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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Ok, I'm just going to say it: hooray for bootcut trousers! I feel like they've been gone for a while, and it's nice to see them again. New York & Co. has a bunch of “fun” pants that are, I think, still subdued enough to get away with at most offices. For example, for the pictured burgundy pants I'd match the color in a solid sweater on top, or go with a very neutral top like a solid white, ivory, black or navy — all with classic, pointed-toe pumps (hemmed a bit longer than what's shown here, actually). The sale on the pants is hard to beat: they're $53 (sizes 0-18!), but a second pair is a mere $10. 7TH Avenue Design Studio Pant – Signature Fit – Bootcut
Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.
(L-2)
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…
BigLaw Lateral
I am in NYC biglaw and have interviews lined up with a couple of firms. What strategies do you have for keeping things under wraps? With the screeners and callbacks, that is just a lot of “doctor appointments”.
Anonymous
Appointments. Just coming in late or taking a long lunch and not saying anything. It feels more conspicuous than it is.
TBK
Agreed. How much does anyone actually keep tabs on your whereabouts? When I was in big law, no one knew where I was most of the time. I could have as easily been in another part of the building as in another part of the world. Since I worked on 3-6 cases at any one time, all with different partners, everyone assumed I was working on something for someone else when they couldn’t immediately find me. Just keep an eye on your email just before and just after the interviews and respond promptly and I can’t imagine anyone would notice.
BigLaw Lateral
Thank you! My main concern is that I work in a small niche group and literally everyone is located in the same corridor.
lost academic
It definitely feels more suspicious than anyone really does notice. I realize it’s not the same, but when working in a smaller office, no one noticed when one of my appointments ended up taking over 3 hours until right around that 3 hour mark, and even then it was fine since I returned then. And multiple people should have noticed, but remember, everyone’s busy with their own work.
Anonymous
FWIW, I did this under the same scenario (small practice, we all sit in the same hall). I only needed an excuse one time – when someone stopped by my office when I was about to leave for an interview. I had just been to the dentist, so I said I needed to go back for a cavity filling.
I did change out of the office, however. My prior firm was very casual so I would change at the gym I used across the street and zip over to my interviews. Wearing a suit would have been a giant red flag.
APC
Same (small niche group and we all sat in a row) – most of the time no one noticed, but if/when they did or if I felt the need to offer something up, I usually went the dentist route – no one will be concerned about your health (which they might if you say you have that many doctor appointments), and dentists frequently require multiple follow ups. Other good ones – cable guy is coming, furniture deliveries, other things where you have to sit in your home waiting for someone. That way you can work remotely all day and no one will know your comings and goings at all. I generally felt it was easier to disappear for 2-3 hours from email if I wasn’t passing through the office.
Ellen
Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and these pant’s, but NOT for work b/c I MUST wear skirt’s or suits, but NO pant’s ever!
As for the OP I agree! I alway’s come and go as I please and I do NOT even want to look for another job, but no one even care’s where I am (other then Frank, who love’s to think I am out haveing sex at lunch–I onley wish?).
Finally I want to alert the HIVE that Sarah Jessica Parker will be at BLOOMIES TODAY at noon in the shoe department to promote her line and sign autographs if you buy a pair of shoes. I love Sarah Jessica ever since HBO put her show S***X and the CITY! YAY!!! I wish I had her Manolo’s now, but they are to expensive, even for an important WC partner like me. FOOEY!
I hope I can get in to see her b/c Bloomie’s does NOT want me in there b/c of an unfortunate event in the Carpeting department when they said I tracked poopie in to scrape it off on their carpet’s. DOUBEL FOOEY!
BESky
You can try to book them back to back and take a few days off instead of 3 hours here and 3 hours there – much less conspicuous.
Wildkitten
I leave with my notebook, with resumes tucked inside, and hail a cab, rather than bringing my whole purse. The idea is that way people won’t even notice that I’m leaving the building, they’ll just think I’m meeting with another department, which is normal. I did the same when I had therapy appointments more frequently than I wanted to announce.
lost academic
I was just in NY&C yesterday and the sale is pretty amazing! I tried on these very pants! Agree about bootcut finally being back being a relief, I never really moved away from it (I am not very fashionable).
If you can, head over to the store, because it seems like half the store is on sale like this. Lots of pants. The stores seem nicely stocked with petite, average and tall sizes – the only store I seem to find consistently actually stocking their talls.
Bingo
How’s the quality? I’m curious about their pants specifically. I have one pair of NY&C pants from a couple of years ago that is really thin material and not holding up well. I am worried this is a case of you get what you pay for…
Scandia
I have been wondering how to explain this. How do you deal with feelings of competition?
I have been working many years in a field that is not very competitive. My field is full of people who work hard and are good at their jobs, so am I, but the way the work is means that competition is not a big factor.
Now I have returned part time to academia, and I struggle with this feeling of my peers suddenly also being the competition. I enter a discussion and have fun giving advice and sharing, then suddenly I think, do I now give him og her an advantage.
Any advice would be welcome
TIA
MDMom
I’m in law, not academia, so the type of competition may be different. That said, I think competition can be healthy and productive- it drives people to do their best and inspires innovation. But competition can be negative if it poisons relationships among a team and makes people paranoid. Not sure exactly what you’re dealing with. I would try to view it positively and see if it inspires/motivates you. Look at it like individual sport athletes (swimming, gymnastics etc) competing at Olympics for national team- they are both competitors and teammates. Those things can be compatible.
Monday
I know exactly what you mean. Academic culture can be unhealthy in a lot of ways, and competition underlies many of them. To be frank, I never found a role model whose approach I wanted to emulate, and I think that’s pretty d@mning. I remember looking at people ahead of me and specifically thinking “I don’t want to be like any of them”–either in how they handled success, or how they handled failure. I wasn’t looking for a hero or someone perfect, just someone whose behavior would not embarrass me. And I found none.
This probably sounds very Pollyanna, but ultimately I focused on who I wanted to be rather than who might end up with the advantage. (“The advantage” is pretty relative anyway in a field as abysmal as this one.) Keep giving advice and sharing, as you put it, and know that if everyone can’t be rewarded for their good work, the fault is with conditions in the field and not you.
Blocked Driveway
There’s a car blocking my driveway since yesterday afternoon. We thought they’d leave by nighttime or latest this morning but the car was still there at 10am. The police came to issue a ticket. Should I just leave it and see if it’s still there when I’m home or should I call a tow company now? I don’t want to be mean but this person clearly had an extra 5 ft of space in the back but chose to block our driveway that’s only 6 ft wide. My husband and I could not get out and had to readjust our schedules due to bus schedules. I guess in part I just wanted to vent since I don’t get why people can be so inconsiderate.
Anon
You’re nice, I’d tow!
Anonymous
Yeah, I’d tow as soon as it really inconveniences you. I’d save the ticket for when you could have still gotten out of the driveway.
TBK
I would’ve towed a long time ago.
Anon
+1 as soon as it inconvenienced me in a real manner I would have towed.
Anonymous
This happens all the time with people parking IN my driveway directly up against my garage. I call the tow truck the minute I see the car, unless I see someone clearly loading/flashers are on. It’s a huge complex so there’s no way for me to know who it is to go ask them to move.
Anon
F–k them, call the tow company now. You do not need to wait. You do not owe this person anything. It’s your driveway!
Anon
But they know where OP lives, maybe that’s why OP is holding back.
Anon
I totally get that they know where OP lives, and will assume that OP called the tow truck, and I would still call a tow truck. They’re blocking her driveway.
mascot
Does that really matter? It’s pretty common knowledge that you can’t block driveways.
If this was a neighbor’s car, I’d probably reach out to them directly in the interest of being friendly. Or, if feeling really generous, I’d wait until I got home and see if the ticket worked. (Unless you need to get out of your driveway sooner than a truck can come tow, then I would call beforehand).
Anonymous
Absolutely tow. It’s technically a fire and emergency hazard.
Anonymous
TOW! And they can always assume it was the city who towed (since isn’t blocking an active driveway usually grounds for a ticket / towing?) You’ve rescheduled your life around this.
Anonymous
Last time this happened to me the officer who issued the ticket also had the car towed. Win for everyone (city, tow company, and me) except the jerk who couldn’t park in a valid spot.
DC anon
In georgetown, they’d probably break the person’s windshield, pee on it, and then have the car towed. They are militant about not blocking driveways.
On the off chance that it is a random houseguest of someone making a terrible mistake and unaware of it, I’d check with the closest neighbors and ask if they know which car that is, that it has a ticket on it, and that the car should be moved before something happens.
And then let something happen.
afds
I had someone towed from my (deeded) spot in my condo parking lot. I then parked my car in the spot and experienced no reprisals.
Tao
I know that Tao is a big time club, but if I’m going there and not staying past 10, is there any reason to wear club attire? Just go with normal business casual attire (probably sheath dress)? I’d be there earlier for drinks and dinner after work (with people who are either 25 or 50).
I left NYC to go to a flyover state and have two small kids, so I’m happy for a work trip back, but really not sure what to pack.
TL/DR: for older people who aren’t going out late: do we even need to worry about club attire if we don’t stay out late?
Brunette Elle Woods
Wear whatever is comfortable. Definitely no need for club attire. Just wear whatever you would wear for a nice dinner.
anne-on
Wait, the Tao in Vegas or in NY? In NY if you’re just going for dinner and drinks I’d stick with a sheath dress, maybe with more ‘fun’ heels and some blingy jewelry. For Vegas, if you’re there as part of a work event and just grabbing dinner its totally normal to see people there in work attire.
Anonymous
Yes, that should be perfect. If you stay past dinner, you can get into the club for free sans the look-over if you really want to.
Tao
I’ve been to both and a ton of other clubs, mainly for work, but always starting early and not staying very late. I don’t even dress up (in a clubby way) when I go out with my husband (the caphillstyle post on dating outfits got me to thinking though).
Anon lawyer
Could use the hive’s input on this.
I’m at a small law firm – we all work pretty closely with the partners but sometimes, I’m asked to supervise one of the more junior associates or advise on certain files because while I’m only a few more years senior, I’ve been at the firm for a while so I’ve earned a lot of additional responsibility.
One of the more junior associates has been out about a year, and at the firm for about 10 months. Her work isn’t that great and she’s quite defensive/protective of her turf. Every time one of the partners asks me to work with her, she gets bent out of shape and says things like she doesn’t need my help. She also has cut me out of things i.e. the managing partner asked me to review a memo before it went out, and she just sent it out anyways without sending it to me first.
I’m not territorial with her because I’m well aware of where I stand at the firm but it makes it hard for me to do my job when she acts like this. Any advice?
TIA!
Cat
Wow – what a PITA. I assume you have told her this is inappropriate, both in terms of firm expectations and your professional duty to supervise. Does the partner know of her attitude? As it’s happened several times, I’d mention it to the partner – “I know you asked me to supervise Junior on the X case. Although I’m doing my best, Junior has declined to show her work to me and sends it out without notifying me or giving me a chance to review. I’ve spoken to her about this several times – clients expect work product to be reviewed and approved by senior attorneys – but don’t know what else to do. How would you like me to handle?”
mascot
I think you need to be blunt here. Junior, I need to see the memos before they go out the door. We don’t send things out without a second set of eyes on them.
If part of your job is to supervise her work, then you need to be firm about doing that. Don’t let her insecurity and defensiveness sway you.
Anon
+1. You can also say you are required by the partners to review the memos, and if you don’t, the partners won’t be happy with either of you.
Anonymous
It sounds like you’re trying to protect her feelings when she’s the one out of line here. I think Ask a Manager would say you need to be direct.
Anonymous
Ideally you could have a direct conversation with her about sending a memo out before you had a chance to review. That’s a pretty big no-no. It doesn’t have to be confrontational. Just, “Hey, next time please give me a chance to review the memo before it goes out.”
But if it’s been too long for that conversation, maybe find a way to connect with her. If she likes/trusts you, she might drop her defensiveness and be easier to work with. I also might drop a lot of “we’re a team” comments, so that she picks up that it’s not about you vs. her.
If you can’t find a way to have a good working relationship, I would do your best to avoid working with her for your own sanity. If you know your partners well enough to know how to address the issue with them, then do it. But raising an issue about someone’s “defensive attitude” can come across petty and backfire. If her work isn’t good and her attitude sucks, there’s no way she’ll last very long.
Anon lawyer
Thanks for the input ladies. I think you’re right – I feel badly about being more assertive because we’re friendly and close to the same age but I need to just do it.
Thanks again!
Brunette Elle Woods
I have a styling question. I just bought two faux leather pencil skirts, one in green and one in black ,at Ann Taylor. Any suggestions on how I can style them for work, going out, etc, especially the green one. I can probably wear the black one with anything, but I’m not sure how to wear the green one. I can only think of wearing it with black and I don’t think I would wear it with red for fear of looking like a walking christmas tree. Any suggestions?
http://www.anntaylor.com/faux-leather-pencil-skirt/382512?skuId=19341460&defaultColor=&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000016&priceSort=DESC
anne-on
Oh, pretty skirt! I have a hunter green wool pencil skirt that I usually wear with camel, burgundy, mustard yellow, or grey. It would look great with black too, I just don’t wear a ton of black tops.
CountC
I don’t care for the green skirt with the black top actually. I have a green wool skirt that is this color and I primarily pair it with cream/camel family colors. I think you could also do burgundy/wine instead of red to avoid looking like a walking Christmas tree. Perhaps also a light blue? Maybe a denim button down on the weekends? I am not particularly fashion forward however!!
Cat
Safe pairings: Navy, gray, cream. The black is OK but doesn’t really make the green “sing” to me.
Cool pastels could also look fabulous (robin’s egg blue, lavender, mint) with gray or nude-for-you shoes.
Beth
Are they comfortable and how “leather” does it look? I’ve been eyeing that green skirt, and would love to wear it to work but my office tends fairly conservative.
Brunette Elle Woods
I have the green one and I just ordered the black one yesterday because they are having a sale 40% off. I love the green one and can’t wait to wear it, but I wouldn’t say it is conservative. I can wear it to my casual office without a problem. It definitely looks like a tighter, edgy skirt that would not go unnoticed in any office. It’s a bit sexy too. It may be more of a weekend/evening out skirt for you, but I think it’s worth it!
TO Lawyer
I love the sound of this – I may need to go investigate.
Brunette Elle Woods
I’m wearing the green one today. If you decide to buy it, go for the smaller size. I almost went up a size after trying it on, but I think it stretches a bit.
SF Suggestions
I’m going to be flying into San Francisco on Sunday and I will have the afternoon and evening free to do personal things. I’ve never been to SF before – does anyone have any suggestions for something fun to do for half a day? I will have a car. You all always have such great suggestions.
purplesneakers
It’s such a touristy thing, but I LOVED just roaming around the shops on Pier 39 and people watching. There’s also a really great bakey whose name I forget (they make the most adorable bread animals, though!) and a bunch of street artists. And In-N-Out, which should totally count as an attraction in its own right.
Susie
Boudin makes the bread animals
Scarlett
I’ve posted recommendations here before, so you might be able to search & get some additional thoughts, but here’s my favorite ways to pass an afternoon in SF:
Local/Not Touristy:
– go to Hayes Valley (main x is Hayes & Gough) & walk around – you’re close to City Hall, which is a pretty building if you want to get a sense of the center of SF government, then walk around Hayes Valley – pretty shops, cute bars & restaurants. I like Two Sisters Bar & Books and Hotel Biron for a drink, Zuni Cafe for dinner. For a great solo dinner, Souvla is great. Parking is hard in this area, so I’d leave the car & take Uber or Lyft here.
– go to Dolores Park and walk around the area – very “SF now” area. Get baked goods at destination bakery Tartine (plan to wait in line), get an ice cream at Bi-Rite (plan to wait in line), look at the architecture, maybe stop in Mission Dolores. Also don’t try to park here – take uber/lyft.
– go out to the ocean/Lands End – Lands End is a beautiful, easy walking path that has gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Not much commercial out there, but the Cliff House or Park Chalet are both cool spots (if not the best food) for a drink or snack nearby. You can also go to the Palace Legion of Honor – not sure what their special show is right now, but it’s a gorgeous museum & was featured in Hitchcock’s Vertigo.
More touristy:
– Ferry Building downtown – go here to check out the food stands/shops inside (if you’re into food/food trends this is cool to see). Walk along the Embarcadero & stop at Tcho Chocolates for a tour.
– Go to the Marina & walk along Chestnut Street or Union Street and go to Chrissy Field to see the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge.
Please skip Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. No one who lives here go there ever. It’s just not what our city has to offer.
Born and raised in actual SF
I agree with all of the above. All good neighborhood choices. I’d vote lands end if you’re not from a coast and/or into views, and dolores park if you’re less into views / more into food. Especially agree with the part about f the wharf and pier 39. Blech.
SFAttorney
Good suggestions from Scarlett. don’t leave anything valuable in your car. Car break ins are out of control especially in tourist areas.
Renee
Hang out just south of pier 29 in the Marina District. You can even start in Pier 29 and if it’s too touisty (it will be) walk from the Pier 29 part over Fort What’s it’s Name to the Marina District. There are nice shops and restaurants a few blocks in from the water. Also, I like taking the commuter ferry or driving from downtown across the bay to Sausalito and having margaritas and Mexican food at the restaurant on the pier there. Great views of the city from just across the bay and great views of the bridge. It’s very easy to drive there plus you get to drive across the Golden Gate.
DisenchantedinDC
Job search update: I got scheduled for a third interview for my second-choice job (first choice now I guess – the prior first choice decided not to hire for the role). However, my mentor happens to know one the Senior Folk at this job (outranks anybody I interviewed with), and she said she is happy to give her a call for me. So, fingers crossed! I’m a little nervous for her to reach out on my behalf because I’m afraid of letting her down, but she knows my work and I made it this far on my own merits.
Pretty Primadonna
Good luck!
N.C. anon
Anyone have any recommendations for straight leg (preferred) or a looser-fitting skinny jean in grey that also has a 31 or 32 inseam? Perhaps I’m looking for a unicorn? I have a grey pair from H&M that fits a little lower and less stretchy than I’d like. Ideally I’d like something that fits like the Paige Skyline Skinnies, but last I checked they don’t come in grey (and I’m concerned about the quality problems I’ve read about here).
NOLA
My favorite jeans are the Macy’s INC boyfriend straight. They also come in a curvy fit but I’m apple shaped and pretty much straight through the hip and thigh. They do come in long. I think the regular length is 30, which sounds about right because I think my inseam is 29 and they’re a tad long on me.
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-boyfriend-jeans-fire-wash-only-at-macys?ID=2217533&CategoryID=3111&LinkType=#fn=BRAND%3DINC International Concepts%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D53%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D20
Bonnie
You’re probably looking for straight leg jeans. Skinny jeans aren’t generally loose fitting. As far as inseam goes, IMO all better jeans require hemming.
N.C. anon
Ugh, I hate hemming, but you’re probably right.
Styling Gray Jeans
I just got some great skinny gray jeans, but am at a loss for how to incorporate them into my rather minimalist wardrobe. Ideas?
N.C. anon
I like to use grey jeans instead of blue jeans in outfits that already have a lot of blue in them. I think light grey jeans look fantastic with my navy pieces (whereas black or medium-to-dark blue jeans tend to look too close to navy, like a bad match). Grey also looks good with white and jewel tones. If you’re worried about it looking a little too street style, I like to throw on some yellow gold jewelry (my go-to is a gold pendant on a long chain) or a tweed blazer.
Which grey jeans did you get?
Styling Gray Jeans
The Loft curvy skinnies. Navy is a great idea! I plan to wear them mostly with black flat moto boots, but feel like everything looks a little too rock n roll that way.
Mick Jagger
I’m confused – what do you mean by “a little too rock n roll”?
Carine
I often wear grey with camel.
Runner 5
What are people’s opinions on the Lands End Squall Parka and/or Softshell Parka? I’ve realised that although I have thick and warm coats for winter I don’t own anything that’s relatively lightweight and waterproof. A typical day for me involves standing at a bus stop for 20 minutes, then half an hour on a crowded bus, then having to carry my things around all day.
Tierramia
I ended up returning the squall parka because it was very big and shapeless on me even in the smallest size. But, I would’ve kept it if it fit better. I found the lining very comfy and I remember liking the number of pockets and placement. I think the hood actually provided coverage, too. I don’t think it was too heavy (as far as coats go). Can you order it online and return it to Sears if you don’t like it in person?
Anon for this
I can’t say this to any of my co-workers for a while yet so just wanted to hop on here and do a little brag – today is the day I give my two week notice!!!! HOOOORAYY!! Bye to the job that has caused me so much anxiety I wake up in a cold sweat at night. Bye to a job that has made lunchtime crying in the bathroom a regular activity.
Any tips on resigning gracefully? I’d like to maintain a good relationship. (Performance wise, I’ve been doing great despite all the anxiety)
Me too!
I’m in the same boat as you – but waiting a little bit longer to give my notice to keep it to a strict two week period. It’s the first time I’ve ever done bare minimum 2 weeks so I’m unreasonably nervous and feel like I’m going to catch flack from the partner I work with.
anonymous
Ask a Manager has a great thread on this that helped me resign gracefully a month ago from a toxic workplace. Welcome to freedom:)
Anon for this
Thanks both!
Also – congrats Me too!!!!!