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Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Soft Snap Jacket

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Givenchy Soft Snap JacketOne of my favorite movies is “How To Steal A Million,” an old Audrey Hepburn/Peter O'Toole romantic comedy/heist movie. Part of getting ready for the big caper involves dressing Hepburn up like a cleaning lady. “Now what has that accomplished?” she asks, brushing off her rags and swinging a bucket. “Well for one thing,” O'Toole croons, “It gives Givenchy the night off.” Ba-dum-ching. Today I'm liking this gorgeous soft snap jacket from Givenchy — the high collar, architectural lines, and boiled wool almost makes is one half sweater and one half jacket. I can see Hepburn in something like this were she alive today — perhaps pairing the olive jacket with similarly hued olive pants, ballet flats, and perhaps several bracelets. The jacket is $2,420 at Barney's. Givenchy Soft Snap Jacket Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-4)

Sales of note for 12.5

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

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173 Comments

  1. oh Audrey. my favorite Audrey movie is probably Charade. and what fantastic clothes, ooh la la.

    1. Charade is one of my favorites as well. How To Steal A Million is great too. I love everything she wears in both movies.

      1. I am also a huge fan of boiled wool. I’ll have to find a version of this in my price range.

      1. Let’s all keep an eye out, so, so cute. With a scarf peeking out of the neckline…. *le sigh*

    4. I agree — would love to find a cheaper interpretation of this. And one that does not pull at the one waist fastening point, as this one seems to be doing! (Which at this price point seems completely unacceptable.)

  3. I keep changing monikers but I’m a somewhat infrequent poster.

    I just passed the bar in NJ and NY and the swearing-in ceremony for NJ is tomorrow! I’ve decided I’m going to wear a suit (NOT pink!) but I wanted to ask if anyone had advice on going pants vs. skirt and blouse vs. buttonup.

    I know my parents will probably take lots of pictures and send them to our friends and family and would like to look professional and appropriate but not completely boring.

    Please help! Thanks in advance!

    1. Congrats on passing both bars!

      I am not in either state, but my swearing-in ceremony involved a lot of standing, so I say you should chose pants or skirt based on whatever you’re most comfortable in.

      I’d go with a blouse. The collar on a button front can get wonky (whether you wear it in or out), and if there is even the slightest chance that the buttons will gape, it will look like you’re wearing a shirt that’s too small.

    2. I’d wear a skirt suit. Yes, you might be a little less comfortable for the day, but you will be seeing and making a first impression on a ton of lawyers, judges, elected officials, etc. This is a huge occasion, and I’d dress for it in something that shows your respect for it. I myself hate skirts and rarely wear them, but I do for most court appearances and did for my swearing in. (And BTW, congratulations on your accomplishments).

      1. Upper Midwest, so not NY or NJ, but I wore a pant suit with a shell underneath. We tend to be more accepting of the pant suit here, in my estimation, since winter would be a b*tch if I had to do skirts all season.

        I say go with what’s the most flattering and comfortable for you (especially sitting down). My swearing in took forever with all the sponsors that made motions on behalf of the special lawyer in their life.

      2. I didn’t meet any judges or elected officials at my swearing in – just the bar association people, and even then “meeting” is a strong word. I wore a blazer and pants – whatever I was wearing to work that day. I also sat and addressed my Christmas cards during the speeches. Non-billable time, used productively!

  4. Currently soliciting birthday and Christmas gift ideas for a guy I’ve been seeing. The birthday is coming up next week. It’s only been two months, so I don’t want to go over-the-top, but I’d like to do/give something.

    We’re both young urban professionals, through he’s at a big firm, while I work in the nonprofit sector. He seems to have everything–nice watch, wallet, ties–so I’m not sure what to get, and I’ve always been terrible at coming up with creative ideas for gifts. I don’t want to get anything too personal, since we haven’t been together for very long. Ideas?

    1. Tickets to something you can do together, like a comedy show? Dinner out? A nice bottle of wine? Craft beer? A book you’ve really enjoyed recently?

    2. I’ve always done well with “experience” gifts for guys – for example, tickets to a sporting event or concert, rock-climbing lesson, etc. based on his interests.

      And for a guy who has “everything” – I like practical items with a personal touch (I dated a guy who really liked Roy Lichtenstein and I got him a Lichtenstein monthly calendar as part of a gift, another guy was really into samurai movies so I got him an umbrella where the handle looks like the hilt of a samurai sword). So it shows you know a bit about him but it’s not so lovey-dovey b/c it’s practical.

    3. Maybe (if he shaves) take him to The Art of Shaving to get a traditional shave with heated shaving cream and a straight razor and just give him a bit of pampering.

      1. I have to give my standard PSA against The Art of Shaving . . . my husband and his groomsmen went to get a hot shave before our wedding, and they all walked away with a horrible combination of stubble and cuts.

    4. i agree with getting an “experience” gift that you can share. tickets to see something = good date, a nice gift, and not too personal.

    5. Take him out to dinner, or buy him a nice bottle of wine/liquor/assortment of fancypants microbrews depending on his style. If you are super broke and can bake, there are few men who’d turn down some homemade cookies. I guess the common thread of my ideas is: buy him something he’ll enjoy consuming.

    7. Theme dates were big for my husband and me. One of us would plan the whole day as a surprise to the other, trying to stick with a theme. It was fun.

      Also keep your ears open for anything he drops, like a band he’d like to see, or a book or album he’s interested in.

  5. I know it’s super-early for a threadjack, but I need some advice!

    I’m someone who carries the same purse 99% of the time (basically everywhere except somewhere formal enough for a clutch), so I’m pretty hard on bags. I’ve never had a really expensive bag (I usually spend around $50-$75), and I’ve never had a bag last for more than nine months or so.

    Now my current bag is falling apart and I’m trying to decide whether to replace it with another bag along the lines of the ones I’ve previously had or with a more expensive bag in the hopes that it would last for years. $300 is probably the absolute maximum I could spend at this point and that would be a stretch. I’m not looking for a messenger bag or similar; I want something that reads “purse.”

    What I’m wondering is — 1.) If you’re a one-bag-all-the-time person, do you find that more expensive bags hold up better? 2.) Do you have specific recommendations for manufacturers/bags that are especially durable?

    1. My apologies, these bags are not within your price range, but answers the more general question. My LV Monogram Vernis, the only one I use, has lasted two years without a sign of wear or tear. My old Marc Jacobs, however, wore out at the corners. Neiman Marcus then sent it to Italy where it was repaired for free.

    2. I’ve been carrying my Brahmin bag for a year and a half straight every day and love it. It has held up very well – the only signs of wear and tear are on the shoulder strap right where it hits my shoulder. I haven’t had “purse envy” since I got this one! I got mine during the Nordie’s anniversary sale last summer which brought it within your price range. Dillards has a large selection but at full price.

    3. to a certain degree, more expensive bags last longer, *but* that’s only if you’re paying for quality materials and sturdier construction and not for a big label or for lots of dangling hardware, chains, etc. that are more for form than function.

      Get yourself to a Coach/Cole Haan/Tumi outlet (or, a good Loehmanns, TJ Maxx, Century 21 .. type of place) and you should have some good options in the $2-$300 range. pick something dark colored, without too much “stuff” (e.g. fringe, chains, excessive hardware – that stuff just wears out faster). i would avoid marc jacobs and tori burch, they’ve never been very durable or long lasting in my experience.

      good luck!

    4. I am a one-bag person. I have a classic saddle bag in leather with gold hardware and it takes a lot of beating but ages very well. It is by Massimo Dutti (this brand is available in Europe but not sure about the US).
      You could try a Coach outlet. I used to believe that coach bags were the tacky-logo-covered canvas bags that many teenagers were wearing, then I discovered they have a beautiful understated leather line.

    5. Hurry up and get something from the Kate Spade sale today. There’s plenty under $300. I love my KS; shows very little wear after 2 yrs of carrying it 4-5x/wk.

    6. I am a one bag person as well. I have carried a Monsac 5-6 days a week for over 3 years. It is just starting to look a bit worn on the corners, though I suspect if I took it to a purse repairperson, that might be fixable. I’ve been quite satisfied with how well the Monsac has held up and am keeping an eye out for a replacement in the $200 (on sale from $400)-$800 (full price) range.

      1. I think Monsac is out of business. They used to make great-looking bags, not sure about wear . . .

    7. Take a look at Brooks Brothers. I purchased a bag about 1.5 years ago and wear it everyday. It still looks new, and I think they are having a 30% off sale today.

      1. My Coach bags have all held up well — and Coach is great about repairs. And I am pretty much a one “bag lady.” haha. It’s Monday.

        1. Seconding the Coach leather bags– not the icky canvas logo-ed bags, go for the nice ones. I have two large leather totes I got from the Coach outlet, both for under $250; I believe under $200. I’m in law school and regularly haul around way more than is healthy, and use one or the other 4-6 times a week. They both look great; it’s been about 3 years on one and 2 on the other.

          1. I’ve had my understated work tote from Coach for three years now, and the outside is without any mark or indication that it sees a daily beating (the lining pockets aren’t frayed or anything either but the lining does not look brand new)

        2. I’m a Coach believer, too. I received a re-gift/ hand-me-down from a friend who was going to leave a brand new Coach bag on the curb when she moved (!). It’s been my go-to bag for the past three years, with no significant signs of wear.

          The side close to my body did get discolored from new dark-wash jeans, and the lovely staff at a Coach outlet helped me clean it off with their special leather wash/ protectant (which reminds me that I should probably clean it again…). I think pebbled/ textured leather is the key – if it gets a little banged up, that only adds to the character, vs. smooth or patent leather than displays noticeable scars from its daily adventures.

        3. I’ll throw in another vote for Coach. Though I think any leather bag will last longer than a non-leather bag (which is probably what you’re getting for $50…?)
          My last purse was from non-brand name from a leather store. It had a 1 year warranty. The zipper broke about a week before the warranty was up so I went and claimed a new identical purse which lasted another year :)

      2. Ditto. I bought a Brooks Brothers leather tote/purse featured on here for ridiculously cheap – like $35. I use it every day and with very heavy stuff. There is one or two loose stitches on one strap but everything else has held up great!

    8. I am a one bag woman — same bag every weekday and on weekends. I change to clutches or evening bags only for special occasions.

      I believe that if you spring for a well made bag, it will last for years. I currently am carrying a Brooks Brothers bag; I have carried it every day for 13 months, and it is barely worn. Before the BB bag, I carried a Dooney & Bourke bag for five years and it is still in excellent shape. Before the D&B bag, I carried a piece of #*$^@) bag for one year; it always looked terrible, and it fell apart quickly. Before that, I carried a succession of Coach bags, and each one lasted several years and looked good the entire time. (My Coach bags were in the 1990s, and my sense is that their quality has fallen, so I would be careful. Also, all of my bags have been leather, and the current Coach bags seem to be some weird synthetic materials for which I cannot vouch.)

      I have never gone wrong spending up to $400 on a bag that is well made and tailored enough to go with everything and not go out of style.

      1. Ok, here’s a question for those of you who carry one bag most of the time: which is the most practical color? Black? Brown? Burgundy?

        1. Burgundy or cognac, maybe red depending on your wardrobe. Definitely not black or true, dark brown.

        2. I have a black Kate Spade that I absolutely adore and since I bought it in May, the only times I’ve felt a need to carry a different bag were special evening events. Even throughout the summer, it never felt wrong.

      2. I don’t switch out bags frequently but I do once a year seasonally. I usually carry black as my main bag and switch to a lighter color neutral (or even black in a non-leather) over the summer. Some years I have gone with red, blue, or brown as my primary bag but black is really best for the majority of my wardrobe – but I am in NYC, and we prety much all, pretty much always, wear black

    9. As a disclaimer, I do rotate multiple bags. However, I usually have one bag that I carry to work all season, and others that I carry to events or on the weekends.

      Currently, I carry my black Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini every single day to work. The leather is soft but I’ve found it to be very durable. I pack it full with an iPad, wallet, small makeup bag, lunch, sunglasses case, and sometimes a pair of flats – and I can usually zip it shut. I love that it has an outer pocket, it’s perfect for stashing my keys, cell phone, and work ID badge.

      Today might be your day if you want to score one for under $300 – there is a few left on the Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday sale. If you don’t purchase today, you can probably still get a deal – I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price for one. They seem to pop up reguarly on Gilt and Rue La La, and I’ve found them at Nordstrom Rack.

      I own a few other Minkoff bags – a cobalt blue MAB and a red Swing. I’m currently coveting the “Covet” bag in Dove Grey, also on the sale. I’m not sure that I really need it, but I don’t have a grey bag….

    10. Timely thread for me! I just made a gigantic splurge on a bag for all seasons, all ages, all time. Seriously, I was tired of carrying worn-looking bags, and also wanted to carry the same one year round. I neither plan nor want to shop for a bag any time in the foreseeable future, and this purchase was my magic bullet.

      Until today, for about 3 years I had one spring/summer bag and one fall/winter bag, both of which I carried every single day for half the year. They were both leather and about $150. I wore the crap out of them, though, and probably should have stopped carrying them to professional events long ago. They had become way too shabby.

      I do recommend going to the upper limit of your price range to get something sturdy. Everyone has different needs, but like you I am very tough on my bags. I was looking for very thick leather, durable straps, and a color that goes with everything (but not too light, for fear of staining). Others have given plenty of tips as to where to go. Happy shopping!

      1. I have been on the same hunt for a year and a half now. I have yet to find my “magic bullet” purse though… I finally gave up and ordered a new fall/winter bag online because I just needed something new and this one fit the bill in all respects except that it is an obviously cold-weather purse.

        If you don’t mind sharing, what did you get?!

        1. Girl, I am embarrassed to tell. Even though I know you would never judge. Let’s just say it’s from a French design house and cost about 1/3 of my monthly salary (after taxes). I thought about it for a long time!

          The branding is extremely subtle–like, you have to be inches away to see who made it–and I think it’s very high quality without being ostentatious. It’s a neutral light-ish brown color with some understated details but very little hardware, totally functional. It’s a tad feminine/pretty but also classic and professional, so I will neither feel silly bringing it to an interview nor stuffy bringing it out on a weekend night.

          Again, my goal was to get a bag that would mean never needing another bag, for any occasion, and I think I’ve done it. I can say that I understand your endless search for the magic bullet, and I wish you the same fulfillment I feel now!

          1. oh c’mon. we won’t judge! share a pic so we can share in the joy. i love a good bag … someday i’ll buy a bag like yours, maybe.

          2. No judgments! It sounds amazing. I think the interview vs. weekend outing dilemma is really what has prevented me from finding my “one” bag. Kudos to you for finding something that fits the bill for both occasions. Even if you don’t share (though you totally should), so happy you found yours :)

    11. Yes, in my experience, paying a little more for a bag gets you a higher quality. I used to buy $30-50 bags from the department store and replace them regularly. Now I have a Cole Haan purse that I’ve been carrying daily for two years that has almost no sign of wear. But I bought it on Overstock or Smartbargains for less than $100, so the price differential was actually pretty small and the quality differential is great.

    12. Dooney &Bourke’s All Weather Leather wears like the dickens. If you never change bags, I’d go for one of those in the classic black with tan trim. Should go with pretty much anything you wear. I’d get a larger style, like a satchel or a tote. You can get good deals on them at QVC.com.

    13. Thanks, everyone! I ended up picking up a bag at the Kate Spade sample sale for about 60% off — hopefully I’ll love it!

  6. I’d love some advice from anyone who knows about jewelry. About three weeks ago, I had my engagement ring resized. It looks great when I got it back, but this morning I noticed that the seam has become visible. It wasn’t visible even yesterday. Is this something that a jeweler can fix easily? And do I need to get it taken care of immediately (will the ring break, for example?) or can I wait for a few weeks?

  7. My TURKEY came out good! Even my father, who is VERY a pickey eater, had SECONDS!

    The ONLY thing some people did NOT like was the Crannbery souce, which I got out of a CAN. It was OCEAN Spray so I thought it was good enough, but my uncle did NOT like it. Fooey on him!

    1. REALLY?! The carnnbery SOUCE in a can was always my FAVORIET. Foey on HIM is rihgt!

  8. Threadjack… What would you wear for a naturalization ceremony? If you are the one getting naturalized.

    1. Congrats! I was naturalized at 21 in the summer and wore a navy blue linen skirt and a white t-shirt with red nails. I saw a wide variety of clothes, from suits to old jeans and sweatshirts. Unless you ceremony is special in some way (jealous of those sworn in at Fenway) patriotic business casual should be just fine.

      1. The judge I clerk for took us to a naturalization ceremony he presided over. People mostly wore church-type clothes, although there was a variety of clothes, as mentioned above. The ones I loved the most were the patriotic ones. One woman wrapped herself in red, white, and blue tinsel and wore a sparkly headband with stars on it. She was just so excited to become a citizen. It almost made me cry.

      2. Sounds like your outfit was a thousand tons of awesome. I don’t know if I would wear patriotic clothes, though. I am German and was raised with the opinion that patriotism has never led anywhere good. I just can’t get used to wearing my country’s colors. Maybe in a few years :)

        I am getting all excited. Funny how it never mattered until I moved to a different country.

        Thanks for the ideas, I think I will go with an office appropriate dress, but maybe a little more colorful than my usual gray comfort zone.

        2. Hi Citizen To Be,

          Congratulations! It didn’t mean much to me when going through the process but I ended up being quite moved by the ceremony (and also quite ashamed when thinking of the much colder reception my country, also in northern Europe, currently provides to immigrants).

          As to your question, I’d say err on the side of over-dressing, especially if your ceremony is a more intimate one (not at USCIS or in a court). After seeing how casually most people were dressed for the interview, I wore an outfit that was business-casual and somewhat generic. I came to regret my choice when it turned out my ceremony was a “special” one with lots of press and photographers, and when I saw how much more festive most other women looked.

          If you have time, turn it into a little party and do something special that day. Enjoy!

    2. With the caveat that I have zero personal experience in this area, wear something between business casual, business, or dressy. For me, I would think I’d wear something along the lines of dressy business or dressy business casual – a suit or equivalent with more color than I’d wear at work and fun jewelry. From pro bono work, I understand that some folks wear formalwear from their home country, to signify how they are now a member of two, and also to show how important the ceremony is for them. You’ll probably take pictures with your family and friends, so wear something that will photograph well (color!) and that you feel confident in.

      Congratulations!

    3. I just want to say Congratulations. I clerked for a judge who presided over naturalization ceremonies and I helped out with them (wrote the judge’s speeches for them, announced the judge’s entry in them and sat next to the Clerk by the bench). I got emotional on more than one occasion watching these ceremonies. It was very moving to hear the judge speak about how the freedoms we all have set the United States apart from the rest of the world and to hear some of the new citizens speak about how they had just achieved life-long dreams by becoming U.S. citizens. Enjoy the moment.

    4. I’ve been to a couple of these as a clerk. I’d say it also depends on where you’re doing it. If its at the Federal courthouse, I’d dress up a little bit more so you don’t feel uncomfortable, but if its at a larger venue (like a convention center), you can probably get away with something more casual.

      Congrats! Be prepared to be more moved than you’d expect. :-)

    5. I’ve never been to one, but tear up when I see them on tv.

      (And I visited the National Constiutiton Center in Philly recently, and it also really moved me.)

      Congratulations!

      1. Wear something you will be proud of when your extended family looks at the pix in 20 years….and that includes enthusiastic fun patriotic stuff, if that is who-you-are.

  9. Need some advice from the Corporette hivemind: Are knee-high boots appropriate for the office?
    I recently got these boots (in black suede) – http://www.endless.com/dp/B004MLGW5U
    I really love them and am contemplating wearing them to the office. But I’ve never worn boots (of any sort, actually) to the office and wasn’t sure if it’s considered appropriate or not. I’d probably wear them with a knee-length pencil skirt and blouse, button-front, or sweater. I wouldn’t wear tights with them (I live on the Florida gulf coast and it isn’t near cold enough for tights), so I’d either go bare-legged or with black/off-black hose.
    Thoughts?

    1. I’m in FL and wear boots without tights fairly often. They are not uncommon at my workplace. I think it looks a bit ridiculous to wear them when it is going to be 80+, but when it’s in the 70s I will wear them without tights.

    2. It’s funny you ask because I was reading an old post on that this morning.

      https://corporette.com/2010/12/13/riding-boots-to-the-office/

      I do wear knee-high boots to the office (business casual in upstate NY). I’ve worn them under pants, with pencil skirts and tights because I’m always freezing, and with sheath dresses and bare legs in the summer.

      IMO, I think it’s all about knowing your office and what you’re comfortable with. My office is very laid back (sundresses and espadrilles in the warm weather) so I’ve never thought twice about it. As long as your outfit reads work and not like you’re going to a rock concert, I’d say you’re fine.

    3. I think this is definitely a know your office kind of situation.
      For me (somewhat formal environment), I wear knee high boots when they are simple/not too high a heel (yours qualify, I also do a flat riding boot a lot) on non-super formal days w/o any issue. I’m in NY. I would probably never wear boots without tights though, and probably would make sure to wear opaque tights (not stockings). I know every office is different, but to me, if you it’s not cold enough to wear tights with your boots, you don’t need to wear boots. Something about high boots + skin = a bit too sexy/suggestive in my mind (but it is my opinion only, and I am sure others would differ).

    4. If it looks like club wear, don’t do it. They’re lovely boots, but I’m not sure it’s a good bet. Isn’t it crazy warm in FL right now anyway? I worry that it might look forced, as well. … Disclaimer: I’m sure I’ll take heat for this, but I really don’t think boots are appropriate for a law office anyway, particularly in FL where it’s not a weather/warmth concern. Wear there somewhere fabulous so you can play with the rest of your outfit too!

  10. With all the shopping over the weekend, I spent the better part of yesterday cleaning out my closet and found handbags from my college and (gasp!) high school days. While I love my Dooney and Bourke quilted logo bag and my Coach logo clad clutches then, I’m struggling with being seen with them today. Even my small LV clutch makes me cringe with the huge label wh*re aspect to it.

    The bags I buy now are all understated and logo free for the most part because I find it tacky to have LV or Cs all over. I can recognize designer bags now by their style and shape, not by their logo.

    What do you ladies think about obvious logos emblazoned on your purses/clothes/shoes? Would you do it or avoid it like the plague? I’m inclined towards the latter.

    1. I prefer your current style — understated and without huge logos all over the place.

      1. i do too, but context makes a difference. on certain women – for example, my 60+ mother in law – the traditional LV bags (brown with tan LVs) look classic. she dresses in a kind of classically elegant style anyway, and probably bought her LV 20 years ago.

        for typical 20-30 somethings I think the classic look is a bit harder to pull off, and logos look like logos.

        2. This is a great point about context. In general, I really don’t like visible logos. But I can see particular circumstances like your mother-in-law where it wouldn’t rub me the wrong way.

          1. I was going to say that I prefer a lack of labels universally, but having read these comments, I have to agree that context can make a difference.

            I think that region makes a difference, too. In my city, we’re a bit behind the fashion times and spending a lot of money on a bag is not as common as it is elsewhere, so I see more women in their 20s and 30s carrying those Coach canvas bags covered in Cs. I don’t like them, but I seem to be in the minority. The last few times that I’ve been in DC, I think 80% of the women in my age bracket have been carrying LV logo bags.

    2. I may take flack for this, but I think expensive bags, sunglasses, shoes that are covered in logos scream, “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, but now I have enough to buy [this item] and I want everyone to know it.”

      1. I think that’s often a dynamic that exists, but because of that, I try not to judge harshly despite the fact that my instinct is to decry logo bags as tacky. The people I know who could be seen to fit into that stereotype are people who, yes, didn’t grow up with much money but then worked hard – often being the first in their family to graduate from college – to be someone who can afford the bag. I feel like it’s not my place to judge the fact that they’re proud they can now afford to carry someone they saw as a symbol of success as a child.

        I suppose my attitude might be different if I knew a lot of people who were carrying logo bags because they married into money.

        1. Same here. It doesn’t fit my aesthetic at all, but there seems to be a class aspect to it that makes me uncomfortable criticizing others for their logo-love.

        2. I’m exactly what you describe – growing up poor, first to graduate, worked my a55 off – and I would never carry a logo bag! So we’re not all like that.

          I do, however, like to carry bags that are really well made and of beautiful materials.

      2. Agree with Em and Jas that that dynamic tends to make me judge logos less harshly than more, because yeah, many people don’t grow up with a lot of money and splurging when they’ve made it seems, well, like something they deserve to do.

        I hate hate hate the snobbery of judging people (poorly) based on what resources they grew up with.

    3. The big obvious logos have always bothered me. Is it advertising? They should pay me! Do I need to have everyone know what I’m wearing? Why?

      1. +1. When I get dressed in the morning, I don’t generally plan to spend the day as a walking advertisement for some MNC. I”d prefer to take the benefit of their quality workmanship and leave the logos where they belong – in the store.

    4. Avoid like the plague for me (30), but agree with the point about someone older. Except now I am imaging that when I am 60, I am going to rock a bright red suit and a huge LV logo bag… Not sure how I feel about that… ;)

        1. Oh my god. The red hat society! I cannot believe that that’s actually a sincere phenomenon.

          1. Hey, as far as I am concerned, one you reach a respectable age, you can wear anything you want. You’ve earned it. I will totally rock purple and red when I have gotten to the right age, with no shame whatsoever.

          2. Nonny, I totally agree. I think it’s all the marketing around the idea that I have a hard time subscribing to. Not that it’s not nice that something is trying to celebrate age, but I can’t say I wish to be part of a phenomenon created by a catalog trying to sell pins.

            That said, I rock red & purple together now, and I feel no shame about it whatsoever.

          3. I think the Red Hat Society represents freedom for a lot of women who didn’t get a chance to express themselves before retirement.

            Good on them.

            As for me, I’m glad that they went before and now I’m able to express myself a little more as a young woman.

          4. What do you mean about the marketing around it? I didn’t know there was any associated catalog….

  11. I forgot to add this to my earlier post. For the academically ambitious high school student, females who are applying to a STEM school such as MIT or Cal Tech have a thumb on the admissions scale. These schools are very keen on getting more girls into STEM. Same thing with girls who may not be applying to a STEM school but who are intending to major in STEM anyway.

    1. I didn’t see your earlier comment, so forgive me if I’m misinterpreting… but if you’re saying that its easier for women to get into tech schools because they are girls, that is factually false and also a huge stereotype (and I think attitudes like that really contribute to the fact that there are fewer women in science & engineering, because you always feel like you have to prove yourself more than men do). As a female graduate of one of those two top tech schools you mentioned, I can assure you that the women who were admitted were every bit as qualified as the male applicants. Yes, a greater % of female applicants are admitted, but that’s due to self-selection. Women only apply to those schools if they are really interested & qualified, whereas any guy who’s ever tinkered around with robots or computers will apply (and men also have more confidence/over-confidence in their abilities than women). Female students do just as well as male students (statistically speaking, and that was my anecdotal experience as well). My school did more aggressively recruit women (and racial minorities) both by encouraging them to apply when they might not have otherwise, and by really trying to convince them to come once admitted, including offering free visits to the school and such. But they (we) were absolutely held to the same admission standards as the guys. Anyway, I try to correct this misconception when I see it because it is very discouraging for female science/engineering students when people believe they got where they are because of affirmative action. I know a number of my friends left engineering because they were tired of having to constantly prove themselves.

      1. My comment was not meant to imply that girls who are not qualified could gain admission at top science and technical schools. What it should have said more clearly is that this is a good time to be a qualified female STEM applicant. There have been a number of articles about schools working harder to attract female STEM applicants. Here is a link to a recent one:
        http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/education/edlife/closing-the-girl-gap-in-science.html?pagewanted=all

        1. Affirmative Action is about assuring an equitable process for QUALIFIED applicants.

          QUALIFIED, QUALIFIED, QUALIFIED.

          Having a consistent process is fair for men AND women.

          If you see more women in an education program it is because there are more QUALIFIED women in the program.

          Do NOT throw these hard working women under the bus by attributing their achievement to something that is so.factually.incorrect.

          It can be lonely and isolating for women (or a minority group) to expand into a profession. Value their hard work. Ask about their research and their professional interest.

          For those who are worried about affirmative action – it’s about recruiting qualified people. The Q word is QUALIFIED.

          That other Q word? Quota? Never use it unless the employer or educational institution has been SANCTIONED by the Feds. It is a rare, RARE event. If MIT or other colleges have an increase in female applicants, chances are they have sent recruiters to, say, high schools with female robotics teams, etc. to say even if you don’t have any female in your family who has a STEM degree – it happens here, and you can do this if you qualify. If there are fewer men being accepted because their applications aren’t as good as the packets from the female applicants – that’s the same as being beaten out by a male.

          For what it’s worth – overall women are more successful than men at obtaining a bachelor’s degree within 4-5 years, why shouldn’t they be as successful as the men within STEM majors?

          Most of you know this, including Mary Ellen.

  12. Walking dead: whoah. Had been kinda dissapointed this season, but last night I thought was a great episode. (its so different from the books though!)

    1. Totally unfamiliar with the original books, but watch Walking Dead with religious devotion and was completely gobsmacked at last night’s episode. I’ll take your “whoah” and raise it a “yikes”. And now we have to wait until February!!!??? :-(

      1. Right? Besides the yikes factor I thought it was truly thought provoking. Because they stopped shooting as soon as they saw it was her, which obv raises the question if you feel like you can’t shoot her, you just shot all of hershel’s people. Obviously Rick was the one who had to do it. But it was truly an oh. my. god. moment.

    2. Oh Walking Dead. I could be rich. My husband writes on the side for a hobby. A few years back, before the zombie craze, he started re-reading the Walking Dead comic books he found at his parent’s house. Once the zombie craze started, he thought Walking Dead would make a great TV show and started writing the script. He had a lot of work done on it when we saw the ad’s on AMC. He was too late. :(

  13. I too shy away from visible logos on any clothing, including purses and shoes. If I were you, I’d try to sell the bags you no longer use at a consignment shop. A lot of women like to have logos on their clothing/accessories so there shouldn’t be a any problem with getting them sold if they’re in good condition.

    1. Grrr. This is to Labels or Love? Going to find more coffee. Maybe even a trip to Starbucks is appropriate…

      1. I, too, have begun to see Ellen’s stylistic influence everywhere! However, to her GRATE distress, Ellen is NOT married. Thus this letter writer is NOT Ellen, though she does certainly seem to share some of Ellen’s attitude and problem-solving approach.

        2. Heh…I did realize this. But the tone and the ALL caps was way too SPOT on. Perhaps it is Ellen’s OLDER, but not wizer sister.

          1. What if it’s Ellen’s YUONGER sister and thats’ why SHE is so DESPARETE to get married?

    3. I think there were not enough spelling and grammar errors for Ellen. Must be Ellen’s smarter but equally crazy big sister.

  15. My husband has hinted that he wants a pair of cufflinks for Christmas, but he hasn’t given me any guideance on what exactly he is looking for. He has never owned cufflinks, so I think he probably wants something simple and classic. Does anybody have any suggestions in the $50-$100 range? Thanks!!

    1. Charles Tyrwhitt (www.ctshirts.com) has good cufflinks in that range – they also have lots of sales

    2. i don’t have a retailer/designer recommendation but i’ve done well gifting love knot style cufflinks (they look like the fabric brooks brothers knots that come with french cuff shirts). I think they would be available in a range of prices depending on size and metal you go with. my husband loves the pair i got him for his last birthday, and i got a similar pair for my brother for law school graduation and they were well recieved. i like them because they’re a bit of an understated style.

    3. I spent just a little more ($100-150) and got monogrammed ones from Blue Nile for my fiance last year.

    4. I would try to find out what he wants. My SO hinted that he wanted cufflinks a few years ago and it turned out that the classic cufflinks he wanted were buffalo nickel cufflinks he thought were really cool. They are pretty classic in their whimsy but not what I would have picked if I didn’t inquire.

      FWIW, I have since successfully gotten cufflinks at Tokens & Coins (for the buffalo nickel c-links, less than $100, highly recommend as a gift for any men in your life) and at Brooks Brothers (for the more classic ones).

      FYI, BB often has sales (I think accessories are 30% off today) and closer to Xmas they usually do a 7 day promo where each day something like all cufflinks or all leather goods, etc., are 40% off. It’s a great time to buy cufflinks!

  16. Hi ladies,
    I’m an in-house lawyer for a local government agency and was just delivered a nice box of chocolates with a card from the partners at a small law firm we work with. The card was addressed to me and “expressed [their] appreciation for [my] confidence and loyalty” along with some standard holiday greetings. Should I write them a thank you note? Thank you email? Phone call? Just mention it the next time I see one of them?
    Thanks!

    1. I am a government lawyer also, and our department’s ethics code explicitly forbids us from accepting gifts from outside contractors and vendors. And that is what that law firm that sent you the chocolates is. Check your code of ethics..

      2. We’re allowed to accept things that are under $25. They’re nice chocolates but they’re not that nice and it’s a small box. My guess is around a $15 value.

        1. Also, I checked with my supervisor who happens to run our ethics program and she said it was fine.

        2. I think token holiday gifts like this one are designed to be just that, small gestures of appreciation, and are distinct from the kinds of gifts that would trigger ethical issues.

          OP, you don’t need to do anything, but if you see one of them within the next month, you can say something – or if you have a good relationship with one of them, a short email is fine.

          1. I’m a gov’t attorney and I think this is fine – we have a policy of sharing with the whole office suite but as long as it’s under a certain dollar amount we’re find. I’d casually mention it to them next time you see them. I happened to mention that I loved a gift one of our outside counsel sent and she thanked me for the feedback because as an associate she was stuck picking out the gifts every year and she never knew what to send!

    2. I think a handwirtten note would be appropriate. Better than an email, and more certain than mentioning it next time you see them (you may forget, etc).

  17. Career question: I am working as a junior attorney for a non-profit. I was hired for a two year position about six months back. We are now hiring for a staff attorney position and looking for someone with three to seven years experience. I am in my third year of practice now. I’m debating whether or not to throw my hat into the ring for this new position. I don’t know if it’s bad form seeing as I’m in a two-year position now or if it shows ambition and interest. No one has mentioned the possibility of me applying, which makes me think that I’m far too junior for it. (Despite the fact they say 3-7 years exp, they’ve made it clear internally that they’re really thinking more like 5-7 years experience).

    If I do apply, how should I go about doing so? Conversation with my boss? Formal application first?

    1. My instinct is that you should apply, especially because you are interested in a permanent position and the one you currently have is not permanent.

      I think you should have a conversation with your boss before applying, especially if the two of you have a pleasant relationship just so she won’t be surprised to see your application.

      1. Definitely express interest — this is a good opening for you to have a conversation with your boss/the hiring manager about your long term goals. Tell them that the position is one that you would like to be considered for if you think you meet the requirements or, if you don’t meet the requirements, that you would like to gain the requisite experience. You can ask about areas for development/projects that you can focus on.

        In short, NEVER wait for them to come to you. Good luck.

  18. Someday I will start a commuting blog.

    Each entry will consist only of the results of me banging my head against the keyboard.

    (good morning, corporettes)

    1. today was very bad. i have to hope that it’s just because of early holiday shoppers and general thanksgiving hangover.

  19. Any comments on JNY suiting sizes? I am on the curvier side, regular sizes if that helps. TIA for any help!

      2. Hmmm. I find them very true to size. Maybe it depends on where you are “bigger.” I LOVE my JNY suits. I’m a six in everything there. I wear 4-10 depending on the store. I’m a 34DD on top and have to wear an 8 or 10 jacket at BR and Express. The 6 is fine at JNY. I have a high waist with a little bit of a stomach and very small hips. I’m 5’7″ and wear a 6 in JNY pants. I wear a 4 at Express and 6 or 8 at BR depending on cut. I hope that helps!

    2. I wear size 6 just about everywhere, but have childbearing hips (despite not having borne any children) and cannot fit into JNY pants in my normal size.

  20. Poll: Tilley hats. Suitable for 45-year-old men who like to golf, or better reserved for the over-60 set?

    1. DH and I both have Tilley hats! They are great for hiking/boating too. They give more sun protection than baseball caps and last FOREVER. (We are in our early 30s)

    2. Depends on how fashionable your 45-year-old is. If he prefers style over sunburn, then not appropriate. If he prefers protection over looks, ok.

      I wouldn’t buy it for my guy/brother/whoever.

  21. Hi Ladies

    I’m going to my first Nordstrom Holiday Party tomorrow night. Do they typically have special sale items other than the 10 points?

    TIA!

    1. i will see you there! :) unfortunately i’ve heard that the discounts themselves are not significant, but that the champagne, music, food, etc. make it fun anyway.

    1. Oh, Bunkster, I’m sorry. Hugs to you, and many obesiances to the universe so that it will provide you with a new job, soon.

    3. I’m so sorry. Your job (boss) sounds like a nightmare. Here’s to hoping the new year brings you a wonderful new job opportunity.

    5. Oh, man. I’m so sorry. I had a boss not unlike yours, and I take solace in the fact that I now have another job and he is still a misearble human being. Your time will come.

      1. Why not have a discussion of how to respond to a boss who makes you cry? I used to work for someone who was harsh in her dealings with subordinates, and one woman decided to simply talk back to her. She backed down. What is the best way to deal with Bunkster’s boss?

        1. It depends a little on what he is insulting her about. I had a boss who made people cry and I found the only way to deal with her was to stare blankly while she ranted, then say something simple like “ok, it won’t happen again.” or “Ok, I’ll fix it.” and leave. She basically was looking for a fight, and if you tried to justify your actions or explain your reasoning, she saw it as “making excuses.”
          She didn’t want excuses, she just wanted things her way, so I found that although it took a lot of tongue biting to refrain from explaining myself to her, but the only thing that worked was “ok” and walking away.

      2. I’m so, so sorry. I’ve been there and it’s awful. PS – you now officially deserve an extra treat tonight. Cocktail with a friend, fancy Chanel lipstick, something like that. Best wishes for a better rest of the day.

    6. I cried at work, too! Family-related, but still ultra professional. I’m so proud of myself today, oh my word.

  24. Anyone own the Classic Groovee or Baby Groovee and want to comment on wear/functionality?

    Thanks in advance!

  25. Any Corporettes out there doing personal injury work? Why does this time of year suck so bad? I’m about ready to pull my hair out!

  26. Can anyone speak to the Kate Spade color “Modern Red?”

    It’s looking more orange-y on my computer – is that right, or is it more of a true red?

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