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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Bare Necessities is having a great sale, and all clearance items are marked an EXTRA 50% off. We like their selection of basic t-shirts, and it strikes us as one of the few places where you can reliably find a number of different high-end t-shirt brands marked to 65-75% off.
The pictured scoop neck tee is from Michael Stars, and comes in black, white, gray, purple, two shades of brown, and two shades of pink.
We'd wear it beneath a suit, or in the winter beneath a cashmere or wool sweater (wearing a t-shirt with sleeves helps you get more wears out of the sweater before you have to launder it).
It was $46, now marked to $11.49 at Bare Necessities.
Michael Stars Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee T-shirt
Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.
Sales of note for 8.30.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Final Days Designer Sale, up to 75% off; extra 20% off sale
- Boden – 20% off
- Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance
- Eloquii – Up to 60% off everything; extra 60% off all sale
- J.Crew – 40% off sitewide; extra 60% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off orders $125+; extra 60% off clearance; 60%-70% off 100s of styles
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off (ends 9/2)
- Madewell – Extra 40% off sale; extra 50% off select denim; 25% off fall essentials
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Rothy's – End of season sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear in the big sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 25% off regular-price purchase; 70% off clearance
- White House Black Market – Up to 70% off sale
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
EK
One size fits most? For a t-shirt? *boggles*
Thanks for the tip on Bare Necessities. I wouldn’t have thought of that site for work clothes.
AIMS
All (or most) Michael Stars stuff is one size fits most. It’s like Hanky Panky underwear. If you can wear those (also one size), the tee shirt will fit you fine. I would say that if wear up to a medium in tees, you’ll be fine; large may be a tad too tight.
Sharon
Concur. Love Michael Stars tees and love even more getting them at a great price. They are really a wardrobe basic, IMO. They can go underneath most anything.
SF Bay Associate
What makes them so great? Genuinely curious. I tend to buy higher quality (but heavily on sale) everything else, but that philosophy hasn’t yet extended into Tshirts.
dee
you’re missing out. high-quality tshirts are such an improvement over their lower-quality brethren. I love LnA tshirts (only buy they on sale on bluefly or when they’re on hautelook) and even though they’re pricey they are much better quality than tshirts from the Gap or even BR. They are longer, the colors more vibrant, and I think they fit better.
Anonymous Today
FWIW, I am on the busty side and because of this, Michael Stars t-shirts do not fit me. I would agree that they would probably fit most women who wear a medium or small.
lawDJ
I was about to order these, I’m definitely on the busty side but wear smalls/mediums…. but your comment has me thinking whether they would fit….
sheila
i’m a 32DD and michael stars fits me great.
KelliJ
I’m 34DD and I love my Michael Stars T-shirts. I’m wearing one today in fact!
rocknroll
Okay you guys sold me on this. Placed my order already! Hope they’re as good as you say. =)
shopaholic
I hope so too! I usually wear Target tees, but this isn’t that much more and the color selection is wider. Thanks for the tip Corporette!
Sharon
I was actually turned on to MStars tees by a friend who is a fashion consultant. They just have a nice “hand” to them — they can go underneath any suit jacket or blazer, but also a casual cardigan. I buy multiples in the basic colors such as white, black or gray. I’ve just been more satisfied with them than I have been with other tees (I have some Banana Republic tees that I *hate* and I am tempted to wear them to sleep in hotel rooms and then just toss them). I am on the bustier side, btw, if that makes a difference.
AIMS
Sorry to go off topic so quick — but it’s another gross, humid day in NY, and I am already a wrinkled mess at work. I’m wearing a pencil skirt that looked crisp before I got into an un-air conditioned cab with 3 huge bags, but now I look like I might as well have slept in it. Anyone have any advice???? I do not have an iron at work and we don’t have hot air dryers in the bathrooms. Will putting some water and smoothing down with my hands help or will it only make worse?
PS: Love Michael Stars tees — $12 bucks is a great price.
surrounded by lawyers
I’m sorry–but I think water will make it worse. One rather bizarre tip I have found can work on lap-area wrinkles: in the privacy of your office, twist the skirt around so you’re wearing it backwards and then sit at your desk like that for a while. Obv, don’t forget to put it back the right way before you see anyone. But the weight and stretching from sitting on the wrinkles can help ease them.
(Unless you think the fabric is such that you’ll really mess up the skirt by doing this.)
martha
in such a circumstance when i had a big event, i once ran out to a duane reade and bought a $12 iron. and now it lives in my desk drawer and i use it in all such pinches.
you can also try using a cheap HAIR straightening iron: you can use it to iron out collars and hems while still wearing them. (make sure its a cheap one though: it won’t work as well on your hair after you’ve used it on clothes.)
lawyergrrl
Sorry this is not going to help you on the spot (unless your office is somewhere near a bedbath&beyond or the like; I don’t know if they have these at DR), but keeping a handheld travel steamer in the office is a good backup to refresh an outfit in a jiffy (no pun intended, though jiffy does make a good model that goes for around $50-$60). I second the “yea” for the Michael Stars t-shirt!
Chicago K
I don’t have any stellar advice, but I want to say that I sympathize.
If you really have an important event, and you have your gym clothes or something with you, you could ask at a Macy’s or dry cleaners if they could quickly press your outfit.
I’ve also seen people on here rave about the steamers, perhaps you can use this while wearing an outfit? Obviously if it doesn’t get hot enough to burn you…
C2
I wish so much that I wasn’t speaking from personal experience on this, and I especially wish that said experience didn’t occur when I was 30 years old, but: do.not.steam.ANYTHING.while.wearing.it. Maybe maybe maybe the hem of a loose skirt, but even then, only if you’re wearing pantyhose.
Really. Trust me.
AIMS
Thanks, all!
I don’t have an important event, I just feel like a mess (which is especially sad because I was late to work ironing the skirt that now looks like crap).
This happens frequently enough that maybe I will run out and just buy a cheap iron (I do want a steamer, but I don’t think I’ll find one at the drugstore) — luckily my office door closes, so I can take the skirt off to do a quick press without anyone being the wiser (but sadly no change of clothes so waiting in my undies at the cleaners is not an option)
Can’t wait for cooler weather!!! Thanks again . . . :)
lawDJ
I just bought an awesome steamer from Costco.com – Jiffy 2000. It’s for home, not work (kind of huge), but I love it!
a lawyer
I have the Jiffy 2000 as well, and it is the best thing to happen to my wardrobe. I steam almost every morning instead of wearing those wrinkles that occur in your sweater drawer. It has reduced my drycleaning bill, as I can use it to steam and refresh my drycleanables in between the cleaners.
Whitney
Downy makes a great wrinkle releaser. I can’t recommend it enough!
anon
My corporate firewall won’t let me view the shirt’s website because it classifies BN as lingerie! Will view tonight.
kjf
I am blocked as well. I do have the administrative password but I don’t think I’ll use it in this instance, lol.
s
i HATE firewalls like that. i’m not trying to look at the freaking naked ladies, i’m trying to pick up some fresh underwear and pantyhose, which i need to do FROM the office b/c i’m always here!
anon
to make it worse, i tried to go in through my phone, got fat-fingered, and ended up with the lyrics to the Bear Necessities song from the Jungle Book. Not a good day for fashion.
Ru
Maybe not a good day for fashion but a GREAT song for Friday.
Ms B
Now that song is in my head . . .
Chicago S
Great bargain Friday, just the excuse to replace some of my t’s.
EG
I just bought two, the shirts look like they are not super long, which I hate. They are made in the US, which is another positive on a Labor Day weekend. Great Friday idea.
Becca in Chicago
Threadjack: I’m going to Barcelona for work in October, stopping in Florence for vacation beforehand. I’m in the market for some cute, stylish, comfortable shoes so I don’t kill my feet after walking around for days. Does anyone have recommendations? I’m open to suggestions on things to do/see/eat/buy in Florence, Rome (just one day) and Barcelona too! Thanks ladies!
AIMS
I was in Spain recently. I bought a pair of cole haans with nike air soles — they were a godsend! Just one bit of advice — wear them before you go, you don’t want to “break in” shoes on a vacation.
sittininla
I was just going to suggest these as well! I got a pair of Cole Haan sandals and I love them. Would recommend wearing them for a week before the trip though.
SuzyQ
I highly recommend the Nini Flats from Me Too. http://www.dsw.com/shoe/me+too+nini+leather+flat?prodId=171701&brand=300237.
I have been walking at least 2 miles a day in these shoes while pregnant and they are still great, even though the bottom is getting quite scuffed up from city walking. They are comfortable – but I recommend that you buy a 1/2 size smaller than your regular size because they’re stretchy.
I have not been to Florence, but I highly recommend the Trevi Fountain in Rome and the usual tourist spots in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familla, La Padrera, Parc Guell, Casa Batilo, Museo Picasso, and Las Ramblas.
AD
Will also be in Barcelona for work in October! This will be my third trip, so I’m hoping to find a few new recommendations in addition to visiting a couple of the old favorites. In addition to SuzyQ’s recs, I’d also add the Barri Gotic – great place to wander around – the Boqueria market, and the Palau de la Música Catalana.
I love tapas, so that makes finding good food easy – just wander from place to place. Though it’s certainly worth seeing Las Ramblas, I’d probably not make that the first place to start for the food or shopping though.
I bought a beautiful silver and enamel necklace on my first visit, and Spain is of course known for interesting fashion. :)
dee
Ladies I have a problem and I’m sure there is some practical advice you can give me.
I bought the cutest pair of shoes ever and put them away because they’re “fall” shoes. I tried them on today and they are a size too big :(. One issue is that I’m past the return deadline, but the much bigger problem is that even if I were able to return the shoes, I think they’re pretty much sold out everywhere. So if I want these shoes (and I do!), I’m stuck with a half-size too big. Is this problem fixable? The only solution I remember from my childhood days was those awful foot pads that always bunched up. Is there a better solution or a recommended pair of pads? Should I even try this out, or is it not worth it and should I cajole the store into returning the shoes?
lawDJ
I think it might help to know what kind of shoes they are. Pumps, sandals, peep toes, slingbacks, leather, pleather, etc… What happens when you put them on? (foot slips out?) what’s the toe box look like? If they are closed toe foot pads will help a bit, but it will depend on how tall they are also. I would google for them to see if you can get them in your size, you might find them on ebay or something like that.
dee
They are leather close-toed flats. My foot doesn’t slip out, but the shoes *look* big – there is a small gap between my heel and the back of the shoe. There is definitely room in the toe box and when i push my foot all the way forward, there is a gap of maybe 1/4″. I am afraid that while my foot doesn’t slip out yet, with a little bit of wear the shoes might stretch and my foot will begin to fall out.
Chicago K
If it’s only 1/4 of an inch, it may be that they fit ok after you walk awhile and your feet start to swell? Maybe try them on at the end of a long day and see how they fit then?
My running shoes are an entire size bigger because they suggest you get them a lot bigger in order to compensate for all the swelling a run will cause.
lawDJ
Yes, after swelling from walking my feet always want bigger shoes. It might be ok as is, or with very thin pads
AIMS
I have done this. I have had good results with those cushy pads that stick on to the back of the shoe (bonus — no blisters). Just don’t get the gel kind — those are messy. I have also done the cushy insoles, but those can sometimes bunch up. Once, for a pair of boots I truly adored, I actually did both. Good luck!
Chicago K
Someone in a thread last week recommended stuffing the toes with dancers wool (which you would stuff your pointe shoes with if you were a ballet dancer).
While I haven’t personally tried this, after a childhood of ballet lessons, it seems to me like a great feasible option!
Chicago K
http://www.amazon.com/Premier-lambs-wool/dp/B0011Z646M
i'm nobody
You can get all kinds of pointe shoe accessories (lamb’s wool, ouch pouches, silicone toe pads, etc.) at discountdance.com. I also recommend adding some heel pads to the back of the shoe to keep your heels from slipping out. If you position them in the right place, they really will help. Another thing to try is adding adhesive-backed moleskin or padded tape (Gaynor Minden, a pointe shoe company, markets one variety as “toe tape” but it’s really just padded 3m tape that’s marked up 3x from 3m’s price) to the inside of your shoes if there are any baggy or gaping spots.
Shayna
When I lost weight my feet got a half size smaller – I took cosmetic sponges and put them in the toe of the shoes that I ‘just couldn’t give up’ which has been working really well for the past six or so months.
lawDJ
The same thing happened to me Shayna, isn’t it weird? I swear my width remained the same, but somehow my length changed … so odd. I took it as an opportunity to buy new shoes :) (except for boots and the like).
Shayna
I definitely enjoyed the excuse to buy new shoes, but heck, I always thought of shoes as the one clothing/accessory item that were always the right size no matter what size the rest of me is!
surrounded by lawyers
Earrings? Nail polish? ;)
SuzyQ
I would try foam-like insoles – I’ve never had a problem with them bunching up. Also, this may not be the right solution for you, but if you are planning to have kids, these shoes might fit perfectly during pregnancy and beyond. My feet went up a size with my pregnancy and have never shrunken back to their original size so I’ve had to wear larger shoes for the past 3 years.
dee
haha – that would be an interesting reason to get pregnant! “My husband and I kind of wanted kids but we weren’t sure if the time was right. Then I bought a pair of shoes that were a little too big and we decided, what the heck!”
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I think I am going to try the heel-pads first because they’re easily bought and then work my way up to more drastic solutions.
Julie
Threadjack relating to previous Corporette threadjack:
A few weeks ago, someone recommended the Jillian Michaels 30-day shred/20-minute exercise DVD. I got it and love it (although I seem to be gaining weight, which was not my intent). BUT: the workouts include two kinds of exercise that are really hurting my knees — jumping jacks and lunges (I think it is the lunges that also my knees, or it’s something else, but definitely the jumping jacks feel awful).
I’m under 30 and in decent shape, but my joints generally are not the best (hips and ankles also a problem, and I am kind of creaky all over). Should I keep doing the videos? Does the aching mean I’m getting stronger? Should I stop exercising immediately? (My options would then become biking and swimming, neither of which I really have time for or are as convenient as 20-minute at-home workouts.) Perhaps most crucially, are there cardio-ish alternatives I could do to keep with the routine without actually doing jumping jacks? (Those are the ones that recur and that hurt the most, so I’d most like to replace them.)
All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Shayna
I would visit a doctor – it’s possible to tear cartilage by doing something as mundane as standing up quickly, which can lead to joint pain, and additional tearing. You also could have early onset arthritis or (I’m guessing) a dozen other things that a medical professional can test for and then recommend an exercise program to ease your discomfort instead of increasing it.
Good luck!
i'm nobody
One question, and I’m being completely sincere here, is: can you tell the difference between “good” (fatigue, etc.) pain and “bad” (injury) pain? It can take years to develop this awareness of your own body (if it happens at all) but certain kinds of pain are signals to STOP what you’re doing. Have someone look at your form while you’re exercising, if possible, or use a mirror and be honest and discerning with yourself. For most bodies, in a lunge, your front knee should not extend past your toes when viewed from the side. Typically, proper form is knee directly above your heel, but no further.
If your *joints* sore and achy after exercising, it’s probably a sign you’re hurting yourself. A lot of people find jumping jacks very damaging for their bodies. Can you jump rope during those segments instead? Run in place? Without that lateral motion, you might not torque your knees as much.
lawDJ
You can do low impact jumping jacks, by moving your feet from one side to the other (keeping one on the ground) and moving your arms wildly. I do second the seeing a doctor. But in general, that’s why I stopped doing 30 day shred. I kept getting seriously injured from pulling something or from painful knee pain. Not worth it!! You might want to stick with it for now but if you’re looking for something else, I recommend the Couch to 5k program. I know people say running is bad for your knees, but I really don’t think it is at all, if you start VERY SLOWLY and build up your muscles to support the runs. That’s what that Couch to 5k does IMO. I went from having trouble WALKING for a mile to running 3 miles non-stop. The key is to take it SUPER easy (meaning, increase your speed VERY slowly). c25k.com has lots of info on the program, including the podcasts which is what I used.
Julie
Thanks; I used to do running and had to stop because of hip pain. One of my legs rotates out, meaning, when I stand, walk, run, and even sleep, one foot points forward normally and the other is in first position/second position of ballet. I can’t seem to fix it myself just by being more mindful, and physical therapy didn’t help, and now insurance won’t pay for physical therapy…so basically running is not a wise idea and every time I do it I get hip pain because my pointing-forward leg bears too much of my weight.
lawDJ
Ah, so sorry to hear. I have something similar (both feet point outward slightly) which used to cause me lots of trouble but got easier as I got older. When I was little my mom was told I should be put in some kind of brace, but she refused because she thought it would give me a “complex.”
i'm nobody
That outward rotation could be causing you all kinds of problems (if it isn’t already). Sorry to hear PT didn’t help (sometimes PTs, IMO, get too hung up on compartmentalizing the body rather than giving you *functional* help)–have you tried Pilates or massage therapy? Well-trained Pilates teachers have good anatomy knowledge and might be able to work with you on the hip-pelvis-glute stuff you could have going on. A good medical massage therapist might be able to help you get your leg back to a neutral, parallel position. E$pensive, I know, but you don’t need to suffer!
anon
totally agree with the pilates advice. As a result of pilates, I no longer overpronate when I walk or run. Because I don’t overpronate, my knees don’t hurt (and they used to hurt all the time — I tore up my knee in college and the slightest thing would aggravate it)
Emily
I have a friend with a similar problem who swears by Rolfing – I guess they try to “retrain” your muscles in how to move properly. I’ve never tried it, but she has been much happier and more active since doing a series of Rolfing sessions several years ago.
ES
I had an x-ray when I was younger that showed that my leg is actually rotated out from my hip – at this point in time, there is little to nothing that will ever be done to change it, and trying to put my foot straight actually causes more problems than just leaving it alone. you might want to check with a doctor about what is causing your problems and what actually needs to be corrected.
dee
I don’t have any advice for jumping jacks – the high impact may be hurting your knees, which I don’t think there’s a solution for aside from maybe more cushioned sneakers. Lunges, however, should not be hurting your knees. One quick solution that’s easy to check is to look at your knee alignment while lunging. You knee should NOT come past your ankle – you legs should basically be making a 90 degree angle with your knee more or less right above your ankle. If your knee is going past your ankle that stresses out your knee and could be exacerbating problems. Try a wider stance.
Also, are the lunges you’re doing the type where you stand with feet together and then lunge? That impact could also be hurting your knees, so you can modify and just stand with your legs apart and go up and down. You’re not getting as much cardio but you’re still getting the muscle workout.
Julie
I erred — it wasn’t lunges (those give me good muscle pain, I think), it was butt-kicks.
I do wish I had a mirror to work out with so I could see my form. And I’m too antsy to ask DH to watch my form. I’ve been getting up earlier than him so I can be done with my workout before he’s downstairs.
AD
Talk about odd coincidences – I believe I was the original poster who’d asked about new workout options, and after I got the DVD and did workout 1 three times I realized I’m also having problems with the jumping jacks! I’ve had various knee issues throughout my life, and one recommendation my doctor had given me a while ago was to avoid activities with side-to-side movements (I’d been playing squash at the time, which had to go; now mostly I run). After I noticed that even this limited amount was bothering me, I had decided to just move to one of the other cardio movements in place of those – e.g., jump rope. I haven’t done either of the other two levels yet, so I’d also thought I’d check those out since maybe those routine wouldn’t have this exercise.
For the time being, I’m planning to continue the lunges and just watch what I’m doing. I’ve done yoga sporadically in the past and hadn’t had issues with those type of moves.
Knees are tricky though, so do be careful with pushing yourself too much.
Julie
Thanks, everyone. This is such a useful and practical community, and I love reading what everyone has to say (in response to my questions of course, but also generally on all sorts of topics). And the feedback comes so quickly, which is also really helpful.
I think I’m going to try some of the other cardio routines from the video in the meantime. (More punches and jumping rope?) Also, I erred in saying it was the lunges; it’s the jumping jacks and butt-kicks (jogging in place, basically — which is running, which is not so great for me) that really hurts my knees. And I don’t think it’s good pain because it’s joint, not muscle.
AD — I’m glad you “raised my consciousness” about the video in the first place, and I’m glad my problems aren’t so unusual (although sorry you have them, too).
DC Gal
You might also try Glucosamine supplements. I can totally tell when I havent taken it! Makes a huge difference both every day and during exercise.
MelD
I have double jointed hips and certain exercises like jumping jacks tend to make them pop more than others. I just modify those to jogging in a circle or other movements that will help keep the hips in place. For some reason moving while jogging instead of jogging in place really seems to help. I don’t think your problem is exactly the same with your hips, but it sounds similar enough that just a little movement might help.
PG
Hi there, so sorry about your joint issues. I was the one who has done JM DVDs and I love them. But yes, some moves really do a number on the knees.
Here are some of my recos:
1) Avoid thise particular moves until you go see a doctor or atleast the pain goes away.
2) Substitute those with cardio exercises that you are comfortable doing.
3) Google exercises to strengthen you muscles around your knees and do them regularly.
4) After you have strengthened you knees and have a doctor check them out, consider getting a indoor trampoline and do those moves on the trampoline.
In the end there are ton of moves you can do without hurting your knees. There is no particular advantage of those moves over other cardio moves.
N
I’m trying out the JM exercise programme, in one of her books, and the first two weeks was okay, the third week jumped up on the amount of jumping jacks, kick backs and whatnot, and my shins have been feeling like someone’s been sticking a pin in them.
I’m going to continue with the programme, but replace the things that are hurting my legs with some alternative exercises. (a minute on a spin bike instead of a minute of jumping jacks, and similar things).
I really noticed a difference after two weeks in how strong I felt, and building toned muscle instead of fat – and lost about an inch around my hips and neck, but was around the same weight as I’d been.
kjf
I was searching last night for some sort of product that would keep the heels from slipping on a new pair of shoes. I found this site and ended up ordering the pads that keep your heels from slipping, little strips for the straps on slingbacks and one pair of foot cushion pads. They had free shipping for orders over $20. I can’t vouch for the product but I did find they had some interesting things on their site.
http://www.footpetals.com/
Shayna
How high a quality t-shirt could this be if it’s only offered in one size? I’m not sure what bothers me more – the outrageous price, or the lack of size options – b/c if it’s going to cost more than the $5 at Old Navy (…who offers theirs in different sizes), it should come in petite (shorter length and higher armholes) and regular, and go from XS to XL or beyond.
AIMS
My favorite underwear (Hanky Panky) only comes in one size. I understand the frustration, but they really are great tees and they really do fit a variety of (albeit smaller) sizes, both tall and petite.
MelD
I know someone who is starting her own t-shirt business with one size fits all. She says her size 18 MIL can wear the shirt and then it will bounce right back so it fits her (about a size 6) perfectly. She wears the shirts regularly and they look great on, don’t ride up, and the quality looks great.
JessC
Interesting. Does she have a website?
AIMS
GAP CODES:
Anyone thinking of finally getting those Gap “perfect” pants (or whatever else) this weekend —
Enter code GPLABORDAY at checkout for 25% off today, 20% off Sat & Sun, 15% off Mon., and 10% Tues.
Add GAPSHIP50 for free shipping over $50
I don’t think it’s a one time use, so no need to say if you’re using.
shopaholic
thanks! I will buy myself a couple of pairs and report back.
Shoe Queen
Hello Everyone! I’m a law student externing for a federal judge and have a question regarding appropriate shoes. I know dark, closed-toed shoes are the only way to go in the courtroom. I am not sure, however, if it’s appropriate for me to wear other shoes when we’re not in court. The judge tends to wear flats or low heels in a variety of colors. Female staff attorneys and clerks wear everything ranging from pumps to open-toed slides to strappy sandals to Birkenstocks. Would it be appropriate for me to wear peep toe or open toed shoes (dark leather a la Cole Haan) and keep a pair of closed-toe shoes handy for court or should I stick with closed-toe shoes? Thanks so much for your help!
lawDJ
If you see other people wearing open toed slides and strappy sandals, and the judge wears a variety of colors, I think you’re fine with peep toes. I’m not sure what you mean by “open toed shoes” that aren’t peep toes though.
rocknroll
When I was a law student I also externed for a federal judge. I think you are safe following the lead of the female law clerks. I am guessing that some of the law clerks wearing Birkenstocks, etc. might be the most senior ones. Since you are new and trying to impress, I think you should try to err on the more-conservative side. What you are describing sounds good (dark leather, Cole Haan, albeit peep-toed).
I would not gauge wardrobe appropriateness based on what the judge is wearing. From what I can remember, the judge I externed for wore floral dresses and pantyhose with orthopedic-looking sandals and then threw her robe over it all to get on the bench. The rest of us wore suits and closed-toed, dark heels every day. I think judges are allowed to play by a different set of fashion rules than the rest of us. =)
AEK
I almost four years in federal clerkships, and I don’t think it’s useful for you to compare yourself to clerks or permanent employees. Every chambers has its own level of formality; I worked in one where jeans were the norm, all week, and there was no shoe too casual. Staff attorneys might be casual on some days and formal on days when they interact with judges who prefer it. All that matters is what your judge finds appropriate. And, to the extent you view your externship as a job interview with either your judge or others on the same court, erring on the side of formality might be a good idea.
AEK
ahem, I *spent* almost four years…
Res Ipsa
It’s been mentioned before, and always worth mentioning: keep a conservative pair of shoes under your desk (along with a blazer) so that you are always ready to step into the courtroom when hearings or other events may arise unexpectedly or on an emergency basis.
Shoe Queen
Thanks so much, everyone!
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Related to the previous discussion re: Keritin (sp?) blowouts. For anyone in Denver looking to try Zuri Salon Spa on 3rd is doing the treatment for $125. http://bit.ly/9tgx81
Jay
I was looking into getting it done….and then I read all about the formaldehyde. My non-carcinogenic flat iron looks much better now!
Shoe Queen
I love you, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I still dream of running away and live at the Met.
Anonymous
I’ve got a burning t-shirt question:
I always think that those seams that attach the sleeves to the body should pretty much reach the edge of the shoulder almost as far as a blazer would, but I can NEVER find shirts – be they t-, button-front or otherwise – that are wide enough by that standard without being too baggy overall. If I buy for overall fit instead of shoulder width, the seams are at least half-inch to short to reach my shoulders’ edges, and the result of this is that the opening of the sleeve appears lifted up on the outside. That creates a diagonal line from the under-armpit sleeve length to the outside-of-the-arm sleeve length.
But, I notice that the model in this picture is in fact wearing a shirt that fits EXACTLY like my latter description, so that I’m thinking maybe that’s how it’s supposed to look? Am I making sense? I really would love some help with this. Thanks Corporette et al!
Sarah
I know what you’re talking about, I think. I’d say that the blazer rules re shoulder-seam placement don’t apply to t-shirts, generally, and don’t apply as strongly to blouses/button-front shirts/sweaters/cardigans as they do to jackets and blazers. For me, the structured shoulder on a blazer means that the sleeve hangs kind of flatly down, but I don’t expect a t-shirt sleeve to be flat, but rather more cylindrical, and I find it okay if they sort of hug the roundness of my shoulder instead of falling straight down. Anyway, that’s my $.02.