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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. This sheath dress is boring — but kind of perfect. I love the starburst detailing on the waist and back, and the super high back (which is my unofficial determining test for whether something is primarily a “work sheath dress” vs. “cocktail party sheath dress” — you can often wear them to both events, but the primary intention is all in the back, IMHO). It's $298 at Bloomingdale's (limited sizes only). Ted Baker Suit Dress – Tirrid Sleeveless Update: The Bloomingdale's Friends and Family sale is going on now — take 20% off almost all regular- and sale-priced items with code FANDF (ends 4/7). Also: links fixed (d'oh). Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2) P.S. Thank you guys for indulging me with the April Fool's Day jokes yesterday (yes, all three posts were jokes) — I had a blast reading everyone's comments about them.Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – 11/5 only – 60% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
anon for this q
Early TJ. I’ve come to realize that there’s exactly one task from my biglaw job that I like and that I could be well served by doing just that one thing, either freelance or as a “consultant” on the payroll of a firm big enough that it would need these services consistently (but not all the time), paid either by the hour or lump sum per project, and have a ton of time left over for things I actually want to do.
I’m curious about the freelance angle. Anyone else gone freelance with discrete job tasks? What were your major considerations or hang-ups (I’ve already thought about malpractice insurance, conflicts checking systems, limited-liability entity, stuff like that), and wondering if there are any resources (books, articles, CLE programs, etc.) you could recommend. Thanks ladies!
Ellen
You sound like you have DONE SOME of your homework, but you are MISSING a biggie! HEALTH INSURANCE!
Yes, your young now and mabye healthy, but if you have to buy your own, look out! My dad says that under O’Bama care, workeing peeople will be paying more and getting less. That mean’s you.
Frank put a line on my W2 showeing how much the firm is payeing for my insurance. It is alot, and I do NOT even use it alot. I just go for a check up to my GP, and to the dermatologist b/c we are VERY fairskined and therefore are at risk for skin leesion’s (Grandma Leyeh had one removed last month), and also to the OBGYN, b/c I want to have a baby soon so I MUST monitor that.
My dad says that if you are not workeing, O’Bamacare will cover you, but that does NOT help the rest of us. Also, since everyone will be covered, he said forget about getteing an appointment with your DOC any time soon and also that the office will be FLOODED with peeople who are not payeing, but must get covereage. FOOEY! I do NOT want to have to wait MONTH’s to see a doctor!
If DAD is right, and he useueally is, FOOEY on O’Bamacare. I wonder if the HIVE even know’s this? Well they do now if they read this! FOOEY!
I know all this b/c Dad was talkeing about this b/c we are pickeing up Rosa and the baby today! She is comeing home with the baby and I am baby sitteing all week, even tho the manageing partner is calleing me 6x a day. FOOEY on that. Rosa and the baby comes first! YAY!
roses
OMG you guys. Apparently our president is Irish. No wonder everyone wants to see his birth certificate!
O.
I think you meant O’MG.
done this
I did this for a while when I practiced (since moved on to another industry). My one big hangup in setting up was trying to decide whether I should perform the service myself, or serve as a consultant to facilitate the work. I ended up doing the latter due to the ethical rules in my state (which are strict) and the cost of malpractice insurance. When I was getting started, I talked with everyone about my plans and got help from the most unusual places (like one of my neighbors and my mechanic’s wife). I found talking with people who focused on this one specific element much more helpful than any of the other research I did.
cb
This is lovely!
I’m wearing a Gap dress today that has a fuller skirt and some interesting seaming on it. I want to photocopy it and make it my new uniform. Any idea for A-line work-y dresses? I’m in academia so I can be a bit more casual.
HappyHoya
Is it a dress currently for sale at the Gap? Some of their current dress line looks like it would be awesome for less formal work environments (under a blazer or cardigan), but it’s so tough to tell from the website. When I’ve ordered online in the past, sometimes the cut is awesome but the fabric turns out to be too thin or shiny for work.
cb
Sadly no! I bought it last spring online and it was a bit tight but I was losing weight and it was quite cheap.
I’d buy a pile and then return? I know I’m on a chronic returner list somewhere but I prefer to try things on at home with the right shoes / other pieces.
Mountain Girl
If there is a chronic returner list somewhere I’m also on that list.
Interestingly, I find that buying things and knowing I can return them actually keeps my purchases to a minimum. I have a few stores that seem to be good for me. I use their store cards and generally get free shipping when I use them. Even if I have to pay shipping to return them its still cheaper than a trip to the mall and the requisite pretzel, cookie, or latte that seems to find its way into my hands. And, returning by mail doesn’t add any calories.
Cb
I end up returning about 50 percent?
Also, what is it about malls that inspire the need for a snack?
anonypotamus
shopping is hard work and takes a lot of brain power. especially when looking for jeans that fit!
TCFKAG
I would check Talbots and Lands End Canvas for these sorts of dresses. They frequently have a-line dresses (Talbots maybe a bit more formal, Lands End a bit more casual) for each season (size down in both stores – they both trend large). Other options would be LL Bean (there work line especially) or Coldwater Creek (can be a bit frumpy, but occasionally they have really nice stuff).
TCFKAG
I like this “fit and flare” dress from Talbots right now.
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30543
Though I’d definitely watch for size and length on this – this is the sort of cut from Talbots that I usually end up swimming in.
Cb
Ooh, that’s cute, I’ll pop in to try on when I’m stateside (a week from today!) I’m pretty tiny up top so it may require alternations but it’s definitely worth a shot.
big dipper
Also check regular Lands End. My mom has two of the most adorable dresses I’ve ever seen (similar to how you described with fuller skirts) that she wears in her casual work environment.
A Nonny Moose
I have this dress in black and love love love it. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/Day/PRDOVR~30567/30567.jsp
I actually bought it in two sizes– one for work that is a bit longer, and one for weekend.
Lateral
For those of you that have made a lateral move to another law firm, did you use a recruiter? For associates just a few years out of school, are firms turned off by recruiters and the fees they need to pay them or will a recruiter really help get your foot in the door. I appreciate any advice or anecdotes!
mascot
In biglaw and midlaw, I think recruiters are pretty common. Firms generally have a list of approved recruiters from whom they will accept candidates and in many cases contract with recruitment firms to go find talent. In small firms, you may see fewer recruiters. Contacting those firms directly could be a better choice because of fees. If you use a recruiter, be very clear about when and where they can submit you. Also be clear about firms that you are self-submitting to. Firms will pass over candidates if they think that there will be a dust-up over recuriter fees. (true story, I got cold-called by a recruiter who then told me I wasn’t a fit for the job and she wasn’t submitting me, I submitted on my own, she then tried to claim me, the firm walked). But, I have also had good experiences with recruiters who work closely with firms and have gotten jobs using them.
PDXK
Three of my friends have made lateral moves in biglaw (different markets) at or around the 18-month mark that we’re hitting now, and all used recruiters. (Two used the same recruiter actually).
ABC
Like the others have said….if you are looking to lateral to a biglaw firm, recruiters are definitely the norm even for younger associates. Not sure about boutiques.
SunnyD
Are stirrup pants a thing again? I was getting dressed at the gym this morning and a girl (high school age? I think…) next to me was putting on black stirrup pants and a neon green/yellow oversized shirt. I wanted to ask if she raided my wardrobe from 4th grade.
NOLA
Yikes. I hope not. I think they were still a thing when I was in grad school (you must be waaaay younger than me?) but my SIL wore them a lot longer than I did. I haven’t seen any here.
AnonInfinity
Apparently they are. I’ve seen quite a few young girls in my area wearing them. I shudder.
Equity's Darling
My sister has a pair. She’s in undergrad. She’s pretty quirky in how she dresses/tends to be ahead of trends (I remember she had combat-esque boots way before I thought they were okay again..). So they may be back, or on their way.
I would use her as my fashion weather vane, but she dresses trendier than I have ever, so I generally just ignore her goings ons re: clothes.
AIMS
Yes.
Diana Barry
If stirrup pants are in again, then grunge must be the next thing. Right?
AIMS
Grunge is already a thing. Flannels and matted hair and hole-y t-shirts and all that. I’m just waiting for recycled trends to become a thing. Curious how that one will manifest itself.
hoola hoopa
That’s what I’m holding out for. I only want to live in a world where flannel is fashionable.
Suzer
Time to dig out my Units belt?
NYNY
I wore Units belts as:
belts
miniskirts
headbands
sometimes all at once (3 belts)!
Anonymous
Oh man — I loved units. you could wear them as tube tops too.
I had friends who were allowed to wear them as skirts, but i was not. So i would wear it as a belt and then after i left the house (riding my bike to school mind you) and was out of my mom’s sight, i would (stop my bike and) take off whatever i was wearing on the bottom, then continue on my way. On the way home, i’d stop somewhere along the way and put the other bottoms back on.
qwerty
stirrups are definitely back and i’m sad to report that there’s a pair that i’ve been drooling over for awhile with a a great polka dot fold over waistband
NYNY
Stirrup pants are the natural progression of skinny pants/leggings. When the pants get closer to the leg, you get ride-up issues. Every 20 years, some genius adds the under-the-foot anchor to solve the problem.
The good news is that if stirrups are back, those of us who like our pant legs a little wider will be in for better selection soon. Because no one likes to wear stirrup pants.
Equity's Darling
What as the name of those insoles that have been recommended for bare feet in shoes? Silver something? Is that right?
Or any suggestions for insoles for bare feet other than the ones that have been mentioned here before?
SunnyD
I use Summer Soles in my dress shoes because my feet sweat all.the.time and they absorb the moisture. They won’t do anything to keep your shoes from smelling bad.
I can almost always find a coupon code online.
Mpls
Silver Linings? They aren’t full insoles, they just fit under the ball/toes of the foot. I usually get them on Amazon.
mascot
I also use the Dr. Scholls foot spray (yellow can) and it does a decent job of keeping my feet smelling good. I can’t remember the insoles I use, they are fine, but not magical.
T) Lawyer
Are you looking for full feet insoles or just for specific areas? In my pumps, I generally need something to help absorb the shock so I just get something under the ball of my foot. I usually just get them from the drug store – Shoppers and Rexall sell 2 brands (one is Dr Scholls, can’t remember the name of the other one) that are clear and gel-link that seem to work fairly well.
TO Lawyer
whoops that was me – apparently I’m all over typos this morning…
Equity's Darling
I’m mostly looking for something to wear inside my flats with bare feet that’s maybe a bit absorbent, that I can wash? I basically want the bottom of an athletic sock only, but that will stay in my shoe.
I don’t like the socklets, they never stay on my feet properly, and end up all bunched at the toe.
OP
There are some mini-foot liners with silicone grippies that someone recommended last year that are wonderful. You can wash them and they cut down on blisters. I got them on Amazon. If I hadn’t thrown away the packaging, I could tell you the brand. Game changer for me — I gave up hose last summer.
Orangerie
I buy these in a pack of two from Target. They stay hidden much better than any other footie/ped/etc-type sock that I’ve tried.
Mountain Girl
I like Foot Petals.
Lurking
Threadjack: I’m going to Manchester (in the UK!) for a wedding this summer with my boyfriend. We have about a week afterwards to travel. While I’ve been to continental Europe before (Spain, France, Germany, Austria), he’s never been to Europe at all. We’ve considered going down to London and the coast, but we’ve also thought about visiting Scotland / Ireland. We’re both early 20’s, love hiking, and don’t want to spend too much. Any suggestions on where we should go? Any can’t miss activities or sights? Thanks, ladies!
cb
Come to Scotland! It’s gorgeous, loads of hiking / climbing and nice city life. I found Ireland (or at least Dublin) quite a bit pricier.
Lurking
Where would you recommend in Scotland?
Lass
Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, anywhere on the coast, up to the highlands. Not much worth seeing in Glasgow area.
Cb
Aww, I have a bit of a soft spot for Glasgow. But Edinburgh is lovely. And the islands are supposed to be gorgeous.
Anonymous
Scotland is gorgeous, but the mosquitoes are vile in summer.
Lurking
Yikes! We’ll be there the first week in June – is that mosquito season?
Lass
not technically mosquitoes – they’re actually called midges – really small. only really bad at dusk and in the evening (which can actually be really quite late in Scotland that time of year). You’ll be fine :) It’s a beautiful time of year to visit and the best place. I’m biased as I grew up there, but enjoy. Lovely long days in June too. Where will you be visiting?
Anonymous
Actually, we only had encounters with midges (thanks, Lass ! I couldn’t remember the name) in Aran Island. No problem in Edinburg, Dumfries and Galloway.
It IS a beautiful country and people are incredibly nice and helpful. It was one of my favorite trips, two weeks of pure magic.
Elle
Don’t go to Scotland – it’s horrible and full of moaners (I’m English and only half kidding!)
Come to Liverpool!
Cb
Ha! No wonder they’re voting on independence :)
Mrs. Q
I realize this is late, but try the Lake District. It’s gorgeous, won’t be too hot in the summer, and offers great hiking. You can get small town pub experiences, stay in a B&B (we stayed in Ambleside, which was awesome – hiking shops, pubs, nice people, quaint architecture), and swim in a lake (Windermere is popular and pretty and near Ambleside). My BF and I did this for 4-5 days when we were in our young 20s. The southern beach towns tended not to be my favorite as they often seemed a bit too much like the NJ beaches.
Cb
Small world, I was in Ambleside two weeks ago and the Lake District is truly incredible. I hadn’t been (and was banned from researching it beforehand) so it was really a pleasant surprise.
Lyssa
I agree with Kat that this is a lovely basic but classic dress.
“Lean In” related threadjack – I was reading a section last night where she mentioned that some women deliberately avoid mentioning their kids at work so that they won’t seem like that is their main focus. (She specifically did NOT endorse this, BTW.) But it made me wonder – are there any of you that do that or something like that or have in the past or known of people who do? Why, and do/did you feel like it made a difference?
I’m starting a new job next week, and during the interview, I noticed that I did not mention my baby, who’s 3 months old and amazingly wonderful. I wouldn’t say that it was deliberate – the issue didn’t come up at all, so it would have seemed awkward to bring him up. But we did discuss my husband and my extended family (they asked about how committed I am to staying in this city), and discussed maternity policies. I look younger than I am, and went to law school late, so people often don’t realize that I’m as old and married as I am, and I know that I was sort of thinking that I was giving off the impression that I did not have kids, though I wasn’t sure exactly how or why. (I would imagine that, if anything, having kids would have helped more than it hurt, as I would be showing that I wasn’t interested in leaving the workforce or moving away.)
Anyway, there aren’t any young women attorneys at the firm. There is a young male attorney who I’ve spoken to, married with young children, and the fellow I’m replacing is married with no kids. The woman who interviewed me and will be my supervisor is mid-40ish, and she did mention that she has kids and had them while working there. So I’m sort of thinking through introducing myself to people and what I want to say about myself. Of course, I could show everyone 400 pictures of him and tell them every last detail, but I’m not going to do that. :) (I don’t at all get the impression that family or having a life outside of work is frowned on or anything like that, so this is not something I’m really worried about, it just made me think about it.)
Diana Barry
Interesting. That same idea came up in “I don’t know how she does it” (the book, not the AWFUL movie), that women who were higher up at work usually avoided mentioning their kids or having pictures of them up, etc.
I sometimes do this – using a “Man’s Excuse” instead of a “Woman’s Excuse” if I think it will go over better. For example, “I have a board meeting to attend” sounds better than “I have to go home to relieve the nanny”.
Related – I have one partner with whom I work, very occasionally, who ALWAYS complains about my schedule. I leave fairly early so that I can get home to the kids, and work from home one day a week; this is not new and has happened every day since I took this job, FIVE YEARS AGO. I have a hard time letting it roll off my back – adopting a “scr*w it” attitude is not easy when your first reaction is guilt!
Blonde Lawyer
I don’t have kids but I try to be vague on stuff I’m doing with my husband. For example, if my husband and I have dinner reservations and some people I work with are working late (on their own work, not something I’m bailing on) I will be more likely to say “I’ve got to go, I need to be somewhere by 8, rather than “I have to go, I have plans with my husband.” I think I would do the same if I had kids. Rather than saying, I’m leaving early today to go to my kid’s soccer game, I’d say, I need to leave by 3 today but will be available by email this evening.
I know an associate here got slammed once when were busy and he said “I’m planning to leave at 5 to go to the gym.” If going to the gym was super important that day I think no one would have complained if he said “I need to leave at five today but can be back by 6:30 if you are still working on this.” I think he would have been WAY better off just skipping the gym that day but as we all say here, sometimes you have to put yourself first. I just don’t recommend broadcasting what you are doing.
TO Lawyer
I’m similarly vague on my plans. I find sometimes the things I need to do aren’t taken seriously at all by the (male) partners I work for so I tend tell people that I have to be somewhere by 8 as well rather than saying I’m going for dinner with friends or something.
I have found that when I’m firm and say I have to be somewhere rather than broadcasting what I’m doing, my plans seem to get respected more
EB0220
Yes, I do this, too. As in: I have a prior commitment/somewhere I need to be at 6 pm and will need to leave at x time. It sounds better than, “Oh, I need to leave to make sure that I don’t miss bootcamp at 6 pm.”
kc esq
I have one funny note: when I took a golf class one weekday evening a week, all the partners at my firm were super supportive and thought it was the greatest thing that I was doing for myself/ my career. Granted, I never bailed when there was something pressing to do. So apparently golf lessons are an appropriate place to be on a weekday for a lawyer.
JJ
In a somewhat similar vein, one of the big-deal-founding partners in my office is a 60-ish year old man. When I returned from maternity leave, he had a meeting with me and gave me some advice. He told me to put family appointments (dinners, school activities, etc) on my work calendar and to treat them like work appointments. He said that if anyone tried to scheduled something during those times, to just tell people that you have “a conflict” and are unavailable.
At the time, he was stressing that family is just as important as work, but I can see how that advice (and being vague) plays into this discussion.
Special Snowflake
I felt this way before my husband and I got engaged, w/r/t anything I did with him. I hated saying “Oh, my boyfriend and I went to a baseball game” when asked what I did for the weekend. Saying “my husband” sounds so much more professional that I would usually omit references to my boyfriend.
Ironically at my office, there are two more senior men who frequently cite family as why they are late/need to leave early, and no one thinks anything of it. There is one woman (also very senior) with a young baby and she almost never brings up her child- maybe because of this fear.
Abby Lockhart
Interesting. I think men are more free to do this because people interpret this as a sign they are “good, family men” who choose to take on family responsibilities, whereas women are seen as burdened by responsibilities outside of work and that, unfortunately, just comes with hiring women.
I think there is total double standard
A young male professional who drinks out of a “World’s Best Dad” mug in meetings still comes as professional and is probably even seen positively as a good family man. A women of similar age who would do the same isn’t likely to have it perceived the same way. Ditto for desks with 40 gazillion pictures of your kid.
Divaliscious11
I only have appointments, unless they are medical – then I use our sick time so that I am not disturbed…..
Anon
This is something I also think about a lot, and I come down on the side of telling folks about my kids and family commitments without obscuring them.
I work for the government and in part I’m in my position because it’s better hours than private practice. Plus the pay is abysmal, and this alleviates some of the guilt I have about leaving when I need to for kids’ things. But I regularly leave when folks are around (although not bailing on them; we have our own projects) because I need to relieve my babysitter–and I say that. I also tell my boss that I’ll be late because I have a kids’ doctor appointment, or that I need to do X because of my kids, etc.
My thought is that I’m trying to be part of the “everyone has a family or things to do” by normalizing those quotidian things that come up with life/kids/etc. I’m not hiding it; I think hiding or omitting these sorts of obligations contributes to people feeling like they need to hide their familial (or other) commitments, because work is supposed to be everyone’s first priority. Work IS a priority for me, but I also have a family, so sometimes I have other things that need doing, and I don’t begrudge my childless co-workers who leave for trivia night. (Insert caveats about notwithstanding all of that, don’t bail on your co-workers (unless it’s a real emergency), don’t dump work, pull your own weight, etc.)
Now I felt much different about this when I was at a firm, but that was also because I was there in the very dark days of the Recession and I was but a first year. People were disappearing every week from stealth layoffs, which was a tense atmosphere to be in. OTOH, I was pumping, so it wasn’t a secret I had baby; I did once have to leave for a sick baby before I could finish a memo for a partner I’d never done work for; and I would talk about my kid if the topic came up. (And for the record that partner was actual pretty decent about it–I ended up pulling an all-nighter and passive-aggressively sending the memo to him at 5 am because I felt so guilty; the next day he told me that unless we were in court or some equivalent, there was really no need to work past 10.)
But this is a YMMV thing. I would like it if all people didn’t feel the need to hide or be vague about their families. I also know that my husband has probably never had this thought chain, and if he has a kid thing, he just says it.
TJ on bedding
I have 3 queen beds, each with box springs (hidden by bedskirts). I can find sheets that fit (labeled Q). Blankets — often labeled F/Q are OK. But even when I go up to king-sized quilts and comforters, I find that the sheets and blankets often overhang the comforter, looking very sloppy when the bed is made up. I can tuck everything up and under, but would prefer that stuff just fit. And don’t even get me started on duvets — I think that they are good at covering the top of the mattress and are nice and warm, but I just can’t deal with that amount of visual sloppiness. It is not restful or tranquility-inspiring to me.
Help!
LilyB
don’t buy king-size stuff for your queen-size beds? i’m confused
LilyB
Oh I see. Yeah the idea is that you tuck your sheets in (or at least do hospital corners), that should take care of the problem. If you’re buying a king-size comforter/duvet I don’t see why it wouldn’t cover the sides of the sheets as long as you’re at least tucking in the bottom corners of the sheets.
LilyB
blankets also tend to be larger than sheets (if you’re referring to the type of blanket that goes under a comforter for added warmth). Why not buy a full-size (“F”) blanket so that you don’t have to tuck it in?
Diana Barry
I think that comforters are meant to go over sheets/blankets that are tucked in, so if you’re not tucking on the sides, it will look sloppy.
Maybe try a bedspread? Those are designed to hang all the way to the floor. They are old-fashioned, but work perfectly well.
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/For_The_Home/Bed_&_Bath/Bedspreads_&_Comforters/Hobnail_Cotton_Bedspread/50613
OP
Thanks! I never had this problem with twins or with older Q bedding (destroyed by cat vomit). The new stuff — I feel like I’m using all of my algebra powers to get things semi-presentable.
The tuck is something that I could do, but am annoyed by each time I do it. I am happy that other family members even make their beds and don’t want to make them feel bad by going in after them to tuck up the odd bits. [It looks bad to me and it’s not like our house is on the market, so I try to live and let live.]
Maybe I’m on Team Bedspread now.
Mpls
New bedding tends to be built for the deeper mattresses, so I wouldn’t be surprised if flat sheets are actually longer than older sheet sets.
Joanna Toews
Love it. Covet.
If only it came in cat fur colours…
Bonnie
Sheets are intended to be tucked in. IMHO, it would look odd for a comforter or duvet to hang past the boxspring.
CrimsonClover
I am confused; if it’s the visibly hanging sheets maybe get a smaller flat sheet to go with the appropriately sized fitted sheet (so long as you don’t mind a smaller sheet to sleep with) and the appropriately sized comforter should cover it fine without any tucking. If not, just fold it over neatly and often the weight of the comfoter with hold it in place without lifting the mattress or repositioning anything/creating weird lumps/bumps.
As for things hanging over the box spring… I thought that’s what dust ruffles were for; to be placed between boxspring and mattress and create a cover over the bottom of the bed to the floor. They’re easy enough to find at a local curtain or fabric store and you only iron it once before putting it on and calling it a day.
Was I really the first one to mention dust ruffle?!?
TBK
Not sure but I have a problem with duvet covers in that they’re all labeled full/queen but are HUGE on my full size comforter. I could buy a bigger comforter, but I just can’t justify spending the money when ours is perfectly good (our bed, btw, is queen sized but we find that the full size down comforter fits just fine, hanging just down to the bottom of the top mattress/top of the boxspring).
Mpls
This is when I decided to just make my own duvet cover for a full sized duvet (found a nice DIY guide online) from a couple of queen sized sheets. I measured the duvet I had to find the measurements (there aren’t standard measurements for bedding) and stitched it up. Pretty slick if you have access to a sewing machine.
KC
Love this dress! Simple, but classic.
AIMS
I agree. This is perfect. I actually don’t think it’s boring at all. Maybe to feature on a blog, but as far as wearing, to me, it’s the perfect canvas.
AIMS
Incidentally, the link takes me to a TB “Pleated Dress -Bridie Sculpted” which is also gorgeous and which I want, want, want. Also: Bloomingdales is having a Friends and Family sale so this dress should be 20% off with code FANDF.
Bonnie
I agree. The link goes to a different dress and I can’t find this one on the site though.
AIMS
I searched under Ted Baker. Now I want all of it.
http://tinyurl.com/cjatw89
Anonymous
this is actually a different dress than the one Kat posted
AIMS
But the model is standing in an identical pose wearing a the same black v neck suiting dress with the same exact facial expression and same shoes…?
Bonnie
Looks like there is a matching suit jacket too. http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ted-baker-blazer-tirri-shiny-suit?ID=700668&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
not leaning anywhere, just standing up straight
I’m expecting my first child and because of a variety of factors based mostly on our location, I’ve determined that it’s really in my best interest professionally, as well as personally, to take Wednesdays off – for the forseeable future, at least the next year – after the baby is born (and following a 6 week maternity leave). I work in small law, and this is feasible for the office as well as for me – I’ll be much more productive/working slightly longer hours at least M&T while my husband flexibly handles childcare those days.
Any advice/tips on how to bring this up with our managing partner and office manager? And when? Short of a major medical issue, I’m very sure this is the best plan for us. However, I still have 6 weeks to go before the baby is born, and then another weeks of maternity leave, and don’t necessarily want to ‘jump the gun’ on this.
Diana Barry
I would do it now. That way you have a plan, you’ve thought through the plan, and you’re presenting it to them when you’re in the office still, rather than “springing it on them” (the way they might think of it) if you wait until after baby is born.
Congrats!
BB
I need some shoe shopping help!
I find buying non-work shoes to be kind of overwhelming (so many styles!). The problem is that now I realize that I have a great stable of work shoes and no dressy/casual shoes.
I want to buy 2-3 pairs of shoes that will work for most can’t-wear-sneakers occasions. I usually wear either straight leg dark wash jeans, pencil skirts + top, or pencil-skirted dresses. These are in a variety of colors. Also, I don’t wear heels above 1″ and I’m fine spending over $200 on shoes if they’re well made. I was thinking of getting the following, but would love some advice on some good shoes that are flexible for multiple outfits:
-AGL ballet flats in a fun color (blue with white maybe? I have the brown ones for work and love them)
-A pair of light brown leather pumps (like a “whisky” color)
-…and then I’m stuck! Should I get some strappy sandals? More ballet flats in different colors? HELP! :P
Thanks!
KC
I’d go for a dressy sandal (maybe with a small wedge). Slightly more dressy than a ballet flat, but comfortable for walking.
CleveAnon
Question: If your employer is sending you unsolicited daily “wellness tips” and today’s contains information about sperm count, making use of the phrase “studs and spuds” and “swimmers”–how unprofessional is this?
TCFKAG
On a scale of 1 to Quit Immediately, I’d say it falls in the “send it to all your friends and laugh hilariously about it over drinks” realm. I mean – they send it to the whole company, yes? Who approved that? So gross.
ITDS
If your employer is a large or well-known company, or there is some joke to be made regarding the company name/product, send it along to Gawker.
Brant
it’s annoying, but I’m sure you can unsubscribe. Or send to junk mail. Or email to friends and laugh.
Clarice Starling
What sort of shoes do you wear with a St. John or similarly-expensive suit? I have acquired an expensive suit via a lucky find at a consignment store and am now over-thinking the shoes.
My usual shoes cost about what my outfit does (so 1:1 ratio, but based on retail / sale prices, not consignment). But even with something pricier (Cole-Haan, Tory Burch), that really throws out the ratio (or maybe the suit outshines the shoes). I have a shiny new pair of C-Hs that should do, but I don’t know enough of you ladies in non-starter jobs to have a sense of what passes the laugh test.
JJ
Honestly, if the shoe is a classic-looking pump/peep toe/sling back or the like and it isn’t visibly scuffed or coming apart at the seams (and absent a red sole), I probably wouldn’t know or notice if the shoe cost pennies compared to a St. John’s suit. If you have something where the shoe style that looks good with that suit, rock it.
Maddie Ross
I think you wear shoes that coordinate style-wise, not price-wise. My work (and casual) outfits are usually a mish-mash of all price points. (Ex: Tory Burch shoes, target tights, nordstrom skirt, missoni blouse, j.crew sweater.) My jewelry selection is similarly all over the board with expensive heirloom pieces, david yurman bracelets, and j.crew or costume necklaces and earrings. I’m not sure why you would have to match pieces based on price.
BB
I’d go with any nice leather pumps. Yes, the $400 ones will always look amazing, but sometimes the $50 ones can look just as good. The key I think is not to have anything cheap/scruffy on the shoes: very fake patent leather, scratches on the leather, random rhinestones or cheap looking buckles. C-Hs are probably fine. I’d say it’s more the style and materials over the brand/price though.
TBK
Wow, I seriously have never thought about shoes this way. According to this calculation, all my shoes would be woefully underpriced.
Anonymous
Ive never thought about it this way either, but my shoes would all be over priced — i tend to wear very expensive shoes and find less expensive clothes.
Marise
I wouldn’t view it as expensive suit must = expensive shoes, but if you must, and have the budget for it, go for simple black Louboutins. They are my drool over shoes that I can’t afford.
McNuggets
Hello,
Long time reader, first time poster.
I have been with my company for a little over 5 years. At the time I was hired, they issued me a top of the line laptop that I am still using today. I have beat the crap out of this laptop in terms of usage and it holds strong because I take good care of it.
That being said, technology has evolved and although my laptop is in good shape, it is now close to obsolete when it comes to new software. My company wants to get me a new laptop and said I could pick it. The one I configured is $2,200. They said that is way too expensive and suggested a $1,200 alternative, which is comparable except for 2 key features. To add the 2 key features would be an additional $200 to the $1,200 laptop.
Question: If my company does not want to give me the 2 additional features, should I cover it? I just don’t feel the laptop will be an upgrade to my old one without those 2 features?
Is it worth having a discussion with the bosses over $200? They may just take it out of my bonus LOL.
Thoughts?
KC
If the features are key, the value added should be pretty clear. I’d bring it up to your boss/whoever will authorize the purchase.
Eleanor
I think you should make a business case to the company why you need those two key features – you will work more efficiently or be able to do more, or whatever. Reiterate that you haven’t needed a new laptop in five years, so $200 now will get them even better work product from you over the coming years, far in excess of $200. I don’t think you should pay for it yourself; it’s a laptop you need for work, so your company should pay for it.
mascot
Dear decision makers, I have reconfigured the laptop with a target budget of 1200. The two super important, necessary for my job additions will bring the total cost to $1400. Please approve. Chances are they will be fine with $1400, they just weren’t fine with $2200. I wouldn’t offer to cover it until they came back with a “$1200 is the max” response.
moss
Former sysadmin here. $200 to add key features should not be a problem to them especially as you are coming down from your original desired configuration. If you want those features you should hold out for them. If they don’t pay for them in the initial order, maybe you can have them purchased separately and installed.
Ellen
It is NOT worth $200 to fight with the boss. I use my OWN MacBook Air at home and some times even at the office b/c it is better then the DESKTOP they provide me there. In fact the manageing partner even encourage’s me to bring my MacBook to court b/c I can take note’s and have them ready for him when I come back so he can send to the cleint’s! Yay! I could NOT do that with the cheep desktop and would have to wait until I get back to the office.
What are these 2 feature’s anyway? If you say a camera, I say it is NOT important at work b/c you can use your own MAC BOOK if you want to Skype your freind’s at home. If you say the size of the drive, I say you can get a back up very inesxpensively, b/c my dad got me one for less then $100 and it is NOT even conencted to the computer, so if you turn in the computer you still have the back up drive. YAY!
By NOT bringeing it up, I get much more then $200 in the form of BONUSES, clotheing allowances and food takeout’s that the manageing partner ALWAYS pay’s for. The manageing partner says he has given me over $2000 in clotheing allowence’s last year, and I think he is right. I will alway’s have those clothe’s, including shoe’s but NOT handbag’s. FOOEY!
TBK
Why would you pay for those yourself? I don’t get it.
Special Snowflake
Be persistent that the reason you need these features is so you can work more efficiently. “Without the solid state hard drive, I will spend 3-5 minutes longer waiting for my computer to boot the OS every time I turn it on.” or “Without the quad core processor, I’m only able to run one instance of X software, which I use on a daily basis.”
I would guess that your time is worth more than $200 (or even $2000!) in the life of the computer when you factor all of these things in. At least, that was the argument that led to me getting a better laptop!
Anonymous
The $1,400 laptop was approved. Thanks for all the helpful input. I was waiting for them to ask me *why* I need the extra features but then they approved it without asking me. I guess they didn’t want to make a big deal out of $200 either.
They forwarded me an order confirmation so I know it’s coming my way!!
Anne Shirley
Is anyone watching Call the Midwife? I promise no spoilers, but this past week’s was so fabulous, and I’m feeling closer to my gran who raised my uncles in very similar circumstances.
LilyB
ahhh I had no idea there was a season 2! So excited to watch!
Bewitched
I’m watching! Glad it’s back (although it doesn’t top Downton Abbey for me). I also watched “Mr. Selfridge” which followed, and I thought it was pretty entertaining (at least when compared to another episode of the Real Housewives!)
Nonny
Yes, I love Call the Midwife and was surprised that season 2 started….somehow I missed that news until Sunday night!
And I also watched the first episode of “Mr. Selfridge”. Very entertaining and I am looking forward to next week.
So Cal Gator
I am a huge fan of Call the Midwife and was enthralled by the Season 2 opener. This show gets better and better! My husband loves it too, which I did not expect given the content. I am expecting some really great developments this season. And to raise the issue in a hopefully non spolier fashion, let me say the brief scene at the end with Chummy was intriguing as to what she may be planning. And if it’s what I think, I wonder why….
Cb
I binge watched 6 episodes of this while sick a few weeks ago. I had to cover my eyes during the childbirth scenes though.
I struggle to see Miranda as anyone other than Miranda though.
Mountain Girl
I’m totally overthinking a wardrobe issue and need guidance.
I purchased this skirt and it fits well, is lined and is a great color. It wrinkles a bit more than I would like when I tried it on and gave it my standard wrinkle test. I have it in British Khaki
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30386&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80016&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008
I found this skirt last night and I’m thinking I might like it better because it won’t wrinkle as much. I’m looking at the desert Camel color
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/Women/SKIRTS/SKIRTS/SEASONLESS-WOOL-MADISON-SKIRT/167641/sc/1809/c/1809/pc/1815.uts
Your thoughts?
Ginjury
I’d go with the Pendelton one. The color seems a bit more appropriate for the coming months and the pockets on the one from Talbots throw me off a bit.
What is your wrinkle test?
Mountain Girl
I scrunch it and hold it in my hands. I also roll it in a ball and sit on it for at least a few minutes. This generally gives some idea of how much it will wrinkle in actual use.
hoola hoopa
When choosing between Pendleton and Talbots, I’d go with Pendleton every time. Their things are just so nice. Besides, life is too short to wear a wrinkled skirt.
Mountain Girl
Can I wear nude pumps with an “almost white” skirt? What else would I wear?
NYNY
Definitely okay to wear nude-for-you pumps. Alternatively, go with a color that matches/coordinates with the rest of your outfit:
almost white skirt + red/cream/tan blouse + tan cardigan + red pumps
almost white skirt + black&ivory top + black blazer + black & ivory spectator pumps
almost white skirt + ivory blouse + navy cardigan + navy pumps
Veronique
To paraphrase Stacey and Clinton, clothing doesn’t have to match, it should “go”. If the outfit was mostly neutral I would definitely wear colored shoes, even if I’m not wearing that color in my outfit. For example, I would remix NYNY’s suggestions and wear:
almost white skirt + black&ivory top + black blazer + red pumps
or
almost white skirt + cream blouse + forest green cardigan + navy pumps
darjeeling
I’ve seen this dress in person and it is Beautiful. The description says the fabric is shiny but it isn’t really, it has a nice high-quality-wool sheen. It’s cut fairly straight though and with all the lovely panels seemed like it would be hard to alter for a pear shape, so it was a no-go for me.
hoola hoopa
Too bad it won’t work for a pear. This is a fantastic dress.
Anon Law Grad
I have a question about references! I am a May 2012 law grad and am still job hunting. I haven’t been checking in with my references regularly. I am pretty introverted and pretty embarrassed that I haven’t found anything yet. I have an interview coming up and the interviewer has already requested references. Do I send my references an email letting them know that they might be contacted? Do I do this every time an interviewer requests references? I feel so awkward — it has been months since I checked in with my references.
cbackson
Yes, definitely. You do NOT want your references to be taken by surprise, particularly if they’re contacted by phone. Get in touch with them, update them on the job search, and let them know that they might be contacted.
Anon Law Grad
Do I describe the job and why I want it and do I need to tell them what I would want them to say? Can I just update them on my job search and make them aware that they might be contacted?
Abby Lockhart
I would encourage letting them know what the job is, why you are excited about it, and why you think this might just be the one that fits. I would discourage telling them what you’d want them to say. They will read between the lines from the things you do tell them.
MB
I would contact them and give them a heads up about the upcoming interview. If a phone call is too awkward, an email is okay. I personally like to call my references and tell them that XYZ may be calling. I use it as a “checking in to let you know what I’ve been up to” call.
NOLA
Yes, absolutely contact your references. If possible, send them the information about the job and maybe update your CV for them as well. That will help them in being able to talk about how you fit the position. Also, if you haven’t contacted your references in awhile, please do this anyway because you don’t want an employer to attempt to contact a reference who is no longer available at the email address or phone number you have given. It looks really unprofessional.
Anonymous
I am on the hunt fora tank top with a lower back and a quasi-racerback to wear under a casual dress that has very low armholes. It doesn’t have to be a total racerback, but can dip in a bit at the sides / back. Has anyone seen anything like this or have any brand recommendations? I’m thinking Splendid, but beyond that, I don’t know where to look.
hoola hoopa
Have you looked at American Apparel? That sounds like something they would have.