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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 216 Comments · by

Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Claudette Jacket

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Nina McLemore Claudette Jacket | CorporetteThere was an interesting article in the WSJ a few weeks ago: “Women in Power Know Nina: Label Looks Commanding but Doesn't Grab the Spotlight,” so I thought I'd take a look at her collection. I like how many of her jackets have popped collars — perhaps to accommodate updos and short hair? — and a lot of the fabrics come from “our wonderful French mill.” There are a lot of great pieces to choose from, but this versatile Claudette jacket with the fun tiny red and white print, stood out to me. As they note, it looks like the kind of piece that would be at home with jeans or a sheath dress. It's $750, available in sizes 0-18. Nina McLemore Claudette Jacket Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail [email protected]. Psst: here's a lower-priced version, and a fab plus-sized version. (L-2)

Sales of note for 8.30.24

  • Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
  • Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Bergdorf Goodman – Final Days Designer Sale, up to 75% off; extra 20% off sale
  • Boden – 20% off
  • Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance
  • Eloquii – Up to 60% off everything; extra 60% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide; extra 60% off sale styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off orders $125+; extra 60% off clearance; 60%-70% off 100s of styles
  • Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off (ends 9/2)
  • Madewell – Extra 40% off sale; extra 50% off select denim; 25% off fall essentials
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Rothy's – End of season sale, up to 50% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear in the big sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 25% off regular-price purchase; 70% off clearance
  • White House Black Market – Up to 70% off sale

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Comments

    • Turtle Wexler

      I thought I was in the know b/c I knew about Akris (also via WSJ), but this was news to me. A store in my city has occasional Nina trunk shows. I really want to go to the next one and am a bit terrified that I’ll buy something.

      [OTOH, it is totally intriguing to me that I live in a city that has Nina trunk shows. Who are these women? I am thinking that they are the people I want to be in 10 years. And I view my city as a good place, but the sort where I feel like I am the only woman in her early 40s who still works. I might go to gawk at my fellow shoppers as much as for the goods themselves.]

      • Unicorn

        I usually don’t buy nice things for myself, but if I did, it might be something like this that I could take off before walking in the door at home / going to swim lessons with my children / general armageddon that I am exposed to when not strictly at my desk (and that includs you, take-away Chicken Tikka place with the loose-fitting lids).

        Gotta have something to wear with The Skirt.

    • Bonnie

      I hate popped collars with a passion. Maybe I’ve spent too much time in Georgetown.

      • hoola hoopa

        I like stand up collars, so at first I liked the popped collar look. …But now I can’t unsee this connection.

        I still adore the color and weave.

  2. Anon

    Gorgeous jacket!

    Just put in an offer on a house for the first time – please tell me it’s normal to be nauseous and terrified!

    • January

      Yup. I just went through it myself, and the whole negotiation process was definitely one of the more nerve-wracking weeks of my life. Good luck!!

        • Rachelellen

          That’s awesome. And to you too. I am just waiting for my final final number to wire the DP. Of course I was up at 2 AM staring at the ceiling, running through cash flow projections in my head. ; )

    • Annon2

      Good Luck!

      I closed 3 months ago, bought the condo by myself. Was nerve wrecking, was afraid something would go wrong last minute or I was making a big mistake. Didn’t believe it was real until I was at the closing table. Now 3 months later, after new carpet, paint, washer/dryer, furniture, light fixtures, and a roomba :), finally it felt like “my” home this weekend. Spent an evening drinking wine and cheering to myself.

  3. Kelly

    I’m not spending $750 on a jacket unless it’s an heirloom piece, such as a Burberry or the like. I work too hard for my money to spend it on a short waisted, fitted jacket in a non-neutral color. As for the poster above who just made an offer on a home–congratulations! Save the worry and nausea for the loan underwriting process :)

    • Wildkitten

      Preach. But if I hard Hillary Clinton’s budget and was on TV as often as she is, I’d probably adjust my PPW up a lot.

    • Unicorn

      I think that heirloom pieces are like unicorns: we think they may exist, but I haven’t ever seen one.

      I like my DVF dresses. Maybe my daughters will wear them when they are older. Maybe they will have different builds, hate fashion tape, have different styles, etc. Or they may serve me well (or ill — see fashion tape reference) and die after many years of wear.

      I liked my wedding dress and maybe they will wear that (again: size / taste limitations).

      My heirloom pieces are probably jewelry (the two pieces of diamond jewelry I have and some charm bracelets) and maybe my Hermes and Gucci scarves. I think everything but jewelry is wishful thinking on my part.

      • Kelly

        I agree most heirloom pieces are jewelry, although I was thinking along the lines of my grandmother’s Chanel bag, my grandfather’s Burberry trench and my Hermes scarf as heirloom pieces. I suppose it really depends on one’s budget and relationship with their money, when deciding what constitutes “heirloom.” I guess the jacket above just doesn’t hit enough “yes” points for me to pull the trigger on it. Maybe for another, it would. No judgment here, just offering my opinion.

      • tesyaa

        Your daughters will not wear your work clothes 15 or 20 or 30 years from now. I’m not saying there are zero exceptions to this rule, but the chance is so small that it’s not worth the mental effort of even imagining it, not to mention the time spent storing them carefully, etc. Let them go….

        • somewhat disagree

          It depends on how classic the pieces are, IMHO. My mother made a dress for her own ring dance when she was in college. It was a white, empire-waisted job with a straight column skirt, with beading on the bodice. I wore it to my prom. It had no sentimental value to me whatsoever, it was a pretty dress, that with minor tailoring (I have a shorter torso than she did, so she took up the straps), worked perfectly for the occasion. I would also say that other pieces of high workmanship (including classic pieces such as suit separates) could easily be passed down. Apart from some nuanced details, the sheath dress hasn’t changed in decades. I still look for these pieces when I go thrift-shopping (like a Bobbi Brooks full-circle-skirt shirtdress that was the wrong size, but absolutely gorgeous–probably from the 50s).

          I’d say if they’re items that you still can or could wear, keep them, if you have the space for it.

          • tesyaa

            IMO it’s the difference in nuanced details that make pieces look dated. Sometimes that’s desirable, as when the Mad Men look came back. But usually, a dated piece, even one thought classic in its day, is just out of style.

            Obviously there are exceptions (as I caveated in my first comment), and your prom dress sounds lovely.

          • Anonymous

            But that’s kinda the point. Tesyaa was talking about work clothes, not pretty dresses.

        • Diana Barry

          +1. I think special occasion clothes can be used more easily across decades (I had an awesome vintage dress that was probably 30 yrs old that worked for various proms etc.) but definitely not work clothes.

      • Bonnie

        Agreed. I don’t see clothing as an investment and feel that the phrase investment piece is used to justify the expense. I wish people would just say that they’re paying more for the quality or style of an item. Even with my DVF dresses, the patterns have changed significantly over the years and I can’t see them looking current in a few decades.

        • Moonstone

          I’d go one step further and say that “investment piece” is a term the retailer wants to reinforce, but it’s not a useful way for the consumer to think.

      • Sarabeth

        Totally. My mom saved me some beautiful Pendleton suits from the 70s and 80s. They really are gorgeous, but they are immediately identifiable as period pieces due to their cut. Maybe they could be updated with a ton of tailoring, but it doesn’t seem worth the money/risk.

    • Ellen

      Yay! Pricey Monday’s! I love pricey Monday’s and this Nina MacLemore Claudette jacket, tho it would look alot better on Rosa then me, b/c she can wear it with JEANS and I can’t b/c it is not long enough to cover my TUCHUS!

      But Noah said I look great, tuchus and all, and he think’s it is b/c of the walkeing I do. He say’s that walkeing is good even if not as airobic as running, it is alot easier once you get over 40. I hope he does NOT think I am THAT old! FOOEY b/c I want to have 2 kids in school and a house with a pool in Chapaqua by then so that I do NOT have to do anything like ROSA! YAY– and she is onley 26 now. I have alot of catcheing up to do. I am not sure if Noah is the guy b/c he did NOT even try to do anything sexueal with me. I think he is scared b/c I am a big lawyer and he is afreaid of lawsuite’s? I realy don’t know and I do NOT want to throw myself at him.

      As for the OP, I agree that the $750 price tag is high, but if you are MARRIED, get your husband to pay the bill. I have do NOT have a husband, onley the manageing partner and he does NOT pay all of it. But as for this one, Kat, I think I will pass, b/c of the TUCHUS issue, even tho Noah might like my tuchus, he is NOT makeing any move’s for it (or any other part of me), tho he did do some stareing at my boobie’s. All in all, if I could land him, I would marry him, but I do not think he is THAT interested. But I will not settel for the manageing partner’s brother, who is closeing on his place this week. FOOEY!

  4. RR

    Beautiful! I’ve been eyeing that plus size option for a year (or so it seems). May pull the trigger…..

  5. Anon

    Anon as I fear this would out me…

    SO and I are moving to Denver in January for a program I was recently accepted to. I can’t recall if I’ve seen any Denverites on here but hoping I can get some insight on moving there!

    We will only have one car, and my program is in the LoDo neighborhood. Since we’ll only be on one income (his) I have a feeling it will be too expensive to rent in that area, but would love to live in a neighborhood from which I can take the light rail or other quick public transportation. We don’t know where he’ll be working yet but assume he’ll have the car.

    Any suggestions on great neighborhoods to look at? We’re in our mid 20s and don’t have kids. I would love an area where we could easily get to good restaurants, bars, and shopping within walking distance.

    Thanks!!

    • Anon

      Ugh, not sure why that was in moderation for so long. One additional question to the above… SO has a regular 4 door, 2 wheel drive sedan. Is this acceptable for Denver and does everyone have chains for their tires?

      • Denveranon

        That car will be fine for Denver, and you won’t need chains unless you’re heading up into the mountains on certain winter days. Winters here are really pretty mild compared to east coast winters.

      • NYNY

        Not a Denverite, but I have family there. First off, Denver is a car town, and if you and SO are not in a situation where you can carpool, you’re going to have a hard time getting around. There are buses (not quick), and that’s really it. You can bicycle, but not year round. Seriously consider getting a second car.

        As for neighborhoods, I like the area west of City Park to Capitol Hill. Particularly around E 17th Ave, there are good bars, shops, and restaurants you can walk to if you live close. Housing stock is mostly 1920’s bungalows, some broken into duplex apartments to rent. If you go further east of downtown to the area near Colorado & Colfax, there are multi-unit apartment buildings, although fewer fun places to go.

        Your car should be fine, as long as you aren’t taking it to the mountains in snow. In town, the snow gets removed pretty quickly, and they sand the streets for traction (no salt). You may want to invest in good snow tires.

    • Emm

      I work in Denver but I live in Boulder. No chains needed, don’t worry. 4 wheel drive is nice, but not a necessity. I am still driving my 2WD car and I get by just fine, you just have to be extra careful if it’s just snowed. The nice thing is snow melts quickly here because all of the sun, so it’s really only one day of a bad commute when it snows.

      I have to disagree about Denver being a “car town.” I guess compared to NYC it is, and a lot of people drive cars, but a lot also take public transportation. Colorado is very green in general, so this is a very popular option. There is a lightrail that is getting better and buses for regional commutes. I took the bus from Boulder to Denver for several years and loved it–took me 25 minutes. Since I live in Boulder, I don’t know any specific neighborhoods on the light rail, but I know lots of people take it and are happy with it. Also, there are some neighborhoods in Denver being revitalized/updated that might be less costly, depending on what you are looking for in a neighborhood, where you could bike in from or take a short bus. I work in LoDo and it’s becoming even better now that Union Station has opened–more food options and just generally a more happening place. Good luck!

      • Anon

        Thanks everyone! I am moving from a Large Eastcoast City so wasn’t expecting public transportation to be quite as easy, but I’m dedicated to making it work– we definitely are not going to be able to buy another car.

        I’m really excited. I’m definitely going to check out the Capitol Hill area. Happy to know we won’t totally stick out with our car!

  6. feedly?

    Has anyone else noticed feedly’s switch to having to click on each blog entry and then have it magnify on the right side of the screen instead of being able to scroll through several blog posts? Annoying! Are there any fixes that get rid of the right side pop-up? It feels very awkward to read an article on the right side of the screen.

    • AnonCo

      I’ve always had my reader set up this way, but I think you can adjust the display under Preferences > Default View > Full Articles.

    • TXLawyer

      Thank you! I was wondering if I accidentally switched some setting to make that happen. I’ll definitely check out the suggested fixes!

      • Kat G

        Just with this blog or with all feedly stuff? Argh, thought we were just getting our feed issues fixed…

  7. YouSaucyMinx

    Talbots has a remarkably similar red tweed jacket with stand-up collar for just 23.99 (down from $129) for regular, plus, and petit sizes.

  8. Medic Maggie

    THAT is a gorgeous jacket. I would love to see it in other colors.

    What are you wearing today??
    Bright pink 3/4 sleeve cardi, matching color (happenstance) scoop-t-shirt with shirring detail at neck; tucked in (!! I haven’t tucked a shirt in forever, but it definitely adds to the polish!), black leather belt, deep navy blue trousers & black flats. Silver wire tri-strand necklace with square pink beads. I got it together today.

    • Red Beagle

      Medic Maggie: sounds like you’ve hit it out of the park! Love the outfit.
      Me: silky full skirt, pinkish pumps, off-white silk shell, pale pink cardigan. Blush ballet flats in the bag for the lunchtime walk to a restaurant – hosting a quarterly office birthday party today for our small group of six.

      • Cb

        Blue boden patterned 3/4 sleeve dress and black Saks hidden wedge flats. It’s somehow freezing in August so I also have a grey tweed blazer with fuchsia threads running through it.

      • ANP

        Red Beagle, I’m definitely digging that outfit. Where did you buy your silky full skirt from? I definitely don’t have one of those in my wardrobe and it sounds intriguing.

        No meetings today so I’m slumming it a little. The Dress from Lands End (several seasons ago) in plum, but because it’s old/er it’s a wee bit pilly. Heather gray cardigan over the top to combat the frigid office AC, even though it was 77 degrees outside at 7:30 AM. Diamond stud earrings and a quadrifoglio (sp?) necklace from Tiffany; big Michael Kors watch with a white leather band. Metallic pointy-toe flats from Target.

        • Red Beagle

          The skirt, which I love because not only is it bright pink and fun but has pockets – squee! – was a resale store find for about ten bucks. I work in a casual office but even so it’s a once-every-three-week happy dance piece because my go-tos are pencil skirts and shift dresses with blazers. Sometimes I wear it with a rose printed pashmina for a gypsy-ish vibe. I live for items like this which I find on lunchtime shopping mini-sprees at Crossroads Trading Company or Buffalo Exchange (which I think are local resale chains).

    • Diana Barry

      I am working at a remote location ALL WEEK. Woohooooo! So right now I am wearing yoga pants, SPF shirt, and a ratty old flannel shirt over. If I go out to eat later I will probably put on jeans and a more presentable shirt. :)

    • Reix

      Very dark navy blue pant suit, cobalt blue 3/4 sleeve top and dark brown booties (pointy toe, low wedge). And a pin shaped as a white flower on my lapel.

    • lucy stone

      Hot pink cropped pants, grey v-neck tee, navy cardigan, pink/grey/white pearls, boat shoes. It’s raining like mad here and I have an office day.

    • Nonny

      It is a very rough morning. My daughter woke up 9, count ’em, 9 times last night. I think she is teething. So this morning would have been a standard throw-on-the-black dress day under any other circumstances, except that I don’t have a black dress that I can wear these days to accommodate pumping at work. I seriously need to find that elusive black wrap dress, just for mornings like this.

      What I ended up with in my groggy state:
      The Skirt in a mid-blue colour (lagoon?), black nursing cami, black waist-length cardigan, orange and blue infinity scarf to cover the decolletage, nude-for-me Anne Taylor pumps (seriously, I love AT pumps – these are my favourite work shoes).

      Off to get some caffeine.

    • KS IT Chick

      Let’s see… Gray slacks, navy blazer, light aqua tee, black DexFlex wedges from Payless, and black pearl stud earrings. It’s kind of boring, but it is a “feel good about myself” outfit, with a phone interview this morning and a meeting with a vendor this afternoon.

    • anon

      So colorful!

      I am less so: camel The Skirt, black silk button down blouse, black Sam Edelman Okala heels (my new favorite heels, I want to wear them forever).

    • In the Pink

      Talbots fit-and-flare dress, white with lavender “falling leaves,” with a white belt and then and matching 3/4 cardi on top.

      multi colored pastel “snake” pumps

      short necklace – silver, with blue and purple button pearls

      silver and grey pearl leverback earrings

      two enamel bracelets with pearls on them (thanks to dillards ana & ava line)

  9. Red Beagle

    As for the jacket and popped collars, can’t you pop collars on pretty much any blazer?
    TJ: This weekend I went all artsy-craftsy and made my first in a long time gift baskets from scratch. They cost way more than they should have, and many trips to different stores for the parts not to mention much assembly required. But it was fulfilling and we’ll see how they are received!

    • Medic Maggie

      A lot of blazers’ collars aren’t constructed to stand up well. They’re sewn so that they lay flat, and they may sometimes have a facing on the underside of the collar, rather than the blazer material.

      I love your TJ–I do that sort of thing too. I make wreaths. I know I spend less than I’d pay if I bought one pre-made at JoAnn or Michael’s, but they’re still pricey when I’m buying my own materials, but I love them. I’m on the lookout coming up the next few weeks to gather materials for a new fall & a new winter wreath. I really should sell them on et-sy or something, but I don’t know if I would recoup my cost. Maybe if I started buying wholesale…

      • Red Beagle

        I keep trying to post but it keeps blowing up. Take 6:
        Love the wreaths. Sounds like fun!
        A little binge-crafting is a good thing, I think. Also, it always stuns people that you are creative if they don’t see that side of you every day.
        My baskets were well received. Totally worth it!

  10. C

    There’s something about that jacket and the photo that remind me of the Pendleton catalog shots. I thought it was a Pendleton jacket until I read the post.

  11. Title Me!

    I am looking for advice from outside my org.

    I am the director of the M&A group. In our company, there are certain supervisory duties that one must have in order to have the title of “manager” or “director”– ie, you must manage a team of X size to be a manager, and you must manager X managers to be a director. This is a fairly new provision, and while some are grandfathered in, all new hires must meet these criteria.

    For senior level people without the requisite direct reports, we have titles like “lead” and “expert”— the idea being that you can be paid at a senior level but still be more or less an individual contributor. This is common in technical industries, which we have become more like in recent years.

    Here’s the thing. I direct our M&A group. My title is “Director, M&A” I have a few direct reports, one manages two others and is a “manager,” the other is a “specialist” who is mid-level with no direct reports. I have a new hire who is coming in at the “expert” level. She’s seasoned, has about 10 years of experience, but will have no direct reports. In other companies, she’d be a manager/sr manager/ director in title. But in our system, she’s “M&A Expert”. That is a silly business card title.

    Any ideas what we can use for her title? If she were in the technical track, like most of our “lead” or “expert” levels, having that on her busienss card wouldn’t be a big deal: “Expert Systems Engineer” etc. But she’s in M&A. HR suggested “M&A Strategist” which I think is silly. But I don’t have much else to offer.

    Do any of y’all work in companies like this that don’t have the traditional “manager” or “director” levels?

      • Ginjury

        What about Senior M&A Strategist or just put “senior” in front of the specialist title, like Senior M&A Specialist?

        I agree that lead and especially expert don’t seem appropriate for this type of role.

    • Samantha

      Perhaps add “Senior” or “Principal” as a prefix to jazz up the title, e.g. Senior M&A Specialist, etc.

      • anne-on

        Just an FYI “Principal” is a consulting firm/Big 4 title, which is similar to equity partner, so perhaps stay away from that one if that isn’t the appropriate level of seniority.

  12. Bento

    I’d like to start packing bento boxes for my family (2 adults and a teenager). I don’t think I’m interested in cutting angry birds out of cheese, but I’d like some simple suggestions to get me started. Any tips from ‘r*tt*s that pack bentoboxes? Any recommendations for gear? Any recommendations for blogs with simple recipes/ideas?

    • Anon

      I’d check out the blog Family Fresh Cooking and search under Project Lunchbox. I’m not her, and I don’t know her, but I think many of her ideas are solid.

    • Alice

      Just Bento dot com has tons of good recipes and ideas. I love packing bentos–mostly because I focus on food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or reheated. So I can keep my bento at my desk and have, like, 3 mini-lunches rather than 1 lunch if I so choose.

      In terms of the food, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is prepare several large dishes at the beginning of the week, and then assemble a variety every day. So you have variety within a meal, if not variety every day. For example, this week we are doing (1) Smitten Kitchen’s lentil, chickpea, and goat cheese salad; (2) simple arugula salad with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and champagne vinegar; (3) leftover ratatouille; (3) a hard-boiled egg; and (4) pre-chopped cantaloupe. Last week we went more asian-focused, and did (1) tamago; (2) salmon onigiri; (3) edamame; (4) cucumber, spinach, and and vinegar salad; and (4) fresh plums.

      In terms of packing, I found I have used my usual containers (tupperware or my metal EcoLunchbox) as often as my boxes specifically made for bentos–the most important thing is that they don’t leak. But I have found it is really helpful to have silicone muffin cups (you can easily use them to separate foods without using many bulky containers) and really small bottles for things like salad dressings or crunchy nuts/toppings that you might want to keep separate before eating. I’d recommend going to the Container Store to get a wide variety of containers.

    • DC Association

      At Homegoods / TJ Maxx, I saw tupperware-esqe lunch bento boxes. Go there before going to Container store!

  13. Book Rec

    On the recommendation of many here, I read and loved Cutting for Stone. Anything similar that y’all would recommend now to fill the void for the upcoming long weekend? TIA.

  14. fashion finds for fall

    ffffrrreaking spectacular.

    What’s on your list of things you’re stalking to buy this fall?
    I need new flats. I will also be looking to replace a lot of my fall dress pants, skirts & dresses as all of my older ones are now too big (woot). As far as a trend to follow, though, I think I want some of these:

    dub-dub-dub dot zappos dot com/sebago-claremont-brogue-cinnamon-bronze

    • Equity's Darling

      I really want a pair of leopard print loafers/flats. All the ones I’ve seen so far are either cheap looking, or made of calfhair which freaks me out when I touch it, so I’m not sure what I’m going to do with that.

      I also want to treat myself to a pair of Poppy Barley shoes- they’re custom made somewhat locally, and I just really want a pair of shoes thatI love and are perfect for my feet.

      Otherwise…I think I could use a couple of new sheath dresses- My classic black one is about 4 years old and looking a little worn, and same with my charcoal one. And new cardigans, there’s always space for cardigans.

      I’m not sure what to do with my casual closet this fall/winter yet…I can’t put my finger on what trends I like this fall, though I know I don’t really like the leather.

    • Sydney Bristow

      I think I’m going to pull the trigger and buy a leather pencil skirt this year. I wanted one last year but never quite got around to it.

      • Do you like maps?

        I have one that is 10 years old and I still wear it. It’s a fall/winter going out piece, but I wore it to church once last year and no lightening bolt struck me down.

      • Maddie Ross

        I have one – can’t say enough good things about it. I wear it to work with chunky sweaters and love it for winter cocktails with silk shirts.

    • Cb

      I really want a silk shantung midi skirt for some festive activities I have coming up. I think I’ll need to have it made though as I can’t find anything I really like.

    • Baconpancakes

      Haha, “dub-dub-dub.” Love it.

      I’m looking for a camel-colored winter coat, a tweed skirt, and a navy wrap dress with some kind of pattern. I should’ve gotten the BR one when it was on sale, but now it’s sold out.

      On the same note, I just noticed that the blazer I ordered during the Anniversary sale, that was “cancelled” before shipping for an unspecified reason, is back in stock. If I call, will they give me the sale price?

    • CKB

      Basics I for sure have to buy:
      I need new flats too – black, grey, red
      I also need to replace my black v-neck cardigan
      I want a lightweight grey v-neck sweater
      I’d also like a cognac leather bag

      And of course, replenish my tights stash – black, grey, maybe some patterns or colors, depending on what tickles my fancy

      I haven’t figured out the fun ‘extras’ I will buy for fall yet. I can’t believe September is next month!

      • anon

        My fun extra for this fall is an oversized faux fur collar. It’s so fabulous and ridiculous. I love it.

    • anon

      I’m a sucker for fall and winter clothes. Ordered the Vince Camuto Winta boots and should get them tonight. Also ordered a Free People cowl sweater that looks like a dressed up sweatshirt. Good for travel. Considering a pair of navy suede pumps.

    • Nonny

      I am more or less on a work clothes buying moratorium (except for aforementioned black wrap dress, if I can find one, and perhaps one more The Skirt). But this is the year for my flat brown boots. I am thinking Frye. I have been wanting a pair for years and have not pulled the trigger, so this is the year.

      I really want a leather jacket too – the one I have is about 10 years old, was not particularly good when I bought it, and is in a hopelessly outdated style that doesn’t really flatter me. It’s time to upgrade.

      • In the Pink

        Saw a similar “The Skirt” at Banana. It has a black background but the “center panels” are blue with black feline spots with some purple highlighting on them.” Did not have time to see if it was lined. Are you listening Nordies? We want lined skirts!

      • nutella

        I have a leather jacket from All Saints I bought many years ago in the UK and L-O-V-E it. Looks better and better over the years. If you are looking to get one this year, I recommend All Saints!

        • Nonny

          Ah, yes. Love, love, love All Saints. They are one of the options I am considering.

      • fashion finds for fall

        I re-found my black Italian leather moto-inspired jacket. My aunt brought it back for me from her trip to Italy when I was in college more than 10 years ago (and then, it was snug across the chest!), but now that I’ve lost a bunch of weight, hello lovah! I cannot wait to start wearing it again. I think I am also in the boat of needing to replace my brown flat boots. I bought them as the first pair of tall boots upon losing weight, but I have a feeling the calf is going to be too big now…I haven’t tried them on in months.

    • AIMS

      I am also in the market for some leopard flats – looking into the BP ones; for those who aren’t grossed out by calf hair (except I am) Ivanka Trump has a very nice looking pair of the pointy flats in leopard. Saw them at L&T this weekend – lovely.

      For trends: I want everything dark forest green – I love the color & have realized that I feel that I look great every time I wear it and yet I don’t have very much of it. Same for oxblood.

      What I actually need: knee high boots in brown and black and a warm winter puffer coat (I recently bought a new wool coat so that’s taken care of).
      I’d also love to get another JCrew Double Serge Wool skirt in new color – maybe forest green?! And need to find a good pair of really warm wool flannel work pants as old pair has seen better days, but that’s probably last on my to-do list because I have all those more pressing big ticket items (above) to get.

      • anne-on

        I have the JCrew double surge wool skirt in both green and oxblood from last year, I can’t wait to break them out again!

    • Rachelellen

      An entire new wardrobe after 3ish years of making do with what I’ve got and “splurging” on an occasional piece from Target or JCP. Gotta stop looking, and feeling, like a frump.

      • Darf Raider

        Feeling pulled together is such an ego boost. Rachelellen, have fun with your upcoming new wardrobe!

      • fashion finds for fall

        Please try your local thrift stores! I find TONS of high-end stuff in our small, mixed-socio-economic town (combination of university students/faculty/staff + abject poverty + everything in between) thrift stores. My dress pants today are from Banana. But I didn’t pay full price for them! My top is a Loft t-shirt that had tags on it when I bought it.

        Looking good does NOT have to mean spendy.

        I should start a fashion blog with my thrift finds.

        • wolverine

          Please do! I’d totally follow it. I get overwhelmed by thrift stores and haven’t come across blogs that deal strictly with thrifting workplace clothes. Your blog could fill that gap.

          • fashion finds for fall

            Ok, I will work on it…I will caution that my workplace is more casual than business, but I will do my best!!

  15. Orangerie

    A bit late, but wanted to say thanks for all of the creative BF birthday gift suggestions. Ended up getting him the Assouline cars book and he loved it. Would have never known it existed on my own, so thanks again!

  16. posey

    I would like to get a new food processor. I have a basic Cuisinart 4-cup model that is showing its age and I’d like to upgrade to an 8 or 9 cup model. I use it mostly for making baby food but if I’m getting a new model I’d also like something that could help with food prep for adult meals (chop, slice, grate, etc).

    This is my dilemma: the Cuisinart models are very expensive, especially when compared to the Hamilton Beach or Black & Decker models. I am not opposed to paying more for the Cuisinart, but is it really worth it for a casual cook? Does anyone have personal experience?

    • Cb

      I have a Magimix which I think is quite similar to the cuisinart. As a casual cook and baker, I love it. I use it for chopping vegetables, making bread dough (it is easier on my hands and so much faster) and just about anything you can think of (I have the grating attachment which is good for cheese). I probably use it 4-5 times a week.

    • Anonymous

      My mother’s baby food making cuisinart is still going strong 30 years later. That’s enough of a recommendation for me.

    • Diana Barry

      The cuisinarts do work well; I would recommend getting a small one for baby food/single onion prep and a bigger one for bigger jobs. I have the mini prep and use it most of the time when I need a food processor; I use the big one (8 cup?) only for really big (2+ cup) jobs.

    • tesyaa

      I’m using my late mother-in-law’s 11-cup Cuisinart which is at least 30 years old. Still good as new… well I melted the bowl once by putting it down on a warm burner and I had to replace it. But it’s really amazing.

    • anon eagle

      I bought a Cuisinart from Bed Bath and B with my 20% coupon. BBB takes expired coupons too, FYI. I broke my first Cuisinart within 3 days of purchase via a block of mozzarella when I was on a crazy shredded cheese bender. BBB didn’t have the same model in stock so let me exchange my busted Cuisinart for a nicer, more expensive Cuisinart. Nice!

    • anon

      My 8 year old Cuisinart just busted last night. Seems to be a big difference between mine and the older ones. FWIW, America’s Test Kitchen recommends the KitchenAid 12 cup. It’s around $180. I also had both a full size and a mini prep, the mini works very well and is much less of a pain to pull out. I use the bigger one when I make pie dough or if I specifically need a grating/shredding blade.

    • Flower

      I have a Cuisinart and my mom got a new KitchenAid model to replace her old Cuisinart. I have to say that I actually like some of the features on her KitchenAid better – mine has a silicon edge on the main lid that is a pain to clean. Cooks Illustrated has done numerous rounds ups on models over the years, so I would check out their site for reviews.

        • FYI

          Cooks Illustrated = America’s Test Kitchen… and you are right, the reviews are fabulous!

  17. Moving Tips?

    I have 10 work days and 2 weekend days before I move, and I’m freaking out. It’s just a studio, and I’m hiring movers, but I keep getting completely overwhelmed by how much there is to do. Any tips on how to make this go smoothly?

    • Diana Barry

      Get rid of everything you possibly can before you pack!

      Then, number your boxes. #1 box should contain scissors, paper towels, sponges, cleaning supplies, and other useful tools for furniture assembly or what have you.

      On moving day, don’t forget to drink lots of water and eat in between packing and unpacking. Tip the movers!

    • NYNY

      Spreadsheet to track what’s in each box, so only a number is on the box (and not a “steal me” list of goods). Diana Barry’s #1 box is good, but make sure to also include paper plates, bottle opener and/or corkscrew for the pizza and beer or wine. Also, know where the following items are: shower curtain (if applicable), towels, soap, sheets, pillows. Because you need to sleep and you’ll want to shower your first night in the new place.

      • Baconpancakes

        We moved a lot as a kid, and one of the things drilled into me, along the lines of NYNY, is to pack a box with your linens, clothes for a week, a towel, shower curtain if necessary, and toiletries. Basically, everything you need to live for a week. Keep that box with you, and set up your bed the first thing you do, before unpacking anything else. That way, when you decide half way through painting your kitchen, that you don’t care anymore and just want to sleep, you can fall into bed. Also good to add to that box: coffee maker, bowl and spoon for cereal. Don’t bother trying to cook right away -it’s ok to get takeout for a couple days.

        Also, if you can and you’re sure you know what color you want, paint before moving furniture against the walls. If not, you’ll put it off forever.

        Are the movers packing you up or just moving your boxes? If they’re not packing for you and/or providing boxes (and you’re not using the reusable crates), look on freecycle for boxes, get them asap, and buy three more rolls of packing tape than you think you need. Start off packing the easy things – books, DVDs, out-of-season clothes, linens, and move to the breakables, kitchen stuff, clothes, and other personal items. Purge as you go, and put “Drop off donations” on your calendar like it’s an appointment, or you’ll find a bag of donation stuff when you unpack in your new place. Try to pack a box every night after work until it’s all done.

        Good luck!

        • Meg Murry

          In addition to all the above great suggestions – if you have luggage, pack it like you are going on a business trip. Toiletries, a few days of wrinkle-proof work clothes & shoes, etc. Then when you are getting settled in you don’t have to look through the stacks of boxes for your clothes for the next day – just find the suitcase. And if you have multiple suitcases, you can pack them with your dresser contents instead of boxes – small one for sock/underwear drawer, medium for tshirts and workout clothes, etc.

          If you work in an office now, go ask the secretary/admin assistant if they have extra copy paper boxes – they have a lid and are sturdy – great for packing books and papers.

        • anne-on

          Maybe I’m squeamish, but cockroaches can and do live in cardboard boxes. When I moved in NYC I tried very hard to pack my clothing in suitcases which was lined in plastic garbage bags. Ditto with checking to make sure your movers are certified against bedbugs, apparently they’re very easily picked up in moving blankets/vans.

    • Meg Murry

      Do you have a lot of stuff on hangers now? If so, these boxes are so worth it – you just put the items still on the hangers in the box, then when you unpack put them right in the closet. Even better if you can find them on Craigslist for free or cheap like we did – search wardrobe boxes or closet boxes. http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Boxes/Clothing-moving-boxes/Grand-Wardrobe-Box?id=6560

      One other tip I learned – instead of bubble wrap or newspaper, we wrapped up our dishes in our towels, dish towels and tshirts. Padded them just as well, no extra expense.

      And I totally agree with the above recommendation to donate as much as possible right now so you don’t move stuff you intend to donate.

      • L

        A potentially cheaper alternative (if you’re not putting your clothes in a moving van) is to rubber band the hangers together and get a few trash bags for a makeshift garment bag.

    • Middle Coast

      Enlist a trusted friend/family member to hold your important documents and valuables at their home while you move. Pack them up and take them over before the move, then pick them up once your are settled. That way you know where they are and you don’t have to worry about them being lost/misplaced/stolen.

    • wolverine

      Collect all the change around your house and get it converted into notes. Movers are usually not allowed to move money – we hired movers who told us they’d do it despite the rules and then swiped the change jar during the cross country move had a couple of hundred dollars). Because we were not supposed to include any “money or valuables” in our belongings, we couldn’t file a suit or anything. An expensive lesson to learn.

    • DC Association

      I moved a year ago. I would say:
      – reserve elevators and parking in each building for as many hours as possible for the movers.
      – each night, tackle one area to pack. then it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. And, select a day where you do nothing packing-related to take a break.
      -don’t think that you’ll take anything yourself. Give EVERYTHING to movers.
      -get bottled water for both the old place and new place. Tell movers to help themselves as well as any family/friends who are helping. Bring bottles to the new place the morning of. when I moved, I kept going back and forth between places all day
      -use the entire contents of your freezer/refrigerator as possible before moving!
      -get menus for a sandwich place and buy the movers lunch, allow them to look at menu and select their own (they always get fed pizza)

      Good luck!

  18. cavity maker

    I just tripped, and fell in the street on my way to the office this morning. I scraped my leg, but managed not to tear my skirt or shirt or destroy my shoes. I feel like an idiot, and now I’m at my desk and the pain of the scrape is setting in. This monday sucks :(

    • Cb

      Ice it, ice it, ice it. I did a similar thing 2 weeks ago and my knee is still a lovely shade of violet. I ripped my tights, bled on my skirt and stumbled into a cab and cried, ‘can you please take me home?!’ to the driver.

      • cavity maker

        I’ve got an icepack at the office, so I’ll definitely use that. Thanks for the suggestion.

      • In the Pink

        Happened to me on the way to jury duty once… on the cobblestone pavement before going into the courthouse. Long day. The emt people were nice enough, but I had already bandaged myself up. Wish I had ice!

        Feel better.

        Chocolate helps everything, right?

    • rosie

      I fell on a (DC) metro escalator on the way into work a few years ago, but I tore/bloodied my tights in addition to being in pain. Run out to a drugstore (or ask a friend to make a run for you) and get some ice packs that you just shake to activate, antibiotic ointment, and bandaids. Feel better!

      • cavity maker

        I’ve got an icepack in my freezer at the office. I will definitely use it, and probably take a couple tylenol too.

  19. Famouscait

    My in-laws came for a visit this past weekend, with their highly nervous and therefore barky Welsh Corgi. She’s the type of dog who will start yapping at a fluttering curtain, random shadow, or the reflection of light off a shiny surface. She also has the highly annoying habit of barking whenever anyone says my dog’s name, and/or shows him any affection. It’s annoying, but we deal with it; I am a total dog person (I have a Golden Retriever) and understand how nice it is to be able to bring your dog with you when you travel.

    However…

    I’m pregnant, and I’m concerned about when the in-laws come to visit right after the baby is born. I don’t want to tell them they can’t bring their dog, but the idea of having a barking dog who sets off a crying baby which makes my MIL yell at her dog and me go insane… is not a good solution either. I feel like I can see this storm on the horizon, but I can’t figure out how to avoid it (without telling them they can’t bring the dog, which I really don’t want to do). Ideas, anyone?

    • Blonde Lawyer

      Is the dog crate trained? Suggest that they can still bring the dog but must bring the crate to keep in their room when you and baby need a break from the dog. Also, you could frame it about your dog. You are concerned that your dog already will have so much to adjust to with the new baby that you don’t want another dog in the house barking. Suggest some nearby kennels or daycares where they can leave the dog but still visit with it/walk it, etc.

      • Famouscait

        This is a good idea – thank you. I’m not sure she’s crate trained, but we could probably say she has to stay upstairs (away from the baby and most things that would make her bark).

    • rosie

      Yes, it’s nice to bring your dog with you when you travel, but it’s not always possible. I would say that you look forward to your child meeting their dog eventually, but this will not be the time (or have your SO tell them, since they’re your in laws). This is not an unreasonable request, don’t overthink it. (I’m a dog person.)

    • Anne Shirley

      Tell them they can’t bring the dog, because it barks all the time , stresses you out, and will wake the baby.

      What other kind of magical solution were you hoping for? Corgis are adorable, but they can be yippy, and if the pattern your inlaws have set is bark-yell-repeat they’re not going to be able to change that now. They could stay in a nearby hotel with the dog if they want, but that still requires telling them no dog. Or, to be precise, your husband calling them and saying “guys, love your dog, but he barks at everything and there is zero chance in hell I’m letting him in the house to wake my newborn.”

      • L

        +1

        And, if you want to be really nice you can add the “we’ve booked you a room at…” just FYI all Hiltons are pet friendly.

      • Famouscait

        I’m not hoping for a magical solution, just a practical one. If we tell my in-laws they can’t bring the dog, they’ll likely make a fuss about not coming at all, which is another type of stress I’d rather not deal with. Your suggestion of a nearby hotel is a good one – thank you.

        • Anne Shirley

          Maybe I’m just mean, but I really don’t care if they make a fuss. Fussy people are going to find something to fuss over and I’d much rather see them be pouty now than you throw knives at them when they’ve been there 3 days and their dog has driven you round the bend. Unless your knife throwing skills are amazing, in which case we all probably want to see that.

        • L

          I had another thought for pet friendly hotels – Kimpton. They’re very pro-pet, so it seems like a nice treat for the dog (or you could spin it that way). Good luck! If nothing else, just blame hormones if you think it will get you off the hook (I realize this is a crappy thing to have to do, but you have to pick and choose your battles sometimes too.)

    • TXLawyer

      I think it’s really reasonable to ask your in-laws (or have your SO ask) to board their dog in the early days of having the baby at home. Or maybe suggest the their dog and your dog go to doggy daycare the first couple days at home because they’ll be stressed out with all of the excitement and new smells, etc.

    • Bee

      Do you know for sure whether your in-laws plan to bring the dog? They may share your concerns. Plus, if the dog is already nervous, I can’t imagine being around a newborn is going to be a pleasant experience for her. It seems like it would cause more stress for everyone to bring the dog rather than to leave her at home this time.

      What does SO think about this?

      • Famouscait

        Fair point about their expectations of bringing the dog in the first place. Worth an inquiry when the time comes.

        Hubby is also concerned, but of the same mind that telling them they can’t bring the dog will open up a whole different set of problems (see above: in-laws not coming at all). We just couldn’t think of any good solutions (for example, our yard is not fenced, so she couldn’t stay outside) but I’m getting some now. It’s not me vs. in-laws and DH by any means. Thanks, everyone!

        • ANP

          Dog person here. I want to (gently) offer an alternative opinion. We had some similar issues with my mom when both our kids were born — she always wanted things to be a certain way and we could much more easily accommodate her wants (note: they were not needs) when we didn’t have a newborn in the house. However, having a brand-new baby makes you/baby the priority instead of your guests’ comfort/desires. So if it’s an issue of them coming or not coming based on how welcoming you are to the dog, what I’m trying to say is that’s THEIR decision, not yours. It will still suck for you guys if they decide not to come at all, but that’s on them — it’s not a reflection of you. If you need for them to leave the dog at home while you’re getting acclimated to the new normal, you should absolutely state that upfront.

          And, I speak from experience here: I’d get this conversation going sooner rather than later — partially because they’ll need time to plan on what to do with the dog, and partially because it may be harder if they go into the last month of your pregnancy (or whatever timeframe) and still assume Rover is invited. Learn from my mistakes and make sure you frame it in an uber-positive way, that you REALLY want them there but, chalk it up to being new parents, you’re worried about Rover barking all the time when there’s a new baby in the house and would they mind just this once leaving him/her home? Or staying at a hotel (probably not the best idea — they will feel pushed out and also, leaving a barking, uncrated dog in a hotel room all day seems to be a recipe for disaster)? Or here’s the name of XYZ awesome boarding facility right nearby! But reiterate that you love them and Rover and really want them there, you’re just too nervous to have the dog around. And then stand your ground.

          FWIW, if your IL’s dog barks at the mere mention of your pet’s name, I’d be mildly concerned about it acting out around a newborn that’s going to be getting a ton of attention. That’s an extreme situation but better safe than sorry.

    • HM

      You should bar the dog if you’re not comfortable with him coming, BUT, our two labs bark at people across the street, squirrels in the backyard, etc., and my 6-month old only just began waking up for their barking . While newborns sleep somewhat erratically, noises don’t really wake them up for the first few months. Also, we found that by having normal daytime noise and light during daytime hours helped set the sleep schedule. Just food for thought…

      • Maddie Ross

        Our newborn didn’t wake at all when our dog barked, but I’ve heard (just heard – no science behind this) that it was because she was used to hearing our dog bark in the womb. If your in-laws push back with this argument, tell them that baby is not used to hearing their loud corgi. FWIW, I can’t imagine anything worse than being around someone’s high-strung barky dog with a newborn in the house. I would ban the dog even if it meant no ILs.

        • Anon

          To add to this –

          I would ban the dog because I wouldn’t want to knowingly bring something that was guaranteed to cause unnecessary stress.

          Re: things that cause unnecessary stress: see also – inlaws who would sooner stay home with their yappy dog than leave the yappy dog at home to come meet their grandbaby. You may be dodging a bullet here.

      • posey

        co-sign. Before two weeks, newborns sleep through anything. After two weeks they’re still pretty good. My baby consistently sleeps through the smoke detector going off.

    • Anon

      I banned all houseguests for a month after my baby was born, so everyone, including my mom, stayed at a nearby hotel. I could not deal with having people around all the time, much less an annoying dog. Everyone was able to deal.

    • Westraye

      Board the IL’s dog nearby so that they can still see it (and potentially have it visit you to test the waters) or tell them not to bring it at all – I would not recommend having it in your house. I have a relative angel of a dog and it was still a lot having a dog and a newborn in the house at once (and family). My new born was an incredibly light sleeper so I wouldn’t bank on the dog barks not waking up a newborn.

    • AnonLawMom

      A barking dog around your new baby? Ya, no. Not an option. H*ll hath no fury like a mom whose baby is woken up by a dog. I know from experience. This is not unreasonable so put your foot down and do not be apologetic about it.

  21. anon

    TJ! Any recommendations for a housewarming gift for an SO? I was thinking maybe nice beer/bourbon glasses so if anyone has suggestions for those?

  22. Teddy

    Does anyone have any tips for dressing when you’re in a position significantly more senior that the other people your age? I recently got a promotion, and I’m trying to make an effort to upgrade my wardrobe. I’m in my mod twenties, so I look a little funny wearing some of the things the 30-40 year olds in a similar role wear, but also want to make an effort to look more mature without crossing that line and looking like I’m wearing my mother/older sister’s clothes.

    TIA!

    • McGiggles

      What kind of outfits do your older colleagues with similar roles wear? Is your environment business formal, business casual, etc?

  23. YouSaucyMinx

    So I know I’m ahead of the game, but it’s getting chilly and I’m expecting a brutal winter. Anyone know where to find nice, walking coat length ivory or cream winter coats in plus sizes? That aren’t junk?

    • Lavinia

      I’m not sure what colors they’ll have, but check out Lands’ End in a month or so.

    • lucy stone

      I have a great one from Land’s End with thinsulate that I love. I also have a non-ivory one from Talbot’s, again with thinsultate, and I know they make cream/ivory as well.

  24. Reix

    I just bought a new navy blue suit. The pants are tapered, more like skinny trousers, whereas I am used to wearing straight leg pants… I like them but I am worried they will look dated too soon. Please someone tell me it was not a mistake and this cut will stay around for a while!

    (I bought because I have been on the hunt for a replacement navy suit for months now (not in the US) and this one fit all my requirements but the leg cut)

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