Coffee Break: Naturalizer’s Lockhart

88 Comments

1. If you read the comments on Naturalizer’s website, they indicate that it is actually a 3 inch, not a 2 inch, heel. That becomes much less walkable for me. but I do think they are very cute in the brown (animal prints aren’t for me.)

   1. That’s an important inch! Definitely the difference between walk-able, and would-only-wear-if-I-could-be-carried-in-a-divan-able

      1. Ohhh my goodness… You just gave me such a good laugh, Shayna. Love it.

   2. I recently bought a different pair of Naturalizer shoes that claimed to have a 2″ heel but was actually 3″. They’re surprisingly walkable. I wouldn’t wear them on the street but they’re fine in the office.

      Has anyone tried Insolia inserts? Do they live up to their spin? I know Kat featured them a while back and I wondered if anyone bought them.

      1. Yup, they didn’t work for me.

      2. I bought them! I think they perform as advertised. I have used them in my going out shoes…all over 3″. They don’t make your shoes feel more comfortable in a conscious way, but they do work. Does that make sense? It’s not like a squishy thing where you put your shoe on and go “ahhhh.” It feels kind of weird. They redistribute your weight in a way that you notice after you’ve been standing in your shoes for hours and realize that you aren’t dying in pain.

2. Oh my. Lovelovelove.

   1. Me too with the lovelovelove. Unfortunately, they don’t have my size :-(

3. Ohh, thanks for sharing these! Those shoes would be a fun way to jazz up a neutral suit or to pair with a chic dress for early fall.

4. I have a similar pair of naturalizer peep toe heels in black and they are supremely comfortable – I even wore them while commuting to work via 2 trains and a bus. What’s nice is that they didn’t tear up my extremely sensitive skin (gross, I know, but another pair of peep toe heels chafed against my toes and peeled the skin, yuck).

   1. That’s good info – I am a fellow peep toe ‘chafe victim’ and I would definitely give these a whirl (maybe not the zebra look, but that’s just me). I like them.

5. Sorry for the hijack, but I could really use some advice.

   Background: I’m an attorney in a 2-year government honors program that ends next month. I’d really like to stay here, and have been offered a job, but I don’t think I can afford to take it. Rather than being based in my current city, as I was originally told, the job would be based in a city halfway across the state. It also involves a lot of travel, so I’d need to buy a car. I would only be getting a $5K raise (I checked and the salary is not negotiable), and the extra isn’t going to cover the additional expenses I’d be incurring. I could probably just about swing it if I stopped saving entirely, which I’m not really willing to do.

   On the other hand, it’s a job I would really love to have, and if I don’t take it it’s very likely that I’ll be unemployed next month. I’ve applied for a different job internally, but haven’t been interviewed yet, and there’s no guarantee I’d be hired for that one. So far I’ve had no luck externally.

   What would you do, Corporettes?

   1. Would there be opportunity to transfer back to your current city if you take the job? Does anyone else work there and do the commute you can carpool with? Is there public transportation that is more cost effective?

      Even without answers to the above though, it seems to me like this job is certainly better than unemployment!

   2. Do you have any liquid savings, say $2-3K that you could buy a reasonable used car? Will there be restrictions on transferring? If you have the savings (versus a car note) and no restrictions on transferring, I’d say take the job, figure out what skills you can get from it, and figure out how you can get back to where you want to be while you are employed.

      Also, how are you saving? Are you saving pre-tax? You may not have to stop saving if you reconfigure how you are saving.

   3. A job you love that doesn’t pay quite enough is much, much, much, better than no job at all that pays nothing. You aren’t going to be saving anything with no job. The calculus would be different if you were very likely to find a replacement job with a suitable income in the very near future, but given the state of the economy, it may take awhile. Perhaps in your location and speciality, with your experience level, you expect to find something quickly? If you’re not pretty certain you’ll have a few better choices relatively soon, I would take the job and keep my eyes open for better future opportunities. It could take a year or more to find something. Nothing says you have to stay long-term, and it may be a good place to be during the gap.

   4. I think any job is better than unemployment. Getting a car these days doesn’t have to be that expensive. In my area, I’ve seen lease deals for $100-150 a month or 0% financing for new cars. Assuming you have $2000-3000 to put down on the car, it shouldn’t be that far out of reach.

      Are you already signed up for IBR? If not, that may also be worth considering to get your loan payments down (if that’s an issue at all).

   5. Buy a cheap but sturdy used car and take the job!

   6. Much better to have a job, than be without one. It would be different if the market was flourishing with open jobs, but there are few locations where that is possible.

      A couple of considerations:
      If it’s half-way across the state – would you have to move for it? (Depending on the size of the state obviously) And in that case, would they pay your moving costs at least? (A lot of companies tend to do that.)

      If you’re going to have to use a car for work – travel to different work locations from your original one – do they cover some of the mileage/gas that you incur while driving?

      If you’re moving: how’re the cost of living in that city? Higher/lower than what you’re currently dealing with?

      1. Thanks for the quick responses!

         To L: no (at least not for a few years, probably), no, and no.

         To N: yes, I would have to move, and I work for the government so they’re not going to pay moving costs for me. I would be reimbursed for the travel I do while at work, but not for the commute. Even after moving, my drive would be at least an hour, because I need to stay within a reasonable distance of current city so that my partner can still get to his job and school.

         To divalicious and Mel: I could pull a car down payment out of my savings (these are after-tax savings for a house down payment, I wouldn’t be touching my pretax retirement savings), but it’s really more the ongoing cost of gas and insurance that would kill me. Loan payments are an issue – I receive aid from my school rather than IBR, and when my salary goes up the aid will go down accordingly. I’ve checked it out and the school program is still a better deal than IBR for me, so I don’t have much leeway there.

         The one big variable in all this is that partner is currently waiting on some job news of his own – if he gets the job and gets enough of a raise, we can manage moving/new car/etc. If he doesn’t, then we can’t.

         1. I would still take the job and try to make it work … at least until you find something closer. It’s much easier to get another job when you’re already working.

            The good news is that a lot of companies and government departments are trying to “go green” by offering incentives to carpool or take public transportation if that’s an option near you.

            Good luck!

         2. It still seems smart to take the job and see about transferring into something nearer to home when the option becomes available. Try to find a car that gets excellent gas mileage and see if you can carpool with someone in your office. They may not live as far out as you do, but you could pick them up halfway and switch out driving the rest of the time, or you could see whether there are any park and ride options with public transportation you could take.

            1. Also, how far is a one-hour commute in terms of miles? In my area it can be as little as 10 miles depending on the route, or it could be 60 miles.

         3. If it’s a federal job, find out how quickly your new office moves attorneys up steps and grades. It can make a huge difference. My husband and I started at the same time, but my office promoted attorneys faster and that ended up making a huge difference. The early promotions were in lieu of an annual bonus.

   7. I would take the job. How financially well-off will you be if you don’t take the job? There would be no saving for a house or retirement, and you’d actually probably have to dip into savings for a bit. You just can’t predict how long you will be unemployed in this economy. Remember that the job doesn’t have to be permanent. I would take it and keep looking for something that’s better suited for you.

      How far is half-way across the state? That can mean a lot of things depending on whether you are in RI or Texas. My first job out of law school didn’t pay a lot money, and I commuted 1.5 to 2 hours each way to get there. My little red Ford Escort wasn’t flashy but it got me where I needed to go.

      1. Job = better than no job. Period. Try for the preferred alternative, but be open to whatever it takes to stay employed, including possibly moving, investing in transportation, whatever. The h*ell with savings if you are not getting a paycheck….nothing to save. Just my $.02, from a survivor of more than one ‘economic meltdown.’

   8. Better to be employed and unable to save than unemployed IMO. I’d take the job, get a cheap but reliable car (and if it’s required for business maybe you can get a tax writeoff? Plus you should get mileage for business travel and that can add up quite nicely), and keep looking for a better opportunity.

      1. Take the job, get the skills and see how you can move up internally/look elsewhere after a while. Better than unemployment.

   9. I think the varying responses are terrific and helpful. But as an attorney doubtless old enough to be your mother I would say:

      Take the job.

      And as a mother, I would say:

      Take the job. Take the job. Take the job.

      An imperfect job is better than unemployment. Is this not elementary? Especially in the current employment market?

6. Thread hijack:

   Which tea tree shampoo do you recommend, and why? This is for an “angry scalp.” Paul Mitchell or Organix?

   1. I love Paul Mitchell tea tree but haven’t tried it in years. When I used to use it, I remember it working very well in terms of eliminating dandruff/dry scalp.

      1. Paul Mithcell Tea Tree has been a godsend for my “angry scalp.” It is now a happy scalp!

         1. PaulMitchell. Great stuff. Love the aroma, too.

   2. My “angry scalp” turned out to be psoriasis, which required a prescription to calm down at its angriest. Scalp psoriasis is pretty common, and this might be worth taking to a doctor if you have decent health insurance or are going soon anyway.

      For the in-between flare-up times, I use a supergentle shampoo that I pick up when I am in France (http://www.docsimon.com/article/kopie-ducray-elution-shampoo-200-ml). I find that the extra-gentle formula is better than something that is medicated or specifically for scalp problems. You could probably find something similar in America.

7. Threadjacking to report back on some Shabby Apple purchases:

   (1) V.P. Awesome awesome dress. Fitted without being tight, great neckline and cap sleeves, perfect length for me (I’m 5-8 and it comes just to my knees, covers my knees when I sit due to fullness of skirt). A definite keeper.
   http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-631-vp.aspx

   (2) Manager Director. It is a much brighter blue than the picture and made me look sickly. Sad – if it had looked good on I would have kept it too. Same cut as the V.P.
   http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-662-manager-director.aspx

   (3) Consultant. I looked, and felt, like a flamenco dancer – that is a seriously ruffled skirt! It did a little flouncy-swooshy movement with every step I took and I couldn’t stop thinking of the movie Strictly Ballroom. Back it goes. Other than the flouncy skirt, it fit very well – I’d have kept it in a heartbeat if it had been a pencil skirt.
   http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-630-consultant.aspx

   I ordered a small in each dress and I’m 5-8, 125. Those with larger busts may want to order up a size.

   1. Thanks for this!

   2. I LOVE the VP (from the link). I’m a little concerned about the sleeves running small note, however. I’m 130 lbs, but shorter than you and I’d describe my upper arms as somewhat meaty (yikes). Do the sleeves fit you with room to spare or are they snug (in which case they’d probably be like rubber bands on me…)?

      1. My arms are slender and the sleeves aren’t snug but I don’t think there is a ton of room to spare (in my experience, sleeves on Shabby Apple dresses tend to run small, which works out well for me since I have small-ish arms). Given what you’ve said, I’d probably order a Medium.

         You can also order both and return the one that doesn’t work – Shabby Apple has a good return policy and they always credit my card quickly.

         1. My arms are not thin (played basketball and lacrosse in high school), and the medium is snug but not tight on the arm.

   3. Trying to post again. Could you describe the VP fabric? Thanks.

      1. It is a medium-heavy cotton sateen with a bit of stretch. It is a very saturated black color – definitely much “dressier” looking than a plain black cotton. Does that help? I’m terrible at describing fabrics so if you have more specific questions let me know and I”ll try to answer them.

   4. Glad to hear. I adore the VP 9and have gotten compliments and wherefrom’s from 2 other attorney’s in our department) and was thinking about getting Managing Director – had a birthday so I have a coupon from them. Kicking myself for not getting the second Groupon!

      FYI for those considereing – I’m 5’10” (not putting up a number but usually a size 10-12 – and I have the medium – length is perfect mid-knee

      1. Divalicious glad to hear you also adore the VP!

8. These shoes look to me like something seen on public transportation in the Bronx. That’s not in my opinion a guidepost on how to dress for professional advancement.

   1. Holy sh*t that’s offensive.

      1. For real.

         Not that it’s worth arguing but I remember when I used to go to school in the Bronx – the shoes I would see on the subways and buses are wayyyyy better than the shoes I’m currently strolling in, style/price/quality-wise.

      2. I’ve had a huge problem with 75 ever since she said the Shabby Apple dress looked “This is a pretty good dress to wear to work if you are working for a social service agency or legal aid. It really has that down-at-the-heels look to it.”

   2. Of course, because the Bronx has no professionals… or no professionals who work downtown, and avoid driving, take the train to work ….
      wow… just wow….

   3. 75, based on your previous body of comments you must have the most boring, unimaginative wardrobe in the entire working world. Lighten up!

   4. Would have to agree with 75 here. These would not fly in my conservative workplace and look more like “a night at the club” shoes to me. I also don’t read the comment as offensive or meant to be offensive. It’s just a blunt and direct response. I interpret the comment as meaning that the bulk of the conservative BigLaw offices and suit-wearing types are in Manhattan. The Bronx, to me, is a little more “colorful” and doesn’t demand the same corporate standard of dress. (FWIW, I’m a fan of the Bronx. My significant other went to school in the Bronx/has family in the Bronx. Plus, I could never diss the Bronx after seeing this Sean Connery classic: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104839/)

      1. Rubbish. The link above didn’t work. Try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_Man_%28film%29

         1. Do you mean Finding Forrester?

            1. Also a goodie, but no, I meant Medicine Man. (The girl was nicknamed “Bronx”).

      2. I’m the 4:33 anonymous. I think it’s offensive to say that these shoes look like they are worn by people who live in ______. If 75 had said that these look like clubbing shoes, I’d have no problem with that – I tend to agree. But I don’t like the suggestion that people who live in _____ don’t dress professionally, any more than I would have liked if if she’d made a sweeping generalization that everyone who lives in _____ always knows how to be perfectly professional at all times. Stereotypes, no thanks.

         1. +1.

            One thing I appreciate about this blog is the general ability to stay away from sweeping stereotypes or generalizations.

         2. Yea, I think saying “public transportation” and the “Bronx” gives a connotation that you are somehow above both of those. I am more offended by “public transportation.” But who really drives their own car in NYC?

            1. People from Jersey ;)
               (Please note the joking tone — not trying to add to the strife, people!!!)

      3. Oh please. 75 quite often throws out thinly veiled insults about certain groups of people. Other commenters call her out on it. She plays nice for a while, but invariably, she’ll pull another zinger out of her hat.

         1. Not sure they are coming out of her HAT…

            1. LOL. Well, I had to use a “safe” word.

      4. Hmm, well understand the offense. Don’t live in the Bronx anymore, but still co-own a co-op there. Lots of former neighbors take the 4 or the 1 into Manhattan to Wall Street and other law firms downtown. Many, like me, have one or more advanced degrees….
         Lots of friends from Dartmouth, Amherst, Weslyan etc… taking the 5 or the D train into the city as well….
         Plenty of ‘suit-wearing’ types live outside of Manhattan …..

         1. Wesleyan, sorry any alum on this board….

   5. Just when I thought we forgot the crazy at home, here comes good ol’ 75, bringing it along for us.

      1. Agreed. Her comments always make me think W-T-F.

         1. Also (same anon as above), am I the only person who thinks these shoes are sort of frumpy as opposed to club-y?

            1. I think they are more club-y, but I’m 47, so make of that what you will.

      2. Really Erin? I am still reeling over your comment this weekend about the “swarthy married Hispanic man”. People in glass houses…

         1. This.

         2. I’m not going to come back with a snarky comment because I genuinely don’t know what you’re talking about?

            1. Probably a different Erin.

            2. I personally think we should lighten up on Erin (#1 or #2)…the ‘offensive’ post was not THAT bad and could be construed a few different ways. Erin, or all of the Erins, have taken enough heat for it, n’est ces pas in our community? 75 throws out a few here and there but don’t we all now and then? “Anonymous” is occasionally provocative and probably more than one of us….

               I love this blog in large part because of the ‘sisterly’ feel to it and how the community does reciprocal support – isn’t that why most of us are here? Let’s not eat ourselves up over something kinda *minor*, huh?

               xoxox

            3. Suze. Yes.
               Way to be.
               Plus 1000+

         3. Don’t assume all posters with a common name are the same poster. There are lots of other L’s out there as well as anon’s.

      3. yall don’t know what a troll is, do you?

9. I think these shoes would be worn by “The Nanny” – as in Fran whatever from the tv show (not dissing nannies, talking about someone w/ her tv personality – you know “ooooh Mr. Sheffield…”)

10. Very odd coincidence, because I just received a Naturalizer coupon in the mail and came over to Corporette to share it on the open thread. It’s for 20% off any order excluding MBT footwear. Code is FSU25.

    I believe it’s single use so if you’ve used it, kindly post and let others know.

11. Just reporting back on the LL Bean flats that were recommended in another thread – I ordered them in black and received them today. They are classic, no-frills flats; nice quality, soft leather with flexible padded soles and very comfortable. The only thing I would change is the outer sole color – a medium brown rubber which looks less formal, but not too bad. For the price ($40), they are definitely worth it.
    They run very big (as noted by reviewers), so size down at least 1/2 size.

    1. Do you have a link? (or did you mean the Lands End flats?) I’m not trying to be a PITA, but if they were the LE flats, I’m super interested in your comments re sizing and fit. Thx.

       1. Sorry, I did mean Land’s End! Mixing up my outdoorsy basics catalogs that start with L.

          I normally wear between 6 and 6.5, ordered a 6 and there is a lot of space. Going to try putting in a regular insole from the drugstore and see if that fixes it. Otherwise, they seem very, very comfortable.

    2. Note – I tried these flats also, and I think it depends on your foot type – I have a wide forefoot and narrow heel, and they didn’t fit me at all. Too narrow up top and too wide in the heel. They were very cute though!

       1. Thanks, that’s exactly the info I need. (Also: SIGH. Could really use an affordable pair of black flats.)

          1. I just bought several pairs of Sofft black flats at 6pm .com for $35 each.
             I think they were newly listed.

             1. which flats did you get? i want a pair of black flats to wear with dresses and skirts, but the more structured ones tend to look horrible – but my feet hurt without the structure. if you find any that work, PLEASE pass along!

       2. I have narrow-medium feet with a very narrow heel. I don’t think the front of the shoe is particularly narrow; it’s not really snug on me. As for the heel, I think if you ordered the proper fitting size, it wouldn’t slip. I put in heel grips from Walgreens which are working, but if the shoes were smaller I don’t think I would need them. I just didn’t want to order size 5.5 because it seemed absurdly small. It’s so hard to find a classic, well-made, comfortable, no-frills flat that I still think they’re worth it!

12. Not a fan of animal prints in general, but these are nice. Guess the rest of the outfit would need to err on the conservative side though (or maybe I’m not bold enough:)

    1. No, boldness is not the issue. These zebra shoes are themselves the boldness and work ONLY with a pretty plain -straight black or brown/beige – outfit. for me it would be a black skirt and black or beige *structured* top, or possibly monochrome black or beige skirt/top, otherwise, too much of too much, IMHO.

13. 75’s family is from the Bronx, as is her husband’s family. 75 has been around the Bronx a good bit. She says – Bronx baseball – YES. Bronx fashion – as the poet said – “the Bronx – no thonx”.

14. These are as cheap looking as the price.

15. a bit new to heel etiquette – peep toe and sling back – in plain colours: are these ok in a really conservative office?

    thanks people.

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