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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 59 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Collins Tote

Coffee Break

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Milly Collins ToteHello, lovely: this tote has a ton of things that I'm in favor of. Pebbled leather, feet, interior pockets, and a slightly moto edge to it (although I'm also reminded of Coco Chanel's layered necklaces, for some reason) — all thumbs up in my book. It's $465, available in black and gray, at Nordstrom. (Note that Piperlime has it in blush.) Milly Collins Tote Psst: Here's a $50 version in black, and a $75 moto-inspired gray tote. (L-5)

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

Comments

  1. TO Lawyer

    Wow Kat you have been killing it so far this week with the recommendations. I love this tote (in grey and the blush too) – I’m a sucker for a top zip and outside pocket…

    • Ellen

      I agree with TO lawyer — Great Pick, KAT!!! it is a beautiful Leather TOTE (my fave), and the 14 1/2″ width make’s it PERFECT for me to carry a few files rather then in my LIT bag. I have told the HIVE many times NOT to buy anything but quality leather, and this is from NORDSTRUM’s so I can have ROSA look at it and buy it for me.

      More over, now that I am a partner, I have MASON to do the heavy schlepping into court, so I can just whisk around with something styleish like this with 1 or 2 redwell’s and case breif’s that I can pull out to show the judge and the other side! Mason has proven generaly useless so far, except mabye for his ability to carry thing’s into court. He is still sleepeing with Lynn. That I cannot stop outside the office, but I am afreaid that he will get her pregnant.

      In court, I let him talk once and he stumbeled all over himself on one of Roberta’s cases. Good thing she was NOT in the court or she would have surgically removed something from him that he need’s daily! FOOEY on that he said, but I warned him to be prepared or keep quiet! YAY!

      Noah is stopping by and Myrna is goieng to be there to. It should be fun. The manageing partner’s brother is stopping by again (why?), but I have to be nice or the manageing partner will get mad. I just do NOT want him grabbeing my tuchus again. FOOEY!

  2. spf lotions for face

    Looking for reasonably priced moisturizers with high SPF for daily wear on my face. I have sensitive skin. I also use retin-A and sprinolactone for acne, and so my oily skin has resolved… but now a trend towards drier. Hope to not be too sticky/smelly after application, if you know what I mean.

    I’ve been using Neutrogena Visibly Even daily moisturizer with SPF30, but it is still a bit pricey for something to use for face/neck/decollatage and doesn’t do what it says it would also do anyway (fade dark spots).

    Thanks.

    • YouSaucyMinx

      Have you tried Aveeno? It works well for me, has strong SPF (i;m extremely pale) and break out easily, but my skin has been nice and clear and soft since I switched.

      • spf lotions for face

        I haven’t – thanks for this.

        Which one do you use?

        I like the SPF 30.

        • HSAL

          Hopefully you’re still reading, but I use the SPF 15 of the Aveeno Positively Radiant and I love it. It’s less “sunscreeny” than most, but you might not like the lower SPF.

    • nutella

      Not sure what to recommend if that’s too pricey for you. I like CeraVe, ROC, and Skinceuticals, but those are all more expensive than the Neutrogena one. In my (non medical) opinion, get a sunscreen that does SPF. Then get a separate lightener with hydroquinone or an exfoliator for cell turnover at night to lighten your spots. Trying to find something that does both for me usually means it does neither particularly well. The best bet could be adding vitamin C powder (like the philosophy) one to your sunscreen everyday, but you’d have to experiment to keep them from being sticky or too drying.

      • spf lotions for face

        Thanks for this. I have wondered about CerVa a lot, but never tried the others you recommended.

        Yeah, I was trying to kill two birds with one stone. I am so delighted with what retinol + spironlactone has done for my life-long acne (not fixed until my 40’s…), that when I saw the Neutrogena I got a little greedy and was hoping to get two-for-one and fade some of those dark acne scars.

        It’s so easy to suddenly have 5 different things you are using on your face….. The retin-A… I use a serum (but maybe does nothing?… who knows)…. then moisturizer with sun screen…. then consider a hydroquione product… then the make-up (!!!)… as I really need a BB cream at least to look professional for work. I do use an exfoliater 3 times a week too.

        Ugh.

        • hoola hoopa

          If you’re wearing BB cream anyway, look for one with SPF. That would open up moisturizer options.

          Ditto CeraVe. It’s very reasonably priced if you buy it in the tub instead of the small tube. I put the regular cream (no SPF) on my face without breakouts. I get my SPF in my make up. But I love the brand so I expect their SPF version would be good.

          • Ginjury

            My understanding is that people generally don’t use enough of the SPF beauty products to get the protection. As such, a separate sunscreen is necessary.

          • nutella

            Yes, agreed with Ginjury. You need to wear a lot more makeup than you probably do to get the proper coverage and protection. Likewise, OP asked for a high SPF and most foundations that I’ve seen are 15spf max. I put on at least 30 spf and then opt for no-spf makeup.

          • spf lotions for face

            Yes – I have heard this too.

            I originally was excited about BB creams when I thought it would simplify things enormously, but not really….

            Also, I want to put the high SPF on my face AND neck, decolletage, and back of hands… ideally. You can’t do this with a BB cream, or you use up the whole tube in a month. Pricey.

        • Anonymous

          That’s a whole lotta crap on your face! And retin-a and hydroquione both aren’t awesome ideas for day time. How about Cetaphil SPF 50 + bb cream for day, retin a and hydro quinine for night, and with the serum money buy wine?

          • spf lotions for face

            I like your style.

            I was thinking about dropping the serum. I agree it’s way too much crap. I don’t use the BB regularly now either, as I hate make-up/foundation etc.. and have been in denial for years about how much I need it. But its time.

            You’re right though – I only do the retin-A at night. I haven’t tried a hydroquione yet, but suspect that would be helpful.

        • Lynnet

          I use a moisturizer with SPF 15 (Olay? I think? It was two for one at Costco) on basically all of my upper body skin that will be visible and then the Supergoop! tinted BB cream, which is SPF 30 or 35 on my face over that. The moisturizer spreads the tint out a little more, which I like the look of.

          Obviously, this is for if I plan to spend most of the day inside, if I’m going to be outside for more than 30-45 minutes I put on real sunscreen.

    • Ginjury

      I don’t if it’s cheaper, but I recently began using L’Oreal Silky Sheer sunscreen and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive, retin-A and spironolactone using skin that has always been fairly dry.

      • spf lotions for face

        Years ago I used L’Oreal, but have not gone back to look to see what’s new. Thanks for the rec.

      • S in Chicago

        Have you tried a physical sunscreen?

        I really like the skinceuticals physical sunscreen. I have very sensitive skin (also on retin-A and prescription meds from my derm). It is really, really gentle. I use that and put my make-up on top. I’ve found it acts almost like a make-up primer. My make up actually looks better! Skinceuticals has tinted and non-tinted options and both work well. (I tried the original before discovering the tint.) I order it online from a place with free 2-day shipping, and won’t use anything else anymore.

        • spf lotions for face

          Very interesting. Thanks for this. I don’t think I have tried a physical sunscreen. And I appreciate you thinking about the layering.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I tend to break out really bad from SPF on my face and I think it borders on allergy territory. However, this weekend I successfully used Trader Joe’s SPF 30 face and body waterproof without issue. It was certainly more of “real” sunscreen and not just a moisturizer with added sunscreen. It was tough to rub in and it did look a bit greasy but I was able to put some makeup over it. I probably wouldn’t use it everyday but for a day that you really need the SPF and don’t want to break out it is worth a try.

      • spf lotions for face

        I have also had sensitivity with burning from many SPFs. But fortunately no breakouts since starting the Spirinolactone/retin-A.

        Thanks for the Trader’s rec, although I’d favor something that isn’t too greasy for my face.

        • nutella

          I totally forgot above to mention — Olay Complete Daily Defense. It’s cheap and comes in high SPFs and also available for sensitive skin. Can you tell I’m a sunscreen nut?!

    • houda

      I use Dermaceutic Sunceutic 50. It is a bit more expensive than Neutrogena but is formulated for people who underwent chemical peels and have brown spots.
      Works like a charm for my hormonal acne hyperpigmentation

  3. Anon

    I really appreciate the incorporation of similar, less-expensive options. I love a lot of picks, but most are out of my price range, so I often think it would be nice to find something similar in my price range!!

    Let me add – I love the more expensive picks and like to look at them for style ideas. I’m just not going to spend that kind of money normally! This is the best of both worlds.

    • Anon4this

      Me too. And I also really appreciate/agree that Kat has been hitting it on all cylinders with the recs, linked older posts and such. I sent myself 2 bookmarked links that she posted about in the last few days to read fully. Additionally the topics of comment have been great. I am really liking the skin products, the “what would you. It of there were only one thing” from yesterday. Just really good stuff. Has made it really tough to stay on task in a near-critical crunch.

  4. AIMS

    Any Montreal hotel/neighborhoods for hotel recommendations? Right now, my very cursory search came up with the Montreal Intercontinental for a very reasonable rate, but wondering if there are better places to stay both room/location wise.

    Also, any other things not to miss on a long weekend trip in October? I’ve never been so all tips welcome. Thanks!

    • LVJG

      We stayed at the Embassy Suites for a great price and it turned out to be a great location. We got a suite with a separate bedroom for the adults and our kid was able to sleep on the pull out in the “living” room. Everything we wanted to do was walking distance and the amenities at the hotel were great, especially for the price we paid. The people were super helpful as well. Have fun!

    • KittyKat

      Eat poutine and authentic bagels, so much yum. Stay in the city if you don’t speak french, things can get messy with country folk who aren’t nice to the English. No real recommendations beyond that.

    • Equity's Darling

      If you search past things on here, I’ve provided a ton of recommendations on Montreal in the past. Too much to type out again right now, but if you email me cdn[this s i t e] at google mail, I’ll send you list of restaurants I just sent to a friend this past week.

      • AIMS

        Thanks! I will try searching on the site and email if I can’t find anything.
        Poutine and new bagels already sounds exciting!!

  5. Batgirl

    Gift ideas for new parents? Was trying to get a Seamless Web gift card but they don’t have any I can just print up now. Heading to see new baby in a few hours so online gift cards would be great — thanks!

    • AIMS

      Not sure where you are located, but I know that drugstores like Duane Reade and places like Target often sell gift cards – maybe check there?

      • Batgirl

        In NYC, but I guess I meant baby-specific gift cards (like Seamless, cleaning service voucher, etc).

        Thanks!

        • AIMS

          I’m pretty sure you could get GCs to Babies R Us, Baby Gap, etc. (if not seamless) at DR.

    • Clementine

      Amazon gift card? Don’t have to leave your desk. (I have totally done this before).

    • Nancy P

      Or Diapers.com? (Which is owned by Amazon.) New moms order from Amazon and Diapers.com every day practically.

    • CHJ

      PeppyParents is an online store that has a lot of good baby gear and e-gift cards. I’ve ordered from them several times and they have great customer service.

      The Honest Company makes all sorts of non-toxic cleaning products, soaps, diapers, etc., and they also have e-gift cards and subscription services that will deliver various products on a regular basis.

    • Batgirl

      Awesome, thanks all! I may do Fresh Direct–I already gave a shower gift, but I wanted to give them something that would make the next few weeks easier for them!

  6. purplesneakers

    Any suggestions for what to wear for the first day of grad school? It’s a professional programme, but not law or business, so suits aren’t required/expected, but I don’t want to show up overly casually dressed, even if my school’s in CA.

    Right now I’m going with dark wash jeans, a lemon yellow top, a black casual jacket with green piping, and, yes, purple sneakers. I might change those out, though, depending- I walk everywhere, but my campus isn’t that big.

    TIA!

    • Anonymous

      On the first day of grad school, I wore a suit (but we were required to). I felt uncomfortable as heck and changed as soon as I got home. On the second day, I wore black pants (not jeans, but cut like them), a casual sweater and flats. It worked great and I am at a pretty formal program.

    • hoola hoopa

      The outfit you have planned would have fit in at my west coast program. Normal outfits ranged from shorts and sandals to trousers and blouse (primarily on those taking classes while working FT). Nice jeans and a nice but casual top would be expected.

    • Carrie...

      Grad school in California is going to be pretty casual. If you read this site, I suspect anything you wear will be fine. I probably would dress a hair more professional and less colorful than you are planning – like maybe not purple gym shoes. But hey, if that is your style then go for it. People will remember you!

    • anonsg

      I went to law school and I’m pretty sure I wore a hoodie with skinny jeans pretty often. hahahaha. I think on the first day I probably just wore some comfy blouse or dressy shirt, and jeans. And probably sneakers. Dressy casual or casual is totally fine. Wear what’s comfortable. I never wore a suit to school unless I had an interview later that day or oral argument/moot court/something that required us to wear a suit.

    • BB

      I would go with whatever passes as “professional casual” for your industry, basically a step down from business casual.

      I pretty much wore jeans + sporty casual top + sneakers for most of my MBA, but that was also because of the vibe of my program. Can’t go wrong on the first day with an office-appropriate casual!

    • Anon

      Whatever you want. School is the last time you don’t have to worry about what you wear. While you’re at it,dye your hair and get a pet.

      • KittyKat

        I seriously dyed my hair purple and it was the best thing ever. Whenever I was asked why I told them because I was young and I wouldn’t have a real job until I graduated in a few months and everyone thought it was genius

  7. Link

    Quick threadjack… I searched the archives but don’t see anything on how to dress for a second interview. I met with the partner who would be my direct supervisor and one other person at my level on the first interview – and the partner was wearing jeans! This time I’ll be meeting everyone else in the (very) small office. Do I go more casual, or stick with a suit? I’m in the industrial real estate industry.

    • Mo

      What would you wear to an important meeting after you got the job? If you’d wear a suit, stick with a suit. If you’d be much more casual, I might try to go a notch down with a nice blazer and coordinating pencil skirt/trousers/dress. If you don’t have anything like that, stick with a suit, particularly if the person at your level was more dressed up than the partner.

    • AIMS

      I’d err on the side of formality but maybe get a little more creative than traditional interview suit. Maybe dressy blazer and pants or pantsuit with flats/wedges and some interesting jewelry? For some reason, flats/low wedges always make the outfit appear less dressy, which in this case may be a good thing.
      Maybe something along these lines but with a simpler white top. http://www.anntaylor.com/textured-open-jacket/327948?colorExplode=false&skuId=16392236&catid=cata000017&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=0144

      • Link

        Thank you both – I’m thinking a blackwatch plaid jacket with an ivory blouse, black pencil skirt and black pumps – the plaid is subdued and it’s a step down from the traditional suit while still being dressy. It is definitely something I’d wear to meet with clients, and a subdued plaid jacket is a trend I’ve noticed with menswear.

        The guy at my level was in a rumpled, half untucked dress shirt, (my first thought was, “I can run circles around this guy, they’ve GOT to hire me!”) so at least it was a confidence booster. I’m interested to see the attire for the rest of the office.

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