2017 Update: We still stand by this advice on how to take advantage of a quiet office during holidays, but you may also want to check out all of our posts on holiday business etiquette. It’s coming: the dead period around the holidays when many of your coworkers are out on vacation, projects are done or winding down, … Read More about How to Take Advantage of a Quiet Office at the Holidays
They’re calling this product “the new way to carry your signature scent anywhere.” To me it doesn’t seem that different from the regular roll-on kind of perfume, although it might be slightly bigger. The scent itself is really lovely, a very deep and dark and sort of woodsy feel. I bought this for myself because … Read More about Gift Idea: ‘Vetiver 46’ Liquid Balm
Readers recommended these purse shapers in our last discussion on closet organization, and I think they’re a great solution to the problem of having purses that get slouchy if you don’t stuff them with papers when they’re not being used. I like the quilted look because it feels more luxurious, and these come in a variety of sizes. … Read More about Gift Idea: Quilted Purse Shapers
If you’re looking for a gift idea for an older woman in your life — or really, for any woman — these are really nice pajamas. (This year, I’m buying gift cards to Soma for a lot of the older women I know.) I think the Cool Nights pajamas are intended for women who may be getting hot … Read More about Coffee Break: ‘Pass the Bubbly’ Scoopneck Long-Sleeve Pajama Set
This cute lunch bag is easy to clean and has adjustable shoulder straps and a small handle at the top. Of course, I love the colors, considering they’re the blog colors, but I also like how this bag is sort of feminine but also sort of masculine at the same time. If you’re looking for … Read More about Coffee Break: Navy Blue with Pink Stripes Lunch Bag
Oooh: of course I’m going to love the metallic cobalt card case from Kate Spade — but the whole collection looks fun, especially if you’re the type who a) likes to have a colored wallet/card case so it’s easy to find in your bag, b) you like feminine, girly things, or c) you are trying … Read More about Coffee Break: Metallic Card Case
The Nordstrom Thanksgiving Sale is so good for workwear it’s a bit of a downer to remember, ah yes, I’m supposed to be buying for other folks too. So I thought I’d put together a few quick gift ideas if you’re on the hunt — with Nordstrom’s very customer-friendly, open ended return policy, they’re great … Read More about Gift Ideas from the Big Nordstrom Sale
It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing, the air is crisp and pumpkin spice is everywhere. With October 31st fast-approaching, Kat asked me to create a few fun outfits to show you how to put your workwear to work for Halloween. (Yep, it is possible.) So, I chose a cast of characters (two fictional … Read More about Putting Workwear to Work for Halloween
If you don’t already have one of these — or if you know someone who doesn’t — this needs to be on your gift list, stat, particularly if there’s airplane travel coming up. Not only does this collapse small enough to fit in the zippered sleeve of most luggage, it’s so durable that you can even … Read More about Coffee Break: Extra Large Weekender
Where do you fall on cookbooks as a gift idea? Yes, they can be boring — but they can also be really expensive, so they can make indulgent gifts. This Mark Bittman book is on my wishlist — the whole series looks amazing. It’s $19.77 at Amazon for the hardcover book. How to Cook Everything: The Basics (L-2)
I feel like a cashmere wrap (also sometimes called a ruana) is one of those things that every woman should own — and they’re great things to gift, because you don’t even need to guess at size. Plus, should they not like it, it’s an easy gift to return to the store — no hanger or … Read More about Gift Idea: Ombre Wrap
2017 Update: We still stand by this advice on how to do black tie on a budget, but you may also want to check out all of our other posts on holiday business etiquette. How do you dress for a work-related black tie — on a budget? Whether you have a formal holiday office party coming … Read More about Tales from the Wallet: Black Tie on a Budget
