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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 161 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Ted Baker London

Suit of the Week

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Ted Baker London 'Core' BlazerFor 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. Every woman needs a basic black suit, even if you don't wear suits frequently — but in that case it's all the more important that the pieces look great as separates. For this week's Suit of the Week, I'm loving this “Core” collection from Ted Baker London — the dress looks gorgeous, the blazer looks classic, and the pants look flattering and modern. I like. The jacket (Ted Baker London ‘Core' Blazer) is $348, the dress (Ted Baker London ‘Core' Wool Blend Sheath Dress) is $275, and the pants (Ted Baker London ‘Core' Trousers) are $198.
Ted Baker London 'Core' Blazer Ted Baker London 'Core' Wool Blend Sheath Dress Ted Baker London 'Core' Trousers
(L-7)

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Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Frugal doc..

    I have recently become a convert to Hanky Panky lace thongs. A..mazing! I thought I would never wear thongs again after an uncomfortable period of experimentation back in my 20’s. But this thong is a completely different animal…

    But honestly… $20 a pair?!?

    How/where do you guys get your Hanky Panky’s at a bit of a discount? Who has the best sales?

    • Anonymous

      I never buy them full price, but I don’t know where the *best* place to get them is. I have purchased them on Rue La La before and at Last Call. I’m curious to hear what others have to say.

      You’re right, it’s an insult to all them a t h o n g – they are so much better and different!!!

    • anonypotamus

      other than when certain limited colors/styles (like the Hello Kitty ones that I saw recently) are discontinued, the only time they go on sale that I know of is during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in the summer. I try and stock up then because they usually are a *reasonable* $10-13/pair.

      • eek

        Hello Kitty – I saw those in store and I think I snickered/snorted (no offense, just funny to me). Yes, the best time is to stick up during the Nordstrom Anniv Sale – presale starts on July 10 for Fashion Rewards members.

        • anonypotamus

          Hahaha I had the exact same reaction. I had gone in to get new bras and figured I’d ask if any colors of HPs were on sale, and the salesperson brought out these rhinestone-studded Hello Kitty ones. It took a lot of self-restraint to just smile and say oh, no thanks (though, to be fair, the $9 price tag was tempting…)

          • eek

            “STOCK” up.

            I completely forgot about the rhinestones. Icing on the cake, for sure. ;p They are like a chastity thong.

      • Frugal doc..

        Fabulous! Thanks for this…

        It was actually a Nordstrom’s personal shopper who told me to try them. I cringed when I saw the price, but when others on this site also endorsed them I broke down and ordered one pair. Wow….

        • Cb

          How are their other undies? I just can’t with t h o n g s but would love some awesome hipsters although it pains me to spend more than $5 on a pair.

        • AIMS

          I buy them at NM Last Call, Saks Off Fifth, Nordstrom Rack, and Lohmann’s for about $11-13/pair. I’d say 75% of my undies drawer consists of HPs and I have never paid full price. When these places have sales, I have actually gotten some for a lot less.

          • Anonymous

            NM Last Call has a huge selection on their site right now for $11/piece.

    • Ashley

      Love HP’s but I will never pay full price! Get them at nordstrom rack and rue lala.

    • Bonnie

      Regular NM also sells them in 5 packs that go on sale with some regularity.

    • Anonymous

      I also like the Gap stretch lace undies – essentially the same thing, but usually under $10/pair. Plus, I can attest they’re super comfy and hold up great (in washer and dryer without a lingerie bag).

    • Anonymous

      nordstrom rack and nordstrom sales. also, sometimes blue fly has 3 pack on sale

    • JuliaS

      Anyone have an idea on where to find a “dressy”washable white tee to wear under suits? I hate shells because I sweat and then it gets on my jacket plus I’m more comfortable if I take my jacket off to have short sleeves. I’ve seen silk, but I need washable. Checked out Saks, Nordstroms, Banana Republic, J Crew… even Talbots but their cotton blouses are lousy – please help! Online is fine, but washable is a must and it’s got to be dressy enough to wear with a good suit.

      Thanks!

      • In the Pink

        Just came upon Judy P tops – just go to their website and order. They are double faced modal on the fronts. Nice. Easy to wash and hang up to dry. Several different styles and gosh! The rainbow of colors…amazing. I get mine at a local boutique which carries them and orders for me. But if you’re not that lucky, just order direct. A convert I am from BB, Talbt, AT, August Silk sweaters (tees, shells) that require dry cleaning and eventually pill no matter what.

        Yeah, I’m hooked on Judy P. The sheen also makes them seem “dressy” without being polyester-looking.

    • Need to Improve

      Gilt had one today. They go on sale a lot. And they last forever. Well worth buying several pairs.

    • darjeeling

      I’ve gotten them for $7 or $8 pretty regularly at Century 21 if you’re in NY. Tons of colors and styles too.

  3. AnonPara

    Work question – I was asked to travel with a partner to a location a number of hours away to perform some research for a client. I am a paralegal and not an attorney, so am thrilled to be able to get out of the office and really get involved in a case. I have a solid professional relationship with the partner, so am not worried about any weirdness there. I am just not comfortable being without my vehicle, especially since it may involve an overnight. Instead of us driving together, I suggested driving separately so if he needed to stay for whatever reason, I could head back as I do have other projects I need to complete. He seemed a bit puzzled by my suggestion, but has agreed to it. Am I way out there on this one?

    • Ellen

      I am GLAD you have a good releationship with the partner, but if it is goeing to be overnight, just make sure to get your OWN room in a decent hotel. If the firm is any good, they will pay for ALL of it and JUST bill it ALL back to the cleint. The manageing partner at my firm would NEVER even hint at shareing a room with me (or even another guy), b/c he does NOT want anyone to see him w/o his clotheing on.

      Beside’s if the cleint is payeing for it, who care’s? We alway’s bill PORTAL TO PORTAL, which mean’s we start billeing from the second we leave the firm until the second we come back to the firm, even if we stop along the way and get food or cupcake’s. If it is part of the trip, the cleint pays for EVERYTHING! YAY!!!!!

    • TCFKAG

      I’d say that it is the norm for people to carpool to these sorts of things (saves the firm reimbursement fees – also just streamlines the whole process). But if you’re *not* planning to stay over and he is, just explain that to him and I’m sure he’ll understand better (maybe you already did – but if not). But yeah – that’s probably why he was a bit confused. I wouldn’t call it way out there, but its a little different.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I feel you. I get weird anxiety/claustrophobia stuck as a passenger in someone’s car in traffic. I much prefer to take my own. It can be hard though as the norm is definitely to car pool! I usually have to make up some kind of excuse – heading to an appointment straight from our engagement for example. Now I’m close enough w/ my boss that I’m comfortable saying “you know how I get weird during long car rides. I’d rather just drive.” I also have a staff member who gets car sick so she always takes her own car so she can stop as often as she needs to without making the group late. You aren’t the only one.

      In this circumstance, could you have said that you want your own car so you can explore the destination city after work?

  4. TO Lawyer

    Anyone shop at Mango? What’s their sizing like? They recently closed all of their stores in Toronto but their online selection is great and really reasonably priced.

    • Anon

      I find that the sizing is pretty standard and the size chart is accurate – I wear my regular size at stores like Zara and H&M. I’ve gotten some great things from their online store.

  5. Anonymous

    I seem to recall someone on here discussing a band or something to use post-partem that will reshape your hips/help with muscle tone on your stomach. Am I dreaming here?

      • Leslie

        I used the BelleFit and I liked it. After my first pregnancy, my ribs never went back down and my whole shape was just bigger, so after my second, I figured I would try one of these compression garments while the relaxin was still going full force. I found it worked well. Obviously it doesn’t do a ton for muscles or anything like that, but it does help bring things in, and from what I’ve read, compression isn’t a bad thing to help the uterus contract down afterward. I wouldn’t call it a super miracle, but I was happy with how fast things went back down, compared to the first time around – http://www.bellefit.com/

    • Maddie Ross

      There are several and many people report success losing inches with them, but they do not increase or help muscle tone and in fact may hurt it. As someone who recently delivered, I’ve been told by my physician and others at the hospital not to use them. Although obviously Jessica Alba did with success.

    • hoola hoopa

      If you get an abdominal binder for surgical patients, you’ll get the same thing minus the cute prints for 1/10th the price.

      Ditto Maddie Ross that it may not be what you want. They aren’t necessarily slimming, because wearing them adds bulk. You’d do better with a spanx like item for that. They aren’t necessarily going to improve your core condition either, since it won’t actually improve your muscle strength. You’d do better with exercises. They are, however, very helpful to hold you together while you heal from a c-section or suffer from extensive diastasis recti (split abdominal muscles).

  6. Ellen

    This is a cute jacket! But to short for me b/c peeople will be stareing at my tuchus until I loose 8 lbs. Dad is mad that Ed set me up with a guy who is NOT calleing me back, so Dad is actueally interested in Myrna’s plan to see if he was takeing me out just to compare me to his girlfreind. Dad say’s that if Philip did NOT already know Rosa, he would have Rosa make a play for him, but he is going to get some of his freind’s who work for the goverment to find out exactelely where he lives and to see who he is liveing with. I already know he live’s in Manhatan, but with a name like Stein, there are alot of them around and there number’s are NOT listed in the yellow pages. FOOEY!

    But dad will get to the bottom of this. Dad is also blameing this on my tuchus sayeing that if I did not have to loose 8 lbs in my tuchus, he would have grabbed me and MARRIED me by now. I said to dad how could he, b/c he did NOT know me and he does NOT know that I am goieing to be a law partner yet?

    No, I think that Myrna is right. He was just sizeing me up against the competiteion, and I lost. FOOEY, but not realy, b/c the loss is on HIM b/c I do NOT want to think of him as bieng any kind of prize. Any Ptooey is on him!

    After all, Philip is some broker, so what is the big deal? I could have been a broker after greadueating from GU, Morgan Staley and some other guy’s wanted me to do their training program, but I said NO, I wanted to be a lawyer! YAY!

  7. Clearly Speaking

    “Every” woman does NOT need a black suit.

    Not all women wear black well, some look completely washed out and ill; not all women wear suits at all; and not all industries are conducive to wearing suits.

    Really Kat, I would expect more from you than a gross (and disprovable) generalization like this.

    • Anonymous

      This website is geared towards professional women who typically wear business/business casual clothing. I don’t wear suits to work and I don’t look great in black but I still don’t think it’s a ridiculous or offensive statement to make.

  8. Lynnet

    Ok, I cannot express how much I love the Shade Garden dress at Anthropologie (link to follow). However, there is no way I can possibly justify buying an anthro dress, even on sale, that I can’t wear to work. So, please, please, justify my purchase and tell me that a jacket and conservative pumps will make this dress business casual.

      • Anon

        It is pretty, but I don’t think it is office-appropriate (low neckline plus the combination of the bright color plus the large pattern plus the cut plus the waist bow = too much going on). But for the weekend – yes!

        • Anonymous

          I wouldn’t call that a low neckline. Low back, yes. But that can stay covered with a cardi or a cute jacket.

      • TCFKAG

        Its pretty, but I’m not sure I’d pay $200 for a cotton, dry clean only, maybe not work appropriate (depending on office) dress.

        But that’s just my opinion.

        • Lynnet

          I’m not going to pay full price. I’ve never spent that much on a single piece of clothing in my life. I’m hoping I can get it 30-50% off at some point (I just got the Mari dress for under $100 by stalking for about a month). Even with the discount it would be a bit of a slurge for me, which is why I wanted other people’s opinions. Also, part of the reason I love it is that it’s cotton with a cotton lining…

      • Anonymous

        i would totally rock that to work in the summer, w/o the belt pictured but with a cardi in white or orange or yellow open, and a skinny belt over the whole thing. I totally dress more casual in the summer though when i dont have to wer a suit.

      • anon in-house

        I’m confused – if you layer a black or navy blazer over it I think it’s fine for business casual…

    • JessBee

      Very pretty! And I would wear it to work with a jacket or cardigan. I think it gets to business casual easily with either, but especially a jacket. I think it’s nice — the bow might be a little much, but the neckline is fine. And a jacket would mute some of the things that are “going on” — though I don’t think there’s too much for work anyway.

      • Lynnet

        Oh, I’d definitely remove the bow, especially if I were going to wear it with a jacket. I am worried the neckline would be too low, but I won’t know unless I try it on.

        • Senior Attorney

          I’d wear it to work with a jacket, and a different belt. (Well, I would if I were younger. It’s a little sweet for middle-aged me!)

    • Mountain Girl

      With a jacket or cardigan and without the belt I would wear it to work.

    • MaggieLizer

      I used to feel like I couldn’t justify spending money on casual clothes, but you know, the one or two casual dresses I’ve splurged on (by splurge I mean, spent as much as I’d spend on a work dress) I get a TON of wear out of. I see them in my closet and they just make me happy. Besides, you work hard at looking put together for work, why cheat yourself when it comes to weekend wear?

      • hoola hoopa

        In a similar vein… I’m pretty skeptical of the dress for work wear, but the bigger issue as far as justifying the cost by calling it office clothes is that you’re only going to be able to get away with wearing such a distinctive dress at the office, what, maybe once a month or so? Hardly a weekday workhorse.

        But, if you *love* this dress and can come back to it for weddings, showers, dinners out, etc then it can be a weekend workhorse and a completely justifiable purchase.

        FTR, I love the dress but hate that black bow. It’s like an afterthought that doesn’t make any sense.

    • Anonymous

      I could see people wearing this to a wedding/church/graduation/ just because…

  9. SJ

    A coworker just sent an email assuring some colleagues I would have a project done by Monday. This coworker isn’t on my team, has no authority over me and is part of a project I’m not involved in at all. I wish I could say all the hilariously horrible things I’m thinking to her but alas, I must remain professional.

    • Famouscait

      Sometimes I enjoy just writing the email anyway, but never hitting Send (or filling in the “To” field, for safety’s sake…)

    • SJ

      Right?! I could probably make it happen by Monday if needed but where does she get off telling people I’ll do work for her? Also, management is aware she’s a problem and waiting for her to get a new job. I’m not holding my breath.

    • MJ

      Hmmm…this would bring out the passive-aggressive uber-polite MJ. I have worked in many cross-functional teams in giant and smaller organizations, and this would make me _VERY_ angry, particularly if Email Sender was not senior to me or had not previously discussed promising my time to a deadline. Therefore, I would kill it with kindness.

      1) Reply to person that sent the email and say, “Email Sender, Thanks for sending the email regarding Project X. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments with projects QRSTUVW on my team, Monday is not a realistic deadline. I would appreciate if you would speak with me prior to sending group emails in the future regarding deliverables that are on my plate. I will reply to the group to let them know the same. Regards, MJ”

      2) Reply to group and say, “Group– I wanted to thank Email Sender for updating you on the status of Project X. Unfortunately, due to Projects QRSTUVW on my team, Monday is not a realistic deadline for me to produce [portion of Project X promised by Email Sender]. I would be happy to finish this portion of Project X by Wednesday. Please contact Email Sender with questions. Many thanks, MJ”

      • Merabella

        This is how I would deal with this situation as well, because you not getting the “project” done on her timeline makes you look bad because she has made people think you are responsible for it. Taking back control is a good idea.

    • MB

      This reminds me of that Dilbert cartoon: “In today’s lesson, you learn you are my coworker, not my boss.”

  11. NOLA

    Wanted to say a quick thanks to all of the people who advised me on a gift for the grad who is going to law school. She loved it! She was so excited about the school supplies (especially the mini dry erase markers) that she almost didn’t see the card case. And to answer Cb’s question, she has put down a deposit to stay here, but she is waitlisted where she really wants to go so she’ll forfeit that half deposit if she gets in there.

    • Paralegal

      Ugh waitlists are pure torture. SO just got accepted off a waitlist yesterday and it is completely throwing our plans out of whack. And he is still on the waitlists for a few more preferred schools so things could potentially get even more complicated at any moment.

    • Anonymous

      Waitlists are rough. I was let in a month before, and I know someone that was let in 2 days before class started, and had to pack their life up and drive aross the country immediately.

      • NOLA

        Yeah, and I think she’s the first person in her family to graduate from college so it’s a big deal but her family really doesn’t know how to advise her. She was disappointed that her best choice seems to be staying here and where she wants to go is still within driving distance, but it would be rough to pick up and move that fast. She said that if she has to pay the rest of the deposit, she wouldn’t be willing to forfeit that much money.

        • Got off waitlist....

          I was disappointed when I was put on waitlist at the law school I ended up attending, but got off of it within a week of the May 1 deadline.

          Basically, she needs to show her extreme willingness to go to her waitlist school by writing that optional essay (which I was lazy and didn’t do until an admissions officer called me to say, hey, I want to vouch for you to get off the waitlist, but want to know about your interest). Once I sent in that “btw, I visited the campus, and really would like to go there for x, y, z, reasons” email, I was off waitlist and only lost that initial commitment deposit to the safety school, which, at $500, wasn’t easy, but in the long run, I like being employed rather than not.

  12. Al-anon for this...

    Anyone have any experience with Al-Anon or Alateen? My baby sister has some serious problems, and I’m thinking of attending a meeting. I’m a little nervous, because part of me feels like I don’t have the “right” to seek out help. I’m grown and out of the house, and several hours away. I don’t have to deal with any of the fallout most of the time, and often I don’t even find out what’s happening until much later. I have to “compartmentalize” my life and my own anxieties to function, and so I can go weeks without talking to my sister or my mom (who does have to deal with the fallout). But we’ve all been dealing with her problems for 15 years or so, and I feel so alone… Is Al-Anon a good resource? Or will people there just think I’m whiny and self-centered when they compare my complaints to the difficulties they have to deal with?

    • Anon

      I attended Al-Anon meetings for about a year before ultimately deciding that Al-Anon was not for me. However, if your concern is that people will think you are whiny and self-centered because your problems aren’t as “bad” or “real” as theirs, then don’t worry. I never encountered any of that – everyone’s problems are valid, and no one’s problems are trivial.

      It may be right for you, and it may not. But it is worth a try.

      I also recommend individual therapy (which is what does work for me).

    • Anonforthis

      I completely hear you on feeling like you don’t have the “right” to get support. We went through a similar period with my BIL and I felt the same way. The problem was that my husband’s family is very private and would have been very upset if I’d even told anyone what was going on. My MIL was able to lean on my husband and my husband leaned on me, but I had no one to talk to. I definitely felt like “well, he’s not your brother, why do you need any support?” But these kinds of things are so difficult and have so many ripple effects. I never tried al-anon (because my MIL and husband weren’t interested in going, and if they didn’t feel the need to go, how could I say I did?) but I think seeking some kind of support or help is completely okay, and you shouldn’t feel like you don’t have the right to.

    • KLG

      I can’t speak to any personal experience with Al-Anon or Alateen, but I wanted to second those who said your problems are valid and not trivial. You’re going weeks without talking to your sister or mom to avoid the fallout from her many years of behavior. That means your family isn’t available to you as a support system for your own anxieties and that to a certain extent, your sister’s behavior is dictating how you live your life. That’s a valid problem of the exact sort Al-Anon is designed to support. If it turns out not to be for you, I second the person who suggested individual therapy. Having relatives with addiction is HARD even when it’s not in your face 24/7.

    • Al Anon ish

      AARGH. My post got eaten. Anyway, I go to Al Anon. Many different people, all of whom are friends or family members of an alcoholic or addict, go. It has been very helpful to me. I also go to therapy but Al Anon is individual, always available, and free. I would try at least 5 meetings at different times and places, in order to see which one(s) you like, and then go back to the same meeting once a week for a couple months before you decide. It takes a while, but going to meetings (and finding a sponsor and working steps) has been very helpful to me.

    • OP

      Thanks, everyone. That’s what I needed to hear. I may visit the meeting near my office tomorrow…

      • Anonymous Poser

        Sounds like you already got the input you need but I want to chime in FWIW. I visited al-anon briefly and read a book on co-dependency (which I was struggling with at the time) while I was with an SO who was not drinking but otherwise still behaving like a drunk. I found both very helpful at the time, and I was able to rely recently on things I learned back then, as a relative started to deal with their drinking problem.

        I think al-anon can just help you get pointed in the right direction, even if it turns out to not be for you. Sending positive thoughts your and your family’s way.

      • JuliaS

        Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I was always curious about al-anon but never really felt justified in going, even though my brother is a recovered alcoholic and very active in AA. Fast forward, my FIL died and my MIL lost it (not drinking, but delusional and destructive) and I’m feeling very in the middle and not knowing how to deal with someone who, as my brother puts it, is spiritually sick. I finally go to an al-anon meeting.

        WOW. It wasn’t so much the meeting as what people said. I never felt I had to justify why I was there. But at one point, I decided to share (there were only 10 of us there) and I talked about my brother. Another woman looked at me and said, when did he start drinking? I told her he was eleven. I’m six years younger than him, and she turned to me and said, so you lived in a home with an alcoholic from the time you were five until you left home at 18. So much clicked in that moment for me – memories of living in a room next to a ticking time bomb, never knowing how he or my parents were going to react, the absurd strictness of my parents as he spiraled out of control, etc. There was so much said that night that I took home with me and helped me.

        It’s not for everyone. I’d like to go back, but I don’t feel I need to right now. But it helped me to give MIL some distance – to protect myself, and our kids – and not feel guilty about it. It also helped me understand why I’m a type-A anal retentive chick.

        If one meeting doesn’t do it for you, try another. Each group is very different.

        GL!

        • Anonymous

          Grateful member of Al-Anon for the past three years. It has given me the sanity to deal with the alcoholics/addicts in my family as well as insight into all the relationships in my life. The advice to try a few meetings is great. There is no competition in terms of who has it the worst in meetings. In fact, many people attend Al-Anon for a variety of reasons, whether or not they are close to people who are actively struggling with substance abuse. Paired with individual therapy, it has been transformative for me. Give it a shot and take care of yourself.

  13. Chesapeake Bay rec?

    Does anyone have a recommendation of a place on the Chesapeake Bay to stay for four or five weekdays in June? I have no particular activities in mind; I’m just looking for a place that is inexpensive and in an attractive area. Thanks!

      • Chesapeake Bay rec?

        Definitely less than $100 per night. Really I’m going for as cheap as possible; camping would be fine except that I won’t have camping equipment with me.

          • Eleanor

            Everything on airbnb seems to be in the Baltimore area; I’m searching for more rural or small-town.

        • I'm Just Me

          There is a Best Western in St. Michael’s that looks like it is around 99/night. That’s a really pretty area and there is a lot to do there close by. There is another Best Western at Kent Narrows. There is a Comfort Inn in Easton, not in as pretty of an area, but an easy drive to water and beauty.

          The Quality Inn in Annapolis is on the high way, but only minutes from the Bay Bridge and from Sandy Point.

  14. Anonymous

    I always get so weirded out by the window washers. They show up, unannounced (at least in my building), and I can never tell whether they can see me or not, which is particularly weird when I was changing in my office post gym. I really hope they can’t see through our reflective windows, but I’m betting they can.

    • Godzilla

      I had to pause in the middle of a meeting to laugh hysterically at the window washers crawling outside the windows. It is just too funny.

    • DAR

      You change clothes without closing the curtains/blinds? You’re higher risk than I am…

        • Anonymous

          Umm everyone if there is an office nearby! I can see right into the offices across the street, even though they are pretty far away

      • OP

        My office doesn’t face any other office towers, we’re on the edge of downtown facing out over a body of water, so it’s not high risk at all to change in my office.

  15. Anonymous

    anyone done team in training for triathlon or marathon training?

    I am thinking about joining to train for an olympic tri.

    • Matilda

      Do it!!! They are awesome. Instant group of training buddies, and incredible support during the race (including lots of support from athletes all around you who happen to be TNT alums). Also, LLS is a fantastic organization to support.

  16. Networking advice?

    I’m heading to law school in the fall and received contact info for an enthusiastic alum of the school I expect to attend. The alum apparently said to call if I want to talk about law school. It seems like a good idea to chat, get free advice, and expand my network, but I’m stuck on what to say when I cold call this (very busy) person. I’m sure I’m over-thinking this, but do I just call, introduce myself and explain my connection, and ask if he has a few minutes to talk about law school?

    • Susie

      I’d introduce myself in an email and ask the person to give you a time they are available for a short chat.

      • Networking advice?

        Thanks, Susie! That sounds much less awkward than a cold call. I think I was focused on the instruction to call (“you should call!” probably doesn’t mean “you must communicate by telephone only) and completely forgot about other, less intrusive forms of communication.

    • TBK

      Yes. The person volunteered, which means he wants to talk to you. You can come up with any questions you want, but here are a few suggestions if you’re stuck: (1) What did you like best/least about the school? (2) Any classes I should absolutely 100% take before I leave? (3) Any professors I should be sure to take? (4) What are the best school events? Our school had an auction that went to a fund for students doing public interest internships and it was definitely the highlight of the school year. (5) Ask about any extra curriculars you’re interested in (affinity groups, journals, other groups). (6) Anything else you wish you’d known about the school before you arrived? (7) If you have your schedule, find out if he had any of the same professors you have and pick his brain on what those professors look for. (8) Is there any database of outlines and/or old exams?

      If you’re moving away for school: (1) What’s the best place in the area for cheap food and drinks? (2) Any recommendations on hidden gems — either bars, restaurants, shops, running trails, etc.? (3) Where do the law students live? Find out where you should live if you’re young and want to party, young and don’t want to party, bringing an S.O. and/or kids with you, etc.

      • Networking advice?

        TBK: Thank you, this is so helpful! I’ll definitely keep this in mind as a guide / starting point for my phone call.

    • JuliaS

      I do these for my undergrad alma mater (or I did, before I left corporate to work in higher ed), and while we always say that it’s optional, it’s essentially an interview. I send details on the meetings to the admissions committee. Now I’m the assistant director for graduate business programs, and we have alums and/or faculty meet with prospective students, and we absolutely take what they say to add to our admissions decision. At the grad level in particular, admissions isn’t as clear-cut. If you don’t like someone, regardless of pedigree and scores, they’re out.

  17. put a ring on it

    This question stems from a real life situation. I’m curious for wider responses.

    If a woman is wearing a ring on her left hand ring finger that is *not* a *traditional* engagement or wedding ring (band, diamond, or maybe blue sapphire), do you assume that (a) they are in a committed same-sex relationship or marriage if legal, (b) they are in a committed heterosexual relationship and elected to not legally marry, (c) they are in a heterosexual marriage and bucked the trend, or (d) they are not in a committed relationship at all but the ring just happened to fit that finger.

    The women in question were all 30-55, professional, white Americans. The rings were (1) yellow, white, and rose gold stacking rings, (2) purple sapphire in a traditional setting, and (3) orange sapphire in a modern setting.

    • Anon

      (e) none of the above. If a woman (who was born and raised in the United States) is wearing a ring of any kind on her left hand ring finger, then I assume that she is either engaged or married. It doesn’t tell me anything about the gender of her fiance(e)/spouse.

      • Anon from 452pm

        Hit “post” too quickly…

        I also want to say that I recognize that many women choose to wear a ring on their left hand ring finger because they like how it looks, because that is where it fits, etc etc, and that it has nothing to do with their relationship status. But I answered the question of what I assume, and I assume (until proven otherwise) that they are in an engaged/married (or civil union-ed) relationship.

      • Samantha

        I’d assume they were engaged/married/in a committed long-term relationship. Ring on the finger = a signal that this person is ‘taken’.
        – Signed, someone who is very traditionally married but has a very non-traditional looking, tiny ring on my finger that I wear only to signal the above.

    • LH

      I think it could be any of the above. I don’t think you can generally make assumptions about someone’s material status by the ring (or lack thereof) on that finger.

        • darby

          yep – this. I’ve always worn a ring on my left hand ring finger regardless of my dating/marital status.

      • WCEC

        Agree + (f) from above. I can think of at least 2 friends for each category (a) – (d) who wear non-traditional rings on their left-hand ring finger.

      • A

        Also agree that it’s likely C or D… I went to a baby shower last weekend where the engagement ring was a lovely sapphire ring and she got married in a purple dress.

    • Anonymous

      E. I assume they’re engaged/married and assume nothing about their partner.

    • AnonBK

      (e) any or none of the above.
      You are probably over-thinking this. Rings aren’t some secret code to signal your sexual orientation.

    • Anonymous

      A, gays aren’t allowed to wear diamond rings. Right? Or is this just the stupidiest question that has even been asked on this site.

      • Anony

        Come now – that’s a pretty high bar to get over. :-). Amongst the stupidest maybe…but stupidest? Who knows!

      • SFBayA

        Given the competition, it’s not the stupidest question I’ve ever seen here but my brain is exploding nevertheless. Gay people have diamond engagement rings sometimes. Good freaking lord. Straight people have non-diamond engagement rings sometimes. Some people are engaged without a ring at all. Bah to the ridiculousness and ignorance inherent in this question.

      • Senior Attorney

        Heh. That’s me, these days! I must confess to being taken aback at how many people assume “ring on left ring finger” equals “in a relationship.” I’m just trying to keep my finger warm after all these years of wearing an actual wedding band!

        • anon

          Gosh, my ring is a ruby. I’m married, to a guy. It never occurred to me there were people out there trying to figure out if it is some secret bat-signal to people that I’m gay. I just like rubies! Just…wow.

    • Wannabe Runner

      I agree this is a stupid question.

      It sounds like some women just wear rings there. For my peer group/locale/whatever, I would assume they were in a committed relationship, but nothing about the gender of their partner.

      Personally, I wear an Irish claddaugh ring as my engagement ring, and a matching wedding band, both on that finger. I am married to a man.

  18. Anonymous

    My Hobo wallet (the Ally Phone Wristlet) – purchased during last year’s Nordie Anniversary sale – is falling apart. The card slots have stretched enough that I worry that my cards are going to fall out, and the leather is tearing at the base of the wristlet strap (where it connects to the wallet). I like other Hobo designs for wallets – non-wristelts that are completely enclosed so cards can’t fall out – and I’m wondering if anyone else has had a bad experience with their Hobo wallet. Or, if maybe mine was just over-taxed or a bad egg.

    • KLG

      My sister got me a Lauren a few years back and it’s still going strong. She’s on her second Lauren, but only because she beat up the outside of the first one as college student. (She’s the type where everything ends up in her gym bag with her muddy shoes, on the floor of her car, etc.).

    • anon

      Have you brought it back to Nordstroms? I had an issue with a Lodis wallet once and went in to say “Do you have any more, mine is dying and I love it” and they handed me a new one.

      I have a Lauren and the metal/clasps have bent a tiny bit after lots of use and it is looking slightly more worn, but I would definitely buy another one. I just bought an Eliza at TJ Maxx and I am also loving that one.

  19. JRM

    Help! My law firm is merging with another firm, and we are taking pictures for the new firm’s website next Tuesday. The problem is, I am very obviously pregnant. They have suggested dark professional suits for women. I have really no such thing in my maternity clothes. I do have black pants (2 years old, and a little worse for the wear) and a black maternity jacket (sort of a swing jacket with one button), but they definitely don’t match. I also have several black dresses. I have been SO busy this year I haven’t had a chance to shop for new maternity clothes, and there are no good shops in my city other than a Motherhood Maternity – and that particular store is really terrible. Any good online options? Any other ideas? I am booked this weekend too with family obligations (a graduation and mother’s day), so actually going shopping is out. Any ideas??

    • Anon

      Can you just ask the photographer to do a shoulders and up portrait of you instead of a full-length one?

    • Mpls

      Can you ask for a picture reprieve until after the baby comes – because who wants the pregnant picture up in perpetuity anyway?

      Are these full length pics where the coat needs to match the pants? or can you get away with dressing for the top half of the picture?

    • Fiona

      Are these full body shots or headshots? If headshots, I’d wear a fitted maternity shirt (so that it lays flat and doesn’t bunch up in the photo) and a dark suit jacket that you already own, unbuttoned. No one should be able to tell from the photo that you can’t button the jacket.

      If it’s a fully body shot… tell your firm that they are terrible people.

      • JRM

        They are doing headshots and 3/4 shots. I have expressed my concern that, well, I don’t want to be pregnant forever on the website, but no one has offered a solution. Which I take to mean they can’t use my old picture (which is GREAT, by the way). I think (hope) I get to choose my actual pic for the website, so I can choose the headshot. But I don’t know. It looks like most of the other people on the site have used a 3/4 shot…or definitely more than just head and shoulders.

        • Snarkster

          I would say that they can use your current picture and you’ll schedule a new one when you’re back from maternity leave. Nobody is going to offer you a solution – you need to present them with one.

    • mascot

      There will be new photographs added in the future so I would ask for a reprieve until then. You can probably use old picture until then.

    • anon

      i second all the comments above – except is this for a group shot? if so, I would do a black dress with non-black (but dark if possible) blazer, or the inverse – dress in a muted color with black blazer

    • EC MD

      The hospital I work for was doing PR shots at the Christmas party. I was 39 weeks pregnant. I just flat out refused and said that the next time the photographer was in for new physicians they could take my picture, and until then I’d provide a head shot. No one batted an eye.

      The funny thing was that they ended up taking these pictures pretty late into the party…and many of the physicians looked, well, flushed. So everyone’s was retaken at the next medical staff meeting.

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