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Suit of the Week: Talbots

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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 liking this simple gray tweed suit from Talbots' today. I like the ruffled back on the jacket, the full lining on the pants, and the fun black and white pattern.

The jacket (Talbots Grace Fit Donegal Tweed ruffle-back jacket) is $199, and the pants (Signature Fit Donegal Tweed wide-leg pants) are $119 (both online only). A matching skirt (not pictured: Donegal Tweed ruffle-back pencil skirt) is also available, online only for $119.

The jacket and pants are available in regular, petites, woman, and woman petite's sizes; the skirt is regular and petites only.

Sales of note for 4/24/25:

  • Nordstrom – 7,710 new markdowns for women!
  • Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event: 30% off your entire purchase, including 100s of new arrivals
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 25% off
  • Boden – 25% off everything (ends 4/27) (a rare sale!)
  • The Fold – Up to 25% off
  • Eloquii – Spring Clearance: Up to 75% off + extra 50-60% off sale
  • J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Up to 60% off sale styles + up to 50% off summer-ready styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Extra 50% off clearance + extra 15% off $100 + extra 20% off $125
  • Kule – Lots of sweaters up to 50% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – 3 pieces for $198. Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 50% off last chance styles; new favorites added
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – Friends & Family Event: 30% off entire purchase, includes markdowns

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

145 Comments

  1. OK, I usually have nothing to say on items like this, but I want to warn folks about a suit jacket whose buttons go almost all the way up! For a few years, my go-to suit had a jacket like this, and it was a choice I really regretted. I just didn’t think about it when buying. But most blouses I own did not come up as high as the jacket, so when I had it buttoned it appeared there was nothing underneath. My only option was a button-front shirt, and while I love those on their own, the collar of shirt + jacket lapels was too much too high (on my neck) especially with my being petite.

  2. The “ruffle” on the back is not really a ruffle – more of a gather under a mid-back seam. It would have to hit in the correct place to look right, I think.

    Re: Monday’s comment – I just never button jackets, so don’t have the nothing-underneath look.

    1. Yeah, the model has it open too, which makes sense. Since I’m often giving a presentation in a suit I am very bothered by my jacket being open and flaps possibly getting in the way of my pointer, but if I could do this I would.

    2. I always wear my jackets open too because I have a proportionally wide waist; and buying a size to fit the waist would result in a huge tailoring bill and probably ruin the garment anyway.

      Also, I think the vertical lines of an open jacket are lengthening!

  3. Threadjack- I bought some boots at Nordstrom in late September. I haven’t worn them too many times, but the boots are wedges and the soles are already coming unglued at the back. I am not sure if I have the receipt, but I do have the box (it’s a BP pair of boots, so obviously from Nordstrom)- do you think I can get an exchange/return? I’ve never had an issue like this with Nordstrom house brands before.

    1. There should be a Nordstrom bar code sticker on the box that they scan for your purchase when you check out, in addition to the UPC that comes with the box. If you have that sticker, it tracks to your transaction so you don’t need your receipt.

      1. Even if you don’t have that sticker, you can probably return/exchange them. Nordstrom is amazing like that.

        1. True. She’ll definitely get her purchase price refunded in the form that she paid with the sticker, but even without it, they’ll probably exchange or return for the current selling price. I love Nordstroms. Also, am WAY TOO EXCITED about the Nordstroms’ “Holiday Party” tonight. Like I need to spend more money, right?

          1. it’s good fun. not great discounts, but cocktails, live music, food, sweets, AND shopping … what’s not to like??

          2. I think it’s impossible to be “too” excited about the Nordstrom Holiday Party! (says the girl whose husband yesterday said, “it seems like you get a package from Nordstrom almost every day.” Ooops.)

          3. I just got one in the mail today. Another one coming later in the week. I had my personal shopping day this past Sunday and my local Holiday Party is this Sunday morning. Most of it is presents…..but, not all!

          4. I said no to that party this year and was very proud of my restraint. Have fun!

  5. Calling mamabear — Please provide details on your champagne-soaked cookie swap! I’m afraid it’s going to get lost in the morning thread, and I must know!

    1. She gave details in the morning post. Sounds absolutely fabulous. Noodling over how to do something like this with my girlfriends.

      1. Aha! That does sound fabulous. I need it to happen, but maybe I can make Bunkster’s peppermint bark rather than cookies.

        1. Funny story. I decided to make the bark because white chocolate chips were on sale at my market. 3 batches later I discovered that you can’t use white chocolate chips because they don’t melt smoothly.

          Here’s the recipe:
          12 oz semi-sweet chips (prob does not occur with choc chips)
          12 oz white chocolate (I used 3 Ghirardelli bars)
          peppermint extract
          crushed peppermint candy (I used canes)

          Melt the chips with a splash of extract in the microwave. Pour into an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet and spread out. You don’t have to cover the whole pan, but you want to make it a thin cover. Freeze. You only need to freeze for about 1/2 hour.

          Melt the white chocolate with a splash of extract in the microwave. Stir in 3/4 of the crushed candy. Spread over the chocolate on the sheet. Press remaining crushed candy on top and return to freezer. It should be ready in about 3 hours.

          Please note that the original recipe I consulted suggested tempering the chocolate, but that seemed more complex and time-consuming so I skipped it. Also, you can’t temper choc chips.

          3. Bunkster was it you who suggested the cranberry pie? I took it to thanksgiving and everyone went crazy for it. Super yummy!

            I’ve had a few bark recipes on my pinterest for awhile now and just need to do it. Actually I have a huge list of baking projects on pinterest right now. All my friends and family are getting a huge side of goodies with their gifts this year!

          4. @Sydney Bristow, yup. That was me, too.

            I’ve basically just covered all my dessert recipes today. I’m not nearly the chef/baker these posts would have you believe.

          5. I’ve got to get to the natural food store and pick up some non-dairy chocolate chips (oy–I hope they melt the same way) to make this for my nieces! (One of them has a dairy allergy.)

    2. Full circle – I’m now planning on making Bunkster’s peppermint bark for my cookie bake!

      I did write about it this morning, but just to reiterate- we’re a core group of 6 (I said 5 earlier) and some years a couple of new people come so we’re 8 -10. We rotate whose house it’s at, usually only at houses with large kitchens & double ovens. Everyone shows up with their recipies and ingredients, we make a huge mess, we drink (a lot), we forget cookies in the oven and we have a great time.

      When the cookies are cool enough to pack, we all take some of each variety in pretty boxes and gift them to friends and coworkers. I’ll put mine in the break station Monday morning and they’ll be gone by 11:30.

      Just so you don’t think we’re completely irresponsible, we also have a lunch at some point so that everyone can sober up. This is usually potluck, but one year my friend E had it catered. E also had one of those superautomatic espresso machines (Jurapress or something?) and cranked out coffee drinks for us… I miss having Cookie Bake at E’s house!

      As I said this morning, this is my favorite holiday tradition and I think everyone should do it!!

      This year most of us are going to bake ahead and just share the goodies so we can concentrate on more important things, and I think you know which things those are. :)

      1. It sounds like some Corporettes might be “outed” this Christmas if we all show up to cookie swaps and bakes with Bunkser’s peppermint bark! I am making it TONIGHT.

        And thanks for sharing, mamabear. I’m totally planning one of these, and due to my probable inability to properly enjoy champagne while baking, I will be baking ahead of time.

      3. I’ve got 5 ladies coming to my house soon for a holiday cookie bake! CANNOT WAIT! Mama Bear, so glad you mentioned this today. Hurrah!

      4. This is an absolutely fabulous idea! I hope you don’t mind if I poach it; it seems like EXACTLY the type of thing my friends and I would absolutely love to do :-D

  6. I have the pants to the suit – worn them 2x now without dry cleaning. I took my normal J.Crew size (pants 6) and would say they suit my hourglass better (J.Crew’s 6’s are usually a bit big in the waist but needed for my hips). They hold their shape pretty nicely all day – some wrinkles across the hips where they fold when I sit, but they “fall out” when hanging up.

    FYI if you are sensitive to rough waistbands, the tweed does touch a little bit where it comes up over the top of the waistband. I wear one of my few pairs of higher-waisted undies to solve the problem.

  7. Thanks to all who responded in the coffee break yesterday about the evaluation/annual review (my boss not billing out my work). I will definitely push back at them if they bring it up in the review meeting Unfortunately there are no other partners with whom I can work (small firm), but I will make the point that I have no control over how often he sends out his bills, if they bring up the low collections again. (I always bill my own clients promptly!)

  8. I have a relationship question for the Corporette community.

    I have been talking to a guy for awhile now (lives in another city, but we have met before through friends several times), and we both like each other (mutually admitted). I’m finally going to see him when he comes into town this weekend, and I find it interesting that the close friends I’ve been telling this story to seem to automatically assume that I will sleep with this guy the first day I see him again.

    Firstly, I am so done with ‘casual’ dating (whatever that means) that I am only pursuing men if I see potential for a long-term relationship. I only want to be intimate in that way with a guy when it is established that we are in a relationship (no casual sex to see where it goes type of thing).

    Second, I feel as though with that in mind, a guy wouldn’t want a long term relationship with a girl who pounces him the second they see each other (I’m not opposed to kissing, etc., but no sex of any type). This is the more logical approach, right? A guy who is interested in a girl for more serious-type relationship material will not want her to sleep with him in this situation?

    I’m not saying I’m entertaining the idea of doing as my friends suggest, but (1) I’m curious as to WHY they think that should be the norm (i..e ‘oh just do it!’); and (2) if a guy will actually be disinterested because I won’t sleep with him right away. Because if that’s the case in my situation (which I actually highly doubt from my convos with him), he can forget getting any from me!!

    Thoughts?

    1. Ugh. I’ve been here before. I don’t know why guys this would be the “norm”. In my situation, it’s usually a guy friend from “back home” who wants to visit the fabulous Bay Area and I really like playing tour guide. They seem to assume tour guide = casual sex partner. I usually tell them before they arrive that I’m getting the guest room/couch ready to clarify that they won’t be sleeping with me. 2/3 guys followed this with “what? I’m not sleeping in your room?” Uhm, no. FWIW, I’ve lost all 3 of the guy friends who visited because their seduction attempt failed, but it’s OK.

      Regarding (2), I think you are very right. If he demands sex on a first visit, you don’t want him anyway.

    2. I totally see where you are coming from, and I have mixed feelings about this. I have slept with people on a first date and gone out with them for months afterwards, and have not slept with someone immediately and it hasn’t lasted more than a couple of weeks.

      On the one hand I agree that jumping into bed immediately can send the wrong message, and if someone is genuinely interested, then they will remain so if you wait. However, on the other hand, I also think that if someone is genuinely interested, they are not suddenly going to stop being interested if you DO sleep with them. If they do lose interest on that basis, as you say, then they obviously weren’t that interested in the first place.

      What I do think is that, especially with someone you don’t know very well, it can just send the message that YOU aren’t interested in anything serious. Whether they are or not is a different matter, and I do think it’s less of an issue in a situation where you already know the person and both know you like each other.

      My view is, though, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with, it’s nobody’s beeswax when and if you want to take that step with this person, or anyone.

      Enjoy the weekend and what happens, happens!

      P. S. Sorry to be a vocab geek, but it’s “uninterested”, not “disinterested”. Disinterested means objective/impartial.

      1. Nine years ago I slept with a guy on the first date. Today he is more commonly known as “my husband.”

        I think the whole don’t-sleep-with-a-guy-on-a-first-date is antiquated kind of Rules-like. What exactly are people worried about? That he will think you’re “easy” or a sl*t because you slept with him? Would you want to be with someone like that anyway?

        And how many guys do you think worry about looking like a sl*t because they slept with a girl on the first date? if we are not willing to accept double standards in the workplace we shouldn’t accept them elsewhere.

        That said, springtime’s decision to sleep with or not sleep with this guy is her own and I’m not knocking it. I’m just kind of sick of the why-buy-the-cow sentiment.

        1. I held out till the third date to sleep with my now-husband, but I reallllllllllly wanted to on the first date. :)

          1. My story is actually substantially more tawdry – we were in college, so the “date” I speak of was actually a frat party. So yes, I took my now-husband home after a frat party and we banged. He didn’t even buy me dinner first! And he married me nonetheless.

          2. haha same peanut! I got drunk at a college party and hooked up with a guy I had just met for my very first one night stand. We were married six years later

        2. not to knock anyone’s opinion of anything, but we live in a weird and confused world. we call people sluts and idolize Kim Kardashian.

          and I know, no one really idolizes her, but the amount of attention she gets, says something.

          1. Oh my god people actually do idolize her. Saddest day of my life was reading the comments on her blog one day. My opinion of the world will never ever recover

        3. FAOD I would just like to say that I agree with this, in case my post didn’t really get across what I meant.

          I certainly think it is antiquated and I wouldn’t worry about being considered easy. If I want to sleep with someone, I sleep with them. What I do think, though, is that not everyone sees it that way and sometimes the reason why it doesn’t work out, can be because someone thinks that you aren’t interested in anything more serious, not because they think you are easy.

          If they like you and you like them, it doesn’t matter when you sleep together.

        4. Same here. And my sister told the story in her toast at our wedding. Our photographer caught my expression when she said that, and it’s my husband’s favorite wedding picture.

        5. Same here. Met DH at a wedding, went back to his hotel room (he told me he had a bar at his hotel–turns out it was the honor bar in the room). Did not sleep with him then, but did the next week when he flew out to visit me. That was 14 years ago, and in six months from now, we will celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary. @found a peanut: I giggled when I heard it was a frat party–makes my post-wedding “oh you have a bar? Okay let’s go!” sound so much better! LOL :)

      2. Woods-comma-Elle, you’re right about the spelling- oops! You’re right. Good catch.

      3. I completely agree! Do what you are comfortable with, and don’t worry about justifying it to him, your friends, or anyone else. As for why they assume that, who knows? Maybe just because he’s making a long trip to be there? Maybe they’re just excited for you to have a hot prospect :-)

        And add me to the list of those who slept with my now-husband way early on. Before I would have officially called him my boyfriend, though we had been on a couple of dates. It was college, things were casual. Sometimes it just feels right, you know?

        For any relationship to last, it’s important that you have compatible (at the very least) value systems. If a guy drops out early because you did or did not have sex with him when he thought you should, then you two weren’t compatible enough for the long term anyway. No loss.

    3. 1) I think it’s because your friends don’t find sex to be that big of a deal. (I guess you could call that the casual sex approach.) I’m not judging them or you, but some people don’t take it as seriously as you do. Different strokes for different folks.

      2) I don’t think he’ll be disinterested. If he is, he’s obviously not the guy for you. (Which is not to say that he’s automatically an a**hole, but that he has different priorities/views towards sex.)

      Good luck and I hope it works out the way you want it to.

      1. Interestingly enough- I once made a guy cry because I wouldn’t sleep with him (we were never going to be ‘in a relationship’ so I put my foot down about anything more than kissing).

    4. All my friends would tell me not to sleep with him also. I don’t know how much you’ve been talking/if you’ve spent any one on one time together. I haven’t read all the comments but that’s awesome for found a peanut! It happens, but yes generally people always tell you wait.

      I stay just see how things progress, and do what you feel comfortable with. I’ve also read from Aunt E. or some other advice column that it’s not how soon you sleep with a man, but how you act afterwards!

    5. Whether you sleep with him or not is not anyone else’s business.

      But since you’re asking…

      I don’t like to sleep with guys on the first date either. I have done it, but only when I didn’t really like the guy and only wanted to use him for his physical prowess. (What? They do it that way, too.)

      But I think it is a different situation when the guy is traveling to come see you. In situations where guys have traveled over state lines to see me for multiple days, they wanted sex. That’s just been my experience.

      If you do not want to give it, you should be clear with him. I think it’s a good idea to mention that you’re making up the couch or guest bed for him.

      It’s not bad if you don’t want to sleep with him. That’s your choice and everyone (especially your friends) should respect it. But it’s important that all participants are on the same page from the beginning.

      In my experience, he is probably expecting it. It’s better to have an awkward conversation about sleeping arrangements now than after he arrives.

      1. Oh, and once, I went to visit a guy in another state. I had tied a sparkly gold bow on the strap of my duffel, near where it connected to the bag. He met me on the train platform (this was in the northeast).

        He later told me that he thought the gold bow was something sticking out of my bag, and that he was worried I “might go all Vegas” on him.

    6. I admit I’m a bit of a prude (at least according to guys who want casual sex), but I am tired of the “sex isn’t that big of a deal” comment. I’m fine with people saying that, but then it shouldn’t be a big deal if I sleep with your husband, my married boss, the married preacher at church, etc. Either sex is a big deal (and therefore I don’t have sex with every guy who wants it) or its not and you don’t complain when your husband/wife sleeps with someone else.

      1. I respect your opinion but don’t agree with your logic, which IMO is far too simplistic.

        “… isn’t that big of a deal” doesn’t mean you automatically sleep with any guy that wants it. In the context above, it means that sex doesn’t *have* to be tied to long-term, committed relationship. It can be had for fun between two mutually consenting adults.

        The leap between that, and cheating on your husband, doesn’t make any sense. People who stay faithful do so because to them, marriage is a big deal, regardless of who they slept with prior before getting married.

      2. I’m baffled by your logic. There is a big (huge, massive) difference between (a) sex between single adults and (b) sex with someone married (to someone else). In my mind (a) is not a big deal, but (b) is a serious issue.

      3. When people say it isn’t that big of a deal, I think you have to read into it a carveout that goes something like “unless someone would be seriously mentally, emotionally or physically hurt.” By your argument, are you assuming these people who say it’s not a big deal would also agree with the statement that rape isn’t a big deal? It’s fine if you think all sex is a big deal, but you can’t read a disingenuous sentiment into that statement just because you find paradoxical the concept of casual sex.

      4. What? You can find sex to not be a big deal, but you can find marriage commitment and vows to be a big deal.

        Your analogy made no sense. Its like if someone said “giving people a little shove to get out of the way isn’t a big deal” and you extrapolated that to mean it is also ok if the person is standing at the edge of a roof of a skyscraper. or “People say speeding isn’t a big deal, so don’t be mad at me when I go 120mph through a school zone while children are crossing.”

        For some people, sex isn’t a big deal. As in emotionally, they don’t find it sacred. That doesn’t mean they don’t find honesty, promises, and vows a big deal…

      5. Sex, like all social interactions, is about context. Ignoring the fact that comparing people to things and sex to ownership is imperfect at best: $20 is no big deal. I would lend $20 to my friends, my coworkers or my neighbour, but if I found a coworker rifling through my purse so she could take $20, it would be a big deal. The $20 isn’t the issue, and neither is the sex.

      6. Frugal Friend, I disagree with all of those disagreeing with you by saying that the marital vows are a big deal, which is why cheating can be a big deal without sex being a big deal. If sex were no big deal, then there would be no reason why sexual fidelity would be important to a marriage and we would not expect vows of fidelity. The requirement for marital vows which demand sexual fidelity is not simply arbitrary; they are an important cornerstone to most relationships entirely because sex is a big deal.

          1. No, she agrees with Frugal Friend. She’s saying vows are a big deal because sex is a big deal.

      8. I disagree that sex either is a big deal or isn’t. This is the same false dichotomy of that whole madonna/whore complex. There is a whole spectrum of attitudes towards sex, and it can vary with the same woman depending on her age, experience, and even the guy. Your system is too black and white.

        As I stated above, I had sex with my now-husband very early on in our relationship. But he was only the 2nd guy I had ever slept with (I was 21), and not for lack of opportunity. Sex is significant to me because of the level of intimacy. I didn’t want to give it up to every guy like it was completely meaningless. But I felt an instant connection to my now-husband, it felt different and big and I wanted to be that intimate with him, so I did, before we formally committed to each other in any way and probably before he really bought me dinner.

        So, am I the madonna or the whore? In your world view FF, it seems like I must be one of those. In my reality, the answer is neither.

        1. I wish there was a “like” button for comments like there is on Facebook.

          Thanks for saying this so well, KK. Sex can mean nothing or it can mean everything depending on the person, the time, and the circumstances.

    7. Re #2: My current BF of three years has mentioned once or twice how glad he was that I wouldn’t sleep with him until after several dates. I wouldn’t worry about him being disinterested. Guys tend to like a little bit of a challenge.

      2. I did NOT have sex with Alan until after 6 months, but I SHOULD have held out for more then I got from him.

        Once he had his way with ME, I felt taken taken advantage alot, b/c when he came over, that is the FIRST thing he wanted from me, and he often roled over to sleep once he had his way. FOOEY!

        I say hold out and the man will apreciate you more then he will if you give in. FOOEY!

    8. Is he staying with you when he comes to town? If he is, then yes, in his position I’d assume sex was going to happen. I see it as inviting a man you’re dating in after a date: you don’t owe him sex, but you can’t blame him for thinking it’s on the menu. Since you don’t want that, I think it’d be a good idea to make that clear before he comes out, just to avoid awkwardness.

      I think it’s a little different than assuming you’d put out on a first date because I’d consider talking regularly and meeting up several times to fulfill the “do I like you/are you creepy/building chemistry” purposes of a first date, and so future dates end up more like second/third dates.

      If he’s disinterested because you won’t sleep with him on the first date, that’s a bad sign, he’s seeing you as a sex object. If he’s disinterested in a relationship because you sleep with him on a first date, that’s a bad sign, he’s still seeing you as a sex object, just one that is used/insufficiently ~*pure*~. Either way it’s gross. Do what feels right to you, and a man worth dating won’t judge you for it.

      1. I have a related question based on Jas’ comment re: inviting someone in after a date. Like many posters I’ve had different attitudes about this depending on my age, place in life, the guy, etc. When I was younger I waited until I was in a formal relationship, and dated someone for many years who felt the same way. I was sure that was the only way I would ever feel about sex (and was sure I would marry him, anyway, so I would never again have to think about how long to wait). After that guy broke my heart, I had a one-night stand, and realized sex was less of a big deal for me. Since then I have slept with people after only a few dates. Lately, though, like “springtime,” I’ve gotten sick of the casual-dating thing. I want to wait to sleep with someone new until I think it could be something serious.

        Now here’s my question. If you’re not interested in sleeping with someone, but still want to continue the date inside and/or want more than a kiss goodnight on the sidewalk (in front of my doorman, cringe), what is the right time/place/manner to convey that you’re inviting someone in, but not for sex? Is that always the assumption? I’ve tried to pull this off a few times and it always ends up being a super awkward moment.

      2. I think if you’re not interested in sex, then inviting him up can send the wrong message.

        If you want to continue the date without sex, you could ask if he wants to go get dessert, or coffee, or a glass of wine at another place.

        But if I was a dude, and you asked me upstairs, then I would be confused if you didn’t want sex.

    9. Just one more perspective weighing in….

      When I met my now-SO, I was instantly attracted to him…and didn’t see our relationship going anywhere. So I had my first and only one night stand. Two years later now, I’m still amazed at how spontaneously this wonderful relationship has worked out. I guess I’m a vote for go-for-it-IF-(and-only-if)-you’re-feeling-it.

    10. Do whatever you want! If you want to sleep with him, then go ahead (of course use protection. I know you are an adult, but I can’t resist). As others said, just make sure you make it clear if you do not want to sleep with him to avoid any awkwardness. As for having a long term relationship, I think it really depends on the situation. If the guy wants a relationship, sleeping with him early on will not make a difference. If he doesn’t want a relationship, sleeping with him on the first date or the fifth will also not matter. Sex is a big deal to some people and not a big deal to others. I don’t really care what people do with their sex lives. However, I do think some women are looking for validation from men and will sleep with any man who gives them the time of day. I knew someone like that and it was pretty sad. That is the only time I have a problem with sleeping with a lot of people. One last thing to consider is the distance. Does he need to fly to see you? Would it be very difficult to maintain a relationship? If he is far away he is likely looking for casual sex and a fun getaway. Just make your intentions clear.

      1. The idea that this guy would spend time and money to fly out of his way to visit someone just for sex is hilarious to me for some reason. How desperate is he? Sex can be had with much less inconvenience– but a real relationship is much harder to come by. If this guy wants the latter, he won’t mind that our poster doesn’t “put out.” That said, I slept with my now husband on the second date– so I guess put me in the Corporette whore column ;)

  9. is anyone familiar with this label? i’m seeing ads everywhere. i think someone said they were like St John light (i.e. cheaper). True? I love a lot of St John styles but can’t afford them at this point in my life.

      1. Almost all of my professional clothes are from Talbots. (I’m 30 but I probably dress older). I’ve been a loyal customer for years. The clothing’s construction is usually dependable and long-lasting, and the petite sizes are awesome.

  10. @mamabear – You are a genius! My girlfriends and I are organizing a holiday cookie bake over e-mail right now. Cannot wait.

    1. For those of you organizing cookie bakes who don’t want to bring boxes of cookies home with you – send them to the troops.

  11. I apologize in advance, I know that this is going to be longwinded and disorganized but I’m really upset abouta situation at my new job. I started a new job about nine months ago. I’ve done a lot of work for one partner and got a lot of positive feedback from him early on. However, all of that changed about a week ago.

    The partner was busy preparing for trial that ultimately settled. It it had gone it would have lasted weeks. So I understand that he was stressed about it, however he’s making me feel like he hates me, which is really stressing me out.

    There are ultimately two issues: One is a case where we’re up against a discovery deadline and still need additional time. I drafted a joint motion to extend discovery, which the other side consented to. Partner then made significant changes, which obviously have to be approved by opposing counsel, and now he’s angry with me because that attorney is gone for the day. It’s frustrating because I truly don’t know what I could have done differently.

    The second is an opposition to a motion that I volunteered to write because the person assigned to it was knee deep in the trial stuff. I worked on it, had it reviewed by a more senior associate chosen by partner, and sent it to the client for approval per partner’s instruction. The adjustor hates it and now partner is blaming me. But he won’t read it! I really don’t think that I did poorly, but what’s far more upsetting is the fact that he won’t read it!

    I think his behavior this week is out of character, because he has been great prior to this. I think he is just stressed from the trial that almost happened. But what should I do now? It’s upsetting me because I feel like I’m not being respected. I’m also terrified that I’m about to be fired (that’s how mean he’s been about both cases).

    Does anyone have advice? Should I talk to him about it? Wait to see if it blows over?

    Thanks

    1. I wouldn’t let it get to you too much–just try to learn from it going forward. It’s not wise to send something to opposing counsel before you get the sign off from the partner in that situation. I am surprised they told you to send the opposition motion to the client before the partner read it over, but that’s their fault, not yours.

      Good luck–people can get very prickly before a trial.

      1. Thanks for reassuring me that I haven’t lost my mind Batgirl…

        The only reason that I did either without his signing off on it was because he told me to do just that. I was nervous the whole time I was doing it! I just feel like it’s totally unfair for him to be mad at me for doing what he told me to do. Of course he probably forgets about it as soon as he does it and I’m the only one sitting up at night thinking about it.

        1. It’s more than likely that you are still stressing about this (as I have done in your place) and the partner has already forgotten about it. But, definitely let this be a lesson in CYA. Whenever I have a partner tell me something that strikes me as weird, such as “Have senior associate review and then send to client,” I always follow-up with an email to the partner reiterating that request. Then, when I email a copy to the senior associate, I’ll put in there “Per Partner X’s request, here is a draft of our response” and cc: the partner. Same for when I forward it along to the client.

          As for talking to the partner about it, I’d give it a few days and gauge his temperament. Then I would generally ask for some feedback on the projects that you did for him during trial preparation. More than likely, this was just “in the trenches” trial preparation problems, but at least this way you can address any potential issues that he may now have, head on.

    2. Some perfectly nice trial lawyers become absolutely horrible monsters when trial is looming. Let this be a lesson to you about your partner and how he handles stress. Just be glad you’re not married to that.

  12. Something about the shoulders looks weird to me. I can’t quite put my finger on it, though.

  13. Just need to vent.

    I am a 3L without a job. I’m in a T40, good grades, law review editor, moot court, etc. Worked at a firm over the summer who said they would let me know later in the year — still haven’t heard from them, boss isn’t responding to e-mails, so not feeling too great about that. I’ve sent out resume after resume, and no one is even acknowledging receipt — at this point, I’ve gotten one rejection letter, and I was actually happy because at least my e-mails are not just disappearing when I hit send. Everyone of comparable rank has a job in my class.

    I have already been having daily freak outs about it, but now, relative who went to worse school, had worse grades, and did no extracurriculars got a great job — so I’m basically in a tailspin. It’s not only that I’m freaked out about not having an income, but now, I’m embarrassed and ashamed. I just feel like I did everything I was supposed to and it just hasn’t worked at all, and everyone around me thinks something is “wrong” with me because I’m getting nowhere.

    1. I sympathize, but think you need to take a step back from this. I am also an unemployed 3L, at a low T14, EIC of secondary journal, top 1/4 of the class. The bottom line is that firms just are not hiring right now—it is not a reflection on you. It doesn’t matter if you are the most qualified and best candidate in the world, if no one is hiring, there is no opportunity. At least over here, a few firms hired in September, a few may hire in March/April, but the rest aren’t going to hire until after you take the bar. (Few literally means 3, maybe.) It is what it is. Sure, keep sending out resumes, but having expectations of getting a job right now–that’s going to drive you insane. At the end of the day, it will work out. You have a solid resume and you’ll get a job. It may not be the job you initially want, but worrying about that is not going to help anything. LOTS of 3Ls don’t have jobs, LOTS of the Class of 2011 doesn’t have a job. No one is judging you.

    2. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I was almost exactly there 2 years ago.

      The only thing that I can really tell you, advice-wise, is that your circumstances is probably not anywhere near as rare as you think, and that the other people in your shoes are probably feeling exactly as bad as you are, so of course they’re trying to keep it under wraps, making it seem like everyone else is doing fine. Of course, I knew that, too, in my head, but still couldn’t shake the feeling that it was just me. I wish I could give you some sort of better advice, but I really don’t have anything else. It sucks out there.

    3. I completely understand why you are freaking out, but trust me when I say everything will work out. It’s just a really terrible time to be graduating law school. But eventually you will find something. And, of course, it sucks so much that everyone else seems to be employed, even your relative, but you cannot compare yourself to other people. There are so many different factors that go into this. I would give yourself a break, too – focus on exams, holidays, no one is going to be hiring over december for the next year anyway. Then, after you had a bit of a break, use the fact that you are still in school to contact alumni and other professionals for informational interviews. Talk to people, network, show them your resume and cover letter, maybe do a couple of practice interviews. Maybe your relative got lucky, or maybe he/she is just great at selling themselves. You can take this time to practice those skills; it sounds like you’ve got strong qualifications to back you up. And just know that it will all work out.

    4. Nothing is wrong with you. You’re doing everything right. It’s not your fault the economy sucks.

      I know it’s tough to ignore everyone else, but at least you can avoid talking about as much as possible.

      Good luck and hugs. :(

    5. I completely understand where you’re coming from, right down to the “relative even got a job!” Sometimes I need a reality check from my husband or parents and both told me that I’m doing everything I can, and I’m doing everything right. My relative always paints a much rosier picture, so the six-figure, 3-day work week straight out of college they’re touting is definitely not the case, and I need to just remember that.
      I don’t have much advice, but understand that your classmates and relative are probably not sitting as pretty as you think they are. Don’t be too hard on yourself!

      1. Oh, should clarify that I’m in a completely different field, but the sentiment is the same (re: six-figure, 3-day workweek… no one in law would ever even imagine that’s actually possible, from what I understand! Then again, no one in my field thinks that either, so really I shouldn’t even take it to heart.)

    6. Even though it probably feels like it, no one is looking at you and thinking that you are a loser or that something is wrong with you. I promise.

      After you pass the bar, you will find a job. Remember that. It will probably also be a way better job for you than anything you could have found in law school. I was in the same situation, and my job is perfect for me, AND I wasn’t employed at graduation. It will all work out.

      Now, take a deep breath and go get a peppermint mocha, shelve this, and get ready for your finals!

    7. I sympathize. I graduated May 2010 from a T10 without a law job (having been looking since the beginning of 3L year). It took me until June 2011 to get an actual, full-time “law” job (I was only *truly* unemployed for about a month, but first it was a political job, then a 3-month public interest law gig paid for by my school). I think I sent out something like 300 resumes. My current job doesn’t pay nearly as much as most of my peers in BigLaw are making, and sometimes I’m a little bitter when I think about some people I know in BigLaw who started before the recession hit and quite frankly aren’t that great at their jobs (whereas I, of course, think I would be awesome), but at least I actually get to talk to clients and go to court (i mean, little court things, but still, court things), unlike a lot first year associates.

      This is all to say, don’t worry, something will turn up, even if the people who seem less credentialed find things first (and just remember, they could have something else that got them hired–maybe pre-law school experience, maybe they know someone, maybe they’re just an awesome person). Just takes some time and possibly creative thinking on the job search (and if it helps, I got my job from a lawjobs.com posting).

    8. I felt the same way when I was graduating and still feel that way to an extent. It was difficult to celebrate everyone else’s job offers when I kept getting rejection letters or silence. My friends actually took me to dinner after my 50th rejection letter, back a few years ago when firms were still sending them. I hit the point where I was panicking every day because I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills and actually had to borrow money from my parents for awhile, which felt even worse.

      I’m certainly not out of it or completely past the feeling, but it does get easier to deal with. I still have faith at this point that some permanent job will work out for me, but for now I’m doing document review and able to pay my bills. Getting a paycheck is satisfying even though the work isn’t really what you want to be doing. Keep putting your resume out there because you only need 1 place to jump at the chance to hire you.

    9. Ugh, I could have written that myself! It is quite depressing. I have no advice seeing as how I am in the same position, but glad we are not alone…I guess. Thanks for posting this!

    10. I was also there about this time two years ago- I ended up landing a clerkship in very late December. I was top 5% at a top tier school, law review etc. I used the clerkship to spring into a nice full time gig afterwards that wouldn’t have been available to me otherwise (they don’t hire straight out of school).

      Have you thought about a trial court clerkship? In my state, many of these were still available well into third year, just because a lot of judges don’t get around to hiring until they have to. I didn’t want to clerk originally, especially on the state level because of the salary. I only applied to one state clerkship and it’s the one I got. I applied after I got no offered at a big firm and struck out with federal clerkships (in my year and district, they were mostly taken by second year clerks- this is probably still true?). I talked to an adjunct prof about my situation and he strongly suggested I apply to this particular judge, who was a friend of his. So it worked out, but not til late December.

      Did you summer at a smaller firm? Sometimes they don’t make hiring decision until the spring.

      1. I just want to echo all of this. The state I’m in also has no formal deadline for clerkship applications. Most judges hire far in advance, just like the federal judges. But there are always a handful that hire in the summer, only a few months before the term begins. The pay is not good, but the experience is fantastic. If things get desperate, consider volunteering as a judicial intern. I saw at least one law school grad intern for a judge, then get hired as a paid clerk when the budget allowed it. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for recent judicial appointments. While some already have a clerk in mind, many don’t.

        Honestly, right now is probably one of the worst times to be looking for a job (I know, I was in a very similar position). Late for big firms, early for small firms, and not the typical clerkship season. But one of the best times may be this summer, because most recent grads stop searching for jobs to focus on the bar exam. The competition shrinks, but those jobs are still being posted on the school job board.

        Also, look into any fellowship programs your school might have. They are pretty common, because law schools want to be able to report a high % of recent graduates as employed, and it can usually help subsidize a public interest position. Those positions often turn into jobs when the organization has the money to hire a new lawyer. And worst case scenario, you at least get to avoid a gap in your resume.

    11. If it makes you feel any better, having a law job sucks. Sometimes I think the best thing that could have happened to me would have been a) failing the bar or b) not getting any sort of job at all.

      1. No this does not make us feel any better. Did you have any real job before law school, or is this your first real job?

        Anyway OP anony, I hear you. I’m a 2011 top tier grad. I didn’t even get any interviews until I had passed the bar. I’m thankful I currently have a well paying non legal job with benefits, but I am getting pretty restless and am feeling like the time, money and effort I invested in law school was futile.

        The bottom line is that law firms are just not hiring, as many have said.

    12. Nothing is wrong with you. In this economy, it is extremely hard to get jobs before graduation. I graduated from a T25 in 2009 and I think around half my class was unemployed at graduation. I’m guessing there were probably similar statistics for the classes of 2010-11 as well. These people weren’t necessarily the bottom half of the class- there were plenty of really great students on the list of unemployed. The reality is that with all these unemployed, licensed attorneys out there, there’s no reason for many firms/courts to take on people who haven’t passed the bar.

  14. I’m feeling uninspired and bored lately with my clothes. I love this blog, but what other fashion blogs do you all like? I’m looking for new and creative ways of working with the clothes I already have to put together new outfits. I feel like I wear pants or a skirt, some sort of ruffled shirt, and a cardigan every day. Sometimes I get crazy and add a belt. I need some inspiration!

    1. pinterest or polyvore. go nuts.

      there’s also a frenchwoman’s blog that somewhat recommended a while back … she creates whole outfits inspired by pieces of art, or scarves, or something like that. maybe someone remembers the link. tres chic.

    2. Check out alreadypretty, if you haven’t already. Also youlookfab.

      (those are both dot com)

      And I completely agree about Vivienne.

    3. I like You Look Fab and Girls with Curves (for plus size but everyone can appreciate her style)

    4. I like capitol hill style. It’s similar to Corporette in that things are pretty conservative and work appropriate, but different too.

  16. Also, along the same lines: I think I want to work with a style consultant. Love clothes, but for the life of me, cannot seem to create enough appropriate outfits with what I have. And I have no time anymore to shop or to parse my own closet for possibilities — has anyone done this before??

    1. That’s a fantastic idea – if you decide to do it, please let us know about your experience. I love clothes too, but I’m really pretty hopeless when it comes to trying to build a wardrobe. I would love to hire a stylist to help me build a great core wardrobe that fits my body, style, and professional needs, and give me tips for building on it.

    2. again, i plug the Nordstrom personal shopping/stylist service. incredibly helpful, fun, pleasant, and really opened up my mind when it came to what i could wear and how and with what. cons: Nordstrom is not cheap and you are, by definition, limited to their inventory. works great for some but depending on your age, budget, tastes it may not be to your liking.

      other friends have hired people who came over to their houses and ransacked their closets, basically. they loved it. but it’s not cheap, and it takes some getting used to – think, Stacy & Clinton, not quite as harsh :)

    3. No is probably still reading this, but go to cardiganempire dot com. She has a package where she assesses your body type and creates a book that shows the type of clothes that you should be looking for. She will also, “shop online” to find looks that would work for you. I have asked for one of the packages for xmas and am really excited abou ti.

    4. A colleague did this – had a stylist come to her place, assess her wardrobe, and help her put together new combinations of things she already had and make suggestions for future purchases that would work well and help get more out of her current wardrobe. My colleagues thoroughly enjoyed it and said it was well worth the time (maybe 3 hours?) and the money.

      They’re certainly not terribly conservative or businessy, but I like Already Pretty and Wardrobe Oxygen. Even though I don’t really dress like either of these women (I long to be a tunic and leggings girl, but I’m just not), their sites have given me ideas for pairing items I have and for trying out new color combinations. Both are pretty body-positive, too, which is nice.

  17. Am I the only one who’s had a lousy customer experience with Kate Spade online? I had two orders this week cancelled through no fault of my own. Essentially, their computer decided I’d cancelled the orders, which I hadn’t. And that’s after spending time on the phone with a know-nothing CSR yesterday, telling me that my purchase was indeed going through and I had nothing to worry about.

    So now the sale is over, and my precious, precious bags are gone.

    Wah! #firstworldproblems

    2. I can’t stand their store/website relationship. I returned a gift to a retail location (which is near my parents’ house, not me) and received a gift card. No issue bc I could use it online, right? No… only in-store. I also returned an online order to the store, but didn’t immediately get credited back – had to wait until the online retail acknowledged the return. Total PITA and makes me think twice about shopping from them vs. ordering the styles I like through Zappos or whatever instead.

    3. They sent me the wrong size shoes once. Their fault. My order specifically said 6, they sent 6.5. They were jerks about correcting their problem.

  18. Talbots also has a single-button jacket in this tweed, which I just bought (along with the skirt). I love the suit and think that both pieces will work well as separates.

  19. Posting this now, but will probably re-post tomorrow.

    At what age did your friends start pairing up? I am 22 (in 1L, hence the name) and it seems like everyone around me is drinking the relationship Kool Aid. It’s frustrating because sometimes I feel unincluded/uninvited to dinner parties, etc. that just end up being for couples. I’ve just started law school, and it’s also frustrating to try to make friends with people who really don’t need to confide in you because they have their S/O. Am I being paranoid, or is this a welcome wake-up call to the typical saga of the young, single woman?

    1. I remember being pretty upset about this too when I was 22. my best friend was getting married, and only hanging out with couples blah blah blah. Plus, I had spent junior and senior year of college in a serious relationship so it was the suddenly single, bff getting married, law school stress all coming together i’m sure.

      I’m 26 now, but the “typical saga of the young, single woman” comes in ebbs and flows. You don’t sound like you need to be in a relationship, but more that the being surrounded by couples is what is bothering you, which is where I’ve been too.

      I’d say just seek out single people, join groups, activities (running clubs, ski club etc). Also, I was single through most of law school, and married/attached men were a lot more friendly than married/attached women. Maybe that’s just my personality, as I tend to make more guy friends no matter what situation I’m in, but in law school it seemed all the attached women stayed together.

    2. I had a similar experience when i was 22. I’m pretty sure I’m a professional bridesmaid now. I wound up befriending a bunch of single people in law school and only about 1/4 of my close friends in New York are in serious relationships. I think I gravitated toward single people when I started a new life here.

      So no, you aren’t being paranoid because I think that is a fairly common experience in our early 20s. My typical joke has been that I’m just waiting for the second round of marriages when people can afford to get me better gifts ;-)

    3. I had this same reaction my first semester of law school. And then suddenly in January, all my coupley friends were single and ready to mingle.

      Otherwise, if it makes you feel better, most of my friends haven’t coupled up yet (I’m 27). I can count on one hand the number of friend-weddings I’ve been to. We all just have had other things going on. So it’s not everyone’s saga! And, come to find out, my married friends happen to be living vicariously through me! The grass is always greener…

    4. I’m 24, and though I am in a serious relationship I still know what you mean. It seems that all of my high school and college friends are getting engaged right now, and I just don’t see the rush. Though I have a serious boyfriend (of 3 years), we’re long-distance and also won’t have enough money to get married for a while, and we’re fine with that.
      And for what it’s worth, if I lived near you I’d totally invite you to my dinner parties, as almost all of my friends are single, and it wouldn’t be awkward at all!

    5. I am a little older than you (45, OK — a lot). I think the more relevant question is: at what age did your friends start happy, healthy partnerships that will last?

      I met my former husband when I was 19 and married at 24. Most of our friends did roughly the same. All except one couple are divorced and some (me) have been divorced for years (15).

      What I find more interesting is the couple who are in healthy, happy relationships (many marriages, some not) who have great kids and robust careers. To a one, these people met their partner at 30 or later, when they had established their personality and their career and their friendships and lives and had dated enough to know what they wanted and could offer. If I had it to do over again, I would have done it that way.

      Good luck.

      2. Hmm, I think I intend to do it this way – I know I’m not ready for a relationship yet, and I’m OK with not being in one at the moment. I don’t yet know what I want out of one, so it would be premature.

        I’m just really weirded out by the social norms of ‘couples’, and the fact that my friends who have been dating people at 18, 19 are on the verge of being engaged at 22. You have some great advice.

      3. A Little Older,

        Thank you for the ray of hope! I am frustrated because I am interested in settling down, but as a big city girl who moved to a smaller city for work, it feels like there’s not much of a point to searching right now, because I am determined to move back to a big city, and women are more likely to move for men than the other way around. Also, there are few transplants here, and it doesn’t seem like getting involved with a local would work, as many locals have been here for generations.

      4. This is great advice! I dodged the bullet of an early marriage – simply because I was too contrary – but did live with my college boyfriend for 5 years in my 20s, long enough that a palm reader (what? it was for fun!) called it a first marriage, as he predicted the second marriage. There was a couple-y norm back then… but fast forward a few years, and many, many of my HS and college acquaintances who married early are now divorced, and some, remarried.

        Most of my close friends didn’t marry until their 30s, and seem to be going strong. I held out ’til the end of that decade, and it was worth the wait. This wave of coupledom will pass, and you will be glad to have not made any rash decisions. Plus, being a young, single woman with only yourself to answer to = Teh Awesome!

        1. I second that last sentence!

          Married in my mid-thirties (wasn’t sure I wanted to marry, ever, though). Currently in my earlier forties, and married to the same person.

          Yeah, still miss having only myself to answer to, sometimes. That’s really underrated…. ;-)

      5. I didn’t meet my husband until I was 31 and he 33. While we’ve only been married a year (dated/engaged just under 2 years), it has been the easiest relationship I’ve ever hoped to have. I was worried that since we were both older, we’d be too set in our ways and used to our privacy to function as a couple. Really, what happened was that we both knew who we were, what we wanted and that we really really liked each other enough to make it work.

        Enjoy your 20s! And definitely don’t get involved with someone seriously just because everyone around you is. I narrowly avoided marrying someone awful right out of college because everyone else was getting married. You have the rest of your life to be coupled with the same person, if you so choose. What you don’t have is the rest of your life to be young and cute and relatively carefree. I had a great time in my 20s, didn’t even date that much (especially not seriously) and got to get to know myself before settling down.

    6. This is going to sound really mean but… are you at a good law school? I’m a 2L at a t14 and not only are most people older than 22, very few are married and only some are serious relationships.

      It’s possible you are paranoid or have boring friends.

      1. Yes Anon, that IS a mean comment.

        To the OP—it could be that the pressure of first semester 1L has driven a lot of people to a short term couple-hood (as someone pointed out above, those relationships may not survive exams/break.) Also, people may still be in their pre-law school relationships; again, a lot of those relationships will end by the end of second semester 1L (at my school, this included some marriages, unfortunately.)

        I think you have a great attitude- enjoy being young and single! I suspect that you’ll have a few compatriots in single-dom by the end of the school year!

      2. Wow. That’s just insulting. Each school has its own culture. I went to a t25 that was known as being very family friendly, so we had *many* students in their early 20s who were married, engaged, or in serious relationships when they came into law school. That doesn’t mean they don’t need to confide in you or have other friends. Most of my closest friends in law school were married/engaged, but they still needed to have other friends who could understand what they were going through.

      3. Here’s the funny thing. If you’d referenced region, instead of elitist top schools, this comment would not have been mean – just on point. Where I live, people just don’t get married that young. Around here, most people get married in their 30’s.

        Now most of my friends are married, but I went to very few weddings in my 20’s.

        1. It’s definitely a regional/school culture thing. I went to law school in the midwest, but most of the students weren’t from there, so there were relatively few married couples. Then I moved to another midwest city where it seems like everyone gets married young. I’m in my late 20’s and most of my non-midwest friends aren’t married or recently married, while a much larger percentage of the people I know here are.

      4. This is hilarious. Clearly, the OP’s crap school is related to number of couples in her class.

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