Corporette.com

Updated: Oct 30, 2018 65 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Kharen Flat

Coffee Break

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

wraparound lace flats for workI am liking the trend of ankle-wrap shoes more and more — but I definitely have a preference for a delicate tie intsead of an up-your-leg gladiator/ballerina wrap, and I kind of prefer them in flats or low heels. This simple flat from Born not only looks comfortable and cute for work, but it's on sale and available in six colors, all marked from $95 to $61.33. The red (pictured) or silver would probably be my favorite, but there are a lot of nice neutrals in there if you're on the hunt. Kharen Wraparound Lace Flat This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

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

Comments

  1. Anon

    How do you make friends at a new office when you’re the only one of your kind? I’m the only X at the company and everyone else is very busily doing Y. Think of it as government relations at an engineering firm. I don’t want to disturb the engineers, but I’d love to get to know people more and I’m very social and feeling a bit lonesome with no one to talk to.

    • Anon

      I am the Sales support for an IT department that is generally quiet and introverted, so I get your pain.

      Schedule a ton of “1 on 1″s to learn about their department. In every one of those, ask if they recommend anyone else in the department you should talk to. Esp if you’re relations or communications or some kind of support role, ask if they mind if you schedule follow ups so you can keep up to date on their work/ strategy/ team/ issues/ etc.

      If you get along with anyone in those meetings, make a point to ask them for culture recommendations. Like, what does everyone typically do for lunch? Is there a quick place to run out for errands? Is there a gym that people use? Whatever. You can then segue, if it seems appropriate, to asking whether people tend to do happy hours or schedule lunch & learns or do any other work-socializing.

      Observe and see if there is a group of chattier ones – they’re probably the best ones to start with those questions. They’re also the ones to talk about your commute with – man, that drive was a killer this morning. (me too) oh really? where are you coming from? where do you live? etc.

      And totally YMMV but I’ve also found that personalizing something at your desk (if you regularly have stop-ins) gives a personal connection for people to use as a starting point with you. Oh, is that a picture of your kids? Oh, what kind of dog is that? Oh, are you into yoga? etc.

      • Ellen

        I agree with the OP. Many of us are different from the other people in our office, and we must work hard to fit in. I know that when I joined my firm, onley the manageing partner liked me. FOOEY! I thought. He was the one who sponsored me, and none of the male partners (and a few of the associate’s) thought I would fit in. Also, Madeline did NOT like it that she was there for 6 years and was the onley woman until I came in, with the manageing partner clearly favoring me over her. But OVER time, I won over all of the male partner’s and even Madeline, who was NOT a partner. Now that I AM a partner, I fit in better, but I still have to battle sometimes with the men who think they are smarter then me. But NOT to worry, you can fit in and you will b/c you NOW have the POWER of the HIVE behind you!!!! YAY!!!!

  2. Sloan Sabbith

    What do you wear shoes like this with? I have a pair of Jessica Simpson (…) ballerina-type flats with a thicker elastic ankle strap. Similar to the “Mandalaye” style but with a rounded/almond toe, not a pointe-type toe.

    I have a hard time wearing them.

  3. Anonymous

    Has anyone attended a SAS Global Forum? I’m wondering how common it is for attendants to wear jeans or other casual clothing, or if I have to wear at least business casual. Usually I attend scientific conferences where I’m presenting or networking; I’m doing neither at SAS and really just want to wear comfortable clothing while on ‘vacation’.

    • Anonymous

      To be clear, I’m a mid-career professional. I know how I *should* dress… I’m just wondering how far I can let it slide at this particular event and not stand out too much.

    • Anonymous

      No but if I was in your position, business casual, if jeans get dark wash

  4. Anonymous

    Has anyone used ResistBot? Is it a legit way to get your message to your Senators and Congressmen?

    • Wehaf

      My friend at moveon.org says the single best way to contact your senators and representatives is to call. I use 5calls.org daily.

    • ace

      It’s legit but Wehaf is correct that faxes aren’t as good as calling — so i tend to use Resistbot when I can’t call when the office is open, or if I can’t thru because the phones are ringing off the hook, etc.

  5. Group life

    One of the benefits at my current job is group life insurance. This is my first job out of grad school, what are the pros and cons of this kind of policy? For context, the position is a two year contract at a university in Canada, no kids and not married. In my case the employer pays 50% of the amount due per pay period.

    • Anonymous

      Other people might disagree but if you don’t have kids or a spouse, you probably don’t need much life insurance. I’d get maybe $20k or something so your loved ones won’t be stuck footing the bill for funeral expenses, but I wouldn’t buy more than that. Even if your employer is paying 1/2 the premium, you’re still paying the other half yourself and it doesn’t seem like the cost-benefit analysis is worth it. Long term disability insurance is probably more important, so that you can provide for yourself in case you are injured and unable to work.

      • Anonymous

        +1 on both points – go for the Short term/long term disability rather than life insurance.

      • SC

        I agree with this. If you have any loans co-signed by another person, you may need your life insurance to cover that as well.

        • New Tampanian

          I have LI for this exact reason. I don’t want my step-father stuck with $100k of law school loans if I pass. I also included a little extra for my sister just because.

      • Anon

        This. Before kids and a mortgage, my spouse and I each had a minimal amount ($25K) to cover funeral expenses. Once we bought a house, we upped it a bit to cover the value of our mortgage plus one car. (And then didn’t up with kids because pregnancy weight gain is a red flag apparently.)

        I feel like life insurance isn’t much of a benefit, honestly, esp if you’re not living paycheck to paycheck and have a decent savings. Making sure my spouse and kids won’t have to move immediately is nice, but otherwise If we both die, then the kids’ legal guardians can sell our house and use that to pay for child-related expenses.

        • OP

          OP here: Thanks for the responses so far: In this position, I am not okay financially. Also I’m a foreigner i.e. my parents and siblings live overseas, don’t know if that would affect payouts if something happened to me?

      • Anonymous

        I am a fed and cancelled my life insurance for this reason. It’s just me. A qualifying life event like marriage or childbirth will allow me to change this, and it just felt like wasted money while I am paying down my school debt. My brother is the main beneficiary on all my other documents (a small percentage is to my best friend of 20 years) so I assume he’d use some of the money to pay for any end of life expenses. My mother is still mad I didn’t name her…

    • Anonymous

      The 50% paid by employer is definitely a pro. Review the small print on your specific plan – beyond funeral expenses and paying off any debt if you did die, it may also offer a payout for long term disability.

      The cons of getting life insurance through work is that you lose it if you change employers. Life insurance premiums are *much* cheaper when you are young and healthy, so it’s a good idea to lock yourself into a permanent plan. In other words, you could diligently pay into the plan for the next 15 years (in the meantime accumulating spouse, children, mortgage, etc), then change employers and find yourself getting life insurance as a higher priced individual.

      On the other side, it’s probably really cheap to get a plan through your employer that would cover what a young, single, person without dependents would want – so those may be considerations when you reach a point that you’re interested in paying into a larger life insurance plan.

    • Wildkitten

      In the same boat I got a very low amount of insurance (like 1 x my salary) so that if I died my family wouldn’t be burdened by “final expenses.” It was super cheap.

    • blueberries

      What happens to the coverage if you get too sick to work and lose your job? I’ve always assumed you’d lose coverage (and couldn’t get new coverage if you’re very sick), but haven’t actually looked into it.

  6. Flying through Dubai?

    Would any of you be hesitant to fly through Dubai to the U.S. since the electronics ban? Not so worried about the actual ban, but not sure if it leaves open the possibility of other delays/annoyances with security now that it’s identified as a “ban” airport. I have an international trip soon and the options are fly through Dubai or fly through Western Europe with a 3 hour longer layover.

    • SC

      I’d probably choose the layover in Western Europe. I wouldn’t let the electronics ban keep me from taking a trip I wanted or needed to take, but I’d sacrifice 3 hours to avoid the potential hassles.

    • Anonymous

      I would chose Western Europe but that’s mostly because if I was delayed overnight for some reason I would find it more interesting to check out a European city vs. stay inside a Dubai hotel (not familiar enough with Dubai to feel comfortable spontaneously heading out on my own).

      • Anonymous

        Aside from the electronics ban, Dubai has a really great airport, great stores to shop in too. The UAE airline Emirates also has some of the best inflight entertainment and the economy seats are roomier than other carriers. If you go business or first class, even better. Not having your electronics with you doesn’t equal boredom, more of an inconvenience really since you have to check them in.

    • Anonymous

      Nah I wouldn’t want to spend 3 hours sitting in an airport just to avoid flying through Dubai. But I am a luddite who brings along 4-5 actual books on vacation because I don’t like reading on a Kindle so banning electrics doesn’t prevent me from reading on the plane. Those jumbo planes also all have their own amazing entertainment systems. When I flew from Chicago to Tokyo last year I think there were more than 100 movies (classics and recent releases) to choose from.

        • Meg March

          Same– I’m such a fast reader that most of my suitcase for “week in Canada by the lake” was books. Getting a kindle was lifechanging for my back!

  7. Apt dilemma

    Looking for some perspective: my current apartment feels abit cold even when the heat is on, I suspect this is due to poor insulation.This is an older building, so the heating is uneven e.g. the bedroom and bathroom warm up really well, and the kitchen which has a breakfast nook with many windows (more like a mini sunroom) feels cold unless the thermostat is turned way up i.e. 70 F. I have even thought of moving but I am hesitant mainly due to location, easy walk to work and budget the current rent leaves me with quite some room for other expenses, saving etc. What are some easy fixes for this kind of thing? Other than that the landlady is reasonable and I have a very flexible month to month rental arrangement(my job is a contract position), I am also new to this town and have been in this place for less than 2 months.

    • Anonymous

      I’m confused. If you are cold, turn the thermostat up to 70. Many people keep theirs at 72.

      • Apt dilemma

        What I meant to say is that the place does not seem to hold heat very well. In my previous apartment which was also smaller i.e. studio, 65 F was pretty sufficient so I suppose me going up to 70F+ seems like alot…

      • Anonymous

        +1 – my apartment feels cold unless I have the thermostat at 72 (which I turn down when I go to bed or work). What are you setting it at?

        • Apt dilemma

          In the bedroom it’s usually at 20 Celsius which is about 68F, same goes for the bathroom. Living room is currently unfurnished so don’t really spend time there…in the kitchen it only feels okay at 70F or higher

          • Anonymous

            Cooler than I personally, like, but I know I hate cold :)

            If it’s an older building, then the windows are probably older (single paned) and might not be airtight, which is going to mean heat loss. You can either try adding the plastic barrier to cut down on drafts, adding a radiator for the space when you use it, or just turning the heat up – ultimately, whatever makes the most sense for your day-to-day life.

          • Anonymous

            honestly, 70-72 degrees are usually the default indoor settings for thermostats. So if your kitchen, even with all those windows, feels comfortable at 7o, that doesn’t sound at all unreasonable to me. Just turn up the thermostat, or add a space heater.

      • Duckles

        Agreed with /just turn your heat up/. I have friends who only have to turn their heat on, and then to 65, in the very coldest months because they live in large buildings where any heat loss is basically to another unit. I live in a smaller more house-like building and keep it on 73. You may not be used to actually heating your space.

        I do notice a difference if I keep window shades/ curtains open on very cold days, so I’d suggest drapes if you don’t already have them.

      • asve

        What type of thermostat do you have? Either your current or previous thermostat may be poorly calibrated. It may be that when you set your old thermostat to 65 F your apartment was actually 70 F. One sanity check would be to buy a thermometer and compare the temperature in your apartment to that of your workplace.

    • Anon

      Have you tried a space heater? They work well and can be affordable. You could only run it in the evenings/on weekends when you’re home.

      I have a little tiny space heater ($10) that I use in the bathroom when I take a shower. It’s like having one of those hotel heat lamps <3

    • ITDS

      One of those radiator type space heaters, set on a timer, can warm up the breakfast nook in time for breakfast but not run all day running up your power bill.

    • brrrr busters

      There’s a translucent film that you can spread across your windows in the winter that does a pretty good job at cutting out some of the problem. Put some blinds, sheer or thick curtains up as well – any layer helps! If you can close the door to the kitchen this will also help prevent you from heating the kitchen when it’s so drafty (my parents are crazy so maybe not the best example, but they hang heavy drapes where there aren’t doors to create heating zones like this). I’d use a space heater when I was in that area but just be careful to never leave it unattended. If the floor is tile, add throw rugs – cold feet always make it worse. We also use a lot of throw blankets and sweaters in our house – a lot of my friends seem to think it’s normal to crank the heat into the 70s and wear gauzy shirts during the winter, whereas I’m more of the mind that you still dress seasonally appropriate when you’re at home inside. Good luck – this is not something I’d give up my dream apartment over, though I know my boyfriend would so YMMV.

      • Anonymous

        Yes this translucent film made a world of difference in my bedroom with the oldest window I had ever seen in my life.

    • Anonymous

      lol at 70 F = “way up”
      I consider anything below 75 F almost literally freezing.

      • anonlawyer

        you would hate my house, which is kept around 65F. I would be roasting at 72 or 75.

    • anonymous

      I hate the cold and don’t normally heat my apartment in the winter. I live in DC in a big building, so it can get into the upper 50s in my apartment when it’s below freezing out. I wear comfortable but warm stuff inside (soft cashmere sweaters and a bathrobe) and I have an electric blanket on my bed in addition to the comforter and then an unzipped sleeping bag on top of that. I also have the film that goes over the windows and have taped over the power outlets. I also love drinking tea, so that keeps me a bit warmer too. Oh, and any time after I cook with the oven, I leave it open as it cools so the kitchen gets a bit warmer.

      I know this is a bit extreme, but I find that on the whole I’m pretty comfortable. i don’t use a space heater right now, but I’d also recommend that.

    • Bonnie

      Sounds like the windows are not efficient. Insulating film should help that a lot. Depending on the age of the windows, caulking around them could also help.

    • a lawyer

      My sister in Wyoming made some shades out of “Warm Windows,” an insulating fabric, which seem to have made a big difference in comfort levels in her house.

  8. anon

    I need to place a jcrew order – including a couple swimsuits. Wait for a site-wide discount or buy at full price? How often do they have those?

      • Cat

        ETA: Or pull the trigger now if sizes are going quickly, and ask for a price adjustment if they go on sale (I think they will automatically honor within 7 days of purchase, but they do make exceptions)

    • First Year Anon

      Wait for discount. Shouldn’t have to wait more than a week or two.

  9. Anon today

    Regular reader here, not usually a poster, but am hoping for some advice from the group. I am past 55 yrs, and have just been notified that my job is being eliminated due to a “restructure” I am in financial services, been with the same firm for 20+ years, enjoyed my position with the company until recently, and have had a good career. However, I am feeling very challenged around the age thing as i consider the job search. I have always considered myself a young 55, part of the reason I read Corporette is to keep up with trends…
    So my ask is what do you see as key elements in projecting myself as an experienced and relevant in today’s world?
    Any big do’s and don’ts? Should i still wear a suit to job interviews?

    • Anonymous

      You might want to sit down with a lawyer and go over the details of the “restructure” and your severance package. Not implying anything untoward–but it might be worth a check in to insure everything is above board on the “restructure.”

      You likely have excellent experience and appeal. I recommend a suit.

    • DC Anon

      Try posting again tomorrow in the morning thread and you should get more comments!

    • S in Chicago

      That’s just awful. You come across very positive sounding–hang on to that.By far, that will carry you the most. I’d also advise making sure your Linked In profile and resume use lots of key terms relevant to your field (will be more likely to match in searches). I don’t know your industry well enough to advise specifics on skills or interviewing dress. (I’m in marketing so the big issue for my industry is staying up on marketing automation and content tools and the job interviewers generally expect suits but with some flair–like bright color tops or interesting jewelry or other “I am a creative” tells.) Style wise, the biggest dos I’d say are making sure your hair color is maintained (I personally avoid ash-tones as they can read as more gray. But you know what flatters you best.) Stay away from frumpy shoes during interviews, even if they’re comfy.

    • Sorry to hear this

      I don’t have any advice but just want to second both of the replies so far. I’m so sorry this is happening. I wish you the best in finding a new job. Hugs!

    • Jules

      I’m sorry you’re going through this. Make sure to consult with an employment lawyer to review your situation and to advise on your severance agreement (that I assume you have received). Definitely take advantage of any job placement/career counseling that is provided as part of the package.

      And, yes, unless you’re moving to tech or the arts or something, wear a suit.

      Good luck with the transition.

    • Nylon girl

      Hugs! Update your linked in profile, have a friend take a professional headshot–I like those outside, ask your friends to help critique your resume, the web has tons of good articles on networking and how to interview. You got this and we are here for you.

    • Anonymous

      Have you been offered outplacement services? If so, some are very good and I know people who have been very pleased. If not, you can post again tomorrow and I can share what I have from our firm about resumes and LinkedIn. I won’t be around until the afternoon. All of our jobs are being sent to India, and everyone 40+ was let go recently.

    • Bonnie

      Hugs. If the severance package is decent, could you consult or freelance instead?

      • Anonymous

        So sorry!

        If you need it, make sure your hairstyle and glasses (if you wear them) are current; they’ll go a long way to signalling that you are engaged and current.

Back to Top

About

Work with Corporette®

Serious Stuff

work fashion blog press mentions