This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon is offering an additional 20% off a ton of bags and shoes, making some sale prices even lower. Take, for example, this tote from Rebecca Minkoff: it was $195, then marked to $136, but with code 20OFFVET it comes down to $109. Nice. It's a great basic leather tote bag, and at 13″ x 18.5″ x 5.5″ it's plenty big. Plus, it's eligible for Prime. Hooray! Rebecca Minkoff Cherish Travel Tote
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:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Maddie Ross
Since I just talked about Minkoff bags on the last thread, I’ll give a shout out to the Cherish tote over here. I tend to think that Minkoff quality has gone down a bit in the last few years, but my Cherish tote seems to be an exception. It’s a great carryall for work and has lasted through at least 3 or 4 seasons of constant use for me.
TO Lawyer
I love my MAB bag. I also bought the Perry tote and it’s great except there’s no top zip (and unfortunately the handles are really short).
It doesn’t look like there’s a top zip on the Cherish tote either which is too bad…
Maddie Ross
Yes, it’s definitely an open top tote – with open cell phone pockets on one side, and a zippered pocket on the other. I’m generally less concerned about open tops, as I can stuff them with things – cardigans, my laptop, etc.
adding machine
I’ve been invited to a black tie charity gala on Friday night. I’m 95% sure that my soon-to-be ex-husband and his parents will be there. I filed for divorce at the end of August and I haven’t seen or spoken to him since then.
I can’t decide if I want to go to the event or not. I hate the idea of letting someone who isn’t in my life anymore control my decision making, but at the same time I’m terrified of running into him and his parents. I suppose the upside is I can make sure I look fabulous instead of running into him randomly looking like a complete mess?
For the divorced, what was your first run in with your ex like?
For everyone, should I go? Skip it and the stress that goes with it? I can’t stop obsessing. Any advice or commiseration is appreciated.
bananagram
In each case, how will you feel when you wake up on Saturday morning? If you go, Friday night will be nerve wracking (if you can bring a friend, do). For me, I’d probably feel a real sense of victory and freedom on Saturday morning because I had not let him control my decision making. What ever you decide, good luck! It’s a tough situation.
cbackson
I’d traveled from the city where my ex and I lived together during our marriage to our state capitol for hearings. I was walking down the street on my way to the agency headquarters when I saw him. He saw me and froze in the middle of the sidewalk staring at me. I took my sunglasses out of my purse, put them on, and walked by him as if I hadn’t seen him.
What I hoped was that I looked fabulous and like I didn’t give an F. I may have actually looked terrified. No clue. But to this day, I’m glad that I went that route.
I’m not sure what your divorce was like, but I’d say go, provided that you would otherwise choose to do so. Make sure you feel totally happy with how you look, make sure that you’re prepared for whatever reaction he might have (i.e., will he try to talk to you? is it possible that someone will make a scene? how will you handle those things?), DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH (it deserves all-caps), and be kind to yourself if you feel weird/upset afterwards.
Anonymous
I wouldn’t go. I would dress up and look fabulous but elsewhere.
Monte
I would go if I knew enough people that I knew I would be able to have a good time and enjoy myself so that he and his family did not impact that. I would feel great if I were able to pull off cbackson’s scenario, but not if I were stranded there without anyone to talk to and stuck wondering how to deal with the next four hours. But if you know enough people that you can entertain yourself, I would do what I could to prevent this person from robbing you of your ability to attend/enjoy this function.
I have never been in exactly the same scenario. I have run into the ex in a completely powerless scenario (just minding my business on the subway) and freaked out, but I have run also into a much less significant ex with his beautiful new wife at a wedding — but then I just spent my time thinking how much better she could do, rather than worry about measuring up. So it depends on the situation, your distance from it, and a lot of other factors. If you can imagine a set of circumstances in which you come out feeling like you enjoyed yourself, go for it.
Anon
I’d go, and I’d bring an incredibly hot guy with me or a guy I knew he was always jealous of and I’d flirt with that one like crazy (and I’d make sure he was in on it so he played along)
Anonymous
Start with the event itself – what does it mean to you, personally, before you consider who else is attending?
This answer helps you to reclaim your life. Yes, other people will be there that will affect your impression of the event, good, bad & indifferent.
Attend how you typically would. Meet some new people. Of all who are attending, any one of them might accidentally step on your hem or get a little wine on your sleeve. We don’t worry about them, generally. And if the faux pas happens, you’ve got enough social grace to make it through with your civility intact. Same with personal and black-tie boundaries.
Ellen
Yay! Coffee Break! I think that This is a nice tote bag, Kat, but dad has put a moratorium on more tote bag’s b/c I already have a nice on for my MacBook air and another one for schlepping thing’s around town, so that is it (unless one of mine get’s destroyed or something….). After all, these thing’s do happen. If I had a bag on the Verizano yesterday, it would already have been replaced.
In this conection, the hive should know about what goes on at the Marathon. Myrna was standing waiting to start on the lower level of the bridge when she and other’s got sprayed with pee on the Verizano bridge. FOOEY! Evidentely people up on the top level were waiting to start the race and it was cold out, and they did NOT want to go loose their spot by heading to the portapotties. Instead, these men just decided to pee over the edge of the bridge. But b/c it was so windy, guess what? As it fell, it went under to the lower level and on to the people waiting to start on the lower level of the bridge. No one knew where to look and could NOT move b/c of all the people there. Beside’s no one would switch place’s with them b/c there were other men who were up on the top level of the bridge peeing off the side. I can NOT think of anything more GROSS then having some man pee off a bridge and have it land on me. DOUBEL FOOEY!
How come the press does NOT report on this? Am I the ONLEY one that knows about this beside’s Myrna and others who got pee’d on? TRIPEL FOOEY!
help with resigning
Just posted this in the TPS right before this post came up! Sorry to repeat if anyone saw the old one.
I used to love my job, but a toxic new project manager (not by supervisor, but higher than me in the org chart and supervising about half my projects), has changed all that. I have been offered a new role with a pay raise, better title, and more autonomy, but I’ve only been in my current role for about a year.
My boss is aware of the issues with the project manager, and mostly her advice and instruction to me has been to put up with it. I used to really respect and admire my boss, and I feel like since I’m leaving after such a short stay, I owe it to her to kind of lay it on the line and let her know that this is bad enough to make me leave. I am a very high performer, and it will be a difficult transition to replace me (although I know they’ll eventually be fine because everyone is replaceable!).
What’s the most professional way to handle this? Should I just try to resign as graciously as possible, or should I let her know that I’m really unhappy and why? I need a good reference from her in the future, she has a lot of pull in my industry.
hoola hoopa
This is VERY office and organization dependent, so consider how my response fits with your situation before acting on it. In my position and organizational structure, it’s very possible for a PM to be assigned to your projects but not be under your same supervisor and your supervisor’s hands are very tied as to what to do with the situation in the short term.
Officially, tell your supervisor that you’ve had a better offer elsewhere. Leaving a position with better pay, better title, and more authority is an extremely respectable and understandable reason to leave. You do not need to say anything more and can leave on good terms. Stick to this script in exit interviews, etc.
Unofficially, depending on your relationship with your supervisor and organizational structure, you could mention that difficulties with the PM were added motivation to leave. It sounds like your supervisor is already aware of the issue, and nothing can go in the PM records without being official (which I do not suggest), so I’m not sure there’d be value added in doing it.
Depending on your relationship and your supervisor’s philosophy on navigating office interpersonal-issues, it could help or hurt you in terms of references. For example, even if it helped ‘explain’ to her why you’re leaving (which you do not need to do), she may intentionally or inadvertently mention in a reference check that you can’t work with difficult personalities – which can be enough to break a job offer.
Anonymous
I would keep it verbal with your immediate supervisor for two reasons – she should be aware of your deciding factors, so your departure has an explanation of additional factors that will support retention. I could see the PM wanting to deflect causation.
Any chance that the PM has a track record of people departing from that toxicity?
Lorelai Gilmore
I just responded in the old thread.
help with resigning
Thank you! That is good advice. As much as I wish I could “fix” things, I can’t, and I think you are very correct that I am at high risk of sour grapes. Thanks for the perspective.
August
I don’t have any advice. I am still looking for a job but I already know what to write in the resignation mail :-). From the time I started looking for a job, I have been dreaming about calling my manager for 1:1 and break it to him that I have found a different job and send out a mail to my co-workers. That is how much I want to leave.. !!!
August
oops..this is reply to the poster “help with resigning”
help with resigning
Ha, I know what you mean about fantasizing about resigning! I have that day dream several times a day, at least I’m not the only one.
Bargain Hunter
Fantastic!! I’ve been looking for a new work bag for a long time – the sale you just told us about at Amazon is perfect. Thanks :)
NYNY
Update on my job interview two weeks ago – my interviewer called, and I’m getting an offer! I’m weirdly nervous now. Definitely want to take the job, have given new boss a heads-up that I need to give a long notice period (4 weeks). What do you do to transition from one job to another?
Medic Maggie
take vacation. Take vacation to do all the things you can’t do when you’re working 9-5. Then take a vacation where you don’t do anything but relax. Congratulations!
sweetknee
This is not exactly the answer to your question, but be prepared, especially if you are in law, for your current employer to show you the door right away. That is not uncommon. Might want to give new boss a heads up that is a possibility if you think it is.
On the other hand, might be nice to have three weeks off between jobs, if you can afford it.
Congrats.
Anonymous
I agree that you should always at least be prepared for this, but IME it is hardly the norm in law. I have often seen departing associates be asked to stay for a month or more to wrap up and transition their cases.
Anon
Just remember you don’t have to do that. You just need to ensure a smooth transition. That means not pissing people off (eg write the brief that’s due next week but the one due a month later,just pass on your research and progress) and to leave your files in good shape to pass on. This shouldn’t really take more than a couple of weeks, 3 max. At my firm, 2-3 weeks was standard notice depending on how busy you were. Time will matter less than the way you leave and the shape your work is in.
Medic Maggie
This is pretty much exactly the bag I was looking for a few months ago. Sigh. As it turns out, though, I am using my Lands End squall tote every day, and I didn’t intend it to be a daily bag. Is it funny that I put my purse (an REI crossbody) in my tote? I carry extra papers & stuff that I need to deal with in the tote, but the purse is more essentials: wallet, epi-pen, lip balm, phone, etc.
I hope you all are going to be as thrilled as I was with my goodwill haul today. A teaser: Loft abstract pencil skirt (never been worn!!!); 2 pairs of Loft dress pants; Loft silky brown ruffle-neck top…Stay tuned!
RNSF
I need some advice from DC’rettes. I’ll be in Washington for a night next week and I have a few hours to spare to do a little bit of sightseeing. I got everything relevant to the weather down but I’d like to get restaurant recommendations for dinner. I’ll be staying just North from the National Mall and something typical East Coast/DC would be great! Thanks!
anon a mouse
The portrait gallery/american art museum are lovely, and perfect to kill a few hours. And then you’re close to Gallery Place/Archives area where there are a ton of great restaurants — Oyamel, Zaytinya, Partisan, Jaleo, etc.
roses
The Mall is over a mile long horizontally, so it’s hard to pin down exactly what would be convenient for you. The best restaurants in DC aren’t exactly DC institutions, but rather just wonderful food generally. For fine dining, check out Rasika (Indian, either in Penn Quarter or West End – if you can’t get a reservation, you can eat at the tables in the bar); Jaleo (Spanish tapas); or Oval Room (this one is probably the most “DC”-feeling of them all). For a little more casual, go to Daikaya (Ramen) or Compass Rose (international street food – though this one is further away from downtown). For super casual but very DC-feeling, go to Busboys and Poets or Ben’s Chili Bowl – not the best food by any stretch of the imagination, but they are institutions.
Claire M
Where north of the Mall? Some of my favorites: Central (Michel Richaud), Fiola, the Source, Proof, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Graffiato. If you don’t mind a cab or metro ride, I highly recommend Rose’s Luxury, Table, and Red Hen.
anonforthis
Despite its amazingness, I actually wouldn’t recommend Rose’s Luxury to someone who only has a few hours to sightsee – you’d have to get in line at 5:30 to be certain to get a table :(
RNSF
Thanks a lot, I’ll be just 4 blocks North for the Capitol. I will tag the recommendations and see how far I can get!
Parfait
My kitty died. Her chest filled up with fluid, probably cancerous fluid, and she was not able to breathe and I had to have her put down. I could have had even more invasive and risky treatment done but I had already spent to my limit on the surgery. And it seemed likely that I would spend many thousands more dollars and still never bring her home.
I’m having a very very hard time with this. Feeling so guilty about every decision I made along the way. Even though I know if I hadn’t had the surgery done I would be second guessing that now. I am morose and depressed and I am not doing very well at work.
I just want to cry. I have loved many cats over the years but I never bonded with one like this little girl. She loved me so fiercely.
AnonInfinity
Oh, Parfait. I’m so sorry to hear this. Take good care. Your kitty was so so lucky to have someone who loved her so much. I’m sure she could feel that through the end.
Bonnie
So sorry. You did the right thing. Continuing on with the treatment is not likely to have given her any more good days, but would have extended the agony. Hugs.
Coach Laura
Oh, Parfait! I’m so sorry. I’m sure that she knew how much you loved her. I had the exact same course of illness and had to have my Snowball put to sleep in July. Spent too much, she was in too much pain, more $$$ wouldn’t have guaranteed any outcome except more pain for her. It happened so fast.
Hang in there. Cherish the good memories.
BMBG
Oh no, I’m so sorry Parfait. You have every right to be sad, but also think about the incredible life you gave her. I’m sure she knew she was lucky and very much loved.
Moonstone
I was a mess for a week after I had to put my 21-year-old cat to sleep. It’s painful, but please take comfort in the fact that you were a good friend to her until the end — and part of being a good friend was ending her suffering.
Anon in NYC
I’m so sorry. You did the right thing. Your cat had a wonderful life, and I’m sure she knew how loved she was.
Anonymous
I’m so sorry :( My puppy is getting really old and while he’s okay now, I know this is coming soon and I end up in tears just thinking about the eventuality. So I feel for you. Try to keep in mind that it’s normal to second guess your decisions and feel guilty about it- it doesn’t mean you are guilty or did anything wrong. And your kitty loved you and knew you loved her and had her best interests at heart. I think that’s the most important part to remember.
nylon girl
Sending lots of hugs and kind thoughts your way.
EG
I’m so sorry. Cats are the best. Remember that you gave her a great life and did everything you could.
One of my cats died suddenly in front of me a couple of years ago. He was only a year old and had a heart murmur, which the vet warned us could kill him without warning. One morning before work he fell and started having a heart attack. It only took a few minutes and I held him until he was gone. I felt so guilty about not trying to get him medication (which wouldn’t have helped anyway) after his diagnosis. I even felt guilty about not knowing cat CPR.
Don’t beat yourself up about what you didn’t do. Just like with people, extreme medical interventions don’t improve quality of life. She loved you and you loved her.
houda
I am so sorry for your loss. You have provided a caring home for your kitty and nurtured her to the best of your ability. She is in a better place and sometimes it’s better to go peacefully than live longer in pain.
Sorry for your loss
EK
Anyone familiar with the Kelly Moore Libby bag? http://store.kellymoorebag.com/collections/all/products/libby
Pioneer woman recommended this bag a while back, and while it is called a camera bag, it looks like it would be an awesome work bag as well. I just keep being drawn back to it and I need to get a new briefcase or work bag soon. I have a red Tumi that I love but it has seen better days.
Anon
No information or opinions on the Kelly Moore Libby bag, but I actually have a different camera bag that doubles as my work tote when I travel. It’s not nearly as large as the Kelly Moore Libby, so I can only speak to what it holds for me, but I put my 13 inch macbook plus ipad mini plus wallet/cosmetic pouch/passport/keys/etc in there and it can also hold a small amount of papers.
http://www.onabags.com/store/shoulder-bags/the-chelsea.html?color=black#black
And it looks super sharp.
EK
Thanks for the info…I forgot to mention that one of my hesitations is that the Libby bag seems a little ginormous. I would no doubt fill every little crack and crevice of the thing and probably not be able to carry its 50 pounds. :)
I just checked out your bag and it looks like from the stated dimensions that the only difference with the Libby size-wise is Libby is 3 inches taller. I do like the looks of yours, but I am having a hard time justifying spending even the $250 for the Libby, let alone another $100+
anon
I actually use the blue libby bag as my everyday bag – I’ve had it for 2 years and its held up great. Highly recommend.
Anonymous
Thanks for the feedback!
anonforthis
Had to celebrate somewhere….I paid off my student loans last night, hooray!!!! The feeling of being free to leave Biglaw is so, so satisfying…
Anon in NYC
Congrats! I can’t wait for that feeling.
Brit
Yay! I know I was so excited when I was able to pay off the smallest of my loans, so I bet paying off the whole chunk is even better! Congrats!
Sammie
Major congratulations!!
If you feel comfortable sharing, can I ask how long it took you and what your beginning balance was? I love getting inspiration from others who have done what I am trying so hard to do!
anonforthis
I was very lucky – my husband and I are both in Biglaw. Jointly our debt was about 200K, although I paid off the first 50K on my own before we got married. Took 2 years, 4 months. We basically paid it off that fast by keeping a similar lifestyle to what we did in law school, aside from higher rent because we moved to a HCOL area and going to nice dinners slightly more often (which balanced out in the end because we also got rid of our car and its associated expenses). It also helped that most of my friends work in largely entry-level jobs, so I never had the pressure to spend lots of money to hang out with them – we all mostly have house parties or go out to cheap bars.
Good luck to you, I obviously know how stressful it can be!!!
M2
Congratulations! Biglaw or no, it is so freeing to no longer have a mortgage on your brain!
KCC
Thank you Reix for your advice and suggestions about dressing for the office. I had previously asked about whether I should stick to my own personal look (a little more formal) or dress similar to others at the office (very casual) and Reix has suggested to find a place in the middle but to realize that dressing a little nicer than the normal can signal that I’m ready for the next bigger position.
This brings me to another question: Do you think what we wear can really make a difference, assuming all other things being equal? Can dressing “nice” give you an extra point or two when it comes to promotions or the better offer?
(former) preg 3L
Yes, I think that dressing sharply can give you an edge, if only because you will tend to be taken more seriously and remembered as a better worker (better than others, and also, possibly a tiny bit better than you actually were). You will be more likely to receive the benefit of the doubt if you look like you take yourself and your work seriously — which I feel usually means dressing just a bit more nicely than your coworkers.
MJ
I think grooming really does make a difference in (i) male-dominated industries (everyone likes the cute girl on their team, even if the senior person doesn’t know whether your work is good at all) and (ii) in client facing industries. It creates an impression of having your stuff together, even if not related whatsoever to competence. Fair? No. Reality? Yes!
ss
‘Assuming all other things being equal’
This is the key point because in real life, they never are. I’ve made many decisions to hire or award business, raises, promotions etc and can quite confidently say that a candidate’s grooming has never been a variable in this kind of substantive decision. The far more important question I need to answer ultimately : is this candidate a person I can all rely on make us look good by performing well, going the extra mile, exercising judgement in difficult situations etc etc. To answer this, I may think about their track record, their fit with what is being required, their development potential, their personality and a million other things. But their superb grooming – no.
Grooming may make a difference if we are talking first impressions rather than substantive career moves but even so, the primary goal should be that your grooming conforms sufficiently with whatever the relevant formal or informal code may be, so as not to be a distraction from your performance and talents. Once a person meets this minimum, she needs to think or spend no more on the matter of grooming, except of course whatever else gives her personal pleasure and enjoyment.
Reix
KCC, I advised “dressing a little nicer than the normal can signal that I’m ready for the next bigger position” because “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is pretty much standard advice for both men and women.
And I want to add that dressing in a way that pleases you (always within the limits of your office & industry culture) will make you feel more confident and (if you are anything like me) happier too.
I pretty much agree with ss… but I wonder wether good grooming/dressing (even good posture!) have an influence at the subconcious level… and I think they do.
(Sorry if my comment doesn’t make much sense, I am really tired now).
Anon
Absolutely. I think a lot of people want to think it doesn’t matter or that they wouldn’t factor it in, but on a subconscious level how you look and present yourself all factors into how you are perceived, and it definitely makes a difference at executive levels. Tons of studies on attractive and tall people having an edge and you can’t do much about that, but you can control how you dress.