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For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.
I'm loving these suiting separates from Reiss. The “origami paneling” on the jacket is interesting, as is the '40s vibe. I also like the muted check pattern in the wool. The jacket (Axel FOLDED PEPLUM DETAIL TAILORED JACKET |
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Sales of note for 9.16.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 30% off wear-now styles
- J.Crew Factory – (ends 9/16 PM): 40% off everything + extra 70% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Extra 25% off all tops + markdowns
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
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Anon
Does anyone have experience with dogwalking services? I’m a law grad starting a firm job this fall and am considering a daily dogwalker for my large dog, or, alternatively, having one on call for days when I can’t make it home in time to take him out myself. How do you deal with your pet’s needs and an unpredictable work schedule?
Anon Too
I’ve practiced law for several years now and have always had a dogwalker for my 70+ mutt. In large metro areas, there are plenty of options — including hour or half hour walks, full day care — with variable prices. When I worked in NYC, I had a wonderful walker who took my dog all day (basically, I fed him when I got home from work and took care of him on the weekends — otherwise, the walker did everything. I felt a little guilty about not taking care of my dog myself, but I didn’t have the time during the day and my dog simply adored his walker and other canine companions!). Now that I’m in a smaller market, I a local lady walks my dog for a half hour during her lunch break. This arrangement works well with my less-demanding schedule.
ADL
I don’t use a dogwalker but I have friends who do. They use someone on a regular basis (i.e. every day). The best is to get recommendations from friends as to who they use – if it’s directly w/ a person or with a company (thus could be someone different each time). There are also some pet stores (usually the boutique-y ones) that also offer dog walking services.
MissJackson
I looked into a dog walking service. Incredibly, I found that paying for all-day doggie daycare was the same price or cheaper. My pup gets to play with other dogs all day (it’s essentially an enormous warehouse that functions as an indoor, supervised, dog park), and he comes home exhausted (and incredibly well behaved). I vastly prefer this to giving someone the key to my home. Plus, an entire day of exercise vs. an hour walk for about the same price? It was a no-brainer.
The one complication is that doggie daycare here is 7am-7pm. I am the one who drops our dog off in the morning, but my husband (with a much more “consistent” schedule) picks the dog up. As an extra backup, we have a neighbor “on call” who will go pick up our dog before 7pm in the event of a work emergency.
Maybe there is a similar doggie daycare near you? If so, I highly recommend looking into it.
MissJackson
I pay $18/day for doggie daycare. When I looked into dog walkers, it seemed like $15-$25 depending on the particulars was the range in my metropolitan area.
MaggieLizer
Ditto the on call suggestion. Not long after I started working, I had to go out of town at the last minute for work. We were only supposed to be gone one night, two max, so I didn’t bother arranging for someone to come feed my cat. We ended up staying for five nights. I had to scramble frantically to 1) find a pet sitter who would come to my home without meeting me to make sure I’m not a psycho, and 2) beg my apartment complex to let the pet sitter into my place despite not having permission in writing (of course their fax/email was down). It was a nightmare and definitely not what I needed to be dealing with on my first business trip.
S
Just some advice not to make the decision for a daycare on price but on what you think will work best for your dog. I take mine to a large dogpark almost daily and thought a day in daycare would be perfect while we were having flooring installed. He was so exhausted when I picked him up, that I knew it wasn’t a good fit at all. Literally, on the ride home, he leaned back in the seat and slumped his head with his eyes shut–looked like my hubby after a looooong day. :) It’s a lot of stimulation, and too much can be stressful. You also have to be comfortable with realizing that no matter how well-behaved your dog is and how well the place is supervised, animals are animals. There always is the small chance that an injury may occur during interaction, whether simply due to too rough of play or actual aggression.
Also, be sure to do your homework regardless of what you decide. Just like with cleaning services or anyone else who enters your home, you’ll want to make sure they’re bonded and insured. If it’s a daycare, be sure to find out things like whether they have scheduled breaks, how long after eating they are able to exercise, whether small dogs or old dogs are separated from the more rowdy, etc.
Also, be sure to inquire about what will happen if there is an emergency and you are unreachable. I always felt comforted knowing that our walker required that I authorize a credit card with my vet when I was traveling abroad. (Yes, it was an inconvenience to call the vet and arrange it all –but it was good knowing that the level of treatment I desired for him wouldn’t be denied in any way solely because I wasn’t there to pay for it.)
jcb
Agree re “know your dog”. Mine loves her crate – and really hated the no-cage daycare/kennel I put her in a couple of times. She was exhausted and stressed when I got her back. She is much happier with a daily dog walker and a kennel that has playtime with different playgroups based on tempraments and energy level, and also downtime in separate rooms a couple of times per day.
SF Bay Associate
No personal experience, but almost all my big firm coworkers, from junior associates to senior partners, have dog walkers. The walkers have keys to their homes, and the doggies come back super happy and well exercised. The good, trustworthy walkers are not cheap, but apparently worth it.
IMO, if you’re just starting a firm job in the fall, you won’t have earned a reputation that gives you the flexibility to leave on time to let your dog out. When you first start, your answer to pretty much every request or assignment needs to be “yes, happy to do it,” which doesn’t leave room for “yes, but I want to leave at 5 to let my dog out.” One of my 8th year coworkers has earned that flexibility, but as a first year, you shouldn’t make any plans or have anyone or anything rely on your schedule, which effectively means relying on the goodness of the attorneys above you.
Regular poster
Yes, I have a dogwalker. She’s been walking my six-year old Golden Retriever daily for the past 5 years (since I moved to my current city after graduating from law school). I found her on the internet – at the time, it was a small dog walking service (two people), which was important to me because I wanted to “know” who was in my home and taking care of my pup every day. Now she has a slightly larger team (maybe 6 people?) but she still does all my pup’s walks unless she is out of town, and then she lets me know who is filling in.
She is *fan*freakin’*fastic. She comes daily around 2pm (used to be noon but I found 2 was better for my schedule). She leaves me a note letting me know what they did and what business he took care of. I’d say my success rate of a last minute dinner-time walk for my rare late nights is about 75% (if I call her by 5pm, there is a 75% chance of her being able to make it happen). I trust her completely. If we go out of town for the weekend, I don’t even board my dog – I just have her come for multiple walks each day instead. My dog loves her!
For me, a dog walker is essential. My hours aren’t too crazy (in-house) but my evening exercise commitments mean I don’t get home until around 8pm most nights. My pup has a lot of energy so I take great comfort in knowing that he’s getting fresh air and exercise during the day.
You didn’t ask, but I pay $17 per walk/visit. Worth her weight in gold, though. I’m in a large city.
JJ
I’ve had a dogwalker the entire time I’ve been practicing law (4 years) for my two 50 lb dogs. Mine is ah-mazing. He comes every day around 1 and walks the dogs for 20 minutes or so. It’s great to also have someone on call when I know that I won’t be home until later, as well. For example, I have a ton of stuff scheduled after work tonight and shot my dogwalker an email and he’s coming back by around 6, just so my dogs aren’t miserable.
I found mine through googling dog walkers in my city and this company is insured and bonded. The dogwalker came out for a quick “get to know you” session and to meet the dogs–to make sure that everyone got along. It’s 18/day total for my two dogs (I think it’s probably 15 or so with one) and he leaves me a note every day (letting me know if everything was ok, if the dogs had any intestinal issues, etc), and refills the food and water. I’m in a large city in Texas and I think what I pay is fairly representative.
JJ
Oh, wanted to add that mine offers sitting services instead of boarding. I’ve had more than a few occasions where I had to go out of town for work on a few days’ notice and I was able to just schedule my dog walker to come 4-5 times a day, instead of me scrambling to 1) make sure their kennel cough shot is current; 2) find boarding places; 3) figure out the hours at the boarding places, etc. The peace of mind is invaluable.
a.k.
my experience is similar to Regular Poster’s. I have to let the walker know the night before if we need service the next day. Usually we’ll use a walker daily for a week or two if both my husband’s and my work gets crazy at the same time, but then we’ll go months without using the service.
I like that my dog gets personal attention in the middle of the day (we ask that they come in early afternoon). Some dog walkers take their charges to the park to run around – check to see if that’s something that could happen, and make sure you’re okay with it.
anon
I have a dogwalker who charges $25-$35 a visit, but we have multiple pets (Suburban NYC area)
ceb
Yes, I have a dogwalker.
I use the dogwalker to help out on days when I am in trial, working late, or have an after work event. Yes, a potty break is part of it, but your dogwalker will likely be willing to feed and play with your pooch. My dog always seems happier when I get home on dogwalker-days.
I have been so pleased with the service I use that I now use the business for boarding while I am on vacation and for grooming my dog.
I live in a major city in Texas. Cost is $17/walk.
ceb
Oh, I also worked something out so that if it is a “last minute” walk request there is an extra $5 charge, but it beats the alternative. You might want to inquire whether there is a surcharge for last minute bookings.
ceb
And yet one more thing to add . . .
My dog does enjoy doggy daycare, however, if you work long hours this isn’t a great option. At least in my city, the norm is for you to pick up your dog no later that 6 pm.
I view doggy daycare as more of a “fun day out” for my dog than a lifestyle necessity.
OP
Thanks for the replies! I’m jealous of the $18/day daycare… in my west coast city $35 seems to be norm (maybe a $1 less with a discount for a full week… ouch!). It looks like an in-home dogwalker will be the way to go.
Anonymous
I bought a doggie day care “punch card” for 10 play days for $114. So that works out to just $11.44 every time I take her. Totally worth it! This in a major Texas city as well.
I heart my dog
Check with your neighbors. They may already be using someone. Our walker will either come during the day to walk my dog or if needed, will pick him up from daycare if we happen to have taken him that day. Also, when we come back from vacay after the kennel closes, then I have her pick him up so when we walk in from our trip he’s there. Our neighbors use her too so when our schedules are coordinated, she will give us a group discount. Also, I know my neighbor’s walking schedules and have their cell so if I run into a bind at night, like an unexpected all nighter I will just ask a neighbor and they’ll do the same to me, but if you take this route make sure you are not the one always receiving the benefits.
Ann
Wow. I just looked over the replies and confirmed my choice not to get a dog. My fiance and I like dogs, but we both work. $17/day X 5days/week X 52 weeks is $4,420 per year, and that doesn’t even count money spent when you go out of town or need an extra walking in the evening, not to mention the other costs like pet food and vet bills. I’m sure it is worth it to a lot of folks, but for me a few years of dog ownership expenses invested now would probably add up to an extra year or two of retirement.
Regular poster
Yep, given that we are out of town probably one solid weekend a month, it adds up to about $6,000 a year for the dog walker. But we don’t have kids yet and so I figure I can spend my daycare money (well, a fraction of it, really!) on my pup instead :)
jcb
They are not cheap. And as pet medicine has advanced, the vet bills have gone through the roof.
jcb
I should add: totally worth it, though. Can’t imagine not having a dog.
Anonamouse
I would trade an extra year or two of retirement for the time I’ve had with my pup. In fact, I’d trade 10 years of retirement for an extra year with her.
Signed,
Lawyer who just spent $10k on vet bills for my dog with terminal cancer :'(
MeliaraofTlanth
And that is why cats are the perfect option for apartment-dwellers. Cheaper and for the most part, they don’t care if you’re gone all day as long as they get fed.
(I like dogs, but I am so clearly a cat person:-) )
another anon
This thread, plus the gorgeous 80 degree weather we are having, is making me want to be a dog walker instead of an attorney.
Rawr
I am so glad I picked a smaller city market. My dog walker is $5 a day and she is the bomb DOT COM
Chahei
Biglaw partner, here. I’ve had a dog for three years and have made it work by having him go to daycare 3x a week, and he has a midday dog walk the other 2 days. The daycare place also can usually take him for boarding on little or no notice. They also walk him home on daycare days so I don’t have to worry if I work late. He loves daycare so I have minimal guilt, except on the non daycare days when I have to work late, or board him a lot in a particular month. It is expensive and a big time commitment to have a dog but I have no regrets about it, he’s a great running buddy, great for hikes, etc., and he was a rescue who now has a pretty cushy existence.
Always a NYer
I love everything about this suit! The color and the pattern, the flair at the bottom of the jacket, the simplicity of the skirt – it’s perfect.
MelD
What is up with the asymmetrical collar on this suit? I think I’d need to see it on a model to really make a decision.
Ann
I think that a woman would literally have to be shaped like a 5’11″+ supermodel to look good in this.
SAlit-a-gator
That was my exact first thought Ann.
GRA
Mine, too.
Barrister in the Bayou
I don’t necessarily agree. I think if the skirt is the right length it would look great on someone that is shorter and curvy. A little va-va-voom, but nothing objectionable.
FYI: I’m about 5’3″, pear-shaped at around a size 6 and I drooling over this suit.
Barrister in the Bayou
By the by… they have some other nice suiting options on their website.
mamabear
Not necessarily. I’ve always loved peplum styles and I’ve never been shaped like a supermodel. I think they look best on someone who has a relatively small waist circumference in relation to other measurements, and then you have to be OK with highlighting those differences.
Bella
Nice but not for my figure.
I think some of the guys on my team are jealous about the courses I get. One in particular comments about twice a week about how I get much cooler courses than him. I did get one that was denied to him, but we are in different practices, with different budgets and I started a few months before him at our company. I just tell him to be patient and the other guys also say he whines too much. What would you do?
AnonInfinity
I’d just ignore him when he’s whining.
EM
You could say what I say to my 4-year-old when he’s whining, “I can’t understand you when you use that tone of voice”, and hope he has the grace to look sheepish. ;)
Bella
That’s funny! Maybe I’ll do this :-)
EPLawyer
Damn no stores in DC. I would love to see this in the store and drool over it. Such a classic look.
Bonnie
Same. Looks beautiful online.
roses
Really? There used to be one in Georgetown. Must have closed :(
Andrea Mercado
Sizes only go up to size ten. boo hoo. And they don’t have a size chart. In most things these days I am a size 12
Anonymous Poser
The link for the size chart is small, but it’s located right underneath where the sizes are listed.
Beautiful suit.
ks
But a UK size 10 is only a US size 6….which makes the sizing available even more restictive…..:(
anon
The sizes are US.
ks
thanks anon – good catch! wasn’t reading carefully!
SCS
Should you get your wedding dress cleaned before the wedding? A friend is getting married in September 2012. Since Priscilla of Boston put all their stuff on sale, she bought her dress now. We figured a lot of women put the dress on so it probably has some deodorant, body lotion, oils, etc. on it (no obvious spots now)–if it’s not cleaned, will that stain/discolor the dress between now and then? Some people say not to clean it because the cleaners might screw up the dress before the wedding–but she doesn’t want to pull it out in 11 months and find it yellowed out either. It seems to me that cleaning it would be like cleaning your clothes before putting them away for the season.
Bonnie
I can’t imagine that it would yellow in 11 months. I wouldn’t risk cleaning it before the wedding. The tailor will steam it after the fittings so it will look fresh.
Maddie Ross
I bought my dress at a sample sale and did get it cleaned. I used a very reputable cleaner who I had taken several formal dresses too before and who other friends had used for wedding dresses. I had a good experience. The dress didn’t have obvious spots from being a sample, but looked “fresher” after being cleaned. I got it cleaned after the alterations were finished (figuring it was better to clean after being man-handled by my alterations lady) and picked it up about 4 weeks before the wedding.
Lyssa
I probably wouldn’t risk it, but if she does, better to do it now, so that if anything happens, she has plenty of time to fix it or find something else.
Another note on storing a dress -be very careful about hanging. My sister-in-law hung her dress for a while after the alterations were done, then, when she put it on a few days before, found that the weight of the skirt had actually stretched out the dress, making it too long. Lucky for her, my M-I-L is a whiz at sewing stuff, and she was able to take the waist apart (tulle skirt, so it couldn’t be hemmed), take it up, and put it back together like nothing ever happened, but it was a scary shock for her so close to the big day!
anon
I wouldn’t clean it if you don’t see any spots. I wore a secondhand dress, which we carefully inspected in good light before buying, and found no spots. Cleaned it again a few days before the wedding, somewhere my parents have used for 20+ years with zero problems, and some water spots showed up. They said that cleaning can in fact bring out the water spots. Luckily they weren’t noticeable if you weren’t looking carefully at my stomach, and I had a bouquet to hold in front anyway!
Research, Not Law
So, did she buy a sample? If she bought it new from the designer, I definitely wouldn’t bother. If she bought a sample, then maybe.
I bought a sample and did not clean it before hand. The bridal salon hung stored it for me. It didn’t have any wear or marks when I bought it, and it looked the same when I picked it up the day before the wedding. It never even occurred to me to clean it. I stored it for about a year after the wedding and sold it, still uncleaned. It still looked good to go. It was silk taffeta with a silk satin lining, if that matters.
If your friend does choose to clean hers, then she should ask the salon for a recommendation. They should have a go-to place that specializes in wedding gowns.
Diana Barry
I would get it cleaned if it’s a sample. Ask the salon who they use (note – if this is in Boston, I got my dress cleaned at Ross in Brookline). Then the alterations person should (1) be very careful with it and (2) steam it afterwards.
Another note – if in Boston, use Anahit for alterations (in Watertown). She is fantastic.
Erin
I’d clean it, but at the cleaner recommended by her tailor, and make sure that cleaner offers actual replacement value if the dress is damaged (as opposed to actual cost or a limited amount).
So
Any idea how deep the Priscilla discounts are?
SCS
They were 50% off original prices on most dresses. The rest were 50% off already discounted prices. I don’t think anything was less than half off. They’re closing at the end of the year, I believe.
So
Good to know! Danke!
Anne-on
If she does clean it be sure she takes it to a very reputable cleaner that is familiar working with high-end fabrics, not your garden variety dry-cleaner. I had my wedding dress cleaned before I donated it, and sadly the cleaner my mother chose was not used to working with a true silk faile. The dress came back a little worse for the wear.
Madeleine Elster
aka Kim Novak in Vertigo. This is suit is 100% that look. It’s very beautiful.
Kanye East
YES.
Which makes me want it even more.
Gem
I love this suit!
Have just bought a navy suit (absolute bargain), very classic in style. Any suggestions for items to pair with? I’m normally in black one way or another and don’t know what to do without it!
Always a NYer
With a navy suit, I’ll normally wear a teal, peach, rose, or grey blouse with black, burgundy, or grey pumps depending of which top I have on. For jewelry, I’ve worn black or pink pearls, gold, sometimes a mix of both. My go to color is black and I’ve found navy to be just as versatile.
Ru
Generally, all the colors that you would hesitate to wear with black go well with navy, not to say that you can’t pair colors that you would wear with black. Yellow, orange, brown, etc. Depending on the blueness of the navy, you could even wear black. Grays would like nice, as would pastels. Enjoy.
Lisa
I still wear a pale blue shirt with navy. All the boys do:).
AnonAnon
I often wear navy with tan/beige/khaki colors. And it looks great with pale pink.
Shoe Lover
Help! I have a pair of black patent pumps that I love but got a half-size bigger than I normally take because they were on sale and the only pair left. I have heel liners in them but they still feel a bit loose. I bought ball of foot cushions and arch support liners but have hesitated putting them. Have you ladies had good experiences with this? TIA!!!
Ru
I’ve had good experiences with shoe inserts but I haven’t tried them as a means to make larger shoes to fit better. Maybe look into a shoe insert that fills up the entire shoe instead of pieces of it?
I’ve come to the point where if the shoes don’t fit perfectly, I don’t purchase them, no matter how much I love them.
Ru
Or maybe something like this http://www.amazon.com/Profoot-Care-Pouches-Natural-Womens/dp/B0024GREVQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1317845528&sr=8-5
Monday
Arch support liners, in my experience, are not something to use to make a too-big shoe fit. They’re for arch support, and if not needed for that purpose can end up causing serious pain after standing or walking for any amount of time.
Ball of foot cushions don’t matter as much, so go ahead and try those. You can also get an additional pair of heel liners and put them inside the vamp, going across your instep. That keeps your foot from sliding forward and helps make the fit more snug overall. Between the ball of foot cushions and these, I think you’ll have the right fit.
Shoe Lover
I do need the arch support liner because my arch is incredibly high. I think I’ll try the heel liners across the vamp, never would have thought to do that. Thanks!
Monday
It fell off my resume many years ago, but I used to work in a shoe store. Glad that experience is still useful from time to time!
GRA
True confession – if I have a pair of shoes that are a tad too big, I stuff a paper towel into the toe of each. It fills the gap and is a cheap & comfortable solution.
Erin
Yeah, I was going to say she should try dancer’s wool in the toe.
KM
I’ve had good luck with ball of foot cushions to help a too big shoe fit.
Research, Not Law
I’m loving the jacket, but the skirt looks oddly shaped. Maybe it’s just the picture.
Oneanon
My wallet is happy that I saw the buckles – otherwise, this would have been mine.
found a peanut
me too!
I Love Vests!
Thoughts on this: http://www.reissonline.com/us/shop/womens/formal_jackets/darcie/black/#
I’ve always wanted a three-piece suit but worry that it looks a) too formal and b) that I’m trying way to hard to be one of the boys.
What would your reaction be if you saw a confident woman rocking this look? And what do you think would look better with this look, trousers or a pencil skirt?
Please be honest because I truly respect the opinions of this community. Thanks in advance!
Ru
I would be super-jealous if I some supercool lady rocking this. Skirt or trouser would look fine. As long as the vest fits perfectly and you’re wearing it at an appropriately formal setting, go forth and let me be jealous =).
Bonnie
I’ve always liked the look. If you don’t want to look too stodgy or androgynous (unless that’s what you’re going for!). I’d suggest wearing the vest in a contrasting color. I think a black vest would look great with a gray skirt or pant suit.
Barrister in the Bayou
Since I’m not very tall I generally don’t like vests/jackets that button up that high (I like to show more shirt); but otherwise I like the vest and think its rather versatile. I like this vest better than one with a low back (I think the latter are not really appropriate for the offices of some of the more formal professions… actually I really think the ones with the low back are somewhat trashy and only for “clubbing” [Sorry, I was dying to say that])
I could see this vest working with both a pencil skirt (probably not an A-line skirt tho’) and trousers; I would even mix and match, especially if you don’t want to appear to be too formal.
This jacket isn’t cut very masculinely, so I wouldn’t worry about coming off as she’s “trying to be one of the guys”. I think the back is rather feminine actually.
Nonster
Just left the office to go work at home after getting what I thought was unjustified and rudely put criticism of my work for the third time recently. (For now just take my word that it’s unfair, otherwise I will have to write 20 pages). So I wrote a long memo, gave it to my boss (hard copy only) and asked for it to be placed in my “master file” in human resources. I documented my accomplishments and explained why the ill-put criticisms were also inaccurate, and how some of his complaints are staffing issues over which I have no control (e.g., he hasn’t filled a junior attorney vacancy as a means of managing budget). The memo was, I think, professional in tone and in content, and I thought it was necessary to have a written record, especially because the 3 attorneys who’ve been fired from my agency in the last 1.5 years didn’t seem to protect themselves.
I was all guts and indignation earlier today, but now I am really nervous that my CYA move will lead to the boss firing me tomorrow. I’m at-will. I don’t think he will respond well to my asserting myself, and certainly not to the notion that he might have been mistaken and/or less than civil to me. I think in the long term I would leave the job anyway, but I thought it would be on my terms. Perhaps I shouldn’t have stirred the pot? I know lots of people put up with jerky bosses (Hi Bunkster! Although, your boss is in his own category, it seems.)
ks
Hate to break it to you, but none of us is irreplaceable. Not sure what a written record is going to do for you if you are an at-will employee. Your boss is likely to be more than a little pissed – I’d spend tonight polishing my resume and calling your contacts for leads on a new job.
Nonster
I didn’t think I implied that I consider myself irreplaceable. I just think I’ve been doing a good job under trying circumstances. My boss is free to feel otherwise, and to act accordingly… I’m not sure why that shouldn’t bother me, though. It’s an upsetting situation.
Anonymous
No sense worrying over spilt milk. Take the night off, relax, and be ready to go with whatever hits you tomorrow. Good luck.
ceb
Just out of curiosity, why hard copy only?
Nonster
Because I don’t think he’s above altering electronic documents.
Corporate Tool
I am really impressed with your spirit. Not knowing the players, I have no idea what he’ll do, but I think even the worst boss would think twice about firing someone the next day who had put a complaint on record. It makes them look bad/childish.
Best of luck, and treat yourself to a glass (or more) of wine and a bath tonight!
Erin
Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand. Either you’ll earn his respect, or you’ll leave but keep your dignity. I think you did the right thing.
I very much doubt he’d fire you immediately. That leaves him short-handed. If he reacts badly, the more likely scenario is that he’d slowly freeze you out and lay you off once he has someone to replace you. If you start suspecting he’s trying to freeze you out, start looking for new work.
Incidentally, I’ve done the same thing you did in the past, and it earned me the respect of my superiors and worked out well for me. So don’t be so certain it’ll go badly for you.
Miriam
This. Your boss may respect you more so try to stay positive. However, if he is a jerk and they have been firing people, it may be a smart idea to look at your options, as in finding another job!
Bunkster
Hi, back. I think that putting a hard copy in your HR file is always a good thing. You may still get fired, but it won’t be tomorrow. Because you put the document in your file, any actions that are taken will be slow and HR will have to get involved.
Plus, I have to say, you go, girl. You have to protect yourself. No one else will.
Anonymous
Actually, they likely won’t have to get HR involved, even with a copy in the file, because at-will employment is at-will employment. I didn’t see anything suggestive of discrimination, but if that’s in the memo, then it’s a different story….
BB
I hate to tell you this, but if you think a memo in an HR file is any sort of protection, you are sadly mistaken. That’s the move of a call center customer service rep who is having a problem with his/her supervisor, not a professional. I don’t think you’ll be immediately fired, but I would say that you are very seriously at risk. Right or wrong, the smartest thing your boss can do now is manage you out the door, either directly or indirectly. I would start looking to make a change asap.
Which isn’t to say I don’t feel for you and believe what you’re saying about the inappropriate behavior from your boss. But I’m not talking about what’s right. I’m talking about what is true. Sorry.
Nonster
Thanks for the encouragement. Feeling more at peace with my actions today…although I still might hide in my office with the door closed.
Anonymous13
I’ve done this, and it turned out to be a very smart move. I had an evil boss who tried to get me fired for insubordination because I objected to several unfair and unethical things he did. He didn’t last long and I ended up staying with that employer and getting a new boss. When my new boss started, she got an earful about how awful I was, but when she reviewed my personnel file, my statement and my side of the story was sitting right there. We started off on the right foot when we otherwise might not have, and had a good relationship. After I left that employer several years later, I obtained a position that required an extensive background investigation. The investigator reviewed my file and, fortunately, in addition to the crap my old boss had said about me, my own statement was there. You never know when you might need someone to see your side of things, whether you stay with that employer or not. Good luck!
Anonymous
Careful on this, as it can go both ways. If the critiques of you have been written and of the sort that would go in your personnel file (i.e., evaluations), then yes, having your side in is useful. If those critiques were oral or not placed in your file, that investigator reviewing your file is still going to see your statement, which will alert them to bad “facts” about you that otherwise would not have been known. In addition, a statement by itself–rather than in response to something–often comes across as self-serving, defensive and otherwise unprofessional.
BigHTown
OP from this morning on the navy suit quest.
Got home to find macy* online having a 50% off alot of their suits. PSA !!!!
Happily got a navy (non-pinstripe) pants suit (unlined slacks – darn)
Unhappily found a lovely navy pinstripe suit skirt not on the sale.
Will hope they arrive aok.
Will check out Banana and AT and Talb*ot in stores and then compare them all.
NOW, I’m wanting suits for some reason – after 25+ years in practice (non law), it’s a curious thing.
Ideas on a windowpane with a burgundy stripe?
Anonymous
What is it with blocking out the names of stores? Do people really object so much to Kat’s trying to make a profit off of her full-time job (i.e. this blog)?
Personally, I’d rather click on links that send a buck or two Kat’s way, so that she can maintain this website, which I love.
Bessa
I agree – you can’t tell what this suit looks like without a photo of it on a person. Or at least a mannequin.
I bought a 3 piece many years ago. I loved it and always thought it was cute BUT only summoned the courage to wear the vest ONCE. I just thought people would look askance at me.
Lisa
Oh this is a BRILLIANT suit.
Law Student 2L
Curious, how many of you are in Denver? I’m going to Denver next weekend (14th-18th) alone, and I would love some good recommendations of things to do while I’m there. Also, are there any unsafe areas? I’ve traveled plenty, but this will be my first time staying in a hotel for a few days alone…nervous!
anonymiss
You may want to repost this tomorrow. You’ll probably get more replies in the AM and there are definitely some ladies on here from that area. Having never been I can’t offer much advice, unfortunately.
Law Student 2L
thanks, i’ll probably repost tomorrow
EM
Where are you staying? I live in the Denver Metro Area (live in one of the ‘burbs), and I’ve never been to any place in Denver where I’ve felt unsafe. I work at a job where I have to go to various random industrial areas (and under various bridges) to do site assessments, and I’ve never felt at risk. There are panhandlers at certain intersections near downtown or on exit ramps from the highways, however.
How much free time will you have? What are your interests? Denver is great in that it’s not huge and it doesn’t have a traffic problem like other metro areas, but it’s big enough to have great cultural attractions. The Botanical Gardens are nice and compact, but now isn’t the best time to visit. One of my favorites is the Museum of Nature and Science, but I’m a science nerd. LoDo is a cool area to visit. The 16th street ped. mall has good shops and restaurants, as does Larimer Square. I’d say Larimer Square is more high-end. Forget about getting seafood here; it’s awful (too far from the coasts, I guess). If you want a less spicy version of Mexican food, “Mountain Mex” is a good bet. (We moved here after living in TX for 7 years, and the spice level here is mostly pathetic.) Wynkoop Brewery in LoDo (17th and Wynkoop) is fun. There are a ton of breweries here. And we have our own whiskey (Stranahan’s) that is currently only available in state. (They used to distribute nationally, but the demand got so high they scaled back their distribution to in-state only)
Will you have a car, and will you have time to visit the mountains? If you want a really short visit, Lookout Mountain Nature Center is nice. Mt. Evans is even better; it’s a fourteener that you can drive within a couple hundered feet of the top, but it takes about an hour and a half from Denver to get to the mountain, and about another 45 mins to get to the top on the very windy and slightly white-knuckle road. If you have a lot of extra time, now’s the time of year to look at the aspens in fall color on Kenosha Pass, oh about 2 and a half hours from Denver on highway 285.
Okay, I’ll stop now. Can you tell I love where I live? :D
Law Student 2L
Thank you! I don’t know where I’m staying yet because plans haven’t been finalized, but I will have a car, and I will have a good amount of free time. I really like going to cool neighborhoods and exploring/eating/shopping, so I will definitely be taking some of your great suggestions.
MJ
I wouldn’t worry about being unsafe in Denver. There are some sketchy parts of town and they are coincidentally not too far from downtown. But…you kinda know when you are in them, if that makes sense. A lot of the hotels are in Capitol Hill (parts of which are less savory at night), but if you are downtown, you should be fine. I lived in Denver for a while and didn’t feel particularly unsafe unless I was doing something stupid (walking down a dark alley at night, etc.).
I second all of the suggestions above–Denver has a really lively going out scene, decent arts, amazing recreation and if you have time to jump out of the city, the mountains are _right there_. Also check if there’s a concert or movie playing at Red Rocks amphitheater…it’s really stunning. It’d be fun to toot up to Boulder (about 45 mins away) and see Boulder too. It has a pretty different flavor.
My favorite thing about Denver was the neat old houses everywhere…it’s a neat city if you’re from the coasts in that it has a lot of history.
If you like books, get thee to the Tattered Cover bookstore. It’s amazing and not too far from downtown (about 10 minute drive).
Have fun!
KA
Agree with this. Denver Art Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art are both fabulous to visit. If you just want to enjoy a fun neighborhood with shopping etc., Highlands (northwest Denver, justbarely NW of downtown) is probably your best bet. You could stay downtown, walk over the Millennium bridge and you’re right there.
coco
I need to brag. Got the Land’s End Canvas living social deal ($30 for $60), ordered an absurd amount of stuff to see what fit, sizes, etc. Go online today and find they are having a super sale, call and get prices adjusted. Now I am getting a a t-shirt, two pairs of jean, and two sweaters for a grand total of $62 on my part.
Bunkster
Wow. Nice job. I also bought that deal, but cashed it in a week or two ago. I just bought one item, but it was amazing. Grey wool lapel jacket. It cost $63, but was 50% off. So I ended up paying $43 – $30 for the deal + $3 for the amount over the $60 + $10 for shipping. The jacket is gorgeous.
Here’s the link: http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/WoolLapelJacket~213919_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::DCH&CM_MERCH=IDX_00017__0000002508&origin=index
Apparently, it’s on an even bigger sale…
coco
If you ordered within the last 14 days, they will do a price adjustment. I am really loving their customer service right now.
Unsub
Congrats! That is a great haul.
Julie Gaudet
As someone who travels a lot of business I am always looking for great workwear that looks amazing. This one is going in the line up for sure. And for a girl on a budget not a bad deal.