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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 114 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Albert Nipon

Suit of the Week

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Corporette's Suit of the Week: Albert Nipon Houndstooth Drape-Collar SuitFor 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. Houndstooth can be a bit frumpy, but it seems to be everywhere this season (fitting with the “menswear” trend, I suppose). I'm digging the vintage vibe with this drape-collar suit from Albert Nipon — it reminds me of something Rosalind Russell or Claudette Colbert would have worn. I'd stick with black or white accessories with houndstooth, but that's me. This suit was $398, but is now marked to $298 at Neiman Marcus. Albert Nipon Houndstooth Drape-Collar Suit
Albert Nipon Houndstooth Drape-Collar Suit Albert Nipon Houndstooth Drape-Collar Suit 2
(L-6)

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

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

Comments

  1. TJ: Uncomfortable Pants

    The front draping of this jacket is too much detail along with the print, IMO. I would wear the skirt as a separate though, very pretty.

    TJ: are your pants comfortable around your waist when you sit? I have realize that all my pants, no matter what brand, pinch me uncomfortable when I’m sitting, though they fit fine when standing. Is this a common thing, or am I doing something wrong here?

    • Lady Tetra

      I have been wanting to ask about this too but felt like it was a weird question. If I buy pants that are comfortable when I sit down, they are far too large when I’m standing, so it’s not just that I need bigger pants. I hope someone has a good solution for us!

      • Mpls

        You need to measure your cr*tch depth and length. For some people, the length from their waist in the back, through the cr*tch, and back up the front is longer than others. It could be you need more room there. It might be solved with a waistband that sits lower, so your pelvis isn’t all smooshed under a waistband at the waist when you sit down.

        I wonder if it might make sense to have a tailor take this measure and give you some advice on what to look for when buying pants – either what will work off the rack, or what kind of alteration will work with something off the rack.

        http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2011/sewalongs/discussing-at-length-crotch-length/

    • Holly

      Check your posture and see if it helps if you sit up straight. Better posture also helps you breathe better so you get less tired!

    • Clerkship Issue

      Hi all, I have an issue I hope you might be able to help with. I am clerking for a state judge. It is her first year in office and I am not sure she has been alerted to some of the protocols of hiring/having clerks. She has not yet discussed with me what my term will be (one year or two) and I have been here since September. I know she has only hired one clerk so far for next year so it looks like she is assuming I will stay for two years. But I would very much rather not – I would prefer to only clerk for one year. I want to bring this up to her so at least we can discuss it. I don’t know how to broach the topic, and I don’t want to offend her by telling her I don’t want two years or declining her offer for the second year. If I am only staying one year, I would like to be applying for jobs now, so I don’t want to just leave it hanging. How should I handle this? Thanks for any help you can provide.

      • TBK

        Can’t you just ask her? I would think she’d totally understand that you need to be looking for your next job if it’s a one-year clerkship. As for saying you’d just like to stay for one year, I think you could phrase it as wanting to move into the next stage in your career. It’s very weird, though, that neither of you discussed this as part of the interview or at least offer/acceptance process. Is there a reason you didn’t ask before accepting?

        • Clerkship Issue

          Thanks for your input. I just didn’t realize it was something I should have asked about at the time. Apparently all the other clerks who started when I did found out their term after they accepted the offer but before they started work, so it didn’t seem weird to me.

  3. Gift Recs

    Can anyone recommend a gift for a 2 year old little girl? (This is a Christmas stocking stuffer type gift, so $10-$20 range, holiday themes are ok). Thanks!

    • Anon

      Things my two year old would love–chapstick, kid’s plastic bracelets/necklaces, art stuff (crayons, paint, glue, etc.), play-doh, stuff for her dolls (clothes, etc.), sidewalk chalk, bubbles, anything Dora, and super annoying but someone gave her a stuffed animal dog that plays a christmas song and jumps/rocks around and she LOVES it.

    • Anon

      Melissa & Doug puzzle or colorform set? My 2 year old son can spend hours with his animal colorforms or his many puzzles.

    • Anona

      A big second for the Melissa & Doug suggestion. Try looking for their wooden shape sorting clock (teaches numbers and shapes, and ultimately/hopefully time-telling) or their stamp sets or DIY decorate kits. Both my kids (boy and girl) liked their magnetic dress-up kits.

      I’ll also second all of Anon at 3:06’s suggestions–my 2-year old loooves Dora, jewelry, and bubbles, plus a healthy dose of Tinker Bell. A bit hit last holiday season for her was a purse with purse junk. Or the new pink/purple Lego Duplos. Be kind and don’t get anything with noises/lights ;-)

      • Hollis Doyle

        I third Anon’s suggestions as those are all things my 2 year old daughter loves. Something cheap and easy are those Crayola color wonder makers that only show up on special paper (the color wonder coloring books) so if she gets them on the table, carpet, couch, etc. it won’t show up.

      • In the Pink

        And nothing that needs batteries. Preschoolers have built in batteries – their minds and curiosity!

  4. Ciao, pues

    TJ on Tipping Etiquette:

    Do you tip a massage therapist who runs her own business?

    I know the convention in salons is not to tip the owner (which i always feel awkward about and so do anyway), but to tip the employees because they only get a cut of what you’ve paid for your service with the rest going to management. If that’s the logic, then it holds for massage therapists as well. But if the logic is more along the lines of tip for good service no matter the identity of your server, then maybe a tip is appropriate.

    I’m in Boston, if it makes a difference.

    • Ciao, pues

      also: she doesn’t have any employees: she’s a one-woman show with her practice in a medical building.

    • Kanye East

      The only time I don’t tip a massage therapist is when they’re a one-person/at-home operation. If it’s the owner of a business that employs other therapists, I still tip.

    • Carrie Preston

      I’ll preface my answer with the fact I generally believe in tipping – part of it, for me, is etiquette or industry standards, but a bigger part is whether the person in question is someone I want to have a good, ongoing relationship with. For example, my hair stylist owns his own salon/is a sole business person, etc. – all typically factors cited for not tipping, but I always tip him because I’ll be seeing him multiple times a year, and I want the association with me to be postive. It may not be necessary, but I’ve never had trouble getting appointments or getting squeezed in on my schedule (and he’s generally pretty hard to book with). Anyway, that’s just one example, but my rule of thumb is if it’s someone I’ll see more than once, I don’t worry about their business model, I tip.

    • Parfait

      I have a friend who is a massage therapist. She does massage out of her home one day a week and in a spa the rest of the week. At the spa, the owner gets about half of the massage price and she gets the other half plus any tips. At her home, she gets to keep the entire amount. She tells everyone that we don’t have to tip her at her home, and I generally do not.

      That said, when I paid for a 90 minute massage and she went at me for a full two hours because I was in such sad shape and the appointment after me had canceled? Hell yeah I tipped her.

  6. EB0220

    For those of you who work from home, do you have a good resource for office furniture? I currently have a Busch corner desk that I am really disappointed with. After just a year of use, the laminate is flaking off and I am having difficulty opening and closing the drawers. I would like to find a quality solid wood desk that isn’t insanely expensive. I have perused craigslist and some furniture stores but haven’t found much. I use my desk pretty hard, so I’d like something durable but nice looking. I would love recommendations!

  7. AIMS

    How short are cropped pants supposed to be? I bought these pants (http://tinyurl.com/nypmayz) and on 5’4-ish me they hit me right at the ankle. I like pretty much everything about them (which is rare for me because pants are not usually my friend) but I think maybe they should be just a little bit shorter. If I take them to my regular “tailor” (read: drycleaner) to shorten he is going to just be confused and he is not very good at knowing what looks good or how things are supposed to fit. I know I should just look for a better tailor but in the meantime… What’s the most flattering length for pants like this? Just above the ankle? Also, how do you wear cropped pants in the winter? Pointy flats or heels and sheer knee highs? Bare skin exposed? I am trying to avoid a look I thought was cute in college which was basically denim capris with tall boots (shudder!)…. Any guidance appreciated.

    • TO Lawyer

      I think right at your ankle/anklebone is the perfect length so you can show off your cute shoes.

      I can’t really answer your second question because I avoid my ankle pants in the winter because I’m not sure how to pair them. A colleague wore hers with booties earlier this week was adorable. But (and maybe this is just me but I’m not generally overly conservative) exposed bare skin just seems a little off to me in the winter.

    • Anonymous

      I think they should hit right at the ankle and they look best with pointy flats or heels. I wear them this way in the winter on milder days (no snow on the ground, not absolutely freezing temps).

    • Anon in NYC

      Agree on the ankle/anklebone comments. In terms of a tailor, I’ve had a good tailor experiences with Alterations Master in midtown, but they are a tad pricy.

    • meme

      I also avoid them in winter (I live in a cold climate), and I think sheer hose beneath them would look really old lady (this coming from someone who is team nude hose all the way).

    • (Former) Clueless Summer

      Anklebone is where they should be – I read something from J. Crew that said no more than an inch above. Even in the winter, I tuck them into boots for the commute, and then take my socks off and do bare feet with heels (or flats, although they look better with heels imo) or sheer knee highs. I don’t think it looks too old lady – I like to think people wouldn’t be looking down to see whether it’s bare skin or sheer knee highs.

    • AIMS

      Thanks all! I think right now they are at just past ankle and I need to shorten them 1/2 an inch. I have some very fine fishnet knee highs in a skin-tone color so may try that on not too cold days with some pointy shoes. These pants make my bum look really nice but the amount of uncertainty they give me over 1/2 inch of ankle is insane – thanks for your help!
      (And I will look into a new tailor. I long for someone who will just say, “this is how it should be” and then make it perfect…)

  9. Equity's Darling

    I love this, especially the cut of the jacket…but since when has houndstooth been a bit frumpy? Is herringbone also frumpy?

    • NbyNW

      @Equity’s Darling – good questions.

      Random comment – I know that you guys will appreciate this: My daughter (college student) and I went to nordy’s rack on Monday and I found her a $368 Theory sweater for $24.97 and a pair of black leather Frye knee-high boots that were $398 for $159. (The Frye boots are worth $368 but who would pay $300+ for a plain Theory sweater? Suits I understand because of the tailoring but this is just a marled, chunky knit.)

      Then yesterday she went to a local thrift store and found an unworn (tags still on) Aritzia lambskin moto jacket that retails for $595 for $20. It was with several pleather jackets and she just happened upon it, so it’s likely that the store didn’t know that it was real. Score x3 for daughter!

  10. wildkitten

    Is there any difference between the Jcrew No 2 Pencil Skirt and the Factory Pencil skirt? They look exactly the same online…

    • A Nonny Moose

      The fabric of the factory version wrinkles very easily and just feels much cheaper.

    • Anonymous

      Probably the quality of the fabric. The Factory one is a wool/viscose blend and the regular one is 100% double serge wool. I have the regular one in tons of colors and love it. I’ve never tried the factory one, but I generally feel like all of the factory items have cheaper looking and feeling fabrics.

      • Anonymous

        Also, it looks like the factory one is 2 inches shorter than the regular one (21.5 inches v. 23.5 inches)

        • anon

          yes. this is true. the factory one is an awkward length IMO, and also a bit tighter than the regular one in the same size. I have a factory skirt I’ve never worn and should have returned ASAP, while I wear the regular ones all the time.

      • Baconpancakes

        Weirdly, though, I think the Factory linen skirt I bought was lined in cotton. I may be misremembering, but I think I noticed and was surprised they had lined it in such a practical fabric for summer.

    • OCAssociate

      The Factory one is shorter, and seems more generous in the hips/butt. My Factory pencil skirts all sag a little in the butt area, but the No. 2 skirts don’t. And my god, the wrinkles with the Factory skirt are crazy. Worth the extra $$ to get the No. 2.

    • AIMS

      If it’s in wool, I can’t say I have noticed a whole lot of difference. Wearing one from last year right now and it doesn’t sag or wrinkle and I am quite happy with it. I’m 5’4 and it hits me right at the knee. As far as fabric feel, I can’t say it feels cheaper. I actually like it much better than some regular JCrew double serge items such as the teal dress I bought two years ago that is flattering but feels and looks like burlap.

  11. Leigh

    TJ – I need hair advice. I got a ‘body wave’ perm earlier this week, and I really, really hate it. I need advice! What are the best ways to deal with curly/wavy hair? I doused my hair in anti frizz cream and Moroccan oil this morning and it’s already a puffy frizz ball. I bought a flat iron yesterday; what are the best methods for straightening?

    My hair before was super low maintenence: wash and wear. I’m at a complete loss.

      • Godzilla

        Definitely comb (not brush) your hair when it’s wet and run your cream/oil through it while your hair is wet. No brushing, ever. Enjoy.

    • Sparrow

      Can you ask your stylist for reccomendations on what products work best with permed hair?

      I’m not sure about products, but maybe you can try drying your hair with a diffuser attachment and slightly scrunching it to enhance the waves.

    • Mpls

      Talk to the hairdresser that did the perm in the first place? Tell them that you aren’t loving the results and what steps are you missing? What were your expectations going in and what instructions did you get when you left the salon?

    • Baconpancakes

      Yes, yes, and yes. (Preg 3L, Sparrow, and Mpls) As someone who went from stick straight hair to beautiful, waving curls with a perm in high school and hated it immediately, I get it. (Looking at pictures of myself now, however, I realize just how gorgeous those curls were.)

      Once you get used to the completely different way of taking care of your hair, perms can be easier than straight hair. Use very, very nourishing conditioners, and once every week or so, don’t wash out the conditioner completely. I was really happy with Redken’s curl spray. I also never blow-dried curly hair. If there’s enough curl, it’ll only frizz, and while theoretically diffusers work to dry curly hair, I’ve never seen them work on me (even in the hands of a very experienced, very expensive stylist – she gave up, rewet my hair, and blow-dried it). Also, if you want beautiful curls, don’t brush! Brushing curly hair makes it frizzy. Comb in the shower with a wide-toothed comb, and leave it alone.

      However, depending on the tightness of your curls, you may need to talk to your stylist, and see if your hair just doesn’t cooperate with perming.

      • anon

        Any tips for someone with stick straight hair thinking of getting a perm? My hair is fairly fine and is hard to curl with an iron, but all the hairstyles I love involve big wavy curls. Is that possible for me? Would a perm be the way to go?

        • Baconpancakes

          Yes, a body wave like the OP got would be what you’re looking for, but absolutely do not skimp on finding the very best hairdresser to do it, and discuss your worries and particular hair attributes with the hairdresser. Make sure that your hair is in peak condition before you get it permed, with deep conditioning treatments, and find some hair treatments for after the perm as well. But don’t freak out if it’s a little bit curlier than you expected!

          This goes for the OP as well. Your curls with loosen a little, and become less pronounced in 2 weeks, trust me!

  12. Maddie Ross

    Question for bf-ing/formerly bf-ing mama-rettes — I have what in theory seems like a good problem – all of my suits from pre-baby are too big now post-baby. I know I weigh less now that I did pre-baby, but I’m wondering how much of that is from bf-ing along and if I will stay this size once I stop. Does anyone have any insight? I hate to pay to have things taken in if I am likely to gain weight back once I stop bf-ing.

    • OHCFO

      I definitely gained a little back & in different places after I stopped bf-ing. I’m sure part of this was because my “I’m feeding 2 people, I can have another cookie” mentality had a hard time going away after I stopped. My youngest is 3.5 (bf’d for 18 mos) and I feel like I am only recently sure of what my “new normal” is.

  13. J

    I recently moved to a new city (almost a year, long enough that I can’t say I “just got here”). Despite my best efforts to meet people, I still haven’t made any real friends. I’ve gone to a couple of book club meetings and joined some professional groups, but I can’t seem to make the leap from seeing someone at one of these meetings to hanging out with them outside those activities. Does anyone have any advice? Everyone seems to have their own thing going, and I don’t want to be coming off too strong or asking for people’s information too fast … I’d like to think I’m generally nice and social but no luck. Has this happened to anyone else?

    • LH

      I think its a pretty common problem when you move somewhere as an adult and don’t have an existing network. If you’re looking for a humorous read about someone in the same situation you might check out the book MWF Seeking BFF. It’s about one woman’s year-long quest to make new friends in a city where she knows no one except her husband. It might also give you ideas about how to meet people (some of her ways of meeting people are kind of out there but it might give you inspiration).

    • Mpls

      So, you moved to Minnesota, eh? We’re known for being a tough place for transplants

      It took me two years of regular (every other month) attendance with a young professional group to make friends that I hang out with outside of the group events. It really just takes time, I think, and showing up regularly with the same group of people. It could be church, a volunteer group, a book club, an alumni group in your area. Do you have sports team that you follow – find a bar the shows the games and make a habit of going. Do you like to knit/crochet/other craft hobby, find a store that does classes, or has an open project hour so you can work on your stuff around other people.

    • TBK

      I think you might have to stop worrying about coming on too strong. If you strike up a conversation about something, invite the person to do something related to that thing with you. So if you talk about a current movie, ask if the person wants to get together to see it sometime. If you find you both like running, see if she’s up for a long run some Sunday followed by brunch. If you talk with someone for a little while (10-15 min or so), consider just saying “hey, it was great talking with you. Would you be interested in grabbing a drink or lunch sometime?” Does that sound like dating? Yes. But what is dating except trying to get from an initial introduction to a situation where you can get to know each other better. Your conversion rate will likely be low, but if your choices are to take a risk and have someone turn you down but have a chance at making friends, or stay safe but have no friends, which would you prefer? My husband works for a very small company and can’t rely on work for friends. He uses these tactics frequently and has built himself a nice little group of friends.

    • Bonnie

      Have you looked at girlfriend circles? Everyone there is looking for friends so it may be less intimidating.

      • J

        I didn’t even know this was a thing. Thanks for the suggestion! I can see it would be helpful if everyone there is already open about the fact that they are there to make friends

        • Sara

          Join the local Junior League. Some Leagues allow mid-year provisionals, while others prefer that you wait until the “new year,” which usually means late summer.

          Yeah, it’s still got a rep, but you’ll meet other women who will tend to be civic minded, interested in their community, interested in helping others, looking to learn new skills, developing themselves and others. They also tend to have purely social events. Enjoy!

          • mascot

            There are plenty of women in the League who joined for the dual purposes of volunteering and socializing. It’s a good way to meet people.

  14. clip ons?

    I am looking for some fabulous clip-on earrings. I want them to be dangly and sparkly. Willing to spend up to $300. Anyone have any suggestions?

  15. Maddie Ross

    I got sent to moderation, so I’ll try again: Question for bf-ing/formerly bf-ing mamas-*of this site*— I have what in theory seems like a good problem – all of my suits from pre-baby are too big now post-baby. I know I weigh less now that I did pre-baby, but I’m wondering how much of that is from bf-ing along and if I will stay this size once I stop. Does anyone have any insight? I hate to pay to have things taken in if I am likely to gain weight back once I stop bf-ing.

    • Godzilla

      In my head, I read this as “boyfriending,” which of course makes no sense. Then “best-friending”. It has been a day.

    • meme

      I think the answer is different for everyone, so it will be very hard to know where you’ll end up until 2-3 months after you finish bf-ing. I always went back to my same size and wardrobe after, with the exception of a smaller bust, which did not completely manifest until a few months post-weaning. Nursing always helped me lose the baby weight quickly and easily, and I never gained any back after I finished, but I know some people who did and some people who had a really hard time losing the weight until after weaning. In short, I’d say its risky to spend money tailoring until you stabilize post-weaning. Too many potential fluctuations until then.

    • NewMama

      Probably pretty specific to the individual… I too went down in weight during my bf’ing stage. I’m now 6 wks past bf’ing. I immediately gained 3 lbs after I stopped, but stabilized. I’m currently just under my pre-baby weight. The only thing that has changed since I stopped is that my b**bs got smaller, although I’m still a half cup larger than pre-pregnancy. The other thing that definitely changed is that my appetite is less than it’s been since pre-pregnancy, too…

    • Anona

      I ended up smaller all over after having kids. I kept on weight while bf-ing, and that fell off as I got to the final tapering and end of nursing. I put on a fair amount of weight (~50lbs) for my pregnancies so it took me about a year-plus (non-dieting/not doing anything beyond eating as I usually do) to get back to pre-baby size, and then once I ended bf-ing probably went down some more. I held onto my pre-pregnancy clothes for a while, which helped as I gradually stepped down, and then I recycled those bigger items for the start of pregnancy no. 2. My chest basically disappeared once I stopped nursing so I did have to get some new bras right away, but I’m way cheap so new bras is like a $50 matter for me.

      I’d say give yourself a month or two after completely stopping nursing to see how things go size-wise. Anecdotally, I’ve noticed that many co-workers end up smaller post-pregnancy (sometimes scarily so), which I believe is consequence of the stress so many experience when trying to juggle new motherhood and working. Now that I’ve been through it twice myself I just want to give everyone all the hugs; it’s a tough racket sometimes, even when you’re happy about both of those things (the baby thing and the job thing). So my tangent ends with a please-be-kind-to-yourself-you’re-doing-awesome note.

  16. Outlet/Factory stores

    A new outlet mall is opening in my area this weekend, and I’m looking for input about the items found at these stores. Particularly, I’m anxious to shop at: Ann Taylor factory, BR factory, Cole Haan outlet, Gap outlet, JCrew factory, Loft outlet, Nike factory, and White House Black Market. Any experiences as far as quality, prices, what to buy or what not to buy at these stores?

    • A Nonny Moose

      BR factory is usually not great quality, but you can get really great deals. If you’re young or otherwise not rolling it in, it can be a good place to get basics that will last for a season. Think cotton suits, basic button-ups. I’ve also found some really great pieces– look carefully and really assess quality.

      Cole haan is one of my favorites; I think almost everything if not everything they sell is old season merchandise and not manufactured just for the store. Good prices, too.

      JCrew factory is lower quality than their regular store as well, but I find that it is still priced pretty high for what it is. They have an online store, so stopping in the brick and mortar may be not worth your time.

      I read once, I think on this site, that “factory stores” contain mostly items made specifically for outlet chains, while “outlet” in the store name means that it is old merchandise from the “real” brand. Not sure if that’s true or not, but BR and JCrew are both factory stores, versus Kate Spade which is an outlet and tends to have items that were sold on their website, so it holds up at least for those 3!

      • TBK

        My experience with BR has been the opposite. I have some beautiful tweed jackets I bought there a couple of winters ago. Great quality both in the fabric and construction. I also have several cotton blouses and other items that have lasted me 4+ seasons and are still going strong. The prices are quite good, too. I do agree on J Crew factory, though. I have one summer dress from them that’s good quality, but most of their stuff is a poor immitation of what they carry in the real store and not worth the money since the discount isn’t much.

        • Killer Kitten Heels

          My experience with BR factory tracks with yours – I buy suits there pretty regularly, and they are the same quality/materials as BR suits I’ve bought at full price – the main difference seems to be that the factory store don’t stock “this season’s” patterns/designs, so if there’s a particular new pattern or cut you’re looking for, you won’t find it at the outlet.

          J.Crew factory is a huge disappointment – everything is cheap-feeling and thin, and the prices aren’t even remotely good enough to justify the significant reduction in quality. You’re better off buying true J.Crew on sale.

          Anything labeled “outlet” will generally carry sale and/or overstock and/or irregular items from the “regular” store, while “factory” generally means that they stock completely different items made specifically for the factory store.

          • tesyaa

            My absolute favorite black skirt is a 100% wool one from BR factory. The quality, drape and fit are just the best.

    • Bonnie

      Here is my take:
      AT: some duds made for the outlet but can find some great pieces
      Loft: most poorly made substitutes
      Cole Haan: love love love
      BR: hit or miss but I’ve found some great things
      Gap: primarily casual clothes. Great for jeans.
      Nike: prices tend to be higher than Marshall’s but their sales racks are great
      WHBM: everything appeared to be original (made for stores not the outlet); I always find a deal
      JCrew: quality is not worth the prices

      • Anonymous

        Agreed on CH and WHBM being great outlets. I’m also a huge fan of the Saks and Neiman outlets, where I’ve found some great desginer stuff for cheap.

    • Maddie Ross

      Gap outlet stuff is all made specifically for the outlet and primarily consists of styles that were popular the previous year in the B&M store and standard basics. I like Gap outlet for basics (plain Ts, plain cardigans, etc.). I don’t think the quality is necessarily any worse than regular Gap, but we’re not talking high quality stuff to begin with. J.crew outlets are still expensive, unless you get stuff on clearance. I do love to peruse their clearance section though and have gotten good deals on sweaters and coats there before. But as mentioned above, you may be better off using the online store for that now and are guaranteed not to get shop-worn stuff that way. I like the Nike factory. I have no idea how stuff ends up there, but you can get some great deals on workout gear. I got a fleece running pullover there last year for $6.

      • Nonny

        Just on Gap outlet stuff: my SO bought some plain men’s t-shirts from there (various colours) two years ago and I swear, the fabric was the cheapest jersey I have ever seen. By the time they’d been washed a few times, I was embarrassed to be seen with him in them. So check the fabric quality before you buy – even at the inexpensive prices, it’s not worth buying something that is going to be unwearable in 6 months (unless you are specifically buying it for short-term purposes).

    • preg 3L

      DH gets all of his workout clothes from Nike outlet, and they seem to hold up great. I agree with everyone else for the other outlet/factory stores: BR (hit or miss but occasionally great finds at great prices), JCrew (overpriced but if you don’t mind sorting through the sale section, you can find good prices on basics/tshirts), Gap (almost old navy quality/prices but with gap tags).

    • WCEC

      If there’s going to be a Brooks Brothers outlet, that is my favorite stop for work basics. The “346” label is the made-for-outlet line, but the outlet store carries both 346 and original store items. The 346 is great quality! And the whole store frequently has sales.
      Cole Haan is my second favorite. I haven’t found anything good at AT, BR, Loft, or J.Crew; buying things on sale at their regular stores is better quality for similar or slightly higher prices, IME.

  17. WSB

    Rant: When a group of us is going out to lunch together, please do not volunteer to drive us all if your car is a complete mess from your toddler mashing yogurt, peas, and dirt into every crease of your backseat, has dirty toddler underpants on the floor, is missing headrests for, ya know, adults who want to avoid whiplash, and has a large bulky carseat base that obscures the seatbelt for the back middle seat. Please. Thank you.

      • Killer Kitten Heels

        I see your point, but I’m kind of with the OP – if you volunteer to do something like drive people around, it’s kind of presumed you have the equipment needed to do it, you know? I wouldn’t volunteer to foster a St. Bernard if I lived in a studio apartment, or volunteer to hold a meeting in my office when I know I only have one spare chair and we’re expecting five people. I worked in an office where there was frequent driving to lunch, and it was pretty much presumed that the driver had a large enough/clean enough car to do the driving in – if someone’s car wasn’t big enough/clean enough, it was no big deal to pass on driving and let one of the other people in the group drive. In fact, parents of young kids generally got a universal pass on group driving for precisely the reasons OP mentions – car not clean, car seats in the way, etc.

        Of course, if no one else volunteered, that’s entirely different, but I’m giving OP the benefit of the doubt and presuming there were other people in the group who were ready, willing, and able to do the driving.

        • NbyNW

          @WSB – When I had young kids, I would “sanitize” my car before taking co-workers in it and even then I was paranoid about kid (and dog) smells/mess. I would scrub the seats, vacuum, wash windows and generally clean it out prior to driving anyone. And if I hadn’t done that, my car would “mysteriously” not have any gas and thus not be able to drive anyone.

        • WSB (OP)

          (a little late I realize, but still) — yes, exactly, I was available to drive my super clean and kid-free car, and would have offered if Mr. Toddlermobile hadn’t volunteered first. I would put up with a dirty car if no one else wanted to drive, but I don’t know why he volunteered, with his car in that condition.

    • headrests

      I hate it when I have to ride in a car with missing headrests. It feels unsafe. I have a friend who would always volunteer to drive us in her 75-hp miniature aluminum can of a car. We called it The Roller Skate. I refused to ride in it. She finally got rid of it and bought a real car with airbags.

  18. Anon

    Ladies, I just googled “corporette” and came across this hilarious blog called STFU corporette! Have you guys seen it? Not sure who started it or what it’s about but it’s kind of funny!

    • NKV9

      I’ve seen it, and actually thought it was pretty lame. The comments here offer lots of opportunity for witty/hilariously caustic remarks, but that blog misses most.

  19. ParanoidAnonymous

    Question for those of you in biglaw. I just started about six weeks ago and came nowhere CLOSE to billing 160 hours this past month. Slightly over half my time has been billable so far. The rest is first-year training, pro bono, and nonbillable projects like writing articles. Is this normal starting out? It’s a very unstructured free market system, so I’ve been trying to ask around for work and show interest in peoples’ cases. I just have this nagging fear that my little group doesn’t really have enough billable work for a new associate.

    • LeChouette

      very normal. very very normal. it will take a little while for you to get fully integrated. if you are still this way 4-6 months from now, then maybe there’s reason to be more concerned.

    • JB

      This is normal for starting out. You are in training and getting adjusted to the firm’s world. I know this is hard not to feel discouraged, but try to use to the free time to network and learn. In a few months you’ll be well on your way.

    • Anon

      I just started recently too, and some established associates let me know that because the annual hours requirement resets Dec. 1, first years are unofficially given a “free pass” until then. Is there someone you trust who you could ask about this?

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