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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 180 Comments · by

Holiday Weekend Open Thread

Weekend Open Thread |

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Neiman Marcus Pleated Faux-Leather Long-Sleeve DressSomething on your mind? Chat about it here. This dress isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but for some reason I really like it — the asymmetric dropped waist, the simple long sleeves, the scoop neckline — lovely. I'd wear it with dark tights and moto booties for a night out with friends. Neiman Marcus Pleated Faux-Leather Long-Sleeve Dress (L-2)

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

Comments

  1. MJ

    I had a Gunne Sax version of this with a pouf in approximately 1988. And I thought I was the coolest. I like the modern version!

    • AIMS

      I love this dress.
      This is also my platonic ideal of a scoop neckline. So much harder to find (as opposed to the slightly higher, tighter version) but sooooooooo much more flattering on just about everyone. Things I will never understand…

      • Anonymous

        They didn’t. They wore its ill-fitting, ill-draping cousin with a lumpy bra and “nude” hose that turned out to be “suntan” (and yet also slightly jaundiced) and way too shiny. The neckline didn’t hide the hickeys. It was poorly hemmed at a length that can best be called tragic. It had a scratchy tag. It was just all so wrong.

        This is color guard done right.

        • wehadtowearjumpsuits

          How many of us are on here? I wonder what is the correlation between color guard survival and high-achieving chickdom?

  3. TURN OFF THE AUTOPLAY ADS

    For the love of g*d.

    Internet explorer, but seriously, it shouldn’t even matter. Get rid of all of them, forever. Please and thank you.

    • kellyn

      Agreed! A Harley Davidson autoplay just under the “Sponsored Links” text.

      I know it’s hard to control from an ad packaging point of view, but your audience is almost exclusively reading at work, in offices, and NONE should be allowed, regardless of IE/Firefox/Safari or Adblock or not. Please!

    • +1

      Agreed. I keep getting an autoplay ad for antidepressants. A coworker came in and asked if I was doing okay. I’m really hoping this gets taken care of.

    • AnonDc

      Get AdBlock people!!! Or is that only for chome? It changed my internet experience for real!!

      • kellyn

        My employer doesn’t let us install stuff like that, sadly. But I want it! They oddly don’t care if we are all over the internet (it is necessary where I work) but for some reason, no AdBlock allowed. Dumb.

        • AnonDc

          Thats so strange, I never heard of that. I didn’t even know employers could see what you add as an app on an internet browser. =( Hang in there.

        • Wildkitten

          I can’t install anything either but I can add adblock to chrome (because it’s inside the browser that is already installed, I guess.)

    • Lay off

      Here’s a bit of background on how this works so everyone can take a chill pill and understand that it isn’t Kat’s fault.

      Kat does not choose the ads that appear here, but she does have some options where she can select things like “no sound” or “no autoplay videos.” Then, an automated process at the ad network reads the code behind submitted ads and selects them to play here. Sometimes, SHOCKINGLY, vendors attempt to circumvent this automated process by coding around it, so the ad network won’t catch it. Then they show up here and a bunch of women who have nothing better to do than shouty capital at a blogger complain.

      If Kat has the URL that the autoplay ad goes to, she can submit that to her ad network and request that it be removed. So let’s all try to be a little more helpful and send those to her maybe? You can right click and select “Copy Link Location” so you don’t even have to give the little monsters the satisfaction of a click.

      Now everyone go take a nap.

      • kellyn

        I think the description is helpful, but your tone is a bit…off putting. I agree that providing information about the ads is the best course of action, but sometimes people just get frustrated, and that’s ok.

          • Stopping Auto Play Ads

            The other commenters’ tone also stems from their frustration. Why is that ok for you but not them?

          • kellyn

            I also think it’s fine–we’re all frustrated. No one’s frustration is more valid than the next person’s, so I do not disagree with you one bit!

            My point, that I didn’t communicate well, was that though the information was incredibly helpful, and appreciated, knowing the commentariat here, the slightest whiff of perceived condescension or attitude and the whole comment gets ignored. So, I’m betting people will skip the great info and then *not* lay off Kat because they stop reading. I hope not, but I’m betting

        • Anonny

          I find it is a little frustrating as well, but because people post their gripes in the comments section when Kat has specifically asked multiple times that they email her the addresses for the offending ads as she doesn’t always get to the comments sections.

          • Stopping Auto Play Ads

            When I run into an auto-play video with sound at work I usually close the entire browser immediately rather than try to fumble with the mute button or pause the video. I just want it to end as quickly as possible so as few as possible people notice.

          • August

            I have my computer muted all the time at work unless I have to be on a skype call or something. When I need to be on call, I have no business keeping this site open, so I close it (in fact anything non work related) before I go on that call. If for any other reason I want to unmute my computer (say to listen to a lecture etc), then I use headphones. I cannot think of a scenario where I want this site to be open and my computer not muted and I am not using headphones.

          • Stopping Auto Play Ads

            I always have the sound on at work because we use instant messaging a lot at my company and it alerts me to a new message. Our layout is shared offices where everyone faces a separate wall so your officemates aren’t looking at your screen and aren’t really bothered by the ping of the instant message program but would notice other, more disruptive sounds. I do put in headphones if I am going to intentionally watch something with sound.

          • Anonymous

            “I cannot think of a scenario where I want this site to be open and my computer not muted and I am not using headphones.”

            Oh me! So I have a pretty quiet office and I listen to pandora at work sometimes. Sometimes I need to turn my back to my computer to edit, so I turn the sound on so I can hear the ding of emails. Can’t plug headphones into my computer, tho. Then, the autoplay ads come. Tragic.

      • Kat G

        Thank you for explaining it so clearly, @Lay off! I also haaate autoplay ads. Unfortunately the ads that are up at the moment are all through Style Coalition so I have the added fun of trying to get them to stop it. Will send them some emails.

    • Stopping Auto Play Ads

      Ask a Manager is having issues with them as well and Alison posted this link yesterday on how to disable them on any browser. Interestingly, she actually suggested her readers install ad blocking software as a last resort if they can’t find other ways around the ads and it is truly annoying for them. I did quickly try this on Firefox and it wasn’t successful but maybe I did it wrong or it will work other browsers.

      Link to follow

  4. Zappatos

    What are your favorite shoes to wear when going straight from the airport to a client meeting? I’ve recently had several client meetings where I fly in early, go straight to the client meeting, and fly back that night. My go-to heels are not working great, mostly because the heel diameter is small that it makes traversing through the airport tricky. (E.g., my heel got stuck for a second on the moving walkway–awkward.) Changing into flats is less appealing because I like to wear pants when traveling, so the hem length is an issue.

    The perfect shoe in my mind would be something with a 2-3″ stacked or block heel (something wider that provides more stability and won’t get trapped in a moving walkways/escalators) that still has a classic pump look.

  5. This happened

    So my husband got a promotion this week and last night we had a little too much wine to celebrate. We got all excited and were ready to go buy new iphones to celebrate (ours are old and slow and cracked)…and couldn’t get site working right so we semi drunklenly paid off the last of my student loans (only liek $2k) instead.

    We are so, so lame.

    • OP

      The best part about this story is that he has loans that are at 6% from grad school, which is where we’ve been throwing all our money…but my poor undergrad loan was just languishing because it was at like 1.9.% So we were paying as little as possible on the low interest loan while putting the extra to the higher interest one.

      So technically, this was quite irresponsible because we should have just put the $2k on the loan with the higher interested….but it didn’t come with the satisfaction of the payoff email. ;)

      • Anon0321

        Yes, but now it won’t ever be on your mind again!
        My husband has a review today & if it goes well– we are going to pay off that last pesky 2% loan for 4k.
        The rest of the loans are paid off– but damn will it feel good to say we are totally loan free!

        • Anon0321

          & Congrats– like I said, it feels soo good to not having that hang over your shoulders!!!!!
          Way better than an iphone imho. :)

      • Anonymous

        Have you tried refinancing the 6% loans to get a better rate? You could probably go down 1-2% with sofi.

    • lost academic

      Enjoy it! I got my first paycheck on Saturday from my new firm and I immediately thought about the big student loan payment I could make! I don’t owe much and my interest rate is very low, but while I was doing my PhD I didn’t make any payments (should have, it would have been 100% on interest).

  6. RKT

    The first thing I thought when I looked at the dress was “Oh, that looks like something Kate Bosworth would wear.” I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

  7. tesyaa

    Drop waists are so 80s – early 80s. Another style to which I refuse to return.

    • In The Pink

      I believe they are still desirable for those with low waistlines and long torsos, but not for me.

    • PHX

      I wore that dress in the early 80s….in fact, I had several different dresses of the same drop waist style. I was in the 6th grade….

      On another horrible, “all trends return in time” note: stirrup pants are back. #TheHorror

      • NYNY

        And I saw a woman on the subway rocking the flashdance look – tank top, off-the shoulder sweater, pegged jeans, and ankle boots. The 80’s are in full force…

        But seriously, stirrup pants?!

    • Pretty Primadonna

      Same. They’re not flattering on me, anyway, so there’s that, too.

  8. Wrinkles

    Paging the commenter the other day who stated that occlusive (ie, moisturizers that work by creating a barrier on the skin) moisturizes cause wrinkles.

    I am no scientist or doctor, but this seems to be contrary to everything I’ve read about how moisturizers work. As I understand it, moisturizers work in two major ways: first, they are “occlusive” and create a barrier on the skin in order to aid the skin in water retention, and second, they aid the skin in absorbing water from the air (I don’t remember the word for this). Most moisturizers on the market perform these two basic functions. In addition, moisturizers can also be “emollients” and have ingredients that make the skin feel smoother and softer (although emollients don’t technically help increase the skin’s water content).

    So, these two functions help increase the skins water’s content, and increased water content is one of the few things that has been demonstrated to impede the development of wrinkles. What am I missing?

    I would love to know if I’m wrong about this, and if you have articles you can send me on the subject, that would be even better. Thank you.

    • HSAL

      I agree, I’d like to see them too. I know you mentioned access to academic databases – I do have access to a handful via my husband so please pass along some titles and authors.

  9. In The Pink

    Gift ideas needed. For the past 3-4 months my new opthalmologist and I have been laboring to transition me out of my progressive spectacles and over to contacts. We finally made it – although it was my last resort and preference to do contacts and readers [I still think I should just wear glasses then full time] – and he has not charged me a cent for all the visits, trial orders of sample contacts, etc. I know he is not going to “make money” off of my ordering contacts…

    Thoughts about what to do? I know Hanukkah will be in early December, yet I am clueless. It does not have to be a gift inspired by his faith, but if it helps in making a gift suggestion, there it is.

    TIA and happy weekend to all!

    • Maddie Ross

      I think this is the perfect occasion for some sort of food basket – Harry & Davids, mini-muffins, Edible Arrangements, etc. Something almost everyone could like in it. Everyone in the office can partake if he wants. Nothing permanent.

      • nutella

        Yes, I’d agree with a nice gift basket. I’d also make a point about writing him a great yelp review and telling friends about him if you are impressed.

      • SC

        I agree with the food basket. My FIL is an opthalmologist, and his patients often give him food as gifts. If you’re going to do something around the holidays, I would suggest healthier food like fruit, because junk food tends to accumulate that time of year.

      • Anonymous

        I really don’t want to make you feel bad for your gift suggestion, but I have such a hard time understanding why Edible Arrangements is considered a good gift. To me, it’s the same as giving someone a fresh fruit platter, except a bit cheesier. And fresh fruit platters aren’t something you give to someone as a gift, they’re for meetings and parties. I sort of wish Edible Arrangements would die.

        • moss

          well, I would rather eat fresh fruit than……oh, any other food at all, so that would be an awesome gift, IMO.

        • plus one for edible arrangements

          I was given an edible arrangement as a post-birth gift for my second son. It was the absolute best gift. I had convenient already prepared snack of fresh fruit available. I groaned when I first saw it, because well… but it ended up being my favorite. Way better than flowers.

    • kc esq

      Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor does unique gift baskets that you can send around the country. If there is by chance a U of M connection, it’s a sure win, but others enjoy it, too.

      • Dahlia

        I’ve said this before, but as a physician, the most meaningful gift a patient can give me is a card or note detailing how I made a difference to them and just expressing their appreciation for my effort.

        I keep all these little cards and notes in a folder and read them on the days I’m thinking about giving up. I have ones in there from my first year of residency! They have certainly lasted longer and done more for me than any other gift!

        • In the Pink

          I have done this as well … going through graduate school and still as I’m in my 25th year of private practice! Sometimes though, a visible/tactile thank you is also nice. This MD lost all of his office in a flood and is gradually making it “new.” Perhaps that’s why I thought a gift.

  10. DisenchantedinDC

    Repost: Linen sheet/duvet recs? I’ve been so in to this idea. Was scoping them out at West Elm the other day.

    Have a gift card for Williams Sonoma burning a hole in my pocket! (Which I believe is good for pottery barn/west elm/etc too) but I’ll take feedback or recommendations for anywhere.

    • Anon0321

      Tagging this so I can follow- I also have a WS gc that I haven’t been able to use it (I spent a little from it on fancy vanilla beans to make my own vanilla extract– but I can’t possibly buy $100 worth of vanilla beans!).
      Did not know you can use it at those other stores, so thanks for posting that!

    • Anonymous

      I ordered a duvet cover from West Elm and it literally fell apart in 3 months. Had holes, stitches were coming out, buttons broke. It was adorable, but awful. I had to fight like hell to get a refund since they have a crappy return policy. I’d order elsewhere.

      • Counter point

        As a counterpoint, I bought a west elm duvet cover in 2008 that I used and washed/bleached bi-weekly and it held up fantastically. I only retired it earlier this year because my dog chewed a hole through it.

        I think west elm is actually pretty good quality for the money.

    • Anony

      I bought my linen sheets and duvet covers on Etsy that are made in Lithuania and love them. The prices are reasonable compared to stores like RH (paid around $500 for king sized duvet, sheets, and 4 pillow cases). Here are some items that I saved during my search:

      https://www.etsy.com/listing/199079817/usa-pink-stone-washed-linen-bed-set
      https://www.etsy.com/listing/233562740/hot-100-linen-sheets-set-seamless-twin
      https://www.etsy.com/listing/228367600/100-linen-king-sheets-set-natural-4-pcs?ref=related-3

    • Anonymous

      I have had a couple of duvets from Pottery Barn that I have been happy with.

    • mascot

      We have the Alessandra duvet cover from PB. It’s a linen/cotton blend. It has that textured feel of linen without being so wrinkly. It washes well and has held up to our canine sleeping companions. I’d recommend it.

    • Anony

      My reply is not showing up (probably because of links) so I’ll try again without links. I bought my linen beddings from Etsy that are made and shipped from Lithuania and Belarus. The prices were reasonable compared to stores like RH. I was able to get a king duvet, fitted and flat sheets, and 4 pillow cases for around $500, including shipping.

    • Anonymous

      I really like my Restoration hardware linen sheets. I’ve had them for over a year. Wash and dry in industrial machines (no pesky line drying – my apartment doesn’t have space). They still look and feel great.

    • Calico

      I have a linen duvet from West Elm. I think I got it less than 6 months ago. I love it! It’s getting softer with every wash and I’ve had no quality issues thus far.

  11. Hearing Loss

    So my hearing has always been bad but lately I’ve noticed I am just not hearing people so well in regular conversation. I am a little embarrassed by this as I’m only 31. It has been gradual and am pretty sure it is genetic (dad and grandpa are really hard of hearing). Nevertheless I think I’m ready to finally try to do something about it.

    For those of you that have maybe been through this I have a few questions. Where do you go to get checked out? One of those specialty hearing aid/loss places? An ENT? PCP? I don’t really have a PCP as I’ve just been going to the OBGYN for my yearly and have been having babies and such. After some quick googling I’ve found that there are inner ear aids these days. Anyone with experience with those? I really hate the idea of a visible hearing aid.

    Thanks.

    • Lyssa

      My experience is really similar; I really had to admit that it was a real problem while I was in law school and couldn’t make out class discussions. I was 27 and had never known anyone with a hearing aid who wasn’t truly elderly, so it really had hardly crossed my mind to get one.

      I went to an ENT that had an audiologist working with him (I think that that is standard for ENTs). I don’t recall how I got the referral (I might have just picked one), but I’m sure you could ask any doctor for ideas, even your OB probably knows a little about the ENTs in town. Unless you need a referral for insurance, you can just call and make an appointment; they’ll know what to do.

      I had the doc examine me for problems and the audiologist ran a hearing test. They couldn’t really point to a real cause or treatment; it’s pretty much just the way that I am. The doc said that if I were in my 70s, my hearing level would be pretty normal. The audiologist walked me through the HA options and costs and was really helpful (insurance does not cover the HA, though).

      About the hearing aids themselves – they said an internal model wouldn’t work well for me because I still have most of my hearing – anything going into my ear would just block that. The model that I have sits on the back of my ear and has a little plastic tube that sort of broadcasts the sound from the aid’s microphone right into my ear, effectively turning up the volume on everything in that ear. I opted to get just one, as my hearing was not that bad. I’m glad that I did that, because that makes it easy to switch on and off (which I can do discretely when someone starts talking to me – I don’t like to leave it on when I don’t need it.) It cost around $1300 (this was one of the cheaper ones).

      I was concerned about visibility as well, but it turns out that they are really, really discrete. People are always surprised when I point it out – the aid is flesh colored (they have a lot of nude-for-you options) and the little tube is clear – you really can’t see it if you’re not looking for it (might be different if you have very short hair, but I don’t). I’m not self-conscious about it at all.

      I’ve had it for about 8 years now. It’s starting to have problems and I need to get back to a provider on it (I’ve moved and need a new dr), but I’m really glad that I got it; it makes a huge difference. Good luck and don’t put this off – it’s really so much easier than you think!

      • Hearing Loss

        This sounds like me. In high school physics during the sound wave demonstration, the teacher and I were the only ones that couldn’t hear the really high and low frequencies. It’s good to know I’m not the only one. Also good to know about the HA options, I picture the huge, whistling thing my grandpa used to wear…

    • L

      Get thee to an ENT. I thought I was going deaf (no exaggeration, I could not hear certain tones in particular). I went and it turns out I have oddly shaped ear canals, so the years of cleaning with q-tips caused a massive blockage. One quick clean later and BAM; fixed.

    • Mpls

      An ENT will do a hearing test (I was going for other reasons, but always had to do the auditory testing), so that seems like a good place to start.

    • CountC

      I have had full hearing loss in one ear since I was 18 (I am 35 fwiw). You should make an appointment with an audiologist (search for otolaryngology) to have a hearing test. The audiologist will give you the hearing test and then go over the results with you, discussing options that may include hearing aids.

      I have had visible hearing aids for years – I have to wear one on each ear as my right ear is dead to the world and it has to be transmitted to the left ear. I don’t wear mine often anymore as they are old, but I recently went to get a hearing test and talk about new technology. I am a good candidate for the cross hearing aid option that includes either a magnet or post being surgically implanted in my head, which I find absolutely AMAZING. I plan to do this based on my insurance coverage. Honestly, being able to hear properly is worth a hearing aid being seen. It’s really NBD. I also read lips, so I can do without, but I would love to be able to actually hear people when they stand on my right side, or sit in the passenger seat of my car, not have to always sit in the same place at the table, etc.

  12. purplesneakers

    So I’m going to be in NYC this weekend. I’m pretty set on things to see/do/eat, but what’s stumping me is a souvenir. I prefer things I can use (I have a little ceramic mask-shaped box from Venice that holds my earrings, for instance), preferably small, since I have no idea where I’ll be living when I graduate, and local/artisan-made. Any suggestions from the hive? Preferably for $25 or thereabouts. And no I <3 NY, stuff, please – I'd look rather silly wearing it on the opposite coast :)

    • Maddie Ross

      I get a Christmas ornament every city I travel to (for work and pleasure). Small, relatively cheap and creates nice memories on the tree. Last year I got a yellow cab with Santa driving from NYC.

      • purplesneakers

        Oh, I love that, and it fits with my small-but-growing ornament collection. Where did you pick yours up, if I may ask?

      • HSAL

        I love this, but where do you find Christmas ornaments if it’s off-season? I feel like I go between the airport and the hotel when I travel, so I end up getting shot glasses from the cities I visit. Your idea is much classier.

        • Maddie Ross

          I’ve found that if you look in gift shops, even in the non-holiday season, they usually have a display or two of ornaments. I’ve bought all kinds – nice glass ones, cheesy plastic ones, handmade ones. I usually go for one that is indicative of the place (think a ceramic blue crab in Maryland rather than one that says “Maryland”). I’ve found several in airports, but most in hotel gift shops or gift shops in the touristy sections of towns.

          • Maddie Ross

            Oh, and not helpful for work trips necessarily, but museum gift shops usually have them, too. I’ve gotten some really interesting ones from museums.

          • heatherskib

            Either that or a small item that you could run a ribbon through and hang as an ornament. This has been my grandparent’s go to for years. When I studied abroad in London they gave me a little Red double decker bus for an ornament.
            At this point their tree is all these little knickknacks from their travels around the U.S.

    • Bonnie

      When I travel, I get a Starbucks mug from that city. It’s a nice reminder of the city and a great way to use up foreign currency at airports!

    • AMB

      I get fridge magnets from the places I travel. I either use them on my fridge or on my metal cabinets at work – they hold things up and remind me of my travels. Plus they are usually quite economical.

      • PHX

        I do this as well. If you use a silver Sharpie, you can write the date of/reason for the trip on the back. (It only took me 10 years to figure out the Sharpie trick…)

        • Gail the Goldfish

          I’m another magnet person, and that is brilliant. I’m going to have to start doing that.

          • PHX

            Once I figured it out, I had to go back and date ALL. THE. MAGNETS. I think most of them are right. :)

      • Senior Attorney

        Team Magnet here, too. Once I ran out of space on the fridge I painted my laundry room ceiling with magnetic paint and stick them up there. And now I have my own little version of the Sistine Chapel!

    • purplesneakers

      Thanks for the suggestions! The only problem with magnets and ornaments is that they’re just… there, and after a point I just forget they exist. Does anyone have ideas for things they use day-to-day (not consumables) that might benefit from an upgrade?

      • Anon0321

        I like buying little bowls- I use them as catchalls around the apt for wedding rings, change, whatever. I also write the date/place on the bottom w/ a sharpie.
        I also like buying consumables- so for ex when I go to Italy or France, I buy salt (I swear it tastes better)… not sure what you could get in NYC that they wouldn’t have elsewhere in the US though.

      • Baconpancakes

        Not sure if you’re still reading this, but I collect art on my travels! I have framed mosaics from southern Spain, silk screens from Japan, a tiny pressed Edelweiss from Switzerland, and a gold leaf painted desert from Israel. Some of my favorite purchases are from museums, prints of magnificent art that reminds me of the trip.

      • AIMS

        If you want an ornament, there’s a shop that sells ornament year round on 7th avenue in the west 50s. Christmas Cottage, I think.

        For another idea, you could try a museum gift shop like the Met. There’s a location in Rockefeller Center, and obviously the Met itself. They have lots of cute stuff that isn’t obviously NY. MOMA has cute stuff too – you could get a mug that looks like the classic NYC paper cup. There’s a location in soho and in the museum. If you’re in flatiron, you could also check out Fish’s and Eddy – tons of cute house/kitchen stuff that’s not obvious but will remind you of your trip.

      • Senior Attorney

        Scarves or earrings or similar small accessories come in a variety of prices and are easy to pack. I bought a ton of scarves when I visited Asia and they are a nice reminder of the trip every time I wear them.

  13. Dinner party

    Hi all, I’m looking for ideas for something fun and tasty to serve as the main dish at a small dinner party for 8 people. Ideally something fall-inspired. There are no dietary restrictions, so meat/dairy/etc. is okay. I’d prefer something that cooks in the oven so that I can prepare it ahead of time and then enjoy pre-dinner cocktails with the guests before it’s ready. I’d rather not do a lasagna because I’ve done that recently, but up for pretty much anything else. Any ideas?

  14. bankermom

    Boeuf bourguignon. Can be made a day ahead even, or in a slow cooker. + crusty bread + decent red wine = awesome fall dinner.

  15. Paging Nonny

    Does anyone around here remember Nonny, a poster from a few years back? She was pregnant and having issues with her sister. I was reading some old posts today, and as I’m going through a similar situation right now, was wondering how things turned out for her.

    • Coach Laura

      If you’re paging Nonny, why not reply to a few of the old posts? Most of them had “notify me of follow up” email and I know I still get some responses for old posts, so maybe she’d see the response. Worth a shot.

      Not sure if she posts on the *tt*mom page or not.

    • meme

      She was around a few months ago, on the moms page for sure, can’t remember if she was posting here too.

  16. heatherskib

    I posted this on one of yesterdays threads, but am hoping for more comments on this one.
    I just moved into my very first office yesterday… unfortunately part of the deal is the miscellaneous files that can’t be disposed of for a decade and the supplies for our grant funded staff came with me. Because i work in public sector I’m limited in what I can do with furnishings. Everything’s on open bookshelves, which makes my office look like a storage closet. I was wondering what the hive thinks of installing curtains over the shelves to hide the clutter that I can’t dispose of. Kinda like a full length version of this: https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M9a5a06cf7c2d15dbf34d49401d659f43o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

    If not, does anyone have any other suggestions for hiding clutter? And while I’m at it are there any suggestions for hiding a whole bunch of computer cords when your office furniture is mismatched items from the 80’s?

    Thanks so much!

    • L

      Personally, I wouldn’t do curtains. I’d get bankers boxes and cover the outer edges with some nice simple paper and throw all the files in those.

      • Wildkitten

        I love this idea. Contact paper would be easy, or scrapbook paper if you can’t find contact paper you like.

    • Anonymous

      For bookshelves, buy a couple of pretty mikcartons form Target. I got some black to white ombre ones & put all sorts of smaller crap in them. They make everything look so much more pulled together & pretty & break up the books/files.

    • Anonymous

      No curtains. No decorating your file boxes. No decorative milk carts. You are not 13, this is not your locker.

      Arrange the files as neatly as possible, hang a picture or two if there is room, put a framed photo or two on your desk and carry on.

      • SC

        I generally agree. But I think you could do the milk cartons in the first link – they’re solid gray, so really not decorative, just a little more polished than a cardboard banker’s box. Really, I think you could use almost any boring solid color – gray, white, navy, black, etc – and possibly even a brighter red or blue. They don’t scream decorating like a 13-year-old’s locker, just organizing and getting things out of the way.

    • heatherskib

      Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I have a plan. I ordered some leatherette snap and store boxes for all the storage stuff and some striped pieces to break up the wall of black. The Snap and stores are durable enough to use repeatedly as stuff that needs to be stored cycles in and out without having it start to look cruddy.

  17. Anonymous

    Also, Ikea has flat panel curtains that are plasticy & might just look like doors that you can use to cover the clutter.

  18. Pajamas

    I am packing my hospital bag for the birth of our first child and am wondering what you would recommend to wear while in the hospital (other than when I have to be wearing the obligatory gown). Do I need pajama pants and button up pajama tops, for nursing? Would I rather have longer nightgown things? What do you recommend? Thanks for any advice you can give!

    • Maddie Ross

      I brought a set of matching pajamas, but I never wore them. Once you’re out of the hospital gown — which I frankly stayed in for about 24 hours and went through a couple clean changes of post-partum — I liked a nursing cami, yoga pants (when visitors were there – otherwise pantsless with disposable underwear for the win!) and a wrap sweater (when awake). Pretty much the same thing I wore the first couple weeks at home.

    • Anon

      I liked a nursing tank top, some kind of soft pants, and a open front sweater.

    • Anonymous

      Something you don’t mind getting stained. I agree that a nightgown is easier for exams, if you need a catheter, etc. I wore tunics and tights when I had visitors, but stayed in the hospital gown the rest of the time.

    • SC

      I stayed in the hospital gown for almost 24 hours after giving birth (2 pm until visitors arrived mid-day the next day). Then I wore a nursing tank and yoga pants when visitors were around and wore a bathrobe when they weren’t. I think I went home in yoga pants and a cozy maternity top.

    • Meg Murry

      I’d pack things for a couple of different temperatures. With both of my boys, the room was ridiculously warm compared to the temperature we keep our house a home, so I wound up wearing a nursing tank and men’s gym shorts and flip flops, occasionally throwing a lightweight bathrobe or hoodie over my shoulders. The hospital my sister delivered at was freezing, so she had me bring her fleece jacket and fuzzy socks.

      But +1 to only taking things you wouldn’t be upset if they are stained/ruined, and no shame in just wearing the hospital gown if it works for you – no point in creating extra laundry for yourself

    • meme

      I packed my hospital bag recently too, and based on previous experience (including short stays and a 4-day stay with baby in NICU), I packed these clothes for me:

      nursing tanks (I skip nursing bras until out of the hospital)
      lightweight robe to wear over the gown while you’re still in it in case you need to walk down the hall or visitors show up unannounced (this happens)
      nursing nightgown (need access so they can check you below)
      cardigan/zip-front sweatshirt (for extra warmth)
      socks (hospital ones not cool)
      rubber-bottom slippers (again for walking halls – esp. needed if baby is in NICU or nursery)
      cotton undies you don’t mind throwing out
      top and yoga pants (that fit when you were 6 months pregnant) for going home

    • MDMom

      I packed yoga pants but never wore them. I just wore hospital gowns until time to go home. It was most comfy and didn’t worry about staining. Also easy for exams and breastfeeding.

    • Anon0321

      I’m the c-sectioner from earlier today (btw- it was a no go today! we live to see another weekend!).
      In my bag I packed this morning I have:
      Some high waisted underwear, a robe from target, a nursing nightgown from Macy’s, 2 sets of clothes for the newborn, snacks, a copy of any paperwork I thought might be useful, some tennis balls for pressure, a nursing bra from Target, some loose pants linen with a high & wide waist, a couple of t-shirts & tanks, a pic of my dog, some toiletries, a pillow, a towel, some ziploc bags (1 nurse recommended them for impromptu ice packs), my kindle, a charger. Added a hoody & some vicks for funky smells based on what other posters said earlier.
      I might be going overboard, because I keep having to go in with it daily & keep thinking of things to add, but it all fits in 1 of those larger roll-on carry on cases.

      • Anonymama

        At my hospital the nurses provided the ice packs (frozen diapers or pads, they worked great), I can’t imagine having to bring your own. They also provided tons of disposable underwear, I don’t know if it’s standard but much better than stretching out your own with enormous ice packs.

    • Emmie

      I stayed in my hospital gown (with a nursing bra underneath) because I didn’t want to worry about getting blood on my PJs. Otherwise I’d suggest yoga pants and nursing tops.

      Also, bring enormous shoes. My feet had been really puffy anyway, but got significantly worse during delivery. I wore flip-flops home from the hospital in December.

  19. D. Meagle

    Depending on your delivery, pants might be uncomfortable to get into, and if you have a section, might sit uncomfortably on your incision. Plus doctors and nurses are going to be coming in to check on you while you are in bed, so then they have to pull the pants down. I found a knee length nightgown to be most comfortable. I could pull the top down for nursing, and pull the bottom up when laying down and when being examined.

  20. Rose

    Followed up with HR about the job that I had a Dina interview last Friday. Apparently, there’s a last minute candidate and they have a Final interview on Monday.

    Trying to keep positive and not stress all weekend.
    But this has been two months of interviews and I really want the job. Could go either way clearly.

  21. Senior Attorney

    I know this is probably a long shot, but I just realized that I will be in Montreal for Canadian Thanksgiving on Monday! Does anybody have any suggestions for a great place for a fab Thanksgiving dinner? Price not really much of a factor.

    • AIMS

      We had the best dinner at Joe Beef. No idea if they’re open on the holiday but try to go. It was such a fun time and food was so good.

  22. Laurel

    Where are your favorite places to buys suits, especially for pear shaped women? I’m looking for a basic black suit (skirt, pants, jacket) and I don’t know who has good suits anymore.

    • Anonymous

      Theory. Not sure about pear-shaped, though. I am a size 4 hourglass and Theory is a dream come true.

      • anon

        Seriously? I thought theory was only good for straighter shaped women, like not busty or with big hips/butt?

        • theory about theory

          Probably too late for this, but I wanted to say that I’m also a pear and the theory of 5+ years ago never used to fit me, but this summer, I tried on some theory and bam, I’m a size 4. I have not lost any weight, so my guess is that theory is going the way of j.crew — vanity sizing.

      • Anonymous

        I am an apple– size 8-10 with a large bust and small hips and lower body and I LOVE theory. I hate how easily it wrinkles– I usually only get one wear out of a suit before dry cleaning it, but it fits me perfectly. I do have to size up– sheath dresses are a 12, jackets 10, pants/skirts 8. Any other brand, dresses are an 8 or 10.

    • Scully

      Size 8 pear here. I have a mix of high-end and low-end suits. Classiques Entier and Halogen at Nordstrom are my go to for suits. The Halogen Taylor pants are great for larger thighs. Some of the Limited suits are decent (although they wear out quickly with frequent wear). Try Cassidy or Drew fit. Or the Jackson fit at BR if you can find a wool suit. I’ve had some luck with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Theory and Hugo Boss do not work well for pear shapes.

  23. Anon S

    Hi ladies, what website do you use to order nice, gift size (think 5X7, 8X10, 11X17) photo prints? Anyone ever use shutterfly or snapfish? Thanks!

    • Anon0321

      I did all of my wedding prints on shutterfly and was super happy with the results. I’ve also used snapfish in the past and if I remember correctly I liked them.

  24. Diana Barry

    I know this is super late on the thread so will post M/T if no one answers, but – I have the “Sarah Ponte Dress” from Boden in the pink color. I bought it for family pictures this summer. It is too short to wear to work and I am wondering if there is any way I can style it for fall/spring? Or will it be summer party wear only? Link to follow.

    • Bonnie

      I think tights would look off with a cotton dress. You can wear it with a cardigan until the temperature drops.

    • Anonymous

      I disagree, I think tights look great with ponte dresses! I love the black and emerald combination so I’d probably just do black tights and pumps or boots. Navy would also work instead of black. Any number of blazers or cardigans would work.

  26. Legwear

    I have some smaller-pattern fishnets in a color that is like vanilla ice cream. On my leg, they look more like a paler version of me (not the vanilla color). Wear? Toss?

    I am so used to solid black, but I hate the monotony of it and would like some other options (and gray is too close to qualify as different).

    But I am a child of the 80s and can remember wearing hose in white (by me, to church, with pastel spring dresses when it was still cold in the northeast) and also this vanilla shade. Maybe safe the vanilla mini-fishnets for something legitimately artsy and not try to work in with normal clothes?

    For the record, can someone post a link to where to get mini-fishnets so I can do this right?

    • Anonymous

      I’ve seen this done but someone was wearing a knee-length skirt and boots, so the tights were just a peak at the knee. and it look fabulous.

    • anon

      I love mini fishnets for days where I want to wear a skirt or dress but haven’t shaved in a few weeks. Also when it is kind of cold but not really cold. I wear the nude color (I think that’s what they are called and they are not really nude for me but they are close enough that it adds interest). Definitely not white or off-white though. I get them from Nordstrom – they are the Oroblu brand.

  27. Alice the Pointy Haired

    Is there still an active support group for the ladies on here with Crohn’s Disease and other such issues? I am having health problems in this veing and I need help with what questions to ask my doctor and such. If so, can someone in the group email me at Alicethepointyhaired (at) gmail (dot) com? Thank you!!

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