Thursday’s TPS Report: Kenneth Cole New York Structured Jacket

131 Comments

1. Jacket looks like a good basic. I like it quite a bit.

   I’m threadjacking right off the bat. Has anyone tried the new Garnier (I think) at home straightening treatment? I guess it’s supposed to make it easier to blow dry and last through 7 shampoos. I just saw an ad for it, and it is the most exciting new product I have ever seen. I’m almost afraid to believe it will work. I have long, thick, coarse, wavy hair that is a PITA to blow dry straight, but I vastly prefer it straight and think it looks more professional on me. Anyone else seen this/tried this?

   1. This blogger did. http://bit.ly/dosLC4 She’s African American, but her hair is not processed so I think it may be the same texture as yours. I feel she did a very good job, neutrally presenting the pros and cons so that you can make your own decision. Hope this helps!

   2. I hope someone comes up with the name of the product…it sounds great. My college-student daughter is also looking for this kind of product.

      1. I found it via Google. It’s Garnier Fructis Blow Dry Perfector.

   3. I’d read some reviews online – it sounds like a lot of people have had bad experiences (read: hair breaking off).

      1. Eek! See–I knew it was too good to be true!

         1. You could try brazilian blow outs, same idea but better results, and much less harsh than Japanese straightening.

         2. Run, don’t walk, to the salon and get a Keratin treatment. It’s expensive, but worth every penny. Changed. My. Life.

            1. Me too me too!! I adore the Keratin treatment aka Brazilian Blowout. Have done it twice now–first time lasted 4 months, and just had the second treatment last week. Fab. U. Lous!!!!

            2. For any one on the fence about this, try Keratin express — takes a little over an hour, costs ~100 in a chic salon in the Boston ‘burbs, you don’t wash your hair for only 24 hours (comp. to 3-4 days for the “real” treatment), and it lasts 6-8 weeks. It’s literally unbelievable. I have fine, frizzy hair that doesn’t quite curl or wave, and it looks amazing now.

            3. ae — I am in Boston, which salon?

            4. I got keratin. It is overhyped. It made my overly thick hair look really thin and greasy cuz of the product…even after shampooing. It weighs down your hair a lot. Unless you have completely unruly hair, it’s not worth it. I actually missed my waves during the time.

            5. @anon 9/2, 1:22 PM — http://www.davishairdressing.com/, I go to katelyn.

   4. If I can make a recommendation – I am a curly, and generally wear it curly (like its been blown out once in the last 2 years) but my stylist has a line of products for curly hair AND has a new line of products for straightening curly hair without damaging it. The line is called Hair Rules and the product line is The Straightener, or something like that. The product lines are not ethnic (although Dickey is bi-racial) but based upon texture. They are available at Ulta, and the straightening line is being released this month. Its worth stopping through for samples, or trying for samples at curlymart. His regular products, formulated for curly hair are awesome, and are great even if you straighten – I had my hair blown out by him with just regular product use, and it was just as straight, smooth and shiny as if chemically relaxed.

      Just a reco for you or any other curlies….

   5. Ditto the keratin treatment recommendation. I had one two weeks ago and it now takes me only 5 minutes to straighten my naturally curly, very frizzy hair. It survivies humidity and even a light rain, which used result in the electrocuted-poodle look for me. It was $120, supposed to last for 3 months, and so far worth every penny.

      1. Does anyone have a recommendation for a salon in NYC and what one should reasonably expect to pay?

      2. I got a keratin treatment and hate it. I have very fine, wavy, frizzy hair. It’s always looked thin because each hair is so fine. Now, my hair is stick straight (I cannot imagine how a flat iron would make any difference) and looks even thinner than it did before (I didn’t know that was possible!). I cannot wear my hair down until this washes out. I will say that my hair is really soft and makes a pretty ponytail. This may work for girls with a lot of hair; for girls with thin hair, watch out.

         1. I do have a LOT of hair, but definitely a good tip for the thin-haired among us.

            1. I paid $325 in a big city (not NYC, though). I have very thick, wavy/curly hair. I still have to work to blow it dry straight with a round brush, but have retired my flatiron (and saved myself 30 minutes a day). I had it done in May and it is still going strong.

            2. My hair is quite thin and fine (I use rogaine daily, as well as dry shampoo with color to “enhance” particularly thin spots). It was curly as of 5 months ago, when I did the keratin treatment. FWIW, I found that my new hair required adjusting my products to work with straight hair. I now use a volumizer/root lifter and a mousse. I used to use gel and a curl enhancer. I’m so unbelievably thrilled with the Keratin treatment. The flat iron, btw, still smoothes out any frizz and ads curl at the bottom and a flip at the top for bang lifting. I will go without a blowdryer, but not with out a flat iron now!

               Still say, Keratin=LOVE

         2. As i commented above, I had the same experience as SCS and I have thick hair! Agree with everything she wrote.

   6. I wouldn’t recommend. I used it about a week ago. It made my hair feel smooth and slippery the first blow dry, but it smelled terrible (like a home hair dry kit, except that you don’t shampoo it out, so it kinda lingers) and it did not last after the first blow out. It made my hair all knotted and it felt sticky when I would run my fingers through it while blow drying.

      1. Meant “home hair dye” kit.

   7. I tried it this past weeked. I agree with the faint smell, but my hair looked great and the smell faded. I washed my hair and let it air dry and so far it is smoother than it would have been without.

      I’ll have to see if the straighten properties hold when I flat iron it again.

      For $10 or so, seems to be worth it. I also have highlighted hair and haven’t noticed any breakage.

      1. I’m wondering if anyone who has done the Keratin treatment colors their hair? I’ve been totally tempted to try Keratin, but am concerned about putting my hair through too much! Also, if anyone has done this in NYC, please recommend a salon. I know plenty of places offer it, but I’d like to go someplace tested & true.

         1. Yep. Been coloring my hair for 20 years. (I think I’m older than some of you at age 41.) I get the color done every 6 weeks. I had Keratin 4 months ago, and continued with my color. The keratin treatment cannot be done too close in time (10 days, my stylist says) to the color treatment. I did my keratin treatment last Friday, and am getting my color done late next week. No issues with my fine, thin hair–the color and the keratin make my hair look better than it ever has.

            1. @spacegeek — Thanks for responding & for the info!!

2. Great article about small breasted women and shopping venues for AAA – A cup bras.

   New York Times:
   For the A-Cup Crowd, Minimal Assets Are a Plus

   http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/fashion/02Small.html?8dpc

   1. THANK YOU! I honestly didn’t realize that bras were made smaller than A cup (except those made for children). I’ve been wearing an A that is too big my entire adult life for this reason.

   2. I loved this article. It’s great to see that so many women are embracing their small size bra cup. For me though, the reason why I wear padded bras is because if I don’t, even the XS tops are so baggy in the front part. It almost seems as though a lot of XS tops are made for those with at least a full B cup.

      And at the risk of getting criticism, I will honestly say that I think I look way better with a padded bra on. My husband, however, wishes that I would just wear a regular bra sans padding.

      1. First of all, no criticism from me for doing what makes YOU feel comfortable and happy with yourself.

         Second, your husband is a keeper :)

      2. Why would you get criticism? I’m a DD and my husband prefers I also wear non-padded bras, the lightly padded ones, however, give me a better shape and also hide the “hello it’s freezing in the office these are my nips” look which I can’t stand. I wear padded bras most of the time for that reason. I think it just means that both our husbands like our natural look :)

         1. I recently bought my first non-padded bra in ages (small cup here)… and found that the headlights problem was unmanageable! Back to light padding.

      3. My hubby also dislikes the padded bra (too unnatural when you are small breasted). That said, I find it is really hard to find a non-padded bra these days.

         Target has a “nearly A” line, but the bras are cheap and fall apart. I want a high quality bra for my very small breasts. I think these websites have what I am looking for.

         I am a little irritated by the NYTimes article taking the stance that small breasted women are just now starting to “like” and “own” their small endowments. I have always enjoyed being small breasted. . . especially when I see larger breasted women at the gym!

         1. Frankly, I have very large breasts and have always been jealous of B cups and lower. First, you guys don’t get as much sagging; second, you can go braless if you need to; third, strapless bras work better; and fourth, I find them more attractive as a whole.

            1. Let’s avoid bodysnarking :). One of the disappointing things about the comments to that article was that many people said something along the lines of either “small breasts are better than big breasts” and/or “I have large breasts and it’s hard(er) on this side of the fence, why no discussion of the more significant hardships I suffer?” It shouldn’t be broken down into an us v. them, however those categories are defined. There is beauty in all sizes, and advantages and (perceived?) disadvantages for each size. We do ourselves a disservice when we bodysnark.

   3. I shop at Lulalu in person and can’t say enough good things about it. The owner, Ellen Shing, is wonderful. It is so amazing to be able to walk into a lingerie store where everything is available in my size, and to be helped by staff that never make apologetic or subtly snide comments about my size (I’m looking at you, Victoria’s).

      Ellen carries many lines I’d never heard of (offering a wide variety of padding/nonpadding levels), as well as her own line of lingerie which includes fabulous things never before available in small sizes, like CORSETS! I’ve never seen corsets available in smaller sizes anywhere else. And bikinis that actually fit. It’s just so amazing.

      Ellen also introduced me to Wacoal and Calvin Klein’s petite collections, which have narrower-set shoulder straps among other innovations. Finally, my bra straps don’t fall off my shoulders all day.

      I’m a huge fan of this store and hope she gets a ton more business thanks to the NYT!

3. I’m still shuddering at the words “padded shoulders” “modern” and “on-trend” all being used in the same sentence!

   1. Yes. Shades of the ’80’s ~shudder~.

4. I love everything about this! I want to wear it with my skinny jeans right now.

5. I would have to try it on. Anything resembling the “Balmain shoulders” usually makes me look like a linebacker.

6. I like it but agree that it’s a try on — I have found very little consistency with KC. Also, for anyone not interested in easily disintegrating clothing — I have another KC blazer and even though I bought it less than a year ago & don’t wear it that frequently, it’s already showing some signs of wear and tear (and I’ve had to reinforce the buttons right after I bought it).

   1. same here – I splurged on some Kenneth Cole items and they didn’t last at all.

   2. This is making me feel better — when I went shopping earlier this week I hemmed and hawed over a couple Kenneth Cole items at Nordstrom, but ultimately walked away since I just wasn’t sure if the price was justified – thanks ;-)

   3. I’ve had good experience with KC. My bf bought me a bunch of items from their boutique recently and I love ’em all. I guess I’ll wait and see if they stand the test of time.

7. Need some boot advice:

   It was time to upgrade my slightly less than knee-high boots (for wearing mainly with skirts and stockings, including to work, which is OK in my case). So I spent a good chunk of change and ordered a brown and a black pair. When they arrived, I liked everything about them except the fact that they’re “creased” down the center from where they were folded while resting in the box.

   1) Is the crease a problem? Or is it just that I didn’t expect it?

   2) Do creases like this go away over time, as one wears the boots and stores them with something cylindrical inside, like a rolled-up magazine, to help round them out? (The boots are leather, both in the exterior and the lining.)

   These have to be “The Ones” or I am returning them. Yet I have looked far and wide and don’t see anything else I like as much. So I’m in a dilemma. Any thoughts appreciated!

   1. Hard to say without seeing — how bad is the crease? Would anyone else but you notice it? Is there discoloration? Wear in the leather? Every pair of boots I have ever bought has had stuffing inside to prevent this kind of thing, I think, so I’m honestly not sure if it’s normal. Maybe you can contact customer service. If I were you, I would also take them to a reliable cobbler and just asked him/her if this was something that would fix itself — they know leather much better than most people & will be able to tell you better than anyone else.

      1. Agree. This sounds like bad packaging like maybe from a return? If this is a solid brand and you like them a lot, I would order another pair from Endless/Zappos/some place with free shipping/returns and see if they also have this issue.

         1. Thanks, both of you. The leather seems to be in beautiful condition, and there is no discoloration, so I don’t know what to think. Good idea re asking a cobbler.

            The packaging was normal, I think: sort-of flattened wadded up tissue paper and cardboard. If they had already been returned, I couldn’t tell.

   2. I’m a big fan of boots and hate the center crease as well. If you stuff with newspaper and leave standing up for a couple of days, the crease should disappear or at least lessen. Then when you wear them, the roundness of your leg coupled with your body heat should really do the trick. This has worked for me in the past. Good luck!

   3. If your calves are anything like mine the boots will be so tight fitting that the crease will disappear. I think they will go away on their own, especially if you keep them stored upright.

8. Threadjack!

   Ok, so one of my partners whose age is north of 40 (not that it matters for this, but just to set the stage) and who routinely dresses inappropriately (skirts so tight you can see, well, you know what you can see; everything too tight; tops waay too low cut; hoochie mama shoes; entirely too many ruffles and things; long (too long) farrah hair that is forever being tossed around – you get the idea) is today wearing a HALTER TOP over too tight pants and Wicked Wanda pointy toe slingbacks. Halter top – as in full shoulder/back exposure, and bikini style tie behind your neck. How, how, how does this happen? Who does this? And I heard she went to COURT like that this am (presumably with a jacket, but still…).

   Our office is somewhat casual/laid back (peep toes ok; suits not required) but it’s not THAT casual. Eg, no jeans, not on Friday, not ever. And if a secretary wore anything resembling a HALTER top, she’d be sent home, if not canned.

   Wow. Just wow. I just had to share this. And, of course, nobody can say anything to her….for so many reasons…..

   1. Wow. That’s so extreme it’s amusing. Scary.
      And as an over 40 myself I do think there are a few things you just don’t wear/do after 40 no matter how good you look.

   2. Scary and inappropriate? Yes. But am I still slightly thinking, “you go girl!” for any woman who has earned the right to dress like a hoochie if she wants? Yes.

      1. She hasn’t really *earned* the ‘right’, at least in the conventional work related sense (although one might speculate as to how she got hired on as a partner and/or what she did to obtain/keep her immunity idol re ridiculous office apparel).

         As for the hair, it alone probably would be okay (length, Farrah cut) – it’s the constant tossing and playing with it that exacerbates everything else. Actually sort of completes the caricature. Did I mention the never ending high pitched peals of laughter/giggling that accompany ALL of her communications – with colleagues, staff, opposing counsel, court personnel, and everyone else?!

         Oh, and I am senior to, and older than she. And I would wear a halter – to a picnic, pool party or whatever (of course, right after I did a few extra biceps curls and triceps extensions just to ‘tighten’ everything up a little), but I would never, ever wear one to work (and neither would anyone else who works here).

         What Not to Wear would definitely loove this woman!

         1. Maybe you should sign her up for a WNTW fashion intervention?

            1. That would be incredibly rude, and probably would have major negative back on the poster….

         2. And so apparently does her clients and the people she works for, but not perhaps with…. She has to be bringing something to the table is she is a partner, regardless of whether you are able to see it or not. Unless law firms are giving away partnerships, ie…their money, she is performing and if she isn’t, it won’t be her clothing that will do her in, it will be her work production.

      2. This is that fake empowerment thing I wrote about a few weeks ago. Wearing something that makes one look like an over-the-hill hooker is not a “you go girl!” moment. Just because we CAN dress however we want does not mean we SHOULD. It is not appropriate to wear a backless halter top to work unless the work involves twirling around a stripper pole, removing said top, and collecting tips from sweaty, half-drunk men. I don’t care how high up the food chain someone is. Dressing like that is sabotaging yourself – career ambitions, authority in the office, professional credibility, all ruined by dressing like a stripper. Whether or not Ms. Over-40 Hoochie Mama realizes it or not, she is creating problems for herself that will manifest one way or another. This is not behavior to applaud, or God forbid, emulate.

         1. Yes, I understand the inappropriateness of a work halter look and would not sport it myself. But the woman IS a partner, no? So obviously she has done something right.

         2. Amy – just because you have decided its fake empowerment doesn’t mean other people have to buy into what “THEY” say. Everyone is allowed to determine what is appropriate for themselves. If it has an impact on the professional career, then it is really on them. If dressing in a halter et al… is not causing her the loss of business, what’s the big deal? And even if other people think poorly of her, as long as she is where she wants to be, what does it matter? No you personally, but this who mentality sounds like a bit like the hazing mentality gone a bit wild – almost like “If I can’t wear whatever I want, no one else should be able to either!” Its pretty sad actually. As I said earlier, I don’t think I’d do it, unless well covered up, but if she wants to, and doesn’t seem to be suffering for it, let her be herself…. Heck maybe she just happens to be a really smart hoochie-mama who is comfortable in her own skin….

         3. Amy, seriously. What’s with the self righteous indignation over what other women choose to wear? Does it really matter to you that much?

   3. Call up Stacey & Clinton. She needs to be on What Not to Wear.

      1. I second “What Not to Wear.” Wonder if she used to dress more tastefully, then went hoochie after she made partner, since I can’t imagine getting a promotion looking like that. Midlife crisis (and I’m 42 myself)? What do the other partners and clients think? As someone who used to be very wardrobe-challenged, I’m very appreciative of honest appraisals myself, but who knows in this case.

   4. After reading your description of this woman, I am seriously wondering if you work where I used to work. This description sounds spot-on for one of the north-of-40 female partners.

   5. Well…she made partner so clear her style of dress isn’t holding her back in a way that is meaningful to her….

      And being north of 40 is actually kind of freeing – for most people, it is when you finally stop caring what other people think of you and do what you want. Sounds like she’s there and if it is working for her and/or making her happy – great for her. I don’t think a halter is anything I’d wear to work, unless covered by a cardigan in a way that makes it difficult to tell its a halter, but hey, if it works for her…live and let live…

      1. Well, I’m 45. Would I wear a halter? For play, if my shoulders / arms were outstanding — sure, why not. But for work? Not unless covered by a cardigan. A bare back seems incredibly inappropriate!

   6. On the plus side, seeing things like that probably make you feel incredibly reassured about your own wardrobe choices :)

   7. Interesting! I wouldn’t go the halter top or mini skirt route (or hootchie mama ? shoes, either).

      But I’m over 40 and have long, blonde highlighted hair. It’s in good condition. When I was working in my early 30s I was all uptight about professional appearance and wore it in a tight bun every single day, along with my nun-like dark suits, matching shoes, et al.

      Now that I’m going back to work after being home with kids, I just don’t care. I interviewed w/the flowing (Farrah? lol) hair and got job offers.

      I think there’s a line of reasonableness, there. A little more ‘doing what you want’ when you are older (and accomplished) but stopping before ‘outrageous.’

      On some level I also have to admit I sort of like the the idea (stated above) that she’s earned the right to wear what she wants via her accomplishments, even though it bumps up against some feminist-professionalism concepts. Kinda cool!

   8. Just shows that all the “rules” re hair that is too long for the office, skirts that are too tight etc, are nonsense, and would not hold back smb who is really good.

      Career advice books suggest that you dress like the most senior woman in your office – perhaps you should start wearing ruffles and halters too…

      1. Read the OPs reply, this is not the most senior person in her office; she is senior to the person she’s talking about. And the rules do matter. If you don’t think so, please report back in 5 years and let us know how your career’s going. I don’t think if you’re dressing like the woman the OP is speaking about – or in any way that is inappropriate for your office culture – you’ll end up going as far as you want, as quickly as you’d like.

         1. This! For so many reasons….

         2. Of course she could be exactly where she wants to be professionally…. I have lots of law school classmates whose aspirations ended at law firm partner….

   9. I have a coworker like this. It hurts her, but she doesn’t realize it and won’t take a hint. She’s done well enough because her immediate supervisor loves her and has promoted her, but she’s essentially been blackballed from moving up to more senior positions because she’s seen as a liability and someone who can’t be trusted to meet with our clients. Half the office knows this, but she has no clue. It’s a shame.

9. Threadjack: does anyone know a good primer or cream to use around eye area so that it prevents the concealor seeping into the squint lines by the inner eye area?

   The jacket looks great. Not for my shape with the shoulder pads. One needs to be narrow built to wear this, or get thin like Beyonce and have her stylist! :)

   1. I have this problem as well, so I’m very interested in responses.

      At the recommendation of the many Corporettes here, I’ve switched from MAC to Bare Escentuals. I like it. They have this under-eye concealer called “Well Rested” which doesn’t look garish on me and only slightly ends up creasing if I check in a mirror about 1 inch from my face. It’s weird that a powder concealer could be so “creamy”. I’ve also been using BE’s primer, so I’m not really sure if it’s the primer working, or the makeup itself.

   2. I have heard really nice things about the Oil of Olay/Cover Girl concealer + moisturizer combo.
      Laura Mercier also makes great primers — if your local sephora carries the brand, ask for a sample it will give you a good idea of whether it will work for you or not. I am a big fan of the brand.

   3. If you try a primer, as other commenters have suggested, know that most of them contain parabens and/or other emulsifiers that can be very unkind to your skin if you are sensitive or acne-prone. For those who use them, Laura Mercier and Smashbox are very popular.

      You also might want to switch cosmetics products. I’ve been very happy with Bobbi Brown corrector (more expensive than drug store concealer but a little goes a very long way, and it’s worth it).

      1. Agreed. Smashbox primer was responsible for some very unfortunate skin weeks for me. Will never go near that stuff again!

   4. If you want to use something just around your eye area:

      Hands down Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch is the best. It fills in fine lines and wrinkles and makes my undereye concealer and foundation last all day in the FL heat and humidity. I even use it on my eyelids when I wear eyeshadow to prevent creasing. It’s a bit expensive but there is a great deal at Macys.com right now and one jar lasts a coupe of months…http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=490858&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

      I recently bought L’oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base which was only about $10 at Walgreens with coupon. I figured I would give it a try. It is similar to the Clarins in consistency. I have only been using it a few days, it is OK but definitely not as good as its more expensive counterpart. =(

      1. This is the original anon. Thanks for all the recommendations.

         I usually do ont need to wear concealor around the eye area except when I am stressed and not getting enough sleep. I also worry about using products with parabens in them. Most of my products are paraben free except for maybe fun eyeshadow colors that I use occasionally.

         I will try the Clarins base.

   5. I just bought the Benefit primer – called Stay Put or something like that – and am happy with it so far. Like it better than the Paula Dorf I had been using.

10. Does anyone have any thoughts on today’s WSJ D10 article on jeans care:
    Tricks of the Trade -The Jeans Care Secret: Rarely Wash Them
    http://topics.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703632304575452082044100428.html
    I read with interest, but not sure I’d feel comfortable going 6 months with only spot washing?

    1. I am sending this article to my husband, who washes his jeans approximately once every six months (and wouldn’t even wash them that frequently if I didn’t hijack them and throw them in the hamper).

    2. My first thought: after six months of dirt, sweat, etc (spot treatments notwithstanding), those jeans can probably walk THEMSELVES over to the washing machine. Grody.

       My second thought: man, I’d have a lot less free time if I spent this much time worrying about how to wash my clothes. Aside from a few dry-clean only items and my judo/jiu-jitsu gis, ALL of my clothing goes into a hot washing machine with normal detergent. A few items get line dried (underarmour, some bermuda shorts from the Gap that are the perfect length as-is and so I don’t want to risk even a half-inch of shrinkage, etc) – other than that, it all goes into the dryer. Whites and colors all together, and towels go in there too. Only our sheets get a separate load. Life is too.damn.short for me to have complicated laundry issues!

       Then again, I guess the great thing about time and money is that everyone gets to decide for her/himself how to spend what they have based on what matters most to them.

       1. That is a bold washing strategy, kcaco, I am impressed! I wash four loads every weekend (mostly towels and workout clothes) and hang almost everything and resent every second of it. I wish I could embrace your method but I think my husband would leave me if his jeans shrunk even a 1/4 inch. Sigh…

          1. Wow – I’m really sorry.

             I’m usually the one arguing with my husband about the laundry — he’s got kcaco’s strategy, and sometimes it totally backfires on a piece of clothing, but I have to say, 99% of the time it’s ok if I remember to separate my delicates.

             1. I actually adopted my SO’s washing strategy – before him, I also thought I needed to wash everything on cold, hang some jeans to dry, etc. Turns out it was all very unnecessary, I haven’t ruined anything yet in years of hot-water washing and dryer!

             2. Thanks. I’m sorry about the laundry situation too. Sorry about the husband? Nope – he is joy.

    3. That is dedication to your jeans. I like the tip about the vinegar helping set indigo for darker jeans, though. I’ll definitely try that.
       I wash my jeans about once a month, but then again I have 2 pairs (plus one I bust out for my ‘skinny’ days), not 15. I avoid using the dryer when I can, and usually for the first two washes I’ll put them on nearly-dry to shape (but man, I hate that feeling of wet denim).

       I am a less extreme version of kcaco, when I’m at school I have a PT job as a waitress and my ‘uniform’ needs to be washed frequently, and it feels like a waste to wash 3 or 4 items only every week. Everything that needs to be washed (except delicates and bleach-necessary) goes into the wash. Everything gets washed on cold except my bleach cycle. Most of my dry-clean only items I hand wash (minus coats/jackets and gowns).

    4. Wow. I think it’s safe to say that his jeans must smell horrible after not being washed for six months!

       I definately wear my jeans several times before washing, and I only own a few pairs (usually only have 1 pair at a time that I really like). But that said, I don’t wear them often – on Fridays and maybe over the weekend or on a weeknight if I go out somewhere after work and make an effort to change.

       But after 5 or 6 all day wears, jeans need to be washed unless you are wearing something under them to prevent all the oils/sweat/bacteria from your body from being absorbed by the denim. And I highly doubt he is wearing long underwear or has jeans with a lining. Yuck.

       1. Oh, I do wash my jeans on cold (i wash everything but towels/sheets on cold) and hang dry. I’ve tried handwashing in the past when I didn’t want to do an entire load of laundry and it doesn’t seem to get them clean unless you really scrub at the fabric.

          I had a friend in college who would dry clean her jeans – she swore by it. I’ve never tried it myself, but I tend to kind of think, THEY ARE JEANS, it’s not worth it to me to take that great of care of them. But I don’t buy jeans that are hundreds of dollars either, I like Calvin Klein jeans which are usually under a 100 and sometimes I get them for 50 at the outlet mall.

          1. Completely guilty of drycleaning my jeans for at least the first year that I own them. It takes the guesswork out of how to wash them (I don’t have good luck w/ laundry, lol).

    5. I usually just sniff them when I take them off- if they don’t smell, I just put them away. I guess I wear them 5-6 times between washings, although I don’t wear them very often for very long periods of time most of the time (I’m working from home now, so I guess I probably will more when the weather gets cold.)

       Cold water, dryer for 5-10 minutes, then hang dry the rest of the way (the dryer keeps them from getting too stiff).

    6. My jeans get so stretched out and icky I can barely go two wears without washing them. More than that and they’ve stretched out so much they almost fall off. I can’t imagine going 6 months. Gross.

    7. I usually wear my more expensive pairs 3-4 times before washing, and I never dry them in the dryer. But I can’t go months without washing them. My jeans stretch and start to look baggy and misshapen after about the fourth wear. Also, I just have this thing about my clothes smelling, especially in the crotch area. I am not any smellier than the average person, I don’t think, but if I catch a whiff of any type of “body” smell from a piece of clothing, into the washer it goes. I can’t stand it.

    8. My first thought is also that six months of even the most un-sweaty of wearing would = jeans walking themselves to the washer! Ew – sorry, too gross for me, I’ll stick with my discount store jeans (I found a pair of Kensie jeans for $7.50 this week at Burlington Coat Factory – awesome! And no, I will not hesitate to dump them in the washer :-)

    9. How tight do the jeans have to be initially for them not to fall off after a few wears? With stretchy fabric, usually by the end of the second day it is falling off. For non-stretch I can go about 3 wears. I try to get them pretty snug to prepare for stretching, but I guess since I live in a hot area they stretch out pretty quickly.

11. This black jacket is great – I have it (in another brand) and love it dearly. So flattering.

    Unwashed clothes become incredibly germ-y. Part of what you are doing when you launder clothes is removing enormous amounts of bacteria from them, not a bad idea.

12. Love the price of the jacket!

    I think I am still warming up to the style. It looks a little 90210 to me, and the model even looks like Shannon Dougherty!

    1. How appropriate–did you know it’s “90210 Day”? (9/02/10!)

       http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2010/09/happy_90210_day.html

       My day is getting so much better. Huge fan, even huger geek.

       1. Oh I did read about that earlier in the week but totally forgot it was today! Too funny!

       2. hadn’t seen that article. funny!!

    2. Appropriate, since (as I have been reminded on Facebook) today is technically 9-02-10…..

       1. Pretty sure I see that jacket in the clips…

          I must be getting old because when I watched that show the first time, I remember being shocked by how “old” they all looked and not at all like HS students. In fact, I think the cast was mainly in their 20’s and even the Andrea character was in her early 30’s when it started.

          Now they all look SO YOUNG. : (

13. I love this one button jacket its very classic and sexy at the same time.

    1. Like that one too, and quite a lot on the site. I’ve never ordered clothes from there but I am getting quite tempted!

14. threadjack – need a styling consultation!

    I have brown hair eyes, and olive skin, so I rarely wear brown in any shade.

    Last year, I was smitten by a printed trench, of a khaki background and gorgeous bold red vines/leaves. My favorite color is red…so I leapt upon it. It’s a printed cotton, appropriate for all year weather in Texas. It could be something I wear often, on “casual days” or when not needing to appear as though I am wearing high-end separates which would equal a more professional, suit-level style.

    Well, I haven’t worn it much. In fact, I think I have only worn it to personal meetings, like consulting with renovation/interior designers – who of course, liked it. Not a cpw issue, but I always look at it in the red section of my jackets. (You see, I have no brown section.) I have worn black slacks with it. Well, that’s sort of fine. One other time I wore a red pencil skirt, which I thought also was just “ok.”

    The first dilemma is what color solid top? Do I have to worry about matching the red? What would be another color, if any?

    I really do not want to invest in a pair of brown slacks or even a skirt (shocking, as I’m a skirt gal) … due to cpw issues and space in the closet :) Thoughts on another type of “bottom” besides the above combos?

    In advance, happy “long weekend” and safety to all in the path of the storms. Hate to be happy they’re not in the Gulf Coast path. Rest, enjoy, whatever makes you happy.

    1. You don’t have to match the color. What about a crisp white top?

    2. What is “cpw”?

       1. I was just going to ask that! I googled and nothing that made sense came up…and then I started typing this and it popped into my mind that she must mean, “Cost Per Wear” I’ve seen a few others throw that term around here although I am not entirely sure it fits into this post.

          Please enlighten us Brown Eyes – is this what you mean?

       2. yes yes, Cost Per Wear…something I think about when purchasing…will it pay for itself by being worn often enough…hence the cotton like trench was inexpensive and I don’t feel bad about it not being worn, but I like it.

    3. Sounds like it would look great with white top, light blue top, orange top. Navy skirt would be nice, too. Khaki is a great neutral, really you could get away with about anything though I’d avoid greens so you don’t end up with a Christmas-y look.

    4. I don’t see why you have to really match to anything else you’re wearing. But when I hear “trench”, I hear “outerwear” and I don’t typically match my clothing to my outerwear.

       1. JessC – It is so lightweight I would be wearing it in lieu of a jacket…so I’m treating it like that in thinking about tops and bottoms for it.

15. The sleeves on the KC jacket look wayyyy to tight. Is that the ‘trend’ – tight sleeves, big shoulders? Um, buh-bye! LOL

    1. Why are tight sleeves bad? aren’t your sleeves supposed to be fitted? I’m not thinking a spandex body suit look here, but I think I look sloppy in jackets w/arms that are loose on me — in fact it’s why I can never buy most of the dept store brands like Tahari or Calvin Klein, etc. Doesn’t a more tailored look seem better in professional clothes?

       1. I dunno, @AIMS, I just don’t like to feel stuffed into my jackets or have a jacket feel like a sweater.

          1. I don’t feel that way at all in my jackets. Maybe it’s a fit thing. To each their own. I like the way this blazer seems to fit the model but I can see how others may disagree.

          2. Also, @AIMS, I don’t love Talbots boxy jackets either btw. But this jacket is so tight in the sleeves, it doesn’t look like you can wear anything but a shell with it… . Guess I’m a Three Little Bears kinda chick when it comes to jackets…. this sleeve’s too tight, this sleeve’s too loose, this sleeve’s JUST RIGHT ;-D

16. Sorry for the threadjack, but I need help!

    I just graduated from law school and took the July Bar. The first where I have been working for the last year offered me a job and I have started training in my new position. Today I received a call from a Judge that I interviewed with for a clerkship earlier in the year, asking me to come in for an interview because the position is now open.

    I’m thinking about going to the interview just to see what would happen, but I REALLY need advice! What would you do if you were me???

    1. Go for the clerkship. My judicial clerkship was one of the best experiences I have ever had, from both a professional and personal standpoint. I received one-on-one mentoring, including critiques of my reasoning and legal writing, from a person I highly respect and admire. I connected with other clerks and judges who remain close friends and colleagues to this day. And I got an up-close, year-long, behind-the-scenes look at the way the justice system works. Your employer should realize that this experience will ultimately make you a more valuable employee. If not, you may have to educate them.

    2. Do it – what do you have to lose? Nothing – and you have everything to gain. Congratulations!

       1. I’d interview and see what happens… You firm may give you leave/sabbatical/whatever to do clerkship (and should, given this economy!).

    3. Don’t do the interview unless you will accept the clerkship. It is almost always expected that you will accept it if offered, and it may be offered on the spot.

       If you would like to return to your firm after clerking, then discuss it with them in advance and see if they’re open to it (probably yes). If you wouldn’t like to return to the firm, then hell yeah, take the interview. A clerkship can only help you in your career.

       1. Exactly. Do the interview (and take the clerkship if offered)….judicial clerkship> almost any firm job and the market isn’t likely to get *worse* for young lawyers, and only better for those with clerking background. IMHO.

17. Early weekend thread/thread hijack:

    I am looking for some good feminist reading and figured this would be a great place to ask! :) Simone Beauvoir’s The Second Sex was life-altering for me back in college, and after a long departure, I feel like getting back to reading some other (fiction or) non-fiction book relevant to women’s issues, women’s rights etc. Any ladies with a background or interest in women’s studies, have any suggestions?
    I think I read a recommendation of The Feminist Mystique here so that’s on my list to check out from the library. Thanks!

    1. bell hooks was life changing for me….

    2. I know she’s extremely controversial, but “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf is relevant to all our lives and a good read.

       For something more classic, you can’t beat Wollstonecraft’s “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”.

    3. The Feminist Papers, gives a broad range of perspectives. I still have it from college: http://www.amazon.com/Feminist-Papers-Adams-Beauvoir/dp/1555530281/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283467029&sr=1-1

    4. “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a great historian… teaches at Harvard. The book reads like a series of essays so it’s easy to pick up and out down with any interruptions the day brings.

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