Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Leather Maxi Skirt
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This leather skirt from Me + Em is a bit out of my price range, but that’s not going to stop me from dreaming about it. The cut is perfect, and the gorgeous olive color and button accents make it even better.
I would style this with a conservative top for the office (like this black-and-white number), but if you really want to lean into the olive leather look, there’s also a matching top.
The skirt is $945 at Me + Em and comes in sizes 2-12.
Sales of note for 10/9
- Ann Taylor – 40% off must-have styles, and 30% off your full price purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything + extra 25% off
- Boden – 10% off new womenswear styles with code
- The Fold – Up to 25% off with their Workwear Mix and Match offer
- J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
- J.Crew Factory – 40-70% off everything + extra 60% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Fall style event! 25% off $500+, 30% off $750+ — try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Nordstrom – 1000+ new markdowns!
- Nordstrom Rack – UGG up to 40% off
- Soma -$25 off when you spend $110+, also get a free bra when you buy two
- Talbots – 30% off entire purchase, and free shipping on $150+
I am a mid-level manager on a technical team. We are usually remote, but last week had a few days of meetings in person. I found out that I have a reputation for being strict or particular. Not in a micromanaging way, just in terms
of having specific systems or standards in place. And imo not putting up with nonsense. I also found out that in general people think I manage my team well, and are, to some extent, putting those same practices into place on their teams.
someone also told me that it never seems like I say no. That’s hilarious because I do say no to other teams all the time, I just don’t use the word “no”.
interestingly enough, I don’t think my own direct reports think I’m strict. It’s more other teams that I feel have historically tried to trample over my team to get their way.
Is this something I should
be worried about?
No, please no.
This is a good thing. I absolutely loathe when standards are arbitrary; it’s a sign of a badly-managed team, favouritism, a manager who takes credit for employee’s work, etc.
If people are implementing this with their own teams, it is almost always a very good thing.
If you don’t say no but you don’t allow your team to get steamrolled, that’s also a good thing.
It kind of sounds like that’s the reputation you want to have, whatever its pros and cons?
Generally, yes. As anon @ 8:23 said standardized standards and no favoritism are very important to me. I just want a gut check that there isn’t some downside I should be aware of. Honestly it all seemed so normal to me I never clocked that I was “stricter” than others, but apparently it is. I do word things carefully and neutrally, which I think comes across based on the “never says no” comment.
The most obvious downside would be if you worked with people who expect you to be more warm and caring and accommodating because that is often expected of women and could view you more negatively because you don’t fit that expectation.
This company has a lot of women in leadership, including the CEO. So likely not an issue here. But that is something to keep in mind for the future.
what’s there to be worried about?? I’m hearing no-nonsense, high standards, well-managed team. You sound like a highly effective boss AND employee.
This is good! It’s similar to me and I think the reputation has served me well in my career.
Well, it’s good with peers and bosses but I’d be a bit concerned about recruiting people to work for you. A lot of my success has come from being the person top talent wants to work for and that’s my reputation. I treat people like equals and as a result have a really high performing team. Your reputation matters all the way around, not just up and over.
I would absolutely want to work for a manager who has high standards and doesn’t put up with nonsense. Sounds like a dream boss to me (as a high achiever. Maybe different for a slacker, but who wants to recruit them anyway?)
You’re fine. This reads like a humblebrag! In any case, I’d far rather work for someone strict but fair than someone prone to favoritism or sloppiness.
I live where there is one dominant airline and it’s fine for domestic flights. But for stalking $$$ flights to Europe from airports up to two hours away, what is the best current way to search? Google flights and then book directly with airline? Kayak?
How do you stalk flights? Doesn’t that just make the flight more expensive across all platforms? (I hate everything to do with arbitrary pricing.)
I don’t even know. I haven’t done a big trip since COVID and used to live by DC, so I felt like I had many good options out of IAD and BWI and even sending a night in NYC. But not in my current city.
I have read before to clear your cache if you are going to search again, or use a different browser. Also, follow thepointsguy on FB or IG, as he regularly posts content on how to maximize the use of points to bring cost of flights down.
Google flights + direct booking is what I do. You can set an alert with Google to be notified about price changes.
I notice that I get a different price if I’m checking on my wifi network at home versus using data on my phone (also at home). It’s infuriating, but whatever you need to do to find a cheaper flight…
which is cheaper?
I use Google Flights on incognito mode and then book directly with the airline. I don’t book flights using 3rd party b/c dealing with changes/cancellations can be a hassle.
Are there any sites for a good women’s fit concert tee? That is not Kardashian-fit but also not the hideous rectangles for actual concerts selling either to only teens or XL men? I’d like something cute but not scandalous. Actual tees from concerts are just boxy typical men’s sizes.
Are you looking for a specific band or performer? I think places like Snorg Tees or Red Bubble have women’s fit for t-shirts, but not sure if they specifically have concert tees.
I’m 37, married with no kids, with a big job but still some time and flexibility to do other things (friends, hobbies). I was an MBB partner before this job, so that free time is pretty new to me. I don’t know what I’m asking here- life feels very overfull, and there’s a lot I feel like I’m focused on outside of work (e.g., getting good sleep, losing weight) and there’s also a lot more professional stuff I want to do and I want to spend more time on my hobbies and with my friends and I just feel so oversubscribed all the time. Which is weird because while I think that’s a pretty normal feeling, I don’t have kids and my parents are still in pretty good shape. I don’t know. I just feel over stretched and I’m not sure what to do about it, except do less. And that doesn’t work because there’s so much more than I want to do. Thoughts?
I’m early 30s and occasionally feel this way too! I have a lot of interests and places I want to travel to and friends I want to see and it’s hard to fit it all in!
I’m unhappy about being currently single and childless, so I combat that by leaning into all of the fun activities but there just isn’t enough time! Which leads to household management falling by the wayside because I am not living my best single life to fold laundry!!
I have always found my lifestyle changes take up far more time than anyone realizes. I tend to sleep 5-6 hours a night. I’d love to sleep 8 hours. I need to find 4 hours of my day to make that happen consistently.
You probably feel overwhelmed because you are trying to do too much all at once. Pick one thing and drive it until it’s an established habit. It will take a long time. For me it’s 6 months because I have kids. Only once your habit is established I would start the process of picking your next thing.
In the last 5 years I have made significant changes. I have established a fitness schedule 5 days a week, fixed my skin (I had adult acne), changed the family diet, got divorced and moved. My home now has organization I never had and I have a cleaning schedule. I listen to one podcast and read one book a month. I read the newspapers (FT, WSJ and NYT) daily. My next project is to build my career.
I know you don’t want to hear this but what you are doing isn’t working. You can’t do it all. No one can.
I need advice.
I snore. I’ve been diagnosed a couple of times with mild sleep apnea. Think – mild is between 8 – 15 and I got a 9 (I can’t remember the numbers, but that was the idea).
I’ve tried a CPAP and whatever the other one was and just fought it all night and couldn’t deal. I use mouth tape but it isn’t perfect and comes off during the night; also, I was wearing mouth tape when I had my home sleep study.
Another of my concerns for a CPAP is having the indentations on my face. I have a very public facing job.
I’ve just ordered the nasal bongos and really hoping they help but I’ve tried so many things that I’m not optimistic.
I’ve also tried a mouthpiece made by a specialist dentist.
Thoughts?
I use the bongo and have for several years now. It alleviates my sleep apnea, but if it slips around, I still snore.
I am religious about replacing the head strap quarterly. It’s elastic, so it stretches out and allows the device to move around more.
I have a special shaped pillow for side sleeping (back sleeping is my trigger). Have you looked into a cuirass device? I am not sure if they use those for obstructive apnea or more for central, but they don’t get anywhere near the face. Since you are concerned about indentations, do you have any inflammation that could be a factor?
Do you still have the CPAP machine? If you can get the hose to be higher coming down to your face, that is best. Out of the way.
Go back to your sleep doctor and ask to try out new equipment – a different mask and headgear.
Take a shower and wash your face in the morning. No indentations.
Also, I think you’re using “CPAP” generically? Right? Maybe you need or have an A-PAP machine that adjusts automatically? Check with your doctor about that
Then see what other options are like those implanted devices.
Has anyone used and AI app to create a headshot? I am being stalked on Insta by Aragon AI which says to just upload a selfie and it will give you a fancy, flattering, and professional headshot. I’m kind of worried it may be a scam and once they have your image they can steal your identity or something. Am I being paranoid? TIA.
Nope this sounds like a terrible idea
Yes and no? I think it’s pretty well documented that a lot of these apps use your photos for other purposes like machine learning for face recognition software, etc., but I don’t think they’re going to be breaking into your bank accounts with them? Although who knows how the pictures can be used in the future once you give permission as you basically give up that control. I find that enough of a reason to stay away and generally feel like if you’re getting something for free, you’re just not seeing the price. But enough people use all sorts of apps these days to try on hair cuts or face tune, etc., that it may not matter to them to add one more. Maybe search for that particular app to see if it’s especially nefarious but otherwise I think it’s just what you’re comfortable with.
Yes and they are comically bad. Figured it was worth a try but I’d never actually use it.
We got fairly professional shots using an iPhone (with someone else taking the photo) and using Lightroom (photoshop lite for iPhones) to clean up the photo. It’s not that hard.
I used an app to do a selfie color season analysis on myself. It was the best experience. I did it in a few difference types of light and locations and it consistently gave me the same result.
Then the app allows you scan your clothes to see what matches your coloring best. So many things in my close were only a 20% match or less. It was really eye-opening. I put 85% or better in one pile and 50% or less in another and tried everything on. Once you see it you can’t unsee how unflattering the under 50%s were. They were the sludge in my wardrobe. Fine but I never reached for them first.
This lead to a big closet clean out. Now I have fewer things that form a cohesive and flattering wardrobe. Just wanted to share because there were some threads recently about how to clean out a closet and color it turns out is a really good basis for a clean out.
What app was this?
I am nearly through with a similar process (no app involved) myself. Opening my closet is so much nicer now. I see things I like, that go well together, that make me feel good.
I weeded out anything that I plain old did not like and colors that don’t fit my mood board. Those I am getting rid of (posting on Poshmark first, will consign after a few weeks, then donate whatever is left).
I have some things that are flattering colors, but that don’t currently fit. Those I am trying to evaluate how far out from fitting they are – one size? Keep, but only if they are in impeccable condition. More than one size? I can buy a current version if I am that size again.
What app did you use, if you don’t mind?
Just wondering to the OP what season you are?
One mistake I keep making is that I will see an ivory or cream look great on a black model and order it because we are both winters and it looks great on the model. It took a while to realize that it didn’t suit me because the contrast was all wrong on rosacea-inflicted me and to not wear those colors near my face (but they’d still work well in outfits).
Falling skiers and outdoorsy winter types – favorite full-zip mid-layers for downhill skiing these days? My favorite Black Diamond hoody is showing its age and I would like something a little looser in the arms next time around – this one starts getting ever so slightly too tight whenever I need to wear my warmest base layer. Price isn’t that important (I keep my gear for literal decades), but arm comfort is!
As a true “falling skier”, I do not invest in downhill skiing gear or attire. But hopefully others have ideas.
I found out on Friday that I’m getting a 4% COL adjustment. I’m moving into 6 figures for the first time. I really never expected that I would earn that much.
Congrats!!!
Way to go!
Congrats!
I’m surprised there’s a post today, given the holiday… but I won’t complain – I actually get to read the posts while they’re live today
I am off today and the weather is absolutely atrocious, so my original plans are scrapped. I feel like I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my life and want to spend some time seriously thinking about what I want and how I can achieve that. If my life isn’t turning out how I thought it would (husband, house, kids), I want to make sure I”m intentional about creating a life I love. I do fully believe that life is what you make it – not something that happens to you.
Does anyone have some questions or planning tools that they’ve used for something like this? Any tips on this?
I make a small pot of coffee in a typical no frills coffee machine almost every morning, but I’m reading about how hot water and the plastic components mean that I’m probably ingesting microplastics. Does anyone have a coffee maker that has a non-plastic basket? Does that even exist? I think a fresh press is the alternative but it seems like more work. Thanks.
We use a Chemex for that reason and also because it makes great coffee. One of my rules of thumb is that for things I use every single day of my life, it’s best to try to avoid microplastics to the extent possible. I drink organic coffee at home for the same reason – coffee is typically grown in countries that still use pesticides long banned by the U.S. I love an easy switch like that and I can’t complain about the price when I consider how much else I waste money on!
I use a stainless steel pour over and brew straight into my china mug. No plastic involved, and it works even if the power goes out.
French press or pour-over is going to be your best bet here. You could also try switching to cold brew if you don’t mind having it cold!
Nespresso shoots water through their metal pods, I suppose it goes through a plastic part to get there though but I’m not especially concerned about this.
I have been using a French Press for years and I don’t think it’s a lot more hard work at all. You grind coffee, pour hot water over it, let sit for 2 min and use the plunger to push the grinds down. You don’t have to even grind coffee if you don’t want to. Preground is totally fine. The main downside of the French press for me is that you can’t just leave to stay warm for a while but oth drip coffee also doesn’t have a super long shelf life and will taste burnt after a point, too. I just pour my FP into a big thermos cup when I know I want coffee for a long morning.
If you are concerned about micro plastics, you may also want to research other concerns about effects on the heart from French press (unfiltered) preparation.
I saw a camping instagram reel where they used a hair tie to connect a filter to a stanley and just put the coffee in and poured hot water into the filter, directly into the stanley (so like a chemex, without having to clean the chemex.) I haven’t done it yet, but I’m planning to.
My mother gave me a lot of her clothes as she changed sizes over the years. I have an LLBean wool plaid skirt that is fully lined and has pockets. It would be perfect in my casual office with boots and a sweater. It is a 12 but from so long ago that it fits like a 6 today (I am a curvy 8). I was such an optimist when I got it out of the box.
Ha! This is a lesson I learned during my earlier poshmark searches. Still worth keeping though!
Yall. What compels a person to bring a four year old to a classical concert? It was Friday night and I’m still astounded. They sat in the middle of the row and the tike had to go potty 3 times, meaning all the “excuse me’s” and shuffling of people. The child’s whisper was loud enough to be heard for rows in every direction. Of course the child couldn’t pay attention the whole time, so silent games of pattycake and other distractions were employed.
Let’s say Uncle Matty was playing and the child was there to see him. She’ll never remember the evening! But all the adults surrounding the child will remember the disruptions throughout the evening.
The child was well-behaved for a four year old, but four year olds still don’t belong at classical concerts.
we went to see the Lehman Trilogy in the city where i live, which is 3.5 hours long with two intermissions and there was an older elementary schooler there. she was decently behaved, but the play didn’t end until almost 11 and i cant imagine she found it interesting. i will say, the only reason i can think of bringing a 4 year old to a concert like that is bc someone very special to them was performing. do i still think it is appropriate – nope
People bring their children places because the parents will remember it and the kids will enjoy it. Sure, rubbing along with the rest of humanity gets annoying at times but it’s best to let it go.
I was that kid and it was because family members were performing. Is it ideal, no. But, when you don’t have reliable babysitters, it meant my mom got to see the show. So don’t judge too much, and there are so many worse places you could take a four year old. And honestly, as an adult, I find sniffles and coughs much more distracting than a small child.
Boot talk! I am looking for two pairs of boots under $200… one in a flat Chelsea or similar style, and one knee-high pair with a bit of a heel but still comfortable for a bit of walking and not western style. I don’t like the feel of blundstones. Bonus for nonslip/rubberized soles. Do you have boots that fit this profile and do you recommend? Thanks!
I need a pair of black work pants, full length to wear with boots and keep my ankles warm, appropriate to wear with a jacket and just-shy-of-a-suit formal. What would you recommend as current but not so flowy they look like PJs?
Job A or Job B:
A: I currently WFH in a dysfunctional corporate environment making 200K all in. My workaholic boss does things like refer to senior women in our org as “little sisters” in private conversations, suspects everyone of stealing from the company (“no more lunchtime pilates class for X!”, “I bet this wasn’t stolen and he just took it himself!), and brags about the little time he took off work for death of a parent. Not to mention he conveniently forgets when bad direction he issues backfires and immediately finds someone else, often me, to blame, and takes credit for every small crumb of success we have in this really difficult environment. I recently heard him aggressively say no one is going to tank his retirement from this company (5 years left). Honestly, my only hope has been that they will ask him to leave but I can see now that he’s survived this long by constantly twisting facts and throwing people under the bus. I lead 7 teams and 3 of the managers are on the brink of quitting daily. I am emotionally exhausted. Trying to be a good leader and manager, I have tried to communicate to boss that this way of doing things is burning people out and we’re not achieving goals, and maybe just let me put together program rollout plans but to no avail, he wants everything done right now, with his plan, no matter how uniformed the plan and sloppy the result. What I am getting is one more admin headcount to manage this chaos. I work 9-10 hours per day, but am never caught up and think about work constantly. I pull a near-all-nighter about once every two weeks and work at least some every weekend. I am sure the admin would help with this but could be months away, and doesn’t fix boss.
B: I am being offered an onsite job at a small local business as a general manager. It pays about 110K all in. I know the staff personally and like them. It’s an 8.5 hour/day gig, no direct reports. Some participation in community events is expected (not sure yet if this is on a volunteer or paid basis).
WWYD? Stay in A or take B? I have two kids and a husband with a busy job. We’ve been running on fumes since this new boss took over (I handled all of life admin and the majority of logistics prior to this and after dumping half of it on DH, we’re equally dead day in and day out). My household can make the budget work, we just wouldn’t be saving almost anything. Our emergency fund is about 5 months. DH job has been safe so far but the industry is rife with layoffs. We would not be able to support the household on job B income alone. What are some other considerations? College is 7 years away.
I have been searching within my industry for over a year. I have a lot of contacts and have spoken with many people, but no dice and the market is getting worse by the minute. I probably need to go back to school for a graduate degree to get the same job I have now in a different org (currently have AA and BS) but that’s a laughable proposition with the current stress level.
It seems insane to me to take Job B. In general I think you need a very good reason for a major pay cut like that and 1) not being able to save anything (!!) and 2) not being able to support your household when DH is in an industry “rife with layoffs” both seem like pretty huge red flags.