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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 114 Comments · by

Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Camilla Jacket

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Drew Camilla JacketPiperlime is having a pretty killer sale right now — take 30% off all orders over $200. This is great for all sorts of designer apparel (including today's pick), but if you're strapped for time, focus on bags and shoes, because very few brands are excluded from the sale. Eligible brands include Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade New York (including Hall of Famers like Karolina and Licorice), Sam Edelman (including Hall of Famers Okala and Petty), Sigerson Morrison, Frye, Rebecca Minkoff, Hunter… chic coats from Soia & Kyo, dresses from DvF and Theory, and a generally great denim selection… lots of good pickings. Today's workwear pick is this pretty gray jacket from Drew — I love the exposed seams, the round neck, the darts, and even the little details like the black zipper… gorgeous. It's $286, but comes down to $200 with code HOLIDAY30. The sale ends 11/18. Drew Camilla Jacket Here's a more affordable blazer and a plus-size blazer with similar elements… (Note that sister brands Gap and Banana Republic are both 40% off today, and Old Navy is 35% off, all with code CHEER.) Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.

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Comments

  1. Modern, stylish slipcovers

    Reposting in the hope of getting a few more responses. Interested in a stylish, modern slipcover for our new Room and Board sofa. Need something in the next 2 weeks. Room and Board has slipcovers but the wait time is 9 weeks. A few others recommended Etsy but I need a specific recommendation on a particular store (I find Etsy totally overwhelming and don’t want to just randomly choose a vendor). Many thanks!

    • Anonymous

      You’ve spent all this money on a fancy soda- why risk it with Etsy. I’d order the matching one made it fit it on Room and Board and hope it gets done faster.

      • Anon

        This could be an X in haste, repent at leisure siguation. Why the rush?

        I’d order the matching thing and get an old or cheap sheet for a cover (and you can do it so it looks nice — maybe wrap the bottom cushions in something cute) if you really need something in 2 weeks. Sloppy houseguest? Potty-training guest? Hairy dog? Red wine? You want something cheap and probably disposable if I’m reading this right. If it were me (this is why I’m on Team Leather Sofa), I’d not be afraid to put old towels over the cushions if you feel you’ll need it).

    • tesyaa

      Can you get something cheap & temporary until the R&B covers are available? It seems like the manufacturer’s own product would suit the furniture best, and I don’t think etsy will necessarily be quicker.

    • Modern, stylish slipcovers

      To clarify, I’d prefer not to go through Etsy, but just to order online or buy at a local store (we live in Boston). Any one have good experience with surefit dot com? And ordering from R&B is not an option, I called and they said that it will take 9 weeks at least. We are having an army over for Thanksgiving so I need something quick.

      • Diana Barry

        In that case, I would go with straight up fabric and then just pin it to the sofa. Or curtains from Ikea or something, again pin to sofa. Not a cheap slipcover – I would wait to get a slipcover until you know what you want.

      • ANP

        Yeah I think that if you want slipcovers that will really last, look good and be worth the investment, go with Room and Board’s version. If you’re really worried about stains, etc. at Thanksgiving, do something temporary as outlined above. But even “cheap” slipcovers will cost a lot of money and it wouldn’t be worth it in the end!

      • wintergreen126

        I used surefit before, and it was fine. I didn’t purchase the fitted one, though, because it was for my dad’s old sofa bed from when he was in grad school (I was in law school; I was willing to take my parents old, but sturdy and free furniture). The sofa was a little smaller than most full size ones now, so it was easier to get the cotton one piece with ties on the side and adjust accordingly.

        The nice thing is that they’re machine washable and hold up well. That said, I think waiting for Room and Board’s sure to fit and look good slip cover is your best option. Don’t bother with guessing whether something will fit if you don’t have to.

        Also, since you’re in Boston, there is the The Custom Shop in Watertown. They make custom slip covers. I just know that they exist; I can’t speak to quality or turnaround time.

      • Anonymous

        I’ve used surefit and had a good experience and a moderate experience. It all hinges on how close your sofa dimensions are to surefit’s, and the type of sofa and type of cover. I got a stretch “suede” cover for a rec-room sofa – it fits like a glove. The color was gorgeous and looking at it, you can’t tell it’s a slipcover until you sit on it. I wouldn’t like it for everyday use in a formal living room but it was great for the basement (it’s my college-aged son’s “apartment”). It has ties to secure under the sofa and had separate cushion covers. The “suede” is really just synthetic but is not bad, just not like real suede. The reason it fits so well is the stretch and the fact that the sofa is on the high end of the dimensions listed, so there isn’t much left to “tuck” and come “untucked”. Watch the online videos of how surefit is placed on the furniture and secured for ideas.

        I also got a cover (without separate cushion) for the weird chair my DH loves and it is ok but shifts a lot and the “tucking” that surefit requires doesn’t stay tucked for long. But it is washable and dog-proof.

        Maybe in your case you should get the cheaper surefit covers and then order the R&B one for later.

    • Anon

      You’re probably not going to find something modern and stylish that will fit your sofa unless you order from them or custom make one. I’d just fold a sheet around cushions and call it a day. If you have a microfiber sofa, I wouldn’t even bother – everything comes out of it, you can shampoo it with a carpet shampooer after the fact. My R&B sofa has had many wine stains that have come out perfectly.

    • Katie

      Anything that will look tailored to your sofa and fit the streamlined aesthetic of R&B pieces will likely take longer than two weeks, and be as (if not more) expensive than R&B’s option. I think your best bet is to go the cheap route for the short term- either premade slipcovers or sheets pinned and tucked, and then order the R&B option for the long run.

    • Anonymous

      Do you only want slip covers? If you like it colorful, how about a suzani throw? you could perhaps use a throw for the seat base as well. Just giving some options…

    • In House Lobbyist

      When we had slipcovers in the past, I used pvc pipes between the cushions and the back of the couch. The pvc pipe seemed to really hold the fabric in place. It made the standard slipcover fit much nicer.

  2. Ellen

    Yay! Splurge Monday’s! I love Splurge Monday’s! I went away with my family for the long weekend and was unabel to p’ost! Fooey b/c I see that I missed alot! My dad took us to his new house in Virginia where he want’s to retire, but he say’s he will NOT leave NY until after I am MARRIED! I told him with all of the dooshes I met, I think he will be here along time! Doubel fooey he say’s b/c he think’s I am pretty enough to snag an I-Banker, but I told him I already met and dated a coupel of them (Sam and Willem) and they were not for me. Sam insisted on showing me his weenie and Willem was to rigid and would have me churning butter with his grandmother in Belgum. TRIPEL FOOEY! So that is why I am still in NYC and UNMARRIED, and dad is in LI, scowling at why I cant be more like Rosa, with 3 kid’s, Ed, and a house in the suburb’s. I said I have a law degree, but he does NOT care. He just want’s to head for VA and palm me off on some guy who will MARRY me. FOOEY on that!

    • Anon

      Ellen: I think you should visit VA more. Perhaps you’ll meet a more gentlemanly gentleman down there who won’t expect you to churn butter.

  4. YouSaucyMinx

    TJ…I am a high-performer in a PR company. I’m in my twenties, but make a solid 6 figures and a substantial bonus.

    My husband is not. He’s a cook at a little restaurant, and works for hourly pay. He makes less than 20,000 a year.

    This is no problem between us. He loves what he does, I love what I do, we both love and support each other.

    But it seems to drive other people crazy. Complete strangers we’re just introduced to make comments like “Oh, you really settled didn’t you?” to me, or “You got a goldmine in that deal!” to my husband. WTF?

    What is a good response or snarky put down I can use as a go-to for these rude people?

    • Not their biz...

      “What do you mean?”

      OR

      “No, not really.”

      OR

      Just smile and don’t respond. Those people are idiots. Don’t pay them any attention.

    • First Year Anon

      How rude. This is when I think it’s entirely appropriate to say “That is a rude comment, as well as completely false.” We all know if the genders were reversed no one would be saying this!

      • Anon

        +1 My husband loves to joke that I’m his sugar momma (our financial split is closer but I have an evidently professional job where he is a blue collar worker). If anyone else ever commented on it (other than a close friend joining in on the joking) I would straight up call them out for being rude.

    • TNTT

      I’m in a similar situation, and in response to these (unspeakably rude) comments in the past, I’ve just replied “What do you mean?”

      They realize pretty quickly that I’m refusing to pick up what they’re laying down and drop it.

    • Marie

      God, that’s so infuriating! What if you just said, firmly, what you said here (“He loves what he does, I love what I do, and we both love and support each other”)… the thing is, I think saying that is almost giving their stupid comment too much attention. I don’t actually think that kind of nonsense deserves a real response (usually). What if when someone says to you “oh you really settled” (omfg) you responded by asking innocently, “What do you mean?” or “I’m not following.” Or “WOW, EXCUSE YOU.” :P

    • TCFKAG

      For you, since they’re being wildly inappropriate, you can say “sure, but the s!x is freaking fantastic.” (Or slightly more appropriate, “nah. he’s amazing and he makes a mean [whatever your favorite dish is.])

      For him, something like (for the less snarky) “yes I did – I’m so lucky to have an amazing person in my life” or snarkier “oh….did you marry your spouse for money too? I thought I was the only one to come up with that idea.”

    • Em

      I believe Miss Manners recommends “Why would you say that” coupled with a level stare for these situations.

      • YouSaucyMinx

        Thanks all. I don’t know why i feel the need to be polite and gracious when faced with such rude-ness. I need to accept that people saying this gives me full permission to make them uncomfortable, or at least call them out on it.

        • Monday

          Yes. When someone has made a rude comment, or asked a rude question, they alone are responsible for creating discomfort. If some of it ends up back on them, there’s nothing unfair in that.

        • anon

          You could even say something along the lines of, “that kind of hurts my feelings” Then they are forced to acknowledge the fact that they have been rude without you sinking to their level. Definitely stay calm and be willing to forgive them if they do the right thing next, which is apologize.

          • Monday

            +1. Though this still falls into the category of making the other person uncomfortable. It’s a question of how open you feel like being and whether you think there’s any potential for them to learn from the exchange.

    • TCFKAG

      Darn, my post is awaiting moderation, probably because my snarky answers are pretty snarky – but I do also think something suggesting you simply don’t understand WHAT they’re talking about and asking them to explain their absurd notion is good. BC then they have to splutter and say nevermind, always a great result.

    • Anon

      I’m a big fan of the Carolyn Hax, “Wow.” You say it in a mystified tone, look stunned for a moment, then change the subject.

    • (Former) Clueless Summer

      I think that is one of those things you just have to let roll off your back. My SO gets a lot of the same comments – about how he is a “kept man”, how he’ll never be able to leave me, etc. etc. but we just laugh it off. I don’t get comments about settling though – that would bother me I think, but when someone says how he totally scored the golden ticket, I just laugh and say “he sure did!”. I might be more inclined to say something like “Settled for a guy who can cook me a gourmet meal every day?” to the settling comments.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I think you could combine these for a “wow. I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn’t mean that in the hurtful way that I took it. Can you explain what you actually meant by it?”

  5. Cb

    Paris recs? We’re off for my 30th birthday / pre-Christmas treat and I haven’t been in about 5 years. We’re staying near the Sorbonne, and have done the Paris must-dos (Eiffel Tour, Louvre). Not a super foodie person (will happily eat crepes the whole trip) but any must-eats, must-sees, cool shops, etc?

    • Anonymous

      I’d also love recommendations! I’m heading there for the first time in a few weeks.

    • Anon

      For both the OP and Anonymous: what are you packing to wear? Damp cold drives me batty, to the point where I have trouble even planning this trip this time of year. So if I can crib your wardrobe (which I’m thinking is for walking and being out and about), maybe I’ll put it on my bucket list for some future winter.

      [My usual gear includes using things meant for skiing to stay warm in mid-south suburbia and recently bought my first Buff; I live in a granola area,but am sure that wouldn’t fly in Paris from a tourist.]

      • Cb

        I live in Scotland so Paris might be slightly less damp and miserable in December than home. I’ve given up on being at all sophisticated, they’ll know I’m American as soon as I trot out my schoolgirl French. But I’m planning on taking sleeved 2 day dresses, a wool skirt, and a few sweaters, with warm tights, under layers, hat and scarf, and booties on my feet. Packing light as we didn’t check luggage.

      • LilyStudent

        Paris is a similar climate (I believe) to where I’m at college this year (south Germany). I would be packing:
        A Breton top or other ‘nice’ but casual and non-wrinkleable top for each day
        2 good pairs of jeans
        A cute skirt and 3 pairs of tights
        Boots which look good with all of the above
        2 thin but warm sweaters
        Warm trench coat
        Hat, scarf, gloves.

        • Anon

          What sweaters are thin and warm? I can’t seem to get both together these days :(

          • LilyStudent

            When I say ‘thin,’ I really mean ‘not bulky’ – some of my favourites were ridiculously cheap Fair Isle sweaters from Primark which were £14 each! H&M does lovely knitwear too – I picked up a grey Cotton/Linen/Modal cardigan last week.

    • AIMS

      Get hot chocolate and dessert at Angelina. If you haven’t been, I really like the Rodin museum.

      • Zelda

        For an alternative point of view, the Rodin museum was one of my least favorites! I had heard so many people say how great it was, but it wasn’t until after I had waited in line for 30 minutes (in the rain) to enter that I remembered that I’m really into paintings (impressionism ftw!) and not that into sculpture. I should have gone to the Orangerie that day instead of saving it for the last day and then running out of time and missing it completely. Oh well, there’s always the next trip!

        Summary: Be open to new experiences but prioritize your own interests.

    • Basics

      It’s winter time, so that means . . . chestnuts! What I wouldn’t do for a good Mont Blanc pastry. Since you’ll be there, please have one for me.

      ETA: You may luck into a Christmasy-type concert inside Sainte Chapelle this time of year, also.

      • L in DC

        YES, go see a concert at Sainte Chapelle. You can get tickets at classictic.com.

        Also, one of the best meals I’ve ever had was at Esquisse, this little neighborhood restaurant at the bottom of Montmartre (metro stop Lamarck Clignancourt). I went in September and they had only been open for a month. The prices were about half what they were at the meh cafes downtow.

    • Anon

      If you enjoy christmas lights, Paris does them very, very well. Check out all the grands magasins plus there is a christmas market off the champs elysees and random adorable areas all over the city.

    • oil in houston

      anwyhere around St Germain des Pres is really nice for one-off shops and little bistros,
      I love Laduree on Rue Royale for amazing pastries and its beautiful 17th century room (nicer in my opinion than Angelina),
      mint tea and cakes in the Big Mosque (‘grande Mosquee’), very near the Sorbonne,
      second the Xmas lights around the Grands Magasins (where le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are), whilst eating chestnuts

      clothes-wise, comfy but pretty shoes for walking around, boots are best with the weather, a good coat, a scarf/pashmina and a hat (Parisians really do wear berets), and layers underneath and you’re all sorted.
      enjoy!

    • Zelda

      For lesser known museums, I really enjoyed the Petit Palais (also check to see if there are any special exhibits at the Grand Palais) and have heard wonderful things about the Orangerie. I really enjoyed the tea and tea desserts and Mariage Freres, though it’s definitely a bit of a splurge. The pain au chocolat at Le grenier à pain is probably the best I’ve ever had (and I’m somewhat of a croissant connoisseur). Other than that, I love to just wander around Paris, soak up the atmosphere and stumble onto the unexpected (obviously weather dependent). For example, on my last trip I happened upon an interesting exhibit of World War I photographs set up on one side of the Champs Elysées.

  6. South Bay Social Tea

    Reposting from the weekend thread: There was interest in a meetup in the South Bay.

    Would anyone like to meet for tea on a Saturday afternoon in Santana Row? Let’s say Saturday, December 6th in the afternoon at Lisa’s Tea Treasures? If people are interested, email me and I’ll develop an email list, and we can talk further over that email list. You can email me if interested at southbaysocialtea [at] gmail [dot] com and then I can make a reservation for us with the appropriate table size.

  7. Austin, TX recs?

    I’m heading to Austin, TX in the next few days. Husband is going to a conference, I am going as a trailing spouse to enjoy the sunshine and a few days peace and quiet (and I’ll go to a few of the conference sessions that interest me, but its not really my field).

    Anything I should make sure to do/see/eat while in Austin? Anywhere to avoid or that is overrated? We will be at a hotel near the Austin Convention Center which I believe is downtown. We won’t have a car, but I don’t mind taking a cab or using public transit.

    • newly in-house

      Plug for my new favorite restaurant in Austin – found it last time we were down there. The Hightower – just east of 35 on 7th street. Amazing food. As in we went 3 times in 4 days and I want to plan a trip back down to Austin just so I can eat the food again.

    • JJ

      You’ll be close to the trails on Lady Bird Lake – those are walking distance from the convention center and totally worth walking/running on. You’re also close to South Congress, it’s on Congress street, on the other side of the lake. Worth it to walk up and down and look at the shops, eat at Guero’s (slightly overrated), Hopdoddy’s (awesome burgers) or South Congress Cafe (go for brunch!). If you’re inclined, stand in line for BBQ at Franklin BBQ – which is considered some of the best in the country – on 11th Street, just east of Hwy 35. It’s fun to go to the Whole Foods on 6th Street – it’s enormous and connected to Whole Foods headquarters.

    • cavity maker

      love Austin.

      definitely check out the tex mex, shops on soco, and lady bird trail. Also, Austin is known for it’s live music, there should be some local stuff on 4th and 6th.

      check the weather before you go, Texas is having a bit of a cold front, which makes temps a lot cooler than expected (but sunny still!).

    • In the Pink

      You might ask at the front desk about the bats! The nighttime sightings of them leaving the main bridge are amazing. There are some cruises/boats that go on the lake for that as well. Especially as we are colder right now, might be easier than standing outside. If you are at the Four Seasons or Hyatt across from the Convention Center, you can get a good looky loo from the back of the hotel and often their bars/restaurants there.

      PF Changs is within walking distance of the convention center if you don’t have one where you live.

    • NYNY

      I love Takoba on E 7th, not far from where you’ll be, and Perla on South Congress is good for seafood and people watching. I think the bats are done for the season, sadly. Have fun!

    • Anon

      +1 to seeing the bats fly and to walking up and down South Congress. Also the state capital building is downtown, but that might be significantly less interesting as a non-Texas. There are a lot of cool bars on 4th and 6th street (4th street is more of an older crowd, 6th more lively and many college bars), some have live music on the regular. For lunch I would recommend Torchy’s Tacos. It’s cheap and quick, and by far some of the best tacos in Texas. Either way there is one of both right next to the University of Texas. Possibly too far to walk depending on where the hotel is, but easily accessible by bus. If you do go that way, the LBJ library is at UT. It’s one of the restaurants that is on m must eat whenever I go home.

    • espresso bean

      Just got back from Austin, and I used many recommendations from this site. Do a search for Austin recs and you should find them. The food was so good! My favorites:

      *Dinner at Odd Duck
      *Food truck picnic area — Mighty Cone for tempura-battered shrimp and avocado cones
      *Tacodeli
      *Running/hiking by Lady Bird Lake
      *Iced coffee at Quack’s, Spider House Cafe, and Cherrywood
      *Drinks/music at the Driskill
      *The original Whole Foods, if you like that kind of thing
      *Walking and exploring UT Austin and the capitol area
      *Torchy’s for breakfast tacos
      *Ironwood for BBQ (we didn’t want to wait hours at Franklin)
      *The bats! It was surprisingly fun to watch them fly out at dusk.

      Have fun!

      • Austin, TX recs?

        Thanks everyone! I forgot I was going to be back in the last of breakfast tacos and possibly breakfast burritos – now I’m even more excited than I was just for the fact that it won’t be snowing there!

        • Anon

          Your lucky! You just missed our cold snap. It will be in the low 70’s later in the week, which I cannot wait for! *excited schoolgirl squeals* Also 2nd/3rding Torchy’s for breakfast or lunch.

          • Anonymous

            Call me a crazy Dallasite, but I am just not a fan of Torchy’s breakfast tacos at all. I’ve lived in Austin and we have Torchy’s up here too, and I would never go there unless forced to with a group. For me, it’s Taco Joint all the way (another Austin original that’s made its way up to Dallas–in Austin it’s on the northern edge of campus). Get the Disaster. Even at 9am.

          • Care

            As a Houstonite (and after four years in SA), I agree with the crazy Dallasite. There are better breakfast taco places (or just better breakfast options generally), but I love Torchy’s lunch/dinner tacos!

        • anon

          If you can handle a real dive (not a pretend hipster dive) breakfast at Cisco’s.

    • Blue Moon

      Head to Rainey Street – it’s full of little houses that have been converted to bars and restaurants. There is usually live music at several of them.

      Check out what’s playing at the White Horse.

      If you want great BBQ but don’t feel like waiting in the Franklin’s line, check out La BBQ. Fantastic food and they serve free beer while you wait!

      I second all the recs for walking and running on Lady Bird Lake. You can walk all the way to Barton Springs, and you could also rent water bikes and kayaks and paddle around the river.

      Have a great time!

  8. Anon

    Any suggestions for avoiding the Sunday-night anxiety? I was having a perfectly lovely weekend when I got some work emails about things that had to be done this week (nothing out of the ordinary) and all of a sudden I had knots in my stomach and couldn’t think about anything but work. (and not in a productive way – in a stressed out, stream of consciousness way).

    • YouSaucyMinx

      What helps me is setting aside just one hour (yes I do set a time) Sunday morning for work. I know a lot of people recommending cutting yourself off completely on weekends, but for me, that leads to the pit int he stomach, omg this week is going to be crazy, anxious feeling.

      I use that one hour to review emails to see if there is a crisis I’ll need to address, look up my schedule for the week (do I have a major meeting with senior leaders? Am I presenting?), block chunks of time on my calendar scattered throughout the week for actual work so it can’t be eaten by non-stop meetings, then make a list of what my priorities for the week are, what things are secondary priorities, and if any conflicts need to be brought up to my manager. Being organized and having a plan of attack keeps the anxiety down, and by making a list, I feel better that I haven’t forgotten anything.

      When I get in Monday morning and everyone else is trying to get their lives together, I’m relaxed, organized, and ready to tackle what I’ve outlined

      • Anonymous

        +1. Also maybe check the weather for the week and plan your outfits. That always helps me feel more calm Monday morning.

        • YouSaucyMinx

          + to this! I plan out my outfits based on my schedule and iron/steam them so all week my mornings are so much smoother and stress free.

      • West Coast

        I do this as well. I would also say it is common in my firm; many people are online Sunday night and sending a few emails to set up the week. That said, although emails are being sent, the general expectation is that a response is not needed until Monday.

    • Monday

      This might not be transferable outside my weird brain, but when I kept finding myself in this kind of situation I made a rule for myself: my activities/thinking should be either (1) productive, or (2) fun. This meant that if I was stressing about work, I could either (1) go ahead and work on whatever the project was, or else (2) let it go and do something I was going to enjoy instead. The only option I was closing out was to continue ruminating on work without taking any action.

      Obviously we don’t control our minds, but it did help me catch myself more often.

      And this is assuming that you can’t just choose not to look at your work email account outside of working hours.

      • Sacha

        I like this and think it might transfer to my weird brain, too. I find myself struggling with this (and other related issues) throughout the week and it ultimately means I get less done on both the work and fun sides.

    • TCFKAG

      Is it likely that you will get work-related emails on Sunday night that need to actually be completed that evening? Because if not, I would definitely stop checking work emails on Sunday evening (I mean, its all still going to be there the next morning when you get to work.)

      I also try to mentally schedule things I find relaxing for Sunday nights, even if its just watching a Netflix movie or show I like, so that its “booked” and I’m not just spinning my wheels wishing it was not going to be Monday tomorrow.

      • Blonde Lawyer

        This. I have stopped checking emails at times where I can’t do anything about them. No checking email right before bed. No checking email when I’m about to drive to work.

        • Meg Murry

          Yes, this. And if you have your phone set to alert you when you have new emails, turn the alerts off unless you really do have a round the clock 24/7 job – there is no point getting an email popup about something you can do nothing about until you get to the office Monday morning. I also like checking my email occasionally when I’m off so I don’t walk into a whole pile of mess, but there is no reason for it to pop up and upset you when you aren’t in work mode.

    • Anon

      If you’re not required to check your email, leave everything at the office – office cell phone, laptop, etc. It’ll be there Monday.

  9. Hair thinning

    I am in my late twenties and I have recently noticed hair on my scalp is thinning out on one side. If I don’t cover it up with more hair, once can see a small bald spot. Should I see any specific doctor for this? Is it a dermatologist ? Not sure if any hair products that can actually help or if they are mostly fake advertising. I am otherwise healthy, but this is becoming more concerning, I always had very thick heavy hair growing up.

    • West Coast

      Do go to a doctor (not sure which type), because it may be alopecia. My brother had it, and doctors were able to treat, but I know this is not always the case.

    • SuziStockbroker

      Definitely see your doctor (I’d go to my GP and have here send me to a specialist if need be, but we don’t pay for doctors visits up here).

      Once you’ve figured it out and any underlying health issue causing it has been fixed, buy some cold-pressed castor oil. Rub it into your scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before you wash your hair.

      It’s not a quick fix but it seems to thicken hair very well.

      It also works for lengthening and thickening eyelashes apparently.

    • Sparrow

      See your doctor and get a blood test. I had a problem with bald patches and it turns out I had hypothyroidism. For the bald patches, see a dermatologist. There is a substance they can inject into your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Once I got my hypothyroidism under control, that helped the hair issues.

    • Jules

      Also check any meds you’re taking to see if this is a side effect. I had to take the anti-viral acyclovir for a while and it led to a quarter-sized bald spot on the back of my head (fortunately covered by my otherwise long hair and noticed only by my stylist).

    • ELS

      See your GP, but ask for a referral to a dermatologist/endocrinologist.

      I’m in my late 20s I have some hair thinning as well (slowly, for years), and my issue ended up being hormonal (endocrinologist).

      Most of the products you see advertised for women with thinning hair are complete crap, IMO. However, I’ve had good luck with minoxodil (generic Rogaine). My doctor gave me the OK to use the full-strength men’s stuff (I’m not pregnant/don’t intend to be pregnant). It’s helped.

      • In the Pink

        I’m going to start the rogaine myself. Any issues with putting it on; directions are so particular. Can you put it on after showering/doing hair/makeup and go to work all day long without your hair looking odd?

        Thanks for the encouragement. Research seems to say it’s also genetic. I thought my mom’s thinning hair was hormonal, and I thought mine was too, but now that my hormones have been stable and medically controlled for +10 years, I have to take some action.

        • ELS

          I definitely have some genetic thinning going on, as well. It’s gotten much better now that my hormones are stable-ish, but it’s still present. It’s a tough thing, as a lot of women don’t talk about it.

          I haven’t had any real problems with Rogaine application. I get the generic liquid (not the foam). I apply it after getting ready in the morning and haven’t noticed any greasiness, etc. It’s an alcohol-based solution, so once it’s dry there shouldn’t be any greasy residue (this was not the case for the foam). I apply it at my hairline, down my center part, and to the right and left of my part, rubbing it in at each area during the application process. I do the same at night, about 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed.

          I did, when I first started it years ago, notice some shedding in the first month or so. It was temporary and hasn’t recurred, even when I’ve taken a break from application (I took a year or more off from regular application recently, and just re-started).

          • RLS

            I’ve considered Rogaine, but when I’ve mentioned it to several people, they always say that once you start using it, you can’t stop or the hair will fall back out. That doesn’t seem scientifically likely to me, but I haven’t done any research on it. You’re saying that you stopped for a year and didn’t have any problems will fall out? My hair has been thinning incredibly bad lately, and I want to start doing something to ensure that it doesn’t stay this way.

          • ELS

            What they’re saying is that if you stop using Rogaine, your hair loss (if due to miniaturization of the hair follicle) will start again.

            I noticed a little more shedding and thinning when I wasn’t on Rogaine, which is why I re-started. But that didn’t start overnight, and the hair I regained/kept didn’t all fall out at once.

            What I was meaning when I said I didn’t notice shedding was that upon re-starting I didn’t have a “shed” like I did the first time I started Rogaine. When I first began several years ago, I had noticed some heavier shedding for about a month. That didn’t recur this time.

          • ELS

            No problem! I should also probably clarify: even after taking a year+ off using Rogaine, my hair was still in better shape than before I started.

  10. Paralegal

    Got a raise recently because my firm’s afraid I’m going to quit. Started to think this isn’t such a bad place. So thank you know it all attorney for yelling at me in front of others and reminding me of why I am actually planning to quit. It’s nice to know all of my hard work is so appreciated. Now let me rush back to finish those document conversions you need finished.

    • AnonPara

      A month ago I resigned from a position in which I experienced similar behavior. I have not looked back. There is something better out there for you. The attorneys I currently work with care about and appreciate me. Time to move on.

    • Idea

      As a former paralegal, +100 million.

      Other places may value you more AND be nicer — take the money AND run.

    • Anon

      OMG. I think we’ve talked too much about “work appropriate hairstyles” and now people are losing their minds.

      Yes. Yes, bangs are professional. Unless you are asking about dyeing your hair a color not found in nature (ex: pink), or styling it into something that could accurately be described as a mohawk, a mullet, or whatever that shaved-sides-like-Cressida style is called, then you’re cool.

      • Diana Barry

        +1. I think the super-long hair like Hannah Simone has is more of a concern because it can look too young (esp if worn down and in court).

    • LilyStudent

      Bangs are professional, though I think you need to be careful (especially if you’re blonde, for some reason) to stop them skewing too young.

      • Anonymous

        Yeah, that’s my concern. I’m a brunette but I look young so I’m concerned about making myself seem younger, since I have a job where being perceived as older is considered a good thing.

    • anon

      I had these bangs. Yes, they are professional, but require so much more attention and work and time to keep them professional – in my opinion. I am definitely lazier than the average gal when it comes to hair styling so to me they very quickly looked unprofessional if I wasn’t very attentive to the fringe.

    • ELS

      I am a brunette, 29, and can look younger. I recently got similar bangs.

      I am also a lawyer and in court at least 2x/wk, often more. I’ve gotten nothing but compliments from everyone from tip staff to opposing counsel. I don’t think they’re unprofessional, but then again, I don’t practice in a city. YMMV, but I tend to believe any hairstyle that is mainstream and well-kept is professional.

    • NytoCO

      Get them– and I’ll live vicariously through you. I had them for 3 years and absolutely loved them and the way they looked. And yes, they were a little more work but it was worth it. I don’t have them now because my SO would hate them to a much greater degree than I would love them. Boo.

    • Anon

      This is my exact hairstyle. So easy & yes, professional. Especially easy as you can just pull your hair back in a bun or pony tail and not look 12.

    • TO Lawyer

      Honestly, I had these bangs and miss them. (I may be considering cutting them back in). It is a lot of maintenance but if you can get around to getting them trimmed about every 3 weeks, it’s worth it. And I don’t think it’s an unprofessional look at all.

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