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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Sales of note for 10.10.24
- Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
- Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
- Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
- White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
meg
I love the cut of this dress, but can’t imagine wearing a “pattern” like this – I can just imagine people staring all day long trying to figure out the design (especially when you are sitting and it’s not clear it’s a whole painting).
b23
This is absolutely gorgeous and fun to dream about! Of course, I can’t imagine that people actually spend that much on a cotton dress, but nonetheless, it is beautiful.
Tired Squared
I can’t EVER imagine spending that much on a dress.
AnonymousFRA
This gives me an (expensive) headache. I think it would look extremely out of place in my business casual office.
J
Agree. I have no business even thinking about dresses that cost 3K, but if I was, you better believe I’d be buying one that would stand the test of time and be work appropriate.
Sigh. Carolina Herrera, someday I will find a way to afford you instead of just drooling all over the Saks catelog.
J
Ugh. Catalog.
Emma
Ahhh love Carolina Herrera. Definitely the label I would splurge on were I ever to hit it rich.
EC
Wow…I love this dress. I certainly don’t have the money to buy it, but it’s beautiful.
surrounded by lawyers
As a piece of art, I love this. But if there’s anyone who can pull it off, it’s not me, especially not work-me.
The price also puts it more in the fine art category, from where I sit at least.
EC
I was thinking that if I had $3,000 to blow, I’d take a vacation to the location on the dress rather than buy the dress. But hanging the dress on the wall is certainly another option.
surrounded by lawyers
You make a good point, EC! Bon voyage.
PBJ
Is it Capri? Off the Amalfi Coast? If so, the trip there is way better than the dress.
Midori
I LOVE this! Usually I can’t see past the prices on splurge Monday to love the item (omg there are children starving in Africa), but this one is beautiful. Anyone know of less outrageously priced alternatives?
Megan
Anthropologie used to have beautiful/whimsical skirts that I was reminded of as soon as I saw this dress. I remember once almost buying a skirt that had a tennis match wrapped around it. I haven’t seen anything similar in several years, but I think slightly off-beat places like Anthro is where I would check.
Elle 2
Lovely print and color combination.
Cubicle Chic
Beautiful dress! I love the cut and it was would fun to wear such an interesting pattern. Definitely a splurge!
AIMS
Gorgeous & certainly interesting enough to qualify as a genuine “splurge,” but I cannot picture it in the office. It’s just a bit too “socialite” for work purposes.
AN
Love it, I can see myself envying anyone who wore it. But unsure I could ever pull it off myself !
RoadWarriorette
Exactly what I think! This is beautiful but I don’t know if I’m cool enough to pull it off :)
KW
On a serious and possibly naive note…what makes a dress like this cost $3000? Is the fabric quality? The quality of the craftsmanship? The fit? I’ve never heard of this brand, but my question is not specific to this brand but just clothing in general, I guess.
Argie
I don’t know if it justifies the price here, but it takes skill to make the cut pieces match on a pattern like this. I think you would have to see the item in person to really get a sense of the attention to detail in the finishing of the garment.
L
I think it is the work quality more so than the quality of the fabric, esp. the pattern-matching. It may be hand-pieced etc., which takes a long time.
rg
In general I think the fabric, workmanship, and attention to detail in design are what explains cost differences between, say, Old Navy and even BR. And of course higher end designers even more so. But those differences only explain so much. And $3000 is definitely also about the name. The only types of garments that I think $3K gets into the ballpark of justifying the cost based on easy to calculate inputs are things like wedding dresses and ballgowns where there is a lot of handwork that goes into constructing the dress’s structure etc.
Darlene
Swiss workmanship = highest labor costs in the world, I believe. Akris sewers go through apprenticeships for very specific skills.
Also, I’ve heard that cotton from Swiss mills is the best, so if this is what they’re using, it would contribute to the cost. Even if it’s not Swiss cotton, Akris will only use really fine fabric–no compromising (according to a WSJ interview I read once).
Finally, I would assume there would be only a small production run for this dress, so no economies of scale.
Anonymous
Awwww, man. Akris makes the most beautiful clothing, this dress included. I dream of having the kind of wealth necessary to wear Akris.
RC
Even if it was $20, my head still hurts looking at it.
nonA
I have a feeling it would be a wrinkled mess by about 10:30. I’d probably also spill coffee on it (although, it may be less noticeable with a print like that.)
With a piece like that, I wish I knew the inspiration – is it a famous painting, something the designer painted themselves, a photograph that was photoshopped? Where is it? If Saks is going to sell $3,000 cotton dresses online, it should really up the description a bit.
E.E.
“Scenic photographic print on fine cotton voile finished with double-wrapping leather belt.”
Sounds like a photo that was perhaps photoshopped.
LPC
It’s a gorgeous dress but a) I don’t think I’d wear it to work b) since when does Akris command the Prada price point?
Sally
The dress is nice, but I’m more in love with those gorgeous Jimmy Choo shoes the model is wearing.
AnistasiaBeaverhasen
Wow– so pretty!! But I have a feeling it would only look good on that model. ;-) I couldn’t imagine putting buildings on myself or boats on my behind! Such a cool idea, though.
COS
I LOVE the shoes.
SSJD
Pretty dress but I would never wear this to work. This is exactly the kind of dress that screams “weekend wear” rather than work attire.
A Different Liz
I’m loving the model’s hair. Her hair looks similar to mine–wonder if I could pull her cut off.
S
Ditto! Only I’m scared of what would happen on super humid days – no way to hide hair that short in a ponytail.
A Different Liz
Humidity is not a concern for me…it’s the one upside to having stick-straight, fine, thin hair.
But I think this cut could be OK even if there were more wave to the hair.
Ses
Kat – just a technology note: when I click the pic or link for the dress (using iPhone) I go to the Saks mobile shopping main page, not to the product. This is common for your Saks links, but not sure if it’s something under your control.
Also Kat
What are Wolford tights? They look great, but I don’t see any online reviews that make me want to go splurge. Are they particularly warm/durable/pretty?
AIMS
Durable & comfy & pretty, all three — at least in my experience.
me
yes, they are
Anonymous
Yes, Wolford is worth the (BIG) money.
AIMS
Another tech note:
The “previous comments” threshold seems to be becoming smaller and smaller. There’s less than 30 comments now and already you have to click back on the link to read earlier comments. This has been happening more and more with less and less comments lately. Is there any way to fix this?
AtlantaAttorney
I’ve noticed this as well – it’s a plain to have to click back and forth (since blog reading is meant to be a 2 minute work break for me, anything that makes it take longer is a strong deterrent…which could actually be a good thing).
AtlantaAttorney
*pain*
Anonymous
I think it depends on how many original threads there are, as opposed to replies. After a certain number of original threads it starts a new comment page.
AIMS
Maybe, but it was never like this in the past. For weekend threads, you would be well into saturday before you got a new comment page.
Now it’s not even 1 pm, and we’re already on a third!
Cat
I almost commented on this earlier today — I definitely prefer only one page of comments for ease of skimming and noticed the shorter time between new pages.
L from Oz
Me too, it’s really annoying!
Marie
Totally agree, was not that way before and it is very annoying.
MJ
Ditto.
E.E.
Me three (four?)
Anonymous
me five.
Jay
Me six! I doubt it’s a trick to get more page views.
surrounded by lawyers
OT: Has anyone used a lipstick primer of any kind, to help the stuff stay on, minimize lines and splotches, etc? Did it work for you? Any brands I should try, or avoid? Thanks…
COS
I tried the MAC one and it didn’t seem to make a difference. I’d love to try one that works, nice question.
surrounded by lawyers
I tried the MAC one and it didn’t seem to make a difference. I’d love to try one that works, nice question.
surrounded by lawyers
sorry for the duplicate comment! I am having comment view problems too, and thought I needed to re-post.
Ann
Love this, I think it’s beautiful. But for some reason I’m seeing it more on someone who is vacationing on the Mediterranean than wearing it to the office. It would look great while having a cappuccino in St. Mark’s Square or walking along the seashore in the South of France or something.
Notalawyer
Me too. It’s one of those that make you want to be in an Audrey Hepburn movie.
anonymous
You need NO boobs and NO hips to even possibly pull this dress off.
Anon
Perhaps, and for some of us, that is our body type, and we get sick of wearing sheath dresses all the time :-). I have a tough time wearing button downs with no boobs or hips because I look like a boy so this is a great feminine alternative.
Bonnie
Threadjack: This cold weather has me craving color but everything I see in stores is so blah. I stepped into H&M and Ann Taylor this weekend and everything was black, gray, beige or peach. Is it just me?
AIMS
A lot of the colors for spring are more muted this year. I don’t think it’s you, just the trends. Peach, burnished orange, beige . . . all very big this year.
anon in science
Not office-appropriate for most, but Old Navy has some brighter color coming in. They have brightish-floral cotton scarves that could be nice for bringing in some color while still wearing winter clothes.
surrounded by lawyers
It is not just you! I’ve actually had this problem for a few years now. These muted colors are not great on me, but it’s tough to find more saturated tones these days.
2L NYC
Colors are definitely going to be in after this season — you can see it in most of the magazines when they are covering pre-fall and such — I’ve finally gotten the opportunity to buy some brightly colored heels.
AC
Threadjack – Anyone have a recommendation for some great dance-all-night shoes? Mardi Gras is coming up and I always end up in severe pain by the end of the ball. Several dress options so I could do gold, black, silver, or even purple shoes.
surrounded by lawyers
I don’t have experience with this myself, but I’d say just go to a dance shoe website. There are very cute strappy heels that were made specifically for e.g. competitive salsa dancers. I bet in combining comfort and look you can’t do any better–there are many pairs that are just as pretty as “normal” dress shoes.
Nonny
Second the idea re actual dance shoes (and have lots of experience with dance shoes myself), but just keep in mind that real dance shoes are not suitable to wear once you step outside. The soles are very thin and sueded, and will be ruined very quickly if you wear them on the street.
I myself often wear dance shoes instead of “normal” fancy shoes when I know I am going to be on my feet all night. So much more comfortable!
AIMS
Have you considered actual dance shoes? Not everyone’s style, but guaranteed to be more comfy.
Accountress
Sounds crazy, but Crocs. I have two pairs of Croc heeled wedges, and I have worked all day , partied all night, and then had a shopping marathon the next day- in the same pair. If you think that they are too ugly (not an uncommon opinion), try the You by Crocs line- actual shoes, with the Croslite material.
AC
Thanks but no thanks! I am thoroughly anti-Croc.
Anonymous
Why on earth not?
http://www.crocs.com/womens-footwear-YOU-by-Crocs/women-footwear-you,default,sc.html
coco
you may have just changed my opinion on crocs…
Bonnie
It’s hard to say without knowing what type of dress you will be wearing but how about something like this? http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=BUTTEREDROLE
Marie
I’ve had fabulous luck with low heels (1.5″) from Bandolino. I wore a pair to an Indian wedding — hours of dancing in those shoes (wedding events went on for 12 hours), indoors and outside (on concrete), and they were great.
eaopm3
Menswear threadjack:
My FI has a nice black suit. Getting him a new suit for our wedding is not an option due to our finances, and he never wears a suit so it would not come in handy whatsoever. Our wedding is at the end of April in the midwest, so it will most likely be warm but not hot. It is a casual, bakcyard, vintage feel wedding, accent colors are black, gray and shades of yellow. My dress is long, lace and simple, not stark white, with a black sash around the middle.
I need some shirt and tie suggestions/ colors. Caution: he is not what I would consider trendy. For instance, he would hate the popular skinny tie…
TIA, ladies. I know I could ask on a wedding website, but.. ugh.
AIMS
White shirt & grayish tie?
White shirt & gray/yellow tie?
I would basically just say white shirt. Tie is less important. But white is classic; will never look dated. Anything else will likely show its age, and not necessarily in a good way (think of all the burgundy or dark gray shirts that were popular about 10 -15 years ago).
eaopm3
That’s where I was struggling – with the shirt. I just couldn’t find anything that didn’t look a little ridiculous. I like the idea of a gray or gray and yellow tie. I think I can hunt something down between now and then. Thanks for the input!
Cat
Agree that a classic white (or very light cream, if it looks better with your dress; Brooks Brothers makes one) shirt is the way to go.
As far as tie — a classic pale yellow or silvery tie would look nice. If you opt for a pattern, think about the patterns in the lace of your dress and try to echo them. For example, I had a light ivory lacy column dress and the pattern of the lace wrapped diagonally around the dress; my hubby wore a light ivory shirt and tie, and the tie had diagonal stitching. In your case, maybe a gray tie with small white pindots would suit. Maybe more attention to detail than you need, but… between being a bride and having that personality already, why not admit it here :)
eaopm3
Gray tie with white pindots! I love that idea. I found a couple of gray and yellow combo ties… but I am afraid they will end up looking cheesy. I will definitely have to checkout the gray and white option. Off to look for that…
Cat
We got a gray silk tie with white pindots at Andrew’s Ties (their website is the first google hit) a few years ago, and it has held up quite well and looked more expensive than it was (I think just under $50).
Bonnie
A white shirt is classic. You could try to amp up the color with his shirt but risk your wedding photos looking very dated in a few years. You can stay classic with a solid tie and perhaps a coordinated pocket square.
Anonymous
At first I thought you were going to be wedding guests and I was going to say a suit’s not necessary for such a casual wedding. But actually, even for the groom, I don’t think a suit’s necessary for a backyard wedding unless you really want him to wear one. Don’t you think he’d look fine a bit more casual, without a jacket or tie? I’ve seen a lot of outdoor weddings where the groom and groomsmen went without jacket and tie, and I think it looks nicer than being all dressed up for a casual wedding, really.
Congrats on your impending marriage!
K
Have you thought of renting him a suit? My dad and the father of the groom both rented suits (not tuxes) for my sister’s wedding. I think your fiance’s black suit would be fine (love the idea of a white shirts/grey tie with white pindots) but if you’re looking for a lighter colored, more springy suit, renting one might be an option.
eaopm3
Renting a suit is a possibility that I had not looked into. I might have to check on that. I ended up grabbing him a muted gray and yellow plaid tie from Express that I think he will like. That will go with a white shirt and either the black suit that he owns or a gray, springier rented suit, I hope.
I know that a suit is not necessary, but he will feel more comfortable in one since I will be wearing a long (though not formal) wedding dress. Ideally, I think that dress pants, a shirt and suit vest would look great, but he nixed that. I am going to check out the gray pindot ties as well, and let him decide what he is most comfortable with.
Thanks for the congrats! The date is closing in and I am getting a little frazzled thinking about the details!
Midori
Congrats! I like your style. My groom wore the one suit he already owned for our wedding, too. And it was lovely. I’m with you on the wedding websites! Ugh.
Louise
What does “FI” stand for?
anon
It is short for fiance or it can stand for “future intended”
Ann
Threadjack:
If you were taking your husband somewhere to celebrate his 40th birthday, would you pick:
A. New Orleans
B. Las Vegas
C. Miami
D. Other (explain)
Thanks for your input ladies :)
KP
If you are going in March, that’s a fun month in Vegas. Warm enough to lounge by the pool, and (if he’s a basketball fan) he will enjoy the sports books with March Madness going on.
AEK
I’m in my early 30’s, but the last time I was in any of those cities, I felt *old* amongst throngs of revelers who were either younger or just far more energetic. All are fun and have great restaurants, though, so you’d be in an eater’s paradise either way.
Would be helpful to know more about what you and your husband enjoy doing, and where you are now.
Ann
We’re in the Southwest. He likes going out for a nice dinner but is otherwise not really into sports or gambling too much. He’s big into auto racing (F1 and rally, not NASCAR) and the last time we went to Vegas he went to the Speedway and did a driving lesson in a Audi R8 which he liked – but now I feel like that’s been done, you know? Plus we’ve been to Vegas a lot in recent years and the last time we were there, I kind of felt like I was over it. He is mostly pretty low-key and doesn’t mind chilling on a beach or at a resort somewhere. He will go to bars but mostly just to people-watch and have a good drink or two, he doesn’t dance, much to my chagrin :)
Your point about being young comparitive to the other people around us is well-taken…I am younger than him (5 years) but if anyone has tips on a great grownup-appropriate place for a quick getaway, I’m all ears. Unfortunately with work schedules we’re looking at maybe a three-day weekend max to do this birthday trip. His birthday is in the first week of April BTW.
Ann
I meant old comparative to the other people around us…after finding new lines on my forehead this weekend I am in mourning for my lost youth, LOL.
SF Bay Associate
New Orleans can be totally appropriate for a grown up getaway. Just stay off Bourbon (ick!) and you won’t feel out of place at all – I won’t even walk on Bourbon when I’m in NOLA. I prefer Royal street if I’m in the Quarter, and also greatly enjoy spending time uptown and at the great jazz clubs. I actually really like that about New Orleans – the stupid young (or wishing they were young) drunk people stay on Bourbon, and mostly stay away from everywhere else.
m
recently took a 3-day getaway with my 40 something partner. We headed to LA and had a great time. Awesome weather, perfect for touring. get a car and drive the coastal highway, walk on the beach, play volleyball or other beach sports, head to amazing restaurants, go to Hollywood Blvd if that is your thing, see the museums, check out culver city and Eric Owen Moss architecture, go hiking, eat seafood, etc.
I was not super interested in going to LA – but we had a great time and will go back again soon.
Also, if you are from SW and not necessarily looking for perfect weather, Seattle is a great city to visit. As is Chicago – but not in march. DC is good in March (sometimes).
SF Bay Associate
Doesn’t it depend on what he likes? And also how much time you have – Miami from SF is *far* and Vegas is an hour away. My SO and I are huge foodies and we love jazz, and go to New Orleans almost every year. We eat so well and see really wonderful shows for not a ton of money. I love that city.
And as KP says, Vegas is lovely in March, but many of the great restaurants either require a lot of money or a car (Lotus of Siam, for example), so for us, it’s not the best spot. But if you’re looking for great weather, shows, fights, spas, clubs, gambling, world class restaurants, and price isn’t so much a concern, Vegas can’t be beat. It’s also one of the few places domestically where we can afford to stay at a five star. Vegas can have great hotel deals, especially midweek.
I’ve never been to Miami, so I can’t comment on that.
Of course, I always think San Francisco is a wonderful place to visit, especially when combined with a trip up to Sonoma/Napa for wine tasting – heaven!
Ann
Ooh, Napa! Always wanted to go there. What’s the weather like there in April, is it cold?
SF Bay Associate
In early April, it should be beautiful. I love Napa in the spring because everything will be green and blooming, and the rain will be pretty much over. It feels like the whole valley is bursting with (plant) life. Highs of 60s and low 70s with lots of sun, and very cool nights (good for grapes!) is normal for spring.
Plus by April, lots of good local produce will be in full swing, so the Napa restaurants will be really amazing. They do wonderful things with winter produce, but I personally think Spring and Summer are the best for California-style food because the local produce is so great.
AEK
Love this idea— so close to SFO and Oakland airports, you can be in Napa within a couple hours of landing. I was there in November, when it was pretty cool, especially at night, but it was still nice to be outside and totally beautiful with the vines changing colors. A good jacket and good wine kept the chills away. If he’s outsdoorsy there are some great redwood trails nearby.
Anon
Plus there is the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma! Not sure what’s ‘on’ at that time of year, but may be worth checking out if that is his kind of thing. Also–there are hot spring spas/mud baths in Calistoga and golf is the valley if you are looking for activities in between all that wine!
Anonymous
I took mine to New Orleans for his 40th in 2009 because that’s just one of his favorite places. We were there in late December, and everything was beautifully decorated for the holidays. We had a fabulous time, and ate like total pigs. The food selection is ridiculous there. If he is a total health nut, probably not the way to go. By contrast, we went to Las Vegas for the 41st, and had only an OK time. We’re not huge gamblers, so it got old much more quickly.
If I had to choose a location for my birthday, I’d pick Grand Cayman.
Cat
since you’re in the SW — Cabo?
Confessions
Does he golf? If so, I recommend Palm Springs. I took the hubs there for his 30th and he loved it. There are plenty of good eats and spas. It was a nice relaxing weekend for us. And, definitely doable in 2-3 days.
Anon
A. New Orleans
KP
I know this is “Splurge Monday,” but 3 grand for a cotton shirt dress is making me bit nauseous.
D
Speaking of expenses, I’m graduation law school this year and starting a state clerkship. I think it will be a good experience, but I’m worried I jumped the gun because the pay is pretty bad. My monthly take-home will definitely be less than this dress :(
I’m frustrated because I want to get my life started- look for real estate, get married, etc- but I won’t have the money for a while. I have a federal clerkship lined up for the next year and I’ll get a salary bump, but even then I won’t be making oodles.
Any tips for cutting expenses for the short-term or dealing with frustration and salary jealousy? I guess I should get on income-based repayment for student loans. Should I skip any retirement savings for this year?
D
Bleh, should say “graduating”
Anonymous
never skip retirement savings. you can reduce if necessary, but don’t skip. time is your best friend.
Bonnie
Try to keep up with retirement savings. There are simple ways you can save money and live within your means. You can save a lot of money by bringing your lunch to work instead of eating out. You will be frustrated especially if your friends are big into going out. Hopefully they understand your financial position and will not want to eat out all the time at expensive restaurants.
KP
These are probably common sense, but I would:
*Make a budget.
*Get a roommate.
*Cut your cable package down to basic cable (or no cable).
*Get rid of internet at home, assuming you have something like a blackberry for after hours email.
*Shop consignment shops/sale rack.
*Cut the gym membership (if you have one) and bundle up and go outside.
As for frustration and jealousy, I would just keep in mind that you are making less for now, not for always, and that it’s a choice you’ve made. I imagine that you are going to meet fellow clerks in the same boat financially. I would get to know and hang out with them, and possibly avoid some of the awkward social situations that arise with friends who spend money as if it’s no object.
kz
I eat a lot of couscous and rice.
Seriously, salary jealousy is a pain and at some point, you just have to accept it. I’m currently underemployed (paid internship) and had lunch with a bunch of law school friends this weekend, most who are working at firms. It’s tough to talk to them sometimes. However, I like to remind myself that I’m home by 6 o’clock even with a 45 minute commute and don’t work weekends, whereas several of them had to go into the office on Sunday afternoon. If you’ve got a state clerkship, I assume you’ve probably got pretty good hours. It also helps that I have a friend who makes a lot more than me and knows it and will occasionally treat me to dinners at very nice restaurants I couldn’t afford even with a firm salary just for being a good friend:-)
Also, if you can figure out creative ways to save on the things you enjoy, that’s helpful to. Example: I enjoy eating out, but it adds up. I keep an eye for deals on livingsocial and groupon, which can occasionally net me a very good deal at a restaurant I like. Or I can get a restaurant.com gift certificate, which is another decent discount.
And if it helps, remember there are a lot of people out there in a similar situation right now. I have one friend who is in the same situation and we like to complain to each other about it. Misery loves company and all.
AIMS
Depending on your federal clerkship, you *may* get a clerkship bonus when you move to a firm, which would give you a pretty sweet bonus for your time living in austerity. (Not sure how common that still is, but just a hopeful thought).
You should have some time before your loan repayments kick in, and I would use it to try to figure out what you want to do careerwise. For instance, if you intend to stay in the public sector, you may benefit from the 10 year loan forgiveness program, and should enroll in that ASAP.
Keep in mind that the income based repayment option is not really good option unless you anticipate making a whole lot of money in 2 years time. You’re essentially putting off paying any principal, meaning your debt will only grow and grow. It’s only a good option if there’s no way you can pay your loans for a year AND you know you’re going to be making a lot of money right after, incl. maybe a clerkship bonus you can use to pay down some of the extra debt accumulated. If you can at all manage it, I would advise to go into extended payment instead of income based (unless you stay in public sector for ten years, then see above).
Ultimately, I would just say life is about trade offs. Nothing is perfect. It can be frustrating, but you just have to believe that the choices you make now will lead you to where you want to be later.
Arachna
Think about how many years you are going to be working… 40? then think about how that compares to one year. The money for that year is very much not a big deal.
You really really do not have to put your life on hold till you make more money. Living and being happy does not require a high salary – all studies show that after about 75 grand more money doesn’t make you happier – I know we all think we are different but… we probably aren’t. Getting married doesn’t cost anything. Do you really want to think of yourself as someone to whom money is more important than anything else? And that life is on hold till you earn more? Life is fantastic and you’ll probably have the time to enjoy it while you work at a very interesting job that will give you tons of great experience.
I’d find a tv show I love and eat something delicious because that always make me feel better and reminds me of things worth savoring. You should do whatever works for you. And remember that life is pretty long.
MelD
There are various federal repayment plans you can do (without consolidating) in order to lower your payments the first few years. If you know you’ll be going to a firm after 2-3 years, you may want to sign up for graduated repayment to lower your payments, or you could sign up for IBR. Since they will base your payment plan off the prior year’s income, that should help you out for a few years.
Anon
D, I loved my state court clerkship and would do it again in a heartbeat — low salary and all! I honestly didn’t think the salary was that bad, but I didn’t work in law school and had gone straight from college to law school. Yes, I was not making big firm bucks, but I could pay the rent on my 1-bedroom apartment, pay for a gym membership, pay my cell bill and even pay my own health insurance (double check this — not all state court’s offer this to clerks automatically. I learned the hard way). If you have big loans, it’s even better if you can get used to living on this failure reasonable sum you make as a clerk so you can pay down the loans more quickly. Since the hours are so great as a clerk, I cooked almost all my own meals which saved a lot of money. I’m a huge shopper too (hence my time hanging out on corporette) so I spent a lot of weekends scouring sales and finding the best deals on clothes. I didn’t do a lot of impulse buying, but when I decided I needed something, I shopped smart. Ultimately, as a clerk, you may not be making enough to splurge all the time, but you are making plenty to live on. Looking back, I would gladly trade the ability I have now to buy a handbag listed on this site without much thought for the time I had to cook dinner, work out and relax that I did while clerking.
D
This made me feel so much better. Thanks Anon
Midori
Get poorer friends. Seriously. I was the most unhappy, jealous person until I realized that I needed to stop hanging around people who liked money more than they liked people and good times (or thought that money = good times). That was a LOT easier after I left law school and was on the same footing with my fellow associates.
D
Thanks for all the replies- I will just have to keep thinking about the nice hours and government benefits. It’s just frustrating when you can’t even afford to move and you hear everyone talking about their bar trip (ha, I wish!).
I live pretty austerely now, which is why I’m worried that there aren’t too many places left to cut. I don’t have a car, cable, or a gym membership. I have 5-year-old cell phone, cook most of my food, and get my hair cut 3 times a year. I live with my boyfriend in a 1 bedroom apt. If we get married, it will tip me into a higher tax bracket.
New attitude: I’m healthy, have time for hobbies, and not going hungry.
anon for this
I totally sympathize. I had a job with a smaller firm and was just grateful they covered my barbri class. I had friends with huge stipends who took amazing international bar trips. I went camping for a few days. But, I like my job, the hour requirements are reasonable, and I get to do a lot of interesting stuff.
Laura #2
For whatever it’s worth, money is nice but one thing it won’t buy you is time. I know that sounds ridiculously cliche, but it’s so true. I had a well paying job and the only thing I wanted was to get out of there and go on vacation, which I could afford but didn’t have the time to do. I would gladly have taken a pay cut for a boost in happiness. Balance is worth a lot.
mamabear
Oh man, my uncle used to wear scenic print nylon shirts in the late 1970s and I just look at this and think…. groovy. And then I also think $3000? WTF.
coco
This makes me wish it was warm enough to wear my (much less beautiful but still fun) shirt dress. Alas, we have feet of snow on the ground and more expected this week…
anon govt
What is the best way to deal with a colleague who is, frankly, embarrassing? This person’s tone is hostile & condescending, emails rambling and non-formatted (one HUGE run-on paragraph), and all communications ignore the other party’s words, making this person seem confused. Personality is way too entrenched to “improve;” Colleague has actually driven people to other jobs. Everyone, including this colleague, wants Colleague to find another position, but until then, argh. I ignore as much as possible, but it is such a poor reflection on our organization, I grit my teeth. Just unprofessional to the hilt in communicating… Luckily, Colleague showers. :)
AB
If you just don’t like them, limit your contact. If they are interfering with your ability to do the job, speak with them about it. You’ll want to have specifics (i.e. That email you sent to the client hurt our reputation with them because xyz vs. I don’t like the emails you send) and you’ll want to offer potential solutions for the future. Otherwise, stay out of the mess, above the fray is always better than in.
anon govt
Sorry- should have prefaced w/”Threadjack”
anonymous
If he/she is your superior, grin and bear it. If he/she is your equal I doubt they will listen to you. Your rant sounds more like you are angry/dislike this person and hence your conversation will likely portray that as well.
Basically unless you are superior to them there’s not much you can do so just learn to live wiht it.
anon govt
Thanks. Yep, I need to go with the “water off a duck’s back” mantra. Truthfully I have been told that not many people like working with Colleague due to Colleague’s hostility (gets worked up very easily, too and literally explodes on conversants). I just need to separate myself mentally from Colleague’s toxicity. People know Colleague and people know me- temper, comm skills, warts and all. And frankly I have to remind myself that it’s not a competition or debate team (or zero-sum game). I don’t win if people think that Colleague is toxic, also. Thanks all for “listening” to the rant.
AB
I love this dress, and I think I could pull it off in my more business casual workplace. The cut is so flattering, and though the pattern is a little busy/indecipherable, I think that is part of its charm. Of course, in a more conservative work environment I wouldn’t even try it.
anonymous
I think that dress looks as though it would be unflattering on 90% of women. I’m amazed you think it’s flattering. Why?
kb
A-line skirt flatters the hips; belt defines the waist, which is slimming; the top of the sleeve hits the correct place in the shoulder; tailoring through the bust creates classic lines. Absolutely flattering! And I love the print.
Anon
This is pretty off-topic, and I’m sure it’s been addressed before, but I am hoping that you ladies can give me some thoughts! My husband and I plan to start trying to get pregnant in the next month or so. I’m a bridesmaid in a late September wedding, and the bride wants to order the dresses soon. I know it can (is likely to) take a while to get pregnant, but it’s *possible* that I could be pregnant when the wedding rolls around. It is SO early in the game (ok, the game hasn’t even begun yet!) and I don’t want to mention it to the bride. What would you do? Order a size or two up in the dress and get it altered? Is there a more graceful way to do this that I am missing? I would really love any ideas!
Fiona
I think ordering the dress two sizes up is a good idea. It’s not a big deal at all to get a dress altered two sizes down, but having a dress let out is much more difficult and expensive. Best (and yet worst) case scenario would be that you get pregnant immediately and might have to order a second dress, but you’d probably be so happy that you wouldn’t care. =)
anonymous
I would request to not order the dress now. . . maybe say you’re trying to lose weight or something (if you have that option). It’s not even february, ordering dresses for a late September wedding (unless you’re the bride) sounds a little ridiculous.
Anonymous
Seconded. Order a couple sizes up, get it tailored down in August if you’re still not pregnant. It’s easy to tailor down, impossible to tailor up.
nonnn
It depends on the dress with the tailoring down. I’ve had dresses that you cannot tailor down without spending hundreds. I’d inquire about why the rush to order the dresses now. 9+ months in advance is a little extreme.
L
I would order up, but also ask if it’s really important to order the dresses now. Also, check them out – see if they can change orders and/or if they have extra fabric or maternity styles available.
I was a bridesmaid while pg twice – the first time I was 5.5 months (but already big), ordered a size 14 dress (I am normally an 8) and it was still too small. I had to get extra fabric and have the tailor put in a panel. For the next wedding (I was 7 months), I just got a maternity bridesmaid dress (there were 2 of us that were pg for that one!) one size up (my boobs also grew!).
Amy
Wow, $3K for a dress. Totally out of my league, but beautiful!