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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 69 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Austin Reed

Suit of the Week

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Austin Reed Blue Tweed Jacket | CorporetteFor busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. Happy Wednesday! I always like a light blue suit — it isn't too twee when worn together (just a bit more color than a light gray, really) and the pieces tend to be workhorses when worn as separates. (Just be sure to dry clean the pieces together so they fade evenly.) This light blue tweed suit from Austin Reed looks lovely. Pair it with neutrals like white, black, creams, grays, navies — even browns. If you're feeling bolder, try it with a burgundy accent in fall, or a kelly green or even a pastel in the spring. The jacket (Austin Reed Blue Tweed Jacket) is $325, and the skirt (Austin Reed Blue Tweed Pencil Skirt) is $196. Here are lower-priced and plus-sized alternatives. Austin Reed Blue Tweed Suit | Corporette (L-all)

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Comments

  1. BB

    Love the tweed color!

    Can I get some remedial makeup help? How should I figure out what eyeshadow colors to wear when I want to do more dramatic smokey eye type effects? Like should I be coordinating it with what I wear?

    For the last decade or so, I’ve worn the same 2-3 eyeshadow colors: a natural beige-y color with black shadow eyeliner for day, and at night, I might add a bit of dark brown in the corners. I’m trying to branch out and bought my first eyeshadow palette (woohoo) – TooFaced Natural Eye. It’s got some different shades of brown/gray…does one set of colors go better with different kinds of clothes or times of day? Help!

    • TO Lawyer

      I think more dramatic smokey eyes always look better at night. I tend to go with a darker grey smokey eye rather than black or brown because I think it’s more flattering.

      I’m not sure how much help this will be but I think it’s generally a process of trial and error.

    • la vie en bleu

      i’m not an expert, but from what I have heard I think you choose colors based more on your coloring, and less on what you are wearing. I have hazel/green eyes and I find purples and plums really bring out the green in my eyes. I wear more browns for everyday normal looking makeup. I like the darker greys with some sparkle if i am going out at night. I do other color combos based on my mood or just experimenting to try something new. I don’t do blues, bc I just don’t think it looks right with my coloring.

      Also for makeup playing ideas, I look through the fashion magazines for interesting looks. They do different things with shapes, more color above or below, that I never would think of. I have cut out a few looks I think are cool and have them taped to the inside of my bathroom cabinet and I look at them when I am going out and want to play around with something crazy.

      • nutella

        Yes, I think it is much more to do with your coloring than what you’re wearing.

    • First Year Anon

      I have this palette. The rows are supposed to work well together- start with that. Then play with switching up the color combinations- while the rows are specifically designed to work well, the whole palette is designed to work together (although I wouldnt do all the glittery ones at once, maybe if i was at a bachelorette party or something). The gold looks nice on the light to brighten up the eye, I often use the vanilla color under the eye so it brightens up that area (a thin line under the eye), the light pink is a nice wash when you want to look awake. The darker colors are great for the crease or the “V” to do a smokey eye.

    • BB

      Thanks for the tips, everyone! I also got my first liquid eyeliner, so wish me luck! :)

      • Anonattorney

        If the liquid eyeliner doesn’t work well, try a wet/dry shadow instead. I got one from Laura Mercier and I use a very fine-tip brush to line my eyes. It lasts FOREVER and has the same effect as liquid eyeliner if you get the brush wet before you use it. I find it to be more forgiving than a typical liquid eyeliner.

  3. Residence Hall Life

    Life hack advice sought. I am spending two weeks this summer at a professional leadership institute held at a major university in the western US. Participants live in residence halls for the two weeks. Single gender. Each suite has four single rooms (standard issue furniture) and a shared bathroom (one shower stall, two sinks).

    It has been almost three decades since I last lived in a dorm, which means dorms have changed (see, WiFi) and I have changed (see, asthma, picky eater, strict sleep schedule, more concerned with facility cleanliness).

    Any and all tips, hacks, suggestions, observations welcome!

    • Wanderlust

      Will you be bringing your own linens for sleeping? If not, and you are concerned about the cleanliness/itchiness of the fabric, you could always pick up a “sleep sack” at a travel store. It’s basically a big sheet folded in half, sleeping bag style, that you can sleep inside of and put the comforter on top of.

      Also, earplugs and an eye mask.

    • anyanony

      PCBS? The dining hall has options for various restrictions – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free. Not sure about kosher.

    • Scarlett

      Do you have to stay there? Sounds a bit grim. I’d probably look for an airbnb place I could stay for a few weeks instead.

      • la vie en bleu

        It’s only 2 weeks. I think since it’s free you can deal for 2 weeks.

        • Scarlett

          Hmm – I didn’t see that it was free; if it is that’s a different story, but rather than pay for a dorm I’d choose to stay elsewhere. (I’m also not super into bonding & 2 weeks can feel like an eternity in a noisy dorm, imho.)

          • la vie en bleu

            If she’s attending a professional institute, usually housing/food is included in the program.

    • Annie

      If it is going to be hot, bring/buy a big box fan, since most dorms don’t have AC. It is $10, and can make a big difference. Also, shower shoes/flip-flops.

      • la vie en bleu

        Yes this, I would just buy a fan when I get there, and/or a small noise machine. But a fan would cover both things for me, both the cooling factor and white noise to help me sleep by drowning out outside noises.

        And I agree with below about bringing my own sheet and pillow. Those couple of comfort things are worth the extra packing space when it’s a 2 week trip and you will be working really hard, so you will appreciate feeling comfy at night.

        Also something you can buy at a store there, but I would definitely get some kind of caddy to carry your bathroom stuff back and forth to the bathroom so that you can keep it all together for a quick convenient morning. And if you don’t have a kitchen space in your dorm, I would still stock up on a few snacky things and breakfast items (granola bars, bread & nutella), some chocolate and a bottle of wine/glass to have in my room for convenience.

      • HR U

        It depends – I would guess it’s a fairly modern facility and likely has an AC option. I’ve stayed at Pepperdine, and neither AC or summer heat was an issue, however, it wasn’t student housing, and it was on the side of a mountain (gorgeous campus!)

        Santa Monica in June – we didn’t use AC, but we did in Long Beach.

        San Francisco in July – we didn’t need AC. Sacramento – we did.

        Eureka, CA in July, we needed jackets to explore the surf at 4p, and wore them in the evenings in northern coastal CA on the same trip.

        YMMV

    • HR U

      I work at a college, and there is strong interest in cleanliness between occupants – similar to a hotel, without the room service. College students have the same issues, and all of those doors will close so you can call home or the office, etc. Your fellow students likely have the same concerns as you about being in a group that they can enjoy, including showering and using the bathroom. Most people use their cell phones or Fitbits as alarm clocks, and I’m sure you’re working with any time change.

      Pack a sheet from home, and your favorite pillow. If they are providing dining selections, choose according to picky-specifics, but if they have the full dining hall they are used to providing a range of options, and on our campus kosher and halal are identified, as well as vegetarian and vegan.

      Pack your inhaler, but be prepared to not need it.

    • ITDS

      Ear Plugs. If you have never worn them to sleep, practice at home first, as they can take getting used to. If you are used to the silence/sounds of your own home, you may find that traffic outside the window, or a quiet conversation in the next room, will drive you batty and keep you from sleeping.

      • Anon

        As an alternate suggestion, practice putting on something noisy and get used to falling asleep with it in the background (television, etc). As someone who probably would not have heard the individual who tried to break into my home at 4am in a VERY angry state if I had been wearing earplugs, I am uncomfortable with the idea of anything that takes away one of your senses when you are already in a vulnerable state by virtue of being asleep.

    • TheElms

      Definitely flip flops for the shower and a shower caddy so you can carry your toiletries to the bathroom and back / or if your suite-mates are nice to store them in in the bathroom because there is likely to be limited storage. I would bring a small mirror so you could put make up on in your room rather than in the bathroom.

  4. anon

    Thoughts on people who send mass emails to their entire network to announce that they’re beginning a job search and want you to keep them in mind? Wouldn’t it make more sense to take the time to email people individually and tailor your request to their specific area of expertise?

    • Emily

      I think it’s a matter of close-ness and what you want from the person.

      E.g. a friend from college and law school sent one out when Dewey fell apart and the job there vanished. While we lunch, celebrate parties and do social stuff, because we’re peers, a general “hey, so, I’m looking for a job, pls keep me in mind if you hear of anything” was an efficient way to put it out there without posting it on FB.

      Perhaps if that email was sent to a mentor type who legitimately might have been in a position to hire, that might have been a turn off, but I didn’t think anything was wrong with it.

    • Anonymous

      I am on the job market and right now I am more inclined to sending a tailored email for each individual as opposed to a mass mailing simply because I think that would be more effective. I.E. The person knows the kind of work I am looking for. That said Emily’s suggestion might also work provided it is properly worded. Also some people have skills/qualifications that are applicable in a wide range of industries for example. Others are very specialized. Unless the message was really badly crafted I would not hold it against them.

  5. NYNY

    Wording help needed: I just learned that I received a small raise for a job I’ve been doing for 3 months. I want to thank the executive who made it happen, because my understanding was that I wasn’t eligible until next year. What would you say?

      • NYNY

        I would do that, but I won’t see him for some time. We work out of different offices, and he’s out of the office for the next two weeks.

        • TOS

          Thank him on the phone the next time you have an occasion to talk when he returns – you appreciate the support – if her was personally responsible for making it happen – or changing something – no discussion about eligibility, and move on to the next topic.

          If you don’t know that he’s personally responsible (HR may have recommended it), know that people are looking out for you, and return the favor with collegiality and team support.

          A family member is a licensed PE, and found that he got a raise two weeks after he was hired because his position is part of the union. He HATES unions. A couple of warm fuzzies for this one showed up out of nowhere :)

    • Fishie

      I wanted to let you know that I was just informed that I am receiving a raise, and I am sure you’re support of me was a determining factor in that. Thank you – I am grateful for your support.

  6. Lo & Sons Pearl

    It’s back in stock with gold hardware and code RESTOCK0415 gets you 20% off.

    (Not affiliated – just placed an order myself)

  8. Italy

    Hello hive! I’m travelling to Italy next week and I’m not sure what to wear. Temperatures are low 50s and high 70. Would a trench coat do the trick? I’m also planning on wearing sneakers as there will be a lot of walking but I’m afraid it’ll look frumpy with the trench. Any suggestions? We’re staying in Milan but doing day trips to Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre.

    • First Year Anon

      Do a cute low profile sneaker that is on trend, maybe in a grey or black. I’m thinking something that looks like keds, or a leather sneaker would be nice- I saw some nice ones from Ecco at the mall.

    • BB

      I went to Italy (Rome) during this time of year with these temps. I had a casual trench (very thin, waterproof fabric…more like a mac, but looks fine with more dressy stuff) and then a totally casual Patagonia zip up jacket. Be aware that it might rain. I also did cute, colorful sneakers – some kind of Nike lightweight ones, which looked fine with straight leg jeans + trench + scarf.

    • AN

      Just got back today from Italy.

      We were in Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Temps were 8-20 deg Celsius. I lived in jeans, and had a warmer hip length coat ( not winter weight coat) and pashmina scarf for my neck. Take sunglasses. I think you need some kind of sweater or pullover beneath your trench. I wore my Tod loafers throughout, or nice flats that I bought in Florence.

  9. Sally

    I’m looking for a nice messenger bag for my husband and would love any suggestions the hive might have! He would prefer it to not be leather (because of the weight) and doesn’t want velcro. Just has to be big enough for a macbook and some manly accoutrements!

    • Ellen

      Yay! I love tweed, but it is getting WARMER and I do NOT want to be sweateing all summer in Tweed. FOOEY! Especially if I have to walk to work with my FITBIT all summer. FOOEY! The last thing I need is to have the judge see me sweat! I do NOT think he would know where to look, but Frank would sureley start wipeing off my head (and worse) with his dirty hand’s. DOUBEL FOOEY!

      As for the OP, I would go with the TUMI bag’s. I got my dad one and he carrie’s it EVERYWHERE! He even carries food in it, tho I would not b/c the food could start smelling if you forgot you have it in there.

      A number of place’s carry it, but start here with ebags.com. They have alot of bags. My dad says they are like d-bags.com with an e. He was trying to be funny. FOOEY on him b/c that is NOT funny. Here’s the one I bought him. Hope you like it.

      Im sure the HIVE will have other sugestion’s, but you can’t go wrong with Tummi! YAY!!!!!

      http://www.ebags.com/product/tumi/alpha-bravo-barstow-cross-body/202901?productid=10261354&rlid=DETAIL_AI

    • ELL

      My dad, brother and I all have bags from sfbags.com. Small, high-quality company. My bag is 11 years old and looks brand new. Stylishly designed and great attention to detail.

      • Parfait

        That’s what I was going to suggest. My BF has one and it’s very rugged and handsome. The bag, not the BF.

    • Annie

      I got my husband a Commuter bag from Rickshaw Bagworks. You can get it customized in almost any color. He has had his for two years, and it doesn’t show any signs of wear.

  10. Baconpancakes

    Quick legal question following up on a recent George Takei FB post about creating nigh inedible hot wings to stymie a lunch stealer: apparently ex-lax brownies, dangerously hot wings, ipecac sauce on cheesecake, etc are considered “assault” even if they aren’t offered to the victim, but are stolen by the victim, because the victim suffers bodily harm as a result of eating them. Can someone explain this to me? Would it make a difference if the food is extremely clearly labeled? Would I be liable for assault if someone broke into my house and ate ex-lax brownies, or is it only if the food is in public places?

    Btw, I’m not planning on poisoning anyone, just curious, and since we have so many attorneys on here, I figured y’all would know.

    • Anonymous

      I don’t know what FB post you are talking about but it sounds like bull. It wouldn’t be assault, which requires the reasonable apprehension of harm. The thief didn’t know the stolen goods were laced, so no apprehension. It wouldn’t be battery either, because that requires an element of intent that is not present if someone steals the goods. The difference with restaurants is that they clearly intend people to eat the food (they put it on a menu, they cook it for the purpose of serving it, etc.).

    • Anon for this

      I have no idea if I’m actually right on this but it probably has to do with proving the intent of the food preparer. If the intent was to make someone really sick (even if the “victim” had to steal in order for the plan to come to fruition) that, combined with the fact that the victim did in fact get sick, may be enough for the assault claim. Although I would guess the victim could be charged with petty theft too, if we are really going to go down this ridiculous road.

      • Anon for this

        Agree with above though that assault is actually the wrong term. But I do think if the preparer knew there was a pattern of food stealing and specifically poisoned, etc. the food with the hope the pattern would be repeated, the element of intent for battery is arguably there.

    • AIMS

      I have not heard anything about this but if I were to speculate I’d guess that if it’s “assault,” it’s because you are intending for the lunch thief to eat it. But if you just happen to like super duper spicy hot wings and make yourself a batch for lunch intending to enjoy them and some ne’er-do-well steals them, well risk’s on them and you didn’t do anything wrong. So I guess the take away is try to make lunch for yourself that you’d want to eat but that no one else would want to steal.

    • Senior Attorney

      In any event it wouldn’t be an assault. It would be a battery, if anything. Unencumbered as I am by any actual knowledge in this area of law, I’d say that if it were reasonably foreseeable that the victim would eat the food, and if it were the food-preparer’s intent that the victim do so, it could well be ruled a battery.

    • TOS

      On the criminal end – Assault is about threat of imminent harm, no contact is required. Battery is about actual physical contact.

      We don’t use the word that way in routine conversation.

      A friend was new to teaching and had a tough class. One problem student put something in her water bottle, not poisonous, just unpleasant. Teacher smelled it, they ID’d the student. The student was expelled. So yes, there are consequences if you believe someone else is going to ingest something harmful.

      The person who is in the fridge presumably has the right to be in the fridge, which is a shared, not public place. HR hates these spaces. Often the fridge goes away and everyone packs insulated lunchboxes. If it’s really bad, they monitor the area. It’s not a storage space, and misbehavior is tough to sanction.

      • Baconpancakes

        Putting something in someone else’s water bottle is different, though. What if the student had put something unpleasant in her own water bottle, not the teacher’s?

      • Senior Attorney

        It’s because you know or strongly suspect the lunch thief is going to take the food, and you intend for the thief to be harmed. The intent is not to protect your property but to harm the person taking it. It’s more like setting up a booby trap in your home to harm intruders, which is illegal in most if not all jurisdictions because it’s not self-defense if you’re not there when somebody breaks in and there’s no warning of the booby trap (unlike a dog, which is pretty obvious from the outset).

        • Baconpancakes

          So if you labeled it, “Seriously, these will disagree with you and you should not eat them. Way too dangerously hot for any human,” or “Laxative brownies,” but the thief still ate them, would it be ok?

      • nutella

        Because the food preparer does it with the intention of the thief eating it. It is like Blonde Lawyer’s example of the shotgun — it’s a trap with the intention of harming someone who doesn’t know about it. As for dogs, there are reasons people post “Beware of Dog” signs for guard/attack dogs.

  11. Follow up

    I was contacted by email about a job I applied for at the end of January. The hiring timeline given in the ad then was for the person to start in April. In the email they indicated that the hiring has been delayed. She then asked if I was still available to discuss my qualifications. I wrote back to say I am still available, and asked her to pick a convenient time. That was last week on Monday. Haven’t heard back and I would like to know when should I send a follow up email if at all?

  12. tinabelcher

    Can someone tell me why they love Lo & Sons products so much? Are all the bags loved equally? I’m contemplating getting “the T.T.” in army green.

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