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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 124 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Gucci

Suit of the Week

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Gucci Jaguar JacketFor 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. There's something so femme fatale about this suit, and yet I kind of love it in a non-costume sense as well. The fact that the dyed calf hair collar is detachable is probably a plus — with that bit removed it's just an amazing crepe wool jacket with flattering dart details. The slit on the skirt (on the back) is, um, a bit high for my taste, but so it goes. The jacket (Gucci Wool Jacket with Jaguar Print Collar) is $2300, and the skirt (Gucci Bonded Cotton-Blend Pencil Skirt) is $595.
Gucci Jaguar Jacket 2 Gucci Jaguar Jacket 3
(L-5)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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Comments

  1. Orangerie

    Early TJ:

    For those of you who work in casual offices, do you wear rain boots all day instead of bringing shoes to change into? I was talking to someone who said she and some of her coworkers do this regularly, and I thought it was really strange. Is this a thing? My office is super conservative, so perhaps I just don’t know what it’s like on the other end of the spectrum.

    • tesyaa

      I never see this, and we are business casual. Maybe this is regional, or generational.

    • preg 3L

      I used to work in a very casual office (everyone wore jeans), but I found it too hot to wear rainboots all day. If I had to leave the office more than once in a day, I would just leave my rainboots on though.

        • wildkitten

          +1 I don’t think it’s a style problem to wear them all day, but I do find it to be a comfort problem.

    • KLG

      If we are getting really heavy rain or if it is snowing, I will wear my rainboots to my casual office with jeans and leave them on all day. People look at me funny but that’s mainly because my usual work uniform is slacks, a cardigan, and pointed toe flats or heels so they’re always surprised to see me dressed down. But others wear jeans and flip flops so I don’t feel bad at all wearing rainboots in bad weather.

      When I wore a suit to work everyday, I wore boots to work and brought heels to change into at the office unless the office was closed for snow, in which case I wore jeans and boots if I went in.

    • NOLA

      I generally change. My rainboots are cowboy boots with a bit of a heel so they don’t look quite as odd if I match them to my outfit. But they might get too warm. My rainboots came with a kind of waterproof sack/backpack so I keep an umbrella and shoes in that and switch them when I get to work. Especially helpful if the boots aren’t necessary when I leave.

    • Anonymous

      I work in a casual office and no one would ever leave their rainboots on all day. There’s no reason not to change into a different pair of shoes.

      • KLG

        But if you’re comfortable in them and your office is casual (I mean casual casual, not business casual), what reason is there to change?

        • Orangerie

          I think rain boots fall into the category of outerwear vs. actual footwear, which is why I thought it was odd to hear that people left them on inside. It’s not like I’d walk around my office in a trench coat or carrying an umbrella all day just because it was raining outside, so why keep the boots on?

        • Anonymous

          Anonymous above I just wouldn’t wear my snow boots inside all day either. I just think rainboots are for wearing in the rain. We’re casual but we’re still professional (so jeans are OK but no ripped jeans, no flip-flops). We’re definitely not business-casual but it’s expected that people dress like a grown-up.

    • Ellen

      Yay! I love Gucci, but this is out of my PAY GRADE (as they say in DC–fooey on goverment).

      As for this OP, the manageing partner would NEVER let me get away weareing boot’s of ANY type in the office, irregardeless of whether it was rainey or snowey outside. He insist’s on all of the women (all 3 of us) weareing fashionable pump’s in the OFFICE, (not even flat’s), so that mean’s ME and Lynn and Roberta all haveing to leave at least one pair of nice pump’s in our desk’s so that we have them to change into when we come in.

      I suppose it is JUST AS WELL, b/c when I walk in with boot’s, there have been more then a few TIMES when I have acidentelly stepped into dog poop or other gross and have to leave my boot’s (or NIKE’s) out in the hall b/c they are to smelley to bring in. In fact, just yesterday, I got some strange stuff on my NIKE’s when I walked down LEX and had to leave them outside b/c they were gooey. I also left them outside my apartement door overnite, but they are not as gooey today, and the walkeing helps with my FITBIT. YAY!

      Sam called, b/c he think’s I may still date him b/c he has some work for the manageing partner. I am NOT being assigned any of his work b/c I think it would be a confliect of Interest, especialy b/c I saw his winkie. I did NOT tell Frank about that or I would NEVER hear the end of it. Frank lives for storie’s like that and I am NOT about to HUMOR him. FOOEY!

    • Ashley

      It would depend on the boots and the office. Some rain boots are just boots made of water repellent leather. They don’t look like rain boots. In a very casual office, yes I could see wearing them all day. When I did a consulting gig the notoriously cold office of a manufacturing plant, I would a pair of these kind of rain boots all day with my pants and no one was the wiser.

      The plastic looking kind, no way.

    • applesandcheddar

      I work in a very casual office (i.e., jeans acceptable any day), but I wouldn’t wear rain boots all day. 1) They would be all wet and gross if it was really raining enough to wear them 2) I find them a bit clumsy to walk around in, so I don’t like to wear them when not needed.

      That said, if someone wore them, it wouldn’t be a problem, but I might personally think it’s strange.

  2. Stumped santa

    I am having the hardest time thinking of gifts for my DH for Xmas. He is kind of nerdy, not athletic, owns an iphone. He doesn’t read for fun, he’s not into shows / concerts, he doesn’t need more clothes, he has an extensive liquor collection so drink-of-the-month subscriptions are unnecessary. And he is trying to lose weight, so caloric gifts are out. Last year I got him some decent gifts, and this year I am stumped. Any suggestions? If I really can’t come up with anything, I will be getting him a bunch of DVDs. Thanks!

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      If he’s trying to lose weight, and he likes techie things, what about a techie weight loss tool, like a FitBit or a GPS tracker for running/biking or a BodyMedia or something?

    • Pink

      Really nice boots? A nice indiana jones hat to go with Indiana Jones boots? Nice weekender bag/carryon roller? Ipad (who doesn’t love an ipad)? Hammock?

      As for gifts that benefit the household:
      Netflix subscription; vitamix (droooool); a cast iron skillet; if you have a house–a grill?

      • NOLA

        That’s so funny. I have bought boots for my SO for Christmas/birthday and he also looooves his Indiana Jones hat. My SO likes a particular kind of boot (western-looking boot but ankle height) so it was fun to splurge on some he wouldn’t buy for himself.

    • Lynnet

      Maybe some indie video games? NPR is doing a series on indie computer games this week, that’s a place to go to get ideas, and maybe run the idea by him in a casual sort of way.

    • Clementine

      My husband has heavily hinted that he would like some bluetooth wireless speakers. Basically, you can play music on your iphone and move this speaker around the house so you can keep listening to your music/podcast/etc. around the house.

      He’s liking this one: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-speaker/

      Other suggestions that I don’t know if anyone would hate: a massage, Bose noise cancelling headphones (I hear they’re just as good for cancelling out loud coworkers as they are for long haul flights), healthy cooking classes, a few fun classes that he’s expressed interest in (maybe whitewater rafting or something).

    • Sydney Bristow

      How about a set of cufflinks in whatever area of nerdiness he is into? My boyfriend recently got into the idea of cufflinks. It’s something that could work regardless of any weight loss.

      There are lots of options on Etsy in just about any theme you can think of.

    • NOLA

      Oh, and fun nerdy kind of gifts like the jumper cables that don’t require opening the hood or the thing that allows you to open clamshell packaging without a knife or scissors.

    • CKB

      Your dh is like mine. Last year I got him R2D2 Lego & he LOVED it. There are all kinds of Lego kits – I like the architecture series myself.

      My dh also runs & has been working out in the gym (to aid his weight loss efforts). He just might be getting running accessories/gear this year.

  3. Flying Squirrel - CA maternity leave help

    I’m at such a loss here, and I’m hoping someone on this site can help. Apparently my huge, multi-national employer does not know about California maternity leave laws (don’t ask), and I keep getting blank stares or told information that seems to directly contradict the law as I understand it.

    Can anyone suggest a good, third party resource to get information about what my benefits and options are? I’ve tried calling the state hotline, but I can never get through (apparently they’ve drastically cut hours through the end of hte year).

    TIA!!

    • Anon

      Try looking a site called Milk Your Benefits. The woman started a business helping women utilize all of their maternity benefits in CA and in particular did it because of HR’s ignorance surrounding the laws and benefits.

    • saltylady

      I’m an employment lawyer in CA– I’ll try to shorthand it, but you can also go to the DFEH website. The law gives you up to four months (actually 17 weeks and change now) for pregnancy disability leave during the period you are actually disabled on account of childbirth, pregnancy, or related conditions. So that’s any bedrest time, a few weeks before you deliver, and usually 6-8 weeks after. Once you are no longer disabled, you still have 12 weeks of “family medical leave” available to bond with your baby. I put that in quotes because it’s not FMLA, it’s the CA version of it called CFRA– CA Family Rights Act. These are both unpaid leaves– basically just job protection, meaning they can’t fire you for being gone during that time or retaliate against you when you get back. During this time, there are several ways you can get paid or receive wage replacement. You might have short term disability benefits at work, which will pay you while you are disabled. You also might be able to use vacation or sick time. The state of California has two types of wage replacement– SDI (state disability insurance), which is available while you are disabled, and PFL (paid family leave) which is available for the other part of your leave, I think six weeks is the max. Both of those top out at around $450 a week last time I checked.

      So it usually looks like this– employee begins leave with PDL, and is getting STD and/or SDI. Employee has the baby. About 6-8 weeks later, employee shifts to CFRA and starts using PFL or vacation, or is unpaid. Employee might take off additional time by agreement with the employer, or else returns to work at around 18-20 weeks following the birth (if not sooner because paid benefits run out).

      Now, some law firms and maybe other companies do it differently. At my firm, almost everyone took a total of six months off, with some portion of it paid through STD and vacation, the rest unpaid. It was just standard.

      • Flying Squirrel - CA maternity leave help

        Thanks. The question I’m having the most difficulty getting information about is the disability leave prior to pregnancy. As I understand it, California allows up to four weeks prior to due date, even without any additional complications. My company’s disability program allows 2 weeks. Can I still get the state SDI for the other two weeks (or, in my case, it would likely be less than a week)? Also, am I required to use up all of my sick leave before the disability kicks in? All the resources I’ve found online suggest they can only require me to use 1 or 2 weeks before the disability kicks in.

        Also, just FYI, the current cap is $1067/week (or up to 55% of your weekly pay, whichever is lower).

        • mama of 2

          Probably too late for you to see this, but tread very carefully here. At my law firm (also a multinational firm, and I’m also in a CA office), I was told that I had to take two weeks of sick leave and then disability would kick in, even with no complications. But on day 11 of my leave, when disability should have begun, I got a call from our disability provider saying that my firm’s policy didn’t cover disability under these circumstances. I was so outraged. Fortunately, I ended up going into labor a few days early and ultimately it was just two or three days that I had to cover. So not a problem. But if I hadn’t had the baby when I did, I would have been really screwed. Bottom line: if HR doesn’t understand the benefits policy, it might be worth calling your disability provider and getting some information there.

        • saltylady

          That’s right– in CA, SDI will pay starting at four weeks before your due date. Doctors routinely sign the form then, and it’s a done deal. But the insurance company can be different. We had this problem really bad in another state– our insurer wouldn’t pay up until the employee was on the delivery table, and the employees were pissed. Anyway, yes, you should be able to do that. Just say something to your HR person like, I realize that our STD carrier won’t start paying until 38 weeks unless there is a complication, and that’s fine, but my doctor really wants me off work at 36 weeks, so I’m going to do that and put in my application for state SDI starting then. Also, do check to see whether you have a policy that requires you to burn sick or vacation time prior to beginning SDI or PFL. Often it’s a week.

          That’s awesome the payout has increased so much!

  4. Lo & Sons Q

    Reposting: CapHillStyle has a 25% discount code now — is this as good as it gets or should I hold off if a hgher one is coming at a predictable time in the near future. Need a new travel bag and have wanted the OG for a while. Have an early-January deadline.

    AND OMG — that slit makes this unwearable! Who wears this — an executive at an upscale strip club (maybe with a bustier and a riding crop)? Also, not so sure about mixing wool and cotton fabrics in something trying to pass itself off as a suit.

    • MH

      Aieeee! I didn’t even notice the slit before you said something. It’s because she is conveniently standing with her feet right next to each other. If she takes a step . . .

      • bankratty

        I saw a woman wearing a skirt with a high slit like this in court a few weeks ago. When she bent over to pick up her briefcase, I literally saw butt cheek (panty hoes enclosed cheek, but cheek nevertheless!).

        • Ashley

          Holy Snap. I saw something like this on the train a couple of weeks ago. I am pretty sure the woman in question was not a call girl, but boy that slit sure raised the question.

    • Lyssa

      Is the slit open that far up, or is it covered by some fabric underneath? I was guessing that maybe it folds so that there’s no opening past the first few inches – that would be sort of cute and interesting (though you could run into the problem of people looking twice and wondering if it is open that high). But if it’s really open that high up, no way!

    • Pink

      I haven’t seen one for more than that lately, but they may have after christmas sales (but may run out of your preferred style and color).

    • Anon in NYC

      Would you mind sharing the CapHillStyle discount code? I’ve finally jumped on board the OG train and it’s better than the 20% they’re currently offering!

      • Lo & Sons Q

        I tried it on the website and it’s not working. I may follow up with them if it seems like there’s no point in waiting for a better discount in the next month or so. I hate playing chicken on Black Friday sales :(

      • Avery

        It just worked for me. CAPHILLSTYLENOV2013. However now I am wondering about possible Black Friday deals…

        • January

          I think I remember getting a price adjustment last year when they came out with a slightly better discount code shortly after I bought mine. We’re close enough to Black Friday now that you’d probably have a good shot at getting an adjustment if there is a Black Friday deal.

    • Coach Laura

      There’s no way I’d buy a “suit” with such vastly different materials. You have no guarantee that after one or 15 dry cleaners visits that you wouldn’t end up with completely different shades. Cotton and wool have very different properties.

      • Lo & Sons Q

        No kidding. Plus, cotton is usually horrible at wrinkling. Not sure how they treated the cotton, but wrinkles would kill the sleekness of this look. Plus: You have to wear underwear with this — boo (or maybe not — who is the market for this, exactly).

        I do like the jacket though — it is very original-version Catwoman.

        • Mpls

          100% cotton is terrible at wrinkling. Blends are usually better with the non-wrinkling. This has nylon and spandex, so it’s probably better about not wrinkling.

      • Divaliscious11

        Off the board yesterday.
        Only a few of us are seasoned enough to remember, but be careful! That slit could cause all sorts of lustful intentions….

    • Anonymous

      I would put an insert with the animal print back there to cover the gap.

  7. S in Chicago

    I bought a really casual skort for hiking and weekend wear. I would like to wear it with black tights or leggings on weekends to get more use.

    Do you wear the tights or leggings under the shorts or on top? I would think the tights go under the shorts–but then I realized you usually wear tights on top of spanx, which is sort of similar. And the shorts have plastic grippies to keep them from sliding, which makes me think they belong in direct contact with the leg.

    Who knew skorts were this complicated?

    • tesyaa

      I don’t see how the tights would stay up if you wear them over the shorts. I’m picturing a bike short attached to the skirt part. Unless these are super high waisted, the tights would fall down immediately (at least on me).

    • Lo & Sons Q

      I think it’s too weird and would feel like an adult diaper with all of the layers and the grippies.

      There are winter skorts (with capris or leggings underneath) or just skirt + leggings / tights (do not recommend, though, since you may have friction or static issues). My vote is for #1 unless the skirt is lined.

      I had this issue with tennis skirts.

    • Lady Harriet

      I would wear them under the shorts. If your tights have a higher waistline than the skirt they might bunch up weirdly between the skirt and shorts.

      FWIW, I do swing dancing and always wear bike shorts under my skirts there to avoid flashing everyone. When I’m wearing tights I just put the shorts on over the tights.

    • S in Chicago

      I guess tights under make the most sense. The shorts are much thinner than bike shorts–almost mesh like. I think that’s what has me confused. I guess if comfort isn’t right, I’ll just wait to wear until warm weather again to avoid the issue. The skort is super flattering though so hoping I can transition to wear to casual dinners, movies, etc.

      http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=581198002

      • Cat

        oh that does look versatile. Given how it sits on the hips, though, and how my tights typically go all the way to my waist, I think your only option is Tights Underneath Shorts.

  8. SFedits

    Attention cold weather experts! I’m seeking advice on what type of coat and boots to wear on a 10-day working trip in Goteborg, Sweden in late March! Last time I was there it was end of May/early June, and my lightweight raincoat and short down jacket were more than adequate. This time though, it will be much colder and likely wetter! My look can be business casual (I teach scientists), and I’m petite (5 ‘, usual size xsp/ 0/ 2), and don’t want to look like I’m engulfed in a parka. Would love suggestions about slim fitting but still warm rain coat and warm boots that I can walk in a lot. Would you all suggests sticking with pants, or would skirts with fleece-lined tights work?

    • Hey that's my hometown

      No recommendations but I have to give a shout-out to my hometown! That’s probably the first time I’ve ever seen it mentioned on this site.

      Late March could be anything, weather-wise. It’s not unusual to get a late winter storm at that time, but it can also start getting pleasant (temps in the mid/high 50s). Growing up in Goteborg I wore skirts any time of the year (and never had fleece line tights, although that sounds awesome), but if you’re coming from a warmer climate that may not be for you. (I think you’d be fine though.) It rains a lot in Goteborg so be prepared for that.

      Perhaps look at the Merrell boots at REI if you have one near you. I have a pair that’s so comfortable I actually bought a second identical pair for when I wear these out. There’s a lot of salt on the roads at the end of winter in Sweden, so don’t wear anything too delicate on your feet.

    • Hey that's my hometown

      Oh and if you have time, go for a stroll through Haga (a part of central Goteborg) and visit one of the cafes there to experience the quintessential Swedish “fika”. Have fun!

      • SFedits

        Thank you! I did stroll through Haga last time I visited (2012) and absolutely loved it. Can’t wait to do it again! The University hosting us welcomed me and my colleague with bright blue Goteborg umbrellas, which we didn’t need to use until we visited Stockholm a week after Goteborg (apparently, being from California, we brought warm sunny days to Goteborg). I will definitely bring it with me. If you have other suggestions, please send them my way!

        • Hey that's my hometown

          Food: SEAFOOD! (that’s what we’re famous for). If you feel like splurging, try Sjomagasinet. Other restaurants that are great:
          Smaka (for traditional Swedish food)
          28+ (this restaurant is amazing)
          Miss Sophie (owned by a friend of a friend, but I would recommend it even if it weren’t! Great bar too)
          Sjobaren: cute little fish/seafood restaurant

          Visiting the fish market at the “fish church” (Feskekyrka) is always fun for some local color. You can’t miss it – anyone can tell you where it is.

          The food market at Saluhallen is fun to visit.

          Music: Check out what’s going on at Pusterviksbaren.

          If you get some freakishly nice weather, a boat trip out to the islands off the coast of Goteborg is the best thing ever, but I wouldn’t plan on it in March. Perhaps for your next trip.

          Goteborg is a great town for strolling around – walk along the canal/moat, check out the parks, try the local coffee shops… I’m almost making myself home sick here.

          I’m posting links separately as they may get stuck in moderation.

        • Hey that's my hometown

          Hmm, the links are still in moderation. If they don’t show up I’ll repost them separately tomorrow. Glad you got to go out to the islands on your last trip!

    • Coach Laura

      Sweden sounds fun! I love La Canadienne boots – I have a pair similar to the Evitta (google search should bring it up at amazon). The furry top can be worn rolled up under pants or rolled down with skirts or over skinny pant legs. Depending on your work, you may be able to wear them all day. They also have regular (not snow) boots that would be good indoors and out.

  9. Interrobanged

    I’m considering LASIK/PRK and I’m wondering what experiences you ladies have had with this procedure and your outcomes.

    I’ve worn glasses since first grade and my eyes are about a -8.5/-9 with a significant astigmatism and nearsightedness. I’m a lawyer, so my obvious concern is blindness leading to no employment and then being destitute on the street (I’m not at ALL a drama queen…).

    So tell me your experiences! If you did it, would you do it again? If not, why not?

    • Anon

      I don’t have first hand experience with either one, but my siblings (military) have had PRK. Apart from spending the first week post-procedure feeling “like someone was continually splashing their eyes with a margarita, including the salted rim”, they are super happy with the outcome.

      • Anon

        Oh, and I put in the military part because (1) lasik is not permitted for their particular functions (I think it isn’t permitted generally, but not entirely sure) and (2) having 20/20 vision, or better, with no night-time halos etc, is pretty mission critical for them.

        • Vet

          Exactly the same here – my brother had PRK in the Navy. He did it instead of Lasik because in the unlikely event of a need to suddenly eject from an airplane (which became all the more unlikely when he became a doctor ), Lasik flaps might detach, and PRK doesn’t. He said the 2-3 days after the surgery were just brutal – he was in terrible pain. He’s very happy with the results, though, and now probably 10 years later has had no issues. At least a few of my friends who have undergone Lasik have had to resume wearing glasses because it stopped working. (I don’t quite understand that, but just reporting what they’ve told me).

          • KLG

            My eye doctor told me that while I could get Lasik to correct my poor distance vision, that didn’t mean I wouldn’t need reading glasses for near vision as I aged.

    • KS IT Chick

      I was -5.0 & -5.25 when I had Lasik done at the first of January. I saw better when I sat up from the table than I ever had in my life, and my vision has continued to improve. I had worn corrective lenses for almost 30 years at that point.

      I would absolutely recommend that you find a vision center where you’re a number not a name. It sounds backwards, but you really want an eye surgeon for whom you’re the 50,000th customer, not the 50th. Then, ask if they will do a free evaluation. Most places do.

      When you do the evaluation, make sure you have someone else to drive or otherwise get you home afterwards. They do a lot of tests during the evaluation to check everything from the level of correction required to the thickness of your corneas so they can evaluate how strong a candidate you are. Several of the tests require having your eyes dilated, which makes it difficult to see afterwards.

      The center that did mine, in Wichita, KS, has been operating for about 10 years, and they have done nearly 2 million procedures for vision correction. If I bee to have the procedure repeated, as long as I’m keeping up with annual exams, it is free in the first 3 years, $50 in the next 4, and $350 after that.

      My husband had it done in 2010, and we each hit the outer bounds on the bell curve on where our vision lies afterwards. Mine is in the 1% that is virtually perfect. His … isn’t. The surgeon said that his vision is in the B+ to A- range, where mine is in the A+ area. Most people fall in the A- to A category.

    • Cynthia

      I was similar to you when I first got LASIK, and had 20/200 vision at that point. This was over a month ago. Mine was done by someone who apparently is very well known for Wavefront LASIK.

      I would definitely do it again. The procedure was extremely quick — 10 minutes — very painless, and some soreness after the numbing drops wore off. It was a hassle to not be able to rub my eyes for the first month but it’s worth it.

      Driving at night for the first month was pretty difficult, but is slowly getting better. At first there were huge halos and couldn’t drive at all. Now it’s that I can drive at night but it’s somewhat uncomfortable.

      • BB

        Newbie question here: So does PRK not give you the halo problem? (but does have the longer recovery time) I’ve been considering Lasik for a while too, and I cannot not be able to drive at night for a month.

        • Cynthia

          As I understand, PRK and LASIK may give you the halo side effects.

          I was able to drive in the morning after about 5 days, but it just took some getting used to. My morning drive is all dark.

        • Mpls

          The haloing issue that occurs within the first month or two of the surgery is the result of the eye tissues still being irritated and swollen from the healing and refracting the light when the pupil is fully dialated. There probably isn’t much you can to for your recovery time – and might be a reason to do it during the summer when there aren’t so many dark hours when you are awake.

          This is different from the haloing issues that were a problem early on, where the correction area was smaller than the full pupil dialation, so when the pupil fully dialated (like in the dark) the corona refracted badly. This is why it is important to make sure they fully dialate your pupils during the consultation.

    • MK

      I had Lasik done about 4 years ago, and still consider it one of the best things I ever have done for my health and quality of life. I asked around my Biglaw firm for recommendations, and ended up going with a doctor who is considered the best Lasik surgeon in my city and who had done the surgery on several partners at my firm. As someone said above, I was definitely a “number” to him, not a name, but that made me feel confident in him–he is a leader in the field and does eye surgery all day, every day, using the most up-to-date techniques. He also shared the stats with me, and it is extremely unlikely that you will lose your vision as a result of a surgery complication if you go to a reputable doctor who knows what he’s doing.

      My vision started at about -5.0 before Lasik and was better than 20/20 almost immediately after the surgery. It remained that way at my check-up 2 years later, and I haven’t been in for a check-up since then because I have not noticed any deterioration in my vision. I guess at first I had a harder time driving at night, but now it is not noticeable. The doctor told me that, in the past, people generally lose the benefits of Lasik approximately 10 years post-surgery. However, he said that was based on older methods (like, where they actually did the cut with knives), and it’s not possible to predict how long the surgery will last given that there is no sample pool for the most modern technology that he used on me–I am hoping for much longer!

      I recommend asking around for recommendations and going for a consultation (most will do for free) with the doctor with the best reputation you can find. My total surgery cost was $5,000, but since it was healthcare spending I was able to use my flexible spending account (i.e., pre-tax dollars), so the total impact on me was much less. I would not go to a discount place for this.

    • MJ

      I had PRK last year in January and March, and I was -6/6.5 before I did, had worn glasses since I was 10, and my vision finally stabilized enough that surgery was a possibility. Not all people are candidates for both, so you may need to factor that in. I cosign the “I felt like I had sand in my eye for at least a week” comment. The doctors are light on explaining this, but PRK has a much, much more involved recovery than LASIK. Essentially, they burn off the surface of your eye (with a laser) and then it grows back. Your eye cannot focus for the first few days. I say eye, because unlike Lasik, PRK is usually done one eye at a time for civilians or non-professional athletes. They space the eyes by a few months, usually.

      I was _really_ out of commission for a good four days (they often recommend you get the surgery on a Thursday) and then the following week, I could not work full days–my eye would literally sting and throb too much–it was tired. You do get a little halo effect for driving at night, but only for the first two weeks or so. You also have to drive with one eye shut, essentially, because you can’t really see out of one eye–it’s like having your glasses on in one eye and off in the other. (My doctor discouraged me from driving, but my commute was about a mile, so…I felt it was OK). I work in an office, on a computer, and I really didn’t get back to feeling like myself for a good three weeks. You have a lot of sleep disruption, so you are in pain and sleepy and just cranky (the whole “my eye feels like sandpaper” can wake you up during REM sleep). After about two weeks, you start waking up in the morning able to focus in the PRK eye, but this will quickly diminish…by about three to four weeks, you really can see all the way, all the time. I spent a lot of that time squinting, and, at work, to rest my eye, wearing a pirate patch. (Seriously, the pirate jokes were out of control! People thought it was funny, but it got old.)

      The second one healed much faster than the first, and was far more comfortable during the healing process. It was like night and day. The timing was the same for my eye to focus, but my eye didn’t sting, throb or hurt during the three weeks. I would plan to use a few days of PTO for each eye right after the surgery, and also explain to your colleagues and boss that you may not be able to work a full day for the following week. My doctor said that different sensory outcomes are common–it’s not anything he did or did not do during the surgery which caused each eye to feel different. They do give you painkillers and valium and tell you to just dope yourself up on the first few days when it was bad. Also, I think that the weather had something to do with it–my first surgery was in January, and the heat was blasting in my home and at work, so the dry air really exacerbated my sandpaper-feeling eye.

      The surgery itself didn’t hurt, lasted about five minutes, and literally was like Star Wars…it was blingy lasers and shiny lights and the valium they gave me before made me think it was cool, not scary.

      LASIK is easier, but is considered less optimal in terms of results. Reason being that there’s a (permanent) flap in LASIK, and there is no flap in PRK. (That’s why the military and professional athletes get PRK). Also, if you are a candidate for LASIK, know the recovery is _much_ faster and easier, you often do both eyes at once, and my friends who have done it generally love the result. Last, know that neither type of surgery permanently guarantees good vision–you may deteriorate in the next few years and be nearsighted again, and you will likely accelerate the need for readers if you get your eyes corrected (reason being that nearsightedness offsets farsightedness, but your surgery ameliorates this effect).

      I am _SO_ glad I did it. PRK was seriously AWFUL for the first week for one of my eyes, and the other eye was a cakewalk. But I almost forget about all of that now. This summer, I was in Glacier National Park, and I was able to spot bears from very far away that others could only see with binoculars…no joke. I am better than 20/20, and it is so nice to be able to wake up in the middle of the night and see, not deal with contacts on airplanes or in air conditioning. Best $6K I ever spent. (Oh, and if you can, stock your FSA/HSA with post-tax dollars to pay for it…you may need to make that election at this time of year).

      Good luck–post here if you have more questions on PRK and just brace yourself if you do it. I will post a separate PRK blog that really helped me understand that what I was experiencing was normal–my doc did NOT adequately explain all of the yucky side effects post-surgery (docs are selling!).

      • mascot

        This was really helpful. I have similarly bad vision and the idea of waking up to see the clock in the middle of the night is such a dream.

      • Interrobanged

        Thank you so much for this in-depth description. I’ve heard PRK is more painful than LASIK, but my ophthalmologist told me that PRK is more likely going to be my optimal choice for this surgery. Lots of my friends have had LASIK and had very good results, but none of them have eyes that are quite as bad as mine.

        Your advice about post-tax dollars is great. I have a $500 grace amount through my plan, which will mean that I’ll have $3,000 in there instead of $2,500 (I think…). I’m very excited about this. My entire life I’ve thought that I look weird without my glasses. But I could still wear frames if I want to, and getting this surgery means I won’t be dependent on glasses for the rest of my life.

    • Cb

      I had Lasik to correct pretty terrible at a distance vision. 5 years later, I wear glasses when working at the computer but other than that, I’m fine.

      It was pretty wonderful, trees have leaves, they just aren’t green blobs.

  10. AIMS

    Anyreally good pumpkin cheesecake recipes out there? I am in charge of desserts this year for the holidays. I usually make cheesecake but thought I’d switch it up a bit. Other ideas also welcome.

      • BB

        Yep, have made this one twice now…AMAZING! The best part is that you can poke at the pumpkin part all you want while it’s baking to make sure it’s done (my first one took almost 40 extra minutes before it set) because the cream cheese layer hides any knife/skewer holes. :)

    • Sparrow

      I am making either an apple or banana cream pie – both those recipes are from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. I’m also making mini Kahlua cheescakes – recipe from Glorious Treats. I’m going to try a pumpkin bar recipe from Brown Eyed Baker and I’m going to use that as my baking with Truvia experiement.

    • anon-oh-no

      i make a salted caramel cheese cake that is out of this world. i think it came from food and wine a few years back and you could google it, but i can look for the recipe.

      • Lyssa

        I like to use vanilla wafer crumbs for cheesecakes (not necessarily pumpkin) – the crust comes out soft and buttery, and I think that the more delicate flavor complements the cheesecake better than graham, which I think is a little too strong. So you might try half gingersnap and half vanilla wafers.

    • anonz0rz

      I made Paula Deen’s one for Canadian Thanksgiving this year and everyone said it was the best pumpkin cheesecake they’d ever had. Huge hit. You can just google for the recipe.

  11. Hollis

    Looking for a suggestion for a good “white elephant” exchange gift around $15 for my office. It’s one of those where people bring unique things that other people fight over. Would like something creative, gender-neutral, fun/useful.

  12. Seattle Freeze

    See, if I wore things like this, then I couldn’t have fun days like today when I’m accidentally matchy-matchy with my 25-year-old male coworker – stripey top? brownish pants? suede chukkar-type booties? Check. Check. Check. So what else was I to do but challenge him and our manager to next-level matching with animal prints and polka dots?

  13. I am a banana (with a fur jacket problem)

    (I understand the arguments against fur, but I did not and would not ever buy this thing, so let’s not go there.)

    I recently was given a family heirloom – an coat with a fur collar. The coat is hideous and too big, but the fur is in great shape and looks like it could easily be detached .

    Is it out of line to take the fur and put it on a different jacket? Or any other ideas of what to do with it? I feel like throwing it away is disrespectful, this coat isn’t something I would ever wear, and I don’t think it’s in good enough shape to consign.

    • mascot

      I have an heirloom fur that I wear without guilt. I think using the collar on another jacket would be a good idea.

    • MJ

      I know this sounds hypocritical. I would never spend my own money on fur, but I think family heirlooms are different. The animal’s already dead (says this meat-eater). I think you should do what makes you happy and just know that there are PETA crazies who may dump a bucket of red paint on you. (This actually happened to one of my mom’s friends when they went to a charity event wearing furs in the 80s.)

    • LilyB

      The argument against wearing even vintage fur is that it sends the message that fur is beautiful and okay to wear. Someone walking down the street admiring your coat has no way of knowing you didn’t buy it.

  14. FlawLESS

    The collar totally takes it from “Gucci” to “my assistant.” Every law firm has at least one assistant who wears animal print every day. Sometimes multiple prints at once. This is what she looks like after she hooks up with a partner who tries to class her up.

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