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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 150 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Printed Dot Jersey Sheath Dress

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · · · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Donna Morgan – Printed Dot Jersey Sheath Dress (Black) – Apparel6pm is having “Designer Day” and there are a ton of great deals to be had, including lots of clothing and accessories from brands like from BCBG MaxAzria, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein, Ella Moss, Frye, L.A.M.B., Three Dots, Trina Turk, and more, all up to 80% off. For our under $50 TPS report, I'm liking this simple black and white optical printed sheath dress from Donna Morgan. I think the pattern strikes just the right balance of fun while also being professional (and not, you know, seizure inducing) and the 70% off markdown is great: was $138, currently marked to $41.40 (sizes 4-12 still available). Donna Morgan – Printed Dot Jersey Sheath Dress (Black) – Apparel Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2) P.S. Hat tip to reader PollyD, who suggested “Frugal Fridays” might be better than “Bargain Fridays,” and I'm totally taking her up on the suggestion. TPSs run in a price range, as you may or may not have noticed, at least W-F — Wednesday is less than $150, Thursday is less than $100, and Friday is less than $50. I, of course, like to think that I find bargains throughout the week (even on Mondays sometimes!) — I'm always on the lookout for a sale for you guys!

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

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

Comments

  2. Anonymous

    Absolutely love this. Love it even more for the fact that it’s summery without being sleeveless.

  3. Emily I

    Uh oh. I’m probably going to pull the trigger on this one – and add it to the dozen black and white dresses I already have in my closet.

  4. b23

    I’m soooo glad it has sleeves! That seems to be rarer and rarer these days. Unfortunately, I gave up shopping for Lent. Bah.

    • myohmy

      Being poor has given up shopping for me, sadly. I was very jealous of my sister last time I saw her (still a student/still on the Mom & Dad income plan) who didn’t wear a single thing I’d seen her in before. Granted, she gets fabulous deals and is an excellent bargain shopper, but it was so depressing to realize I haven’t bought a new outfit since before Christmas.

  5. myohmy

    Love this dress – super cute! Unfortunately, I rarely, if ever, am warm enough to wear anything but 3/4 length or longer sleeves in the office, and sleeved dresses hardly ever look good under a cardigan. It’s too bad because I love the look, but people make fun of me in the office because even on 70+ degree days, I am wearing opaque tights if in a dress, thick wool socks if my feet are hidden under boots, and a sweater. Bare legs? Bare arms? HA. Turn down the AC and we’ll talk.

  6. HH

    Just bought it! Thanks for the great recommendation. I second everyone’s thoughts on sleeves. I also shopped the site… I will definitely go back to this site again.

  7. springtime

    What do you guys think about this skirt for work? It’s slightly above knee length on me. At the store it looked a lot more professional than the picture, so now I’m worried!

    http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5727&vid=1&pid=791603

    My office is biz casual, with the emphasis on casual, I would say. Maybe this should be reserved for casual Fridays (in which you can wear tshirts and jeans).

    • myohmy

      I like it but 1) it seems short (but maybe it doesn’t seem as short on you as it does on the model, so take that with a grain of salt) and 2) the zipper up the front seems um… a bit much, for work.

    • eb

      The zipper looks really awkward in the picture. I wouldn’t wear it to work in my business casual office (either Fridays or other days) but in your office it might work for Fridays?

      • springtime

        Ugh! I knew it! A moment of weakness and now I’m $25 poorer (because it was final sale). I usually am one of the more professional dressers at my office (I love very put together professional clothes), but I thought I should try to wear a non-pencil skirt every once in awhile.

        To be honest, they style it quite oddly in the photo so I do still think it looks better in person/on my body. For some reason I don’t find the zipper racey- maybe because it’s not fitted on the body. I don’t want to wear one of those “borderline” appropriate items, so this will be reserved for non-work events.

        Also, does anyone have suggestions about how to style a black leather high waisted pencil skirt? I stole one from my mother’s closet from back in like the 70s…but it fits me perfectly. It’s around knee length- they made clothes so much longer back then, which is awesome. It now sits in my closet since I have no clue what kind of top would work for it.

        Obviously, this is for going out attire. I’m a youngin’ so bear that in mind. Thanks!

        • I

          I would wear the leather skirt with a tucked in white tank and fun jewelry and really high heels. But I LOVE black and white. Others may disagree. Maybe add color with your shoes and/or a purse.

        • myohmy

          A loose, solid color blousy tee tucked in with some statement jewelry would probably work, IMO. I’ve also seen blazers done well, though I couldn’t pull it off.

          I love the look of v-neck sweaters and leather skirts (I like the contrast in texture) but it sounds like the high waisted part (and the “going out” part!) makes that a no. I have a really soft brown leather skirt that looks awesome with a cream v-neck and boots.

        • 2

          actually i think the gap skirt is fine. I think it would work just fine in my biglaw office (which is biz casual but a little fashion forward). enjoy it!

        • Ru

          I really like the look of soft, feminine lacy dresses with leather motorcycle jackets so if you have a lacy/sheer blouse, I think it’d look great tucked into your leather skirt. White, cream, blush, light pink, etc.

          • Lynnet

            This is what I was going to say. I think a victorian style lacy blouse in cream or white (appropriately low cut) would look amazing with this skirt for going out.

        • So

          I concur with what others have said about tops – you actually have a lot of leeway with a classic leather skirt like that – but also want to commend you for your good fortune in coming across such a great piece!

  8. kellyn

    Great dress! And I’m loving the explanation of W-F deals. I had not noticed that pattern before.

    Thanks for keeping an eye out for us poor Corporettes, Kat!

  9. Associette

    Frugal Fridays is a great idea! I love this dress, and the price. Thanks! It is fun to see something up on a Friday other than an AT Loft t-shirt.

    • Noner

      I think hideous is a strong word. They looked fine to me – plain, yes, but fine. And the thrust of the article was walking that line between frumpy and cutesy, so plain/clean lines are going to be a safe bet.

    • B

      “In my experience, it is mostly only women that notice bags.” AND??? The CEO of my biggest client is a woman, most of my clients are women, and at least half of my colleagues are women. But “it will likely go unnoticed”? Please.

  11. Cat

    Apparently in the minority here, but I really don’t like this one — I like prints and strong colors, but this just looks too bold / “look at me” for work. Reminds me of those cartoon paintings (Lichtenstein?) zoomed in.

  12. AIMS

    I dissent. I normally like polka dots, but am not a fan of the pattern of polka dots here. Makes me dizzy. I also don’t like black and white dresses. Makes me think of that 90210 episode where Brenda and Kelly wore the same dress to the spring dance.

    But totally agree that there are some great deals on 6pm!

    • Anon

      Man, it must be 90210 flashback day. When I first read the dress description, I thought it said “Donna Martin” instead of “Donna Morgan”…

      :)

    • Lawgirl

      I don’t care for this one either (and I like polka dot dresses!). It also gives off an air of looking cheap/low quality (can’t quite put my finger on why).

    • Mella

      Agreed. It’d be too much of a novelty garment for me. I have a couple of co-workers and after-work friends who would totally say mid-conversation, “…Sorry, I was mesmerized by your dress.”

  14. Getting off the couch

    I just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone the other day for their tips on starting Couch to 5K and staying motivated. I’m fortunate to have a treadmill at the house so can blast music without wearing headphones or fear of traffic. (I also figured this would be safer as a newbie since the surface will be even and [hopefully] easier on my feet and joints as I’m building strength.) Itunes even had some free downloads with a wonderful woman who has a British accent and politely tells you when to run or walk while music plays. (I’m sure I’m going to hate her as the weeks continue!:))

    Anyway, thank you all for giving me the boost to get started. I’m keeping some of your motivating tips in a journal to turn to whenever I hit a rough patch. You had so many wonderful ideas.

    So far, two workouts down and really looking forward to what’s ahead. I’ll keep you posted when I finally complete the program and reach my goal of being an “official” 5K -er.

    Thanks again!

    • AnonInfinity

      Congratulations on a great start! Hopefully it will bring years of fun for you!

    • another anon

      Congrats on getting started!!! That is truly the hardest part.

      FYI, there are differing opinions as to whether a treadmill is really easier on your body or not. I find I get terrible shin splits when I run on a treadmill. So if do you run into problems, try heading outside and see if it feels any better.

        • another anon

          I thought I was crazy when it first started happening, but then a massage therapist told me that she knows a lot of people who have problems on the treadmill, but not on the road.

      • karenpadi

        If you are starting to run, I’d recommend getting some lessons on the POSE method/barefoot running styles. I get horrible calf cramps running and the only way I last longer than a mile is when I concentrate on POSE form. Plus, because there is no heel strike, it’s supposed to be easier on the knees.

    • Divaliscious11

      Ditto. I have been peer pressured into a 10 mile run in approx 10 weeks. I have a great training plan that starts on Monday…. I have always wanted to be a runner, just never could manage it.

    • anon

      Awesome-

      And don’t be afraid to run outside. I always dreaded treadmills, but could manage it. I figured it was better for my joints, etc. I started running outside and at first was intimidated — its so public! But now I find it so fun and liberating.

  15. Anon

    Early threadjack – do the Corporettes have any tips for dealing with a difficult boss? I work for someone who manages by never admitting that she’s wrong or doesn’t know something. When such a thing occurrs, she throws the nearest person under the bus. Yesterday she called me out in a meeting for failing to do something I had in fact done (and the other meeting attendees knew that I had). She arrived late to the meeting and claimed that I hadn’t notified her of the meeting date and time, when the truth was that two weeks ago, when I was in the process of scheduling, she told me that she wouldn’t be able to make it and I should go ahead without her and just keep her posted. Despite that, I still CCed her on all the emails I exchanged with the other attendees to confirm the date and time, and her assistant confirmed that the meeting was on her calendar. After the meeting, she claimed not to have those emails, so I forwarded them to her, and then she said “oh, I must have deleted those without opening them.”. I don’t think I was wrong to assume that if she had specifically asked me to include her on my emails about a particular matter, she’d actually, you know, LOOK at them!

    I know it’s not just me – she treats all of us this way, and since changing jobs is not an option right now for several reasons, I need to find a way to deal with it. Any advice?

    • grumpy boss

      I feel you, one of my bosses is forever grumpy! This person tends to just want to say that everything is wrong and everyone is wrong and the whole thing is just WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. But, if THEY had done it, it would’ve been right. For the most part I just shrug and let the boss grumble, but if it is something that I’ve done and it’s correct, I do make a point to bring that up. If you want to be grumpy, that’s fine, be grumpy. But, don’t start saying that I’ve done something poorly when that’s not the case. When I “resist” the grumpiness regarding my performance, the boss pretty quickly shifts attention to an easier target, ie: someone who’s not in the room to defend themselves!
      Not much advice to give, but at least you know you’re not alone, and you’re probably doing a good job :)

      • Anon

        Thanks, grumpy boss! It does help to know I’m not alone, and since I struggle with confidence issues to begin with, constantly being blamed for things I didn’t do has been tough for me.

    • Lynnet

      I think it sounds like you’re dealing with her perfectly. As to the inside your own head stuff, I always find it useful to remind myself that the issue is not with me, it’s with her, and she treats everyone this way. If I keep reminding myself of that, eventually I just stop really noticing my boss’ (bosses’? boss’s?) bad mood. Instead of getting upset everytime they yell at me, I think “this isn’t about me,” deal with it, and move on. It can be a tough place to get to mentally, though.

    • Anon-ee-mouse!

      CYA, CYA, CYA. I’ve been there and I feel for you. Make sure you get everything in writing. It’s difficult, but necessary for your own sake. If she assigns you something verbally, when you get back to your office, email her something along the lines of “This is to confirm our conversation that I should X…”

      The hardest thing that I’ve learned (and am still learning) is how to manage up. So push back when you need to (politely and professionally, of course). If she attempts to throw you under the bus, say something to the effect of: “It was my understand that you wanted X. I confirmed this in an email sent on Y. If that was not what you wanted, please let me know what you would like, etc etc etc”

      If all else fails, and if you feel comfortable doing so, go to Bully Boss’ supervisor with your concerns. Make sure that you present it not as complaining about working, but with documentation (perhaps with more than one person’s documentation) about how the boss’ conflicting desires make completing your job and doing it well difficult/impossible.

      • Divaliscious11

        While the cya part of this is good, the rest will put you permanently on your boss’ isht list and will likely make your boss hate you. Don’t ever purposely make your boss look bad in front of others..

        • Anon-ee-mouse!

          Good point – I didn’t mean to do that in a meeting. I should clarify. Do it when it’s only the two of you.

        • Another Anon

          Agreed. I had boss who would say “x” but mean “y” and figured it was everyone’s fault for not automatically knowing that.

          Oh, it was awful. CYA was no help at all.

    • Divaliscious11

      My take on this may be a bit a different from the below but it sounds like you need to manage up. As an extremely busy boss, who has an extremely busy boss! I don’t always have time to read every email on which I am cc’d those who report to me, the email coming directly to me, and the email’s from my boss pushing down work. Not fair but it is fact. So I tell my team’, if it is something I NEED to know, ie a priority project, high visibility client, related to an upcoming meeting etc… Send the detailed email, but come by and give me the 5 minute summary, and reference your email for more detail. If there is a meeting, pop in and remind her. It’s easy to say “my boss sucks”, and I am not at all ruling out the possibility that she simply sucks, but it may also be that she is overwhelmed or just swamped. And if everyone gets the same treatment, you have to figure how how ton change things for you.

      Now when I first received this advice I balked and said why do I have to do this, but I did it any way, and the results have been well worth it. I now take the position that it is my job to make my boss look like a rock star, and in return I have become her rock star, her go to for the top projects, and it really has created a better relationship. If she’s just swamped, it will work in your favor. If she sucks, you’ll know that is the case and you can start your long term exit plan.

      There are some great articles on managing up. Just google.

      • Anonymous

        “I now take the position that it is my job to make my boss look like a rock star.”

        Yes.

      • Anon

        Thanks so much – this is really helpful and I will keep it in mind! I do want to clarify that I wasn’t annoyed with her for missing the emails – she is in fact a very busy woman who’s going through some tough personal stuff right now, and I’m happy to accommodate that (and I certainly would have given her a separate reminder if she hadn’t already told me that she wouldn’t be coming to the meeting). What I objected to was the fact that she blamed me in front of everyone for failing to notify her, when that was demonstrably not true. A simple “I’m sorry, I must have missed that” rather than “You never told me about this and it embarrassed me in front of VIP” would have gone a long way toward making me feel better about the whole situation.

    • govvie

      Managing up is an underrated attribute and is an aspect of followership. In addition to incorporating that perspective, looks like you are doing a thorough, professional job of communicating. If she is a lousy leader to enough folks, she will (likely) lose credibility above her level, also. People hang out, play golf, whatever; word gets around “off the record.” We’ve got one who is a careerist, political weasel and we acknowledge it to ourselves in our dealings. He’s thrown some of us under the bus and that’s what weasels do. One of the few upshots to that is that quality subordinates to a weasel supervisor can really stand out to others in a positive way.

  16. Coffee-In-The-Bag-Update

    Good Morning,

    Quick update on my bag, ruined on my last day when someone put a coffee inside before handing it to me (I wasn’t allowed to return to my desk to get my things).

    After two emails to my former supervisor went unanswered I emailed one of the directors. Two hours later they’ve promised to reimburse me for the bag (We’ll see, but I think they will).

    Thanks ladies — tell you what, I’ll send that money to the Red Cross when it arrives in honor of The Hive.

    • Ru

      Thanks for the update – and good for you for persisting in getting a reponse. I cannot believe how nasty the person who packed your things is.

    • E

      Thanks for the followup. I was so shocked, and have thought about this a couple times since you posted! Can’t believe your former supervisor ignored you, but glad you’ve had good luck with the director. Good for you for donating the money, but I’d also feel free to use it on a new bag if I were you (or whatever else you want)!

      • b23

        Ditto! I’m so happy this worked out as well as possible, given the circumstances.

    • Louise

      As a Red Cross volunteer, I’d like to personally thank you for turning this upsetting situation into real help for real people in real crises. Thank you, thank you!

  17. LawyrChk

    Love the dress, but it sold out in my size before I finished check-out. There are several cute Donna Morgan dresses though, and I ordered a purple wrap dress for $40.

  18. sleepless in the south

    Vent: I had an interview two weeks ago yesterday at a firm and have not heard anything yet. They said it might be a “couple of weeks.” Climbing the walls!! Wondering at what point I should just assume it’s a no and move on. A friend of mine is a partner there, but I hate to put her on the spot and ask her about it.

    • Another Anon

      Deep breaths. This will all be a memory shortly.

      Good luck! ~sends you good vibes~

    • Panda

      I interviewed in January. Was convinced they weren’t going to offer me the job. Got the offer yesterday! I say if you haven’t heard from them after three weeks, write back and see if you can provide more information. If you don’t hear back, then think about assuming it’s a no. But until then, try yoga or running. Believe you me, I understand the stress. Sometimes it’s just a matter of them working through internal administrative stuff.

    • Lynnet

      In the same position. It’s my dream job, too, so I’m on pins and needles. They told me mid to late April, but the waiting is killing me!

  19. anon

    On the subject of difficult bosses:

    I summered at a firm where I very much liked most of the partners I met, and after graduation and (hopefully) passing the bar, I’m going back to work there in October. I have yet to decide which practice area I’m interested in, but we are basically allowed to pick which practice area/partners we want to work with for the first two years.

    There is one partner who has a reputation for being extremely difficult to work with: unreasonable, demanding, and has a temper. I had the opportunity to do an assignment for her over the summer, and I found that she lived up to her reputation. Everyone else I worked for was courteous, encouraging, and patient. However, I am most interested in this partner’s practice area, which I find fascinating, and she has a stellar reputation in this field, and she’s one of the few people in the firm to do this type of law. She did like my work, and expressed the hope that I would work for her when I return. So my question is this: which trumps? Which is more important to my happiness–working with people I like on work that I potentially find less interesting, or doing work that I find fascinating but dealing with someone who may make my life miserable? Having never worked for someone incredibly unpleasant before, I feel like it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, and that I could suck it up for several years–but perhaps I’m underestimating myself. Thoughts?

    • meme

      For me, whether I’m happy in a job depends most upon the people I work with: whether they are good people doing good work that I can get behind. Terrible managers make even the most interesting work miserable in my experience.

    • Anon-ee-mouse!

      If that partner is anything like the unpleasant, demanding, unreasonable partners that I have worked for – you can deal with it for a few years as long as you have the ability to cancel any/every plan at a moment’s notice, work 8 hours on Saturday and/or Sunday at a moment’s notice, and give up any semblance of a normal social life.

      Also, every new attorney is incredibly nervous and self-conscious about his or her work for the first 18 months or so of practicing. It’s natural and to be expected. Think long and hard about what that will do to your psyche to combine the run-of-the-mill lack in confidence with a boss that may have a temper tantrum for a minor mistake (and you will make them).

      I’m not saying it can’t be done, but you have to know where your values are. For me? It was more important to spend quality time with my husband on weekends (because he travels during the week) than to be at the cutting edge or forefront of law that I found interesting.

    • Em

      Choose the better people. Absolutely, 100%. The practice of law has enough inherent stress in it; working with people who needlessly add to that has a remarkable ability to destroy any substantive enjoyment you used to get from it.

    • Anon

      I think you answered your own question “… who may make my life miserable.” Life is too short and she does not control the door to this particular practice area, even if she does control the door within this firm. You have more than two choices here and they include looking at another firm or biding your time about moving into your area of interest. But I would say: Do not underestimate the corrosive effects of a screamer boss over time. Particularly if she is also a grudge holder (some people scream and have forgotten by the next day, others not so much), she will have the power to make you live in fear.

      Maybe a useful ‘gut-check’ question is how did your family or origin deal with conflict? If her style is one with which you are familiar and does not totally unnerve you, then maybe you should consider it. But I grew up in a family where no one EVER yelled – conflict was addressed, but calmly, sticking to the issues, seeking compromise, no personal attacks. The few times I’ve encountered a yeller, I’ve realized I am totally unequipped.

    • grumpy boss

      Also agree on choosing the people, as the work is not nearly as satisfying when you’re constantly beaten down by your boss. It starts to make you unmotivated to do your work well, and then you start turning really poor work. Then your confidence tanks and you start being afraid to take on any new projects… just not worth it! I’ve found that bosses that gave me constructive criticism on my work “failures” received much higher quality work in the future than the ones that just threw a tantrum about it.

    • Kady

      I think it also depends on the fortitude of the associate. Every difficult partner I’ve ever known has had “their” person, an associate who managed to last where none other have. But these were also associates that seem to have iron-clad constitutions, literally able to work under any condition, walk through walls, etc…

      It probably doesn’t bode well for your longevity under this partner that you’re already concerned about working for her. Just don’t get trapped in the situation that she monopolizes your time, and so if and when you feel you can no longer work for her, you have no other partners to turn to for work within the firm.

      • anon for this

        Yes, we have a lady dragon partner in my firm. She is an expert in her field, and has a massive book. Clients love her, so from the firm’s perspective, she can do no wrong. She is also a mean, spiteful, vindictive person who goes out of her way to hurt people she thinks were disrespectful to her, and a raging alcoholic. It’s not about working hard or doing a great job – she’s unpredictable, doesn’t plan assignments ahead of time so there are lots of emergencies, and goes on anger binges. Even when she’s in a good mood, it is very stressful working with her.

        She has a go-to associate who works with her all the time, and he has turned into a terrible person too, probably as a means of coping with her abuse. He got stuck with her years ago after turning in shoddy work or having an attitude problem – the other partners avoided working with him. How else would he make his hours but by signing up with Her? I occasionally get sucked into working a bit for cases when I can’t come up with a legit reason not to, but am doing the very best I can to stay off their radar and out of their clients.

        Please, OP, do not volunteer to work with people whom you know to treat their colleagues poorly. It is absolutely not worth it.

    • Marie

      She did say she liked your work and would like to work with you further, so she can’t be that bad! I think it depends quite a bit on your personality and work-style. If you are a hard worker, don’t mind going the extra mile to meet her standards, and you won’t be destroyed emotionally when she shows her temper, it could be a really good experience. I’ve worked for people like that who seem super difficult, demanding and scary in the beginning…but, once you prove to them that you are a hard worker who will always deliver with a good attitude, that type of initially harder-to-please boss can later become your biggest champion. I think the key is if she actually *would* recognize and appreciate your hard work, and it sounds like she did before.

      • Kaye

        Agree with this. If you’re really ambitious, you should absolutely work with this partner. If you just want a job, then don’t.
        From what you said it sounds like you could have a good working relationship with her as long as you work really hard.

    • MelD

      You said you potentially find it less interesting, which indicates to me that the other practice areas don’t bore you to tears. The reality is that some types of work may initially seem boring until you get to know more about them, but others that seem interesting from the start turn out to be less interesting once you get into the nitty gritty. It just seems like too big a risk to me to choose the job with the obnoxious partner just because you think it might be interesting now. At best you’ve done a project or two with that practice area.

    • AIMS

      Make sure the reputation is accurate. My last boss was very “difficult” and “yelled a lot” and all that bullsh*t. We got on great. It was probably the best work experience I have ever had.

      Maybe it’s me, but I find that I get on perfectly well with so called difficult people. You say you have worked with her before and she liked your work — it sounds like you may actually get along with her, too.

      Also, having a “nice” boss is sometimes not good — I have had many frustrating experiences with “nice” bosses.

      Figure out what matters more to you. If you are really interested in this area, and she has this fab reputation in that field, you are only going to earn yourself major brownie points for working with her. I would do it in a heartbeat.

      • EC MD

        It’s hard to know exactly what the players are like, but I agree with AIMS. Try to evaluate what the criticism of her is, and whether those match your experience with her. Some women get the b!tch moniker as a boss because they have the audacity to demand excellence from their staff and call people on it when they are not doing their best. If you and she work together well, then maybe it would be a good fit. I’m not telling you to walk into an abusive situation, but maybe she’ll help you grow in ways that will be helpful to you.

    • mille

      I’ve worked with a very demanding, difficult boss for 2 1/2 years now. I’ve gained almost 50 pounds from the stress, and am very unhappy in general because of my work situation. I hate coming into the office and generally live in fear that I have done something wrong. Especially because I can do something the same way 30 times but the 31st time it turns out to be wrong somehow. But, I am generally having a very bad day so on a better day I may have a different answer for you.

      My boss is considered to be the best lawyer in our geographical area– so much so that judges, lawyers and police officers hire her when they are getting divorced or get into other problems– and working for her has taught me a lot. You have to decide if what you will learn from her is worth it. The opportunity to work with someone at the top of thier game got me through the last few years, and it is something you can definitely do if you want to, but you have to make the value judgment and decide if it is worth it to you.

    • anon for this

      I have just had an experience where I feel that my partners are short-changing me financially after many, many years at this firm, and one in particular who is known to be “difficult” was a complete a** to me, I would warn you that it does not get any better with time.

      Especially if this potential supervisor is one of the top decision-makers at the firm, I would have serious reservations about going to work for someone on the front end who you know to be unreasonable. They are unlikely to give you credit for your work, and I agree with the assessment that the people you work with on a daily basis have more impact on how happy you are than the exact nature of the work itself. I know this is not what you want to hear, but I am now wishing I had had this advice years ago.

  20. Omega

    Is there a middle ground? Another practice group with somewhat interesting work perhaps? While it is great to work in an area you find fascinating, I would really recommend doing everything to avoid tyrants. The hours are bad enough at law firms. I would recommend not making yourself even more miserable by working for someone who is just a mean bully. You haven’t even started yet – it is scary to walk in already thinking that you have to “suck it up” for a few years.

    • AIMS

      I think we might all be projecting here. This woman has worked with the OP before and they got on fine and she complimented her work. How does that translate into “mean bully?”

      • Em

        Well, she did say:

        “There is one partner who has a reputation for being extremely difficult to work with: unreasonable, demanding, and has a temper. I had the opportunity to do an assignment for her over the summer, and I found that she lived up to her reputation.”

        I think the fact that she complimented her work doesn’t mean the process of getting the work does isn’t really bad. We have a partner like that at my firm who is actually appreciative and complementary of people who do good work but knowing, intellectually, that she respects your work does not really negate the effect of being belittled and screamed at in the midst of the project.

        • JessT

          I disagree that “unreasonable, demanding, and has a temper” translates into “mean bully.” It really might, but my bosses are unreasonable, demanding, and have nasty tempers, but they are also genuinely nice people who I know care about me. They do periodically blow up over completely unreasonable issues, but they sometimes apologize and always get over it or forget about it.

      • MelD

        I don’t think you can assume that how a partner treats a summer associate is going to reflect how the relationship will progress when the summer associate becomes a first-year associate. The summer is essentially a trial for both parties, especially in this case where the new associates are allowed to pick their practice areas. The partner is not going to do herself any favors by berating summers and making unreasonable demands, because they will choose to work with other partners.

      • Anonymous

        She was a summer. If you think they were difficult to work for when you were being coddled on a small project, it’ll be 10xs worse as an associate.

        As a lawyer let me inform you not much is really that fascinating. Just work with nice people and you’ll be happier.

        • anon

          Thanks for all the advice everyone! I definitely got some advice that I wasn’t expecting–there is much to ponder.

  21. cbackson

    Ladies, I’m heading to this east coast tonight to run the Boston Marathon. After a crazy week (billing a ridiculous number of hours, try to close two deals, etc), the prospect of running 26.2 actually seems like a vacation. Please wish me luck (and keep your fingers crossed for no travel snafus!)!

    And since I’ll have two days before the race, what’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss in Boston?

    • goirishkj

      GOOD LUCK! I’m hoping to run my first marathon this fall–I am in awe of those who qualify for Boston :)

      When I went to Boston a while back, I really enjoyed the Freedom Trail. However, I don’t think it would be a good idea to walk it prior to a marathon. I love history though, so it might be worth taking a bus to the various sites. Sitting in the Old North Church was pretty amazing to me (again, I’m a total history nerd, so YMMV)

      • Omega

        Congratulations! I can barely run 3 miles so I am quite impressed. I am headed up to Boston today too (obviously not to run though)! If there is only time for one thing, I would go hang out in Fanueil Hall. If you have time, shopping/brunch on Newbury St. in the Back Bay.

      • cbackson

        I am a history nerd too, and I’m going with my dad who’s a poli sci professor, so that’s definitely up our alley.

    • Circe

      CONGRATS on the Boston qual. Wow, that is huge! Best of luck to you. I’m training for my first half in June – I can’t imagine running the Boston! Be sure to post your time so we can congratulate you appropriately :)

      • cbackson

        Thanks! I have my fingers crossed for a good time, but we’ll see how it goes.

    • CFM

      It going to be beautiful on Monday! I will be cheering you on! I always suggest the freedom trail but more than the actual trail its just a nice way to structure a walk around Boston. If you are a baseball fan, this is fun http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp Check out the north end for great italian, and check out faneuil hall for a good place to walk around/eat

    • Daphne

      I live in Boston! I would say you have to go to a game at Fenway. You can get last minute tickets through stubhub.com. It’s supposed to rain on Sunday, so go to the Saturday game if you can.

    • Matilda

      No Boston suggestions, but good luck, and have a great run! I’ll be running the one in Nashville in 2 weeks (my first) — I can’t wait!!!

      • Maddie Ross

        Good luck in Nashville! Don’t burn it all out in the first half of the race. I did Nashville 4 years ago. It’s a fabulous first half, miserable second. The crowds and fun scenery is mostly in the first half, so don’t get too excited and go out too fast. The second half is much flatter though… so there is an upside.

        • Matilda

          @Maddie Ross — thanks for the advice! I heard about the bad second half in years past. They say they’ve changed the course this year, so I’m optimistic. My plan is to stay with a slow-for-me pace group for as long as I can…especially through the 3-mile-long uphill!!!

      • cbackson

        Ah, I was trying to remember which commentator was getting ready for the Nashville marathon. Good luck – the first marathon is a really, really special experience. You will feel like a super-woman!*

        *once you’re recovered a little bit, that is :)

        • Matilda

          That was me! :-) I’m really excited, although my 20-miler fell on the hottest day here so far, so was sort of painful. congrats and have fun in Boston!

    • JM

      Good luck cbackson!!! I hope you meet your time goal, if you set one for this race! I am very envious of all those who made it through the registration process (I did not), but hope to for 2012!

      My favorite marathon mantra is “the last 6.2 miles is going to hurt, no matter if you run it fast or slow. So you may as well run it fast!” Dig deep – good luck!

      • cbackson

        I was so lucky to get in this year. That was crazy. Fingers crossed for you for 2012.

    • K

      I’m a Bostonian too. I like the Freedom Trail and Fenway (as others have suggested) BUT I don’t think either one would be good for you to do pre-race. The Freedom Trail is about 3 miles of walking (if you must do it, at the very least, skip the climb up the Bunker Hill Monument — my legs always ache for days afterwards), and I always come away from Fenway Park with bruised knees (the seats have little leg room) and a hurt neck from twisting in my seat so I actually face home plate. If you want the feel of Fenway without the time/$$ commitment, there’s a sports bar under the outfield bleachers that can be fun (it has a field level window).

      Anyway, if you’re a museum person, I can’t recommend the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum highly enough. It’s a beautiful museum with an interesting collection of medieval-to-Impressionist art displayed in Gardner’s house (a sort of multi-story Italianate villa designed around an enclosed courtyard). It’s not very big, so you won’t get tired walking around.

      If you’re looking to relax, I love the spa treatments at the Boston Harbor Hotel. You’d get some sightseeing in because the hotel is located right on the harbor not far from Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market.

      Another option would be to combine a walk around the Public Garden with a shopping trip on Newbury Street and a visit to the Boston Public Library on Copley Square (the building itself is worth a look, and they typically have good exhibits). The Fairmount Copley hotel has a nice bar for post-shopping/sight-seeing. It’s right across the square from the library.

      • Lisa

        Seconding the Boston Library rec. I also went on a duck boat tour while I was there. Fun and you won’t be on your feet.

      • cbackson

        Thanks, this is awesome and so helpful! The finish is right on Copley Square, so I know we’ll be down there to scope it out prior to the race. i’ll definitely check out the library.

    • Bostonian

      Awesome! I will be cheering you on close to the halfway mark! I don’t know if they’ve reopened for the season, but I think the Duck Tours are kind of fun. The Isabella Gardner Museum is lovely.

      • Hel-lo

        I went to law school in Boston.

        I also second the Duck Tour. I think they are great. Or a Trolley Tour. They’ll do most of the Freedom Trail without you having to walk.

    • govvie

      I think they should have t-shirts just for qualifying…unless they already do ;) Signed, Short-Distance Runner

    • Anonymous

      Good luck, cbackson! I’ve been meaning to say this for some time and this seems like a good opportunity: you seem like a really great person! I know you’ve recently been through a very difficult time with your divorce and I really admire you for working hard, pursuing your personal interests and keeping your chin up. Your comments are always sincere, helpful and positive — I particularly enjoyed your recent comments about how your parents are convinced you will end up with your gay, married high school friend (prom date?)!

      We talk a lot on this site about meeting “the right guy” and if that is what you want, I have no doubt that you won’t be single for long. In the meantime, I hope you have a great time at the marathon!

        • Anonymous

          I’m Anonymous @ 3:14 pm: Ru, I think you’re pretty great as well! Isn’t it funny how you feel like you “know” Corporette commentators, especially the regular posters? You also are super positive and constructive and I always enjoy reading your comments. Someday we’ll have a great big meet-up and I look forward to meeting Kat and my favorite Corporettes.

      • cbackson

        Thank you so, so much.

        I am really grateful for the wonderful, supportive community here. You all have helped me through some very difficult times lately. The online world can be rough – anonymity can lead to callousness and bad behavior. But while we Corporette commenters are by no means perfect, I have been amazed by and deeply grateful for the generosity of spirit of this community. Thanks for your kind words – they’ll be with me as I’m running this weekend.

    • AEK

      From someone else who is finishing a tough week, congrats! And good luck in Boston! I am always inspired when busy people make the time do things like this…reminds me that I make too many excuses.

      • cbackson

        Thanks! I hope your next week is better – the craziness has to stop some time, right?

    • Bonnie

      Congratulations and good luck. You could go to the Italian neighborhood for your pre-race fuel.

    • a lawyer

      Sorry I did not see this earlier. I ran Boston twice several years ago. The Boston Common with the memorial to the hero of the movie “Glory” is pretty incredible, and of course, the Old North Church of Paul Revere’s Ride, but you are probably going to be too sore afterwards to walk that distance!!
      Congratulations on your accomplishment!

  22. btsbsc

    threadjack! (re-posted from the bag thread from yesterday)

    Any DC-area ladies have recommendations for womens groups to join? After hibernating all winter, I am itching to get involved/get social. I know thats pretty vague, but I am looking for a wide variety of groups – anything from a book club recommendation, hiking groups, social organizations, and volunteer groups. There is a ton of stuff online on meetup.com and yelp – but I wanted to see if there are any Corporette-approved recommendations. I’ve done kickball in the past and it really wasnt for me. Also, free/cheap recs are especially appreciated.
    Thanks!

    • Legally Brunette

      I’m moving back to DC in the fall and would be interested in hearing others’ responses as well. I have heard very good things about the Junior League in DC (from someone on this site as well as from a colleague). I am also personally interested in volunteering with Dress for Success in DC, although I don’t know anything about it aside from what I’ve heard/seen on TV.

    • AL

      As a member of the JLW, I would second the JLW. However, the recruitment for the fall 2012 class won’t start until winter of 2011. You can attend our special events and public events without having to be a member though. In the meantime, does your school have a local alumni group? I used to play (or more often than not watch) softball – softball season is starting soon. There are also other women’s social organizations that are purely social and have social functions but not being a part of them, I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about them.

    • Eponine

      I met a lot of my female friends in DC through my alumni club and through yoga classes. Try Yoga District if you want a lower-priced yoga class.

  23. Any Chicago Junior Leaguers

    Thinking about joining? Any local intel? Mix of working/non-working etc????
    Any info appreciated.

    • K

      I am a member and have found it to be a great way to meet other professional women and to become involved in the community! The women range in age from just out of college to upper 30s, and everyone who I have met through the JLC is a working woman (I think the non-working women are either “sustainers” (those who have been in the League for awhile, and therefore are no longer active members) or are part of the suburban Leagues). The Junior League tends to have a conservative/stuffy reputation, but I have not found that to be the case at all here in Chicago. I would definitely recommend joining!!

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