Thursday’s TPS Report: Delightful Day Dress

181 Comments

1. The model’s picture made me think it was April fools day – before I realized this was June….

   Seriously though, throwing a blazer over something does not auto-convert it to office appropriate, even business casual. This dress reminds me of Betty draper from Mad Men.

   Oh well, I guess some workplaces are more casual than others.

   1. I can’t see past the black opaque tights with white shoeties. My eyes are burning.

   2. I agree. I have a casual office and this could be worn, but then keep it appropriate – with a yellow cardigan and summery flats, not with a blazer in a lame attempt to dress it up.

      LOVE Modcloth shoes for fun, though.

2. Wow, that is some hideous styling in that photo. Those shoes may be the worst. Paired with black tights, a summer dress, and a black shrug = beyond worst.

3. I think it’s too casual for work…even on a Friday.

4. I would not wear ANYTHING from ModCloth to work. 99% of their dresses are too, too short (as in “don’t bend over or squat down in the dress” short) and way too casual in my opinion. I do have some of their clothes, but they are strictly out of the office wear.

5. This outfit would go over perfectly well at my office as it is, although I personally don’t care for the dar, opaque tights and the open-toed booties in what appears to be bright white. Some other combo would work a bit better. I think a black blazer and heels would look really odd with it though.

   I think if you’ve got a funky office environment, you can embrace it. But if you have a more formal office environment, you have to be more careful in bringing the funk. I don’t think that dress should ever be worn with high black heels. And if I were adding a blazer, it would be in a navy, grey or possibly even white. But not black. To heavy and stiff for that dress.

   1. I like the way black offsets dresses like that – adds a bit of contrast and makes it look less pollyanaish. (Though I think those shoes are bizarre with it.)

6. I love this but no way can I show this much leg at work! Holy cow! I work as an analyst at an I-bank.

7. I agree that it’s too casual for work. I think it’s the floral pattern and overall “sun dress” feel, especially if it’s a thin material. Great for a shower or summer party though.

8. This seems more bridal shower than work to me.

9. That’s a cute dress, but definitely more for weekends rather than work. I think black tights and a blazer would be harsh against the blue floral pattern. I could *maybe* imagine it with a khaki colored blazer and nude pumps, but that would only work for a pretty casual work environment.

10. Question: I am interviewing for big firms jobs to start after I finish my clerkship. I just got an offer yesterday from the firm I was most interested in, in the section I wanted. Woohoo! But, apparently they are only giving me credit for one of my clerkships (both of the clerkships are bonus- and -credit-eligible). I worked for a year at a different big firm between the clerkships, and I will actually be taking a bit of a paycut from that job. Nonetheless, the salary is still good — we’re talking about a difference of probably $10,000. Should I try to negotiate? Or are these things sort of non-negotiable with big firms? If I do try to negotiate, should I try to get the extra year of credit, the higher salary, or both? What’s the best strategy?

    1. My .02: You can try negotiating, but I don’t know how fruitful it will be with a Big Firm. Offer conditions are usually pretty standard and firm-wide, but I don’t think they would be put-off by your negotiating.

       As for whether to go for credit or salary – it’s up to you and what is more important. I lateraled a few months ago from a regional firm to a nationwide firm and I think it’s generally expected that you’ll lose about a year of credit when you lateral. In that light, the firm’s offer isn’t outside the norm. (And frankly, a 10K difference is basically de minimis among big firms).

       Do you want to be partner there? If so – push for that credit. Are you just going to be there for a few years with an eventual move in-house? Then the salary is probably the wiser thing to push for. Will that extra 10K put you in a higher tax bracket? Those are the things that I would be thinking about.

       Good luck, and congrats!

       1. This is the second time in the past couple days that someone here appears to be misunderstanding tax brackets so I just want to clarify something for you ladies. If the extra $10k pushes her into a “higher tax bracket,” she won’t get taxed at a higher rate on her entire income – the higher rate will apply only to at most $10k. So maybe the $10k in the higher bracket isn’t worth quite as much, but that’s about it.

          It could also lead to the AMT kicking in or certain other cutoff income levels, but both are probably already high enough to eliminate things like the possibility of contributing to a Roth IRA, etc. anyway.

          1. Thanks for [potential] clarification, but I knew that only the dollars above that amount would be taxed. It’s still a pain in the @ss when it happens if you’re barely above the bracket minimum.

    2. If you ask for the extra year of credit, won’t you automatically get a pay bump as well to go lockstep w/ the other same year associates?

    3. yes, negotiate! Law firms are notoriuos for shortchanging women on salary issues, and my experience has been that HR people can be absolute bitches about this? Why is only one clerkship eligable? does the firm not sue in court of the second clerkship. (politely) ask the hard questions about how they came to this decision, and if necessary, escalate to the hiring partner ablout how 2 clerkships are an added bounus

    4. I thought that the point of getting credit was that with more credit came a higher salary. If the two are separate, I’d try to get a higher salary. Why push yourself up in seniority (and pressure) for no monetary gain? I’m assuming that this is an up-and-out firm, where you might get pushed out no matter how good you are. Why hasten the process?

       I leave for others the question of whether or not you should negotiate for a higher salary at all. I’d say it depends on the firm.

       1. This.

    5. Is the firm big enough that you can find info on whether they are lockstep? If they are lockstep, I think it would be better to try to negotiate getting the extra year of credit, because they may not want to have someone who is out of lockstep with the rest of their class year.

    6. How ready are you for partnership and how many years of credit are you asking for total? If I’m doing my math right, you’ve worked at least 3 years and would likely be asking to come in as a 4th year? That gives you basically 3 years to get ready for partnership in a firm that’s stricter with the 8-year model. If the firm is looser, then this would be less of a concern.

    7. Is the firm lockstep? If so, then you’ll need to negotiate the year of credit before salary. If the clerkships are different levels (dist ct and app ct) then I would try to negotiate two years of credit. If they are the same level (both dist ct), they might have a point.

       If the firm is not lockstep, at the very least ask them to match your previous firm salary.

    8. I personally would negotiate a (signing) bonus if possible, to get some (1/2?) credit for the second clerkship. The salary may be fixed by class. I would not pursue a second year of credit because I wouldn’t want that short of a runway to junior partner/partnership decisions. Clerkships are fundamentally different from working in a law firm and I would want to have time for the learning and skill development that happen with experience. For example, I wouldn’t want to be treated like a 4th year if my skills and experience are 3rd year level; you don’t want unreasonable expectations to be formed, etc. That’s just me. I’m very conservative. I do know that as general matter women don’t negotiate enough.

    9. Take the salary, rather than the credit. A time credit toward partnership may not be a benefit at all if it leads the firm to consider you for partner before you’ve had a chance to establish a book of business or a professional reputation that will lead others to refer cases to you.

       From what I have been seeing, partnership criteria is changing. Its no longer about putting in the time, doing quality work, serving existing clients well. Many firms now expect new partners to come in as rainmakers or to instantly become rainmakers upon entry into the partnership. Building business contacts and then turning those contacts into actual business takes time. Taking the credit just shorts you on the time that it takes to do what it takes to make you a desirable partner or even eligible for consideration.

       Trust me.

       1. This. I’m a BigLaw partner and the world of partnership decisions has changed and is still changing. Asking for more clerkship credit should be done with caution, as you will be evaluated immediately against others who have the same number of (your clerkship) years actually doing paid legal work for clients, gaining drafting or litigating experience that’s valuable to the law firm and building client relationships. You will look inexperienced by comparison and it’s easy to get off on the wrong foor. In my experience (Corporate), the clerkship years are great for building certain skills but those aren’t necessarily helpful in a Corporate practice, and the partners won’t see those years as valuable.

    10. I graduated from a top-teens law school in 1995 (read: during the last time it was very difficult to get a job). I did not clerk.

        My colleague graduated the same year from the other top-teens law school in LA the same year. She did two consecutive clerkships: district court and circuit court.

        Our firm gave her only one year of clerkship credit in terms of class year (years to partnership). I can’t remember if the firm also gave her only one year of clerkship credit in terms of salary. At the time, our firm was entirely lockstep for all associates.

        We had a 6 year “up or out” track at the time. As it happens, we both worked on a major trial together early in our careers and were both regarded as stars. By the time we were up for partner, the firm had a 7 year track. I was made partner at the 7th year. She was not. (I heard that she emerged from that review/meeting red-eyed and clearly having been crying.) She was made partner the following year.

        Our firm values clerkships extremely highly. I was in the clear minority never having clearked, most of my colleagues clerked and many clerked for a Supreme Court justice. Nonetheless, the partnership knew what the market would bear. And in 1995, the market would bear giving someone — even a star — only one year of credit. (The same thing happened to another associate in our office in 1993.)

        I do not know what the market is on this issue today. If I were you, I would ask recruiting partners at the firms you are interested in what their current policy is and whether any of it is negotiable. I think an earlier poster noted that you need a certain number of years to perform well in front of the partners so that they have enough data to vote you in. Don’t undervalue the importance of enough time to shine.

11. I love it! I don’t love the styling recommendation to pair it with sheer white tights… yikes.

    But this would be perfectly fine at my office with a cardi or blazer. It’s 36″ long in an M or L, which would be long enough for me.

    1. I thought white tights/hose were a universal “no.” I have never seen anyone wear them and not have their legs look heavy.

       1. I didn’t see anyone recommend sheer white tights!

          1. It’s on the ModCloth website.

       2. I have never seen anyone but nurses in uniform or first graders wear white tights / hose.

          1. I used to have a boss that would wear white tights with open toe sandals… Not a great look.

12. Ladies – any suggestions would be appreciated – During my pregnancies, I fell in love with wearing dresses (never wore them to work previously) and now that it’s creeping towards the triple digits outside, I want to get some for my post-pregnancy body. The thing is, I’m still nursing my little one, so I would prefer to find something that I could shimmy down the front so I can easily pump at my desk, instead of having to unzip the back and practically disrobe. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    1. I had one jersey knit dress from Banana that worked OK, but I pretty much banned dresses from my work wardrobe while I nursed because it was just too darn difficult.

    2. I’d look at any type of faux (or real) wrap dresses that criss-cross across your bosom. I’ve seen nursing moms just shove those to the side, when necessary.

    3. Faux wraps in jersey. My savior during the pumping months.

    4. What do you think of shirt dresses? They are usually dressy enough for work but button up the front so they would certainly be easier than a zip-down-the-back dress. I wonder if some wrap dresses would work too.

    5. I wore a lot of wrap dresses and shirt dresses.

    6. I think that wrap dresses would be great for easy access, plus they tend to be of stretchier material so they would be a lot more comfortable for the summer.

    7. Larrivo has some cute stuff, though I have never bought anything from them. Also, maybe a wrap dress might work. I tried to find a dress for a wedding that I could nurse my little one in, but ended up with a skirt and shirt instead.

    8. How about a button- or zipper- front dress like so:
       http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446418172&R=886115057395&P_name=Diane+von+Furstenberg&sid=130BD39265D8&Ntt=+Diane+von+Furstenberg+Dinna+Belted+Dress&N=0&bmUID=j2XrKwD
       (sorry, this is a bit steep, but I’ve been lusting after it)
       or a warm-weather version of these:
       http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/calvin-klein-twist-front-shirtdress/3169256?origin=PredictiveSearch
       http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-belted-shirtdress/3155945?origin=PredictiveSearch

    9. I don’t have many dresses that work, but the best ones are (1) wrap dresses, just unwrap the front, or (2) v-necks, preferably with a crossover neckline. #2 is tough though, I often have to safety pin them if they are loose enough to unwrap boobies for pumping. I have one BR dress (v-neck) and two Boden dresses (one wrap, one V) that work well.

       1. Boden dresses!! Bodenusa.com LOVE the quality of the jersey. Try bodenpreview.com for the fall stuff coming in–more wrap dresses there too.

          1. Second the Boden reco. Tons of cute dresses, and a lot in the wrap/ faux wrap style that would probably meet your needs.

    10. Wrap dresses? You could also check out Japanese Weekend. I got a fantastic stretchy black nursing sheath dress there many years ago. There’s a Cross My Heart nursing dress there now that looks pretty work-appropriate.

    11. Sounds like the perfect time for either a shirt dress (Brooks Brothers has ones on sale, and I bet Talbot’s does too), or a sleeveless wrap dress a la DVF that you’d wear with a cardigan around the office, but have easy access once you take the cardigan off and untie.

    12. calvin klein shirtdresses– favorite one-stop corporate easy-morning dressed-and-done. and imagine would be great for your bonus need. sold tons of dept stores & sites– bluefly, nordies, klein’s site, compare prices, pretty frequent deals on the flash sites. love em.

    13. I’ve never had a baby, but I’m wondering if a wrap style would work well. I’m curvy and find them incredibly flattering. A “faux” wrap style might be easier still. I feel like they take less adjusting than a traditional wrap, and it seem like they would allow for access just as easily.

        One of my best friends had snaps put into a strap on a bridesmaid dress for this purpose. If there is a particular dress that you like and feel you’ll get a lot of use from, perhaps it would be worth altering? I don’t believe it cost her more than $10 or so to do.

    14. Shirt dresses with operational buttons (or zipper, I guess, although i can’t quite picture that…)
        Some wrap dresses might work, too, but if you’re busty, you might need a cami (hell, I’m not busty and I wear a cami because wrap dresses are always too low for me), and if easy access is the point, might not be what you want.

    15. I’m curious to hear any answers to this, too, since I’m also pumping at work. I don’t have any experience with either place but a quick google revealed these sites with some work appropriate possibilities:

        http://www.motherwear.com/cat.cfm/cid/20
        http://www.expressiva.com/store/Dresses-p-1-c-1.html

    16. DVF wrap dresses–though I can never afford them–very pretty!

    17. You could look for wrap or faux-wrap dresses that are made out of jersey material for a smidgen of stretch. As long as the bottom portion of the dress isn’t too slinky, say an empire or A-line cut, it should still be work-appropriate. I like the Whirligig Dress at Anthropologie (also online!). The mannequin photo makes the top part look a bit funny, but there was a model shot in an email earlier this week that caught my eye .

        Whirligig Dress

        Happy dress hunting!

13. Thumbs down from me, too. Aside from making a nice sundress, that pattern would make a nice apron or tablecloth (sorry!).

    Judging only by this photo, the ModStylist aesthetic seems a little too hipster/ironic for me. But kudos to anyone who can pull it off.

14. This may seem like a silly question…but as a recent grad with a birthday right after, my parents have offered to buy me a nice ring, and I’ve decided if I like it and it’s a bit out of the price range, I want to contribute some money too.

    I tried on some things today which were beautiful, but I’ve never had a real piece of jewellery before and it makes me self-conscious, as if people are going to be like ‘who bought her THAT?’

    Ive been looking at some 1 ct semi-precious stone solitaires, maybe with some small diamonds on the side (kinda like a right hand ring, if you will). Will people see that as “too much” for a single 27 year old?

    If I’m going to owm something nice, I don’t want to be worried whenever I wear it! Part of me wants to opt for a simple band style with gems inset because then I know people wont have as many ‘opinions’. Please tell me if I’m being crazy!

    1. I wouldn’t go for anything with a solitaire diamond that could be construed as an engagement ring. Instead, I think I’d get a nice cocktail ring, with a pearl or a precious stone.

       It sounds like you want a ring, but if you’re considering other types of jewelry, many young professionals receive a gift of diamond earrings. If you want diamonds, that’s a better way to go than an engagement-type ring.

    2. I say go for it. I got myself 1.5 ct citrine solitaire with teensy cubic zirconia on either side of the stone and it is my favorite ring of all time. The citrine is cut in some multi-faceted rectangular shape (I don’t know the name for it, cushion?). It was the first “grown up” piece of jewelry I bought myself and it reminds me of my independence whenever I wear it. Go with what makes YOU happy. If it’s a classic piece to your taste, you’ll wear it a lot and it will become a part of you, like a watch or a bracelet, and it won’t stand out. Congrats on graduating and happy birthday =).

    3. I’m 25, don’t have a right hand ring, but I say go for it! I don’t think a pretty piece of jewelry, even if it’s real and not costume, is necessarily lavish. I know lots of young women who wear nice-but-not-lavish jewelery and I’ve never though twice about it. Tasteful jewelry is ALWAYS ok. Very different from a Birkin bag or even Louboutins.

    4. You’re being crazy. Get something *you* really love, and don’t think twice about wearing it. It’s really nice to have something that you love that reminds you of your family.

    5. Oh, enjoy your ring! Don’t let the haters hate! My best friend is a single 29 yo and for her birthday/graduation, she bought herself a beautiful green amethyst, 2ct cushion cut ring. It’s a great reminder of her accomplishments and she’s proud of it. No one, that I know of, has questioned who bought it for her, and whether or not it is an engagement ring. So rock on, literally.

       This may sound so weird, but I’d not question who bought it for you if you are 27. If you were 21 and not quite as established as many 27 yo women tend to be, it might come up (though still, no one’s business).

    6. I say, get what you want. My dad is a a jewelry fanatic and he has always bought my sister and I jewelry for milestones. I haven’t had any judgmental comments get back to me about mine. Wear it with pride. It’s a great gift!

    7. I do not think a 1 carat semi-precious ring would be too much. I think it would be lovely. Rings are really the only jewelry I like to wear.

       However…. I stopped wearing my ruby right-hand ring because too many men thought it meant I was married or engaged. Even though it was the wrong hand and not a diamond, it scared them off. At 32 I cannot afford to discourage any potential suitors, no matter how dumb.

       1. Maybe it would be like a built-in IQ test, and save you some time?

       2. LOL!!!!!!

          1. Ah ha! Flash of insight! I used to wear one of these, and never knew that it was perceived that way.

             I have noticed that I actually get *more* male attention now when I’m wearing only my very thin, white gold wedding band (as in, not so noticeable) than I did when I used to wear the ruby ring. How funny!

    8. Springtime – I think you should get whatever you want. Are you looking at a particular designer? My parents bought me a lovely david yurman ring for my law school graduation, and many of my girlfriends have yurman rings as well. I don’t think anything of it. Who cares if you are a single 27 year old – you deserve something nice no matter what your age or your relationship status! :)

    9. What you want sounds essentially like an engagement ring you’ll wear on your right hand. Be prepared for people to assume you’re engaged especially if it’s a diamonds only ring (in some countries you wear an engagement and wedding ring on your right hand). Be prepared for some men not to talk to you, and for the wrong men to talk to you when they see the ring. I personally would spend that much money on other things, but that’s just me. That said, if this is what you want, why not.

       1. Im 28 and wear 2 dimond and gold rings on my right middle finger – my nana’s engagement ring and my mother’s eternity ring. Noone has ever commented, bar an ex who found it wierd and morbid. I love them and they remind me of two very important people who are no longer with me.

          Buy what you love and wear it with pride.

    10. I think semi-precious stones (and even other precious stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies) don’t have the same “stigma” as diamonds. My right hand rings are all what you describe and I wear them to work daily (SF Bay area). My first right hand ring has five sapphires (no diamonds) and I bought it about a year into my first year–no comments, just “what a pretty ring!”.

        FWIW, my favorite (and most versatile) is an aquamarine with a few diamonds in a semi-bezel setting. I have a “forever” band set with sapphires and diamonds and it’s my most uncomfortable ring.

    11. Go to David Yurman. Those rings are everywhere — my sisters in law and my friends have them, although I don’t. They are all mid-20s/early-30s. Even if you don’t end up buying one of them, you’ll at least get a sense of the style which isn’t (typically) seen as “too much” by others.

    12. Don’t get something/not get something because of other people- get it because you like it. That said, the ring you described sounds really pretty and classic. It’s very nice of your parents to want to give you a nice graduation present like that. :)

    13. You’re being silly. It is not unusual for a 27 year old to wear nice jewellery. I know a ton of women your age who have beautiful rings/earrings/necklaces and have never once heard someone ask them where they got it or who bought it for them. You’re looking at a 1ct semi-prescious stone, not a 3ct diamond. You’re in the clear.

    14. I wear a big honkin’ David Yurman right hand ring almost everyday, and I’m a single 27-year-old. The only comments I ever get are compliments, and every now and then I explain its origin (graduation gift). Someone has probably judged negatively but I haven’t noticed. I say go for it!

        1. I think this is the first time ever I’ve been happy to have people tell me I’m being crazy!

           It was probably all of the convos about expensive shoes and handbags. I now can see the difference between the two.

           Going to a private jeweller is the way to go, by the way! Prices are WAY way less than anything you’ll find at the top chains, and just as beautiful.

        2. I have something similar to a Yurman ring – square cut, semi-precious center stone with diamonds around, set in white gold. It’s a BIG ring and I only ever get compliments on it. I’ve had it since I was 22 and wear it all the time. I yearn for the onyx Yurman with the diamond accents, though. Sigh. Some other year, I suppose.

    15. I had the most amazing 2 or 3 ct. (I don’t remember, but it was larger than 1ct.) garnet cabochon ring (reproduction of an ancient romon design) that I wore in my 20s that I loved. I think you should go for it. (I still wear my ring now, but on a necklace with other rings that I don’t wear on my fingers any more, like my class ring, old boyfriend gifts, etc.) One ct. isn’t that big when you’re talking anything other than a diamond, so I wouldn’t feel self-conscious about it at all.

        Or maybe something like an eternity band that alternates sapphires or another stone and diamonds, something channel-set would be gorgeous. If you got a band that with the stones that don’t go all the way around, you can get more bang for your buck too.

        No one should think twice about a nice ring, other than to compliment it.

    16. I am 33 and single and wear an assortment of nice, gemstone rings I have bought while traveling (and as a safe place to put my extra cash!). I have a 3c rubellite solitaire that I get tons of compliments on. I don’t think anyone has wondered where I got the money to buy it – I know people with more expensive TV systems! I have other rings (sapphire, tourmaline etc) and depending on how swollen my fingers are, I wear them on my right or left hand. Who cares if people think it is an engagement ring or not? Wear it because it is a beautiful ring and you like it.

15. As someone who fits exactly in ModCloth’s demographic, I have to say that this is a dress I could never wear to work. It’s cute, sure, but if I want to be perceived as professional and not fun/flirty, this is the look I have to actively strive against (sadly). The only instance I could see this being appropriate is at a business-casual office’s Friday summer BBQ, and even then I’d have to check that the skirt didn’t ride up too much.

    Also, I agree with Maya that black would be too harsh with the blue, although I used to pair colors like that all the time.

    1. I’m with you. This dress to me is one casual detail too many — floral, fullish skirt, thin material, a teeeeeensy bit too short (on me at least). I could work with some combination of these things, but together they make for a weekends-only dress.

16. Early threadjack: So I was slacking by readying some trashy internet site when I ran across a pic of Evan Rachel Wood’s new short hair cut. I thought she looked cute. But then I scrolled down to read the comments section and I was taken aback by what I saw. Most of the men that commented said something along the lines of: she looks ugly now, short hair on women looks butch, the only people that like short hair on women is other women, oh, she must be gay/bi/rebelling/divorced, women look better with long hair…

    I mean I know that most men tend to like longer hair on women (my own boyfriend gets a look of terror on his face when I tell him I’m due for a hair cut), but I can’t understand the level of negativity I saw there.

    Do any Corporettes have short hair? How short? Did you get any backlash when you cut it?

    1. My hair isn’t short now, but I’ve had VERY short hair. Like, half-an-inch short. And it was curly/natural (I’m black). Men acted a fool when I told them I was going to cut my hair, then like with everything else concerning men, they got over it lol.

       I can’t imagine getting backlash at work for cutting my hair. I was in school when I had my two drastic haircuts, but even when I started my dredlocks at a law firm, I didn’t get backlash. Some weird looks, but no backlash I can think of.

       In particular, men tend to like what they are used to. I don’t really care about their opinions if I’m not dating them. And if I am, I expect that eventually he will get used to it when he realizes I’m not trying to overhaul my personality. (Blame it on movies, but quite a few men seem to think a haircut precedes a break up).

    2. I currently have a pixie cut and consider chin-length hair long for me, if that gives you an idea of where I stand. :) DH met me when I was in a pixie stage, so he loves it when I wear my hair super-short because it reminds him of when he met me in college. I know how others may perceive short hair, and I tend to think they’re rather ridiculous. Short hair can be very feminine if it’s cut well (case study: Halle Berry). Trust me, I’m nowhere near Halle’s league, but I still get more compliments about my appearance when my hair is short than I do when it’s longer. I notice most of the compliments come from women, though … but I’m married, so I really don’t give a flying fig about whether I’m sexy to other men.

    3. I have long hair now, but after college and before law school, I had extremely short hair (one to two inches – trying to emulate, but not nearly as cute as, Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail).

       From an objective standpoint, a lot of men that knew me then have made comments that they much prefer my hair long. Also, if I’m being completely honest, men seem to notice me more now that I have long hair than they ever did when I had short hair. That could be the result of dressing better for my body type now than I did in my early 20s, though, so there’s that.

       Regardless, I say ‘eff em. I loved the haircut, as did my then boyfriend, now husband, who was the one male perspective that actually mattered to me. We actually met and started dating when my hair was at its shortest. I eventually grew it out b/c I could not keep up with the constant hair cuts.

    4. Not short at the moment, but I normally wear it between my chin and ears. I grew it out to try something new. I think the kind of men who publicly express their opinion on a blog are the kind of men who have strong negative opinions about women and view women only as sex objects. Plenty of men can appreciate that women can look beautiful with a variety of personal style choices, and that women don’t exist solely to emulate traditional beauty standards.

       I’ve never got any backlash about short hair. I’ve had a couple people tell me (when asked) that my face looks nicer with short hair, and one boyfriend who wanted me to grow my hair out because he liked my curls.

    5. Nope, some men prefer short hair, some men prefer long hair. My husband for example prefers short hair on me. A random blogger I read has mentioned in passing that he’s always liked short hair on women. Some women prefer short hair, some women prefer long hair. It’s just that in certain portions of the internet certain men feel free to pontificate on their opinions and generalize and generally behave in an ugly way.

       To the backlash question when I cut my almost to my but hair really short to the dismay of all of my family they all had to then admit that my short hair looked great and better. Shrug. :) The backlash is almost always worse before you actually do it IMO and after it’s not a big deal. Though of course it was well intentioned IMO that kind of emotional opposition to you doing whatever you want with your own hair is controlling and I’m against it.

    6. A few years back, I had my hair really short like slightly below the ears because I wanted to try something different. And back in February, the hair stylist inadvertently cut my hair too short. While I haven’t had extremely negative feedback and some people (including men) have said that it looks “cute,” I wasn’t comfortable with such short hair. I guess it depends on the woman, I suppose. I wouldn’t go extremely short, like pixie haircut, unless you have a super feminine face.

    7. I don’t have short hair but just wanted to add that I love Evan Rachel Wood’s short cut. I think it looks fabulous on her and, for some odd reason, makes me like her more than I used to! I’m surprised at how judgmental (and sexist) the comments were. I’m jealous of those who can rock a short cut (a la Halle Berry pixie) and still look great. It just seems so easy and quick.

    8. I had to look up a picture… I think her hair looks great like that!

       I cut mine short — not super short, but above chin-length — a few years back. My husband had the good sense not to tell me so at the time, but he hated it. Most of my girlfriends thought it was cute, most of my male friends said something along the lines of “Oh,” and complimented me when it grew back out.

    9. I saw that picture last night and thought she looked so incredibly beautiful. I can’t believe anyone was saying the opposite.

       I don’t have short hair, I would love to but my face is way too round. I would never judge anyone for cutting it.

    10. I have short hair. It’s shorter in back and longer in front with lots of layers all over. The few “long” pieces hit me right around my jaw line. Aside from my husband (who wishes I had hair down to my rear), I have received overwhelmingly positive comments. I love that I can tuck it behind my ears and have a very professional, polished look, but also flip it out and do funky things when I’m not at the office.

        Someone’s hair length depends on lots of things like (a) face shape, (b) the look you want, (c) how much time you can spend on your hair in the morning, etc. For people to suggest that short hair is a blanket no-no is crazy!

    11. I also have the (stupid, ridiculous, irrational) voice inside my head saying that hair that short is unattractive to men (see also Keri Russell and Natalie Portman, who both immediately grew out their hair and never cut it short again, and Emma Watson is growing hers out). I also wonder if this bias against short hair for women is applicable across all ethnicities – short hair on attractive African-American women seems to be more common and accepted?? I only raise the question, but offer no opinion nor pretend to have any knowledge. Merely ignorant and curious.

        I do suggest that you never read the comments of most blogs/news media (corporette excepted, of course) – they bring out the worst in people. Those comments could all be from one guy who is changing his handle.

        1. I think it depends on whether short hair suits your face shape and hair texture rather than ethnicity. Long hair just doesn’t work for me. Since going pixie I’ve received so many compliments from men and women that I’m going to keep it short. It surprised me how many guys have told me that the short do is sexy and sassy. So go short if you feel like it but get an opinion from your hairdresser first on whether it would suit you.

    12. I have a pixie cut and I LOVE IT. By pixie cut, I mean about an inch long on top. It’s very similar to Emma Watson’s recent hair cut. I would never grow my hair out again. It is so cute, it is easy to style, and it stands out. The only downside is that I have to get it cut every 3 weeks.

        I didn’t get any backlash, though a couple of people gave the non-compliment, “Wow! You cut your hair… so… short!” I’ve gotten tons of real compliments on it, though, and not just from other women with short hair. My husband seems to like it, too.

        Honestly, I feel like it makes me look powerful and confident, but I think that it’s because the cut suits me (my face shape, bone structure, body type, personal style, etc.) perfectly. The day after I get it cut, it makes me feel the same way that I feel when I wear my “power suit.”

    13. I have a pixie cut and didn’t have any backlash when I went from long to short; I work in biotech research. IMO, the internet brings out the caveman in a certain type of man that thinks his opinion of my appearance matters more than my opinion.

    14. Yes, I have had short hair (not quite a pixie, but close) and now my hair is just above shoulder-length in front, and has a graduated/layered cut to short in back (to hairline).

        My H was terrified when I cut it (from below shoulder length) but really liked it short. He said afterwards that he was just afraid of change. :)

    15. I got a pixie cut about 2 years ago. No backlash really–I could never take care of long hair so the pixie looks a lot better than bobs or long hair.

        Contrary to popular belief, I DID get a boyfriend in spite of my pixie cut. But after I broke up with him, even my dad mentioned that I should really grow my hair out because men like it better.

        I have noticed that the weird “is it flirting?” situations in networking situations/client interactions have completely stopped and people (especially men) take me more seriously when I speak. That is really nice.

        1. This! With short hair, I’ve had an easier time avoiding inappropriate attention in professional & academic situations.

    16. I love the look of short hair as long as it’s a style that works with the woman’s face and look (just like with long hair). But I hear you on the comments. I still remember years ago my best friend got a short cut, and my father said to her: “But you’re not even married yet.” Good one, dad.

    17. Some guys love it (if you care) and some hate it–but I say just do what you want. It’s your head!

    18. I had my hair cut short about a year ago (think Emma Watson, Halle Berry). Reactions tend to be either love or hate, but most have been really positive. I would agree a lot of men seem to prefer longer hair. My husband happens to really like it (maybe b/c it takes only 5 minutes to get ready!) and so do I, so that is all that really mattered to me. I also tend to change hair styles about every year or two, so I am getting ready to grow it out a little after summer, but I have enjoyed the change. I think if anyone is going to go short, talk to your stylist about the shape of your face and the texture of your hair so that you find a short style that works – that can make a big difference! So, in sum I would say I have no regrets – for goodness sake, it’s hair and will grow back :) – most people have been complimentary about it, and I have been happy with it.

    19. I had very blonde (almost platinum) hair for a long time. When it was long, I would get compliments a lot on how pretty it was. Eventually I got it cut into a bob, and I liked it much better. I felt much more sleek and professional. I still got lots of compliments when it was short. I recently decided to dye my hair dark. After having it blonde for so long, I expected to get a lot of negative comments about it being dark, but I was shocked at how many positive compliments I got.
        I think that personally, I look better with short hair.
        My husband loves my hair shorter, but some people thing long is sexier.

    20. I have a pixie cut. I’ve had more compliments from men on my hair now than I ever did when it was long.

    21. I have an Audrey Hepburn style pixie complete with the spiky bangs:) I’ve had people tell me I look so much better with it than with long/medium hair.

        Pros:
        – easily washable
        – low maintenance (v little product, can air dry)
        – great with earrings:)
        – eye makeup pops

        Cons:
        – needs monthly trim
        – you cannot ‘hide’ behind your hair so be comfortable with having your face ‘on display’
        – relatively limited styling options

        I’ll always be a short-haired girl….

17. Okay, I’m the reader who recommended this, so I feel the need to defend it. The photo does NOT do it justice (nor does the styline). The cut of the neckline and pattern are flattering in person if you view it without the sweater or jacket. And, it’s such a vibrant blue that black looks quite striking against it. I wore it with a black blazer, skinny black belt and heels (no stockings, so perhaps my corporate environment is more casual than others) and it was lovely and polished. I don’t usually go for frou-frou patterns, but there’s something nice about this one on a hot summer day in the office. Full disclosure: I am 5’4″ so the length is not an issue–I see what folks are saying there.

18. One more thought: I’ve wavered between pixie-length and chin-length for over 10 years now, with a brief period of shoulder length hair when I got married. Chin-length is sort of my default look, but chopping my hair off 6 months ago felt SO LIBERATING. It works for my lifestyle and makes me feel good because it shows off some of my better features (long neck, narrow build on top). The key to making it work, though, is a stylist who knows what they’re doing (not many *get* short hair, unfortunately) and CONFIDENCE.

19. Oh my god, I would never wear that to work (or anywhere else) in a million years.

20. Assuming an appropriate length, that’s a Casual Friday dress in a formal office. I can’t believe the horrible styling. :-)

    The model, who I assume is a civilian, is very cute. But opaque black tights and silver open-toed, high wedges with an ankle strap and a shrug? Jesus. :-)

21. Makeup question: I need something that will actually keep my makeup on and uncreased for a healthy amount of time for a wedding next month. My skin is super oily in the summer, so getting makeup to stay put all day is a challenge. I’ve heard Urban Decay has some good setting sprays. I checked sephora and it looks like they have about 3 different ones–does anyone have a recommendation for their favorite? Or is there anything else out there that might work?

    1. Oh, and a related question–any suggestion for something for my lips? I never, ever wear anything on my lips beyond chap stick, but since this is a special occasion and photos will be taken, I feel like I need something. I hate, hate, hate lipstick because it always feels so drying and cakey to me, whereas the lip stains I’ve tried in the past just felt gooey and didn’t stay on long at all. Any new formulas out there that are awesome and will last longer than like an hour or two?

       1. Burt’s Bees now has tinted lip balm. I hate lipstick for the same reasons you do, but I love this stuff, and it’s perfect if you just need something for the pictures that won’t feel weird to you. You’ll have to see how long they last on you, but I’d be willing to reapply regularly in order to have something that’s not drying and doesn’t feel weird.

          1. Yes, I really like this too. It has become my go-to lipcolor. Once I found the shade or shades that best suited me.

       2. Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain. I got it at Sephora for my wedding and, though I rarely wear it because I am not a lip color kind of person, it did not dry my lips out, it was not goopy or cakey and it lasted forever. I really like that it actually feels like a marker, and works like one. You can really control how much you put on and the tip is thin enough to use as a liner only.

       3. I use the L’oreal infallible plumping gloss (about $7 at CVS) in plumped tawny (number 806). I really like the texture – it leaves my lips feeling hydrated ala chapstick without being too gooey. The applicator is a wand/brush deal so you can dab it on and smear your lips together to avoid a heavy goo situation too. It generally stays on for a few hours through sipping drinks/eating for me. I’ve also had luck with the loreal stain/goo combo (I think the name is something like “amazing outlast forever and ever lip stain”) The trick with it is to wait for the stain (which applies like a gloss on a wand) to completely dry before applying the clear goo. That usually works for a whole day with out reapplying color for me – I just touch up with the clear stuff (which applies with a little paint brush) to keep my lips hydrated. I think it was in the $11 range at the drug store.

    2. My sister uses one of those setting sprays every day (she’s a bit of a makeup fiend), and her face looks the same at the end of the day as when she first put her face on.

       I’d also recommend a primer underneath- MAC makes them for lips, face, eyes, lashes etc. and they also help to ‘set’ the product that you’re putting on top. I find that when I use one for my eyes, I never get the smudgey eyeshadow look, and also for lips, they’ll last all night when I go for the red lip look. I love the primers. My sister uses both, and though her makeup is a little much for my taste, it does stay put.

    3. I haven’t used it, but people seem to rave about Smashbox Photo Finish (I am dying to get my hands on some to try it). I have used MAC Fix+ which seems to finish things nicely, but I don’t have a lot of problems with oiliness so YMMV.

       Re lipstick, I absolutely love lipstick and wear a lot of MAC and Clinique, both of which I find work well. But if you don’t usually wear lipstick and truly hate it, you might want to look at Clinique Black Honey, which is sort of a stick (hard to describe) that provides semi-sheer coverage and is kind of a miracle colour that works on everyone. It feels nice and light – like you are not wearing anything at all – and is not sticky or gooey. If you go to your local Clinique counter they might let you try some…

       1. Second the Black Honey recommendation. I have one in my bag at all times.

          1. Third on the Black Honey.

             Check out reviews on makeupalley.com for any product you are considering. There are some serious makeup junkies on there who provide a lot of really accurate, detailed reviews for casual users like me.

       2. Smashbox Photo Finish is great! Matte-ifies, evens out skin tone, shrinks/ hides pores. I use daily – it would be great for a wedding, too.

    4. Oil Mattifier from Mary Kay is great. I use that and then Smashbox PhotoFinish so my foundation goes on smoothly. Yes it is more steps, but I always get compliments on how great my skin looks when I do that combo! But some kind of oil mattifying gel, IMO, rather than a setting spray at the end.

    5. Urban decay also has good (under-makeup) primers, including a “mattifying” primer that is supposed to prevent your skin from getting shiny and oily under your makeup and a popular eyeshadow primer. I would definitely recommend going to Sephora, finding a friendly salesperson, and asking for their advice and for samples of everything (you can get 3 free samples of almost anything any time you walk in the store, which I find is really helpful when you want to do that type of comparison shopping before shelling out for one particular product). I would do 2 trips, one for the setting spray/primer idea and one for lipsticks. But just walk on in and lay out your questions.

    6. Do you use a primer when you put makeup on?

       1. Yes, sometimes. Either Laura Mercier or Smashbox. They do help some, but still not as long as I’m going to need. (really oily skin… sigh). I haven’t tried any primer for the eyelid, though. Maybe that plus the urban decay all nighter mentioned below…

          Thanks, guys!

    7. Urban Decay Primer Potion will keep your eyeshadow from creasing – it’s amazing. I haven’t tried the setting sprays, but for face makeup I recommend primer, foundation, cream blush, powder to set, powder blush – that should last a while! I would try out MUFE HD line, so it’ll look right in pictures – I love the HD primer & HD cream blush, but haven’t tried the other products.

       1. I’ve only had mixed luck with the Urban Decay eye primers. My eyeshadow still seems to crease. I like Too Faced Primed and Poreless- you can use it for eyes too and it seems to prevent creasing better than Urban Decay.

          I like the Revlon lip stains, but the accompanying balms are awful. I always use some other clear layer that goes on a bit more smoothly.

          1. I love(d) the sheer version of the Revlon lip stains but I think they’re discontinuing them. I can’t find anywhere! I use the Sheer Pomegranite (sans the clear part; just use a regular balm over) and my last tube is almost gone. It’s the perfect amount of sheerness/opacity and in a neutral base (not tool cool- or warm-toned). I may have to search Drugstore.com or elsewhere online to stock up. :(

    8. Urban Decay All Nighter does the job really well. I tried it out just last weekend for a wedding, and my makeup looked the same at noon, when I applied it, through til midnight. Great stuff.

    9. I have oily lids, and I use Nars smudge proof eyeshadow primer. My eyeshadow just slid right off after an hour with UDPP.

    10. I’ll pile on here. I started using Physicians Formula Mineral Face Powder and it provides some good *light* coverage without melting in DC humidity like a liquid foundation would. It would also probably be a good setting powder. With my active sweat glands, I can’t even get ready for work in the morning without perspiring on my face (especially forehead). I also started using these new Dickinson Astringent Wipes- they’ve got witch hazel and aloe in them- and they do a good job of soaking up my sprinkler system and keeping it turned off. They’re more effective than the blotting sheets. You may want to bring some of the wipes to “dab,” and the astringent should also help keep oil at bay for at least a couple hours. A facial mist might help along the same lines…anything to help refresh, right?

22. It’s a cute dress and it COULD work for Fridays. I’d pair it with a white or navy cardigan and a nude pump. I don’t like the styling in the photo and do not think it would look great with a black blazer or black heels. I’d also avoid anything sandal like with this dress because otherwise, it looks like too garden partyish.

    This dress isn’t really my style though, but I think it can work for business casual with proper styling.

    1. Just took a closer look at the dress. White or navy would not work. I’d probaby try to match the camel color or wear it sleeveless. Nude pumps would be a must though to make this work for the office.

23. I think I read something on this website about a way to watch the BarBri lectures at 1.5x speed. I’ve had a super busy week with several interviews, a job fair, and another interview tomorrow, so I’ve missed every day of BarBri this week and know I’m not going to watch 15 hours of lectures this weekend. If anyone knows of a way to speed up the lectures, I’d really appreciate it!

    Also, thanks to everyone who gave me information on the Matt & Nat bags. I ended up ordering one and it came in yesterday just in time for me to take out for drinks to celebrate getting my first job offer. It’s gorgeous and the quality is fantastic. If I hadn’t known about the brand being veggie-friendly, I would never have guessed that the bag was anything other than leather.

    1. You used to be able to speed up the lectures, but according to Above the Law, BarBri did something to the video so that didn’t work anymore. ATL had a possible workaround listed on one of their posts about a month ago – I’d search their site to find the post and see if you can get it to work. Otherwise…I got nuttin’

    2. I’m posting this without a link so it hopefully avoids moderation:

       Go to Above the Law and type “Barbri” in the search box. The third result should be “When Did the Bar Exam…” Click to read the comments (ha, this is the only time I’ll ever recommend reading ATL comments!) and scroll down to one by “Somethingawful Goon” listing 4 steps.

       A few points:
       -the first program listed, IDM, only works on Windows
       -I initially had no idea what step 4 was referring to when it says to open in “VLC.” Turns out VLC is a media player that is capable of playing the flash videos. If you just google VLC, the first result is for the site of the player. I would actually recommend downloading the player before you download the tool in step 1, because the downloading tool interfered with my download of VLC and it took several attempts.
       -I’m not sure what the absolute range is, but you can speed up in increments of .1, which is nice for adjusting to different lecturers and/or lectures with more fill-in writing.

       1. It worked, thanks so much! May be able to catch up after all.

       2. You are a lifesaver! I have had such a difficult time paying attention to these videos because they take entirely too long to explain simple concepts. This is so.much.better.

       3. I’m so glad someone figured out how to do this despite BarBri trying to prevent it – it was a life saver for me last summer. The contracts lecture was sooooo long. I couldn’t have stuck with it on regular speed.

24. I could never wear this work. My last job was pretty casual, but this dress is too casual for even that.

25. @FormerlyPreggoAngie,

    I would keep an eye on Zulily and Gilt (or if you don’t mind paying full price the websites of the brands they feature, although I find them to be the best way to find out about brands I otherwise wouldn’t see in Pea in the Pod/Motherhood) for when they feature nursing clothes; I’ve seen quite a few professional nursing dresses come across there. Sure, there’s a lot of fug nursing clothes out there, and you certainly know what’s appropriate for your workplace better than we do, but I often see really nice items come across. Olian makes nice tops and dresses that might be professional enough for your environment.. In terms of non-nursing clothes, I would look for a deep/wide vneck that you can pop out the top of easily, paired with a higher-necklined camisole that looks decent under it that you can just pull up. A shirt-dress that you can unbutton might work as well, though I haven’t been seeing as many of these since they were briefly popular about 4 years ago.

    There’s a company out there, Undercover Mama, that makes nursing tanks that clip on to bra straps, so they’re easy to remove and would keep your cleavage covered when not pumping (I find a lot of the necklines of nursing clothes super low, so something like this is important to me).

    As far as the dress in the original post goes, I have to weigh in with thinking it doesn’t look very professional to me. I’ve worked in casual environments but even there while it wouldn’t be too casual, it looks a little too girlish to me. I’d expect to see a college student in this, not a professional employee.

26. Threadjack – has anyone ever heard of the “National Association of Professional Women”? I just got an invitation to join (it says no cost) and I am not sure if it is legitimate and/or useful.

    1. Haha, I got the same thing. I assumed it was bogus.

27. I think that dress looks more like it would work for a lunch/casual dinner party than for work. Something about that cut combined with the color makes it cross into “little girl playing dress up” at work for me…

28. Like Little Lurker, I also fit ModCloth’s demographic and love their dresses for the weekends (and formally school days). Still even their knee-length dresses are often too busy, fun, floral, or vintage/costume-y to be work appropriate, in my opinion. Some like the Streetcar Commute Dress or the While You’re Smilin’ Dress would fly in not-so conservative offices like mine (engineering on the west coast), but I don’t think that applies for most of the readers here, sadly.

    I have a few skirts and blouses that are in circulation for work that I tend to pair with more basic pieces. Those tend to be easier to find on that site.

    I do like the idea of dresses like the one featured here for Friday outdoor work events! Even though this dress is floral, I think the print is pretty and subtle.

    1. regarding how Modcloth styles their models in photos, I always feel like the shoes are weird. What’s the point of a boot if it’s peep toe??? And a white boot on top of that: hello Go-Go girl…

29. What usually goes on business cards? I just finished my LLB, and I also have another degree from before, and the firm I’m articling with just asked what I want to be put on my business card.

    Do I use my whole name? Or my preferred name? Middle initial? I assume I include both degrees- do I include anything else about the degrees (e.g. date? school?)? Also, is LL.B or LLB the preferred form? What about BComm v. B.Comm? Or BCom v. B.Com?

    This seems so silly, but if they’re printing hundreds of cards for me to hand out when I meet people, or during events, I want the cards to be accurate and leave a positive first impression (and I want to like the cards, since I’ll be stuck with them for at least a year).

    They also want a bio for the firm website. Some seem to be a lot more detailed than others. Is it preferred for the bio to be short? Only academic information included? Volunteer activities? Again, my concern is first impressions- people who I’ve not yet met, looking my bio up on the website.

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

    1. Use your preferred name – whatever you want to be called in a professional setting.

       As for the degrees, doesn’t your firm have a standard practice? Mine does. My business card just says my name and job title. We are not supposed to include any titles or degrees. But some companies do prefer that you include this information.

       For the bio, I’d keep it around 100-150 words. Unless you’ve got 30 years experience no one wants to read that much about you, and it seems self-involved to write more. Stick to information that’s relevant to your employment, but this may include professional associations, volunteer activities, or other interests. Also, mention any honors or awards you have received, as this reflects well on your company.

       Hope this helps!

    2. Re your name – your card should have the name you want to use professionally. If you commonly use your middle initial, then you can include it, but it totally depends on how you want people to know you. If you prefer to go by your middle name, you could put something on your card like, “A. Equity’s Darling”. Ask yourself, if I handed out this card at a networking event, and the person I gave it to e-mailed me, by what name would I want them to address me?

       Whether you include your degrees on your card is usually dependent on firm practice. In my experience, it is actually pretty rare to include your degrees on your card at all – the most common formula I’ve seen is just your name and title, e.g. “Equity’s Darling” and then “Associate”. But your firm may be different.

       For your bio, spend a few minutes looking at what other junior associates in your practice area have done, and tailor yours accordingly. In my experience, the more senior the lawyer, the more detailed the bio. But again, bio content also differs by firm. Some firms like to include the person’s universities, some like a reference to hobbies or volunteer interests, and others are very simple and to the point. Have a look at what other people in your firm have done to get a sense of the preferred style.

       1. Equity’s Darling – just realized from the other thread that you are in Western Canada (sorry, I’d forgotten) – so you are probably starting your articles now. In that case, usually a business card simply says, “Equity’s Darling” and “Articled Student” and your contact info. Don’t let your firm convince you not to put “Articled Student” on your card. I’ve seen some firms that just put someone’s name on their card with no title (to save money so they don’t have to reprint when the person is called?) but it just ends up being confusing to everyone.

    3. It sounds like you’re in Canada, and I’m not, so keep that in mind when reading my comment, but this is what I can tell you.

       I have my full formal name, FirstName MaidenName MarriedLastName on my business cards because it’s important to me to continue using my before-married last name in professional settings. If I were unmarried (again, this is just me), I would use FirstName MiddleInitial LastName.

       I do not include my degrees. The only people who include degrees on their cards at my law firm are those who have a doctorate in the sciences. Not sure about preferred abbreviations for your degree (which I think is a Bachelor in Commerce?) but I would tend to use periods in abbreviations on a business card.

       Your bio is primarily directed to prospective cilents, I assume. Standard inclusions at my firm are educational background, practice area focus, and listings of specialities (e-discovery)/important cases. Community activities are included if they are volunteer activities (Big Sisters) but not if they are just fun (playing softball in the local league).

       Does your firm have a business development or marketing person you can ask about appropriate subject matter for the cards/bio? If so, I’d talk to him/her.

    4. Thanks for the comments everyone! I really appreciate it.

       I think I’ll ask to leave out the degrees, but I will see if they’ll include Articled Student (or perhaps Student-at-Law) for clarity. I also think, for simplicity, I’ll just stick to “Equity Darling”- my name isn’t common enough that I need “Equity A. Darling” on my business card, even if I prefer my middle initial to be included. I do go by my first name, and I’m unmarried, so it’s pretty easy for me to just use “Equity Darling”.

       Instead of it being a bio, I’ll think of it as more of an introduction, and keep it short and sweet.

       1. I just finished articling (HURRAY!) and would definitely recommend you ask for “Student-at-Law” after your name- I am surprised if this is not common practice.

          As mentioned above, I don’t think mentioning your degrees (assuming they are a regular undergrad + LLB/JD) are necessary- if you are an articling student/lawyer, everyone knows you need an LLB/JD.

          Standard practice for articling student bios seems to be law school, undergrad school and degree, any particular experiences in law school e.g. moots.

          Good luck with your articles!

30. Make-up question for the other red-hued Corporettes out there – does anyone have recommendations for a foundation or tinted moisturizer that takes the red out of your face? I have really reddish Irish skin that tends to look flushed and splotchy. Especially my nose for some reason, which gets bright red like Rudolph. Any recommendations? TIA!

    1. My Irish mother and grandfather have similarly ruddy skin — in their case, it’s actually rosacea, which is can be treated with topical gels/creams prescribed by a doctor. It’s helped a lot (esp my mom) in toning down the red nose; the most extreme solution is lasering the pores (?), but mostly the docs recommend avoiding triggers to make you flush (e.g., red wine, spicy food).

       Not sure if this is exactly your case, but just FYI.

    2. I am red all the time (esp. the apples of my cheeks and nose) and I have sensitive skin. I love the Makeup Stick Color Controll by Shiseido. I have been using it for 5+ years and I put it on underneath my foundation in the “red” area(s). Don’t be alarmed that it has a green tint to it– it makes the red disappear. Note– this is not a product to be worn by itself without powder or foundation. It will appear a little “white-ish” going on, but it evens out the redness after you put on your regular foundation. I prefer this to a concealer because I find concealers heavy. I’m sure other make up lines also makes similar items.

    3. Try Jan Marini mineral powder. She developed her makeup line for women undergoing cosmetic treatments, like laser peels, so it really covers.

       I use it on my perpetually red nose (and I don’t have rosacea.)

    4. I love Bobbi Brown stick foundation. Some of my freckles are really dark and this blends them nicely- good cover without being pancakey. They have a lot of shades they can match.

31. Threadjack–

    I need recommendations for a day planner in good 0ld fashioned paper form–I use my outlook calendar and my gmail calendar, etc., but I need a central place for work and home that I can put in my purse and keep tabs of appointments, deadlines, etc.

    Looking for something with a zip or snap binder, and refills. I used franklin covey in the past and was happy with that, but that was when I was a student.

    Any tips or recommendations appreciated.

    1. Filofax is great.

    2. I used Franklin Covey all through undergrad and law school and still use it now. I can’t ever switch brands. I just switch formats to suit my needs. They have tons of different formats, so you ought to be able to find one that works for your lifestyle.

    3. I love my filofax. On the website, the store locator will tell you whether the seller is rated gold, silver or bronze based on how big of a variety they keep in stock. If you can, I recommend you take a look at the binders in person – some are soft and buttery while others are stiff – neither is better, it is just personal preference. The non-leather binders are cheapest, leather outside/fabric inside are middle, all leather are the most expensive (not counting crocodile, etc). Pensandleather dot com is a great source too, and many of the binders are discounted there. A new line of binders is coming out in the next few weeks, but the paper inserts don’t ever change. I prefer the cotton cream paper because it is thicker and feels nicer. Ebay often has good deals on filofaxes too.

       Some people love Franklin Covey, and I get that, but it’s not for me – I find the papers to be too busy.

    4. I’ve got a lipsitck red notepad-sized (~6″ x 8″) planner, from Target. It’s from the 365 by Franklin Covey line they carry. It’s the perfect size for purses and the red is easy to spot. It’s a six-ring binder – three top, three bottom, and has a pocket for a notepad at the back that I use for shopping lists, etc. Between that and my red-framed Droid, I have a theme going, I think.

32. Ladies, has anyone ever done a juice cleanse? I’m randomly intrigued by one, and I’m wondering what to expect.

    1. Expect a gimmick. Ladies, seriously, why are we so gullible?

    2. Do not expect to be “cleansed” of anything. Expect to starve your body of nutrients for as long as the “cleanse” lasts. Not a healthy thing, in my opinion. Resist the hype.

33. Threadjack:

    I’m heading to Switzerland (we will be based in Geneva) for a few days with my husband. Any recommendations for things to do and see? We have very little time to research the area, so any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

    1. Lucky you! I once spent a summer interning in Geneva – best.time.ever. There’s a lot to see in the city itself (the lake, parks etc). But one of the best trips you can do it to the village of Gruyeres which lends its name to the well-known cheese. It’s an hour or so away from Geneva. You can tour the Château de Gruyères and then have an amazing fondue lunch nearby. Within Geneva, definitely do the official UN tour. And if I remember correctly, July is also when Geneva has its music festival – there are music shows and performance all over the city, including every inch of public space, and they are all free courtesy of the municipal government. Simply amazing!

    2. A fabulous day trip from Geneva is Annecy, France. If I remember correctly it’s only about 2 hours from Geneva and the drive is beautiful (you may also be able to take a train, but I never looked into it…). It’s a beautiful lakeside town with lots of water sports and opportunities for hiking close by. There are also a number of summer festivals that might coincide with your travel dates!

    3. Annecy is fantastic – but so is Lausanne, which isn’t far from Geneva. I was both places last summer.

       If you’re into sports, we found the Olympic Museum in Lausanne to be really interesting.

       If you’re into food: Check out David Lebowitz’s blog where he has talks about several Swiss food options. http://www.davidlebovitz.com/tag/switzerland/

       1. Second the Olympic Museum – so interesting, and beautiful sculptures in the garden in front.

          Another possible day trip is to Mont Blanc – nice drive and you can take the gondola all the way up.

          Best fondue place is called Cafe du Soleil, in the Petit-Saconnex district – everyone will know it if you ask.

          Have fun! I love Geneva.

    4. Oh, yay!

       Geneva is a small town that’s honestly doable in one or two days: Walk to the old city and just wander around the streets, definitely visit St. Pierre’s Cathedral. Visit the Flower Clock and the park next to it. Maybe do some luxury shopping if you’re into that.

       Since it’s summer, you might want to go swimming in Lac Leman, and you definitely want to walk out to the jet d’eau. The museum of the history of science is small and fun, and you can get a pression (draft beer — the city’s beer is a brand called Calvin, named after the famous predestinator) and sit outside.

       You can also borrow a free bicycle for up to four hours and ride around the lake and the city, which feels quaint and charming. Geneve Roule (the bike shop) is behind the train station. There’s also stand along the lakefront, but you have to get to both early in the day to get a bike.

       If you want to go outside of the city: Gruyere (where they make the cheese!) is nearby, as is Annecy (quaint french town with a perfect swimmable lake and lovely markets. )

       I’m in a bit of a rush now, but I’ll try to think of more and add to this!

34. Please tell me someone else has done this:
    Workout went a little long this morning so I was rushing through my shower routine and completely spaced on shaving my legs. Aaaaand then decided to wear a skirt with bare legs cause it’s hot out. Get to office, look down, uh oh.
    Plan to hide behind my desk all day subsequently ruined by being summoned to a meeting in 40 minutes. Gak!
    Hoping and praying no one notices my stubble! Wish me luck!

    1. Lotion + razor in the ladies room.

    2. It doesn’t help for today, but I keep a pants suit in my office. That way I always have a suit in case I get called into something suddenly formal, but I never have to worry about whether my legs are shaved.

    3. Jeez, unless you look like bigfoot, no one’s going to notice. Relax. I shave my legs, like, once a week tops.

35. Seriously. I seem to be under some dark online shopping cloud. First, 2 weeks ago my order of the Adrianna Papell blue linen dress from Nordstrom was cancelled. And now the cocktail dress I ordered 3 weeks ago for a party next weekend was cancelled by ideeli. Neither dress is available.

    It’s really frustrating. These companies need better automated inventory systems.

    1. I b9ought and ordered that Adrianna Papell blue linen dress and returned it. It fit awful.

36. Thread jack! I am applying for a position at a large consulting firm and in their instructions it notes that scores of any standardized tests (ACT, GMAT, LSAT, etc.) “should” be included on the resume. I scored decently on my ACT (28ish), but did not do well at all on my LSAT (150ish). Luckily, based on extra-curricular activities and grades in college I was accepted into law school. I graduated in the top 25%, made Dean’s list both semesters as a 2L and 3L, and received CALI awards in a few classes.

    Therefore, I don’t fell that my LSAT score accurately reflects by ability to perform well and since it is so low I don’t want to include it. I feel that employers will use this one piece of information to disqualify me from the job. However, I don’t want it to appear that I cannot follow their instructions, and I am not sure if it’s more important to be honest about it upfront. If it should be included, where do I add that information on my resume? Below my law school/college information or in a separate section?

    Any thoughts from the ladies out there on how to proceed? Thanks!

    1. IME, large consulting co’s are real snobs about this sort of thing. Unfortunately, because you actually went to law school, you must have taken the LSATs. If you don’t include it on your resume, you just open the window for them to ask about it at the interview, which will both bring focus to it and may prevent you from putting it in context.

       The fact that you did so well in law school should mitigate your scores, so I would put the numbers between your law school and college degree, basically, part of your education in chronological order. This way, they’ll see the law school accomplishments first and then the scores. Another option is to have the list as part of the final “misc” category.

37. I have to laugh – in my line of business (consulting), that would be the dorkiest and geekiest thing to EVER put on a resume! I can’t imagine ever putting my GMAT score or my SAT’s on a resume – funny!

    1. I know someone who has his GPA on his LinkedIn. He’s been out of school for almost 20 years. Can’t imagine it helps his professional image.

38. I’m not a fan of Mod Cloth, and usually think of their clothes as fetishized office wear–office clothes, with a hipster twist. I kind of like the print, but the belt makes it look cheap. Also, the end of the dress is shaped a bit like a bubble, which is cute if you’re going to a party, but not what you should be aiming for in an office.

    Ultimately, I think this dress could probably pass in a casual office, or maybe a business casual one–but why set the bar so low when there are so many better options available in a similar price range?

39. This is a very cute dress, but you have to really think about what type of office you can wear it in. Working in media, fashion or entertainment, this would be a great dress. But if you work in a very corporate law firm or bank, probably not.

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