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Thursday’s Workwear Report: Classic Cashmere Sweater

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A Black woman with short natural hair wearing a pink sweater and white pants

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

My 87-year-old grandmother has inspired my love of L.L.Bean sweaters. While they tend to skew a bit toward the casual side, they’re always classic styles and exceptionally well-made, which we both appreciate.

Grandma is getting this cashmere crewneck for Christmas in “twilight,” a really pretty turquoise color (her favorite). Personally, I prefer this “brambleberry” color, which I would wear with a navy skirt suit and an oxford shirt underneath.

The sweater is $99 at L.L.Bean and comes in regular sizes XS–XL, petite sizes XS–XL, tall sizes XS–XL, and plus sizes 1X–3X.

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Sales of note for 3/26/25:

  • Nordstrom – 15% off beauty (ends 3/30) + Nordy Club members earn 3X the points!
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale + additional 20% off + 30% off your purchase
  • Banana Republic Factory – Friends & Family Event: 50% off purchase + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 30% off tops, tees, dresses, accessories, sale styles + warm-weather styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Shorts under $30 + extra 60% off clearance + up to 60% off everything
  • M.M.LaFleur – 25% off travel favorites + use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – $64.50 spring cardigans + BOGO 50% off everything else

Sales of note for 3/26/25:

  • Nordstrom – 15% off beauty (ends 3/30) + Nordy Club members earn 3X the points!
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale + additional 20% off + 30% off your purchase
  • Banana Republic Factory – Friends & Family Event: 50% off purchase + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 30% off tops, tees, dresses, accessories, sale styles + warm-weather styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Shorts under $30 + extra 60% off clearance + up to 60% off everything
  • M.M.LaFleur – 25% off travel favorites + use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – $64.50 spring cardigans + BOGO 50% off everything else

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

177 Comments

      1. I was going to say “brooks brothers” and then saw it was their ad. Definitely classic New England prep!

      2. Yes, I suspect it’s our Brooks-Brothers obsessed person back to try to generate more conversation about classic women’s clothing.

        1. Ugh I feel so stupid for falling for the trick. I replied and genuinely thought it was just a reader looking for key terms :(

  2. Hive, a startup based in CA (incorporated in DE) wants to hire me as GC. I live in NY and I’m only qualified in NY. I can’t waive in user CA’s multijurisdictional practice rule because I don’t reside in CA. Is there any way for me to get out of taking the CA bar exam? Can the startup establish a subsidiary in NY, for example, and hire me through that? (No one’s comments will be taken as legal advice, I promise. Just crowdsourcing my brainstorming.) TIA

    1. Are you going to move to california? If not, I don’t see why they would need to open a new subsidiary instead of just an office in NY

      1. If you’re moving to California, you can just apply to be registered in-house counsel

      2. I’m not moving, which is why I can’t take advantage of the in-house exemption. I guess I’m concerned that I’ll be seen as practicing CA law without being qualified there, since the company is headquartered in CA. But if they establish an office in NY, perhaps that solves the issue?

        1. I don’t think it matters if they have an office in NY, you’re still directing your advice to CA.

          1. I’m not sure this matters. What at a firm, I directed my legal advice to lots of places I wasn’t registered to practice. And the in-house counsel I know are registered In their state and maybe one other, but not every place that their company has offices.

      1. I’ve gone through this, it’s only for people who reside in CA. OP will need to move or take the CA bar.

        1. That was my initial (horror-filled) analysis too. But I know lawyers who are working for CA-based tech firms and aren’t qualified in CA. It’s confusing.

        2. +1, only solution is to take CA bar. FWIW I’m barred in NY and CA and thought NY was harder.

  3. I recently moved into a new office at work and need your wise input on two issues:

    1. Sit/stand desk – yea or nay?

    2. Due to weird overhead lighting placement and large windows on one wall that never get direct sun, one half of the office is very dark. Hardly any light reaches two of the four corners where walls meet the ceiling. Ideas for brightening the space? I can’t do construction, but I have license to bring in anything else I want.

    Thank you for your thoughts!

    2. I have a standing desk at both home and the office and like having the option. Is it a motorized desk or a stand that goes on top of a stationary desk? I think the only part I miss about the standing desk is having drawers, but that’s easily remedied with storage units or other drawers around the desk area. I don’t have a fatigue mat for standing at my office and that’s probably the biggest issue I have about my office set up.

  4. I’ve had two abdominal surgeries in the past two years (still recovering from the second one) and current events are making it clear that I need a bisalp ASAP. Ugh, my poor stomach.

    1. I’m so sorry. Not sure if this would help, but I had colon cancer surgery and a wedge pillow made life so much easier when it was difficult to rise from bed. Even just using it to sit-up in bed when I worked on my laptop was so much more comfortable than trying to sit at a desk. It was a lifesaver while my whole stomach area was healing.

      1. A wedge pillow after my mastectomy and reconstruction was so key. In a sad commentary on aging, check with your female friends. Chances are good someone has one or has a friend who does. Mine has made the rounds. And they are bizarrely expensive.

        1. If you are in the San Gabriel Valley in So Cal, I have a wedge pillow you can have. That goes for all of you out there: seniorattorney1 at gmail.

    2. Ugh, I’m sorry. I hope you recover quickly from your most recent and next surgery.

      If you haven’t already, I hope you are raising the flag and asking for help from friends and family. I know it’s hard to ask, but if you were my friend I would absolutely help you in any way possible. Need help with laundry or other household chores? Check. Can’t drive but need to run errands or get to appointments? Check. Really anything my friend would need, I would help in a heartbeat.

  5. I’m still trying to figure out my style and looking for inspiration. I shop at mall stores and value comfort over anything but would like to add some edge. I’m also thinking more and more about buying better quality pieces and less overall. What blogs do you look to for inspiration? I think I’m looking for something in between Extra Petite and The Mom Edit, preppy but with some grit.

    3. How about a moto jacket and some coated jeans (look like leather but feel like jeans)? This may be more androgynous than you like but I like the blog “That’s not my age” for inspiration. Also, the silhouettes and pairings in AllSaints and Zadig and Voltaire ads are a good inspiration for me. Frankly, the former is too monochromatic black for my taste but the general look is my (and sounds like your) bag. FWIW, I found working through the exercises in “The Curated Closet” very helpful in working out these issues.

    4. What about Girls of a Certain Age? Her picks tend to be $$ but for inspiration I think it’s a good resource.

    5. I like YouLookFab and Brigitte Raes. Both have advice and guidance on how to identify your style. I really enjoy how both emphasize figuring out what works for you as the most important thing.

      1. I love her style, but I have yet to find a single outfit that would work for me, maybe one item from every five posts or so could work with my body or style? Fun inspiration, though, and I love how colorful and cheerful everything is, and the maximalism in a preppy context.

  6. Looking for restaurant recommendations in LA for New Years Lunch. Want a sit down restaurant with waitstaff that will take a reservation. Maybe Dim Sum but open to other suggestions.

    Looking for a location which is not terribly far out of the way in relation to a group coming from the north via 101 (Central coast) and a group coming group the South (via I-5) before catching flights from LAX.

    Looking online is hard to assess how restaurants are operating in this new era. Plus I don’t know how long it really takes to get between places!

    1. When are the flights? That’s a tough order, it takes forever to drive around LA, although it is slightly better on New Years Day. I would suggest Shutters on the Beach, it’s close to LAX or Gjelina in Venice, also relatively close. Not sure if either spot is doing lunch, shutters is a hotel so better bet on a lunch.

    2. I would consider Manhattan Beach. It is very close to LAX.

      A few suggestions:
      Manhattan Beach Post (open for brunch on Sat/Sun)
      The Strand House
      Rock’n Fish
      Tin Roof Bistro
      Nick’s Manhattan Beach
      Petros

    4. Not sure you’ll find good dim sum over on the Westside, but echoing the Santa Monica/Venice/Manhattan Beach recs. If you’re heading to LAX after, you’ll want to stay on the Westside because traffic can be weird and awful, so minimize miles between brunch and airport. Lots of great places. In SM, check out Water Grill. The other SM/Venice/MB places already recommended are also solid.

  7. Are there any shape of work pants that look good with lug soled boots (no laces)? I can’t wear heels anymore, and am looking to wear shoes than regular loafers (and definitely not ballet flats). Boots work best with my foot issues, but to me don’t look right with anything other than skinny pants, and I’ll be going in to a business casual office. What about lug soled loafers, any cute ones that walk the line between pilgrim/witch and teenager?

    1. I am wearing straight-leg pants with lug-sole chelsea boots right now. For work, where you probably don’t want to roll up your jeans to the top of the boot shaft the way you might for casual wear, the trick is to have the pant legs be wide enough and the boot shaft be narrow enough that the pants can come down over the boots.

      I love the look of lug-sole loafers but have been unable to find any that didn’t fall off when I tried to walk. There are some loafers with soles that are chunky but not lugged that would be work-appropriate with just a little edge. Check out Jon Josef.

      1. I was confused by this question because I almost always wear boots to work in the winter, but this is it. I typically wear short boots with a narrow shaft with straight, boot cut or wide leg pants, depending on how fitted the boot is.

          1. Yep exactly. Honestly if theyre thin enough it looks more like a shoe than a boot anyways

    2. If you find any please let me know! I also don’t/can’t really wear heels anymore and I stalk Kate Spade/MGemi/Boden/Nisolo for my work shoes. I’ve got a good rotation of pointy toed flats, smoking slippers, and low block heeled pumps but low-heeled boots that are sleek enough (or intentionally chunky enough) to wear to my business formal office with dresses are difficult to find.

      1. These are the boots I have and love, and are trying to make work with business casual (but maybe it just won’t work): https://www.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-miller-water-resistant-chelsea-boot-women/5574248

        Came around to like these – they look better in the pics on peoples’ feet than in the store pics – but reviews say they’re uncomfortable: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-laurs-platform-loafer-women/5951334

        These look maybe good too, but not many sizes left: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/vionic-cheryl-lug-sole-loafer-women/5664224

    3. BR Logan fit pants have a straight leg / moderate boot cut. I get the short length (vs the petite ones) to wear with flats and I’m finding they wear with my faux combat boots. I also have some old straight-leg Levis and some boot-cut Levis / Gap bottoms.

      1. OP here replying to this post and to Anonymous at 10:16 – good to know that you can make lug sole boots work with work pants! I haven’t found any pictures on blogs/insta or store websites to see how this looks.

    4. I often go for skirts and dresses, usually with a flare, and then an intentionally chunky shoe. It’s not a super formal look but it works for me. I have wide hips so a chunky boot or shoe feels a little more balanced to me.

    5. I like to wear mine with the Eileen Fisher crepe slim leg pants that get recommended here so often. If I’m wearing something with a pant that is wider than a straight leg, then I think it needs to be cropped enough to see booth shaft. I also think it helps to get boots that aren’t black. I have a suede maple color pair and another that’s suede olive and both have gotten a surprising amount of use. They feel a little less combat boot for the work setting than my black ones.

  8. Is anybody following this TIBAL teacher list thing on Insta? I’m so amazed and such a big fan of hers now! I was already but wow, she is just killing it with this. Today she was publicly shaming law firms for not participating – love it.

    2. A close friend who works in a rougher Boston area school district had her entire wishlist cleared yesterday by a very well known large corporation. We are talking thousands of dollars. She was in tears telling us about it. This whole thing is so amazing and I will be a TIBAL follower for as long as she is around because of this.

      1. So freaking amazing
        I’ve gotten goose bumps so many times.
        And this should be her busiest time of year and when she makes most of her money, but she’s giving that up for this.

    3. It’s so nice to see people giving back to teachers. A few years ago I was on the PTA and in charge of teacher holiday gifts. I asked each teacher to create an Amazon wish list, and then we sent that list out to parents. The response was overwhelming, even grandparents and aunts/uncles were donating items off the lists. (We had to get several volunteers to help sort and deliver the packages that showed up to the school each day.) The next year, we partnered with a nearby school with a higher percentage of low income students and asked for families to help support both their own kids and their neighbors and friends. It also went well, and I think it’s still continuing now (we moved away). Thanks for reminding me that I should see if I can set it up at our new (low income) school as well.

      I wish our society didn’t ask teachers to use so much of their money to outfit their classrooms, or rely on individual donations to support kids, but while it’s this imperfect system, I’ll try to help as much as I can.

        1. It’s hard to figure out I agree. I’ve always liked fulfilling teacher wish lists on Donors Choose. I get thank you notes from students, which is so fun and cute.

      2. Really? It took me under a minute to figure it out:
        TIBAL is the blog Things I Bought And Liked
        Right on the front page is the blog post where people are posting their classroom wishlists and commenters are replying when the lists are getting fulfilled.
        My mom was a teacher and spent a lot of her own money buying things for her classroom. It’s very heartening to see so many people stepping up and fulfilling wish lists. I am going to fill a couple of them later today when I have more time to read through requests and lists.

          1. LOL. Have a cup of tea and go outside and take some deep breaths, sounds like you could use them.

    6. Watching this unfold has been a bright spot in my week. I suggested a friend post her needs and I am really hoping she gets her list cleared. She works at what I call Last Chance High. These kids need basics!

    7. I’m obsessed. She absolutely chose violence and I love every second of it. The puns are great too.

  9. Can anyone recommend the best wrist brace for carpal tunnel? My doctor recommended one, but was unspecific and the two I’ve tried so far aren’t really doing it for me. Bonus points if you can also recommend a better computer mouse. Thank you!

    1. I don’t have carpal tunnel but have had related problems for thirty years. Advice has been not to wear a wrist brace for long – maybe some short-term relief but can throw your movements off and create bigger problems. Use an ergonomic keyboard (e.g., Goldtouch). My preferred mouse is 3M Ergonomic Mouse model EM500. Stretch your arms and move them around frequently. Good luck!

    2. I don’t have a recommendation. For a mild prior flare up, I just wore my old wrist protector that I had for in-line skating, but I didn’t need to leave the house with that.

    3. The Evoluent mouse is my jam, with the caveat that I use the Mac version and the extra programmable buttons do not work AT ALL. They work fine on a PC. Frustrating, but the shape and size of the mouse work so well for my comfort that I’m willing to overlook the bugs.

      1. Sadly, there is no small size Evoluent left hand mouse. I am right handed but switched to using a mouse with my left hand because my hand issues are less severe for my non-dominant hand.

    4. Try a vertical mouse, like the Anker vertical mouse. It puts your wrist in a better position. Also I think it’s helpful to wear the brace at night while you sleep. I just used whatever brace you can buy at drugstores – they’re light blue.

      1. +1 to wearing the brace when you sleep. It makes an enormous difference to me, my natural sleeping position is with my wrists tucked up so they never actually rest and heal.

        1. +2 to wearing the brace during sleep. It was the only thing that worked for me

          I use an old school trackball mouse now but mostly I just don’t use the mouse a lot. I’m an exceliac and I use alllll the keyboard shortcuts.

    5. Seconding the using the mouse with the non-dominant hand. It was the only thing that solved my issues long-term.

      1. A tip for switching hands: be sure to set the buttons so that you use the same finger or motion on your non-dominant hand that you would use on your dominant hand. The first day or two is a little bit of a challenge but I found that, within a week, I could switch back and forth between the two sides (if I were on my son’s computer, for example) without even noticing that I was using a different hand for the mouse.

  10. I have a few friends in other cities that have memberships at nail salons – anyone know of anything similar in Philly? Preferably Center City/adjacent?

  11. I need a black or black-based print dress or two to get me through winter. Sweater and sweatshirt dresses are too shapeless and not “office” enough. Not a sheath. Some sort of fabric that won’t fight the tights I’ll wear underneath. This seems like the sort of basic item that was easy to find in 2019 and prior, but now stores are empty and online I’m wading through too much NYE / athleisure clothes to find something for daytime and not too sloppy for the office.

    Moira Rose adjacent (but on a mall store budget). Any suggestions?

      1. Agree – I wear the black Cascade Faux Wrap with black tights and various colored booties all winter.

    4. A full or half-slip works like a lining to allow the dress fabric to glide, rather than stick to the tights.

  12. Could I please get some recommendations for your favorite plant-based dishes? Looking to transition away from animal products for health reasons and to improve cholesterol numbers. We’ve got breakfast and lunches covered (oatmeal/fruit, salads) but need dinner inspiration for 1-2 people. Much of what I’m finding is heavy on the mushrooms or sweet potatoes, neither of which fly in our house. Beans/lentils are great. Thanks!

      1. Budget Bytes has a great roasted cauliflower bowl. I add roasted chickpeas and change up serving it with rice or quinoa or farro.

    3. Indian curries (personally I like cauliflower, red lentils, and potatoes but they’re customizable), Thai curries, home made bean burgers, sloppy joes made with lentils, stir fry, fried rice, lentil bolognese, bean burritos/tacos/quesadillas, falafel, bean chili, lentil stew, sushi bowls. Those are a few of the things on regular rotation in my house.

    4. Here are a few favs:
      https://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/melissa-clarks-black-bean-skillet-dinner-recipe.html (seems simple but it’s good)
      https://www.thekitchn.com/vegetarian-recipe-pumpkin-chili-recipes-from-the-kitchn-196046 (use a lot less butter)
      https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019911-cauliflower-cashew-pea-and-coconut-curry (I add a can of chickpeas to it)
      https://www.chowhound.com/recipes/root-vegetable-shepherds-pie-28027
      https://www.dramaticpancake.com/ficre-spicy-red-lentil-tomato-curry/

      I would recommend browsing the cookbook section in your local library. I think the Vegetarian Athlete’s Cookbook has a lot of good well-balanced veg recipes. I recently browsed through Well + Good’s cookbook and though it was interesting, too.

    5. I do lots of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican inspired meals- chana masala, dal, burritos of various sorts, falafel, hummus, etc. I also do a lot of pasta dishes with chickpeas or white beans and there’s a good recipe for lentil “meat” balls in the Cool Beans cookbook that I make with spaghetti. Black bean or lentil soups and black bean chili. I’m also a big fan of vegan pestos made with any kind of herb or various veggies (I’ve done arugula, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers), nuts, olive oil and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This makes a good sandwich spread, pasta or pizza sauce, or veggie topping. I make a pretty good vegan pizza with pesto, cashew cheese, and lots of veggies.

    6. You might enjoy looking at these s!tes:
      Two Peas & Their Pod
      A Pinch of Yum
      Naturally Ella

    9. I think you should make it as easy as cooking up some meat. Two staple meals in our house are: rice and beans with salsa and cheese, tofu and veggies (sheet pan baked in winter, stir fry in summer) with rice.

      1. I agree, make it easy on yourself. I do a lot of rice bowls – I always have rice on hand, and put in beans/whatever veggies I have in my fridge/tofu/edamame. The Cookie and Kate baked tofu recipe is the best (actually all of her recipes are staples in my house). If you’re vegetarian rather than vegan, throw an egg on top as well.Also, I’ve found that with plant-based cooking, herbs and sauces are key to keeping your meals flavorful and interesting rather than repetitive.

    10. Lightly fry pine nuts, garlic, and dried tomatoes in olive oil, toss over pasta.

      Saute tofu and veggies of choice in curry (50/50 turmeric and cumin works, dash of coriander works too), ginger, red pepper flakes, lime zest
      Add rice, lime juice, coconut milk, and enough water to cook the rice.

    11. I like to do easy vegetarian burritos for lunch – tortilla, black beans, salsa, avocado, pickled jalapenos, hot sauce, and cheese. Quick, healthy, filling. Don’t omit the jalapenos!

    12. Order some beans from Rancho Gordo! I love the eye of the goat beans, add them to sauteed leeks (I do this with mushrooms but you can skip), add some herbs towards the end (I like dill). Serve with mashed potatoes.

      1. Also I make tacos with beyond beef ground and my partner and kid like them just as much a ground beef (but I like it better actually, it’s leaner).

    13. Bon appetit has a curried lentil, tomato, and coconut soup recipe that is sooo good (and vegan too!).

    14. Indian food. Follow the food blog vegrecipesofindia.com
      She provides step by step photos and instructions and simply incredible recipes.

  13. I have given notice and will have nearly 3 weeks off between jobs over the holidays!

    My current job burned me out horribly, so I”m hoping to spend most of that time off relaxing and recuperating. However, I also know I”ll be hitting the ground running at my new job and want to make sure I”m starting out on the right foot. My current job was so busy that I totally forget what kind of work/life routines I had – I spent so much time in survival mode or (when things calmed down) party mode. Working on making a list of things to do with my time off that will both relax/rejuvenate me but also get me squared away to start job #2. Looking for any additions to this list from those of you who have been in similar situations. Late 20s, single, live in an apartment with roommates in a big city in the northeast for reference (so no home improvement projects to do, no SO to take a romantic getaway with, etc).

    Relaxing: a trip to the beach for 3 days, a massage/facial, breakfast at a favorite cafe, enjoying the Christmas lights in my city, reading, spend time with friends/family who are also off, skiing, ice skating

    Preparing: Deep clean/reorganization of my bedroom and basement. Come up with 8 go to work outfits. Get back into a workout routine. Come up with 5 go to meal prep options. Try to remember what my old AM/PM routines were? Maybe get keratin hair treatment?

    1. How do you feel about indoor hospitality? I love sitting at a bar or in a cafe with a book – being alone but surrounded by other people.

      In terms of job preparation, it might be useful to practice your commute, maybe a couple of versions of it in case there’s a transport issue.

    2. If you want this time to be rejuvenating, don’t spend it organizing and cleaning (maybe do it in one day if your situation is truly chaotic – but otherwise, skip it and do it after work starts). Do the beach trip and all the other activities, do a lot of hard physical activity, reduce your screentime, spend as much time in nature as you can, and do things that require focus (crafts, that ski trip, birdwatching, really anything). I guarantee you that if you focus on activities, limit the couch time, and eliminate chores as a leisure time activity, you will feel so much more rejuvenated.

      1. Oh yes- was only planning on spending 2 days on getting my life together, but I know if I don’t do that prior to starting the new job I’ll feel anxious.

    3. Since you’re thinking about work outfits, maybe this is a good time to try on all the bras in person and find a couple new ones? Replace all your old underwear and socks too?

    4. Job prep list: get hair/nails/wax/eyebrows/botox done. Assess shoes for fit and take any loved but well-worn shoes to the cobbler for resoling. Assess jewelry and have older items cleaned/repaired and determine if there is a need for a few new fun pieces. Replace watch battery. Take work clothes to dry cleaner. Assess makeup and routine. Schedule a makeup consult if needed. Assess work bag and determine if it needs to be cleaned, fixed, or replaced. Make a list of healthy lunches you can make at home- look through local restaurant lunch menus and get ideas or inspiration. Buy/organize tupperwear for lunch prep. Clean out your wallet or purse. Make any store returns or mail in those random receipt/bills/rebates that you’ve been carrying around in your bag for months. Drop a load at Goodwill. Plan out a schedule of a month of workouts- run, gym, meeting up with friends for classes- so you can put in your new work calendar and prioritize. Buy new pens that you really like. Send a couple handwritten cards of gratitude to people that helped get you through the last couple years in survival mode.

        1. I think that depends on what fills your bucket. Knocking out a list like this in a week would help me feel SO put together. All of those tiny things add up to me feeling like my sh!t isn’t together.

    5. if your old job’s insurance will stay until end of month, i’d get a bunch of checkups done – teeth cleaning, annual checkups, gyno, etc.

      1. Luckily I got that all done a few months ago as I was trying to use up sick time before it expired!

      2. I see this advice given here a lot and always find it baffling, not just because of the insurance issues (which are a big issue for most people), but also because I never find it that easy to get an appointment anywhere. Eye doctors and dentists are usually a 2 month wait for checkups, and PCPs or gyns are usually at least 3-4 months for an annual exam, 6-7 months if you haven’t seem them before. My PCP just quit and the earliest appt I could get with a new one is in July, it was a 6 month wait when I first started seeing her a few years ago and I see lots of posts on Nextdoor saying the same thing so it’s definitely not just me, but maybe it’s a local thing? Are other people actually able to schedule appointments like these with just a few weeks notice?

        1. Gosh, that would be so frustrating! Most of my regular care providers can be seen at some point within 1-2 weeks, esp if you’re out of work so can go at a random midday time. There are a few things that book further out – e.g., my dermatologist for a full body mole check or my provider at the high risk b r e a s t clinic for an annual visit – but even they might be able to squeeze you in if you called and said “do you have ANYTHING in the next 3 weeks, completely flexible on time and willing to see someone else in the practice?”
          I’m in the Chicago suburbs, FWIW – so it may be that your issue is local.

        2. The week of Thanksgiving I was able to schedule 4 appointments (two including sedation/anesthesia) to be completed before the end of the year. Only one of those was with my oncologist, but all were cancer-adjacent, so maybe that made an impact?

          Also, I think I’ve said it before, but all my scheduling nighmares vanished when I switched from the Big Name Respected Fancy Medical System to one that is an Everyone’s Hospital with a lower reputation. The first takes literally forever to get anything done. The second has appointment availability before/after work hours as well. It’s been a flexibility dream.

        3. Referrals to specialists aren’t quite as bad. I’ve had a bunch of issues come up this year and got appointments with four different specialties in the 4-8 week range (that requires taking the first available appointment, no matter how inconvenient or if it’s with a doctor you want), but it still took about 5 months to see a neurologist. I do understand prioritizing really urgent issues, but when you can’t get a PCP appointment to even get a referral, there’s no way to know if your issues are urgent are not (none of these doctors will see you without a referral, even if you don’t need one for insurance purposes). I live in a small city, so there aren’t that many options unless you can afford one of the doctors that doesn’t take insurance – I assume they have better availability.

  14. Has anyone used spironolactone for hormonal acne? Good? Bad? I have an IUD and never intend to get pregnant, so that isn’t a concern, but am curious about other side effects generally. Is it something you need to take for the rest of your life? The acne is mild, so wouldn’t be worth it for me if it has other bad side effects. Interested in others’ experiences. Thanks!

    1. Been on it for about a year and have had zero side effects. My derm has mentioned that it can cause kidney issues, so you may be required to get some bloodwork periodically (this could be dose dependent). My only wish was that I had started it sooner! Would have saved me so many nasty zits and scars over the years, to say nothing of the insecurity about my bad skin.

    2. I tried it for a while. I don’t recall any real side effects, but it also didn’t really help my hormonal acne. I know for some people it works great, but sadly I wasn’t one of them.

    3. It worked really well for me with no discernable side effects. I am not a person who is very sensitive to medications generally.

    4. I LOVED it and wish I could still take it, but stomach bleeding became a problem for me (may or may not be related to it, but it’s a known side effect so doc advised me to stop).

      1. Thanks for this – did you have GI problems previously, or was that completely new? It sounds scary!

    5. I have PCOS so take it for that. The side effects kick in at higher doses, which for me are mostly decreased blood pressure and slightly increased urination (I drink a lot of water so this isn’t a big deal for me either way). I don’t see a lot of downsides to trying it, but I’d also ask a derm about other topicals – for instance I find azealic acid to be very underutilized and incredibly effective.
      I’d also follow a good esthetician or asian skincare routines on social (reddit/insta/blogs). I had incredibly results from double cleansing, using a low ph-cleaners, gentle light layers of hydration, and OTC topicals like sulfur or niacinimide or differin plus acne stickers. I’ll also put in a plug for daily sunblock – it’s been the best thing in fading post inflammation hyperpigmentation for me long term.

    6. Sort of – I started it for hormonal hair loss, and once I started taking it, I stopped ever breaking out (which was a lovely benefit). I never had any identifiable side effects. I’ve gone off for periods of time, and the acne and hair loss have come back at those times.

    7. Been on it for years and years and have never had a problem. I used to get really painful cystic acne on my chin and jaw with my period and it has completely stopped.

    8. My daughter takes it and the change in her skin is amazing. She just showed me a timeline photo from a year ago compared to one taken this week, both with no makeup. The difference is night and day. Her skin glows, even with wearing masks for long days.

    10. I have taken it for about four years and I am not exaggerating when I say it improved my life. My only side effects are occasional low blood pressure (which I am prone to anyway) and salt cravings (related to the blood pressure).

      1. Forgot to add – I had to take it for a full year before I saw dramatic improvement. I am on 150mg/day; my doctor said the threshold for regular bloodwork is 200mg/day.

        1. This is good to know, thanks. She wrote it to me for 100 mg, so pretty low it seems then.

    11. I love it. Only side effect is peeing a lot more—and thicker hair, which is awesome! I take a relatively low dose and suggest taking the minimum amount you can.

    12. I got on it in my mid-thirties for hormonal acne (big, ugly, painful cysts on my chin) and it worked really well when no skincare regimen that I had tried got me any results. I have PCOS and it helped with some of my other secondary symptoms as well.

    13. I took it for about a year to deal with not- horrible cycle-related acne with my IUD. I didn’t notice side effects at first but slowly transitioned from slightly more ragey PMS to a couple days a month of full-on depression with flashes of suicidal thoughts. Quit immediately and that went away.

    14. Thanks everyone. I’m feeling optimistic about it based on this. I’m leaning to trying it but keeping an eye out for the negative effects mentioned above.

    15. It was my miracle pill until menopause fixed the underlying issue. No side effects.

    16. Been on it for years with 0 side affects. My derm recommended starting at a lower dosage and scaling up to be safe, but I never had any side effects, and my skin is super clear with very little effort. I do eventually want kids, so I’ll have to go off it then, but I’m sure I’ll have worse body side effects to deal with than acne at that point lol (buying all new shoes anyone?)

      1. If it helps, I use spiro for cystic acne with great success and I had great skin while pregnant and b-feeding.

  15. I am going to request a Sodastream as a Christmas gift. Any feedback on the best model? Any other tips?

    1. I love mine. I have three tanks so I don’t have to get refills that often, which is well worth it to me.

    2. I prefer the one with a manual (non-electric) pump so it doesn’t need to compete with the rest of my kitchen gadgets for wall outlet space.

      Get at least two canisters so you always have a backup on hand.

  16. I’m wondering how other litigators handle this. I’m a junior partner in a satellite office of an AmLaw 100. Occasionally one of my partners in another office will ask me to help an existing, very good client to initiate a lawsuit, generally in a big commercial contract dispute, that they hope will cause the other side to come to the table/fall in line. The client doesn’t want a full blown litigation and they want to keep costs very low. They think they’ll file a complaint and then the other side will take them seriously and they’ll get the deal done. “It’ll be like 5 hours of your time.”

    It almost never works out that way. I give the client my spiel about how the legal system isn’t to be used as a threat and they shouldn’t start a fight they can’t finish. If the other side files counterclaims – even bogus ones – you can’t just dismiss the lawsuit because it costs too much. They always say yeah yeah we know. And then they don’t want to pay the bills when the action balloons. As an associate, I was burned by this enough times that, now that I’m a partner, I ask for at least a $50k retainer to take on a new litigation, even “simple” ones. But I get a LOT of pushback from my partners, some of whom are litigators. I can’t tell if they take on matters like this themselves, or if they just want to make the client happy and they don’t care if my time gets collected on as long as the client keeps paying their other bills. My office will support me in turning down anything I don’t feel comfortable with, but I get the sense that I’m more risk averse than some of my local litigation partners.

    1. IANAL, but is there some kind of middle ground here? Is it possible to draft the complaint, send it to the other party and inform them that you plan to file this complaint on X day unless they enter negotiations/do whatever else? Kind of like the reverse of a cease and desist letter. Is warning someone you will file a complaint if they don’t take action something that is Not Done?

      If that’s not a thing, then your approach makes complete sense particularly since you’ve been burned before. Have you told the other partners about all the times you’ve been burned on exactly this sort of procedure?

      1. Re drafting a complaint and giving it to the other side – I’ve done it but it has similar risks. If I’m putting my name on something that says if you don’t do X then we will file on Y date, then don’t make me a liar. They need to be prepared to follow through. I have no interest in developing a reputation as the kind of person who throws around threats (or lawsuits) willy nilly. Maybe that’s part of the disconnect – I’m not a plaintiffs’ lawyer and I don’t have the disposition or interest in being aggressive like one. (Which isn’t to say I never file a complaint, in commercial litigation sometimes it’s just a matter of who gets to the courthouse first and it doesn’t really matter who is plaintiff or defendant.)

        If I tell them I’ve been burned before, they always say no no my client isn’t like that!

        1. That’s fair. Seems like something you’d need the client to agree to in writing. “If they don’t do X, I will file on Y date and your retainer will be increased to $Z.”

          And yeah, “my client isn’t like that”…not unique to the lawyer world unfortunately. Stick to your instinct on this one.

    2. As someone who was burned badly in this scenario many years ago, I can’t say it loudly enough: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!

    3. I suggest we give the client a budget for the first 180 days “just in case” the other side doesn’t back down. With all the disclosure obligations triggered in federal court or the first round of discovery in state court in front of them, they can make a more informed decision.

  17. When we moved into our current house three years ago, there were these ancient burgundy textured satin drapes in the living room. Well the drapes are now literally in shreds in parts. I want to replace them, but we also need to get the living room repainted, but not sure what colour yet. (The mantel is also painted an awful burgundy to match the drapes which is part of the painting conundrum) I’ve just replaced the sheers with a pretty generic off white option. The way I see it, the options for the drapes are:
    1) replace drapes with something neutral that will match whatever paint we use. But what would that be, and would I find that boring?
    2) replace drapes cheaply and replace again when we repaint
    3) live with tattered drapes.
    Thoughts or input as to anything that might fit category 1 or 2? I feel like 3 is the non-option option.

    1. Huh? I would just hurry up and pick a paint color and then order new drapes that match/coordinate.

    2. If there’s room for them to swing away so you can open or clean the windows, I’d put in shutters. They will go with any paint color.

    3. why is there not an option 4 – remove drapes and live with sheers only? How often do you actually close those drapes?

    4. 4) If the drapes are tattered and you are about to repaint, just take the drapes down and leave the sheers up for now

    5. I don’t see why you can’t paint now and deal with the curtains all in one go? You could pick a colour paint, find matching curtains and install all in a single weekend it’s not a big project.

    6. Another option 4 if your budget allows: replace all of that with interior slatted shutters. The kind often referred to as “plantation shutters”, which seems a really icky phrase these days. What are we calling them now? Anyway, they are great. All the way open = all the light, no privacy. Closed but with slats open = good light and some privacy. Closed with slats closed = it’s dark in here and no one shall see me.

      1. My house has these shutters on every window. (They were there when I bought the house). I like the look of them, but it is really impractical to open the shutter completely so the window is fully unobstructed. There is not enough wall space in most rooms to swing the shutter away. So they stay closed but with slats open which cuts the light into the room quite a lot.

        Its the main thing I dislike about my north-facing office with a modest sized window.

    7. What’s stopping you from buying new drapes that you like and don’t need to replace?

    8. Ohoption 4! I knew you all were great at thinking up other options.
      I like option 4, only the room is east facing and gets full sun, and the window is quite large. So we do draw the drapes for privacy and to keep the furniture from fading. But…. Our Christmas tree will go in the window this weekend, so maybe for the next month, option 4 might not be a bad way to go.
      The reason painting now is not on the list is that we are really bad a picking and deciding paint colours. It’s a personal failing. And the uninspiring current paint colour seems less urgent than the tattered drapes. I fully admit it all seems rather weak.
      Shutters are intriguing to me. I’d never considered that. I might explore more.

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