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There are a ton of Nine West shoes for less than $50 on 6pm.com today, for those of you Nine West fans out there — we like this low-heeled loafer, available in black, navy, and taupe in sizes from 4.5 through 11. We like the very walkable heel , the round toe, and the buckle — while not exciting, it looks like a solid shoe for a pants day at the office. Nine West Hoagie
i'm nobody
hoagie?
as in sammich?
anon
Hoagie is to beautiful shoes as sammich is to good cuisine.
JessC
Now I’m hungry.
Eme
I hate nine west shoes. They are such poor quality. If you like your feet, you would hate these shoes too.
fresh jd
Is anyone an actual Nine West fan out there? I only get throwaway shoes from there when I’m on a tight budget and dying for more variety.
Suze
I like some of their shoes – I recently got the Rocha in a taupe/croc texture with a wood heel and a taupe suede platform, it’s nice and fairly comfy for a 4″ heel. They don’t hold up as well as some other things, but they are *relatively* inexpensive (to your variety point), I am hard on shoes of all vintages and 9 wests come in 10+ sasquatch sizes, so I like them when i can find them in non-church lady styles. I don’t really like these hoagie things though – aside from the dumb name, they strike me as borderline fugly (picturing them on actual feet, not just in a photo).
fresh jd
Hey Suze, my twin from another mother, I have Sasquatch size 10 feet too! I recently bought several pairs (i.e. 5+) of different colors/styles of Nine West and Bandolino (both crap I have learned, but good for cheap buys) for ~$25/pair from crazy clearance on 6pm.com and shoewoo.com. Trendy yes, and tons of money to constantly repair with the cobbler, as NY pavement is very hard on shoes too (we walk everywhere!).
Suze
Hey fresh jd,
late to the party (HATE my office firewall – have I mentioned lately that such sites as fantasy football and well I dunno, s*x on demand are NOT firewalled)…anyway, my bigfooted twin (you have to go to 11 to really be in the sasquatch club, a feat I only mastered after pg and all that fun), thanks for sharing re the sales!! Went to Nordies online yesterday to get some basics, went overboard w/boots, a dress, well you get the idea, and now I am on shopping probation for a week or two.
How’s the new job?
Oh, and since you think SEC only stands for some big-*ss financial regulatory body, I don’t guess you noticed that my Rays are winning the baseball thing and will face off New York’s beloved Yankees for the World Series real soon. If that actually happens, and you somehow wind up here in the mosquito coast for a game (you mentioned an SO, assuming he is in NY and is a Yankees fan :)) , think about whether we should meet, n’est ces pas? The 813 is just fab about this time of year…
anon
Nine West has been in production for 30 some odd years, so it would appear that they have plenty of fans. I don’t mind Nine West shoes as I tend to not be hard on my footwear and the price point makes it easy to pick up trendier shoes that I only plan on wearing for a season or two without spending a lot of money.
MelD
No. I do much better with other brands at a similar price point, and Dillard’s puts so many shoes on 70% off that I rarely have to spend $50 on a pair of shoes unless I am looking for a special occasion.
Shayna
I like some of them – they’re not going to be my “investment’ shoes (that I wear for multiple seasons) but they’re good for trendy things – like shoes w/ gaudy buckles (see above), etc.
That said, I usually only buy them for ~$20 at Famous Footwear -$50 seems like a bit much
Anonymous K
I’m late to the party (no work yesterday for Columbus Day!), but I like Nine West shoes. For me, they last much longer than other brands that are sold at a similar price point (Steve Madden comes to mind). They are not going to be my go-to shoes, but I’ve definitely found some cute pairs that have lasted me several seasons.
I’m not a fan of these particular shoes, though. I’m actually not a fan of flats in general (they’re fine on other women, they’re just not for me), so that could have something to do with it.
Anonymous
I love Nine West because my feet are a little wider but not large in terms of length, so their heels fit my width without adding too much length. I’m sure other brands would do this too, but over the years I’ve just found NWs to be the most comfortable for my feet.
Anonymous
Yes, I have been buying them for years. But I have to say that I have a few pairs of Nine West that I purchased over 6-7 years ago that are still comfortable and not falling apart. The shoes I bought lately hurt and seem cheaper – so I need a different brand.
nine west fan
I’m a nine west fan. Yeah I only wear the shoes for a year or two (some longer if they are fun only and not work shoes). They have classic styles and they are cheap. I’ve purchased “higher quality” shoes in the past, but they fall apart just as easy. Maybe I’m not buying high-enough quality? We’ll see how the Cole Haans I just bought hold up.
CSF
I love my Nine West shoes. They are affordable (I even get them from the outlet), I love the style, and they are incredibly comfortable. Maybe after I graduate law school I’ll be able to afford something of higher quality, but until then, I’m very happy with my Nine West purchases.
2L NYC
I actually really like Nine West shoes — they keep my feet happy and last for years (I just got mine reheeled, but it has been serving me for 5 years).
D
I’ve had great luck with Nine West shoes too. In fact, I have these, wore them much of this summer, and they are in great condition.
Anone
Akward question threadjack: Have any of you been on a kiss on cheek basis with your higherups at work? I’m not at a law firm, but postgrad level job and very fun energetic office with lots of client interaction. I’m rather new and After a recent drinks night my boss (~39-40 age) said bye to me w/ cheek kiss, and today after us leaving a clients office to go home I kissed him on cheek again tho it seems like I initiated. I’m not sure if I caught him off guard or if it was awkward, but I’m wondering if I should continue it going forward or how I avoid feeling awkward after departures ouside th office in the future. I feel weird. Any helpful comments?
N/A
I have a boss that gives a kiss on the cheek hello/goodbye but only in social settings (e.g., company holiday party). It has never happened in a work setting. It definitely caught me off guard the first time but I assume this is how he greets his friends and, in a social setting, this is how he greets his employees as well. Maybe the higherup at your company is the same way. I wouldn’t initiate in the future but would just go with it if he does (unless you feel uncomfortable).
Anon
Short answer to your first question: No.
Unless he was hitting on you the other night, I expect you both caught him off guard and it was awkward. Also, unless he was hitting on you (about which I’d have a whole other thought), your uncertainty about what was appropriate the next day shows why his post-drinks cheek-kiss (and maybe the drinks themselves if they affect him so) was so unwise. If he WAS hitting on you, that’s a whole other reply :)
I wouldn’t do it again but I don’t think I’d say anything about it unless he was visibly distressed by it. If you feel a need to say something, or he talks to you about it, I’d apologize, make only the briefest reference to the previous event (for you don’t want to say “you started it”), and say it won’t happen again.
Kit
I don’t know that kisses with coworkers are ever appropriate. If you feel like some physical contact is needed, I suggest a one armed hug or pat on the arm. Some people get kissy after drinking, which could explain the boss’s cheek kiss, but I would still attempt to avoid it for the sole purpose of avoiding the awkwardness you feel now. If you’re single, you are likely giving the wrong impression (or at least you would be in the Midwest).
MelD
It sounds like he might do the cheek kiss socially but not in a business setting. Perhaps in the future you should stick to handshakes if you need to do anything at all. If you’re working with him during the week, you shouldn’t need to do anything but say goodbye at the end of a meeting. I imagine this might even be more awkward if he shook the client’s hand and then you went in for the cheek kiss. Just out of curiosity, how did your boss greet the clients?
anon
I don’t have any real advice other than to not do it again, and I agree that the drinks may have had something to do with it.
I can definitely sympathize though. I am NOT a toucy-feely type, but every single inlaw of mine greets and says goodbye with the cheek kissing thing. Drives me nuts and totally grosses me out. Thanks for your germs and the greasy lipstick all over my cheek…nice to see you too.
Anon 23
Didn’t get to read the other replies yet but yes. It is common at my firm. Females (both lawyers and staff and spouses of male lawyers and staff) are greeted w/ a handshake/cheek kiss combo at events. Totally awkward but very common here.
i'm nobody
I saw that episode of Friends, too.
Midori
Is he from a European family? Cheek-kissing is far more common (and less reserved for intimate relationships) there. I’ll never forget my confusion when my Belgian roommate’s great aunt kissed me three times on the cheek upon meeting me. Roommate had to explain the cheek-kissing custom and how many times it’s customary in which countries. The rule in Belgium is, apparently, once for a casual acquaintance, 3 times for friends, 5 times for close friends/family. Just remember it’s always an odd number.
Anyway, European or not, I’m guessing your boss has slightly different protocol for post-going-out-for-drinks good-bye and post-business-meeting see you later.
KelliJ
Cheek kissing was never common in any professional setting that I’ve been in (and probably would have been frowned upon). I’ve gotten hugs from male co-workers (like when I announced my engagement at work, my pregnancy, etc.) I am friends with some of my ex-co-workers who I will greet with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, but I would not have ever kissed them on the cheek when we were working together.
Eponine
Yes, but not with American colleagues generally, and it would be odd for someone to suddenly start cheek-kissing when you’ve worked together for a while and he never did it before/doesn’t do it with anyone else. In fact it’s such a cultural thing that I will go around and kiss everyone in a room, and then formally shake hands with another American and crack a joke about not kissing. I think you’re right to feel weird. Perhaps he tends to kiss his friends and thinks of you as a friend now that you’ve hung out outside work, but it seems more likely that it’s a little weird/awkward at best and at worst he’s being smarmy somehow. I wouldn’t initiate again, and just hope it doesn’t happen.
E Anon
I work in finance (buy side) and when I go out with my sell side counterparts, over half greet/part with hugs and I can think of at least two who’ve done cheek kisses. Not thrilled by any of this, but I see these people (individually) rather infrequently.
anon
Cheek kissing is more common in some parts of the country than others. Being in NY metro area, its very common. I have one friend who lives here now (originally from Illinios) and he has not gotten used to it.
MJ
If you’ve worked in Europe, then you’ve dealt with this. It’s totally common over there. If you have friends that are Euros, or have spent a lot of time in Europe, then, yes.
NEVER initiate if you are the woman! Let the man do it. And it’s perfectly fine to air kiss! But in general, with American mores, avoid!
Anonymous
There are people in my office who drink with the boss. I am not one of them being that I am not a drinker, and I have a husband and child. So, if one of the women in the office went around kissing him after drinks, .. .well, you know,. .. .
Anonymous
My thoughts: why were you drinking with him? Why did you kiss him?
Anonymous
Social mores on air kissing vary. But there is a difference between post-drinks and post-meeting.
I never initiate air kisses as it’s not part of my culture/don’t know nuances (which cheek? how many?) but European colleagues greet me this way (when I haven’t seen them for months) and it’s genuine on their part (never ever felt like anyone hit on me or whatever).
ceb
Very interesting. No, I don’t think that cheek-kissing your co-workers is typical in most professional settings. It has an air of familiarity that seems to cross the line from professional into personal.
The only co-workers that I have cheek-kissed have been either 1) VERY, VERY close friends or 2) Mentors who I now longer worked with, but maintained a social relationship with. These incidents have always occurred in a purely social setting (cocktails, dinner parties, weddings).
If I were you, I would avoid kissing your boss in the future, but don’t feel too bad or awkward about the whole thing: You were just following his lead.
Anone
So for clarification: he had only 1 glass of wine at the works drink (clearly not buzzed) and was not hitting on me, just social setting. I was in a strange bubbly mood today and it wasn’t that awkward or distressing for him at first glance – it was quick and on a crowded street and after he just said “so I’ll see you in the morning at so-and-so client at xyz street, but I am neurotic and overanalyze things.
Kaye
Yeah, so you’re probably fine. I just wouldn’t initiate it again if I were you.
Amy H.
Some of the partners at my firm (I’m of counsel and was previously an associate) do the cheek kiss thing in a social setting — mostly at the annual holiday party, and at the occasional dinner party. Never in a business context. I’m guessing that’s the distinction your boss is drawing — social vs. business setting. Don’t worry too much about it — I’d just let it drop without saying anything.
anone
Yes, I agree with the general sentiment. I should not have initiated this time since it was not 100% social setting and that’s why I feel like awkward crap, but it was not the end of a regular office day either (though I will be going to see clients with him constantly from now on). I will not lean in again going forward, but I fear what awkwardness lies ahead if he assumes that we are now on those friendly (non-romantic) terms going forward and leans in next time after I have now made the decision not to anymore. Ahhhhh, neurosis taking over!
Anon
I was in a situation this weekend where a lot of people cheek kiss and I’m not comfortable with it. I just keep a firm grip on my handshake and say, Actually, I’m a handshake girl. No one batted an eye, many of these people are people I have known for years and they have a lot of respect for me so I clearly haven’t lost any “points” by not going along with the cheek kiss.
I wouldn’t stress about it. I wouldn’t initiate it again, and if you aren’t comfortable when others initiate it, just stick to your handshake and don’t make a big deal out of it.
CorpGirl
Sorry for the late night threadjack and hope it’s not too late to get some advice but just got off work: This is a follow up to someone’s question this weekend on becoming an i-banker. I read the comments and people had some really helpful comments but would also like some advice on my particular situation. I’m a 5th year corporate finance associate at a BIG LAW law firm but I have always had thoughts of transitioning to i-banking if possible at all. When I was a first year, I recalled several 4th and 5th year associates moving into i-banking positions and always wondered how they did it (unfortunately, did not know them too well at the time and missed my opportunity to ask them). Has anyone made this transition? If so, how did you make the transition? And any advice for me? I know the economy is bad and I don’t know if I would do right now but maybe in another year I would like to. I know it’ll be hard to even do this but this is something I have always dreamed of doing (i know, I know, odd dream) and maybe it is too late but would like to know what others think. Other facts about me (and not sure if this matters): I’m single and 31. Thanks in advance!
Samantha
Corporate finance associate at a big law firm? I don’t quite understand what that means, but do you have a law background or a finance background? And when you say you want to move to i-banking, do you want to become an investment banker? Or find a legal position in a bank?
MJ
I get what you are saying. I’m not sure whether you do corp fin as in financing M&A or more like bank-type law (it means different things at different law firms), but I understand where you want to go banking-wise.
Depending on what type of law you do, you might be useful in a capital markets capacity for your structuring abilities (but as a midlevel, you probably followed along with how transactions were structures instead of driving the structuring). If you have syndicated lending experience, that could be useful at a bank too. For straight corp fin (as in advisory or coverage in M&A) moving from law to a bank was possible in a different environment, and I know folks that have done it (all pre-Lehman/BS blowup). However, given how many out of work experienced, skilled finance folks there are, I am not too sure it’s common anymore. You might want to reach out to the good folks at Glocap for an informational interview. There are other good IB headhunting firms in NYC as well and they would let you know which banks this is most common at, nowadays, and which groups have some ex-attorneys who might want to help one of their own.
Some cautionary tales (I’ve worked in banking and biglaw); these are going to be generalizations. Banks are more rough and tumble than biglaw. That is to say, people aren’t PC, you WILL get treated differently as a woman (often for bad). You will be in the minority as a woman, and it will be unlikely that you will have role models on your team, in your division or on your desk, so you will have to seek out mentors that are female, if that matters to you. You will need to bust out your quant/finance/acctg skills (and maybe you already used them prior to law, or have a quant undergrad background). Be prepared to be put through the wringer in terms of “why on earth would you want to do this?” type interview questions. You will do a lot of supervisory work of analysts that are generally going to be more talented and skilled at modeling than you are, and that’s awkward. Bankers, in general, HATE attorneys and see them as roadblocks, so you are going to have to prove that you are “business minded” and really show a lot of examples in interviews about how you saw through the regs and process to “get things done” for your clients’ benefit.
And note that you’d come in as an associate in banking, meaning you’d take a HUGE paycut on your base–going from ~200K to ~100K, with theoretically more upside. But as a midlevel, you’ve likely proven yourself at work, whereas you will be at the bottom of a very big pyramid at a bank. Associates are a dime a dozen, and hungry. You’re going to have to prove you’re good, fast, at a bank, to survive.
Still, I encourage you to speak with headhunters. If you have any friends that are post-MBA bankers, have them flip their HH rolodex your way. And be extremely specific about not forwarding your resume without express permission. If you’re in NYC, it won’t be hard to find someone to help you. If you’re not in NYC or London, it’s going to be really hard to make this transition.
Good luck.
CorpGirl
Samantha, MJ: To answer some of your questions, I do capital markets and leveraged finance work as a lawyer and I would like to become an investment banker (not a lawyer at an i-bank).
MJ: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thorough response. I really appreciate it. Thanks for letting me know about using headhunters as a resource. I didn’t know how former lawyers did it (I had thought they just applied on their own or worked on a deal with an i-banker who recruited them) so it’s good to know I can reach out to some headhunters about this.
And also thank you especially for the inside scoop on what it’s really like there. All the lawyers from my firm who switched into i-banking were all males so I was unsure if this was just something women didn’t pursue or if it was just harder for them to make that transition. I think I’m going to have to think more about the fact that it will be a LOT harder as a woman there (but I guess a part of me wants to do it because I just work with all these male i-bankers running deals and making huge bonuses and I feel like I’m just as capable of doing it as well and wondering why I’m trolling away as a corporate lawyer). But thanks for also pointing out there is a HUGE paycut. I didn’t realize that. I know a guy who has an MBA and is applying for i-banking positions but he told me starting salary is $300K so I figured if I’m working this hard as a corporate lawyer, I might as well work as hard(er) as a banker and hopefully get a bigger bonus as well. Also, I have a good understanding of corporate finance (only have it because I’m a corporate lawyer–didn’t major in it or anything) but I’m not sure about my quant skills and whether I’d be able to analyze financial models that you mentioned. I love math and have always been good at it but no idea what these financial models would entail. Grrrr. But thank you so much again for providing your insights and tips. You have given me a lot to think about!
Anonymous
You won’t take a paycut for sure. I think you’re forgetting the bonus factor – even after the current hoohaa about these. Speaking as someone with i-banker hubby (13 yrs and going strong) + friends on W St.
Backtowork
I have these shoes and they are extremely comfortable. But after reading comments about Nine West, not sure how they’ll hold up.
angeinT.O.
I have these shoes too (in red, which look kind of dorothy wizard of ozz-ish) and they are quite comfy, although the heel tip popped off after a few months. I also think that nine west are not as well-made as they once were and the prices in Canada if you don’t buy on sale run upwards of $100. Too much – would rather spend more money on stuart weitzmans or cole haans.