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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 172 Comments · by

Tuesday’s TPS Report: Midi SL Skirt in Camden Twill

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

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Theory Midi SL Skirt in Camden Twill | CorporetteOur daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. What can I say, I'm loving Theory this season… this substantial wool skirt in army green is really calling my name. If you aren't already in on the secret, you'll be shocked how versatile olive green can be — wear it with cobalt, light pink, blues, purples, and of course, neutrals like navy, gray, black, white, cream… This skirt seems downright affordable at $275. Theory Midi SL Skirt in Camden Twill Here's a lower-priced alternative (in sizes up to 18) and a plus-sized option. Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-4)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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

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Comments

  1. Alterations Q

    My friend recently gave me this beautiful a line skirt she grew out of https://www.jcrew.com/ca/womens_category/skirts/jcrewcollection/PRDOVR~B4457/B4457.jsp It is lovely, but when I put it on it goes straight out on either side of my hips making my body look like the female sign they use on bathroom doors. I’m a pear shape (if that wasn’t obvious!). I am thinking of getting this altered, and my question is should I take it in all the way down on each side, making the skirt narrower in general, or is it possible to take it in around the hips only making it more of a trumpet shape? Any other suggestions? It’s a little big in the waist so I could do something with that too if that helps. I was thinking that this would be heavy and have lots of nice folds but it’s not really working as is. TIA

    • skirt

      I wouldn’t try to re-shape to trumpet; for that to work it needs to pretty much be designed that way from the outset and usually involves multiple panels – I would keep it simple. Why not try pinning it (on the inside, all along each seam) and then gently try on to get a feel for what various alterations would look like?

      • Mpls

        +1 – The skirt only has two seams (side seams), whereas a trumpet skirt has more princess seaming to get the flare you are thinking of. A tailor might be about cut off the bottom, and reattach as a flounce after converting the rest of the skirt to more of a pencil skirt shape, if you were really wed to the trumpet look. but that’s more than a minor alteration.

        Even altering to a pencil skirt is going to require adjusting the side zipper when the side seams get taken in, and might require adding darts front and back.

        • TBK

          Plus a rear slit for walking. I sew quite a bit and I don’t think this can really be altered easily unless there’s a more extreme flair from the waistaband than what I’m seeing in the photo. If there is, a tailor might be able to make the skirt more fitted down from the waist to about 1″-2″ below your hip bone. Otherwise, I think you’re talking about basically re-building the skirt.

          • Alterations Q

            Thanks everyone! It does have room on either side of my body above the hip bone so maybe I will try pinning just the top and see if that fixes things, and if not maybe pin the sides all the way. I’m not looking to make it a pencil skirt, just less triangle-y.

  2. Houda

    Anyone knows how Theory clothes fit on petite women? Do their hemlines go on the long side or can a petite person get away with it without tayloring?

    • Kdlaf

      I looove Theory and I’m petite. However, I have had to get all my theory trousers tailored because they are too long. Otherwise they fit really well. The consignment shop near me has great quality almost like new Theory pants and tops so I feel like I’m getting a great deal regardless of having to pay the extra for tailoring.
      Nevertheless, if I wasn’t a 20-something on a budget I would totally pay full price for the quality then get it tailored.

    • Stormtrooper

      I’m petite, and I love Theory, particularly dresses. I have to get the pants altered, but the dresses often fit off the rack.

    • Bonnie

      I just bought a Theory suit at Nordstrom Rack and will have to get the skirt hemmed.

  3. KT

    Yesterday’s jewelry wrap has me thinking about jewelry storage…how do you store your jewelry? Most of my jewelry is the costume/statement necklace variety and lots of stud earrings…conventional jewelry boxes dont seem to fit larger necklaces well

    • Houda

      I bought a clear cylindrical acrylic tower with 4 sections. It hosts my costume necklaces.
      For earrings, I have a clear acrylic board with holes that sits on a small stand.
      For bracelets, I have an acrylic t-shaped bar.
      I think all of these are easily found in the container store. I always opt for clear acrylic because it doesn’t look busy when displayed on my white background wall.

    • Veronica Mars

      I have the Antique Silver Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn (I got the small size for $20 and the large for $70 on eBay). I fell in love with them and HAD TO HAVE THEM. I like the smaller one for by my bedside for taking off my daily jewelry, but the larger one is actually posing a bit of a challenge since it doesn’t actually have a lot of room for earrings and chain necklaces. The top portion is just a board, so I think I’ll DIY my own version that’s a bit more functional (and while I like the linen, I may pick pure black, red or navy since it would make my jewelry POP.

      • Veronica Mars

        I hate the lack of an edit function. Before the PB ones, I used Muji but didn’t like the organizer or the drawer. The organizer wasn’t very easy to use and the drawer looked too modern to me.

    • jewelry options

      Don’t your jewels get dusty when you leave them out and exposed? Do you just wipe them down before you put them on?

      I guess that’s better than never wearing most of them, since I can’t remember what I have when they are all packed away.

      Then again, I was robbed recently, and the jewelry I had packed away was left untouched, but the stuff I left out (good stuff, unfortunately), was taken.

    • JJ

      For necklaces, I hung a corkboard in my closet and put a ton of push pins on it. Each necklace hangs from a pin. It also serves a nice color/decoration for my blank white closet wall. For earrings, I bought a lucite divided box form the Container Store, with probably 30 little boxes in it. Each pair of earrings gets its own box in a drawer. Rings go on a ring holder in my bathroom.

    • Lyssa

      For my bigger necklaces, I got some of those Command hooks and hung up a line along some wall space in my closet (I’m sure a door or bathroom wall space would work too, if there’s no closet space). It looks cute and is so much easier to deal with! I haven’t noticed a problem with dust.

    • WJM-TV

      I use velvet-like pouches for my larger necklaces, and a weekly pillbox thing for my more delicate necklaces and rings. I don’t have that much jewelry, just family pieces.

    • Jules

      I have two linen pinboards in fancy frames above my dresser and have hung most of my necklaces on push pins on those boards (it looks like art!); a few that are too heavy are on an upright stand that looks like three little metal trees. Earrings are in a series of flat baskets on the dresser, as are an assortment of bangle watches.

      All of my jewelry is costume with the exception of one ring I always wear and a thin gold chain I never wear but that thieves would probably overlook in the very slim chance I got robbed.

    • Bonnie

      Corkboard in the closet for bigger necklaces, dividers in my nightstand drawer for rarely worn jewelry, and a mirrored tray on the nightstand for frequently worn necklaces and rings.

    • J

      Command hooks on my closet wall for necklaces and super dangly non-work statement earrings. I love little vintage condiment bowls and ash trays for my rings and stud earrings, and keep those in a shallow jewelry drawer that I have in my wardrobe. I wear the same jewelry to work every day (stainless steel watch, diamond studs, Tiffany’s Somerset mesh ring) and those live in a little velvet-lined notions box on my vanity.

    • Chicago Bean Accounter

      I bought a white T-shelf (from Wayfair I believe) and hung it on the wall. (The top of the T is flush to the wall so there is a shelf coming out from the middle of the unit itself) The bottom section of the T has a bunch of command hooks stuck on it for necklaces. The shelf holds a T stand for bracelets, and a ceramic egg crate to sort earrings and rings.

    • anon99

      I use a wooden pasta dryer, I can hang three or four necklaces on a stick and it keeps them from getting tangled up.

    • Sydney Bristow

      On the recommendation from a few people here, I just got a corkboard and pushpins to hang up my necklaces. It is so much nicer to be able to see everything! I have a bunch of statement necklaces as well as simple pendants and the beauty of the pushpins is that it is completely customizable.

      I still haven’t picked a method to store my earrings.

  4. Anon

    Acrylic holder for necklaces that you nail to a wall so the necklaces hang on the nubs. Pretty and practical. Would work really well if you have a large closet and can hang the holders/necklaces there. I don’t and I have two on my wall behind my bedroom door. Love them. From the container store.

    • BB

      This sounds perfect for me! I pretty much only have necklaces and a large closet. Going to search on the Container Store s*te now…

      • Anonymous

        I just use clear thumb tacks behind my bathroom door, and it works pretty much the same.

    • Best Coast

      I use a tie rack inside my closet, which has 20 pegs on a short board. It only put two holes in the wall, which keeps my husband happy, and has plenty of room for all of my necklaces. For earrings, I use ice cube trays in a drawer to keep the sorted and together.

    • mascot

      My vote is classic (especially in workwear), but with varying popularity over the decades.

  6. Life-changing magic of tidying up?

    Has anyone read “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up?” What did you think of it? I read it this weekend and did a major closet purge, which felt great–getting dressed this week has been so much more pleasant. And I like the perspective of keeping things you love, rather than the usual perspective of tossing things that you don’t. Now the rest of the house looms, but before I unleash KonMari onto every unsuspecting closet, I wanted to hear from others who have used the method. Do things actually stay neat or do they devolve back into clutter? What has stuck with you from the book? The snake-oil-salesman vibe (decluttering will make you lose weight, find a job you love, and help you find a husband!) started to make me skeptical, but this is as close as I’ve ever come to reading a self-help book so I don’t know if that’s just par for the course.

    • Houda

      I have read it and implemented a large part of it but am not 100% adhering to it.
      There is no way my socks bring me joy, or need to rest in a specifically folded pattern to get their day off.
      I don’t think purging will get me a better job etc.
      My thoughts:
      1- I felt great the following weeks as I was decluttering and I must say, my style is more definite.
      2- I did not stop shopping but my spending is towards better quality items and I buy 10% of what I used to buy before.
      3- I am definitely more comfortable rotating 3 sets of bedding and 4 pajama sets than a ton more. Laundry starts to look the same as I am wearing my things more often.
      4- While the initial phase was aggressive, I am trying to slowly get rid of things at a more manageable rate. For instance: in the morning I am getting dressed and realize my top is permanently stained, pilling etc. or my socks have a hole. I will immediately discard the item then continue getting dressed. No dedicated decluttering session, but more built-in my day to day activities.
      5- Things will creep up back again. Life catches up, other people in the household do not necessarily adhere to this. I have ups and downs. I noticed that when I am very neat, my younger sister would follow a bit but my older sister is a hoarder. Keep in mind that there are different people who might not adhere to the regimen.
      6- Life gets in the way, so my room looks messy 6 months later, but nowhere near where I initially started. Also, I have less items so the mess is not as dense.
      7- While Konmari advocates a one time bandaid approach, I think you still need to do some 6-month refresh because little things stir you away from the method.
      8- In fine: Not life-changing but definitely good impact and don’t regret reading it.

    • Diana Barry

      I found that the rest of the house is much more resistant than *my clothes* are. I did find it very useful for books – if the books are not bringing joy or if I am never going to read them again (college books, ahem), out they go! DH, unfortunately, just moved all his books to another location, which is now more cluttered (but it is out of my way, so that’s good).

      I also got rid of the kids’ toys that were either broken or that they weren’t playing with any more. Much better.

      BUT – the rest of the kids’ stuff just spreads out over the house like kudzu and you can’t really get rid of all of it. I did get some new boxes for corralling the artwork, and some Ikea storage things for the art supplies, but the toys still wind up in different rooms and that clutter really isn’t any less than it was. Entropy wins – I challenge Marie Kondo to move into a house with 3 young kids and try to practice the method!

      • Anon

        I am a neat freak (I hate clutter!) and we are about to have our first baby. I have a feeling this will be a rude awakening for me ;)

        • Diana Barry

          It’s not as bad when they are babies. It gets worse when they get bigger (2 and up) and can and do find their toys and carry them to places all over the house!

        • moss

          last time my house was CLEAN clean was right before my older one started walking.

    • Cb

      I’ve done a partial KM process – everything but clothes (which have been sorted but I’ve gone up a size due to some health issues- hoping these will be addressed soon)

      Things I’ve noticed:

      1. I haven’t been shopping at all – I have plenty of stuff and would rather spend the money on experiences.
      2. It takes a lot less time to clean (so I hear, that’s my husband’s domain)
      3. In the extra time, we’ve been tackling some larger house projects (floors replaced, gardening, painting, taking art to the framers, making my desk space functional)
      4. Our two bedroom is lovely and spacious and totally doable with a future kid. If I could teleport our house to a good school catchment, I’d be set.

      • Houda

        I hope you’ll feel better soon. Weight, size and shape are nothing compared to health.

        • Cb

          Thanks, that’s very kind. I think it’s a combination of lupus activity, work stress and a case of the blues over the winter. Focusing on the basics for now (veggies, lunchtime walks, and hot yoga) and reminding myself that while my skirts might be too snug, I’m a lot luckier than others with my condition. I was travelling and walked 6-7 miles a day happily, so what if I’m not slim slim?

    • KittyKat

      I’m quite the minimalist and I really do think its magic. Things don’t just creep up on you so long as you aren’t purchasing them. Clutter cannot happen if there are not things to clutter. I do think it can really help with happiness and weight too. My pantry has organized staples in glass jars and my grocery trip is primarily vegetables every week. The clutter of processed food boxes in most peoples pantry definitely contributes to unhealthy behaviours. You really are happy when you are surrounded by things you love and come home to an organized home you can relax in

    • TBK

      Recently read and just started the process. De-cluttering by category really has been a revelation for me. Two reason: (1) it’s much more doable. If my munchkins are playing happily for 20 min, I can decide to de-clutter [table linens] with more time, I might do [all linens]. In the past, I would tackle a room or a box or a surface (kitchen island, I’m looking at you). But even small spaces can require a lot of time. (2) Focusing on a category is so much less taxing on your executive function than doing a mishmash of things (because honestly most spaces that are cluttered are cluttered because they have a mishmash in them/on them). In the past, I’d often lose steam because there were just too many decisions to make all at once. Doing JUST [hair tools and accessories] is actually somewhat restful and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m done.

      I also added a few thought processes to help me along. The “spark joy” question didn’t quite work for me. So my question to myself instead is “if I didn’t already own this, would I go buy it today” and then I ask “would I pay $5 a month to store it?” Because, as my husband pointed out to me, keeping things isn’t actually costless. We think it is and say “oh, but what if I need one someday” but would you spend $300 to store this $15 item in case you needed it in 5 years? Of course not! Most of my things probably don’t cost $5/mo to store, but if you take our monthly mortgage payment and divide it by the square footage of our house, it does cost probably about $0.50-$1 per month to store most small items, and more like $3/mo to store biggish things. I have so many things I’ve kept for years and never used and even paid to move from house to house. Makes it so much easier to just let go and get rid of it without guilt.

    • s-p-c

      Just read it too, and although I had already pared down most of my wardrobe to items I love, it helped me take that approach outside the closet. We had done a lot of purging before moving to our house a couple of months ago, but the book encouraged me to think, for example, “why on earth are we keeping so many pens? Can’t we get by with a handful we really love?” I would imagine that keeping in mind the idea that we should be surrounded by things we love – especially when that’s the environment you’ve created – will be sustainable in making sure new items meet that standard.

  7. Anonymous Poser

    Army green is a surprisingly versatile color. I can’t get the link to the lower-priced option to work, unfortunately. Is anyone else having that problem?

  8. SF Dinner Recs?

    Recommendations for dinner on a Sunday night close to or on the way to SFO? Something to make the red-eye home less miserable :-)

    • anon

      Might be too late for you to see this, but I’d suggest somewhere in the Mission – Tacolicious, Pi Bar (great pizza and beer), Ichi Sushi, or Al’s Place (just named best restaurant in America by Bon Appetit). The Mission is in the southern part of the city and not far from the freeway, so on the way to the airport.

    • SFAttorney

      At the airport, The Plant, Andale, or Napa Market. I’m not sure how late they’re open though. On the way to SFO in San Francisco, someplace in the Sunset like Pacific Catch or on West Portal, like Squat and Gobble or Bursa or Roti.

  9. aspia

    Can’t click on the lower priced alternative link in article. Can anyone tell me what the item is?

  10. Anon for this

    Should I be seeking legal advice right now? I got (sort of) laid off yesterday. It was pretty sudden. But I say “sort of”, since I wasn’t officially told anything other than to not come in and continue to draw my paycheck for now. Which actually puts me in an uncomfortable position with some external folks I’ve been working with who could be potential future networking contacts or even employers. I know for sure that there is some major stuff (not illegal) happening within my parent company, and I now have good reason to believe that my direct boss (with whom I’ve had a difficult relationship) is doing something of at a minimum questionable ethics. As far as I know, I’m the only one who was asked to stop coming in. I was given only a vague mention of getting help to find something somewhere else in the company, and I have not been officially offered severance.

    Just to be clear, there is no cause, nor any implication that they are going to try to drum any up.

    I want to believe that this is just poor communication, and I’ll get some resolution in the next day or two. But something feels off.

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      I hate to be paranoid, but was your boss the only one in this meeting where you were told to stop coming in? Was the “don’t come in anymore, we’ll still pay you” plan communicated in writing? Was anyone higher up involved in the communication about this? If your boss was the only one involved in communicating this decision to you, and it was only communicated verbally, I’m wondering if your boss is planning to create some cause by claiming you no-call/no-showed for however many days. Personally, I’d reach out to boss’ boss and confirm that what boss told you is the correct way to proceed, and I’d do it ASAP. (Also I’d send a confirmatory email to boss if the plan wasn’t relayed to you in writing.)

      • Anonny

        This. I might call HR first and get the initial conversation with your boss on the record STAT.

    • ace

      Agree with KKH’s points. On the flip side, I’m not clear from your message whether you were told, “Don’t come in tomorrow, we’ll call you next week.” or “don’t come in tomorrow and you don’t have a job here any more.” Could the higher ups be investigating/dealing with the boss’ questionable conduct and want you out of the way? Can you reach out to HR or another part of the business to try to understand what’s going on?

      Good luck.

      • Anon for this

        Trying to keep some details vague for anonymity, but going to boss’s boss is not an option (and that person is almost certainly on the outs very soon anyway). I work for a tiny division of a big company, and my inclination is to think that my direct boss doesn’t really understand the implications of their actions. I have reached out to someone not in my direct reporting chain whom I trust very much and had previously indicated they would do everything they could to find a place for me (this person knows a few things about my difficulties with my current boss and doesn’t think very highly of them).

        My sister just recommended that I at least send an email officially documenting the conversation (and clarifying that I was told not to come to the office). I’m thinking I may want to talk to a lawyer before doing anything.

        • Anonymous

          Why the lawyer at this stage? Are you at-will? Do you think there’s a discriminatory action at play? Seems time may be of the essence in getting with HR rather than seeking legal advice if the org is in that much turmoil.

        • ace

          I think it’s good to document, but I’d keep it factual — “I wanted to follow up on our conversation and to confirm that you do not want me to come to work until further notice, but I will continue to be paid at my regular rate.” You might also throw in – “I will plan to reach out to HR regarding other job postings with the company.”

          I agree with the question below about why you are thinking lawyer. If you’re in the US, there are very few notice/severance requirements that would kick in regarding a termination (unless you have a contract). If you think this is discriminatory, retaliatory or based on protected whistleblower action, then yes talk to a lawyer (at some point). . . but if you’re hoping to find a role elsewhere within the company, I’d explore that avenue before doing so.

    • mascot

      In addition to getting clarification mentioned above, in the meantime, occupy your time with a job search. Update your resume, research other opportunities, etc. I’d assume that your emails and files are being monitored so I’d be hesitant to start downloading a bunch of stuff absent a better understanding of what’s happening.

    • Anon

      I am not an employment lawyer, but I second the advice above regarding documenting this with HR and looking for a job. This won’t end well, and you should not quit. This seems like constructive termination (google it!) and I would not expect there to be a job for you in a few days. I would polish up your resume now. Good luck. I am sorry you’re stuck in the middle of this.

    • CountC

      Having been through a slightly crazy employment situation, unless you are being of doing something illegal or something where you would be liable monetarily, or you think you solidly have a discrimination claim, etc., I don’t think you need to talk to a lawyer before you memorialize your conversation in an email. The blurb that Ace at 1:09 p.m. gave you is spot on IMO.

  12. Roman Holiday

    I am currently sitting in my office waiting for a call to discuss the logistics of my transfer to another office. I have a whole list of reasons why I should keep my salary and my vacation days despite moving to a country with a lower COL and traditionally less PTO, although I suspect I’ll have to take a reduction in both. My company has treated me very well so far, so I don’t think they will try anything too drastic, but they may see it as an opportunity to cut costs, since I requested the transfer. Anyways, good vibes appreciated!

    • anon

      Good vibes sent! My fiance is moving from a major office in DC to a rural area to do telework, so I’m with you. Hoping you get good news, and best of luck with the move.

  13. more autoplay

    I just got an autoplay ad with sound. I closed out of it quickly because I’m in a shared space, but I think I heard the word Pantene. Hope the tech folks are still working on this. It’s not a dealbreaker yet, but that was embarrassing.

    • Brit

      I’ve been getting an auto-play ad as well today, but I never catch what it’s for before I mute my computer.

  14. S

    My husband and I are going to Tokyo later this month (yay!) and I’m trying to work with our credit card’s concierge to make a dinner reservation for an omakase sushi dinner but struggling to find a good option with these parameters: (1) be able to make a reservation with only a couple weeks notice; (2) around $100 per person; (3) get to sit at the counter. Everything seems to be either cheaper or way more expensive. Any suggestions?

    First world problem to the max, I know, but any recommendations would be much appreciated!

  15. SF

    Has anyone ever gotten continued personal training? At $100 an hour here in the city, it seems incredibly expensive but I’m wondering if it’s worth it if I can finally achieve some fitness and personal body weight goals. I do have some persistent back issues so having a trainer work on my core would certainly be helpful. I’m thinking of doing it for a couple months, but I’m obviously struggling with the $300/week sticker shock. Would love to hear anyone’s experience!

    • BeenThatGuy

      I did personal training for a year. It cost a fortune but I considered it an investment in myself. I put the work in and got the results I wanted. When I finally stopped, I kept working out on my own and have gotten stronger, faster and leaner (and my bank account got fat).

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      $300/week? You’re getting hosed.

      I’ve worked with personal trainers on and off for years, and have always only needed to work with the trainer once a week. My typical experience was that the trainer would teach me about 30 minutes worth of stuff I could easily replicate on my own two more times a week, and we’d then spend 20ish minutes on things I could only do with the training (weights that require a trained spotter, more complicated HIIT workouts that required ongoing direction, etc.), and that was plenty of personal training for meeting standard-issue fitness goals. Unless you’re training for something highly specific, anyone telling you that you *must* meet three hours a week is interested in your wallet, not your health.

      • JJ

        Yup. I have my trainer that I visit once a week. It’s expensive, but I use it mainly for accountability. Once a month we do fitness testing, measurements, and weigh-ins to track progress. I’ve made a ton of improvements since December just going with the trainer once a week (at my gym) and then regular gym visits the other days, based on lifting workouts the trainer gave me. I use my time with the trainer for HIIT routines, lifting that requires spotting, learning new lifting movements/techniques, and form-checking.

    • ace

      I paid $100/session for 1x a week training in Chicago, so I recognize it’s possible. I actually stopped going to that trainer when she upped her rates to $110/hr.

      If you really like the trainer, I’d ask them about long-term plans and if they would work with you to develop a training schedule that would allow you to workout with them 1x a week and then do a workout based on a plan that the trainer puts together a few other times a week. If they are unwilling to do so, then I would find someone else, as I do think that $200-300 a week is way too much money.

    • Brunette Elle Woods

      Asking for a discount as a long term customer may be worth it for the trainer because he/she would have a reliable source of income. If a discount is not possible, look into classes. Some have great instructors who are very helpful, but cost less than one on one.

      • Coach Laura

        Or look at groups of 3-4 clients with one trainer. I did that for a while and it works well. Either everyone is close to the same level (so the instruction is similar) or the trainer cycles around and with resting time between moves it works well.

    • Anomanom

      I do 2 30 minute sessions a week – very focused and cardio is on my own. I have some long term injuries I have to work around, and I found a trainer who has a background in physical and sports therapy which has been excellent. I needed someone to push me while keeping me from getting injured, something I have struggled with doing myself. I agree zero reason to do 3 times a week for an hour unless you are on a major weight loss mission.

      For ref, I pay $60/hour, but since I am doing 2 30 minute sessions it totally fits in the budget.

  16. Bonnie

    I’m not happy with all of the midi skirts I’m seeing now. The look just does not work for me so I guesss I’ll be hemming everything.

  17. Sammi

    Here is a seemingly impossible vacation challenge for you all – my family is looking to change up their annual winter trip and has given me this crazy list of requirements. Anything coming to mind in terms of locations?

    – low altitude
    – warm but not hot
    – within an hour of a major airport
    – lots of outdoor activities for all ages
    – can find a house for 20 people
    – near-ish to a hospital (have some elderly folks who don’t like to be too far from one)
    – will be fun in January

    Does this place exist?

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      Haven’t been there myself, but Key West? (It’s a popular winter vacation destination among the family-having set at my office.)

      • SC

        Key West is not within an hour of a “major” airport. Yes, there’s an airport, but it’s extremely expensive to fly into, and it almost always requires connecting flights. Otherwise, it would probably fit the bill.

    • Anon

      Tampa Bay Area. Beaches, theme parks, aquarium, zoo, Dali museum, other museums incl. children’s museums, fishing boat trips, can rent a big house, major airport and hospitals.

    • Anonymous

      Sanibel, Fl? It’s an island right by Ft. Myers, which I don’t know if you would count as a “major” airport, but it has one. Or one of the Georgia Golden Isles (St. Simons/Jekyll/Tybee), though they may not be “warm,” depending on your definition. They’re an hour from the Jacksonville airport.

      • Anonymous

        Ft. Myers airport is pretty big now, from what I’ve heard (haven’t lived there since 2004, but still keep up with the news).

        Or, the St. Pete/Tampa area should be really nice in January.

        Somewhere around LA?

    • Alice

      It might not exist! Depending on what qualifies as “warm but not hot.” Are you U.S.-based? How about San Diego or Santa Barbara? Hawaii? Sedona?

      • Sammi

        I’m US based but the family is in Central America. The trip used to be for ski but now as folks are getting older they’re looking to tone it down (see: low altitude, not freezing). Because they’re Central American, generally looking for a break from the heat.

        Honestly I think they’re looking for Atlantis and we’ll just end up skiing again (which is a-ok with me!).

        • Rory H

          Savannah, Georgia. Historic, shopping, art, touring nature (Wormsloe), at sea level, beach for walking but maybe not swimming, good medical care and when I was there in January it was over 60 but was warmer than usual.

          • Alice

            I loved Savannah, but when I was there in February of last year it was pretty cold.

    • Anon

      My first thought was San Diego. But I saw the recommendation for Santa Barbara below and that would probably be even better. Or maybe even Pasadena.

      • MJ

        San Diego may or may not be warm at Christmas. Given the El Nino forecast, I would not bank on this being a rain-free, warm Christmas destination this holiday season.

    • anon a mouse

      Is Hawaii an option? Honolulu checks all your boxes.

      Otherwise, it depends on how warm is warm. Sedona was my first thought, then San Diego. (Though when I was in San Diego in February, they had a freak cold spell and I had to buy a jacket.) Austin could be fun too, or Charleston.

    • SC

      If your family doesn’t want to do a beach vacation, you could also go to Orlando. You can easily rent a large house for the whole family. Besides the theme parks, there are lots of family activities, restaurants, etc.. And you’re not far from Cape Canaveral or the beach if some people wanted to do a day trip.

  18. Emily of New Moon

    Hi Ladies! I’m going on a trip to Prince Edward Island soon, with the express purpose of visiting all the Anne of Green Gables attractions. Has anyone here ever been? Any suggestions for things to do or places to eat on PEI?

    • SFedits

      Haven’t been, but had to post because I am so envious that you are making the trip to PEI to visit All Things Anne (with an “e”). Can’t wait to see what others have to say about their trips!

    • Anon

      Yes, and it’s great. Highly recommend. I was there a long time ago, though, and just took a look at tripadvisor and none of the restaurants look familiar. But I was reminded that just about everything was great — lots of seafood, and fresh yummy food. Also check out the red sand beaches and Charlottetown is fun for walking and shopping. I did a traditional crab/lobster(?) dinner and didn’t love that. I would also recommend bringing home a big beautiful teapot as a souvenir, which I wish I had done.

    • Anonymous

      The PEI distillery is lovely. As is the white sands hotel (I forget the reality name but it’s easy to find) and the malpeque oyster barn.

    • Runner 5

      Count me in to the group of envious people. How lovely to go; I’ve heard it’s gorgeous.

    • KP

      Charlottetown will have most of your small city type things like restaurants and shops. The downtown is so small you can walk around and see what restaurants and shops appeal to you. I find the restaurants turn over pretty quickly in PEI so I don’t have many recommendations from when I was there last. Gahan House is a nice brew pub in an old building near the water, the food and beer are both good.

      In the Cavendish area (where the Anne stuff is) it’s all about the red sand beaches. They are lovely. You also need to go to Cows for icecream (and Raspberry Cordial if you want to go full-on Anne). I don’t know if you like golf but PEI is superb for golf. There are a lot of touristy things in that area like Ripley’s Believe it or not, and a small amusement park called Sandspit (although someone was recently flung from one of the rides, so, at your own risk, or maybe just do the go-carts or other safer activities).

      Basically, prepare yourself for lots of strolling around and slow living. It’s beautiful but not action packed.

    • rices

      My home province! You have picked a great place to visit at the perfect time of year. Fortunately KP summarized everything I would have passed along to you.

      A couple more things that might be useful:
      – Mackinnon’s on the wharf in Charlottetown is great for seafood (lobster, mussels, oysters, clams, scallops). It gets busy on the weekends so either make a reservation or aim to be there before 6pm.
      – If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, the “Anne” musical should be playing at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in downtown Charlottetown. It’s a lot of fun, and there are lots of restaurants in that area for before/after. Just walk down Victoria Row and see what tickles your fancy. There is also an Anne souvenir shop and chocolate shop in that area too!
      – If you’d like a change from the very touristy things, you could rent a car and drive to Souris for a kayaking adventure. I think if you Google Souris + kayak you will find results easily. It’s only about a 35 minute drive from Charlottetown.

      I hope you enjoy your trip!

    • Was just in PEI

      I was just in PEI a month ago (my Mom grew up there). This year we went to see a concert at the Piping College (as in bag pipes) in Summerside. I think it was called Highland Storm. We had a great time — pipers, drummers, highland dancers, step dancers. if you like that kind of music, you can buy tickets on line in advance.

      If you have a car, I recommend doing some driving just to see the scenery — it is really beautiful — so many shades of green.

  19. Rudolph

    I have a weekend that will involve lots of picture-taking and have been graced with a big red zit on my nose. What can I do to look less like Rudolph? I popped it this morning, which I know is both gross and not ideal, but the redness has persisted.

    28: the year that requires both zit cream and anti-wrinkle stuff. Who knew?

    • anne-on

      I just learned about acne patches (like small bandages with medicine)- maybe try those, along with some cortisone cream to help your skin recover. If you’ve already popped it, there isn’t much point in a visit to the dermatologist, so just focus on keeping it clean, covered, and minimize redness with makeup when you need to be in photos?

      • acne in my 40's

        Make sure you don’t pop it again.

        If it is now closed (no open sores), a tiny dot of hydrocortisone cream is a strong anti-inflammatory. Use very little and for only these few days. Then do benzoyl peroxide at night (only once a day for BP). Agree that make-up to reduce redness (green tinged) is great.

        Hydrocortisone cream (steroids) is excellent for quick acne cures. But it is very damaging to skin to use for the long term, so dermatologists never recommend it to folks with daily acne or there is high risk of abusing it. But it is perfect for sudden big zits like this.

    • Anona

      Put a strong dab of benzoyl peroxide on it and it should go away within 3 or 4 days. If it is raised or a cyst, try a paste of epsom salts.

    • Anon

      If it’s really red, put some visine on it with a q-tip, then some sort of astringent/disinfectant (witch hazel, BP toner, hydrogen peroxide or the like) then follow up with green concealer (physician’s formula makes a good one). Then flesh-colored concealer and powder. I’m a champ at covering up adult acne, as you can tell.

      • Scarlett

        +1 to this method, although I’d go even further & drop eye drops directly into it (I like Rotho brand – they work better for me than Visine)

  20. DC restaurant recs?

    I live in DC, but am looking for specific restaurant recommendations. My husband and I have a 17-year old cousin visiting DC with friends, and we are going to take him out for dinner tomorrow night. I’m trying to think of good options (good food, good atmosphere, something he couldn’t get at home). I’d like to give him a couple to choose from.

    The cousin lives in Geneva, and has grown up in England/Switzerland/France/Italy, so we want to stay away from foods that would be as good or better there (i.e., no French or Italian restaurants need apply!). My thoughts thus far:

    Ethiopian food (Ethiopic on H Street?)
    Southern (Eatonville? Barrel?)
    Quintessentially DC (Old Ebbitt Grille? The Monocle?)
    Mexican (El Chuco in Columbia Heights?)

    I’d love any other ideas. Thanks in advance!

    • DisenchantedinDC

      Quintessential – Old Ebbitt is a trap but it’s a pretty solid option. I like to take people to POV at the W hotel down the block because of the overlook of the (counter)snipers on the White House. It’s like $14 for a glass of wine but for some reason out of towners tend to like it.

      New favorite southern place is Tupelo Honey, but it’s in Arlington (but not very far in Arlington – just past Rosslyn).

      • Anonymous

        I really liked Tupelo Honey when I went in Asheville and the first time in Arlington, but was really disappointed after my second visit in Arlington. I’ve also been disappointed in Eatonville upon return trips.

        Rose’s Luxury? Rasika? Walk around 14th til you see something he think looks good (so many of those places don’t take reservations anyway)?

        • DisenchantedinDC

          Oh, sad! I only went for the first time last weekend so hoping it holds up to my standards…

        • Anon

          I am from Asheville and Tupelo Honey is my absolute favorite (the hometown place you always miss) but I did not know they opened one here. I still will probably have to try it to see if I can get a good sweet potato pancake!!!

          But back to the question – busboys and poets is really great, Cava, Elephant Bar and Grill if you want American food.

    • Anon

      Please not Eatonville. As a southerner, I don’t understand how that restaurant is still in business. Some of the dishes are fine (but only some) and the service is absolutely atrocious.

      I haven’t been yet, but WaPo said the same thing about Tupelo Honey as Anonymous – good in Asheville, disappointing in Arlington.

      Mexican in DC isn’t great. I think I’d leave that for them to explore sometime when they’re traveling to an appropriate locale. Continuing in the Tex-Mex thinking, there’s always Hill Country. It’s very authentic. And there’s nothing like it in Europe, that’s for sure!

      I think I vote for Old Ebbitt. Touristy but practically necessary :)

    • roses

      Of your suggestions, I think Ethiopian by far is the best. The “quintessentially DC” places are blah, and there are really no good authentic Mexican places in the city (you want Salvadorian if you’re looking for Central American cuisine), but Oyamel might be nice for a higher-end option. For Southern, Hill Country might be fun and very American, or maybe Kangaroo Boxing Club for barbecue. The Indian food at Rasika is to die for – one of the best restaurants in the city.

      • Runner 5

        If the cousin has spent significant time in England he’ll have eaten loads of Indian food. Our national dish is a chicken tikka masala, after all!

        I’d never had a burrito before I visited DC (also at 17) – although in the four years since burrito places have become more widespread in the UK at least.

    • New Anon

      I like Ethiopic and would also suggest Oyamel which is both very DC (Jose Andres) and Mexican.

    • ALX emily

      I’m not sure whether any of these places are participating, but fwiw it’s DC restaurant week this week, so you might want to check menus just to be sure you won’t be disappointed (as I usually am during restaurant week).

    • Mpls

      Also check out the Washington Post’s food critic (Tom Sietsma, sp?) who has a column with ratings, as well as a live on-line weekly discussion (Wed AM) for recommendations.

  21. Alice

    It might not exist! Depending on what qualifies as “warm but not hot.” Are you U.S.-based? How about San Diego or Santa Barbara? Hawaii? Sedona?

  22. AnonForThis

    So, I have a dilemma. Going to try and keep it generic.

    Had a friend text me last night and ask if I would notice if she just “disappeared”. This is a good friend but not my best friend, we talk most days but not every day. I wouldn’t notice if we didn’t talk for a day or two because I’m busy and I assume she’s busy too, and I said something to that effect and basically encouraged her to get therapy and told her I would check in later in the week to see where she is with that.

    Then this morning, she sent me a long text and said she thinks it’s going to be a “blog post” about poisonous people and not noticing if she just went away. I don’t think she’s at risk of self-harm, but I don’t know what to do? She relocated to the city I work in and we’ve seen each other a couple times, but sometimes I get the feeling it’s not as much as she wants. When she texts me on a weeknight I frequently have plans but will usually suggest catching up soon.

    Am I doing this right? I want to be a good friend, but at the same time, I’ve personally gone to therapy and tend to be empathetic so don’t want to start shouldering somebody else’s problems on my own.

    • Kdlaf

      I think you’re doing all you can and any more involvement would be getting into “shouldering somebody else’s problems” territory. She sounds like she needs help but isn’t really taking those steps yet. Hopefully she does sooner rather than later but you can’t let it burden you. I’ve been in a similar situation and it is very difficult. So still check in but don’t let it consume you.

    • Moonstone

      Wow, she feels ignored even though you two “talk most days but not every day”? I think you two are not looking for the same level of contact, but she is being very needy. I’m sympathetic but that makes me want to fade away.

      • AnonForThis

        I am getting that feeling too. Our friendship was different before she moved here.

    • Anonymous

      If I got a text like that from a good friend, I would have called that day to see what was going on. Maybe my friend tiers are different, but a good friend is someone I care about, and see or communicate with regularly, and would be alarmed by that text message.

      It seems like there’s more going on here – it seems odd to me that your instinct is to disengage. Has she been needy/overly dramatic in the past? Because reaching out would ordinarily not mean your taking on a burden, it just means that you’re showing a struggling friend that you care.

      Also, it sounds a bit like you’re avoiding her. When people tell me they want to “catch up soon,” I take the hint and realize I’m much lower down on their friend ranking, and that it won’t happen for a while. If someone invites me out on a Tuesday, but I have to work, I usually counter with “what about happy hour on Friday?” or “coffee on Sunday” or whenever I’m free next, to make it more concrete.

      • AnonForThis

        Sorry if this was unclear – when I say I make plans to catch up soon, I usually do offer to do something specific. Brunch this Saturday, or spin class, or whatever. This week when she texted me I had plans to see one of my old friends who had just come back from a trip (not a mutual friend) so I made that offer, firmed up details the next day, and then she cancelled.

        She has had some personal issues over the course of our friendship that she hasn’t been willing to change. I respect her right to do what she wants, but when she complains to me repeatedly about a specific person and their actions, and tells me she doesn’t know what to do, but then ignores my advice… it feels kind of like shouting in to the void. When I try to turn it in to, “okay, what are we going to do to make this problem/situation/whatever” better, it fizzles.

      • anonymama

        Yeah, if a friend asked “would you notice if I disappeared” I would try to call as soon as I could. It sounds like she was looking for reassurance that you/people care about her and notice her presence, and you whiffed the response. Your response seems really cold, unless there is a lot of previous history that you are skipping, or if she has often been sort of over-dramatic in the past. I mean, it really is not very empathetic at all to want to avoid a friend who seems to need help, and it’s not “shouldering someone else’s problems” to reassure a friend who is looking for reassurance (or just a place to vent). But for me, a friend I talked to “most days” or even a few times a week would be considered a very good friend.

    • lawsuited

      So, when she asked you “would you notice if I disappeared?” you told her “I wouldn’t notice for a day or two because we don’t talk that often”? I don’t think I’d ever ask that question, but if I did I can imagine being bummed out by that response. Of course it’s your prerogative to be completely literal and 100% honest, but I think your response was a bit tone deaf.

      • Anonymous

        This. If a good friend asked me “Would you notice if I disappeared?” my reaction would be “OF COURSE” even though I don’t talk to my good friends every day or anything approaching that. I only talk to my BFF a couple times a month (she lives across the country) but I can’t imagine responding to that question like that.

  23. Anon S

    Threadjack! Does anyone have recommendations for a pair of cotton shorts with pockets? I want something casual for weekend wear (but one step up above gym shorts!) and pockets are a must. Thanks in advance!

    • DisenchantedinDC

      Not cotton, but I have two pairs of the “Spring Breakaway” short from lululemon I’m obsessed with this summer. They have pleats so are not their stereotypical gym short, but are super comfy and breathable.

    • Sammi

      I have the Jcrew Factory 3″ Boardwalk Pull-On Shorts
      (item a5329) in several colors and they’ve been my go-to all summer.

  24. Resume Question

    What is the proper way to reference a former employer who changed its name after I left?

    Ex: associate at the firm of Simpson Gottlieb from 2008-2010. In 2011, Simpson Gottlieb merged with Sullivan & Arps and now everything goes by Sullivan & Arps.

    • espresso bean

      I think I would list it like this:

      Associate at the firm of Sullivan & Arps (formerly Simpson Gottlieb)

      • Anonymous

        That suggests you worked there when the name was Sullivan & Arps

        I would recommend Simpson Gottlieb (currently Sullivan & Arps)

        • kc esq

          But by referencing the predecessor, you are signaling that you worked under that name. I think it is appropriate to state an existing entity first when possible. They’re the holder of your HR history.

          • Anonymous

            But, you didn’t work for the current entity. Yes, they hold your record, hence the current name in parentheses, but you worked for the former entity. And your work dates are going to line up with the existence of the former entity.

        • Anonymous

          I recommend this approach – Old Name (currently New Name) – I think it’s deceptive to do the reverse. For instance, if your company is distressed for some reason, you shouldn’t necessarily get to “piggyback” off the buyer’s reputation.

          • AIMS

            I agree. If you were doing it for a clerkship and the judge you clerked for was a district court judge who has since become a COA judge, it would be deceptive to say, Hon. So and So, 2nd Cir. Court of Appeals (formerly SD NY). I think the same logic applies.

          • Anon

            Except that you wouldn’t list the former name of the firm if you had worked there in its current incarnation so literally nobody will be confused or think you’re trying to be deceptive.

      • BB

        Oops, sorry, missed the part about how she left before it converted names. Ignore me! :)

    • Anon

      Just like you have it, basically. “Simpson Gottlieb (now Sullivan & Arps)” …if you don’t think the people reading your resume already know that.

    • Resume Question

      Thanks, all. I thought that Old Name (currently New Name) was probably correct, but it’s good to have the confirmation!

  25. Brunette Elle Woods

    I’m planning a trip to San Diego in December. Any suggestions on activities, restaurants, sights? Things I shouldn’t miss?

    • Alice

      It’s been a while, so I don’t have tons of current restaurant suggestions, but I would definitely check out Sunset magazine’s more current recommendations. I’d definitely do the zoo and Balboa Park. Old Town is really touristy, I might skip it if you are short on time. I’d check out Coronado and the Hotel Del.

      Do you know yet where you’ll be staying?

    • OOF

      San Diegan here and love the city! But if you can tell us what part of town you’re staying in, and what you like to do, that will help. Kid-friendly is very different from urban/hipster nightlife from beach. And FYI that December can be very warm during the day here. That said:

      Kid-friendly: Balboa Park, the downtown water park, LegoLand, Zoo

      Urban/hipster shops, restaurants and bars: North Park, Hillcrest. Daytime pool party on weekends at Lafayette Hotel. Balboa Park also – just love this place.

      Beach: party beach is Pacific Beach, with bars along the boardwalk. Coronado beach is calmer, and Coronado is gorgeous. You can walk over to The Del and have a meal along the beach, then head back out to the sand/water. In December, The Del has an iceskating rink along the beach – which is surreal and also awesome. Also Encinitas is a great beach town with some fun shops and restaurants, Blue Ribbon Pizza is very very good.

      I would avoid tourist traps like Mission Valley, Old Town, SeaPort Village unless you’re really into that stuff.

  26. Brunette Elle Woods

    I’m not sure of the hotel because I will likely stay with my sister and niece for most of the trip, but I’m going to be out there from the east coast so I might as well see some of San Diego. My niece is one and a half so they are limited on what they can do. I may stay in a hotel and rent a car for 1-3 days.

    • D

      Does anyone have recommendation of where to find cheapish (preferably in pack form) cotton (95% is fine) black hipster/bikini underwear?

    • Anon

      Coronado is wonderful to walk around and I think it has the best beaches. The Brigantine is good, Miguels for Mexican food is great in Coronado. The USS Midway is fun and touristy. There is also the zoo, balboa park (with the museums), La Jolla has great shopping and food. For lunch the Crab Catcher there is so good with a great view of the ocean, but it is kind of hidden away. Del Mar has a view good places – Claires on Cedros has great breakfast but be ready to sit for a while. There are a load of antique stores there. San Diego gaslamp is mostly fun in the evenings.
      I agree with Alice, skip Old Town.

    • Senior Attorney

      I like to stay in the Gaslamp District. It’s walkable, they have a lot of nice bars and restaurants (and a big shopping center with a Nordstrom), and close to Balboa Park. As far as attractions, I love Balboa Park and all the museums. The U.S.S. Midway is awesome if you like history. A bit further afield, Little Italy has nice views and nice places to eat. I’ve done Segway tours in San Diego and it’s dorky but super fun. (Look for tour companies that have the latest greatest all-terrain Segways… it’s worth the extra money.)

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