Workwear Hall of Fame: Gypsy Rose Dress

79 Comments

1. I have a Black Halo dress that is very flattering — so flattering that I feel weird wearing it to work without a jacket. Do others wear theirs to work?

   1. So that’s an interesting statement. If you feel like you really “look good” in an outfit, does that make you feel more self-conscious in that outfit?

      I sometimes wonder about that line between “I like how I look and feel in this outfit and feel like Jessica Pearson” and wondering whether that makes it not appropriate for work.

      1. Yes, I feel this way sometimes.

         Maybe I am so used to clothes not fitting correctly, but when I brought a dress to my tailor to be altered and wore it afterwards I did feel self conscious. It was a very modest work dress, but it did hug every curve and for me, that seemed too much for work. On my pear shape, a simple tailored pencil skirt can be too Mad Men for my comfort.

         I realized that for work, I do want my clothes to fall into the background a little. I want to be remembered for me, and not what I wear.

         Clearly, I’m incredibly insecure.

         1. or you just have a realistic idea of the way people’s minds work.

            1. Yep, I recognize that some dresses make me look like Joan from Mad Men… and that’s not always the impression I want to give at work.

   2. Almost every news anchor in LA wears Black Halo. I’m not sure what that says.

   3. I tried on the Jackie dress and it was a great dress, but I get what you’re saying – it had this weird seaming around the middle that seemed like it was supposed to be s3xy even though it was fully covered (though I think the back was also a little low). I ended up not buying it for that reason – it would be a fantastic dress if it had a plain old middle. I want profession clothing to be sharp and chic, not fussy or s3xy.

   4. I get what you’re saying too but…when a man gets a suit tailored you can bet that it is broad at the shoulder and and slim hipped as possible. It angers me that a fitted dress on a woman is considered $3xY yet a fitted suit on a man is considered de rigueur.

      1. I think there is a difference between a dress and a suit. A woman in a very tailored dress gives a different impression than a woman in a very tailored suit.

2. Has anyone ever tried the Neiman Marcus brand ballet flats? It looks like they only sell them at Last Call, just wondering if they were comfortable and well-made.

3. I am a Big Law woman who just made income partner at my firm. I have two young children, and I just realized that I am unexpectedly pregnant with a third, which could result in me having a baby during my first year as partner. I am concerned about being a mom of three (3 under 4). I am concerned about telling my firm. Generally, I am freaking out. Any advice or wisdom?

   1. Congrats! I think the conventional advice that you don’t need to rush to tell anyone at work still applies. At my firm, when female partners have babies, they tend to take shorter maternity leaves (i.e., not the 16 weeks associates take), and are not really completely off-line during their leaves, although no one expects immediate responses. This isn’t a formal firm policy, but it seems like what is done.

   2. Well, I just have to say congratulations! Without intending to, you will be an inspiration to every woman in your firm.

      You can do it.

      1. Very true.

   3. Congrats!

      And stay the course!

      Do not present this as anything but positive news.

      Not a partner, but they’re not super discrete, and I overhear a lot. Seems like the partnership after they’ve “divided the pie” for the year, is not pleased with any extended absences. They totally ripped a dude who was out for 6 weeks with a stomach surgery. I was randomly encouraged (although disgusted) by this. At least they’re equal opportunity.

      1. I’m impressed by your ability to find the positive in that.

         1. At least they’re not sexist, just regular flavor awful

   4. Most of the women who work for you will be looking up to you and willing be (silently) rooting for you. I know I would be!

      This also happened to the mother of one of my good friends – by the time they were teenagers and could look back on the challenges their mom had faced, it did not escape my friend’s and her siblings’ notice that their mom was a total baller and such an inspiration.

      1. Are you my new partner in Seattle?

   5. Yay! Pricey Holiday Monday’s! I love Pricey Holiday Monday’s and this Gypsy Rose Dress from Amazon, tho I Perfer to try thing’s on b/f I buy b/c of my “derriere” (a more suitable word for the the hebrew word “tuchus”).

      As for the OP, congratulation’s! Be happy you are with child #3, AND a partner. Once you are partner, you can have your associate’s do the heavy lifteing for you when you are out on maternity leave! I am also a partner, but have NO children yet, and I hope to be out on maternity leave VERY soon, but I must first find a husband willing to marry me and impregnate me 2x. Grandma Leyeh told me “THIS YEAR!” and she is right b/c my egg’s are NOT getting any fresher!

      Best of luck with the babies!

   6. A few suggestions (former Big Law income partner, now in-house) given to provide help, not to suggest you would do these things or have in your previous pregnancies — you wouldn’t have made partner if you hadn’t already navigated everything successfully already!

      – Be careful that you don’t appear to take advantage in ways other women can’t. (i.e., if other female attorneys can’t bring the baby in when it’s sick, don’t just because you’re an income partner. If you do, it will breed resentment. Yes, you may have earned more privileges but you don’t want junior women gunning for you, especially because you’re going to need their help while you’re out.) It’s unfair but you don’t want it to seem you were waiting to make partner to have another one and now that you are, plan to push the boundaries.

      – Depending your firm’s culture, you may need to take a much shorter maternity leave than you have previously. When I was in Big Law, a female partner repeatedly told the rest of us that it wasn’t reasonable to expect clients to decide “oh, sure, she’s on maternity leave — I’ll just wait to need my lawyer” or to come back to you once someone else took care of their needs while you’re out. And never mind the fact that colleagues who cover for you cheerfully may not cheerfully give you the clients back.

      – Be careful about talking about your pregnancy or kids constantly. When I call as the client and start with “how are you?” I don’t want to hear about morning sickness unless we’re actually friends — when I hear about your appointments or morning sickness, it makes me worry you’re busy and unable to do a great job for me, and that makes me think I should monitor you more. It also means I feel guilty bothering you and frustrated asking you to do work when it’s more work for me than another attorney would be.

      – Don’t apologize for your choices or tell me it was unplanned. It’s none of my business.

      – Be careful to not let yourself be used as the face of how wonderful and supportive the firm is. Because when you let yourself be put on a pedestal, there’s no where to go but down, and if you go in-house or otherwise leave anytime soon, it will be embarrassing for the firm.

      I know this all sounds negative and it isn’t intended that way — just want you to avoid mistakes my friends and I made.

      Also — scarves. Lots of long scarves until you’re ready to share the news!

      1. A couple people have suggested a short maternity break. I get that a partner should be available, but if income partner isn’t in position to push the envelope and move things forward for everyone, then I don’t know who is.

         1. The thing is, you can push the envelope with the firm, but you can’t with clients – because they have their legal needs now and they need them addressed now – not in 4-6 months. It’s actually particularly the case for income partners that the client relationship has to be hoarded like gold, because you need them to make your case for equity. If they’re your clients (as in, you bill them and own the relationship), you just do not want them starting to think of someone else as their lawyer. It sucks, but it is an unavoidable part of being in a service industry that involves time-sensitive projects.

   7. Commiseration! I am being promoted this year, not in law, and just found out I am unexpectedly pregnant with my 2nd child. They will be almost exactly two years apart. I just wrapped up a total breakdown to my husband about how hard it is to be a woman simultaneously riding an upward trajectory in my career and in the baby years. Reading your situation and the other comments is a huge relief. You will be awesome. Congratulations on making partner and your 3rd child!

4. What’s your favourite green smoothie recipe? I’ve been making one with kale, spinach, cashew milk and a mix of mango/papaya/pineapple and it is pretty delicious but I’m looking to mix things up.

   Thanks all!

   1. I like this one: http://minimalistbaker.com/carrot-ginger-turmeric-smoothie/

      I guess it’s not technically green because there are no greens in it, but it’s really good. Also I don’t juice the carrots, I just throw them in the blender. I have a vitamix though. I don’t know if other blenders are up to this task.

   2. I’m obsesssed with the smoothies at my local grocery store. I don’t believe in the detox stuff, they just taste delicious. The tropical green detox oneis my favorite.

      http://upload.gsngrocers.com/elvs/content/29021/SqueezdMenu.pdf

   3. Spinach + 1/2 banana + frozen pineapple and mango + juice of 1/2 lime + water is my base recipe. I add fresh mint or basil when I have it. I’ve also thrown in cucumbers and celery if I want to use it up.

      1. I usually do spinach, frozen pineapple and mango, lemon, and water, but will try adding banana and herbs. Sounds delish.

         When I dont add lemon, I’ll often throw in yogurt and protein powder, to beef it up.

   4. 2c spinach + 1/2 banana + 1/3 cup frozen berries + 1/3 cup frozen mango + 6 cherry tomatoes + 3 tbl pumpkin seed protein powder + 1 tbl ground flaxseed + 1/2 tsp each cinnamon, turmeric, ginger + 1/2 tbl coconut oil

      1. This is similar to one I make but I never thought of adding tomatoes. How does that affect the flavor?

   5. Chocolate, banana, and green food coloring? :)

   6. Spinach, almond milk, a scoop of greek yogurt, half a banana, about 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks, sometimes blueberries, ice. I’ve perfected this over like 5 years.

   7. Kale, pineapple, OJ, banana, pea protein powder, ice

      3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or 1/2 cup plain non fat yogurt and 1/4 cup of water (or ice), cup of packed spinach, 1 tsp fresh ginger on hydroplane or ground ginger, a cucumber ends removed cut into chunks, an applie or pear, cored and quartered (put in freezer the night before for colder smoothie, pinch of salt, 1 tbsp ground flax seed.

   8. Great recipes but I will add you can throw turmeric in almost any of these without changing the taste at all and it’s very good for you!

5. Can anyone recommend a dermatologist in DC or in NOVA? Thanks!

6. Oh boy do I wish we had today off. Technically no one counts our vacation days, but I want it to be a holiday for all of us so that nobody emails me… :(

7. Can I return J. Crew Factory at J.Crew and get store credit (to factory)? Thanks!

   1. jcrew.com/faq/returns

      Give it a try!

   2. No. Jcrew won’t be able to process the Jcrew Factory return.

      1. I tried this unsuccessfully last month. As the previous poster says, they are unable to process the return.

8. April/May beach vacation destinations ideas for an anniversary trip?

   I can’t figure out where to go that will be hot enough for swimming/snorkeling but not too much travel time because we are only going for a week (traveling from east coast so Hawaii etc is too far).

   I’ve been to St. Lucia, Mayan Riviera, Bermuda in last few years so looking for somewhere new. Prefer smaller/low key resorts if anyone has ideas! TIA!

   1. Key West! Quick flight, very relaxing, take the boat to the Dry Tortugas to snorkel, and swim/lie on the beach at Bahia Honda.

      1. Thanks. Will it be hot enough that time of year for swimming? I know Florida is big for spring break but I always think that’s more about the party and it’s still too chilly for swimming?

         1. I’ve lived in Tampa for a few years, hate the hot summers. October and April are my favorite times of year here. By May the temp can already reach 90+ every day.

         2. Florida will be hot at this time of year (I am talking about South Florida). The sun is intense, especially in May. The only issue with Key West is that you can’t fly directly there- you have to rent a car and drive from Miami.

            1. They do have a small airport! I’ve flown directly there from DC. Much preferred it to the drive from FLL/MIA.

            2. Alternately, one could fly into RSW and take a boat from Cape Coral or Fort Myers.

         3. Thanks all. Bahia Honda looks really interesting.

            1. Bahia Honda is fun. I made a stop there when I was driving back from Key West to Miami. I didn’t stay long or sit on the beach, but did do a short walk up through the one part of the park. The view is amazing there – such blue water that I’m missing right now in the middle of January!

         4. I was in Ft Lauderdale in December and although I can’t swim there were lots of people swimming lol

      2. I have not been to Bahia Honda but most of the beaches in the Keys are small and not that nice. Miami may be a better option for lounging on a beautiful beach

   2. Turks & Caicos! There are direct flights from JFK/Newark, and many from some other east coast airports. It’s LOVELY. I stayed at a resort on Grace Bay.

      1. Thanks. I’ve never really looked at Turks – no idea why. Did you like your resort? Do you mind sharing the name?

         1. As a fellow “small resort” person, T&C is tricky. Most of the resorts are large. I also went in April and the weather was not the greatest – water was warm enough but it was SUPER windy (like, can’t read a magazine on the beach for all the flapping).

         2. We went to Turks and Caicos in July and stayed at the Gansevoort. It’s smaller, very adult, modern. I think they get wind on an off there so who knows. It’s beautiful but not exactly off the beaten path or anything.

            This is a very different idea– check out Hamanasi resort in Belize. It’s a small eco resort where you can do all inclusive packages with food and all activities. It’s a good one if you’re looking for lots to do- world class snorkeling (puts Turks to shame), scuba, jungle hikes, Mayan ruins. A week there is perfect. Unless you want just beach lounging and ultra luxury (marble lobbies, butlers), in which case you would hate it.

            1. Just googled Hamansai and it looks awesome. DH picked Anse Chastenet (sp?) for our honeymoon years ago so Hamansai would be right up his alley.

            2. We loved Hamanasi– my husband likes a lot of activities, and we had our kids with us. It had a very authentic vibe to it, pretty much the diametrical opposite of Turks, in my opinion. The snorkeling is absolutely unbelievable, guides for land and sea were amazing. The guests were diverse, interesting and friendly. Turks was more, how shall I say, Trump leaning. Like literally, there were people in the pool shouting about their support for him. And about how much they spend on strippers, but I digress.

            3. We did Jaguar Reef resort in late April. It’s just down the beach from Hamanasi. Granted, it was 10 years ago, but it was a nice place then. Weather was plenty warm for some fantastic snorkeling and some great hiking.

   3. The Caribbean will absolutely be warm enough in April/May. Specific rec for St. Martin (lots of direct flights to SXM from the East Coast; prefer the French side – Grand Case beach, and enjoyed staying at Bleu Emeraude hotel, which is small, modern, and directly beachfront)

   4. Caneel Bay on St. John! My husband and I went there in May a couple of years ago for our anniversary, and it was fantastic. We definitely want to go again.

      There’s a lot of great snorkeling on the resort, and it’s easy enough to rent a jeep and get to the other beaches on the island for different snorkeling experiences. Very low key.

      1. It looks amazing! Was it hard to get there?

         1. Not at all. We just flew to the St. Thomas airport. I think you can get a direct or just one layover from pretty much anywhere in the south or east. Then the resort has a private lounge at the airport where they arrange a shuttle and then get you to a ferry that takes you directly to the resort on St. John.

            1. Thanks! That sounds pretty easy – It was the St. Thomas to St. John connection I wasn’t sure of so I appreciate knowing that the resort takes care of it.

         2. Have a planter’s punch at the outdoor bar! There are amazing eagle rays right off the beach.

   5. Turks and Caicos! I stayed at the palms for a week – it was amazing

   6. I’m not a resort person, but I did Puerto Rico a few years ago in March and it was wonderful. Great weather, not too many crowds, and no need to go through immigration/change money, etc!

   7. Aruba is closer to the equator so will be very warm that time of year (also pack extra sunscreen). Easy nonstop flights from most east coast cities.

9. I’m a teacher who recently completed her degree in administration and would like to move up to a supervisory or administrative position soon. I found this site yesterday for tips. Anyone else in education? It feels weird to dress so formally while still a teacher, but I want to mentally prepare myself for a different role.

   1. Congratulations! Since you’re new here, I thought I would suggest you post this tomorrow. The holiday posts get way fewer looks.

   2. Are you in K-12 (I assume since you said teacher)? I work in higher ed and the track is usually teach, add department chair duties, move up to something in the dean track (assistant dean, associate dean). I don’t know much about the K-12 route. In terms of dress, I would recommend presenting yourself as more polished if you want to stand out.

      There are definitely education people here, though!

      I, too, would recommend posting tomorrow

10. Random PSA– I have always thought it was crazy that big box retailer underwire bikini tops have only large band sizes on large cup sizes and small band sizes on small cup sizes, rather than having tie backs, so they could fit a much wider range of sizes. I’m a 32DDD and had pretty much written off ever getting a bikini top again for less than $70 or $80 from some kind of online specialty retailer.

    But Target heard my prayer. A huge number of their underwire bikini tops tie in the back this year. I bought two of them today for under $30 each and they fit perfectly. I literally cried. So, for you small cup large band or large cup small band women out there– there is hope and it is at Target.

    1. Thanks for the PSA – I too have this struggle and have been disappointed in the past that cute stuff tends to size up the band with the cup…

    2. Hooray! I have the same issue and also am frustrated by how much I usually have to spend for bras or bikinis. It seems like they wear out more quickly on us too due to, well, their higher workload.

       I have also had luck with Victoria’s Secret bikini tops without breaking the bank.

11. I just filled in the forms for my first apartment by myself!! I’m so excited

    1. YESSSS such a big deal! Congratulations!!!!

    2. I only lived in my own apartment, by myself, for a year before moving in with my now husband (before that had roommates). I still count it as the best year and such a formative experience. Congrats and enjoy!

    3. Congrats! Moving into my first apartment by myself was one of the best decisions ever. Living alone is more expensive but magical.

    4. I adore living in my own apartment. Seriously, it’s the best. Because of some health issues, I went from living with my parents in high school directly to living in my own apartment (on campus housing, but a studio apartment alone, nonetheless). At first, it was kind of lonely, but I’ve grown to love it since. I had a roommate for one quarter during law school and appreciated it even more.

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