “matchy matchy.” I’m looking at a medium brown “chestnut” Coach bag, or alternatively a “parchment” bag, which is more of a light beige. I love the chestnut color, but maybe the parchment would be better and more versatile for spring? Any opinions?

        1. The chestnut is a good, year-round color. I think it depends on your purse preference. I prefer to use a lighter-color purse in the spring/summer, and then switch to a darker color for fall/winter. So, if it were me, I would pick the grey birch. However, if you prefer to not switch purses like that, I would go for the chestnut.

        2. I have a bag in a similar color and it works very well for me – I love that I can use it year round, and it goes with everything but doesn’t show dirt easily.

      1. I donated the parchment bag I had because it did not get much use. Chestnut is very versatile and you can use the bag all year. You can also go for a more fun color. I’m surprised at how versatile my kelly green bag has been.

  4. I bought this in black. I like the fit (I’m between sizes and sizing up was right on) and the fact it comes in tall.

  5. My firm gives me a $200 office decor allowance, and I need some ideas. If you had such an allowance, what would you get for your office? Looking for organization items but also some things I can put on a shelf, wall, or desk. So far, I have only some framed family photos on a shelf and three hanging travel photos in nice matted frames. I know I’d like a lamp, but otherwise am totally open. If you feel like doing some vicarious shopping, would also love links. Thanks!

    1. If you have direct sunlight, plants are a great addition. If you don’t have direct sunlight, invest in a sunlamp – it really does wonders for keeping you alert.

    2. Yay! What a GREAT idea!!!! — I have to ask the manageing partner about getting an OFFICE DECOR Allowance, but not for here. I do NOT want to spend it on this dingie place. I think it make’s sense for me to wait, and then ask for a profesional decorator to come do the whole new office setup. YAY! I think we would NOT be moveing this smelley old furniture to a new place anyway.

      My chair is a joke, and there is petrified bubbel gum in my desk and under the chair. The manageing partner is the onley one that has nice furniture that he bought last year. He kept telleing me how nice it is and how much he spent on it. I hope he keep’s it and does NOT give it to me. It is DARK leathery stuff FOOEY! I like BEIGE or WHITE not that. Beside’s the manageing partner has been sitteing in his chair for a while and his tuchus is much bigger then mine. FOOEY! I say give it to Frank.

      We are waiting for the IRS, and Frank is busy stareing at his spread sheet’s and then lookeing at me — I do NOT want to talk about the acrueals, and the manageing partner just want’s me to sit there with my red dress on and look good. He think’s that with ME as the distraction in the conference room, the IRS guy (and Benjamin) will moove on to other thing’s (includeing another audit they are doing in NYC). Benjamin told me about the other audit, but we are NOT suposed to know about it.

      It was very cold today and I told my dad about the audit, so he said I did NOT have to walk in. The train was busy and there was an explosion up on Park Ave where peeople were killed by a gas leak. I feel VERY bad for those peeople. Dad said my coop should NOT have this probelem b/c it is only 5 year’s old, and the pipe’s are not old, but he is goieng to check with the Board of the Coop to see if they are useing copper pipe or cast iron pipe. He does NOT want me living in an unsafe place, and neither do I. YAY DAD!

      1. I put that bubbel gum there to remind you of me.

        I miss you.

        Why do you keep ignoring me?

    3. I have no suggestions, as we don’t get to decorate our offices on this side of the pond, but I did initially read this as being a ‘deer allowance’ and got slightly confused as to why you would want a deer in your office…

    4. This is kind of a stodgy suggestion, but what about your diplomas? I’m in law, so this is typical office decor in my field. They’re expensive to frame, especially if they’re not standard size, so having your employer foot the bill would be nice.

      1. A good trick for this to keep costs low is to see if any older people you know want to get rid of their framed diplomas. You can have a frame shop transfer your diploma into the frame and mat, replace the paper and wire on the back and clean up the glass for around $15.

  6. Has anyone used some kind of a career coach? I’m so depressed about my career (law) that I’m beginning to think I would benefit from therapy, but maybe some kind of career coach would be better.

    1. This won’t be super helpful for you, but I have my first appointment with a career coach this Saturday. Like you, I am so desperate to get out of law that it negatively impacts other areas of my life (that are objectively going quite well), but I feel stuck and have no idea how to transition to a new field. All of the coaches I looked into give a complimentary consultation, so you should definitely look into it!

      1. I would love to hear how your appointment goes! Please share on Monday? How did you pick? Did you find one who had particular experience with lawyers or lawyers in your practice area?

        I’m definitely with you on the negative impacts on the other areas of my life. I’ve got the best DH and DD, but my friends and my DH are bored of my whining about how much I hate my job and see no future in it. And I feel palpably jealous of people with blossoming careers outside of law.

        1. I will be happy to share on Monday! I made my choice by looking at websites and just seeing whose style seemed to be a good fit. I know I want someone who is direct (coddling won’t help with this) and who will help me develop concrete action steps. I got a good impression when I spoke with her on the phone. She has worked with attorneys in the past, but not exclusively.

    2. Does your firm have a relationship with an outplacement counselor? An old firm of mine did. How do I know? My practice area was never quite busy enough to keep me busy and after getting more senior with now way of becoming busy or a partner, I got the It’s Time For You To Think Of Other Options speech. And after I hadn’t made any progress in leaving (believe me, I was trying), I was offered this (so they paid). The counselor wasn’t ultimately helpful in landing somewhere, but was helpful as a reality check / person to bounce ideas off of. My own network was what ultimately did it for me. DC though (not NYC). But it seems to maybe be a thing among Biglaw firms that like you but can’t keep you. [So maybe you can find this out on the DL.]

    3. I hired a career coach during my job search and found her extremely helpful. She helped me think about all of the things that would be important to me in a job, and encouraged me to find a job that gave me those things/ask for them, which I didn’t think about and may have not had the confidence to pursue.

    4. I saw a career coach when I was in my 6th year of law at a big firm. She’s very well known and does group counseling as well as counseling via the phone. Her website also has a lot of helpful tips and articles. Her name is Ellen Ostrow. I can’t remember now how I found her (I think she may have been recommended to me).

      I hated the law when I went to see Ellen. Really. I recently read through my journals from that time period and realize that I was in terrible shape emotionally. Full on crying jags on a regular basis because I felt so lost in my career and yet trapped.

      Fast forward 8 years, another big firm gig, and an in-house gig and….I love being a practicing lawyer. The older I get, the more experience I’ve gained and the less grunt work I have to do. I’ve also gained more control over my schedule. What I learned from this is not that I hated being a lawyer….I just hated being a lawyer at a big firm with no business. The actual practice of law though, with the problem-solving, mental challenges, (and, frankly, relative prestige and earning power) are fantastic, for me. Now that I’ve added young children into the mix, my practice gives me a flexibility I would not find in many other fields.

      You don’t say how long you’ve been practicing but if you’re in that mid-level associate h@ll, I’d encourage you to try to take a long-range view to your career–it may very well get much, much better. Ellen can help you do that, as well as help you figure out how *not* to be a lawyer at a big firm with no business. She can also provide some valuable perspective on whether the things you dislike about the practice are specific to you, the law, or just your law firm. Some of those things can be fixed, some problems you might (like me) out grow, but other problems may just be signs that you’re not in the right field.

      It’s no fun being in those shoes. I wish you luck!

      1. I’ll second the Ellen Ostrow recommendation and also add another – Jennifer Greiner/Greiner Consulting. I’ve hired both on behalf of associates at various firms for individual coaching and have used Greiner for outplacement (replacing another well-known vendor who was completely ineffective and unhelpful for many of our associates).

      2. Thanks to both of you! I’m considering next steps and wondering what I’ll do. This is something that I’ll think about doing in the near-term.

  7. I asked this question last summer, and it resulted in some very useful pieces of clothing (the chambray shirt in particular has definitely paid for itself in compliments), so, I’m going to ask again:

    If you could only buy 5 items to refresh your wardrobe for the spring, what would they be?

        1. Why is it so hard to find a white tee that isn’t sheer, has a flattering neckline and is cut well in the shoulders? The last couple I bought (and returned) were cut like tanks that someone sewed sleeves onto as an afterthought.

          1. I SO agree. I’m constantly looking for a white t-shirt that isn’t sheer, I like a slightly thicker fabric (not the tissue thin most t-shirts are now), not too low-cut. Does not exist.

          2. I ordered one from Boden based on a rec here a few days ago – should be delivered today. Will report back.

          3. I like Lands End tees. I’m busty, hourglass shaped, and have a short waist which make buying tops tricky (fitting in the chest usually means that the bottom half is too long)

          4. I like H&M v neck tees. Not too sheer, not too low, and cheap. I size up so they’re not too clingy. For more standard white cotton ones (less stretch), I like uniqlo.

            My 5 items:
            1. chambray dress – I think this is like the shirt, will be a definite staple
            2. white jeans
            3. gold or silver easy to walk in sandals that I can wear with everything
            4. big summer weight scarf that can function as a scarf, sarong, wrap, etc.
            5. new trench coat

          5. L.L. Bean has white pima cotton tees with a good neckline (i.e., doesn’t look like a Hanes undershirt with huge ribbing), mildly scooped neck (but not deep), and thick, not sheer fabrics. All those are the pluses.

            The minuses are that the tees are completely square at the sides — no waist shaping at all. So VERY boxy. Also — and this may not be a problem for many or might even be an advantage for some — they are cut quite short. For very long-waisted me, they are barely long enough to stay tucked in.

            http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/32709?feat=504209-GN2&page=pima-cotton-tee-short-sleeve-crewneck

        2. Oh! I also want some ripped jeans. I like those Rag & Bone ones that every style blogger seems to have, but I’m not sure if I can stomach paying that much for something ripped. Anyone have another suggestion?

      1. @preg anon:
        Those are cute shoes! I used to get a similar style pair from KMart every summer for many years. I just checked and they’re still selling them for $6, though unfortunately they don’t seem to have them in beige as before, but maybe that’s a summer item. I may end up with navy — they’re perfect shoes for warm weather running around. You’ve just inspired a purchase :)

        http://www.kmart.com/basic-editions-women-39-s-dakota-vulcanized-a-line/p-035B096607110001P

    1. Oh fun! I’ve been trying to stay away from stores because it’s the last 18 days of my shopping ban but here is what I would get:

      1) Nude shoes – Sam Edelman has some really cute slingback kitten heels
      2) Flats – haven’t decided on a colour yet but maybe something metallic?
      3) Some form of outerwear – maybe a cute moto-style jacket in a light colour? (I am SO sick of all my jackets)
      4) Maybe a wrap dress?
      5) white t-shirt – I have had no luck finding nice tshirts that fit but are not too tight and are good quality.

      I also need a dress for a black-tie function but that is not for my spring wardrobe so I haven’t included it here.

      1. Good suggestions! I’ve been thinking about a wrap dress for a while, but I always seem to end up looking a little…Joan from Mad Men when I try them on. I’ll move it higher on the list though. I’m also in favour of a bright jacket, I am kind of over my classic black trench coat for spring, maybe a mint one? And if you find the holy grail white tee, let me know:)

    2. 1. navy ankle pants
      2. chambray trouser pants
      3. gold metallic tory burch slip-on sneakers or dusty rose python slip-on sneakers (can’t remember the brand)
      4. a lightweight scarf
      5. a cardigan that actually goes with some dresses that I have. This has been surprisingly difficult.

      1. Hmmm, how would you style the chambray trouser pants? I’m intrigued- I love my chambray shirt, even though I thought I’d never wear it, so I’m totally open to the idea of chambray pants, but I can’t think of outfits, or how they’re so much different than trouser jeans?

    3. Lace/perforated white top or dress

      Vans

      Fit and flare minidress

      Maybe a wide leg trouser?

      Crop top if you are under 25 (I would not buy this)

      1. I love my Vans! We somehow became a Vans family. Me and my thirteen year old daughter have the same style of Vans in the same size. (Mine are all black though and hers are grey and hot pink.) My 3 year old has the Hello Kitty vans and my son has a checkered pair.

    4. Gold flats, bright colored tank top, flowy blouse, ankle jeans, one great go-anywhere skirt or sundress.

      1. Oh, I love the idea of gray jeans! I have a few coloured jeans, one in a slate blue sort of colour, but a true gray would be awesome.

    5. Mint flats
      Mint clutch
      Pink blazer
      Distressed straight-leg jeans
      Cherry blossom printed top or dress (super specific, I know, but I’ve been looking for this for years and can’t find one that I like/isn’t a Caroline Herrera $2,000+ creation)

      1. This was hard! Can I make it ten?

        Gold loafers
        Navy suit (that counts as one, right?)
        Drapey white silk buttondown
        Lightweight scarf
        Flat, comfortable, cute wide-strap sandals

    6. lace top
      grey skinny jeans
      navy ankle pants
      lightweight scarf in spring/summer colors
      shift dress in lighter color

    7. Black sheath dress
      Gold flats or wedges
      Cheerful floral-print sundress
      Graduation dress
      New shorts in navy or another neutral

      In my dreams. Shopping ban still in effect.

  8. I’m writing a last-minute fellowship application that I feel incredibly unqualified for (they accept applications from my field but seem to have a clear preference for the physical sciences). A serious case of imposter system and I keep trying to talk myself out of applying as the timing isn’t perfect PhD / work / personal life-wise.

    How do you push through? Avoid self-sabotaging?

    1. Fake it! Pretend it’s a game and the winner gets a million dollars. How would you sell yourself for a million bucks?

    2. Just do it? Remind yourself that people get crap they aren’t qualified for all the time? Think about how it’s just an application, not a referendum on your worth as a person, and the worst thing that can possibly happen is for them to say no, in which case you are no worse off than you were to begin with? Maybe remind yourself that it’s just an application, and you can tackle the life stuff if and when it becomes an issue?

      That’s how I’m trying to talk myself through a job app right now, anyway. It clearly seems to be what I do, but the organization seems to be approaching it from the exact opposite angle–like the position would require A and B; I have a background in A, and could develop the B skills with no issue; and the job description and requirements only approach it from B. Frustrating. I probably wouldn’t even apply but it’s perfect for me, location and personal life-wise, so what do I (or you!) have to lose by at least taking a shot? Nothing. Do the application!

    3. pretend like you’re writing the application for your best friend to get the fellowship – just replace ‘I’ with ‘name of friend’ as applicable throughout and then change it back before submitting. This might help you get out of your own head a bit and focus on what others see in you/why they would think that you’d rock this fellowship.

  9. Informal poll:

    How many readers with a Prime membership will keep it with the price increase?

    Personally, I don’t know that it’s worth it at the higher price as my online rush-order needs have shifted to cleaning products and toiletries that often aren’t available on Prime or are outrageously overpriced compared to the drugstore (B&M or online drugstore-type sites).

    1. I’ll probably keep it. I’m not convinced I get my money’s worth out of it, but I like being able to get the rush delivery without feeling guilty about it.

    2. I will for the streaming services and shipping (christmas / birthday gifts mainly; I used to have two cases of different sized diapers / month in addition). Can’t remember the last time I ordered a book from them that you couldn’t color on.

    3. I’m wavering on it a bit. I’ve only had it for about two months (I signed up when I got my kindle for Christmas) and I do watch some movies or tv shows on there, but truthfully, I haven’t seen any really reason yet to keep it for myself, especially when BF has it linked to his kindle and he could order any products that I would need faster for me.

      1. He can share the prime account shipping benefit with you (at least you can right now, not sure if that will go away with the price increase). Go to “manage your prime membership” and at the bottom choose “Invite a Household Member”.
        My husband pays for Prime as part of his small business because its the cost of shipping 2-3 items overnight, and then being able to use the shipping benefit for ourselves is an extra bonus. He didn’t even know about the streaming video when we first signed up for it, but since we don’t have Netflix or Hulu, that’s a nice extra bonus – so we will be renewing.

    4. I will, because I am impatient and often too lazy to go to the store. I don’t buy toiletries or cleaning products from Amazon, but I have noticed that Amazon doesn’t always have the best prices. But when the do, nothing beats the convenience for me. Honestly, for me Prime is worth it for Christmas shopping alone. Not having to fight crowds and getting the purchases delivered to my door step in 2 days or less? Yes please.

        1. We basically order anything we would otherwise buy at Walmart or Target from there, which is so convenient. Air filters, protein powder, light bulbs, baby-proofing items, etc. I swear we get a package from them at least three times a week. It also saves so much in terms of not going to Target and thinking I have to have six other things that are cute but unnecessary. With Amazon, I’m much more likely to go to the website with one thing in mind and order only that one thing. So between not having to go to big box stores, and saving money from superfluous purchases at those stores, plus the convenience of two-day shipping, I will be keeping it without question.

          1. I obtain the vast majority of household items through Prime. I have willingly paid a tiny bit more so that I didn’t have to go to the store. I love the 2-day shipping.

          2. Same here. My household shopping is there or Costco. I rarely go to Target or Fred Meyer anymore. Cat food, LED light bulbs (DH’s current obsession), dog toys, tea, coffee, books, spatula – all things bought within the last week. With prime I can send my college kids the printer ink they need or the hair conditioner that is so hard for daughter to find in the store. We use the streaming feature quite a bit and I always get my free monthly Kindle book. It saves me gobs of time.

          3. It is very convenient. But we just had a large package from Drugstore.com stolen from our porch. So all packages have to be delivered to the office now.

        2. Yup. I didn’t even blink at the price increase because we use the two-day shipping so much. Diapers/wipes/formula/baby food…the majority of our household items come from Prime shipping.

    5. I’m keeping it but in addition to the two day shipping I watch a lot of tv shows and movies on Prime. With the price hike the cost works out to $8.25/month. IMO I definitely recoup that value over the course of a year.

      1. Same here. I watch shows and movies on prime, borrow books from the prime lending library, and love the fast shipping.

      2. Keeping it, given the enormous amount of time my teenage daughter spends watching free Doctor Who on Prime Instant Video.

      3. Ditto. My son watches the heck out of Amazon streaming video both on our iPad and on our Roku.

    6. Tried a trial twice and cancelled both times. I find that many things I want are not available via Prime, which I find incredibly frustrating and a waste of my shopping time. So I’m not saving money or (shopping) time. The fast shipping is the only plus (if you’re item is Prime). Also, the movie selection is only OK.

      1. Second to this. I got it with the Amazon Mom program, and I’m really happy with the subscribe and save on diapers (which doesn’t actually require Prime), but otherwise, I don’t find it all that useful. Usually, if I can wait 2 days for the item, there’s no real reason why I couldn’t wait a few more, and most of what I want I can’t get on Prime anyway. I find Amazon really overpriced for things that I would otherwise get at the big box store, though it’s nice when Amazon has things that aren’t always available there (fancy teas and spices, but those are fairly rare orders). We used it a lot around the holidays, but I doubt that that made it worth it.

        My husband really likes it, though, for some reason. So we might wind up keeping it, but not because I think it’s really a good deal.

    7. I have Amazon Student, so I get it for half price and I’m not sure I’ll keep it once the price increase goes into effect. Luckily my account will renew at the lower price this year so I think I’ll track what I spend and then decide whether it’s worth keeping. It probably is because I enjoy the streaming services but I’ve started looking at the numbers more when trying to decide if something’s “worth it”.

      1. My Amazon Student runs out this month, so my price increase is huge! Enjoy it while you have it at half price. Sigh.

    8. I’m definitely keeping it. I use it constantly so it pays for itself really quickly.

    9. Keeping it, for sure. They beat the local shop prices on my dog’s special food by $10 a bag, and getting a 40-pound bag delivered to my doorstep? WORTH IT.

        1. I use Wag.com for pet supplies. It’s connected to Amazon somehow but I’ve found the prices to be slightly lower than Prime for the same items. It’s free 2-day shipping (or same day or next day in NYC) if you spend over $39.

    10. I’m just hoping my mom decides to keep her subscription, because I hijack her account for Prime Instant Watch, since she never uses that herself. Crossed Fingers!!! ;o)

      1. If I remember correctly, you can share prime membership with up to 4 people? So maybe this is the sort of thing you can split with friends?

        1. Not for streaming. I think only the main account holder (and maybe one other person they designate?) can stream.

          1. Correct. My mom pays for prime and she shares her membership with me, but I can’t get streaming.

          2. True, but I just log in with my mom’s email and password. She trusts me not to buy anything with her credit card on there ;)

    11. Keeping it. Combination of the streaming and lending library plus they are the most competitively priced pet food/supplies and it’s delivered so I don’t have to schlepp it. That alone makes it worth it!

      1. The last time I looked at the lending library thing it only worked on an actual kindle. Is that still true? I rarely use my actual kindle and tend to just read on my iPad instead. Is it possible to use with the Kindle apps now?

        1. I’m not sure. I have a Kindle paperwhite and no longer read on the iPad Kindle app.

        2. That was true for me about a month or so ago when I tried to find the lending library on my iPad kindle app.

    12. Not any more. They started doing delivery through USPS for the last couple of shipments, and USPS never bothered to deliver the item to my apartment (always pick-up at the post office instead). Requesting delivery from USPS, even via Amazon, was a nightmare. The two-day delivery window is a joke.

      Yes, I am very bitter. Bring back UPS!

      1. Yeah – I hate when they deliver things through Lasership. Lasership will just leave items in the lobby of my building to be stolen rather than bringing them to the apartment office like the other shipping companies.

        1. I’ve had that same problem, except that my apartment has a leasing office that they’ll deliver to. It’s only open like ridiculously short midday hours that I can’t get to during the week, so I have to wait until Saturday. Super annoying when I order something to come on Monday or Tuesday and I can’t actually retrieve the package until the weekend.

          They’ve also started using FedEx SmartPost and UPS Basic (or whatever it’s called now) where the shipment starts with FedEx or UPS and is then handed off to USPS. That handoff inevitably causes at least a one day delay and my packages shipped with this method never arrive on the promised day. And it’s probably 50% of my items shipped this way now.

          I’ve also noticed a lot of items are not really available in two days. For example, you used to be able to order by 6pm Monday and 2 day shipping meant the item arrived on Wednesday. Now, if you order by 6pm Monday the “2 day delivery” is for Thursday, or the cutoff is even earlier in the day where if you order before noon it comes by Thursday, but if you order at 3pm it comes on Friday. For an order on Monday! And they still call it “two day shipping.” No.

    13. Definitely keep it. But we’re huge Amazon Prime users anyway. Plus we’re now subscribing to diapers and wipes with Amazon Mom (despite the fact that I resent them assuming only women buy diapers etc.)

      1. I hate that, too. They have this big thing in the description about how “we don’t mean it’s just for moms!”, and I’m all, “so why do you have to call it that, grumble grumble.”

      2. +1. But they actually have a disclaimer in the “about” section of Amazon Mom saying that theu realize the primary caretaker isn’t always “mom”.

    14. Honestly, I’m thinking of dropping it. It’s not so much the price increase, but the fact I do so much extraneous shopping because of the convenience factor. I like the lending library and streaming movies, but we already pay for netflix as well as huluplus, and most of the books I want, I can get from the library.

      That said, my membership expires in December, so I’ll be doing all my holiday shopping much earlier!

    15. I just received your email informing me that my prime account will see a price increase at renewal! Thanks for sharing that good news!

      I see that your stock prices have increased due to the news of your Prime Membership fee increase. More revenue without doing anything to earn it! Good news for your stockholders!

      As a non-stockholder who uses your Prime service, I see this price increase as bad news. I have not been using Prime much since my last renewal. Christmas was a catastophy thanks to you.

      My Prime shipments do not always arrive on time, you now charge sales tax on my purchases, many of your items do not fall under the Prime program, others are add-ons so I need to order more than just the one item to get Prime shipping. I have also noticed that your prices are higher or comparable to those at my local stores. Where I can see an item, judge if I want it and take it home immediately. Also I can return it without any hassles or paying for shipping.

      I do not appreciate the fact that your prices are variable. It seems as though I always get emailed a “deal” if something lingers in my cart. Perhaps it is lingering because I bought it locally at a cheaper price? Or perhaps I didn’t want it as I suspected I was being overcharged in the first place and your email just confirms my suspicions.

      I do not use the Prime videos nor do I own a kindle so the book lending does me no good. I have an android tablet and a kobo reader; I do not want to buy another one-use only electronic device to purchase books.

      My Prime membership expires in November; I will wait and see if you favor your stockholders or your customers in the future. Most I likely, I will soon be neither.

      Sincerely,

      A Possbile Former Customer

      1. This, with two differences:

        1. I actually own a Kindle, but none of the books I want to read have been available through the lending library program. And because I buy digitally now, I no longer need the 2 day shipping to have interesting books sent to me so I can read them RIGHT NOW.

        2. I used the Prime videos for a while but burned through the limited free selection fairly quickly and am now back to paying for Netflix. It was one of those things that was sort of nice to have while included as a “free” perk but does not justify a higher annual fee.

      2. I’m surprised you’ve lasted this long with it. My main value comes from Prime (the free exercise videos alone are worth using Prime in addition to Netflix). I also used to spend more to get free shipping, so being able to buy only what I need with two day shipping is worth it to me.

        But blame your state on the sales tax issue, not Amazon.

    16. For those buying household products who want the 2-day shipping I’d recommend the soap.com, diapers.com, wag.com, etc. sites. They are all linked, and as long as you spend $49 you get free 2-day shipping. I just keep a running tally in my shopping cart and order once it gets over $49. If you really need something asap it’s not to difficult to throw in something you are not quite out of yet but know you will need (diapers, vitamins, etc.) to put you over the threshold.

      1. Also, check out shoprunner, which we got free through amex. It gives free 2-day shipping on select websites.

      2. This is where I’ve been buying most of my toiletry items. They have a lot better selection of cleaning products, toilet paper, OTC meds/first aid items that are all available for 2 day shipping, and sometimes my orders arrive the next day. Also, they are more reliable about having my dog food in stock–often Amazon is out of stock or only has stock through a questionable third party seller with a much higher price (and I question the freshness of the product I’ll receive because who else is buying at that price for them to be moving merchandise?) To anyone else specifically interested in pet food, in addition to Wag, Pet Flow and Chewy are other good sites that will ship for free over $50 (PetFlow sends a ridiculous amount of marketing emails though, so make sure to opt out of those!)

      3. I use those sites, as well (especially soap dot com and diapers dot com for baby/nursing clothes), but I believe they are serviced (owned?) by Amazon.

        1. They are owned by Amazon, so it has been one of my pet peeves that they are not covered by my Prime membership. Now *that* would definitely make it worth it.

          I am not sure if they are using the same warehouses/fulfillment though, because frequently Amazon will be out of stock of an item that I need but Soap/Wag will have it.

      4. Didn’t Amazon buy diapers.com?

        I love Prime and won’t change my account. I buy everything from Amazon and especially the subscribe and save items. I have 2 babies at home so the diapers,wipes, ect is with not having to go to Target.

    17. So what’s everyone’s most random Prime order?

      Mine was pink curing salt for making my own bacon. So weird. I can’t believe I just wrote that.

      1. Ha, I loved this invitation to think back through my order history.

        I think I’ll have to go with a mid-90s order of a European version of a boy band CD because it had an extra single on it vs the US release. I was a tween and my mother was not so sure about that whole ordering over the internet thing.

      2. Blackcurrant concentrate for adding to Guiness. While we were in Ireland, this became my mom’s favorite drink and she couldn’t find it anywhere else.

      3. A sampler pack of flavored lubes – delivered to a friend’s house for a surprise Christmas gift. I’m convinced Amazon makes 89% of its money from drunk shopping.

      4. A furminator for the cat? That felt a bit weird.

        When I worked in dorms, one of our residents had a giant drum of some sort of chemical detergent delivered via Amazon. It is an ingredient that can be used in less than innocent ways so our security staff had to investigate. It turned out that he was using it to wash his clothes!

      5. I love all these! Giant ball of string! For some reason that one made me laugh out loud.

  10. Is it rude to explain the difference between insure, ensure, and assure to someone? A junior colleague (entry level and very wet behind the ears; this is her first job out of college) keeps writing emails using the phrase “I will insure this gets done” or something to that effect.

    I cringe whenever I see it and I want to help her out in a friendly way, but I’m not sure how it will be received.

    1. Same exact problem: I have a junior team member who uses “affect” as a noun (when he means “effect”). I don’t know how to tell him that this is incorrect.

    2. I think you’d be doing her a big favor. Can you get a copy of Strunk and White for her (holla: amazon prime)? I had a spotty education growing up but am so grateful that one teacher in junior high made us have these. I have one by my desk still (and texas law review manual of style — even if you’re not a lawyer, I think that thinking about uniformity / capitalization / etc. can make any written presentation stronger).

    3. I’ve mentioned it whenever I’ve seen it in something I’m reviewing for someone, or if I notice it in slides that will be shared externally or with higher-ups. Email is a bit of a grey area, because people often make “your” “you’re” type mistakes and no one calls them out on it. I would wait til she does it in something “real” like a document or presentation and then mention it.

    4. I HATE grammatical errors. If she’s making grammatical errors in emails to you, you know she’s making them in emails to clients (if you have clients). If she’s in a client facing role I would say something. What is her position?

      1. She’s not in a client facing role but she assists in the creation of marking materials that end up in front of clients and prospects.

        I’m just concerned about the general impression she’s making on people by writing emails that way. She’s only been at the firm for 3-4 months, so it’s not exactly the best time to get casual with your email syntax and grammar.

    5. I think you can do this pretty casually. Recently, a trainee was proofreading a document and changed ‘supersede’ to ‘supercede’, so I just mentioned to him ‘oh, by the way, this is the correct spelling’.

      I would wait until this happens and then note it to her casually as soon as possible afterwards and say something like ‘oh it may have been a typo, but I just noticed…’. She may think you are being picky, but ultimately she represents your employer and recipients will judge her (at least if those recipients are lawyers, because we are a pedantic bunch :)). It’s a question of presentation, at the end of the day.

      1. You’re not being picky. Incorrect is incorrect.

        Mention the correct spelling, and if you are someone who does check sometimes, forward the helpful link.

        The hard part is when your bosses use these words incorrectly.

    6. I think you could point it out in a mentoring-type way. I use Grammar Girl (website) for stuff like this. Maybe you could just end her a link to the page on insure/ensure/assure and mention that it’s a little thing that will help how she presents herself. You could soften it by saying something like, “Even though I’ve learned these rules before, I still sometimes quickly check to make sure I’m not making a silly mistake.”

    7. I would tell her. Frame it as ‘hey, I noticed this error, autocorrect won’t pick it up but it should be assure rather than insure. I’d mention it verbally if possible and in a casual way. I would probably even add ‘I always have to double check myself with affect and effect (or capital and capitol)

      1. I actually do always have to check those two myself. I would appreciate it being pointed out to me so I could learn it and fix it.

    8. I think she will be totally embarrassed, but after she calms down she will realize that you’ve done her a solid (and I definitely think you should say something). To make it less awkward, I try to be a little self-deprecating. Ex: “I used to get these mixed up a lot until I finally figured out….(grammar lesson). I just wanted to save you all the trouble that I had!” If she has any pride in her work and reputation, she will appreciate your help.

    9. I recommend the Associated Press Stylebook as a reference. It’s way more comprehensive than the typical Strunk & White (which I find has some outdated/clunky suggestions and isn’t terribly easy to navigate) and has a better index. My firm’s marketing department gifts it to each new person on their team. I bought a copy for myself after borrowing their copies on a regular basis. Unfortunately many schools are not teaching the fundamentals of grammar/writing anymore. If I were the one making the errors, I’d want to know, I’d want to correct it and to avoid it (and similar types of errors) going forward.

      I allso like the Grammar Girl site as a recommended resource.

    10. I used to supervise an employee who would refer to acronyms as “anachronims.” HA! It made me laugh thinking about a temporally inconsistent acronym. But, yes, also made me worry about her losing credibility with clients. I tried to use the word acronym in writing and orally as much as possible hoping she’d pick up on it, which she never did. So, I agree with the above to make it explicit. Better for her and for you.

  11. Is it okay to point out to your boss that sometimes his responses to your questions comes off as very gruff? (I don’t know how else to put it). I don’t even want to ask him questions anymore because if I ask a dumb question he’ll get short with me and use a condescending tone of voice. I’m still learning my job – I’ve only been here 9 months and the position has a steep learning curve (per him). It’s not like all my questions are dumb but sometimes I’ll walk away going “yep, that was a dumb question” to myself. But I think everyone asks “dumb” questions when they’re trying to learn a new and difficult job.

    I think he realizes how he comes off because he’s said to me “Sarah’s (my predecessor) feelings were hurt by the way I answered her questions and she really took offense to it, please know that I’m just trying to teach you”. At times I’ve tried to understand that but it’s still hard. It’s like a friend apologizing for being a bi*tch but then just saying, “well, that’s how I am”. Do I say anything or just roll with it because this is obviously his personality and/or teaching style?

    1. I don’t know if this will help, but I also had a boss like that – he seemed to take offense that I didn’t already know everything. Once when he got short with me, I told him I just wanted the benefit of his 30+ years of experience and over 100 jury trials, as compared to the few years I had and no trial experience. That seemed to work, suddenly he saw himself as imparting his wisdom to a junior colleague. He seemed to be more willing to answer my questions after that.

      1. Would like to add that I said what I said very respectfully, and in response to him asking why I was asking him (What are you asking me for, you should know this!), so it wasn’t like I sought him out to criticize him. Also, I was asking for his opinion on the settlement value of a case, I would never ask him something I could look up in the rules or get by research.

    2. Asking questions is important, it shows your willingness to learn, to be efficient and to also establish relationships with other people. I don’t think that telling your boss that he’s gruff will be helpful to you. First of all, he already knows this given what he’s told you about your predecessor (and he seems unwilling to change) second you want to do things to improve the professional relationship and saying that your feelings are hurt is too personal and puts the onus on him to change. I think you need to figure out a way to work around your boss’s interpersonal savvy shortfalls. For example, if you need to ask a question, make sure that you cannot reasonably find the answer first, then approach him and say you looked at x, y and z but ultimately decided coming to him was best. That being said, if he is that condescending and it’s not working, perhaps this isn’t the right fit? Though at 9 months, it may be hard to tell and when you’re in the situation, it always seems so much worse then after some time has passed.

    3. I work with someone like this now. It isn’t you. Try your best not to take as personal to you. He’s answering your questions and concerned with you learning? He’s a treasure. Treat it as a learning experience, and learn what you can from it. You may find you end up having a great relationship with him; you may not. But if he’s teaching you, take advantage of that.

    4. You should not point it out because he’s already told you he knows this about himself. You have to decide whether this is something you can deal with or find a work around.

      As for finding a work around, is he always gruff/short, or does it depend on the circumstances? For example, is he like this if you have a scheduled meeting to cover the topic on which you have questions? Is it possible that part of his gruff demeanor comes from being interrupted by one off questions? Is he better by email? When you ask questions on strategy or next steps, are you presenting him with your proposed approach so he knows you’re doing some leg work on your own?

      Now for a mostly-likely-offbase comment: You mentioned that your predecessor was a woman, I’m assuming you’re a woman, and the position sounds like it’s fairly junior. Your boss has already told you he’s just trying to teach you. I’m wondering if this guy’s demeanor might in part be a reaction to “up speak,” which (though apparently almost equally common among men and women) seems to be particularly noticible when used by a young woman. Do you think it’s at all possible that he’s increasing his gruffness/direct-ness subconsciously — like he’s subconsciously trying to make you speak more forcefully by being forceful himself? I’m not suggesting this is a great approach on his part, just tossing out an idea that might help you grow in this position until you can find a different one.

    5. I say no. He knows he’s gruff. You also yourself say that some of your questions are “dumb.” I get that you’re learning and you’re relatively new and it happens to all of us, but I would just try to figure out as much as you can on your own, and only go to him with questions that cannot be answered by looking them up yourself. Then – but only then – I wouldn’t waste time feeling bad about whether his response is gruff and you can be assured that if he knows that’s how he is, he’s not judging you for it assuming you first did your own homework to get the answer. I had a similar boss when I first got out of law school and that approached worked for me.

    6. Some people have a natural talent for making others feel stupid. It sounds like he has acknowledged his communication style, and it’s not about you, so don’t worry about it too much. I worked for someone who left me feeling like an idiot every time I asked a question, and it turned out she actually thought I was very smart and professional, she just had a certain style that made me feel dumb.

    7. I agree with the others. I think the advice I’d give here is the same I’d give with respect to any relationship: Either this is a deal-breaker, or it is a “price of admission” (per Dan Savage) that you will have to put up with if you want to be in this relationship. Much as we might wish it were otherwise, there is no third category of “undesirable characteristics that you will be able to make the other person change.”

  12. I have a shopping challenge for anyone with time to kill.

    I’m looking for a long, gold (at least gold colored) necklace kind of like the one in the post to follow. I’d like it to have some type of gold discs on it. I tend to wear very understated jewelry and find that many of the ones in my price range are either too gaudy or just too cheap looking (e.g., gold is too bright looking). I’d be willing to spend up to $500 for a really spectacular one (the one in post to follow is much more, unfortunately).

    Happy hunting!!

      1. Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the lovely replies. I really like the first Max and Chloe one and the first Nordstrom one posted. Now I’ll have to make the big decision. Happy Birthday to me!!

        Not sure what Kanye East is?

        Seriously, thanks for the posts.

  13. I bought my first pair of designer jeans – AG Stilt – and after three times of washing, they are still bleeding a lot (stain my hands blue if I touch them) and have stretched out tremendously. Is this normal? I’m so disappointed! Bought them at Nordstrom, FWIW.

    1. I think that’s unusual – I have a few pairs of AGs & didn’t have that happen. I’d take them back.

    2. Take them back – Nordstrom has a no hassle return policy. They’ll take anything back.

  14. I will be assembling and writing a reference tool for my group. It must be accessible through our network, but for the more senior (and less inclined to change) personnel, it has to be a printable resource to sit on their desks.

    I am thinking of using Word with links from the index to the topic. I am not certain how cumbersome that will be when updating. Am I trying to make a silk purse here? Is there software that maybetter lend itself to this use?

    1. This is easy to do in Word! If you use style and assign each topic header a style (e.g. Header 1), you can create an auto table of contents with all of the headers. Then you can right click on and update the ToC whenever the content changes. I’m sure Google can explain better!

    2. Yes, I’ve done this type of thing in Word in the past, and styles help a lot. My concern is that the underlying material will be changing on a regular basis – whether an update to an existing topic or new subject matter and topic – and there may be a better software application out there to help me maintain the tool so it is the least amount of effort for paper and electronic.

  15. Ladies, need some help! A while ago, some folks here have discussed about shorts/panties that cover mid-thigh to avoid rubbing of the inner thighs – can you please post links of such products again? It’s close to spring and i’d like to try them on when wearing skirts and dresses…

    1. I can’t speak to shorts/panties, but I’ve found the Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel to be a godsend!

    2. Thank you all. This should do… found what I’m looking for and I’m also going to try out the Monistat gel.

    3. I second Bandelettes! Haven’t tried them myself (yet), but all the reviews I’ve read have been favourable-to-extatic.

      bandelettes (dot) com

  16. Ladies! Seeking some cute basic black pumps, preferably pointed toe and not patent. Also nothing to dowdy and nothing too stripper-ish (for lack of a better descriptive word).

    Looking for something under $100….anyone have a rec for a shoe they love??

      1. I second this recommendation. They are very comfortable and I actually get a lot of compliments on them. I don’t know how long they will last, but at $25 it is not so bad to have to replace. I like them much more than some of the $80-100 shoes I have.

    1. Naturalizer Lennox pumps. They have a round toe but they’re oh so comfortable. I’m on my second pair. I paid $90 for the first pair and was prepared to pay that for the second pair but apparently they’re down to $50 now at Dillard’s.

  17. Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking
    at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

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