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I like this kit that takes you through two looks: a natural eye and a smokey eye. This one is for brown eyes, but they also have them for blue and green eyes. The kit is $28 at Sephora. SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Lesson Palette: Brown Eyes ($65 Value) Pro Lesson Palette: Brown Eyes
As of 2024, my short makeup routine is pretty boring — curled eyelashes + concealer + blush (Nars Orgasm) + powder, with a different lipstick and eyeliner depending on my mood. If I'm feeling extra fancy I'll add mascara, highlighter, and/or do my brows with this cream and a brush similar to this one (here's my review). (I also add eye shadows in the “extra” days but it's a huge variety, maybe 25 or so different ones.)
Some favorite lipsticks include Clinique (Graped Up), NARS lipstick (Damage), Fenty (Goji Gang), NARS gloss (Orgasm, Fast Lane), and Clinique (Black Honey). I use this NYX lipliner (Natural) for almost all of them.
My favorite eyeliners as of 2024: Chanel (Espresso), Urban Decay (Sabbath, Smoke), and Clinique (Intense Chocolate & Plum). I also really like NYX and Sephora's eyeliners.
Sales of note for 10.24.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off! Suits are included in the 30% off!
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, and redeem Stylecash!
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – Friends & Family event, 30% off sitewide.
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off entire purchase, plus free shipping no minimum
- White House Black Market – Buy more, save more; buy 3+ get an extra 50% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Boston Maternity
Hi – I’m sorry for the super-early threadjack. I was wondering if any Corporettes in Boston could recommend maternity clothes boutiques in the area? I’m looking for smaller stores that carry some of the up-scale brands (i.e., not Gap, Old Navy, Pea in the Pod, etc.). Thanks!
Diana Barry
I haven’t found any. I just order everything online. Maybe if you look on the websites of the brands you like they will list a local store?
Anon
For the life of me, I cannot find any admissions stats for LLM programs. I’m looking for info such as GPA requirements (GPA from your JD degree), publications, etc. All I can find is “700 people apply and 100 get in” type of info, which could be misleading either way.
Anyone have any info?? thanks ladies!
p.s.- looking for info on both tax and IP LLMs (a few friends of mine are interested in one of those two programs)
Always a NYer
Have you checked the school websites? They usually list that info somewhere in the admissions section. I remember having to search for it for undergrad and grad school but I did find it on the college sites.
Anon
I’ve checked- they are very vague about it. They just state the “700 to 100” thing I mentioned above. For JD programs I know LSAT and GPA 25-75th percentiles were listed. I was looking for some GPA guidance- I.e. is my JD GPA good enough? Do I need to have straight As to get into a top program? What type of work experience looks good? Do I have to have a publication under my belt?
I’m hoping someone on Corporette has done a LLM in either tax or IP and can speak to the standards for admission.
betsy
I think it varies from program to program, and also it depends on the kind of student you are. Where did you go for your JD? How many specialty classes have you taken? Are you full-time or part-? Are you working, or do you have work experience, v. are you a JD without a job? Are you getting an LLM becuase you really want one, or because you are waiting out the economy, or because you have crappy JD grades and want to bump them up, or because you went to a lower-ranked JD school and want an LLM from a “prestigious” school?
My experience was: Went to t-14 law school, entered 3L year with no job in sight, grades were decent but not stellar, had taken a number of tax courses. Applied to a competitive tax LLM program because I was desperate. I was admitted, but I decided not to go specifically because I didn’t have a job lined up: (1) I didn’t want to take out another $50K in loans, and (2) I didn’t want to overspecialize and thereby limit my job options. Also, while maybe one or two students per year from my JD school would get a tax LLM part-time post-graduation, in my year, there were probably 10 students considering getting LLMs full-time in tax post-graduation. And from the then-current tax LLM people I spoke with at the school I applied to, it sounded like the job market sucked. So I didn’t think I was so much more likely to find a job with that LLM, at least with no professional experience at the same time. (FWIW, the then-current tax LLM students all told me things like, “But you went to [t-14 school], so I’m sure your LLM grades will be fine/you won’t have trouble finding a job.”) That made me really nervous, since going to my t-14 school hadn’t in fact helped me much to that point. Also, the LLM program’s career services office refused to give me employment statistics, which made me really doubt that LLM grads were finding jobs.
The one person I know who went full time wound up with a job at a small firm and a ton of debt. I don’t know that he regrets it, but it is definitely not where he thought he would end up post-LLM. I also know a few people going part-time, but they are employed and will be reimbursed, and they don’t have the stress of having to do very well in order to get job interviews.
I know this doesn’t quite answer your question, and says nothing about IP LLMs, but my message would be to really do some research as to how useful the degree would be. Admission stats aren’t so important — just apply, and you’ll find out if you could get in — but make a thoughtful decision as to whether to attend.
Anon
Thank you SO much- that info is much more helpful than anything I found so far on the internet.
My reasons? Went to school in Canada for my JD (top school here). Took most of the specialty classes, but not all because I figured I’ll be working in the area so I thought it might be nice to learn about other things while I could. Looking into full, but would consider part-time. I am a first year associate at a boutique (so not unemployed). I probably wouldn’t apply until next year since it’s a bit late in the year to get my apps together.
Went to a top school, have decent grades (mix of A’s and B’s), not looking for an out from the economy since I have a job. I’m looking to make myself more marketable in the big markets (NY, boston, cali, etc), and because I’m interested in the area. But truthfully, I’m only going to fork over that kind of money if it will actually help my career prospects in a significant manner. I’m hoping to save up the money beforehand so I don’t have to take out any loans (hopefully I can do that after 3 years of working).
I take it scholarships are out of the question?
betsy
Glad to be helpful. A few thoughts:
-I think it is tough to get an LLM full time and be working.
-If your firm won’t pay for the LLM and you are already employed, I don’t know that it’s worth your money.
-I’m not sure that an LLM will make you more marketable in the U.S. if you are already practicing in that area.
I think it might be more helpful to speak with a recruiter, contact some specialists at the kind of firm you’re looking to move to, or even send out some resumes to test the waters. An LLM isn’t going to hurt you, but if it isn’t necessary for your career transition (if that’s what you’re looking for), then you may want to think seriously about whether it is worth your time and money. For some people, it is, but not for everyone.
FWIW, I know there are some firms in the U.S. that love to hire Canadians. (Paul, Weiss has a big Canadian contingency and a decent-sized tax dep’t; there is also a Canadian firm with an office in NYC where one of my friends is working right now in the tax dep’t, making biglaw salary but working pretty normal hours — can’t remember the name, unfortunately.)
Sydney Bristow
I can speak to the IP LLM portion. I applied because of my interest in developing my knowledge of the subject matter, to establish myself in a city where I previously had no connections, and because I graduated with no job prospects despite an intense job search. Overall, I enjoy school and liked the classes I took. Despite the fact that my program was highly ranked and I did well, it hasn’t really helped me in my job search. I was able to get a great internship through the school and my boss has been a great mentor, but I’m finding it difficult to even get a job interview. If I could go back and do it again, I’m not sure if I would get the LLM.
My experience with admissions is that you just have to apply. I do think it’s really a money maker for the school and it’s not as competitive as you might expect.
Sydney Bristow
Meant to add that I also think an LLM might be limiting. I’m applying for pretty much anything lately and I think I’m instantly rejected in other areas of law because it is clear where my interests lie.
Anon
Thanks for the info everyone- sounds like it’s something not worth pursuing, MAYBE if I’m lucky enough to get into Harvard :).
Whew now back to focusing on my career and making myself more marketable! Thinking of publishing a paper I wrote recently…a cheap career-advancing move, hopefully!
Tax Attny
My guess is that they’re not giving that info out anymore b/c the law schools are increasingly awarding LLMs to part-time students (big $$$$ makers for the schools) whose LS grades skew their metrics. I know several people who were in NYU’s tax LLM program and they all said that it was the recommendation that got them in (iow, it was important to have the OK from either a well-known tax prof or a biglaw tax partner) and that as long as you didn’t totally bomb your JD grades, the GPAs were largely irrelevant.
This is probably not true for foreign LLM students though, many of whom get a US LLM in order to take the NY bar (though generally not Canadians (right?), who can sit for NY bar with their Canadian degree).
Anon
Yup, with a Canadian degree you can write the MA and NY bars (and Cali once you’re qualified). So I don’t need the LLM to sit for any US bar since I am only interested in working those states.
I guess LLMs are becoming money-makers for schools, just like a lot of other programs. So frustrating for someone who is actually interested in developing an expertise in an area of law. Makes it seem like there isn’t that much value in the degree. Hopefully I’m wrong, but maybe that realization will save me the $50k!
anony
The program coordinator will be happy to provide the information. Apparently they pick the best applicants for the specific year especially if you are looking at a smaller program. They will sometimes prefer a candidate with interesting background over candidates with higher GPA. Your personal statement and references have considerable weight.
SF Bay Associate
Not sure why I’m in moderation, so to repeat: per usual, the Nordstrom half yearly markdowns are already loading online, even though the sale doesn’t officially start until Wednesday. There’s a ton of stuff. Head on over there, and don’t forget to use your ebates.
Boston bound
Thanks SF Bay! Just bought a slew of stuff including the magenta Tory Burch dress that Lisa recommended a while ago.
MaggieLizer
For the Canadian Corporettes…
Enjoy free shipping to Canada on online orders of CAD 100 or more, now through December 12.*
*Free Standard Shipping to Canada is automatically applied in Checkout for online orders that qualify. Offer is valid through December 12, 2011 at 3pm Eastern. Offer based on merchandise total and does not include Gift Cards, taxes or any additional charges. Free Standard Shipping does not apply to the Westin Heavenly Bed. Offer is valid for selected merchandise purchased online and through catalog only; not valid in Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack stores. Additional fees apply for expedited shipping and handling as indicated on item product page. Free Returns and multiple shipping destinations are not available for international orders. Nordstrom Rack Return Policy applies to all online Nordstrom Rack orders.
PittsburghAnon
I went to the store yesterday (didn’t know about the upcoming sale) and bought a top for $118 that’s now $46.90. I’ll be asking for an adjustment on that – thanks!
b23
How do you find the markdowns? Do you have to just browse, or is there a button to see all of the half-yearly sale items?
Canadian
I bought the Halogen ‘Saffron’ Tall Riding Boot a couple of weeks ago and they are now on sale- I just did a ‘Live Chat’ and had the difference refunded. Amazing Nordstrom customer service- I wish we had them in Canada!
MissJackson
Off topic: thanks for everyone who gave the great book recommendations last week. I read “Attachments” this weekend. I had nearly forgotten how much I love to read (for pleasure)!
SV in House
Threadjack
Does anyone have any favorite extended calf boots? Looking for black, flat boots.
Thanks!
CN
Yes!! These….
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESBOOTS/boots/PRDOVR~96873/96873.jsp
coco
Oh! Me too!
Erin
My favorites are from Naturalizer. My pair are a few years old, but they come out with new styles every year. Eddie Bauer also usually has flat boots for wide calves.
kmm
Fitzwell on Zappos (also last year’s styles on 6pm). They are fabulous. I used to wear Naturalizers but I think these are better quality.
Sydney Bristow
Reposting from the weekend thread to get some interview advice. I have a job interview this week (my first real interview since graduating in January). It’s an in-house position in an industry that has been my goal to work in. I’m researching the company and plan to have some questions ready to go. My question for anyone who conducts interviews is what are the best and worst things you’ve seen people say or do? Does anyone have any general advice?
I think I come across as friendly and I aim to make an interview more conversational. I’m genuinely excited about the prospect of working for this company, so that should come through in my interview. Any advice would be great. Thanks to In House Europe and Darlene for the advice and congrats over the weekend!
ks
Good luck with the process. As one who has interviewed and hired a number of people, keep in mind at all times – the whole hiring process is about a firm/company/whatever finding a person who can solve the firm/company/whatever ‘s problems and can help them accomplish their goals. It isn’t about what will help you fulfill yourself or develop experience. I always cringe when a candidate comes in and makes it about them rather than what they can do to help me (the employer). Be yourself, be eager (but not desperate – I know, hard to do in this economy), be open to the unexpected and be nice. Don’t trash anyone or anybody, be high maintenance or be unprepared to discuss why you are seeking to work at my company or why I should hire you in particular. Listen carefully and don’t run on with your answers. Take time to think about your response before you answer. If you don’t have the answer, don’t be afraid to say so (and please don’t just try to bs your interviewer, they will know and you’ll look silly). I know there are different opinions on this, but I am somewhat old school and appreciate a brief, handwritten note affirming that you’d like to come to work for me and why.
And as a fellow Corporette, I don’t expect that I have to cover what to wear to an interview ;) . Fingers crossed!
1065
Do not badmouth anyone, even your mortal enemy. read the firm’s website thoroughly and especially google your interviewers if you get their names in advance. Have questions prepared about the firm culture, about the specific job you are applying to, and about the interviewer’s experience in her career/the firm.
Good luck! Don’t be afraid to show your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. And send thank you. Email is fastest but if you handwriye, bring the cards with you so you can fill it out a2 a nearby coffee shop then handdeliver to receptionist. Wouldn’t want them to make decision before getting your card in the mail!
ER
I would ask some friends (or your career services office if you are lucky enough) to give you mock interviews and then give you feedback. A lot of an interview is whether you “click” with your interviewer, but at least the mock interviewer can give you tips about your nervous tics, and give you a chance to dry run through those questions that you’re hoping you won’t get. Get a mock interviewer you think will be really really honest.
Anonymous
Check out ask a manager (. org); she is truly fantastic.
Bonnie
Express your interest in this particular company. I hate it when it’s clear that people are only interviewing because they want a job but not necessarily that particular job.
Ughhh...
So, I recently lateralled to a new law firm. About a month ago I got my picture taken for the firm website, and today I received an e-mail that the picture had been posted.
I had been soooo overtly photoshopped that my eyes were tilting slightly different directions and were placed on slightly different places on my face- leaving me looking impaired.
I called and complained, and evidently, they are lodging a complaint with the photographer who was photoshop happy with more lawyers than just me. :) My photo has been removed from the website.
Anne Shirley
My firm photographer tod me to tilt my head “because your double chin is showing and that looks ugly.” lawyer dude, not model. Can’t wait to see his “touch-ups”
AEK
Sizing question:
Can anyone speak to sizing for Antonio Melani clothing, tops in particular? I’m on the border, so I sometimes go up and sometimes down. Which is the better guess? TIA
b23
I would go down, I think.
Anon for this
Any Corporettes who completed clerkships and later went into transactional law? How did you deal with this in the interview with the judge? Also, what are law firms’ response to hiring clerks for transactional positions?
b23
I know someone who did two federal clerkships and then worked in IP law (transactional). His clerkships did not give him any IP experience, but firms still thought they were valuable and gave him credit for them. He had a ton of interviews, and I don’t think the firms batted an eye. As far as the interview with the judge, I’m sure it didn’t come up. I don’t think they usually ask what type of practice you plan to have.
Makeup Junkie
Rumor has it Urban Decay’s F&F sale starts tomorrow too!
AIMS
Question for the sage hivemind: when picking a writing sample, do you go for something brief but not terribly interesting or interesting but sort of long (10 pages) and academic?
Anon in NY
What type of position is it for?
roses
Speaking from experience applying to law jobs, so it might not be universal, but it definitely depends on the type of position you’re going for. For firms, I would definitely recommend a “practical” writing sample (brief, memo, motion, etc). It is the writing style you’ll be doing for your job, and good writing is an absolutely essential skill. As long as the piece is legally sound and logical, I think it doesn’t really matter what it’s about. Clarity, good grammar, non-flowery language are really what will speak volumes.
For appellate (and sometimes district, though it depends on the judge- call the secretary and ask!) clerkships or positions that will require a lot of creativity (ACLU, Brennan Center, other impact-litigation orgs), I think you want to go the academic route. Your writing should still be impeccable, of course, but you should show off your ability to think creatively!
Again, speaking from personal experience and anecdotes I’ve heard only, so I’d recommend asking around!
MelD
My normal sample is a very short memo on an interesting topic, but that’s mainly because I’d have to do so much redacting on 90% of what I write that it’s hard to get a lengthier sample that would be coherent to an outsider. This was one of the few things I’ve written recently that I can send as is. Anyone else have this issue, and if so, what do they do about it?
meme
As someone who has to read writing samples from time to time, I really really prefer short. Almost nothing is more boring than reading a writing sample.
JJ
Just wanted to take a moment and celebrate. I just settled a troublesome case for an amount that the client was *very* happy with. This was my first settlement negotiation alone because the partner was absolutely swamped with work, so I’m happy that the client is so happy (and happy that it went well and didn’t go spiraling out of control…). I also just received three very favorable decisions from a federal agency for another client.
I think I should just go home, eat some Halloween candy, and end the day on a high note!
Homestar
Congrats JJ! Sounds like a good day!
roses
Has anyone ever heard of or seen a diamond engagement ring with pearl sidestones or accents? I’ve Googled and found the opposite – pearl main stone with diamond accents – but that’s not what I’m looking for. Any ideas?
Formerly Preggo Angie
I haven’t, but it sounds lovely. Post a pic if you find one.
Homestar
Sounds lovely, but it might be hard to clean (so not many styles available)? Seems that you could hurt the pearls if you try to clean the diamond part. And you would want to clean the diamond if it is the main piece.
SF Bay Associate
I agree – that sounds beautiful. Pearls are among my most favorite gems.
However, as a recently engaged person, I’ll offer an unsolicited two cents: I’m surprised how much my (lightly) bonk my hand against a table or a door or a fridge, briefcase, laptop or whatever every day. I never noticed before because I didn’t wear a ring, but now that I have one, I notice. Thankfully, my diamond and platinum ring shows no worse for wear. In contrast, pearls are incredibly delicate, porous, precious gems, so you could inadvertently damage your beautiful ring, even just by using hand sanitizer.
I was originally looking at an alternative engagement stone, but became pretty concerned by its low number on the Mohs’s hardness scale. Pearls, at 2.5, are even lower than the ~6 Mohs I was looking at. Contrast diamonds/cz/moissanite, which are a 10, or sapphires/rubies/emeralds/ beryl which are 7.5-8. And even if you are less clumsy than I, which is certainly possible, Homestar is also right that you won’t be able to clean your diamond center stone if you have delicate pearls on the sides. The pearls would disintegrate in the strong cleaner needed for polishing a tough diamond.
Seattleite
Pearls are a soft stone and so aren’t generally recommended for a ‘daily wear’ ring. Perhaps that’s why you’re not finding any pearl-accented engagement rings?
Argie
This – there are so many things you handle every day (chemicals, perfume, makeup, oil, food, hard edges) that a diamond can withstand that a pearl absolutely will not.
roses
thanks everyone – I know very little about jewelry, so it all makes sense now. I think I’ll just stick with my right-hand pearl ring, and hope the SO does a good job picking out a traditional engagement ring :)
AnonInfinity
Ack! I hate the new look of Google Reader. Once I click on a feed, I can’t tell which stories I’ve read and which I haven’t.
AccountingNerd
Threadjack: Tomorrow I’m going to ask my boss for a promotion. I work in finance for the government. Any tips/words of wisdom? Thanks in advance! :)
AccountingNerd
A little more background:
This isn’t completely out of the blue. During my last performance review I asked about being promoted once I reach my 2-year mark, which is required to be promoted. He said we will discuss it further when that time came. Well, my 2-year mark is next month, so I’d like to bring it up again. I basically want to know 1) what exaclty I need to do for him to promote me, and 2) when will that realistically be? I’ve seen a few job postings that I’m qualified for that pay more, and I need to know if he’s going to keep pushing the promotion back. Should I mention that I’ve become aware of other opportunities that pay more and would advance my career? He’s very “company-loyal”, so i’m not sure if that would work.
Kaye
I wouldn’t bring up outside opportunities just yet, unless you’re actually ready to leave if there’s no promotion forthcoming soon. I think for this meeting you should focus on being constructive and figuring out how you can get the promotion at your current job. If nothing comes out of that disussion, then in the next discussion you could perhaps experiment with pressure tactics such as “there are other jobs that pay more”, especially if by then you’re interviewing elsewhere or have another job offer.
anon for this
I don’t know what type of government office you work for, but in mine my boss can’t just give me a promotion because I deserve it. It’s a lot more political and financial. It took 4 years to get the promotion I was supposed to get after 2 years, and I know it had nothing to do with me. I wouldn’t bring up outside opportunities. In this economy, even if your credentials are stellar, it’s a long shot you would get the job. By all means apply to those jobs, and if you got an offer for more money, then tell your boss about them and see if he can do anything.
AccountingNerd
Anyone want to share any horror stories of asking for a promotion and getting rejected?
MelD
I think a lack of funding is a strong possibility with government. I know I’m in that situation now. Everyone just talks about how we’re in the hole all the time and can’t afford the people we have, much less the people we have at a higher salary. As loyal as people seem, more experienced people are aware of what people have to do in order to get promoted/raises. It may be that your boss seems loyal but will be understanding if there are other possibilities out there that pay more.
Kaye
If that’s the case for AccountingNerd, be clear on what’s important to you: is it the raise, the better title, or the increased responsibility? If there’s no scope for a promotion, you may still be able to negotiate these aspects individually.
Kaye
(Or perhaps not – I don’t work in government. But it’s still a good thing to think about.)
classycareergirl
I love Sephora! I will definitely have to check this out! Thanks for the tip!
Chris
I’ve heard that Sephora brand eyeshadows aren’t always very highly pigmented, so they won’t look true to shade when applied. That said, it can be a great deal! I say apply some eye primer and go for it.