This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Sales of note for 8.30.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Final Days Designer Sale, up to 75% off; extra 20% off sale
- Boden – 20% off
- Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance
- Eloquii – Up to 60% off everything; extra 60% off all sale
- J.Crew – 40% off sitewide; extra 60% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off orders $125+; extra 60% off clearance; 60%-70% off 100s of styles
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off (ends 9/2)
- Madewell – Extra 40% off sale; extra 50% off select denim; 25% off fall essentials
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Rothy's – End of season sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear in the big sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 25% off regular-price purchase; 70% off clearance
- White House Black Market – Up to 70% off sale
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
RSS Error: A feed could not be found at `https://corporette.com/tag/posts/feed`; the status code is `403` and content-type is `text/html; charset=utf-8`
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…
b23
First commenter! I like it!
Anon
Maybe I’m biased because my pregnant coworker wore a lot of (adorable) tops like this one, but this looks like a maternity shirt to me.
Bridget
It looks like what all the young SAHMs wore where I grew up. I just have a very strong association between these kinds of wrap shirts and 20-something non-professional women. As a result, I have a hard time seeing them look professional. Is it just me?
Anonymous
Yep– no snark intended, as personal associations are just as valid as popular, for you, personally. But on the whole, this is a flattering, appropriate, professional style. Decline to partake, but know that your read isn’t universal and maybe won’t even be permanent for you.
Res Ipsa
I think the “Mom” haircut and the jeans aren’t helping the cause.
Midwest
Uh … what makes that a Mom haircut? It’s a popular style, with mothers and non-mothers alike.
Cat
not that it’s a bad style — just that it looks like a very “wash and wear”-able type of cut, more likely to be seen on a busy mom who needs to get kids ready as well as herself in the morning.
Coffee bean
Sorry, but that style is the epitome of the mom haircut. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s the exact cut that you see on a zillion suburban moms of toddlers.
SF Bay Associate
It’s a cute style – and also happens to be the exact style that two of my friends got right after they had babies. Flattering, wash and go – totally a mom haircut. One of them also wears a lot of shirts like this to flatter and camouflage her slowly shrinking tummy. I am addicted to House Hunters on HGTV, and a lot of the new moms wear outfits and hair styles just like this.
MelD
This look just makes me think of Kate Goslin, and I really don’t want to be reminded of that woman at any time.
KateNotThatKate
Ha! to MelD’s comment! My name is actually Kate, and I used to work with someone who would exclaim “Kate plus 8!” every time he saw me. He thought he was very, very clever. It got old after, oh, the first time.
Jay
My first thought when I saw the model was “Kate Gosselin hair.”
Anonymous
I totally agree. This reminds me of my nursing tops, which I refuse to wear when I’m not breastfeeding.
*Formerly* Preggo Angie
It does remind me of my nursing tops as well, which makes me tempted to buy it as I’m pumping at work.
Also, I need a new name.
Anonymous
(Same anon) Ah, that’s a good idea. I’m just rounding the one-year pumping mark (woo-hoo! As my husband told me, I have senoritis, except for pumping), and I’m so excited to be able to start wearing zipper shirts, dresses, etc. that I don’t have to worry about taking off three times a day. Congrats to you!
Eponine
How about just Angie? (Or Mama Angie?)
Lawyerette
Early threadjack-I posted last week about waiting to hear back from a job. I was told “about a month hopefully sooner” at my interview on. It was a month on Saturday and no word. How long would you guys suggest I wait to follow-up??? Also, would you go right to the hiring partner or the recruitment coordinator who set-up the interview?
K
I would go ahead and follow up with the recruiting coordinator.
Amelia
I like this shirt, but am I crazy for still not being able to afford it despite the markdown?
Threadjack- what do you ladies do for a skin care routine? I’m still doing what I did in highschool and I want to upgrade. I have combination skin that’s oily in the t-zone and dry around my mouth, occasional breakouts, and whiteheads on my chin (hate hate hate). No visible lines as of yet, but they will come on my forehead due to my scrunching it. I just started using a moisturizer with SPF (cetaphil) but I don’t like it because it’s too think and if it gets anywhere near my eyes it stings like the dickens. Any regimine/ product recommendations ?
Diana Barry
I use whatever cleanser I want (usually neutrogena in the pump bottle). I use a scrub from Neutrogena or Sephora every other day in the shower. Then I have a moisturizer from Aveeno (spf 15) which sometimes does sting a tiny bit, or the Origins white tea one with spf 30. That one is AWESOME and doesn’t sting at all. For anti-aging, I use origins plantscription when I remember, after face washing and before moisturizer. I can’t tell if it’s “working” but it can’t hurt, right? :) I am 32, only a few crows’ feet so far. I also have combo skin, but find it’s settling down to normal in the last few years – it got better when I was pregnant, oddly enough.
For your acne, do you notice whether (a) it’s hormonal (eg at the same time of the month) or possibly caused by touching your face? If the first, maybe BC could help, if your body tolerates hormonal BC. If the second, try to not touch your face – I find it hard, but if I am wearing makeup I try not to touch my face as much.
TX Attny
I’m with you on the t-zone, though mine has gotten a little better as I’ve gotten older (I suppose just in time to start seeing my wrinkles). I use Philosophy skin care products, and Philosophy has ‘Makeup Optional’ kits (check Sephora online) that are for oily skin and one for combination skin.
Also, just a PSA – if anyone is in need of end-of-the-school-year gifts or graduation gifts and you want something fun but are on a budget, check the sale section of Sephora online. Philosophy body washes, Sephora brand body washes and even a few fun Sephora/OPI nail colors are on sale. Not an employee, just a fan. :)
Coffee bean
Acne scrub every other morning (give or take), oil-reducing face wash at night, undereye cream and sunscreen every morning, and a rare earth mask twice a week. I use Neutrogena products, and my mask is by Kiehls.
SF Bay Associate
I use the Paula’s Choice system and it has worked great for me.
Argie
I liked her website alot – based on her reviews of the store shelves I now do a facewash with Cetaphil, followed by Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Acne Treatment. The Cetaphil is gentle (get the pump action, not the bar soap), and the Neutrogena is a salicylic lotion that you leave on your skin. It acts as a chemical exfoliant (as opposed to manual, like a loofah), and helps clean out the dead skin in your pores.
Bunkster
Funny. We all seem to have similar programs. I use cetaphil for my cleanser. Dermatologists recommend it and it’s always InStyle’s first choice for inexpensive cleanser. And then I use the Aveeno Daily Radiance Moisturizer (spf 15). It doesn’t sting my skin, but I have to be very careful about rubbing it in near my eyes because of the spf. I have to make sure I wash my hands so that I don’t temporarily blind myself if I rub my eyes.
mamabear
I like Clinique City Block SPF 25 for daytime. It’s a 3-in-1 product – moisturizer, sunscreen and a light tint that works for most caucasian skin tones. The sunscreen is mineral and not chemical (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) so is good for sensitive and acne prone skin.
mamabear
here’s a blog post about the Clinique City Block
http://www.unefemme.net/2011/05/une-femme-recommends.html
Nonny
I just wash my face in the shower every morning with normal soap, and follow with Clinique moisturizer, which I’ve used since about the age of 20 and love, and Neutrogena under-eye cream. In the evenings, I wash my face with Neutrogena oil-free cleanser and follow with Olay anti-ageing night cream. The night cream is a recent addition to my regime but I think it is a good one and notice a difference (I’m 36).
I occasionally exfoliate with a scrub when I remember, but that hasn’t been for quite a while now….
FWIW, I also think a really important element of having nice skin is getting a proper night’s sleep.
VA
I can say that I used to have so-so skin–mainly dry with occasional breakouts on my chin–and I recently got on the Clinique 3-step regime and the change has been miraculous! In about 2 weeks I could tell a huge difference. It’s been so much better that I rarely wear foundation at all anymore.
I also use the Clarisonic Mia every night, so I think that helps as well. But I can’t get over the Clinique regime!
academicsocialite
Not to threadjack a threadjack, but I was actually just about to post seeking advice from any Corporettes who might have rosacea. I was diagnosed with ocular rosacea about a year ago, and now it looks as though symptoms are flaring up on the rest of my face., broken capillaries around my nose, etc. I don’t have a regular dermatologist right now, but hope to see one later in the summer to get a firm diagnosis. Is there anything I can do now to slow it down/stop it from getting worse? Are there products/habits/dietary changes that have worked for anyone?
I’m trying to take fish oil regularly as I have heard that it can help, but I’m at a loss on what else I might try. That is to say, there is a lot of anecdotal stuff on the web, but I’d appreciate some more like-minded, thoughtful advice from fellow readers!
academicsocialite
BTW, I’m on the sensitive/dry skin end of the rosacea spectrum, not the oily/acne side.
Bonnie
There are habit and dietary changes that you could make but I’m not sure if you’d want that lifestyle change. The main ones are avoiding alcohol and spicy foods and staying out of the sun. The last one is the easiest because you can just wear a cute sun hat. Also try to use gentler products and avoid things like microdermabrasion and harsh scrubs. Physical sunblocks are less irritating than chemical sunblocks as well. I would definitely recommend seeing a dermatologist as the capillaries could get worse. I had some zapped a few years ago and it was worth the investment. A dermatologist may also recommend a prescription gel called Metrogel. It has not helped me but it is certainly worth a try.
Alumna-ette
Do you wear contacts? I notice that my ocular rosacea gets much worse if my lenses are old (toward the end of a two week replacement cycle). Changing them up more frequently helps a lot. I don’t find that sun is a trigger for mine (in fact, it tends to look better after time outside) but some folks do see a linkage there. If things get very bad you can also see your doctor about a 10 day course of antibiotics (there is decent evidence that ocular rosacea is caused by h.pylori – the antibiotics are serious and nasty, but they really cleared things up for me and got things to a manageable stage).
Ru
Your skin sounds exactly like mine. I bought the clarisonic mia and it really makes a difference. I use it 2-3 times a week with the Alba Botanica Sea Mineral Cleansing Gel – beautiful cleanser, so gentle and has a very neutral and non-offensive scent (scented products gives me headaches). I also use Alba Botanica Sea Kelp Facial Toner twice a day, it has really helped with the white-head situation and evens out the oil production on my face.
Anonymous
It sounds like we’re in the same boat – I have combination skin and am trying to prevent wrinkles, though I only have the occasional breakout. However, I did start getting some clogged pores on my cheeks from wearing makeup, which I only started wearing about 2 years ago.
About a year ago, I got a Clarisonic, and it make a huge difference in the clarity and texture of my skin. And the clogged pores on my cheeks cleared up. But I was still prone to dry patches around my mouth, despite the oil slick in my T-zone. And I was getting worried about the dryness and fine lines around my eyes, thinking it was a precursor to crow’s feet!
So about 6 months ago I tried the oil cleansing method (google OCM for more details). I use castor oil and olive oil in about a 1:3 ratio to cleanse and moisturize. My skin has now evened out somewhat, and I haven’t had any breakouts. I like that I can use organic olive oil and not have to worry about preservatives and other fillers that are used in other products. It’s also really cheap compared to even drug store brands!
I also use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA gel at night before I moisturize with oil, which is supposed to help keep pores clear. And I always, always put on sunblock (Skinceuticals sheer UV defense SPF 50) in the morning. Any type of chemical sunblock stings my eyes, and the Skinceuticals stuff works well for me. Because my skin is not too dark (medium tan color), the sunblock doesn’t leave a white cast at all.
Although my skin is not perfect, the fine lines around my eyes have decreased, or at least become less noticeable to me.
You might also check into getting a facial and ask lots of questions during it. I learned a lot from the aesthetician I went to. I found her through Yelp, and chose her because the reviews said how knowledgeable and helpful she was. Good luck!
Honey Bear
Amelia, I highly recommend the line “Sunday Riley”. It’s only sold on the Sunday Riley website and at Barneys. I’m in love with it. I have similar skin to you, and this stuff is incredible. It has a lot of natural retinol in it. The only downside is it’s very pricey.
If it’s out of your price range, then I recommend philosophy products, specifically Help me, when hope is not enough, hope in a jar, and hope in a bottle. And purity face wash (which I currently use).
More generally speaking, the key is using a moisturizer with an SFP, a serum in the mornings, and retinol at night.
Elly
I’ve gone through much trial and error, as my skin is sensitive and has gotten more sensitive over the years. Benzoyl peroxide makes my face swell. Not cool. I also have combination skin with an oily t-zone and normal cheeks. I tend to get acne when using the wrong products on my face. Certain foundations make me break out. Same with sunscreen.
Here’s the regime I currently use. In the AM, I wash my face in the shower with JASON tea tree oil face wash. It’s the only face wash for acne that doesn’t make my face swell or burn/turn red. I then moisturize with the drugstore brand of Oil of Olay spf 15 moisturizer.
At night I wash my makeup off with Cetaphil pump cleanser and moisturize with vitamin E creme. I’m currently using Body Shop, but it’s expensive for what it is, considering the drugstore equivalent is about 20 times cheaper. (I had some gift money :)
Anon
Threadjack. Does anyone have suggestions for a good nail salon in Chicago? Streeterville/Gold Coast-ish?
Anon
Spa Emelia
http://www.spaemilia.com/us/index.php
AEK
Second!!!
Jess
I like Arbre in Old Town, but I’ve noticed the yelp reviews seem rough lately. They play Sex in the City on closed caption and something about reading the subtitles zones me out … :)
Report back if you find a new good place!
EN
A bit farther east but in River North Kinzie Nails is pretty great for being also pretty inexpensive. Really nice ladies, they do a good job, have a great selection of colors and the place is new w/hardwood floors, etc. If you work in the Loop it’s not too far to come after work (right next to the Merch. Mart).
BKDC
I like it, but I wish it came in more flattering colors. I’ve been trying to get away from black, but the orange isn’t doing it for me.
Diana Barry
I have many shirts that look like this for nursing. Not really for work, especially not for the price.
Anonymous
For moms, for ballerinas, for gallerinas, for boardroom babes. For women.
Coffee bean
Hey Kat, I feel like you’ve been featuring a lot of kind of casual stuff lately (maybe since you became self-employed? :)). Can you do some posts on more structured/professional attire that works for hot weather? I’d really appreciate recommendations. Thanks!
h
ah, so that *did* happen! i got very confused by the “currently in my office post” the other day . . . what, your bedroom? was starting to think i made the whole thing up . . .
Coffee bean
Yep, she posted a while ago that she was going to start working full-time on Corporette and related activities! She may still have an office though – but probably not a business formal dress code like many of her readers do.
Anonymous
Many, but not all. “A fashion and lifestyle blog for overachieving chicks” does not = formal fashion ideas for formal white shoe lawyers. There are many kinds of office, and many kinds of overachievement, some real-world-fashion-savvy but office-free.
Ann
Agree with this. I am working out of my house now (yay!) and I have been appreciating the casual picks. To me, if you’re looking for formal/structured, Kat covers that in “suit of the week” no? There are honestly so few truly formal offices any more (especially outside law, and let’s face it, most businesses are outside law) that I think to focus on formal office attire would be a mistake for Kat.
Kat
nope – i’m still working at my nonprofit law gig through 5/20.
Sally
I agree! I couldn’t wear this to the office.
Philly eyebrow
I’m reposting in the hope of getting a few more responses. I’m looking for an excellent eyebrow threader/waxer in Philly, preferably center city. I like my brows to be full and I guess I’m picky because I had a wonderful woman in DC who I used to go to. The person that was recommended on this site is the Russian woman (I believe Emma) at the International Salon, but the reviews of her are simply terrible!! I’ve tried Anju Threads and wasn’t impressed. If anyone has other ideas, I’d really appreciate it.
Margaret
Who did you go to in DC?
Anonymous
Try R&R Nails on Connecticut and R NW. I usually go to Nga (pronounced nyah) and she is great, but everyone there seems to be great.
Philly eyebrow
Preeti at Threads, on 15th and L. I believe that she only works there 1 or 2 days a week, so call ahead before you come. She’s extremely nice, talented, and makes my brows look full.
Phillyette
My friend swears by Blue Mercury-she sees Kelly. It’s a tad pricey in my opinion-$25 for brows.
ML
Oooh, I used to go to Preeti too! She was my favorite ever and I’ve been to many, in different cities. Speaking of which: Any great recommendations for a threader in Palo Alto/San Francisco area? Thanks!
Ellen
Wrap tops like this one is better for peeple like my mom. They almost ALWAYS make me look fatter then I am, and because I am svelte, I stay away from these. Right now, I do very well by wearing fitted blouses that accentuates my figure. the only problem with looking good is that the manageing partner always comments on my clotheing. I can REALLY do without his critiques.
ADS
Still disappointing, Ellen/Alan. You know you can do better!
K
Agreed. I’ve come to expect more :)
anon
possible ellen copycat??
Anonymous
GASP! A cheap counterfeit copy!
AnonInfinity
I do believe so!
eb
But the capslock is back! I can’t wait for Further Adventures of the Bald Bad BREATH Manageing Partner.
Ellen
I am VERY glad that you remember me, and also that you LIKED me. I have alot of stories about the Manageing Partner and my legal career that I can share, but I know from Kat that my coments must be relevent to the THREADS.
So, I understand that my coments can be apreciated, and I will be sure to make my coments germane. I will tell you today, that I gave the manageing partner some listerine tabs to put on his tongue so that his breathe does NOT stink as much, but he does NOT use them.
E
Hmm – followup from Ellen? This may be a copycat.
2L NYC
Yes, Ellen/Alan never acknowledged her troll-ness. This is like meta-trolling.
Legally Brunette
My bust isn’t large enough to wear tops like this. I find that there is always extra room up top and and it accentuates my bigger hips.
Michelle
I think it accentuates hips, period, bigger or not. Check out the orange color on the Zappos site, even the model looks hippy!
KW
I have a large bust but have a hard time wearing wrap shirts or dresses. They always seem to cut my chest in half and make each brea$t stick out weird. Either that or the top layer cuts one brea$t in half, depending on how high it lays on the chest. Maybe it’s just me, but to me they seem to look better on the less endowed.
soulfusion
I have this same problem. For some reason wrap dresses work but wrap tops just feel bulky and accentuate my hips and are left gappy on the top half. I banned them from my wardrobe a couple of years ago after I kept getting sucked into buying new ones.
Proper etiquette
I’m going to dinner with an acquaintance who is blind. I have no idea whether the restaurant has a braille menu or not. What is the proper etiquette here? Should I wait for her to ask for a braille menu, or should I just read her the menu? I would like to do the right thing. Anyone else I should consider, such as where we should sit?
Eponine
You don’t need to do anything. Your acquaintance has surely eaten in a restaurant before and will be able to handle any issues, like asking for a specific table or help with the menu, herself. If she asks you for your assistance, give it graciously, but don’t be overly helpful if she doesn’t ask for your help as this comes off as patronizing.
zelda
i think that the assumption that a blind person knows how to / prefers to read braille might be a bit outdated (this was a surprise to me too until i read an article that mentioned that former nys gov. paterson cannot read braille).
from wikipedia: “Though Braille is thought to be the main way blind people read and write, in Britain (for example) out of the reported 2 million visually impaired population, it is estimated that only around 15-20 thousand people use Braille.”
just an fyi! other than that i agree with eponine’s advice.
PollyD
That is interesting! What do the non-braille readers use? Recorded books?
Anonymous
nlsbard dot loc dot gov
Natl Library Service for the Blind, part of the Library of Congress.
Lyssa
How interesting. I had a blind professor in Law School, and it was so facinating to watch him read off of braille notes (which just looked like stark white pages if you saw them) and take notes on class issues on this little typewriter thing. He was older, though, and he talked a few times about having had students come and read cases to him in law school (as hard as case reading is, can you imagine having to understand them based on a student’s reading them to you?)
Also, talking to him really drove home how much I depend on my hands for communication- I had never realized before how frequently I trail off of a sentence and end it with a hand gesture instead of a word (ex: making the “sort of” hand motion by holding out your hand palm side down and moving it back and forth). Really made me think about how I communicate.
E
Leaving aside the fact that not all blind people use braille, do more than a handful of restaurants even have Braille menus? I’d expect it in restaurants where, say, the owner has a blind child, but those strike me as few and far between!
Lyssa
That’s a good question. I’ve worked in 2 restaurants, both largish corporate chains, and I never heard of them having Braille menus. Never thought to ask, either.
KateL
With our friend who is blind it depends on whether we are in town or traveling – we offer more assistance on the road because she doesn’t bring her dog with her and uses one of us to hold onto. Things we are mindful/let her know: when there is a step up/down when walking, where the chair is, etc. We know what she likes so we’ll highlight items from the menu rather than reading it in order/verbatim. She will arrange her place setting so she knows where things are. If there is a bread basket we tend to offer to put a piece on her bread plate.
Proper etiquette
These comments are all very helpful, thanks ladies. I’m probably overthinking this, but I just want to make sure that she is comfortable (without me being patronizing). I’m sure it will work out fine.
Anon
My father-in-law is blind, and is very self-reliant (he lives alone, owns his own company, and does woodwork). I wouldn’t do anything differently than you normally would while out unless she specifically asks.
Telly
Threadjack –
My group is hosting a meeting in June at the World Financial Center in NY and I’ve been given the fun task to find a restaurant for dinner. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the area… Can anyone recommend a good restaurant for a group of 15-20 people around the WFC / FiDi?
Thanks in advance!
Anon
There’s a Bobby Van’s Steakhouse on Broad that is good for private parties (I think they have private rooms that could hold a group that size). Everything else I’ve eaten down there is more of the fast lunch variety.
South of Houston
Not sure what your company’s price range is, but I’ve heard SHO Shaun Hergatt is very good. It’s on 40 Broad. Never been myself, so this is a secondhand recommendation, but came from someone who is a huge foodie. The website is www dot shoshaunhergatt dot com.
ADS
What kind of ambience and budget are you looking for? There are steakhouses aplenty, but they tend towards the expense-account pricing. Also, how far do you want to walk? World Fi is sort of a world unto itself, since it’s on the other side of the West Side Highway from the rest of the Financial District. Think about finding a restaurant IN World Fi; they have many.
E
Oooh, I work in the WFC!!! The super-easy option (right in the World Financial Center) is the Grill Room. It nicely overlooks the water, the food is good (nothing exceptional) and they’re very used to handling groups of professionals.
The Palm is also nearby (though not in the building) – another typical choice for professionals in the area.
If you want a more “fun” environment you can try PJ Clarke’s or Southwest – both in the WFC. My group will go to these places for drinks/dinner as a group, but these aren’t places we’d usually take clients.
Bunkster
Are there any vegetarians in your group? If so, you might want to skip steakhouses.
At my old job, every year my boss would ask me to come up with a list of restaurants for our holiday lunch. I’d research and come up with an awesome list of places with a variety of meals for reasonable prices. And every year the one obnoxious guy on my team, who happened to be a vegetarian (but not the only vegetarian on the team) would reject every place on my list and insist on a different place that was more expensive. He didn’t even choose the same place each year.
It got to the point that it pissed me off when my boss would assign the task to me. And by the time the selection was made, most of us had no desire to go. Of course, it didn’t help that I was the only woman on the team so it began to seem off for a variety of reasons…
Anon
I’m a vegetarian and I actually don’t mind steakhouses. They almost always have HUGE sides that are delicious and vegetarian and most, in my experience, have a vegetarian pasta dish (or other dish). Seafood restaurants kill me as a vegetarian. They are the toughest and the only type of nice restaurant where I have had to ask for off-the-menu options regularly.
Bunkster
Heh. Interesting. Perhaps my teammate was deliberately being difficult, which is actually quite likely. The first time it happened he opted for a very expensive seafood restaurant instead.
Anon
I hope you don’t think all vegetarians just try to be difficult! I only get annoyed when lunch is brought in for the whole office and nothing, including salad, is vegetarian. Other than that, I realize that the point of office/work meals is to interact with coworkers/clients and that as long as there is SOMETHING for me to eat, I’ll be fine.
Jenn
This. As a vegetarian, I can find something to eat anywhere, except seafood restaurants.
Telly
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I haven’t been given a budget yet so I’m just trying to get a sense of what I can find in the area. It looks like my best bets are steakhouses or restaurants in the WFC itself.
kz
Travel question: I think I mentioned before I’m going to Edinburgh in July for a friend’s wedding. My boyfriend has decided to come with me and we’re going to (as my friend put it) “make a proper trip of it” and go to London for a few days while we’re there (since if I’m paying that much for airfare, I’m seeing as much of Britain as I can in a week, gosh darn it). Does anyone has suggestions for cheaper hotels that still aren’t too far from touristy areas? What are good areas in general to stay in? And suggestions for things to see that I definitely shouldn’t miss? (The British Museum is the only absolute must see I’ve got on my list right now). Also, as far as getting from Edinburgh to London (or vice-versa, we haven’t decided which we’re doing first), do people recommend the train or a cheap domestic flight like EasyJet or something? (and any specific recommendations for what company? I’ve never been to Britain, so I’m somewhat clueless on internal travel there)
So
Ah, lucky you! The British Museum is amazing, but really requires a full day commitment (or two, or three, or weeks) to really see it. However, even ducking inside for a few hours is worthwhile. As far as getting to London is concerned, the train from Edinburgh to London is truly lovely, and I strongly suggest that mode of transportation for its convenience and the opportunity it affords you to see the country. In the past, I have booked one-way train tickets for about 45 pounds per person on an East Coast train through a discount ticket site like Trainline, which has worked nicely. Congrats on getting to plan such a great trip!
L
Train! I would stop over in York if you can – it is a beautiful walled city (you can walk the walls) with a lovely cathedral and other sights.
I would try bed and breakfasts in London – usually cheaper than hotels, plus breakfast! :)
http://www.thebedandbreakfastclub.co.uk/
Londoner
Suggestions in London. If you like food, Borough Market is a must-do. It’s a food market, and runs from Thursday to Saturday. It’s right by the South Bank (ie the promenade on the South Bank of the Thames). Touristy, but delish.
The view from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral is also worth seeing. It’s quite a climb, but you get to see the dome of the church and walk inside the walls, which is kind of cool.
The parks are all beautiful too!
Have fun!
ADS
In terms of hotels in London, I recommend looking at the many bed and breakfasts on Gower Street, near the British Museum. The rooms tend to be small, but they’re inexpensive, provide a full English breakfast and have good Tube access. I stayed at the Ridgemount the last time I was in London, and found it to be a perfect example of “cheap and cheerful.”
http://www.ridgemounthotel.co.uk/index.htm
AN
Air is cheap and quick but I prefer train. York stopover would be nice. We drove from York to London once and stopped at Cambridge for 2-3 hours en route. Lovely.
You might consider bath and Oxford from London. Also stratford. Spend 3-4 days in London and consider these for the rest.
LinLondon
I think Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London are the two non-free things worth the price of admission. Another visitor activity I like is taking a boat from Embankment down to Greenwich and just moseying around there for a bit.
N
Train might be a bit more expensive and take longer time (although factoring in transport time from/to airports, plus check-in, baggage time… a lot of time do disappear there) But it is worth it to see the scenery go by (especially if you’re looking for “More Britain for your buck” ;)
I second the suggestion to stop in York. It is an absolutely lovely city; I’ve been there four times (once on a two week study programme) and I could easily go again. It’s such a charming small city, and there are loads of nice things to see and do.
For London, I also recommend the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery, both of which are free, and amazing – if you’re into art.
Haven’t found the perfect place to stay in London yet. I keep trying new places every time – but I would look at different travel sites,(Hotels.com, Travelocity and the like) and plug in the dates. I love staying in Bayswater/Paddington, and close by Hyde Park, because I think it is a lovely area of London, and most hotel rooms I’ve been in there haven’t been super expensive, have been a nice size and so on.
academicsocialite
Wow – also very topical! I am headed to London for a holiday in early June. Definitely planning on time in the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the V&A. Shopping in Covent Garden and I hear Shoreditch is where the cool kids are hanging out? I may not be very cool though…
Am also headed to Cambridge for a couple of days to revisit some childhood memories (I lived there for a year when I was ten). If anyone has any more recommendations for Cambridge, I’d gladly hear them! It has been 20 years!
Anon
I stayed in the Hilton London Euston when visting my sister in London. It was by far the best hotel experience I’ve had in Europe. The rooms and bathroom were HUGE, it wasn’t too pricey and it was right across the street from a subway station with two central lines. Also, it wasn’t in a very busy area so we had alittle bit of a more “local” experience and it was pretty quiet.
Definitely visit the Tower of London and get a tour with the beefeaters. Ours was hilarious and full of information. The Abbey is also well worth the trip. If you get a chance, walk along the river near Parliament at night. The views are gorgeous!
Legal Marketer
Bag question: I’m wondering what you do for carrying a bag. Right now, I carry a large-ish slouchy purse that is on it’s last leg. I also carry a cute insulated lunch bag. I can fit a few papers and my ipad in my purse, but am starting a new job soon where I will be bringing more work home with me, as well as a laptop on some days (and working out of multiple offices so will need to transport more). I also think I might want a smaller purse that fits inside the tote so if I go to lunch or run an errand, I’ve still got a small makeup bag, phone, keys, wallet, etc. I have a coach wristlet as a wallet now, but think I need something a little bigger than that, but smaller than my big tote.
I want a professional looking tote with some structure, but not too formal, because occiasionally if we’re spending the day out and about on the weekends, it’s going to also have a bib, a diaper, a box of raisins, 4 legos and a sippy cup (aka toddler emergency kit)
I like the LL Bean Town & Country, exept that it doesn’t have an outside pocket – I’d prefer one or two outside pockets for keys/phone.
I drive to work, so I don’t have to walk long distances, but I do have to walk across to the strcuture to the elevator, take it down, cross the lobby, up another elevator, cross the building to my office, so I want it to streamline my bags. Walking out to my car in the morning always seems to be a struggle too because I’m carrying my breakfast (I eat while I sit in traffic), all my bags and a kid’s backpack in one hand and a toddler in my other arm, so I feel a bit like a bag lady :)
Does anyone have the perfect tote that fits small laptop/ipad, a few file folders, lunch bag, water bottle and small/medium purse, as well as the perfect small/medium purse that goes with it? (Not necessarily matches, but hopefully complementary.) I’d like to stay under $200 for both but want decent quality leather.
Do you have any other suggestions for a bag system?
WB
What about this one? http://bit.ly/jyKliL .
Kady
I’m using a Baggallini now (http://www.shoebuy.com/baggallini-mils420-milano-tote/285297/611093), which is not the most fashionable choice but it is (1) HUGE, (2) durable and (3) lightweight (made of nylon). I multi-purpose my bag and it does double duty by being kid-friendly on days that I half-time it. It fits my laptop, a legal redweld, and I can still fit my kid’s lunch box. I think most commenters here will probably suggest that you switch between work bag/home bag, but sometimes this just doesn’t work for me.
I just use a wristlet for my lunch/errand runs, which is large enough to hold my credit card, my phone, keys and a lipstick.
L
I carry 2 bags – one big tote for work files, lunch, pumping equipment, and laptop if necessary. One purse for big water bottle, wallet, and shoes if necessary. The tote (red) I got from Michael Michael Kors on RueLaLa – v nice quality. Purse (black) is Cole Haan outlet.
I needed to carry redwelds, so the tote I got is 17″ wide and about 13″ deep.
L
Oh, btw, the purse is kind of big, so on the weekends it also carries a sippy cup or 2, goldfish, and 2 diapers/travel wipes. :)
AIMS
Have you ever considered Vera Bradley bags/totes? I know they have a bad rep, and I am not thinking of the wild floral and paisley prints here! But the co. also makes basic black/blue/brown quilted, very subtle (if not very exciting) bags — the organization in them is great, the quality of them is great, and the prices are v. reasonable. When I had to carry a ton of books for school, I would sometimes utilize a plain quilted black tote and it was great. Since they have loads of shapes/sizes, you could certainly find yourself a wristlet or smaller bag to go along with the bigger bag from them OR b/c the black tote would be basic enough to go with an anything, just get whatever else you like.
http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Black-Microfiber/677/pc/639.uts
Eponine
I used to have a Vera Bradley and my main complaint was that it can’t be wiped off easily – the quilted fabric gets dirty, and you can’t throw it in the wash b/c it has (or, my bag had) a cardboard base. I also found it to be pretty low quality and it ripped at the closure after only a few months of use.
HSDC
I’m going to agree with AIMS on this one. I’ve had many Vera Bradley bags over the years, they’ve always lasted a long time and they’ve all been washable. I’ve had several with the cardboard bases and, in every bag, the cardboard was made to be removed so the bag could be easily thrown in the washer. (But obviously they are not all like this, so that might be something to look out for when purchasing!)
I agree that most of the prints are not the greatest, but the basic black bags are wonderful, IMO.
Eponine
I have a Le Sportsac Erika and a Le Sportsac Everygirl tote. Both are perfect for work. The Erika is larger and can hold a ton of stuff; the everygirl is smaller. Both of these retail under $100 and can be found on sale for far less, although if you want a particular pattern or a plain black or brown one you may have to pay full price.
As for a purse, I always carry a nice leather purse in a neutral color that will go with everything. My favorites are Cole Haan but Coach and Dooney and Burke also have a lot of classic options at a moderate price point. Check out discounters like Nordstrom Rack or Filene’s for designer purses at 50% or so of the original price.
cda
I carry the LL Bean Town & Field (I assume that is what you mean) on days when I have a lot of items to carry, and I don’t miss any outside pockets. There are interior pockets for that stuff and the bag holds its shape even when it isn’t zipped/fully zipped so you can have easy access to whatever you need.
Overall, I love it and would buy it again. It is very big (like, people will comment that it is big). BUT it still fits under the seat in front of you on a plane and can easily hold a computer, files, wristlet, water bottle, snacks, plus many other things without losing its structure. It is a sturdy bag, and frankly, the more I carry it, the better it looks.
cbackson
I have this in woven leather. Love it.
ks
I have the plain black leather version and second everything cda says. It is my constant travel companion.
Allison
I just got it in the lighter brown color and love it. Agree with cda that I don’t miss the outside pocket too much as it holds its shape nicely. I’ve been carrying it as a client-meeting-to-overnight bag, which pretty much fills it. The only downside is I’ve accidentally clocked people with it on the subway.
I also just ordered the Lo & Sons O.G. We’ll see how that one works out. It has tons of pockets.
Anonymous
Still a huge fan of Lands End canvas totes.
ADS
I love my Halogen tote: I got it in purple (viola) when I took a new job that required a lot of day trips, and I wanted something bigger than my standard Coach purse to carry books and files back and forth on the plane.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-leather-tote/3108048?
I didn’t get a new small bag to stick inside it, but I am constantly tossing oen of my many smaller bags inside it as I run out the door to catch a plane.
a lawyer
I bought this one awhile back and absolutely love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Mosey-Life-Mobag-Oversized-Grape/dp/B0046RE9YQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1305224400&sr=1-6
You can see more colors at moseylife.com/collection.
The top strap unsnaps at one end to allow easier access to put in larger items like laptops, ipads, legal files. It’s not formal, but it is by far the best laptop/tote bag I have ever had, including the jack georges leather.
mel
I think the top’s beautiful. I bought one and will let you guys know how it looks when it comes in!
Bonnie
I’d recommend getting separate bags for work and the weekend. The Landsend canvas bags are great for the weekend. http://www.landsend.com/pp/OpenTopColoredCanvasToteBags~222591_1341.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::CU4&CM_MERCH=IDX_Overstocks-_-ForTheHome-_-TotesBags&origin=index
You can buy a large one for about $20 and can throw it in the washing machine should baby stuff spill. Otherwise you’ll end up taking raisins, sippy cups and diapers to work with you.
mamabear
I have a large Jack Georges case for when I have my laptop plus a bunch of files
http://www.shoebuy.com/jack-georges-milano-madison-avenue-tote-business-tote-3902/46261/127545
and a smaller one for when it’s pretty much just my laptop.
http://www.shoebuy.com/jack-georges-large-3-way-zip-tote-p3916/306094/653545
Jack Georges is really nice quality – like Coach before they went logo-obsessed. But the leather has more body and stands up rather than gently slouching.
They have matching handbags, if that’s what you’re looking for, in most of their lines. The handbags tend to be smaller than recent giant bags, but with the return to structured handbags, might be right on the mark soon.
Mella
I don’t think I’d look good in this *top*, but I have a similarly cut dress (so no weird angles across the hips as in this top), and I like it. Kat mentioned the neckline framing a delicate necklace – mine frames bold necklaces nicely. The only problem is I have to wear shapewear under the dress which can be a pain.
On a more meta note Kat, I really appreciate when you show clothes modeled on women, like this wrap top and yesterday’s suit, rather than garments-floating-in-space a la yesterday’s Phoenix Silk Crew Neck Tee.
Anon for this
Corporettes, I need some advice. I’m currently an associate at a small firm practicing in a niche of a niche of a practice area where all the established attorneys know each other. although my firm is small, the partners are well-connected and well-respected in the community. It is time for me to leave my current firm (no problems, it’s just that if I stay much longer I’m going to be pigeonholed and back myself into a career without many options other than plaintiff-side small or solo practice).
I just saw a posting for a position at a bigger firm that I’d love to work for. I have more experience than what they list, but even their first-year salary would be a huge jump up for me. My problem is that one of the partners in this practice group is close to my current bosses (fellow alum/co-chair bar committees, etc.) and I have no doubt my application would get back to them. I’ve already mentioned in a few conversations with my bosses over the past year that I didn’t think I could stay here much longer, but i don’t think they took me seriously so it would still be a shock.
To throw one more wrench in the works, I currently have two cases pending which this firm is defending.
So, my question really is would you apply for the job and, if so, how would you handle it to minimize any blowback? Thanks for any advice!
Esquirette
This is a tough situation. Hopefully someone else chimes in as well. I’ve thought about this issue before (how much to tell a current employer when leaving is on the horizon due to life circumstances – e.g., a new job for spouse) and am not settled on an answer myself.
Despite not taking your previous comments seriously, do you think that your current firm/partners would support your move (i.e., understand your concerns and appreciate them as valid)? Do you think that they’d hold looking for a new position against you or hurt your efforts? Has your firm had associates in the past that made similar moves? How did they fare – if you don’t know, could you reach out and find out?
Because you have valid practice-related reasons for moving (it’s not based on personal issues at the firm (with people or about your work)), I would hope that this would work in your favor. Are the firms competitors for the same type of work or do they normally find themselves across the v from each other? If they’re not competitors, this should help too because you wouldn’t be potentially pulling clients or potential clients away from firm #1. I wouldn’t worry about the 2 cases that the firms are facing off over – unless your leaving abruptly will leave firm #1 in a lurch with them. If you joined firm #2, you’d likely be walled off from the cases and so it’ll likely a non-issue from their perspective.
So, maybe it’s best to have a serious discussion with your current partners if you really think the other firm will let the information leak back to them. If they support you, your firm could then potentially help you lateral to firm #2 through their personal contacts there. Note, if the firms regularly represent opposing clients, it’s worth considering your past matters to see how much work you’d potentially be walled off from at firm #2. This is something your current partners would likely be able to help you consider as well.
Please give an update once you decide what to do! Good luck!
Anon for this
Thanks for the thoughtful response. Other associates have left/been asked to leave, but none to firms in the same area so there was less chance of it getting back to the group. I am the only associate right now, so leaving abruptly, no matter where to, would hurt the firm. That’s part of the reason I’ve tried to suggest hiring more help. If I tell them I’m seriously looking to leave, they would have to hire someone else quickly to get up to speed.
One concern as far as conflicts is that I do plaintiff-side class actions in an industry with a lot of turnover – I’ve had several of the same clients reappear in multiple lawsuits, and everybody knows somebody else. Hopefully it wouldn’t mean that I’d be walled off from too many cases if I switched to defense.
AEK
To me, this top looks like the shirt equivalent of a Miraclesuit ™.
Annie
Threadjack:
My long time boyfriend (5yr) and I broke up a month ago. I have been trying really hard to not dwell in sadness. I’ve been working out, paying more attention to my appearance, spending time with great friends, etc. I tend to be introverted around those I don’t know and I find myself dreading meeting new people and dating. Any words of encouragement, advice, pep talks, etc would be much appreciated ladies. ..
K
You are exactly where I was 2 years ago. I’m more introverted and tend to prefer small groups of close friends, so getting out and meeting new people to date was a bit of a challenge. I can be outgoing and bubbly for periods of time, but that’s not my “natural” personality, so I find it rather exhausting after a couple of hours.
I found that I met the best dating ‘prospects’ in happenstance circumstances where I already felt comfortable (ie – small group settings with people I already knew well). I met someone, whom I dated for a few months, when he came over to do my roommate’s taxes (he was a friend of a friend). Another I met when having lunch with a close girlfriend – he was a coworker of hers who thought I was cute and came over to say hello.
Now I’m happily in a new relationship that seems like it has real longevity, and I met him on Match, of all places. I got a promotion that left little to no time for dating, so online dating became the only way I was going to meet new people. My SO is an accomplished and equally busy professional, so he turned to the site as well. When you’re ready for a relationship, I wouldn’t rule it out as a great way to meet new, likeminded people looking for the same thing you are.
Hang in there, Annie! Those initial post break-up weeks can be really difficult. Take care of yourself. :)
Fiona
I’m so sorry. Break-ups are so painful. I highly recommend the book Getting Past Your Break-Up by Susan Elliott. It helped me through a very difficult break-up, one of those where just getting up and getting dressed in the morning felt like an impossible chore. (You sound like you’re already doing better than that, though!)
As for dating and meeting new people, I would say don’t feel rushed into it until you’re totally ready. During the breakup referenced above, I told myself that I could take six months off of dating before I had to even think about it again. Once you’re ready to date again, it will feel more fun and less daunting. And if you’re like me, you might accidentally meet someone in the meantime while you’re on your dating sabbatical. =)
AE
In 2006 I ended a relationship of over 5 years, so I know how hard it is. When you miss him or get depressed, try to remember why you ended the relationship and that what you are going through is a step toward a future with the one who is right for you. I know this is easier said than done, but as time goes on it will get easier.
I’m introverted too, and I eventually found that being able to date after being in a relationship for so long was liberating. I was able to meet and go on some fun dates with men who were very different from the one I broke up with (younger, better looking, less stubborn, etc.).
Monday
Hug. 5 years is a long time. But it sounds like you’re doing everything right so far.
I agree with Fiona that you give yourself permission to take a break from dating, for as long as feels right. Here are some other thoughts, based on experience:
–Do things you couldn’t have done/stopped doing while you were with your ex. Any hobby he wasn’t into? Music he couldn’t stand? Decor that he would have hated? It’s you time, so go for it. It will help you get back in touch with the person you are outside of your relationship with him.
–Review what went wrong, or what wasn’t working for you, in this relationship, and think about how not to replicate that in your next one.
–Better yet, visualize as specifically as possible the kind of guy/relationship that you DO want. I was amazed at how precisely I got what I was looking for after doing this! (still together.)
–Strike a balance between forcing yourself out of your comfort zone, and caring for yourself enough not to force it when it’s not right. This is tough, but for example: it’s one of those nights when you don’t feel like going out…is it better to honor that, or if you do drag your butt out of the house, will you feel better for it? Or, if a guy has asked you out and you get a weird feeling, is that just nervousness, or is something actually weird? (I’m introverted as well, so knowing the difference is a skill! Consult friends when in doubt.)
One book I got much from is called In The Meantime by Iyanla Vanzant. It’s a tad on the new age-y side, but I found it so wise that I re-read it periodically, and I learn something new each time.
Good luck, and know that you’ll be fine. We’ve all been there.
zelda
i definitely agree with all the other advice given here! make sure to take the time to keep busy with activities/friends that you like, and to try to rediscover things about yourself that maybe fell by the wayside while you were in the relationship.
in my last really difficult breakup, while my friends were definitely supportive and available, i could sense that they didn’t necessarily want to spend all our time together listening to my endless inner monologue about how bad i was feeling, how much i missed my ex, how i wish they/i could have done things differently, etc. and i don’t blame them! it was definitely good for me to be pushed out of that ruminating/wallowing zone, and without friends to help me with that i think i could have spent months at home being super depressed. at the same time, though, it can be good to get those thoughts out and have kind of a sounding board – not being able to put how terrible and alone i was feeling into words made me feel very isolated at times. i started to keep a journal and it helped me tremendously, even if the entries i was writing about my feelings were monotonous or boring at times – it helped me process the relationship and put the breakup into context, and being able to look at entries from weeks or months before and realize how far i’d come emotionally was very affirming.
zelda
and, since i forgot to mention – don’t forget to be kind to yourself. i’m so sorry you’re going through this right now, but things will start looking better with time.
Annie
Thank you!
Lizzie
I’m a fan of wrap tops, but I think I’ve seen them done a little better than this.
EllenFan
There’s something about this wrap top that is not working for me, and I can’t get a handle on what that is. I’m not what you call a busty gal, but the cami is always a must with these kinds of tops! You do not want what another blog refers to as a “Festival of Inappropriate Sharing.”
Carrie
Threadjack- any recommendations for broaching the subject of moving in with my boyfriend with my parents? We’re very close, and I will be entirely financially dependant on them for two years while I get a graduate degree, so I really need them to be OK with it (both because I wouldn’t do something that they vehemently oppose and because it would be unfair to ask them to financially support something that they are uncomfortable with). I’m young (early 20s) but have been with my boyfriend for 5 years. Help!
E
Only you know your relationship with your parents well enough to know how well this will go over and what their likely response will be. Does he go to family events with you? Has he stayed over at your parents’ house? With you in your room?
I’d just try saying – “boyfriend and I have been discussing moving in together, both because we’d like to see how well we get along in close quarters and because it will save money, but I wanted to run it by you before he and I sit down to make a final decision.” See what they say.
lostintranslation
I have kind of a spin-off threadjack to Annie’s:
Does anyone have good ideas for cheering up a friend whose boyfriend of many years just broke it off?. We don’t live in the same country anymore so I try to bbm her to let her know someone’s thinking about her. She’s staying busy, and. I realize she’s got to get through this on her own too, but I want to be a good friend.
@Annie – I hope you feel better soon. I found the doing stuff my ex hated advice to be pretty cathartic. Relationships are important but he’s just one person and they’re so many more people who are thinking of you :)
Annie
I have some pretty amazing friends and since the breakup I’ve received random emails from them just letting me know that they are thinking about me which never fails to brighten my day. One friend sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her and her partner with a note that just said we love you, have a beautiful day. I was very touched.
gina
great top! flattering and & amazing fit…I bought one from amazon in the black a couple months ago and it’s become a workhorse of mine…wear it all the time