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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 124 Comments · by

Coffee Break – Ashby Wedge Pump

Coffee Break | ·

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Naturalizer Ashby I'm really into wedge heels this season, and I like this reasonably-priced shoe from Naturalizer. I like the plain black leather one, myself, but the Naturalizer site has them in a black and gray croc pattern, Amazon and Zappos both have them in a brown croc, and Piperlime has them in a lovely wine. They're $59.99-$79.95. (L-5)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. It's been a while

    I like these shoes.

    A gentleman working on contract at my company and I worked side-by-side on Monday and at the end of the day he asked if I wanted to get a drink. I gave him my number, and we’ve rescheduled for tonight. I like his brain more than his looks, I think, but am resolved to have fun.

    He asked = he pays, right?

    • EC MD

      I would say yes; though you have to look for clues that this isn’t actually a date. Also, I always think it’s good manners to reach for my wallet when the bill comes, but then accept gracefully when he insists on paying.

      I had a date with someone at work who was funny and smart and lovely…but not off the charts handsome.

      We’ll be together 6 years New Years Eve.

      • SF Bay Associate

        I agree with EC MD as well. Make a sincere offer to split the bill, and gracefully accept when he insists. I will note that it could still be a date even if you split the bill. The idea that a split check can’t be a date is a little old fashioned.

      • KYC

        is this really true? i’m in my late twenties and i have many male friends who insist on paying for me – whether it’s a drink or a full meal. of course, i try to pay, but more often than not, they end up picking up the tab. i just don’t think that a guy paying is a per se sign that you’re on a date anymore.

        • MelD

          I’ve had the same experience with my male friends as well, one of whom is gay. I know other guys who are all about splitting the bill even if it is a date, other guys who are friends where the friends just switch off paying, etc.

        • Anon 3L

          You’re right, not always true. I survived my 20’s, in part, because of the generous male friends within my circle. But, if it were a new friend, and this was our first evening out, then I would be inclined to treat it as a date.

        • Erin

          I think it’s different if you’re friends. I have female friends who insist on paying sometimes too. If you just met a guy, he asked you to drinks and he pays – it’s a date.

          • Erin

            Although the reverse is not true – splitting the check doesn’t mean it’s not a date.

            Why is life so hard?

    • blank

      I completely agree that Aerosoles are comfortable, but so are Naturalizers! Most of my need-to-look-professional-on-my-feet-all-day shoes are Naturalizers.

      • Bunkster

        I think the other reason I chose the aerosoles is that at the time I bought them they were about $15 cheaper than the Naturalizer.

        I just checked the Naturalizers at Amazon. Based on the reviews from one of the other sites, I’d have to size down and the Black Leather at Amazon are out in that size.

      • Bunkster

        Decided to go for it via the Naturalizer site because I found the QUXDM coupon, which takes 15% off and includes free shipping.

    • mamabear

      Am I the only one who enjoyed watching Bunkster’s willpower break down? :)

        • Bunkster

          It’s hell week at work. I needed a pick-me-up. Unfortunately, I realized afterward that their return policy is kind of annoying. Oh well. If they don’t fit, I could always give them to my mom.

    • Circe

      I find naturalizers to be more comfortable than aerosoles. Just as squishy, but more support.

      • anon in-house

        Ditto, my comment about Naturalizers wedges is stuck in moderation but I was pretty much singing their praises that I wear them daily despite having a closet full of Tory Burch, Coach, CK, etc. shoes.

  3. Diana Barry

    I like these! Just ordered, plus a few pairs to try out to replace my super comfy loafers, which are looking a little the worse for wear after 3.5 years.

  4. MsZ

    I think I’m the only one who doesn’t appreciate wedges. To me they look like hooves . . . I think it’s the giant block of heel material where there is normally air and light between the toe box and heel. I have the same problem with espadrilles (which I guess are a form of wedge, technically?).

    • Anon

      I feel the same way. But then I tried MaxStudio’s Mecca wedge (basically the wedge version of the Marais heel which I love, have in 6 colors, and wear daily). They’re hoofish but insanely comfortable and provide a little height boost for my 5’4″ frame

    • EC MD

      On the one hand, aesthetically, I prefer a heel to a wedge. I think it looks more sophisticated and pretty.

      On the other hand, as I’m tromping through the snow, a wedge is much more stable. Finally, when I’m schlepping back and forth between my office and hospital for the seventh time in a day, a wedge is much more comfortable to walk on.

      So yay for practicality, in my book, but not as pretty.

    • mamabear

      Wedges, especially this one with a relatively narrow wedge, look fine and graceful to my eye. What looks really weird to me are shoes with a substantial platform in the front and a thin stiletto in the back. The two halves look like they don’t belong together. These are still everywhere, but were really prevalent for the last two winter seasons.

    • Anonymous

      You’re not the only one. I don’t like chunky heels either. The only hefty heels I own, in fact, are a version of these.

    • MJ

      This. Maybe it’s because I have Size 11+ feet (I am six feet tall–they’re proportional), but there’s something about heels that are more dainty and wedges that are more oafy, at least on giant me….I like them on “littler” people though ;)

  5. GRA

    Fashion PSA! (This may have already been posted on another post) GILT has Hunter boots on sale today – many style in addition to the classic rain boot. Just bought myself a pair of pink ones for half price!

    • ADL

      Thanks for the heads up. Going now… (although just spent a small fortune on Nordstrom’s sale)

  6. AIMS

    I love wedges! In fact, wearing deep plum suede ones today. These are cute. I think the thing for me with wedges is that the wedge can’t be too bulky. Just because it’s not a stilleto, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be elegant. I do have to say I think the croco ones, esp. the gray, look cheap to me (at least on the screen).

    • MissJackson

      Agree that the gray look kind of cheap on the screen. However, I bought a pair of brown Naturalizers from Nordstrom a couple weeks ago in what I think is the same croc (although they are brown, and a different style), and they look really great in person. So it might just be a bad picture.

  7. hillary

    Does anyone have any suggestions for a “sweater blazer”? (I think Kat refered to them once as “swazers” but I can’t even). Preferably in the $150 or below price range, but I’d go above that if anyone has any stand-outs.

    Oh, and bonus points if it comes in a color other than black or charcoal! I’ve realized I really need some color in my life. Thanks ladies!

    • Equity's Darling

      “Bleater”? Is that better or worse than “Swazer”? But bleater makes me think of a sheep.

      I saw some at H&M yesterday, with elbow patches, probably around $60.

    • mamabear

      SWACKET!

      That’s what the sales associates at Nordstrom call them.

      I can’t help you. I’d love to find more, too. Mine are from the 2010 Anniversary Sale.

      I’d love one in black/white tweed, maybe with a bit of a fringey edge like a Chanel jacket.

      • mamabear

        here’s Isacc Mizrahi for QVC – I’m not crazy about the patch pockets, but it has color
        http://tinyurl.com/4xbxfwy

        I googled ‘knit blazer’ in google shopping. Boy there’s some weird stuff out there.

        (If you decide to go for the Kardashian leopard spotted blazer, I want to know whether your marriage lasts longer than 73 days.)

        • Barrister in the Bayou

          I don’t mind the pockets and I actually think the green one looks really cute. I would wear the swacket with dark rinse jeans and some cognac colored shoes ;-)

      • Lalalala

        Mamabear, if you find a chanel-like blazer, please REPORT BACK :)
        I’ve been looking for one!

    • In-House Mouse

      I get many compliments when I wear the Halogen Peplum Sweater Jacket from Nordstr0m. Online, it is now only available in petites at the Rack website, but you could check in a b+m store for other sizes/colors.

      • Lalalala

        that black one is cute! Is it linty? (As in, does it give off or attract lint like crazy? lol)

        I have long dredlocs and I have to be careful about fabric choices so fibers don’t get tangled in my hair.

    • anon in-house

      I have one from Ann Taylor and one from Talbot’s, both comfy and good quality.

  8. Anon

    http://www.duchessofcambridgestyle.com/2011/07/what-kate-might-wear-dresses-from-the-zara-collection/

    Second row dress on the left – Do we think I can wear this to a business casual office where I’ll be interning next semester? It’s not nearly as short on me as it is on the model. I was thinking of wearing it with opaque black tights and black pumps.

    I just picked it up at Buffalo Exchange which is a life saver for all the law students out there. They buy used trendy, stylish or business clothes and shoes and resell them at law student friendly prices. It’s helping me pull together interning outfits until I actually have money for real clothes. Most big cities have a store these days.

    (Posted on the last thread but I think too late as this one just popped up, sorry if you’re reading twice)

    • AnonInfinity

      I love that dress!

      I think it would be fine as long as it’s not that short on you. I would also wear a blazer or cardigan over it since it is sleeveless, but that is a know-your-office situation. Though you should definitely err on the side of being too conservative while doing an internship, in my opinion.

    • Erin

      I definitely wouldn’t wear it during the first week. It might be ok, but it’s very unstructured and looks like it’s silky. Business casual can mean different things in different offices, but this looks more like a party or weekend dress than an office one. In general, officewear will be more structured and silk or silky fabrics are only worn as blouses.

      • Anon

        OP here – Oh my goodness I’m so sorry! It was the first photo I could find and I work on a mac so it didn’t get me.

      • Anonymous

        Oh so THAT’S what did it. Yeah, mine’s down too. On the plus side, now the IT department is giving me a new computer to replace my stone age one.

      • Louise

        I caught it before it did too much damage, but yeah, that site is full of computer badness.

      • The Bad Wife

        Get Avast security center. It’s free. It just blocked malware from that site. OP you have malware on your computer now. I would download avast, malware anti-bytes and spybot. All free (and better than crap like Norton) and run them weekly. Avast will monitor your web usage and catch viruses like this.

    • Bonnie

      I feel bad for the photographer who will have to front all those legal fees. It reminded me of the judge who repeatedly sued a dry cleaner in D.C. over a pair of pants. They ultimately won but went out of business.

    • girl in the stix

      I read it and as a former wedding photographer, I cringed. I had a clause in my contract that stated that while I would make every effort to take photos the client wanted, due to the spontaneous (not the right word but similar) nature of the event, I would/could not guarantee any particular shot. Things happen, like people stepping in front of you at just the right moment, cakes falling, wayward grooms (at one wedding the groom would disappear just as I was setting up family shots–by the time I found him, people had started drifting away), hostile family members. Also, if certain events didn’t happen within the contracted time period, and the couple wasn’t willing to pay overtime, oh well. I mean I would ask and double-check long before I had to leave if they wanted these photos taken.

      The unreasonable expectations and phenomenon of bride- and groom-zillas took all the fun out of it for me.

  10. Research, Not Law

    Wow. I had not seen this yet. So bizarre. I’m leaning towards hilarious due to its ridiculousness.

    Am I the only one who paused at $40k+ for wedding photography?

    • Batgirl

      I think it said $4100 for photography and $48,000 to redo the wedding. I love that they’re divorced and yet he wants to reenact this. Awk-ward!

      • Equity's Darling

        Can you imagine getting that email from an ex “hey hun, sorry about us getting divorced and stuff..want to redo the wedding pics???”

        No wonder she can’t be found in Latvia, I’d be in hiding too.

    • anon

      My college is mentioned in the article…and I really want to go find the old magazine or people who knew him. Does this make me a bad person?

    • zora

      you can kind of tell if you read between the lines, the guy is unemployed, and he’s probably just hoping this will get him a bunch of cash to get through the year, doubt he has any intention to actually recreate the wedding. Plus, he has a lawyer from his dad’s firm…. sketch!!!!

  11. Batgirl

    So here’s an update for those who remember. The original post was about how I’d gone out with this guy once and then wasn’t sure whether to text. I did, he texted back, I returned the text. No response for 48 hours. Then, when I’d decided I wasn’t going to hear from him, he texts again. But nothing about getting together. I write something back the next day that was kind of to-the-point (this was about Halloween costumes). He doesn’t write back. I move on. A full week later, I get another text asking how my costume went over.

    Not sure what to make of this guy or whether to even respond at this point, but I thought you’d all be amused at the update!

    • Terry

      Gah! I have no idea either. But I fully sympathize with your situation. Presumably if I knew what to do in this kind of scenario I would not be single now.

    • AK

      Continue moving on — seems to me he doesn’t want to be rude, but he’s clearly not interested.

      • Monday

        I disagree. He could easily have never written back, but he did. He also asked a question, thus trying to continue rather than end the conversation with Batgirl.

        However, this is where one remembers “it’s not all about whether HE is interested.” Doing this level of analysis is not worth the trouble. I think Batgirl was right to have let it go, because who cares what he’s texting and why? If he wants to date her, he should make it easy.

          • Monday

            More precisely, in this case, I was suggesting: maybe he *is* that into you, but regardless, he’s being weird. Next!

    • Dutchfan

      I’ve dealt with this same situation numerous times. I would, personally, just not text anymore. If the conversation isn’t getting any more serious/indepth after this long, it just seems like a lost cause.

      Of course, YMMV. Good luck!

    • eaopm3

      Just to offer another perspective: Do you know for sure that he is a “texter”? If he doesn’t like text messaging, he may find it annoying to reply. (If you know that he is a “texter” then disregard this little story):
      A friend of mine went on a date with a guy for the first time and text him the next day or so about getting together. They exchanged a few texts, though his were never immediate replies and then he text her “I’m done texting now.” She was confused and embarrassed and couldn’t read his tone. As it turns out, he didn’t have a texting plan and hated texting in general. (They’re married now, btw. And he still refuses to text message :)

      • eaopm3

        All that aside, if he really takes that long to reply and he hasn’t called for another date, it’s probably time to ignore him. As Monday said, he shouldn’t be making it difficult to date him.

      • MelD

        I know people like that as well, but they’re usually straightforward about not being texters. I have one friend who would always call and yell at me when I forgot he didn’t text, because he’d get charged but his phone wouldn’t let him read the message.

        • eaopm3

          Haha. Yep, sounds just like my friend’s H. And you’re right. Most people are upfront about it if they don’t text, so that’s probably not the case in this situation.

    • MaggieLizer

      I probably wouldn’t bother unless you think you really had a connection and he has a really good reason for being flaky. It seems like he’s only willing to contact you when it’s convenient for him or when he has nothing else going on. He’s not making an effort to follow up with you in a time line that would make it clear that he’s interested.

    • Batgirl

      I tend to agree with most of this–except for the “he’s just not that into you” comment because (while that’s probably true) I hate that book and everything it stands for. Mostly because I think that not everything is cut and dried and to treat men like they’ve got an on/off switch is a bit of an oversimplification. (No offense to the poster who wrote that–my beef is not with you, it’s with the authors of that book! I just think that on occasion, people act for reasons that are wholly unconnected to you and how they feel about you. How do I know that? Because I do that. And have guy friends who do that.)

      I am inclined to either ignore the text or write something noncommittal back. I’ve already decided that one lackluster date + delayed, oddly-timed texts does not particularly captivate my interest. Besides, I met someone I was more interested in this week. :)

      Thanks all!

      P.S. He’s a texter b/c he texted me to go out in the first place after he had my number.

      • Monday

        Cheers. Hope my read on it came across as basically the same as what you said here, because that was the sentiment.

      • Ellen

        Drop him like a hot potatoe! There are other fish in the see! FOOEY ON HIM!

      • MelD

        It sounds like the new guy is more promising. At best, the texter really likes you, but is the type of guy who likes to manipulate a girl/situation to appear more interested. It’s one thing to deal with that nonsense at 16 and another thing entirely to deal with it in your 30s. Who in the world in their 30s would want to waste time dealing with someone who can’t be straightforward?

    • Anonymous

      Hey, I think I dated that guy. Believe me, it’s even worse when you start trying to advance the relationship physically and he still manages to do the “show little interest, but then act like he is! But only kind of!” dance in person. It’s definitely not worth the annoyance factor, regardless of whether or not he’s actually interested.

    • Miriam

      Seems like he is trying to keep you around for a rainy day/if he’s bored, NEXT!!!

  12. M

    I love me some wedges!

    On an unrelated note, I just opened my big tote I carry to and from work every day to look for some pain meds. Among other random stuff, I found a pair of P.J. pants, and two sandwich bags of dog food. I have no idea why these are in my bag, but clearly I am schlepping around too much stuff every day.

    Hmm… I wonder if people think I smell like dog food…

  13. Blonde Laywer

    I want these in wine! Any coupon codes for Piperlime? Here is NY and Company code I received today in exchange:
    PROMO 2941 for $75 off $160 or more and PROMO 2942 for $35 off $80 or more.

    • K

      No Piperlime coupon codes at the moment unfortunately, but they do offer 10% off every Tuesday!

    • Tigger

      sorry if this posts twice – i was stuck in moderation

      you can also get an additional 15% if you sign up for their email program (if you have a gmail address, you can add a “.” anywhere before the @ sign and it will be picked up as a new email address, but gmail will route it to your regular inbox. (e.g. firstnamelastnameATgmail will go to the same inbox as firstname.lastnameATgmail). E.b.a.t.e.s also has piperlime at 10% Cash Back…

    • LinLondon

      Looks like they have a “Get 15% off when you sign up for emails” thingy. Everyone’s got a few spare email addresses, right? :)

  14. Blonde Laywer

    Bunkster – thought you would enjoy knowing that I just learned how to do a site specific google search so I could find the pumpkin fondue recipe you posted. I am going to a Lia Sophia party this evening and if I bring a fall recipe I get 5 tickets towards winning free jewelry. Score!

    PS: I’m so not a fan of the pyramid scheme overpriced jewelry party world but I’m excited about spending time with the people who will be there.

    • Bunkster

      Awesome. I had planned to make it this week, but couldn’t find sugar pumpkins.

    • Mary Ellen

      You’re lucky you know ahead of time that it will be a jewelry party. Earlier this year one of my neighbors invited me to what she described as a ladies-only neighborhood get-together. It was a very nice party and I got to meet some lady neighbors I didn’t know . However, it turned out to be a jewelry party. Because I happened to have my checkbook with me, I purchased a couple of the less expensive items just to be polite. But I did a slow burn on the event for a while afterward. Plus, the hostess was getting something – a gift? a discount? – for having the party. I’m not sure why the jewelry party bothered me – perhaps it made her neighborly interest seem less genuine.

      • Lyssa

        I HATE that. I absolutely hate to feel obligated to buy something that I otherwise wouldn’t. (And I always feel obligated, even if I know I shouldn’t. I sometimes avoid going into stores that I know have aggressive sales people, just because I know I’ll feel bad if someone tries to help me but I don’t buy anything.) I just make up an excuse to avoid those parties, and would be really annoyed if I was tricked into going to one.

  15. Accessories Advice?

    Ladies, I just got this fabulous new DVF dress in “night” — a dark navy. (I’ll post the link in a comment to avoid moderation.) I love it, and it fits like a dream, but I could use some help figuring out how to accessorize/style the dress. I’ve worn it once so far with a simple small diamond pendant necklace and gray suede heels. I tried wearing a scarf, but somehow the ensemble looked flight attendant-ish. I think it will be a really versatile dress, but there are almost so many possibilities that I’m overwhelmed.

    • Lyssa

      Very pretty. I agree with the styling in the picture and with K, this is a bracelet dress. Nice bracelet, colorful shoes and/or handbag, but let the neckline speak (no necklace and small earrings).

    • Bunkster

      That dress is beautiful in all 3 colors. I would pair it with a red statement necklace and, possibly, red shoes.

    • Erin

      What, you don’t have over-the-knee fringey moccasin boots? OK then.

      I actually like how you styled it already. The scarf isn’t flight attendant-ish; it’s chic, and flight attendants used to dress chic-ly. I’d also like it with beige pumps and dangly earrings, or with pearl studs and a chunky bracelet.

      • mamabear

        this is just me, but if I were going to wear a scarf with it, I’d wear a long sleeved tissue tee underneath in a lighter color (gray?) to casual it down and downplay the flight attendant vibe. Love the dress – lucky you for owning it!

    • Accessories Advice?

      Thanks for all the tips, these are some great ideas! It is indeed a fabulous dress, I would definitely pick it up if you are in the market for something like this. Saks also has it in a fun deep purple color. FYI, I went up one size from my normal size since its pretty fitted, though it does have some stretch.

  16. K

    Gorgeous dress!

    Some ideas…maybe pair it with nude or brown pumps? Gray & navy is always pretty too, but you did that combo already.

    In terms of accessories, I would let the neckline stand alone and do more rings/bracelets/a watch. Navy & gold is a pretty and timeless combo, in my opinion. Also, maybe try belting it at the waist? I think a skinny patent leather belt in gray or even black could be really flattering.

  17. MP

    Hey gals – a quick threadjack for your advice:

    I work in an industry and at a level where job openings don’t really get posted – everything is done through networking. Sometimes places will have an actual hiring need that they fill through referrals. Other times they’ll bring people onboard just because it’s an attractive candidate they want to snag before someone else does.

    I’m trying to do a slight career shift and have been tackling my search with a mix of contacting old bosses and requesting informational meetings with new contacts to get their insight. I always indicate interest in their company and ask about openings part-way through the informational meeting, but should I be making a more overt sales pitch for hiring me? If so, any advice how to do this smoothly?

    I’ve been on dozens of these now and always get “we don’t have any openings, but I’d be glad to introduce you to these 3 people.” On the one hand, advice seeking has been a great non-threatening foot in the door to get the meetings. On the other hand, I’m starting to wonder if it’s making me look like a less competent and attractive candidate.

    • MJ

      I am a firm believe that if you beat around the bush in networking meetings, you don’t get what you are seeking. Be genuine when you ask for advice, but then also be genuine when you say, “So…I also wanted to ask you…here’s where I am at work, and here’s where I want to be…have you heard of anything? Do you think you could keep your ears perked up if you do hear of anything, and let me know? [yadda yadda]….it’s been SO great catching up with you.” Period.

      If you are fake and uncomfortable…they will be. But if you are not…they will be helpful. Truly. Good luck!

  18. LadyoftheLake

    Finally reporting back on washing The Skirt – no problems at all! I put it in my washing machine on the “hand wash” cycle in cold water, laid flat to dry and it came out perfect.

    • zora

      sweet, thanks so much for reporting back!! i finally caved to the hive mind, and bought the purple when it was on sale a few weeks ago.. Love. It.

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