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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. This cool reverse-lapel jacket caught my eye over at The Limited, as well as the interesting notched-hem skirt. First, the good: I think the reversed lapel looks really cool and modern, but still “reads” conservative suit. Plus, there are a lot of bottoms that seem to match the jacket — flare pants (pictured above), bootcut pants, and then the skirt. I have mixed feelings about the skirt — on the pro side, slits are supposed to be a hot trend right now. I forget where I saw that reported, but my reaction was to roll my eyes and think of all the times I've unwittingly flashed far too much leg (or, joy, support garments) with a slit in my skirt — so it isn't surprising that I'm hesitant about slits. Still, these seem to be pretty demure, as far as slits go. Again on the plus side: The Limited is having a great sale on suiting right now, where if you buy one you get one free with jackets, pants and skirts. The jacket (Reverse-Lapel Jacket) is $118, and the skirt (Notched-Hem Pencil Skirt) is $49.90, but with the promotion you'd only pay $118. (L-5)Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
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…
AIMS
How is the quality of Limited clothing? I keep getting drawn in by some of the styles but have no Limited nearby so hesitate to order…
Anonymous
I think its alright. Not great, but I have some pieces from there that are holding up nicely. The skirts I’ve bought have been lined and hold their shape throughout the day. I have a few sweaters, 1 of which has shrunk a bit but I drop my laundry off at the laundromat so it may just be a fluke. My thirst and tank tops have held up well. I’d go for it and have found returns to be pretty easy if you don’t like something.
Are you breaking out the new ankle rain booties for the storm?
Sydney Bristow
That was me. Someday I’ll remember to put in my alias when posting on a new thread!
AIMS
Thanks! I may just order but I hate returns so it’s always a tricky proposition for me.
And, ankle booties were just delivered to me today and are waiting for me at home. Haven’t tried on yet but I have never been so excited for rain! Will report back tomorrow :)
anonypotamus
hahaha. alias. that was my favorite show for so long!
MaggieLizer
This has been my experience with Limited clothes too. I have a few skirts (lined! for like $15!!!) and camis that I adore, but my sweaters from there haven’t held up very well. I’ve never gotten a suit there; they always seem to be stretchy fabrics that pull at the wrong places on me, but it’s been a while since I’ve looked.
a passion for fashion
I agree with the other posters re quality and price. in the last year or so, I’ve started buying some trendier pieces there that have turned out well. I bought a few spring and summer work appropriate dresses there last year for less than $50 each and they have been wonderful. They are very comfortable and flattering and I get many compliments. They will probably only last a few seasons, but hey, for the price . . .
I also found a black dress there last eyar for $24 that has been one of the biggest workhorses in my closet — works in the winter w/ tights or the summer w/o. Works for work with a blazer, conservative heels, and pearls, or for a night out with $exy heels and funky jewelry. I love it. its funny how that happens sometimes.
Backgrounder
Agree – quality is ok. Not sub par but certainly not great. I have had luck with most of their dresses, jeans, skirts and non-sweater tops. I have had terrible luck with their jewelry (I bought several pretty pieces which broke after a few months, or even days!). Yet, for some inexplicable reason I still gravitate to the store…
Trixie
For the price, I think it’s very good quality. I buy a large portion of my work wardrobe there. I love the Cassidy fit dress pants and have those in several colors. I wash them at home and they turn out fine every time! I have a really pretty navy suit from there as well, and it has held up nicely so far.
b23
Agreed. At least you’re paying less for the same not-fantastic quality, you know? I think it’s good for what you are paying for sure.
Lyssa
I’m a huge Limited fan. Yes, there is better quality out there, but for the price, it’s consistently pretty good. I have several suits from there that I’ve had for years with no appreciable wear. Sweaters have held up a little less well, so I would only buy those on deep discount. (OK, I almost never buy anything that’s not on deep discount.)
Miss Behaved
I’m wearing a Limited cardigan right now. It was only $19 last fall, but I love it. It’s a really pretty marled cobalt blue color.
AIMS
Thanks, guys! It sounds like it may be worth it at the price. I get bored wearing the same suits, but a lot of the cheaper brands I see have fussy details I dislike, so this may be a good alternative. I’m kind of digging this brown suit: http://tinyurl.com/bd5mase
Will report back if I pull the trigger.
anon
Here’s a weird question – how do you respond when service providers at your place of work hit on you? The man here fixing our copy machine has been staring at me all morning, and pulled me aside to say, “I don’t mean to stare at you, but you’re just so beautiful.”
He seems very nice so I don’t want to make trouble for him or complain, but now I feel really awkward and uncomfortable going to get coffee (since I have to walk by him fixing the machine to get to the coffee maker). Oh well. At least I feel better about the fact that I didn’t wash my hair last night — apparently it doesn’t look as bad as I thought it did.
Ellen
This hapens to me all the time–with the teck guy, the maintenence guy, the guy who clean’s the floors at night and the express mail delivery guy. I think it’s not so much b/c I am tpretty, but because he onley woman whose young enough for them in the office to flirt with.
I just try and minimise my contact with them, or say I “have an important call” that I have to make or tell them like I did the express guy that I had the Asian Flu, and beleive me, that guy took off REAL quick! YAY ELLEN my dad said, b/c he does NOT want me marrying any guy who work’s for the post office!
So do what I do and you can be safe. NEVER humur them! Otherwise, they think your interested in them and they will stick to you like fly’s to honey.
My dad is makeing me come home this weekend to go over and sign my taxe’s. He is takeing the deduction but said that he will defend me if AUDITED. He is NOT an acountant, and it’s time like these when I wish I had a SOBER Alan to consult with. FOOEY on drunk’s! Even CPA’s that perfer the bottel over me. Myrna also think”s dad is wrong, but she is not an acountant, but has an MBA from Pace. I supose I WILL follow my dad’s advise, b/c he is very smart.
Maddie Ross
Not really earth-shattering advice, but I usually just smile and say thank you and walk on. Should I need to pass again, I try not to make eye contact and invite any further comment or conversation.
hoola hoopa
If he’s just flattering and not creepy, then I like Maddie Ross’s suggestion. He’ll be gone soon enough. I’d go without coffee and avoid eye contact until then to be clear that you’re not interested.
Related story (that really doesn’t help you, but that I think is cute):
A friend married the man who refilled the office vending machines. After they started dating it came out that while she was buying cokes like crazy to empty it, he had only been filling it half-full.
b23
That is the cutest story EVER.
CW
SO ADORABLE.
Tired Squared
That is adorable!!
EmilyD
I am DYING!
AG
That story just made my day. I’m gonna stop reading all the rest if the comments below to avoid spoiling the mood. :)
lawsuited
I’m kind of loving flare dress pants at the moment.
momentsofabsurdity
Just FYI, Kat, the blazer link takes me to a 404 Page not Found page.
preg anon
I’m pregnant (obvi). I’m planning to continue to wear my regular blazers and suit jackets open, rather than buying maternity ones. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Do you think it looks okay? Would it be appropriate in state/federal court (as long as it still is a matching-ish suit)? Also, is there a certain style of jacket that looks better with this – cropped/long/etc.?
V
I did this, all the way to the end.
Spain (I think) once had a pregnant, female minister of defense. There was a picture of her in the WSJ overseeing her troops in an unbuttoned jacket (waist-up photo). Maybe it’s google-able?
Even un-pregnant, I still only button when walking. Maybe if I were standing in court.
couldn't resist
It is indeed very google-able.
Here’s the one you’re probably remembering:
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2008/04/16/spain_gets_two_defense_ministers_for_the_price_of_one
Although I like this one even better, which is apparently in Lebanon:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3224/33797342pz3.jpg
EmilyD
Pretty great. Thanks for posting!
hoola hoopa
^thumbs up to keeping your non-maternity jackets.
IME, shorter jackets (generally) work better as your belly gets better, although it really comes down more to button placement and belly carrying. (Even when you don’t button the jacket, the button placement defines how it hangs).
anon
I agree on keeping the non-maternity jackets, but in my experience the longer, one-button jackets transitioned in and out of maternity wear better. They look better with pants as separates or dressing up a more casual dress.
JJ
I sure hope it’s okay, because I have a federal jury trial in 6 days and I plan to do the same thing. I bought one maternity suit jacket and, luckily, it matches a black skirt pencil that I own that I can wear slightly unzipped with one of those bella-bands.
I will say, the last time I was pregnant, judges seemed to cut me some slack when I was visibly pregnant in a “suit-ish” outfit in court. Unfortunately, they just don’t make a lot of maternity suit options for 6′ tall women…(but that’s another thread).
Diana Barry
Totally fine. I did this all through pregnancy.
Leslie
My office environments were mostly business casual through my pregnancies, but I purchased one maternity jacket from motherhood and it served me well. I would pair it with a black pencil skirt for a suit-like look, or put it over a dress (a lot of my non-mat dresses fit for a good portion) to dress it up. Here’s a 33-week pic to give you an idea – http://flickr.com/gp/mrbunsrocks/47ua3C
If your office environment allows for it, sweaters, cardigans, etc work well too. A great spot for inexpensive and stylish maternity wear is ASOS – they have a lot of cute things, and for the most part, the prices are pretty good.
Leslie
I briefly changed permission on my preggo pics for this, but have changed them back to private. No offence to any of the lovely corporettes, but last time I left them public, weird preggo porn aficionados favourited them [even though I am COMPLETELY dressed]…and that skeeved me. Thus, permissions changed back. That said, I’m always happy to discuss preggo style with anyone who wishes to continue the convo. :)
Lyssa
I did this, and think that it worked fine. (I could not find a maternity suit that was acceptable to me in price or fit.) No one seemed to think it a problem, at least.
I think that you’ve got to just keep trying to figure out which jackets work. I know that I found that any that appeared even the slightest bit “shrunken” looked ridiculous on me once I developed a big belly. (Yes, I did try one on, immediately laugh at my reflection, and break into a rendition of Chris Farley’s “Fat (wo)Man in a Little Coat”)
Betty
I think it is totally fine. Plus, in my experience, you are given a great deal more leeway in appropriate attire when pregnant, even in court.
O.
I also did this, including in front of a judge who I had seen yell at male attorneys for not buttoning their suit jackets. He didn’t yell at me.
a passion for fashion
totally fine. I did this when preggers (in court and all) and have recently noticed that i still do this. in fact, im fairly certain that many of my suit jackets from before baby number 1 wouldnt close now if i tried, yet i still wear them.
hoola hoopa
Anyone have the Lord & Taylor Cashmere Fine Gauge Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater? I’m trying to gauge fit (for a S vs M). I already contacted customer service and they cannot give me actual garment measurements.
Description implies that it’s designed a bit loose, which is what I want. I have narrow shoulders, small rib-cage, large bust, and wide hips which can make shopping off the generic size charts misleading. The size chart puts me at an M, but I’m worried that I’ll be sizing up on an oversized garment and end up with a way too baggy sweater.
Related – how smooth are their returns by mail? No brick and mortar stores near me.
Anon
Once and for all-what’s the appropriate response to “You look tired”?
My stock response “oh how rude” does not endear me to my coworkers although I wholeheartedly mean it when I say it.
Dulcinea
Just smile and say thanks,and resist the urge to add “you too!”. Or do add it, depending on who it is. I really hate when people say that, it *is* very rude.
LilyB
I don’t actually get why this is a rude question, at least assuming the tone is kind and not snarky. Why not just say, yes, I’ve had a long/rough/stressful week, or just make a joke or something about needing more beauty rest? If someone said that to me I would not assume they were insinuating I was ugly or disheveled.
momentsofabsurdity
I think generally it’s a rude comment because it’s not like people don’t know they look/are tired, or that there’s really anything they can do about it in that moment. And unless you’re offering to handle some of my work so I can sneak in a nap, telling me I look tired isn’t super productive for me.
hoola hoopa
YMMV depending on your coworkers, but I tend to fall into this camp, too. My coworkers are generally sincere when they say something like this and are concerned/interested why I’m tired or stressed. It’s not the easiest thing to hear, but I cut them some slack.
Although, if the instance strikes me as rude, I go with a flat and slightly sarcastic “thanks.”
anon2
Because it implies that you look like cr*p. And some of us have inherited really dark undereye circles that are there whether I get 3 hours of sleep or 10. I shared this on here awhile ago, but for years my MIL used to comment on how tired I looked. The hereditary circles story never quieted her, but I finally just told her that her son was keeping me up all night. Shut her right up.
Em
I don’t think it usually means you look like crap – I think it usually means you look tired; I don’ think those two things are interchangeable. And when I think people look tired (I don’t say it, but I certainly think it) it usually has a lot more to do with their expression/demeanor than physical appearance, per se.
anon2
In what situation does anyone look better when they are tired? It’s really saying “you don’t look as good as you usually do – what’s wrong with you?” If that isn’t rude, I don’t know what is. And I acknowledge that I am more than a LITTLE touchy about this topic.
Em
I don’t think it’s the people look “better” or “worse” when tired or angry or upset; I’m not sure someone’s attractiveness correlates to the emotional state they’re projecting. And concern about the cause of that emotional state isn’t necessarily a comment on attractiveness either, even if the verb is “look” (which seems colloquial to me – I guess I’ve never perceived a different between “you look tired” and “you seem tired” or “you seem like you’ve had a tough week.” They all seem like normal expressions of sympathy to me.)
anon2
I still disagree. Perhaps the difference is that I’m sensitive to it because I hear it “you look tired” whether or not I really AM tired, and having to defend how I look (no, there’s really nothing wrong with my sleep habits, thank you) is tiring in and of itself. I also think this falls into the realm of “if you have nothing nice to say….” or you have no way to personally make it better, it’s best left alone.
anon
I can relate, except with a different physical trait: skin tone.
I am naturally VERY fair skinned. I get comments like, “you look pale- are you feeling okay/getting sick?” with some frequency. It always makes me feel uncomfortable, even if the person is well-intentioned.
NOLA
Well, it’s not a question. It’s a comment. And it’s not helpful. Tell someone she looks tired may be because she IS tired and how does it help her to say so?
FWIW, there are times when I know I look tired and even using concealer looks like I’m trying to hard somehow.
momentsofabsurdity
“Yeah. Being a nighttime superhero is exhausting.”
Anonymous
+1
NOLA
“Thanks, that’s helpful.”
anon2
+1
anon
Can anyone help me with a legal research question that is killing me? I can’t find a statute or law that discusses if an irs levy takes precedence over child support payment. (not a lawyer, but usually pretty good at legal research) I keep finding websites that say that, but I don’t know where they are getting that information from.
mascot
What state are you in? I would check there first to see if they have guidance for child support witholdings. Also see this website http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/css/resource/federal-agency-faqs-on-income-withholding
And look at definitions of property exempt from levy/liens in the tax code and on the IRS website.
Anonymous
Thanks, I have seen that info but can’t tell where they are getting that information from.
mascot
Not a tax/family lawyer, but google,esq. indicates it is from IRC §6334(a)(8). Also, it may be in the IRS manuals explaining how to apply the levy to wages/salary.
anon in tejas
Yes. federal debt trumps state debt very time.
Anon for this
I have an inside source that says the IRS must allow court ordered payments including child support. If a levy is 5000 but child support is 2000 the IRS has to release the 2000. My source is someone that does the levies.
anon
Thanks so much for that. Is there a law that its based on? and does that apply even if the levy is first? I really appreciate you asking!
anon
I think it’s likely b/c you don’t want children without support, whereas the IRS/Feds can deal without your $200/month to feed/clothe your child.
Anon for this
http://www.irs.gov/irm/part5/irm_05-011-005.html#d0e76
5.11.5.4 (09-14-2010)
Exempt Amount
Part of the individual taxpayer’s wages, salary, (including fees, bonuses, commissions and similar items) and other income, as well as retirement and benefit income, is exempt from levy.
The weekly exempt amount is:
The total of the taxpayer’s standard deduction and the amount deductible for exemptions on an income tax return for the year the levy is served.
Then, this total is divided by 52.
Income that is not paid weekly is prorated, so the same amount is exempt.
In addition, the amount the taxpayer needs to pay court ordered child support is exempt.
Note:
The support order can originate from a court or administrative process under the laws and procedures of a state, territory or possession.
Reminder:
If support is allowed, the same child can not be claimed as an exemption for figuring the exempt amount. See IRM 5.11.5.4 (2)a above.
If Then
The taxpayer has already shown proof of the required child support payment Write on the levy form, “Under section 6334 (a)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code, $ ____________________is exempt from this levy.”
The taxpayer shows proof of the child support after the levy is served Release enough of the levy so the support can be paid.
The taxpayer is not entitled to the support exemption unless the support is being paid.
Consider getting the taxpayer to have the child support payment withheld and sent directly to the person with custody.
Or, the taxpayer may make the child support payment through the Service, and the Service will forward the payment. When there is no open assignment, have the payments sent through Submission Processing. This may happen if the payments are being monitored in the campus.
Anon for this
If it is a bank levy
http://www.irs.gov/irm/part5/irm_05-011-004.html
5.11.4.5 (09-14-2010)
Income Deposited in a Bank Account
Part of taxpayer’s income is exempt from levy. See IRM 5.11.5.4Exempt Amount . Once income is deposited in a bank, there is no exempt amount. On the other hand, unlike a levy on wages and salary, a bank levy is not continuous.
When an entire paycheck is deposited, an economic hardship may exist because all of the money is levied. If this happens, release the levy in whole or in part, as appropriate, to avoid creating an economic hardship.
Note:
See IRM 5.11.2.2.1.4, Economic Hardship, for assistance in determining when a release of levy is required due to economic hardship. A levy is required to be released when the Service determines the levy is creating an economic hardship, i.e., the levy will cause the individual to be unable to pay their reasonable necessary living expenses.
Note:
Refer taxpayers to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) (see IRM Part 13, Taxpayer Advocate Service) when the contact meets TAS criteria (IRM 13.1.7, TAS Case Criteria) and you can’t resolve the taxpayer’s issue the same day. The definition of “same day” is within 24 hours. “Same day” cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours, as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer’s issue. Do not refer “same day” cases to TAS unless the taxpayer asks to be transferred to TAS and the case meets TAS Criteria. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.4Same-Day Resolution by Operations. When you refer cases to TAS, use Form 911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (and Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and forward to TAS.
Anon for this
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/6334
JJ
I usually go with a sarcastic “Yes, I’m living the dream.”
PollyD
I am convinced that some people think “you look tired” is a complement because it implies that they recognize you are So Terribly Busy and thus must be So Terribly Important. I think current American society puts a lot of stock in appearing busy. If you never take vacations and work so many hours a week that you look visibly tired, you must be a very good worker.
I’ve resigned from that whole bit of workplace theater, so would be inclined to answer, “I know! Bar-hopping and dancing on tables every night is SO EXHAUSTING!” But I might be in a b*tchy phase now.
Ugh
One of the secretaries said this to me yesterday and I probably (sort of unintentionally) gave her the death stare. Seriously lady? Who says stuff like that to people? Maybe she never learned the old rule about “if you don’t have anything nice to say…”. I think I managed a “yeah, its been a long day.” So rude.
SoCalAtty
I’m the perpetually smiling / upbeat person in the office, so when I’m tired it’s pretty obvious. I take it as “we’re worried” rather than a comment on what I look like. In my case, at least, that has actually been what the person meant.
Anonymous
I recently changed jobs, and there’s someone who works on my floor who I had a personal falling out with about 18 months ago. We don’t work in the same group, but we are in the same department. I see this person a few times every day. It sort of pains me to see this person, mostly because I miss them on a variety of levels. However, this person also doesn’t really bring out the best in me, and generally caused a lot of heartache in the past. Logically it’s probably best for me that we remain distant, regardless of how much I miss them, though if I wanted to, I think this person would be happy to be friends again.
I’m not really sure how to deal with it? I’ve been distant and professional for the past 2 weeks, but I’m starting to feel like I should have coffee and deal with it? Or am I better off continuing with my professional and distant behaviour?
S in Chicago
I know this may sound cold, but I would just continue the professional and distant behavior. If you aren’t friends anymore, there is a reason. And the last thing you want is to turn a somewhat awkward environment into a downright ugly one since she very likely knows a lot more about your personal life than many of your coworkers. My advice would be different if it were, say, someone you bumped into at a seminar. But don’t mess up where you work every day with potential to bring in more outside baggage than you have to.
gift for a landlord?
Need some ideas and counsel on what, if anything, is an appropriate thank-you gift for our landlords who are letting us stay in their third-floor apartment (above their two-story house) for a week while our place down the street becomes a construction zone.
Yes, we’ve certainly paid rent and they in turn owe us a place to stay, but giving us the keys to their building so that the necessary work can get done right away (rather than putting it off until we’re both out of town or something) seems like they’re going above and beyond. This isn’t urgent repair work, either–our (only) bathroom desperately needs retiling, but it’s definitely still functional even with broken/missing floor tiles. (The tile’s in bad shape just because it’s an old building and wasn’t terrifically well-maintained before my landlords took it on–we haven’t caused any damage.)
A potted plant? Nice foodstuffs? Something more/less specific? If it helps, they’re a retired urban couple, no children, lots of traveling.
Thanks!
East Coast Anon
Honestly, a sincere thank you can go a long way in showing your appreciation to someone. I have a printout of a thank you email I received a year ago that means more to me than any gift the person could’ve bought for me.
OP
Yes, I was definitely planning on a nice thank-you card–I guess it just seemed like something more was in order.
KC
I think cookies, flowers, or a box of chocolates would be a nice token. I’m sure they’ll be touched by any sort of gesture.
Also, where do I find landlords like this? They sound amazing!
b23
I agree. A small token in addition to the thank you note would be appropriate.
OP
Philly! And yeah, my landlords rock–I sing their praises at all opportunities. So if you know anyone who needs a good place to live in the City of Fraternal Affection . . .
Nan
It’s a nude-for-you suit! (Where “you” = the model.)
MB
This was my first reaction. I generally don’t like this color suit / pants for this reason.
ANP
Question re: clothing storage. How do you all store sweaters — hung or folded? What about pashminas? Scarves? “Dressy” t-shirts? I’m giving my postbaby wardrobe an overhaul and could use some advice. And when I say storage, I mean the stuff that’s in regular rotation. Thanks!
CKB
I don’t have a very large wardrobe, but I generally try to fold all knits, except for knit dresses, so they don’t stretch out.
Pippi
Sweaters: folded
Scarves: in one of those circle hangers from Ikea. I also store my tights like that.
Dressy t-shirts: hang them
wintergreen126
I generally fold my sweaters. I’m a little afraid that if I hang them, the shoulders will eventually sit sort of funny. As for “dressy” t-shirts, it depends on the fabric. If hanging it would result in it getting pulled or stretched in unflattering ways, I fold it. If it’s a little more robust, I’ll hang it, if only so I won’t have to worry about creases (I’m abysmal at ironing).
I don’t wear scarves or pashminas that often, so the few that I own are usually hung with the dress with which I would normally wear it.
Good luck with the wardrobe overhaul!
AIMS
I don’t have nearly enough closet space so this is not necessarily ideal, but… I fold sweaters in dresser drawers; dressy t-shirt, too, but not silk tops (hang those). For scarves/shawls, I buy hanging shoe organizers and hang in my coat closet, with scarves either rolled or folded (http://tinyurl.com/d7fbexb). This makes it really easy to access/put away what I have and to see it all, too, because often I forget.
Lyssa
I generally hang all of those things (a pants hanger works well for pashimas). But maybe I should try folding my sweaters, at least the ones thick enough not to wrinkle.
I also need to do some major post-baby wardrobe overhauling.
anonypotamus
For those of you that fold sweaters, is this true for cardigans as well? I currently fold my sweaters in my dresser drawer (due to a teeny tiny master closet), but I. Hate. folding cardigans. I feel like they always end up wrinkling no matter how careful I am with the creases. Does anyone have any wonderous tips for folding cardigans? I have heard that there is a way to hang them on a hanger that will avoid the stretched out shoulders problem, which I would love to do to make them more visible (in my alternate reality where I have a large closet!) but haven’t found a good solution yet.
Meg Murry
I hang as much as possible, because I’ve found its a lot easier for me to get dressed by flipping through hangers rather than pulling out folded items and then changing my mind, since they don’t usually get re-folded, or I have to pull out multiple black shirts to find the one with the neckline and sleeve length I was looking for when they are folded (yes, I know, I have way too many black shirts). I have those really thin velvety hangers and so far they don’t seem to have done any damage to my sweaters, although I don’t have many really nice ones – mostly cheap cardigans that stay in rotation even in winter due to crazy temperature swings at my office. I have one small stack of folded higher quality sweaters, 1 stack of pj pants and one of jeans/weekend pants and thats it – everything else is on hangers.
TO Lawyer
Yes I find hanging on the velvet hangers does less damage to your knits. Plus for some reason, I find hanging clothes to be less work than folding (not sure this is actually true).
KinCA
Any restaurant/attraction recommendations for Seattle? I will be there with my mom for four days in late April. We will be staying in the downtown area.
Thanks!
darby
I love Sitka & Spruce, also had a great meal at the Boat House & for day, Oddfellows Cafe is lovely.
Susie
My favorite was LoLa – http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola
CW
Tilth. It’s fantastic. I think you’ll need a car to get there and back (or you could always call a cab).
CW
Oh, also, Salumi. Get there early for lunch (they open at 11 and there is already a line by then) and order the porchetta.
bgo
I was just in Seattle! Purple and Bluacre were both fantastic and downtown- however the Walrus and the Carpenter was absolutely AMAZING and totally worth the cab ride. Just be forwarned they don’t take reservations and the wait when I got there at 5:20 on a Thursday was 35 minutes. There is another restaurant right in front of it called Staple and Fancy that was also fantastic! For daytime the Wandering Goose in Capital Hill was wonderful for breakfast/ brunch.
anonypotamus
If you like sushi, Shiro’s is hands down fantastic. It is in Belltown (very close to downtown) and there is usually a lot to do around there at night as well. In terms of attractions, EMP (the Experience Music Project) is fun, the Seattle Art Museum usually has really good exhibits, and the Olympic Sculpture Park along the water is fun to check out esp if it’s not raining. There is always Seattle Center and the Space Needle, but skip the restaurant at the top – overpriced and mediocre. Have fun!
AK
My favorite restaurants: Poppy (thali style, but with local PNW ingredients), Walrus and the Carpenter, Brouwer’s, Dot’s Delicatessen for lunch.
Attractions: Theo’s chocolate factory tour is our go-to for visitors. Also, taking a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island is a fun way to spend a day/afternoon.
AK
Oh! And Skillet has really awesome breakfast. A line forms pretty early, but you can have coffee while you wait.
Anonymous
Like others, if you’re downtown, I’m a fan of Purple. I would also really recommend Lola. And you should really, really go to Dahlia Lounge and have the coconut pie.
As for attractions, well, weather will be dicey then. If it’s a nice day and you guys are fairly hardy walkers, I’d head to the waterfront and walk it all the way down to the Olympic Sculpture Park. I’m underwhelmed by the Seattle Art Museum – fine, but nothing special in my opinion.
Getting out of downtown, two of my favorite trips for visitors are:
1) Head to the Ballard Locks. Check out the fish ladder and watch boats going through (it’s mesmerizing). You might even see a seal! If the weather is nice, you should take picnic stuff and continue on to Golden Gardens for sunset over the Olympics. My favorite restaurant in Seattle is Bastille, for which you’d need a reservation. Volterra is also an awesome choice (but pricey) if you prefer Italian or have sort of a Twilight thing. For drinks, if you want cocktails, I’d go to Hazlewood; beer, I’d go to the Noble Fir. My favorite shop there is Lucca, which is full of interesting little trinkets.
2) Ferry to Bainbridge Island. If you make this a morning trip, have coffee and a cinnamon roll at the Blackbird Bakery. If not, get a lavender sugar cookie there, and maybe a bowl of soup with their yummy bread. Bainbridge has very cool forest parks and an interesting fort at the south end, but you’d need a car (or a rented bike and strong legs). If you don’t want to roam, take a walk along the docks in Eagle Harbor and check out the shops in Winslow (a quarter-mile from the ferry terminal). For fancy dinner, the Four Swallows is great; for casual meals, my go-to is the Eagle Harbor Pub. There’s also very interesting (and good) sushi.
CM
I’ll be keeping an eye on these responses– lived in Seattle for 9-ish months now, and I haven’t been to half of the restaurants/attractions mentioned so far! For my $0.02, I really like the brunch at Toulouse Petit, in Queen Anne; somewhat pricey, but if you go during their brunch happy hour (I think weekdays only), it’s more reasonable. And I second the Skillet recommendation– splurge for the massive cinnamon roll, yummm!
For attractions, in case it’s on your radar, I’d skip the Seattle Aquarium; it’s small and, in my opinion, pretty dark and claustrophobic. The otters are really cute, though! The Theo chocolate tour is really fun, as is getting tickets to sporting events if that’s your thing (I’m a transplant from New England, and it still boggles my mind how inexpensive and easy to get tix are)
new york associate
I have a suit that is this color and I have always felt awkward wearing it any time other than high summer (i.e., July-August). It’s just a lot of khaki fabric, and it feels sort of like I’m about to go on safari. I usually wear it with either black, pale blue, or coral, but maybe those are the wrong choices. Any tips for wearing a suit this color in a more intentional way?
Equity's Darling
Well, law firms can be a jungle sometimes, so maybe feeling like you’re on safari is appropriate…
I think all your colour choices are great, I love black with khaki. I think it would also look great with green/yellow, but I’d be too afraid of being reminiscent of camoflauge. Red would also look nice, so would a chocolate brown if you were going for all one shade. I think khaki is quite neutral, it matches with pretty much everything.
zoloft?
Has anyone been on Zoloft? What were your experiences? I just started a very low dose, and the side effects (nausea, drowsiness, waking up in the middle of the night) are not great. My doctor told me they would improve after a week… I really hope so.
KinCA
I was on it as a pre-teen, and it worked fine for me. However, I went back on it as an adult recently and the side effects were too much for me. Most of them eventually went away, but the waking up in the middle of the night never improved, so I switched to Celexa after a month – much better!
Anon
I’m on a different antidepressant but my experience was that the side effects (on a low dose) subsided after about a month, so if you can, try to stick it out a bit longer. Especially the side effect of having trouble sleeping – that is totally gone now.
anon this time
I went on a low dose a little over a year ago. I always took it at night, right before bed (as recommended by my doc) which will make the drowsiness more welcome and the waking up less likely. It probably should make the nausea less likely, but i dont recall that being an issue. The most noticable side effect though is weight gain — i’ve gained almost 25 lbs and basically had to buy a whole new wardrobe. i work out every day and try to watch my eating habits (which have not changed much), but to no avail. For now, im still OK with the weight gain and believe i have finally leveled off. But i am looking forward to going off it at some point in the not too distant future
Snoozy
I was only on it briefly, as I had the most horrific nightmares imaginable (this is a pretty rare side effect though). A pity, as in everything else it did what it was meant to!
Miss Behaved
I switched to something else in the fall because after 6 months I’d gained over 10 pounds and it also made me sweat profusely.
SoCalAtty
I’ve only been at my new, fabulous in-house position for 3 weeks…and I’ve recieved actual compliments from peers and superiors!
I know it sounds weird to be super excited about that, but I’m coming out of a position where nothing I ever did was right, ever, not even short emails to opposing counsel.
Such a relief. Also, there IS hope for those of you in bad law firm situations!!
Mary Ann Singleton
So good to hear! How’s your horse doing? Is she back in training or still just eating money?
Plan B
Glad things are working out for you!
Anon
Glad things are working out for you!
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