Suit of the Week: Ann Taylor

74 Comments

1. This is such a first world thing but here goes. I’m letting my cleaning service go. They’ve been unreliable and they’ve broken too many things. I’m going to do my own cleaning for a while (enlisting help from lazy teenagers). I need to buy cleaning products specifically for the bathrooms, since the cleaners brought their own, and most of my stuff is pretty old and yucky.

   What are the cleaning products you really like? I’m assuming cleaning liquids and tools have come a long way since I bought my stuff when we moved into this house 11 years ago.

   1. I use Lysol or Clorox toilet bowl cleaner and a Method bathroom cleaner for wiping down the counters and sinks. I use Clorox wipes or a paper towel sprayed with cleaner to wipe down the toilet.

   2. I just use one glass/multi-surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and CLR for our wicked rust/mineral deposits. Sponges for wiping everything down, a scrub brush for the tub, and a toilet bowl brush. That’s it.

   3. TJ: is there a good website for reading up on what type of cleaning product is recommended for maintaining different bathroom surfaces (eg, cast iron vs acrylic vs porcelain)? I have a brand new bathroom and want it to look good for as long as possible.

      1. The Ask A Clean Person podcast I mentioned below definitely does this on the podcast. She also writes a column, and I bet she’s covered these surfaces in the column if you search for that. Here’s an example that she wrote about flooring with information about what to use and not to use for certain surfaces: https://www.thehairpin.com/2011/09/ask-a-clean-person-its-time-to-talk-about-your-floors/

   4. This might fly in the face of the environmental talk earlier, but I rely a lot on the Mr Clean Magic Eraser for bathtub and weird wall marks.

      Other cleaning I use 409 in the kitchen, a broom with silicon bristles and a steam mop for hard surfaces and my husband uses an oxo microfiber duster.

   5. Scrubbing Bubbles for tubs/countertops; Clorox cleanser for the toilet.

      1. +1, that’s exactly what I use. And white vinegar for the mirror.

   6. I also recently stopped using a cleaning service. A friend gave me a bunch of his half-used supplies (because he just hired a cleaning service) so I can figure out what I like. So far, the routine I like best is to use a Clorox wipe on the sink and another one on the toilet every morning. On the weekends, I use Kaboom with Oxiclean in the tub/shower and wipe that with a microfiber cloth. For the floor, I have a roomba that I run most days to pick up the hair, and I just use the Bona damp mop on the weekend. It’s a device that looks similar to a swiffer wet and you put in a canister of Bona solution that you can spray with a little trigger in the handle. It might not be the best tile cleaner (they’re great for hardwoods), but I don’t see the need to use a different tool/substance if I’m also doing my other floors at the same time.

      I made a multipurpose cleaner using vinegar, a couple drops of lemon juice (for fragrance) and water that I use on the mirror. I plan to use that instead of the other stuff when my products run out.

      This may be too far down the rabbit hole, but I’ve been listening to the “Ask a Clean Person” podcast, and she gives a lot of great tips for cleaning…everything.

      1. Oh I will listen to that thanks!

      2. boy have I gone down a rabbit hole with the ask a clean person archives (not the podcast) thank you?

         1. Can relate. I’ve been working my way through the podcast archive with a mix of fascination, horror, and copious laughter.

   7. Clorox toilet wand. Method one-step for wood floors (we have cats who sometimes pee in the wrong place and this smells nice). I have a big thing of Mrs. Meyers that I mix up with water in a spray bottle and use on other stuff.

      1. I’ll dissent. I hated the toilet wand… my toilet never stayed clean for more than a few days at a time and it was cleaned by my cleaning service every other week. I went back to the regular gel stuff and the issue is fixed–yay!

   8. I have a quirk on this question–I live in an apartment and my shower has a textured (very small pebbled) plastic floor/pan. Over time, a green water line of sorts has developed on the floor. Standard mildew and mold Tilex has not removed it, even after soaking. Is this a job for CLR? I just checked A*azon and there are lots of options–any recommendations for the best one? Thanks, all!

      1. Before you go that route, try good old baking soda — sprinkle it on the floor, wet it into a paste, and scrub away. It’s a great cleanser, mildly gritty. For me, it works well to get grime up off plastic like that.

      2. It’s a job for Comet.

      3. Thanks for the suggestions–I’ll try them! I used Comet liberally as a child and teenager but had sort of forgotten it exists!

   9. Method wood floor cleaner, Method glass cleaner and a microfiber towel, gel toilet bowl cleaner that clings to the rim, and an all purpose cleaner.

   10. All-purpose cleaner: Method or Mrs. Meyers
       Bathroom cleaner: Method (But don’t get the daily shower stuff. The scent is vile.)
       Toilet bowl cleaner: Clorox gel cleanser, with a good old-fashioned toilet brush. I do not like the wands. I use Clorox wipes on the surfaces/handle.
       Wood floor cleaner: Bona or Method
       Windows: Windex, or good old vinegar and water
       Dusting: Dampened microfiber cloth

       I highly recommend the Clean Mama blog for establishing a good daily cleaning routine. She also has recipes for homemade cleaners if that’s your thing.

   11. Method. The daily shower spray is excellent, but I like all of their stuff. I wish they had Method wipes, that would be even better.

   12. Homemade multipurpose mixing equal parts dawn dish soap, vinegar and water in a spray bottle. I use this for 97% of the cleaning. For tub I sometimes add liquid detergent and for rust I use something else I can’t remember the name of -but I avoid using that stuff and chlorox as much as possible because of the chemicals.

2. I know some here have posted that they were not pleased with the quality at MM LaFleur… Has anyone had weird pilling pop up randomly on their dresses? I have an Etsuko that I’ve had for about a year and worn maybe 10 times. I have washed it maybe a handful of times and always on gentle, left to air dry. I recently noticed some pilling in spot randomly on the hip. (I also found pilling in the same spot in an Emily dress the next day.) The only thing I can think of is that it’s the spot where my elbow rubs against my body when I’m driving or sitting at the computer. I’ve never had pilling in this weird spot before. Is this consistent with other people’s experiences with this brand? I’m really upset about this since these were obviously expensive dresses, and I do not feel like I’ve worn them enough to just toss them at this point.

   1. I have the Etsuko in almost every color (black, dark green, lt green, chili flake (orange), maroon, purple and a black and white pattern) as well as the Sarah in black and navy and a Nila(?) in navy. None of them have pilled despite very frequent use. I wash on cold/low and air dry, too. I’ve had hems come loose on the purple and lt. green (easy fixes by a dry cleaner but still made me unhappy).

      The only real problem I’ve had so far is the black and white pattern one–it’s got a lining and was dry clean only. I washed, and it shrunk slightly while lining stayed (I cut the lining and still wear it–I know, I know–classy). But that’s not really a quality issue, as it was due to washing something labeled dry clean only.

      Is there something rough that is hitting you there? Like a snaggy wooden desk or leaning against something brick or …?

   2. I have pilling on an Emily dress in that same spot, and it’s from the buckle on the purse that I used to carry whenever I wore that particular dress. I switched the purse I carry and didn’t develop any other pilling.

      I haven’t had the same problem with my other Emily dresses (I have it in 4 colors), and everything else I have from MM LaFleur has held up beautifully.

   3. I had massive pilling on one of their skirts. That, plus hems falling on a few other of their items have turned me away from them for good. Thankfully, the jardigan has held up over the last few years.

   4. This could be from where the seatbelt rubs your dress in the car.

   5. Is it possible that pilling on your hip could be from a purse rubbing? I wear a crossbody purse most days and notice that it causes pilling along one hip sometimes. I’ve been happy with my MMLF items and haven’t noticed pilling on my Etsukos. Could a fabric shaver help?

   6. I think it’s much more likely to be from your purse or bag rather than your elbow.

   7. Is it one of your purses?

   8. I’ve had pilling, albeit slight, on the etsoku and a skirt. I have had hem fall out on every single MM La Fleur thing I’ve bought (about 6 dresses and a skirt).

      1. Same. Every hem (and two sleeves) in all five dresses I own has fallen out. (I hand wash, lay flat to dry.) Conversely, I have two Elle Tahari dresses that I purchased five years ago and machine wash without issue.
         I’ve given up and am trying ofMercer this season.

   9. OP– Pilling is on on the left hip. I wear a tote and carry it on the right side. It is slightly above where a seat belt would hit and is in a patch as opposed to being in some sort of line along where the seatbelt is.

      1. I had a patch of pilling once that was caused by the tag on the inside of my suit jacket. There are often tags in the left-hand jacket seam. Could that be it?

         1. OP– No. I wear different jackets with both dresses, and the pilled spot is in the same place on both dresses.

3. First, the best, best suits in terms of $perwear have been from AT wool suits. They travel well and pack well and have curvy pants that actually fit me.

   And rant: this year, my clothes spending has been on refreshes of stuff that I wear all the time and is worn: pilled pants (chub rub friction), new bras, the annual or semi-annual shoe purchases (I wear generally for 2 years, but need something non-ratty for client meetings), white shirts that have pit stains, etc. At least I have a fresh version of olive pants and black shoes and white shirts I guess. But it’s like replacing your furnace — pricey but not exciting.

   1. I sympathize. Could you buy less boring versions of your basics? There are a lots of different white blouse styles, your pumps could have a texture or trim, etc.?

   2. This is actually my dream – to get it right with so many clothing pieces that I can just replace them as the wear out.

4. Cold weather runners — what are your favorite gear for different temperatures? It’s 15-25 in my Midwest city and I need to step up my game. Mittens? What coats? How many layers of pants?

   1. I bought some winter running leggings from the North Face and am really pleased. I’m in Eastern Canada and have been wearing them all winter and am never cold, except sometimes for the first five minutes while I warm up. I don’t wear anything underneath.
      I wear: merino wool socks, these leggings, a regular athletic tank top, a long sleeve athletic top with a collar (nothing fancy – mine is from Target) and a lightweight windproof jacket (also from the North Face). Basic fleece gloves and a fleece headband. I wear regular sneakers, but might buy some winter sneakers next year because that my weak point – I don’t have much traction, my city has been ice central this year, and sometimes they get wet and then my feet get cold. Other than that, I’ve been pleasantly pleased with how easy winter running is and actually found I did better in the cold than in the sticky heat.

      1. This is basically what I wear as well, although I wear a winter hat (usually a race swag one) and regular Injinji socks (not wool). I add hand warmers to my mittens because as long as my hands and head are warm, I am good to go. Depending on the wind situation, I also put a Buff around my neck that I periodically pull up to defrost my nose/mouth or take in some warm air for a minute.

      2. Sorry, I just realized it’s -25 where you are. If it’s that cold I will wear a fleece and a wicking long sleeve top under the jacket, and one of those fleece neck covers up to my nose (sorry, no idea what they’re called). I sometimes wear think wool gloves under the fleece then remove mid-run. It definitely might be painful for the first few minutes as you warm up, but I’m always really hot at the end of a run. Word of caution – don’t stop too soon to cool down at the end.

         1. Where I grew up we called those gaitors. :)

         2. Can I get more info on neck covers up to the nose? From anyone? I’m getting chapped skin around my nose — any recs for this (brands/type of fabric/is it a scarf or something else)?

            1. Like Alina said below, an infinity scarf will do the trick, or a Buff like CountC said. My mom used to sew them out of polarfleece scraps for skiing – just a tube wide enough for your head to fit through. A regular scarf will work too if you have the patience to knot it behind your head (I did this on a recent ski trip with the ends tucked into my hood/down my back and it worked fine).

            2. Skier, not a runner but for some ideas:
               https://www.rei.com/search?q=neck+gaiters
               or
               https://www.rei.com/search?q=face+masks
               Depending on how hard core you want to get. :)

      3. My tip– put a ~2×2″ piece of duct tape in the top of the toe box of your running shoes. Running shoes are supposed to be breathable, which is great in the summer. Not so great in the winter. Duct tape blocks most of the wind, but the shoes themselves still breathe, since it’s only a little patch inside the shoe.

         Otherwise, windblock-front tights, mittens, and a windbreaker over a fleece and baselayer up top.

   2. I used to run in Boston at those temps (hip injury stopped that…hopefully just temporary :( ). I would wear: Uniqlo ultra warm leggings under running shorts + thick thermal base layer (I have Nike and Arc Teryx ones) under a fleece vest. I also have running gloves, although I would recommend getting actual cold-weather wool gloves for under 20. Mine don’t keep my hands as warm as I would like at that temp. I usually just use the hood of my thermal layer for my ears, but could stand to add a hat. Oh, and shin high Stance hiking socks. I’ve found the key is full coverage, so ankle socks wouldn’t work.

   3. If its that cold I wear uniqlo heat tech leggings and a shirt underneath whatever i would wear. Also an infinity scarf or something to prevent you from breathing in freezing air makes a difference.

   4. Love my Athleta fleece lined leggings….so cozy

5. Has anyone ever negotiated utility bills (specifically National Grid in the Northeast)? My fixed-income mother has somehow gotten herself into a pickle where she purportedly owes over $12k on her combined electric and gas bill. I have no earthly idea how that’s even possible for a 75-year-old lady, even if it’s a poorly insulated old house in upstate New York. (Her monthly bill seems to be pretty consistently ~$120 during the nicer months and ~$500 in the winter, and she pays $350 year-round.) I’m going to comb through her bills and figure this out, but since we’re in the process of selling her house, I’m wondering if it’s worth it to offer them a portion of the proceeds (like $5k – the house is only selling for $20k) and tell them that’s all there is. At 75 years old, it’s not like she’s applying for new credit all the time like you are when you’re younger and buying cars and houses.

   1. That seems problematic – $12k doesn’t seem right. I’d contact your state consumer advocate or public utilities commission. They probably have a help line for citizens.

   2. Dad says that if she owes it, she should pay it, b/c there are other people who scrimp and save and do NOT turn up the heat to 90 degrees in the winter when 68 would do, and 60 degrees in the summer to stay cool, when 78 degrees would do. He pay’s Grandma Leyeh’s bills and he tells her to wear a sweater in the winter, and to use an overhead fan he bought her in the summer. It is also possible your mother could have had her line tapped into, Dad says, meaning that someone else nearby is using her electricity or gas (or both) without her knowing about it. You may want to ask the utility company to verify that she is actually using the electric and gas. In any event, it is good you are selling the house and having her move in with you. That way, you can keep an eye on what she is doing all day.

   3. Yeah I wouldn’t pay the full thing. I think worst case it gets sent to collections and then you can usually offer the collecting agency just a portion of it. I did that with a big medical bill, where I thought I had negotiated a lower price and then the company refused to honor what I thought we’d agreed on. I just never paid it, they sent it to collections, the collections agency told me they would accept 30% of the original bill and considered it satisfied in full. I’m sure it affected my credit, but my credit was really good to begin with, so I’m sure it’s still decent, and I’m done buying things on credit at this point in my life anyway.

   4. I work in this industry- call the utility company and if they don’t help, call the states public utility company. My mil also works for a non-profit in a bordering state to ny and they do clinics where they have the utility company reps meet with poor clients to work out payment arrangements that work better for both sides.

      1. *public utility commission

6. I’ll be visiting Verona, Italy for three days in early April. Do you have any restaurant recommendations either lunch or dinner?

   1. Back in 2013, we had a fabulous dinner at Osteria Ristorante Ponte Pietra.
      One random note about Verona: if you have a car, pay careful attention to driving and parking in resident-only zones. We maaaaay have racked up several hundred dollars in traffic tickets…whoops.

   2. I had a lovely outdoor lunch in Verona in October on a side street right near the stadium but I have no idea what it was called. Sorry. But it is just a lovely town so I am sure you will enjoy it!

      1. Thanks for the suggestions!

7. Anyone ever see coupons or sales for Warby Parker? I want new (non-prescription) sunglasses. Wondering if I should wait.

   1. I never see sales for them… their prices are already pretty good though.

8. I am a 3rd year associate up to my eyeballs in rude, male New York plaintiff attorneys treating me like sh!t and providing no professional courtesies or respect. I am struggling to make these men understand the basics 1) I represent the insurer 2) I have the money, you want the money 3) so be NICE TO ME

   Please hit me with your best resources for negotiation skills (books, websites, etc). I work in civil defense, so I get it, I’m not negotiating million dollar contracts, but this is stuff I never learned in school. Things like, what to do when ball’s in your/their court. How to increase offers/authority. How to respond to A-hole attorneys. Timing, etc.

   I feel like I’m acting reasonable and respectful of opposing counsel and instead, I have these guys trying to run me down, like that will help their cases. SOS

   1. I’m also in Boston area – so if any powerful negotiator ‘rettes want to take me under their wing – plt or def side! – hit a gal up :) I’m the only female attorney at my firm

   2. The hardest thing to do is to recognise when their a-hole ways are basically a negotiation tactic. They are trying to get you to cave, because caving is easier than dealing with them. (This also happens with long delays in reviewing basic documents, followed by a flat refusal to negotiate, issue redlines, etc.; excessive foot-dragging; asking you to explain really basic concepts to them; anything that makes you feel frustrated, gaslighted, or emotional.)

      The response is to do the hardest thing possible: hold your ground and don’t let it affect you.

      Believe me, they understand very, very well that you represent the insurer and that you have the money that they want. If you need to print out a sign that says, “They understand perfectly well,” and put it on your desk, go right ahead. I repeat: they understand this perfectly well. They are just hoping that obfuscating the issue will get *you* to not understand.

      No longer in Boston, so I can’t take you under my wing.

   3. No advice, but also a third year insurance defense attorney, female, in LA, and always feeling like I’m shooting in the dark negotiating. I’ve managed to close a few things in six months here but it always feels like it’s by chance.

   4. As an insurance litigator, don’t be afraid to remind them of your position. If someone wants a hearing On a ridiculous loser file, I have been known to say that I would be thrilled to get a decision especially since they work on contingency and I get paid no matter what. Also, don’t be afraid to take a strong position and just stick to it – blame your “instructions” if you have to but they will come around. And remember that late November onward is a great time to settle files for less if you can promise the funds before the holidays.

      You got this, lady.

      1. A bit late to this thread but agree especially with this point. It was freeing to me when I embraced this mindset to jerky plaintiffs counsel (and mediators or settlement masters)I-I’ll be polite or stoically nonplussed when they try to bully me, depending on the situation, but throughout the negotiation, I set x number (which may or may not be the number) and no amount of bullying is going to get them more money, because there is no money. I guess what I’m saying is you cant get them to change their ridiculous behavior, so now it just rolls off my back. If anything, its empowering to think, hey you can throw a tantrum, throw pencils at me, demean me in front of your client or judge, and I’m better than you because you cant get a reaction out of me. (Also it feels especially good when you beat them :))

   5. Someone on thissite (maybe actually over on Moms) recommended How to Talk So Kids Will Listen for dealing with unreasonable, obfuscating opposing counsel. I don’t have kids, read the book anyway, and really loved it for teaching how to communicate with unreasonable people (and how to communicate anyway). It has a lot of strategies for staying calm and communicating dispassionately without ceding your position/ground and requiring respect. Silly, but I’ve found it helpful.

9. Random Q: I just saw yet another picture of Miley Cyrus with the no-shirt-jacket-open look like she wore on SNL. Has anyone seen an interview on how she’s doing it? I cannot believe fashion tape is the answer. My guess is a nipple ring system.

   1. Personally I think it’s heavy-duty fashion or fabric tape.
      On a related note, I was visiting with a tattoo-artist friend and she says that nipples are the second most popular piercing after noses. I had no idea. Apparently no one gets their navels pierced anymore, either, which we both attribute to the demise of low-rise jeans.

      1. That’s fascinating. I assume both nipples and noses come after ears though?

   2. Fashion tape

   3. In pictures they can also edit out slight slips :)
      There was also a crazy bra I saw recently. Sing marketed to me on fb (why? I have no idea, I barely wear bras and never wear club clothes) that looked like an engineering marvel and somehow you could wear it with looks like that without showing.

Comments are closed.