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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 163 Comments · by

Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Crepe Seamed Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Rebecca Taylor Crepe Seamed Dress I love all things blue, of course, and this gorgeous seamed sheath dress from Rebecca Taylor is no different. I love the little notched neckline, and the slightly art deco feel to the seaming. I'd probably wear it with a black blazer and some good jewelry and call it a day, but I could also see this looking great with some mod pops of color (think bright yellow and bright pink accessories with a white blazer), or going well with a dark burgundy or dark purple accent. (I know this dress looks short, but the model here is 5'10.) It's $350 at Zappos. Rebecca Taylor Crepe Seamed Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2)  

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Comments

  1. Ellen

    I love this dress, but OMG, what is with her knee’s?

    I am back at work today finaly after a week in Virginia with Dad. I am tired! I stayed the weekend in LI, b/c Dad did NOT want to stop in Manhattan, but went RIGHT across the bridge into LI. He could have stopped but said he was in a hurry, and would NOT even drop me off by a subway station b/c it was NOT safe he said. I said I used the subway all the time, but he did NOT want me walkeing around in a bad neighborhood. I did NOT post earlier, b/c Dad would NOT let me use his Mac. FOOEY! It was OK b/c I spent time w/ mom and we ate 2 apple pies she made! YAY!!!! Dad was not happy about that and said my tuchus would be just like hers in 5 years if I keep it up. FOOEY b/c I execercise with his FITBIT and she does NOT.

    I had the BEST time with the Komendant on Friday. We ate at the cafeteria (gross), and I found out he actualy was not the Komendant, but just some sort of ex military attachee who worked with Dad in the service and now does specialized work for the goverment. He is the onley guy who has been able to realy embarrass Dad, b/c he knows alot of what Dad did when they were together in Eastern Europe. He was very nice to me. He said to Dad ” She just can’t be your kid! No way! How in the world did THIS incredibley beautiful girl (me) come from such a wormy horn-toad like you!” OMG, Dad was speecheless! The Komendant, who dad warned me looked like a refrigereator with a square head, told a very gross story about Dad and him and 3 very pretty young women at a gymnaseium that Dad promised me I would NEVER repeat to mom — they were NOT married at the time, but they were dateing and I even think they may even have been engaged. I would not tell mom b/c it was too embarasing. He called it GLAZZNOST. Whatever, but I guess even dad was lecherus when he did his milatery service, and the 3 Europeean women were suposedly very abel to satisfy his need’s and the Komendant said gave Dad some “serious stress relief behind the iron curtain. ” FOOEY b/c Alan made me do thing’s like GLAZZNOST in NYC, and we were NOT even married or engaged! DOUBEL FOOEY!

    Madeline made a mess of my case’s and just threw the paper’s back on my desk, but did NO work on the breif’s I had been workeing on. I don’t think the manageing partner care’s that I have to submit them by Friday for next Tuesday’s hearing’s so I will be real busy this week. FOOEY! Sam wanted to meet me this weekend in LI, but I did not want him to show up with his fancy car and start pickeing his nose in front of Mom and Dad, even if he does have a British accent. They would I think push him on me just b/c he has alot of money and a big BMW. Also, he does NOT even like meat or gluten or anything much so I do NOT think he would eat mom’s apple pie or anything else I could cook for him! FOOEY on GLUTEN! Why can’t a NORMAL guy with alot of money from the Hamton’s just come and marry me this Summer so I would NOT have to deal with so many NYC guys that just want to have fun with me? I perfer just to get married now, live in the Hamton’s and have a child this year so I get the $50,000 from Grandma Leyeh, and NOT have to date so many of these horn-toad’s. I think I am NOT getting any where on that and will loose the money. FOOEY!

    I have alot of catcheing up to do now with my freind’s so I hope the hive and Kat all have a great week YAY!

  2. Defining Decade

    Just wanted to say thank you to all the ‘r3tt3s who have suggested the Defining Decade. I finished it over the weekend and found it very helpful, practical, and inspirational. I understand now why so many recommend it – I’ve found myself bringing it up in conversation left and right. Thanks again!

  3. Merabella

    Getting my annual physical tomorrow, and I’m totally stumped on questions I should ask my doctor. Any of you ladies have a list of questions you generally bring to your physical to ask your doctor/things I should remember?

    • Houda

      I always try to note down any physical incidents that I could not rationalize even if they are over.
      For instance:
      if I’ve had a weird rash come and go but not recall eating anything I am allergic to,
      if I’ve had localized pains with no previous trauma or DOMS,
      if I have felt severe pain disproportionate to the effort I exerted at sport, etc.

      • Anonymous

        Just be aware that if you bring up specific concerns like this, your visit probably won’t be 100% covered as your one free preventive visit. My GP billed for a “Level 2” visit because I mentioned a minor issue that had I known was going to start a billing timer, wouldn’t have brought up. We called for clarification and apparently the free preventive visit as envisioned by insurance is a 5 minute visit with the doctor to say “yep, everything’s fine, thxbye.”

        • Anonymous

          (I know Houda is not in the US, but I’m just throwing that out there for those that are)

          • rosie

            That’s happened to me, too, so I appreciate you pointing it out. It was super annoying because I mentioned an ongoing problem I have, and the NP I was seeing didn’t do anything, just said I should come in again to discuss it and have a test done. Yet I was charged for a problem visit, not just a preventative visit.

    • Veronique

      -Are my numbers (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) normal?
      -Is my health better, worse or the same since my last checkup?
      -Do I have a higher than normal risk for certain diseases/conditions (based on personal/family history)?
      -What can I do to improve my health?

    • eek

      Ask about things that are specific to age/race/gender. Any moles that are of concern? Tetanus shot? Did you have lab work done prior to appt?

    • NOLA

      I would suggest, if at all possible, that you ask your doctor to schedule your bloodwork before your appointment. My doctor does it afterward and I always feel like we don’t have sufficient time, over the phone, to really discuss the results.

      • eek

        My comment is in moderation for whatever, I don’t even know. But agree w/ NOLA. I schedule lab work for 2 weeks prior to appt so we can discuss at appt and I get a printout w/ her notes and comparison to past lab results.

        • NYNY

          Except when insurance won’t cover the labs because there was no visit to justify ordering labs. Insurance in the US is insane…

  4. Houda

    Hello Hive !
    I have been missing because the last few weeks were professionally challenging.
    As someone who has always been on top, it was very intimidating to be in a position where I am at the bottom of the learning curve.
    Few discussions with peers and a mentor helped me realize that I cannot change the hostile work environment I am – at least not now – but I have to work on my visibility.
    Based on this site’s readers recommendations, I had looked up “Brag, the art of touting your horn without breaking it”. However, I had not found it. I will be looking during my next trip to the US, but in case I cannot find the book, any good alternatives? Or web resources?

    I am in a situation where nobody at work seems to know what I do because I picked a niche department that did not exist locally.
    While I still have to work on my self-discipline (procrastination, priority setting etc.) I do not want my efforts to be invisible to the local teams (my constituents).

    Any advice is greatly appreciated.

    P.S. We have a horrible heat wave in Morocco, and the facilities management team decided it’s best to install central AC (to stop the AC wars). I am freezing at my desk, and every time I go to the hallway or elevator it is like I’ve opened the door to hell.. The temperature delta is unbelievable!
    Where is a good pashmina when you need one..

    • Nomi

      Just try and be nice and you’ll be fine. I know someone fromMorocco who never bathes!

      • Houda

        :) haha Oh my! you must be very unlucky to see such a phenomenon.
        I have never seen someone who never bathes, matter of fact Moroccans are notorious for their bath rituals and products (Ghassoul – Black Soap – Argan) which are now sold at exclusive SPAs worldwide.
        If that was not a joke, I really hope that person gets some much needed medical attention :(

      • Anon

        Houda – please don’t take offense at Nomi’s “never bathes” comment. Nomi = Ellen = troll.

        • Houda

          Thanks Anon,
          The energy from this group is great and quality of advice is unmatched so I never take offense at ELLEN even with NO CAPS — I just discard it.

          • Moonstone

            Houda is officially the smartest person on the Internet — Just Say Ellen and Move On.

    • Anon

      Not sure if it’s easier to find locally, but I like “Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn’t, and Why: 10 Things You’d Better Do If You Want to Get Ahead.”

      Could you try getting an eBook or electronic version?

      • Houda

        Thanks Anon,
        I typically get paper books, it is just that on the last visits to Barnes & Noble, I could not find that particular book. I will try to find the one you suggested

        • PHX

          You may want to look on Amazon for used copies — maybe those could be shipped overseas.

  5. Lo & sons

    I have been waiting for a coupon code for months and I’m finally ready to pull the trigger on a lo & sons bag! I plan to use it for my work bag (I walk about 1.5 mi each way carrying a bunch of stuff) and as a go-to carryon for travel.

    Any opinions on OG vs. OMG? Also I’m torn between the sky blue color, which I think would make me happier to look at every day vs. the black w/ silver hardware, which might be more versatile. Any thoughts/opinions welcome!!!

    • Brooklyn Paralegal

      In terms of color, I would personally go with black with silver hardware. If you plan to use it as your regular work bag and for travel, it’s far more versatile than sky blue. You can always get a wallet or change purse in sky blue or a similarly cheery color.

      • preg anon

        I disagree. I think sky blue would be more versatile because it goes with black and brown. I can’t think of a single thing light blue wouldn’t go with.

        • TO Lawyer

          +1 Plus I think coloured bags are always a fun accessory and almost always appropriate

        • Anon

          Depends on the OP’s wardrobe. I own zero brown items, and zero pastels, so black would be far more versatile for me.

        • banagram

          Darker jewel tones could be tough to match with light blue. I think red, dark purple, dark green would be tough to pull off. That said, if you don’t wear those colors (or just disagree with me) get the one that makes you happy!

          • Anonymous

            I actually love red and light blue. I think its stunning together. I also think dark purple and light blue would be nice together. I agree with dark green and light blue being tough.

        • Houda

          Sky Blue will make you smile everyday.. that’s a good enough reason to get it!

    • mascot

      I love colored bags and carry a light blue purse often in the summer. It goes with most everything color-wise. My only concern about a light colored tote is how much it will show dirt. The OG/OMG is nylon, right? So presumably it is easy to clean?

    • Anon

      I ordered both the OG and the OMG recently-I could not decide between the two. I ended up keeping the OMG, because it just fit my 14 inch clunker work laptop, and because the OG was too big for daily use on my frame (I’m just over 5 feet)/screamed I was headed to the airport. But, I’d def recommend ordering them both and taking advantage of the free return policy!

    • Rural Juror

      I would worry about the sky blue getting dirty, although you could probably wipe it clean pretty easily. I have the black/silver OMG which admittedly I do find a bit dull, but I just don’t love something about the sky blue. I would have LOVED a navy color. As for the sizing, the OMG fits for me: my laptop (13 inch) a book/notepad/file, my purse (small) and my lunch. It’s not overstuffed and that’s how I carry it on a daily basis. It could also fit a pair of flats or heels in there. The only time I wish it was bigger is for weekend trips – I think the OG could be a weekender but the OMG really can’t.

    • AIMS

      Maybe it’s just me but I think the sky blue will look out of place in the winter/fall. Depending on where you live, of course. If you’re in Miami or LA, go for it. But in NY or similar climates, I always feel like a color like that would look a bit unseasonal in the colder months. Some bright colors do work of course (the purple would, I think), but I think the comfination of that color + the fabric just makes it feel like it’s a spring/summer bag. You can certainly style it in a way that would still make it work, but it’s a lot of effort to go through for something that you will want to use every day.
      I would do the black.

      • backgrounder

        Agree…I just bought the OG in Plum (really like the color although I thought it was going to be a little darker). Plum might be a happy compromise between the black and sky blue (which I saw and liked but was similarly concerned about it getting dirty).

        As far as size…I, too, debated between the OG and OMG but pulled the trigger on the OG and am glad I did. I apparently carry around a ridiculous amount of stuff…wallet, purse items, gym shoes, gym clothes, lunch, water bottle, umbrella and other misc. items. My OG is pretty full every day so I know the OMG would have been too small. I would note if you’re going to use as a gym bag putting bulky gym shoes in the shoe compartment takes up a lot of valuable real estate in the actual bag.

        YMMV but I have been happy with the plum OG so far

    • AnnonFoo

      I have a black OMG, it is the right size for my needs when I am going to gym after work. It easily fits my gym shoes, workout clothes (+ light fleece jacket in winters), water bottle, my work clothes on trip back from gym to home and usual purse items (work+personal phone, wallet, few makeup items, keys etc). I love the OMG, it is well shaped, stylish and doesn’t look like usual a gym bag. I used to feel very conscious of carrying around a gym bag in the office when I was not in best shape and was just starting a new workout program, OMG definitely made sticking to my workout routine much more convenient :)

    • Baconpancakes

      It depends on how many bags you’re willing to own and how conservative you need your outfits to be. Last year, I carried a neon yellow purse all summer, working at a super casual organization, and I just focused all of my summer outfits around yellow, green, and pale blue. Now I’m working for a bit more conservative company, and decided to go with camel for my summer bag, and I’m looking at a black OMG for my fall bag.

      If I had an extra $300 hanging around, I would’ve bought another yellow bag (so cheerful!) and alternated between the neutral and the bright.

    • Katie

      Oh! Here’s a coupon code: ” Bonus for all readers: Get 15% off with the code ACUPOFJOSUMMER, good until August 31st.” From ACupofJo blog. (I take no credit , just spreading the word :) )

    • anonfish

      I just got the OMG in Army Green. I carry a lot of stuff to work every day (long bus commute in NYC). I needed something that would fit a lunch bag as well as the usual other stuff. I don’t bring a laptop. It’s working well so far, size-wise. I’m seriously disappointed in the feel of the straps though. They are very stiff and it makes it less comfortable to carry. Will these eventually soften? I feel like the leather seems cheaper than I expected for a $300 bag…

      Also, there were some coupon codes for the different colors that had waitlists.. I can’t remember what they were but could try to search archived emails later if you are interested in green, black or espresso…?

  6. Bonnie

    Lovely dress and I dig the yellow accessory suggestions. I always end up returning items with notched necklines because they seem odd to me with jackets.

    • Sneakers

      I like this dress, but would be afraid that if I ate lunch it would show. Like a burrito baby. :( Very pretty color though.

  7. Anonymous

    So I applied to a fed attorney job over the weekend (I am currently a fed attorney, different agency). I looked on my law school directory and see that an alum works there. Do I reach out? Even if I have no connection except the school, and even though he probably has nothing to do with the hiring process? It seems so forced to say “hey guy, I went to the same school. hire me!”
    Any success stories or advice on doing this (or not doing this)

    • LeChouette

      I think it’s totally fine to do it, you can likely get useful information on the hiring process, interview tips, and specifics about the job that will be helpful – even if he has no pull. I have done this on many occasions and found alums to be willing to talk and to share very helpful info.

      • KC

        Agree. I reached out to alums while job hunting and even if they weren’t involved in the hiring process, they were still a great resource when it came to things like the company’s culture, role of a particular department, and exit opportunities. I think the more you know about a position, the more prepared you come across in an interview setting.

          • KC

            I like email because it lets the other person respond on their own time (ie. not be put on the spot). Just let them know how you came across their contact info (school directory, career services, etc.), mention your interest and that you’ve applied for a position, and ask for a phone call or a meeting to learn more about the position/agency.

          • Hel-lo

            I received a note card in the mail from a fellow alum a few years ago who had just moved to my area. She didn’t want a job, just a friend. She included her phone number and email.

            Now we are close friends.

    • Famouscait

      For those of you who are savvy regarding dressing one’s shape: I’m newly preggers and will be trying to hide it at work. I’ve read through past threads about wearing flowy, blousy tops starting now (pre-bump). Would wearing an open cardigan in a boxy-ish cut also help? I bought this cardigan at the Talbots sale over the weekend, and am considering buying a few more (it’s super soft, I like the flat head, tonal buttons, and the price is right!)

      http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?zoomImage=31121629_alt2&rootCategory=cat70010&id=prdi30089&rootConcept=Petites

      Thanks!

        • Sneakers

          Yes — I found that if I got things in a Hillary Clinton pantsuit-cut (boxy), they hid my first daughter for 4.5 months. I am moderately pear-shaped, so I had room in my ill-fitting pants at the time. Didn’t work so well on the next baby — all of the secretaries new by 12 weeks and I was pretty much the same size.

          FWIW, I found that jackets (more structure) hid better than cardigans.

      • marketingchic

        Looks good – my trick was a loose cardigan, untucked loose top and a long scarf.

      • lucy stone

        No idea about covering a bump, but those cardigans are great. I have been transitioning from Lands’ End cardigans to those because I like the tonal buttons better. They hold up incredibly well and wash nicely.

        • Famouscait

          Thanks all, for the feedback.

          Lucy: I agree about this cardigan – it’s great! Glad you mentioned the Land’s End version too, because I have been considering buying some of those as well. Talbots has a ton of colors in my size (online) so I’ll probably just stock up on these.

          • lucy stone

            I think the Talbot’s one seems dressier because it has tonal buttons. The LE ones have white buttons.

    • goldribbons

      I think you’re good– “hey guy, we went to the same school and I just applied for a job at your company/in your department,” ask for a lunch meeting and just pick his brain about what he does and what the job you applied for needs (anything from hours to personality type). I think “hey guy, hire me!” is very forced and unnatural, but I think it would be weirder to show up on Day 1 or to an interview knowing you’ll see him but leaving it as a surprise for him.

  9. Anita

    Pretty dress, but I definitely wouldn’t pair it with black. Camel or gray seem like much better neutral options. I do love the idea of adding yellow, though.

  10. Adele

    I am not a fan of this dress. I think it’s the zipper and generally snug fit. I think at this price point you can find something much nicer.

    On a TJ, I want to get my H a mag subscription and am trying to choose between Esquire and GQ. Thoughts? He is into dressing well but not overly fashion conscious and very classics-oriented, not trendy. I am looking for something that is the magazine version of this community but for men. Etiquette rules, dress tips, interesting stories, etc. TIA!

    • marketingchic

      My husband gets GQ, and I really like it – I steal it every month and read it. I think their fashion tips are pretty classics-based and realistic.

    • PollyD

      I’ll be different and say Esquire. I think it has more variety in its stories than GQ. Especially if your husband is into food or drinks, Esquire has some very good articles on those topics.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      My BF prefers Esquire. I asked him why and he says “Esquire is more refined and for a slightly more mature audience. GQ is similar, but has more outlandish suggestions that seem more unreliable. Esquire is the one you want.”

  11. Delia

    PSA! For all my fellow Everlane lovers, the Ryan T and tank are back! I wouldn’t recommend this for a workplace (not if you work where I do) but they look perfect for the weekend.I have one of the old fabric and love it, apparently the new fabric is softer and lasts longer. Mobile site only for today, regular site tomorrow. I just ordered one of each, very excited! https://www.everlane.com/n/86pa5n

  12. Cb

    Anyone reading anything wonderful at the moment? Just finished Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (amazing), Ghana Must Go (darker than expected but excellent), and Citadel by Kate Mosse (900 pages down in about 24 hours).

    • espresso bean

      I’m reading (and LOVING) Americanah. It’s great. Also enjoyed Blue Plate Special by Kate Christensen, although I wouldn’t say it was her best work.

    • emeralds

      I just finished the Yohnalossee Riding Camp for Girls, which I picked up on a recommendation from someone here–it was pretty enjoyable, but deep enough that it didn’t feel like a brainless beach read.

    • Famouscait

      Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea is excellent.

      Thanks to whomever recently recommended The Sparrow (or, Jesuits in Space). I just started it and am totally intrigued. And slightly nervous…

    • mascot

      Life After Life was good. I also have The Sparrow and A Short History of a Small Place downloaded thanks the recs from this site.

    • Anonymous

      I’m reading the American Wife, which is great so far (about 1/2 way through).

    • Statutesq

      Glad you started this. I just finished all three Gillian Flynn books: Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places. They are pretty dark, but great stories.

      • Cb

        Thanks everyone! Just did a kindle spree. I’m taking the advantage of free evenings to read like crazy.

    • I am a banana.

      Cleopatra: A Life, by Stacy Schiff. I’m two chapters in and all I want to do is read more. Not your usual old dry bio material.

    • Brooklyn Paralegal

      Currently reading The Cuckoo’s Calling. Just started it this morning on the train to work.

      I recently read A Naked Singularity by Sergio de la Pava, which ousted all my long-standing favorites for best contemporary novel I’ve read in the past few years. It’s absolutely brilliant.

  13. TBK

    Sorry for yet ANOTHER pregnancy-related question — can anyone recommend an iPhone app for dads-to-be? Or, better yet, one that lets partners share data? I have one on my phone I like and, among other things, it lets me track my doctors appointments. It would be amazing to have an app that shared this with my husband. But even just an app that said something like “your partner is 6 weeks pregnant” instead of “you are 6 weeks pregnant” would be great. Seriously, the dearth of stuff out there for guys is disturbing. We want them to be involved, right? Btw, I take back my comment from last week about how my husband never cooks or cleans up the kitchen. I wasn’t feeling great last night and this guy cooked dinner (including sides!), cooked extra for leftovers for our lunches, cleaned up, and then emptied the dishwasher, filled it, let it run, and emptied it again. Very happy wife.

    Also, thanks to whoever recommended The Expectant Father — it was just what I was looking for. It’s now on Mr.’s nightstand.

    • AIMS

      No idea about apps, but you could just sync your iphone calendars. You can add pop reminders to it that say anything you want, including “your partner is 6 weeks pregnant.”

    • mascot

      I think you are going to find a limit to how much men can be involved, because well, they aren’t actually pregnant. There are some not so pleasant side effects to pregnancy and there may be times you don’t really need anyone else reminding you to take a couple of colace with those prenatals. I was ok with keeping some of these details quiet. Some of the developments are super exciting, although equally unshareable. While I can describe down to the detail what it was like to first feel the baby move or what hiccups feel like on the inside, that’s a joy that is just between baby and mom. My husband won’t know that feeling even with my best descriptions. A couple of the books had little sidebars for partners, maybe pregnancy week by week or WTEWYE. Try looking at some of parenting magazines for recommendations on apps. The involvement really ramps up once the baby is on the outside. I promise.

      • Jo March

        But shouldn’t we encourage them to think about it? Professor Bhaer loves hearing about every.little.thing. I think it would be crappy of me to just think, “Oh, well, he can’t actually *experience* it so I might as well not tell him.”

    • LawChickie

      I don’t have any app suggestions, but wanted to ask the name of the app you are using that you like. I’m pregnant and have been looking for an app to track my pregnancy. Thanks!

      • TBK

        I like the one by Health & Parenting Ltd. When I put “pregnancy” into the search field in my iPhone app store, it’s the second one that comes up. It says “Beautiful Photos”. (And it does have really nice photos for every week.)

      • Jo March

        Baby center is not bad. The weekly updates are not SUPER detailed but detailed enough. I have been forwarding them to both Professor Bhaer and my dad, lol (who is SO INTO this!)

    • Jennifer

      Not a pregnancy app, but I’d highly, highly recommend the Avocado (avocado.io) app for shared calendars, to-do lists, messaging, and photos. My husband and I use it all the time, and it’s definitely in my top 3 in terms of apps. I’d happily go on and on about it, but then everyone will think I’m a trolling Avocado employee (haha!). It’s free, but there’s also a subscription version (like $20/year, I think), for power users – people who have a lot of lists and photos, etc.

    • Preg-anon

      It’s not an app, but my mom signed up for the emails from BabyCenter. They send you one every week that tells you (very generally) what is going on with the baby (approx. length, weight, new developments, etc.). They aren’t super informative, but I like getting it every week. He might be able to sign up as a spouse (and not you).

  14. Calla

    Question for any of those in Boston. My girlfriend’s birthday is today – I got her a present this past weekend but want to take her for a very nice dinner ($20-30/dish range) this coming weekend. I’m vegetarian and she doesn’t want to do Italian as we eat that all the time, which makes finding something harder! So far, I’m looking at City Landing or Puritan & Co (Petit Robert Bistro also looks nice but I’d be getting the veggie burger which feels less fancy), but are there any other great veggie-friendly fine dining options?

    • Brant

      Elephant Walk (3 locations- waltham/brookline-boston border/cambridge). It’s cambodian/french fusion, tons of veggie options, nice atmosphere but I’m not sure I’d call it “fine” dining…though you won’t get out of there for <$100 if you order drinks.

      Also…the Beehive in the South End? I'm not positive on their vegetarian options (I have veterinarian friends that meet me there all the time…but I can't tell you what they order), but it's my favorite place to recommend and would be great for a celebratory event. You're probably OK on the week nights but it might be smart to make reservations just in case. Lots of live music, so it CAN be hard to hear if you have a table close to the stage; make sure you ask for a table close if you want to be close, and far if you want to be far from the noise.

      • Calla

        Thanks! I keep hearing great things about Elephant Walk, but I’m a picky vegetarian who’s never had Cambodian so I always put off trying it… maybe I should consider that as a new fun thing to try though.

        • Brant

          They have great gazpacho. And pretty mainstream veggies/rice type dishes. It is a paradise for vegetarians and gluten-free, with lots of meat options as well.

        • Cornellian

          I had my 20th birthday dinner there seven years ago and still remember it. I was strict vegetarian at the time and didn’t have a hard time finding something to eat.

    • rosie

      Do you like Ethiopian food? It’s been a while, but I used to really enjoy Addis Red Sea (in South End and Porter Square). Great vegetarian options, although you should ask that they plate the meat stuff separately if you would not want them to risk running together.

    • Ciao, pues

      skip Puritan & Co. I was there a couple of weeks ago and while the meat options are really creative and yummy, the one veg entree (risotto) was totally bland. there are a few small plates that are veg friendly, but not enough to make a meal. (also, really expensive and small portions, so three strikes for me).

      the hubs and i prefer ten tables for vegetarian fine dining. they do a fantastic prix fixe. we recently visited bondir and had an AMAZINGly delicious vegetarian meal. i’ve also heard great things about TW Foods.

      • Calla

        Thank you SO MUCH! I’m a fan of risotto, but not if it’s bland. Ten Tables and Bondir both look amazing. I had never even HEARD of Bondir. Although gf eats meat she does like to stay conscious about it, so that may be the perfect option.

        • Ciao, pues

          bondir is hard to get into, so call immediately for a reservation! our server was fantastic and made great recommendations for veg options. they also serve a lot of yummy amouse bouche. it’s a really special occasion place.

  15. Anon

    Online dating is starting to get to me. If I get one more message that’s just “Hi” or a variation on that, I think I’m going to scream.

    • Godzilla

      I just got a “hi lova wanna chat” this morning. I’d almost prefer the “Hi”.

        • Nordies

          Ha! At least he has a sense of humor? Although, I suppose you could read this coming off majorly pervy.

    • AnnonFoo

      I hear you. It is so exhausting with these useless messages and dead ends. Almost wants me to stop bothering with it and enjoy my life as is.

    • emeralds

      And this was one of the many reasons that I deleted my online dating profile.

    • anondater32

      It’s so annoying. Have you been emailing guys? I find that I get much better results when I take matters into my own hands and email guys that seem interesting. They don’t always write back, but when they do, the conversation already starts at a much higher level because I’ve set the tone for normal dialogue (asking questions, talking about common interests, etc.).

      As for the rest… block’em!

    • Wannabe Runner

      I met my DH online a couple years ago.

      I think dudes just don’t know what to say. They are trying to make a connection with you.

      What would you prefer, a pickup line? No one has told them they should comment on something in your profile.

      Give these dudes a chance. That’s part of being open to the process.

      • Anon

        I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time if you’re going to message me, you should actually say something.

        • Wannabe Runner

          All I’m saying is, how does he know that you’ve made that a rule for yourself?

          If the right dude comes along with “Hi,” you don’t want to let him go just because he didn’t know what else to say. Lots of sweet guys don’t know what to say.

          At least check his profile.

          Otherwise, you’re kind of Seinfeld territory – rejecting people for really shallow reasons, i.e., Man Hands.

          (And I’m with you – I had to stop like three times in taking the eharmony personality quizzes, because I was so overwhelmed. And the amount of dudes you get responding to you on eharmony between Thanksgiving and New Years is UNREAL. Like 50 per day! I just rejected them all because it was way too much.

          But I had a long talk with myself – was I going to be open to finding a dude on the Internet or not? I was either going to do it or not; not tell people I was doing it, but actually rejecting every man that tried to talk to me. That’s not actually doing it.

          And then I met a sweet, cute guy on okcupid. And we got married several months ago.)

      • MaggieLizer

        Even assuming that the guy is genuinely interested but just too awkward to think of something to say, I really don’t like that kind of burden shifting. Drafting the first message takes time and thought. But instead of him putting some effort into messaging me, he puts the burden on me to come up with something to talk about. He’s basically saying, “I like you, but you need to put all the thought and effort into this if anything is going to happen between us.” It’s not very considerate and I don’t think that bodes very well for the kind of long-term partner I’m looking for, imo.

        • Sydney Bristow

          It’s perfectly appropriate to write something in your profile that you will only respond to messages that say more than “hi.” I still got those messages but stuck with my own rule that I’d only respond if the guy put in at least a minimal amount of effort.

        • Not a lawyer but...

          Agree. To me, someone who “doesn’t know what to say” = “poor conversational skills.”

          Poor conversational skills is a dealbreaker for me. I forget who said this, but in a long partnership, only a small % of the hours are spent doing Lady Garden Parties. The rest of it will be in conversation, so if a person who can’t manage that might become veeeeerry dull veeeery quickly.

    • zora

      It is SO overwhelming. This is my second try, and I am barely hanging on. That said: anything less than a substantive message = Immediate Delete. I don’t have time for that ish. And I do reach out to guys that I think sound interesting. My main objective is to consciously limit the amount of input from the site to an absolute minimum so that I don’t get totally overwhelmed and runawayrunawayrunaway!!!

    • January

      Agreed… I’m not sure how anyone puts up with online dating as a lifestyle! Oof.

  16. in-house counsel question

    Hi ladies, I’m trying to move in-house in the next few years and am searching for in-house counsel who graduated from my undergrad and law school. I’ve searched 1) Martindale, 2) LinkedIn, and 3) the alumni databases thru my undergrad and law school. Are there any other places you would search?

  18. Baconpancakes

    Along the lines of the fed attorney’s alum connection question earlier:

    I have a friend who’s been job hunting for almost six months now. She recently applied at a company where the uncle of another friend of ours is a departmental director. The uncle, on hearing his neice’s friend was applying, offered to meet her and talk about the company, but my job hunting friend turned down the offer, since he wasn’t in HR or in her field. I almost tore my hair out at hearing this.

    She doesn’t really like being told she’s wrong, so… suggestions on a book on networking, perhaps? Ask a Manager, definitely, but other blogs?

    • goldribbons

      As controversial as it is, I think Lean In discusses networking and always always meeting with people who offer to meet with you. But if I were you, I’d probably smack her. How frustrating!!

    • Anon

      You can only do so much. She sounds determined to sabotage her career prospects. Not sure there’s anything you can do to help her see the light. If she can’t see the value in meeting with someone else in the organization, particularly someone in a management role who is reaching out to meet with her and offer her his valuable time, then maybe there are good reasons for why she’s struggling to get a job. This kind of networking is pretty standard for actually landing a job.

  19. Anonymous

    I’m 14 wks pg and extremely light-headed all the time (for about the last 3-5 days). Does anyone have experience with this and/or advice? I almost fainted on my way into work this morning (managed to find a place to sit down for a few minutes). I would call my doc but so far, she has brushed off every concern I’ve had, so I’m really interested to hear if this is common and something that’ll pass or if it’s something serious. Thanks.

    • Ciao, pues

      I have naturally low blood pressure, like, if I stand up too quickly after having been lying down, my blood pressure dips dramatically and it all goes black and i have to wait a few seconds to regain my vision/ blood to my head. i’m pregnant and it’s definitely gotten worse. when i brought it up to my midwife she said that low blood pressure is a good thing, so caregivers rarely think of it as a “problem.” that may be why you feel like your doc has brushed it off.

      my midwife suggested making sure I’m super hydrated as it can be worse with dehydration. I also do my best to take changes in position really slowly, e.g. lying down > propped up on elbows> sitting up > feet on floor > standing > walking, all in distinct steps. I also try not to restrict my blood flow by crossing my legs, leaning on my elbows at my desk, etc.

      • Anonymous

        This is so reassuring to hear!! Also, I had no idea that crossing my legs could make it worse (as I uncross my legs…). Thanks so much.

        • Pregomama

          My blood pressure was something like 118/70 pre pregnancy. I’m 32 weeks now, and last measured at 78/58. It’s been eeking down lower each time.

          I just move a lot more slowly :) My doc said that unless it’s a SUDDEN drop in BP, gradual decreased BP is expected.

        • TBK

          I have marginally high blood pressure normally and I’ve been lightheaded since I got pregnant. I tend to have exercise-related dizziness/headaches and I’m not sure if that makes me more prone to lightheadedness now or not. But for a few mornings in a row, when I got up I had to hang onto the wall for a few minutes until the world snapped back into place. I’ve read your blood volume will increase up to 50% over the course of your pregnancy so it doesn’t seem surprising that that would have some side effects.

    • Westraye

      This was exactly my experience (though it started much earlier than 14 weeks). I didn’t get nausea, I got dizzy and lightheadedness ALL THE TIME in the first 3-4 months. My doctor said it was fine, normal and common.

      What saved me was eating ALL THE TIME. No exaggeration. 2 breakfasts, 2 luches, snacks and usually 2 dinners. If I didn’t have carbs in my stomach, I fell over. Hopefully yours isn’t as bad. Luckily at about 15 weeks the dizziness/lightheadness magically went away and hasn’t come back.

      TL;DR: It’s normal and common – Carbs got me through that point in my pregnancy.

      • TBK

        Yes! Eating has been a huge help. I get crazy-angry-wolf-hungry instantly these days. I’ve noticed that starting maybe 20 min before I actually feel hungry, I get dizzy.

    • Anon

      I’m not pregnant, but I’ve fainted before from low blood pressure. It helps to eat something like a peanut butter cracker or trail mix.

    • ML

      I have naturally low blood pressure and during the first half of pregnancy it dipped even lower. I never fainted, but whenever I stood up too quickly or went from lying down to standing up, my vision would go black. I brought it up with my doctor and she said it was fine (but mine might not have been as low as yours so you should still get it checked out) and that it was good to be low because later in pregnancy it will go up and you don’t want to get too high.

      Make sure you’re drinking enough and eating every few hours. Also, your doctor sounds kind of …not great. Its still super early in your pregnancy, so maybe switch to someone who will listen to you?

    • Marilla

      I’m not pregnant, but I have very low blood pressure. My doctor warned me at my last appointment two weeks ago that it will go lower during pregnancy, but she didn’t seem too concerned – she said drink lots of fluids, don’t get out of bed too fast, and don’t worry so much about your sodium intake. Taking baths makes me extremely dizzy so I generally avoid that, and I make sure to eat something small every 2 hours or so – otherwise I get lightheaded and headachey.

    • MsZ

      I also went through this. I second the advice to keep your legs uncrossed, shift in your seat frequently, and drink lots of water. I think the medical explanation is something like, your circulatory system is expanding to make room for all of the blood you are *about* to make, meaning your blood pressure is low. (I suppose it’s better than the alternative.)

    • Two cents

      High heels made this worse for me. I stopped wearing them in my last pregnancy because I would almost pass out when standing for more than a few minutes at a time. Without high heels, I could last a bit longer and the spells weren’t as extreme.

      As someone else mentioned – eating and drinking frequently helped as well. I always kept an emergency granola bar and water bottle in my purse.

    • EB0220

      This happened to me a few times, after long car rides. My doctor advised me to get out and walk around about every hour and change positions slowly. I also carried food and water with me everywhere, which helped.

  20. AIMS

    I just had the most delicious lunch and it took me all of 2 minutes to put together this morning so I wanted to share. Canned lentils (had no idea this existed, but they were delicious) + diced tomato + diced cucumber + left over corn (off the cob) + a bit of shredded parm and some basil leaves. I almost didn’t bring lunch today because I hadn’t gone grocery shopping this week and then I decided to throw this together on my way out the door. So good and so easy, I actually impressed myself.

    • Frugal doc

      Wow – thanks for this post! I didn’t know about canned lentils either – did you get them from a regular grocery store?

      That sounds like a perfect lunch to me!

      • AIMS

        I got them at the health food store, it was an italian company, but I am pretty sure I have seen them in the regular supermarket, too.

  21. Equity's Darling

    Why am I absolutely incapable of saying no to free office treats?

    I’m not even hungry for them usually, but someone always walks around offering them, and then everyone hangs out in the kitchen for like 15 minutes just chatting, etc. and I don’t want to be unsocial.

    It doesn’t help that today it is cupcakes (my favourite treat ever) – though thankfully mini-ones, and I limited myself to one.

    • Anne

      I feel your pain. A colleague deposited a huge tin of Cadbury’s eclairs on the space just next to my desk today.

      And naturally I had to have a few…

    • Anon

      I feel your pain too – my overindulgence is office lunches. My supervisor convinces me to go out to lunch DAILY (firm pays). The other day I ate scrambled egg whites and cottage cheese for lunch at IHOP (I can’t go out to lunch everyday and not gain 10 pounds). Who goes to IHOP for lunch? Gross.

      • Susie

        I would, especially if the firms paying for it! Breakfast is hands down my favorite meal.

    • CKB

      Me too! Doughnuts and cupcakes are my weakness at work. And then last night at 9pm dh says “I’m going to DQ for ice cream – do you want anything?” and I just COULDN’T say no.

      I really need to work on strengthening my willpower.

    • backgrounder

      Feel ya. Our offices have “snack baskets” put out single every day with full size candy bars, chips, cookies, all kinds of chocolate etc. plus unlimited free soda/pop and juice. This teamed with sedentary desk job is killing me!! Doesn’t help I sit right outside the kitchen so I can hear the crinkle crinkle of candy wrappers and know the snacks are there. So hard to resist!!

    • S

      I love free office treats – breaks up the day, little sugar rush and makes me really feel like I work in the Office.

  22. Eyeglasses4all?

    Has anyone ordered sunglasses online from eyeglasses4all? The have the best price I could find for the glasses I want, but I hadn’t heard of them before….

  23. WestCoast Lawyer

    Thanks to everyone who shared suggestions for news sources in the weekend feed. I don’t know why I didn’t think of those myself, I’d just defaulted to CNN for so long and need to get out that rut.

  24. Little Geek

    Anybody work for Palantir or know someone who does?

    Am interested in them, love the Tolkien reference, but want to know more about their culture. Also, there seems to be quite a lot of military and policing applications for their software and I’m wondering if what they do is used for something like drone strikes, which I find objectionable.

    • Friend of the Geeks

      I know many people who work for Palantir. It’s a great company and they love their jobs, but it is a defense contractor and they work closely with law enforcement and militry, so if you have fundamental objections to the way police/military operate, you probably wouldn’t be a good fit.

  25. Boston wedding dress shopping

    To the poster late yesterday in the open thread looking for a wedding dress store in Boston/Providence. I would recommend Andrea’s Bridal in Portland, if you’re willing to travel north. Large selection, reasonable prices, and a consultant that actually pulled stuff I liked (I think my consultant was Ashley, FWIW).

  26. Anonymous

    Does anyone have a sense of how much weight in muscle is typical to gain from running? I’ve been running seriously for about 6 mo and apparently have gained 5-7 pounds, wondering what’s going on since my diet has not changed. Thanks!

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I don’t know what is normal but I’ve been seriously running about the same time and have gained the same amount of weight between two doctors appointments, three months apart. Nothing feels tighter so I’m assuming it is normal muscle gain. It is hard to get out of the mind set that the number on the scale matters.

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