ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 167 Comments

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Tina Silk Blouse

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Tina Silk BlouseHmmn. Slim pickings for recommendation-worthy stuff under $50 this week. The Pendleton sale continues (with new markdowns, too), and even though I just posted about it last Friday, I'm really liking this silk georgette blouse — I think that collar would be amazing under a blazer, but it also looks nice by itself. And the sale is good: was $128, now marked to $30.99, with code FRIENDS it comes to $24ish. It's also available in regular, petite, and plus sizes. Tina Silk Blouse Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2) Psst: Check out more great deals at the Corporette Bargains page!

Sales of note for 1/16/25:

  • M.M.LaFleur – Tag sale for a limited time — jardigans and dresses $200, pants $150, tops $95, T-shirts $50
  • Nordstrom – Cashmere on sale; AllSaints, Free People, Nike, Tory Burch, and Vince up to 60%; beauty deals up to 25% off
  • AllSaints – Clearance event, now up to 70% off (some of the best leather jackets!)
  • Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase; extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Boden – 15% off new styles with code — readers love this blazer, these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
  • DeMellier – Final reductions now on, free shipping and returns — includes select options like Montreal, Vancouver, and Venice
  • Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; extra 50% off all clearance, plus ELOQUII X kate spade new york collab just dropped
  • Everlane – Sale of the year, up to 70% off; new markdowns just added
  • J.Crew – Up to 40% off select styles; up to 50% off cashmere
  • J.Crew Factory – 40-70% off everything
  • L.K. Bennett – Archive sale, almost everything 70% off
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Sephora – 50% off top skincare through 1/17
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Summersalt – BOGO sweaters, including this reader-favorite sweater blazer; 50% off winter sale; extra 15% off clearance
  • Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale – 50% off + extra 20% off, sale on sale, plus free shipping on $150+

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

167 Comments

  1. How do people feel about the “sheer top, only bra underneath” trend?

    I bought a black chiffon top from F21 that is reasonably see through. I wore it with a tank and then when I went out, felt a little bit silly because apparently I didn’t get the memo that we’re all wearing sheer tops and bras with nothing in between. The top isn’t so sheer that it’s completely see through (especially in dim bar light) but it’s sheer enough that you could probably see the outline of my tattoo or the indent of my belly button, if I didn’t wear anything under it.

    Not for work, or church, or hanging out with my parents (obviously) but how do people feel about this look for summertime going out?

    1. I’m not a huge fan, as too often it’s not intentional enough and then I think “Yikes, I wonder if that lady knows her top is see through…”

      That said, my approach to casual/weekend dressing is, if it makes you happy, wear it.

    2. Not until I get abs of steel is that going to happen.

      Maybe it’s OK if you’re drunk and an undergrad or possibly if you’re in Vegas.

    3. Only with a plain, unshowy, black (in this case) bra. It looks cool like that but really trashy when you can see leopard print etc.

      There was a girl in my tutor group in sixth form who wore skin-tight white t-shirts (long sleeved and quite high in the neck)… with leopard print bras underneath. She looked so cheap.

    5. I think it has to look really intentional in order to be OK. I would think that the top has to be fairly sheer, if it is only slightly sheer I think people will thing “Wow, that lady doesn’t realize her shirt is see-through.”

    6. I’m not a prude by any means and hate that look. Especially with a semi-sheer blouse, I wonder whether the look is intentional or accidental.

    7. My friends older sister went for this look in the early 90s. One day when she was out at a restaurant with her mom and my friend and the clasp on the bra broke! Fortunately she was able to steal my friend’s jacket for the rest of the meal. I always err on the side of cami after that though.

    8. I think this is cute. I would wear with a brightly colored bra, which would increase the intentionality of it.

    9. Not a fan. I remain in the school of thought that underwear should not be seen. That includes underneath sheer tops, regular bras with strapless or racerback tops, leggings as pants, and all other associated fashion crimes. I’m probably so vehemant because I live in a college town and therefore see someone’s underwear at least once a day.

      1. This. Underwear should not be seen. At least, not in intentionally. Accidents happen, of course, but to show it off because you want to…just no.

      2. Agree agree agree.

        I am admittedly a little prudish, but whenever I can see someone’s bra (and it appears intentional, not accidental), I just think “Oh, you’re trashy.” Not fair and very judgmental, but it is what I think.

      3. Cosign all of these examples. I feel like every season the fashion industry tries to make some spin on underwear-as-outerwear a big trend and it makes me go “Gretchen, stop trying to make fetch happen!”

    10. Sometimes, I sing and dance around my house in my underwear. Doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.

      1. This is absolutely my most favorite movie of all time. Like for real. I’ll shout it from the roof tops. (I also love that Carly Simon song at the beginning – it is my power song).

        1. God, I love it too. Six hundred dollars? It’s not even leath-a! I used that song on cassette as background music for a presentation I did on discrimination against women in the workplace when I was in 9th grade.

    11. I had a junior high English teacher who rocked this every day in the late 80s, so I wouldn’t call it a trend. But I also wouldn’t call it “good,” if you know what I mean.

    12. I bought a lace top the other day and the sales lady said that I could wear it without the tank for a fun night out. Um, seriously, I can see my tummy!

      1. You’re in the UK. When I first moved there, it was the Brittany Spears midriff-baring era. And I what I learned is that UK folks have a totally different view on what level of fitness they need to feel comfortable showing a lot of skin. (I am NOT body-snarking–it was just that Americans would not have dressed equivalently!) I actually kind of admired that they didn’t need to look anorexic to rock a midriff-baring T-shirt. However, overall, what I am saying is that your standards are probably not the same as UK shop clerk’s!

    14. I don’t like it on anyone, but if I see it on someone over the age of 22 I … don’t think nice things. And I don’t consider myself a prude.

    15. I am too old and my tummy is too flabby to even think about doing this, but if I were younger and firmer, I would wear a sheer-ish blouse with my favorite fancy “heavy metal” bra: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marlies-dekkers-calder-underwire-balconette-bra/3373710?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=marlies_dekkers_'calder'_underwire_balconette_bra:605425&cm_pla=underwear/lingerie:women:bra&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=c2619590-ae86-11e2-9dea-001b2166becc

    16. Totally inappropriate for work – and I HAVE seen people wear it when it sure looked like they were going to work. Solid color sheer blouse with a floral pattern bra underneath. I vote if you’re wearing it to go out, make sure the bra matches.

    17. I have a black sheer topsthat I wear out and in the evenings with a nude-for-me strapless bra underneath. I use it as a component with lots of other layers and textures and I don’t like to break up a concept with a tank underneath when it’s not really necessary. In low lighting, the bra is invisible but a tank is not. I also have a great yellow lace dress (unlined) with a large pattern (small holes, small bits of skin exposed). I don’t usually wear a tank underneath it but I definitely will wear a slip.

    18. I’ve been wondering this too – I have ended up with lots of cute semi-sheer tops this spring and have been wearing with fitted cami’s underneath. You can definitely see the outline of my shape very clearly with the cami on, so I haven’t been wearing these tops to work. I’m comfortable with my body, and (not to be obnoxious) my flat tummy is the only real asset I like, but I still feel like I’d be making a very bold statement to go just bra. I also feel like I’d be dressing much younger than my age. That said, every time I’ve worn one of these tops out, my extremely conservative husband has complimented it but said “I wish you’d wear it with just the bra, that’d look amazing” – always shocking me. So I guess guys like the trend!?

    19. Apparently sheer without undergarments is also a thing:

      http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/5-rules-of-commando-fashion-182658952.html

      Ugh – not my cup of tea. Plus, I remember this trend from last time around, and I subscribe to the rule that you only get to wear “new” trends the first time they come around in your lifetime. I definitely agree that its something only the young and very in-shape can pull off, and even then it often looks more trashy than classy.

  2. I’ve seen a few people mention the upcoming Nordstrom sale. When is that happening? My Google skills are failing me today.

      1. Thanks Ru! Those look perfect. I went to order them and the color I picked days they are $19.97 but when I put them in my cart then they are $54. Any ideas?

        1. Nevermind. The mobile site just made it look weird and was trying to say that they range from $19.99-$54. It was clearer when I looked at the full site.

    2. • Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, May 22
      • Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Friday, June 14
      • Anniversary Sale—starts Friday, July 19 and ends Sunday, August 4
      • Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, November 6
      • Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Wednesday, December 25 online, and Thursday, December 26 in-store

      2. Does anyone know if Nordy’s maternity stuff also goes on sale during the half-yearly sale?

  3. Kat, by the way I don’t see this post on the main page and was only able to get to it through the coffee break post. I’m using Safari on my phone and its a new problem for me.

  5. I’m in such a good mood today- it’s supposed to be 20C and sunny! And! I love my outfit today, so let’s play ‘what are you wearing’.

    Navy Minnie pants, a mint green tee, a blush pink blazer, and a citron belt. And boat shoes, though I’ll change into chocolate pumps for my meetings today. I feel so bright and happy. This is what happens when winter is finally ending. Yay!

    1. Good for you! The outfit sounds great. I’m still in bed lounging with my kitty watching Live with Kelly and Michael so I’m wearing black exercise shorts and my Darren Sproles faux jersey t-shirt.

      1. So cute! I bought this in black last year and wore it so often I think I almost wore it out. I may need another colour this summer…

      2. I want this. I can’t possibly justify spending that much on a jacket, but I really, really want this.

    3. You know you’re a mom when you read “Minnie pants” and think of Ms. Mouse…

    4. I like my outfit today, too. I am “wearing black with intention”. I have on a blue and white sheath dress ($20 from JC Penny!), a black cardigan, and black pumps. I was going to wear a black necklace, but it turns out I don’t own any. So that’s another wardrobe gap that needs to be filled.

    5. I’m wearing a stretch denim pencil skirt from Shade (Gymboree’s adult line that I learned about from you ladies), a JJill bracelet sleeve, boatneck red and white striped shirt, flip flops and my awesome new tan, courtesy of the Dominican Republic. Plus, sterling drop earrings, 3 silver bangles and my armani tank watch.

      Excepting the tan and its origins and the jewelry, the sum total of my outfit is $40.

    6. I copied this outfit from Pinterest today: http://pinterest.com/pin/151503974937132507/. My version is The (original) Skirt in emerald, gray/black leopard cardi buttoned up and tucked in, black belt, gray “snake” pumps, burgundy clutch, black leather flower brooch. And to make it a little more work appropriate I added a black-and-white summer weight tweedy jacket.

      1. I really like this look. I think your version with a pencil skirt sounds better than the pleated skirt in the photo

    7. Black ankle boots, black leggings, Land’s End cowl neck sweater dress in grey, chunky gold jewelry. The sweater dress is a bit clingy to wear w/ leggings underneath, but I almost don’t feel work appropriate in a sweater dress sans leggings… (also, if your dress is a sweater, doesn’t that imply you need your legs covered too? I feel like a sweater dress w/ bare legs or hose is just bizarre).

      I am also in a super good mood today! Similarly warm where I am.

    8. Casual Friday, so I’m wearing straight leg blue jeans with a black and white polka dot blouse (from F21, it is sheer and yes I am wearing a cami underneath) and black pumps. I’m wearing my wedding band and silver bracelet.

    9. Cobalt blue ankle pants (thanks to all who encouraged me to try the Gap’s — I love them and now own 7 pairs in a variety of colors and prints…), neon coral long-sleeved tee shirt, multicolor beaded necklace, and black ballet flats. I think I kind of rock today.

    10. ASOS camel ponte sleeveless dress with knife-pleat skirt, teal skinny leather belt, burnt orange moccassins, longish heather grey cashmere cardigan. Rose gold Michael Kors watch, moissanite studs, brown/cream jasper ring in gold setting.

    11. I rode my bike today for the first time since i moved my office downtown. Well, technically i rode my bike to the train station and left the bike there. Stuffed in my bike bag was ‘The Dress’ from last year – Kat’s pick of the Suze Chin for Maggie Boutique mock wrap dress – and a cardigan to go over it. No wrinkles at all and an easy commute! At work I changed into my Cole Haan air talia black pumps that i also learned about from Kat.

  6. I just ordered this blouse along with an aubergine pencil skirt from the Pendleton sale. I’m SUPER excited about both.

    Also – someone (sorry can’t remember who) was asking the other day for suggestions for blouses with patterns that are work appropriate. I did a post at my blog with a bunch of options for you kind poster – and for whomever else might be interested. Check it out.

      1. I just bought- thanks so much for the tip! I really need a new wallet and this looks great.

  8. TJ: D.C. ‘rettes – I’ll be working out of our D.C. office next week and staying near the convention center and am looking for somewhere to run in the mornings. Usually run about a 4 mile route – could go a little longer or shorter. Will have no car. Any recommendations for good runs near the Embassy Suites Convention Center? Thanks in advance.

    1. Run down the the Mall and enjoy looping by the Capitol, Supreme Court, House + Senate office buildings, Monument, WWII Memorial, FBI building, and various Smithsonian museums.

    2. Running downtown is a great way to see the monuments. In about 4 miles, you could run west from your hotel, past the White House, to the Lincoln Memorial and back, seeing the WWII and Vietnam Veteran’s memorails. You could also run down Massachusetts Ave to Union Station then down to the Supreme Court, around the Capitol, to the Washington Monument and back. Have fun!

  9. Related to the above question: What does one where when “going out” these days? I’m kind of an old married lady now, and when we go out we stick pretty much to our version of Cheers – so not fancy, but we are going to DC this weekend and will probably go out with friends. Do I need to step outside of my black jeans and sweater combo and up the ante a bit?

    1. Live in DC. People may up the ante a little more when going out here, but it really depends on what bar/restaurant you go to. If you are going out late to a trendier bar I would definitely put on a sexier dress or something more trendy. I normally stick to dresses for bars because they are easy. If you are more comfortable in pants you will probably be fine with black skinny jeans, heels/cute flats, and a cute top (what kind of sweater? plus its going to be warmer this weekend). Just follow the basic rule that people in cities are usually a little more dressed up.

      1. only info I have is Chinatown. I don’t know if that is even helpful. Last time we were up there we went out in Adams Morgan, and I felt fine in Jeans/cute top combo, but I think this is a birthday party type thing, so I don’t know what the deal is.

        1. Usually when I’m out in chinatown I’m a little more casual because I’ll go to like a sports bar or an irish bar there, so I never feel the need to be that dressy or glammed up. I bring out my ‘going out clothes’ and heavier makeup for Adams Morgan. In spring/summer I definitely wear dresses and sometimes dressy shorts with wedges (I’m mid-twenties so this look works for me). I probably wouldn’t wear normal jeans out to the bar, stick with black skinny jeans if you wear pants.

    2. I actually find DC dressier than NY. Black jeans, flats, and a cute top and cardigan should be good but people also wear a lot of dresses. I find people wear more jewelry than NY too.

    4. I usually wear a casual dress, sometimes with a chambray shirt over top. Skinny jeans would be fine, though.

  10. I have a question for the lawyers in the Hive: I’m a graduating 3L who will be starting at a firm in the fall where I didn’t summer (I interned during the school year). There are three other new associates starting, and they did summer together at this firm. I feel like reaching out over the summer so I can meet and get to know them a bit, since we’ll be a “class” together. Is that weird? Also, is it weird of me to ask our recruiting contact for their email addresses so I can contact them?

    2. Agreed. Not weird. That said, people study for the bar differently (assuming you are taking the bar this summer). Some people will want to be social, while others (myself included when I took the bar) want to hide away until after the exam.

      I did not summer at my firm but started with a group that had all summered together. They definately had jokes and experiences from the summer that I had missed. However, in short order, the experience of actually being associates together formed a very strong bond in our little group, and it made no difference that I hadn’t participated in the summer. The trenches of a law firm are far more unifying than a fishing trip, in my experience.

  11. Anon for this —

    Has anyone worked with (and liked) a legal recruiter in NY who specialized in soft IP/IP litigation?

    Thanks!

    1. My better half does patent litigation, used SJL and from all accounts they were really good. He got a nice array of offers to choose from.

  12. Does anyone have a DC rec for an OB/GYN if I’m just seeking advice on TTC? I have a medical condition that requires me to take daily prescription medication, and I have questions about that as it relates to getting pregnant. Thanks in advance!

    1. I used to go to Dr. Nancy Gaba at GW. Loved her. Was not TTC at time, but liked her as my GYN. Now I go to Arlington Women’s Center near the Ballston metro station in Arlington. I have seen several of the doctors there. Really like the whole practice, esp. Drs. Born and Biggs, particularly for TTC. I have a number of friends who have delivered with them, and all had very good experiences.

    2. If you are just concerned about whether it is safe to take the drug while TTC/pregnant, you can call the infant risk line at (806)-352-2519, M-F 8-5 Central Time. They have done tons of research on drugs and the effects on the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Hale, who runs the center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, literally “wrote the book” that most doctors use about medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can see more about their research at http://www.infantrisk.com .

  13. I think someone here may have recommended Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20.

    I bought it a few weeks ago and am IN LOVE. It really doesn’t have a whole lot of coverage, but when I’ve add concealer or foundation on top, it’s acted as primer. It feels amazingly silky, and has a matte feel to it, which is hard to find in tinted moisturizers.

    The lightest color could be a TOUCH lighter for my sake, but it really is a great product.

  14. Anyone bored on a Friday and want to do some vicarious shopping? I’m having a wardrobe crisis – going to a wedding next weekend (alone – where there are supposed to be tons of cute single boys) and I tried on the dress I was planning on wearing last night and I hate it. The fit is all off so now I need a dress I can find within a week – preferably in stores because I don’t know if I have time to get something shipped to me.

    Any suggestions? I am open to pretty much anything? I’m petite and since it’s so last minute, I’m realizing I need to be flexible on budget. I would prefer something that I can wear with either pewter silver or brushed gold sandals so I also don’t need new shoes.

    Thanks in advance ladies!

    1. What time is the wedding at? Looking more for a cocktail type dress? or something more casual?

    2. darn it – wrote the dreaded c*cktail word. What time is the wedding? Looking for more of a c*cktail type dress, or something more sundressy?

        1. This reminds me of Sarah Michelle Geller’s Golden Globes dress, except I like it a little better because it is a little softer. Very cool/different.

        1. Thank you for letting me shop for you, instead of for myself. I’m on a shopping ban, and this gets me the shopping high without the price tag.

    3. Do you have a fossil outlet near you? I bought the most amazing lace overlay dress that is wedding appropriate but also flirty and cute. It makes me feel gorgeous, I want to wear it everywhere!

    4. The reception is in the evening, at a fairly nice venue and the bridesmaids are wearing long dresses so I think it can be dressier.

      Also this may be controversial but does anyone have thoughts on shorter dresses? How short is too short for a friend’s wedding?

      1. I would say above the knee is fine, as long as you aren’t in showing of the wares territory. You want to be able to dance (say lift your arms above your head) without causing commotion.

          1. Also practice doing the electric slide – there is some bending involved there and you want to make sure you keep it all together.

      2. I think if the dress is two inches below your butt cheeks and skin tight, it’s too short. But mid-thigh is fine. And if you have junk in the trunk make sure the dress isn’t riding up in the back. I see a lot of women make this mistake where it looks fine from the front but it’s so short in the back. Also it’s about what you are showing. Showing leg but wearing sleeves and no cleavage? You’re fine. Just keep it classy. I have long legs so I love to wear shorter stuff, I just keep conservative with the rest of the elements on the dress.

    5. The BCBG outlet near me always has tons of great dresses, if you happen to have one nearby.

    6. the classic dvf zarita is on sale for $227 (plus 25% off for F&F) at saks in cornflower blue. i just got one and i love it! planning on wearing it to a late spring wedding i’m attending.

        1. Soooo great. Wish they had it in my size but my wallet is really glad they don’t!

  15. This shirt needs to be just a little bit longer to work for me. I prefer that shirts cover my waistband and at least the top inch or so of the zipper. Shorter shirts can be very unflattering because they visually cut you off, especially if the shirt doesn’t have any of the same colors or patterns as the pants.

  16. How does one go about inviting relatives for a graduation ceremony if they don’t have the means to entertain e.g. have a party, take them out for a nice lunch or dinner? I am graduating this May and originally I had hoped I could plan something fun. I would like to invite my cousins (family lives overseas and may not make it) from out-of-state for this event, they would be travelling for 2 hours (driving) and the event is in the afternoon which means the day is mostly gone by the time everything is done. My school also happens to be in a small town with few options for restaurants, it gets swamped on graduation weekend. Ideally, I could have them over to my apartment but I live one hour away from where the ceremony is taking place i.e. I have been attending a regional campus of a Big State University. Space is also an issue, my apartment is a studio with limited space. I would like to enjoy the day and celebrate especially because I will probably not be doing this again ever (getting a PhD). Any ideas?

    1. I’d have them over, they may have to sit on pillows on the floor but this is an amazing accomplishment (I’m a year 1 phd student, I’m in total awe of you) and you should have people you love there to celebrate it.

    4. This might not be ideal, but are you open to having the party weeks/months after the actual graduation, hosted by a relative and with plenty of notice and space? My mom threw a party for my PhD graduation and we based the time and place on convenience for guests, not proximity to the event. If having people there with minimal PITA is the most important to you, this could be an option. Everyone also probably understands that you don’t have a lot of money to spend. I love the picnic idea, but given your situation I’m wondering if the park space will even still be available for booking at this point :(

      1. I think a celebration at a different time is a great idea. Honestly, graduations are kind of grueling to sit through and in my view it would be better to have family present for a party rather than the actual event, if you can’t do both on the same day!

    5. You know, finishing my PhD was a very mixed emotional experience (glad to be done, but had a sort of evil mentor and some serious relationship issues precipitated in part by the evil mentor) so I didn’t know if I really wanted a party. But my roommate at the time totally stepped up. It was a larger apartment than a studio, but people just hung out and ate chips and other junk food (she put out bowls of Good N Plenty and Ding Dongs, since those were my stress foods during thesis-writing) and everyone had a good time. Finishing a PhD IS a major accomplishment, but at the same time everyone (at least everyone in my circle) is poor, so no one expects anything major. If the weather is nice, try for a picnic, but otherwise just let people smash in and enjoy themselves.

      Congratulations, Dr. ‘Rette!

    6. Have them over for brunch/lunch. Near your house, then travel together to the ceremony.

  17. Has anyone on this forum considered or made aliyah? I am almost through the entire process (just had my interview) and am planning to move to Israel in late September. Do you have online resources you’ve used for lining up job opportunities? Or any recommendations for researching business culture and the difference between working in the US versus Israel (geared toward women)? I’m in the pharma space (communications/media side) and am hoping to stay in biotech/pharma though have worked in high-tech before, too.

    1. no advice, but a lot of admiration and respect (also jealousy). I love israel and daydream about moving there. best wishes.

    2. Check out an organization called Nefesh beNefesh (nbn dot org dot il). They will help you out and put you in touch with the right people. An ulpan stay will also help you meet a social group (on top of language training). Congratulations and hatzlacha!!!

      1. Thank you! It’s a life dream to move there and I am beyond excited. I went through NBN for all of the documentation and am very familiar with them. They’ve also had some helpful webinars on different subjects based on job search and industry. Luckily I have a place to live already and savings to be able to not have to work right away. Planning to do ulpan and other aliyah-related activities to make the ride a little less bumpy.

    3. No particular advice, but from my limited experience visiting, it seemed like high tech companies in Tel Aviv were pretty similar to Silicon Valley. Very informal, laid-back and friendly.

    4. My experience traveling and working there has been that people in offices won’t give you the time of day until you’re actually in-country, but once you’ve arrived and shown you’re serious, will go far, far out of their way to meet with you and help you. So, online resources for job hunting won’t turn up much now, but don’t let that discourage you so early on in the process. Also, nothing at all gets done during the high holiday season in early fall, so plan on not kicking your job search into high gear until October or November. Finally, congratulations on never needing to wear a suit, ever again!

      1. Sabrasortof – Any advice on wardrobe? Both casual and professional? I moved from a corporate job to a small start-up so I have a combination of items I can bring. And for going out for social events (drinks, dancing, etc.) – any recommendations? I can bring 3 suitcases and will have ample space to store clothes.

        1. I just saw this, sorry for the delay! As people have mentioned, things in Israel are pretty casual. Definitely more start-up than corporate. Men don’t even wear suits to weddings, so while you might bring one or two suits to have just in case, I wouldn’t bring more than that. If anything, keep them at a friend’s in the US and have them send over the package if it turns out you need them, after all.

          Women (and men, actually, but that’s another story) tend to dress in a way that is either a) totally, totally frumpy, b) far more form-fitting than an American professional would find appropriate, or c) comprised primarily of lots of black voluminous asymmetrical things. Yael Sloma’s Streets Walker blog and the TV series Prisoners of War are good places to look to get a sense of this.

          Brands and cuts are much more European than American, so more like Zara and COS than like J. Crew or the GAP. There are fantastic designers working out of Tel Aviv, and if you wanted to put together a beautiful, if expensive, wardrobe once you’re there, you most certainly could. Otherwise, Israel has a serious lack of well-made, mid-priced options–it’s impossible to buy things like basic merino sweaters, conservative pumps, or simple silk blouses. There’s just nothing that’s the equivalent of a Banana Republic, J. Crew, or Everlane. Bring tons of beautiful, quality basics (including a winter coat or two, as they are necessary, but not widely available), and plan on buying more interesting pieces once you settle in. I don’t think that Israel has a COS shop, so this might not be literally possible, but if I were building a business wardrobe for Tel Aviv, that’s the mood I’d shoot for.

          I’m happy to chat about this some more–shoot me an email at wheresmyjacket at gmail if you’d like.

  18. Looking for so resources if they’re out there.

    I am moving from my current apartment building (long story, but the TL:DR version is stay away from Echelon Management Company) into a single family home that I will be renting. I’ve never rented from a private owner before so I don’t know what I can do to protect myself. I am planning on adding renter’s insurance to my car policy, but is there anything else I can/should do?

    Thanks in advance.

    1. I’ve honestly had a much, much better experience renting from private owners than from big management companies. However, I’d expect a less thorough understanding of landlord/tenant laws (unless they are a professional landlord and own a bunch of homes they rent out), and potentially slightly slower maintenance (if your toilet breaks, they may have to call around to find a plumber that will come out, just like you would have to if you owned the home).

      On the other hand, they’re often much more willing to be flexible about changes to the place, like painting, they are usually super accommodating about moving logistics, much more likely not to raise your rent a ton every year, etc. I really prefer it to working with a huge company.

    2. Get a lease. I would think that the owner would do this for their own protection, but I would get something in writing. What are the expectations on when rent should be paid, what happens if something breaks – are you supposed to cover it, or will they do it, or do you cover it and then they reimburse you for it? What is the time frame in which they need to get something fixed if it breaks and they are responsible for fixing it? Who do you call in an emergency if something like your water heater breaks, or the air conditioning breaks? Are there things you are responsible for – like light bulbs or whatever, but they cover big stuff – oven, fridge, whatever?

    3. Read the lease really carefully. Ime, some private owners try to slip weird things into leases. I’d especially look out for anything about terminating the lease (i.e., if they choose to put the house on the market, they only have to give you 60 days notice to vacate, even if the lease isn’t up); right of entry (i.e., if we the owners are in town we get to stay here for up to 7 days as long as we give you X days notice); repairs (i.e., you are responsible for the first $X of any repairs made, or worse, you are responsible for ALL repairs); and other maintenance (i.e., lawn, pest control, etc.).

      Also see if you can add something about repairs – either that they have to be started within within a certain amount of time, or that you can arrange and pay for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from rent. Private landlords can be pretty slow about big repairs, and you don’t want to be stuck with, say, a leaky roof, or no working toilets, or a tree across your driveway because your landlord can’t afford or can’t be bothered to make the repairs.

      1. This. I didn’t have a flushing toilet for a week in law school. I wish I had known/been more assertive to have gotten my own plumber after the first 24 hours and just deducted the cost from my rent.

      2. This. I loved renting from a private individual, but it meant that nothing ever got fixed. Luckily, my husband is pretty handy, so it wasn’t a big issue, but if it was just me, it would have been a problem.

        Also, make sure you’re agreed about who is taking care of the yard and if they’re going to provide anything like a lawn-mower (we had to buy ours, and the cheapest one we could find was still $100). If there is an HOA, make sure you’re agreed about who is going to pay any HOA fees (this was the closest we ever came to a major blow up with our landlord).

      3. In addition to notifying you about putting the house on the market, you lease should specify when they need to notify you they’ll be showing the house while it’s on the market if you’re still living there.

    4. What are you worried about protecting yourself from? Unexpected visits? Getting evicted?

      1. I don’t know if I have any currently articulable worries, but just an overall “what recourse would I have if this guy turns out to be a scam artist.” And I think that I can’t do as extensive research on the owner and the place as I would be able to under normal circumstances worries me.

        Thanks everyone for the advice so far. I never even thought about him wanting to use the space.

        1. Definitely check what the terms of security deposit are? A private owner I once rented an apartment from didn’t do a professional clean of the apartment before I moved in, but then took out a few hundred bucks from my deposit for a professional clean when I moved out. When I objected, he said “you didn’t ask to have it professionally cleaned so that’s your fault.” Another private landlord had left a bunch of her stuff in the apartment – a TV, a vacuum cleaner and some appliances. I was told not to bring any of these on my own since it was a small space. Halfway through the year, she decided she wanted to pick up the TV and vacuum cleaner and take it with her. I was really angry because if I had known I’d be without one, I wouldn’t have sold off my TV and vacuum before moving in. I have had way better experience with managed companies but I have also been lucky to only have encountered good companies so far

        2. Ask them for the contact info for the previous tenant. Worst they can do is say no, but you can contact this person and see what they have to say.

        3. On the day you move in, take lots of pictures, particularly scratches, dents, stains, or other damage. You may need these pictures when you move out to show the damage was already there when you moved in.

    5. As a private individual who rents out houses, I think a lot of the things you need to know have already been covered here. If possible, ask if they can mail/email you a copy of the lease in advance so you can read it carefully on your own time and be aware of what you are signing – like others have mentioned, we have a few specific things we’ve put in our leases due to issues with previous tenants that might not be part of a standard lease (example – we specifically say not to use Draino or any chemical drain cleaners but to call us for slow drains, as we once had tenants mix incompatible cleaners that ate through the pipes and caused the bathtub drain to drain directly into the ceiling of the apartment below). Make sure its explicitly clear what expenses you are responsible for (which utilities, HOA, etc etc) so you don’t have any surprises later. If you are responsible for the utilities, you might want to ask if you can get a copy of last years bills so you know how much to expect – some cheap landlords go cheap on insulation, windows and old inefficient furnaces so heating bills could be really high.
      -If there is a HOA, get a copy of the rules so you don’t break rules you didn’t know existed (like some don’t allow hanging laundry out to dry, etc)
      -Ask who else has copies of the keys and if the locks have been changed since the last tenant. A lot of people go cheap and don’t change the locks. We also give a copy of all the rental properties’ keys to my father, since he is retired and could go assist a locked out tenant right away most days. If its not in the lease already, get clear how much notice the landlord has to give you before entering the property if something needs to be handled.
      Last, and most important (IMO) ask your landlord for multiple forms of contact info and how s/he wants to be contacted in the event of an emergency or if there is a backup contact in case they can’t be reached – we give our tenants a fridge magnet with a prioritized list of phone numbers, including one for my father (with the keys) since it never fails that we have at least one furnace/electrical/plumbing issue in a rental the day after we leave town for vacation.

  19. I know this is a rudimentary question, but how complicated is it to take in the waist band of a pair of jeans?

    New jeans fit great in the thighs and booty but waist is a bit big. Is this an easy fix? Is it better to have them taken in at the side seam or rear?

    1. My tailor always does a triangle out of the back. I have to do this with every pair of pants EVER. It is about $7-10 at my tailor and easy for them to do. I did also see a tutorial on pinterest about sewing elastic into the waist band so it tightens itself… this is probably a good cheap solution, but it doesn’t cost much more to have a pro do it.

      1. And for my dumb follow up – I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “a triangle out of the back”

      2. Who’s your tailor? I’ve had four places in Brooklyn pretty much refuse to touch the waistband on my jeans.

        1. Not the OP but I love Mi Montuno on Washington Avenue in Prospect/Crown Heights. I’ve gotten this alteration done on other pants and I would be pretty surprised if they didn’t want to do it on jeans.

  20. I am in search of maternity pants for third trimester. My ideal is skinny pants (not leggings though) with a waistband to cover the belly, under $50. I am in NYC so needs to be a store in Manhattan or some place with easy/cheap shipping and returns. Any ideas? Am I delusional for thinking I can buy maternity-anything for under 50 bucks? Thanks hive!

    1. Target will ship free if you have >$ 50 (and I think Gap) and their maternity pants I found to be as good as anything else. I didn’t use them, but if they are too expensive, Old Navy is in the same corporate family and is the cheapest. Should also be some consigment options, depending on where you are.

      1. Great ideas – I’ll check out Gap and Target. I tried ON but they had straight fits and khakis, no skinny pants.

    2. Destination Maternity will give you lots of options, but their return policy sucks. Gap has good maternity clothes and I think they have skinny pants (or at least pants that are cut on the slender side instead of looking like yoga pants.) Their return policy is better. JC Penney has really cheap maternity clothes – you could also look there.

      1. I’ll check out Destination Maternity – I haven’t yet been to a specialty maternity store yet. I went to the only JCP in Manhattan but they don’t have a maternity section in that store, even though it’s a pretty big store. I can’t even understand why they thought it was a good idea to skip the maternity section in their only store in manhattan

    3. Gap has tons of skinny pregnancy pants in lots of different colors. Quality-wise, they are on par or better than most of the rest of the market.

      1. Looks like Gap is the universal favorite so I’ll take myself to one this weekend and report back. Thanks you all!

        1. Not all Gaps have a maternity section! Look it up on their website before you make the trip. My city is big enough to have an NFL team but only 1 Gap has maternity (and it was tucked in the back of a Baby Gap at the yucky mall).

  21. TJ – Have any of you attorneys been to the American Bar Association Annual Conference? If so, what is the general dress – suits or business casual? Thanks.

    1. Suits!. Lots of suits. I’m in house and was surprised at how many people were wearing suits even on the weekend at the ABA annual conference.

  22. Longtime expats, does it ever get easier? Said goodbye to my dad this morning (we are not emotional so the fact that we kept hugging each other was a big deal) and my little niece last night! I know this is my future and my choice (my research is pretty much irrelevant outwith W. Europe) but I always feel like I’m saying goodbye whether to my friends abroad or my friends / family at ‘home’. I’m looking forward to going back to my ‘real life’ but it is pretty sad each time it happens.

    1. I was a longtime expat (several years). I think it’s hardest for you (and was for me) because the CA to UK time change is very difficult in terms of maintaining contact. You will always feel like you have one foot in each place, and I found that coming home actually made me more homesick. My parents/fam were always amazing about not guilting me into moving home, but _I_ got so sad to be leaving them. (I also did all of this pre-FB/pre-Skype, so there was not a very good way to stay in touch beyond phone/email.)

      One thing that really did help was for me to make “local” friends who were _not_ expats. Particularly in London, there was a revolving door of expat Americans, but having more Brit and French friends (who were going to stay there indefinitely) really helped me feel more anchored. I understand you are in a uni setting, which is more transitory, but try to join a local church/club/organization/etc. which has more roots and it might help you have more roots.

      At the end of the day, I tried to remind myself that I was _SO LUCKY_ to have the opportunity to travel, learn about another culture (and really soak it in). Probably more than 50% of the people I met back home in the US would say, “London, how marvelous!” or something to that effect. You have to remind yourself that you are a very lucky, lucky girl, special opportunity, etc. And then remind yourself that maintaining friendships takes work and you have to work harder than others due to distance, but it’s so worth it. Just wait until some of your friends or family visit Scotland–it’s so cool to realize how entrenched you are when you can explain all of the quirks and vocab and whatnot. Then you realize you really have made yourself at home!

      Chin up! Just think of all of the delicious Scottish things you are heading toward now!

  23. It’s Friday right?
    Major style win of the week: My Big Boss complimented my shoes today. They are these insanely comfy, flat-like with a gold heel kick Ivanka Trump (link below). I have them in black.
    http://bit.ly/NWwO4S

    The weekend can happen now :)

  24. I didn’t read yesterday’s post until today but I wanted to chime in for the person looking for free beginner’s photography – I recommend checking out http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-tips-for-beginners/ which has articles on the basics that I found very helpful. For inspiration, there is also a weekly photography challenge and forum on the same website – they post an assignment and people submit a photo that falls in the category. The assignments can be based on the style of the photo or the subject matter or anything really (“landscape”, “love”, “contrast”, “animals”, etc.). I haven’t been very active in submitting photos but I subscribed to the email list and draw inspiration from the assignments/others’ posts from time to time.

  25. Ms. Kat, a litigator just walked by and said he likes the name of your site. He said it is “cool”.

  26. I posted a comment on yesterday’s coffee break post, but in case you didn’t see it:

    Earthies are the most fantastically comfortable and supportive shoes I’ve owned other than Birkenstocks. I have a pair of pumps I wear for work (the Essex style) and they’re wonderful for my high arches. I have read reviews that say they have too much support for low arches, but I have a friend with flat feet who also loves hers (she has both flat and wedge sandals), so ymmv. The padding is great, and even in heels I don’t feel like I’m walking on tiptoes. They’re expensive, but I don’t think I could go back to any other brand of shoes at this point. I love a few of the styles and hate many of them, but the comfort is worth the lack of style & color options.

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