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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 205 Comments · by

Splurge Monday: Ella Sleeveless Pop Art Floral Print Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Milly Ella Sleeveless Pop Art Floral Print DressHappy Monday! I like this pop art floral dress from Milly — the high, notched neckline, the nice hemlength, the simple sheath shape. It's $435 at Bergdorf Goodman. Milly Ella Sleeveless Pop Art Floral Print Dress Here are a few plus–size floral dresses I like, and two more affordable options. Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-all)

Sales of note for 9.10.24

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About Kat

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

Comments

  1. Zelda

    I love this dress! Great pick Kat!I would wear it to my business casual office year round with a blazer. Of course it’s beyond my budget for a single dress and the more affordable dresses are not my cup of tea…

    • SF in House

      I agree that it is really pretty, but I think the mesh in front and back makes it non-work appropriate. Of course, I am in a casual office, so I probably wouldn’t wear it to work any way.

      • Zelda

        I didn’t see the mesh when I made my comment. I agree that’s it’s not work appropriate with the mesh cutout.

  2. Sunshine

    Happy Monday, hope everyone in the northeast is safe through the snowstorm.

    Soon I’ll be moving from the cube farm into an office. My cube has big windows behind it and I get natural sunlight (on the days we see the sun). The office has no windows and it’s not an option to get an office with windows; they don’t exist at my level.

    Any ideas on how to deal with an office without windows? I already have a blue light for circadian rhythm issues during daylight savings, and I use it for 15 minutes each morning. Is full spectrum lighting something I should look into? Or do I need normal bulbs, but lamps around the office to minimize the use of the overhead lighting?

    Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

    • kellyandthen

      I’m in a windowless office myself, and I recommend using lamps and having some of the overhead bulbs removed (if you have fluorescent lighting)–it will help your eyes and head so much!

      And get to a place where you can see the sun a few times a day if possible. It’s nice to know it still exists ;)

    • Anonymous

      Buy a fathead of a window. Sounds cheezy, I know but that’s what I did and it made a huge difference!

    • Alana

      How busy are you day-to-day? Do you need to interact with coworkers onsite often? There were times when I have deliberately sought out a conversation with a long-winded person in an office with a window. It usually does not take much to get talkative people going (and going).

    • Mary

      One of my co-workers framed a large photo of an outdoor scene for her windowless office to give it a touch of outdoors.

  3. barbour jacket

    Does anyone have any experience with Barbour brand waxed jackets? I saw a woman wearing one the other day, and it struck me as pretty awesome.

    • Anonny

      I have dreams of one nightly, but I can’t pull the trigger because I always need something more (new shoes or suit for work, etc.)…..it’s a Kate Middleton staple, for what that’s worth. My husband is obsessed with his.

      • barbour jacket

        I never even knew they existed until I saw this woman. The thing I liked about it was that it was so well-fitted. It wasn’t boxy like some of the others I’ve seen. I’m a little hesitant, too, because I don’t really want to portray an air of southern aristocracy, and that’s just what this jacket seems like. But it’s so timeless!

        • Little Red

          Which style are you thinking about? I just bought the Beadnell and I would say that it’s definitely on the boxy side but I like that. The International Jacket is not boxy but the fabric is a heavier weight and it can feel a bit tight in the shoulders.

        • Anon

          I like them, but it reminds me of the episode of Downton Abbey when they had the hunting party. And I am reminded of some RL items I had in college — very Lady Mary Hunting Episode.

          So, “like, but verging on costume-y.”

          But I wear polo shirts and I don’t play polo, so who knows?

    • BB

      They are very good for what they are…which is early 20th century outdoors clothing technology. I have one and love the way they look, but don’t get one if you’re looking for really good rain/cold protection. The wax gives decent protection in the rain (although it will be heavy), and you can get linings to make it warmer, but it’s not gore-tex or down. Also, don’t wear them out in warm sun because you will actually start to notice the wax melting (not hurtful to the coat, but feels slightly sticky).

    • ss

      Yes, my husband has a handful, in various stages of gentle decay (some bought secondhand), which he wears as a casual rain jacket. They last forever and get more gorgeous with age (the handsome brass hardware in particular).

      However, you do need to know is that you are absolutely not supposed to wash them, except in cold water, to protect the wax. If you can’t deal with the idea that your jacket will be worn for years without the benefit of a good clean with hot water, soap suds and chemicals, then Barbour is not for you. The other thing is that they are quite heavy for not a lot of warmth. Great water-proofing though.

    • CorporateInCarhartt

      I love mine and have had it for years. Great waterproofing (also “thornproof!”) – definitely an older waterproofing “technology,” but there’s a reason it’s been around for so long. I have the Bedale, which has a slimmer, shorter, non-boxy fit, but you definitely need to get the correct size for you. Best for English/Irish type weather: rainy, cool but not too cold. You can get a nice fuzzy liner, though. They tend to look better the more worn they look, but if the wax starts getting thin, you can apply new wax and throw it in the dryer (or use a hair dryer) to melt it in and get it looking new again. If you happen to ride, they have a snap double-vent on the back that covers the cantle on the saddle. On that note, definitely an equestrian or “garden & gun” look. These are tough jackets that will last forever and look effortlessly stylish just due to their classic nature. If you know what size you are, definitely scope them out on ebay for a better price. Otherwise, I think they’re worth the investment anyway.

    • anon

      If you do get one, you’ll match with every other woman/man in Charleston, Boston, and other similar southern and NE cities. And this is from someone who has a Barbour and loves it, though its not the waxed jacket.

    • Charlotte York

      I have a few – a waxed jacket, a quilted jacket and a quilted vest. I love them. Note that the waxed jacket is NOT a rain coat/slicker type. It’s more for misty/light rain and chilly – think Scottish weather rather than pouring hurricane type rain.

    • Anonymous

      I have the Beadnell and absolutely love it but it is primarily my dog walking coat. I live in the PNW and purchased the detachable hood (a must) and find it very warm and waterproof for my use. I am considering a quilted liner but I bought slightly oversized to be able to layer under it anyway. If you have the chance to try on before buying it really is best, but Nordstrom carries a variety and with free shipping and returns it may be worth your time.

      • Charmed Girl

        I’m a Barbour addict. I have a Bedale from probably close to 20 years ago. Totally gorgeous at this point, but beyond the point of realistically being rewaxed. Have a newer Beadnell with a Liberty print liner and another Beadnell that is waterproof, but machine washable (not waxed). Have several quilted jackets. One fleece lined, one lined with William Morris fabric. LOVE them all. For spring/ fall and mild winter weather, these are pretty much all I wear. To be truthful, I am American, but lived in Scotland for a year and definitely a lover of “Garden and Gun.”

  4. Anonymous

    Is it possible to make your hair thicker? Do any products that claim to do so actually work? I’m not sure if my hair is actually thinning (I suspect it isn’t) or if I’m just hyper aware of it now (I had some issues with hair falling out a few months ago due to hard water, but I believe that’s all right now) I’m in my mid 20s and don’t have any hormonal or other issues that I’m aware of.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      I was on spironolactone for acne, and while it didn’t do a thing to help my acne (back to the drawing board on that. *sigh*), I do think it stopped my hair loss. That would be for hormonal reasons, though, so if you don’t think that’s an issue, it won’t help.

      • Rose

        Gail – Have you tried Accutane (for the acne)? Changed my life as a teenager and when acne starting come back as an adult, I took a “refresher” dosage. Presto!

        (As a side note, you can/should only take it if you are not planning to get pregnant at the same time.)

        • Gail the Goldfish

          It’s the one thing I haven’t tried, mainly because I haven’t quite worked out how I can get to my dermatologist’s office once a month for bloodwork (I travel a lot for work), and because the possible side effects worry me a bit. But I’m trying one last antibiotic that’s been effective in the past (like nearly a decade in the past), and if that doesn’t work, I think I’ve got to try accutane for lack of other options.

          • Anon

            For the bloodwork you don’t have go to the dermatologist’s office, you can go to any blood lab. You just need the paper and then Quest (or whoever) will process it and send the doctor the results, if that helps. It would still be a pain when traveling, but at least possible.

    • Anonymous

      biotin may help with thickness? It certainly helps hair grow longer/stronger.

  5. Anonymous

    I’m going to a baby shower in DC soon. What is a reasonable amount to spend on the gift? Not a super close friend, but of couse is someone I like and am excited for

  6. Anonymous

    The guy who sits next to me at work constantly grunts and hums to himself. I can’t possibly be the only person who notices this, right? It’s CONSTANT. And am I right in thinking that there’s really not a polite way to address this?

    • Anon

      That sounds really annoying. I would just suggest bringing in headphones if you can – there’s probably no polite way to address this.

      FWIW, I used to sit close to someone who burped constantly – it was disgusting. I eventually moved offices and was so thankful to be away from her.

    • roses

      This is super hard because I think it’s equally possible that these are Tourette’s-like tics or he’s just rude. I think there’s no way to raise it with him directly, but you might want to alert your supervisor and ask if you can move.

      • Anon in NYC

        I agree. My brother has Tourette’s and his tics can vary from things like blinking a lot to a regular cough/throat clearing sound. I work with a guy who has a constant hacking cough, and has had it for the years that I’ve worked here, and it is gross and drives me up the wall. I would never say anything to him, but I would ask the office manager/supervisor if I could change offices.

        • Anonymous

          And even if it’s not specifically Tourette’s, there can still be compulsions. Like sometimes I just can’t stop clearing my throat because it feels like there’s something there. Annoying for me and for other people I’m sure, but it truly can’t be helped.

    • 2 Cents

      Well, the humming may be the easiest thing to address. I had a coworker who did that unconsciously and was always surprised when I asked him to stop (because he didn’t realize he was doing it and being disruptive).

      Why don’t you say his humming is distracting you and if he wouldn’t mind stopping.

  7. What?

    Kat really? This is just absolutely not a work dress. I really wish you made any effort to feature legit work appropriate clothing instead of random dresses that you can totes put a blazer over and get away with once.

    • rosie

      I have to agree. I don’t think the mesh inset really makes this a “high” neckline. I clicked through to look at the back, and it’s a pretty deep V with more mesh, although at least that actually draws attention away from the exposed zipper.

      • tesyaa

        I guess it’s possible have the mesh lined with a solid black fabric, but that kind of defeats the purpose of buying an expensive dress.

      • Zelda

        Ugh I didn’t notice the mesh. If it hadn’t been a mesh neckline it would have been office appropriate for me. Boo.

    • Bonnie

      I don’t think this one is work appropriate but is a gorgeous dress for other events.

      • Anonymous

        But this is a work fashion blog! I can look at pretty non work appropriate clothes alllllllll over the internet.

    • Senior Attorney

      I agree. I always feel like I push the work-appropriateness boundaries as much as the next person, but I can’t help but think the model above looks like she is on her way to brunch. (Where, I hasten to add, she will look awesome drinking Mimosas and eating waffles.)

    • Pesh

      Did Kat ever answer the poster who was wondering how Kat keeps up-to-date on what’s worn in offices now that she’s been out of one for awhile?

      • Anonymous

        Honestly I think the answer is- she doesn’t. Its like the portlandia skit “put a bird on it.” This blog is now “put a blazer on it!” “it works for day or night!”

        Kat’s in a totally different place in her life now, which is great, but I wish she would rebrand. Its shocking that this was the same blog that used to talk about what length and size pearls were appropriate and that you couldn’t have red nails. Now the dresses Kat picks are like, what a non attorney would pick after watching Suits or something. She is picking outfits for the woman who is running her own PR firm (which is fine, but you get way more freedom there) and she is no longer picking outfits for the lawyer, accountant, regular office professional. This is no longer the blog you can send to the 22 year old woman just entering the work place.

        • anonymous

          No, but when I entered the workplace just a few months ago, I sifted through comments here to get an idea of what’s appropriate. that was extremely helpful, even if Kat wasn’t.

          • Financial PR

            I often see PR mentioned here as a career where you can wear whatever you want and dress in a “creative” way and just want to say that that is not nearly the case. It’s actually a real job. Samantha Jones on SATC is not what PR really is, and many of us in corporate or financial PR are dressing very similar to all of you fancy, serious lawyer types.

        • Pesh

          I think it was a great question, and if I were her, a question I would definitely want to address. It’s a shame she’s not more engaged/participatory with our hive. Being present here (or at least reading what we’re posting) would only help to improve her content. I’m starting to feel like she just throws something up and knows we’ll chat no matter what, so she doesn’t feel the need to get involved.

          • Anonymous

            I kind of got the impression (and I may be totally off base here) that her attitude is along the lines of we all come here for her picks, her opinion on things, and if we don’t like them we can go elsewhere. I don’t get the impression that she feels a huge need for her picks to be helpful to those of us who do work in office environments.

            If that is accurate, I suppose it’s a legitimate viewpoint, but if it were me I’d be more invested in responding to my readership.

          • cbackson

            I think that there’s a delicate balance between being engaged with readers and controlling the discussion, and my sense has been that Kat really seeks to avoid being a dominant voice in the community, so she tends to only address technical questions in the comments.

            I do actually really wish she’d address the broader question of what she does to maintain relevance/awareness given that she no longer works in an office, in part because, looking at the picks, I think that she’s struggling to do so, but also because I think it could be part of an interesting broader conversation around transitioning to a non-traditional career. But I actually appreciate her general approach of being less engaged in the comments themselves.

      • Monday

        Not that I have seen. Someone posted that she had also emailed her individually, and the response said her perspective on appropriate work wear has not changed at all since she began working from home.

        I would also be interested to hear Kat on this topic, but I don’t really expect her ever to speak to it. I imagine it would be daunting to publish on how she runs a blog about office wear focusing on the fact that she’s left office work. It seems like it would just be inviting more of the same kinds of complaints that she’s out of touch, etc., and I don’t see much upside for her.

        • kellyandthen

          Monday, that’s my feeling too–there’s not much incentive for her to respond–and I get and respect that. Of course, I’m still curious. By way of background, the reason I initially emailed her was that I recently saw a post intro that said something like “I always reach for my XYZ (insert usual work wear item here, like a blazer or blouse)” and it got me curious…how much of that happens now? I know that running a blog like this isn’t just staying home in your yoga pants with the littles–there is so much more that she has to do for this–but I’m genuinely curious how her clothing routine has changed, and how she thinks that has impacted her relationship with office dweller clothes, and how bringing on an editor has impacted that.

    • 1980

      When I was a kid in the 80s, this is the kind of thing I would think ladies wore to work because I didn’t know any better. Of course now I do so I would never wear such a thing to work.

    • lucy stone

      Yeah, I agree. I don’t know if these are Kate and not Kat picks (is there a way to tell the difference?) or if Kat is more open to pushing the edge with suggestions since she’s not in an office anymore. I love the comment section here but have started to look elsewhere for work fashion.

  8. Interview outfit Q

    Hi all, I’m interviewing with a tech company in my small city. I am currently an associate at a large firm. I know normally law interviews require a full conservative suit but this tech company has a very relaxed dress code (pictures on their website show a lot of them in jeans, lots of polo shirts, women in blouses and khakis, that sort of thing). They also have a very progressive corporate culture. Should I stick with the conservative suit or dress down a little? I was thinking maybe a black sheath dress and a non-matching blazer cream blazer, for example. I don’t know anyone who works there well enough to ask. TIA!

    • Apples

      I would still go full suit with a colorful shell or something less stuffy than a button up. Maybe more-fun jewelry than you would normally wear to an interview. Maybe flats instead of heels so you’re less formal.

    • Mpls

      It’s still an interview, so I’d wear a suit, regardless of what the daily dress code is. They know you are a lawyer so I would think it would be a surprise to have you show up in a suit. You probably don’t need the super-conservative white shirt/pearls take for a tech company, so this could be an opportunity for a blouse/shell in a fun color or a unique (but professional) necklace.

      So maybe not “dress down” so much as “have a little personality”?

      (Caveat, unless you have specific instructions from the company and someone you know in the company that they will be put off by the fact that someone comes in wearing a suit).

    • Senior Attorney

      I agree with the above. Particularly in light of the fact they will surely be aware you will be coming from your job at a big law firm. Maybe a print blouse if you have one?

    • SF in House

      This is also a good opportunity for a dress/jacket combo. I agree with wear something with a little bit of personality. You don’t need pearls, hose, conservative pumps, but a suit or coordinated separates is definitely appropriate.

      I still remember the guy that I interviewed (high tech, Silicon Valley) who applied for an attorney position in an untucked golf shirt, and not fondly.

    • Anon

      A suit is still the norm for interviews, though if you’re being interviewed by a bunch of men, they’ll probably think a dress plus a blazer is an equivalent.

    • Suit up

      You’re a lawyer on an interview. Suit up and maybe go a little funkier on jewelry

  9. Anon

    I need to ask my employer to make an accommodation to my schedule. I have a disabled spouse who needs about 10 minutes of care at a certain time mid-afternoon. I can hire someone to do this care, on top of another caregiver we already pay for, but the additive service runs $100 per hour and it would be a daily thing. Do you all think it’s reasonable to ask to work from the office from say 9:15-3pm, leave at 3pm so I can do this 10 min procedure and then work from home for the rest of the day, without impacting my pay? I think they’ll allow it but I don’t want to be unreasonable (in large part because I may have to ask for additional accommodations in the future because of the nature of his disability).

    • tesyaa

      I think it’s reasonable to ask. The issue is how will you handle meetings that run from, say, 3-4? Make sure you have a plan in place to handle meetings, if this applies to you.

    • Anonymous

      Can you get into work at 8?

      I don’t think it’s completely unreasonable but depending on what you do it will probably impact you down the road. 3 pm is really a disruptive time to leave many offices. Why can’t the care giver you already have do it? Can he learn to do it himself? Can he schedule shift so it can be done at 6:15 instead of 3:15 by shifting the timing of other parts of his day?

      I’d really encourage you to try hard to find a way to avoid doing this not for the convenience of your job but so that you can maintain a viable career.

      • Bonnie

        I agree that your request will seem more reasonable if you agree to come into the office earlier so you somewhat equalize the number of hours you are at work.

        • Anon

          I see I wasn’t clear – I’m offering to equalize the hours, but at the end of the day, not at the beginning. Of course, the professional world has a well-known morning bias.

          • January

            Also, without knowing the details of your life or work situation, I suspect your employer might prefer to have you in the office for the extra hour in the morning rather than equalizing the hours by working from home in the afternoon and evening, especially if your employer is at all resistant to flextime schedules.

          • ace

            I did get that you want to equalize at the end of the day from home, but I think the issue is that your company may view an earlier start as a more appropriate accommodation. I think it really depends on the nature of your job and how much respect is given to off-site/from home work, but I would be prepared to respond to a counter proposal of starting your day earlier.

            If the issue is that you need to be available to your husband in the morning as well, that might be sufficient. If it’s purely a matter of preference, remember that the employer is not obligated to give you a preferred accommodation, just a reasonable one.

    • Anon2

      I think it’s a Know Your Office thing. In my office, it would be a reluctant yes, but in my husband’s office, absolutely, all day long. If you anticipate pushback, be prepared to explain what’ s going on at home (pull at sympathy a bit here) and then have some sort of plan to explain how you will remain accountable and available for the balance of the day at home.

      • Anon

        Thanks everyone. Our current caregiver is barred by the agency he works for from doing this procedure, and my husband is not able to do this procedure himself anymore. We hope to find a new caregiver that can stay the whole day and do this procedure, but my husband really likes his current caregiver and reliable ones are hard to find (someone has already embezzled several thousand dollars from us, which we had to eat).

        • Anonymous

          Reliable caregivers are absolutely hard to find. But so are good jobs. If you’re the only financial support for the family I think you need to prioritize keeping that job.

          • tesyaa

            Depending on the workplace, it may be totally possible to keep the job (although harder to advance or transfer) even with the flexible schedule.

            And, since the OP is hoping to find another caregiver eventually, proposing the flexible schedule on a temporary basis, as opposed to a permanent thing, may mitigate any issue with the employer.

          • Carrie...

            I agree with Tesyaa.

            I completely understand your situation, and dread hiring and training…. and firing caregivers more than any responsibility I have.

            The best solution is hiring a caregiver privately and training them to do what you need. Rarely is nursing level skill required. By hiring outside of any agency you can often hire better people as you will pay them directly rather than the agency taking their cut. And you can hire them for the hours you need. However, it requires making clear “contracts” regarding duties, doing all screening and background checks yourself (I recommend criminal, financial, driving and calling all references). It also requires accountant help to manage tax/withholding issues. And of course, careful training. Hopefully, your husband can guide his care.

            Some people have good like hiring at local nursing schools. Care.com can be worth trying.

            Good luck.

        • anonymous

          Embezzlement – Ouch! My daughter is a caregiver now while in nursing school and you’re right that good caregivers are hard to find. I think it’s worth asking your current employer but then you’re more visible going forward. So you’ll have to really go the extra mile in terms of your duties afterward.

        • Anon

          Isn’t FMLA for unpaid leave though? I’m trying to rearrange my hours instead.

          Also, I’m not sure it applies for companies with <50 employees, does it?

          • Charlotte York

            Yes, but it could buy you the time to get the other caregiver in place.

        • Anonymous

          Intermittent FMLA would run out pretty quick if you are talking about 2 hours a day, every single day.

    • kc

      I think this is totally reasonable, but I come from a medium sized company that has really flexible work arrangements (employee engagement!). Many co-workers will leave around 3pm to pick up older children/shuttle them to sports/orthodontist appointments/etc…..Then jump online for 2 hours. But everyone else is right, can you come in earlier? Usually these coworkers come in around 7:30-8am.

      • Anon

        I can’t come in earlier because I need to help him do this in the morning (needs to be done every 6 hours or so). So it’s robbing Peter to pay Paul.

        • Blonde Lawyer

          I think your request is reasonable. In the alternative, how long is your commute? Could you do it on your lunch and return to work? A longer lunch might be an easier accommodation. Do procedure 1 a little earlier in the AM, go to work a little earlier, take a 12-2 or 11-1 lunch, work an hour later in the evening? You could probably structure it in a way that you are not away from home more than 6 hours but you will be doing more driving.

        • Meg Murry

          I would make sure to frame it as “every 6 hours” then so they understand what you are asking – because my first thought would be the same as everyone else’s – why not come in earlier then if it has to be done at 3? The every 6 hours makes more sense to me – and if you offer up “9:15-3:00 or whatever consistent 6 hours you suggest” that would probably go over better with the bosses.

          I would also want to hear that this is a short term (1-2 weeks, or less than a month) solution myself – I don’t know that this schedule would be sustainable indefinitely. Do you still have a caretaker there once you get home at 3 for the procedure so you really can get work done at home? And is it the kind of work you really can do from home? If there was a planned meeting, could you use the $100 service as a one-off, or do you have to schedule them daily to use them?

          I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I also have to ask – is this the start of something that’s going to get more and more complicated for a while – and how much longer? Because I suspect the bosses will suggest you cut back to only 6 hours a day at that pay rate, and wonder how much longer it will be until you ask for half time or to take off completely.

          • Anon

            Thanks. It may get more complicated unfortunately, as his disease progresses. Most people in my position end up quitting, I imagine. I’m really trying to avoid that, but to do so in a realistic way. I don’t have a caregiver for the time I’m home – he only needs help for a few minutes every couple of hours. Refilling water glass, etc. so it’s not like childcare where he needs constant care.

    • Lorelai Gilmore

      I think it’s a reasonable request. And more importantly, I want to say that it can’t be easy to be in this position, and I wish you luck. I hope your company is completely reasonable and accommodating and that it all works out.

      • Maizie

        Posting just to add my own to others’ messages of moral support. May you have good people around you (friends, family, professionals–whomever you need) to support you on this journey.

  10. Vince

    Can anyone share their experience with Vince sweaters? I am 5-4 and fear that the sleeves will go to the tips of my fingers. In the photos they sleeves look just the right length on the models, who are probably 5-6 inches taller than me.
    Any comments on how Vince cashmere and wool items wear will be appreciated as well.

    • Rural Juror

      Vince sweaters (cashmere especially) are my favorite clothing item. I wish I could wear one every day. In my experience they hold up great and the cut is always what makes them look amazing. For sleeve length, I am 5’5 and I have never noticed the sleeves to feel either short or long. I wear a size small.

    • Anita

      I love them and find them to be to be of good quality material and construction. I am 5’3″ and a size 2 and, even in XS, they usually are inch too long on my arms (covering the bottoms of my hands). It doesn’t bother me, since the style is generally meant to look oversized.

    • nutella

      Love my Vince stuff! I am also your height (maybe even 5’3″) with what I think are short arms and have never had a problem with the sleeves. I have some cotton long sleeve tops as well as some cashmere sweaters. The cashmere wears very well!

      ETA: Yes, the look is oversized and the sleeves bunch a little at the wrists but like all other clothing that I consider to fit me normally. I wear XXS with them.

  11. Gift T/J

    Gift ideas for an assistant from the office who’s leaving? She’s been really great and I am genuinely going to miss her. Gift cards are out. Lunch with whole office already took place. I am thinking either I’ll bring in breakfast pastries from a nice bakery plus a small gift (ideas needed), or just get her a $50-ish gift (ideas also needed). Has to be something I can get in store as I don’t have time to order online. Thoughts?

    • Anonymous

      If you don’t know her personally well enough to be certain you know a physical gift that she’d love, I think the best option is a card with a nice message and a $50 gift card. Idk why you’d rule out the best option.

      • Gift T/J

        Because she gave me a gift card and a card and I think giving the same back is weird.

    • Apples

      I vote consumables for this type of gift. Many assistants don’t need another fancy pen/picture frame/stationery/other tchotchke. Nice chocolates, a tea assortment, maybe flowers. A heartfelt card is the most important, IMHO.

    • Pesh

      Gift certificate for a manicure from a local salon/spa, flowers, and as already mentioned a heartfelt card.

    • rosie

      A nice, handwritten note plus a gift with the gift receipt (if you absolutely cannot just do a gift card, which is what I would do). For gifts, I’m thinking a scarf, wallet, or other accessory-type item from Macy’s or similar, so if she doesn’t like it, she can return and have a lot of other options.

      • In the Pink

        Yes. Scarf, wallet, biz card holder, or notepaper with her first initial if you’re lucky enough to find some.

  12. Lo and Sons -- too small for my laptop

    Neither the OG nor the OMG fits my laptop (new Dell Latitude 14″ screen — exterior dimensions 13″ x 9″ x 1″).

    Anyone else have this issue? Seems the bags are made for people who use Apple laptops?

    Considering TUMI Calais backpack: http://www.tumi.com/na/p/calais-backpack-0484707D?subcat=true

    Anyone have any advice on either bag? TIA.

    Confidential to Wildkitten: thanks for the RM suggestion, but (with respect) not my cup of tea.

    • Anon

      I’d have to see that to believe it – my Lo & Sons is a suitcase. I actually hate it because it’s so large. If you’re heart is set on it,the big one is so deep that there’s a lot of leeway for any laptop.

      • Rural Juror

        Ditto. I have the OMG (the smaller one) and it fits my HP laptop which is 9.5 x 13 (not sure of the thickness but it’s not exactly what I would call slim). I would expect the OG to be even bigger than the OMG but haven’t seen it in person.

      • Lo and Sons -- too small for my laptop

        Right? It fits in the compartment in the OG, but then the tablet pocket is stretched so tight that my iPad does not fit in it. And the OG is just way too big for me anyway. I can shove it into the compartment in the OMG (just barely), but it took me about ten minutes of struggling to get it out and again nothing fits in the tablet pocket, which clearly is not a realistic way to live.

    • Anon

      I have a big laptop and an OG and I stand the laptop up on the skinny end and it fits just fine.

      Wish I had gotten the TT though b/c my OG is so big I just use it for travel (when it’s laptop + redwels fiting in there and is so heavy that I am glad I have a wheelie bag to rest it on).

      • RR

        I have the TT and the OG, both of which fit my similarly-sized Dell. For the OG, I put it in the same–on the skinny end.

    • S in Chicago

      Tumi lets you search by size, too. My laptop is larger than most (I like to watch movies), and I’ve done well with their Turin shopper and Nivelle dome business satchel (one is red for fun and one is black–I like to change it up a bit).

      http://www.ebags.com/product/tumi/villa-turin-shopper-tote/245214

      http://www.luggagepros.com/tumi-villa-nivelle-dome-business-case.shtml

      I’ve had them awhile so not sure they still sell, but they usually stick to the same basic styles and update only slightly year after year (addition of a jewelry pouch, new color, etc.).

      • JJ

        I have a Tumi very similar to the Turin Shopper Tote as my every day bag and travel carry-on and I LOVE it for my large laptop. I’m able to cram a lot of stuff in there.

    • Lo and Sons -- too small for my laptop

      Portrait instead of landscape! I can’t believe I didn’t think of this. Tonight when I get home, I will try it. Thanks!

  13. Annabeth

    My husband and I are planning a trip to NYC for Presidents Day weekend. I am looking for a good restaurant recommendation for Friday, February 13. Possibly Mediterranean or small plates? But we love all foods and are open to anything. We’re staying in midtown, but we’d be willing to venture anywhere in Manhattan for great food and fun atmosphere. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    • Anonymous User viewed your profile

      Check out Snack in the West Village — adorable and affordable Greek restaurant, good wine, and great neighborhood!

      • Anon in NYC

        Yep. Snack Taverna in the West Village is fantastic. They have a sister restaurant near Port Authority called Snack Eos, which I don’t like as much, but is still good.

        My current favorite Mediterranean place is at 52nd & 10th, called Taboon. Another good option would be Fig & Olive. They have a few locations throughout the city (including one in midtown), but the one in Meatpacking has a fun atmosphere. They have a lot of small plates that you can use to create a meal.

    • EE

      There are tons of great choices but my absolute favorite midtown spot (something of a hidden gem but definitely need a reservation) is Sakagura. It’s Japanese small plates in midtown. The food is AMAZING and the atmosphere is really unique. We used to live in midtown and we still come here for special occasions. Reasonably priced, too, unless you go wild.

    • Ellen

      Yay! Splurge Monday’s! I love Spurge Monday’s and Bergdorf’s, but this is not for work, at least here, tho it is pretty!

      As for the OP, I suggest Il Mulino’s, on West 3rd, near NYU if you like northern Italian food. Evan took me there last year and I have been back 3x since with Dad and Myrna. The service is great and the price is to.

      The manageing partner did NOT come in today b/c of the storm and he is checkeing on his dry docked boat b/c it could get flooded and then drift out to sea he say’s. It is INSURED, so he is NOT to concerned, but he took the day off anyway! YAY b/c I get to leave at 1145!

      Myrna’s brother keep’s texteing me. Myrna thinks he want’s to date me, but he is nerdy. I like him as a freind, but do NOT want to have sex with him. How does the HIVE deal with such a situeation? HELP!

      • anon

        Nerds make really good husbands, Ellen. This may be your chance to finally have that baby and you won’t have to worry about the boss checking out your boobies anymore.

        • Trixie

          I agree with Anon…you already think of him as a friend, would it be so hard to go out once? (omg, I sound like my mother!) Wear your uggs, so you’ll think of it as a friend thing.

    • MJ

      If no one gives you exactly what you’re looking for, check out NYMagazine–they just did their food issue. All of their restaurant reviews are online.

    • momentarily anonymous

      Kefi on the upper west side. Greek food, amazing, I used to live nearby and still travel back regularly for dinners there.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      Ethos Taverna on 3rd Avenue in the 30s used to be my favorite Greek restaurant, but I haven’t been in a while–for some reason I think they closed and reopened with new management? Check yelp reviews. Molyvos is also good. If you want really good Greek, however, take the N/Q out to Astoria. If you want slightly nicer/trendier, MP Taverna. Service was a bit slow when I went, but they had just gotten a good NY Times review and were packed. Food was good. If you want something more casual, just check yelp-there are a billion options. Aliada was the one near me and I can vouch that it’s good.

      I do not have any Italian restaurants suggestions, but if you want more Middle Eastern than Mediterranean, I recommend Ali Baba on 24th for Turkish or Zerza in the village for Moroccan (Middle Eastern/Greek is my favorite food, so I have lots of opinions on restaurants).

    • Annabeth

      Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I’m now salivating over several great looking menus!

    • platinomad

      I love Meme Mediterranean in the West Village, which pretty much perfectly matches your request (mediterranean small plates, adorable atmosphere).

    • Anonymous

      Try Ilili (236 5th Avenue). It is small plates and Mediterranean. Its not in the West Village, but it is absolutely awesome. It is also a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it.

  14. Hollis

    TJ – looking for a “fun” way to (re)learn all of the history I’ve forgotten after not studying it for the past 20 years. It sounds so awful, but some basic European/U.S. history has left my head for good, and I would like to reacquaint myself before my kids start asking deeper questions about events and historical figures. Any books that are fairly painless to read? Thanks.

    • Anonymous

      A People’s History of the United States.

      But also don’t answer their questions- take them to the library to learn.

      • Mpls

        Make it a project you can do together, rather than being an encylopedia of info for the kiddos. “I remember Ben Franklin being XYZ, but think he also did ABC. We should find a book when when we’re at the library/see what Wikipedia (or other mostly reliable resources) has to say”.

        This is also an opportunity to teach them how to evaluate information they take in.

    • Cb

      Norman Davies books are quite accessible although weighty. It might be worth reading up on specific time periods of interest. While I think a good factual knowledge is good, kids might also benefit from a “hmm…I don’t know, let’s go to the library / check the Internet / go to a museum together”. So don’t think you need to know everything!

      I had a student ask me a question about Hanoverian laws of succession today and had to stare blankly at them for a few seconds before admitting I had no clue (I teach contemporary Scottish politics – my pre 1900 knowledge is a bit patchy)

    • Senior Attorney

      This probably (okay, certainly) won’t be very helpful, but I love Funny or Die’s Drunk History.

    • Anonymous

      Try “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn. It is organized by time frame so you can read the sections you are interested in, or your kids are asking about. It also focuses on lesser known angles of history (think from the perspective of women or people of color) so may be more engaging. It would not be like reading a fourth grade text book over again.

      • mashedpotato

        It also has a particular ideological slant. Not saying it’s not worth reading but something to be aware of.

        • Jules

          As do all history books — it’s just that most of them reflect what my DH the sociologist would refer to as the dominant paradigm, so the “slant” may be less noticeable.

      • Lady Bug

        As rreflected by your user name! It is a great show: 10 things you didn’t know.

    • nutella

      Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything” – easy read and so interesting! I read it years ago and still remember the stories.

      • anon

        100% yes. This book was given to me in highschool, and it is one of the few books that I brought to college, and has survived the book culling after each semester.

    • Zelda

      For US history, A Cartoon History of the United States is a quick, fun read. My 1L ConLaw professor assigned it as required reading for his class. You could read it with the kids or by yourself.

    • L2fly

      If you like to read, I find I remember historical fiction better than dry text books. Stick with those authors with better reputations for historical accuracy. I also Google the time period and the book I am reading, and 9 times out of 10 someone has written a criticism of the work, pointing out every detail that may be inaccurate. This helps so you don’t won’t make any major errors, quoting fiction as fact.

      John Jakes, the Kent Family Chronicles comes to mind for American history. Ken Follett is good for the Middle Ages. I find even mini-series stick in my brain, I just finished watching the Tudors on Netflix while down with a bad cold, and I know more about Henry VIII now than I ever did before (even if, yes, they portrayed him as much younger than he was during his marriage to Ann Boleyn, and yes, he had two sisters, not just one, and his oldest sister was married to the Scottish king James IV, and the younger, Mary, married the King of France, not Portugal as portrayed on the show, etc…). But fiction gives me an entertaining, ‘fun’ framework to start with, then I can fill in with more internet research and fact checking, sometimes on my tablet while simultaneously watching the show.

      Then, if your children want more information other than the basic who/when/where, go to the library together, and you can get more firm facts and details, and have fun together! History is very entertaining!

      • Mpls

        +1

        I don’t know how many rabbit holes I’ve gone done finding out the “real story” behind The Tudors, The White Queen (I finally, kind of, understand the War of the Roses), The Borgias, Marco Polo/Kubla Khan.

      • Senior Attorney

        There’s a great novel called “Daughter of Time” by Josephine Tey, in which a detective from Scotland Yard is laid up in hospital and passes the time researching (and rehabilitating the reputation of) King Richard III. Fast read and super enjoyable as well as educational.

        • Lorelai Gilmore

          +1,000,000. That book made me want to be laid up in hospital with dashing actor and historian friends, researching English history.

          • Amy H.

            Second the +1,000,000. This is one of my favorite books of all time. And I keep hoping the recent discovery of the bones of Richard II will eventually exonerate him! Somehow….

    • MJ

      I am a huge dork, but I love The Great Courses. They have audio classes that I listen to when I am driving. I particularly like the history ones–especially ancient history and European history ones. They have sales and all courses go on sale at least once a year, so just get yourself on the mailing list and you’ll have lots of fun choices.

      You can choose if you want to stream, have CDs or have MP3s. LOVE THEM! I have relearned (or learned for the first time) tons of great stuff.

      • Trixie

        These are great!….check out the Skeptics Guide to History (audible has them, too…)

    • Anonattorney

      My husband really likes the Hardcore History podcast by Dan Carlin. I think it’s pretty comprehensive – reaches back to Alexander the Great, up to modern day. It might be worth a listen, if you like podcasts!

      • platinomad

        Dan Carlin is amazing. The topics are really specific, so this wont be a way to learn about everything, but seriously every history teacher in America should be Dan Carlin. The Rome series is probably my personal favorite. He really has a way of making history relative to today, and sort of like a hollywood drama.

    • tierramia

      I like Sarah Vowell’s books on American history, the Partly Cloudy Patriot and Assassination Vacation (about the first 3 presidential assassinations) . I haven’t read her other books, Unfamiliar Fishes and the Wordy Shipmates, but I hope to someday. I liked her style and loved her on This American Life.

      • Lorelai Gilmore

        Assassination Vacation is great. I was not a fan of Unfamiliar Fishes, and thought Wordy Shipmate was ok. But yes – read Assassination Vacation!

    • DC Wonkette

      I highly recommend the Ken Follett War of the Worlds series — trilogy covers WWI, WWII, and the Cold War. It’s historical fiction that provides a good way to remember who was in what war :-).

    • Not a lawyer

      I found that I learned more about history from reading Ken Follett’s Century series than any history class I had ever taken. Each book is quite long, but the stories are fascinating and the author has done extensive research to make the book as historically accurate as possible. For instance, in a post-script by the author, he mentions that any quotes attributed to real life people were actually said by those people or were directly in line with their writings, conversations, etc at the time. The series starts in Western Europe in the late 1800s and follows connected family chains through the second world war. Highly recommend!

    • Amy H.

      E. H. Gombrich’s “A Little History of the World”! Written in the mid-1930’s.

  15. Hairspray

    How do you use hairspray on a daily basis without getting it to coat your bathroom floor and sink area? I need to use some kind of hair product daily, but it’s creating a thick film that’s just hard to clean and I’d like to know if anyone has any suggestions to avoid this problem.

    • First Year Anon

      Spray it in your shower? That way when you shower daily it should wash off?

    • Anon

      I just make sure to wipe down my bathroom regularly. Not a deep cleaning, just a quick wipe down. I find that if I do it regularly it doesn’t have a chance to build up and is easier to clean. Also, my mother has puppy pads on the bathroom floor because one of their dogs is in there while they are gone and is prone to accidents, and they double as a floor protector for hair spray – not sure this would be worth going through the effort without the dogs, though.

    • Pesh

      This is a problem for me as well. I bought a pack of Windex wipes and keep them in my bathroom. Before I go to bed (most nights) I quickly wipe down the areas that get hit with hairspray. I’ve found the wipe is more convenient, so therefore, I actually keep up with it.

  16. San Diego

    I’m going to San Diego in April with my dh and my parents and in-laws will also be there. I will be around 5 months pregnant and I would like suggestions on places where I could go and restaurants that would be nice. We like walking on the beach, museums, and nature (but nothing that is too exhausting, please). Would the zoo be okay? Where else should we go? Thanks in advance!

    • Must be Tuesday

      La Jolla is nice for art galleries and cute shops and nice restaurants and a small beach area. It’s a nice place to walk around, popping in and out of places.

    • Of Counsel

      That partly depends on where you are staying. The San Diego Zoo is fantastic, but it is a lot of walking. There are moving walkways for the hills so look for those on the maps and there is a bus tour. The Zoo is in Balboa Park, which has a lot to do (check out their website). That is also where most of San Diego’s (frankly limited) museums are clustered. If you are there around lunch time, you might want to try lunch at the patio at The Prado (food is decent; patio is really nice) or you can cross the Cabrillo bridge and go to Cucina Urbana on Park or Croce’s on 5th.

      I would also second the suggestion for La Jolla. You can go to La Jolla shores and have a nice walk along the beach and lunch at Piatti. You could also try (nearby) La Jolla Village and look at the seals/walk around; however, note that the walk will be on top of the cliifs rather than along a sandy beach. Lots of nice (and expensive) restaurants. Coronado is also a nice place for a beach walk and you could visit the Hotel Del Coronado which is quite pretty.

      Non-strenuous nature? Other than the beaches you could go tidepooling if you are up to it at Pt. Loma or just to to Torrey Pines. It has some lovely walks that range from strenuous to fairly mild depending on how you are feeling.

      I live here so if you have any specific questions, email me at ofcounselSanDiego@gmail.com

    • Charlotte York

      The SD Zoo has a double decker bus tour that eliminates much of the walking. I highly recommend it. They also do smaller (think jumbo golf cart) tours as well.

  17. MJ

    I am not a small person, and whenever I see prints like this, even though they are attractive on models, I feel like I could never pull them off without feeling like I stole someone’s curtains. These prints look chic in magazines, and rotten on me….

    • Anon

      Really? I think large prints tend to look better on larger people. Small people can get overwhelmed by them.

    • I know right

      This. I’m big (and judgy) and I don’t want to look like a couch!

  18. Baby Gift for Second Baby?

    Any recs for getting a colleague a gift to celebrate the arrival of the second child? Opposite gender from first child, if that makes a difference. I was hoping to find something that would deliver a meal but I’m striking out on anything reasonably priced in Philadelphia.

    • Black Flag

      Baby clutter is enormous. Amazon gift card so they can throw it at their bills for having diapers on auto-delivery?

      If you must give a Thing, maybe a nice consumable like boy-colored (or just fresh and not used already by his sister) burp cloths, wash cloths, etc.

    • Burgher

      This isn’t the funnest thing in the world, but you can never have too many diapers and wipes.

      Otherwise, they probably only really need clothes. You might want to go up a few sizes and get 3-6 or 6 months since people buy a lot of the tiny things that are quickly outgrown.

      If you really want to stick with food, you could still get them a gift card to a restaurant. Almost everywhere does takeout. Bonus if you know of places that are close to their house.

    • Wordy

      I often do bibs and/or burp clothes for second or third baby. They get awfully grubby after the first one. For bibs, I’ll do one nice fancy one (in a pretty print or with an applique design) and then a couple of the nice coated fabric once (so they have a couple to use at home and one for outings).

      • EB0220

        As someone who recently had a second child (albeit same gender as the first), I think this is a great gift – especially bibs. Baby #1’s burp cloths are OK but the bibs that were used when she was eating solids were trashed. I have all new bibs for baby #2.

      • Maddie Ross

        Similarly, hooded towels in a cute color/print for the gender of the newborn. I love hooded towels and still use them with my toddler. So even if they have them from the first in a gender neutral color (or even if they are re-using the non-gender neutral), they may still be using with the first born. They also tend to get used frequently, so they don’t last as long as some other baby things.

  20. Marie

    Grumpy complaint. I bought a Banana Republic cotton cardigan in September and I’ve maybe washed it 10 times since then. the instructions say handwash cold, I put it in a garment bag and run the delicate cycle cold. It’s totally lost its color, pilling, and the bottom is frayed. I got it on deep discount, but come on.

    • Basics

      Remember the days when BR and AT and BB and Coach and CH (and the like) were expensive enough compared to department store brands that fewer people bought them, but the quality was higher? It seems as if now everyone buys those goods, but the quality is poor and they don’t last. And only the super wealthy who can afford true luxury (as opposed to mass affluent luxury) get value for the money. Or am I just being defeatist (which, according to the Dowager Grantham is “so middle class”)?

      • Zelda

        I definitely think that BR, AT and J Crew have gone down in quality while holding or even increasing their prices! I remember when wool suits were the norm at these types of stores, instead of the exception or non-existant. I still have a wool suit that I bought at Ann Taylor loft that looks great a decade later.

        At this point, I buy most of my work clothes at TJ Maxx (with individual exceptions for items that are truly worth the price premium.) I pay at least half the price of the usual suspects for similar quality. Of course I’m business casual, so I rarely wear suits.

    • Anonymous

      So you decided not to follow the care instructions and it doesn’t hold up well and that is someone else’s fault? Come on.

      • Marie

        All of my other sweaters hold up fine being washed this way. It’s also the way a lot of other commenters on here wash their items and it seems to work just fine. Thanks for your helpful comment, though!

      • Mpls

        Handwash cold for a COTTON garment? That’s the “give me a break” part of this story. Delicate/knit on cold, in a lingerie bag should be plenty conservative.

  21. Lobbyist tried MM LA Fleur

    Hi,
    After seeing the post, I tried MM La Fleur. I got five things and kept two of them — a black v neck dress and a grey jacket/cardigan-y thing. They looked great. A bit more expensive than I would normally buy. Two other dresses had boat necks which don’t look good on me and one was a long sleeved dress with extra fabric that I couldn’t figure out how to put on! They also sent me blank notebooks which cost $25 which was kind of weird I thought. But everything fit. Oh, and they sent me a $60 silk black and white scarf but it had MM La Fleur written on it, and was kind of boring looking. The return was in fact quite easy.

    • ace

      That sounds like a good result! Expecting my first box later this week & excited to see what they pick out.

    • Wildkitten

      What size are you? Folks were saying they’re great for size 2 but terrible for size 10, and since I’m more of a 12 than a 0 I am wondering if I should take the plunge.

  22. exhausted

    just a monday vent. I am exhausted–husband snores like a chainsaw (despite cpap), youngest had an accident at 3am requiring sheet change, early morning at the office and staring me in the face: a 3 hour meeting to go over performance measures from cy2014.

    I just want to go home and curl up in my bed.

    • SF in House

      Sorry you are having a rough day! The single best thing I learned in my parenting class before #1 was born was to make the crib with multiple sets of sheets/mattress protectors. That way, if (when) there is an accident in the middle of the night, you rip off a layer and don’t need to make the bed. Works with beds, as well as cribs!

      • Basics

        This is genius. Just like keeping extra trashbags in the can under the currently-in-use bag. Thanks for sharing.

    • lucy stone

      More coffee for you! Also, if your husband is snoring with a CPAP, have him go in for another sleep study or to have it adjusted or try a different mask! Is he a mouth breather?

      • Mpls

        If he’s snoring with a CPAP, then something isn’t working properly and definitely needs to see the doc for an adjustment.

    • Anon

      Agree with the other poster suggesting a sleep study. There are surgical treatments out there, depending on why he snores.

  23. Gabby

    I LOVE that dress, but I don’t think it’s work appropriate. A networking event like a fundraiser? Sure! But this definitely has an air of play rather than work to me.

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