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Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Wool-tweed biker jacket

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Today's guest post is from Capitol Hill Style. Welcome to Corporette, Belle! Markus Lupfer Wool-tweed biker jacket The mission of Capitol Hill Style is to teach women how to achieve professional success without sacrificing their sense of style. I happen to love metallics, but wearing sparkle and shine in the workplace requires know how. You want it to look modern without looking like you should be partying at a nightclub. This jacket from Markus Lupfer ($1,170 at Net-a-Porter) has a fresh silhouette and a metallic thread running through its otherwise staid tweed fabric. Wear it with a silk grey shell and black separates (either trousers or a pencil skirt) for a chic workplace ensemble. Want to spice up your simple black or grey sheath? Add this jacket and a stack of enamel bangles. This jacket would also look spectacular with a white tee, skinny jeans and black tall boots. So be bold this season and add some metallic tweed to your wardrobe. Markus Lupfer Wool-tweed biker jacket Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)

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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154 Comments

  1. very nice. how does one pair jewelry with a material like this? do you avoid all shiny/metal jewelry to avoid looking like the Tinman, and stick with pearly/matte stuff? not a fan of enamel personally, so i would probably go without.

    1. I do like this but would probably avoid any gold/shiny jewelry – the Tinman has never been a fashion icon of mine ;) I’d probably wear black pearls, a double strand or fancy earrings, not both though.

    3. I actually have a few silver/metallic clothing items, and I like pairing gold jewelry with the silver. I think it makes for an interesting contrast. The silver items are non-work, but I think it would work for the office as well.

  3. Methinks kat is having her baby now. Cannot recall this particular type of guest post + tps combo previously….

    3. my blog worlds are colliding! Hi there, Belle.

      And congrats to Kat, if she has indeed gone off to have the baby, which seems like a good assumption.

  4. Hey ladies, sorry for the instant threadjack, but after the most hellish week of law school (yes, even worse than first week) I’ve decided to treat myself so some quick questions.

    1. Can anyone speak to the quality of Loft shoes?

    2. Are these (http://bit.ly/nCuXG3) work appropriate*? If not, can someone suggest some work appropriate extended calf flat, brown knee high boots. I would prefer not to spend more than $150. They will mostly be used for commuting, but I would like to be able to wear them with skirts (as that is most of my wardrobe).

    Thanks in advance.

    *My office is business casual and I have observed female partners wearing sleeveless shirts, capris, and shoes that are more shoe than foot.

    Also, @AnonToday, last week you asked for some silhouettes that work for me being great of the curvy build. I mostly wear pencil and A-line skirts and dresses. I tend to stay away from pants because if they fit my waist, the pocket will gape open and I’m a poor student, so I’d rather buy a skirt I can wear with no alterations than a pair of pants that I have to alter to wear.

  5. I like the fabric and the exposed zippers but not the cut – looks too short and boxy. Considering how underwhelmed I am by most of the Splurge Monday picks, it makes me feel a lot better that I don’t have the money to drop on them! It does make me curious about the people out there that actually do buy thi stuff, though.

      1. Where they live and what they do that they have the ability and inclination to drop $1200 bucks on a so-so piece of clothing.

        1. I know. $12.70 is what I should PAY. NOT more. The manageing partner would NEVER give me a rase if he thought I could spend this much on a sweater. FOOEY on this!

        2. I think people that do obviously do not agree that this is a so-so piece of clothing!
          I have spent $1000 on a “statement” piece of clothing before. I can see how some might qualify this blazer as such.

          1. I agree, I don’t think this is so-so at all. It’s a piece that would work in many situations, such as over a sheath dress at work or with jeans for a trendy dinner, and you’d be able to wear it for years and years.

        3. It might not be considered so-so to everyone? Style isn’t science, there aren’t any definitive cool and not cool things.

          I’m not a big fan of this either, but I think if I were going to drop most of a month’s rent on a clothing item, it would need to be something unusual, and not just a basic sheath dress or the like. Even if we don’t like this, it is something different than the usual classic blazer.

        4. Yes, so-so is obviously in the eye-beholder. If you like it this and can afford it, more power to you.

    2. I agree. There are definitely things out there that I can’t understand why people would buy them at anywhere near the price they’re asking. (I assume that’s what IA_Eng was saying that she was curious about.)

      1. There are certainly things i see (on people, in stores, and yes, even on this blog) that i dont like, but for me the price does not affect my thinking. Either I can afford something, or i cant, and either i like something or i dont. It seems to me that when people comment that they wouldnt buy this for the price, what they are really saying is that they do not like the item and its out out of their price range.

        1. I think a fair number of people do not see shopping as so cut and dry. I can see wanting an item at $100, but for $1,000, seeing it as not worth the price (even if the person could afford it). You could completely love it, but see it as a waste to spend so much money on just one article of clothing. There are also gradations of “like” – If I sort of like an item and it is $20, I’d probably get it…add a few zeros to that number and I probably won’t.

          1. Totally agree with this – I always think of it as “shopping calculus” – there are many different factors that each can affect the final decision to purchase a piece of clothing or not.

          2. True, true. I’ve been the same way for a while and am trying to move a little away from the mindset – I have plenty of clothes, I don’t need to pick up any more $20 kind-of-like-it items. I’m trying to only buy nice, well-made items that I love. But for $1000+, it had better be hand-sewn and make me look fabulous.

            This jacket is pretty, but it wouldn’t do any favors for an hourglass shape. I could see it looking great on someone with a straighter shape, though.

    3. This jacket wouldn’t work on my frame but I wouldn’t call it so-so. I think this could look very nice on someone with a thin frame.

  6. I have a black and white tweed skirt suit from Antonio Melani that has a subtle gold metallic thread running through the fabric. Thanks for this recommendation – not because I’m going to buy this jacket, but because I actually feel like I have some style for once!

  7. I can’t even focus on the jacket because the pants look so ill-fitting.
    That rise is so wrong for her.

    1. I was going to mention the pants if no one else did. They are so incredibly hideous it’s astonishing. It’s as if Elaine jeans and Hammer pants had a deformed baby that became obese then lost a lot of weight so its belly now sags. The exposed zipper at the ankles just tops it off. And they can be yours for the low low price of $545!

    2. Gwen Stefani could pull off these pants because . . . well because she’s fabulous!

  8. This model is probably extremely thin but this whole outfit makes her look like a frumpy schoolmarm

  9. Happy Monday, everyone! And.. threadjack!

    I have heard bits and pieces about the Junior League in the comments over the past year. I am interested in joining and am curious to learn from those who are involved in the organization (and from those who are outside of it) how it is perceived by others. I know that is has a good history, but I wonder if it is truly focused on community service or if it is more about throwing parties. I’ve been looking to find some organizations to join (for professional reasons, mostly… some social) and want to make sure that there is “meat” to whichever groups I do join.

    So… please, enlighten me! Is it seen as high-brow or down-to-earth? Smart women or fluffy women? A positive or negative for future employers? Have you benefited from the organization since joining? Have any of you decided NOT to join? Thanks in advance for all of your feedback!

    1. I’ll be following this one- on the same topic, any other organizations people can recommend? I’m trying to get more involved around my new community. I’ve heard JL compared to sororities for after-college, which really doesn’t appeal to me in the least, but maybe someone could change my mind.

      1. I’d be curious to hear about other organizations besides Junior League too. Does anyone have experience with Rotary or League of Women Voters for example?

    2. It really depends on the chapter, from what I hear. After avoiding the Greek system like the plague throughout college, I joined the JL chapter in Chicago. I was looking for a voluteering outlet that was flexible enough to accommodate my busy work schedule as a practicing attorney.

      I cannot recommend my experience or the ladies with whom I work (almost all busy professionals) highly enough. However, YMMV, especially if you are looking to join a JL chapter that is not in a major city.

      I do not have JL on my resume, and I cannot comment on how it is viewed by employers. For fear of being perceived as sorority-type, I would probably keep it off.

    3. I’m in it. I like it. It’s a way for me to volunteer at a variety of different places without having to organize it myself. I don’t think it’s a matter of smart versus fluffy women. There’s all kinds of people. Could you attend a new member orientation and see how you like it?

    4. Many people equate Junior League girls (inevitably girls rather than women, as in “It” girls, sorority girls, Vogue’s Girl of the Month…) with socials, Social Register, social family girls. That could be good or bad and could be perceived as good or bad. Like sororities, JL requires tremendous organization, management, energy, inspiration, fund-raising, generosity, etc., that are all thing everyone wants in and from their employees, their friends, their daughters. But like sororities, JL is not always given the credit or respect it deserves. Make of that what you will.

      Mostly, do it for fun, service, networking, friendship. But don’t assume you ought to advertise it as work, or do, not caring about shallow people’s perceiving it– wrongly– of being shallow.

    5. I just joined my Junior League in a smaller midwestern city. Our chapter is very committed to community service–it creates and then “spins off” its community service projects into freestanding nonprofits, which are really prominent organizations in our community.

      I haven’t attended a lot of events, but have met some nice professional women who are 20-something/early 30’s. It seems to be a great networking tool. I’m pretty pleased with my decision thus far.

    6. I’m a JL member in a southern city. I personally have had a very good experience and met a great group of women. I’m not sure it’s much of a networking tool, but I’ve enjoyed meeting other women my own age with common interests and getting to give back to my community. I was a sorority girl in college, so I was less worried about the “stigma” that came with being in JL, but I was worried when I joined that it would be all stay at home moms and older women. While there certainly are some, I’d say about 70% of my league works and has to juggle their schedules. My employer knows I’m a member, but they are very big on community service so I list JL as one of mine. All in all, I would recommend it, esp. if you are new to a city, as it’s a great way to meet people your own age. It’s also a great way to get involved in community service projects that otherwise seem daunting to join (for example, Habitat).

      1. I was a member of JL in Northern CA for over 10 years and am now a sustainer. It’s a great place ot meet smart, educated women who want to make a difference. More than 75% were full time working women whether they had families or not. It’s a great organization.

    7. I was in JL in a small Midwestern city, and it was not targeted to professional women at all, to the point that it was difficult to find events that were not during normal business hours.

      However, when my company relocated to a large city, my colleagues who picked up JL again loved it. So check it out in your city and use your instincts.

    8. I know one member, and have a very negative perception of Junior League. Everything I’ve heard about that and the “crews” (like Mardi Gras) is that it’s very petty and back-stabbing. And all about the money, including financial penalties if you miss meetings or events. If I were a hiring manager, it would be a consideration. Now, it could be overcome, but I would be very careful screening for any hint of a Stepford/Sorority vibe.

      1. BB, you would actually count it against someone in an interview if you knew they were in a sorority or in JL? On what basis? I’m pretty shocked by this sentiment and think it’s based on stereotype a la Legally Blonde or Animal House, which is a pretty sad way to go through life. Would you also count it against candidates in other types of service organizations like Rotary or Kiwanis?

        1. I know it distresses you, but a lot of people feel that way. I can’t imagine anyone applying to our firm listing membership in a sorority or fraternity as a positive distinguishing characteristic. In fact, we have an opening right now, I’m on the committee, I’ve seen about 150 applications, and nope, no admitted frats or sororities and no rotarians or kiwanis have applied for our litigation job.

          Myself, I work for specific charities or issues that get to me: foster children, children raised in housing projects, disabled children. Imagine having parents so bad the state removes you from them. Imagine living with total strangers and you are just a child and maybe these people just want the money the state pays and they treat you like dirt. I don’t like to think about that, so I volunteer for three agencies that work with these children. This is how I pick my responsibilities to the greater community. Junior League, naw. I want to make my own decisions about what matters to me, and honestly, the J.L. women I’ve met have been just more about the Organization and less about the charities.

          So, yeah, people like me and the poster above are the meanies who “stereotype” that you may encounter on hiring committees. But, if you feel that belonging to one of these organizations has been a meaningful experience for you, list it, and talk about it during your interview and stand up for your position. Maybe you’ll impress some people, or clear up the stereotype, or differentiate yourself for the stereotype. You never know.

          1. That’s not “stereotyping” in sweet, distancing quotation marks, it’s bigotry. Embarrassing, limiting, wrong.

    9. Would love to know if anyone is in the JL in Boston, I am moving to the area and am considering joining….

      By the way, I was the one who wrote a few weeks ago asking for advice about where to live in Boston. We found a really cute (albeit totally overpriced) place near the North End. Thanks for all of the suggestions!

  10. Another threadjack: I’m finally biting the bullet and running my first half marathon. Eek. I bought new shoes and clothes this weekend (Tax free! Go Texas!), so now I’ll look the part which is half the battle. :) Anyway, I remember someone posting a website that had accumulated the details of races across the country. Does anyone know the website? Thanks much!

    1. Awesome!

      Check out the runner’s world website and your local running store websites. Also, if there is a running association where you live it might list races on its site.

      1. this site will have most, but not all races. If there is a local running club near you, I would check their website t0o. I know mine lists local races, plus half-marathons and marathons in the region (i.e., up to a few states away).

        1. I agree with this. Look up local running clubs and see what races they organize and what races their members are training for. Races run by local running clubs tend to have lower registration fees as well. In any given year, I may pick 2 or 3 big “national” races and look up races organized by local running clubs for my tune-up or practice races to keep the cost of my running addiction at a minimum.

    3. I would also do some Google searches for half marathons in cities nearby or in places that you would like to go visit. There are so many destination half-marathons that you should be able to find one that sounds fun. Good luck!

  11. Does anyone have a blush that they really like? I’m pale as anything and haven’t been happy with the last few I’ve bought. Bonus points if you can recommend something that will work for a redhead.

    1. I love MAC Powder Blush ($23) in Blushbaby and Pinch O’ Peach. I’m very fair as well but a dark brunette. They are sheer so you can build them up as much, or as less as you want.

    2. I’m a pale redhead, and I love Nars Torrid. It looks insanely bright in the package but very natural and lovely on my skin.

    3. I’m also very pale and have been very pleased with Neutrtrogena blushes recently. The blush I am currently using is a blush/bronzer combo (shade natural I think) that is really sheer and blends nicely. In the winter I like the (and I am blanking on the color) blush that has what looks like the mozaic of mulitple colors (horrible description, I know) kind of like the physician’s formula powder that was popular a few years back.

      1. Love that one. It’s my go-to. I’m very fair with *zero* color in my face ever, no matter the season. But I have brown hair. Not sure if that helps you. The one I have is called “fresh.”

        1. I also love “fresh” and would second the recommendation. BUT . . . it looks like they may not be making it anymore. I can’t find it in any of the drugstores near me and it isn’t on the Neutrogena website. I finally found some online and ordered several to give me plenty of time to find a replacement! (Which means I’ll be watching this discussion for ideas.)

    4. Uberpale, but with frequently rosy cheeks, and I wear Nars O—– (so as not to get stuck in moderation–probably googleable if you don’t know what I’m talking about). I don’t find the minimal shimmer too overpowering, but your mileage may vary.

      1. This is what I wear too, although I’m not a redhead. It’s supposed to be the perfect blend of peachy-pink and I don’t think it would be too dark on someone with paler skin.

      2. This particular Nars blush is the best – I’ve work it, and the matching lip gloss, for a few years now and would never think of switching. I have pale skin and red hair and it is very flattering.

    5. I’m a super pale blonde (but born redheaded!) and I like Bobbi Brown Peony. Like a lot of the NARS blushes, it looks scary in the package but is nice and sheer and natural-looking on the face.

    6. I use Clinique “blushing blush powder blush” (what a stupid name) in berry delight. I am a pale-skinned redhead with no freckles and cool undertones.

    7. I’m a pale redhead and was just out trying and buying all new make-up a couple of weeks ago. My favorite blush ended up being YSL. It’s a cream blush that goes on really easily – doesn’t stick or pull like the tart cheek stain (the last one I tried out) – and looks like a natural light flush.

    8. Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Sunset! It’s a bit more peachy than it appears on screen. I bet it would be lovely on a redhead!

    9. I’m pretty pale, with yellowish undertones, and like Stila Convertible Color in Peony.

    10. I’m very pale with pink undertones and use Benefit Who’s That Girl? I’ve used powder blushes before (including MAC in particular) and have no complaints generally with them, but I find that the Benefit product is super fast and easy to use and gives me just enough of a “glow” without making me look like I have a weirdly placed sunburn.

    11. I have red hair and what people call a “peaches and cream” complexion, and I get a lot of compliments when I wear Benefit’s Sugarbomb. It makes my skin look luminous, and has that reflective quality that makes little imperfections less noticeable. And it smells really good!

  12. 1) For the price, this jacket is not worth it, in my opinion. I usually love the Splurge items, because they look like things worth saving for…this, not so much.

    2) I’m sad that Jack Layton died this morning- he was the leader of the Canadian opposition party, and had struggled with cancer for a while :( Regardless of politics, Jack was very charismatic, and contributed greatly to Canadian politics. More politically though- I doubt the NDP will find anyone in their caucus that is even mildly ready to lead the opposition, let alone be a viable leader for the country.

    1. I’m also sad about Jack Layton. I never voted NDP but always had great respect for him as a person and as a politician. He was always reasonable, his positions well thought out, and he never succombed to slinging the juvenile personal barbs so many other politicians use. Canadian politics has just suffered a major loss.

  13. I apologize up front for asking a question that’s already been asked, discussed, and answered. However, I can’t find the post where the comment thread is located, so I am hoping someone can help me out.

    I am looking for the travel mug on Amazon that ladies were raving about as keeping drinks hot for a few hours….

    Thanks!

    4. Sometimes I can find comment threads that I remember having seen by Googling “corporette and TERM.”

    1. I am all for unhappy corporettes following their dreams, but I absolutely LOATHE the way the NYT reports on these trends. I’m happy for all the new entrepreneurs mentioned in this article, but plenty of people who don’t come from privilege can’t afford the “extravagance” of following their dreams.

      My two favorite comments on their website:

      “It would have been a more informative article if it had included the experiences of more folks who were not successful at “Plan B”. Also truer to the headline.” (Carol Goldstein, #10)

      “It does take guts to open one’s own business. These people show courage. But I wonder why these folks were so surprised by the work and hours and difficulty. Didn’t they first talk to people who had started their own businesses? ” (ras, #9)

    2. Thanks for posting this, I really enjoyed reading it. DH and I always talk about wanting to have our own business. When I was younger and talked to self-employed people, I was shocked to hear that those people worked 60-70 hour weeks. Looking back, I feel shocked that I was shocked. If you are the one doing everything, and responsible for everything, doesn’t it make sense that you would have to work a lot of hours? My DH already works that many hours (if not more), and his thinking is, why not work that many hours for himself, as opposed to trying to make his corporation more money? I liked that the majority of the people interviewed are happy with what they’re doing, despite the hours involved.

      1. Right– I didn’t think they were complaining. They were sharing.

        Like new parents– yeah, there’s no sleep, and yeah you bond about that with people who have been there or wan people who haven’t– but you don’t wanna send the kid back to the factory. Even prepared, you’re surprised, so you share.

    3. I was just discussing this article with a friend. I observed that it would have been nice if the New York Times had not run quite so many articles in the past that made picking “Plan B” look sexy and easy.

      But that’s the New York Times: It pumps up a trend, e.g., law school, investment banking, cooking school, quitting your law firm job to start a chocolate factory, then, when that trend tanks, as it often does for the average person, the paper moves onto the next thing.

      It’s taken a long time, but I no longer take NYT trend stories seriously. Those stories are like intellectual Ponzi schemes. :-)

  15. Threadjack:

    I know that this is a controversial topic for some, but I’m looking into liposuction. I know this has been discussed in the past but I only found threads related to lipo on the stomach, upper body, etc.

    For years I’ve tried diet and exercise and have found that it hasn’t done much for my very pear shape. I’m a very healthy weight (135), my problem is my proportions. I’m a 4 on top and a 10 on bottom. This eliminates things like dresses for me and means I spend a lot of money getting pants and skirts tailored and they still never feel like they fit nicely. It’s like having two different bodies. I’m in my early 30’s and haven’t had kids, though I plan to in the next 3 years.

    I guess my question is, have any pear shaped Corporettes tried lipo and did it actually help? Would you do it again? Also, I’m in the DC area so any plastic surgeon rec’s would be much appreciated.

    thanks!

    1. Honestly, I would wait until after you have kids. Your body changes SO MUCH during pregnancy and then after, you may end up having different areas be more of an issue after you have kids (eg thighs vs hips), or your shape may change completely. You never know! And then you might want to redo, or think you should have done a different area, etc.

      1. Why the assumption that the OP is going to have kids? If she is, great for her, but please keep in mind that not all women want to be mothers – and be respectful of our decisions.

        Regarding the OP’s question, I have no advice but definitely support your decision and hope you get the results you want! I have a different trouble spot, but have often considered liposuction. Maybe someday…

        3. L wasn’t assuming anything… the OP said: “I’m in my early 30′s and haven’t had kids, though I plan to in the next 3 years.”

        4. Normally, I would champion your attitude, but anon today specifically said she plans to have kids in the next three years. You read too fast. Happens to us all sometimes.

          __

          anon today:

          The advice from someone else about waiting until you have kids makes sense to me. But whatever you do, read ALL the literature. I’ve read that the fat eventually returns, sometimes to different places. Some women have not been unhappy with that. Most important, don’t forget all procedures carry risks.

          I know you’re frustrated and you’re going to think this is b.s., but consider seeing a style consultant and/or having some clothes made for you. Having clothes cut for you could create the illusion of different proportions.

          1. I think I just read this somewhere – your total body fat eventually rebounds to where you were before liposuction, perhaps just in a different area.

          2. Often to the midsection/abdomen area, where it the least healthy to carry weight.

            Its something about the brain thinks you are supposed to be a certain weight, so when you do a rapid removal, it freaks out and tries to go back to “normal”.

    2. I had lipo on my thighs/rear about 6 months ago for similar reasons – basically small everywhere, but significant saddle bags, despite working out and running 5 days a week. I definitely notice a difference in the saddle bag area (those are gone) which is great. But, lipo does not do anything for cellulite, so don’t expect your rear/thighs to look perfect if you have those kinds of issues. So overall, I would say I am happy to be rid of saddle bags that I just could not get rid of, and my pants definitely fit better. Be warned that you will be VERY sore for 2-3 weeks!!

    3. No advice on lipo but I’m also a pear shape, about 1-2 sizes larger on bottom than on top. Have you tried jump-roping? I tried a lot of different exercises and using a jump rope was the best way to help lose my saddle bags and bigger thighs. Not saying that it will take them away entirely, but I am much more of an hourglass now than I have ever been, and I attribute it to fast walking (NOT running, which bulks up my thighs) and jump roping every day for about 15-20 minutes. If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, I say go ahead with the lipo. I’ve had plastic surgery (rhinoplasty) and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

    4. Just want to clarify the “fat returns, but to different places” issue.

      Adults have a fixed number of fat cells. When you gain weight (get fatter), the # of fat cells does not increase, but each fat cell gets bigger; when you lose weight, they get smaller. Lipo removes fat cells from specific parts of your body. If, after lipo, you gain weight (fat), that fat will show up in the form of larger fat cells in the places in your body where fat cells remain. If, after lipo, you maintain a steady weight, it won’t.

      So the fat will “return” only if you invite it to return – e.g. if you gain weight through excess eating or what have you. The belief that this is a “consequence” of liposuction is partly due to the fact that many patients think lipo IS a substitute for weight loss, and therefore after they have lipo, they think they can eat whatever they want and they won’t gain weight. Not true.

      If you are otherwise happy with your body and weight and plan to maintain it, lipo is a good way to redistribute the proportions of fat. And therefore would probably be good for the OP, pregnancy timing notwithstanding.

  16. My original comment is in moderation, so excuse the double post.

    Hey ladies, sorry for the instant threadjack, but after the most hellish week of law school (yes, even worse than first week) I’ve decided to treat myself so some quick questions.

    1. Can anyone speak to the quality of Loft shoes?

    2. Are these (Google: Fitzwell Mentor) work appropriate*? If not, can someone suggest some work appropriate extended calf flat, brown knee high boots. I would prefer not to spend more than $150. They will mostly be used for commuting, but I would like to be able to wear them with skirts (as that is most of my wardrobe).

    Thanks in advance.

    *My office is business casual and I have observed female partners wearing sleeveless shirts, capris, and shoes that are more shoe than foot.

    Also, @AnonToday, last week you asked for some silhouettes that work for me being great of the curvy build. I mostly wear pencil and A-line skirts and dresses. I tend to stay away from pants because if they fit my waist, the pocket will gape open and I’m a poor student, so I’d rather buy a skirt I can wear with no alterations than a pair of pants that I have to alter to wear.

    1. I think I actually purchased (and returned) these Fitzwell ones last winter. They were nice boots (and that’s a great price you linked to), but I personally didn’t like how the full back elastic panel looked.

      Another pair that I also purchased and loved (and also returned) were the Sanzia Andrea boot in chocolate brown. They are currently on sale for ~$120 on endless. Don’t know if you’re open to a boot with a heel, but these were very beautiful boots in person, and really comfortable, and the way they have the elastic in the back is much more subtle and attractive IMO. Unfortunately, I had to return them because they were just a little too narrow — I have ~ 16.5” calf and very thick ankle, but maybe you would have better luck?

  17. I have an assistant that calls me “hun” and “sweetie” and it’s driving me nuts. She’s younger than me, and I want to tell her to stop, but I need some advice on the best way to do it. I’ve had this happen with older women, but never with a recent college grad! HELP!

    1. I’m a recent college grad and look it — the best advice I’ve heard for stuff like this is to simply not respond. Ignore the statement the insulting phrase came in when possible — if you work with her all day, every day, she’ll get the point in half an hour, tops.

      Also, that is horrifically rude and I bet it’s a power play. Sorry your assistant is so gross.

      1. I doubt that’s the case (that it’s a power play- to what end?) For some people, it’s just a habit. I used to wait tables, and the frequent use of endearments is absolutely the norm (at least in the south) in that culture- older, younger, whathaveyou. I suspect it goes to the high stress/fast pace/high turnover that makes it hard to recall everyone’s names when needed. I don’t do it professionally, but it still slips out every now and then in more personal dealings.

        More than likely, it’s just a bad habit that she picked up somewhere along the line. If you haven’t already, just say “hey, I would appreciate if you just called me Amelia.” If she slips up after that, just remind her. It’s not that big of a deal. Of course, if she openly defies you, that’s another issue, but why would you want to go through life assuming that people are just out to get you?

          1. (My response was clearly a knee-jerk reaction to being obviously condescended to a lot lately. And upon reflection, I agree with TJ that it’s a regional thing. This Yankee finds it slightly rude even when it’s unintentional.)

          2. I get that and have been there, from one Yankee (by birth) to another! (You know what frequently, even after living in the south for over 2 decades, sounds rude and jarring to me? “Mam’m” I just hate the way some people say it, like they’re intentionally trying to sound rude and sarcastic for some reason.)

          3. I like Lyssa’s suggestion, “I would appreciate it if you would call me ‘Lurker.'” You’ll find out soon enough if she’s doing it deliberately to irk you, one hopes that’s not the case.

            Related in the sense that it is infantilizing and not cute: It drives me crazy when grown women refer to themselves as “girls” in almost any setting, but especially a business setting.

          4. @Lyssa — maybe they ARE. ;)

            @and so anon — it drives me nuts in a professional setting, but at 22 I feel weird calling myself a “woman”. I keep thinking someone’s going to say, “Mrs. Lurker is a woman. You’re just her daughter.”

        1. Southern–“we don’t have to be hateful–we just say Bless Your Heart”

    2. Where is she from? It seems to be a cultural thing – I especially get called sweetie a lot by black women from the South. It’d be hard to ask her to stop without offending. I’d say something like “I don’t know if you realize you do this, but you often call people hon or sweetie. It comes off as overly familiar in a business setting. Could you make sure not to do that in the office?”

      1. You could soften by ‘admitting’ “I used to do it to, but I’m trying to tone it down to sound more professional.” Since you’re speaking in the feminine tongue and self-deprecation can ease the feeling of deprecating the assistant and thus the behind-your-back dogging you, hopefully raising compliance, too.

        1. If the whole point is to introduce gender-neutral speak, I’m not sure that relying on the feminine behavior of self-deprecation (especially phony self-deprecation ) is the way to approach this.

          I would be calm, polite, and firm in my tone. A woman superior should not have to negotiate, apologize, or pull herself down to get addressed in a respectful, businesslike fashion by someone working for her. Simple, tactful directness should suffice.

          1. She shouldn’t, you’re right. We shouldn’t. But women’s harshest critics are usually other women, and everyone’s harshest critic is someone whose position is beneath our position. Assistants and the assistant mafia can be very powerful. I just think, pick your battles. There are times you have to stand firm and be tough and not care about being critiqued and labeled. Many of them, and mucho important. This didn’t sound like one of them. Easy to be on someone’s side and ask them for a favor, let them identify with you. Save the directness for directer times. :) Knowing who you’re speaking to and speaking their language is savvy for men and for women.

          2. I agree. Next time the assistant calls her sweetie, just say, “Please call me Ann” and then continue talking about whatever they were talking about.

    3. I think everyone else’s suggestions of being open and communicating clearly to her that you’d rather be addressed as ______________ is the more mature and professional way to go.

      That said, my weapon of choice is sarcasm. If she says “here’s that file you wanted, hon,” I’d have a really hard time *not* responding with “thanks so much, sweetieface!”

  18. Hi, just a quick correction. Last week someone had posted about nail polish colors and I’d mentioned the essie fall collection. I was wrong, the chocolate milk colored brown/gray color is “glamour purse”, and the “very structured” color really is very reddish rust brown. Hope that didn’t lead anyone astray. I did try “carry on” for a pedi this weekend – it’s very dark, almost brown-black. I like it for fall/winter, but there isn’t much color to it.

    1. It was me! I love nail polish so much! Thanks for the update- I had written off the ‘very structured’, because I wanted a rusty colour, so now I can put it back on my Polish to get list :)

      I just got the Royal Navy from butter London this weekend, I’m in love with it. I’m going to try Marrow from butter London sometime this week (I realized that butter London has a Canadian website, with all the colours, so I’m not limited to what Holt Renfrew has on offer, thus…my collection from butter London will be growing drastically in the near future….)

    2. I think I tried “carry on” for a pedi this past weekend, too, but now I am feeling a bit self conscious in open-toed shoes at work. It’s a very cool color, but on me, basically, it just looks black. The S.O. said my toes looked “very goth.” I think it might be a better color for actual fall, or maybe just on someone not quite as pale as I am. But, oh well, not changing it for at least another week, so it will have to do. . . .

      1. Same here. I like it, but it is different from my norm! Very dark (and I too am very pale). Funny, bc the color in the bottle looked like such a pretty maroon. I might try it again when it’s cold out.

  19. Boden threadjack —

    I just wanted to report back that I have finally found a Boden dress that fits! I ordered the dress that was featured maybe two weeks ago — it was featured in a bright floral print, but i bought the light grey. Its lovely and fits just perfectly. Its silky, but not too silky for work because it has structure. It will work with a black blazer or a bright cardi.

    I also picked up two t-shirts that are perfectly soft but fitted enough and with enough detail to wear to work — and for 13 bucks each!

  20. I can’t decide if I made a huge fashion gaffe when choosing my shoes for today. I have on a turquoise three-quarter, v-neck shirt with plain black trousers. Because I just got them back from the shoemaker, I decided to wear my cream-colored leather ankle boots. They are pointy and I love them but whenever I look down and see them I can’t help but think they belong in a music video from the 1980s (and I was born in 1988). I’m thinking I should have waited until Friday to wear them with jeans but wasn’t thinking when I put them on as I didn’t have my coffee yet.

    So, did I make a major fashion sin? My office is business casual, btw.

    1. I’d have to see it, but it sounds like there’s too much going on.

      Don’t worry, it’s just clothes.

      1. That she be the auto signature on all Corporette comments– don’t worry, it’s just clothes. Love it. Good advice for so many things…

      2. I second the signature idea — one of my first weeks as a summer associate I wore some purple socks under my trousers (as a fashion statement thing), and you could see them when I crossed my legs etc. I was STRESSED out about all day. And then I realized there were just socks!

    2. Ehh- it doesn’t sound to be that big a deal to me for a business casual office. Some of the shoes that women wear here are completely ridiculous- gigantic platforms, sparkly evening shoes, etc.

    3. I think cream-colored shoes might make the outfit you describe look more summery and would be very nice, bu tit’s hard to tell without seeing the actual boots (and since they’re boots, they’re kind of un-summery by definition). I don’t think it’s a gaffe but it might not be the best combo in the future. I love the turquoise, black and white together in general, though.

    4. My nose wrinkled as I was reading the description of your outfit and got to the boots. I wouldn’t wear cream colored boots with black pants. I’ve never tried it, but I expect the darker colors uptop would make the outfit look topheavy.

      1. What you’ve described fits in with my sense of color balance. I also would tend to have black or at least dark footwear to tie in the color of the pants. But I also can be too matchy matchy. I personally would rather be boring than odd-looking. The best dressers take risks.

        Maybe the outfit described is the one that breaks the rules and succeeds. Impossible to tell without seeing.

    5. I don’t love the idea of cream boots and black pants. But your fashion sin is not as bad as mine today. I looked down when sitting at my desk to discover that I am wearing two completely different shoes. One navy peeptoe wedge, one dark brown quilted ballet flat. Why couldn’t they at least both be peep toes? Luckily I did some online shopping last week and a new pair of shoes arrived today. I don’t love them, but I am keeping them now.

      1. How is that even possible? If you were wearing a wedge on one foot and a ballet flat on the other, you’d be hobbling around as if one leg was severely longer than the other and would certainly notice after you stood on both feet.

        1. Both have a really low wedge heel, about the same height. Like 3/4 inch. So, I guess not a classic ballet flat, just has the overall look of one. Regardless. Truly unfortunate.

          1. That makes sense and yes, truly unfortunate. At least you showed up with shoes. I don’t wear shoes in my house and hate driving in them so I’ll either just carry my shoes out with me to the car (I have a clean garage) or I’ll walk out bare-footed knowing that the shoes I want are already in there (I take them off during my commute home and soemtimes don’t bring them back in the house).

            One day not too long ago I found myself parked in my office parking garage at 7 am for a client meeting WITH NO SHOES!!! Now that is unfortunate.

    6. But if you go to the ladies’ room and dance in front of the mirror, maybe the lead singer from A-Ha will appear and pull you through to the animated dance party on the other side of the looking glass?

      Then you’ll know you made the right choice.

      (:

  21. The only people I know who wear any kind of metallic fabric during the day are old ladies. Even the net-a-porter site describes this jacket as an “evening” look. How it’s “contemporary” or “cool” is beyond me. It’s a terrible marriage of biker jacket and fake Chanel suit and the color is dull.

    This is not something on which I would spend $1,200.

      1. I think I sound knowledgeable. I’m happy to share my opinion on this jacket, which is the explicit point of the post.

      2. That’s kinda out of line. She doesn’t like the jacket and is expressing her opinion on why…nothing wrong with that.

          1. I appreciate it.

            The irony is that I’m usually far less conservative a dresser than someone working on Capitol Hill. But I would much prefer to spend that kind of money — not that I’ve ever spent $1,000 on suit jacket — on something more classic.

            Of course I understand that some women think nothing of dropping that kind of money on a novelty garment; some readers here really like this piece. I don’t.

        2. Thank you, Lydia. It’s my genuine opinion. What good would it do to say I think everything is great if I don’t? I think the bar should be higher for a $1,000-plus jacket.

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