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The strappy flat is my favorite kind of flat both for comfort and style reasons, but I really like the fact that the leather strap is removable here.
The leather looks supple, and I like the shiny patent detail on the back.
The shoes were $198, but are now marked to $99 at Brooks Brothers. Brooks Brothers Leather Ankle Strap Ballet Flats
Here's a lower-priced alternative.
Sales of note for 9.10.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Save up to 40% on new markdowns
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- White House Black Market – 30% off new arrivals
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…
AIMS
These are cute!
Ellen
I agree but women like me like heels In order to be taken serious in court. FOOEY!
In-house?
I’m currently a 4th year associate in private practice. I have an opportunity to go in-house with a publicly traded North American company. I’m excited about the prospect of working in a corporate environment and working on a wider variety of legal issues rather than getting stuck in the specialization I’m slowly but surely boxing myself into, but I’m nervous about hitching my star to a corporation’s wagon.What are the downsides of going in-house? Do the upsides outweigh them? None of my peers have made the move so I’m hoping for wisdom from the hive!
Anon
When i started in-house, my overall compensation decreased. It has since evened out and i think i’m now ahead of where i’d be if i’d stayed in BigLaw.
That’s about it, for me. I like the work better, the people, the balance, and the future potential.
JJ
I’ve been in-house all of 3 weeks, so there’s a huge grain of salt.
But, I like the counseling aspect more than jumping in as outside counsel when everyone is already mad and litigation has commenced. My base compensation decreased, but if I receive a max potential bonus, it would be higher than what I made in Biglaw. I have a 401K match.
I like managing litigation a lot more than conducting it. I miss legal writing some, but I’m willing to give that up for regular hours. I make plans after work or for lunches and I’m not worried that I’ll more than likely have to cancel those plans. I don’t get a new case and automatically have to think “Alright, which holidays are going to be potentially ruined by this scheduling order?”
My company isn’t publicly traded, but I have many friends that do work for public corporations. There is a slightly higher degree of legal oversight there and I feel like legal risks (lawsuits, claims, etc.) are watched closer by the powers-that-be because anything could affect the stock price.
Zelda
I’ve only worked in-house, in both public and private companies. Pros and cons can vary depending on company size, legal department size, your role, etc., but in general I love working in house and all of my friends who have made the switch from BigLaw agree (and those who haven’t keep asking me if I know of any openings)! One of the drawbacks of public versus private is that there may be more pressure to hit your quarterly/annual numbers (revenue, dividends, etc.), which in turn may lead to being super busy at the end of quarter. The benefit is that your busy times are potentially fairly predictable and even if they’re not, there’s less of an expectation to kill yourself trying to meet unreasonable deadlines.
Some of the benefits of working in house include the variety of matters that I work on, much greater responsibility (often I’m the only attorney handling multi-million dollar contracts), the counselling aspect that JJ mentioned and feeling like an active part of the team. I also enjoy more of the big picture thinking and focusing on how to move the business forward instead of on relatively narrow legal issues.
WestCoast Lawyer
You seem concerned about the stability of working for a single company, but remember that even big law firms can (and have in the not-so-distant past) had massive layoffs, gone bankrupt, merged, etc. I think the bigger question should be where do you want to be in 10 years, a general counsel (or senior in-house adviser) or a law firm partner. Whichever sounds most appealing to you is where you are likely to work harder, enjoy your work more and ultimately thrive, regardless of whether you switch jobs or stay in the same place during that period.
For my $0.02, moving in-house has given me much more predictability about when I am going to have to work late, etc. I also enjoy working with a consistent team rather than bouncing from client to client. My total compensation is still probably less than if I’d stayed in biglaw, but is more than enough to get by on, even in my HCOL area.
Also, while there may be better and worse law firms from a quality of life perspective the same is true of companies. Really try to get a sense of the team you will be working with during the interview process.
Gray29
Apologies for the immediate thread jack but I am seeking major life/career advice from the hive. I am currently a 5th year litigation associate in private practice. Unfortunately, I am at my third firm and have ended up with a boss that is infamous for treating his employees horribly (sadly was not aware of his reputation before I got here). His up and down moods and amazing ability to make me feel incredibly stupid has me crying (mostly secretly) multiple times a month and seeking therapy. I am struggling to think of career alternatives because I am not sure how long I can last on this emotional rollercoaster. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any advice?
TO Lawyer
I’m sorry. That is a tough situation.
Do you need a new career or just a new firm?
One of the partners at my office, while normally is a very nice man, when he have a deadline, he turns into a jerk who refuses to do anything until the last minute and then berates me when things aren’t perfect, and I end up having to pull multiple all-nighters to get things done.
FWIW, my solution has been to distance myself from that partner as much as possible. I don’t want to leave my firm because I get to do great work but I try to limit the amount I work exclusively with that partner because it is unsustainable.
Your situation sounds worse. Can you shift to another practice group? Or maybe work with other partners so you’re not solely working with this guy? If not, maybe your best bet is to find a new firm. Because this is not okay. The impact this jerk is having on your emotional wellbeing is unacceptable and you deserve better.
TO Lawyer
I’m sorry. That is a tough situation.
Do you need a new career or just a new firm?
One of the partners at my office, while normally is a very nice man, when he have a deadline, he turns into a jerk who refuses to do anything until the last minute and then berates me when things aren’t perfect, and I end up having to pull multiple all-nighters to get things done.
FWIW, my solution has been to distance myself from that partner as much as possible. I don’t want to leave my firm because I get to do great work but I try to limit the amount I work exclusively with that partner because it is unsustainable.
Your situation sounds worse. Can you shift to another practice group? Or maybe work with other partners so you’re not solely working with this guy? If not, maybe your best bet is to find a new firm. Because this is not okay. The impact this jerk is having on your emotional wellbeing is unacceptable and you deserve better.
Apples
Why did you leave the first two firms?
Gray29
Apples, I left the first two firms because neither of them were in the practice area I wanted to be in. Both practices were very “niche” and I wanted to find a practice area that I was confident would be around longer than a few years.
TO Lawyer, thank you. I find myself wondering whether at this point, since I am on my third firm, I need to just suck it up if I want to stay in the legal field. I was already concerned about what it would look like for me to be on my third firm, moving on to a 4th would look terrible, I am sure. Unfortunately, this specific partner hired me and really runs the show. I am known as one of his associates and although people have told me that other associates hired by him have managed to expand their workload over the years to include other partners, that takes time. I am concerned about whether I can really last that long.
JJ
Is there a way to manage up, even a little bit? It all depends on why he is difficult to work for, I know. But you’re a fifth-year, so you conceivably know how to run a case with minimal oversight. One way I minimized the effect of terrible partners to work for was to minimize their influence in the case and on my life.
Is this guy known in the firm as a big jerk? Then, more than likely, he’s known in the community as one as well. I think if you interviewed and said you needed a better culture fit or something like that, interviewers would understand what you were saying.
JJ
How big is your office? Can you reasonably work for other partners and distance yourself from this guy? I echo Apples – why did you leave your last two firms? Has it always been an emotional roller coaster at all three firms? It takes a certain type of person to thrive in law firms and there’s no shame if that’s ultimately not you. But that’s what you need to figure out first.
When I was at my most unhappy at my first firm, I would daydream of being anything but a lawyer. When I lateraled over to my next firm, I realized that I really enjoy being a lawyer – I just hated working for those people that I worked for.
Blonde Lawyer
Do you think you could get to the point where you realize he is completely irrational, expect the verbal diarrhea, and let it not bother you since you know it is him, not you? It is not a long term strategy but something that might let you get another year or so under your belt. I worked in a jail so I learned the skill of sitting there straight faced while getting yelled at. Picture military boot camp from movies. The difference is, boot camp is break you down to build you the way we want you. Jail is stay strong and don’t let them see they are getting to you. If you could channel the latter, it is an amazing life skill to have.
I worked with one bully though who just could not handle the fact that he couldn’t rattle me. It drove him nuts that I wasn’t anxious when called to his office and that I didn’t cry when he yelled at me. Obviously, strength alone doesn’t fix all bullies. (I’m not calling you weak either – this is a learned strength that most people don’t have naturally.)
Maybe in your head you can start seeing him like a toddler having a tantrum. Your response will be the equivalent of patting him on the head and saying “there, there, tomorrow will be a better day.” You won’t say that of course but that is the translation in your head when you respond with something acceptable.
It certainly isn’t a long term strategy but it can help you get through until you can get out.
Gray29
Blonde Lawyer,
I so wish I was more like you, I really think that mindset is the only way to deal with him! I am just not sure if I will ever be emotionally capable to use that strategy. I know that the one associate that works for him “successfully” uses this same approach.
JJ, when other attorneys have brought him up to me in the past they have all told me that there is no way to change his behavior, the goal is just to survive it. That said, I am trying to find productive ways to respond since I think certain responses get worse reactions from him. My issue is that when I take a moment to collect my thoughts and respond to him, he frequently begins yelling at me about why I am not responding immediately to him. If I respond too quickly to him and heaven forbid, say something that sounds foolish, that sets him off.
I really appreciate the comments. The advice and acknowledgment that the situation sucks has made me feel a little better.
Pink
I had a similar boss/partner but his temperament wasn’t really known outside our firm/department. I stuck it out as long as possible but got out recently and am so much better off. I know you’re concerned about “appearances” but it sounds like you’re a 2010 grad, and I think it’s okay for 2010/2011 folks to have a more varied background because of the realities of the legal market when we were graduating. I’m meeting others at my new place that have bounced around like you.
Anon
I’m not in biglaw, and am in an industry where is is hard to get fired, and am fairly senior. I also just came through an experience where I worked with a person whose personality was incredibly difficult. Now that I am on the other side, I do not think I would ever tolerate that kind of behavior again, even from a superior. Life is too flooping short to spend the majority of your day on edge because someone else is a jerk.
If I had to do it over again, I would have made a much huger stink about this person’s bad behavior from the very beginning. I know that there are so many delicate politics in the corporate world and in biglaw, but I find this unconscionable. I feel like until people start demanding to be treated with respect, people like this will continue this bad behavior and companies will accept it as part of the culture.
I know I sound all Norma Rae, but seriously, this is your life. And your job. You should be able to go to your job and do your job without some nutcase screaming at you and being basically intolerable. It is clearly affecting your mental health, and likely your physical health as well.
Sorry for my rant. Hugs to you, you are not alone.
Anonymous
What does everyone think of the Sheryl Sandberg/Adam Grant article about women speaking up at work?
I’ll post the link as a reply
Anonymous
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/opinion/sunday/speaking-while-female.html
Parfait
Depressing, yet all too true in my experience.
Former Partner, Now In-House
Completely true where I am now. Less true in my BigLaw firm, presumably because my partners cared about generating revenue to the exclusion of anything else.
Jules
It doesn’t happen in my work place, a boutique firm in a niche area, since two of the three partners (myself and one other) are women. However, I deal with this all. the. time. with opposing counsel. Just yesterday I had to call out an attorney on the other side of a case after he interrupted me maybe five times in a conference call with an arbitrator and then continued to do so in a call between the two of us . And this punk is maybe 20-25 years my junior. I feel certain he would not behave this way (although he probably still would be jerk) with my male partner. So maddening.
anonymous
What’s a reasonable way of handling being interrupted? Usually I say something like “let me finish,” (as gently as possible) and finish. Too aggressive? Probably.
Jules
No, that’s not too aggressive — it’s firm and, really, relatively mild. I usually say something like that, particularly after the first or second instance and in a situation where there is a judge or arbitrator. Yesterday, I did that in the arbitrator’s conference call. However, when it was just me and the punk opposing counsel on the line, and he did it three times I told him I was done with his constant interruptions and if he did not let me finish my sentences the discussion would need to be over. Definitely aggressive but called for. He said “go ahead,” in way that let me hear him pouting, but he did let me finish and mostly cut it out after that.
Must be Tuesday
That this still happens frequently is both surprising and not surprising. Disappointing, for sure.
I’ve been fortunate not to have this dynamic in my offices. I’ve always felt listened to, and my ideas get implemented frequently and I get credit for them. I’ve generally observed that other female co-workers are also listened to when they speak.
anomom
Sometimes blatant, sometimes subtle. Yes.
Bonnie
Not an issue in my office. The women tend to be more vocal than the men.
Constant Reader
Happens in my office…mostly subtle but sometimes blatant
Also this is the 2nd article in a 4 part series planned by Sandberg and Grant. The first article is “When Talking About Bias Backfires.”
Constant Reader
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/opinion/sunday/adam-grant-and-sheryl-sandberg-on-discrimination-at-work.html
Former Partner, Now In-House
I am hoping that the third or fourth article in the series is about gender bias in performance evaluations.
Ms. Sandberg, if you are listening: we want to know what victims can do about it!
Pink
I haven’t noticed it as much in the workplace (law) BUT it was a huge problem when I was in middle school/ high school. I would come up with a point or idea 3 minutes into the project, which got ignored, then 23 minutes in, someone else (probably a guy–I wasn’t keeping tabs then) would say the same exact idea, and the group would agree it’s a good idea, with me stating, I said that 20 minutes ago! After it continued to be a pattern, I stopped sharing. It’s become somewhat of a problem in the professional sphere, where a partner once told me: “I WANT you to give input”
Now, I do notice when colleagues give credit to an idea/point made by me, and try to do likewise when appropriate. Perhaps it was done to CYA in case the idea backfired, but as it usually turns out to be a good issue spotter, I’ve appreciated it.
anon
You know those yoga tops that have a built-in bra and the shirt part of the top drapes so that you can see the bra part from the sides/back? I’m looking for options that don’t cost $50+ (they have some at athleta, but not in the right sizes, and lulu doesn’t seem to have any on sale right now). Thoughts?
Apples
Are you looking for sleeves or no sleeves?
Apples
http://www.6pm.com/lucy-feel-the-beat-singlet-pink-dawn
anon
love this one but of course they are out of one size- mine! thanks for the suggestions though, I appreciate it!
Apples
http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-women-s-yoga-tank-assorted-colors/-/A-15379246#prodSlot=_1_14
ace
I was going to suggest this one. I have a similar version and it’s really cute.
Apples
http://www.6pm.com/under-armour-essential-banded-tank-top-siberian-iris-siberian-iris-striation-print-metallic-pewter
Anonymous
I love those tops, but they are terribly unflattering on me- if you have any fat at all on your back, it just squeezes right out, they look best if you’re quite slender.
TNTT
Target used to carry similar in the summer, not sure if they’ll still have them now that it’s frozen outside.
Jules
Title 9?
LilyStudent
H&M have one in at the moment!
anonymous
How many sweaters would you say you have, and how many of those get regular wear? I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth buying a couple more- L&T cashmere is on sale for $39.99.
PolyD
I think if you live someplace where it regularly gets pretty cold (40s and below), it’s hard to have too many sweaters!
Also, I think L&T cashmere is the bomb. In my experience, it holds up well with minimal pilling. I was just there last night and bought a gray cardigan to have as back-up for my current 4+ year-old cardigan, even though the original one is still going strong.
I probably own somewhere in the vicinity of 10 cashmere sweaters, ranging in age from 5 years+ to just bought this fall/winter.
kc esq
I don’t like L&T cashmere. The cashmere is nice, but the fit is just…off for me. I just clicked over and I think those sweaters aren’t doing any favors for the models, either. If I’m upgrading to cashmere, I want it to look polished, as an easy thing to throw on where I can still look pulled together. And then I just feel like a soft frump all day.
s in Chicago
Be forewarned that the house brand cashmere at L&T is hit or miss. I ordered an open front cardi in late fall that was pure heaven and is wearing really well (I bought a second in a different color before the holidays even though it was nearly $200–far more than I typically would spend–because I didn’t want to lose out on size and color options. I also ordered the hoodie style (same brand) and it was RIDICULOUSLY thin and short waisted. Quality looked bad and fit was horrible.
Glasses Question
I have never had my eyes checked. I have no issues reading anything, but I did hear how sitting in front of a computer all day can eventually make your vision worse, even if your vision is fine. Sometimes I get tire at the end of the day, but I dont think it affects my reading.
I was thinking of using my benefits to get some really weak glasses to help alleviate that strain. Also, my grandmother had glaucoma and I’d like to reduce the risk of that happening.
Has anyone done this? The glasses would live at work and I’d only wear them when reading and writing (which is most of the day for me, I am a lawyer).
Obviously I will consult with an optometrist
Anonymous
Just go to the eye doctor! End of story. Really.
PolyD
I’m a bit boggled that you reached adulthood without ever having your eyes checked. Or did you have them checked as a child but haven’t bothered as an adult?
Standard part of most exams at optometrists is a test for glaucoma. They blow a puff of air at your eyeball to measure the pressure, something like that.
I don’t know what to say about the glasses just for work, as I am totally nearsighted and need glasses or contacts all the time.
Glasses Question
I don’t know why that’s so mind-boggling…I’ve literally never had a problem seeing anything. i passed the test for my driver’s license, and a similar test for physicals…
I am well aware I should probably have a lot of things checked I have not. but i think that’s true for a lot of people.
Jordan
Ditto. Never seen an eye doctor. Still seeing just fine.
Anonymous
I never saw an eye doctor until I developed vision problems after law school. If you’re born with perfect eyesight, there’s no reason to ever go to an eye doctor. They check your vision at normal well-child doctors visits. It’s not that weird.
Glasses Question
Thanks- now I don’t feel like such a delinquent!!
tesyaa
Eye doctors don’t only deal with vision problems; they screen for diseases of the eye (including but not limited to glaucoma) that can have serious consequences. I’m sure the OP is fine, but now would be a good time to start visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
JJ
Yeah, I didn’t have my eyes checked from middle school (maybe?) until I had been a practicing attorney for a few years and I started getting headaches. I have a pair of really weak reading glasses that I use when my eyes get tired, but otherwise, I don’t think about my eyes and don’t have any problems seeing.
Anonny
I was the same as you. Then I went to the eye doctor and they gave me some light Rx glasses… enormous help. Go for it.
Glasses Question
Thanks! Helpful to know :)
Anonymous
Spring for the UV coating on the lenses — just a few extra dollars but well worth it in my experience to minimize eye strain. — from someone who literally “pulled a muscle” in her eye
anon
(1) Yes, you should see an eye doctor, especially with a history of glaucoma in your family.
(2) Reading glasses (non Rx) changed my life. Really. You strain your eyes reading all day – computer screens tiny print on a law book, etc. When those muscles are constantly strained, you get headaches and tired. Sure I’d have a headache by 5pm but blamed it on the lighting and ‘stress headaches’ or not eating or drinking enough. I might still get headaches from those reasons, of course, but the very first day with simple reading glasses/non Rx/magnifiers at like +1.00 or 1.25 was a complete 180. Able to read late into the night with no tiredness, no eye strain, etc. I have a cheap pair that live at the office and another cheap pair that live at home. They are only for reading things near to you – not distance. See an eye doctor anyway, but pop on over to your local pharmacy, buy a pair of +1.00 or +1.25 magnifiers and see what a difference they make for you! I really can’t stress enough what a difference they made for me.
Niktaw
A cautionary tale.
I needed glasses for driving after dark and glare protection. I also felt that my vision deteriorated a bit. So I went to the ophthalmologist and got a Rx, which turned out only -0.25. Picked awesome frames.
The vision insurance (VSP, if you must know) denied coverage for the glasses because the Rx was too weak per their policy. The Dr’s office knew about this, but neglected to inform me.
Niktaw
Second attempt at posting.
Sometimes vision plans do not pay for extra-light prescription glasses (-0.25). Once/if you have a scrip, have the optician’s shop check the coverage.
WJM-TV
If you have a family history of eye diseases, you should get at least yearly checkups.
Peasy
Can any curly-haired women out there recommend a great flat iron? I have a lot of long curly hair, though it’s not very coarse. Thank you!
Basics
I bought a $20-ish one at Target a couple years ago. Conair? Dark purple. Very effective for curly hair and lots of it.