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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 71 Comments · by

Coffee Break – Undine Pump

Coffee Break | · · ·

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Vaneli - Undine (Purple Suede) - FootwearNice: This basic 3″ heel has good reviews at Zappos, Endless, and Amazon, it's available in a zillion colors, and it's on sale — at least, many of the colors are. I like the purple suede version, of course. The heel is $105 at full price, but the price dips as low as $47.05 depending on color and store. Lovely. Vaneli – Undine (Purple Suede) – Footwear (L-5) Psst — have you checked out The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels?

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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

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About Kat

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

Comments

  1. AnonInfinity

    I am a brand new attorney, and I need help organizing myself!

    I feel like I have so much paper — notes while getting assignments, random copies I need while doing assignments, lists of deadlines, previous pleadings and orders I’ve printed out to read. None of these things need to go in the actual file, but I want to hang on to them for my reference. Does anyone have a system that works for keeping up with this kind of stuff? Any books/websites you’ve found particularly helpful?

    • SS

      2 simple solutions worked for me. 1. I keep a separate notepad/notebook for each deal or matter and when I need to take notes, reach for the specified notepad. All my notes are in one place for each matter. 2. Once I start accumulating paper I need to hang on to, I usually designate a redweld for each matter and put the notepad and the other assorted paper in the designated redweld.

      The redwelds for active matters and reference materials (SEC rules, FINRA rules for example) stay on my bookshelf. All other redwelds go into my filing cabinet, arranged by matter name.

      For what it’s worth, at my workplace, you can send stuff to file as your “working notes.” So under a particular file, my assorted materials will be titled “SS Working Notes.” I send the above-mentioned redwelds to file once the deal has closed or has been inactive for more than a year. It’s no trouble for me to get my secretary to pull the file if I really need it.

      The only things I keep in my office then are: (1) redwelds of materials relating to active matters or matters within that year, (2) redwelds of reference materials and (3) bound volumes/closing sets/closing set CDs for deals that have closed.

      Hope this helps!

    • Herbie

      Do you have a secretary? She used to deal with all that stuff for me.

      A few specific comments, though:

      1. Lists of deadlines, plural. All deadlines should immediately go on your Outlook calendar with a proper notification timing (say, a week instead of 15 minutes). I usually included the relevant partners, my secretary, and their secretaries on the calendar item, but whether you want to do this may be dictated by office culture.

      2. I kept a running to-do list organized by case. I didn’t bother prioritizing tasks within each case because it was easy for me to determine that responding to discovery due tomorrow took priority over preparing MSJ due 3 months from now. Anyway, one reason this is handy, in addition to keeping things from falling through the cracks, is that you have a 1-2 page list that shows everyone just what you’re working on. When someone wants to dump a last-minute project on you when you’re already on track to bill 250 hours in a month, this is an easy way to review what you’ve got on your plate and convince them they need to go elsewhere.

      3. Keep an attorney notes file for each matter you work on. That’s where you can put your notes and the pleadings/orders you’ve printed out to read. My secretary kept these files with the case file itself.

      4. Keep research files for research you’ve printed out to read and/or your research memos. I usually labeled it as follows: “Client Name / Matter Name – Research re Statute of Limitations.” That can go with the case file that I presume your secretary maintains.

      5. Don’t be afraid to put stuff in the “actual file.” That’s what it’s there for. I did it all the time.

    • MAnon

      I really like the “Getting Things Done” processes….I used them after I had children and wasn’t getting enough sleep to keep it all in my head the way i used to! I’m not an attorney, but I think he has very good advice for organizing your files and keeping track of tasks. You can modify his (or anyone else’s)system to meet your needs. Good luck!

      Ps why are all my comments stuck in moderation?

    • Anonymous

      Also a brand new attorney but was a paralegal before law school. Agreed with everything in the previous two comments. Also, it helps me to keep it simple and avoid any elaborate filing systems that take more than a few minutes. Finally, don’t be a perfectionist with your working files – if there’s no time to make professional looking labels this minute, pencil it in for now and you or your secretary can make it nice later. It’ll be a huge improvement if papers end up in a folder that’s accurately if imperfectly labeled instead of being all over your desk.

    • TXJD

      I keep a box of manilla folders in my office. For each matter I work on, I label a folder in pencil, and keep all my random notes from notepads, sticky notes, etc. for that matter. I keep the “active” folders organized on top of my desk, and “non-active” folders tucked away in a desk drawer until the matter is complete. I also make a note on the front regarding special due dates, the partner in charge, etc. It has worked really well.

      I have also used this to keep notes and guidelines for the expectations of each client I work with. This has been a great quick reference to make sure any work product that goes to a client meets that client’s expectations.

    • AnonInfinity

      These comments are so helpful. Thank you!

      I already send all of my memos and emails to the file, but I never really thought of having my secretary file my handwritten notes in the file folder, even though I know there is a section in each one for such notes. It is hard getting used to having someone to do those things for me (that’s another post all together).

        • AnonInfinity

          Thank you! I just downloaded this on my e-reader. It looks fab.

          I tried gathering the things that were scattered on my desk into redwelds and folders before I left last night, and I did feel so much better when I walked in this morning. I still have a lot of things to organize, but getting that little start definitely helped me mentally.

  2. Monday

    I will gladly do a 3″ heel, but not one this thin. I *so* wish sites like Zappos were searchable by heel “width” or “thickness” rather than just height. The width of the heel is so much more important to me.

    • Accountress

      Oooh, I second this emotion! I can do skinny heels on a short heel, and thick heels on a tall heel, but skinny heel on a tall heel= falling over.

      • Noelle

        I’m usually wary of thin heels, too, but I can’t rave about these shoes enough. I bought a pair from Nordstrom about a year ago, and I wear them constantly. I can walk to the courthouse in these so easily (a 15-minute walk), I sometimes forget that I’m not wearing flats. They are miracle heels.

        I have them in the black patent. They run true to size.

    • AnonInfinity

      I love this, depending on your skin tone. On me, I think people who saw me from far away would wonder if I was wearing clothes. If it won’t blend in with your skin at all, then I say go for it. It’s such a beautiful shape.

      • Anne-on

        Agreed – gorgeous classic shape but I’m waaay too pale to pull off that much camel without looking either naked or ghostly.

    • Working Girl

      This would wash out a lot of pale people. It would look great on someone with darker skin and hair.

  7. MCA

    I purchased this shoe in black last week from Zappos and I didnt love it- I got the black “nappa” (aka leather) pump. The toe box curved up a little and I hard time believing that it was actually going to be as comfortable as all of the reviewers claimed….I do however love the purple and wish they had it in my size!

    • MJ

      Second this. I ordered these from Marmi in black napa and the toe bed was all sorts of not long enough, such that these hit right on the painful part of the ball of the foot. I normally find most heels are pretty comfy, but I sent these back stat. (FWIW–I am a size 11, and got these in both 11 and 12–problem was not a sizing issue but a design one.)

  8. Anon

    Tall Corporettes, I simply must gush. Shoe height is no longer a problem for me (not that it really was before), but I just started dating a man who is 6’8″, so I can wear my oh-so-cute heels that make me 6’2″ or 6’3″ and still feel all little (not that I wouldn’t have anyway). This coming from someone who has dated a 5’6″ man but . . . it is still always kind of nice to be the little one in a relationship for a change.

  9. Anon

    All,

    I would like to hear your thoughts on what it means to be healthy. What defines a healthy lifestyle? What makes you healthy/unhealthy? Do metrics like BMI define your understanding of health?

    I ask because there is always a lot of conversation about being over, under and normal weight, but very little conversation about health.

    Looking forward to your thoughts.

    • Anon

      BMI is only a ROUGH guide. There are other metrics that are more accurate. I feed my body so that it can be active. I have moved to a pretty active lifestyle. Most people don’t know what their body is telling them. If they could listen to their body and not their mind, its not that hard to be healthy.

    • Anonymous

      Interesting question. I’m curious, too. I think I am healthy AND overweight, which accordingly means not at my optimum health. I am 50 lbs. over my ideal weight – both in my mind and life experience and according to charts like BMI. However, I can go out right now and run 5 miles or swim 1000 yards no problem. I get through a rather intense boot camp workout on a regular basis, but would do more reps and move more quickly if I were lighter. My objective numbers from the doctor are all in the ideal range, save Vitamin D, for which I am now on a supplement. (I do not get a lot of sun and use unfortified, straight-from-the-farm dairy products.) Some of my numbers are very, very good, including cholesterol and blood pressure and indicators for diabetes, which are the numbers I think of as most critically affected by weight. Losing the extra pounds is, nevertheless, a priority for me. I know that it could eventually become a medical issue and it is certainly not good for my mental health because I am dissatisfied with my figure, which of course spills over into a number of other areas of life. Plus, I am tired of people looking at me with surprise when I tell them that I plan to get up on Saturday morning and run a 5k race on a whim.

  10. Barrister in the Bayou

    Loved the shoe until I read some of the reviews… Two words: toe cleavage! Nuff’ said, can’t get them.

    • ceb

      I just don’t get what the big deal is about “toe cleavage.” I have never looked at someone’s feet and said, “Good Lord! She has toes under those shoes, and I can see part of them!”

      Is this really something people worry about?

      If so, why is it a big deal that you can see the tops of toes (“toe cleavage”) but people don’t seem to get bent out of shape about the ends of toes (open toe shoes)? If anything, I would think toe cleavage is more work appropriate than open toe.

      • E

        Personally, I’m not bothered by it on other people (probably wouldn’t even notice). But for some reason it really bothers me aesthetically when I look down and see the beginnings of my toes. It’s an instant shoe dealbreaker for me, but not one I would judge anyone else for, if that makes sense.

        • Noner

          yes – I don’t like the toe cleavage on me either, because that usually means the shoe is cut with too little shoe at the front and makes me feel like my feet look bigger than they already are. What is cute at a size 6 shoe (or even size 9) usually doesn’t end up cute at a size 11.

      • Anonymous

        I’m actually at the other end of the spectrum. I generally think shoes that are cut so high on the foot that I can’t see any toe cleavage are unflattering, and thus, a no go for me. And I am a no-open-toe at work person, so certainly not someone with “risque” taste in shoes. I just think that I look like a school marm if pumps come up too high on the foot (save some of the recent exaggerated, nearly bootie styles).

  11. MissJackson

    RE: a coat while losing weight

    Margaret: Posting here to tell you to go look at my [very untimely] response to your question on coats :)

  12. Bunkster

    Figured I’d continue the discussion from the last thread about my review.

    My boss sent me the document he wrote up for my review today so I’d be prepared for our discussion tomorrow. All the examples he used were made up or occurred in the past couple of weeks. The review is for activity through the end of June.

    I responded telling him that I would create a list of my accomplishments, etc since June. He told me they’d have to go into my year-end review document. So I told him that he’d have to move his examples to the year-end document. He responded by telling me that I could add my list to the current document because it would make the year-end process easier.

    I’ve decided that I’m going to tell him that I’d prefer that my mid-year review address only activity that occurred in relevant period and that he should save anything else for the year-end review. If he refuses, I’m going to tell him that I won’t sign the document and I will definitely go to HR.

    • Anon

      “Made up”?! This is nuts! Definitely don’t sign. It may be time to confront him or talk to someone about him. Is there anyone you can talk to who can lay down the law?

    • LadyEnginerd

      Have you been documenting so that you can provide evidence that he has, in fact, been making things up/being crazy? Can you put together some evidence of insanity from your email inbox? In my opinion, it is definitely time to get someone else involved (his boss, hr, etc) regardless of the specifics of your review. In my experience (and sadly, I’ve had some experience), you need two things before getting someone else involved: (1) you need written documentation that you aren’t the one making stuff up and (2) a clear idea of what outcome you would like. I’m sure that other people are more qualified than I am and can flesh out what kinds of documentation you need and what kinds of outcomes you can request and still appear reasonable.

      It is also time to put the job search into high gear, working your network for all it’s worth. He has already started burning his end of the bridge, so don’t feel guilty about making your job search times inviolable regardless of whatever boss-inflicted “emergencies” arise.

      ps. Thanks for the tailor recommendation yesterday. I will definitely look into it!

    • MelD

      Good for you! Personally, I would go to HR either way. This man is just out of control and is probably doing whatever he can to sabotage your job hunt since you’re the only one in his group still left. Do you have any idea whether he did this to anyone else who quit? Are you still in contact with them to ask? If he did this to you, he probably did this to others when he thought they were out the door.

    • anon

      Bunkster, I’ve been reading your posts regarding your job and it sounds as though someone in your company-either your direct manager or someone above him, wants you out.

      If I were you I would either find another job as quickly as you can: get your higher ups to agree to a severance package ( some companies are willing to do this if they want to get rid of you badly enough) and quietly resign; or get your ducks in a row so that when you are terminated you will be able to collect un-employment. Sorry, but I just don’t see things getting any better for you at your current place of employment.

    • Bunkster

      Thanks, everyone. I have been exploring other opportunities and I have some really good options. I’ve also created a timeline of my boss’ behavior. I’m planning to submit it when I forward the emails between my boss and me from today to HR. He actually admitted that all of his examples did not occur during the time period that applies to the mid-year review (January to June. So I’m going to tell him that he can’t use those examples and I refuse to sign an inaccurate document.

      • LadyEnginerd

        Do you think it is the best option to involve HR for the first time via email? Can you set up a meeting instead? I do think that getting someone else involved is the right move, but I question whether email is the right way to make a first move. I would bite the bullet and set up a meeting, and then send a summary email afterwards to document what was discussed. (If my instincts are wrong here, please correct me. I have been in the utterly dysfunctional environment of academia for the last 5 years).

        • Bunkster

          I’m not sure. That’s a good point. I guess I’ll figure that out after I see what my boss’ response is to my email about only focussing on activity that occurred during the January to June timeframe.

          • Gem

            Seek other jobs; for your own development/health/happiness.

            Document the Amy-Winehouse-batsh*t-crazy-antics of your boss; partly because it gives you an element of control, partly so if you are dismissed/recieve a less then stella review/other situation you have evidence of your situation. Try and continue to make an effort with your work and your boss/team during this time (and document that too). Make a contact in HR and hand the file over when you leave in case they have future issues.

            So perhaps, go and see your boss, and calmly (script before if needed) say you’re sorry you got hung up on the dates regarding your review, that you’d like time to go through the documentation/issues/whatever he’s provided and ask when he’ll have time to schedule in your actual review.

            Try and be objective. He doesn’t sound like a nice person, or a good boss. But is there truth in his review? Examples – Are you always late? Do you have a quick temper? Could you improve? Does he know mitigating factors? It’s hard to accept your faults being raised by someone you clash with and that can blind us to the truth behind them.
            Try something like:
            “Boss, I’ve noticed you’ve raised the fact I’ve been late a number of times over the last month – I’m not sure you’re aware but I was in the office until 3am those days so took an extra 30 minutes to get in. Is there a better way for me to notify you when that will be the case, OR would you prefer I alway leave by midnight regardless of the workload?”
            If you post some specific examples (if you would like to) I’m sure we can help with the wording on this.

            Finally; hang on in there (in the words of my military Padre) be kind to yourself and (Churchill – I think) If you’re going through h3ll – keep going!

    • p

      Objectively, but with love: CHILL. Random HR person is going to receive this package of materials and will likely respond in a WTF manner. Normally, in my experience, when people get crazy about “made up” items in a review, it is because neither party is being reasonable. It’s kind of like being he police officer called to a bar fight between two crazy drunk girls. Neither of you wins.

      I work with a lot of bat$hit crazy people, and even we don’t have dramatic
      escapades like this…Clearly there is an issue with one of you that some poor HR soul will have to sort out. It will not helpmyour cause if the main point of contention is whether items are listed in a midyear or year end review.

      You are not well positioned. Every HR story involves an excuse about how the boss didn’t like/wasn’t fair to them. Do not overplay your hand here. Aggressively seek out other jobs.

      • MelD

        I think Bunker’s situation is a little different from what you mentioned. Everyone in her group but her has quit because of her boss’s antics. The reality is that HR needs to step in because it’s expensive for any company to have a revolving door thanks to an unreasonable manager. Once she quits, the manager is just going to have to hire another group of people and the cycle starts all over again.

      • Prentis

        I agree. Im listening to Bunkster’s story like I would a good girlfriend, so I know its that this guy is the asshole. But if I were to look at it as a stranger, it almost sounds too fantastical to believe. Like ok sure, your bad review is made up. Just because I have seen the crazy things people claim in HR/EEO situations. I think a sit down with HR would be best esp if its there first time hearing about this. Bunk I know youre in a terrible situation, I really hope you get out of there soon an get a peaceful job situation.

      • Bunkster

        His examples are true, but all occurred in the past 2 weeks and he blew them way out of proportion in the document. Only one example was a big issue. In the document, he says it’s happened on more than one occasion. It only happened the one time. It’s the mistake I made that he then both called me from home to tell me I was wrong and also emailed me as a follow-up to tell me I was wrong.

        I think I know what the second example is, but it did not occur the way he says it did. And it happened the week that everyone was out so I was handling all reporting by myself.

        And the third example was minor. The users didn’t experience it. I asked my boss a question about what I should do. He answered and I did what he suggested.

        Also, I have never been late for work. I’m here all day and I work weekends.

        I’m going to take advice from the previous thread and go into today’s review and listen. Then at the end of the “discussion” I’m going to tell him that I’ll be submitting my comments in writing so that they can be forwarded to HR along with this document.

        If HR wants to follow up, I’ll forward the email thread and send them the timeline I’ve created regarding his behavior.

        • Bunkster

          My boss just responded to my request by moving the review from 3:00 to 2:00 and extending the time period to an hour.

          • eaopm3

            Good luck to you, Bunkster. I have been keeping up with your on-going drama at work. I hope you can find a new gig and leave the BossHole to do all his own work. An hour-long review sounds totally unpleasant. Think happy thoughts and try to get through it as poised as you can be. Then, take action with HR afterward if you need to. I’m thinking of you today!

          • GovtMom

            Bunkster — I’m so sorry for this situation, it sounds utterly miserable. This is a warning, perhaps a bit strong, but can’t hurt. Please consider the possibility that you will be let go at your review. Moving it up + extending time == makes me nervous. Have you copied files you want, duplicated your work contacts, etc? If not, you may want to start.

          • SS

            Good luck, Bunkster! Just wanted to echo the above about potentially being let go. Please let us know how it went – lots of hugs and good thoughts coming your way!

        • Gem

          Just to say – I wasn’t implying you would be late (or anything else) I was just casting about for an example.

          Apologies if I’ve caused offence (it wasn’t intentional honestly)

  13. AccountingNerd

    Threadjack: Can we talk raises? My husband and I are pretty young and in our first professional jobs. My husband works as an accountant for a non-profit. He’s been there for two years and has not gotten a raise, or even asked for one. His starting salary was pretty low, but he didn’t feel comfortable negotiating because he initially turned down the offer. My question: any advice or success stories on asking for a raise? His position isn’t one that adds a tremendous value to the company (in my opinion), but he is definitely paid about 6 -8k below market value.

    • Cats Ahoy

      My first professional job was with a non-profit as well — they’re not for anyone who needs to work for a paycheck. He should get out now before it has an impact on his long-term salary prospects.

      • AccountingNerd

        He’s looking and applying for other jobs, but there’s not a lot of openings right now. Do you think there’s any chance they will give him a 5 or 6k raise? Especially since he didn’t negotiate the starting salary?

        • Cats Ahoy

          Without knowing what he makes, but estimating that a $5-6k raise would be at least a 10% raise, I’d say no. In this economy, for a non-profit, with no raises in 2 years, he might be able to negotiate a small raise if he can demonstrate how he has added significant value to the organization. He should prepare a document listing his accomplishments or major projects and present that to his boss when he asks.

          Has he looked in healthcare? I work for a large healthcare organization now and we have a huge finance department.

          • AccountingNerd

            I don’t know how he could prove he adds significant value to the organization. He just does what he’s assigned to do. I don’t think he’s done any major projects or anything.

            He’s applied for a few healthcare positions, but no interviews yet. :(

    • MelD

      He at least needs to ask for one. If he hasn’t indicated that he isn’t happy with his salary, his employer isn’t just going to volunteer for a raise. I’ve had a few talks about a raise at my work and even though things change daily, I was at least able to get a clue whether my employer’s finances would allow for a raise. At this point, I don’t think there’s any reason for him to stay if there’s no hope he will get a raise anytime in the near future.

      • AccountingNerd

        MelD, how should he bring it up? Should he schedule a meeting with his boss and tell her that he doesn’t feel that his salary matches fair value for someone with his experience and that he would like to talk about a raise before he starts looking into other companies? Or is that too threatening?

        • Noner

          Has he had any sort of annual review about his work and job description? That would be the sort of meeting where salary figures would come up naturally, but wouldn’t be the focus of the meeting.

          • AccountingNerd

            He mentioned that his boss mentioned that she needs to meet with him to do a review, but hasn’t had time yet. I think he needs to sit down and talk to her about a raise because who knows when she will actually do the review.

        • MelD

          I’ve actually done exactly what you mentioned and it worked out fine. Your husband will have to feel out his supervisor to determine how exactly to approach the situation. E.g., does he think she’ll be honest with him about the practical realities of a review? If not, he may have to revisit the issue in a few months if it seems like a raise is not really on the table. I know here the results vary depending on who you ask, and if you trust the wrong person you may be waiting years for a raise.

    • R

      Ask – you don’t get what you don’t ask for. I worked for non-profits for years and got several small raises by asking.

      • AccountingNerd

        I think he’s worried about the right time to ask and the right way to ask. How did you ask for a raise? How do you bring up the fact that you aren’t making what you are worth when there are tons of people who would take that salary in a heartbeat?

  14. KnockOff?

    Ladies, has anyone seen any “quality” red-sole knock offs of Louboutins? I hear they exist, but cannot seen to find any! Brands? Stores? Any suggestions? Someday, I’ll afford the real thing… (sigh!).

      • KnockOff?

        Prentis,

        I’m curious what inspires your comment. Is it a moral position (i.e., knockoffs are theft)? Or, is it that you think the quality won’t be there? Or do you find the notion of a knockoff otherwise objectionable? For me, I love the red sole — I think it’s sexy and pretty and unexpected, but for better or worse, I just can’t afford it right now. I’m not against your opinion, I just wonder what the “ugh” is?

        • Prentis

          I guess its that it looks so desperate to have the label, without “paying the price.” Knockoffs are theft, but that doesn’t really bother me as much, louboutin is doing just fine. I guess its judgy of me, but I would seriously judge a friend/coworker/stranger on the street that would buy a fake kate spade/louboutin/coach whatever because it just seems trashy and desperate to me. (note I’m not talking about things like forver 21, which makes “knockoffs” of designer clothes. Im talking the bags you can buy in chinatown that say “kate spade” I put red soled knock offs in that category because Lou has great IP lawyers, the red sole is their trademark as if it said the brand all over the shoe. I feel a person who buys a knockoff is unconfident in who they are.

  15. mommyinlaw

    I’ve had these shoes in the black nappa for at least a year. They look great with most pants, but the heel is not quite high enough to make my legs look good in a skirt. They are comfortable enough to wear if you are going to be on your feet all day, and best of all they come in narrow widths.

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