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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This dress reminds me of the reader favorite Ivy & Blu dress — the high V-neck, the defined waist, and the slight A-line to the skirt. This one is not a faux wrap, and has a serpent pattern on the bottom half, but (as someone on team “animal-print-is-a-classic”) I like it even more. The dress was $198, but is now marked to $69.30 at Last Call. Isda & Co. Tarnished Serpent Mixed-Media Dress
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(L-3)
Sales of note for 9.10.24
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- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- White House Black Market – 30% off new arrivals
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Moving to Maryland
I’ll be moving in the next month and a half to the Baltimore area. Any advice on renting v. buying in that area?
Ellen
This is a nice dress, Kat, and fairley Inexpensive! I will recommend to Rosa, b/c she wear’s stuff like this to the partie’s she goes to with Ed. Once she gets it I will tell the manageing partner and see if he will let me get one JUST like it, so we can go to partie’s together dressed like TWINS! YAY!!!!
As for the OP, I am not familiar with Baltimore, but I am told it is alot like DC, and over time, dad say’s it is ALWAYS best to buy, particulearly if you are goeing to be there for a while. So if you would move to DC, buy there. Therefore my advise is the same. Buy and HOLD.
When I came back to NYC after law school, I was renting in a rat trap with bug’s and it smelled ransid, kind of like spoiled food and smelley feet combined. I told dad and he said I HAD to own in NYC, particulearly b/c most guy’s were NOT about to marry me and Alan was drinkeing and dad was NOT that happy with him. Dad figured if I got a nice place and dumped Alan OUT, I would be more marketeable to men who made alot of money and needed to have a young beauty (dad’s words) to take out around the city and to events. So he had me look for places on the UES (where I was liveing) and once I found a few places, he would look. We setteled on this place b/c there was not alot to do before I could move in. The old owner’s had been good, and the place was ONLEY a few year’s old anyway. The biggest obstacel is to get approval of the BOARD. Watch out b/c they will NOT like you if they think you will bring guy’s in for sex. It’s evideantly OK for guy’s to bring women in and have sex, but NOT the other way around. That is SEXIST, and I was NOT about to do that anyway.
So I caution you to be VERY reserved, and go in wearing a nice skirt with a blouse that is NOT low cut, b/c they will think you are loose with men if you show anything to the Board. My lady Chair nearley did NOT acept me, but DAD put down 50% and cosigned the morgage, so she could NOT exclude me. The old guy on the board ooogeled me, but mabye that helped get me in–who knows.
So to make along story short, buy, but watch out for the board b/c they can deny you even if you have the money, and have your dad cosign the morgage, and dress conservative so they will not think you will just use the apartement for sex with strange men. FOOEY on the whole process. I NEVER want to do this again, even when I am MARRIED! DOUBEL FOOEY!
Marylander
How familiar are you with the area? If you are already certain where you want to live, I don’t see any region-specific reasons not to buy at the moment… but if you’re new to MD, I’d probably rent for at least 6 months to get the lay of the land first before you lock yourself in one spot. The city itself has really nice pockets and really shady pockets (often in very close proximity to each other), and the surrounding suburbs have very different flavors depending which way you go. Unless you’re living in the city and going car-free, you’ll also want to figure out the traffic patterns, since distance and driving time do not correlate in a linear fashion in some directions.
PolyD
This – The city itself has really nice pockets and really shady pockets (often in very close proximity to each other) – is very true about Baltimore. I live in the DC suburbs and haven’t spent a ton of time in Baltimore, but have been there enough. A colleague’s daughter kind of got screwed a few years ago because she bought in an area that everyone was just “sure” would gentrify. Well, not so much. She’s had to deal with things like tires being stolen off her car and attempted break-ins, and isn’t able to sell without taking a financial hit. Not sure what area of Baltimore, though.
That said, I think Baltimore could be a great place to live! Decent food and drink scene, some nice museums, and much cheaper than DC, I am pretty sure. So I would agree that it might be a good idea to rent for 6 months – 1 year, figure out where you want to be, and then think about buying.
Moving to Maryland
We’ll be just north of Baltimore, so we probably won’t be in the city. I’ve been there a few times for work trips, but I’ve never lived on the East Coast. It’ll be a cultural difference. We have a young child, so we’ll be looking for family-friendly areas.
Anonymous
I live and work in DC and am actually house-hunting in Baltimore – Baltimore City, but just to the north of downtown. I’m just praying the commute doesn’t kill me… but the prices are rock-bottom, and it seems like a great community to buy into. I couldn’t afford a shoebox in the near DC suburbs… and I wouldn’t want one either.
rachelellen
so that was me, making that comment. didn’t mean for it to be anon.
Spirograph
Actually, if you’re taking the MARC, don’t have far to go on either end of it, and either like to read or can work on a train, that sounds like kind of an awesome commute.
If you’re driving, though…
rachelellen
sorry, one more thought. I can absolutely verify that there are very desirable neighborhoods and very less-desirable neighborhoods right on top of each other – but what surprised me is that it’s overall very much a seller’s market. I had expected a lot of the crime and foreclosure issues to impact the city/metro area overall, and that’s not true. I’m looking in an area that’s middle-class, nice but not posh, a bit underpriced but not down-on-its-luck, and I’ve already seen one house that I wanted to bid on slip by.
To me, that’s a sign that you should rent for a while, but others may see it differently.
Charmed Girl
Agree! I’ve been in Baltimore for 12 years now and really like it. I moved here from out of state (to the city) and bought immediately. While I bought (and sold) at REALLY opportune times, I couldn’t wait to get to the two years for tax reasons to sell. There is a part of me that might have been happier in a short term rental (6 months) to get a better lay of the land. I’ve always lived in the city so don’t have a good sense of how different all the suburbs would be.
On another topic, pleasantly surprised to “see” so many other Baltimore folks here- I thought I was the only one!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
No advice but all my friends that live in Baltimore absolutely LOVE it!
Alana
Erin, What do they love? What stage are they at in life? As a new arrival to Baltimore, I am having difficulty finding out what is going on around town, such as arts events that attract young professionals.
+100 on Marylander’s response.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
They are young 20’s something starting out in their professional careers. They do a lot of boating events and boating parties. They love trying new things on the food scene. I don’t think they’re into the art scene, but I am and know when I moved to Omaha one of the first things I did was get a membership to the Young Art Patrons Group at our local art museum. Does Baltimore have something like that? The YAP group in my area is always having fun events and are a great way to meet people!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
Wow I feel old but I guess not young 20’s anymore. Like 23-26.
January
23-26 isn’t really that old, either. :)
Red Beagle
I like this dress, though I’m on the fence about “animal print is a classic” — the snake print in silver is subtle enough for me. I can see it in my business casual office as is or with a cropped cardi or shrug. Any thoughts on the sizing of this brand? It looks like the jersey top half would be forgiving for someone who is curvy on top.
houda
I think animal print is classic in accessories as it reminds of exotic skins but I am also on the fence about stating this for apparel.
Scully
Well put. I feel similarly.
BR Suiting Blazer Q
Does anyone here have the 2-button BR wool suiting blazer? I am looking at it (and the rest of their suiting pieces) b/c I need a black blazer to wear over some sleeveless sheaths for work. For someone who’s 5-4, do you need a regular or petite? Any other comments that might be helpful (esp. since this may commit me to BR over JCrew for suits for my next purchases)? A bit plus in my mind is that BR lines its wool pants and wool makes me itch like crazy and seems to have gotten good comments here for being pear-friendly in their cut.
HSAL
I tried that blazer on two weeks ago – I’m 5’3 and the sleeves were way too long for me (came almost to my pinky with my arms hanging straight down), so I need the petite sizing.
Also 5'4"
Per my handle, I am also 5’4″ and recently purchased this suit in the navy lightweight wool. I typically wear a 4 or a 6, and purchased the 4 regular in the jacket, and the 6 regular in the pants, pencil skirt, and colorblock dress. I’m very happy with my purchases so far and have worn the various pieces a bunch of times in the last month. The jacket is the perfect size, I don’t think that a petite would be necessary unless your arms are on the shorter side. The skirt and dress are the right length for me (top of the knee), but the pants were a bit long. I generally wear heels with suiting, however, so I would rather have longer pants hemmed to the right length than purchase the petite pants and have them be too short. The suit is very attractive and I’ve received several compliments already. The jacket has a cute lining, so it looks nice with the sleeves rolled up a bit for a more casual look.
Lavinia
I was pretty much on the border between petite and regular when I bought this jacket a year ago. I did have to get the sleeves shortened, though. However, now that I’ve lost a couple pounds, I wish I’d gotten the petite because the jacket now hits a bit lower on my hip–not a huge issue, I just prefer my jackets a bit shorter. I’m not sure if this is at all helpful…can you order both and return one?
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
I have the blazer and love it. I got a regular for the torso length but had to have the sleeves shortened because they were too long. Because the blazer has actual button holes on the sleeves and not just sewn on buttons be prepared for a high tailoring bill. They have to take the sleeves off at the shoulders and shorten them that way. It cost me like $60.
Anonattorney
I had to do this with two BR blazers that I got in tall sizes, thinking the regular would be too short. Maybe a better tailor can do a good job shortening from the shoulders, but mine messed them up a bit. The shoulders now look just a little off. I don’t know if it’s due to the quality of the suiting material and very slight padding in the shoulder, or if it was just the tailor’s mistake. Be prepared for it to be expensive and possibly not as clean as you like.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
The tailor I go to that does it did a fabulous job. That’s good to know it can be messed up because I’m still grumbling about how much it cost. haha I guess it was worth it!
TO Lawyer
Are you generally quite small up top? I bought like a 0 or 00 petite in this blazer (which is ridiculous because i’m usually a 4 in dresses) – I found it ran really big but I’m happy with the length of the petite blazer, so I would lean towards a petite size if your torso is smaller.
anon-oh-no
I’m also 5’4 and have it in a 4 reg and a 6 petite. I personally like the 4 reg better, but the sleeves had to be shortened. Really, they both work good though.
AIMS
I’m 5’4-ish, maybe 5’3ish, and I have it in the petite size. Granted, I think I have short arms but even on the petite the sleeves are maybe a half inch too long.
Other comments: It’s very classic and not like past BR blazers in that it is much more narrow in the arm and shoulders — which I love because past BR blazers just looked frumpy on me, but may not work for you if you preferred the old style. I’d say it fits similar to how Theory blazers used to fit.
The biggest con is that, unlike old theory, it’s cheap wool. I’ve had the navy blazer for less than a year and you can see little white wisps already starting to come out. It’s not very noticeable and I would be more upset if I paid full price, but it’s making me rethinking getting another one in the black color.
Lavinia
The white wisps are coming out in my black blazer.
BR Suiting Blazer Q
What are these white whisps? I don’t think I’ve ever seen this before (and I tend to own AT, Talbots, etc. wool suits, so not startling high quality). Is it that you can see through the lining or some sort of pilling?
AIMS
They look almost like very fine gray hairs that are stuck to your blazer except that when you go to pull them out you realize they are coming from the inside of the sleeve or shoulder. This usually happens after a very, very long time in the shoulder/arm area but I’ve noticed it happening much more quickly with suits now because of what I assume is shoddier construction. I think it’s whatever padding (batting?) is inside to shape the sleeve or something like that and that it starts to come out with time as it loses shape and/or fabric gets thinner? The only time I’ve noticed it before is with an old Benetton blazer from like ten years ago, around the shoulder area, and only after I had for, like, ever. But I see it with the BR blazer now and I assume this is just one more example in the “things are made less well now” category.
SuziStockbroker
I have it and wear the 4P. I’m 5’6″, but most of my height is in my legs.
Nancy P
How insane is it that my mortal fear of snakes would prevent me from wearing this dress? If only the bottom were a different animal print.
Red Beagle
Not insane at all, I understand.
I also have a mortal fear of snakes but it has the opposite effect on me regarding their prints – at least for shoes. I love wearing snake-print shoes in a “take that, you evil creatures!” way.
Em
Not at all insane; I could never buy a spider dress.
Carrie
Ah, but a spider WEB dress…. I can imagine beautiful prints….
Profmama
I have an awesome spider web print maxi from ASOS last summer – always gets compliments!
KS IT Chick
This weekend, I saw a pair of snake print flats that fit beautifully, but I couldn’t make myself buy them. My skin crawled just trying them on, so I was pretty sure I would never be able to wear them.
Cat
all the news about Diagon Alley opening in FL has HP on the brain – so my reaction was ooh, what the Slytherins would wear to work at the Ministry!
(That said… I’m not a big animal print person, but even putting that aside, I’d be surprised to see an attorney wearing this much of it to the office. Same dress with a solid, neutral patterned, striped or floral skirt, sure.)
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
haha I love this comment. I could totally see stylish Slytherins wearing this!
N
I may receive tickets to the San Francisco symphony tonight. They’re supposed to be good seats and I’ve never been to a symphony or opera so I have no idea what to wear. While I would generally love any excuse to buy a fancy dress I just went back-to-work shopping and don’t really have the budget for a new dress that I wouldn’t wear much.
I have a few sheath dresses I wear to work and a couple form fitting dresses like the DvF dress in the below link. Are these types of dresses too informal? Do I need to suck it up and buy a new dress? If so, I would appreciate any recommendations on an appropriate dress around $100.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrTcYDSRr1TXT8A3DaJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTI0bjdhZ2QwBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAMzODNmNGQzNDNmNGUwYTc0OTE4NWVmNjBhOTIyMDg2OQRncG9zAzExOQRpdANiaW5n?back=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Ddvf%2Bdresses%26n%3D60%26ei%3DUTF-8%26fr2%3Dsa-gp%26spos%3D12%26nost%3D1%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D119&w=1000&h=1334&imgurl=www.aoope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F09%2F16%2F8%2F2093-Diane-Von-Furstenberg-women-s-Pele-dress-1.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aoope.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fdiane-von-furstenberg-pele-dress-for-women%2F&size=144.9KB&name=+%3Cb%3EDiane+Von+Furstenberg%3C%2Fb%3E+women%26%2339%3Bs&p=dvf+dresses&oid=383f4d343f4e0a749185ef60a9220869&fr2=sa-gp&fr=&tt=+%3Cb%3EDiane+Von+Furstenberg%3C%2Fb%3E+women%26%2339%3Bs&b=61&ni=70&no=119&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=128t0gd1c&sigb=13lrsp76n&sigi=131sp3nje&sigt=1191faa5a&sign=1191faa5a&.crumb=3omL4qLS6Fn&fr2=sa-gp
FAQ
“What should I wear to a San Francisco Symphony concert?
Contrary to what many people think, formal attire—such as tuxedos and evening gowns—is not required at Symphony concerts. In fact, most people only wear formal clothing to our Opening Gala. At our other concerts, most concertgoers wear business or cocktail attire.” -From the Website.
Nancy P
I don’t know about the SF Symphony, but for the NY Phil you’d be fine in the types of dresses you described.
Spirograph
That dress is totally appropriate for a weeknight symphony concert. Enjoy!
Carrie the violinist
You can wear anything to the SF Symphony. I would stay away from shorts and jeans, but there will be several people there with dark wash/nicer jeans, and I’m sure some tourists (and locals) in shorts. Most of the time I was wearing whatever I wore to work that day, which was always pants. Usually black.
Most of the people who dress up a lot are of two types…. the very young and less experienced with going out to the Symphony and are making a big date night of it. And then some of the seniors.
So your dress ideas are totally fine. I would never buy a new dress to go to the Symphony.
I find the Symphony audience to made of more music lovers who dress up less, with opera/ballet a little more of the crowd who sometimes go to be “seen”, if you know what I mean. But this varies from city to city.
Anon
I wouldn’t worry about what you wear to the SF symphony. You see absolutely everything here from jeans to fancy dresses (usually on young girls on dates) and a lot of whatever someone wore to work. For me, it would never be a “go shopping” event but if it’s a good excuse for you to buy something fun,go for it.
N
Thanks, ladies. I hate feeling underdressed and your responses put me at ease about my dress options. I’m so excited!
Frou Frou
Enjoy! I miss being able to go to the SF symphony on a whim (one of the few things I miss about living in SF)!
Anon
Thanks for the link to Corpore.t.t.eMoms in the header, Kat! I think that will be a good reminder to check in over there.
Kat G
Glad you like it! There’s also an RSS feed listing at the bottom of the Corporette sidebar (telling you when there’s a new post)… we just started a survey/giveaway to learn more about the CorporettemMoms readers — please come on over and take it!
Chronic Overthinker
I just posted a question to Corpore.t.t.e. Moms. Hopefully all of the moms can go check it out and offer some advice.
FYI
The Moms s!te is having technical issues where the comment count is zero even for posts with comments so if you just look at the main page or don’t scroll down on an individual post, you won’t know there are comments…
Hel-lo
Oh no! This totally turned me off from that s!te! Glad to know I should check it out again.
Scout
Hey Chronic Overthinker, I clicked over to Corpore.t.t.e.m.o.ms (not b/c I’m a mom but just b/c I’m generally nosy :) ) and I hope these are the types of Qs that people still feel free asking here. Again, I’m not a mom but I think your question is really interesting. This is a technical issue, but Kat even though it says “No Comment” in the post there is actually a comment on the most recent post and that goes the same for some of the older posts. I wonder if that’s dissuading people from posting there?
As a non-mom but recent law grad here’s my unsolicited two cents about being pregnant in law school. In my class there was one woman who was pregnant the summer of our 2L year. Then there was a pregnant woman in the year below me and then ahead of me as well. My school was very family friendly. They had a nice nursing room and the professors and deans went out of their way to be supportive. The moms also all had supportive families who helped with childcare. 1L year is terrible all around, super stressful, no one has really figured out how to play the game quite yet. 2L year was very busy for me. There’s OCI in the fall, everyone’s doing as many internships or getting involved as they can during 2L year in addition to classes. Plus Moot court starts up then too for some schools. But by the time 3L rolls around you know how to play the game and you’re not so overwhelmingly busy either. You’ve checked out and are focused about studying for the bar or looking for work if you haven’t nailed something down yet. Law school is actually a pretty flexible time. Your 2L & 3L year you build your own schedule and you have some freedom during the day that you don’t normally have working.
So good luck to you!
Chronic Overthinker
Thank you! This is very helpful! I may repost my question to the afternoon thread due to technical issues with the Moms site.
(former) preg 3L
I replied on the Moms thread.
Emmabean
I love the top of this dress, but am not cool enough to pull off snakeskin. It’s just not my style, which is a bummer, because I am sure the top would be really flattering!
Question – I want to get lash extensions and am looking for thoughts. IRL friends have mostly recommended, except for one, who said all her lashes fell out! I think she had a one-off case though. How do they hold up against exercising? I tend to sweat a ton when I work out (hard not to when you’re running in Texas, in the summer!) and am concerned they might just all fall off? None of my friends could really speak to this so wondering if anyone here knows.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
If you do get them don’t go to a cheap place. I’ve heard horror stories of eyelash extensions being glued on to eyelids, eye infections, just total eeek kind of stuff.
Becky
The rule of thumb that I’ve heard is if they’re charging less than $100, run (cheap glue is a big cause of infections/problems). It should take about 2 hours for a full set, because if it goes too fast, they’re probably trying to do multiples at a time, and they should insist that you keep your eyes closed for steadiness.
Anon
I had them for about six months and mostly loved them. It took awhile to get used to them–you can’t rub your eyes with them, and even sleeping felt a bit different with them. As for excercising, mine held up very well. I don’t sweat a tremendous amount when running or lifting, but I did do hot yoga with them fairly regularly and they held up fine! I’ve also noticed that many of the instructors at the hot yoga studio have them as well.
Hot Time
I’m heading to an outdoor concert in a field later today- it’s supposed to be about 100 degrees out. Will I be better off wearing a black tank top, or a white short-sleeve shirt. It’s work related event.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
White short sleeve shirt. Dark colors get really hot in heat.
Basics
White. Short sleeved. Something that covers up to your collarbone so your decolletage is not exposed to sun damage. Sun block. Hat.
Aggie
I have found that I am actually cooler in a loose fitting white shirt, especially one with long sleeves.
Baconpancakes
White should be good – don’t forget your sunscreen!
Allergic to Alcohol?
Anyone else allergic to alcohol? I am a life long enjoyer of red wine, but in the past couple months I have noticed that it creates extreme mucus congestion in my sinuses and nose and sometimes wheezing. (Bad enough, with my chronic sinus/asthma issues, to abstain. My daily medications control my chronic conditions, but they do not prevent these symptoms.)
At first I thought it was just red wine. Carefully controlled “experiments” have demonstrated that it happens with:
* red wine
* champagne
* sake (rice wine)
* vodka (potato based, haven’t tried grain based yet)
* tequila.
Any ideas welcome. TIA.
BR Suiting Blazer Q
When I was younger and living in a total pollen vortex, red wine made me sneeze and get all congested (and I practically had an IV drip of Sudafed Plus going, back before the reformulated it so that you couldn’t make meth from it). I didn’t drink it a lot, so I noticed when I did. It was like the histamine express.
I never had this with any sort of alcohol and I don’t have it now with red wine (different pollen? I’m still in the SE, which is allergy central).
kellyandthen
Oh, how I miss that version of Sudafed! I’ve taken to buying Children’s Benadryl and swigging it when necessary. Tres adult.
InfoGeek
The “old” version of Sudafed is still available — you just have to sign for it at the pharmacy counter and show ID. No need for a prescription, though.
Sadie
Unless you’re in Oregon. Then you need a prescription. *sigh*. It is such a bummer.
ANON
Yep. I’ve yet to take the time to figure out which types of liquor/beer/wine are the culprits. I think it may be what I eat and drink combined, not just the drink. I get hives all over my chest and back and can’t for the life of me sleep, I just roll around itching. TMI – sometimes it also causes extreme itching down there. I’ve found that if I take a Zyrtec right before drinking anything that it helps with the reaction. I quit drinking completely on week nights because I can’t afford to have an itchy, sleepless night during the week.
tesyaa
I have heard about people being sensitive to sulfites, which are added to certain alcoholic beverages. But I don’t know if the symptoms are like what you describe.
Philanthropy Girl
+1 This was my first thought. You can find wines, in particular, that are sulfite-free. Perhaps try some to see if you still react.
BankrAtty
I experience something similar: the second glass of red wine will usually make me sneeze a few times, and sometimes get congested. I don’t drink much liquor so I can’t comment on other alcohols.
Anon
It could be sulfites, but vodka and tequila typically wouldn’t have those in them. However, sulfites are in a lot of other common foods, like vinegars, spreads, and vegetables – prepared potatoes, for example, are always treated with sulfites in America thanks to the potato lobby. If you’ve been eating those kinds of foods before drinking, that could be the cause.
I think some alcohols have histamines in them, which might be worth checking into.
Anonymous
It could also be LPR which is a subset of GERD/reflux that can cause mucus production.
MaggieLizer
I read somewhere that alcohol exacerbates seasonal allergies for sciency reasons I didn’t take the time to read carefully. You said that this started happening over the past few months – does that mean since spring, i.e., higher pollen count? OTC allergy medicine might help.
snowy
I knew plenty of people in college w/ alcohol dehydrogenase deficiency, which is where you lack the enzyme to break down alcohol (aka ‘asian glow’). But I think that would be different from what you’re describing (sounds like an actual histamine response to the alcohol or sulfites as others have mentioned)
Wildkitten
Hard cider gives me hives.
Allergic to Alcohol?
Thanks, everyone.
Hel-lo
I think you should check with an allergist. I went to an allergist due to wheezing in my early 30s, and found out that I had developed an allergy to my cat. They can be extraordinarily helpful in this kind of situation.
South Beach Diet?
I weight about 10lbs more than I did this time last year and am considering trying the South Beach Diet to get back to a weight where I feel more comfortable. (I exercise intensely 6xs/week and eat a healthy pescetarian diet, but I can’t seem to get ahead of the pounds. I’m not sure if my skirts are tighter because my butt is “higher and rounder”–it is!–or because I’m just gaining weight. Sigh. ) Any helpful resources or advice out there? I found the blog “Kaylyn’s Kitchen” and it looks great.
McGiggles
I am a big fan of the south beach diet and do phase 1 about twice a year and try to generally stick with it otherwise. I use the actual books – you can get them for about $8 a piece in Barnes and noble, amazon, etc. that being said you sound like you are already following a lot of the principles so not sure how dramatic your weight loss will be. I’m eat generally healthy, don’t drink a lot and workout (not as intensely as you describe above) and I lose about 5 lbs over the two weeks of phase one. Oh also, I am only about 5 feet tall.
South Beach Diet
Thanks, McGiggles. I’m only 5’2 myself. :)
AEK
South Beach is my go-to for dropping a couple pounds and re-setting my mind for healthier eating. I recommend doing Phase One without exceptions on the allowable foods (portion sizes I let slide, and haven’t noticed a problem) for the full two weeks. Now that beans are approved for Phase One it’s not all that restrictive. (I miss the carbs, don’t get me wrong! But it’s not hard to find good things to eat.)
Kalyn’s Kitchen has great recipes and there are some decent ones in the actual South Beach book (the diet book, not the cookbooks), but overall I’ve found it’s pretty easy to tweak any recipe.
Depending on your diet now, you might feel crappy during the first few days as you adjust to less sugar / carbs, but it sounds like you’re already eating pretty healthy. Keep an eye on it though, and be careful when you’re exercising at first. Sometimes without that carb-energy I find rigorous exercise harder in the initial days especially.
I can’t remember what the SB position on artificial sweeteners is now, but for me, because I also use the diet as a way to just re-set my mind, I don’t mess around with any of that sugar-free gelatin or other “treats” that are, or used to be, allowed. For me it defeats the purpose to incorporate sweet-tasting things when I am trying to focus on not wanting / needing that stuff.
Orangerie
Did you gain weight from increased muscle mass? Do you take your measurements and calculate BMI and/or % of body fat? The number on the scale doesn’t tell the full picture.
South Beach Diet
I honestly don’t know. My body is tighter and more musclar than it was when I started my current exercise program 15 weeks ago. But my bottoms feel tight and I feel generally “thick.” I wanted to take measurements last night, but couldn’t find my tape measure. I’ve been exercising for a long time and this weight is high for me.
Orangerie
Obviously you know your body best, but is there a possibility that part of this is caused by the type of exercise you’re doing? One example I can think of is frequent weight lifting without enough cardio mixed in.
Kontraktor
Agreed. I do a strength training class, and I started from level 0, and they let us know that we might ‘bulk up’ first in the sense that as new muscles develop, they swell a bit and also they grow under the fat which hasn’t gone away yet. Also, if you are doing an intense program 6x/week for 4 months, you could very well be changing shape due to changing muscles; when you work glutes and hamstrings, you get a more lifted, rounded behind, so it is possible you’re just changing shape because of exercise.
I would monitor your measurements as well and maybe not go too crazy with diet, especially if you are eating pretty clean already.
Hel-lo
Sounds like you’ve increased muscle mass.
NbyNW
South Beach Diet is the only “diet” that I can stick to. Most of the principles can be boiled down to “eat good unprocessed food and no bread/potatoes/rice/corn/starches”. But I really have a hard time limiting fruit during the summer – that’s the best thing about summer – as you’re supposed to do on Phase I.
LawyrChk
I did South Beach last year and am still adhering to the general principles. I’m down around 17 lbs and have kept it off for over a year. Like you, I was eating relatively healthy but needed a kick in the pants to stop the weight creep. Strongly recommended, especially the “palate reset” in Phase I, as it really does help you kick any cravings.
Bev
Uh-oh. “South Beach,” your question has stirred the ire of the b*tches at STFU. They do not want you to want to lose 5 pounds and they think anyone who cares about fitting into her clothes has been brainwashed by society and / or has an eating disorder and major self-esteem issues. Better to just keep the extra weight and not discuss it; they are the arbiters of What Is Right, after all.
McGiggles
I have to agree with your statement and say that STFU went from posting some of the more humorous stuff that we all said here back in the day to now being outright nasty and mean. I used to have a giggle at it every once and a while at some of the things we said that she pointed out how ridiculous if was but it’s certainly taken on a humorless tone as of late. Just keep asking your questions here ladies, this is an open thread!
Maddie Ross
PSA – I just bought all three pieces of a suit (skirt, blazer and pants) from J.Crew factory for the grand total of $94. Even if the quality isn’t thru the roof and I need to do alterations, this is a great deal. Could be great for young attorneys/professionals trying to build a wardrobe. Just FYI.
cavity maker
man…. I am eying two suits… what’s the sizing like? BR? Or smaller?
Maddie Ross
JCF sizing is not always consistent, which the is the risk associated with a final sale like this. I have two other factory suits though and they are both in the same size as I wear at BR. I personally think their blazers are pretty TTS, though the skirts and pants can run a bit big. Of course, those are easier to take in and tailor.
JCF Anon
I did a double-take at this comment, because my initials (used all the time in law-firm world) are JCF. And in fact it is a problem for me that my “sizing is not always consistent.” :)
Wildkitten
I find their dresses are too short to wear to work.
Pest
I have to disagree with this as an office pick. I don’t know why manufacturers market animal prints to women as office attire. Would they market them to men as office attire? Would you see men at your office in snake skin shoes or shirts or belts? No, of course not. Why do they think it’s appropriate for women to wear it to work?
BankrAtty
I agree; I wouldn’t wear this much animal print to work. I think animal print is fine as an accessory (belt, shoes, cardigan–but not all at once!) but this is too much.
Scully
Although I wouldn’t wear this much animal print either, I don’t think that asking “whether the men do it” works for women’s work fashion. A man would not wear a silk shirt to work, but there was no issue with the silk blouse posted the other day. Men would also not wear patent “nude for them” shoes, which are perfectly acceptable for women at work. I think it’s a very tough line to draw.
PolyD
I am giggling at the idea of “nude-for-him” shoes.
Anonymous
“Wow, his feet look so long and slender!”
(FWIW, I feel nude-for-you flats are a little bizarre on women too)
Hollis
What’s “bizarre” about nude-for-you flats? Not snarking, I’m just curious since I’m looking to buy a pair for myself.
anon
when I see women in nude flats, from a distance (and even up close sometimes) it looks like they’re barefoot. Not a great look IMO.
SFAttorney
Yes. They do look barefoot or at least a little unbalanced as their feet recede.
emeralds
Totally agree with this. Also, here is your requisite reminder that not everyone works in a business-formal, charcoal/navy/black-suit-every-day law firm. Speaking for myself, dresses with classic shapes and interesting details make up the backbone of my work wardrobe; I’m not a fan of the snakeskin skirt, but in something different (gray leopard!) I’d absolutely wear it.
Pest
I think there’s a line. Sheath dresses, skirt suits, skirts, silk shells are now considered classics and of course men don’t wear them. Animal print in work attire is much more recent and I just think it goes too far. I disagree with you on patent shoes for work and think they’re co**tail attire.
Anonymous
Well, on that you are wrong. Patent leather is appropriate for women for day time. There are enough rules without you just making stuff up.
Pest
Reasonable women can disagree. I’m not making rules, just expressing opinions, which is allowed here.
Wildkitten
My mom said patent shoes were considered sl*tty when she was younger because the rumor was men could see up your skirt in the reflection onto patent. I have no such qualms, but can see where people between my age and my mom’s age might have a spectrum of opinions.
leather is not for evening
Agreed. (In fact — historically speaking — patent leather is inappropriate for evening wear. Proper evening attire requires fabric, not leather, shoes. I’m not a stickler for rules like this but for the people out there who ascribe to the rule that patent leather is “evening,” they’re wrong.)
charlotte
I swear, this is the kind of stuff that gets on my nerves when it comes to figuring out what is appropriate work attire. Because it’s women deciding what other women shouldn’t be wearing. I get that maybe wearing slit to there/mini skirts may be too much for the corporate environment but when your’e talking about patent leather vs. regular leather, it’s practically being petty and splitting hairs. and I promise you that I’ve never heard a man say something derogatory about a woman because of her “patent leather nude for her pumps.”
Pest
But you don’t see men wearing patent leather shoes unless they are wearing tuxedos. This makes me question why the material is marketed as work attire for women, when it clearly is not for men.
Wildkitten
Because society has decided when constructing gender than men and women wear different things to work.
Kit
Don’t stress about this one too much. Pest has a preference, but it’s very idiosyncratic and is not in any way connected to any current or former “rules.” I mean, it was a given for a long time that little girls wore patent Mary Janes for Easter or other church stuff— surely not “evening”! The only update on patent recently has been to see it worn throughout the winter. It used to be a Spring-Summer thing, like white pants. Those “rules” are largely outdated, but there was and is no history of patent being an exclusively “evening” material. So, unless you dress for Pest, relax!
Pest
Wildkitten- that’s my point. My question is why these constructions? Why is it that some materials that almost everyone agrees would be ridiculous on men in traditional office settings are marketted to women as professional wear? Some of the choices by retailers I have seen lately are so over the top that I wonder if they are a deliberate attempt to make professional women look ridiculous.
Scully
Pest, I think this is a really neat discussion. Thanks for your input. I like to keep patent to casual Fridays myself (a totally arbitrary decision). With men’s fashion it’s very easy to draw a line: buttondown=acceptable, t-shirt=not acceptable. There’s not much in between. Maybe ironic bowties.
With women’s fashion, it’s a gradient.
Sheath dresses without something covering your arms= Know your office.
High quality silk t-shirt with interesting details= Know your office.
Peeptoes = Know your office.
Etc.
If women stuck to 100% acceptable everywhere work staples, there would be precious few outfits out there. Not to mention the greater variation in women’s body types and sizes. Let’s say buttondown shirts are the acceptable “uniform”. After all, they are equivalent to men’s shirts. Certain women, i.e., larger chested women, can’t conform to the uniform because the shirts simply don’t fit or have gaping problems. So then you have to find an alternative to the uniform, but there’s no male equivalent.
That’s why black and white lines are tough, and why I like the fashion discussions here. I like hearing about your lines, and the reasons why you draw them. I also like hearing from emeralds, who draws different lines, and her reasons.
Sorry, Kat- I still can’t say this is a “classic” for anyone, though, because I think it should apply to the few 100% items that I mentioned above. Maybe animal print is a “neutral” for accessories only? I think that’s my line :)
In the Pink
And my color blind hubs is specifically against nude shoes as it looks like I’m barefoot. Who knew?
Anon
I think “animal-print-is-a-classic” is a bit much. It’s appropriate sometimes, but animal prints are not a universal classic. Maybe a subdued leopard print, but there are tons of prints I’d be leery of wearing on anything but an accessory (and maybe not even then) – cow, zebra, tiger, giraffe, etc.
snowy
lol’ing at the thought of a full on cow-print blazer!
I think quality comes into play with the “animal print is a classic” debate. My Kenneth Cole snakeskin flats with the print wearing out? Fast fashion, not classic. A subtle snakeskin grey pair of Manolo Blahniks? Probably more likely to wear well and work with different outfits for several seasons if not years, I would call that classic.
Scully
Apparently Michael Kors has done it…
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-cow-print-jacket/2867727
Samantha
LOLing at the idea of a man showing up at work wearing snake print pants! (The equivalent of the snake print skirt for women). That said, I agree that men and women have different “workwear” rules and that men have much more limited options.
Blonde Lawyer
I tried to buy my husband a python brief case. Turns out it was a scam and I got my money back from ebay. The thing was AWESOME though.
Bonnie
I would wear this to work. I’d even wear it to court with a black jacket. The print is subtle for an animal print and the shape is classic. I do think the dress needs a belt for better balance.
Nordstrom Sale
More previews of stuff in the sale here (i.e. things not in the catalog online): http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com/2014/07/09/nordstrom-anniversary-sale-2014-picks/#content
anon prof
Thank you!!
Anonattorney
Woven Heart Hooded Sweater Coat! I want it now, even though it probably won’t go so well with the 90 degree weather . . .
Hollis
In my opinion, this dress may be the one of the ugliest picks I’ve seen on thissite and I’ve been here for years. The large amount of serpent print is not appropriate for a professional setting, and the fact that the top is black while the skirt is light and high-waisted will not flatter anyone’s figure. Most of all, I just think this is an ugly dress and would actually make me question the wearer’s taste. I think it could be an April Fool’s day pick.
Hollis
In my opinion, this dress may be my least favorite pick and I’ve been here for years. The large amount of serpent print is not pretty and not appropriate for a professional setting, and the fact that the top is black while the skirt is light and high-waisted will not flatter anyone’s figure. The Ivy and Blu dress is different because it’s all in one color, and a pretty jewel-tone color as well, plus, the solid color is elongating and disguises figure flaws, while this one just cuts you in half.
Natalie
I have to agree with Hollis on this. The proportions are off on this dress. In addition, the wide cap-sleeve will not work well for people who are self-conscious about wide shoulders. The model looks like she has very broad shoulders (which she likely doesn’t in real life). It will be a hard fit for most.
Anon
TJ – I work in an office environment that is pretty negative right now – layoffs, restructuring, lots of people changing roles, the work itself changing. Most people are unhappy with the situation. I am not. Things worked out for me and my team. We’ve had some good outcomes lately. I don’s want to be insensitive and we are celebrating success quietly, but I am really getting the sense that colleagues view any enthusiasm or optimism as misplaced or inappropriate. Has anyone else been through this kind of thing and have advice for not making people uncomfortable, but also not getting dragged down?
locomotive
just do it in private, and maybe tell your team to use their best judgment to be sensitive to the situations of others and perhaps not talk too openly about your enthusiasm. i don’t think there’s a big problem. i work on a very successful team in a trading company where many teams are not profitable and experiencing similar things (layoffs) – we do weekly celebrations after work when we have a good week at a restaurant next door, and we just don’t talk too much about it in the office. all our team earnings are public to the company so i’m sure people know, but we just don’t rub it in their faces and everything is fine.