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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 110 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Town and Field Leather Tote

Coffee Break

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L.L. Bean Town and Field Tote | CorporetteThis was suggested by readers as a great classic bag in one of our recent “next step” conversations (perhaps about upgrading your handbag), and it's easy to see why — it's a nice, simple leather tote. I like the interior organizer, the zip top, the 13″ x 15″ x 7″ size, and the 180 positive reviews and 4.5 star rating. It's available in black and brown, and is $179 full price at L.L. Bean, but you can save 10% (ends today) with the code SAVE10. L.L. Bean Town and Field Leather Tote

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Comments

  1. Reminder?

    Work related TJ: This is related to a freelance project where I submitted a proposal. The individual in question did not communicate for a while, and when they did it was to say that they had been out of the office for “several weeks” and “expect to get back to [me] in the short term”. That was a month ago. I suppose I’m just a bit confused when people use terms like “in the short term” or “at a later time”, because really that can mean anything. Prior to this communication I had sent an email or two and left voice mail messages. Just wondering when it is one crosses over to the “you are bugging me” point. Send a reminder or not? At this point I’m just looking for closure either the project works out or it doesn’t. Advice?

    • NYNY

      Do you have another contact within the organization? It sounds to me as though your contact has had to take a leave of absence and the duration is unknown. If I were you and had another contact in the company, I’d give that person a call to check in.

    • Lyssa

      That’s really annoying. I hate people who don’t return calls/emails. Can you send something (an email or letter) saying something like “We’ve done X aspect of the project. Based on this, we will assume that this project is completed for now. I enjoyed working with you on this and please let me know if there is anything else that I can do.” I think that that allows you to assume closure unless you hear otherwise in most cases.

    • MJ

      I read this a different way–you proposed something, but perhaps the person to whom you submitted is not the decision maker, or the project has been tabled, but he or she cannot communicate that for strategic reasons or otherwise. I would lay off. This person clearly has your work and your contact details. I would send a follow up in a week or two, but otherwise, consider this dead. I’m sorry to be blunt, and I am sure you put a lot of good work into the proposal. However, the lack of communication is the other party’s way of stating that this isn’t high priority for them/the organization at this time.

      • Reminder?

        @Lyssa, yes it is annoying when people do not respond. But I prefer to give the person the benefit of the doubt , maybe they are busy or on leave.

        @MJ, it has actually been a month. Because they said they had been away for a long time, and the vague-ness in time frame, I figured sending a reminder within a week might have been too soon.

        Thank you all for the responses.

    • Ellen

      Yay! I love leather tote bag’s from LL Bean and would buy this in BROWN, but I already have 3, and dad is compleaning that I do NOT have enough closet space for all of my clotheing. FOOEY b/c I would love to carry all my stuff, includeing my MacBook Air in this tote bag.

      As for the OP, the other comments are 100% spot-on (as they say in Great Britean), but I thought I would relate MY experience. We have a lot of older, semi-retired partners who really did their last REAL work in the Nixon Administration, or maybe the Carter Administration (before I was even born). Yet they command big salaries and do NOTHING when you are forced to ask for their opinion’s. They rarely even look at you, unless it is to stare at your boobie’s or in one case, grab my TUCHUS in the hallway. So that is the reality. Men call the shot’s and have us women do all the work. DOUBEL FOOEY! I am literally acting as the firm’s plow horse, looking to bill 7200 hours this year while they sachay in and out of the office 1x or 2x a week, doing little more then opening their mail and stinking up the toilet so that it is virtually unuseable for hours. TRIPEL FOOEY!

      Yesterday, when Myrna came over and needed to use the toilet, I did NOT know where to look when she told me there was poopie all over the seat and the toilet itself, which was NOT flusheable according to Frank. I am not sure who stuffed it up, but the janitor said he found a pair of ladie’s underwear stuffed in the pipe. I wonder if it was mine, and was taken by one of the partner’s. I know I have had a few pair go missing and just thought it was my cleaneing lady, but now I think it could have been Frank or one of the “Senior Partners” who took them.

      So hang in there and just expect that you will be dealing with dooshes, as we all do. YAY!!!!!

  2. Rachelellen

    I’m a fan of LL Bean and wanted to like this bag but warning: it’s BIG.

    • Sue

      +1 so much room means you can fit more but that can lead to pain in the shoulder which is a problem I already have…

  3. meme

    I have this bag and love it. And yes, it is big, which is something I needed. I regularly carry files back-and-forth between my office and home office. I can fit a 13-inch Macbook, several notepads, manila folders, wallet, lunch, makeup bag, water bottle, and a binder or two in this bag. Or two pretty full redwelds plus all the personal stuff. I call it my portable filing cabinet.

    • Westcoastjd

      I also have this bag and love it. I have used it almost every work day for about three years and it still looks great. It holds my laptop, power cord, wallet, thermos, lunch Tupperware, plus a binder and papers easily. It has good internal pockets and credit card slots but no external pockets and zips up fully, which also makes it a great work bag to use when flying. It is a durable (withstands a little rain) but nice looking leather.

  4. HM

    Have this exact bag and its brown, woven leather sister, going into our 5th year together. Both hold up beautifully. I have often been asked if this bag is “Coach”, so take that as you wish.

    • Wherefore and henceforth

      It looks exactly like a Coach bag I have that is about 10 years old. its a timeless bag though, and I still pull it out a few times a year,

      • Rosa rugosa

        I have and love the Cole Haan woven one. Wouldn’t mind the BV one, in a different colour, but it’s a lot more spendy.

  5. S in Chicago

    Just wish the strap length were a tad longer. Need to factor in dressing like a marshmallow until spring again. Sigh.

  6. (former) preg 3L

    Holiday Gift Q.
    What gifts (and when) do you give to: (1) your admin assistant at the office, (2) the other admin assistants in your smallish office that help you out when yours is swamped, (3) your office manager even if you don’t report to her (does this person get a gift?), (4) your child’s day care teachers, (5) your child’s day care director who has literally stood in the middle of your custody dispute, (6) your in-office professional mentor, and (7) who am I missing? TIA!

    • Anon

      (1) and (2) – straight cash (pooled with other colleagues)
      (3) – n/a for me
      (4) and (5) – n/a for me
      (6) – i’d take him/her to lunch, my treat
      (7) – anyone who performs a regular service for you (housekeeper, dog walker, etc) gets 1.5 weeks worth of cash

      • MJ

        I tend to go to Trader Joe’s or the Farmer’s Market and get really pretty pointsettias or holly or little Christmas trees and give to staff/colleagues who have been great, along with a genuine handwritten note (not a gift tag, a real note). Goes over very well. I have also done cut amaryllis in vases too–people loved those!

        • (former) preg 3L

          I like this idea, but I think it’s impractical in NYC where everyone is going to have to take public transportation home.

    • rosie

      I would say don’t gift up–that may cover (6) and maybe (3). Are there other associates (I assume) in your office? I think the best thing to do is to check with them to see what is typically done in your office for (1), (2), and maybe (3). I would do cash or gift cards, given in a holiday card, for (1) and (2), but again, see what the office culture is–you might do a group gift if your admin assistant covers multiple attorneys, etc.

      • (former) preg 3L

        See this is why I’m stumped. I asked the other associates and they said, “the secretaries make more than we do, so we don’t give them anything.” Which, even if it’s true, is a not a great MO, IMHO.
        ETA: this also leads me to wonder if I should give a nominal gift to the rest of the support staff, even though I don’t think anyone else does any sort of gift to them.

        • Anon

          I don’t give gifts to people at the holidays (secretaries, dog walker, etc) because they make less than me and I’m some wealthy holiday benefactor. I give gifts to show my appreciation for another year of making my life easier by performing a service for me!

          • (former) preg 3L

            Yeah, that’s my feeling too! But that means there’s no “pooling” to be had for other support staff, and I need to give gifts that can stand on their own, so I’m wondering how much is appropriate.

            I remember being a paralegal and receiving a iTunes gift card that was 0.1% of my salary was Such A Big Deal and 4 years later, I still remember the two attorneys who gave them.

          • Anon

            I think that, unless you are a Name Partner and you’re giving your secretary $25 (and are therefore an a-hole), any gift you give in any amount will be well-received.

          • (former) preg 3L

            Anon at 3:55, thank you. This is really reassuring. I am not in a position to give a huge amount this year (what with an unemployed, separated spouse), so thanks.

          • former partner, now in-house

            Another option is bringing in group treats (generally food) for all support staff with a note of thanks. I’ve done it where I had individual treats to give out to each assistant/admin/receptionist/non-attorney with a personalized note, but I’ve also done trays of cookies/treats for the break room with an email to the staff thanking them for their help throughout the year. At my last firm, we had about 60 staff members and I wanted to thank them all because I invariably needed their help at least once during the year. Then I did individual gifts to my direct admin support.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      1) Cash or equivalent. At my old job, my secretary supported 3 attorneys and we pooled together. I think we usually did $125 or $150 from 3 attorneys (all young associates, fwiw. And we weren’t biglaw or anything close to it in terms of salary, so I think that was reasonable).
      2) Nothing
      3) Nothing
      4 and 5 I leave to people with kids
      6) nothing (no gifting up)
      7) All the associates pooled together to get the support staff who didn’t have anyone specific they reported to (so like the file guys, the receptionist, etc) small gift cards, usually about $25 each. If you’re strapped for cash, I’m sure baked goods would be appreciated.

    • Need to Improve

      (1) your admin assistant at the office: nice wine and a gift card for a dinner out, usually in the $100-$150 range
      (2) the other admin assistants in your smallish office that help you out when yours is swamped: chocolates
      (3) your office manager even if you don’t report to her (does this person get a gift?): nothing but I don’t interact with that person
      (4) your child’s day care teachers: Amazon gift cards, $100-$150 each
      (5) your child’s day care director who has literally stood in the middle of your custody dispute: n/a to me but maybe same as teachers?
      (6) your in-office professional mentor: nothing. no gifting up
      (7) who am I missing: cleaning person, hairdresser, etc. I give cleaning lady/babysitters somewhere around $150 in cash or gift cards, nice wine to hairdresser, cash tip to garbage collectors. Also, paralegals get wine or chocolates

        • Need to Improve

          There are only 3 teachers and I figure they are far more underpaid than my secretary. But I certainly don’t think it’s expected. I just like to go overboard with care providers because they have the kids all day and it’s a hard job and I want them to feel recognized.

        • Burgher

          That seems really steep to me, too. Last year I gave a $20 DD gift card to each of the 2 teachers. I didn’t think to give the director anything. Now I’m wondering if I should up that and also send in a goodie basket for everyone or something, since there are often other teachers watching him at the beginning or end of the day when there are fewer kids there.

    • Anonymous

      (1) in my group we exchange gifts so I always have to buy my assistant a gift. Usually spend about $250.
      (2) last year I got $20ish packets of fancy tea and gave them along with a tea ball to the 3 other assistants who do a lot of work for me (e.g., supported me for 3 mos while my assistant was on medical leave).
      (3) nothing. In my office, he supervises the assistants and so isn’t really someone I interact with except at assistant review time.
      (4) at my school, a committee coordinates collections for gift cards for the teachers. I give cash.
      (5) nothing, but no custody battle here so this is someone I see maybe 5x per year and who probably doesn’t know my child
      (6) nothing, though due to my peculiar office culture I have to buy a gift for mine. I usually go with nice scotch, which I know he drinks.
      (7) I get food or wine for the mail room staff (which routinely saves my butt) and receptionist because I like her. Spend about $15/person.

    • Anonymous

      1) cash
      2) I say thank you through out the year
      3) nothing
      4) Starbucks card
      5) nothing
      6) mentor?!? Absolutely not

      7) are you kidding me right now?!?!?!? Gift giving is lovely. You clearly can’t afford it though. Someday when you can dial up the generosity but this year?!? Get a grip girl.

    • Meg Murry

      I don’t know about 1, 2 or 3, but for daycare teacher I agree with gift card somewhere like Target or Amazon. For director, a thank you note or email in a nice card, part of it being a very positive blurb worthly of using in future daycare website or advertising brochure, and a positive yelp or Angie’s List review.
      For your mentor, similar – a card with a handwritten note with 2 or 3 specific things or instances you want to thank him/her for.

      • Anon

        I was at a loss last year, too. FWIW, we gave $25 Target gift cards to each of our child’s daycare teachers with thank you notes. For the staff, a large box of home-made cookies made at a holiday baking session with in laws. If not for the baking session, I would probably put together a box of cookies from Trader Joe’s.

    • Wildkitten

      I am getting my two direct reports cute mugs. (I don’t make enough/enough more than them that it would be appropriate to give them cash). I would give the teachers something small like chocolate or wine – from Trader Joe’s, not Harry & David. You need to take care of yourself right now and you can pay it forward later.

      • (former) preg 3L

        Thanks. I really appreciate the support from everyone that it’s not ungrateful for me to gift within my means. (For some reason, I was very insecure about it.)

  7. ac

    Small office of biglaw firm in the midwest, practicing ~10 years:

    (1) your admin assistant at the office = $200 or so in cash equivalent (AmEx, Amazon giftcards, etc.) or something I know she really wants and I’ve know her for several years.

    (2) the other admin assistants in your smallish office that help you out when yours is swamped = nothing,

    (3) your office manager even if you don’t report to her (does this person get a gift?) = nothing,

    (4) your child’s day care teachers – $25-50 gift card per teacher that could be used for personal or school supplies (e.g., Target, Amazon),

    (5) your child’s day care director who has literally stood in the middle of your custody dispute = I have not had one of those, but something like #4 with a heartfelt note about how much you appreciate her support, while trying not to overshare/make her uncomfortable,

    (6) your in-office professional mentor = nothing, don’t gift up!, and

    (7) who am I missing? My colleagues and I pitch in for a group gift to the staff who support the office generally — mailroom, receptionist, etc. Also, gifting to paralegals can be touchy — some offices include paralegals in staff gifts, some don’t.

  8. anon- ivf v. cvf?

    I’ll appreciate any opinions from women who have been in similar situations because I have never been (or tried to get) pregnant and am having problems anticipating the physical and emotional consequences of this decision.

    My husband and I had genetic testing done and we are both carriers for a terrible disease. There is a 25% chance a child of ours would have the disease (and we are in agreement that we would terminate a pregnancy if a CVS was positive for the disease).

    Our two choices are to try to get pregnant naturally, do CVS testing at 11 weeks (7 weeks after a positive pregnancy test), and terminate if we wind up in the terrible 25%. Or, we could go straight to IVF with PGD testing that would ensure that our baby would not have the disease. Let’s assume money isn’t a major factor.

    I’m wondering how to weigh the physical and emotional difficulty associated with each choice. I tend to be a pretty anxious person to begin with and am needle phobic. I have appointments with specialists next week but would welcome insight from those that have been there. Help, please!

    • Anon

      I have no personal experience, but A close friend was in a similar situation but didn’t find out until after they lost a baby to the terrible disease. They found out that if they were to naturally conceive another baby there was a 25% chance of death, 50% chance of a disability, and 25% chance of healthy. They opted for IVF with PGD testing because they had already been through way too much emotional turmoil to roll the dice on another natural pregnancy.

      • Bewitched

        I have never been in this situation (although I did have genetic testing pre-pregnancy due to a family situation). I’d do IVF and PGD myself. That way, when I get pregnant, I know I don’t have to worry about crossing another bridge. That said, I’m not particularly needle phobic, but I have the sense that you are going to have to cope with needles and medical uncertainty either way, so my personal preference would be to do it up front and then hopefully enjoy my pregnancy. Assuming, as you said, $$ was no object.

        • (former) preg 3L

          This is a good point, but with my pregnancy, I felt like every week there was another bridge to cross (even though there definitely was not, and it was a normal pregnancy). Maybe I was just overly anxious. I agree that it sounds like you are going to have to deal with needles and medical intervention regardless, so maybe getting it out of the way at the beginning will help you relax about the rest of the pregnancy.

    • Anon for this

      I don’t have personal experience, but if money were no object, I’d do IVF and PGD. If it were, I’d try naturally once and if we had to terminate then switch to IVF.

      I have a related situation (although far less intense than yours), in that my husband and I are not genetic carriers for Tay Sachs but some of our enzyme levels are a bit off. This can be a result of any number of things – delay in testing at the lab, a genetic mutation that is not serious, etc. – but the only way to be absolutely certain is to have an amnio. So although the baby is healthy in other respects, we have to live with the anxiety for another few weeks before we can find out if everything is okay.

      I’m not normally an anxious person, but I’ve been surprised with how much anxiety I’ve felt while pregnant. I would do IVF simply to eliminate that source of anxiety. But I’m also not needle phobic.

    • Muppet

      First let me say THANK YOU for testing yourself and your husband prior to TTC. This is a wonderful thing to do for your future family, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive. I wish it were publicized and encouraged more, because it can save so much heartache in cases exactly like yours. Bravo.

      Next, on to your decision. I have lots of experience with IVF, so I could give you lots of description of what an IVF cycle looks like, how many needle pricks, etc. But we did IVF for infertility reasons, not genetics, so I didn’t face your exact dilemma. I’m honestly not sure what to tell you about that dilemma. Going through an IVF cycle isn’t trivial, but neither is terminating a pregnancy.

      I think your IVF experience might be a little better than mine given that you’re doing it voluntarily, without any expected infertility issues. That means your stimming (taking the follicle stimulating shots to grow your eggs) may go smoothly, and your embryos may all be really healthy (the genetically healthy ones, I mean). When we went through IVF, we had lots of other stresses about whether we would even make a single embryo out of it. I think you could skip some (probably not all) of that stress.

      As for the cycle itself, you’re looking at daily shots (one per day for a couple of weeks, then 2-3 per day for about 10 days), several appointments during that time to check follicle growth, the egg retrieval itself (an outpatient procedure leaving you crampy and woozy), and the embryo transfer (easy peasy). And then maybe some more shots while you’re waiting to take a pg test, or maybe just suppositories (depends on your doctor). It’s do-able. It’s expensive (which you said not to consider, I know), and it’s draining and distracting, but it’s do-able.

      I don’t know if that’s helpful. But again, I’m so happy to see that you tested. What a great first step. Best of luck to you on the next step.

    • RR

      I’ve been through IVF twice, resulting in two pregnancies. The needle phobia could be an issue depending upon how bad it is. You give yourself (or your spouse/a friend gives you) roughly 20 shots in the stomach. Some doctors further require progesterone shots, which I hear are unpleasant. Mine did suppositories, and given that you don’t have fertility issues I think that would be an option for you. But there’s no getting around the 20 shots. There are blood draws in pregnancy, but fewer and not done by you. Hormonal/discomfort wise, IVF wasn’t worse for me than pregnancy. It is very invasive though in that it requires frequent doctor appointments, vaginal ultrasounds, blood draws, etc.

      Honestly, IVF isn’t that bad, and I cannot imagine the heartbreak of terminating a pregnancy. But weighing the odds, I’d be on the fence. Getting pregnant on your own with a 25% chance of a heartbreaking decision and a guaranteed stress level vs. IVF with 100% chance of stress, discomfort, huge expense, but less chance of a heartbreaking decision (note though that IVF comes with its own decisions, including what to do with unused embryos).

      Best of luck.

      • AussieLawyer

        I strongly recommend the IVF. Having had a termination at 22 weeks this year for fetal defects that were not compatible with life (and not detected before 2o weeks), I can assure you that losing a baby so late is a truly horrible experience and one that leaves possible ptsd.

        My experience was to have to deliver at 22 weeks (induction and normal labour), the baby’s heart was still beating and then for it to die in my arms. I would not want another person on earth to experience something like this…especially if it could be avoided.

    • IVF

      I’m not in your position but I am also needle-phobic and went through IVF twice. For what it’s worth, it was not that bad. My husband did all the progesterone shots (those are the intramuscular ones with a thick needle that can hurt); they were the most unpleasant. The others were mostly with pretty fine needles, and I even did a couple of them myself. (A couple times I psyched myself up with a shot of whiskey beforehand.) Like you, I did not have fertility issues (needed to do IVF bc of donor sperm), so did not experience the particular emotional ups and downs that come with that. I wish you luck.

    • OP

      I can’t thank you all enough for sharing your experiences – I’m truly grateful. You’ve given me a lot to think about!

  9. Anonymous

    I have this in brown. It’s held up well in the sense that the straps are still secure, etc. but the leather got fairly scuffed up the first time I took it on a plane and continues to get more so. I still use it because it’s the only bag I have that size (it’s really more luggage than a handbag) but the leather hasn’t held up nearly as well as my higher end leather handbags (e.g. Coach) and it doesn’t really look very nice anymore.

  10. rachelellen

    Anyone out there sit on a ball at work? I bought myself one of those Gaiam large or extra large balls, no base, a while ago and am just getting around to trying it out. I feel it in my core – I assume that’s the point?

  11. cell number

    Do you list your personal cell phone number in your work signature?

    My manager has asked that I do this, and I’m hesitant for a couple reasons, mostly because I’m paranoid about having my personal phone number attached to every email I send. I totally understand having it listed on an internal company directory so coworkers can call me when I’m travelling, but I interface with a lot of people external to the company and located worldwide. It just seems … fishy? to have a random person in China that I’ve never ever met have the ability to call my personal phone whenever they want.

    Am I being too paranoid? Do most people list their personal cell in their signature without giving it any thought? FWIW we don’t have ‘company’ phones nor does the company pay my monthly bill.

    • Anonymous

      I say if it’s not a “work” phone (meaning they don’t pay for it), it’s really unfair to force you to do this. If the employer wants you to have a cell phone that clients/colleagues outside the firm/company can call, the employer should pay for it. Lots of people carry around two cell phones.

    • Anon

      If the company wants you to be accessible while you are travelling they should provide you with a company phone. That is an inappropriate request.

    • OP

      Thanks, I haven’t said anything yet because I wasn’t sure how off the mark this request was – supposedly they will reimburse “business expenses” on the phone (?? How do I differentiate between my normal data and cell usage and “business”??) and they give us $100 towards the purchase of a phone that we’ll use for work, but it’s almost less about the money to me and more about the privacy aspect. I just don’t want my personal number, that will be with me forever, even after I leave the company, floating around to our collaborators and customers worldwide.

      We’re a small company, so I’m sure all the weird rules about phones/travelling are cost-cutting measures, but like I said, I’d just rather I could give out some other number to people I’ve never met.

      • (former) preg 3L

        Can you ask your boss about your getting a cell phone with a new number that you use ONLY for work? Even if you get the phone in your own name, if your job reimburses you for the cost of the phone, that should help mitigate your privacy concern, right?
        (FWIW, I would really strongly refuse to put my cell number in a work email signature.)

        • OP

          This is a good point – the other thing I just thought of is getting a google voice or skype phone # that forwards to my cell (and then expense the bill).

          • lucy stone

            I did this for a side job that required me to share my cell phone number. I had a Google Voice number that forwarded to my phone. That is still the number I give out to people I don’t want having my actual number.

          • Anonymous

            This is what I would do if there was increased pressure to include a mobile number, but I would still resist first.

          • Moonstone

            I use an app called Burner because I was having trouble with Google Voice.

          • Flower

            I use Google voice for this as well, and it’s turned out nicely. Also good because I can stop it from forwarding to my cell when I want (travel abroad, etc.).

      • waffles

        Funny! I did the exact opposite. A change to our policy at work required me to separate my work from my personal cell phones, but I made sure to keep the known number as my personal one, and I continue to give it to clients… I think of it as a way to keep continuity with clients should I change firms (common in my business). I also get to use bbm and texting, which are blocked on my work phone.
        I haven’t had a problem with anyone abusing it or with work creeping into my private life though…. that would definitely cause me to reconsider!

        • s in chicago

          +1 Never had anyone overreach or make use of it at inappropriate hours. If they are trying the cell rather than work number it’s usually something important enough that I actually want them to reach me. That said, I also work project to project with folks on tight deadlines, so I usually have a pretty good idea by area code whose likely calling when it’s not a known number and what it’s likely about. Some personalities in certain area codes find themselves in vm before I pick up. :) By far it’s been more of an advantage than negative for me though. It’s definitely helped me make my deadlines when I’m waiting on an approval, avoid unnecessary work, get faster go/no-go decisions, etc. when projects are on and I’m stuck at a conference or out on flex time or the like. Folks are given clear contacts instead of me to connect with when I’m on vacation or the like so I haven’t had any calls then (wouldn’t pick them up directly anyway).

    • Lyssa

      I did when I was a litigator (and the firm paid my bill), because it was just more convenient, since I was away from the office so much. I never had a problem with people abusing it, though I wasn’t sending emails to China or anything like that.

      Now that I’m in compliance, my firm doesn’t pay for a cell and I’m rarely away from the office, so there’s no need to. I do note my cell # in emails if I have a reason to (I’m heading out and really want this person to call me), but I wouldn’t put it in there routinely unless my firm demanded it (and I’d be really grumpy if the firm demanded that without paying the bill).

    • Don't do it!

      I did this because I trust most of the people I work with (even outside the org) until a very, very difficult opposing counsel started texting me about our case. I told him not to and immediately stripped it from my emails. Totally creeped me out.

      Long story short: Don’t do it. I do give my cell to most clients somewhere along the way to contact me for this issue or that, but I wouldn’t list it on your signature block.

      • OP

        Right?! This was my paranoid thought too. I’m in a technology business, not law, you just never know.

    • Maddie Ross

      When this came up at my office, I specifically asked for mine to be removed. I’d say we’re about 50/50 in the office with listing versus not listing (and I say some of those that have it listed do not know it’s even there). My cell is listed in the office directory and is super easy for my co-workers to find (i.e., they can get it from their cell phone through contacts). But I didn’t want everyone to have it willy nilly. I’m fine giving it to clients and opposing counsel, but I like to be the one to control it. I also deal with a fair amount of pro se opposing parties and really did not want any of them to have it!

    • Kensington

      I would get a Google voice number and connect my cell to it. Actually that’s what I do. It’s free, people don’t have my “real” cell, I can disconnect my phone from it if I change jobs, and it saves all texts and emails for that number is a gmail-like inbox for record keeping.

    • OP

      Thanks guys! I think Google Voice will be the way to go. I knew the hive would have good insight on this type of issue.

    • Bonnie

      My desk phone at work forwards all calls to my work cell. Maybe you can do something similar? I don’t even list my work cell in my signature and would never include my personal #.

  12. YouSaucyMinx

    I love this bag. I put my laptop, tablet, notebook, flats, and an umbrella in it, I throw it around, and it still looks brand new.

    For those who think it’s too big, they also have a mini version. I use the main one as my work commuter bag, and the mini for shopping and errands.

  13. Mountain Girl

    TJ: Very specific threadjack…all cotton, v-neck, cable cardigan. We replaced the heating/cooling system at work and I’m finding my wool sweaters are just too warm. Consequently I’m trying to swap out my wool sweaters for all cotton ones. I would like to find a replacement for three sweaters I have in burgundy, teal (or turquoise), and chocolate. I know Land’s End has cotton cable cardigans that I love but they don’t have these colors. Anyone have any ideas on who has great cardigans that meet my specifications? Thanks!

  14. Anonymous

    Anyone seen a jacket similar to this one?
    http://www.hm.com/us/product/38028?article=38028-A
    I ordered the H&M jacket but both my normal size and one size up made me look like a sausage when zipped up and two sizes up hung off my shoulders in a very boxy, unflattering way. I want one that I can zip up without looking like I’m in a sausage casing but is still fitted and flattering. Not looking to spend more than $100.

  15. Paging "Separation"

    We haven’t heard from you in a while (or, if we have, I missed it — but I don’t think so).

    How is it going? Anything anyone here can help with/cheer you on about/commiserate with you about?

      • Marilla

        This is unnecessary. Are you trying to chase someone away from a support network?

        • January

          Maybe it’s unnecessary to actually identify “Separation”‘s usual handle, but it’s a little unseemly to call her out for more details when, if you’ve been following along enough to care, one should have been able to identify her in this thread. There’s a fine line between offering support and being nosy.

        • Kelly

          What? She is letting the OP know that “Separation” is fine. How does that chase anyone away?!

  16. Gigi

    I have used this bag regularly for 7 year, and it is fantastic. I love it, its held up well, although it did get a bit scuffed before I got it (my Dad who is a Beans employee was using the bag to tote recycling to the transfer station (yes really) before I snagged it), but I had it cleaned, and its fantastic!

    It transitioned from law school to commuting for work seamlessly, and I can’t recommend it enough.

    • Anonymous

      I would view someone like that as resourceful and practical, which are qualities I value highly. I’d also wonder how they keep the bag clean and nice looking when the roads are wet. It also strikes me as a thing that a person who isn’t very status conscious would carry around (not sure why I get that impression), but that’s something else I value, but perhaps others don’t.

    • Monte

      I wouldn’t see someone with that bag as the most fashion forward person, but the bag looks professional and practical and that would probably be as much as I thought about it (assuming like Anonymous above that it is clean and nice looking).

    • Burgher

      I’d think it’s a really cool bag (though maybe verging a tiny bit into hipster territory), but it looks like it would get filthy immediately.

    • briefcase panniers

      Thanks for the comments! I never knew it was possible to get leather bags for my bike, so I’m irrationally excited about this, and appreciate you guys giving me confirmation that I’m not going overboard. I’ll have to look for a darker color, and keep a rag that I wipe it off with upon arrival.

  18. Rosa rugosa

    Very nice bag, but for one this size I’d rather the straps were a little wider, so they didn’t cut into my hand or shoulder as much.

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