Splurge Tuesday’s TPS Report: Checked cotton and wool-blend blazer

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Alice + Olivia Checked cotton and wool-blend blazerHappy Tuesday! Let's ignore the full mini-skirt (sadly, a trend that may be coming back) and instead focus on the blazer. Love the slight peak to the shoulders, the single button, and the springy vibe. It's the kind of thing that you can wear simply (white, good quality t-shirt or silk sweater beneath, perhaps with some beige trousers), with a lot of personality on display (such as with a “clashing floral print,” as Net-a-Porter recommends), or perhaps even into fall (perhaps with a burnt orange shell and black pants). Lovely. It's $395 at Net-a-Porter. Alice + Olivia Checked cotton and wool-blend blazer 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 2/7/25:

  • Nordstrom – Winter Sale, up to 60% off! 7850 new markdowns for women
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 25% off your $175+ purchase — and $30 of full-price pants and denim
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 15% off
  • Boden – 15% off new season styles
  • Eloquii – 60% off 100s of styles
  • J.Crew – Extra 50% off all sale styles
  • J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything including new arrivals + extra 20% off $125+
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 40% off one item + free shipping on $150+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

132 Comments

  1. Love!

    On a sidenote: I saw this in a magazine & thought it was so brilliant, I had to share. It’s like someone read the discussion boards on here & thought “a-ha!”
    So glad they also realized you should not add lace to the top of the “cami” (it’s a bra that doubles as a camisole). I think I am going to order one!

    http://www.9to5thebra.com/#/product

    1. I like the idea, but I’m not sure about wearing it to work … I think I would feel “underdressed” because my bra was showing!

      1. I think I would too if I wore it with a button down and left the bra all exposed, but I am thinking of all the v-neck & scoop neck tops/sweater I have that are great except when you cross your arms, or the tops slides down, etc. This seems like it would be the perfect solution, at least for me! I just hope it fits well — I recall buying a similar item (granted strapless) and it was very useful for coverage, but smushed me in a little, in a less than flattering way. Anyway, seems better that the lace “cami secrets” inserts, so thought I’d share :)

        1. If you get it, please let us know what you think. My concerns, I think, are whether it would really cover cleavage (when I lean forward, for example) and whether it just feels weird to be wearing only a bra under things like a suit (plus the deodorant stains problem?). And is it worth the money?

          1. Good find! I’d love to hear if anyone gets one…

            Also, Bra Shopper, I don’t think it’s meant to be worn in lieu of a shirt under a suit or jacket or anything like that… like the commenters above, I see the real utility as subbing for those times when you have to wear a cami on top of your bra but under another shirt or dress when you want to raise a neckline and hide cleavage. With a v-neck sweater, with a button down shirt, etc. And I think this would be absolutely perfect for a few wrap dresses I have; wearing a cami under those is sometimes necessary for modesty’s sake, but then you end up with an extra layer of fabric at the waist which doesn’t look great and can make the waist bunch, etc.

            I found something similar by Natori at Nordstrom, but instead of a solid fabric “cami” it was lace. Very pretty, but not quite perfect for what I need.

          2. “And I think this would be absolutely perfect for a few wrap dresses I have; wearing a cami under those is sometimes necessary for modesty’s sake, but then you end up with an extra layer of fabric at the waist which doesn’t look great and can make the waist bunch, etc.”
            Exactly…this is precisely why I need a bra like this, I have so many dresses that are too low-cut without something underneath but I hate the “bunching” effect of a cami – and most of the shapewear camis I’ve tried have necklines that are too low to work, or the fabric is too sheer. Thanks so much for sharing this link, AIMS!

        1. Oh, and because these are a “half-cami” not a full cami, there is no bunching effect underneath the dress. It makes for a very clean and sleek look.

          1. They’re great, not low cut at all. On second thought though, I’m not sure sure these are the ones that I actually ended up buying at JC Penney, but they are very similar. You may just want to go to the store and see how they fit. I bought mine for less than $10.

  2. I love this blazer. So sad that I am on a shopping ban for the foreseeable future. Maybe by the time I can shop again, it will be on sale…

  3. threadjack: has anyone gone on solo vacations before? I’m looking to get away for about 4 days and the timing doesn’t work out with the spouse or friends.

    1. Did it and loved it. Definitely the most relaxing vacation I ever took.

      The only part I really didn’t like was dinner. I ate at the bar in nice restaurants, and it was fine, but I did feel a little strange. I’m not super outgoing, so not really the sort to make “vacation friends.” I went to a city I’d never been too before, far away where no one knew me, and just did whatever I wanted. I loved being able to leave something that wasn’t interesting to me, or spend longer at something that was, without having to consult with the people I was with.

      Also, 4 days sounds about right, at least for me. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend a whole lot longer without anyone I know to talk to, but it was enough time to really feel recharged and refreshed.

    2. I enjoy solo vacations when it’s really just a long weekend type of thing.

      The only problem is eating. It almost always feel awkward eating by myself in a restaurant – especially if it is a fancier place. Lunch and breakfast is okay, as I tend to bring a book with me and read, or a laptop and write, but bringing those kind of props with me to dinner would involve eating in fast-food places.

      What I really enjoy about solo vacations is that I can do whatever I like, without having to entertain others or worry if they’re having a good time. It’s an excellent time to recharge batteries.

    3. I have and loved it. I found I got a lot more outgoing about talking to strangers than I normally am, which was fun. I found the restaurant situation a bit weird at first, but got used to it and ended up enjoying just chilling with a book.

    4. I have been on several and enjoyed them. As a non-drinker, I hate eating at the bar area, so I don’t feel like I should be pressured to eat there if it is not that busy and the bar is overwhelmed. I like to use the time to eat at markets or other street food vendors I might get to try when traveling with others. I also prefer to go to places that are pretty compact and are easy to get around via public transport because I don’t particularly like to do a lot of driving.

      1. Did it and loved it. Just got used to the dinner thing and enjoyed the people watching while eating.

      2. Same here,
        I do not drink so can’t go to bars and I do not drive either.
        What I do is go to small towns where people are slow. By slow, I mean that they take the time to walk and look around, take the time for a siesta during the day.. we still have few towns like this in my country and I like how disconnected you feel (no internet, no fast cars, no traffic light haha).

    5. Just did one in NYC (thanks SO much for the tips, Corporettes!). Loved it. No one really cares if you eat alone or not, but it is nice to have dinner with someone.

      If you really feel weird, just bring a book or type on your laptop.

      Also, FWIW I used to wear a wedding ring to try and thwart unwanted male attention. Sadly, I found it just brings a different sort of unwanted male attention (married males who want flings).

    6. I was on a forced solo vacation when I got stranded on a stopover in London during the British Airways strike. I was there for five days. It was AWESOME.

      I’d never been to London before. Armed with a guidebook, I checked out all the sights I’d heard about and wanted to see. I bought a discount ticket for the theater. I ate dinner outside at restaurants and people-watched with a glass of wine. I ended up having a really, really good time.

      1. I hope so hard that there will be an airline strike when I visit the US and I’d get stuck in LA

    7. Although I’ve never gone solo for an entire vacation, I have had a few days here or there in new cities on my own. Enjoyed it thoroughly, the only weirdness was at dinner (usually had a book and ate somewhat early) and sometimes feeling like I’d be a little safer at night with someone else

      Now I’m thinking about doing something similar! Any suggestions for good solo-destinations?

    8. I traveled alone to Spain a couple of years ago, very last minute, and it was great. It was the first time I’d traveled alone, and I was a little freaked out about it. I speak a little (halting) Spanish, but everyone was friendly and it was enough to have limited conversations (with lots of gestures). I would say that 9 days was plenty, though. After that, my brain was tired and I just wanted to talk to someone in English. A travel companion would have been nice for that purpose if nothing else, but then I wouldn’t have talked to so many locals.

      Dinners alone were the most awkward times, otherwise I didn’t mind at all. I also ended up deciding to have dinner at the bar of nice restaurants. Once that ended up with me having dinner with some Brits who were in town for the night; once it ended up with me being shown around town by a man from Madrid who writes travel books; etc. I.e., traveling alone doesn’t really mean being by yourself the whole time, unless you want to.

      The most wonderful part: I made my own itinerary, did exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. Stayed for hours and hours in the alcazar and climbing the cathedral bell tower taking a ridiculous number of pictures and no one was impatient. Hung out on the rooftop of a hotel overlooking the cathedral, having a glass of wine and reading a novel, and no one was impatient. It was nice. I highly recommend it.

    9. I have both loved and hated solo vacations. The times I’ve gone when I just needed to get away from everyone and everything to recharge and relax were wonderful. I’ve done both city and beach vacations and had a blast doing both. I second all the comments about just getting a table for dinner where you can people watch.

      But, twice I’ve made the mistake of going on solo vacations when I really was in the mood to be with people and both times I was miserable. I even cut one trip short because I was homesick. Solo vacations can be fantastic, but make sure you’re in the mood for it.

    10. Several times. It was wonderful. A month in Asia. A month in Spain. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want to. Usual safety rules apply (don’t get in an elevator alone with a man, be aware of your surroundings, always carry the business card of your hotel (it has the name and address in the local language) and enough money for a cab in case you get lost) etc. I always take a book to dinner and linger as long as I like (and then tip well to make up for the fact that they could not turn over the table and to dispel any notion that single women don’t tip and you can therefore get away with shoddy table service).

      Have fun!

    11. I agree with all the comments about dinner being difficult but really, if you go in with the right attitude (i.e. I have the right to have dinner where I like, by myself, rather than hiding in a corner and being embarrassed about it), that can be fun too. I normally just take a book and people-watch. I’ve been in a fair number of nice restaurants by myself, and not in the bar, and really, it is all about giving yourself permission.

      The only caveat I would add about solo vacations is not to go somewhere that is known for being honeymoony or couplish. It is far too depressing, especially if the reason you are going alone is because you don’t have a spouse/BF to go with you. I once went to Mazatlan by myself and although I did not sit around and did plenty of sightseeing, it was pretty depressing to be around so many lovey-dovey couples all the time!

      1. I traveled a lot on business last year and took full advantage of my expense account to take myself out to nice dinners on my own. It’s all in the attitude. I would think to myself “what would the rainmaker woman partner do?” – the answer is that she’d walk in like she had every right to be there and expected great service. So I’d try to do that – kinda like practicing for court, in a way.

        If I felt somewhat sociable, I would sit at the bar (houda – that doesn’t mean you have to drink :) ) and chat with the bartender periodically and enjoy my nice dinner. Sometimes I’d have a glass of wine, sometimes a big bottle of Pelligrino. I’d also bring a NYTimes or WSJ that I took from my hotel which I could pointedly read when men would try to say hello. Bonus points if I could see the kitchen and watch all the action in there.

        If I was feeling less social, I would ask for a table where I could see the room well, and not-so-subtly reference my expense account access so the waiter wouldn’t be worried about losing tips. They would often take care of me pretty well, and I’d leave a hefty tip if they did.

        1. You don’t have to drink to sit at the bar, but if it’s happy hour I really have no desire to be around drunken revelers while I am not eating. If it is a more low-key place with an emptier bar, I am fine eating there.

          1. I totally agree MelD. Since I aimed to hit around $60 with tax and tip, sometimes more, for my dinners, that basically cut out restaurants that did that sort of “drunken reveler” happy hour. I also was working past happy hour most nights, so the drunken revelers were long gone by the time I was eating dinner at 7:30. For me, “eating at the bar” means the kind of place that puts down a nice placemat and flatware and offers a comfortable, spacious seat to enjoy my meal. My favorite place to do this in LA was at Craft.

    12. Thanks for asking this. I have been thinking about taking a solo vacation because since I had my son I have forgotten what it is like to be with just myself :) My husband used to travel a lot in his old job and I had lots of alone time, but between having my son and my husband’s new, less-travel job that’s not happening any more. It would be so relaxing to just go and be on my own agenda for a few days. Not sure I could make it work for more than a weekend but everyone’s stories are inspiring!

    13. I went to NYC by myself before, went to the theatre and shopping etc. Dinner – I probably didn’t go to as nice places as I would have done if not by myself, and found myself often with a book. Having done it I am now a lot less concerned about eating alone in restaurants. Also did a driving tour of New England which was fun by myself as could come and go as I pleased and pretty scenery is just as pretty at my own pace.

      Looks like I have an enforced solo trip to come as looks like a friend can’t come on a trip and I have already booked flights. So any tips from fellow Corporettes on the Pacific Northwest in spring would be much appreciated! Seattle/Vancouver area in particular.

      1. In Vancouver, visit Granville Island – there is an open-air food market, street performers, art galleries, and it’s all accessible by little ferry boats. Tons of fun. Also, Stanley Park is a favorite half-day or full-day destination. I’ll also pass along my friend’s recommendation to eat at the Pink Pearl restaurant; I think it’s in Vancouver’s Chinatown, which is a fun place to visit.

        1. Vancouver has fantastic shopping – try Gastown or Main Street (an area called South Main) for local designers. Robson Street/downtown is more for chain stores etc. Vancouver also has a great eating out culture. The Chinese food here is pretty much the best in North America (barring perhaps San Fran). Re the above recommendation of Pink Pearl….eh, perhaps not so much (my opinion only), but Imperial is good for dim sum if downtown, and Pelican in East Vancouver is even better. One of the recent food trends is Japanese izakaya – the Japanese version of tapas. Yum.

          I know the San Juans have already been mentioned, but here is a shout out for the Canadian extension of the San Juans, called the Gulf Islands. Salt Spring Island is great fun to visit – lots of potters, artists, etc. and a big farmer’s market on Saturdays. It is kind of a world unto itself – the original postmodern hippie community. You can get to Salt Spring either on the ferry from Vancouver or Victoria, or by float plane from downtown Vancouver.

          Victoria, which is about a 1 1/2 hr ferry ride from Vancouver, is a nice little city to visit for a day or two as well – great provincial museum and very picturesque.

          1. Yeah, I don’t know that the Pink Pearl is the *best* restaurant – it was just the only name I knew when I went! Thanks for the additional recs, I hope to make it back to Vancouver in the near future.

      2. Lana, the San Juan Islands are easily accessible by ferry from Seattle and are one of my favorite vacation spots. It will be chilly in the spring, but it’s stunningly beautiful. I prefer Orcas Island, but be forewarned that it will be extremely quiet, so make sure you really are up for a dose of solitude!

        If you’re renting a car, also check out Olympic National Park.

        1. Just to clarify, it’s actually the Clipper (private service) that runs from Seattle to the San Juans, not the ferry (public service). Could be confusing if you’re trying to figure out how to get to the departure point.

      3. Spring is tough, because the weather could be awesome or awful. Not sure how long you’ll be out here, but in Seattle, I always recommend that people visit the Ballard Locks (esp. the fish ladder, although I don’t think anything’s running right now) and Discovery Park (especially if you’re not going to get out into the mountains at all). If the weather is nice and you have more than a day or two, I’d rent a car and drive out to Port Townsend (nice old Victorian fishing town) and some one of the hikes in that area. If the snow has diminished, you could drive up to Hurricane Ridge; if not, there are nice lower-elevation hikes as well.

        If you do that, on your way back to Seattle, you should stop in Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula for lefse at the Scandinavian bakery, or hit the Eagle Harbor pub on Bainbridge Island (you’ll have to take the car ferry from Bainbridge to get back to SEA) for delicious fish and chips. There’s also a very good bakery on Bainbridge (Blackbird Bakery) and a cool botanical garden (the Bloedel Reserve).

        1. I desperately miss lefse. I’ll have to find that place the next time I’m in Washington, or figure out how to make it myself.

      4. Thanks, ladies, some awesome recommendations there! I’ll probably only have about a week in the area in total as tagging it on to another trip, but I’m pretty keen to go on a ferry somewhere – Victoria or otherwise. I’m basically expecting it to rain and be cold the whole time, so anything better than that is a bonus. Sadly I can’t take the trip at another time of year.

        1. PS A weather tip – Victoria and the San Juans/Gulf Islands rain WAY less than Vancouver and Seattle! And it should not actually be that cold. If you are coming mid-March or later, you can probably count on at least 10 degrees Celsius, probably better.

          Have fun!

          1. UNLESS you plan to do a whaling or an offshore excursion in Victoria, in which case you will need a raincoat and some warm clothes underneath. We visited Victoria in beautiful early summer warm weather, but it was 45 degrees out at sea.

    14. I have done many solo vacations and as some other commenters have said, with mixed results. How it works out all depends on my attitude going in and what my expectations are. There are a number of ways to approach these types of trips depending on what you are looking for. The other comments have assumed a self-guided trip. I think these are great and agree that dinner has the potential to be the most awkward, especially after a full day of wandering solo. In addition to the “bring a book and people watch” suggestions, I would also suggest indulging in room service. Especially if I’ve been doing a lot of site-seeing/walking, it is really nice to put pjs on and order in and get to bed early. I’m normally a night person but it is nice to push myself out the door a bit earlier than usual in a new place to see the sunrise/get breakfast at a quiet cafe.

      Another option for self-guided is to sign up for day tours (even just a couple of hours in duration). These help break up the solitude and can (but don’t always) lead to meeting new and interesting people, sometimes people you may want to have dinner with or continue touring around with. Short tours are also a great way to pick up a lot of interesting trivia about your destination.

      Finally, if you are looking for something more social and just can’t coordinate schedules with others I would recommend signing up for a travel group. I really enjoy adventure travel and there are a lot of great companies out there that offer hiking or river trip type excursions starting around 3 days in duration. I’m sure there are other interest-related type groups but these are the type I have experience with. What I love is I am going for the activity (usually river rafting/camping) and it is just a bonus if I make friends. And since the groups are centered around a common interest, I inevitably walk away with new friends. Do your research on the tour company and I would advise sticking with smaller groups if you go this route. And don’t be intimidated by adventure travel if you’ve never done it – there are often people who are just trying to get exposure so you have a variety of experience levels. Inicidentally, in my experience (and from what I’ve heard from guides), there is a significantly higher ratio of professional women taking these trips than men so if you’re single, don’t expect to necessarily meet your match. Many companies do women only trips as well.

    15. Did it and loved it – I went for an entire week. I tend to be more introverted, so was worried about feeling alone. The first evening was a little tough, but after that it was great.

      My tip for eating out alone: Sit at the bar, even if you don’t drink, and make friends with the bartender. I invited them all to play a game: “Here’s what I CAN”T eat, I’m a lightweight so get only ONE drink, whatchagot?” Each one gladly chose my meal and drink for me. It was lots of fun, and I’m going to start doing that once a month or so here at home.

  4. Love! I think you could easily get three seasons out of this depending on what you pair it with.

    No comment on the floral dress…

    1. I love this look, too.
      Not too sure about the floral dress. I’m pretty sure the last time I checked, I was not 15.

  5. This is a GREAT jacket. I’d wear it many ways, most simply with dark gray trousers and a white tee:). You’d get a lot of years of use out of this.

      1. It reminds me a bit of a banana republic linen jacket I picked up over the weekend’s president day sales. Love jackets that are versatile enough to wear both to the office and on the weekends!

        1. Weird. Are all brand names being hyper linked on the site now? Not loving that.

  6. I’m not a mini-skirt wearer, and I know that’s absolutely not ok for the office, but I’ve got to say the I actually love the entire look. I couldn’t pull it off, but wow, love.

    1. Agreed, I really like the look and love this blazer. Awesome!!!! Not sure how you would actually wear the outfit, but it is one of the more attractive “out there” styling suggestions that I’ve seen. :)

    2. I’m with you. I think the dress is a lot of fun and though, I’d never think to pair it with that jacket–it looks pretty great.

  7. So I just got around to reading about the criminal defense lawyer who wears Balmain and YSL to court. (refresher: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/outlandish_runway_fashion_helps_young_crim_defense_attorney)

    It turns out we went to the same undergrad and law schools. I didn’t know her in undergrad. She was a year behind me in law school. I recall her being fashionable, but I don’t think she was wearing Balmain (could be my own ignorance though).

    Someone hold me.

    1. Yeah. Loved the bit about the girl who is a year out of law school but whose parents still buy her clothing. Seriously?

  8. Now HERE is a splurge I can get on board with! I have been looking for something business-like with personality to spruce up my boring warddrobe . . . AND, I can wear it with jeans on the weekend. brilliant!

    thank you, Kat (though my husband will not thank you when he sees the charge! oops – I’ll just tell him it is a growing opportunity. builds character).

  9. oh, I love this! I’m always interested in blazers that are a little ‘different’ i.e. that don’t look like the other half of a suit and this is rather lovely.

  10. Love the blazer! Unfortunately it is out of my price range. I would love to add some blazers to my wardrobe. Right now I just have ones that belong to suits. Any tips on where to find some that are under $100?

    1. I would say scour the sales racks — Talbots, BR, Jcrew, etc. all have cute blazers on sale, very frequently.

      I also saw 2 really cute blazers at H&M this past weekend for $50 (full price). H&M quality can really be hit or miss but these were very cute, summery blazers — very on trend & perfect for something different that you may get tired of in 6 months or so. One was this really great peachy orange, the other a more neutral, beigy pink.

    2. I often buy at TJ Maxx with Runway (the designer section–not all stores have them) or Loehman’s. I’ve bought a few at Nordstrom Rack as well.

      1. fyi – I just took a peek at the bluefly website, looks like they are having a one-day sale today that includes blazers/jackets (and dresses and suits).

  11. Love, love love the blazer. Might have to wait until the monthly budget resets in March to order it, though … :)

    1. Me too!

      I’m almost happy this jacket tops out at a size that is a little small for me. Otherwise, I’d be sorely tempted to give myself an “advance” on my monthly clothes budget…never a good idea and something I do way way too often.

      :-)

  12. Can’t reply directly from my iPhone, but I second WB’s request for affordable blazer ideas. Love this one, but it’s out of my price range.

    1. This brings up a good question. Some corporettes have said that they are leaving comments using their mobile phones.

      I have an iphone and it’s really not worth the hassle to open safari and leave a comment. It’s frustrating to get the emails with notifications of new comments, but have to wait until I get back to my desk to reply myself.

      Does anyone have any tips on posting from their mobile phone?

  13. Threadjack: I am a clerk for a bankruptcy judge, my term ends in August. I have been putting out feelers for a job and few people suggested I send them my resume directly, people in the bankruptcy department of some firms rather than the general recruiter.
    Now, do I send it via email, hardcopy (on fancy paper with fancy envelope? is that still required) or both?
    If I send it via email, do I attach a cover letter as well. Is a cover letter needed for email or is the body of the email sufficient?
    I presume no transcript unless asked?

    *Sorry if this seems basic, I am the first in my family to even go to college, let alone law school. Professional life is a whole new world for me.

    1. I think it depends on the request. If it was an informal suggestion, I would send by e-mail. You should include a CL, especially if it’s the kind of situation where someone is essentially going to forward your resume. I would write in the text of the email something like: “As per our earlier discussion, I am attaching my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you would like any additional information, such as references or a writing sample.”

      You can also just ask in the future — when they say to send your resume, just politely inquire, “would you prefer a hard copy or is it more convenient if I send it by email?”

      I know the conventional wisdom is always hard copy on fancy paper, but I think that may have a tendency to get lost in the shuffle. If you’re in contact with a specific person, I would think e-mail is a more effective way of ensuring it gets in their hands. Plus, it’s much easier for them to then “fwd” your resume to the person in charge of hiring, with a note to maybe set up an interview.

      Good luck!

      1. I think it was more than an informal request. One said she is on the hiring committee and to send the resume directly to her and she would talk with the head of the department. Another said their firm was looking to expand the department and to contact them when I start actually looking. Lastly, a third firm, we had an alumni function I attended and he sought me out and said he had talked with a fellow attorney in the office (who I previously talked with about being interested in their firm) and said he was on the hiring committee as well and to submit my resume to him.
        Thanks for the luck! It is nerve wracking to be job looking right now.

    2. I would send am email with your resume in PDF format. Unless you’re applying for a specific job, I would not include a resume. You could just include a few sentences in the body of the email to the person you’re sending the resume, thanking them for forwarding your resume along and offering to provide any other writing samples, cover letters, or references if needed.

        1. Oh yes, definitely PDF format. That was one thing I learned in lawschool, never send anything externally that is not PDF format.

          1. Gotta disagree on the practice point your law school taught. If you end up on the transactional side of a bankruptcy practice, the first thing opposing counsel is going to do upon receiving a draft agreement in pdf if ask for you to re-send in Word. Absolutely send the resume in pdf though. Don’t send a hard copy because it is too hard for your contact to share with others in her group.

    3. I would say you can send the resume as an email attachment and include the cover letter in the body of the email. If you are meeting in person, bring a hard copy of your resume on fancy paper. And no transcript unless asked- let them tell you what they need.

      1. Thanks, I guess I will need to head out and find fancy paper anyways for any interviews that come up. It is handy to have a few on hand during them.

      2. I would disagree on the transcript. Maybe don’t send by email unless asked (unless it is stellar – if so, make sure that is referenced on your resume). My disagreement is with the in-person meeting. I would make sure to bring an unofficial transcript with me to any meeting. I know people at my firm would *wonder* whether the candidate was hiding bad grades if he/she showed up to a meeting without a copy of a transcript. Everyone knows that the firm will ask (especially if this is your first job outside of law school or clerkship), so why is that candidate not prepared?

        I do agree that there is no need to submit an official transcript unless asked.

      3. I don’t see any problem with sending it in pdf-my firm takes resumes in that form just fine. I remember being told to do it in pdf while in law school because a) it can’t be changed after you send and b) you know what the formatting will look like (ie different version of word won’t change it). I’ve never been asked to resend in word. A firm that can’t print, forward a PDF? not likely.

    4. I would send as email. I don’t think I’ve seen a hard copy resume at a law firm in ages. All on-campus recruiting, for instance, is done with electronic and I honestly think most firms prefer electronic applications via website/email.

    5. One quick thought — have you talked to your judge about job-searching yet? I clerked in a similar small industry and once I started job searching and interviewing, I had to conflict out of any cases where one of the firms to which I had applied appeared. So my judge’s knowledge and support was critical.

      Also, I would email only — no hard copy. IMO, a cover letter is still very important; it’s your best chance to explain why they should hire *you*. I would do a cover letter in pdf attached to the resume so it all stays together if it gets forwarded around to multiple people.

      1. I have been in discussion with my judge about it, I will be conflicted out once I start submitting/interviewing. So I am trying to get my ducks in a row so I can get this process over as smoothly as possible.

  14. I am getting really tired of the ” you are posting too quickly” comments. Your post gets completley lost even when you click on the back button on the browser. I have been to other websites where you do get the you are posting too quickly message from time to time, but your typed out post is still in the draft window when you hit the back button. That way I do not have to type my entire post again, only have to hit sumit button till post goes through. Kat, can you not do something about it?

    1. I hate this too. Oddly, on my mac at home I can press back or even just “reply” again, and the comment is still there. But on my work PC, no such luck. I try — when I remember — to “copy” my comment before hitting reply, that way I can just paste it in the event that I get the dreaded “too fast” message. It’s still annoying, though.

    2. Because I know this happens, before I hit the Submit button I always hit Ctrl+A (select all) then Ctrl+C (copy) that way I can just paste it back in if I get the posting too fast error.

    3. Two things:

      1. On chrome, my comment is still there if I get the message and hit “back”.

      2. I took the “posting too quickly” comment literally and decided that it meant that I clicked the “submit” button too fast. So now when I get it, I got back and click veeeeeery slowly. It seems to fix the problem.

  15. threadjack: a what to wear question that is a cross between the Networking post of last week and the Informal Interview post from last year.

    I’m graduating law school in May, but I am not interested in practicing law. They always say you can do so much with a law degree, so I’m testing those waters… Anyway, I have initiated a networking meeting – NOT an informal interview that resulted from a job application – with someone who works at a non profit that focuses on exactly what I’m interested in. The area of work is somewhat related to the legal internships I have had. The meeting is in a major city, business hours, at a coffee shop.

    Suit? Slacks and a blazer? Blouse / cardigan? I know the JD conversations usually end with the conclusion that a suit is the way to go, but I think the context of this requires otherwise. Thoughts?

    1. What is the typical dresscode for the place at which you are applying?
      If it’s informal, I would do pants and a blazer.

      1. Agree that you should check the dress code if possible. I did several informational interviews out of undergrad and wore a suit to all of them. I’d say I felt overdressed half of the time (the two where I didn’t feel that way were with an investment advisor and someone at a major foundation–both places with formal dress codes).

        Some of those feelings may have had to do with my age at the time, but I felt like I gave the impression of trying too hard. I think there’s a fine line between “I want to dress appropriately” and “I am dressed in such a way that you think I think I’m interviewing.”

    2. Yeah, I don’t think a suit is necessary. But blouse/cardigan with nice jewelry and dress pants sounds about right.

      1. That is the type of meeting I like to break out my stash of blazers for. A jacket makes you look nicely tied together without being super formal.
        Nice blouse, blazer, dress slacks/pencil skirt, and simple accessories is what I’d do.

  16. FYI, Hautelook has some really nice, simple Radiance Pearl jewelry on blowout today, there are some nice pieces for under $100.

    1. I didn’t post that specific model last week but that is the one that I use and I love it. The rollerball clip-on attachment is great for people who are just starting out with epilators … it kind of “rolls away” the pain a little. Now I just use the flat attachment for underarms, but the little rollers helped at first! There’s also a trimmer which is helpful.

      My mother uses a coil epilator. http://www.epiladyusa.net/epclcoep1.html

      I used to have one of those when I was younger and I thought it was far more painful that my current Braun, just FYI.

      1. I’ve tried to comment about the Tria laser removal device about a zillion times but none show up. I’m thinking that maybe the spam filter’s catching the link, so I’ll leave it out.

        Anyway, I was considering one or the other — the Tria or an epilator — but now I’m wondering if it’s good to buy both (of course, if I want to bankrupt myself). Most of the comments on the Tria say while it hasn’t gotten rid of hair completely, it makes hair finer and thinner. And so… easier to tweeze?

        1. Probably … but you’re not supposed to wax or tweeze (or, since epilating is high-powered tweezing, epilate) if you’re going through laser therapy. I don’t remember exactly why … something about burning the hair/follicle or something like that…

  17. Threadjack: Can anyone recommend a powerful hairdryer?

    My Solano Ionic is about to die, after five years of daily use. I have shoulder-length, thick, curly (Jewish) hair that I blow straight every day. Any recommendations for a replacement? I’m in the States.

    Thanks.

    1. I have a T3 Evolution hair dryer, and I love it. It’s spendy, but I have super thick hair, so the time it shaves off my morning routine is well worth it. You should check out the website http://www.folica.com (no affilitation) They have great reviews for all sorts of hair styling tools.

      1. I love Folica. The reviews are great. I also got some hot curlers based on reviews there that I love — they add great volume.

    2. At the recommendation of my hair stylist, I have the featherweight T3: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t3-featherweight-hair-dryer/3079772. It is lightweight, powerful, and works quickly. My stylist said that the tourmaline makes the dryer less damaging. I don’t know if I believe that, but it works well 2 years after purchase. I have fine, straight hair, fwiw.

      It is indeed horrifyingly expensive. You can get it cheaper on Amazon, but Amazon is not an authorized dealer, so the 3-year warranty doesn’t apply. I bought mine at Nordstrom because if I was going to spend that much on a hair dryer, I wanted the 3 year warranty, plus the Nordstrom customer service policy.

      1. I use the T3, too, and really like it. It dries my hair so quickly and I have much less of a frizz problem than I did with my previous $20 dryer. But no, it’s not cheap. I bought mine off of amazon, and happily haven’t had any problems with it.

      2. They also have T3s on Overstock, but I am willing to bet the warranty thing doesn’t apply there either. Overstock has always been great about returns for me, though.

      3. I have the T3 Evolution also. It’s better than my $20 drugstore hair dryer, but I’m not convinced it’s the best out there: my sister’s Babyliss hair dryer (I don’t know the model number unfortunately) is in my opinion just as good and results in less hair damage. My main complaint about the T3 is that the air speed and volume is just not that high; the featherweight is even worse. It makes up for that with a really high level of heat – highest I’ve seen, anyway. I’m impatient so I use it on the highest heat setting… not good for the hair.

        The Babyliss hair dryer, on the other hand, has a much higher airflow, so you can get the same quick drying without needing to crank up the temperature so much.

        Does anyone else have experience with both the T3 and another high-end hairdryer and can compare? I’d love to know if my experience is common or if others find the T3 to be ahead of its competition.

        One thing in favor of T3, though: it’s far prettier than any other hair dryer :)

    3. I hate when people talk about “Jewish” hair! I am a member of the tribe, with botticelli curls (medium brown). As an undergrad, I had two Jewish roommates, one with straight hair (reddish) and one with kinky hair (blondish). My sister’s hair is frizzy, my brother’s is wavy. My father’s hair is stick-straight (brown), as is my cousin’s (black); my mom’s is curly like mine. None of us are adopted; we’re all, so far as we know, descended from eastern Europeans. Which of us has Jewish hair?

      (On a similar note: my nose and my mom’s are relatively straight and not huge; my dad’s is bumpy; my cousin’s is hook-nosed; my boyfriend’s is ski-jump-like; his brother’s is relatively straight but a bit large. We’re all Jewish. Which of us is sporting the Jewish nose?)

    4. Here is an update.

      T3 no longer makes the Evolution. T3 now makes the Featherweight and the Featherweight Deluxe.

      I bought the Featherweight Deluxe because it has buttons that allow you to control the speed separately from the temperature. Price: $250 plus tax at Nordstrom. 2 year warranty.

      Pros:
      Light.
      Somewhat quieter than other dryers.

      Cons:
      The motor/fan is not nearly as powerful as any Solano I have ever used.
      It took a little bit longer to dry my hair than with my Solano.
      My hair was no shinier or smoother than with my Solano.
      Actually, my hair was limp (a true accomplishment with my “Jewish” hair – more on that below).

      Bottom line: I didn’t like it and I don’t think it’s worth $250.

      Instead I bought the Solano 3600 Ionic/Tourmaline/Ceramic dryer.

      http://www.folica.com/tools/hair-dryers/supersolano-3600-micro-professional-hair-dryer

      $124.95 from Folica. No tax. No shipping. I believe this is the carry-on product to my dying Solano Ionic, which had served me well for five years of daily drying until it pooped out a couple weeks ago.

      Pros:
      Very powerful motor/fan.
      Makes my hair very straight (no frizzies near the forehead, which I had with the T3).
      Makes my hair as shiny and smooth as the T3.
      Takes a little bit less time to dry than the T3.
      Only $125.

      Bottom line: I am keeping the Solano 3600 and returning the T3 to Nordstrom.

      Confidential to Arg! – I was using “Jewish hair” as shorthand for dark, thick, curly, generally unruly (me, my sister, both my parents). But I understand your point. My Israeli Jewish fiancé has straight blond hair (from his mom, whose parents moved to Israel from Poland and who has the most beautiful lush blond smooth hair – his dad is also Israeli from Romania and he has jet black straight hair). His former wife (also Israeli Jewish) has my hair, but light auburn. My stepdaughter has straight blond hair, and my stepson has brown wavy hair. All different hair; all “Jewish hair.” Apologies if I offended anyone; I certainly didn’t mean to.

  18. Threadjack – can anyone recommend a good, light/medium coverage foundation? I have combination skin and am looking to upgrade from my usual Neutrogena. Thanks for any advice!

    1. I’m a fan of Clinique Perfectly Real foundation. It has just slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer.

    2. I dislike the caked-on feeling I get with a lot foundation products and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer works great for me. It gives to nice light coverage with SPF 20, and comes in a variety of shades.

  19. Hi all,

    Am about to turn down an amazing job in another city so that my husband and I can be in the same place (rather than have him look for something else, I have a job her that I don’t love and often don’t even like, but we’re together). I know it’s the right thing but I’m hesitating to pull the trigger. I need some encouragement right now.

    1. It is just a job, you will have several in your lifetime. You will only have this husband though (hopefully). Sounds to me like you’ve got your priorities in order!

    2. Having just come off a year-long work separation from my DH, all I can offer is hugs. Long distance relationships stink, and there will be future dream jobs that allow you two to stay together. Good luck.

    3. Is there no way for him to find a job in that city? Perhaps you can get an extension saying that you need some time for your husband to explore options?

      Is the other city within something like a 2-hour driving range?

      If the answer to both of these is “no”, you’re doing yourself a huge favor by turning this job offer down. Long distance is OK for a year or so (in my experience), but long-term it kind of sucks the life out of you. Unless your career is your top life priority, no job is worth the emotional damage of a prolonged long-distance relationship.

    4. Thanks all for the moral support.

      But, update! Everyone at my current job (incl. my boss’s boss) spent a while trying to talk me out of declining. And my sister, who always puts family first and who I called just for reassurance that I’m doing the right thing, said that she thought taking it might actually be best for us as a couple and for our future (hopefully not too distant) family for me to take it. So about 30 minutes before I called to decline, I ended up changing my mind.

      My husband and I figure that at absolute worst he doesn’t find a new job within a year and I move back. The opportunity is so good career-wise, that the time spent will not really hurt me and will probably help me. I hate that we’ll be apart while he’s looking, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t be as long as I’m fearing.

  20. I need to find a real estate broker in the Tybee Island (Georgia) area. I am, myself, not from anywhere close, and this has to be someone I can work with long distance. Just in case anyone is from the area, I thought I would solicit some suggestions. Thanks a million in advance!

    1. No specific suggestions, but Tybee is basically Savannah, so you might also look for brokers in Savannah (I’m completely guessing here, but I suspect most brokers for Tybee are based in Savannah anyway.)

  21. i asked about the bobbi brown tinted moisturizer here a while back, and commenters steered me towards laura mercier instead. what a mistake buying the bobbi brown! i love their skin foundation, but the tinted moisturizer was greasy, heavy and gross. buy the laura mercier!

  22. I bought the jacket and LOVE it — just as fetching in reality as on-line. I’ll wear it to work and on weekends as well. A couple people asked about this sizing. I’d say it runs true to size to slightly small. I typically wear a 4 and a size small (which the web site says corresponds to a 6) was perfect.

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