ByKat Hours Updated
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Suit of the Week: Talbots

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. Talbots is having crazy sales right now, and while a lot of it is in the vein of lucky sizes, there are a lot of good deals to be found if you look hard enough. Take, for example, this seasonless wool suit, which looks like a great starter for someone (particularly size 10 if you like charcoal). The jacket (Seasonless Wool Notched-Collar Jacket) was $199 but is now $49.99, and the pants (Curvy Fit Seasonless Wool Bootcut Pant) were $119 but are now $39.99. (There is also a matching trumpet skirt, a collarless blazer, a jacket with 3 buttons, a wool vest, straight-leg pants, and an accordian-pleat skirt.) As always, Talbots offers clothes for regular “misses” sizes, petites, plus, and plus-sized petites. Readers, have you gotten any great pieces from Talbots lately? In general have you gotten any amazing suits recently?
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Sales of note for 12.5

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

158 Comments

  1. Just a shout out to those who recommended this website. I hate making doctors appointments, and calling only to find out that their first appointment is 4 months from now… I’ve made two appointments today, for exams that I’ve been putting off way too long because of my irrational refusal to call office by office to inquire about schedules. You ladies are the best!

    1. Sometimes if you do reviews and such after your visit, ZocDoc sends you amazon gift cards!

      1. Thanks, thats good to know! I always intend to do reviews, and then never get around to it (unless there is good reason to complain). I just hate to be on the other side of that, and all the reviews are negative but that can’t possible accurately represent the person/product/etc. I vow to be better about it. Amazon cards don’t hurt either ;)

    2. Does anyone know if Kaiser doctors are on here? I’m in need of a new one after a really, really bad appointment on Monday.

      2. I would be very, very surpised if they were. From what I can see in my area, it looks as if there are a handful who accept the added choice (out of network) plan. However, it does look like it would be helpful for accupuncture and chiropractors, and dentists (if you don’t have KP dentistry plan).

        FYI, Kaiser has their own online scheduling. Very similar, but you can only see doctors with whom your already set up as a patient.

        1. Thanks! I’m actually looking more for reviews and comments about the doctors. I’ve scheduled appointments online through KP before, but have never found reviews or such. Do you know of anything similar (regarding reviews, recommendations, etc) for KP doctors?

    1. If you’re a Talbots newbie, size down. Their vanity sizing is out of control. I seriously don’t know how small women shop there. For reference, I’m 5’9″, 140-145 pounds (larger legs, smaller top), and their size 4 pants (usually in a long) and size XS/S tops fit. There definitely is nothing XS about me.

      1. This is why I never shop at Talbots. I’m normally a 4/6 in dresses and swim in their XS sizes. Also, their fit is not very tailored plus other people here have complained about annoying shipping delays and bad customer service. Perhaps going to the store and trying things on is best, as opposed to buying online.

        1. I’d also suggest shopping in the stores. I have to try on everything before buying because, as others have noted, a lot of the clothing tends to run large. I’m not sure if they offer the same promotions online as in stores, but I frequently see signs for get _% off a second item in the location near me.

          1. I agree. Shop the stores and figure out your size in a particular cute (the Kate, the Grace, the Jackie) and then, if you don’t see what you like, you have better luck picking it up online.

      2. This. I have a couple of Talbots suits that are probably 6 or 7 years old, and the pants are size 14. In today’s Talbots sizes, I wear a size 10.

      3. I size down and go to petites. There are quality pieces at Talbots but the sizing is random.

    2. I listened to the episode. You know, eating that particular part of the pig doesn’t really faze me (living in Asia will do that to you!). It’s carefully cleaned during processing and many sausages are made from intestines, etc. Gross but true. Unlike what was portrayed on the show, those organs don’t really taste like c**p after they’ve been cleaned, either, although they sometimes do have an offal-gamey smell and taste to them that is unpleasant for some people. Texture-wise, it really is similar to cheap calamari.

      What bothers me is that it is essentially a low-cost waste product for slaughterhouses, and that it’s potentially being sold as a gourmet product. Not to mention problematic for people who can’t/don’t eat pork for religious, cultural or health reasons.

    3. I heard that and sent it to a friend in Qatar who had previously posted pix from the E Asian restaurant’s take-out menu, which features chicken anus.

    4. I was listening to that the other night on the way home from work and missed the end. I’m still icked out. Now I’ve got the horrible decision of whether to listen to see what he eventually discovered. There are some things in life I may not want to know.

    5. I buy a ton of stuff from Talbots, the quality for the prices are excellent & their online customer service is top notch in my experience, I’ve never had a problem.

      They have the exact garment measurements available if you are uncertain of the size to order & they’ve been spot on every time I’ve needed help picking a size. They are particularly good for womens petites sizes which retailers rarely carry, I need a OXP for certain garments & its great to have that option available.

      1. I also buy from Talbot’s fairly often (they are one of the few retailers who make work-appropriate, plus size clothes – and I really like that their plus size offerings are the same as the “straight” sizes).

        I find them to be a little overpriced, but probably not more so than other retailers.

        Unlike many posters, I don’t find the sizing to be particularly off. In fact, the only times I have had significant fit issues is when I tried to determine my size using the size charts. In those few situations, I wound up swimming in the clothes. If I just buy my typical size, it usually fits.

        1. I also find Talbots sizing pretty spot on (Plus-Petite). Most of my work wardrobe is from there as they are one of the few retailers who do Plus Size Petites with work wear. While I have had occasional customer service snafus (their inventory tracking during sales was pretty poor last year) but I have also had great in-store experiences.

          1. If it weren’t for Talbots Plus Petites, I would’ve never found a suit that fit me. The sizing of their pants is inconsistent across variety/fabric/season, so I find I have to try on every single pair. But their jacket and skirt sizing is a lot more consistent. Their casual clothes are AWFUL on me, but for work basics, it’s my go to place. You can get some amazing deals if you catch them at the right time… but shopping there is like playing on the stock market. The prices change almost daily — and sometimes (often!) they go down and then back UP!

          2. Every single suit I wear is from Talbots. If it weren’t for their WP skirts, I would have to get all my skirts tailored. I wish they had a maternity line because I don’t know what I’ll be able to wear then.

      2. Just wanted to chime in. I love Talbots — and if you’re in plus sizes, as I am, they are hands down the best place to find business wear. They also have good loyalty programs, if you’re into that stuff.

        1. A friend of mine who is a plus (she shops in the Talbots Women store) and apple-shaped does very well at Talbots. She is rather busty and can find jackets there that actually can be buttoned without being huge everywhere else.

          I’m on the other end of the scale and do find Talbots kind of big and boxy, but I got a ruffle-edged blazer there a year or so ago that did fit nicely.

      3. Talbots has really nice cashmere this year too…their Audrey sweater is really cute and goes with everything. I have it in like 5 colors. Highly recommend.

      4. RE: Talbots. For any Chicago-area ‘rettes willing to make the trek to Park Ridge on the north side, there is a Talbots outlet on Busse Highway that regularly features quality clothes marked down dramatically. I go about once a year and come home with everything from 7 dollar t-shirts to 30 dollar work dresses. It’s especially good for petites. There are a lot of classics, like sheath dresses, but sometimes racks of trendier items that I think were not popular with Talbots’ regular shoppers. And some hideous stuff, of course.

  3. I’ve gotten a few good things from Talbots. Very hit or miss, though. I’ve been most successful with tops–basically, things to go under my suits and cardigans. I haven’t had good luck with their pants or jackets, though. Most are cut too boxy for me (pear-shaped size 10/12). The sales are so big, though, it’s conditioned me. I refuse to pay full price for anything Talbots.

  4. Immediate travel/packing TJ:

    I’m going to Chicago tomorrow-Tuesday. The forecast high ranges from 45-16, not to mention the lows that have a 30 degree range. I’ve never been to Chicago in the wintertime and am a sunny Southern California native (but have spent a lot of time in NYC in the winter). I get layers, but how do you pack this? I know I need my (borrowed) long down puffy parka for the really cold, but do I just have to bring another set of less cold winter clothes for the mid 30s and 40s daytime so I don’t keel over from heat stroke inside my jacket?

    1. No. Just wear your jacket open if you’re warm. And if you’re from Southern CA, you’ll think 30s is freezing anyway.

      Don’t forget an extra scarf or too for wearing when you have to take your coat off — restaurants and offices can be freezing and drafty.

    2. Chicago is freezing downtown in winter, mostly because of the wind. (It is called the “windy city” for good reason!)

      Bring a tote that you can put additional warm weather gear (hat, scarf, cardigan) into in case it is colder than you thought it would be. I attended a conference last fall when it was so windy near the magnificent mile that I had to fight to stay upright. It can be ridiculously cold there.

      1. Second on this. Hats, scarves, sweaters etc. are key to keeping warm; a coat is not enough. I hope you enjoy your visit!

    3. Its extremely windy in Chicago this time of the year, you’ll need your coat anytime you step outside & make sure you bring a hat & gloves, they are essential.

  5. I used to LOVE Talbot’s seasonless wool suits…until they stopped lining the pants. I know there are a lot of Corporettes out there who don’t mind unlined work pants, and the lack of lining does make them more breathable (almost like linen, actually), but I definitely prefer the drape and feel of lined pants.

    Beware of the lighter colors as well — the lack of a lining means that they aren’t as opaque as you might prefer!

  6. I am thinking of switching one of my bank accounts to Capital One bank to take advantage of their — woohoo! — “high yield” 1% checking. Does anyone have experience with their bank? Good? Bad?

    1. Capital One bought out my bank after Katrina. I have no problems with them. It’s very easy. I have my auto loan through them and it’s very easy to manage multiple accounts. I used to have an interest-bearing checking account but now I have a rewards account. I use online banking mostly and they have a lot of ATM locations (including on campus).

    3. I have their capital one travel rewards cards and I really like it. There is a small annual fee but in my case the amount of rewards I earn totally makes it worth it.

    4. We have a checking, savings, and CC with them…gets the job done, and no complaints. I think our checking account has a certain number of withdrawals per month that you can make from any ATM and have Capital One reimburse you for the other bank’s fees (and not charge any themselves), which is convenient. Will your account have that?

      They just changed the CC we have to be 1.25% back across the board rather than 2% back on gas and groceries (I think that’s what it was). Not sure yet how I feel about that.

    5. I don’t think switching banks is worth it for 1% interest, considering the trouble you would have to take to transfer automatic payments and such. I also really dislike some of Capital One’s practices when it comes to soliciting credit card customers for all kinds of weird products they don’t need. It is almost predatory if you ask me. I had a card with them in the 90s and closed it because the company drove me crazy with solicitations in my monthly statement.

      2. This is for a money market account that is basically savings. Although 1% interest is not much, it is a substantial sum that I have essentially thrown away the last 2-3 years in a lower yield account. I should probably do more with the money but I also need it to be somewhat liquid, so this is better than what I am currently doing which is earning me like .04% or something ridiculous. I don’t have any auto-payments set up with this account (I don’t use it at all) so the only hassle would be actually transferring the money and opening up a new account. Based on the relatively positive reviews, I feel like I should probably do it. But if anyone has recs for a similarly high yield account, please post. Thanks, guys!!

        1. If there are any credit unions that you can consider, I would look into those. A friend of mine had a checking account with an awesome interest rate.

  7. I’m awaiting blood test results from my doctor that I’m a little anxious about. He said he’d probably get them back by this morning. Am I being too keen calling today? My better judgment says to wait till tomorrow morning and that he’d call me if there’s a problem but I’ve been feeling awful and my better judgment is not winning this argument

    2. Call. If your Dr has tons of results to go through on his desk, the phone message will likely move yours to the top of the pile. It’s true that generally no news is good news, but why not do this for peace of mind?

  8. I’m a third year associate, mother of a one-year-old, and I *think* I’m about to take the plunge and ask to work part time. Crapping my pants. Does anyone else ever feel that you have too many choices, and are accordingly paralyzed from making a decision?

    1. I would love to do this (mother of an almost-one-year-old) so I would love your advice/updates/etc.

    3. Same — mom of a 5 month old and would be curious to hear about your experience.

    4. I’ve been part-time ever since I came back from maternity leave (biglaw, litigation) and I highly recommend it. The best thing about being part time is that it’s easy to exceed expectations. When I was full time, I felt like I could barely meet expectations, must less surpass them.

    5. I have been on an 80% schedule for about 6 years. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Although I don’t work only 80% much of the time, I also don’t ever work more than 100%. I have sacrificed some from a career perspective as a result, for me the trade off has been well worth it. I am not someone who thrives on chaos and this schedule gives me just enough breathing room. The extra time with my kids is, of course, the best part.

  9. I decided to go back on Weight Watchers again…I seem to recall some discussion on a group from this site or did I maybe make that up?

    1. Now that you mention it, I feel like maybe there is a FB group for it?

      And an update: I mentioned WW in a post a few days ago. I just started about 2 weeks ago (had never done it before). I’m doing it completely online because I don’t think either my schedule or personality are suited to meetings. So far, I’m pleased with all the online tools available.

      I wanted advice regarding a food scale; based on the responses to my post, I ordered one from Amazon, which just arrived about 10 minutes ago! Based on my super quick test (grabbed a couple packets of leftovers and weighed them), I think it’s going to be very helpful!

      1. What’s the name of your scale? It’s hard for me to estimate too, and might want to look into getting a scale.

        I did WW back in law school, and I found it super easy and just plain effective. So I’m excited to be back on it!

      2. Second the food scale idea. I was shocked – SHOCKED, I say! – to see how little one ounce of cheese really is. :) It certainly helps because I’m the queen of estimating & estimating wrong. Good luck!

    2. I’m back on it too — well, I signed up for it. Following it is not really happening right now. You get a ton of extra points for nursing, but my eating habits went to crap while I was pregnant and I haven’t gotten back in a better pattern. I’m back to running though, so that’s a start. I keep telling myself that I need to make one change a week, this week is the gym, and just make baby steps. Before I got pregnant I was doing WW and really successful at it. Right now, I just don’t have the motivation.

  10. Hello hive — I would love to get some advice with regard to providing an “unedited writing sample” (the exact phrase used) for an interview this Friday. I am in BigLaw right now and will be interviewing at a nonprofit. I know the point of this request is to see my writing in as raw a format as possible, without having been edited by a partner or more senior associate. However, the vast majority of my substantive work has in fact been edited by *someone* (particularly big motions or substantive memos to the client, etc.). How would you all approach this, and what would be a good type of writing sample to give? Thanks so much!

    1. Do you have an early draft saved somewhere? If not, do you have anything from school (note, legal writing paper, seminar paper)? (I’m sure you’ve thought of this, but if you use something you wrote at your firm, you’ll want to get clearance from the firm before you send an unedited draft out to a third party. If you’re concerned about tipping off your firm that you’re interviewing, explain this to the non-profit and see if they’ll let you wait until after the interview to send the sample. I.e., wait until you know you’re likely to advance to final consideration before you tip off your firm.)

      1. a couple of thoughts — I’d use something that’s been filed/is relatively “public” & even then, change all identifying info. I wouldn’t take the not edited by anyone too literally — you’d have someone review your resume for typos/syntax, etc., why not a writing sample. I would just choose something that is pretty much what you wrote & isn’t someone else’s ideas/sentence structure.

        1. Based on my experience in BigLaw, it is rare for anything that wound up being filed to NOT be hugely, substantively, completely edited/re-written/made into a Frankenstein’s monster of a patchwork of lawyers’ writing.

          1. Ah, I was in big law for years & didn’t find that completely true — a writing sample doesn’t need to be a novel or a major motion, surely there’s a minor motion/letter/quick research analysis-memo, etc. that the OP has written that hasn’t been completely rehashed & rewritten b/c it isn’t that important. That’s why I wouldn’t take them too literally — if it’s basically yours, I think that’s enough.

      2. Just a reminder that prior draft = work product. Be careful. I used a brief I wrote for a pro-bono matter that nobody but me cared about so the thing wasn’t edited at all. Alternatively, could you just create a legal issue and write a quick memorandum of law on it? If people use things they wrote in law school then it should be fine to use something you did as a mock writing exercise as an actual attorney.

        If you need ideas for a legal issue to research and write about let me know and I’ll try to think of a hypo. Also, let us know what area of law.

        1. Chiming in late, but ^^^ this. If it must be *completely unedited*, then it cannot be an earlier draft, which = work product.

    2. Just tell them it is from work and they will KNOW. I use my drafts all the time, but I use them for CLE’s. I am goieng to work on an artiele with the manageing partner on D&O liability insurance in NY. I know what that is now, but no details. Does anyone have an articel they can recomend that can get me smart on this quick? He is goieing to speak on this at the Bar in March, and I am not sure if he is talkeing about insurance or imdenification of director’s and officer’s under the CHARTER. There is a big diference he says.

      If anyone in the hive is smart on this, give me a lead PLEASSSE!!!! THANKS!

    3. Are you able to put your hands on something that didn’t have major substantive edits done by someone more senior? Obviously small edits/nits/typos are going to happen…or send a draft if you want to be to the letter honest about it…?

    4. FWIW, that is a bogus requirement that they shouldn’t have. It begs people to use privileged work product (Blonde Lawyer was right to point that out).

      It’s not your fault but any employer that wants an unedited work product needs to build time in their interview process for spontaneous writing.

      1. Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I absolutely had the same concern about using prior “unedited” drafts due to work product, and don’t plan to do so for that reason. For that reason, I’m leaning toward using something that has been filed in court. I will find something in my collection that doesn’t have too many substantive edits from higher-ups. It’s a good idea re generating a spontaneous writing sample, but I don’t think I have enough time to do this between now and Friday (just found out about this interview on Monday). This is for a litigation position at a nonprofit.

    5. I wonder if “unedited” means that you give a writing sample that wasn’t edited for job interview purposes, ie it’s the whole document without an truncating of the facts or jurisdiction sections etc. They’ve got to know that they cannot ask for work product and nothing is truly “original” in biglaw.

      1. Hm, that’s a thought that I hadn’t had . . . I immediately assumed “unedited” meant not edited by anyone else.

      2. This was my reading as well… Just that it wasn’t changed for the purpose of the interview.

    6. Are you applying for a non-legal job at the nonprofit? If not, I would avoid sending anything that’s too legal… most nonprofits are trying to gauge communication skills through written samples since you often have to write things like program reports, grant proposals, opinion pieces, newsletters for members, donors etc. They may not know that documents get very heavily edited in biglaw so if you can’t share anything from your current job, you may want to send something you wrote outside of work (research papers etc). Of course you know the context best, but nonprofits usually ask for strong writing skills because they often don’t have the capacity to heavily edit everything that goes out to external folks

      1. Ah never mind – just read that are applying for a litigation job at the nonprofit. All the advice from commenters above sounds right. Good luck with the interview!

  12. I have started exploring next steps and would like to talk to a recruiter or two (ideally that come recommended by this great community). My career has been in industry and in management consulting, and I am looking to return to industry. I hope to land in a strategy group or role within the financial industry but am open minded.

    Any leads on recruiters to speak to in this or a related space would be appreciated!!

  13. I got a gorgeous yellow wool jacket there on boxing day – wish it was warmer so I could wear it now!

    Augh, on my way to meetings here in the Gteat White North and have just been advised due to bad weather, visibility is poor at my final destination and landing will be up to the pilots. This will be fun…

  14. Boston Corporette meet-up tomorrow night at 6:30 pm at Max and Dylan’s. If you’re interested in joining us and not already included in the email chain, email me at bostoncorpor*tte@gmail.com. Substitute an e for the “*”

  15. I recognize that I am WAY overthinking this. But can I get some opinions on which long puffy down coat to buy? I will wear this mainly casually, especially for walking the dog in the winter or waiting at the bus stop with the kids. But it would be nice to be able to wear it occasionally to work too, when it’s really bitterly cold and my wool dresscoat just doesn’t cut it. So it needs to look not stupid with jeans and boots, but also not stupid with a suit coming in to the office (but recognizing that in the winter, no one really much cares what you look like while commuting). I’m thinking I’ll probably get it in brown (except the second Patagonia one below doesn’t come in brown, so I’d have to do black).

    Eddie Bauer Essential Down Duffle: http://tinyurl.com/bbuqnsz
    LL Bean Long Ultrawarm Coat: http://tinyurl.com/a52olrq
    Patagonia Down With it Parka: http://tinyurl.com/a3zxzke
    Patagonia Downtown Loft parka: http://tinyurl.com/av7g8nk

    1. The second Patagonia (Loft) by far. The stitching is so much more interesting. The others just look like sleeping bags.

    4. I LOVE my patagonia down jackets. I have the short one, but all of their products are slightly overpriced. Also check Eddie Bauer’s down, I have one of theirs and like it very much, and they seem to have a bunch on sale right now. Link to follow!

    1. I have. Schwab has a very clear guide about the available options. Is there something specific you’re curious about?

  17. I just love Talbots Hollywood/Hepburn style pants. Extremely comfortable and looks great. I have a “curvy” figure and can find it hard to find pants that fit my waist and hips. I have them in almost every color. And they are machine washable – a real treat.

  18. I’m in moderation because of an email link so I’ll repost. The Boston Corporette meetup is tomorrow night at 6:30 at Max and Dylan’s. If you’d like to join us, but aren’t already on our email chain, email me at bostoncorpor*tte @ gmail. Just substitute and e for the *

    1. I just bought these in two colors on Sunday, got them yesterday and am wearing one today. I second that they rock.

      2. I find that Jcrew runs big. I am a 4 in Theory pants and 2 in these, if that is any help.

    4. If you have any type of big hips or booty, they will not fit, no matter how much you size up. Just an fyi

  21. Does anyone have any recommendations for an inexpensive (<$50) heart rate monitor watch that doesn't require a chest strap, and tracks calories burned?

    Thanks!

  22. Are items in the Redhanger Clearance sale eligible for returns? Never bought anything from Talbots. So, I would appreciate the info.

    1. Was able to get through to customer service…final sale (non-returnable) items are supposedly clearly marked in the shopping bag. So, no worries. Should be able to return other sale items. Thanks for the pointing out the sale!

    2. I haven’t shopped there before so I’m afraid that I don’t know but I would just read the website carefully. Usually when stuff is final sale, it’s very clear on other websites (J. Crew comes to mind). Or you could always call. Good luck!

  23. Had an odd interaction with my orthopedist today, thought I would share:

    Last night, I painted my nails with a color similar to Chanel peridot – gold/green. And as the dr was examining my hand, he asks, “Are you feeling all right?” I say yes, and he says, “Because your nails are green.” I say “Yup!” and smile, and noted that if you look at them the other way, they look gold!

    Then a few minutes later, he says, “So do you go to court with nails like that?” and I say no, my specialty avoids court etc. etc.

    It was funny and odd at the same time – maybe bc as an older doc, all of whose residents seem to be male (I think orthopedics is heavily male-dominated, although EC MD or another doc can correct me if I’m wrong), he doesn’t see younger professional women with fancy nails? I don’t really have a point, just wanted to share.

    1. I have a similar experience with a male coworker I’m friendly with but not friends with.

      Whenever I wear anything interesting, he always acts so impressed and astounded, that our group has been quite snarky about it.

      They say: “Methuselah (not his real name), you’re so surprised. Is it because you’ve not been around any stylish women lately?” We suspect that it’s because he’s married to a frump and they’re both bored with each other and have been for decades. Not nice, but often the reality.

      1. Just want to say that I have LOVED the (not his real name) on this site after ridiculous names. I legit laughed outloud at this one and the bezelbub (not his real name) yesterday

    2. I once had green painted toenails when visiting my parents, and my dad’s reaction (with a wink) was “you know, you can get something to treat that…”

    3. Back in the day, when wild nail polish was first making the rounds (oh, Hard Candy and Urban Decay, how you made 12-year old me so happy…) my grandfather was a big fan of looking at my dark blue or black nails and asking me if I’d slammed my hand in the car door.

  24. Going anon because this isn’t my secret to share and some readers here know who I am IRL. My cousin is in the very early stages of divorcing her husband and he just declared that his salary, from his family business mind you, had just been conveniently cut about 60%. He claims business has been bad and that the family is not interested in supporting all his recent legal drama. She’s a stay-at-home mom with small kids so this obviously impacts her tremendously vis a vis support calcs. She’s retained a lawyer to help her, but I am just so shocked and wondering if the Hive has thoughts on what she should be doing to help protect herself. I’m not trying to backseat lawyer this for her. Just wondering if there’s anything she should be doing or even what I could be saying in support to help. Hopefully, the court will see through this as a very blatant attempt to give her only the barest minimum of support, but naturally she’s pretty devastated and I’m pretty concerned. This’s far afield for me both in personal experience and subject matter expertise, so hoping y’all can help.

    1. I am not a family attorney, but I would recommend that her lawyer hire a forensic accountant. I also imagine that if this occurred post-separation or after the initiation of divorce proceedings, her attorney could argue that this is an attempt to circumvent his responsibilities towards her and their children.

    2. I’m far from experienced, but extended relatives are further along in a very similar divorce. In that case, the wife has rights to half of his share of the business.

  25. I attended an event last week where I ate lunch with a judge in a small group. I’d like to send her a thank you card, but I’m concerned that none of my stationary is professional enough. It’s not bad, just bright and what I would use for personal thank you cards. I should probably pick up a neutral card, right?

      1. No. It was training event for a pro bono program that the court system set up. Part of the day was lunch with a judge, so it was a random pairing.

    2. My two cents is don’t do this. It’s been a week. A note the next day, I could see, although absolutely not necessary. A week later is a bit weird. But if you do it, I would do it on a blank (message-free) card, not a “thank you” card.

    4. You know, I AM a judge and I think I’d love a card of any sort. Being a judge is a wonderful privilege but can be a bit of a lonely existence at times. It’s sometimes hard to know what, if any, impact one is having on counsel, or the world, for that matter. My two cents is that she’d be flattered and remember it (and you) fondly, no matter what your note was written on, and whether it came a day or a week later.

  26. Used to love Talbots…I wish they’d get their timeless business suits back, with the good quality they used to have. Makes me feel old, but that’s how I feel. If I want something trendy, I’ll go to Nordy’s or Express.

  27. Going anon for an issue I have been going back and forth about posting about for a while. Going though a no good very bad very icky divorce. In addition to a multiple of other issues, I am finding about multiple tax issues with him. From what I can understand, the IRS is going after his 401k. Which, should be part mine, I thought. My attorney doesn’t seem to have an answer about it yet. Can the IRS wipe out your 401k? For some reason I thought they were untouchable by the IRS. (urban legend maybe?) Does it make a difference that we are not retired?

    Also y’all provided very sweet encouraging words when I first posted about the emotional aspects of this divorce. Emotionally, I am actually doing well. Amazing sense of relief, with some anxiety mixed in. I think when the ink is dry, I will actually be on my way to feeling better than I have in a while

    1. Well…first thought, if the tax issues are from years when you filed jointly, then the tax debt belongs to both of you, unless you get a declaration from the IRS that it is only attributable to him. If it’s a jointly debt, that means they’ll come after you if they can’t get it out of him – and it doesn’t matter how you’ve divided it up in the divorce settlement.

      As for them taking the 401(k) – maybe? It’s considered an asset, and the IRS will encourage him to use whatever assets he can to settle the debt with them. He would probably have to disclose it’s existence in any payment plan he offered. Retirement funds are mostly safe when you file bankruptcy (you can exempt them from your assets when filing), but I’m not sure about the IRS.

    2. While retirement accounts are generally exempt from creditors, they are not exempt from the IRS.

  28. What should I wear to meet with undergraduates? I’m presenting at two QA sessions about working in my field with students from my alma mater. One is lunch, one is maybe brown bag/coffee? My field, and the university, tend to be causal, but I feel like I should wear something professional without being too stuffy. I’ll also be driving long distance, so I need to be comfortable and not too wrinkled.

    How does tall brown boots, pencil skirt, and sweater sound?

    1. I think your proposed outfit sounds perfect, assuming you’re a skirts person and not just feeling like you need a skirt to be dressed-up enough.

      Also, please report back on what the undergrads decide is appropriate to wear to the session…I suspect there could be one or two entertaining outfits!

      1. Whew!

        I’m sure that many will be wearing the equivalent of pajamas, which is making it hard to motivate myself.

        I am more comfortable in a skirt than slacks. I’d be happier in jeans, but (a) that seems a bit too informal – even though that’s what I wear to work most days – and (b) I fear wearing them ‘wrong’ and looking old :p

        1. I’d go with the skirt and boots but don’t feel like you need to be too formal. A pencil skirt will already read formal to them (seriously, I get compliments in corduroy skirts and booties and got questions about interviews when I was wearing a pair of wedge heels)

  29. anyone else read the deadspin story Manti Te’o? Thoughts? just read it and like still digesting it.

    1. ugh wish we could edit. That was supposed to say it completely blew my mind but I am still kind of digesting what I just read

    3. That is Catfish levels of weird. My guess would be that he is on the down low, and concocted this whole fake girlfriend with that other guy (who is maybe his partner) to explain why he wasn’t dating/hooking up with anyone. Because I don’t buy his “oh I just fell for a girl online and she deceived me” schtik since he said he talked to her/visited her/etc.

        1. Just like Gary Condit probably thanks Bin Laden for 9/11. That’s what got his “Who killed Chandra Levy? Oooh, could it be the old married Congressman she’s shtupping?” out of the news cycle.

      2. This is totally my husband’s theory! Have to say I agree. They decided they couldn’t keep up the ruse and killed her off, obviously that fell apart.

        1. Because he either made the entire thing up, got caught, is publicly humiliated, and people think he’s crazy OR he was completely duped for a year and is also publicly humiliated and people think he’s an idiot. I don’t have an opinion on it either way, but I just feel bad for him.

          1. I get this, but don’t really feel bad for him. Really, I feel worse for that poor girl whose picture they used without permission!

          2. I mean he did make the whole thing up. He said that she had visited Hawaii and that they talked on the phone all the time. Why would you feel bad for someone who stole a womans pictures and lied about the death of a girlfriend?? People think he is crazy because um, that is crazy

    5. I saw a shirt that said “play like you had a fake girlfriend die today” and I felt bad about it but I laughed. I just can’t believe he tricked sports illustrated and got so much media about it. What a crazy story

  30. I love Talbots shoes. They’re really well made and a steal at the sale prices. I have narrow feet & high arches and own both flats & heels from them (4 pairs total). The run narrow, similar to Lauren by Ralph Lauren brand, if that’s a helpful reference.

    2. Oooh, thanks for the tip. You described my feet exactly. Shoe shopping is a challenge. :)

  32. Reposting from yesterday – organizing a Bay Area meetup for this weekend or Monday. Let me know if you are around and interested.

    1. Susie, I was just going to suggest a bay area meetup for Monday also! How about lunch or coffee in the Palo Alto area? I think most people would have the day off, and if not they might be able to take a lunch break and step out.

      1. Susie, I was just going to suggest a bay area meetup for Monday also! How about lunch or coffee in the Palo Alto area? I think most people would have the day off, and if not they might be able to take a lunch break and step out.

  33. Are there any DC-area Koreans on this board? (or non-Koreans married to one?) My MIL has just flown in from Seoul for her annual visit and it’s up to me (white) and my husband to keep her entertained/happy/fed for the next two months. My Korean is terrible and my cooking is worse, so the burden falls mostly on my husband, and it’s really wearing him out. Any recommendations for ajumma-friendly activities that are Metro-accessible? I would love for MIL to be able to entertain herself every now and then (for both her own sake and my husband’s).
    My MIL is actually awesome and has never been anything but lovely to me… so I’m not the least bit unhappy she’s here… just trying to make her visit better.

    1. No Korea-specific tips, but my mom lives in Asia as well, and when she visited, here are the things she loved the most. Caveat: My mom loves cooking
      – Grocery shopping: Comparing the different greens and fruits is her joy. She enjoyed the big grocery stores, as well as Asian stores, and LOVED farmers’ markets
      – Browsing stores that sell kitchen / household stuff: Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. I had to wrestle her out of those places, literally
      – Seeing how the “locals” live: Going to outdoor fairs, festivals, shows (family-friendly ones, like opera in the park)
      – Trying the local delicacies: She didn’t like some of them, but tried all

    2. Would taking a (non-asian) cooking class together be a fun thing for you guys? Doesn’t take you off the hot seat, but could give your husband a break. Hill’s Kitchen runs fairly frequent cooking classes (some involving shopping in Eastern Market for ingredients).

  34. I almost just gave myself a heart attack/aneurism accidentally deleting some files from our network drive (ie. does not merely move to trash bin). Thankfully a quick google search led me to downloud Recuva, and undelete program, which managed to recover the files. Phew, close call!!

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