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For 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.
I don't think we've featured this simple navy suit from Elie Tahari before, but I really like it — the slim lapels on the fitted blazer look great, and the slim pants look sleek and sophisticated. It's also nice to see a more designer-y suit that goes up to size 16; some other noteworthy brands in this price range stop at 10/12. Bloomingdale's has the blazer and pants, as does the Elie Tahari website. (And: whoa: the blazer and pants are also available via Amazon Prime Wardrobe, which could be awesome for trying on interview suits…) The blazer is $398, and the pants are $198.
Looking for a classic suit in plus sizes or on for a budget-friendly interview suit? We've got you covered…
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Sales of note for 9.10.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Save up to 40% on new markdowns
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- White House Black Market – 30% off new arrivals
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Long distance
I need tips on long distance job searching. I am in Europe, and looking at positions in the U.S. Ideally I would hope to land something before my current position ends, but at the same time positions I am currently looking are looking to get someone starting in 1 or 2 months, which may not be enough time for me to wrap things up and move. Tips on how to go about this? In the meantime I am also trying to get informational interviews because I would like to change industries—I have been in academia. Anyone who has done this before?
Anon
I’m not of any help but I am trying to change industries too and hadn’t thought of asking for informational interviews!
LifeScienceMBA
Yes! (Academic from Germany, moved to US from Switzerland with my husband a few years ago, found a job after green card was granted.)
First of all, are you looking for academic or “industry” roles? If the latter, is visa required or not?
The strategy changes depending on the answers. If you’re looking for industry roles plus require visa sponsorship, you will have a much harder time. Academia has recruiting cycles for postgraduate programs as well as tenure positions (usually apply before end of year for positions in the next fall, but varies by school/field).
For informational interviews:
– Can you use your existing network? Professors? Other academics who’ve made the jump?
– Use LinkedIn, search for alumni of your school (if you’re from a bigger one in Europe).
– Are you a member of a relevant professional (global) organization? For example, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association or similar. These can serve as a great entry point for you to make contacts remotely via their member directories, or just via LinkedIn.
In my experience, setting up informational interviews and connecting to people remotely is a numbers game. You have to connect to 100 contacts on LinkedIn to get maybe 15 calls.
OP here
In my case I will have a green card so visa will not be required. I am looking at non-profits, and industry. I have also seen staff scientist positions at some academic institutions in my field. I went to school in the US so will definitely look into alumni groups too. You have just reinforced my intuition about doing informational interviews, I wasn’t so sure but will continue.
Anon
Does anyone have experience with installing a nest or nest-like system in their homes? I’m considering installing a thermostat that I can connect to with an App, and would like a brand that I could eventually add on a doorbell camera and/or automatic lock (bluetooth or code). I’m not into Alexa or voice recording devices. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Abby
We have a nest! The cheaper white one, and I like it a lot. I’m not sure if it saves us any money but we have an old house. I like setting our schedule and seeing our usage history. Keep an eye out for rebates, I bought ours at the end of 2017, and got a rebate from DTE and consumer energy, and nest just happened to have a promotion that gifted a free google mini home. I know you’re not interested in that, but thermostat and mini home together after all the rebates was maybe $50-$60
Lady boss
I have a Nest too! The Learning – more expensive 3rd gen maybe?
I originally ordered an Ecobee and it was not compatible with my house. I knew that I did not want to specially hire an electrician and I wanted to DIY it myself, so I upgraded to the more expensive Nest – which was VERY easy to install and compatible with my 2-wire-1960 home electricity
the Nest is very slick, nice to look at (I didn’t like the white iPod looking one) and I’m so proud that I did it.
Mrs. Jones
DH just installed two Nest thermostats after Xmas, and it has been easy to use.
CountC
I have a Nest thermostat, doorbell, and indoor camera. I installed them all myself without issue, and I like that I only have to mess with one app. Thumbs up from me (although I am sure I do not use them all to their full potential).
Anon
I love my nest and hope to get the ring doorbell someday. It was super easy to install and is great. I live in an old two story house and I can now control the thermostat from upstairs on my phone, which i could never do before.
This past weekend we were away and the nest automatically sensed that and went into away mode, which keeps the house at 53 degrees. On our way home, when we were 40 minutes out, I told the nest to move the heat to 66 degrees and it was perfect when we got home.
Anonymous
I have a similar system through AT&T Digital Life. There are features to that system (full security for the house) that are different from those available with Nest, so I’m throwing it out for comparison. If it were just a camera and thermostat I needed, I’d probably prefer Nest functionality.
Anonymous
Installed a Nest Thermostat into our empty house that we’re trying to sell. VERY IMPORTANT, you need a C wire. The website compatibility says you don’t need one, but you do. I did the initial installation and it didn’t work, had the HVAC folks come out and they ran new wires from our furnace to the Nest and we’re good to go. It’s super easy to use and I love being able to monitor that house from the app.
anonymous
Trying again, in case anyone has thoughts…
Is anyone here able to share some kind of a range for salary for academic advisor positions or career services positions? This would be for prestigious law school in a HCOL city.
Pompom
Hi! We might have spoken at some point a bit ago–sorry if I missed a post/communication!
I can only speak to the law school career services side of things, but in a HCOL prestigious school, expect anywhere from 60-80K starting for an individual contributor role (ie one on a team of many coaches/counselors).
Good luck!
January
I looked at these types of position last year and was quoted salaries in a similar range.
Anon
Yup a friend got a career services job at a less prestigious (but still good) law school for about 60K so these numbers sound right to me also.
nutella
Kat,
I’m curious why this page often reads “Waiting for ww w. f@ceb00k. c0m…” at the bottom – is this hosted through fb? (Symbols used to avoid m0d)
Kat G
Interesting — we are not hosted or otherwise affiliated with Facebook, and I’m definitely not using their commenting system. Where are you seeing that notification? If you could send me a screenshot that would be awesome — https://corporette.com/tech/
Anon
You’re using the fb pixel. The site loads fbevents . js, looks like it is tracking page views. You can view this in the page source.
Kat G
Ohhh yes we are doing that. I’ll have to see why it’s waiting…
Anon
I know many people are planning winter ski trips. If you haven’t heard of the UK outdoor gear brand Mountain Warehouse, get thee acquainted! We discovered them on our trip to Scotland last year and have no idea how we had never heard of them. Their quality on outdoor gear is just as good as any of the American brands, but for a fraction of the price. And free shipping to the States on $50! Just remember to order your UK size.
Back to my point – for ski trips this winter, they have $99 packages on ski outfits for the whole family. I swear I have no connection to them, it’s just such a great deal that I wanted to share.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/us/ski/ski-packages/
Anon
Thank you, Mountain Warehouse intern.
Anon
Haha, no no, really. Full-time poster, long-time budget shopper. I recommended the MaryCrafts dresses a couple years ago and more recently the Cole Haan down parka :)
Cb
I second this endorsement. The prices are great and the quality is very good. Sales are very frequent. I bought a jacket for my husband and it’s indistinguishable from his pricey Rab jacket, and I paid £30 for it in the sales. The kids stuff is also awesome, much better quality than the supermarket stuff and comparable to the big outdoor brands at about half the price. The puffer is particularly good.
Pilates
Help. I’m scared of pilates but I know it’s so effective. I keep signing up for classes and cancelling. I think part of it is because I always feel out of place at a barre class… I’m not super flexible or skinny. It’ll be okay right? And even if it sucks, it’s only 55 minutes? I think I just need a pep talk
Anonymous
It’ll help you gain flexibility and you’ll feel great after. It’s only 55 min. Maybe a cute new outfit would be motivating?
Equestrian Attorney
I go to pilates every week and am not particularly thin or athletic. It’s fine! Obviously this depends on the studio but my experience is very positive, the teacher is friendly and encouraging but doesn’t say anything if you need to take a break. Your body will ache the next day for sure, but it’s really effective. And yes, it’s not always the best at the time but it goes by pretty fast and is worth it. Try it a few times and see if you still really hate it?
K
No one cares what you look like. If you can’t do some of the moves the instructor can show you modifications. It will definitely be ok, and the only way to get more comfortable with it is to keep going. YOU GOT THIS.
GoodLuck!
You’ve got this! I’m the least flexible person in yoga class, and have been since I started practicing yoga ~5 years ago. I still benefit from it tremendously – my improved core strength and flexibility have protected me from running injuries. I don’t know if anyone is judging silently (I assume not) but if so it’s their problem. They may be kick-ass yogis, but I’m faster and better at math. You may be (currently) a pilates beginner but you’re an expert at a lot of things. And, hey, if you insisted on being excellent at everything you’d never try anything new.
anne-on
Reformer or mat? Either is great, but I think reformer is definitely one newcomers ‘feel’ more the following day. Just arrive a bit early, let the instructor know you’re new, and try to wear something relatively form fitting (not skin tight if you don’t want to) so they can easily see if you need corrections on your form. I also find pilates very relaxing/meditative – just challenging enough to snap me out of my own head, and lots of focus on breathe and form.
Have fun! I love reformer pilates and sadly just don’t have time to make it to my local studio much lately.
Pilates
Ok this is exactly what I needed. Thank you!
Inspired By Hermione
I do barre. In “real life,” I’m not the world’s most graceful human being, and even in barre I’m not quite as…dancer-lithe-flexible as most of the women who are in the classes I take. But I enjoy it, I see results, and I don’t know any of these people outside class so, whatever, stare at me if you want, idgaf.
I think a lot of it is just about being OK with that you’re not going to “get” it immediately (and I assume the same goes for Pilates) and that over time you’ll pick it up. It’s also very teacher dependent- I am certain I would have not gone after my first class if I hadn’t liked my first teacher. I still don’t go to classes where the teacher isn’t encouraging and makes me feel like sh*t about myself or what I can and can’t do.
BigFour Oh
I’m need help with my plan to throw myself a 40th birthday party at a place with Karaoke. I’ve only done karaoke once before and found a place near me on Yelp. They have a limited food menu but you can bring in any food and drink, and book a room for a couple of hours as needed.
Can anyone give me advice on how this would work? The plan is that I would bring in food and some drinks, (and of course pay for the karaoke) and have friends over and we all belt out some songs.
I have elementary school aged kids and so do some of my friends (both spouses would be invited). I’m open to having the kids in the party but if it’s a small room they’ll likely be bored. I could have my usual babysitter watch my kids at home (and celebrate with cake with them separately). I am even open to getting a couple of babysitters home to watch all the kids (friends included) but our home would get messy and I’m not sure I’m up for the cleanup after. I even thought about paying for some other outdoor activity (like a kids Gym class for all kids) but really unsure how this would go – and wouldn’t they need supervision, etc. A couple of the kids are preschoolers and one infant, so can’t think of a one size fits all solution.
Other options – rent a karaoke machine at home? (Not too keen on cleanup for the party at my home to be honest – I just want to have a fun time and relax). Or do something else altogether which is more kid friendly?
Anon
Do you have a housekeeper? Do any of your friends? I hire my housekeeper to help me prep for and clean up after my annual Christmas party. She helps me set out food as I’m in the mad, last-minute rush before guests arrive, keeps the food refilled during the party, and as it’s winding down, she puts away the leftovers and washes the dishes before I’ve even said good night to the last guest. I generally pay her $200 for the whole thing – it runs about 3 pm to 8 pm.
ER
I can see this being the most fun starting at 8 or 9 pm, after kid bedtime, with adult drinks and late-night apps.
Anon
+1 Because very few people are going to want to do karaoke sober.
BigFour Oh
Thanks. That’s true, I was planning to have drinks and dinner but maybe 6:30 or 7pm is not the best start time for karaoke.
ER, were you suggesting then that folks can get their own post-bedtime babysitters and come over to my place sans kids?
Regarding the housekeeper – That’s a good idea, but it’s not the food serving/cleanup that’s my biggest hurdle to having a party at home, it’s the kids. They will strew stuff everywhere and it won’t just be the toys (one time we had a party they took sheets and comforters off the beds to build a fort in the kids room). I’d like them to have fun, but I’d prefer they have fun somewhere else and we can come home to comfortable beds! :)
ER
(Sorry this is so late). Could be your place, or could be an actual karaoke place. And for folks with kids, I would sort of expect them to pre-eat something, so I would have nachos and chicken wings and veggie plate or similar late-night appetizers, but not a formal dinner. OR (just thought of this) you could have a whole lot of sushi and champagne. Actually that is now my favorite idea.
I mean, I don’t do a lot of karaoke, but it tends to be something people do between midnight and 3 am, in my experience. I was just suggesting 9 pm because I don’t like to stay up that late, and neither do most of my friends anymore. And if you do a party where everyone brings over their kids, it will turn into being a party centered on the kids – that’s just how kids are. It would be easier during the summer if you could have a cookout or pool party, but it’s harder in the winter.
Anon
Don’t people get babysitters anymore? My friends do. I’d just throw an adult only party.
Rainbow Hair
Hey, do any of y’all have a Circut or Silhouette cutting machine? What do you like? How did you choose which one to buy?
In the short term, I’m going to make stencils to use in etching glassware, and in the longer term, I want to use it to make all the crafts! Like dress up outfits for my Kiddo, cute gifts, etc. etc.
Would love to hear any personal experiences.
Anonymous
I have both! Email me at foylefoley @ the g of mail with any ?
Ariadne
Hi, not sure if you are still reading, but though I don’t have one, I sometimes watch inside the hem on YouTube, and I think she did a vlog on her circuit maker, and made some zipper bags and other stuff with it. Good luck and enjoy:)
Rainbow Hair
Ooh thanks for the tip!
Divorce Blogs?
I finally got up the courage to file for divorce after too many years. I am in shock and overwhelmed. Are there any blogs anyone would recommend about going through the process or getting through the process? I’d just feel better seeing how others have gotten through this and (hopefully) hearing it really is better once it’s all behind you.
Senior Attorney
OMG it is unimaginably better once it’s all behind you!
I don’t have any particular reading recommendations for you, but I am living proof that you can get through it and come out so so so much better on the other side!
Remember: The only way out is through!
Anon
I think you do walk around shell shocked for the first X weeks. How long depends on where you are emotionally and your circumstances. Ex-H and I were more friends than lovers, and we lived apart for years because of work (so, marriage by text), and even then it took me 5 months to feel like I had my wits about me and knew which way was up. But once I was over it, I was over it and felt like I was on an even keel again. I just remember being in such a daze for the first two-three months and not knowing how to disentangle our lives…even though we had two sets of everything already from our years apart! But it really does get so much better.
And I’ll give you this permission in case you need it: it’s ok to be RELIEVED that your marriage is finally ending. I just remember feeling such a weight lifted off of me – giddy, even – that we didn’t have to keep trudging along.
Anon
On Facebook there’s a group called what would Virginia wolf do (it was profiled in the NYTs) and they have a subgroup on divorce – resources, support, etc.
OP
Thank you for the support and suggestion. This has to get better (I don’t think it can get worse).
Anon
If you’re still following, I’ve done it twice. First time I didn’t initiate but the second time I did. You’ll get through this but there will be some really bad days. All you can do is tell yourself that tomorrow is coming and you get to start again. Try to keep busy, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and if you just need to scream and cry – do it. As Senior Attorney says, the only way out is through. And it really does get better. We’re here for you.
Ellen
Hugs and contratulations! It is going to be a relief for you not to have a schmoe around stinking up the toilet and making a mess for you emotionally. The others have suggestions for places to get over him, but don’t forget, you have the POWER of the HIVE behind you! We all have our own stories of schmoes we dumped and we are all the better for it!
On another note, did anyone read the Harvard Business Review article on not reading your emails all day? Here it is:
https://hbr.org/2019/01/how-to-spend-way-less-time-on-email-every-day
I get at least 12-15 emails a day, and I have learned NOT to respond to them until the END of the day. That way, I still respond, but do NOT have to drop everything to answer a client or Dad, or Rosa, Myrna, or anyone else until the END of the day! I save a lot of time that way! I should have gone to Harvard, if I knew what I know now! YAY!!!
Anonymous
Bay area residents — I’m in SF this week for work, and am largely tied up in depositions. However, I have free time for dinner tonight and tomorrow, and an entirely free morning on Friday. I’ve never been to SF (lifelong east coaster). Advice for the best area to get up early and explore on Friday morning? Any great solo dinner spots? I’m working/staying at the Embarcardero Center but can uber around.
Anon
I suggest Slanted Door in the ferry building for a meal. Walking along the Embarcadero can be very pretty, or you can take a round trip ferry ride to, say, larkspur or Sausalito and see some of the Bay.
Anonymous
Friday morning, I would go up the Filbert steps (from the waterfront side), up to Coit Tower. I think it’s one of the most beautiful, magical places in San Francisco, and you can do it relatively early in the morning. It’s a lot of steps up, so I guess I wouldn’t do it unless you would describe yourself as someone who likes to hike. Then either walk or Uber to a great place for breakfast or lunch. (I’m a peninsula dweller so can’t recommend any good food options, unfortunately).
Emma
I’m personally a fan of the mission- Gracia Madre has excellent Mexican food, bi-rite has some of the best ice cream in the US, and there are tons of fun stores (some of my fave bookstores too!), to wonder around in.
Anonymous
In the Ferry Building, Frog Hollow has amazing fruit and the granola parfait is yummy. You can also grab a lunch sandwich at Acme bread. The boat tours of the bay sound lame but are amazing. I like Ozumo for dinner, book ahead and ask for a table with a bridge view.
KJosie
Nice suit, but I’m so disappointed at the trend toward one-button blazers.
Would love to see 2-3+ button blazers featured.
Anonymous
Note for pears, I have found Elie Tahari thigh friendly.