Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: B Louche Applique Blouse

131 Comments

1. How do you wear something with that big of sleeves under a jacket? You would either have to crunch it up and be uncomfortable, or have to have huge sleeves on the jacket which would make you look like you have huge arms.

   1. You don’t… or at least I wouldn’t. It is lovely on its own, though.

   2. With silk it shouldn’t be noticeable under a jacket. I am wearing something under a jacket now with fairly big sleeves but can’t tell because the material is so thin.

      1. I wore a tucker blouse the other day, and it had similar sleeves– looked great under a jacket and though I was worried about the possibility of bunchy sleeves, it wasnt an issue. You can sort of pull down the sleeves so they lay flat and are less pirate-shirt-sleevey, that works.

2. I love this! And they styling suggestions are spot on. It might not work under every suit jacket, but in response to the above poster, you can kinda hold the sleeve with your hand as you slip each arm into the jacket — it should lay just fine.

   1. It’s silk, and in my experience that means it’s so thin it doesn’t really “count” in layering. Fabric this thin has never caused me problems under a jacket or sweater, even when there is a lot of it.

3. Love this. Sigh.

4. Wow. I am not seeing the appeal of this at all. It’s like three different shirts sewn together: dishwater-gray hippie blouse sleeves, Holstein cow-pattern Western-wear, finished with a Henley placket.

   1. lol! Yeah, I’m with you on that.

      1. I’m not feeling this either. Something about it reminds me of clowns

         1. eek, clowns!
            And yeah, I’m really not liking this blouse.

   2. moooooo

5. I like it, but I can definitely see how it wouldn’t appeal to everyone.

   Any Corporettes do the MS150 this weekend? I was at a bed and breakfast when they all rode by, and I am feeling inspired to do it next year.

   1. I had to look that up — Is it a 150 mile bike ride for MS?

      If so, looks really fun! Do you currently ride?

      1. Yup. You ride from Houston to Austin and camp for a night in between. Over 12,000 people do it. I saw it this weekend and was impressed by the comaraderie. There were people along the road cheering, holding up signs, and playing music. And it raises a ton of money for a good cause.

         No, I don’t really ride much right now, but I’m in fairly good shape. It’ll take some time to get my bottom in shape for sitting on a seat for that long, but I think I’m going to do it!

6. Help me, corporettes! BBQ at a ranch, with games (it will be hot). Hosted by my client, so have to get this right. Invite says “casual (jeans/shorts)”. Jeans will be too hot, but shorts? Really? I am really tall, and have always thought capris look funny on me. Skirts are a no-go with the games. Khakis? It’s not my usual personal style, but I can’t think of much else. And for goodness sakes, what shoes? I’m lost!

   1. Bermuda shorts and a t-shirt. You’re really overthinking this. It’s a barbecue! Wear what you’d normally wear to a barbecue. If you dress like a stuffy lawyer who doesn’t know how to relax, you’ll stick out.

   2. I would do a modern chino pant. Something like this from BR —

      http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37522&vid=1&pid=762414&scid=762414032

      (on sale and comes in tall sizes, and an extra 30% off today)

      Since it says casual, I would do a nice tee on top. Maybe a fancy-ish polo or a casual, short sleeve button down (assuming you can move in it comfortably).

      If you can, do try to try on some cropped pants — they may not look as odd as you think and it would be a great bridge between jeans/shorts and still being on the dressy/prof. side.

      As for shoes, I would do either a nice fabric tennis shoe, a loafer (if those are your thing) or a low espadrille (assuming you can play games in them).

      1. chinos rolled up at the ankle with boat shoes or ballet flats could be a cute but still casual/sporty look?

      2. If you do a tennis shoe, I would do a nice basic keds type sneaker.

         Not sure why my name didn’t come up with above comment, but here goes again.

      3. I liked the cropped pants but would probably do a basic (nice but not dressy) tee and closed toe shoes of some kind – for the games. Maybe keds?

      4. I’ve actually found great Bermuda shorts at Target and Wal-Mart the last two summers. I haven’t looked this year, but I’d expect the same. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you don’t usually wear, you might be surprised at the selections at these stores. I don’t think the ones I purchased look “bargain” at all.

   3. I’d for for a lightweight, loose-ish fitting top, maybe henley style, with cotton shorts, whatever length you’re comfortable with, and strappy leather sandals, maybe gladiators (so you can play games without them slipping off your foot). You could also go for some flat brogues or boat shoes if you want to go preppy, or simple canvas sneakers (like keds or converse) for something a little more practical. Go to the JCrew website and look at how they’ve styled their shorts. What I think it comes down to here is that no one is really going to notice what you’re wearing unless it is impractical/keeping you from participating.

   4. How about a skort? Athleta and Title 9 make some that look just like skirts, but have shorts built in. Also, what kind of games – horsehoes? Badminton? Touch football? Tackle football? That might help you decide what to wear.

      1. I’d veto skorts. I haven’t seen those look fashionable since elementary school, and even then it was questionable.

      2. I love the Athleta and Title 9 skorts; really classy looking and no one knows their skorts.

   5. Ranches can have dirt roads and lots of dust, so for shoes I would go with keds or something sporty (rather than strappy) to avoid getting dirt where you don’t want it and looking out of place, especially if the games are at all athletic.

      I would also probably wear bermuda shorts if jeans are going to be too hot. If the invite says jeans or shorts that is probably what most people will wear.

   6. I think bermuda shorts are the answer here. I’m sure j.crew or banana republic have some in tall so they’ll hit you at the right place instead of just looking like shorts that are awkwardly long but not bermudas.

   7. I second the Bermuda shorts suggestion. Talbots has some conservatively styled ones, and then I’d do a lightweight tunic style top and either sandals or keds.

      If you are in the South, Lilly Pulitzer also has great bermuda shorts in both patterns and solids.

      The BR chino suggestion above is also a good one.

   8. I’m certainly no expert, and I don’t know what area of the country you’re in, but I’d read a BBQ at an actual ranch with directions to wear jeans/shorts as implying you should DEFINITELY go casual. I wear jeans through the height of summer since I hate shorts, but if not jeans then I’d definitely do bermuda shorts rather than khakis or some other dressy pant. I’d also do sensible/casual shoes (cute sneakers, probably, if there are games). Ballet slippers or espadrilles sound like they’d stick out. Plus, every ranch/farm I’ve been on is dusty/muddy/dirty. I think you’d score more points for dressing sensibly for the occasion than for dressing “professionally.” Barring that, could you call your client’s secretary (or just ask your client)?

      1. If you’re really uncomfortable with shorts, what about a knee-length chino or denim skirt? Styled with a nicer t-shirt or polo shirt and boat shoes it won’t look too overdone. Alternately, a knee-length shirt dress in a casual cotton would also be fine. Personally I hate shorts, so I always wear skirts or dresses in the summer and there are loads of “day dresses” that won’t be overly formal.

   9. Knee length denim skirt with some sort of leather sandals — and plain white t-shirt (vneck or scoopneck)

   10. I would wear these type of denim bermuda shorts
       http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=31431&N=1200008+3700004&categoryId=206&pCategoryId=3359&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_206&Nty=1&No=0&loc=TN&defaultColor=Midnight%20Navy&defaultSizeType=Regular
       with either of these shoes
       http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=820099&scid=820099002
       or
       http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=820097&scid=820097002

       That way you are fun and able to participate in the games, but still polished and professional looking.

7. Threadjack: Any Knoxville, TN Corporettes out there? I will be traveling there with the hubby to his family reunion next month. Is it worth it to stick around a few extra days and see the area? What is there to do?

   1. I’m from the area and went to Law School there. It’s nice, but I’m not sure that there’s a lot that you would want to do. Gattlinburg (it’s sad that I’m not sure how to spell that) has its appeals, if you like crafty-type shopping and touristy-type museums and stuff. Also, they have Dollywood, which I kind of love (this is all about a 45 min drive from Knoxville). If you happen to be into women’s basketball, there’s a hall of fame that’s supposed to be nice. Also, if you like nature-type stuff, there’s a lot in the way of camping and hiking that’s really nice.

      Have a great trip!

   2. I’m also from the area and went to undergrad there. Gatlinburg is what it is, and it is an experience. Ripley’s Aquarium is fun in Gatlinbure, so is the Knoxville Zoo (ethical issues regarding zoos aside). I’d also take a drive around the University of Tennessee Campus – at least to see Neyland Stadium which is very pretty (in my opinion). If you are there Friday night, Sundown in the City, which is a free outdoor concert series, may have started in Market Square. If you are in Market Square check out TomatoHead for lunch or dinner – the food is amazing. Dollywood and Dolly’s Splash County can also be a lot of fun if you are in to amusement/water parks. I personally love Dollywood and think is is awesome and recommend you check it out if you have the time.

      1. I second the Tomato Head recommendation! If you can get up into the Smokies, they’re beautiful, with lots of hikes, from easy to super difficult. And Neyland Stadium is a must-see! Go Vols!

         1. Third the Tomato Head recommendation. I went to law school in Knoxville, but, sigh, due to my lack of time and funds at the time, I’m not exactly a font of knowledge on stuff to do. If you like lots and lots of shops full of stuff, you’ll love Gatlinburg, and if not, you won’t. If you like the great out of doors, the mountains are great, and there are plenty of hikes that don’t take all day. Other than that, I’d refer you to my favorite website for figuring out a place – tripadvisor.com. You can input “Knoxville Tennessee” and there will be a things to do item. Also, it might be helpful to go on the forum and ask for advice on things to do. If you do that, my cautionary advice is to give some hint of what you like to do – museums, art, outdoor activity, sports related activity, etc – they’re pretty bad to snark you if you just say “tell me what to do” and don’t provide input on your interests.

   3. I went to a wedding a little while back in Knoxville. I really thought it was a pretty town and the campus was pretty to walk around. I’m a college football fan, so I liked the stadium (although I was woefully unprepared for the amount of orange!) We stayed a few days extra to hike in the smokies which was great. Personally, I’m not a huge Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge fan, but the Smokies are right there for hiking and there are some that aren’t too difficult. If you are adventurous, hike Mount LeCont–there’s a lodge at the top that you can stay overnight. We just stopped for cookies/hot cocoa (the hike was around 14 miles round-trip, so long day and it was damp and chilly) but I wish we had stayed overnight. All in all, I really did enjoy my trip so I hope you have a good time!

8. I tried this on in a different print last season. Beautiful top, but it really wouldn’t work under a jacket. The sleeves are fairly voluminous. The bigger problem, however, is that they are 3/4 length, so its really hard to hold on to them as you put on the jacket, and equally difficult to reach up the sleeve of the jacket and pull it down after you have it on. Cute top though. I think its cute tucked into a pencil skirt.

9. I love the shape of this, and I like the idea of big black and white graphic prints, but black and white always just looks horrible on me. Somewhat sad I can never wear this trend…

10. Thank you all for suggesting Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. I’m in the middle of it and it is so so so helpful! Really enjoying it.

    On a side note- has anyone seen the movie Arthur? What a terrible terrible portrayal of working women.

    1. Yes! I participate in a youth mentoring program which took the teens to see it this weekend. I thought it was a horrible movie all around – particularly in how it portrayed women and substance abuse.

       Also, wtf was up with the random racist joke in the beginning about our “coffee colored president”?? For a movie set in NYC, there was not a single racial minority character in the film. It was just horrible all around.

    2. Username – I signed on to Corporette today to make this exact post!!! How ironic?

       I am also enjoying Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. Thank you all for the recommendation. The funny part is that I read the “Act” chapter just yesterday, including the mistake about feeding people. At the time I was reading it, I had just taken a lemon cake, that I was preparing to bring into work today, out of the oven. Ha! I call that an epiphany. I left the cake at home….

       1. I specifically gave that book to a co-worker recently. She’s a chronic food-bringer.

    3. I got the book after all the recs here. It has changed how I approach things and helped me figure out why other people are they way they are. In law, figuring out the other side is so important.

11. Thanks to Lijit, I can’t find the post where there was a discussion about good running music. Does anyone remember the post or have any suggestions?

    Kat, can we go back to the Google search? Sometimes (especially on the Weekend Threads) I’m looking for things I’ve read in the comments, not the actual post.

    1. if you go to google and click on advanced search, you can specify the website you want to search in (“Search within a site or domain: corporette.com) . I usually do that when I’m trying to search for something from the comments.

    2. Try typing the following into Google

       SEARCH TERM site: corporette.com

       Where SEARCH TERM is whatever you are looking for – you might try running music in your case so it would look like this:

       running music site: corporette.com

    3. There was a short one in one of the Coffee Breaks last week.

    4. Another suggestion I have, if you’re on iTunes, is to use Ping for ideas. Lots and lots of folks (runners, gym instructors, etc.) are using it to post their playlists for runs, rides, etc. I’ve found a lot of new fun workout music this way.

    5. Thanks for posting this – I am never able to find anything I am searching for with Lijit. Frequently, I remember skimming by a discussion of something that wasn’t meaningful to me at the time, but later I’d really like know about.

       And double-thanks to the suggestion for how to search through Google. I tried it and it works!

    6. Thanks for the info. Using the Google search advice isn’t really working for me, so I guess it’s looking through past posts for me.

12. Nice! I like the pattern.

13. Speaking of office appropriate cigarette pants. Can anyone recommend me a good pair? Particularly interested in recommendations that could work for tall people and have a higher rise.

    I have a pair a few years old but they don’t fit all that great really and would love to get a nice pair.

    Tried on both the gap pair and the jcrew minnies but they are both really tight for the office. When I sized up though, the waist was too big.

    Thanks!

    1. I just got a pair from the Theory website that I loved so much I ordered them in two additional colors. They’re an ankle-length pant that might not work if you’re extremely tall (I’m 5’7, but have shorter legs). I’d say the rise is medium.

       1. thanks! i will check those out. if they have a big hem, maybe I can just have them let out.

    2. What’s the difference between skinny cut and cigarette pants?

       1. I’ve wondered that, too. Also, is it even OK to say “cigarette pants” given the fact that nobody smokes anymore? :)

       2. I think it’s about degrees of skinniness. In my mind, “skinny” pants hug the leg and taper down to the bottom. I wouldn’t wear them to work. “Cigarette” pants are not as tight to the leg, and fall straight from the knee to the ankle. In my “business casual” office, these are perfectly fine.

          1. Yes, this is what I was thinking too. I want something slim and body skimming without being skinny and tight.

       3. Does length matter?

          For some reason I’m thinking of cigarette pants like they’d come out of Mad Men, or an era where most people still smoked cigarettes. Ankle/cropped? Or can cigarette pants be as long as regular pants, i.e., to the ground?

          1. I always think of cigarette pants as slightly cropped – a la Audrey Hepburn.

14. Ladies, I posted last week about a graduation gift for my bf since we are both graduating from law school. I was thinking of taking the advice of doing something that has some meaning for us but I still wanted it to be a nice keepsake so I was thinking of getting a nice pen engraved with a phrase that has meaning to us. I figure he can look down at it during his post school job (that he is happy to have but isn’t looking forward to) and smile at some point during the day.

    The only problem now is that I don’t know where to get a nice pen like that to be engraved. Has anyone ordered something similar online (or seen something like it online?) The only place I can think of that engraves stuff is “Things Remembered” in malls but we unfortunately don’t have one of those nearby.

    TYIA!

    1. Do you have a pen store in your city? I would really recommend going to one if you have access to one because the pens can vary so much from what you see online. Sometimes it looks beautiful on the interwebs because of the camera work but then feels weird or looks weird in person (just like clothes, I suppose).

       You might be surprised what cities have pen stores. I live in a small city but we have a fabulous pen shop. It just takes one store owner who has an interest. At our shop, they can do the engraving there.

       If there is no pen store near you, you could order online and a local jewelry store might do engraving or know who does.

       1. And as a bit of a pen geek myself, I think you’re making an excellent choice!

          1. Tiffany has some beautiful ones!

    2. You should be able to find engravers listed in your local phone book or on yelp. Stationery stores also often do engraving, or can recommend someone.

    3. Try Levenger. They have a ton of nice pens and do engraving. Not sure they would engrave a phrase, but you could look.

       Also Cross pens. We gave them as gifts to our wedding attendants, and got the date engraved. Maybe they would engrave more? not sure.

       1. I have a Levenger date book and portfolio — i love them both and the portfolio is great for going to court, meetings etc. Macy’s in Chicago carries the brand, so maybe it does in other cities too.

    4. I love the pen idea — I got my then boyfriend (now husband) a cross pen for graduation when we graduated. For our first wedding anniversary (about 3 years later) and after we actually had some money, I upgraded to a Mont Blanc (with some beautiful paper — which is the ist Anniversary gift).

       Not sure where your price point is, but Cartier also carries very nice pens. If youre more at the cross level (as I was then), Im sure you can google it and find something on line that engraves. I bet Things Remembered might even have a website. Also try Red Envelope.

    5. Someone posted recently that Things Remembered has a website…

    6. My uncle gave me a gorgeous pen like this when I graduated from law school. He got it from Tiffany’s (the only thing I have from there) and it is just lovely. Don’t know how much they cost but mine feels very special and that might be a good place to look?

15. Thanks to kind advice from yesterday, I’ve decided to look harder at applying for a professor position advertised at a small college. So… How should I do that? You in the academic world: Husband and I are heading down to do a house-hunting trip in a few weeks. Do I call someone and ask to meet for coffee on campus just to feel it out? If so, whom? Someone in the academic office? Another prof in the program?

    1. I frequently get cover letters, for lack of a better word, from people interested in teaching opportunities. IMO it’s totally appropriate to email the person likely to be in charge (chair of the dept, or the academic dean), outline your qualifications, and ask for a brief meeting while you’re in town.

       Then arrive at the meeting well-dressed, with copies of your CV (including up-to-date references they can call/email) and if there’s a specific position being advertised, a cover letter specific to that position. I’m not clear as to whether this is an adjunct or one-year or tenure-track job, but especially if they’re not doing a full-on search, nothing beats being a well-qualified articulate person in the right place at the right time.

    2. Academic hirings are generally by committee. If there are about 30 professors in a department, and they’re hiring someone in specialty X, then about 5 or so profs. who specialize in X will make up a hiring committee. They will review all applications, short list some for phone interviews, do the phone interviews and in person interviews, and then, as a committee, vote on an applicant. The department head is usually involved in this as well, but he/she generally is not the boss of the process. If I were you, I’d go over the department website to figure out which faculty are most likely to be on that committee (based on research focus, etc.). Then see if you can meet with the most senior person (i.e., the one who is a tenured full professor). Alternatively, you can try to meet with a department head. Another good strategy would be to offer to come in and give a talk to someone’s class. Everyone is busy, so taking time off to meet with someone who *might* apply for a position but hasn’t gone through the process and been short-listed…that may not have much appeal on their end. But, many profs would jump at the chance to have someone ease their lecture duties for a day. Then you have coffee after.

    3. I don’t understand why you don’t just apply. If the position is open, and you’re interested, then there’s no need to “feel it out” – just apply.

       Maybe it won’t be the right fit for you. That’s what an interview process is for.

    4. If the college is soliciting applications, then apply as you would to any other job. Submit the documents requested to the person listed and state that you’ll be in town on X days and would be available to meet then. If you’re not qualified, they probably won’t call you back. If they’re interested, they’ll interview you and you won’t be obligated to take the job if it isn’t the right fit for you. I don’t see why you need to feel it out first- that’s what the interview is for, after all.

    5. Some colleges follow very strict hiring procedures with hiring committees, absolute minimum requirements with no deviation etc. Others hire – especially adjuncts – on a looser basis more like hiring in industry. You may luck out meeting someone to talk about it, you may not. Some clues could be found on the hiring announcement.

       A number of years ago, I called ahead, walked in and got an adjunct position at a small college on the spot. Doesn’t always happen, but for an adjunct position that is possible.

       The Chronicle of Higher Education has a forum for academics. http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/board,26.0.html This board doesn’t pull any punches, so if you need real-world feedback, you can ask any question and get answers.

       1. http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,73013.0.html

          Hahaha!! I read Hel-lo’s post and thought, “no, that’s crazy! No one does that!” And then I saw this on the boards you posted. Ok, ok! I’ll start working on the personal statement! Ha!

          1. Really? You’ve never applied for a job before without talking to someone about it?

             1. Never successfully. It seems to work better when I already have an “in,” or at least a conversation. Cold applications just don’t seem to be as effective. In this particular circumstance, I’m basing my application off of a 4-sentence paragraph in a posting. If I were a more traditional candidate (Ph.D., teaching experience), that would probably not be a problem, but I have a harder sell (J.D., practice experience), so I would kind of like to have a little more info in hand about the position to explain why they should be looking for my credentials rather than a more typical CV. I’d at least like to know what courses they want taught.

             2. If they’re soliciting applications externally, they probably don’t have a candidate in mind already. If you send in your CV with a cover letter and they call for more information, you can ask then about what courses they’d want you to teach and whatnot. It may be that they’re somewhat open about the courses to be taught based on the individual’s interests/experiences. My guess is that if they had more specific requirements in mind, they would have made a more detailed advertisement.

          2. What do you mean no one does that? How do you get a job without applying for it?

          3. That is funnyFuture prof! I hadn’t read that post in a while…it’s seemed to have taken on a life of its own. Good luck on the job.

16. You can order from Things Remembered online, but I’ve never been impressed with their quality for price or their selection. Check here: http://www.montblanc.com/index_engraving.php or for a more affordable option, go with a Waterman or a Cross here http://www.giftpens.com/ – I haven’t ordered from the latter site but the prices look quite good in my experience.

    1. Whoops, this was for Summer in the City, above.

       1. Flying posts!

17. I’m looking for podcast recommendations. I discovered recently that household chores go so much faster while I’m listening to an interesting podcast, but I’ve only found a few that I like and they don’t update nearly as often as I do chores!

    Here’s what I listen to (it’s an odd assortment):
    Bloomberg Law
    Stuff You Missed in History Class
    Savage Love
    Nutrition Diva

    1. Fresh Air and This American Life!

    2. I love Fresh Air (on NPR). They have a wide variety of interesting interviews of people in all types of fields (entertainment, literature, music, politics, science, journalism, etc). I also like This American Life (also NPR).

       1. Wow, must be meant to be. C2 and I posted the exact same recommendations at virtually the same time (promise I did not see her post before I posted mine).

    3. Car Talk and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me are my favorites.

    4. second this american life, and i also like the new yorker fiction podcast (authors reading short stories by other authors – only updates monthly though).

    5. This American Life.

       1. Did you all hear the recent This American Life about a Georgia county’s drug court? It was absolutely jaw-dropping. Lawyer corporettes especially, don’t miss this one.

          http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/430/very-tough-love

          1. I Just listened to that episode this weekend; you are right, jaw-droppingly unbelievable. You’ve also got to read the judge’s press-release and Ira’s counter-reply. (And how awesome would it be to be TAL’s attorney?)

          2. That looks interesting. Definitely going to have to listen to that one. (I don’t know if it’s still this way because I haven’t lived in Georgia for a few years, but at one point, Glynn & Wayne Counties and the surrounding counties were known for having a really horrible drug problem–lots of meth users/manufacturers.)

             (In another note–why is it always Georgia? In my crim class in law school, my professor actually commented on how it was always Georgia that comes up with crazy things that the Supreme Court has to end up hearing. Thank you, my home state).

    6. Radiolab is awesome. I would start with “Famous Tumors” (yes, really) or the parasites one.

       1. i LOVE radio lab.

    7. My bf listens to “How Stuff Works” and I definitely listen in on it sometimes. There are some really interesting topics.

    8. Radiolab for sure, and Snap Judgment, and Tell Me More. There are a some really good podcasts on the alt.npr.org site, too.

    9. I had a huge commute in law school and got completely hooked on podcasts for the trip.

       There’s one called The Sporkful that is crazy good- just two wacky guys arguing about food. I really look forward to car trips where I can listen to it.

       I also usually enjoy the ones from Slate magazine, particularly their “gabfests” (3 people discussing the week in culture/politics/etc.).

       If you’re a law geek like me, SCOTUSCast, by the Federalist Society, is great- a law professor or lawyer discussing any given Supreme Court case.

       Now that I’m not commuting, I don’t need to add anymore to my rotation, but Stuff you Missed in History Class sounds really interesting.

    10. I love the Slate.com podcasts and Stuff you Mom Never Told You.

    11. This American Life, NPR’s Story of the Day & Business Story of the Day, The Ethicist (he just ended it — you can download the old copies), Freakonomics Radio, Litigation Podcast, and my all time favorite . . .

        Grammar Girl. I love Grammar Girl!

    12. Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on NPR — laugh out loud funny!

    13. If you like science, RadioLab (KEXP/NPR) is accessible and informative (shows on “Memory,” “Death,” “Sleep,” etc.)

    14. “In Our Time” from the BBC.
        http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/in-our-time/

        1. The Moth is a podcast of true stories told by great storytellers.

18. Lovely blouse. Too bad it’s on the day I have to send a check to Uncle Sam.

19. Ladies – any recos for a family-friendly hotel in New Orleans? We’re not likely to stay at the hotel except to sleep, but I’ve never been and would love some ideas for where to start.

    1. I stayed in Hotel Monteleone last year for a conference. I’m not sure how “family friedly” it is, because I didn’t have kids with me, but it’s great and historic, and on Royal Street, not Bourbon, so there’s a little less partying going on outside.

       1. I’ve stayed at the Monteleone and second your recommendation. Gorgeous, unique hotel, and a fantastic hotel bar. One of the times I was there, I stayed during the Christmas season \ there were a good number of kids there at that time.

          Alternatively, when there for a wedding recently, we stayed at the Hampton Inn on St. Charles – perfectly fine accommodations for a good price if you don’t mind staying (or prefer to be) outside the quarter.

    2. The Monteleone is a great option, and one of my favorite hotels in the city. Other nice hotels, within walking distance from the quarter but far enough from Bourbon to be kid-friendly, include the Ritz, the Roosevelt and the Loews.

    3. Not a NOLA rec (only stayed there pre-kiddo) but in general, the bhtsfam is a fan of suite-type accommodations (we’re not fancy, the Residence Inn is just fine) so that bhtsbabe can sleep at her appointed our and bhtsmama&papa aren’t reduced to reading magazines on the floor of the bathroom.

20. Threadjack: Do I need a new bag for an interview? I’ll be wearing a charcoal skirt suit and black shoes. My usual bag is a dark red or burgundy zippered samsonite bag, which I really like. (Can’t find it online, but it’s about the color of this one, but in leather: http://www.bing.com/shopping/samsonite-corp-luggage-div-laptop-vertical-tote/p/1256A16854ABA6A75006?q=samsonite+laptop+bag&FORM=EGCA1)

    Is a red bag too flashy? It’s a small law firm in a mid-sized southern city, from the website it looks like we’re talking about 4 mid-aged male partners and one 30ish female associate, although I’m not sure who I’ll be talking to.

    I have a black bag that I can keep resumes and such in, but it was cheap to begin with and is really starting to show some wear, so I’ve pretty much retired it. But I’m not really keen on going out and buying a new one right now. Took me ages to find the last one I bought! (no time to order online before the interview).

    1. I think you’re fine with the bag you have.

    2. Do you WANT a new bag for your interview :)? I think it’s evident you don’t need one, but if you want one, you shouldn’t let that stop you. (Assuming you can afford it.)

       1. Oh, “afford” is such a strong word! (kidding, I wouldn’t miss any meals or anything, but I’m trying to keep from spending much right now.)

          Honestly, I don’t really want one. I suck at buying functional things like bags (other than fun ones that just hold lipstick and a wallet), and I try to avoid it once I’ve found one that I like.

    3. I think that bag you have is great. And its color matches everything!

       (I have a maroon bag and an orange one, and love them both, and carry them all the time.)

21. Threadjack: I’m going to a bachelorette party in Altana in a few weeks and need to buy a few outfits for Friday and Saturday night. I’m thinking dresses b/c it will be relatively hot. Any suggestions? I’ve gained a big of weight recently so I am hoping to find something fun and flirty, but not too revealing.

    1. Nordstrom’s (store or online). I like to purchase several online, try them on at home with appropriate shoes and shapewear, then return what doesn’t work. Returns are very simple – either in store or via mail.

22. Threadjack: I really need (okay, want) a navy blazer. Ann Taylor has a nice one, but alas no navy pants. (I was thinking if I’m getting a nice blazer, I may as well go all in and get a full suit, since navy can be tricky to match and I’ll need an interview suit soon enough). J.Crew has navy suits, but it’s a decent price difference with no discount. Are JCrew suits worth the price? Or any words of wisdom of where else to find a nice navy suit. Google shopping isn’t helping much.

    1. I have a few J. Crew suits. Are they worth it? I think the quality is good, they are conservative without being too boring, etc. Mostly the benefit is that if you get a standard color (black, navy, charcoal), they have pieces in the same fabric all the time. So you can add a dress or a skirt later on if you want to add to the suit. I generally travel with my j crew suits b/c I tend to have (at least) the pants, jacket, and skirt. Sometimes a dress too. So I can have a lot of combos with a few pieces. (I specifically have the super 120s and like that)

    2. I really love the quality of JCrew suits (the super 120’s line, in particular), especially compared to other “mall” stores (i.e., Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, etc). They’ll also hem the pants for $12, if you have a JCrew card.

       I find that I usually have to go down a size when purchasing things at JCrew, so keep that in mind. Also, if you have a small-ish waist, their jackets may be a bit boxy.

       Also, you could give ShopStyle a try, rather than Google.

    3. I looove my JCrew suits, especially the super 120s. They are pricey but I think worth it. I was at the outlets yesterday and saw Navy suits at Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, and (I think) Banana Republic. All those navy suits seemed to be blue-er than the one I have from JCrew, which is much closer to black.

       1. I love my navy suit from JCrew, too! One warning, though, in case you’re picky about it: I find that my Super 120s skirt gets especially wrinkly. If I sit for thirty seconds my skirt is creased across my lap for the rest of the day…something to consider if you’re using it as an interview suit.

23. Hi all,

    I had a great interview at the very end of March, and I walked out with the feeling that they were very interested in me. They told me that they were still interviewing people in the coming 1-2 weeks, and that I should hear from them in 2 weeks. They also said to alert them if I heard back from other places and needed them to make a decision, sooner.

    It’s been about 2 1/2 weeks, but no word, yet. I currently don’t have any other offers, but I was wondering if I should contact them, anyway, to follow up–or should I wait a bit longer? How should I word the email?

24. I hate blouses like this. They look fabulous on small-chested women, but on the more well-endowed women like myself they just look boxy and shapeless.

    1. Agree with you about tops like this in general, but this top looks great on me, and I’m pretty large on top. I bought it a few weeks ago when it came out and it looks terrific.

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