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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. I'm liking this simple ruffled blouse from New York & Company. I like that the ruffle goes all the way down the front. Unless I'm mistaken, this is a pull-over blouse, note a button-front (at least, I can't see any buttons on the placket) — but that's actually a plus because it means gaping isn't a worry. It's available in brown, purple, yellow, white, and black (sizes XS-XL), for $29.95 — buy one get one for 50% off. The Madison Short Sleeve Shirt – Twist-Front Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – 11/5 only – 60% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
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…
SS
I think the ruffle going all the way down the front is prohibitive – won’t be able to tuck this one in without weird bunching under your skirt/pants.
EC
I don’t think you’re supposed to tuck this shirt in anyway…
EG
It’s apparently one option of their many Madison shirts– the rest do have buttons, so I’d imagine this does. But if the concern with buttons is the gaping, since we can’t even tell just on this picture if there are buttons or not, I guess it’s not a problem either way!
SS
Touche. I’ve been working at my conservative office for too long – I can’t fathom not tucking a shirt in. Ha!
luluaj
This is cute but based on my experience with NY & Co quality, thirty dollars for a short sleeve shirt is not a bargain.
PollyD
They tend to have a lot of sales and coupons. I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price for anything there. I think their quality is okay, for shirts it’s probably actually on a par with BR and Loft. But then, I am fairly gentle on shirts.
Batgirl
I posted this on last night’s bag thread, but someone suggested I repost it on a fresh posting–hope no one minds!
Any tips for negotiating a salary at a new job? I’ve got to talk to my new boss (not someone at HR) this afternoon to figure out salary and they’ve given me a range, but how do you tactfully suggest that you should be at the top of that range without looking like a jerk coming into your new job? There was a very long application/interview process and I know I am at the top of the experience range in terms of what the job description said (e.g. 1-2 yrs exp and I have 2.5).
sgb
good question! I am interested in the responses as well.
Any resources on salary/benefits negocitation would be hugely helpful.
AnonInfinity
Since they’re meeting with you specifically to discuss salary, they are expecting you to vouch for yourself. I think you should think of all the reasons you’d be an asset to the job, and when they ask what you want, name the number at the high end of the range and say something like, “I should start at $X because I will bring even more experience to the job than the initial range and Y, Z other reasons.” Don’t say petty things like “I type 100 wpm,” but if you have publications or were top of your class, etc., I would mention that kind of stuff. My instinct is that it would be best to come up with just the top couple of reasons because you don’t want to drone on and on. Kind of a 1 minute deal.
Don’t be hesitant to request the highest number since you’ve got so much experience! It seems unlikely that they would counter with the lowest number. Just be willing to compromise.
alhambra
I have kind of a related question. Any tips on negotiating salary when you are totally in the dark about how much you “should” be making based on other people’s salaries? I work in a small office. I’ve hinted at another associate to tell me what she makes but she didn’t bite – I’m not getting the info unless I ask straight up, which I’m obviously not going to do. Salary info for small firm lawyers is hard to come by. I have heard that you should be making a certain percentage of your billables, which is at least an objective standard, but does anyone have any clue about what that percentage is?
Batgirl
How small of an office and in what city? How many years out of law school?
alhambra
NYC, fewer than 20 attorneys, and will be 3 years out (but only here for 1 year) when negotiations happen.
Batgirl
I had a friend with two years experience at a firm in NYC with 5 attorneys and she was making $80K. Not sure if that’s standard, but that’s something to compare it with. She had crappy benefits, to boot.
rg
How does the salary range compare to your current/previous jobs. At the minimum, no one can expect you to take lower than what you already earn, and probably at least a slight raise would be expected.
FWIW, I am earning at the high end of the posted range for my job (actually higher than what they are currently authorized to pay). As a starting point I said I needed to earn more than my previous position. And then I explained what my expectations were based on where I would be in a year at my previous job and on the fact that I have more experience than the job required. It was actually pretty easy for me, though, because my boss agreed with all of my points and really went to bat for me. But I think the lesson is, don’t be shy about asking. Say what you think you deserve, and also make it clear that you’re interested in the job and may be willing to compromise…esp. if there is opportunity for growth in the position. Also, if they are unable to meet your salary requirement, that’s a great time to negotiate benefits. You can sometimes ask for better benefits if they can’t meet your salary requirement.
EG
Second the benefits– ask for extra vacation days, for example, if they can’t bump up to the amount you want.
GovtMom
Slight caveat to the asking for vacation days: I would suggest first finding out the policy on vacation days and how many you can roll over year-to-year, before asking for more. If you get, say, 3 weeks’ vacation annually and it doesn’t roll over, then getting more may not provide much benefit, if you don’t manage to use them.
Batgirl
UPDATE! Exciting to have an update so soon after posting (for once). I spoke with my future boss and his first offer was a) 15% higher than what the job description said the salary would be and b) higher than even the highest number I was going to ask for. I didn’t even have to give my speech!
Lizbet
Congratulations!!!!!!
MsZ
That’s great! You must be a great find!
TCFKAG
Maybe he read this thread and realized how awesome you are. :-)
Congrats!
somewherecold
Good negotiating job :)
Batgirl
Thanks, all! I love this little community!
TX Attny
You go, Batgirl! In one comments section many moons ago on Corporette, someone recommended negotiating for the higher salary (as opposed to signing bonus) because all of your future raises will be based on the salary amount. This is great for you – you will get raises based on this higher amount!
L.
Fantastic!!
MBA
Another pay threadjack: I’m an associate at a mid-sized firm and I recently completed a MBA. At my firm, all associates of a given year get paid the same amount, and this pay scale is set and public. There isn’t really room for negotiating salaries, except, I feel like now that I have a MBA it is only fair that I earn more than someone without? Do any of you work at firms that have a pay scale that accommodates for education above and beyond a JD?
boston atty
Never heard of a law firm doing this. It’s just not the business model. I assume you didn’t do the MBA for a pay increase? I know quite a few JDs with PhDs in the sciences and they get paid the same as their class as well. I would not mention this around, it might make people judge you not too kindly.
JJ
^^ This. I’ve never heard of a lock-step law firm doing this, either. People get additional degrees for various reasons and choose to skip additional degrees for other reasons. Unless the firm is raising your billing rate significantly as a result of your MBA, I don’t think they’ll think you’re entitled to a raise.
MKS
Yes, the most I’ve heard is that a firm may advance you a class if you have an MBA or tax LLM (or clerkship).
skippy pea
Your MBA would matter when you work in a field where it is a great asset. I doubt it is a great asset in a legal career, especially at midlaw firm. So cannot really expect to get paid more for something that is not relevant.
It should make a difference if you go in house, even then there would be several factors in play to really justify the higher salary.
ElevenElle
Oh, I was wondering about these responses since I know engineers get a boost by 2 years. So when they get an advanced degree that takes 2 years to complete, like MBA, they get paid the same as someone with 2 years more experience. And some places gave bonuses prior to the 2008 bust (not sure about since.)
L.
But if the engineers are patent bar members and patent attorneys, their rates may be higher to reflect this. I agree with the previous poster who said no raise unless it increases your billing rate.
Kady
My old firm gave a one year bump in level for associates who had MBAs.
NYC
Ditto. My white shoe lock-step firm bumps people up a year in seniority (and thus, pay) if they have a second graduate degree.
Kady
IOW, if you did a joint JD/MBA program, you would start as a 2nd year and get paid at 2nd year rates. If you left the firm to do an MBA and came back with the MBA, they would put you back in at the level of the year you left +1 (but NOT the 2 it took to do the MBA). There were no bumps for PhDs generally, but there was a 1 year bump for those w/ technology PhDs in IP. There was also a 1 year bump up for those who either did clerkships before joining, or left to do a clerkship before coming back. I believe many of the big east coast firms have these same rules. You should ask.
Anonymous
I wonder if the same +1 holds true if someone completed an executive MBA program while working at the firm full-time (meaning, they were there all along, rather than leaving and returning).
MBA
I didn’t mean to sound snobby! Our firm practices exclusively corporate law, which is why I did the MBA in the first place – to get a stronger understanding of where my clients are coming from, and how to help them. I see it as an asset in this sense, and also I feel like it looks good for the firm, in the sense that partners can say “we have Mrs. X working on your file, she has a MBA from X school” and this might inspire more confidence from clients. I just think if I was a corporate client, I would rather have someone working for me that had a JD and MBA, if given the choice. But of course this is how I see it, I did go and get a MBA :)
nonA
What year are you? Honestly, I don’t think partners “sell” associates that way often – they just say “Associate X” and the client nods vaguely and forgets your name.
Do you know if the firm raised your rates because of the MBA? That’s pretty much the only way I can see arguing that you should get a raise. Also, did they pay for the MBA? That’s the equivalent of a pretty large raise, and you get to take the MBA with you if you ever leave.
GovtMom
Eh — at my former BigLaw firm, I was frequently presented to clients as Ms. GovtMom, who used to work at the Agency We Are Now Appearing Before. I was there years 3-10, and it happened basically the entire time (until I left and went back to that same agency!).
nonA
Sorry, lockstep typically means just that – lockstep. If you add a lot of value in terms of what you add to deals, etc. it might come through at bonus time, but that’s pretty much the only time you can bring it up.
E
Even then, lockstep typically means lockstep. The only way to get out of step, as people mentioned above, is to get bumped up a class year. I don’t think there’d be a way to get yourself a little extra money every year or a one-off bonus.
If the firm does not have a history of doing this, the way to broach it would be to say that it’s common (or if that’s too much of a stretch), that you’ve heard other firms bumping people with additional relevant degrees by a class year *and billing them out at that class year’s rate*. That’s additional money to the firm, and at that point, you could get paid in line with that class year. Otherwise, there’s no reason to think you’d be adding real dollar value to the firm (or at least no way to prove that) and no real basis for getting more money.
boston atty
I had never heard of the bump before (except for clerkships, which isn’t really a bump so much as just the fact that you’ve had totally relevant experience for the year although you haven’t been at the firm), but if that is common (ask around at your firm), then I’d definitely ask for this. Note, however, that higher billing rates and higher years usually make you more likely to be laid off in a bad economy (at least at my firm, 6th years+ were the first to go).
E
Good point on the layoff issue. It will also mean you hit the partner-or-out point earlier, if your firm is like that. Could be good or bad, but absolutely something to be mindful of.
AtlantaAttorney
Not for a lockstep firm. But, when you are a partner, it may influence your ability to get higher rates, and you’ll see a financial benefit then.
j-non.
our firm does not give a bump for this. While its great that you got this extra degree, it doesn’t necessarily make you a better lawyer, or even a more useful lawyer at the firm. Especially if you are still relatively junior (e.g. less than 8 years out) and are not flying solo. So its great for your own development, but I don’t think you should expect any pay bump- esp. at a lockstep firm.
You could definitely use it, though, when you sell your self to partners to get work!
KW
I like this shirt, but it’s definitely something one would need to try on. NY&Co shirts tend to be….ummm….I don’t know if “boxy” is the right word, but they always pin the sides back on the mannequins in the store to make the shirts look more fitted and shapely. So I would be concerned about the actual shape of the shirt. The ruffles are cute though.
Emma
Did some research recently on how to make my coarse, thick hair more pliable for putting into buns and general styling. Got advice that Moroccanoil or Argan Oil is the way to go.
Just ordered it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/DermOrganic-Leave-In-Treatment-4-oz/dp/B001NG0TXI/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1299858540&sr=1-1
Does anyone have experience with this? I’m very optimistic about it, so thought I’d share!
k
looove moroccanoil! it smells great and makes my very thick, dry, curly hair less frizzy and smoother. it also has decreased the amount of product i have to use.
michelle
I have very thick, curly hair that gets very frizzy and I really like moroccan oil for frizz control – it doesn’t make my hair as shiny as I had hoped what with the curls and all, but it really smooths and helps with frizz…
Anonymous
Yep, it’s awesome. I get it at Sally’s.
JMcD
the most amazing product ive ever used. totally worth the $. i just use a little bit and it makes my hair smooth and shiny and it smells great
nonA
Sizing and quality on this brand are all over the place – I remember once trying on a cute shirt I saw in the store window and finding that I could wear an XS in this brand, and in pretty much every other shirt I own, whether I bought it at Target or Saks, I wear a medium.
PS – does anyone else remember when the store was called Lerner’s? High school memories are flooding back in…
Ashley
Ah, Lerner’s! I still refer to it as that, and sometimes people don’t know which store I’m talking about. Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Anon
I remember Lerners! I have not thought of that place in *years* until you just mentioned it. It was at the South Shore Plaza, for all you Bostonians.
PollyD
My sister and I still slip up and call it Lerners from time to time. I actually find their sizing fairly consistent (meaning if I choose two pants sizes to try on, one will nearly always fit) although it does run a bit large. I’m sure their stuff probably isn’t appropriate for very conservative offices, but I think it’s a good place to try trends without spending a lot of money. Plus, if you need to hit a certain amount to trigger a coupon, they have pretty decent costume (or is there a level lower than costume?) jewelry.
KW
I agree with all this. I typically wear an 8 or 10 in pants but wear a 6 there. They do have really cute jewelry, and it’s almost always on sale. I’ve gotten some chunky colored necklaces for $5 or so. Of course, it’s not the highest quality but for things like that, I don’t wear them that often anyway so they’ve lasted several years so far. They also have nice, inexpensive casual/work-out wear. I bought black and gray yoga capris there last year that I love. And I think I got them on sale for $15 or $20.
Anon
TOTALLY remember when it was Lerners’!
Anonymous
Lerners?? I had no idea this was the same store. I loved Lerners when I was in high school
So Type A...
This is probably a stupid question, but I wanted a quick read if anyone feels like advising:
2 colleagues and I have contributions to the same project all due to our superior, but not for a few days still. I finished mine early and sent it out to the group, as we agreed we’d all do, around 10:30 pm on Tuesday. Nobody responded, but I thought nothing of it. Then last night around 10 pm one of my colleagues sent out his assignment, as a “reply all” to my original email. Our supervisor has now written back to all, thanking him by name only. Since I got no such acknowledgment, should I be concerned that he didn’t see my original email, and re-send my work to him? Or is this just a case of someone busy thanking one person and not another, and I should assume he has my email as well–especially since it began the thread? I know I am thinking about this too much, but I haven’t worked often with this supervisor and definitely need to make a good first impression…
Ru
Honestly, I don’t think this is that big a deal. You said it was you and 2 other colleagues – wait and see how the supervisors respond to the 3rd submission. Presumably, your submissions will be discussed at some point? I’m pretty low on the totem pole but I don’t expect “receipts” for every submission. If my supervisor doesn’t acknowledge something that needs to be followed up on pending their review, I’ll bring it up verbally during another conversation.
EC
I second Ru, probably no need to double-send it. If you’re worried, my method is usually to ask for their read on a substantive issue I raised in my assignment – for instance, “I was wondering if you had a chance to look over Section 2; I looked at X in Y way, but I wonder if you wanted me to focus on Z as well?” If they’ve looked at it, they’ll tell you so – if they haven’t looked at it, at least they know you’ve completed your task.
Ann
Threadjack:
Someone in the topic this week about plus-size suiting mentioned the Calvin Klein plus suiting line at Macy’s. I had just ordered some pieces from the line, but they hadn’t arrived yet, so I didn’t want to comment. They arrived yesterday, and I have to say I am impressed. I got this suiting group:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=527972&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=527974&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
Jacket, pants and dress. Each piece has some really lovely shaped seaming that is nice for my curves (I am a 14/16, ordered a 14 in this and it fits like a dream). The talk about “boxy suiting” this week is a particular problem for me in the “borderline plus” zone, but these pieces are great. The fabric has a great weight to it and I don’t think it will show wrinkles or dirt easily. I am really happy with this grouping and especially happy with what I paid for it on clearance. I have been looking for a lighter-colored jacket/dress combo for a long time and I finally found it. Best of all, neither the pants nor the dress need to be hemmed on me, which is kind of like a miracle. I generally have to get almost everything I own hemmed.
Anyway – there’s the reco – the grouping is still on sale this week but it looks like pants are available in size 16 only. :)
rg
Threadjack:
Anyone have styling suggestions for this top (preferably for a relatively conservative workplace):
http://www.lastcall.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod1730022&eItemId=prod1730022&cmCat=search&searchType=SEARCH&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Drachel%252Broy%2526_requestid%253D2984
I got it on a good deal, and my husband really likes it (and thinks I always preferentially return things he likes). And it’s super soft. So I really want to keep it, but I can’t figure out how to wear it.
Emma
I could see it under a cream/khaki or navy suit.
rg
Thanks! I was thinking of pairing it with my navy suit. It has light blue pinstripes…do you think that will still work?
shrink
I second the navy and cream suit ideas. What about olive or even dark brown? I don’t wear those colors but I often see others doing the citrus and leaf families together. Kudos for thinking about your husband’s point of view. Mine is truly color blind and that makes me have to set limits sometimes…tired that the only accent color in the house is blue, but that’s what he sees “best.” At least I look good in jewel tones and he vastly prefers those saturated colors over pastels. Just found out, after 30 years, that sometimes a black and burgundy or deep red combo looks all black to him. Good thing we don’t live in New York ! (wink, grin). Happy weekend Corporettes and saftety to those in Pac Rim and West coasts.
E
Looks like a workout tank to me.
Lawgirl
Late to this party, but lots of NY&Co love here! <3 I find their quality on par with cotton/spandex shirts from high-end department stores, even!
Samantha
Nice shirt! I think I am getting ready to buy non-maternity clothing again (4 weeks to go till my due date).
Sounds like with the inconsistent sizing I may have to order a couple of sizes to try on though. Any other sizing feedback will be helpful.
LG
I would advise waiting until after delivery to buy anything. I am nearly 2 years post-baby and 18 months post-nursing and my bust is still larger than it used to be (even though all baby weight is long gone).
ATC
Almost there! But yeah, totally wait until post-baby/post-breastfeeding to update the wardrobe. I actually got thinner post-baby, and my boobs shrunk, too (C-cup to A-cup = sadness).
Samantha
Thanks, good advice!
I’ve got itchy fingers – so many good clothes on Corporette, have been holding off for a while now. :)
Bonnie
For those looking for classic black work pumps, I got these shoes recently:
http://www.6pm.com/ecco-junction-pump-80-mm-black-riviera-leather
They’re super comfortable and I’ve received several compliments on them.
VA
Threadjack, but: does anyone have suggestions for a good eyelash curler? Does quality really affect an eyelash curler? I’ve never used one before — in fact, I never really thought about my eyelashes (except for mascara). Lately I’ve noticed they look pretty wimpy compared to a lot of other women’s.
Thanks in advance!
Bonnie
An eyelash curler can work wonders.
Bonnie
Sent too early. I think there is a difference in quality between curlers. If you’ve never used one, I’d suggest buying a cheaper one at CVS to play with.
Bridget
I was going to disagree with this. I find my poor-quality one so hard to use that it took me a long time to figure it out. I’m certain that I would not have spent the time had I not previously had a great eyelash curler so that I knew what effect was possible.
AL
My eyelash curler trick (when I use one which is next to never), heat it up a few seconds with the hairdryer (but make sure it’s not too hot!), that’ll help with the curl.
And I agree, buy the one from CVS/local drugstore if you’ve never used one before.
L.
Agree. Put it on the inside of your arm to check temperature.
SF Bay Associate
Shu Uemura is the best. I’ve had mine for probably four years now. It’s fantastic and totally worth it. I disagree with buying a cheaper one to experiment – bad curlers can pinch your delicate eyelid skin, or worse yet, have a cheap pad in the curler that damages or cuts your eyelashes when you try to curl.
in the office
I also just started using an eyelash curler and I bought the Shu Uemura one – it wasn’t THAT expensive. But it’s beginner-approved and really makes a lovely difference!
Bridget
I have super wimpy lashes and finally decided to do something about it last year. Rather than splurging on Latisse, I ordered a $20 product called RapidLash and bought an eyelash curler. Two thoughts:
1. Buy RapidLash! I saw results within a week, I swear. It’s truly awesome. See all the reviews agreeing with me: http://www.amazon.com/International-Research-Rapidlash-Enhancing-0-1-fluid/dp/B002WTC38O
2. Quality of eyelash curler does count. I’ve had two, and my first was substantially better than my first (until my husband stepped on it). So great idea to get and take recommendations here.
I was once told you should curl each lash twice, once at the base and once midway out the lash. Is that true? My lashes were never long enough to contemplate this before. Now I’m wondering if there is a strategy to this.
Kanye East
I have super-straight lashes and the only way I can keep them from pointing straight down (well into my sight line) is:
1. Shu Uemura lash curler
2. Apply mascara (Blinc and Givenchy PhenomenEyes are my favorites)
3. Before mascara sets, use a heated wand curler (I have a $10 Panasonic curler).
goody two-shoes
Pretty blouse!
meara
Totally wanted to go to the Seattle happy hour tonight, Corporettes, but a last minute work thing has me traveling–and due to the tsunami (the plane was coming from Hawaii, only it’s not now?), getting home even later than planned! Sigh. I’ll cross my fingers there’s another one!
VBD
This may not be the best place to ask, but does anyone know how to get a yellow mustard stain out of a cotton blouse? We went to a basketball game yesterday evening and some drunken slob threw his hot dog up in the air when his team missed a foul shot, and it wound up on me. I did not find the guy who did this, but I have a yellow stain on a pretty green blouse. Help!
Ses
Scrape out as much as you can get and then rub with oxyclean. Rinse super well, then if it’s still there soak in water with detergent overnight.
All else fails – bring it to the dry cleaner. I had *no* luck with that bright yellow kid-mustard, but the dry cleaner succeeded. Just don’t put it through washer + dryer before you do so since that might set the stain.
confused
Can anyone else see the weekend open thread? I’m trying to figure out if I’m having a computer problem or if there’s a website problem.
confused
Ok, it just appeared. Weird.
Anonymous
Ok, it just appeared. Weird.
E
mine’s gone too
Ses
ditto
MelD
Nope. Not yet. Just refreshed too.
Cat
I just took advantage of the buy one get one 1/2 off deal for these shirts. They do have buttons, but the ruffle and a little stretch help remedy gaping, which is usually a problem for me.
Ms.J
The shirt has buttons. It also comes in a long sleeve version which is more attractive. Tucking it in isn’t a problem with the ruffle. I’ve tucked it in and I’ve also worn it with a belt under a v-neck sweater with no problem. Plus they usually have a big sale and coupons! You’ll never pay full price.