ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 199 Comments

Thursday’s TPS Report: Ponte Peplum One Button Jacket

·

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

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. LIMITED Ponte Peplum One Button JacketHappy Thursday! I'm loving the simplicity of this ponte jacket — no collar, no lapels, no pockets, no ruffles, no nada. It kind of reminds me of a '40s silhouette, but I suppose all flared peplum jackets do in a way. The jacket was $118, but today Limited is offering 40% off all full priced items with code FALL — which brings it down to $70ish. Nice. Ponte Peplum One Button Jacket Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2)  

Sales of note for 3/15/25:

  • Nordstrom – Spring sale, up to 50% off
  • Ann Taylor – 40% off everything + free shipping
  • Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off sale
  • J.Crew – Extra 30% off women's styles + spring break styles on sale
  • J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off 3 styles + 50% off clearance
  • M.M.LaFleur – Friends and family sale, 20% off with code; use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 40% off 1 item + 30% off everything else (includes markdowns, already 25% off)

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

199 Comments

  1. Early threadjack — I’ve decided to jump on the O.G. bag bandwagon (justifying it with an upcoming work trip to Europe).

    Anyone know of any discount codes?

    Thanks!

    1. They usually do sales around holidays. Can you wait until Columbus Day or Veterans’ Day?

      1. Thanks! Unfortunately it’s too soon for that. Clearly by being good and not buying something before I ‘needed’ it wasn’t prudent.

        Maybe I can take advantage of the next sale to get another color!

    2. Ugh, now I want one. A total first-world problem: black or blue?

      Those are gorgeous, I just hope they don’t seem too “diaper-bag chic” in person.

  2. Hey ladies, does anyone else feel odd when they try out new styles at work? Today I am wearing the halogen quinn ankle pant (with blue stripe) from nordies and a white shirt, black blazer, silver shoes and necklace. I feel weird! Is it because I’ve never worn slim pants to work before?

    1. I find the first time I wear a new “trend” to the office is always a little uncomfortable. Ankle pants, leather trim, colored pants, etc. all require half a day’s adjustment. Your outfit sounds great though, and I’m sure you look amazing!

    2. I’m wearing new earrings today that are much chunkier than what I normally wear and I feel super self-conscious about it! I know no one else really notices or cares, and even tell myself that I’ve seen people wearing much worst (at least it’s not flip-flops at the office which I have seen!!) But it’s kind of fake it til you make it, act like this is intentional and the look you were going for and rock it. Though secretly I’m thinking if they weren’t final sale (from the KS surprise sale) I would probably be returning them…

  3. I have been really impressed with the quality of The Limited’s blazers.

    Also, I don’t usually publicize my blog on here, but today I have a post that I think would be really helpful to people. I wish I had had it when I got pregnant! It’s a list of all of the maternity stores and brands (at least all I could think of and find after hours of internet research). I hope it’s helpful to a few of you! And also, let me know if I’ve missed any. I really do want it to be a comprehensive list.

    Thanks, gals! You’re all grrrrrreat.

      1. Thanks for this! And BTW, I know I owe you stuff, I’ve just been totally sidetracked and haven’t had time to get to it….that and a recent health scare that has me thinking about other things….But I haven’t forgotten.

          1. I think everything is/will be OK…but apparently the baby is sucking every last bit of iron out of me. Haven’t been advised to get a transfusion yet, but we are getting very close….

    2. Thanks. This is a great list. I also liked your budget post. I’m a natural born shopper and my instinct is to shop so that I have the perfect outfit for any given moment in my life. I’m trying to figure out how much maternity stuff I’ll need.

      I think I’ve got the basics covered (tank tops and tees in a variety of colors with cardigans, scarfs, legging and boots should get me through the weekends; a couple of “fancy” tops with jeans or black skinny pants for dinners, etc., a couple of dresses for fancier occasions).

      The one category I’m stumped in is work. I usually wear sheath dresses and matching jackets or pencil skirts and blouses. Neither will really work. I’m thinking of investing in one or two nice work dresses and trying to throw regular non-maternity jackets over them. Will that be enough? I can’t envision pencil skirts working, even of the maternity variety, because will I want to tuck blouses in to the bump?

      1. Oh, and I forgot to say, I’ve purhcased most things from eBay. I tend to prefer high quality pieces. I’d much rather buy a couple Isabella Oliver tees on eBay then buy a bunch of new Old Navy tees. Personally, I think there’s a big difference in quality and I’m much more likely to reach for a high quality item that has a good fit and cut.

        1. That’s my biggest regret, actually. I only bought two pieces from IO, and they were my absolute favorites. I wish I had saved some of the money I spent on cheaper things and bought more from there. One dress in particular I actually miss wearing now that I’m not pregnant! I never thought I’d say that.

          1. I do love the IO stuff. I didn’t know too much about it, except that it is pricey, but they stuff I’ve got so far is very good quality. I scour eBay daily!

          2. Yes, I can speak to IO for workwear.

            I started out with one IO dress, and bought a few other things from other places.

            By my 5th month, I had completely had it with my limited work options and just decided to blow the budget and buy stuff I was happy with. I went to town and got two more IO dresses and one of their wrap tops in a happy colour (and a couple of casual pieces). I am so happy that I did that. I like wearing my IO pieces and they make me feel great. Yes, I could have spent less somewhere else, but ultimately I’m really pleased with my decision. I now feel “outfitted” as far as work goes but all bets are off in terms of casual clothing, especially now that the weather is changing and my sweater fetish is stymied by my current shape…

        2. I really like IO quality too. Sadly it’s huge on me!! I put an order for their end of summer sale, and had to return all but one t-shirt.

          Anyone have recommendations on where I can find a maternity pencil skirt that isn’t huuuge? I ordered an XS from Liz Lange for Target, and it was (not joking) 6+ inches too big in the waist.

          1. Should mention I’m 5′ tall with a very tiny frame. Pre-pregnancy I was typically a 00p or 0p at places like AT.

          2. I wasn’t wild about the rest of the clothing I got there, but I had a basic black pencil skirt (xs) from motherhood maternity that I really liked. Also a black side-tie dress. For reference, I’m a non-pregnant 5’1″ ooP at BR. I had a really frustrating time with maternity clothes being short and tiny, other than my humongo belly and b**bs.

          3. I was really happy with the one that I got from Motherhood Maternity last year (I’m small, too, and I know that the sizing was not what I expected at first for some reason, so I would definitely grab several and try on). The Gap one fit me very oddly, like, too big and too small at the same time.

            My go-to best work outfit (court, etc) was gray pencil skirt, maternity tee from Target, and black (non-maternity) suit blazer, with a statement necklace. Yeah, it’s not perfect (I usually would wear a suit to court), but it worked and felt so much more put together than those flowy maternity dresses (which were fine for work, too, but just didn’t feel “litigator in court” to me). As long as you’re reasonably groomed, no one’s going to think you’re under-dressed when visibly pregnant.

      2. Workwear is THE hardest for maternity clothes. You really hit the nail on the head, particularly regarding tucking. I was able to tuck through much of my pregnancy, but you really can’t at the end. It looks ridiculous for some reason. I did wear non-maternity jackets throughout, which extends your wardrobe a ton. I am not really a pants person either, so my favorite outfits always involved dresses. I just don’t know if one to two dresses is going to get you there. I might buy one or two nice ones, like you said, but head to Target and buy a couple more. Or maybe Destination Maternity, or watch for a sale and get some at the nicer stores.

        It sounds like we have similar non-pregnant style (except the pants; I hate pants). But I also have the instinct to wear the perfect outfit for each occasion. You have to get used to repeating outfits when you’re pregnant!

        1. What’s funny is that I love casual pants for weekends, but I rarely ever wear pants to work. I only have one or two pair of traditional boot cut work pants. The rest are skinny ankle pants. And I usually reach for dresses or skirts.

          I think I will be on the hunt for sheath dresses in navy, black and grey and I can wear those with blouses underneath or jackets over.

        2. I had a black wrap dress from the Gap that I wore a lot – it was extremely comfortable and felt flattering throughout. I sort of miss it.

      3. I wore non-maternity jackets and dresses A LOT. I had a bunch of dresses, though, mostly Gap and a few Asos, and one Pea in the Pod one that I wore all the time.

        Also, how about listing Fit Maternity for workout clothes?

          1. I am about 12.5 weeks along and thinking I’ll have to get some maternity items soon. This is my first, and I have no idea how to shop for this stuff. Are there different sizes for “early pregnancy” and then for your bigger belly later on? Do you just buy your normal size, or are there different sizes? My friends who have recently had babies are different sizes/shapes and/or have different work clothing needs than I do, so I don’t think I’ll be able to get many hand me downs.

          2. You typically go for your non-pregnancy size. I WISH there were early pregnancy/late pregnancy sizes. I’m currently too big for even my biggest regular clothes, but don’t fill out maternity clothes yet. (I’m at exactly the same point as you — 12 weeks and two days — but twins, so my guess is a little further along bump-wise.) I have two maternity wrap dresses I’ve been wearing on weekends that are terrific. I think I’ll be able to just wrap them a little less tightly as time goes on and they should grow with me.

            One thing that feels totally weird and awkward but can be helpful is that some maternity stores (Pea in a Pod for example) have these fake belly pads you can strap on to see how your clothes will look when you fill out more. They’re supposed to add about 4 months onto wherever you are now (although it’s a smallish four months). If you’re not sure about what to get, or what sizes to look at, consider going to Pea in a Pod. They’re pretty expensive, especially for clothes you’ll only wear a few months, but the employees are really helpful and will put together a dressing room for you full of a range of clothes options. I only bought a couple of pieces there (and my MIL actually bought them for me) but they’re not a bad place to look for a couple of key items.

          3. @ Maternity Wear Question — pre-preg, I was a size 4 (at JCrew) pretty consistently. I’ve found that most maternity clothes are more comfortable if I wear a 6. I found that my ribs got a little wider around and so did my hips (and I’m only 20 weeks). So far, most maternity wear (e.g., old navy and ASOS) has worked fine on my miniature bump but seems cut in ways that it can “grow” with me, at least for a few months. Some maternity clothes are clearly cut for late pregnancy, and usually they say that in the online description or in the comments. I found H&M maternity clothes are really cut for 3rd trimester, but I found quite a few non-maternity clothes that work great on my small bump (this was something I had to do in the store though)! My one piece of advice would be to never pay for shipping (always buy the minimum required to get free shipping, and make sure there’s free return shipping) because you will always want to buy multiple sizes and figure out what looks best on your bump! Hope this helps give you an idea of what’s out there.

      4. IO just had a 24% off sale and I bought a bunch of stuff. Some is going back (which I expected) but some were real winners (esp at 24% off). I’m wearing one of their dresses today. I love it. I also scour ebay. One thing I did not love was the wrap dress (waaaaaay too matronly on me) but if you do like the wrap dress, there are a few on ebay right now.

    3. I have no plans for a wee one atm, but am sharing your blog with my two newly pregnant friends.

      Speaking of pregnant, poll:

      How do you feel when couples say “We’re pregnant,” instead of “We’re going to have a baby”? If my (male) partner said “We’re pregnant,” I think I’d respond with, “Wait, when did you get a uterus?” I understand the desire to make the partner feel more invested in the process, but it seems to belittle the sheer effort/sacrifice/discomfort of the actually pregnant partner growing a human for 9 months.

      2. No. Just no. WE are not pregnant. WE are having a baby, but only *I* am experience the “joy” of pregnancy! ;)

      3. Slight subject change. WTF is up with people who say, in public, “We are trying for kids.” “We are going to try for kids.” (1.) Thanks for the visual, dude. (2.) Can’t you say “We hope to start a family soon.” or “We’d love to have kids.” ?

        1. Agreed — this should be at the head of the TMI list.

          I suspect that people have LGPs, but have no need to confirm whether they occur (and certainly no need to differentiate b/w recreational ones and ones with a specific goal in mind). Also, I do not really want an announcement/recapping of activities involving parts not normally needing sunscreen. Especially when I’m eating (usually the case).

          2. There is a dude at my work who says this! “We are going to start trying for kids.” I want to say, “My boyfriend are *not* trying for kids. In fact, we like to *not* try for kids every day, sometimes twice/day!”

        2. Because after the billionth person asks you when you are going to have kids and you have been actively trying for months with only a miscarriage to show for it, saying “We’re trying” is the fastest way to shut them up and get them to change the topic.

          1. I knew this comment was coming… I’m referring to people who loudly announce this in public (work lunchroom) when no one asked. Clearly, response to nosy questions “When are you having kids?” are different.

          3. I am so sorry this happened. And I am equally sorry nosy people ask you questions about it. Ugh. I do not think your response is the least bit inappropriate to the nosy peeps and is actually more gracious than the response that’s probably deserved.

          4. I’m sorry for your loss. And I hope that you turn around and say that is, “Wow, that is a really personal question.” I hope every other woman out there does it with you because frankly it’s no one’s business but yours, your partner (/donor gardener) and the medical professional of your choosing.

            In a more casual setting, I usually go with “back off my ladyparts”

          5. @anonforthis, I’m sorry for your loss.

            @L, I love “back off my ladyparts”. So much better than the response I once used, which was “hopefully sometime after I finish miscarrying the current pregnancy.” Although did it forever shut up my MIL on that particular topic…

        3. I think the worst is when people announce that they are having a “surprise” baby, because then you can’t help but realize this baby is the product of a recreational LGP gone awry. At least with a planned baby you can think of it as boring, TTC, LGP. I don’t want to think about your LPG, but if it is boring, means-to-an-end LGP, I can deal.

          2. I always feel bad for the surprise baby — who wants to enter the world stuck with that label? Especially if the people already have other children (so you can think that 1-those children were wanted and this one wasn’t, and 2-how much of a surprise is it, really?).

            People have s*x. For love of g-d, they should shut up about it.

          3. … These comments make me appreciate my social circle and place of work, because, as per This American Life, people tell stories that acknowlege sex exists!

      4. Shockingly, I find it horrendously cutsey. But better than when parents of toddlers say “We’re learning to use the potty!”

        1. Ha ha. I have not heard this one. I fear I’m about to be thrust into the world of parenting craziness soon. I vow to not be a weirdo, oversharer, overcarer, obsessive bore.

        2. I would say, “Gosh, I’ve had that one down pat for 26 years. I’m glad you’re finally learning.”

          1. Thanks for making me choke on my coffee.

            I don’t really like “starting a family,” because it implies that two childless married/unioned adults aren’t a family. I think a childless couple is just as much a family as couples with kids.

          2. PolyD I completely agree with you and in fact an effort to change this terminology (“starting a family,” implying you are not a complete family already) has been a pet project of mine for years. :)

        3. @ PolyD That’s a really good point. Maybe people can say “We hope to have kids soon.” or “We plan on having kids soon.”

      5. Eh, it doesn’t really bother me. Obviously my husband wasn’t the one carrying the baby, but my moods, sleeplessness, and other side effects did affect my husband some.

        1. +1. I don’t really get why “we’re pregnant” bothers people. I kind of think it’s weirder when a guy talks about it like it’s something that’s just happening to his wife, and doesn’t affect him until the baby is actually born.

          1. Part of it is the sheer grammatical inaccuracy of it. A cis male can be pregnant with expectation for his soon-to-be-born child, or he could be [loosely described as] pregnant (in an adjectival slang way) after eating a huge meatball sub and a pile of fries plus three beers, but he can’t actually be pregnant. The reason it annoys on a non-grammatical level is because it destroys any autonomy of personhood under the assumption that a couple becomes one person. In reality, no matter how much you complain, your husband doesn’t actually go through the physical process of being pregnant, and from what I hear, it’s pretty labor-intensive. *rimshot*

          3. Eh. Your response is funny, though. It makes me picture a couple out to dinner at a Chili’s with friends. Wife is about 7 months pregnant, and is worn out and tired. Husband just finished his chicken crispers and awesome blossom and fourth beer (wife is DD), leans back in his seat and pats his distended belly (with a little ketchup stain on the shirt). The conversation between the guys:

            Other guy: “Wow man, it’s pretty dope that your wife let’s you pound beers while she has to stay sober.”
            “Expecting” guy: “Hey, she’s the one thats’s pregnant–not me. Well, not after I drop a deuce and give birth to this deep-fried awesomeness. Up top!”

            Pregnant wife gives a small smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.

          4. Agree that it’s ok. My brother just called and told me his wife was pregnant by saying, “We are pregnant.” I was thrilled, because I know he has really wanted to be a dad for a long time.

            I think most men (at least in my experience) mean to be just as much a dad as their wives are moms, and that they recognize that while the physical pregnancy only happens to women, the man is there for emotional support, sleepless nights, food cravings, in the delivery room, doctor’s appointments, anxiety, etc.

            I take it to mean that he’s an equal member of Team Baby.

            And I think all members of the family experience potty training together. So I’m totally ok with that one too.

      6. The “we’re pregnant” line makes me roll my eyes. Nothing wrong with “we’re expecting” or something similar.

        1. A friend of mine always says “expecting” instead of “pregnant.” I always think it sounds much nicer and less clinical.

      9. I don’t like “We are pregnant” but I don’t mind “We are expecting” since I think the father can also be expecting the arrival of the child.

      10. Let’s not forget my favorite… We’re applying to Duke, Northwestern, Stanford and….

        No, you’re not applying. Your son is. Drives me crazy when my aunt says “We really liked” such and such school.

        1. GIRL DON’T GET ME STARTED DOWN THIS ROAD.

          “We” are not taking Intro to Psych. “We” do not need “our” professor’s phone number. “We” do not have a problem with “our” roommate. “We” do not get to know the status of “our” application for “our” program.

          1. +1000
            I have 2 colleagues with kids in high school and they are both starting the college search process. I may have to buy earplugs and wear them at work for the next year or two.

          2. OMG no kidding. I always thought I was a pretty involved mom until I started working with a bunch of people whose lunchtime conversation was often about how they were proofreading and editing their college-age children’s homework. As in, “I was up all night working on Jimmy’s paper because he waited until the last minute to write it.” Couldn’t believe it.

        2. “We’re applying to Duke, Northwestern, Stanford and….”

          Actually means, “I, Helicopter Parent, applied to Duke, Northwestern, Stanford and wrote my kids’ essays. I chose to write about how:
          (1) How “I” Love and aced AP History
          (2) How “I” Saved The World With My Expensive Posh Eco-Tourism Trip to Honduras
          (3) How “I” Am Cool and Edgy Because I Ride A Unicycle So I Am Not Just One of Those “Good-Test-Taking” Nerds

        3. Ack! Yes, this. That is *insane*. I am usually thisclose to saying, “Don’t you mean that your son is applying to Good College?”.

          1. Yai! In my nightmares, I am Lena Dunham’s character’s parents on the pilot episode of Girls.

    4. Confession: I’m not pregnant, never have been and am not planning on it anytime soon, but I love your blog!

    5. Revolve Clothing has a small selection of designer maternity jeans. But it’s pretty easy to find coupons online. I got my J-Brand maternity jeans for 25% off!

  4. I really like this jacket, but wish it was in a color that wasn’t marled. Marled grey ponte always reminds me of sweatshirt material, which is definitely too casual for my office.

  5. Friends, I’m driving myself crazy about my forthcoming in-person interview. I’ve cruised Ask A Manager and now I need some hive wisdom. I’m applying for an internal position and have to meet with my team and current supervisors next week. What would you like to see if you were interviewing a peer for a promotion? I feel like most of the commonly accepted interview advice is for external applicants.

    1. A couple of things:
      a) Don’t make it weird for your colleagues. Don’t treat it like they don’t know you but maintain a professional demeanor throughout.
      b) In terms of your skills for the job, don’t assume that they just know how well qualified you are. You still have to sell yourself and prove yourself to be the best candidate.
      c) You will look even better if you stack up well against a strong pool.
      d) Make it clear that you want the job. THIS job. Not just A job. And why.

      So, use what you know to make a great case for yourself. Good luck!

    2. Yeah, I agree with NOLA. I would be a spiffed-up version of yourself — remind them of the good stuff you’ve done as a team member and why it qualifies you for this promotion/new position. Be upfront with regard to your work/managerial style. Perhaps think of some things you would have done the same way as the previous person, but suggest a couple of new approaches/ideas you’d want to try were you to get the new gig. Good luck! This is a slightly awkward but also totally awesome position to be in.

      1. You may want to capitalize the first letter of a sentence in the future. It will serve you well.

        1. really?! really… Really?!? Really.

          – This has been “Really?!?” with Seth and Amy

  6. Threadjack re layoffs –

    I recently left my prior law firm (on very good terms). I found out yesterday that 3/4 of the secretaries at the firm were laid off, as my firm is moving to remote pooled secretarial support. I am certain this would have affected my old group, but I don’t know who was laid off and who was spared. The assistants in my group were very team-oriented, while I had my own assistant, I was close with nearly all of them, and they all worked with me on client projects and covered for one another. We went to birthday lunches and did baby showers and the like…it wasn’t an “us” and “them” type setup at all.

    I have already reached out to my old assistant (who was likely spared) to say that they are in my thoughts.

    What else can I do? What else should I do? Just send an email to all of the assistants, saying that I heard, the situation is awful, and please let me know if I can help or be a reference in any way? Leave it be? The laid-off folks will be around until Friday, so I can still reach them at work.

    I would really appreciate the Hive’s suggestion on how best to proceed. My heart is breaking for these folks–they layoffs were handled very badly, and I am sure yesterday was a harrowing day for all involved. Thanks.

    1. I would reach out to them, particularly to share that you would serve as a reference. They may think you’re not interested since you’re not at the firm anymore. I also think reaching out to share your concern is almost always the better course.

      1. Yes, this. Keep it short-n-sweet. They may feel a little awkward. Let them know you can and will be a glowing reference.

        1. Make sure you include all your current contact info so they can get in touch with you for reference purposes.

    2. This is really nice of you! I’ve been on both sides of this experience.When people are going through difficult times professionally they very much appreciate genuine expressions of support and concrete offers of assistance. Ask for email addresses (or phone #s if for some reason people don’t have personal email accounts), offer your own, and check back with people in about six weeks. These assistants sound like they’ll make great employees for another organization…eventually. I wonder if they could sell themselves as a team to a temp agency? Do you know any large firms that need multiple good workers for a project, or to set up a new office in your area? What social service agencies in your community offer job-seeking assistance? (See www dot iajvs dot org).

    3. I currently work at this firm and yes, yesterday was a bad day. I think this caught everyone by surprise. I feel awful for those laid off. Some were at the firm for decades, were single moms, etc. I would think any show of support would be welcome. I can’t imagine it will be terribly easy for many of them to find work, especially as some are near retirement age. A reference would probably be very welcome.

      1. So…I think this firm is in my area and my firm is desperately looking for a part-time, experienced secretary. I have two attorney contacts there but both practice corporate law and I’m litigation.

        How appropriate is it to contact them and ask if they can connect me to any laid off litigation secretaries they might know?

        1. Appropriate. Done delicately, I think this would be well-received. You’re just helping job searching, not opportunistically poaching. I was in Corporate, so I don’t know about Lit/whether Lit was affected. But helping folks find a great next gig would probably be welcome. It’s never too soon, especially when the market will now have a lot of applicants.

          1. Thanks! I will try to craft an email this afternoon.

            We have been conducting this search for so long. There really is a huge need for experienced legal support staff–lets just say we’ve had more luck finding the elusive mid-level associates than secretaries around here. And I know my firm is not alone in having that experience.

            I am confident the secretaries will land on their feet very quickly.

        2. Secretary seeker–

          I’m in lit at this firm and yes, we were affected. If your corporate contacts are not helpful, and you can give me a way to reach you, I can pass on the info to some fantastic secretaries who would probably love to apply for your opening.

    1. I love that bag and would wear it anywhere. It would be perfect for dinner and drinks.

    2. It’s a beautiful bag! I think it’s perfect for dinner and drinks.

      Also, I am now lusting after the coat the model is wearing. Wow.

    4. Thanks for the input ladies. I think it’s partly guilt for spending so much on a bag.

      Their stuff is really well made and beautiful. For example, the lining of the purse is all suede which is an expensive touch. They started out as a jacket company so I would check them out if you’re in the market for a high-end coat.

      1. I feel you. The great part about that bag is that it looks really well made and beautiful, but it doesn’t give off a super fancy vibe. You should use it all the time and make the investment pay off!

        I would buy it right now if I could afford it. Love.

  8. I saw sprinkles of snow this morning. I usually get excited by the first snow peek, but it’s September. Add in the feels like 0C, and a prediction of a terrible winter and I’m now researching if I can somehow find employment in Belize.

    2. Yikes! When I tell people that it snowed from October to April where I grew up, they hardly believe me. We used to be out marching at football games in the snow in October. Seems like another lifetime ago!

      1. October to April would be wonderful! I tell people that I have seen it snow every month of the year. At the ripe old age of 27, I think I need to become a snow bird.

        1. Oh my goodness, I seriously could not handle that. Houston summers can be fairly miserable, but I’d take it over that any day.

        3. I have also seen snow in every single month of the year. I remember a particulary nasty snow storm right at the end of August 21 years ago. I use the 12 months of the year fact to scare people who transfer to our location from warmer climates.

          1. Sure, every month of the year. But was it every month of the same year? That would be more incredible to me, that having snow every month, but stretched out over multiple years. And if you are in the mountains (are you?), this shouldn’t be surprising to anyone.

          2. Mpls- I’ve been here for 5 years or so, and there is consistently at least one snowfall every month from September through May – I haven’t personally seen a June/July/August snowfall, but they have happened.

            On the updside though, we also have (migraine-inducing) chinook winds , and I distinctly remember a few days close to 20C in January a few years ago. The weather just isn’t predictable here, and Canada’s national pastime is complaining about the weather, so we take advantage of it. And we’re not in the mountains, we’re beside the mountains, probably about an hour of driving.

          3. Mpls – not every year, but like Equity’s Darling said – Snow Sept through May is pretty normal. The snow I saw in July was definitely in the mountains, August’s was in the foothills, and the June snowstorm was a good 1-2 hours drive away from the mountains.

            The town I grew up in had some crazy Chinooks and we never ever packed away any of our jackets because you just never knew what you might need.

    3. It’s easy to forget Toronto is so absurdly cold, when most major North American cities are on a different seasonal timeline! I just pulled out my lightweight trench coat this week, and started regretting wearing it this morning after I got warmed up from the two block walk from the bus stop to the office.

      But I bet you have a great boot collection!

      1. Is Equity’s Darling in Toronto? I don’t think Toronto is that cold. I’m in Western New York and we have similar weather to Toronto and its not snowing weather yet. It snowed here a few times in October, but it usually waits until November and usually December.

        1. Nope, I’m not in Toronto. I was born/raised there, but I haven’t lived there in almost a decade (yikes!). My family is there, so I do visit a few times a year, and my siblings are just lording it over me that it’s 20C there today.

          2. Yes I left court today and was pleasantly surprised how warm it was here. I have spent enough time in Calgary though that I feel like I now deserve nice weather

    4. I hear you. While there are no snowflakes in the town where I live, I am freezing. This storm might hamper my plans of spending Saturday in Glacier.

      1. Hey, which town are you in? I love MT and wish I could figure out a way to practice as an attorney there. I want to be able to spend my Saturdays in Glacier! And I don’t mind snow every month of the year…

        1. I’m headed out there in a few weeks. Glacier in fall is absolutely gorgeous. A classmate of mine practices law in Helena and always posts photos of her hiking adventures…

        2. You could set up shop in Kalispell or Whitefish (west side of the park) or Great Falls or Helena (2-4 hour drive from the east side of park). Maybe Missoula.

          1. My friend has insisted for years that Missoula is quite warm and that I should probably move there. Maybe it’s true!

        3. Well, my dream is to live in Bozeman and still do my current job via telecommute. Maybe some day…

    5. FOOEY on Snow! Snow ruines my leather boot’s and sometimes get’s into them and my stocking’s get all wet and smelley. Also, it is VERY slippery in New York City when it snow’s so peeople have to be VERY CARFUL when they cross the street. Finaly, if it snow’s after a dog makes poopie, you do NOT even know until you step in it, and then you have to take it to the COBBLER’s to clean and polish your shoe’s all over again. DOUBEL SMELLEY FOOEY!

      For now it is VERY nice and I am keepeing up with my fitbit requirement to do 6,000 step’s a day (this include’s everything I do all day, even when I am sitteing in the office, if I move the fitbit say’s I did a step. YAY, b/c Dad does NOT know that, and he sends me a TEXT if he sees I did NOT do my 6000 steps. FOOEY. I lent my fitbit to Myrna last week and she did 23,000 steps and Dad was so happy. I did not tell him who did it. All he sees on the INTERNET is that I did so many steps each day. I will have to loan it to Myrna a few day’s a week so that I meet my 42,000 QUOTTA. Otherwise, Dad will not advance my weekeley spending allowance. FOOEY!

      For NOW, I just got back from Court where the Judge granted 4 of my motion’s and granted the plainetiff a CONTINUENCE on one other motion b/c he could NOT find his CLEINT to respond in time. I think his CLEINT might be illegal, so mabye he went back some where instead of comeing into court. YAY!

      No men have called or texted for 24 hours! YAY! I can fineally get some work done! DOUBEL YAY!

      1. Poopie? Who says poopie anymore? Jerry Seinfeld maybe? No, I think he said “schmoopie!

    6. Yes, my run this morning was definitely chilly. I saw my breath, but not any flakes, though.

    7. We had our first legit snowfall earlier this week. As in, big flakes, accumulation, and everything. Usually we get it in the mountains and 3,000+ ft, but not usually in town this earlier. Broke out the wool coat already!

    8. Yes, I heard on the radio that it was -4C in Prince George yesterday. I could not believe it.

      Things aren’t quite so bad here, but I am stocking up on tights. Two pairs of maternity tights just isn’t going to cut it.

    10. My mom/brother lived in Alaska for several years – we would normally talk when he was walking to / waiting for the school bus, and the conversation from September to June/July would always be “yep, it’s snowing” or “this morning it was -15F!” That was right outside of Anchorage.

      A good friend works up on the slope at Prudhoe Bay, and he tells me that they let everyone out of work when it is more than -50…

  9. On my way to grab my morning coffee, I pass by a hair salon. This morning, one of the stylists was sitting out front and stopped me in the street to tell me my color needs to be done. Of course, she was vying for business, but it’s got me majorly self conscious now! I know it’s time, but I didn’t think it was THAT bad! Yikes.

    2. It probably isn’t that bad. I find hair stylists have an exaggerated notion of how often hair needs to be cut and what other things need to be done to it. I bet you look fine and she was just trying to bully you into making an appointment. In a rude way, btw, because who tells a perfect stranger her hair needs work?

    3. I had a man grab me in the concourse of my building and offer his eyebrow threading services. Rude! But definitely made me self conscious all day.

    4. I cannot get a mani/pedi anywhere that does waxing without them asking me like three times about waxing my eyebrows. My eyebrows are FINE. I’m sure your color is, too.

      1. Same here! At first I thought there was something wrong with my eyebrows. Then I realized that the manicurists all had very thin eyebrows. Not what I’m looking for!

        1. I spend a lot of time in Northern NJ where many beauticians have eyebrows overtweezed and drawn to look like giant spermatozoa and hair dyed the almost same color tawny-brassy color as their spray-tanned skin.

          I am not letting anybody who chooses that look out of all the looks out there touch my brows.

          1. Hahahaha. Good call. And fantastic description.

            At my hair salon yesterday, I saw a few John Boehner-esque tanning jobs. Quite unusual in my neck of the woods. Whoa.

    5. There used to be a gym in DC where the sales-dudes would stand out front with a rubber replica of a pound of fat and ask passersby what they didn’t like about their bodies. I always hoped that at least one person responded with physical violence.

    6. I can relate! I get my brows done at Anastasia (which I highly recommend, btw). I go with the fuller look, which I think makes me look more natural/youthful. Every time I go to get my manicure the girls ask me if I want them to do my brows. “My brows? They are nearly masterpieces, by Anastasia! No thank you.” LOL I then always feel self-conscious that the fuller look may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

      I am sure your hair looks just fine. Don’t even worry about it.

      1. Love Anastasia!! I’ve had her do them once or twice when I first started going there, and then Kim was doing them for a bit, and then I found someone closer to home that also does a very nice job.

  10. Can I celebrate just a little here, since I can’t really do so IRL? We paid off our mortgage today! (Kind of anticlimactically by going through the bank drive-through, when I wanted balloons and party whistles to mark the occasion.) It’s been 19 years — the best thing we ever did was refi to a 10-year mortgage when rates were low. I’m the finance person in our house but the refi was DH’s idea and he crows about it all the time.

    We won’t exactly be rolling in money — one third of the payment still has to go for taxes and insurance and the rest has to go top beef up our underfunded retirements — but this feels amazing.

    Thanks for giving me a place to squee a little!

    1. That’s amazing! So few people actually OWN their home, you know?

      *internet balloons and party whistles*

    2. I agree, that’s amazing! I’m two years into a thirty year mortgage, and I just can’t even fathom twenty eight years into the future.

    5. That is AWESOME!! And deserves balloons, whistles, and maybe a happy dance (just not while in the car). Congratulations.

    7. Thanks, everyone — it’s nice to have a little celebration, even if the hugs and balloons are of the online variety. You all are wonderful

    8. Congrats! I refi’ed to a 15-year from a 30-year because I couldn’t stand having a mortgage for that long. It’s a really great feeling to just see the balance go down. How awesome is a zero balance!

      Be sure to celebrate!!

    9. that is so fantastic. It must be such a relief to no longer have this obligation. Congratulations!
      I am so envious. I feel our mortgage as such a limitation and stressfactor, even though it really isn’t so onerous.

    10. congratulations!! that’s wonderful! I hope to be where you are in less than a decade, and it’s inspiring to hear people who have done it!

    11. Yes! It can be done! 30 years seemed long a very long slog to us, too. When our incomes had picked up a bit, and when rates were low in 2003, we went to the 10-year; it was of course a higher payment than the 30-year amortization but not three times higher, and we saved a ton on interest. This was by far the best financial decision we’ve ever made (not much competition there, we’re lousy financial planners).

      I’d recommend that anyone who’s thinking of buying or refinancing at least look at a 10 year or a 15-year mortgage like k-padi did.

    13. Wow, congratulations! That is amazing. Definitely take yourself out to dinner tonight.
      I can’t wait for 25 years from now when I can say the same thing (hopefully)….

    15. Congratulations! *adds extra balloons*

      My parents said that when one pays off the mortgage, then one way to celebrate is to paint the front door red.

      Is that done anymore? Or is that a generational thing? (My parents are in their 60s.)

      1. Our mailbox, front door and porch bench are deep blue — and combined with the color of our house, a red door would suggest we are rabid fans of a certain local college football team that already has waaay too many of those. But the idea is charming.

  11. Going anonymous for this. Does the hive have any advice on interviewing internally? I’m a candidate that is going to interview within my dept for a promotion. The job posting is posted externally as well but so far I know there are two other internal applicants. One of them are family friends with the hiring manager so I’m a bit worried that favoritism will come into play. We both come from similar backgrounds and have been with the firm the same length of time. I’m not worried about the job functions as it’s really similar to my current role. The other candidate already stated that he has the leg up. Am I trying to fight a battle I cannot win? I’m still going to try my best but given the office politics I’m discouraged to say the least.

    1. Search the Ask A Manager site archives. Follow the good advice from NOLA and ALP advice above in response to Phone Interview Help. Do your best; if it doesn’t work out, take the news graciously, support the newly promoted person, and explore your options with other organizations. You’re already ahead of the game in that you’re being interviewed. Even if you feel like it’s just window-dressing, it’s still a chance for you to use your skills in selling yourself and sussing out whether the potential position would be a good fit.

    2. He’s trying to psyche you out.

      It’s not going to work. You’re awesome and you can get this job.

      It’s possible they won’t give it to him because his ego is in the way.

      (Seriously, who tells another candidate they have “the leg up”? How rude. Nice people wish each other luck.)

      1. This. He’s a prize a-hole. And if the company hires him, they get what they deserve and you’re better off w/o people with such poor judgment.

  13. I’m ready for a change with my hair and have an appt with someone new this weekend–new area, new salon. I sort of have a vision of what I want, but I can’t find any photos of it online and am not sure how to articulate it. I’m also kind of nervous about the risk (though I know it’s a good thing) to do something different. Any tips for making this a success?

    1. Actually for the first time at a new salon I wouldn’t try anything different/drastic, just get a trim and develop rapport with the stylist and let them get a feel for your hair. Otherwise pictures really are best as stylists may interpret things very differently than you intended – if you can’t find one picture that captures everything find a few pictures and point out what you like about each and make sure to get one to show the length you want. Then during the appointment don’t be afraid to speak up, and make sure to ask for tips on how to style your new do.

    2. Honestly, with a new stylist doing a new ‘do, you need a picture or you are asking for trouble. Hairstylists are not mind readers.

      If you must change your hair right now, I’d find a picture that approximates the look or is a second-choice look. I’ve even shown three pictures to the stylist and described what I liked and didn’t like about each to kind of give her a ball park and then we talked about what might work with my face, what I did to maintain my hair, and what she could do within those boundaries.

      1. I disagree with this. I have a very good friend who is a stylist and she says pictures are often unhelpful because the person in the photograph often has a completely different hair texture or hairline.

        I think you should explain what you want and what you don’t want (i.e. I don’t want the hair to fall in my face; or I want to be able to pull it back into a ponytail to workout) and ask if what will work with your particular hair.

        I agree that several pictures of what you are looking for generally could work. But, bringing a picture of Cameron Diaz’s hair is not going to help unless you have the same hair and headshape.

        1. I find it so, so difficult to communicate to stylists what I want. Some of it may be that I don’t fully understand how my hair’s texture affects different styles. But I usually feel like there’s some language or jargon I could use that would instantly communicate to my stylist what I want, but that I just am not familiar with the right words.

    3. I just went from waist-length hair to Rachel Maddow-esque hair this weekend. I love it!

      I went to new salon to get a fresh perspective from someone who hadn’t seen me before/done my hair before. I did take some pictures though. What helped more than the pictures was to spend a good 15mins upfront discussing what I wanted (I shot down quite a few hairstyles she suggested before settling on one).

      What helped was articulating why I wanted the new hairstyle (off my neck and ears please, I want to exercise (and wash my hair) more often, hide a bald spot, more volume at the crown, less time in the morning). The stylist also pulled out a lookbook and i saw some styles I liked – she convinced me that the haircut she had in mind would work with the styles (using the appropriate styling gels of course).

      In the end, it did take a bit of leap of faith since I wasn’t sure what the end result would look like. BUT, I decided that I will own it no matter what, and if I hated it, it would grow back eventually.

      What you have in mind may not be as extreme – just putting my experience out there to say it can and should work out.

  14. RANT: If I take the time to send a detailed email requesting you (paralegal, secretary, investigator) to do a particular task and summarize the information, and you can do it in ten minutes, maybe you should question whether I would have really asked you to do something that I could have done in ten minutes? I am so tired of getting the LEAST amount of effort from support staff!!!

    1. “Thanks for the first draft. Can you come to my office and I’ll clarify my expectations?” Yep, sometimes you gotta train your support staff.

    2. Sounds like they aren’t understanding what you’re writing. I’ve certainly gotten assignments when I was younger from more senior associates/partners that I wrapped up in ten minutes and thought “huh, that was easy” but figured either they really didn’t have those extra ten minutes (or it wasn’t worth billing 0.2 at their rate) or they thought it would take longer but wound up being easier than they’d anticipated.

      Maybe you need to give instructions in person, along with an estimate of how long you expect the task to take. So if you think it will take three hours and it takes ten minutes, they’ll at least have a reason for some head-scratching. No one’s a mind-reader. Some staff may be lazy, but if you consistently feel like everyone’s falling short of your expectations, you’re probably not doing a good job of communicating your expectations to them.

    3. If it’s a reoccurring problem, maybe they don’t understand what you’re looking for?

  15. I ordered this dress from Rebecca Taylor (link to follow) that Belle recommended yesterday.
    How would you style it for the fall/winter? Or do you think I should save it for late spring/summer? I’d love to wear it this coming season but I’m just not sure I can pull it off. What color jacket/shoes? Thanks!

    2. also, Belle styled it with a (non-navy) blue blazer and gray heels. I have gray heels, but not a blue jacket. I have a very dark blue heavy-weight blazer from Zara that is basically black, also several black suit jackets, a red blazer with gold buttons (the one from Zara that Duchess Kate wore to the olympics last year), a brown herringbone-type blazer, and I think that’s it. I’d like to not have to buy another jacket to go with this dress.

  16. Any recommendations for a headhunter who focuses on the larger firms in Wilmington, DE? My googling is turning up the big recruiters in Philly (e.g., Major Lindsay) but I’d rather talk to someone who is more focused on DE.

    1. I’ve had a great experience with Steven Weiler from Kruza Legal Search, and I know several other associates who he placed. He has some great insights into and personal contacts with some of the larger firms in DE. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

      Jesse Reeves from IMPACT Search was recommended to me by a colleague who really liked him, but I haven’t had a great experience with him. He’s knowledgable about the firms I’m interested in, but I don’t feel that he’s really gone to bat for me. I don’t know that he has marketed my blind bio/resume like Steven has, and any time a new job posting opens up, I’ll get calls from like 6 recruiters before I hear from Jesse.

      I like Kim Gattuso of KLG Legal Consulting personally, but I don’t know anything about her placement success; she’s worked for some of the big firms in town and she started her own recruiting firm a year or three ago. So she still has a lot of personal contacts in the industry and first hand experience with the firms and the people you’d be working with.

  17. Do you say something when someone has made changes to your draft that you genuinely believe made it worse?

    It’s not my name being signed to this so on some level it’s not my problem. But it is a reflection on my boss and my boss is a reflection on me, no? For what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s just sour grapes for being edited on my part. I have had different higher ups make changes to my work before and for the most part those edits have always either made the finished product better or I could at least see how it was a matter of style/preference. But this is objectively not an improvement. Clear direct sentences have been changed to passive voice, etc. I made some notes where the substance was off, but do I say anything vis a vis the purely stylistic? My feeling is no. So perhaps this is more of just a vent. UGH!

    1. I wouldn’t say something in this case. I used to work with a partner who I think did this just because she wanted to make sure I didn’t accidentally start to think I’m doing a good job but thankfully that is all in the past.

    2. Passive voice can be good in some instances. The reasons we are taught not to use it is so we don’t over-use it.

      I would meet with the supervisor in person, after this document is turned in, and talk to him/her about why they wanted to change these things. Frame it as, “So I can learn what would be most helpful in the future.”

      They may have a distinct reason for changing your writing.

    3. I’ve gotten a lot less sensitive about some of this stuff than I used to be. To be honest, assuming your boss is a basically competent writer (ie, isent ELLEN :D), I would just go with the changes. Re passive voice, I know it’s generally considered to be bad style, but it can also have its uses — my office (government) uses it a lot, deliberately, when we are trying to leave a bit of wiggle room for future interpretations of legal text we draft, or when we are working with clients and are reluctant to make overly bold promises in writing. There may be some unspoken context that you aren’t aware of that is prompting your boss to make the changes.

      Of course, if your boss otherwise comes across as clueless or incompetent, the writing might be a symptom of a broader issue, but assuming all is well, I would work on the basis that the changes are for a good reason. It would be a learning opportunity for you if you ask why they made the edits they did, and whether it’s more because of the document and the circumstances or if it’s your writing style.

      FYI, your point about your boss being a reflection on you may or may not be true depending on your office. I’d actually say that if your boss is underperforming, it will be very evident across the board, not just on work you’re directly involved in too, so I wouldn’t worry too much about something you ultimately don’t have control over.

  18. Hi, all: Relatively-new reader, first-time commenter, here! Really happy to have found Corporette and am really enjoying both Kat’s posts and the great reader comments/discussions. A few things on my mind:
    (1) Can someone tell me what the heck TPS stands for?? :-)
    (2) Love this jacket! However, please be cognizant of those of us who are of sizes and shapes that don’t find fits at certain retailers and brands! I’m about an 18/1x, at which I’m usually (but not always) sized out of mall retailers like The Limited, Ann Taylor and the like. I can’t recall having this impression/concern in my previous reading, so I think you probably do discuss a range of brands for a variety of sizes, but this is just a reminder in case that’s helpful to you or us (your readers).
    (3) On a similar note, There are those of us out there who avoid wearing black and/or white because we’ve learned it’s not our most flattering color. Please keep featuring items in a wide range of colors, as I believe I’ve seen you do!

Comments are closed.