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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 174 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Long Sleeve V-Neck Faux Wrap Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Under $150

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. MICHAEL Michael Kors Long Sleeve V-Neck Faux Wrap DressI realize green paisley may not be everyone's bag, but I think this is a really lovely color, pattern, and dress — and I think the dark colors make this wearable pretty much year round. It's on sale at a variety of places online, but Bon-Ton (a store I'm admittedly not very familiar with) has the most sizes for the best price: the $120 dress is marked to $44.99. (The sleeveless version of the dress is also available at Zappos in petites, Lord & Taylor in XL, and Saks). Happy Friday, ladies! MICHAEL Michael Kors Long Sleeve V-Neck Faux Wrap Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-all)  

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. The quiet one

    I recently recieved feedback that even though I do great work and have a positive attitude, I’m too quiet at work. I know I’ve never really been the one to chit chat all the time but in meetings I do ask questions and participate. Any advice on what I can do to improve? I’m just super busy and would prefer to quietly get my work one instead of chatting everyone up. I guess the major problem is that a peer of mine is the opposite. She does poor work but spends a lot of time schmoozing so in comparison I may not seem to be a team player. Is this a sign that I may not be a good fit with the firm or it’s just a personality flaw that I need to work on?

    • Monday

      I am like you and it’s been a constant issue in my career. I’m polite and friendly, but I need a lot of quiet and usually just like to keep my head down. Unfortunately I do think it’s something you need to work on. People will always appreciate good work, but I don’t think there’s any professional environment where keeping to yourself isn’t a liability. I’m sorry and commiserate heartily. Schmoozing is the hardest part of “work” for me, truth.

    • roses

      I think it could be either, honestly. There’s a big difference between “schmoozing” and “getting to know your colleagues.” People like working with others that they feel comfortable around. Think back to the days when you had group projects in high school or college. You may have appreciated it if you were paired with people who did their part and did it super well, but do you really remember who those people were? Or do you remember the people who you clicked with on the project and became friends with, and they did fine on the project? The same goes for your job; I’m sure your superiors appreciate your work, but they’re not going to really remember you or care about you in the same way if you don’t get to know them a bit.

      At the same time, going with the previous analogy, even if you were on a group project with the most fun person ever, you would start to resent it and your grade would suffer if she sacrificed her work for partying. I think that would seem to be the case for your peer, and it’s a problem if the firm culture leans towards that – i.e., that socializing actually trumps quality of work. Then I would reconsider if you belong there.

      • neurosciency

        i have this problem too. i have tried saying one random extra thing in meetings, but it’s REALLY hard to change a perception of you if you’ve been “the quiet lady” for years. i don’t know your full situation, but i would say maybe you could try to work on a group project or something to get to know other people better, or at least get to know people better. plus, it could lead to collaborations with other people at your work, and that’s always good. also, one thing i didn’t do was go to any social events for my work. my workplace is very social (well, “social”) so that was a bad idea.

      • Monday

        For some people, “getting to know colleagues” is just as hard as networking. I’m so introverted that I see it as almost a disability, but I don’t think I’m alone. In fact, giving others the impression that chatting with them is hard and uncomfortable is part of the problem. OP may not be as extreme as I am, but just putting it out there: for some of us it’s all equally tough.

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      Is there something that everyone in the office regularly talks about that you can find a way to participate in? Example: where I used to work, everyone was obsessed with the show Mad Men. Every Monday, there was basically an office-wide Mad Men recap conversation. I made a point of watching (or skimming blogs ten minutes before I left for work to find out what happened), so I’d be able to participate in that conversation, and it gave me room to be a little less chatty at other parts of the day, because everyone remembered me being in the morning recap extravaganza.

      • Senior Attorney

        I think this is a really good idea. In my law firm it was the local basketball team.

    • L

      You can also ease into the ‘social’ aspect of your job. A cheerful good morning to people, ask a few people if they want to walk with you to grab coffee, chat about weekend plans. Easy to do, not as time intensive as say lunch, but it does change people’s perception. Put a reminder on your calendar (private appointment) even. Truthfully, it’s probably other people’s insecurities (quiet + smart usually makes people assume you’re a snob), but if people are bringing it up to you, you should try and change it.

      Work wise ask to lead a group project, committee etc. Pick someone’s brain.

      • emeralds

        I’d second this. I’m not the chattiest Cathy in the world, by any means, but I think cheerful good mornings and a bit of small talk on the way to your desk (e.g., “Morning! Any plans for the weekend?”) can make a big difference. Having coffee with one or two other people is also a great suggestion, and can feel less overwhelming than, say, the office-wide Thursday happy hour.

        So honestly…I’d say that this is not a personality flaw, per se, but that it is something that you should probably work on, from a professional standpoint. People want to have coworkers who are pleasant to be around, but also produce good work.

        • zora

          Also, maybe you need to talk up your work and accomplishments a little bit more? Telling people casually when you’ve finished something, or accomplished something beyond your baseline goals? It’s not easy, I know, but in some workplaces it is essential. Know your workplace kind of thing.

    • tk1

      I am the same way. I’ve found the best way to deal with it is to just be very superficial when talking about myself, but listenting to my co-workers who want to talk about themselves. For example, when they ask how your weekend was (my least favorite question ever), I usually reply good or great – even if it was the best or worst weekened ever – and then ask about their weekend. The people that think you aren’t social enough probably love to talk about themselves anyway, so this is a great way to seem social without being overly social or talking about yourself too much. When someone asks, “What did you do this weekend?” I always reply, “Nothing exciting, how about you?” even if I did the most exciting thing in the world, but don’t want to share. Killer Kitten Heel’s method is great too, chat about TV, sports, something that is popular around the office, but superficial.

      In my experience my level of socializing changes based on the co-worker. People who pry, gossip, give you “advice” on everything, get the above answers, but people who are genuinely interested I feel more comfortable talking to. I have had this backfire on me though, when I was making tons of private calls when I was buying a house, so that super nosy co-worker who would only tell me house buying horror stories and give me “advice” on every little thing wouldn’t find out, my boss called me into his office to see if everything was OK. He must have thought I was job hunting, OOPS!

      • Anonymous

        I would go in on Mondays with one thing to share when you get that question. So just think before hand- is that you went to a park, enjoyed the weather, saw a movie, watched a sports team, saw an old friend? And then ask them about their weekend.

      • Houston Attny

        I agree with this. I think most of the time, people want to talk about themselves. So a simple, “it was fine – wasn’t the weather gorgeous/awful/whatever on Saturday? What did you do?” is good. I tend to not want to share too much, and I agree with L’s advice about doing some small things that take less exertion (I know that is sometimes how it feels for me). Seriously, I’m the queen of passing people and saying “great shoes,” “yay! it’s Thursday!” “wow – good answer on the Smith case question” or whatever because I want to be friendly but I don’t necessarily want to be friends (as in the let’s-sit-and-chat-for-hours kind).

    • Introvert as well

      I’m often the same way. What has helped me a lot is to try to engage with people more often one on one. I may dread our Christmas party, but I’m good about asking a coworker occasionally if they want to meet over coffee instead of in my office. Even if they do most of the talking, the request makes me seem far more approachable. I also try to nab moments that are nonwork-related whenever opportunities arise–so if a few of us are traveling for a project, I’ll sit with them and make chit chat while waiting for the flight rather than burying my head in my work or a book (no matter how tempting that can be). I also look to see what other folks do who aren’t necessarily the life of the party but are still perceived as friendly. It may sound lame, but I’ve noticed a lot of these folks laugh a little longer than others when someone makes a joke. Or they remember small personal details and ask about them later (Sue has a new cat–ask her how it’s working out in another week or two.) Showing an acceptance or interest in others can really help set folks at ease and make them perceive you as one of the group.

      • OttLobbyist

        I’d support the cheerful good morning, particularly if you work in a small office, or smaller group. If you have a break room or lunch room (and time to visit them every now and then) make a point of visiting once or twice a week and talk to at least one other person there. The good morning thing is interesting – it is our office culture that you say a quick good morning to your teammates as you are arriving. If you forget, or rush into your workspace without saying anything, everyone assumes you are in a bad mood or sick.

    • Ella

      I agree with the other posters that cheerful good mornings with another generic follow up question or two is really helpful.

      Also, I work in a pretty conservative industry but I definitely AM NOT. I realized I avoided chatting in part because I didn’t want to share my “real life” with them. So I thought up three very neutral things I would feel comfortable sharing with my colleagues and now just share those things when informal chatting occurs.

      Colleague A asks me about my weekend and really I just came back from my best friend gay wedding? I share whatever the latest is with my woodworking class , even if it didn’t happen that weekend.

      ****Major note to say I really genuinely like and respect all of my colleagues and they’ve never treated me with anything but kindness and respect too, knowing that I am a gay liberal. I just don’t want to take on the role of being everyone’s consciousness raiser, ya know? That gets old.

    • Anonymous

      I received almost this exact same feedback in my last associate review. At first it seemed like such an overwhelming thing to change (I felt like they were telling me “become an extrovert”), but I came up with a game plan that seems to have helped a lot (last week one of the partners actually referred to me as “social” and another told me “When you started here I assumed you were shy, but you’re not actually shy at all” [he’s wrong… I still have horrible social anxiety, but it’s good to know I’m successfully faking it]).

      1 – When I pass people in the halls, I make a huge effort to smile and initiate a “good morning”, even though my instinct is to pretend not to see them/be busy on my phone/etc.

      2 – I make an effort to do something every weekend that I can talk about on Monday if I’m asked – my go-to answer (“Not much, just worked”) made people uncomfortable… they’d much rather hear I tried a new restaurant or took a hike with my dogs. Then I try to shift the conversation to their weekends.

      3 – I volunteered for a role on one of the law firm committees that brought some exposure (required that I send out emails to all the other attorneys, involved giving a presentation to several of the senior partners, etc.). The time wasn’t billable, unfortunately, but I think this more than anything else has changed people’s perceptions.

      4 – Instead of waiting to be invited to lunch with other associates, I started issuing email invitations once every week or two. If I invite three or four outgoing people I don’t actually have to do very much talking, but still seem social for setting the lunch up.

      • Walnut

        I like these. A couple takeaways, pets are usually easy conversations to have if you don’t like getting too personal at work. Don’t have a pet? No problem – talk about someone elses or a cute meme you saw online.

        If you don’t feel you have lots of time to do lunch, strategically use the company cafeteria (if it’s an option) or a local place that lets you order at the counter. If you’d prefer to bring your own lunch than eat out, then make plans to bring your own and eat together.

      • WestCoast Lawyer

        This sounds like me. I would describe myself as an introvert who has learned to do a pretty good job of faking extroversion. I find that a good tip is to observe (which we introverts usually do quite well) people who seem more comfortable in certain situations and then try to do as they do. Your #1 was a huge step for me. I always felt super awkward passing someone in the hallway (especially, when you see them coming from too far away to start a conversation). Training my self to give a strong “hi” or “good morning” rather than avert my eyes took a lot of effort at first, but as a result I don’t think I come across as nearly as shy.

  2. KC

    This almost looks like malachite from a distance. That would be an awesome print :)

    • Sydney Bristow

      I love malachite. I’m still dreaming of an amazing malachite necklace Kat posted a few years ago. I would adjust my entire wardrobe around that necklace if I owned it.

      • NOLA

        I used to have the most beautiful malachite and marcasite drop earrings. I almost cried when I dropped one on the floor and the malachite drop broke off. Have been looking for another pair for years. They were a gift from a friend in northern NJ.

    • Senior Attorney

      I would totally wear a malachite print dress!

      FYI I ordered some pajamas from Bon Ton a while back and was really pleased with the speed of shipping and prices. Plus now I’m on their mailing list and they are always sending me really good coupon codes.

  4. Wildkitten

    I hope everyone who has been having a terrible week is going to have a wonderful weekend.

    • NOLA

      Agreed! Yesterday afternoon, it seemed like everybody was having a crap week. Other than the death rattle cough, I have had a decent week, thank goodness. I have a four day weekend (fall break) and I have scheduled waaaay too much for myself.

    • zora

      Aw, Wildkitten you are so sweet!
      If i can get through today, I think I will be ok. ;oP On a conference call with DC at 6:30 my time, and I pretty much want to punch every single person on this call. First in line: The guy who calls in on his blackberry on speaker, and then multitasks, typing on his keyboard, which makes a clicking sound that makes me want to tear my hear out.

      Second in line: the senior level woman (also part of my board) who cut in to ask someone else on the phone to mute themselves because they were making too much noise, and said “Sorry” 3 times in one sentence! Stop Apologizing!! In our male-dominated sector, she is basically the poster child for what NOT to do as a woman, ugh.

      Oh, and the guy who insist on jumping in with “Observations” which are long, rambling dissertations on abstract elements of tangential issues.
      http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcaqdkqxNS1ro2d43.gif
      ok, sorry. End rant.

      • TO Lawyer

        Me tooo! Just have to get to 5pm today and then I get 2 thanksgiving dinners this weekend!

      • DJC

        I can totally relate to your conference call issues! Luckily, with our conferencing software the moderator of the call can mute lines that are being obnoxious.

        My biggest pet peeve is the last one where someone rambles on and gets off topic. I just make sure I’m on mute, curse under my breath and multitask.

        TGIF!

        • zora

          Yeah, it especially makes me nuts that the facilitators won’t *Facilitate.* They don’t have a clear goal for these calls, and they definitely don’t try to cut anyone off who goes off topic. I’m a much more hard core facilitator, so it makes me a little bit crazy that I’m not in charge. ;o)

      • KC

        Oh no.. the “typer” is a nightmare on calls. Here’s hoping you survive the call and the rest of the day!

      • S in Chicago

        Can I just add in the “jerks who think it is brilliant to talk over someone to share every.single.random.thought in their head.” I often have to listen to customer changes and update projects in return. I was listening to a recording last night of one of these calls with several folks from the customer company on the line. This dingbat kept cutting off the leader with stupid nonsense about her personal life and random jokes or digs. I had to keep backing up the recording to try to make out what the leader was initially trying to say before she started talking over him. She did the same thing to me at several points where I started to ask questions to probe what he had been trying to say. He is her superior, which makes it all the worse. I would go absolutely mad with someone constantly cutting me off like that. At what age does someone learn how rude it is to interrupt someone? Total lack of respect for everyone’s time in having the call as well. If you’re looking for someone to chat up with interesting stories from your past, don’t do it on a group call solely assembled for a specific and time-sensitive task.

  5. NOLA

    I ordered this cardigan: http://www.freepeople.com/cardigans-jackets/after-the-storm-cardigan/
    in the black and gray. I was hoping to love it. It’s lightweight, long and swingy. Could be perfect for here. But, it’s too big so I’m going to return it. I so wish I could try these things on. It’s way too expensive to keep something that’s not right. It has a hook in front so it makes the top look wide. May try to go to the Free People store here, but they often don’t have the sweaters yet at this time of year.

  6. Style me!

    Ladies, I have some fantastic gray leather ankle booties. They are 2.5 inch heel with a closed toe with a slight point (slightly pointier than almond toed) and have some awesome detailing on the side. I want to show them off, but I can’t figure out how to style them to save my life. I’m short and on the heavy side, so I’m worried about making myself look stumpy. HELP!

  7. TCFKAG

    Ladies, I have a confession. That I need to announce here at ‘r*tte Anonymous. I, TCFKAG, might be too creepily complementary of other women’s clothes. Its just, I spend so much time on-line thinking about “oh that’s a nice version of a burgundy boot” or whatever that I’ve started doing it in real life. I can find something I like about EVERYONE’s outfit. And I’m naturally a friendly person. Today I told a girl on the train I liked her purse, and then I noticed her scarf was cute so I said “and your scarf” and then a second later her boots were cute when I looked down so I said “and your boots…actually you look great from head to toe.”

    And she sort of blushed and said ‘thanks its my birthday’ so I *think* I made her day better, but there’s a 50/50 chance I creepered her out! I might be a creeper people! HOW DO I STOP. Help me Obi-wan-c*rp*r*tti*s, you’re my only hope!

    • zora

      NO DON’T STOP!!!!

      I do this sometimes, too, not as often because I don’t really see that many people on a daily basis. But if it was me, i would LOVE it and not be creeped out at all! My instructions are: Just Keep Being Awesome, Woman!

    • Ellen

      Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and this dress, which I can go see at Lord and Taylor at lunch! Double Yay!

      As for the OP, There is NOTHING WRONG with being compleimentary, but mabye goeing from purse to scarf was enough, but talkeing about her boots might have gone a littel to far, makeing her think you were eye-ing her up and down sexueally. I am not judgemental, and even tho I would not do this as a heterosexueal girl, I do not judge anyone if they happen not to be heterosexual’s lke me.

      But generally, we have to do everything in moderation. If you see something good in someone or something, generaly say it, but with moderation. Of course if you see something bad, don’t alway’s say it. With YOU, it is not so bad if you just said you liked 1 thing or mabye 2 that she was weareing.

      Think of it like this. When a guy see’s me and wink’s, that is OK. Even if he come’s up and says something like “are you a model?” I can live with that. But if he wink’s, asks if I am a model and then goe’s on to tell me thing’s about HIS body, I say WHOA, FELLA, TO MUCH INFORMATION! You should be the same way with clotheing. Look, and like, but keep it to yourself if you are afreaid of goeing overboard and being creepy.

      I think I will go with Willem and not stiff him on the date to the Barclay’s center. Myrna said it would be bad at this point, and I can alway’s see my releatives from Budapest later. I just hope Grandma Leyeh will NOT REVOKE HER OFFER to give me $50,000 if I can be married and pregeant by Next year! FOOEY if she doe’s. AND DOUBEL FOOEY if I wind up haveing to nuzzzel up to a guy and it goe’s nowhere in time for the $50,000!

      • Anonymous

        Is it me or is Ellen getting like, really wise? Everything in moderation indeed.

        • cbackson

          Hey, I still point everyone back to the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy when Ellen managed to be an excellent source of ways to donate/provide assistance and yet, still…Ellen.

          Unplumbed depths, that girl (?) has.

      • TCFKAG

        You guise, Ellen gave me…. relevant and helpful advice. I AM SO HAPPY. EllenWatch – be aware.

        Thank you Ellen – I will try to make sure that all people I compliment do not think I am hitting on them, though this girl was VERY pretty. The managing partner would like her except her TUCCHUS is too small for his taste.

    • (Former) Clueless Summer

      No, really – a compliment from another well dressed woman is a great part of anyone’s day and no creep factor whatsoever! Some people may be shy and not know what to say, but I’m sure they’re pleased.

      • Susie

        No, really – a compliment from another well dressed woman is a great part of anyone’s day and no creep factor whatsoever! Some people may be shy and not know what to say, but I’m sure they’re pleased.

        • Anon

          I actually got big compliments on my shoes from a very friendly neighborhood hooker and had to rethink my outfit on the way to a meeting…

    • Anon in NYC

      Don’t worry, I do it too! I tell myself that people like the compliment.

    • TO Lawyer

      This is better than what I do. I always notice people’s outfits (and sometimes stare at them) and I think some women think I’m creepy and am checking them out. I don’t intend to be creepy – I just sometimes get mesmerized by pretty clothes and by the time I realize I’m staring at someone, they’ve given me a weird look and have left.

    • bridget

      If it were me, I would only be creeped out if you were already a creepy-seeming person, which I am 100% sure you are not. Just don’t give people the crazy eyes while you are complimenting them :)

      • KC

        Agreed. Though, to be honest, I am also a compulsive compliment-er when out and about…

    • January

      She might have been a little embarrassed, but she probably wasn’t creeped out. I complimented a woman on her green (!) shoes the other day, and she seemed pleased. If you think you’re overdoing it, maybe just limit yourself to a compliment on one (or maybe two) things?

      I would guess her saying that it’s her birthday meant that you made her day… or it may have been her way of explaining why she was wearing a cute outfit.

    • Walnut

      Please compliment. Maybe I’m too midwest, but I really enjoy friendly conversations with random strangers.

    • Senior Attorney

      Team Don’t Stop.

      I do it all the time, too! And I love it when a well-dressed stranger compliments me!

    • ohc

      Another vote for carrying on with your complimentin’ self.

      I do this too, and I also sometimes worry that I’m creepy. My added wrinkle of creep is that I am a bike commuter, so I occasionally will call out compliments (to both pedestrians and fellow cyclists) as I’m riding by. People almost always say thank you, so I figure I’m okay to continue.

      • TCFKAG

        OMG – if a woman biked by me and was like – “CUTE DRESS” I would be happy for the.rest.of.the.day!

    • Lady Harriet

      I make a conscious effort to compliment people when I’m out in public. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of random compliments on my hair. (It’s waist-length, reddish-brown, and curly, so definitely my most noticeable feature.) I realized how good it makes me feel, so now I always try to do the same for other people. When I was working retail, it helped pass the time without losing my mind from boredom. (I worked in a grocery store, so I wasn’t trying to make a commission, or anything like that.) My mom has been complimenting strangers for years, but she’s very extroverted, so it comes more naturally to her than it does to me.

  8. hellskitchen

    Why is post partum dressing for work so hard?? I didn’t gain much weight during pregnancy and was able to use my existing wardrobe almost to the end. But post partum, the proportions of my body changed and none of my professional clothes fit me now. I don’t mind buying a few pieces of work wear as I (hopefully) go back to pre-pregnancy weight… I was thinking of buying some sheath dresses with stretch but being a nursing mom, I feel like I need to buy separates. Does it make sense to buy pants/skirt and top outfits when my weight/size will change again in a few months? Trying to spend less than $500 on some transition pieces… any suggestions for pieces that are affordable but make pumping easy? I’d love links to specific pieces, please. Thanks!

    • preg 3L

      preg anon posted a few postpartum-appropriate tops on her blog, workthatbump.com that might be worth checking out! It was a few weeks ago so you might have to scroll past the first page or two (I can’t recall).

      • hellskitchen

        Just checked it out. Some great ideas but I fear too casual for my office

    • Preppy

      Blazers or knit jackets? They make your shirt less important and those can take a beating when you are pumping. And they tend to bring the eye up and cover the girls and make bottoms become less important.

      And maybe a few The Skirts? They aren’t too expensive and if a skirt fits in girth, it generally fits (don’t talk to me about the ways pants can not fit when you’re postpartum).

      But I gave myself a pass for the pumping times in my life. You don’t have a lot of time to shop (so, I’d just throw jackets that looked promising in my cart as I flew through Target looking for wipes, etc.). And now that I’m not pumping, here I am in a 2011 Talbots Charming Cardi buttoned up cardigan over a microfiber shell.

      • hellskitchen

        Knit jackets sound good! I think Nordies has a few on sale always so I might pick up those. I actually built a great collection of The Skirts in a few different colors but this was pre-pregnancy and now I get sad when I see them in my closet. But I think they also carry some knit versions of The Skirt so I might get a couple of those. This is our first kid and we will probably have one more so perhaps I should just bite the bullet and invest in a few good clothes because I see 2-3 years more of pumping in front of me. Can’t wait to get done!

    • hoola hoopa

      Similar to maternity clothes, I think it’s best to buy clothes that fit and make you feel good about yourself. The baby weight *will* come off, but it will mostly likely be a number of months unless you’re one of the lucky few (“9 months on, 9 months off” is actually very true). Also similar to maternity clothes, buy as you go, especially if you have more than 1-2 sizes to drop.

      The most attractive clothing hangs from the bust (NOT empire). Sheaths are flattering, and some women find them convenient to unzip and fold off their shoulders to pump, so YMMV. I wore mostly drapey tops. I found LOFT to be a good source. Another good basic (albeit perhaps too casual for your workplace) are t-shirts that are rouched around the tummy. The Halogen version is great. And of course, button-ups are convenient. I didn’t find them flattering, but everyone’s different.

      Wearing a cami or light compression shapewear helps smooth out that extra skin and camis in particular can cover up some imperfect sizing in skirts and pants.

      Agree that skirts are easier to fit and felt more attractive to me.

      Spend some of your budget on bold/statement accessories: scarves, bracelets, necklaces. They can distract/camouflage imperfections – but more importantly they always made me feel good and put together, and will always fit.

      • hellskitchen

        These are great tips! Could you perhaps add a link to the kind of drapey top you are talking about? I thought I had to stick to button ups but you are giving me hope

        • hoola hoopa

          I truncated to hopefully avoid moderation. Add “http://www.loft.com” before all the links.

          You’ll want to be forgiving in your sizing to assure that you have enough drape to skim your pouch and allow freedom to easily pull up the hem to pump. So, actual size, not aspirational size.

          Pleats, tie front, or ruffle camouflage:
          /pleated-front-sheer-blouse/314287
          /floral-scroll-print-pleat-front-tee-blouse/317022 (esp with pattern)
          /tie-neck-short-sleeve-blouse/324322
          /asymmetrical-ruffle-shell/315491 (I had one very similar to this and it hides everything perfectly. It’s not normally something I’d wear, but I wore the heck out of it post partum)

          Drapey with a pleated/gathered/smocked neck:
          /puff-sleeve-banded-hem-top/315109
          /striped-drape-neck-3-4-sleeve-top/319258
          /pleat-neck-charmeuse-shell-/308403
          /polka-dot-print-pleated-front-shell/321559
          /shutter-pleat-neck-tee/306294 (something like this was flattering after my first, but I needed to hide more after my second)
          Some of these might be too casual for your office, but you get the idea of the shape. I usually styled with a long necklace. I had mostly shells for under jackets and cardigans. I personally liked the banded hems for hiding pouch, but you have to make sure you can pull them up over your bust.

          Honorable mention:
          /stripe-ruched-neck-tee/305759 (Obviously not for work, but I LOVED these for at home. The elasticized neck can pull down under one b00b, which makes nursing really easy, or they pull up easy for more modesty when out and about. I found one similiar at ON, too.)

  9. Baconpancakes

    Anyone in DC have an ark with some extra space? I’m beginning to fear I might need to grow flippers, and my shoes won’t fit anymore.

    • Echo

      Ditto. And I left my Hunters at work yesterday! I’m currently rocking the rolled-up highwaters look. Thank goodness my office is so casual; I feel pretty geeky, but I’m hoping it’s geek-chic: black penny loafers, ponte black pants, flannel shirt. Blaming the weather!

    • Lady Tetra

      I was so glad that today was a casual Friday so that i could wear boots and not get my pant legs soaking like they did yesterday. And I hear it’s going to rain all weekend.. :/

    • Mpls

      Sunny and mid-70s here :) There’s a fair bit of wind. But all in all it balances out the snow we had in April.

  10. Woods-comma-Elle

    Day. From. Hell. In fact the whole week. Thank you Friday, for gracing us with your presence at last, I wish it were not so fleeting!

  11. TBK

    Mr. TBK is going to be gone for most of the long weekend. What solo activities should I indulge in that I’ll sorely miss once the babies are born? There’s definitely some marathon TV on the agenda. Any other suggestions?

    • DJC

      Making or ordering food that the Mr doesn’t like. Mani/pedi, treating yourself to an at-home spa day.

      • marketingchic

        Ha, yes! Go in and out of multiple stores – no car seat, no stroller, no diaper bag . . . . sigh . . . .

        • mascot

          I always was afraid that I was going to knock something over with my stroller in smaller stores and break it. Now my child is a very mobile three year old and I am still afraid we will break everything within 4.8 seconds of entering a store. Sigh…

          • marketingchic

            Yeah, I took my 2 year old into Homegoods without a stroller recently – one of my dumber moves . . . shiny breakable things at eye level! Oy.

          • hoola hoopa

            haha, yes.

            Sleep in, listen intently to NPR’s morning shows, read a book, call friends, window shop or run a million errands, eat at a quiet restaurant with slow service or cook a meal that requires attention to detail and/or more than 20 minutes, and watch a movie without earphones. Sleep in again and enjoy not thinking about anyone else’s bowel movements.

    • KC

      Going window shopping, lunch/dinner with a girlfriend, buying and cooking your favorite foods (that your DH may not like), watching girly movies, etc.

      Have fun!

    • Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

      Just sitting in absolute silence.

      *I dont have kids, but I did live with a guy, so it’s sort of the same, right?

      • KC

        Haha. This reminds me of my mom’s favorite book when I was a kid, Five Minutes’ Peace :)

    • Lyssa

      Paint your fingernails! That’s the biggest thing I’ve been missing since the baby came (I can sort of work in my toes, but I know that if I try to get the fingers, the baby will need me shortly after and they’ll get ruined). I finally worked it in about a week ago and was SO EXCITED!

    • Anon in NYC

      What about a prenatal yoga class, long leisurely [walk / farmers market trip / coffee shop visit], and a bathtub soak with head-to-toe exfoliation?

      • TCFKAG

        Can I do that? I mean – I’m not pregnant and, while Mr. TCFKAG IS abandoning me, I’m going to Vermont with my parents for the week (I’m working remotely.) But this sounds like my perfect week.

    • MU JD

      Indulge in everything you enjoy. The first few months with the babies will be a whirlwind, so take time now to relax and reflect. Have a great weekend!

  12. preg 3L

    Reporting back about my hair problem. Thank you all for your advice yesterday. I spent some quality time in Duane Reade, Rite Aid, and CVS looking for clarifying shampoo under $10 (the neutrogena stuff was very expensive!), and I ended up with Garnier. I used it this morning and it worked!! I’m wearing my hair down today!! The top of my head is still a tiny bit greasy but I don’t think it’s noticeable. I’m thrilled. Thanks again ladies.

    • Blue

      I have one and it’s cute when I first put it on, but I think it’s somehow cut weird because when I walk in it I always feel like the back is riding up a bunch. Also the fabric is really thin. If I were you, I would spend a little more and get the Gemma wrap dress from Banana. It fits really nicely. Wait for a 40% off sale and it’s not too bad.

    • Maddie Ross

      They are super short. It may work if you want to wear on the weekends or for an event, or if you’re under 5’4″, but I find them to be significantly shorter than ones from gap or BR. I do like the ones from Gap, at least the ones last year.

    • RED

      The Extra Petite blog has done some detailed reviews on ON wrap dresses. You can skip the bits on sizing (unless you’re also a petite), but she has pretty good descriptions on fabric and general quality.

    • KM

      Thanks all! I read the Extra Petite reviews and both were very helpful. Also – thanks for the info about the fabric. I also noticed that the thinness of the fabric is an issue on the online reviews.

      I actually also checked out the BR and Gap wrap dresses; however, the Old Navy comes in a wine color which I really like that is not available at Gap or BR…

      • Merabella

        I tried the Gap and BR ones, and I didn’t think they were that much better to warrant the extra expense. I like the colors of the ON ones best.

    • Merabella

      I love them. I’ve bought like 6. I generally get the tall ones from online. I’m 5’5″ and they hit at the knee. Don’t EVER put them in the dryer, either hang dry or lay flat to dry. I have had 2 recently bite the dust because they had small holes in them – but since I got them for $20/each I just tossed them. They are thin, but I generally wear a slip with mine.

    • I'm Just Me

      I have a purple one and a black one. The fabric is thin, but not much thinner than the gap ones. I’m 5’5″ and they hit at the knew. I wear them both with tights and boots. They need a slip, or the Jockey slip shorts.

    • Flying Squirrel

      I’ve tried to a few times…sometimes based on ExtraPetite reviews, but I always end up returning them. The fabric is always very thin which I don’t like in general, but for wrap dresses it means that every minor lump or imperfection really shows.

  14. anon

    Last week I asked for advice about interviewing for a big law job for after my clerkship and dealing with getting no-offered during my 2L summer if it came up during the interview. At this point I think I’ve made peace with the fact that it might come up, and if it does I’ll just have to handle it as gracefully as possible.

    The interview is this coming Thursday and I’m freaking out a little bit. I haven’t had a law firm interview for 3 years and I’m afraid I’m rusty. For any of you who interview lateral/clerk candidates, what buzz words do you like to hear? Particularly if I’m asked what I can bring to the firm, what my work strengths are, etc. Much appreciated!

    • Maddie Ross

      Wait, you’re interviewing to go from a clerkship to a firm and you’re concerned about what they might ask about your 2L summer? I honestly would not be. If you’ve been clerking, that’s all they are going to care about. They may ask what you thought about your time at the firm that summer (size, type of work, location), but I wouldn’t think they’ll ask about an offer. You’re interviewing now, which obviously means you aren’t going back there. As someone who does these interviews, I would either suspect that you weren’t interested in the firm or that they weren’t able to hold a place for you until after your clerkship. Don’t stress.

      • anon

        Thanks for the advice :) some commenters thought I would definitely get asked about it, so I’m preparing just in case.

    • Anonymous

      When we interview people coming from a clerkship right after law school, it’s not very different than a summer interview. I would expect the standard questions: what did you like about law school/clerkship/summer firm? Why do you want to come here? What practice areas are you interested? I would expect many questions about the clerkship and to just get a sense of you as a person. Best advice is to be yourself. If they called you for an interview, they are already interested. Part of your job now is to consider if they are a good fit for you and where you want to be for the next few years.

      • anon

        I’m interviewing in the litigation group- do you think if they ask what practice areas I’m interested in I need to be more specific than just litigation?

        • TBK

          Meh – on the one hand, it could be impressive if you had an area you were genuinely interested in (and had done things to demonstrate that interest — e.g., clinic in school, publishing an article/note on it), but on the other, it could be hard to accommodate a partciular interest if there isn’t a ton of business in that area right away. I was actively recuited for a specific practice in my firm — taken out to lunch with the head of the group, put in touch with associates, etc. — but when I arrived a few months later, they put me in another group altogether because that’s where the business was. I’d be surprised if anyone was really put off by someone so junior saying they’re open to trying different things.

          • LilyB

            Ok, thanks. I did the employment discrimination clinic in law school and I’ve worked on a decent number of employment/civil rights cases during my clerkship, so I guess I could mention that, but I don’t want to pigeonhole myself. I’m also interested in white collar but I know a lot of people are so I don’t want to sound like a lemming/I know there isn’t a ton of work to go around in that area and it’s very sought after. So maybe I’ll just go with a general “I want to do litigation but don’t have much of a preference beyond that.”

          • January

            Agree with TBK. If it’s a big firm, they’re going to put you where they need you. They may try to accommodate your preferences, but they’ll probably be happy to hear that you can be flexible. As to what you should talk about from your clerkship, I’d probably think about skills you’ve developed or improved upon (e.g., research, writing, understanding of civil procedure, appreciation for effective arguments) in the time you’ve been clerking and focus on those. You can talk about cases or areas of the law you’ve worked on if you think you have something thoughtful or intelligent to say about it. Finally, I think I was one of the ones who said you’d get asked about the no-offer, and I wanted to clarify that it was a bigger issues when I was interviewing during my first year of clerking than it was during my second. I was also no-offered in 2009, which people seem to understand was a bad year. If your no offer year was in 2010, you may similarly get the benefit of the doubt. Good luck!

          • anon-oh-no

            you should also do some research (beyond just looking at the website) about what work the firm does. Most big firms say they do just about everything, and generally they do but there may just be one or two partners that do a given kind of work. usuing the below example, my firm has maybe 3 partners that do labor and employment work, so when ever an interviewee says they want to do labor and employment, im like, youre in the wrong place.

  15. snowy

    Does this have that MK logo thingy on the clasp? That is what always kills it for me on Michael Kors dresses.

  16. lizm

    Tights question – I recently bought my first light grey skirt suit after my black one bit the dust. What colour tights can I wear with it? So far I’ve just been wearing nude. I was hoping to be able to wear my black fleece lined tights as it gets colder, but I’m not sure if that looks odd.

    • SunnyD

      Someone has said here before that your tights should either match your shoes or your skirt. Which means if you wear black tights and a grey skirt, you should wear black shoes. Although I do think black tights could look too heavy with a light grey skirt.

    • LilyB

      Maybe it’s just me but I can’t wrap my head around a formal suit worn with tights- it just doesn’t look right to me, especially if you’re wearing pumps. Knee-high boots might change things. I’d go with nude hose. Black hose might be okay but with a light gray suit I’m not sure.

      • L

        I’m so the opposite. If it’s cold enough to wear tights, then seeing someone with nude hose on definitely doesn’t look right to me.

          • LilyB

            in the winter I tend to wear skirt suits instead of pants (pants are too hard to keep clean when there’s snow/yuckiness on the ground) and I generally wear them with hose (nude or black), then I put boot socks over the hose to protect them, and then wear knee-high or mid-calf boots (either riding boots or uggs/sorels depending on the weather).

          • L

            Really?? I think a suit with boots looks way more casual then a suit with black tights and black closed toe pumps. To each their own!

        • LilyB

          oops, forgot to add that when I get to work I take off the boots/socks and put on heels.

        • Mpls

          If it’s too cold for hose, then it’s time for pants, in my book – but everyone’s different there.

          I think you can, theoretically, wear black tights with a gray suit, but it depends on the gray. Something darker and it won’t jar as much, but a lighter gray suit, which tends to feel more summery in my head, is going to look odd.

          I do think tights are going to bring the formality of the suit down a notch. So if you really needed the suit in order to be formal, I’d go with hose and tall boots before I went with tights. YMMV.

      • anon-oh-no

        I agree, at lesat to the extent we are talking about a formal suit (like a going to court suit); i jsut dont like the look of it with tights. More of a fun suit i would wear with tights.

    • Bonnie

      I wear tights with suits all the time in the winter. I generally wear black tights and black shoes with gray suits as it’s too hard to match shades of gray.

    • TheElms

      I have a charcoal grey suit and I wear it all the time in winter with black tights and black heels. Its a very common look in my DC biglaw office in the winter. I have also been known to wear it with grey tights and burgundy heels and burgundy tights with black boots (so only a little of the burgundy tights show)

  17. Blue

    Does anyone have suggestions for a classic trench coat that comes in petite sizes? I just want a very classic style, no peplum or ruffles or faux leather trim, etc. You wouldn’t think that this would be hard to find, but I’ve had no luck.

    • S in Chicago

      That is just all sorts of wrong. And the award for “greatest potential for an extreme wardrobe malfunction when sitting” goes to…..

    • HSAL

      That’s pretty atrocious, and I generally don’t mind seeing a zipper as long as it’s not colored and there’s minimal zipper tape showing (thanks to someone last week for the proper phrase!). I sat behind someone at a conference this week wearing a striped shirt with a big old zipper (and at least a half inch of zipper tape) halfway down the back. It just looked so unfinished.

  19. Petunia

    Calling all my girls with big b**bs –

    Hi Ladies –

    I have DD b**bs and also have a lovely dress with a back cutout that prevents me from wearing a regular bra. I have this crazy contraption I have worn with it before but honestly it doesn’t really do the trick and is miserably uncomfortable to boot. Does a truly backless bra exist for big b**bs that actually works? I’m talking sticky things. I am planning to stop by Saks today to see but let me know if this is just a pipe dream.

  20. Laura

    Hey, I’m wearing this dress right now! I’ve gotten a million compliments every time I’ve worn it, which prompted me to buy it in navy and black/white. FWIW, I am a “curvy” girl and have it in size 1X, and every time I wear it someone asks if I lost weight.

  21. Merabella

    I woke up this week and when I realized it was finally fall, I felt as though I had ZERO clothes. I’ve been working a pretty minimal wardrobe for the past year. I’m in the process of losing weight/planning on TTC soon, so I just don’t want to invest in a lot of clothes. However this week – I’ve literally spent $600 on clothes. Granted I doubt I’ll keep all of it, but damned if it felt pretty good. Man I forgot how good shopping can feel. I’m like a junky.

  22. Nonny

    I’m in the market for a nice, oversized, cozy flannel shirt – something I can hang out in this winter and just wear with a nursing cami underneath, and leggings.

    So far I’ve found what look like decent possibilities at Land’s End and Madewell. Any other recommendations?

    Thanks!

  23. Brooklyn, Esq.

    I’m interviewing for a job that has flexible workspace arrangements, meaning that there is no assigned seating–you “book” your workspace each day. It comes along with the ability to work from home on a somewhat regular basis. There are lockers so you can keep stuff at the office. The workstations are desks with computers, not quite cubicles, and there is a large common window.

    I’m coming from a job where I have a pretty big office, with a door I can close, and a great view out a big window. I haven’t decorated much, but I enjoy having my stuff–moisturizer, tissues, paperweights–around.

    If you’ve made a similar transition–or your workplace has–I would love to hear comments on the challenges you’ve faced, what you like about it, etc.

    Thanks in advance!

    • tazdevil

      Are you noise sensitive? Do you have a space/room in your home that could be transformed into a home office? I see from your psudonym that you are an attorney, who probably does alot of detail orietned work like I do. If you decide to take this job, I would suggest that you only show up at the office when your presence is required (ie, staff meetning) and just work at home!!!!

    • Tecan

      I do this every day–it is only a PITA because sometimes you just want desk drawers for snacks/chapstick…even office supplies. In general it doesn’t bother me in the least, and moving around is fun and means I meet new people regularly.

    • Seattleite

      Buy a tackle box that *just* fits in your locker for your stuff. Much easier than rummaging around in a tote. Memorize the chair, monitor, mouse positions that you like best so you can adjust them quickly. You’ll probably find a favorite station soon – book that as far in advance as you can and just cancel if you don’t need it. And don’t sit near the first person to make a friendly overture – s/he is likely to be the office chatterbox!

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