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Updated: Oct 30, 2018 223 Comments · by

Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Gerarda Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. I always forget about Elie Tahari — but I really like their dresses and suits and would put them on par with Reiss, Boss, and others. This “parrot red” dress looks great with sleeves and cool pleated neckline details; it's also nice to note that it's lined and has a concealed back zip. It's available at Elie Tahari and Neiman Marcus in white and red, and Bloomingdale's and Saks in just white. Gerarda Dress A more affordable option is at Amazon, and Lord & Taylor has a plus-size option. This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support! Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.

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

      • Ellen

        Yay Kat! I love Tahari, and this is VERY nice but I would prefer the less pricey alternative, Kat! I know this is pricey Monday’s so I understand why it is here!

        Has anyone in the hive had to get a deposit on a Condo back? Dad wants out of our condo, but he put down over $500K and he needs a good attorney b/c the condo guy says to give him some more time and Dad does NOT want to. We live in NY and need a good Condo guy (or woman) in NYC b/c it involves condo’s and I only know WC law. If anyone can give me a lead, I would be very grateful! TIA!!!!

  2. Executive flats

    I need to make the move to flats (or flat-ish) shoes, including for a vvvimportant work meeting coming up.

    I know that there have been roundups of work flats, but I cannot ever recall seeing anyone in an important / senior role in any company wear any type of flat / flattish shoe other than a Ferragamo Vara (rarely a Varina). It’s like The Skirt for senior executive women, perhaps?

    At any rate, other than that, can you think of anything offhand that you’ve seen in real life (instead of on a list)?

    Otherwise, it’s off to N-M/Nordstrom I go . . . (also: between the two, which would you recommend? I am not usually a N-M shopper, but do also order from Nordstrom on occasion). Both are in my city and for shoes I do like to have the opinion of local returns / exchanges even if I order so I can try on with tired/end-of-day feet to make sure they really work.

    • Susan

      For comfort and for style, I like Nordstrom on-line. There are so many more shoes than in the store. Use the filter “comfort” first, and then size, color, and heel height, etc.. I suggest ordering lots of shoes, and then bring back the ones you do not like. Zappos does the same thing–has a comfort filter. The comfort filter gets you a padded footbed, arch support, etc. Pointy toes always look less casual than round toes. Also, Adrian Allen has super comfy shoes, but is a sleeper, lesser known brand.

      • Executive flats

        I like the Adrian Allen ones! Their party shoes (not what I need, but always a shoe disaster) are so cute!

        Tell me more about them — fit, etc.

        They remind me of the old Taryn Rose shoes that I used to have / love.

    • Anonymous

      I have seen the Chanel cap toe flats with the small heel (not the ballet flats). I have also seen Stuart Weitzman flats with a similar look.

    • lawsuited

      I wear the Michael Kors Nancy flats to court and client meetings, and think they match the formality of skirt and pant suits really well.

      • Anonymous

        I was just on M Gemi for another purpose and saw lots of professional flats. Expensive, but super nice looking.

    • cbackson

      I wear a ton of M.Gemi flats. I also wear Ferragamo Varinas. The sole on the Varina is a bit more substantial than on the various M.Gemi flats that I have, and there’s a smidge more arch support. But other than that, the quality is comparable, I think the styling is more au courant for professional women, and they’re half the price.

    • Scarlett

      Tory Burch makes dressy flats, but you find them under “shoes” not flats on Nordstrom online. I don’t find them especially comfortable but they look nice.

    • inhousejen

      M Gemi pointed toe flats are my go-to. I think I have 13 color/material variations. If I’m not in heels, I’m in these. I have a few Jimmy Choo flats too, but they just don’t have the color options that I want.

    • Ms B

      Try E.G. Geller for a wide assortment of brands. That said, I am all in on AGLs here. They do have some lower heeled pumps and wedges that might do the trick for your purposes, including a pair that remind me of the Circa Joan and David pumps that I loved and have in three colors.

    • aBr

      Nicholas Kirkwood. Super soft Italian leather plus the detailing makes them a bit more polished. If you are between sizes, I’d size up.

  3. Anonymous

    PSA for pears: I’ve had good luck with Elie Tahari, even their pants seem to work.

    • IHHtown

      I see Elie Tahari at discount stores like TJMaxx, Ross and Marshalls I forgot that it is a real brand and not an “only for discount shopping” brand. The discount stores have excellent Tahari options, and will more often than not only be a season or two out.

      • Anonymous

        That is usually the Tahari brand, which is a lower end line than Elie Tahari. I very rarely see Elie Tahari in any of the discount stores (maybe excluding Saks Off 5th or Neiman Marcus Last Call).

      • Anonymous

        Isn’t there a pretty big difference between “Elie Tahari” (which I’ve never seen at a discount store) and “Tahari ASL” or “Tahari by Arthur S. Levine” (which I’ve bought from discount places and always been happy with)??

        • Anonymous

          Yep, HUGE difference. I might buy the Tahari line for casual weekend wear, but never for work.

    • Anon

      +1. I have 3 Elie Tahari items (jeans, longer jacket/coat, and longer sweater/tunic) that all work wonderfully with my hourglassish pear shape.

  4. Anonymous

    I’ve recently started a new job almost 3 months ago – big promotion, great company to work for, etc. I just can’t seem to get into the swing of things here. my boss seems really passive aggressive and I think I’ve missed all of his cues of what I should be doing, to the point where he’s had our HR partner meet with me (because obviously he can’t tell me anything directly)… the team that works for me is very weak, and all of the processes that I oversee seem to be hanging on by a thread. I just can’t muster up the energy to delve into everything like I should be doing. Anyone have helpful advice on how to suck it up and focus on work when you have no idea what to do or how to get started and when you just don’t seem to be getting good directions from your boss?

    • lawsuited

      You are 3 months into a new job and already know you’re on thin ice with your new boss. You do not have the luxury of doing anything but throwing all your energy into making the team and the processes you manage successful. You must have some idea of what to do or you wouldn’t have gotten this job. Start with the most problematic/important process – make a plan, review it with your boss confidently, and implement the plan. Repeat for all processes. As your team does well/poorly, make detailed notes about their performance so that you can make any necessary firing/hiring pitches to your boss.

      Your options are: throw all your energy into making this job work out, or throw all your energy into looking for another job. Decide quickly so that you can omit this 3 month stint (probably 4-6 month stint by the time you start another job) from your resume.

    • Anon

      Your boss seems like he’s throwing you under the bus. That he’s talking to HR without first discussing with you is not “passive aggressive”; it’s a way of destroying your credibility when you try to fix issues.

    • Anonymous

      Be more direct. If you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be doing, you need to go figure it out and ask questions instead of waiting for people to tell you.

    • Scarlett

      You might be misinterpreting HR, a lot of organizations use the HRBP model to have someone help managers understand their specific department and it’s nuances. I would talk to the HR partner (the fact that hats the person’s title especially makes me think this is what’s going on in your new company) and let that person help you navigate. They usually have a good understanding of what’s going on and it doesn’t always signal you’re in trouble.

    • Anon

      If you’re in a management role, your very first priority is to understand what those under you are doing and start rectifying whatever is hanging on by a thread by introducing better processes. Also, if you’re in a management role, it’s unlikely that your boss will be providing you with explicit direction. Identify a few issues, come up with solutions, and come to boss with these asking for prioritization. If s/he sees things that are more important than what you found, they will let you know. And +1 to Scarlett. HR wants to help you! They hate having to do PIPs and reprimands and all that. They WANT you to succeed. Get them to tell you what your predecessor was responsible for, if there are things you should know about your team, who has received most positive reviews so you can meet with that person and get their perspective, etc. Don’t just sit there saying “I don’t know what to do”. You have got to get moving!

  5. Baconpancakes

    Good morning! Anyone want to do some vicarious shopping instead of working this fine Monday? I’m looking for a white, summery, feminine top, size 14, under $120, but I just don’t know where to look. Something that isn’t sheer but isn’t a boring button down or a tee – maybe something off-shoulder or with architectural details or eyelets? Just… pretty? To be worn with white shorts and sandals.

  6. hair dryer

    My travel hair dryer is so weak compared to my every day one. Can anyone recommend a travel size hair dryer that literally blows hard?

    • Cat

      Try Babyliss — it’s not QUITE as powerful as full size (it is, after all, 1/3 the size) but does fairly well.

    • lawsuited

      The T3 compact hair dryer is great – it’s so good that I actually use it as my everyday hairdryer now.

  7. Anonymous

    Did you ever get to a point in your life where you became more about (all about) money? Don’t get me wrong — even in high school I knew the higher paying fields were things like finance and law and that’s where I was headed. But I was also the kind of person who for 10 or so years was ALL about work. Didn’t think about whether pay checks deposited etc. Then 3-4 years ago, things went bad at a firm and while I landed at another firm quick, I feel like now it’s all about – savings, investment, net worth – in a very, I’m looking out for myself way. Like anyone mentions anything and I’m adding up the numbers; to the point where I don’t care about the substance of the work I’m doing, just getting paid. And FWIW even back then and certainly now I never lived beyond or even close to my means, so this wasn’t me suddenly realizing I hadn’t saved enough or whatever.

    I almost think it may be too much, but part of me is like — isn’t this what happens with age, you realize no employer cares, you aren’t as concerned about building experience/resume, you start working for money. I kind of miss being young and being excited to run a case, handle a depo etc — now it’s like, by the end of the month my net worth may be x if the market cooperates. Anyone else experience this?

    • Anonymous

      This is pretty typical of highly motivated people, ime. When you’re in school, you get lots of positive feedback for doing well – your grades, praise from teachers, parents, etc. You also always have a goal – make it into a good college, grad school, job. Then you start working and pretty soon all of that disappears. No more praise, no more goals, just… monotony. So we create goals for ourselves. Reasons to give ourselves a pat on the back. For you, that’s finances. Which is great! Very productive.

      If you miss being excited about your work, then make some goal you can reach. What I hear you saying is more, I want to have something I can work toward and see results on a regular basis. You can totally do that in litigation, you just have to invest some energy in figuring out what you want that goal to be.

    • Anonymous

      I agree on setting new goals. I’m spending more time on biz dev and pushing more case work to junior partners because I don’t need the experience and they do.

    • Anon

      Check out the financial independence (FI) community online if you want to go down the rabbit hole, but if you don’t, stop checking your investment accounts so frequently and you’ll get out of the habit.

    • Anonymous

      I think over time you figure out what’s important to you, but for me it’s become less about money not more.

    • Linda from HR

      Yes . . . I feel like a sellout, really. I was a starry-eyed idealist who majored in political science to change the world somehow, and felt totally okay with not being wealthy. Then two things happened, I came to realize how much rent costs nowadays, and it turns out, I like things that cost money. I also came to really like the corporate, non-world-changing line of work I fell into when my post-college job hunt didn’t go as planned, and now I just wanna move up and earn more money doing this, maybe even explore *more* lucrative, business-oriented career paths.

  8. Dominican Republic

    Recommendations for resorts that would work well with an infant and toddler? Looking at all-inclusives in or near Punta Cana.

    • Anonymous

      I stayed at the Melia Caribe about 4 years ago. I was in the adults only section but they must have a family friendly section too because parents with small children would periodically wander into our part of the resort and be quickly bustled away by the staff. Ymmv of course, but the beaches weren’t crowded (end of March), the food was great, and the staff were attentive and kind.

    • BeenThatGuy

      We enjoyed the Nickelodeon resort there. There’s lots to do for little ones and is upscale enough to please the adults.

  9. Anonymous

    Something similar happened to my husband in his early 40s. He suddenly became obsessed with the stock market, our 401K balances, and our net worth. I think it’s a function of age—a combination of disillusionment with work and the realization that retirement is actually a real thing. It is a horribly un-fun way to live. I prefer just to set it and forget it—make a plan, stick to it, and rebalance annually without obsessing over money on a daily basis.

    • Ellen

      Sheketovits was like this. He was always calculating how much of a bonus I would need to take him for a weekend in Atlantic City, and he never did a thing or raised a finger. I got tired of him always wanting for me to do things for him (financialy as well as s&exually), so I DTMFA and am happy that I did, even tho I have no boyfriend or prospects right now. FOOEY!

  11. tall skinny tween clothes

    I have a tween daughter who is almost 5 feet tall and weighs 75 pounds. She can wear some women’s clothes (uniqlo S tops) but can’t fill them out most adult clothes. In bathing suits we’re lucky — 12S is her size there. Everything in other types of clothes is too long or too loose if adult or too short if kids. The only other type of clothes for kids that comes in slims seems to be jeans.

    I need:
    1 white sundress for a family wedding
    pajamas / nightgowns (adult ones are too sheer or need some sort of modesty adjustment; PJ pants all fall off and the need some sort of non-cami top)

    HELP!

  12. S in Chicago

    Don’t let the feeling that comes with being new overwhelm. Pretend it’s a game and “brainstorm.” Quickly make a list of everything you want to see done that are small things or short term. Only then start thinking about what you want in a year. Then five years. Take that first list and make it your “to-dos.” Ignore the other two for now. These small wins will help you feel more confident and help give you some signs of progress. Know too that you’ll adjust your lists as you go, learning from what’s happening with the small projects.

  13. Limbo

    Ugh. I’m in the process of transferring to a new job, but for ‘don’t burn my bridges’ reasons, I’m still at Old Job for a couple months.

    It’s nice out. My husband is on vacation. I really really want to just play hooky from work and go to the pool, but I can’t because I need to show that I’m a good sport team player who didn’t just check out once she knew she was leaving.

    Any suggestions as to how to make the time pass? I mean… I have plenty of actual work, I’m mentoring my staff so they’re all set, and I’m literally providing step by step (with screen shots!) directions and a calendar with all the (unwritten) milestone timelines that I do for our annual projects.

    Is this when internet shopping happens?

      • Anon

        Exactly.

        Set a list of things to get done in a give day, power through, and take time off.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      Take a day off. No one will remember your one day off 3 months from now let alone 3 years from now. You won’t burn a bridge taking a day off!

  14. Godzilla

    I *LOVE* THIS DRESS. LIKE, SO MUCH. I’m glad it doesn’t come with sleeves or I would have purchased SO FAST. Thank you #peekabooarmpit for saving my wallet.

  15. Godzilla

    Also, need a rec for afternoon tea/high tea similar to the Russian Tea Room but not the Russian Tea Room (been there already). Swanky, overpriced, with weekend hours. Anywhere in NYC/Long Island. Thanks in advance!

  16. Breaking Lease?

    Hi all – I live in a large apartment complex where the leases are extremely one-sided, non-negotiable and there are significant penalties for breaking the lease. There have been multiple fire alarms since I’ve lived here that are clearly the result of faulty construction, including last night from 1:30a – 3a. I’d like to break my lease and move, but can’t afford the penalties ($1500 + continuing to pay rent until they lease the space). Has anyone had success breaking their leases for similar reasons? Any advice?

    Thanks!

      • Xarcady

        You do need to check your state’s regulations. This issue varies so much from state to state. You might also consult a lawyer familiar with landlord/tenant law. The fire alarm situation might not be enough to allow yo to break the lease, but it might qualify for some other remedy.

        Also check state regulations about leases. In some states, if the lease has a provision that is contrary to the regulations, the provision can’t be enforced. Landlords count on tenants not to know their rights.

    • Anonymous

      I think that the leases and the fire alarm situation may just be par for the course.

      But I don’t see why faulty construction leads to fire alarms at night. The two seem unrelated.

    • Anonymous

      Landlord here. If you wanted to break your lease because the alarm has gone off a couple of times, I’d laugh at you behind your back.

      • Anonymous

        Glad you’re not my landlord! 1.5 hours in the middle of the night is totally unacceptable in a large, staffed building.

        • Not a landlord

          Sure, it sucks, but that’s one of the downsides of renting. It’s the sh*t happens factor. And I’d be very surprised if that gets you out of a contract.

          • Anonymous

            If there really were a fire and it went neglected for 1.5 hours, that would not be a “sh*t happens” situation. There’s no excuse for the alarm going off for that long.

  17. For tall skinny teeen clothes

    Try the kids’ department at Nordstrom. Most of their brands run long and skinny. Some of the tops are almost long enough for me in a kids’ L or XL, and I am 5’6”. Also try using regular daytime clothes as PJs. My tall skinny tween is currently wearing camis and knit shorts as PJs, some from Tucker and Tate at Nordstrom and some from Cat and Jack at Target. For winter, she wears a t-shirt and flannel lounge pants with a drawstring from Boxercraft.

  18. Fading Birthmarks?

    I have a few small birthmarks that really bother me and I would like to get rid of them, but I am not willing to do plastic surgery. Is there a cream that fades these types of spots? Or is there a relatively simple and non-invasive outpatient procedure to fade them?

    • Anonymous

      A dermatologist should be able to scrape them right off. I’ve had a couple spots removed for skin cancer checks and it’s never required more than 1 stitch, and usually just a bandaid. It takes like 20 minutes and you can drive yourself home.

    • Anonymous

      Are they flat or raised? What does the dermatologist call them?

      If they are raised, you may need a small surgical procedure (but it can be outpatient and not a big deal). My Mom had amazing results with laser, after she had the raised portion removed. Her birthmarks were huge and in very visible locations that she had to wear tons tons of thick makeup to hide (including in her face). Sounds like yours are much smaller, so it may not be a bug procedure for you. My Mom needed many treatments spread over months.

    • Anonymous

      Vitamin C serums have been great for fading my acne scars. Not sure if it will work on birthmarks, but you could give it a try. SokoGlam has both Klairs and Cosrx serums that are supposed to be great.

  19. ANP

    Family vacation recs needed. Looking for a place to go on spring break (last week of March or first week of April) with a 9 year old, a 6 year old, and a 3.5 year old. We like good food, pools, and exploring — and of course we want warm weather! We live in the Midwest so will fly from Milwaukee or Chicago. We’ve done Mexico all-inclusives as a family twice and I don’t know that we want to go back there at this moment. Hubs and I have done Aruba and Costa Rica sans kids and enjoyed those too. Any thoughts?

    • Anon

      Have never been myself, but Belize sounds like it fits your criteria and I’ve only ever heard good things.

      • SMC-SD

        San Diego will not be warm during Spring Break, particularly at the beach and the water will be downright frigid. Palm Springs checks all of your boxes, but get your reservations now because it is very popular that time of year. With just the 9 and 6-year old, I would recommend Belize but the 3.5 year old might be a bit young (and not sure about pools).

        Perhaps one of the nice resorts in northern Costa Rica? Or Hawaii? Maui is a popular spring break location for a reason. Just be aware that most of the Hawaii resorts do not have children’s programs for kids under 4 (or at least they didn’t 15 years ago because of state law, but that might have changed).

    • Anonymous

      Hawaii, Palm Springs, Costa Rica. Or literally anywhere in the Caribbean.

  20. Immigration PSA

    In all the media coverage and inflamed rhetoric regarding the (horrendous) family border separations, Republicans in Congress are quietly pushing immigration legislation that would dramatically limit green cards (i.e., legal immigration) for the families of U.S. citizens. Don’t ever fall for their lie that “don’t worry, we want to focus on LEGAL immigration!” They have no problem screwing over the thousands of immigrants who have been waiting for years to bring family here (in my husband’s case, it’s 18 years of waiting). Please consider calling your representatives and senators to urge them to protect family reunification policies in whichever immigration bill comes up for a vote.

    • Anon

      Good advice on contacting reps. The bill is not getting much play in the media, but it needs some bipartisan support to go through. Has anyone heard if the bill contains real paths to citizenship for DACA kids?

    • yes

      Your point brings up one of my biggest complaints about the Democratic party. We become so focused on the flashy, upsetting day to day issue that Trump has caused and we completely ignore the very important long term policy making in Congress and the quiet packing of the judiciary.

      What do we want? What are our goals? They are so carefully plucked by the party and the media so as not to alienate the donors that we forget that we are missing the most important issues. This is what makes it easy for an “outsider” (cough…) like Trump to overturn the cart.

      It is short-sited to become only obsessed with DACA/family separation/no-wall, without realizing that DACA covers only a subset of undocumented immigrants/families are still coming and without setting clear policy ongoing. What about all the kids born since DACA? DACA II?!?! What are we going to do about the families coming to the boarder tomorrow, as we start to set up tent cities that will quickly become nightmares….. What are our goals for green cards, visas, borders, immigration policies as a whole?

      We have to stop focusing all of our energies and outrage at the fires, and start thinking carefully about the long term plan. How do we support our workers, our families and the long term needs of society (which includes a constant influx of immigrants as our rate of population growth is falling) while evaluating our role in the world (which I strongly feel we should hold on to).

      This is where we flounder. This is where my brilliant friends freeze up when I ask what they want to do. This is where I realize I must be crazy progressive relative to others because I want to continue the lottery/increase immigration/ increase protections for migrant workers/increase minimum wage etc…. yet realize we need some sort of more measured and consistent policies and our legislators seem to be unable to figure out what to do. Except reject a bill that contains a wall. Or that doesn’t protect DACA.

      There are so many reasons we should be reading, thinking, talking to our reps, but we seem oblivious. Not our fault really. The press chooses what to show us. Our politicians’ goals are so short term.

      I find it beyond entertaining that Melania Trump entered on an H1B visa for her highly desirable skills that were unavailable in the other Americans at the time (!!model emergency!!! we most bring in more models!!!)
      ….and who knows how that was “legally”extended…. and that her parents came over on chain migration…. and what our president is now screaming. That should be mentioned constantly. Any time he talks about H1Bs and chain migration. Every time.

      Yet I have no idea what our policies are on visas, the lottery, chain migration etc…

      • Anonymous

        To your point, I’m not sure that the Democratic Party has a clear platform on what we WANT immigration policy to look like. All we’ve figured out is what we don’t want (unreasonably cruel practices that frankly, most reasonable people are against and this wall idea.)

        Some podcast (maybe five thirty eight?) made the point that trump was able to use immigration as a proxy for racial grievance, creating this wide gap between people of different political parties, even where their underlying ideas about basic immigration policies may not have been too far apart . To put it another way, I suspect their may be many democrats who are outraged and uncomfortable with all of last week’s headlines and trump’s rhetoric re: undocumented immigrants/asylum seekers but not particularly passionate about increasing or even maintaining the diversity lottery.

        I think that’s why democrats are reluctant to construct and more complete policy narrative.

        FWIW, I think that this attack on “chain migration” could dovetail nicely into a talking point about keeping families together and the Republican party’s indifference to the plight of immigrant families generally, but I’m not a political strategist, obvi.

        Your point on the First Lady is very interesting and I’m not sure how I feel about using her as a political talking point, but I agree it’s hard to ignore.

        Op- I’m sorry this is happening. Wishing you the best.

        • Anonymous

          Yes, the Democrats do not know what they want. So we will continue to flounder and the Republicans will pick up the slack. They are thrilled we are fixated only on the flashpoint issues and are ignoring the big decisions. So they will decide for us all….

          • Anonymous

            To the contrary, I’m not sure a comprehensive policy, particularly the kind you’re personally in favor of, would be politically advantageous. I’m sorry if I didn’t make that clear.

            I’m not sure why you think that fighting the most unpopular aspects of trumps extremism will lead folks in the middle to vote republican. If anything, I’d think adopting a very liberal policy position would have that effect.

            *peronal note/ example: I personally share your frustration but I’m still voting for democrats.

  21. Anonymous

    A friend and I are thinking about going to Disney. I haven’t been since I was a kid but I hear it’s a great adults vacation too. We’re both single, no kids. We want to enjoy a spa, drinks, nice food, and walking around the parks. What’s a good time of year to go? Friend wants to go over Thanksgiving but I already have plans then. Is NYE good there or is it packed with little ones?

    • Anonymous

      If you’re looking to avoid kids, then definitely don’t go when schools are out. I’m sure NYE is packed period – I’d do like the second week of January or after, once the kiddies’ holiday breaks are over.

    • Anonymous

      It is always packed with little ones. In LA\OC the weather doesn’t vary much so time of year won’t make that much difference.

      • Anonymous

        School breaks (including Thanksgiving and NYE) will be worse. If you can go in late January or in February, pretty much all public schools are in session then, so it will be better. Although there will still be lots of preschoolers and older kids whose parents are ok with missing school.

      • Anonymous

        Whoops sorry I should’ve mentioned that ideally we’d like to go to the one in FL. We’re on the east coast so travel to the west coast is a bit much for a long weekend.

    • Anonymous

      NYE is somewhat busy but awesome as an adult. I think they stayed open later at night, too. Ride all the rides at night during the parades and fireworks.

      • Christa

        Wait for it, this is a novel of advice from a Florida native and Disney lover: One option is to go and stay at an on-property hotel when there are evening ‘Magic Hours’ (extra hours open only to those staying at on-property hotels). New Years Eve is honestly wall-to-wall packed at Magic Kingdom, though I can’t speak to the other parks – fun but like, you can’t move from around 9 PM until post-midnight fireworks. If I were going for a single-adult Disney vacation and not aiming for frugality, I would go in late fall or early Spring by Florida standards (November or non-holiday December dates, late February – March) specifically avoiding standard dates that large groups of people have off (so no three-day holiday weekends and try to avoid late March and on due to endless overlapping spring breaks) and would book a deluxe on-property resort that has a spa and other amenities. Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge are both nice, Animal Kingdom Lodge has an absolutely fantastic restaurant but Saratoga has easier access to Disney Springs which is the main shopping/food destination for days or evenings when you are not at the parks. Depending on length of time, I would do a park day followed by a spa/resort pool/shopping/Disney Springs days followed by another park. If I had to pick two as a grown-up, they would be EPCOT (hands down) and either Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Hollywood Studios is pretty weak right now pending the reopening of their Toy Story themed section (later this month) and the big Star Wars section (some time next year).

        As for the actual park days, my only VERY STRONG advice is to book a sit-down restaurant reservation for at least one meal as soon as you know what dates you are going. Often a long, sit-down lunch is a great way to refuel if you are doing the park all day long. EPCOT has an endless number of great food options – I particularly like the Moroccan restaurant and the Nine Dragons restaurant in ‘China’. I would do a nice big lunch and then stroll for drinks/small plates in the countries through the afternoon and evening. Magic Kingdom has fewer tasty options, but the Liberty Tree Tavern is good enough. In Animal Kingdom, the Yak and Yeti is the best for table service.

        I love Disney and will happily provide additional and very wordy advice upon request.

    • Anonymous

      Not sure if you mean Disneyland or Disney World, but I know Disney World pretty well (former local, parents still live nearby). The weekend between Christmas and New Years is always packed, and on NYE, the parks often reach capacity. That week will be a nightmare.

      One of the best times to go for adults in in the fall during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. You can walk around the park and buy small plates of food and samples of wine, beer, etc. There are also some special events, although they tend to be pricey, and I’ve heard there are fewer of them this year. I’d aim for later in the festival because the weather will be cooler. It’s usually crowded on Food and Wine weekends, but it’s not packed with kids.

      The week after Thanksgiving or the first week of December are good times to go. The weather is nice, and Christmas decorations are up. It’s not too crowded because kids are back in school.

      Late January, February, and early March are also good, but avoid the 3-day weekends (including President’s Day, which has never been a 3-day weekend for me) and, if you can, marathon weekend.

      • mascot

        If the fall doesn’t work, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in the spring is lovely and has lots of food/beverage booths. May have to plan around spring breaks. Late February is also a nice time to visit if you can avoid race wknds.
        The fine dining restaurant at AKL is amazing.

    • Never too many shoes...

      I went on Labour Day weekend a few years ago and it was pretty empty as it was back to school time.

      Also, the spa at the Grand Floridian is wonderful.

      • Anon

        I went last year for Labor Day weekend and the week after, and it was pretty empty. I’m from the South though, and so heat and humidity doesn’t bother me too much. This was also right at the beginning of Food & Wine Festival at Epcot – just me and my husband – and we loved it!

    • Anonymous

      My family (all adults, no grandkids, etc.) went about 5 years ago to Disney between thanksgiving and Christmas. My mom (who booked the trip) had heard that this was the best time of year to go because very few families are taking a vacation at this time.

      I didn’t think the parks were particularly crowded, but that is just my opinion.

    • Anonymous

      I adore Disney and have been many times as an adult, but if you want a low key relaxing girls spa weekend, it’s not the best choice.

    • Anonymous

      If you mean Disney World, then I also HIGHLY recommend Universal Studios! It’s super enjoyable for adults without kids. Total blast, especially Harry Potter World.

    • Anon

      I was in Disney when my husband had a work trip in Orlando in February. It was 2 weeks before school vaca so the parks weren’t too crowded and prices were down. We enjoyed Epcot and Universal a lot as adults. I echo the advice of a sit down restaurant for dinner. It felt like a sanctuary after being on our feet in crowds all day.

    • Anonymous

      I go with friends and we have a fantastic time. But… We only go mid-week during non-kid vacation time (it’s my PTO, and I really feel like I’m living my best life).

      It can be pretty packed, even at those times. Consider the Thursday and Friday before Thanksgiving in November.

  22. Hungry

    I do HIIT several mornings a week, and it makes me so incredibly hungry. I have a reasonable breakfast with some protein after class, and by the time I get to work I am so hungry again that I scarf down the entire lunch I’ve packed and then have to go out for a second lunch at lunch time. This is completely destroying my chances of losing any weight. Morning exercisers, how do you manage the hunger?

    • L

      How about bringing a couple of hard-boiled eggs for a snack. Only 140 calories for two, but eggs should fill you up! At Costco, you can buy organic already-boiled eggs that are packaged in packs of 2. And drink a lot of water!

    • Anonymous

      Do you need to eat immediately after class or can you postpone breakfast until you get into the office and eat a larger breakfast there? I’m typically not hungry, even post-exercise, until about 9:30 or 10, so I just eat breakfast at work.

      For the actual meal, focus on protein, fiber + fat. That will be satiating and should keep you full for a few hours. And experiment with different foods. For me, yogurt – even high protein greek yogurt – is never filling and I’m hungry again in an hour.

      • hungry

        Hmm, good idea on the fat. I know my breakfasts are high-fiber and relatively high in protein, but not sure about fat content. That could help.

        Waiting until I get to work does not help. My commute is an hour, and if I don’t eat something after class I am ravenous about five minutes after I get on the road.

    • anon

      Maybe do a protein shake right after class (make it around 100 calories) and have breakfast when you get to work.

      • Anonymous

        This is what I do. I’m not hungry for regular food immediately after an intense workout, but I need something in my stomach (plus the benefits of getting the right carb:protein intake within 30 minutes are pretty well documented, so I wouldn’t skip on that). I do either a bare bones recovery drink or 12-16oz of chocolate milk for that immediate need, and then have regular breakfast an hour or so later.

    • Anony

      agree with the other posters about maybe shifting your eating schedule around, but, gently, you said you are trying to lose weight, and sometimes hunger is just a crappy part of that process. If you’re getting sufficient daily calories, then sometimes you’re just going to have to ignore the hunger

      • hungry

        I can ignore a little hunger on a non-workout day, but on workout days I am so famished that I cannot function unless I eat and eat and eat. If I try to power through without eating extra, I end up just sitting at my desk staring at a blank computer screen all day. Thinking, writing, or even getting up out of my chair is a herculean effort.

        I am beginning to think the solution is giving up working out until I’ve lost the weight, but I want to get in shape and build muscle too.

        • Anonymous

          Your description sounds like you’re severely dehydrated after your workout. Your thirst and hunger signals are getting crossed; you’re not satisfied by food because your body is asking you for more water not more calories. Dehydration is a common problem for morning exercisers because you’re already dehydrated when you wake up – you haven’t had water all night – and then you go to the gym and sweat out more water and electrolytes. Drink a big glass of water when you wake up and as soon as you finish your class.

          • Anonymous

            Oh and if water isn’t doing it for you then you need to replenish electrolytes. Get a powerade zero or whatever they’re called. Or drink bone broth.

          • Tfor22

            I have a similar problem and was wondering if it was dehydration. I love chocolate milk, maybe I’ll have that after I go to boxing and then save breakfast for later.

    • Anonymous

      I eat a little something before I go to the gym and it really helps with the post-workout hunger. Toast with peanut butter or avocado, cheese and crackers, or a hard boiled egg (or two).

    • Anonymous

      I too am famished all morning, and I generally eat 50% of my calories before lunch time. I have a large breakfast and a substantial snack, and smaller lunch and dinner. It seems to work – I managed to loose about 20 pounds without giving up my morning-heavy eating. Maybe looking at whether you can make actual dinner (and maybe lunch) smaller would help? I do also drink a ton of water in the morning. But still famished.

  23. Anonymous

    PSA if you’re located near an outlet mall: the Loft Outlet has great 3/4 sleeve cardigans for $20 each. I’ve bought 6 so far (and yes, washed and dried on delicate and came out fine!).

    They’re a good weight for battling summer A/C and come in tons of pretty colors that you don’t often find – dusty lavender, tomato, lamb’s ear (that pretty gray-green). They hit at just the right length for wearing with work attire – not too long and not so short as to appear out of style. And they have a little split at the hip so they float away from the body, rather than bunch up like the tightly knit hems of some cardigans can. Happy shopping :)

      • Anonymous

        I didn’t know their website was live yet! And yes, that’s it, but it comes in probably about 15 colors in store.

        • Gail the Goldfish

          Did they have any teal ones in store? I need to replace a halogen 3/4 sleeve teal cardigan and am having trouble finding one, but my nearest outlet mall is an hour away

          • Anonymous

            Oh gosh, I can’t swear to it. Teal isn’t one of my colors, so I wasn’t looking for it.

    • Anon

      Someone please explain the Loft Outlet concept to me. You can already get their clothes for $15-$30 a piece when they (constantly) have their inventory rotation sales. Does it target a different audience? Or is that where their sales pieces will be going now?

      As a side vent, I bought a number of their cotton summer dresses a few (3 or 4) seasons ago. They wear like iron, go in the washer with no shrinkage and retain their amazing color vibrancy. They are so comfortable against the skin. The colors are so rich, I have even worn them with sweaters underneath in the winter. But my last couple of dress purchases from there were just meh. The sizing got even more vanity (so now I am 00 at LOFT while 4-6 in things like Elie Tahari) and I only found one all-cotton dress in the petites section. I love their styles and prints. Is there another place I can get these carefree yet sharp styles in cotton for summer?

      • Anon

        I don’t have a regular Loft near me but I have 3 outlets so I go to the outlets. You are correct on their vanity sizes. I’ve been meaning to take a picture and post it online of my size zero Loft dress and my size XL Eddie Bauer dress that fit exactly the same. Both are obviously sized wrong. My real size is 6-8 in regular sized stores. My “normal” Loft size is 4.

  24. BOSS Qs

    I recently lost a fair amount of weight (around 15 pounds on my 5’2″ frame) so decided to treat myself and update my work wardrobe with a few more upscale-pieces than what I normally get. After seeing a lot of recs on this site for the brand, I got a BOSS sheath dress on sale from Nordstrom, which I absolutely LOVE and which somehow the size 6 fits almost-perfectly on me now! In the past I always had to tailor extensively so this was a very welcome surprise.

    Where should I be looking to get more of these dresses on sale? I’ve been checking Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack but wanted to ask if there are any websites I should be stalking for deals on this brand. Thank you!

    • CHS

      I love Boss quality too. Once or twice a year the actual Hugo Boss stores have a really good sale – I think like 40% off everything in the store. If you sign up you can get access in advance. Bloomingdale’s also sometimes has good sales.

    • Jules

      Also check e-bay and the re-sale sites, since you know what you like and what size works for you. You might can often find new, unworn items.

  25. Carrots

    Recommendations for a contact paper type window covering? I moved into a first floor apartment where there’s a lot of foot traffic just outside of it. There isn’t room between the window/ceiling/walls to put up sheers and I don’t like having to keep my blinds closed all the time to protect my privacy. Looking for something that still lets in as much light as possible without having to constantly be on the lookout for who’s peering in.

  26. Anonymous

    How do you revive a blowout for day 2? I’m attending a rehearsal dinner and wedding this weekend and I have a blowout scheduled for Friday afternoon before the rehearsal dinner. My plan is for it to last through the wedding the next day since I won’t have much time to do my hair Saturday morning. I don’t wash my hair daily, so I’m not too worried about it looking really dirty, but I want to do what I can to reshape and retain volume and smoothness.

    • Anonymous

      I blow it out again myself :) Round brush and hair dryer on dry hair. I’ll moisten the roots a bit if they’re very flat.

    • Anonymous

      Is this really a thing? I’m lucky to get my blowout to last until the end of the event. I’m so envious if people can get it to last more than a day. I have very fine, very straight hair that resists all styling and products, though.

      • Anonymous

        I’m the same. I have your same hair type.

        I finally bit the bullet and cut my hair off to a pixie. If that works with your head shape, it is something to be considered. It has taken about 1 year to find the exact “type” of pixie that works, and what styling products to use (never conditioner after washing, spray in Revlon 14 in 1, the waxy product after very short blow dry). But it never lasts more than a day. Every day starts fresh. But it is more consistent throughout the day.

    • L

      For volume, use dry shampoo. I like pantene – it smells good and is inexpensive! Not sure about smoothness.

    • lawsuited

      Add some texturizing powder/spray (I like the BB pret a powder) and then use a straightening iron to smooth the roots (pull up from your roots to keep the volume rather than down) and bend the ends.

    • Anonymous

      Living Proof PHD dry shampoo. Flip your hair over – do your roots around your ears/forehead while flipped lightly. Flip back over and lift at the crown; spray lightly under there.

      Don’t use any hair ties or pull your hair back during the event. Use a hair band/head band for the shortest amount of time possible when washing your face. Shower in a shower cap (like a good one with enough room for your hair, not the free ones from the hotel if you can help it – assuming you have long hair, I mean).

    • Aggie

      I “pineapple” my hair at night (put my hair in the highest possible bun that is secure but still a bit loose) to preserve a blow out. In the morning, I will spritz my roots and bangs with water and round brush just to revive the roots. A little extra hair spray and texturizing spray and I’m out the door.

      Make sure you tell your stylist that your goal is to make the blow out last two days – she will likely use less shine spray and/or smoothing creams so as to not weigh the hair down. You can always add extra shine right be fore the event.

  27. Making a Paper Calendar Work

    Looking for suggestions on how you make paper calendars work in your life when the office runs solely on Outlook.

    In law school I had a paper calendar with hour slots and I absolutely loved it. I miss having that, but (1) absolutely live on those Outlook reminders for work and (2) haven’t found the perfect way to make sure both are updated. Any tips? Did you just permanently up with the paper calendar?

    • Anon

      There is no way to keep a paper calendar updated with your work calendar unless you print your calendar every morning (or the night before) and secure it in a holder (and your calendar does not get updated the day of frequently).

    • Anon

      I have a Kate Spade leather planner that Mon, Tue, Wed on the left and Thur/Fri/Weekend on the right. I buy the refills from At-A-Glance at the office stores. My office outlook has everything on it. My reminders, where I need to be, internal deadlines, discovery deadlines, the works. My assistant makes a list every Monday of what is on the outlook calendar for the next 2 weeks. I also have pop up reminders.

      For my paper calendar, I only put where I need to be when and super major deadlines where I’m the only one on the case. It makes my life so much simpler. When I’m scheduling something, I can look at the paper calendar and see if I’m free. The outlook calendar might have 15 entries for that day but they are all deadlines and reminders, not where I need to be when.

    • Cb

      I see them as serving two separate purposes. My online calendar holds appointments while my paper calendar holds notes and to dos. A bullet journal might work for you if you’re itching to write things down.

    • Anonymous

      I resorted to taking a screen shot of my Outlook calendar (on the week view) and then printing it out each week.

    • Anon

      I’m in forever mod. My paper calendar holds all the places I need to be. My online calendar holds all my deadlines and reminders.

    • Sue

      Having recently lost my online calendar due to a tech glitch, I swear by my paper calendar. Yes, it means running duplicate systems. But paper never has to be rebooted. Plus, as others are scrolling on their phones trying to book meetings, I patiently open my paper calendar and wait.

  28. Repetitive emails

    My job requires coordinating projects within our department. I send dozens of emails every day and virtually every one starts with either “Wondering if I could get your help…” or “Wanted to let you know/make you aware…” Are there other phrases I can use to convey the same tone of collaboration?

    • Clementine

      “Looping you in on this – ”

      “Hi Target, Xena suggested that you be brought in on this project. Here it is.”
      “As there is quite a bit of overlap with your portfolio, I’m looking for your assistance in…”
      “Your expertise/insight/lens would be appreciated in looking at X.”

      …is their participation optional? If this is your job and their job, don’t feel like you’re bothering them!

      When you have an email chain already going, it can be as simple as “+ Target”.
      Don’t overthink this.

  29. Medspa Facial

    Favorite facial treatment to get at a medspa? No specific concerns, just looking for overall skin improvement. Thinking some combo of hydrafacial/PCA peel or something.

    • Kat in VA

      Favorite facial treatment to get at a medspa? No specific concerns, just looking for overall skin improvement. Thinking some combo of hydrafacial/PCA peel or something.

  30. For Hungry

    Can’t get the reply function to work…

    Hydrate. Giant glass of water before your feet even hit the floor in the morning. Drink throughout the workout. More water mid morning. This should help.

  31. Unstaffed

    I’m on the bench. Company retreat in 3 days so most cases are wrapping up and not much going on but I am at the office just because… face time.
    I feel I am going crazy. Cleaned my inbox, organized my folders, logged in my time, did expenses.
    Help me survive 3 days of unnecessary face time at the office. I’m heading off as soon as it’s 6PM but need to stay busy in the meantime

  32. Eucalyptus in the Shower

    Do any of you hang eucalyptus leaves in your shower? I just read about it, though apparently it’s been a big trend for a while. Everyone was super positive, but one comment said that it can make a mess in the bathroom and they can’t get super wet, otherwise they get moldy.

    I would like to try, so let me know any tips for best experience!

    • Anonymous

      i read somewhere recently that fresh eucalyptus can be toxic to pets if ingested. Just something to look out for if you have pets.

      • Eucalyptus in the Shower :

        Thank you so much for pointing this out. I am SO careful to never bring anything in the house that my dog would get sick from eating, but I didn’t even think about this.

    • Clementine

      We have this intermittently. Husband saw it on my Pinterest and liked the idea. It does make it feel quite SPA-like.

      We just get a bunch from Trader Joe’s and then toss it when it gets weird. It lasts a surprisingly long time though!

      And Re: pets: We have a dog who’s a lab/garbage disposal mix and don’t have concerns because it’s literally zip tied to the showerhead.

      • Eucalyptus in the Shower : :

        My dog IS a garbage disposal, so always happy to get some reminders about this!

        • Clementine

          As per a suggestion below, what about a bunch of lavender?

          Google tells me that regular lavender plants are only dangerous in the case that your dog eats a ton of vegetation and it causes an intestional blockage.

    • ohc

      I tried this once because I had a bunch after making centerpieces for a friend’s wedding. It was nice but once that batch was done, I didn’t go out of my way to get more. (Though it’s easily purchased at Trader Joe’s.)

      I do this more regularly with lavender, because it’s more accessible from our garden.

    • In House Lobbyist

      What about an essential oil? I add a few drops to my shower quite often.

  33. Lip Balm?

    After a couple months of trying Differin, I have given up and decided that the continuous breaking out means that it’s not for me. I have gone back to washing my face with prescription strength Benzoyl Peroxide facewash and have clear skin for the first time in weeks. So yay that, but as a result, my lips are so dry. Painfully, peeling dry. Any advice for super moisturizing lip balm? I’ve been using straight neosprorin at night, but it tastes awful if I get any on my tongue..

    • Anonymous

      Just came off Accutane and I’ll tell you that 100% the best thing was Vasoline with cocoa butter. Available in adorably tiny tubs at Target.

    • Anonymous

      Aquaphor – I think the formulation is a bit thicker than straight vasoline.

    • Aurora

      I swear by the Laneige Lip Mask and First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Intensive lip balm. Slather one or the other on and night and wake up to amazingly better lips.

    • Anon

      Dr. Lipp n*pple balm (weird name I know, I think now they might have rebranded it as healing balm or something) but it’s basically pure lanolin and works better than any other lip treatment I’ve used.

  34. Shopping SOS

    I need to find a black jacket that I can layer over a business dress for an interview at the end of the week. In-person shopping is a LAST RESORT for me– so I’m asking the Hive. I’ve lost a ton of weight recently and have discovered that none of my blazers fit me at all anymore.

    I have several different colors of a dress with the cut that I’ll link to in comments– If I could find a tailored black jacket that would work with it, that would be IDEAL. At this point I’m looking for Nordstrom or Amazon because of fast shipping and return policy… but I’d be open to other options.

    Thank you in advance.

  35. anon

    I got botox between my eyebrows last Friday. I love the way it looks but still getting used to how it feels. That part of my face is less mobile than it was before, which I gess is the point, but it still feels weird. I just wish I didn’t have wrinkles there at my age (30) sigh.

    • Anonymous

      Well, at the age of 30 I had wrinkles there, acne, and grey hair…. so it could be worse!

      You’ll adjust and soon you wont even notice it.

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