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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 92 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Maison Boinet Brick Red Calf Hair Wide Belt

Coffee Break· Under $150

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Maison Boinet Brick Red Calf Hair Wide BeltI love this fabulous red calf-hair belt — what a great way to add some pizzazz to cardigans, pencil skirt/blouse combos, and more. It looks a lot more lux than it's priced — it was $198, then marked to $117.99, but at Bluefly today it's $70.79 (also available in black). Maison Boinet Brick Red Calf Hair Wide Belt (L-3)

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Comments

  1. prof on a bike

    Thinking of hitting up Banana Republic for the last day of the 40% sale. Any of you ladies have some favorite pieces that I should check out? I’d love to find some pieces that have a bit more interest than your basic grey blazer but could still get a lot of wear.

    • NYC Meet Up

      I’m wearing a black dress, a black blazer, and a tortoise link necklace. See you ladies soon!

    • Meg March

      Oof. Knew this was on the 11th, knew that today was the 11th, yet was somehow CERTAIN this was tomorrow. Now I’m super sorry I missed out on seeing all you lovely NYC ladies!

  4. Gabi

    Does anyone have outfit suggestions for this? I love it but have no idea how to wear it!

    • XC in NYC

      Hey Gabi,

      Here are 3 ways I came up with:
      1. Over a less structured dress, to give an hourglass figure
      2. Over a drape-y open front cardigan.
      3. Over a coat to make a statement. Personally, I’ve never belted a coat, but I have seen it done in fashion blogs.

      Hope this helps!

      • zora

        I also like a belt like this over a pencil skirt like Kat suggested, to get a little of that high-waisted pencil skirt look.

        but I usually put wide belts over dresses, like XC suggested.

  5. Niktaw

    Can anyone comment on Brooks Brother sizing, particularly for jackets/coats? Do the sleeves tend to be long? TIA.

    • meme

      I wear the same jacket size in BB as JCrew – 2 in both. I usually wear a 4 at most places. For me the skirts are the same. I’m usually a 4 in most places, but wear a 2 in BB suiting skirts and also JCrew skirts. Interestingly, I wear a 4 in BB suiting pants.

    • meme

      Oh, re: sleeves. I haven’t found them to be particularly long or short. I don’t have particularly long or short arms though, so I’m not usually paying attention to this issue.

    • eek

      Petite sleeves hit me just right and my arms tend to be a bit longer. For suit jackets, I’ve found the sizing varies for me. I own about 3 different sizes, but they all fit me the same. And they were all from the same season. :S

  6. anon

    All–

    Lately I have been sort of thrown off by a partner’s comment regarding my work product–i.e. I made a typo that was caught by the client (who subsequently notified partner and called it an “obvious” typo). I am incredibly embarassed and am trying to repair the damage of my reputation with said parner.

    However, I had sent the document to said partner to review, and he subsequently gave his stamp of approval and forwarded the doc to the client. Partner responded by politely saying that it was worth the time for me to review a document multiple times (which I did!). This whole situation has subsequently affected my mood and my confidence–particularly with that partner. I get that I made a mistake, but I’m not sure how to respond to this.

    I am now incredibly nervous about doing any work for him and am afraid that I’ve embarassed myself beyond repair. I keep trying to justify it by thinking that EVERYONE MAKES TYPOS (which we do–and I honestly read and re-read the document like 5 times–like I always do), but I don’t know what to do.

    Any advice?

    • My advice

      “You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months overanalyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could’ve, would’ve happened…or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the f*** on.”

      – Tupac Shakur

      • OP anon

        I needed that. Sometimes it’s easier to stomach when I hear Tupac say it rather than the voice in my head.

    • TO Lawyer

      Honestly, typos happen all the time and in the grand scheme of thing, is a fairly minor mistake. I have two comments:

      1) It seems like the partner is not being overly tough on you so just chock this up as a lesson to learn in the future and be glad you didn’t make a more substantive mistake. It’s really not a big deal and he will probably forget about it if your next few assignments are perfect.

      2) I find I often miss typos if I read the document too many times too close together or if I’m tired. Next time, I would try to step away from the document if possible and read it with a fresh brain/pair of eyes. Also read on paper. Finally, try reading it backwards sentence by sentence. You’ll catch a lot more mistakes that way.

      At the end of the day, at least your mistake can’t kill someone! (I always remember that episode of Greys Anatomy where Bailey tells George that a math mistake killed someone and she is sure her accountant isn’t scared of killing someone every time he makes a math mistake)

    • Monday

      I agree that everyone makes typos and that you definitely shouldn’t let this psych you out. Partner will get over it unless he was truly looking for a reason to write you off anyway. That said, if you want strategies for being even more stringent, even on the fifth read-through: reading out loud and reading backwards (from the last line up) can help to catch things that slip by when you’re reading normally on screen or paper.

    • LHH

      A coworker mentioned that he reads things backwards (from the end to the beginning) to help catch typos. I thought it was good advice!

    • MJ

      I am not defending the partner….but I’ve worked in firms for a long time. This is the partner’s way of saying that you’ve been put on notice–he expects you to catch typos–that’s not his bag. So all this means is that you need to step up your game in the future. If the partner was a really big dick he wouldn’t have said anything, and would’ve just written you off (I’ve seen it happen).

      He wants you to step up, and he believes you can do it. So show him typos from you are not going to be an issue on a go-forward basis. Proceed with confidence!

      Put the mistake behind you, water under the bridge, stop wasting emotional energy on something that is done, take the learning out of it and move on…yadda yadda. You can pick yourself up and move on, no matter how stern the conversation was.

      • anon

        Agreed with this. I’ve had that same thought– he saw the brief too and didn’t catch it! But that just doesn’t work. I was horrible at proofing when I started at my firm– I move fast and I like leaving early. But by the end I was pretty good– it’s possible to force yourself.

      • Orangerie

        +1. If I sent something to my boss for review, I wouldn’t expect her to check for typos. Just try to shake it off and perhaps implement some of the proofreading techniques mentioned above.

      • ac

        Yep. It’s possible the partner was a jerk in delivering the message, but you should not expect a partner to catch typos — and indeed, it’s also your job to catch any typos he/she may make in subsequent revisions. You need to proof until you can’t proof any more and implement all the great suggestions mentioned here (e.g., proofing on paper, proofing with fresh eyes, etc.)

        I’ve been in this position, and it does suck, but as I’ve gotten more senior I’ve found that clients really will give the partner grief about typos.

    • AFT

      As someone who just got told for a third time that I need to slow down and be more careful (when I’ve drafted over 25 first drafts of substantive documents, including 12 briefs, in the past week and a half – how about get me another freaking associate like I’ve been asking and I will have the time to slow down), I feel you. All you can do is take the feedback for what it is and try to do better next time. Feedback is supposed to make you a stronger attorney, not handicap you with fear.

    • Em

      If it helps, I think people normally use the phrase “obvious typo” to signal “I don’t think you actually think ‘the’ is spelled ‘teh.’ I know it was a slip of the fingers.” I don’t think they normally use it to mean “You are an idiot; why did you not catch something so obvious you moron?”

        • anon

          I’m in house and I’ll tell you, I don’t like getting stuff with typos. One is not a big deal. I note it in an email that is very non-accusatory and pleasant– hey on page 4, line 7, change “they” to “them”. When I see a bunch of them, I’m pissed. That’s when you get some sort of weird email that says something about it needing to be proofread one more time. I would expect a partner to have a talk with the associate at that point (the same one partners had with me way back when– we all gotta learn).

        • MJ

          I’d also like to add that I sometimes have clients who are big jerks…they really like to show how retarded we (law firm) are and how great they are. This is a horrible dynamic, and it happens (and it makes me want to get off those accounts asap). However, they are the clients, so they are right. You just take it with a smile and grit your teeth. Also, don’t think that the partner doesn’t know when a client is difficult. All that said, clients are paying for perfection, so drop the ball on hard stuff, not easy stuff, like typos. And, as I said above, take ONLY the learning out of this that is there–don’t obsess over this. It happened. The client may or may not have been a jerk…you just have to move on.

    • eek

      one of the best typos ever: data suppository (repository). :D

      I can see why you’re upset, but i don’t think a typo that seems to be out of the norm for you is a big deal.

    • Coach Laura

      Besides reading from the end, I suggest:

      Printing a hard copy, as others have said.
      Reading it out loud to yourself, slowly.
      Do a word search for “pub!c” if the word “public” is used in your practice often.
      Look specifically for homonyms like hear/here, there/their/they’re, too/to/two, where/wear, affect/effect, advise/advice.

  7. meme

    Can anyone suggest a good eye shadow palette for an eye makeup newbie? I have basically nothing now, so I need the basics. Also, reasonably priced brushes. Thanks!

    • TO Lawyer

      Try the naked palette by Urban Decay. As for brushes, I got mine from MAC but I think the Sephora brushes are actually a great value for their quality.

      • Monday

        Interesting. I had a Sephora kebuki brush that shed like crazy (long black hairs on my face, hot). Then when I upgraded to Too Faced at around 3x the price, I had the same problem. I’ve been most happy with, of all things, Eco Tools, which are sold at the drugstore. No shedding, no problems cleaning, and just as soft.

    • anon

      Not sure what they’re called but the Kat VonD makeup palettes at Sephora are AMAZING.

  8. Bed Bath & Beyond

    Has anyone tried using multiple coupons (those ubiquitous 20% off coupons) in the same purchase? I’d like to purchase a set of 12 matching towels and use 12 coupons to get 20% off the entire thing.

    Any relevant experience welcome. TIA.

    • preg anon

      Yup, you can do that without a problem. And I just discovered that coupons can be applied retroactively with a receipt! And that expired coupons can still be used!

      • Hel-lo

        Yes to expired coupons at BB&B! Don’t throw those things away.

        Sign up to get them in the actual mail. It’s easier that way, IMO.

    • Anonymous

      Yep. They do that sort of thing all the time. I’ve never had any problems presenting (for example) 6 20% off coupons for 6 different items (unless the item you are purchasing is specifically excepted from coupon use, of course).

    • Anon

      Yes, assuming the towels are sold individually. I’ve used enough coupons for each item in the order (upwards of 20).

    • Bed Bath & Beyond

      Fabulous. Thanks!

      Any tips on signing up using multiple email addresses?

      • Nutshell

        I just suggest not using the same coupon in the same order – they might then notice that you are receiving multiple! (I suppose you could say a friend gave them to you, but…)

  9. Booties / socks

    I just bought a few pairs of ankle boots but I’m now trying to figure out what socks to wear with them. My normal short athletic socks are too thick, so I’d ideally be looking for a short thin sock. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

  10. Anon

    Interview TJ! I have a second round interview coming up for a dream job and it will go on for a few hours and involves meeting with two different groups of people (I believe one of the partners will be in all of the meetings), and a meal with everyone. I have interviewed many times over the years, but never over a meal. How do you sustain a conversation with the same people for three hours? Also, any anecdotes to share for meal-time interviews? I’m not concerned about table manners when it comes to eating, but I am a little concerned about the conversation over the meal and how to navigate/sustain/be interesting for three hours.

  11. So Anon

    So ladies, let me entertain you all with a confession and ask your advice.
    I am in my mid 30s and have never used a tamp*n. I’m a normal adult in other ways, high-powered professional, dress well, wife and mother, but never thought to move beyond pads, didn’t think about it too much, and I’m honestly a little icked out at the thought of inserting and getting my fingers messy.
    However. I have a beach vacation coming up that unfortunately coincides with aforesaid visit, and I guess I need to figure out this whole thing. Not a big swimmer, will lounge in the pool, using a you-know-what. Tips?

    • meme

      Start out with something that has an applicator, like Tampax. They have flushable and biodegradable options in case that is a concern for you, but I’d probably start out with the Tampax Pearl to get the hang of things. I promise your fingers are not in danger of getting messy. I predict that your life is about to change for the better. Good luck!

      • Susie

        +1, applicator is key – plastic to be specific as cardboard applicators are less comfortable. My favorite is Playtex GentleGlide.
        When I first started I couldn’t imagine inserting it either, but now I can’t imagine wearing a bulky, crinkly liner plus I wear thongs 99% of the time so wouldn’t work very well anyhow.

    • XC in NYC

      I use Tampax Pearl, I prefer the ease of the plastic applicator. Is there a cycle or two before your beach vacation? If so, I would suggest trying out tampons before your trip to get used to them. A multipack with Super, Regular, and Light would be helpful, so you can find what works best for you.

    • Jo March

      I like Tampax much better than Tampax. The latter are like a tube of cotton that just expands outwards, whereas the former open more like a cone? flower? (both outwards and upwards, if that makes sense) and I find they offer *much* better protection. Definitely second that you should get something with an applicator, and if you’re new to them, I would not necessarily go for the “compact” styles that require you to pull the plastic apart to make it work.

      Unless you have *very* heavy periods, don’t get the Super size. Advice is to always use the smallest appropriate size. At first, I would check them in the 4h range to make sure you’ve got the right size.

      Oh, and I would definitely stay away from scented. Yuck. And I agree that your life will get better! SO much more comfortable, especially in hot weather!

    • oil in houston

      I like pearl as well, my advice would be to start with a mini or regular until you’re used to it, even if it means changing regularly, you might find it uncomfortable otherwise

    • So Anon

      Thank you for not laughing too loud, and for the recommended brands and suggestions. (I didn’t want to click on the video link from work, but will surely check it out from home.)
      And no, I have indeed left it to the last minute so there is no time to practice during a previous cycle to find types I like.
      I feel like I need to go get one of those books for preteens about their bodies changing!
      I have a lot of silly questions, like what to do with the applicator in between uses (wash?), is there no way I can use a pad while swimming, how not to worry about the string getting lost and so on. Presumably the box comes with an instruction set which I will read very closely! This really feels absurd.

      • Mom of girls...

        You don’t have to reuse the applicator. Each one comes in its own applicator. I wrap it up in tissue and dispose of it in the trash or the sanitary napkin disposal if in a public restroom. The string is attached pretty well to the cotton fabric. You won’t lose it but if you want to put your mind at ease try pulling the string out of a clean one to see how hard you need to pull before it separates.

      • meme

        Feel free to ask all of your questions here. As to applicators, they are disposable. Each tampon comes with its own applicator. No need to wash or carry them around. Do read the included instructions, and you’ll have no problems.

      • mascot

        I also prefer Playtex over Tampax, but can use whatever type is around. So the box comes with instructions and a diagram for insertion. Just toss the applicators,. Each tampon is preloaded in a disposable applicator. The string is several inches so it won’t get lost. Also, if the tampon is inserted right, you shouldn’t feel it. If it feels uncomfortable, you probably didn’t get it far enough in. Just take it out and start over with a fresh one. Towards the end of your cycle you might find panty liners to be more comfortable because of a light flow. Oh, one other thing, you’ll see warnings in the instructions about toxic shock syndrome. Don’t panic, it’s fairly rare to have that happen.

      • Pam

        Applicator is disposable! Each one will be individually wrapped, already in the applicator and ready to go. Insert, push plunger part of applicator up (best description I can think of!), pull applicator out and dispose. I think you are going to be surprised at how simple it is, I imagine you’ve built it up to a big deal in your mind (understandable – I would too in your situation) and honestly, it’s going to be SO much easier than you are thinking it’s going to be. :)

      • Niktaw

        No. There is no way to swim with a sanitary pad.
        You do need to practice a few times, among other things to get used to inserting it so enough of the string remains outside, and what to do with the string. I usually place it to the front, but even if it shifts, it’s fairly easy to locate.

      • ArenKay

        Great advice here, would just add that no, you really cannot wear a pad in the pool. They would puff up (think non-swim diaper), which is NOT a good look.

        You’ll be fine!

      • anon

        I had the same problem years ago, and now wear them and love them! Good luck. If you want some comic relief on the topic, search for the scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm where the girl scout gets her first p*riod in Larry David’s bathroom and he has to read/explain the t*mpon instructions to her from outside. It is absolutely hilarious.

    • Another anon

      +1 to all the comments that tampons are much less bother (although in recent years I’ve found pads to be simpler). Using applicators usually keeps your hands cleaner unless you’re having a very heavy flow day. Sorry if this is too graphic! On those days (heavy flow) you might want a panty liner as backup because it gives you an extra few minutes to get to the bathroom. I’ve found that I quickly learned how many hours I could go between tampon changes depending on rate of flow and size of tampon used. The “need to replace supplies” feeling is physically different for tampons than for pads–there’s a sense of liquid escaping rather than a sense of being in contact with an increasingly saturated pad–but this is no big deal, just a new sensation to learn.

      Re applicators: “disposable” means in the trash, not in the toilet, no matter what the box says for the products with cardboard applicators. Not trying to be insultingly explicit, just trying to save you from the embarrassment of unwittingly clogging the plumbing.

      Final word of advice: Don’t forget to take out the last tampon of your period. However, your body will usually tell you (strong odor) if you overlooked this detail. I suspect that many of us have done this without anything awful resulting.

    • Anon

      Just wanted to add that I’m in my 20s and don’t get them. I’ve always used pads. I tried tamp*ns twice (I think) and did not have luck. After reading comments here, I’m guessing I didn’t do it quite right (not far enough in?). But it’s definitely built up a lot in my mind, even though most women I know use them and prefer them over pads. I also get very heavy peri*ds, though, so perhaps that has something to do with it?

      Regarding the toxic shock syndrome mentioned, I read an article before about how that happens when someone leaves it in for far too long (in the article, the girl left it in for 24 or 48 hours, I believe). I think it is for cases like that (which are rare) that they include that warning.

      • Anon

        in my 30s and I rarely use them too. Just never got in the habit. I use them very occasionally on vacation/swimming situations. And it always takes me a couple tries to get the hang of it again.

        • AnonToo

          Glad I am not the only one who just doesn’t find them comfortable! Though admittedly for a long time I was just skipping my period using the pill, which was the best.

    • dancinglonghorn

      May be tmi but due to the way I am shaped, tampons inevitably fall out of me. Like they slip and slip and eventually come out. Also the neauva ring (I had to go to the bathroom multiple times during the day to push it back in!)

      Turns out I have a tilt that makes this happen – my sister has the same problem! Oh well, I don’t mind pads but sometimes feel I am the only person in my age group who uses them!

    • Anonymous

      I prefer OB tampons – you have more control over the angle I find, and they’re more environmental because there’s no applicator.

      • anon

        Just wanted to add that particularly if you’re a mom, you’ll want to use the applicator to insert it, then use your finger to push it in there further and for me at least, kinda off to the side. It took me YEARS to figure this out, and I would always feel like the tampon was sliding out (even before kids), which actually caused irritation. Now I do that every time and it’s not an issue.

  12. Wildkitten

    When it’s cold, and you wear nude to you shoes (green for Godzilla) what color tights do you wear? Nude to you tights?

    • Orangerie

      Nude shoes always feel more spring/summer to me, so I put them away during the cold weather months.

    • NYC

      Today I am wearing nude for me pantyhose with nude for me shoes. I might as well be nekiid.

      I wouldn’t wear them with tights, but I like my legs to match my shoes (if that makes sense).

      • Carrie Preston

        I actually love the look of a nude shoe with black or colored tights, myself. It’s a look that’s fine at my office, and fun for winter weekends.

      • Anonymous

        “I like my legs to match my shoes”

        I tend to do black shoes with black tights for this reason, but I’m lost on what to do with grey tights. I prefer grey tights with black dresses to avoid black overload (I’m not in NYC/DC where that might be standard), but then I feel like black shoes with grey tights looks odd. It might just be my particular style of grey tights though, which include some faint horizontal striping. What does the Hive do with grey?

        • Double-Bingo

          I do black shoes with grey tights very frequently, with black skirts, pinstripes, grey skirts, etc. I also like to avoid black overload, and I’ve never found grey tights/black shoes to look odd. My go-to is the H&M brand.

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