Suit of the Week – Nanette Lepore
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 Nanette Lepore suit has a lot going for it — it's a classic gray color but with enough quirky details to make it interesting and, I think, flattering. Love the peplum flounce to the jacket, as well as the side pleats to the skirt. The jacket (Nanette Lepore Long Sleeve Star Bright Jacket
) is $398, and the skirt (Nanette Lepore Pleated Shining Skirt) is $248.
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Love this, but would need to know how long the skirt is. It’s 3-4″ too short on the model for my personal preference, but I also imagine the model has much longer legs than I. Corporette’s website seems to be wondering the same thing, as the first “you might like” is “How short is too short of a skirt? (The Poll!)”
22 inches. I’m only 5-8, and it is hitting the model exactly where a 22 inch skirt would hit me.
http://www.nanettelepore.com/shining-skirt.html
i think 22″ is long enough for the office.
Boo, too short for me. I’m 5’6″ and a 22″ skirt hits a good 2 or 3″ above my knee. I think it’s really cute, but could read young if not styled correctly.
Me too, Scully – too short.
Ha, 22″ is two inches below the knee on me! I.e., too long for the office unless I want to look stumpy.
If this had pants with it instead of a skirt, I would have already purchased it.
Threadjack right off the back:
We are moving into a new office with new security measures, which means I am now the lucky owner of an security card that has to be swiped to get anywhere (even going to the restroom). While they nicely gave us a belt clip, I often wear dresses (and have a lot of other work keys) and have reluctantly decided that a lanyard id badge/keychain is the way to go. Problem: I can’t find any pretty ones. I thought I used to remember coach and kate spade selling them, but I can’t find any on their websites. Did I just imagine this? I would prefer nothing beaded b/c it will be heavy and a mishap would be quite messy. Suggestions?
No particular shop rec, but if I were you I would browse Etsy.
You might also consider a “bracelet” instead of the lanyard. I used to have one of those rubber spring-y ones, and I got in the habit of pushing it up over my elbow when I was sitting at my desk, or leaving it on the corner of the desk and grabbing it to put on my wrist whenever I got up from my desk. It certainly wasn’t a (positive) fashion statements, but I was more annoyed by my lanyard getting caught up with my necklaces, etc., and this solution worked for me.
You could get a Vera Bradley lanyard if that is your personal taste. (It’s not mine, but to each her own.)
Any kind of longer chain necklace would work fine as a lanyard.
Having been there, done that, I recommend the bracelet solution. My bracelet solution was often nothing fancier than an ordinary elastic band, but it is pretty easy to get into the habit of picking up your security card and putting it around your wrist whenever you leave your office. Also a little less visually intrusive than a lanyard.
I carry mine in a pretty ID card holder. It sounds like you have to swipe yours a lot more than I do, though, which means you’d be in greater danger of forgetting it. For lanyards, I used to just use a plain, unobtrusive black one from Staples.
I just leave mine in my desk drawer (clipped to its belt clip) and pick it up when i’m going somewhere and carry it in my hand.
Vera Bradley. I don’t like the bags as they present a little too much color for me, but their lanyards are great.
I find mine at the coach outlet pretty regularly (the lanyards). They typically have metallic ones (gold/silver) or plain colored ones (my current one is pink). I agree they are probably visually distracting, but I have to have my card to get anywhere in the office (even the bathroom), and I know a bracelet solution would never work for me because it would annoy me when i was sitting and I’d just end up taking it off and forgetting to put it back on.
Thanks for all of the suggestions; I would have never thought of the bracelet idea. I also love the Vera Bradley suggestion. They are so cute (and cheap!) and my assistants will need lanyards too, so I think these would be the perfect “office warming” present. I guess Coach just sells the lanyards at their outlets and not on their website…very frustrating.
I got my mom a pretty beaded one at Dillards (near the eye glass necklace thingies.)
My office has similar security measures and of the 100+ people on my floor, there is only one person (a man) who wears his ID on a lanyard. It is very conspicuous and a bit funny looking. I don’t think you need one – I just keep mine on my desk and know to pick it up when I’m going anywhere. You might think this is a big change, but you’ll get used to it. Don’t get a lanyard unless you’re a month in and find you’re having difficulty.
Agreed. I wore mine on a lanyard when i started as a first year until a partner told me it was unprofessional and that only IT guys wore those. Ha!
This cracks me up. Everyone at my software company wears the lanyards. I kind of hate them, so I just use one of the clips. I can always find a place to clip it (usually my dress has a belt, tie waist, or something)! Anyway, this comment made me laugh b/c it is so true.
I would get locked in a vault for sure if I tried this approach. Know your office and know your temperment on this one… not having it default automatically on me at all times would be bad new for me. And in case of (frequent in some cities and fields) emergencies, it’s asking for real trouble. (earthquakes…)
Hmm, there are no vaults to get locked in in my building. They are necessary to enter an area but not to exit (which you’re right, sounds like it could be a fire hazard).
If you look on line, you can find places that sell reel clips with a spring-loaded clip to put your swipe card on. These work much better for dresses, etc., than the ones that are meant to slide on to your belt. You can clip the clip on the seam of your dress. Keep your other keys on a separate ring to avoid bulk.
Find a lanyard/ necklace/bracelet that you like, then attach the retractable clippy thing to that and to the card. I find that having the ability to have the card move in/out with the retractable cord plus some means of wearing it without it being clipped directly to yourclothes helps. That is, when I remember to wear it…
my large company REQUIRES us to wear the badge at all times chest high and visible. Hate that. I use the clip, but when wearing delicates like silk, cashmere- there’s no good way to attach it. Lanyards make me feel like a dog> hate how they feel around neck, ruin an outfit, and tangle with necklaces. I have yet to find a good solution. Clipping it to waist area I am so far getting away with but bracelet would be unacceptable. All the men and most women wear lanyards:( Please share more ideas, if you have them.
Can you keep it on your blazer or outermost layer, or would you get busted if you took off that layer?
Unfortunately I think lanyard is the only way with your situation – and it’s true you can’t really wear a necklace with a lanyard. Maybe you could get a collection of lanyards so you can at least change it up?
I keep mine in the front of my bra, in its little clear cover w a subway card and emergency cash in the back. That’s my best solution evolved from many other options over many years. Leaves right and left marks when I take off in the evening, but not at all uncomfortable during day (don’t notice it at all). I kind of curtsy for the card readers and am shameless about getting it out to confirm with a requesting officer at a check or during a crisis (earthquake…) Wipe the case w my face cloth when taking off makeup at night. We are supposed to have ours showing all the time but it isn’t a problem for me– sometimes (once a week?) I get asked to see it, and I show it. I have to have it out in the morning to get in, of course, so just pop it in after we get in and then forget about it, opening doors at whim as if by magic, by curtsying.
Have a bunch of Boojibeads (sp?) but that gets old fast for me, either switching out or wearing the same thing every day, plus just wearing even the cutest plastic necklace when I am not a wear-a-random-plastic-necklace girl.
Be sure whatever route you go to consider safety– if a necklace, be sure it’s got a breakaway or magnet back, so no garroting. And if you wear it visibly, don’t forget not to wear it on the commute to and fro as the bad guys are watching (if you’re in govt, etc.) and regular old skeeves can stalk you (whatever your biz).
Some superficial Qs:
(1) One of my undereye circles is noticeably larger and darker than the other, and has been since elementary school at least. For now, I am looking for recommendations for concealer that will even out the circles, but not leak into my eye or the creases around it. Ideally from a company that doesn’t do animal testing (bodyshop, origins, tarte, bobbi brown, etc.). For the long term, has anyone undergone a procedure (proposed by my derm, but he is new and maybe a bit sleazy) whereby they inject something to plump up your skin, and apparently this will reduce the circle for a while, but then will need to be plumped up again in a few years? Costs a few hundred dollars, not covered by insurance, apparently people do this to fill in wrinkles, etc.?
(2) Relatedly, I just turned 30 and am noticing wrinkles around my eyes (crows’ feet and in undereye circles). Recommendations as to better moisturizers, creams, etc.? Right now, I use Clean & Clear anti-acne moisturizer, which I think is drying out my face too much and probably exacerbating the problem. I would like to spend not much money on this (no $50, 1/2-oz. eye creams, unless that is all there is). The truth is that I don’t mind the wrinkles so much, but it seems like everyone else in the world is anti-wrinkle. Also, I think that the concealer I’ve been using has exacerbated the wrinkly look because it gets into the creases. Or perhaps I am paranoid.
Also right around 30. I use Stri-Vectin eye cream (in addition to my normal Olay lotion and a 50+ spf Neutrogena sunscreen on my whole face). I’ve been really happy with it. It hasn’t caused me to break out and the skin around my eyes feels taut to me. It also doesn’t tend to cause my eye makeup to run or look oily. It’s pricer than some drugstore brands, but one tube lasts a long time.
Where do you buy it? Walgreens-type product, or Boston Store, or other?
I bought mine thru drugstore DOT com. Sephora also carries it. I even saw it at Costco this weekend, though I think you would need to share with someone if you bought it there as it was a lot of product.
I use Strivectin as well, and got it in a two-pack at Costco for maybe $50? I’m still on the first tube, and it’s probably been 9 months at least, and I use it almost every morning and night. I won’t say it’s the most magical eye cream ever or anything (don’t know what is, frankly), but I do think that my eye area is more moisturized, and I do think my wrinkles have lessened (just south of mid-30s), and I have noticed a difference (more crepey, eyes look more tired) if I don’t use it for a spell (e.g., forget to pack it on vacation). Also, it didn’t break me out, which the Prevage did, and it doesn’t bother my eyes or contacts. And I have been more impressed than with the Philosophy creams (though I haven’t tried the newest Miracle Worker one).
I’ve read that concealers around the eye makes the wrinkles even more apparent because it hides in the creases – it does that to me so I avoid the concealers. I think the best thing to do is try to fix the problem and not cover it up. However, for quick fixes, I’ve used light beige/white colored eye shadow or face powder to lighten up the areas around the eyes.
One of the reasons for creases for me is a lack of hydration in the eye area. Try a more moisturizing concealer, one shade lighter than your regular tone, and apply sparingly. Light diffusing concealer or light reflecting eye cream may help. I haven’t tried but I have heard nice things about the oil of olay under eye concealer + moisturizer.
As for the 2nd part of your question, it doesn’t sound like you are using eye cream. You should – both under concealer and in general. I don’t think you need to get anything too expensive, aveeno and oil of olay both have eye creams that get routinely positive reviews and are available for around or even under $20 at most drugstores.
Personally, I use Origins Ginzing eye cream during the day, and find it’s the only thing that has made any kind of difference in my dark circles. I noticed a big difference when I stopped using it, though it by no means magically erases the circles altogether (alas). It’s about $30, so not exactly cheap, but a jar lasts close to 3 months, and so it is well worth it to me. I also use a different cream at night. Currently, it’s the Ole Henriksen Visual Trutheye creme — it’s also not cheap ($45) but the jar is quite big and has lasted me well over 4 months so far and not even close to being done. I like it because it’s very natural, very moisturizing and doesn’t irritate my eyes like other creams have in the past. But, that said, you can easily find a cheaper cream that would do the trick. Just start using something. FWIW, I don’t think Origins or OH tests on animals, but I am not 100% sure.
I’m also around 30. I am a big fan of Olay moisturizers, particularly the regenerist serum in the daytime because it absorbs quickly, layered with a tinted moisturizer, and the Olay ProX hydra cream at night. To hide lines that are already there (and my stupid large pores) I really like the Loreal studio secrets base. I buy all of this stuff through Amazon subscribe & save because it is usually the best deal (although sometimes you can score it on sale at Target).
I treat mine with red light therapy that is available free w/ membership at my gym. (Planet Fitness) You might want to see if you have one near you. I swear it works.
I’m 31, and I have no idea whether this actually works or I’ve just been lucky, but I started using a tiny dab of cocoa butter (Palmers, cheap!) around my eyes every night several years ago. I’ve definitely noticed some age-associated changes in other parts of my skin in the last year or two, but my eyes appear to be doing pretty well.
Love Palmers! In this vein, I would note that I’ve heard Aquaphor (which I LOVE for my lips, and use every night) is supposed to be great for around the eyes as well, when used sparingly. However, I’ve found it’s too … too something for my eyes with contacts… the Aquaphor seems to migrate in a way that the Strivectin doesn’t, or something.
Try apply a face primer under your eye before you apply concealer. It should help – it will act as a kind of spackle. I like Too Faced’s Primed and Poreless. As for eye wrinkles, no cream will help to reduce them (at least, IMHO), but sunscreen will help. Some say antioxidants also help – I use one from Paula’s Choice (forget the name – she only has one or two). It is pretty lightweight and hasn’t caused any breakouts or allergic reactions. Personally, that procedure makes me wary… couldn’t you end up with eye bags, instead of eye circles? Not sure that is better (has both, yay).
Just use a heavier moisturizer around the eyes – it can be an eye cream, or just a facial moisturizer. The salicylic acid in the anti-acne moisturizer is too harsh and drying for the skin around your eyes. I haven’t found a favorite eye cream because all of them seem pretty much interchangeable, but I like Clinique’s All About Eyes and Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless the best, I think. And a lot of the time I just use my moisturizer, which is Paula’s Choice Moisturizing Gel.
It’s important to use SPF that protects against UVA (not just UVB) to prevent wrinkles. If you always wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure that your glasses include UVA protection and you should be fine. Otherwise, get a moisturizer with SPF or dab your face sunscreen around your eyes. There are also a lot of concealers with SPF; Kat recommended one by Neutrogena ages ago, which I bought on her recommendation and I like it.
About to be 30, also have noticed the beginnings of skin aging especially around eyes and brow. Super difficult cause I still have oily skin in some areas, but other areas need more moisture.
I use all Dermalogica skin care and if I do it as regularly as I’ m supposed to I notice a big difference. Some of their items are $$, but they all last forever for me, like 6-12 months for most of the targeted treatments. They have a great SPF 15 undereye cream that moisturizes and brightens the whole area, which is great cause I have pretty bad dark circles too.
Good discounts for genuine products here: whatgreatskin dot com
I am very fair-skinned and have large, purplish circles, even when I am well-rested. I’ve found that the roller pens with caffeine are very effective–I believe Olay and Nutrisse make them, among others. Also, using powder foundation, applied liberally, rather than “concealer” does a better job of masking the circles.
As far as moisturizers go, I love Neutrogena’s facial moisturizer for Sensitive Skin (the other varieties do not agree with my skin). It’s $10 and a bottle lasts me a month+.
I’ve read a lot about retinol being great for acne AND for treatment AND prevention of wrinkles. I just started with it a few weeks ago and am pleased so far with the results. I use Philosophy’s Help Me because I love the brand, but there are cheaper versions (RoC has one – you can get it in most drug stores). Basically anything with retinol and then a moisturizer on top.
I use the Olay Regenerist Eye Regenerating Cream+ Touch of Concealer. Unlike plain concealers, it doesn’t get into the creases and make the wrinkles that much more noticeable. I am pretty fair and the color works well on me. If you have darker skin, it may not work as well, but it’s not very expensive.
Cute, but I’m not sure if it’s *too* cute. (love the jacket, iffy on the skirt for professional wear).
But enough about the suit; let’s talk about the model’s lipstick. Yes or no for the office? I want to say yes, power colors and all of that (though probably not with the suit, at least with the skirt that short!), but, at the same time, I can’t say that I’ve ever seen *anyone* wearing red lipstick like that in real life (not even just in the office, but anywhere outside of, say, a club/party). I’ve found a color that I think suits me along that line (no mean feat for my coloring), but I feel like if I wore it somewhere like the office, it would basically smack people upside the head, and people would find themselves thinking “why did she choose that color?”
Agreed that the skirt is iffy – too short on the model for sure!
I say YES to the lipstick. :)
Yes! But preferably with grey, navy or black…
I think the lipstick is a bit much. In fact, the entire makeup look on this model reminds me of stage makeup for ballerinas.
Oof, I was going to comment on the makeup, too. With that stringy-looking hair, pale skin and dark make up seems almost zombie-like. Just really off-putting.
That lipstick with neutral makeup on the rest of the face, though, I say is a yes! I haven’t had the guts to try the bright red lip look yet, but I love it on others.
Not a fan of the suit. All the pleats look a little too busy for my taste.
Yes to the lipstick (although I don’t think it’s the right red for her), but NO to the cutout shirt. yeesh.
The lipstick is okay, but that shirt is kinda riskay.
Risqué.
Risky. :)
Russian.
This little blurb made me truly laugh out loud. Love all you ladies. :)
Can we all agree to start wearing more red lipstick? If all of us Corporettes do it, it will become the norm.
I’ve also been contemplating the red lipstick look. The woman who writes Forever Amber has great red lipsticks and wears them all the time. She looks super put together (she’s also a redhead, for those of you who want redhead-related suggestions).
The shirt is definitely a don’t! (for the office). I agree that the red is not right for her, but, tweeked a little bit (and without the hollowed out Buffy the Vampire Slayer-vamp cheeks), have any of you saying yes to the lipstick actually seen women wearing lipstick like this to serious events?
(I live in a pretty casual area, so I guess it’s unusual to see women wearing much of anything in the way of obvious make-up, but I started specifically looking for bright red lipsticks on people a few months ago, when I found mine, and I haven’t seen them At All. So all I’m comfortable with is wearing it to a dark restaurant with my husband or similar.
(Talk me into it, and I’ll wear it to a young lawyer’s happy hour tomorow!) (Maybe!)
For some reason, my earlier comment is in moderation (?), but the gist is that I’d like us all to agree to wear more red lipstick. I love the look and particularly as I get a little older, it does wonders. If we all do it, it will become the norm! Not every day, but every now and then would be fun.
Meh, reminds me of a naughty schoolgirl theme…Not so much for the office IMHO.
I like this suit a lot.
I think it walks that line between being interesting and not being too cutesy, as so much of the stuff with ruffles and bows tends to be, perfectly. Great selection — and the 2nd successful Nanette Lepore pick of the day!
Ditto. This is definitely not an interview suit but a great option for those of us who wear suits frequently and would like some variety. I’m assuming at least that the skirt would be longer on me than the model.
Ladies, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a good quality camera. I’m looking for something nicer than a basic point and shoot which is what I have now. I’m thinking along the lines of Cannon or Nikon. I’m looking for something that I can learn with. I recently took my jewelry making for friends hobby to selling on etsy and am starting a blog (about jewelry making and other crafts). Through this I’ve found that my little Cannon point and shoot just isn’t taking good enough pictures for these tasks. Does anyone have any recommendations for cameras or online resources for learning how to use a more complicated camera?
TYIA!
I have a Nikon D5100 and I love it. The macro setting isn’t quite enough for jewelry close-ups, but the sensor is amazing and you’ll get better shots in natural light than with a point-and-shoot and a light box.
So glad to hear you say that, Kanye East! After exhaustive research and multiple trips to stores to “try them on,” I recently bought a Nike D5100. It comes with a helpful instructional DVD and a fairly thick manual. I’ve also checked several photo books out from the library, including ‘digital photography for dummies.’ I preferred the ‘feel’ of the Nikon to the Canon – it fit my small hands better and didn’t feel ‘cheap’ like the Canon body did. I’m just starting to learn to use it, but it seems neophyte friendly, but also offers sophisticated features for more advanced users like my SO.
Nikon S95 is a great point and shoot that is so much more than that
Nikon D5100 is a great DSLR and you’ll do just fine with the 18-55mm lens that it comes with
For your blog / jewelry pictures, you’ll probably want a lightbox set up. I think Adorama has information about that, and should photo dot net and probably even ebay. Look for “taking photos of products” or something like that.
for learning more about photography: kenrockwell dot com, adoramapix dot com, and photo dot net
Nikon S95 is a great point and shoot that is so much more than that
Nikon D5100 is a great DSLR and you’ll do just fine with the 18-55mm lens that it comes with
For your blog / jewelry pictures, you’ll probably want a lightbox set up. I think Adorama has information about that, and should photo dot net and probably even ebay. Look for “taking photos of products” or something like that.
for learning more about photography: kenrockwell dot com, adoramapix dot com, and photo dot net
If you’ve outgrown point and shoot (compact) cameras than it’s time for a DSLR or interchangeable lens camera. Dpreview . com and imaging-resource . com are good place to start for reviews and other resources.
You’ll probably want something along the lines of a Canon T3i, Nikon 5100 or Lumix DMC-GH2. Plan to spend around 50 hours doing research before making your final decision to be sure you get something suitable for your needs.
I love my Nikon D5000 (probably an older model than the D5100) – it takes pictures with real depth to them. I found David Pogue of the NY Times very helpful, so you might check out his column/website.
No camera recommendation, but I just checked out your Etsy site. Pretty necklaces!
Thank you! I used to just make stuff for myself, friends, and family but since I am currently unemployed (May law grad) I figured I finally have the time to expand and start a page.
I hate wordpress. How many times will it block my post for posting too quickly!!!
Anyway, I’d invest in a DSLR. Either Canon or Nikon are great. Google vegan yum yum, then when you get to her site, google photography. She has great tips. Sure, it relates to food, but the issues are similar to jewelry.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I actually had never thought of how the camera would feel in my hands as a consideration. My little Cannon point and click works just fine when I’m out with friends or wanting to take pictures of scenery on vacation, but I’ve found that it just isn’t really cutting it for everything else.
It looks like I have a lot of research in my future but thank you all for advancing the starting point!
Lifehacker recently did a series on digital photography.
http://lifehacker.com/5815742/basics-of-photography-the-complete-guide
Lynda.com, a subscription video service, has many videos on cameras and photography. I think you can buy a month’s sub. for around $40.
http://www.lynda.com
Fun photography sites:
lyto [dot] com
camerasim [dot] com/camera-simulator.html
Rawr@! This is to SeaElle above.
Threadjack now that J Crew has come to Toronto: I never buy anything full-price at BR given their fairly frequent email alerts about 20-30% off specials. Does JCrew do the same thing? Is it worth signing up for an email newsletter? I’m liking some of the things I see online (like the pink and navy tweed pencil skirts!) but the prices are a bit steep.
Percent-off discounts at J Crew are few and far between – not like BR at all. In the US, you can get a 15% discount if you have a student ID (or a teacher ID, I think). Otherwise, they will have random 20% off deals every now and then, I think I’ve seen 20% off sweaters or 20% off tees (for example) but never seen a code for 20% off, say, suiting. Occasionally they mail out 20% off codes to certain people which are good on anything (recently certain J Crew catalogs had a 20% off coupon inside the catalog).
That said, stuff does go on sale, so if you can wait and can accept the fact that it might sell out, you should wait.
They also do somewhat frequent 30% off sale promotions (one going on now, I think). Their suiting fits me better than any other, so I often scope out suits I like, stick them in my cart, and then wait for the sale/promotion. I think I’ve gotten all my JCrew suits that way.
Thanks for the tips ladies :)
Hey all-
I missed the weekend thread and just now was browsing in it. I saw that there was some talk of an SF/south bay meetup. SF Bay ASsociate, Karen Padi and others- I’d love to join, if you are organizing something! I’m in Palo Alto…would love to meet you all!
Cosign–I think karenpadi gave her email there….
Sorry to interject in your meetup plans, but I’m heading to the Bay area for work in a few weeks and I’ve never been, so I have a few possibly-stupid questions. I’m staying in SF, but will need to head down to Palo Alto for meetings. I won’t be driving and it looks like the places I’ll need to go are somewhat scattered. Is, for example, University Ave/Cowper St walkable to Scott Drive? (You can probably figure out where I’ll be hanging out…) And/or are there hail-able cabs in Palo Alto? Are buses useful or not useful?
Also, is the Caltrain the best way to get down there from SF?
Any help much appreciated, thanks!
No, University Ave is not walkable to Scott Drive (are you talking about Latham’s offices?). I mean, you could do it, but it’s 4 miles.
You might have luck with a cab at the Caltrain station, but really, no one takes them here. You are much better off renting a car. If you’re at Latham trying to get to downtown Palo Alto, you’ll have to have the receptionist call one for you.
Caltrain is the best (only?) way to get up and down the peninsula with public transportation, but be aware that (1) it really doesn’t run that often, even in rush hour; (2) it doesn’t penetrate very far into SF so you will probably have to take a cab from the final 4th and King stop to wherever you’re staying in SF. Try to catch a “bullet” train if you can. If you’re going to a stop on the Bart line (like Glen Park or Mission), you can transfer to Bart at Millbrae. Bart runs every 15-20 minutes. If you’re going to SF when the Giants are playing at home, don’t plan on doing any work on Caltrain.
I’ve lived here for 9 years and I’ve almost never heard of someone taking a bus within Palo Alto.
Some of my friends commute on Caltrain, but it kind of sucks. SVR is right that it’s basically the only public transit method to get down the peninsula. And it’s often late or totally stopped (unfortunately, it’s a magnet for suicides). If you’re here for work, then your work should pay for a rental car. I have to admit that I’m a little confused why you’re staying in SF if you’re here for work in PA, but whatever.
There are no hail-able cabs in PA. This is not SF, and it’s certainly not NY. You will have to call for one ahead of time. There are buses in PA, but not many – PA likes to keep out people in lower economic brackets by having few public transit options (harsh but true). 511 dot org has info on transit options, including SamTrans, which is the regional bus system. However, it will go nowhere near Latham. Latham/Scott Drive is in Menlo Park, not PA, and it is pretty darn isolated.
Crazy alternative suggestion: rent a bike in SF. You can take the bike on Caltrain, and PA and MP are supremely bikeable.
SVR, want to come to the September Bay meet up :)?
SF Bay’s bike suggestion is a good one.
Her comment also made me rethink my own response. I’m not sure what are the nature of your meetings in Palo Alto–but if they are important and/or take up most of the day, I would recommend staying in Palo Alto instead. Depending on where in SF you’re staying, it could take you anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to commute. It takes forever to get from, say, the Marina to the Caltrain station. And if you’re late, the people you’re meeting with may not be very sympathetic if your excuse is that you decided to stay so far away from the office.
Thank you all so much for the advice! Particularly the heads up on Caltrain issues. I’ll make sure to allow for delays. Luckily my hotel is about a 10-minute walk to the station.
SF Bay Assoc- please allow me to register my confusion alongside yours re: SF vs. PA. Let’s just say that the people who get to tell me where I’m going and what I’m doing don’t necessarily have the same geographic and market awareness as I do. All events/travel plans were booked before I even knew I was coming out to the West Coast. I could expound upon this at length, but I’ll just leave it.
Anyway, thank you all so much again.
LinLondon–please contact me if you are interviewing at Latham SV. I am an alum of that office.
anonforthis123@gmail.com
Oh, thank you so much for the offer, anon! I’m not actually interviewing, though. I work in a legal-related field, but I’m not a lawyer.
LinLondon,
You got good advice already, but I’ll add my two cents. I moved to Palo Alto in January and DON’T have a car. I know, most people can’t believe it. However, I’ve made it work by relying on zip car. Do you have a zip membership? If you do, I strongly suggest skipping cal train/cabs/busses and just grabbing a zip car (reserve a head of time) in SF. They are all over the place in the city and far easier then renting a car (no return at the airport). It’s about 8/hour or 60 for 24 hours and I would think your firm would cover it.
Agreed Latham is not walkable to University. But depending on where else you may be going in PA, you may be able to take public transpo. From the University Cal train stop you can actually take a variety of public transportation: the free Marguerite Shuttle is run by Stanford but anyone can hop on it and it takes you to campus but also to Mountain view. The 522 and the 22 run up and down El Camino. The 22 runs every 10 minutes, and is 2 dollars– if you need to go somewhere off El Camino, like California Ave, it’s definitely an option. But since you’re here such a short time I would agree that a) staying in PA or b) renting a car/zip car are the best ways to go.
Have fun!
Ooh awesome. I’ll start a thread in the open thread and get it organized. Given my impressions of everyone’s vague locations, we have a spread from San Jose to the East Bay… which makes me think Palo Alto/Burlingame/San Mateo is midpoint-ish. We can discuss this weekend. Shooting for the weekend after Labor Day, perhaps?
Thanks, SF Bay! I’m happy to meet in the city on the weekend. I don’t know burlingame or san mateo very well but if there are good places to hang out, I’m game. And obviously, anywhere in Palo alto works well for me. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for organizing — and I’m happy to help any way I can! I’ll chime in on this weekend’s open thread. Weekend after Labor Day weekend would be great.
Do any of you get a random ache-y feeling in both legs, ever? I get it every so often and never know why. I just tried to Google it, and everyone said it’s normal if you just worked out (I didn’t), otherwise go see a doctor. Instead of going to see a doctor, I’d rather people just tell me it’s normal. ;)
I always thought it was because I’m tired, but I’ve been getting adequate sleep.
Is it a muscle ache or cramp? How is your potassium intake? I’ve gotten leg cramps apparently due to low potassium before, and a supplement made things better quickly.
I sometimes get that if I’m really tired (like, it’s 4 hours later than I usually go to bed tired, or I only got 3 hours of sleep last night tired, not just general, it’s getting late or time for the afternoon pick me up tired). It’s not that severe, and usually goes away in a day or after a good night’s sleep.
If it’s ongoing, I would at least call your GP and ask if it’s something that needs to be looked at.
I get an achey feeling in my thighs when I eat sugar, usually around that time of the month. At my age, TToTM seems to be a week Before, a week after, and the actual week, so I’ve almost completely given up any sugary food.
So maybe see when you get that ache? What you’ve eaten, where you are in your cycle, etc
Veins?
Is it cramps? I get cramps that feel like aches in the my thighs and my… front thighs? what are those called?, always before or during my period.
wow I always got those too and thought I was the only one!
Definitely not the only one :).
It might be Restless Leg Syndrome – that feeling where you can’t quite stretch your legs and make the aching go away. I get it when I’m tired, but my mom and sister get it more often and not always when they’re tired. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it per se, but it’s annoying and hard to get rid of.
Just what I was going to say.
I used to get cramps a lot, together with an achey sort of feeling, some time ago, when I had pushed my water intake quite high as part of a diet I was on. Turns out it was because I was washing so much salt out of my body and the low(ish) salt diet I ate wasn’t able to compensate. Eating a little extra salt sorted things out beautifully for me.
Some people also swear by calcium supplements but I wouldn’t really go that far without medical advice.
sciatica from desk-sitting? i have little pillows for taking a load off in my desk chair…
Question – I went to the dentist this morning, and feel like I’ve been stabbed a million times in the gums. It’s so painful I found myself wincing and tensing up in the dentist chair while the tech was poking away at my gums, and now my mouth is still bleeding and sore (and probably will be for a couple more days). It wasn’t any more painful than usual, but I started wondering – is going to the dentist necessarily painful, or should I be looking for a gentler specimen of DDS/dental tech? I like my dentist, and I like the tech, so this is tough.
FWIW, I have no dental issues that would make me especially sensitive, and I do floss regularly, which is supposed to help. I don’t really want to be sedated for routine dentist visits, but I’m not sure how I can keep up with 6 month checkups if this is “normal.” Thanks in advance!
Definitely not normal. My dentist uses several techs so I’ve had a few different experiences to go by but none have ever been that bad.
Some people are just more sensitive; I’m one of them and have to be sedated for many procedures. Did you tell the dentist that you were feeling pain? Being sedated is annoying but much better than being in pain.
Red haired people for some reason are often more sensitive to pain.
I get sedative shots for almost any procedure, otherwise the dentist needs to keep gently pressing my tooth to sooth it.
A regular checkup should not be painful. Also, unless you have gum disease or some other issue, 6 month checkups are probably not necessary. If you are heathly, a non-smoker, your mouth is stable (no new cavities) and you don’t have gum disease, every 12 months is sufficient.
Although I’m not a dentist, my hubby is and I’ve picked up a few things over the years.
That “tech” was most likely a Dental Hygienist. You need to talk to this person, who should be very knowlegeable, and should be able to explain why you’re having this problem. Some possibilities: (1) bleeding and sensitivity often indicate unhealthy tissue, so you need to discuss that possibility. (2) You may be allergic or sensitive to some product used during your visit. (3) some hygienists are very gentle, and some are not.
Whatever the problem may be, your dentist and his team need to know about it. They want you to be happy, they want to retain you as a patient, and they will try to help you with issues like this. If even a few people think the hygienist is rough, it can cost the dentist alot of business. If you don’t want to discuss your issues with the dentist or hygienist, at least tell the person who schedules appointments.
Even if you are just very sensitive, you may not need sedation. Some hygienists offer topical anesthetic, which may help you.
I would talk to your dentist about your experience. It may just have been a particularly rough cleaning, but you may be developing gum disease and that’s why the pain seems to be worse than usual. I have gum disease and the affected areas are extremely sensitive during cleanings and remain sensitive for a day or two after. I’ve never had the bleeding you mention. You may also want to consider getting a Sonicare. I started using one about 6 months ago and it seems like my gums are much less sensitive than they were before. They’re a little pricey, but well worth the investment.
I’ve had this experience before, and I’m pretty sure it was because of an unskilled or careless hygenist. It was during a procedure to measure any periodontal disease. I’ve since moved and changed dentists, and I’ve had the same procedure several times, and it was nearly painless with the new hygenist. I’d talk with your dentist or switch dentists.
This is not normal at all.
I have very thin and sensitive teeth (per my doctor’s assessment) and even with that, I feel nothing while doing a periodic cleaning sessions.
I get the occasional 1 second flash pain but the doctor apologizes and just presses gently on the tooth for 1 second to ease it and voilà.
Bleeding is not OK unless you have parodontal disease or you have not flossed in ages.
Find another doctor.
Thanks for all the advice! Sounds like I need to talk with my dentist.
I wouldn’t wear the shirt to work but I love love love this suit. It’s professional yet femine which is something I aspire to with my work wardrobe. Nanette Lepore’s suits often fit this bill. 22″ is short for me at 5’11” but I think it would be fine with opaque tights. The suit jacket would also look great with a black skirt or black trousers or even with jeans for casual Fridays. I’d be headed straight to Bloomies to try this on if I weren’t preggers right now!
As a pear-shaped woman, peplums are anathema. Apart from that, and the cheap fabric, it’s very cute.
Is it just me or are the sleeves a little short? Aren’t jacket sleeves supposed to hit a little lower than that?
I think the suit is very cute, but I think I’d be self-conscious in it all day because of the skirt length (not the sleeve length..ha ha, “oh my! Her wrists are showing!!”)
Wardrobe malfunction first thing in the morning: The skirt I’m wearing tends to ride up a bit when I sit. I was readjusting/pulling it back down when I heard it rip. The seam at the hip now has a small hole in it. I’m really hoping it doesn’t get any bigger. I’m also REALLY glad that 1) this skirt has a lining, and 2) the lining is the same color as the skirt. Maybe no one will notice….
Sigh. Thanks for reading. Just thought I’d share.
annoying! fortunately a rip in the seam is fixable … for today, i’m sure no one will notice.
hope your day passes quickly and smoothly anyway though!
You will be fine! If you get really self-conscious about it, you can do what I just did – spill a good mess of coffee on your lap – it’ll take your mind right off that rip.
:)
Peplum suits – my Mom always taught me – “no peplums” – and I have stuck to that rule!
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