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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 123 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Nanette Lepore

Suit of the Week

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Corporette's Suit of the Week: Nanette LeporeFor 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. Nanette Lepore is killing it these days, with a number of interesting suits out right now. I like the asymmetrical back pleat, and I'm psyched about the return of flared suit pants. The jacket (Nanette Lepore Folded Flounce Jacket) is $398, and the pants (Nanette Lepore Flared Trousers) are $278. Psst: here's a slightly less pricey option in gray (jacket, skirt, dress, pants), and a plus-size option (jacket, skirt, pants).
Nanette Lepore Lepore Folded Flounce Jacket 2 Lepore Flared Trousers
(L-all) Corporette's Suit of the Week: Nanette Lepore

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Comments

  1. Spirograph

    The suit is beautiful, but the too-short flared pants kill it for me. I wish they’d let out the hem or given it to a slightly shorter model.

    • Wanderlust

      I love the detail on the back of the jacket! But Spirograph is right, the pants are way too flared and short.

      Speaking of which, are flared pants dated? I have a suit with flared pants, and every time I wear it, I wonder if I should retire it, or at least get the legs tailored to be straighter (can that be done?)

      • Medic Maggie

        Flared pants can totally be altered to be straighter. If you’re handy, I bet there are instructions to be had on pinterest. If not, a tailor should be able to help. If you have pants you love, I’d take them with the flared pants to a tailor to try to achieve the same leg opening.

      • First Year Anon

        I did this recently with a pair of suit pants. It worked well. Wasn’t crazy expensive from what I can remember (maybe $30?)

    • Senior Attorney

      I thought the very same thing! The pants are way too short for that model!

      Wanderlust, I think flared pants are definitely back.

      • HSAL

        I’m not a skinny pant person at all, and I can handle some straight leg pants, but I will always choose flared when flared are available. I hope they’re back, because then I’ll actually be able to find them in stores!

      • Parfait

        They’re back? Wasn’t someone just yesterday saying they were over?

        They’ve never left, in my book. Tapered legs make me look I have drumsticks for legs.

    • Ellen

      Yes, me also. I LOVE Nanette Lepeure, but the Manageing partner will NOT let us wear slack’s, and he will NOT reimburse ME for anything other than suit’s that have nice skirt’s that are about 3″ above the knee. I think he like’s STAREING at my leg’s so that’s why he will NOT want me even weareing any slack’s. FOOEY b/c in the winter it is COLD! And even walkeing in w/my Fitbit does NOT make my leg’s warm. DOUBEL FOOEY b/c I am NOT looking forward to walkeing in.

      Last nite Noah told the manageing partner’s brother that he should be looking for women his own age and NOT to be grabbeing my TUCHUS any more! It was funny b/c the manageing partner’s brother think’s that he has a claim to ME just because I work for the manageing partner! He also said that Noah has NO relationship to me just b/c he treated MYRNA in Mount Signi Hospital! FOOEY b/c I would prefer to date HIM rather then the Manageing Partner’s brother, who will NOT marry me but onley want’s to have sex with women like me. DOUBEL FOOEY!

  2. anon2b

    Pretty suit, but not sure that the peplum on the jacket (or the flared legs on the pants) would be flattering to many people.

    • Anon

      I’m not sure about the flared pants but i think the peplum would be flattering on a variety of body types

    • Laura

      I’ve found that the peplum is very attractive to the men I meet. They always comment favorably on my peplum clothing. So I continue to buy peplum jackets!

  3. Medic Maggie

    I love the jacket detail on the suit. I absolutely adore the expensive Ann Taylor option too. I love a good dove gray, and it looks to be pretty much perfect. I am not a huge fan of the square neck on the dress, but that’s its only downside, for me.

    You’re right about the pant length of the featured suit. Looks almost passable in the image above, but once you see the model walk, you can clearly see that those pants barely hit her ankle bones.

    Speaking of suits, can some hive lend some advice? I work in a casual environment. Jeans are totally normal, and acceptable. I interface with the public on a regular basis, so I do like to look put-together, but I wear jeans a lot too. I’m not looking to totally ditch this style, but at the same time, I know what everyone says about setting the bar just a little higher to connote authority and competence. I find, though, it’s not the outfit that kills me. It’s the shoes. I joked that I often ruin really great outfits with bad shoes. (I’m looking at you, beloved Keens) In the summer, it’s easy. Ballet flats or sandals with skirts, dresses or khaki-type pants. Lightweight trousers or ankle pants on more “formal” days. In the winter, I almost always default to my brown or black knee boots, either over or under pants. On meeting days, I will wear a heeled brogue or similar and dark socks with trousers, or tights & heels (or boots) with skirts and dresses. Shoulder seasons tend to be really tricky for me, though. It’s cool in the morning, warm during the day, but it’s a meat locker in my office. I feel like it’s too early for socks & shoes, but bordering on too cool for exposed feet in flats. What do you do in shoulder seasons? Today I feel like I nailed it pretty well (white trousers, blue v-neck, blue batik scarf, navy boyfriend cardi & denim blue leather flats), but it is going to be warm today. When we’re looking at highs in the low 70’s / upper 60’s as much of our fall tends to go, it just gets trickier. Thoughts??

    • Diana Barry

      I tend to wear my oxfords only during shoulder seasons, as well as ballet flats. If it is too hot on the commute, I will commute in sandals (Merrells) or flip flops and then change at the office.

      • Medic Maggie

        Might I inquire what oxfords you have? I might be looking for some new ones as well.

        • Diana Barry

          I have a pair of Madewell (beigeish-pink) and a pair of Cole Haan (blue/green/navy). The CH are men’s, I have wide feet.

    • Anon

      Other than boots and sandals, you can pretty much wear any type of shoe you want. I don’t think people are going to look at your oxfords in August and gasp. I guess I also don’t see a significant difference in how cold or warm you’d be based on wearing brogues vs ballet flats. Can’t you just take off your sweater if you’re hot and put it back on if you’re cold?

    • Nonny

      Where I live it’s pretty much shoulder season all year round. I wear whatever footwear I feel like. If it’s between September and May, I generally wear tights. Otherwise I just put on/take off a sweater or coat as appropriate. I don’t think it needs to be complicated…

    • AIMS

      If you’re wearing ballet flats/other non-sandal shoes, try knee socks. Cute sheer/small fishnet ones.

    • tesyaa

      Can you wear nude knee-his with your ballet flats for warmth? This won’t work for cropped pants but should be barely noticeable, if at all, with full length pants.

      • lawsuited

        I wear nude knee-high stockings with flats even with ankle pants in spring and fall. Heh.

        • Sunshine

          Yep, same here, and ankle-hi hose with full length pants. My heels, and my flats too, are much more comfortable with hose. My feet are never truly happy unless I’m in my Crocs Cleos (don’t look like real Crocs) or sneakers.

    • Medic Maggie

      d’oh. I hadn’t thought about nude trouser socks. Thanks for the ideas!

  4. Gigi

    Kat, I just want to say thanks for including the plus size options more often! I really appreciate it (though my wallet may not).

  5. RR

    I have the plus size option listed and really, really love it. It’s very flattering. The pants are actually the perfect length for me to wear with low heels (pants are usually too short for me). The fabric is really pretty. Love.

    In other news, I hate the posting too quickly error! It took me 12+ tries to get this to post!

    • Playing DressUP

      Very helpful from you and YES thanks to Kat for the + size option!

  6. Equity's Darling

    Tales from the wallet has inspired me- I think I want a new wallet. I can’t decide what style/brand? Recommendations? There are so many varieties, I don’t know what will work best…

    • Nonny

      I recently got a fuchsia Kate Spade wallet (Cedar Street Lacey) on deep discount. I tend to use neutral handbags so having a fuchsia wallet is fun. I tend to carry around too much stuff in my wallet so having a pristine new wallet with lots of pockets etc. helps me stay organized. I love that this one zips all the way around, has a decent sized change purse, and gives me lots of space to store receipts, etc.

    • AIMS

      I think it depends on your needs. For me, I like lots of room for things so I like long wallets, they must have a clear slot for my ID so that’s easy to show when needed, must have a zippered coin compartment that’s easy to access, and should be bright so I can find it in my bag easily.

      I have one from this brand, similar to this one and I love it. I’ve had it for a few years and it’s held up great. http://www.iconshoes.com/Sheherazade-br-Wallet-w-ID-Flip-p/aliki-435.htm
      If you sign up for their emails, you’ll usually get a 25-50% off code soon enough.

    • Kathryn

      I have a DKNY wallet I bought at Marshall in bright Kelly green. I love it. I prefer the large, checkbook-size wallets because I’m anal about keeping my stuff super organized and separate. I like having my bills unfolded, and it’s big enough that I can put receipts, gift cards, store cards, etc in (until I reorganize). Yes, it takes up more room but makes me so much happier.

      I just switch a few necessary cards and my cash into a smaller bill fold when I use a clutch or smaller bag.

    • hoola hoopa

      Agree it’s all about identifying what YOU want from a wallet. I want one that is leather, holds bills flat (ie, long or checkbook length), has a zippered area for coins, has plenty of slots for cards, zips shut or is otherwise highly secured closed, and has a wristlet tie. I do not need one that holds my phone or keys or has security protection. So the Fossil Sydney wallet has been ideal! Fantastic function, good quality, good price point, and cute.

    • In the Pink

      Agree that ymmv is an issue. I need a zippered up wallet that can hold cards, coins, and a checkbook. It has the length for bills to be flat out, lots of cards and nooks and crannies, and the id slot for the driver’s license pic looky loo.

      Following advice here, I got a lovely Lodis one (black with red trim) off of ebags. I adore it. What a step up from the dept. store rolfs that I’ve relied upon for decades. Gulp.

    • lawsuited

      I just got this wallet and I’m loving it. Lots of space for cards and other things, seperate zippered change compartment, a detachable wristlet strap, and a front pocket for your cellphone. It’s so handy to pop my phone in the front and go for lunch/coffee/errands rather than taking my huge work tote.

      http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Product-madison_double_accordion_zip_wallet_in_leather-10551-10051-52103-en?cs=lid1r&catId=5000000000000013510&viewType=viewall

  7. RR

    Is anyone else having issues with moderation? I am in moderation for literally every post, and I cannot figure out why.

      • RR

        I don’t think so. I don’t have my email address in my posts. Do you mean IP address? Maybe? I’ll try from another device.

  8. Wanderlust

    TJ: How do you motivate yourself to go to the gym after work? I booked a few sessions with a personal trainer, and we’re meeting tonight, but it’s 3:30pm and I’m in that afternoon slump. If I didn’t already pay for the session, I could easily convince myself to just bail. I need motivation!

    • Anon

      I enjoy going and look forward to it. What else are you going to do with your evening that you can do in addition to the gym?

    • Anon in NYC

      I struggle with this, so I typically work out in the mornings. When I do work out in the evenings I usually make myself a cup of tea right around now as a way to wake myself up. I also tell myself that I will feel better after I go. And if I have already committed money to it, then I’m more likely to force myself to go. Plus I tell myself that I have permission to “take it easy” at the gym – more often than not, by the time I get there I have enough energy to power through for an hour, but this way I don’t beat myself up if I’m not feeling 100%.

    • Kathryn

      I tell myself I get to eat dinner after I work out. And that works for me because I look forward to my next meal before the previous one even happens. If it works, it works!

    • hoola hoopa

      I tell myself that I just need to go, change, and do five minutes. The vast majority of the time, I perk up once I get going and do a full workout without issue. On the rare day that I really am feeling exhausted after that five minutes, I give myself permission to go home. I don’t do ‘make up days’ because that’s counter-motivating for me somehow. I just return on my next scheduled gym day.

      • Clementine

        I do this too. I only have to do five minutes. I also really changed my mindset from ‘you have to work out’ to ‘you get to work out’. My job gets crazy so there are times where I really can’t get to the gym. I remember this and try and frame it as my ‘me’ time. I can watch reality TV without guilt, let my stress out, listen to books on tape, etc.

        Also, I’ve found that having a structured plan keeps me motivated. I don’t waste time saying ‘I should work out, I shouldn’t work out’ right now because I am following a marathon training plan. This morning, I really wanted to stay in my cozy bed, but my schedule said I had to run 8 miles, so I got out of bed and did it. In the winter, I just have decided that I work out 5 days a week, Sundays are always off and then I get another ‘flex’ day to take off during the week. This system works for me.

      • Anon

        I do this too. But I workout in the mornings. I have more control over my schedule in the mornings. I do 20 minute work outs (Jillian Micheals or fitness blenders). If I am feeling sleepy or tired, I do one 20 minute work out and 8 -10 minute abs work out. If I am energetic, then I do two 20 minute work outs and 8 – 10 minutes ab work out. I don’t work out on Wednesdays and Sundays. So I feel I have to work out just 2 days in a row. On Saturdays, I don’t wake up early to work out. I just work out whenever I wake up (typically around 8 AM). This has been by far the most maintainable routine for me.

      • Lynnet

        I do this. I will also tell myself that I can read on the reclining bicycle for my cardio (I can’t read very well on anything else). I love to read, so unless I’m feeling really awful that helps as an incentive. Finally, I only get to listen to my favorite podcast (Pop Culture Happy Hour) when I’m at the gym.

        Oh, another thing that really helps is planning my gym nights the night before, so that I don’t get distracted thinking about the other things I could be doing.

    • anon

      I just make it a habit. I go to the gym three days a week (and work out at home on the other days). I don’t consider not going unless I’m deathly ill. Also, going to the gym wakes me up and I feel better so I can also use that as motivation.

    • MNF

      The best thing for me is setting up a gym-date with a friend. Even if we don’t actually work out together, it’s nice to chat in the locker room and catch up. This works for me because (a) it can be hard to otherwise see friends and (b) it’s a little bit of peer-pressure (she’ll know if I don’t show up!)

    • KinCA

      I love how I feel when I work out, but I hate actually doing it (couch potato at heart). I sign up for the classes where if you cancel, they charge you (I’m way too cheap not to go). Also, putting on my workout clothes as soon as I get home from work makes me feel really lazy if I wind up skipping my workout.

      Also, if I really can’t muster up the enthusiasm or energy to make it to a workout class or gym, I go on a short walk around my neighborhood or run up and down our stairs for 10 minutes or do situps and leg lifts on our bedroom floor. I tell myself that something, even 10-15 minutes of exercise, is better than nothing.

    • January

      Working out after work usually makes me feel better, and it’s my “me” time. I have trouble working out in the mornings, though, which is too bad, since my job is more likely to interfere with my evening workouts.

    • Laura

      I look in the mirror at my derriere and say that it will always be there, and even get bigger, unless I get my derriere to the gym. So I go and my derriere is much tighter because of it.

  9. travelling

    I’m looking for a referral. A colleague in Mongolia has a relative in Pennsylvania who needs an immigration lawyer. Unfortunately, I don’t know what city the relative is in but assuming it’s one of the big ones or near a university (Pittsburg, Philly, State College) can anyone recommend someone or tell me where to look? I don’t think they have a lot of money but I really have no idea how much this type of thing costs. Thanks!

    • Sarabeth

      No specific recs, but I found our immigration lawyer by emailing the director of the immigration law clinic at our local university. If the relative is in a university town, this strategy might work well for her as well. FWIW, our cost for a green card application was going to be about $2,000 but we ended up working with someone who billed us hourly (at $175/hr) and we only ended up using 2.5 hours of her time, so that worked out much cheaper. However, we were doing a very straightforward spousal application so we didn’t really need the handholding, just someone to review our materials and make sure we weren’t screwing it up.

    • EK

      The three locations are all pretty far apart from one another. It’s a big state (7 hours drive end to end) could you ask your colleague and get a location? I think you’ll have better luck getting a recommendation then.

    • Laura

      Contact the local bar association. There are always some lawyers who need the work who will do it for little money, if not pro bono.

    • travelling

      Thanks to all! Will try to narrow the search and check the other sources. Thanks again.

  10. Folding flat clothes dryer for the tub ??

    Well, I have one loo. It is the standard, old fashioned tub with the shower curtain bar.

    I have struggled with all of the hand washing as the bar has an ultimate length limit. When I want to hand wash tank tops and other items, not many fit. I end up rolling them in a chamois (think sham wow thing for car washing drying), then after a while, I drape them over a towel (regular bath towel) on the shower curtain bar, then the next day, they can hang on a plastic hanger and finish drying (and I hope not drip all over the floor), then the next day I can use a portable/travel steamer (which I’m not sure really does much for me).

    I don’t have a lot of storage and the thing to put into the tub would need to be stored when I’m using the tub/shower itself. So complicated, does it have to be? Am I missing something? I actually hope I am. This is an ordeal for me all half-year of spring/summer. I end up sending cardis and sweaters to the dry cleaners when needed because it’s too much to even imagine doing in the fall/winter.

    Regardless of what the labels say, “lay flat to dry” has been nigh impossible for me.

    Gizmos, gadgets you like?

    Can’t wait to hear. Thanks!

  11. anon

    Ladies- if you could have just ONE outfit for walking around during daytime in Europe in early-mid September (that would include comfy but still fashionable shoes), what would it be? Eager to hear your suggestions!

    • Anonymous

      Jeans, tshirt, scarf, cardigan/light jacket region depending, sneakers (but day sneakers, not running shoes), longchamp bag and sunglasses.

    • Anon

      A breton striped t-shirt (3/4 length sleeves) with a tank to layer underneath if needed (or wear alone if needed)
      Skinny grey pants/denim
      A blazer
      Ballet flats
      A lightweight scarf/wrap
      An umbrella in your purse/tote

    • Basics

      I’ll bite.

      * Knee-length skirt (bonus points for dark so it won’t show dirt, comfy and pockets for a few bucks to buy a snack without showing my wallet).
      * Short-sleeve T-shirt in solid color with modest neckline.
      * Long-sleeve something to go over T-shirt (could be pullover sweater, cardigan, fleece) also in dark color (bonus points for nice enough to work for anything but a really fancy dinner and not so heavy that I will be cranky to have it around my waist/shoulders during the heat of the afternoon). Also solid color.
      * Leather backpack. (Mine is black Coach.) Small enough to be carried inside a museum instead of checked.
      * Either running shoes and short socks (I don’t care: cobblestones are difficult, days are long and I have only one set of ankles and knees and chances are good I speak the language of the country, so go ahead and mock!) or slightly nicer walkable shoes with short dark socks (mine are Cole-haan Nike Air black leather slip-on moccasins with black ankle socks – but I’m telling you, the New Balances are better).
      * Silk scarf (easy to fold and put in back or tie to handle of bag, useful if you get chilled).
      * Foldable, matching sunhat if necessary.

      Skirts seem more appropriate to me, but sometimes I exchange the skirt for a pair of black ankle pants. Covered shoulders (and modest length if you wear a skirt) are non-negotiable or else you can’t go in any churches and might feel uncomfortable at nicer restaurants.

    • anne-on

      Lightweight sweater with a cami underneath it if needed
      Skinny ankle pant
      Lightweight scarf
      Walking shoe or boat shoe
      Sunglasses
      Large lightweight zippable tote

    • Nonny

      Simple black or navy jersey dress
      Black or other neutral cardigan
      Light jacket that can be folded up and put in bag
      Pretty scarf
      Black flats
      Umbrella

      • Nonny

        Oh, and for the shoes, let me put in a plug for Toms. I wore mine on a trip to Southeast Asia in May, and even though I packed three pairs of shoes, I wore my Toms every day. They are currently my #1 favourite, most comfortable pair of casual shoes. If I were going on a trip to Europe, that is the shoe I would take.

    • KinCA

      My picks (aka what I wore running around Paris last September):

      -Skinny jeans in a dark wash that don’t stretch out
      -Silk/cotton tank or short-sleeved blouse
      -Lightweight cardigan
      -Linen or light scarf
      -Crossbody purse in a neutral color
      -Comfortable sandals or flats for walking

    • AN

      Knee length shorts/ bermudas, nice tee, flat gladiator sandals. Pashmina in bag.
      Or if you are not going to be climbing up hills, stairs a lot…then t shirt dress with flat gladiator sandals.
      I would carry a lightweight bag like the le Pliage.

  12. Anon

    Hello Ladies, I need some small investment related advice. I am done with my monthly car payments this month. So from September, I will have that $250 left every month. I want to invest that money to get a decent return (and not leave it in savings account). I was thinking of 401K, but my employer doesn’t match my 401K contributions. I am thinking about index funds, but I have never done it and I am not aware of the fees and other expenditure to maintain that fund. I think $250 is too small to buy individual stocks. How would you ladies invest this small amount?

    • Anonymous

      In a savings account. That’s too small an initial investment for any index find. I’d get an online account with a slightly higher interest rate and reevaluate after a year when you have a decent chunk of change.

    • Kathryn

      I am all over this thread today, but you can absolutely invest that small of an amount in index funds, and there are ways to do so that require no fees to open or maintain. I opened a Charles Schwab individual brokerage account for this purpose and tuck away $100 per month total on 5 index funds. The smallest one is only 15% of my portfolio; therefore I buy only $15 worth of that fund each month. There are no transaction fees. Happy to let you know which funds I use if you’re interested.

      • Kathryn

        The anonymous above me raises a good point… it does require a $1,000 minimum initial deposit into the account.

      • Former Partner, Now In-House

        I would suggest the same. In a Roth IRA if you qualify. To begin (while you get the hang of it), in a target date fund.

    • Sydney Bristow

      I’d save for a few months to get the minimum ($1000 I think) then put it in a Roth IRA at Vanguard in something like an index fund or target retirement fund. Then I’d set up automatic monthly withdrawals for $250/month going forward. Congrats on paying off your car!

    • Sarabeth

      To be clear, you can almost certainly have an index fund within your 401(k). You will need to check your benefits package to see your options, but it would be surprising if you did not. If this is money for retirement, I would take the tax benefits of putting it in your 401(k) even if you don’t get the match. Even if the plans available to you are not absolutely perfect, keep in mind that you will be able to roll it over to any provider (such as Vanguard or Fidelity, both good low-cost options) when you leave your employer. A Roth IRA is a good alternative, as well, and would be a better choice if you anticipate needing to access any of it before retirement, since you can withdraw Roth contributions (but not investment gains) penalty-free.

      • Anon OP

        I am not very comfortable locking the money in 401K for such a long period of time, especially when there is no match from my employer. I also have some money in 401K type plan to which my employer contributes irrespective of my contribution. I don’t even know if I will be in the US for such a long time (although I can withdraw this money wherever I am and pay the tax at that time, it is just too cumbersome). So I don’t want more contributions to this account. I don’t really have specific plans for this money, but thinking about this now, this will be a long term investment, may not be specifically for retirement. I will look into Roth IRA option(along with index funds) as it is not as restrictive as 401K.

    • Anon OP

      I was not aware of $1000 minimum deposit. I think I should read more about these accounts and how they operate. So I can save this for next four months and I will have the minimum amount that I will need to open the account. The other reason I don’t want to keep it in savings account is that I will just give in to temptations and start using that $250 to upgrade my lifestyle. So I want to find a place to tuck it away before I get used to that money.

      @Kathryn: I would like to know the funds in which you are investing. I am not sure if you are okay disclosing it in this public forum. If you are not comfortable, then I will create a mail id for this site purposes and let you know.

    • jc

      I have an index fund through Vanguard and the minimum is $3000 to open an account for that fund. That said, I only put around $100-$200 per month into that account, so once you have the minimum, I think it’s completely fine to only put a small amount towards it each month. I used my tax refund to reach the initial $3,000.

    • LawyrChk

      I’d also ask, before you do this, whether you have a fully funded emergency fund and if you have any consumer debt (credit cards, auto payments) remaining. Either of those should come before investing, regardless of the amount to be invested.

      • Anon OP

        One of my comment is awaiting moderation.

        Anyways, I don’t have any other consumer debt and I have decent sized emergency fund ( 4 months). I am married and my husband is also employed and we have no kids. We can live comfortably and save a bit as well with one of our salaries. So for now, I am comfortable with the emergency cushion that we have. But when kids are on the horizon, I will need to bump up that emergency fund.

    • Anon

      Roth IRA or 401k if you want to save for retirement. What you invest in a 401k is deducted from your taxable income so you pay less taxes now, with Roth IRA you pay taxes now and not when you withdraw. With a 401k contribution, you should get a tax refund (aka you save money). You will have to save to do a Roth contribution.

      I think there are also some index funds you can buy at Vanguard as an ETF, if you don’t have the $3000 minimum, if you want something non-retirement and don’t want to wait to save it up.

    • Laura

      Invest it in an index mutual fund. Your return will mimic the index, such as the S&P 500. You don’t have to be a Rockfeller to get into these mutual funds.

    • Liz

      I would recommend putting it into your 401k to make your taxable income smaller. If you’re really uncomfortable with a retirement type vehicle, then go with a low cost, broad based index fund. The best (lowest cost, interests aligned with customers) provider is Vanguard, through which you can buy a piece of the entire US stock market with VTSMX. They will require an initial purchase of $3000 to open an account. If you don’t have $3K to commit, or you’re waiting for the $250 you were allocating to your car payment to build into $3K, then put that money into an interest-accruing account – maybe your checking account, if it pays interest, or a 1 year CD from your bank. Happy to answer more questions on any of this. Good luck and congrats on being done with the car debt!

  13. Anonymous

    TMI Warning / Stupid Question Warning / Coded Language Warning?

    I have a gentleman caller in town and he’s one of very few … gardeners I’ve had. The relationship is still fairly new and my lady garden has been, um, closed for maintenance for the past few days (he’s here til Saturday). It appears that my lady garden has reopened for business – do you ladies do a buffer day before throwing a garden party? Or when it’s over, it’s fine to go for it?

    • Anonymous

      Umm I totes garden on days 4-5 of maintenance. Def don’t do a buffer day. It’s find to do the partying anytime you’re game for it.

    • Playing DressUP

      I do water the garden (a shower or a bath because my garden likes to soak) and then I open it to my favorite visitor. Usually 1 day buffer zone just to be sure (for my own preference, my gardener doesn’t care), and then my garden is open for pleasure and/or business.

    • Huh?

      I have no idea what you are talking about. I think this metaphor has reached the end of its useful life.

      • Anon

        Seriously.

        Do the deed when you want, with whom you want, how you want, with whatever frequency you want. And be safe. That’s about all you need to know.

      • Orangerie

        +2. How hard is it to say “period” or “menstrual cycle” ?! We aren’t 9 years old.

      • Lynnet

        I think it’s hilarious. Sometimes I amuse myself by figuring out how to translate questions I’m definitely too shy to actually ask into gardening language.

      • Solo

        I generally like this site, but I HATE HATE HATE this metaphor. Why the hell did it start? We are adults. Writing/talking this way makes people sound stupid.

        • Anonymous

          Because some people read this at work , and would rather the more explicit terms not show up on their work computers.

    • Moonstone

      If you are asking whether your friend will be put off because you are having your period, that varies with the guy. Act confident, act like it’s no big deal, and he will likely be happy for the opportunity to be with you.

        • So Not Sharing My Name

          Oh, I have! He claimed in advance that it would be fine, and then he freaked out and jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom and closed and locked the door behind him and then I heard the shower running forever.

          Yes, he was young and immature. And yes, it turns out he was also squeamish about doing practically anything that was not straight missionary. And yes, this became a “thing.” And yes, we split up. And no, I don’t know if he ever found someone (a woman) to put up with his behavior.

    • Laura

      If you freshen up, including a hot bubble bath, you should have him go for it early and often. Most guys I’ve met want you to service them, but are skittish when you direct them southward. If this guy is a gardener, point him in the right direction and let him have at it ASAP. If he’s only an occasional gardener, feel free to refer him to those of us in need of a good tilling!

      • Playing DressUP

        Thank you for continuing the metaphor! Fun for me, anyway. And now, I shall move on…

  14. McGiggles

    Thanks to whoever recommended the blog Runs for Cookies yesterday. I checked it out and am loving her posts!

    • Anonymous

      Me too! I asked the initial q and hers was my favorite. In my book Paleo and “clean eating” are restrictive diets, so I love that she eats lots of things, just not everything or all the time.

  15. Bonnie

    Hi all. Any recs for pet insurance? The vet told us that our puppy is the type of dog that needs insurance.

    • Anon

      No recs, but I’m curious as to vet’s reasoning. Is it a breed issue, or more of a “this puppy eats/chews everything that isn’t hidden away, and some day it might require a vet trip” issue?

      • Bonnie

        She’s crazy active and likes to eat things that are not food. At 9 months, she’s had surgery twice.

    • Sunshine

      We have VPI and haven’t had an issue. I don’t know details about all the other companies, but here’s what to look for:

      1. Does the policy cover pre-existing conditions? If not, and your pup had a chronic condition diagnosed before you buy the policy, it may never be covered.
      2. Does the policy cover breed-specific conditions and/or hereditary conditions? If not, and your pup has an issue that’s common for the breed, such as dry eye in Pugs, it won’t be covered.
      3. Do you prefer an annual or per-incident deductible, and how high? Compare, because often prices aren’t that different for a much lower deductible.
      4. The policies or riders that cover checkups, vaccinations, etc. are often not worth it; the insurance premium may be equal to or even more expensive than simply paying out of pocket.
      5. All pet insurance that I’ve seen requires you to pay up front and then submit a claim form for reimbursement.

      • Wildkitten

        I don’t have insurance because of #1. If your pup already had problems, put the money in a savings account.

        • Brit

          Late to this party but thought I would throw my two cents in.

          I don’t have pet insurance, but I have a co-worker who is very much a dog-mother. She doesn’t do pet insurance, but takes what she researched the cost to be every month and put it in a savings account. It seems to work for her – she just had a dog that had some very serious health issues.

          • Annelin

            Also late to the party, but I do this. I put away the monthly cost of pet insurance into a savings account devoted just to my dog. He’s 7 now, so it’s a pretty hefty savings already. One caveat is that my dog is generally healthy and has had no significant issues, so I’ve never had to dip into it. I also pay his yearly exam/vaccination fees out of my normal budget, so the savings account really is only a puppy emergency fund.

    • Purplepear

      I use Petplan. My pet had surgery once and the reimbursement was easy and quick.

      There’s different levels of coverage and deductible amounts.

      I did a lot of research and I’m happy with them.

  16. Lynnet

    Since we’re on a financial advise kick, I thought I’d ask my question.

    I have student loans (6.5%) and a mortgage (4.5%), no other debt. I’m currently putting 7% of my income in my 401k (my employer contributes 3%) my husband puts 3% into his, receiving a 3% employer match. Beginning in October, I’ll increase my contribution to my 401k to 10%. That’s all the money going to investments/retirement. Beginning in October, as well, we’ll be done building our emergency fund and the money that has been going to that will be freed up.

    We have been paying 1.66x the monthly payment amount on the student loans and 1.25x the monthly payment amount on the mortgage. I have two questions: 1) Is it better to use that money to pay off our debt, or should we be investing it? and 2) Once our emergency fund is complete, does it make sense to put the money that has been going into the emergency fund into debt payments or into our retirement accounts?

    • M2

      Not in finance, but have done the student loan/mortgage/retirement planning juggle. IMO: Unless you have a balloon payment or have some other compelling reason to get rid of the mortgage debt asap, paying down the mortgage is low priority. Once you are done building your emergency fund, I would put that money (in addition to re-directing whatever amount you are overpaying your mortgage) toward your student loans.

      I know some people are all for carrying student loan debt because it can be deferred in the event of job loss or return to school and, depending on your circumstances, the payments may be tax deductible to some extent; however, student loans are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy and your education is not an asset you can sell or “let go” in a bind. Also, 6.5% is not great, but not terrible (some of my loans were close to 8 or 9%)–if your investments do well, your returns could outweigh the interest savings. It may be worthwhile to sit down with a CFP to get a sense of how your investments are doing, etc. before making a decision.

      • MollySolverson

        Agree – I would (and did) choose to prioritize paying off student loans once I built up my emergency fund. However, I was also maxing out my retirement fund at the time. You should be able to find online calculators to help you figure out how much money you will have when you retire based on your current savings and estimated future contributions. If the projections look good to you, I would throw anything extra at the student loans and focus on the mortgage later.

      • Brit

        I think the other thing to think about is that, at least with my student loans, if I pay ahead, it’s credited towards future payments, but when my mom was unemployed and had to back off on her mortgage payments, even though she had paid ahead some months, she was still docked for not making full monthly payments (in what way, I forget, I think with some type of penalty fee, but I could be wrong). The companies holding your loans may have a different policy, but that may be something to research with them.

  17. Toes?

    Ok, lame question because I’m too lazy to schedule a podiatrist appointment. But I just got a new pair of sneakers – sneakers!! – and I want to keep them but I’m noticing something I’ve noticed with heels and other shoes: my big toe is hitting the top of the shoe, like it curls up. With the other shoes I’ve sent them back and assumed the shoes weren’t for me, but now with the sneakers (so cute otherwise) I wonder if it’s a foot problem of mine that I can deal with. What do you call this? Nothing I’ve looked up online seems to match (not a hammertoe, overlapped toe, etc).

    • Anonymous

      There is nothing wrong with your toes. You should pick a different shoe and most likely size up.

    • Diana Barry

      The shoe is not wide enough top to bottom for you. Try Brooks, they are usually roomy in the toe box top to bottom.

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