This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Reader C recently wrote in to recommend this dress, which looks really cute for the current price of $59: “I recently received this dress in the gray print and pink floral print. It is the PERFECT summer work dress: covers knees, shoulders, and cleavage, not too tight, high quality washable silk material, fully lined, and unbelievably flattering. My colleague bought it too and even though we have very different body types it's looks great on us both.” Nice! I particularly like it in the gray — muted but interesting. It was $140, and is now marked to $59 at Boden. Sassy Silk Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)Sales of note for 10.24.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off! Suits are included in the 30% off!
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, and redeem Stylecash!
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – Friends & Family event, 30% off sitewide.
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off entire purchase, plus free shipping no minimum
- White House Black Market – Buy more, save more; buy 3+ get an extra 50% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
AJ
Love the dress. I’m going out to Woodbury Commons this weekend for a wardrobe replenishment (down 27 pounds and almost two sizes now!) or I’d order it right now. I might order it if it’s still around on Monday.
How’s Boden’s sizing? I’m currently a 10 at Banana.
anon
I don’t know about Boden’s sizing, but congrats on your impressive weight loss and have fun at Woodbury! Nothing beats shopping after you shed some pounds.
SAlit-a-gator
Congrats on the weightloss AJ. Hope you have good shopping trip! Any diet advice on what worked for you? TIA
AJ
I’m on Weight Watchers, and it’s worked so well that I kind of evangelize at this point! Counting points has really worked for me because portion control was always an issue (“oh, just a little more…oops, I’ve eaten this entire wedge of blue cheese.”) so Weight Watchers keeps that in check while still letting me eat most of the things I like.
I also cut out Chinese food and cut down on carbs, which I think has been pretty key, and started walking a lot more – 15 blocks to a different subway line, and then another 5 to my office once I get into Midtown.
Anon
Way to go! I’m on WW too. I started at the end of March, and I am down 37 pounds as of my weigh-in this morning. IT ROCKS! Still have 13 to go, but I’m really pleased with the program now that they changed the system.
SeaElle
Congrats on a really amazing accomplishment!
Also, as someone who LOVES chinese food my hat goes off to you for being able to give it up! I don’t know if I’ve ever had that kind of strength or dedication! :)
Princess Consuela
On the subject of portion control, I saw in the grocery store today that SmartOnes is now offering “30% larger portion sizes” options. I wanted to facepalm right there in the store.
anon
Not AJ, but someone who shed 20 lbs recently.
FWIW: what worked for me was keeping 2 things in mind
1) No free food. So no office birthday cake, free samples, random office sweets, etc. If I didn’t pay for it or make it myself, I didn’t eat it. (Dinner parties being the obvious exception, but I only go to those 1x a week or so). And clearly, choose to buy healthy food.
2) Going to the gym is not an allowance to eat. I typically only burn 300-400 calories in a gym trip. That’s a plain, dry NY bagel, which I could rip thru in less than 5 minutes if I was so inclined. Eating less makes a much bigger difference than exercising more.
Good luck.
Reader
I’ve read that calorie reduction is 70 to 85% of weight loss. Not that exercise (strength training, cardio, stretching, yoga, etc.) isn’t great for general health, but you’re right, you can’t rely on them for weight loss. It’s so easy to fool oneself about the calories burned during a session of exercise.
During the rare times when I’m working out consistently, I feel calmer, more confident, and more body-conscious in a good way. I think, Why, after doing all this work do I want to screw it up by downing empty calories I don’t need?
LawyrChk
Great rule re #1. I may need to try that (though I’m not sure I have the willpower to stop myself from grabbing the cupcakes).
Kaye
For me, the main benefit of exercise is that I don’t feel the need to eat as much when I exercise regularly.
houda
ruel 2 is very important. I had started doing intense workuts, but simply doubled my food intake at dinner. It only took me 4 weeks before I realized what I was doing wrong. Never again.
AJ
Thank you! It’s actually been surprisingly easy once I got into the mode of doing it, but we’ll see how easy it is to take off the rest.
Way to Go!
Congrats AJ! An accomplishment to celebrate (with some sassy new threads) for sure!
AJ
Thanks! I’m looking forward to it.
Anonymous
Boden’s sizing I’d say runs just the tiniest bit large. I’m pretty consistently a 14 with the occasional 12, and I ALWAYS wear a 12 at Boden. I bought one dress recently in a 14 there because I was worried about it having a narrow skirt and I am hippy, but it’s way too big (and of course was final sale, so MAJOR alterations are necessary…)
AJ
That does help. I think I may wait until I have a better idea of my size – I haven’t been shopping for clothes since spring, and I’ve only tried clothes on once.
D
Hmm, I have the opposite experience, but it might depend on body shape. I find that Boden’s stuff tends to be cut a little narrow through the hips, and I am slightly pear-shaped. I am between two sizes at Banana/J.Crew and I always order the larger of my two sizes when ordering bottoms or dresses from Boden, and that has always worked for me.
D
Oh and congrats on the weight loss!
CW
I agree – I find that Boden is a bit narrow through the hips. I’m between sizes as well, and I always size up if I’m ordering a sheath dress (or something fitting through the hips) from Boden.
PollyD
Agree that Boden tends to run narrow through the hips. I’m usually a 4 in dresses and tops, but a 6 in skirts, the main problem being that a 4 would be too tight in the hips and thighs. I think I’m a 2 in BR and Loft dresses, although I haven’t bought dresses from them in a while. I’m 5’3 and a bit less than 120lbs. Don’t know my hip measurement.
S in Chicago
To make it even more confusing, I’ll throw in that it kind of depends what you’re ordering. I think they run narrower in hips but some of the tops have been pretty boxy. I find them one of the toughest brands to figure out fit.
mamabear
I agree – I find Boden’s cut more straight up and down and less curvy than other brands.
MHM
For me, Boden runs a little smaller in the hips than other mass-market brands. I can wear a 6 in Talbots, BR, Ann Taylor, but need an 8 in Boden. I would go by the measurements they list, which I have found accurate.
PollyD
I agree that the tops tend to be boxy, although some of the more “drapey” shirts can be nice. And MHM is correct, your best bet is probably to check out the garment measurements on the website and compare them to garments you already own that fit you well.
Emma
Congratulations! Also, envious of your outlet mall adventure. I haven’t been to one in too long.
AJ
Thank you! My sister and I are going out together, so that’ll be fun.
Bunkster
I think the sizing depends on your chest size. If you’re small-chested, it might run a bit big, but otherwise you’re probably okay.
Amanda
I have had the exact same sizing luck with Boden— pretty much true to size, but narrow through the hips.
and so anon
I’m small-chested, and that was my experience with Boden.
Ballerina Girl
So smaller-on-top and bigger-on-the-bottom should wear a size up? Down? I’m confused. I’m usually a 6 on top and an 8 on the bottom. What would I do here? 8?
Anonymous
Yes, up in tailored pieces, don’t worry in their fab knit dresses, like the 2x layer modal numbers. The ideal Boden British beauty per their pattern-making has a well-endowed chest and smaller hips than this American girl, who loves Boden nonetheless.
Reader
I, too, have found Boden to run a bit large. But their Customer Service is great. I wish their clothes fit me because they’re sensible, cheerful and very reasonably priced.
not to be a snark but...
Congratulations to all of you on your amazing weight losses!
whoops...
forgot to change my name ::blushing::
Kaye
Good one :) LOL
just Karen
I just bought this dress in grey – I got am a 6, but was an 8 not long ago, so I played it safe and ordered an 8 – it will be super cute right now with a thin belt, and if I eventually gain back 5-10 pounds it will still work. I LOVE the dress, and have this site to thank for all of the great endorsements for Boden – I never would have tried it otherwise, and now I want an entire wardrobe from them (which I neither need nor can afford).
jcb
Congrats! That is such an accomplishment. Weight loss takes such hard work and focus.
As to Boden’s sizing, I actually wear the same size in Boden as I do in BR (pretty consistent 8). And, just wanted to point out that every item on the Boden site has an incredibly detailed measurements chart. When in doubt, I’ve found it to be really helpful in sizing and deciding between regular and long.
Bonnie
There are so many pretty dresses on Boden’s site. I just wish that they were a smidge lower on the waist.
Amanda
I have found this, too. The belts and waistlines almost always fall at empire-height for me— but then, I am extremely long-waisted.
and so anon
Here’s my guess about that. Empire waists are great for A-shaped women, and I’ve read that the majority of women in the U.S. are A-shaped. Boden seems to offer more realistic, practical shapes. Its ideal customer seems to be an older young woman or young middle-aged woman, a parent who probably works. Some women find the line dowdy. I like its offerings.
Clerky
Yes! I wrote about this on an earlier thread. I love their colors and high quality but the fit is always off for my hourglass/pearish shape. I have a very defined waist and an empire waist does nothing for me. I wish at least 1-2 of their dresses were not empire style. With that said, this dress doesn’t seem to be a true empire style, but the waist is still not low enough for me.
Bonnie
Would the waist be lower on a tall size?
Kanye East
Unfortunately, no. Like most manufacturers, Boden just lengthens the garment without changing any other proportions.
bakema
I have to disagree here. I have a really hard time finding dresses because the waist ususally fits me somehwere just underneath my boobs. Boden “tall” dresses work really well for me, becasue I find that they do adjust proportions so that the waist fits me where it is supposed to be. (I still avoid their empire-waist styles though – with my tummy they make me look pregnant.)
Oneanon
I have the grey/white one, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it to my (business casual) workplace. The fabric is a shiny silk and I think it looks more evening (or daytime wedding) than business. One girl’s opinion only :)
Oh, and thank you Boden for having tall sizes in almost every dress!
somewhere(less)cold
Could I ask how tall you are? I am 5’7” and I have plenty of friends that are might height or taller, so I don’t feel super tall, but from reading comments here I’m wondering if I should be ordering the long sizes in these dresses. I don’t have particularly long legs–proportional to my torso, or maybe even a slightly long torso. Thanks!
(And thanks for the recc about the grey print–I am going to get it to wear to a wedding.)
MelD
What really matters is your shoulder to back of knee measurement. You can be very tall but still have a relatively small measurement there if you have long calves. My sister is a good 3″ taller than me, but I have a much longer shoulder to knee measurement than she does (41″) so many dresses are way too short on me that are fine on her.
Oneanon
Sure, I’m 5-8. Not that tall but I like my dresses to just cover my kneecaps, which is difficult to find these days (particularly as I wear a small size, and length increases with size as does all other proportions).
Diana Barry
Ditto. I am 5’8″ and always get the tall size at Boden. I am wearing a skirt today with a floral print (the “belted print skirt”, still on clearance!!! very nice print! I have the red) and it exposes about 1/3 of my kneecap, so just at the knee. I tried both regular and long lengths and the long always fit better.
I do wish they had long in their blazers, bc the sleeves are always a smidge too short for me.
somewhere(less)cold
My arms are pretty long, and I’ve done well with a tall suit jacket from BR (the first one I got was a return that they happened to have on the rack in-store).
Thanks for all the tips! I think I will measure my shoulder to back of the knee and then decide (my first Boden order).
anon-oh-no
I’ve have not had a ton of luck w/ Boden dresses in the past — they dont seem to fit in the right places. I’m 5’4 and usually a 2-4 in dresses. The length on their dresses is ok, but in all but one dress I’ve ordered, something else has just been a bit off on me.
But, I’m giving them one more try and just ordered the grey one! Free shipping both ways, so I can send back if it doesnt work
somewhere(less)cold
Free shipping both ways?
somewhere(less)cold
Nevermind, just saw the post below!
shrink
I think we’ve moaned about this before for hourglass shapes. The Boden dresses 8-12 sizing just does nothing for me. I always use a seamstress, but I can’t get past the empire cuts. Almost all of theirs are that way or sheaths, which lose their appeal if taken in to meet the hourglass waists. Sadly, Boden doesn’t use all the prints in their tops and skirts, so I am waving on all the Corporettes wearing Boden dresses “for” me !!!!! :) And I am resisting mightily the urges to “try again.” The return shipping charges, I must remember. Must resist…buy their skirts…must resist…buy their skirts… :)
Bunkster
I’m 5’8, but I get the regular size. I’m short-waisted with long legs, if that helps.
pinkrobot
I have the white/grey one and I will be wearing it to a weddng this weekend. It is a shiny fabric and somewhat thin, so very much a summer wedding fabric. I could see someone swinging it with a blazer, but not even my ceo or chairwomen wear those to my office.
Regarding fit, I sent the 6 back and kept the 8 and had the waist taken in & darts put under the bust. I do find boden goes narrow thorough the hips and too low on most necklines for my 32DD chest although there is room in the garment for the girls. (I hate camis under dresses).
misc.
When ordering from Boden, do you order the British size or the American size? I am sold and plan to buy immediately!
Road Warriorette
On the Boden usa site there are only American sizes. But always have to look at the size chart and order that way, as some of their stuff runs a bit large.
I looooove Boden. This dress is very cute!
Anon
Does it run larger than J. Crew?
and so anon
In my limited experience, yes, Boden runs larger. But I usually buy the petite size from J. Crew. I can’t recall if there was a petite option from Boden on the item I ordered.
It makes sense that J.Crew would run smaller, its target customer is almost certainly younger.
MJ
Yes–I am always a 14 at JCrew, and solidly a 12 at Boden. Agree with earlier comments regarding extra room in the bust. I don’t buy pants from them, and I do have a pear shape, so I love all their A-line, hourglassy shaping. JCrew is made for the lady without hips, nearly without fail. That said, I do like JCrew’s stretch stuff.
AN
Pretty but not for work ( for me).
H.
I love the look of this dress, but never having bought anything from Boden, shipping and returns are too expensive to make me want to risk it! Sad.
anon
i’ve seen free shipping offers on every catalog I have ever received from Boden, and I think their return policy is generous. Just FYI …
H.
Ohh, a quick Google search turned up a free shipping code. Thanks!
Oneanon
One thing to note – during their sale periods, you have to return within 7 days (postmarked) to receive a refund – otherwise you get store credit.
CW
Just be careful on sale items with returns – the window for returns is much shorter (something like one week after receipt) than with full-price items.
beccavt
speaking of shipping costs, I just placed an order for a tailored shirt at brooks brothers per corporette recommendations, and was surprised to see that shipping costs go up depending on how much you spend. Not how many items you buy, but simply the price. So if I bought a $300 sweater I would be spending 3x on shipping than if I had bought a $15 CD, even if the items take up the exact same amount of space.
Why would any business do that? It seems like a terrible model and the opposite of most online retailers. I was annoyed that my order was 6 dollars past the point where the shipping went from 11 to 13 dollars, and looked for something I could get rid of… whereas most places want you to get just onemorething! so you can get free or discounted shipping.
Oneanon
Doesn’t every online retailer that doesn’t have free or fixed-price shipping calculate their shipping according to how much you spend?
beccavt
Wow! that seems like such a bad idea to me. I guess I’ve only been shopping at free or fixed priced websites, or haven’t been buying many expensive things.
Jas
I think that’s pretty common. I assume it’s because a big package containing lots of things is more expensive to ship than a little package, and a sweater is more expensive to ship than a CD (although not 3x as much).
somewhere(less)cold
In the CD versus sweater example the size thing works, but a more expensive item is not always larger or heavier than a less expensive item, so that doesn’t really make sense. I could see having a higher handling fee if you order more items, but not if you order one item that happens to cost more.
I haven’t shopped anywhere that’s not free or flat shipping in a long time, although it’s possible I just don’t pay enough attention. It does seem really counter-intuitive to charge more for spending more when the cost to the seller probably doesn’t go up all that much, relative to what the consumer spends.
Jas
Very true, but I think this is a combination of there being no better way to calculate package size at checkout (I have seen sites that say shipping will be calculated and charged later, but I refuse to give a credit card number until I know exactly how much it’ll cost) and the idea that they can make some money on it, because if you’re buying a $300 sweater, a shipping increase from $10 to $15 is unlikely to dissuade you.
somewhere(less)cold
In the CD versus sweater example the size thing works, but a more expensive item is not always larger or heavier than a less expensive item, so that doesn’t really make sense. I could see having a larger handling fee if you order more items, but not if you order one item that happens to cost more.
I haven’t shopped anywhere that’s not free or flat shipping in a long time, although it’s possible I just don’t pay enough attention. It does seem really counter-intuitive to charge more for spending more when the cost to the seller probably doesn’t go up all that much, relative to what the consumer spends.
somewhere(less)cold
sorry for the duplicate!
A. L.
While I agree with you that the higher order->higher S&H fee practice is really annoying from a shopper’s perspective, I think one argument from the retailer’s side is that insurance goes up with the value of the goods being shipped. I still think it stinks.
Another Sarah
Super quick threadjack: I’m seeing job postings with “this requires a two-year commitment” or something like that. I know no one can force you to work anywhere, but would you normally have to pay back something if you leave before the time is called? Or are these “commitments” generally ignored? I see these posting for these jobs that are perfect for me for right now, but if I do end up receiving my license in a couple months, I’d like to not be stuck for a couple years before I can go and use it.
Red
I don’t know if I have ever seen where an employee had to pay back salary if they left (with the exception of advanced pay or vaca leave), but often when there is a commitment listed up front, it’s because the job has a funding stream for that amount of time or they know that training an employee will take awhile so they will really need a commitment to justify the training expense. Also, every vacancy costs an employer money, so it might just be an attempt to reduce turnover by weeding out people who are short-timers. I always encourage prospects to be up-front about their plans, because otherwise you may burn bridges and end up with bad recommendations from your past employers.
Em
My understanding is that if you leave early from those jobs, you don’t necessarily have to pay anything back, but you (a) will absolutely not get a reference, and (b) cannot be rehired at any point in the future by that organization.
Another Sarah
Cool beans – Thanks!
MelD
It probably depends on the job. I know in my area, most just say they require 2 years up front but nothing really happens if you leave other than they may not give a reference. That said, there are a lot of things that may happen in two years that would make it understandable if you did leave. Just go to the interview and see what the situation is!
anon
They can’t make you pay back your wages.
Emma
If you have a contract that says you agree to work for two years, and then you leave early — that would constitute a breach. They could sue for damages. Damages wouldn’t equal your wages, though, and would likely just be the cost of hiring another employee. Which is why no employer would likely ever spend the money to sue if the employee is easily replaceable — not worth it.
anon
true, and a more thoughtful answer than mine. At the end of the day, no, they cannot make you pay back your salary/wages; yes, they could possibly recoup some damages but it would have to really be worth the company’s while. Very unlikely.
Another Sarah
Thanks all for the responses! So far I just have applied to anything that says it requires more than a year’s commitment because I don’t want to start out in bad faith. I think I’ll just keep on not applying, so as to not burn bridges anywhere. :-D
Another Sarah
Rather, I haven’t applied for something…oops.
Just for fun
I’m curious about what everyone is wearing today at work and what type of dress code your company has. This could be fun…
I’ll start – I’m wearing aubergine trousers, a pink polo, and black wedge sandals. The dress code is business casual in case you couldn’t tell by the polo and wedges ;)
Your turn!
AJ
I’m wearing a black and cream print shirtdress from LL Bean Signature with burgundy heels and gold hoop earrings. Business casual here, too, on the very casual side – this is more dressed up than I usually get.
somewhere(less)cold
Gray trouser pants, white/black/gray speckled t-shirt (Theory–yay for Loehmann’s), black 3/4-sleeve cardigan (just picked up a couple from the J.Crew outlet, and they’re great for the warmer weather), and black peep-toe wedges (Butter–yay for Gilt). Business casual here as well.
Another Laura
I am wearing a nice new taupe pants suit (wool) from Talbot’s (about $150) with a red silk blouse ($80 from Bloomingdale’s on sale) . I have gotten alot of compliments on my bus ride in today, but none of the attorney’s have noticed (or if they did, they are not saying anything).
Normally, I would not wear this wool outfit, but the humidity is low and the temperature for August is OK.
Let’s see if I get any comments at lunchtime!
momentsofabsurdity
The AC is turned up in here. I am wearing –
Jeans from Forever 21 (medium wash), dark blue and white argyle cardigan from Lands’ End Canvas and gray tank top. With flip flops.
I am probably the most dressed up one here. We take business casual to the extreme side of casual (anything but PJs goes, unless clients are coming in, in which case, we step it up to real business casual).
Anon
Yes, isn’t this just casual. ;)
Alex Mack
Navyslacks, navy/cream/chartreuse ruffled shell, and 3/4-sleeve cream sweater jacket. Grey high-heeled Mary Janes.
Business casual here.
MsZ
Linen trousers from BR, roundtoe black pumps, a cotton tee, and a white blazer. And SPIN PINS! I’m a recent convert!
Biz casual except for court runs.
nonnie
i’m wearing spin pins too – also learned about them from the post here!
Sydney Bristow
I’m wearing spin pins today too! I wear them at least once a week now.
I’m currently unemployed, but met with a recruiter this morning, so I was wearing a black skirt suit with a white short-sleeve button-up and orange short-sleeve sweater over that along with black heels and pearls. Now I’m wearing sweats at home (the only real positive side to unemployment).
Diana Barry
That Boden “belted print skirt” mentioned above, light grey BR luxe tee, necklace with red beads, J crew grey jacket (half of a suit), Cole Haan red patent ballet flats.
Ru
White and blue patterned jersey faux-wrap dress and white bootcut trousers, with a blue scarf, navy shawl-type cardigan and silver wedges =).
Anonymous
Gap high waisted skirt, tucked in embellished scoop neck top, and white cardigan. Dressy flats and some subtle gold jewelry. =)
Business casual here, which I very much appreciate, but sometimes I covet nice suits and wish I wouldn’t look so out of place wearing one…
Always a NYer
I feel the same way. While I appreciate my company being very casual in nature and dress code I wish I could wear a sharp-looking suit without every saying, “What are you so dressed up for today?”
Btw, I’m wearing a burgundy pencil skirt, black 3/4 sleeve silk/cotton blend tee, and nude-for-me heels with pearl stud earrings and a simple gold chain with a globe charm.
Lawra
Business casual here, I am way more dressed up than everyone else.
Target pencil skirt in black, Ann Taylor shell in marine blue, Ann Taylor half-sleeve cardigan in greige, and round/almond toe nude-for-me pumps, pearl earrings
Anonymous
Not quite business formal, but not quite business casual-
Grey sheath dress from Target ($20 & machine washable!), 3/4 sleeve cardigan, and flats.
shrink
white/black floral with big yellow flowers here and there … cotton dress. Black pumps and pearls. Purple PURE sweater on top. Yeah, I set my own dress code and today’s appointments are trendy, young, happy folks so the lack of a formal “suit” or mixed “suit separates” is AOK!
Mostly, solid or patterned skirts w/contrasting tops and jackets or belted cardi. Pumps, often with bows, and high heel height.
Jas
While in the office: beige and burgandy patterned pencil skirt, short-sleeved green-grey sweater, tan canvas boots
Site inspection this afternoon: jeans, t-shirt, steel-toed boots, high-vis vest and a hardhat ;)
My office is so far into casual “business casual” is but a dream. My site clothes are dictated by safety regulations/large amounts of mud.
LawyrChk
BR wool bootcut trousers, Ann Taylor striped button down, purple pumps, grey accessories. More business-side of business casual.
anon-oh-no
white/light cream slacks, steel blue silky tee, navy boden cardi, nude for me pumps
anon-oh-no
we are business casual, but lots of people wear suits. In the summer I like to go more casual and fun unless i have court.
Emily I
Medium brown cotton suit, navy shell with small ribbon embellishment on the neckline, brown heels with silver buckle detail, funky but small silver earrings I got at an art fair.
No formal “dress code,” but men generally wear suit pants and ties, but only put on jackets for client meetings or court. I wear separates and dresses with cardigans a lot, which seems to be fine.
Lana Lang
Business casual – black a-line skirt, citrus yellow blouse (both from the high street stores in the UK) black Steve Madden shoe-boots.
Bunkster
Business casual office. Gray drapey cowlneck jersey dress with cap sleeves and red patent 2″ sandals.
R in Boston
I like these threads because my outfits drastically improve for the few days after due to excellent inspiration. (thanks!)
Today I’m in brown pinstriped slacks, bronze button-back silk tee, purple peep toe flats, gold necklace with an amethyst pendant. We’re on the business side of business-casual, but I have a meeting-less day.
jcb
Totally. I already know what I’m going to wear tomorrow, now.
Diana Barry
Wow, everyone really does wear heels at work!
Ruby Lou
Not me – I’m wearing taupe pants, a white knit shell, and a chocolate brown blazer with my tan sandals, because I’m not going anywhere today. If I were heading to court or had a meeting, I’d have on my brown suede flats.
Anonymous
Cropped jeans, white blouse, cork wedges. Very casual govt law office.
anon-oh-no
yep!
Sydney Bristow
I only wear heels for meetings or interviews. Otherwise, its all flats for me!
Lyssa
I’m having fun picturing everyone with the faces that I’ve made up for them. My firm is pretty casual and laid back, but I usually wear a suit because it’s easier (and most of my nice bottoms are suit bottoms).
I had court today, though, and I got the impression that my client was older and fairly conservative, so I’m in a black pinstriped skirt suit, dark purple silk button-down (short sleeved), and black closed-toe pumps. And HOSE! I know, right, in August. Also pearls in my necklace and ears, and a french clip held up with a clip. Super conservative today, but so it goes.
Sandy
Black Ann Taylor pants, black undershirt with 3/4 length sleeve off-white (almost see through) blouse on top (which I got from F21 about 3 years ago right after law school, no idea how it’s still holding up), black heeled sandals and a chunky green beaded necklace I got in Africa.
Today is the first day in weeks I don’t have Court/deposition/client meetings so I took full advantage of not having to wear a suit. Though the AC is freezing me out so I’ve been wrapped in my Target burnt orange wrap for most of the day.
Lyssa
I have a number of tops like that, super-cheap and shouldn’t last nearly as long as they have but yet do. My favorite example: A green 3/4 sleeve boatnecked slightly stretchy top from Gadzooks (yes, Gadzooks) that I got while I was in high school (class of 1998), and can’t possibly have spent more than $10 on, that still looks, as far as I can tell, perfectly nice, fits well, is not stretched out, and flatters. I don’t usually wear it to work, but I’ve worn it under suit jackets and felt perfectly put together. If I could find it again (is Gadzooks still in business?), I’d buy 50 more in various colors.
ANON
Forever21 purchased Gadzooks out of bankruptcy back in 2005/2006 and I’m fairly confident its not just Forever21
Lyssa
No kidding. I had no idea that they were related. We never had F21 in my area, though.
K
I’m a business casual office…I usually tend to err more on the “business” side but today I’m feel like I’m definitely leaning more towards “casual”:
White & gray lace print LOFT tee (the more casual part, I normally wear something more blouse-y but I decided to branch out today) tucked in to an Ann Taylor black pencil skirt and belted with a black skinny patent leather belt. Black Prada platform peep toes (birthday gift from my dad) & a silver tennis bracelet.
Anon
Dark blue jeans, blue short sleeve shirt with ruffles on the buttons, black flats. We are very casual unless we have to appear in court. Then I step it up to a skirt suit, heels and pantyhose!
Party Animals
I am wearing The Skirt in a fun color, a belted print silk top, and patent heels. I work in a business casual office and would say that my clothes tend to be a little fancier than average.
Bonnie
Fun. Burgundy pencil skirt, black loose silk top, black patent Cole Haan flats, a black patent belt, and the black cashmere sweater jacket I keep in my office to combat the arctic temperature.
Fun
Black jersey Lafayette 148 sleeveless wrap top (purchased at local, very fancy consignment shop).
Black Brooks Brothers wool skirt (purchased at more than half off).
Black Maidenform panties/bra (purchased in bulk from the maidenform website).
Black Hanes Silk Reflections pantyhose (purchased from the hanes outlet website).
Black Varda pumps (purchased full price from Varda on the upper east side but worth every penny because they are so comfortable).
Green jade button earrings (purchased for a very reasonable price in SF Chinatown).
Green jade bangle (purchased in China).
No clients or court today.
Kady
Linen striped skirt from Talbots, maroon shell, white cardi, beige giraffe scarf, and BB brown heels. Biz casual here.
P
I’m living it up because it’s RECESS! (holla DC corporettes!) ATLoft cotton faux wrap dress in a camo green color, navy and white striped jcrew jersey blazer, pewter flats. Looking forward to a whole August of casual!
SAlit-a-gator
I’m in a bussiness casual law office and I’m wearing a grey, pink and teal sheath dress; light brown cardigan, nude-for-me 2.5 in pumps; and pearl and pink quartz necklace made by moi.
Anon
Beige turtleneck short-sleeved top, brown linen pants, taupe peep-toe kitten heels, brown wooden necklace (opera-length). Business casual.
Nonny
My small firm is generally business casual, but my boss and I just had a Serious Meeting with some clients, so today I am wearing “real lawyer” gear:
– black Elie Tahari shift dress
– grey, fitted, 3/4 sleeve blazer from Femme de Carriere
– black pumps from Sofft
– my power pearls – 3 strands of multicoloured pearls purchased from a Paris market and worn as a choker.
The meeting went well despite telling the clients things they did not want to hear.
jcb
Fun! I want augerbine trousers!
I am boring today. Short-sleeved sky-blue scoop-neck sweater (BR), medium grey pants with a light grey pinstripe (BR) and nude patent heels (Loubis). Black pearl stud earrings. Boooring!
jcb
er. * aubergine.
K
Black Talbots T with tuxedo-like pleating on the front (Clearance! $12!)
Pumice Talbots pants.
Black Talbots slides.
My mother’s bracelet that matches my toes…
I am staff counsel in a biz casual company and the only female attorney in the office. (Yes, I am a walking billboard. Can I help it if it fits? :) )
Boring
Black Banana Republic pant suit and a Banana powder pink button down with black shiny pumps – wides from Zappos :)
kellyn
Target black pencil skirt, at outlet b+w zebra-ish print short sleeve cardigan, yellow belt over cardigan, yellow skimmers, gold circle pendant necklace. I feel like a very sassy Joan Holloway bee.
kellyn
That should be ann taylor, not “at.” Also, slightly higher than biz casual state gov’t atty in HR.
Anon for this
Help?
I received some negative feedback today by email (which was, unfortunately, deserved). I’d like to respond positively and let my supervisor know that I know there was a problem and I’ll do everything I can not to make a similar mistake in the future. However, everything I type sounds hollow to my inner ear.
Here’s all I’ve been able to come up with:
“Thank you for letting me know. This is something that should never have slipped through. I will keep your admonition in mind, and be more careful going forward.”
Would any of you wonderful, eloquent ladies want to help put some polish on it?
anon
Thank you for this feedback, I appreciate it and apologize for any problems this has caused. This is definitely something that should never have occurred. I will definitely keep this in mind going forward and make sure that it does not happen again.
eaopm3
This.
MsZ
I like anon’s because it indicates more ownership of the problem on your part, an apology, and gratitude that you at least got the feedback instead of being dinged out of nowhere at a performance review.
Annie
I like anon’s suggestion, but I would drop the definitelies. Adverbs are over used and frequently lessen what you’re trying to say.
My suggestion:
I value and respect your feedback. I recognize this should not have occurred and will work to ensure this does not happen again. Insert sentence explaining how you will make sure this doesn’t happen again (ie paralegal will proof everything or you will set the document aside after you are sure it is complete but come back and do one last run though an hour later with fresh eyes or you will make a separate list of all documents that need to be executed and double check to make sure they were properly executed, etc…). Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention and please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you in remedying this matter.
and so anon
I like this version, although I would add back: “I apologize for any inconvenience this caused.”
original commenter
Thanks for all the help everyone. I feel much more confident about the language in my reply email now. I knew you ladies would have the perfect wording for me.
Anonnc
I like your wording. Maybe substitute “feedback” for “admonition.”
and so anon
You’re so lucky to be able to get some suggestions. I can imagine how hard it is to write an email like this. Good for you, and good luck.
Anonymous
I like that you are responding to your boss. I think a bit ore ownership of the mistake, while still focusing on the positive in the future vs. the negative in the past, would be helpful. I don’t love the word choice ‘admonish’– sounds juvenile, like they caught you vs. you made a mistake. Hang in there, everyone makes mistakes and you are making it better.
anon
Thank you for this feedback, I appreciate it and apologize for any problems this has caused. This is definitely something that should never have occurred. I will definitely keep this in mind going forward and make sure that it does not happen again.
Anonymous
Not to be a punctuation snark, but just in case she copies you verbatim I have to mention that you have a comma splice in the first sentence. It should be a semicolon or a period and new sentence.
LawyrChk
Coupon code AF31 for free shipping and 10% off. Score!!!
Bonnie
Coupon code AF31 for free shipping and 10% off. Score!!!
LoveCoupons
Done! Thank you!
Ladybug
Thanks so much! I just bought the Notch Neck Shift in Sailor Terrazzo for a wedding I have coming up. I think it can double as a work dress w/ a khaki blazer. On sale for $50! This is my first Boden purchase. I’m very excited.
jcb
I used it too! Trying out the ‘chic wool dress’, looks like it could be good for work. Thanks!
EA
Wow! They have some really cute maternity stuff too. Some of their knee-length maternity dresses look like they would be very comfortable and versatile.
Party Animals
Does anyone else work in an office that is really zealous about parties/forced fun during the workday? We have parties and are now asked to donate some money for decor ($4ish) and someone will be coming around to talk to us individually about what dish to bring. Usually with the latter, if you aren’t the first asked, you get stuck with a more involved/expensive dish based on whatever the theme is. I really loathe these parties and am to the point where I don’t want to participate at all. In theory, they are voluntary, but in practice they really aren’t. This time, I will have a big project due right after the party, so I think I can skip based on workload, but it’s hard to skip every time.
Party Animals
ETA- the are quite a lot of attendees at this parties, so you do have to contribute a fairly large dish to make sure there is enough to go around.
SF Bay Associate
I’ve never encountered this, but it sounds like a total PITA.
Makeup Junkie
I had a job like that after college but before law school. It was a terrible fit anyway, and my excuses ranged from
“I’m totally broke this week and can’t contribute”
“sorry I have a cold and couldn’t possibly prepare food for 10 people without infecting them all” and
“can you please approve overtime for me for the weekend since I will be unable to get my work done because of this party” ran thin after a while.
I lasted about a year at that job. It was absolutely miserable. You have my every sympathy.
Oneanon
Do you work at “The Office”? Yikes.
somewhere(less)cold
That sounds way too elaborate, sorry that’s the tone of work parties for you. When we have parties, participation is truly not mandatory, there’s no decoration contribution, and we just sign up for what we want to bring. When we had a larger holiday party, one person kept track of all the food, so she could make sure we weren’t overloaded with desserts or meatballs or something.
Also, as for the amount–with a potluck, you generally don’t need to bring enough to serve everyone there a full portion, just to serve everyone a taste or small serving, or at least that’s how I’ve done potlucks.
Non
So…you have to pay to go to a party you don’t want to go to that infers with work….
How rude!
anon
Thanks, Michelle Tanner.
Emma
Stephanie Tanner! ;)
SarahJ
You got it, dude.
Jas
Only our Christmas party is like that. It’s a multi-day event that we’re pretty much required to attend.
EA
These mandatory-party employers officially have no right to gripe about employees wasting time at work. I want to come to work and WORK. I don’t come here to schmooze with other employees or have parties. I didn’t get a law degree to spend my evenings in the kitchen preparing for “work parties” that are really more command happy-hours with the people I’m supposed to be working with and haven’t had any choice in including in my social circle. Because if I had a choice, I can guarantee you I wouldn’t have chosen several of my past co-workers! :)
What a bunch of crap. You have my sympathy.
Emma
Multi-day?! Wow. What does that entail? That takes the cake.
Jas
We’re a small office, so we rent a ski chalet for employees and their families. We go up friday afternoon, spend the night, and then ski the next day. Luckily, once the skiing starts everyone splits up and I can sneak away home.
Ladybug
OMG that would be my heaven. I freaking love to ski.
Mmm, bagels.
The whole office only does this once during the holidays, and bringing something is optional (as is attending). There are also a number happy hours and some catered events, but anything where the company is not picking up the check will be optional. My small department goes out for a group lunch about once a month, for birthdays or to welcome new staff; it can get expensive because we treat the guest(s) of honor but since everyone is the guest of honor at lease once a year, it’s no big deal. I’d be resentful if I had to put up with what you describe.
Party Animals
We seem to have something every 6-8 weeks, and they are usually all elaborate productions with $50+ worth of decor and hours of planning/cleanup. It’s expected you’ll get enough food for the entire group since no two items brought can be the same, so it ends up costing around $10/pp out of pocket to attend each of these “voluntary” parties.
Our holiday parties are multi-day as well. We usually have one companywide and one for the department only, and people spend DAYS preparing for those.
karenpadi
If you don’t mind being passive-aggressive, bring along whatever cheap grocery store (not Whole Foods) deli dish that satisfies your “assignment”. Then talk about the Thanksgiving where you had a “wonderful” pre-made dinner bought from that grocery store.
I did this in Law School (when I was broke) for barely-paid internship when I realized that the cost of the groceries to make a “proper” dish was not in my budget but the deli was cheaper. Funny, I was never asked to bring anything (besides a bottle of 7-up) ever again.
We had another guy who brought in the most awful “vegan-coconut-gluten-free” lumps that were supposed to be cookies. I’m not putting down vegans, coconut-lovers, or gluten-sensitive people because they really were awful. He was always assigned to the “decorations” committee after that.
Louise
I was asked not to help with cake cutting duties at office birthday parties after I licked frosting off my fingers between slices. I was completely oblivious of this (admittedly unsanitary) habit, a bit embarrassed, and thrilled to never be asked again.
I hated office command performance parties, and am so glad I don’t work in that environment anymore.
mamabear
I think I’m just chiming in to commiserate. The assistants in the neighboring department to mine include us in their potlucks. AND they expect the women to cook something and the men to just contribute money. I’m the most senior person in the entire group and there is still this expectation that I will cook. I don’t like to be anti-social so I bring something (I actually do like to cook) but the bias thing drives me nuts. I have been fortunate enough to have legit excuses for not attending the last couple of times.
Vanessa@Luxuria
Being a Brit I HAVE to wave the flag for Boden. I absolutely LOVE their pieces :-)
Bunkster
Oh dear god. I need out of this job. My boss in unbelievable. That is all.
Anonymous
Yes, you do!!
Amen
I hear you. I’m right there with you.
Diana Barry
Good luck with those other applications!
If you want to vent your bad boss stories, vent away!
Bunkster
This morning he sent out a message about some work that will have to be done on the weekend of the 21st. When I reminded him that I’m unavailable that weekend and had told him so weeks ago, his response was a p!ssy “Well, so much for my vacation…”
No, boss, your response should be “Oops. I’m sorry I forgot about that.” Especially since I’m the only one from our team working next week. When that happened last month, it was a horror show. His boss told him that that should never happen again.
Then about an hour ago, he sent out a message about how this problem would go away since Bunkster is working on the project. I responded that I thought everyone was working on the project. He then pulled me into a meeting to discuss my work priorities. One of the things he said is that I can’t ask my team members for help when I’m busy or unavailable.
CW
I can’t remember all of the details of your horrible boss stories (but I do remember that they’re horrible!), but is there any way you can talk to HR?
Bonnie
Your boss sounds like an idiot. Good luck with your job search.
Forgot which Moniker I used last
I remember you saying you are in Boston. I’m in NH and ready to drive down and buy you a drink. We still need to do a Boston or New England meet up.
I’m a regular poster but often share tmi so I change my moniker constantly.
Ses
I’m in Boston as well. I would totally be up for a meetup / buy Bunkster a drink… Just don’t have it for the next two weeks while I’m out of the country! (por favor.)
Bunkster
Excellent. I’d love a Boston meet-up. I think we can wait a couple of weeks for Ses.
Maybe I’ll have good news by then.
Herbie
Bunkster, seriously, write all this stuff down. I see a chicklit novel in your future.
EmpLawyer
Oh, am I right there with you!
anon 2L
Hello everyone! I have an interview next week for a summer associate position at the same firm I interned at this summer (I just stopped working there a few weeks ago). I am absolutely in love with this firm and would love to get a position for next summer, and hopefully a permanent one after that. How do I convey this in the interview without sounding desperate? I feel like I have a good shot because they already know me, have some memos from me, and I seemed to be a good fit this summer. I haven’t had a lot of interview experience, and I don’t want to mess this up. Any advice? Thanks so much!
beccavt
I am in EXACTLY this same situation. My interview is in a week and a half. The good news is that after getting work in, several hiring partners asked me if I was interviewing and said that they hoped I would. :) So… can’t be a bad sign, right?
My question is, when I left a month or so ago (I split my summer into two internships) a lot of them said that I should email them if I had any questions about anything, etc. Should I send emails to keep in touch to make sure they remember me well? Or at this point, would that just seem like obvious schmoozing for this interview?
Mmm, bagels.
I think it’s ok to email once or twice with attorneys you were particularly close too and wouldn’t be bothering (I trust that you can discern the difference between people who said that just to be nice and people who meant it). I wouldn’t send an email for no reason, but rather only if you have a specific question or request. And make absolutely sure to avoid the impression that you are trying to get insider advice about the interview – if your only questions would be interview-related, then don’t email.
Cat
Out of curiosity, how did you set up the interview – is this just normal OCI, or was the interview arranged knowing your circumstances? Just struck me as odd that you would need to go through the whole interview process again.
Anyway, my recommendation for the interview is to emphasize what you appreciated about your summer and how you plan to use that experience to in turn bring more value/enthusiasm in the future-
– Focused you on desired area of practice (if appropriate – e.g., your desired group is large/busy, vs. a smaller group with more variable hiring needs) – this could also lead to a description of the type of work you handled
– In line with above point, your planned courseload for the next year to help give you more substantive knowledge in the area
– Relationships you are glad to have made and people whose feedback you appreciated (tying into “good fit” aspect)
– Willingness to come back for entire summer (most people I know who summered at a firm their 1L year split their 2L summer, ending a few weeks early at 2L Firm to go back to 1L Firm for a few weeks and ideally get an offer from both)
– I know you probably only said it here to emphasize your eagerness, but avoid saying things like you “loved” your summer in the interview — it reminds me how easy the summers have it!
Good luck!
beccavt
not the original poster, but my situation was that for the first summer, I just had a matched unpaid internship through my school (I didn’t even have grades when it was set up). For regular summer associates, my firm only takes 2Ls, so now they are going through their regular OCI for summer associates. As a favor to my law school they take one unpaid intern every summer.
Mmm, bagels.
Just say it. Say you loved working at the firm as an intern and think it would be an ideal place to work as an attorney. Back that up with specific reasons you loved it. When I interview people I want to hear that they like my company and would be committed to it if they are hired. That’s an absolutely great thing for an interviewer to hear. It doesn’t sound desperate if it’s true – what’s desperate is when an interviewee says “I love your company because I’ve always wanted to work in Field X” and your company works in Field Y. Yes, that’s happened more than once.
Other advice – I have interviewed a couple of former interns who did not get the job. The main problem was that they acted like they were shoo-ins, and didn’t prepare properly for the interviews. Go into the interview with humility and realize that you need to sell yourself like any other interviewee.
Cat
In case the “loved it” response was directed at me – I didn’t mean that the OP shouldn’t express enthusiasm and admit to being genuinely committed to the firm. Just to watch being giddy sounding – in response to asking the OP how she enjoyed her summer associateship, I would be much more impressed by “I really appreciated it – my summer experience convinced me that Firm X is the perfect fit for me because of items A, B and C” than a “Oh, yes, I really loved my summer experience! Everyone was so supportive and I really liked the work” type of response.
somewhere(less)cold
I don’t think it’s that hard to separate enthusiasm from desperation. Be confident in your reasons for wanting to return to the firm. Talk about concrete things that you liked about working at the firm. Talk about how your 1L summer helped you realize that the firm would be a great place for you to continue because of x, y, and z. Good luck!
Boston apts
Hey all, I wrote a few weeks ago about relocating to Boston. We’ve been searching in Boston for a week now and I’m disheartened by the offerings and obscenely expensive prices. We are a fairly picky couple and know exactly what we want, and the places that look the nicest are super pricey ($4000 plus for a 2 bedroom, sigh).
Right now we are looking at the Devonshire in the fin. district and the West End Asteria. I will be working in the fin. district and hubby will be in Cambridge. If anyone can recommend other apt buildings in Boston (not Cambridge) that have 2 bedrooms, please advise. We have looked at a ton of brownstones, and have basically given up on those for a variety of reasons (often no laundry in unit or even in building, walk ups, no central air, too small, closed off kitchen, etc.).
Thanks!
L
I lived at Garrison Square for a while, and it is very nice:
http://www.garrisonsquare.com/garrisonsquare.asp
Not super convenient to Cambridge, but it has PARKING if your husband’s job has a parking spot.
Boston apts
Nothing available there sadly. Thanks!
R in Boston
Out of curiosity, why not Cambridge? You’ll see a price drop, nicer neighborhoods (the financial district is a terrible place to actually live – it’s really for people who only care about being steps from their office door), and it’s really not very far at all by public transit.
My only other idea in that immediate area is Fort Point, where they’ve been building some swank new apartment towers, but I don’t have a feel for the prices. You could also try to get away from large buildings; usually people who own just a couple properties have better prices than the big rental companies.
Ruby Lou
Agreed. Move to Cambridge and take the Red Line to work. Cambridge is pricey too, but it’s better than Boston.
anon
Cambridge is beautiful! Sorry, I’m biased.
Boston apts
Thanks for the feedback so far. My husband and I are both big city people and have always lived right in the heart of the city. Cambridge seems more like a place for students — we are in temporary housing in a “luxury condo building” in Cambridge right now and are not crazy about our surroundings.
The two places we are looking at are about a 5-10 minute walk to the North End and Beacon Hill, and a short T ride to Back Bay. So even though living in the fin. area may not be ideal, it’s so close to everything which we like. We like to go out a lot, eat out in nice restaurants, and Cambridge just seems to be farther away from all of that. I definitely appreciate the feedback though, keep it coming.
R in Boston
Most of the going out is spread between Boston and Cambridge, so I think you’re fine for nice restaurants either way. The reality with Boston is that if you want to live in the city purely for the sake of living in the city, you’ll have to shell out serious money. Cambridge has student areas and non-student areas, so I’d do a bit more research before ruling it out entirely.
If living downtown is your priority, though, and you’re planning to stay a reasonable length of time, make the investment to actually be in Back Bay/Beacon Hill/North End/neighborhood of your choice. I don’t think the financial district will actually have the feeling you’re looking for (especially on the weekends) and it will cost you almost as much.
Kady
This.
This.
For sure, THIS.
Boston apts
This is excellent advice, and I completely agree with you. The problem is that it is seemingly impossible to find a place in the North End/Beacon Hill/Back Bay that suits our needs. I am really surprised at the number of places we have seen with no central air, no laundry, closed off kitchen, etc. I will continue to look but I feel that at this point there is so little inventory left for a 9/1 move in date that we may need to just live in a big box apt building for 1 year and then reassess next year.
Ruby Lou
Welcome to Boston! Unfortunately, the housing stock here (particularly in the areas you’re looking in) leaves a bit to be desired if you’re looking for a lot of high-end amenities. This is an old city with old buildings, and it shows.
That said, I adore it.
GovtMom (former Boston girl)
No a/c == describes much of Boston. I was shocked to move to DC and find central air to be standard. You might be better off living in temp housing for a while then looking next year, when you’ve got a better feel for the city. Also, keep in mind that much of Boston is on the 9/1 move-in cycle so finding a place “off-cycle” may be a bit of a challenge.
kz
I have never been to Boston, but I live in NYC, and I imagine the no central air is just a function of old buildings in a city where it’s really only hot a few months out of the year. New York is like that. I’m in a relatively new building (built in the last decade) and it doesn’t have central air. Though I had to explain to my friend from Minnesota why what I have didn’t qualify as central air. And that’s when I realized growing up in the south was very different from growing up in states that get multiple feet of snow in the winter.
Former Cantabridgean
I graduated from Harvard a long time ago. I love Cambridge, even more than Harvard. I had a friend, also a Harvard alum, who worked for an economic consulting firm in Cambridge a stone’s throw from Harvard Square. He found an apartment that, oddly enough, was next to one of the River Houses. Eventually, he moved.
If I had a job in Cambridge, the only issue would be whether I could find an affordable apartment. Cambridge (at least certain parts) is so beautiful and there’s so much to do, especially if you’re looking for a place that’s not a big city. I’m from New York, and Boston, while interesting, always seemed parochial. The presence of Harvard and M.I.T., in addition to many other institutions, make Cambridge far more interesting in my book.
Former Cantabridgean
Admittedly, I never lived in Cambridge after graduating, but I never had the impression that it was a “college town.” I was always aware that there were a lot of very sophisticated people who simply liked the Cambridge lifestyle. They didn’t necessarily have any contact with the universities. Occasionally, I’d run across them in the “grownup” restaurants.
Just saw that one of my favorite small restaurants, Iruña, has closed. How sad.
Can't resist
So, where did you go to college?
Former Cantabrigian
Whoops! Have been misspelling the adjective for a Cambridge resident. I never had reason to describe myself that way.
This.
Thiis!
anon 2.0
Where in Cambridge are you? I’d consider Porter Square if I were you. Or even Back Bay
anon
Your temp housing may be near the rives, Memorial Drive, am I right? That’s East Cambridge, not a great area. You want to be in West Cambridge, near Harvard Square – that’s the nice area, and Harvard Square is really nice. Sure, it’s no city – but it’s very pleasant and not a dead zone.
For even cheaper, Davis Square is OK.
With Boston, we had no luck finding anything remotely affordable that wasn’t a total dump. But you have a higher budget than we did, so you might find something after all.
Boston apts
Can any of you comment on how crucial it is to have central air? I’m coming from DC, where not having central air would be unbearable. I can’t imagine it would be as bad in Boston, but please let me know.
Former Cantabridgean
I think it depends on how sensitive you are to heat in the summer. I generally turn on the a/c only when it’s sweltering, as it has been for long stretches this summer. The rest of the time I’m happy with fans or just having the windows open. I recall that Boston/Cambridge was fairly cool most of the time. I would check out the window situation; cross-ventilation can make all the difference.
L
It’s not really. You want to have it in the summer for the 2 weeks when it’s really hot.
I lived in a 2BR without central air – we had a window unit in our bedroom and another in the living room, and it was totally fine. I wouldn’t do without the window units, though.
Former Cantabrigian
Whenever I’ve received summer reunion materials, alums are always reminded that if they stay in the dorms, extra blankets may be needed because it can get very chilly.
Former Bostonian
I was fine w/o central air in Boston. I had a window unit in my bedroom that I would use if it got unbearable, but I turned it on for a total of two weeks or less per year. I’m always cold, so YMMV. (I live in SoCal now, about 10 miles inland, and I’ve never felt the need to use my A/C.) Also, I worked crazy hours when I lived in Boston so it was rare for me to be home and awake for more than an hour a day.
I think it’s more important to live in a building that pays for your heat or is well insulated. I moved to Boston from Virginia and was floored by how much it cost to keep my apartment at a balmy 65 degrees in the winter.
Another Sarah
Boston doesn’t get the please-kill-me-now-before-I-have-to-go-outside humidity like DC does, so I personally don’t think it’s crucial. Just open windows and make a cross-breeze and you’re good to go. I’ve lived in apartments in Boston in the summer with no A/C, and it’s fine; you just shut the blinds on the afternoon-sun-side and it’s fine. But I don’t mind the heat, and I don’t have allergies such that the air needs to be filtered constantly.
Hairdrying?
It might also depend on whether you use a blowdryer every morning to get ready for work.
Bunkster
I’m in Quincy and have central air, but I really don’t use it that much. In July and August, I put it on when I get home, but I generally turn it off after a few hours. And, really, I only put it on because I do a wii workout everyday.
Anonnc
I was actually going to chime in on your original post that you should not make central air a factor for eliminating an apartment. Boston stays hot at night maybe 5 nights a year max. My husband and I made it 3 years without any a/c of any kind (we had central air that was broken so no window unit) on the 5th floor of a brick building in the North End. If you’re used to DC, you’ll be absolutely fine with a window unit or fans.
anon
Agreed. Lived in the area for 5 years, never had any kind of AC. But I’m a fan of warm weather.
Boston apts
Thank you all for the very helpful feedback! It’s much appreciated. My husband has bad allergies, so central air might actually be necessary for us even if the heat isn’t bad. And in terms of where we are staying in Cambridge – Kendall Square area.
Fiona
Apartment hunting in Boston is so frustrating and it’s definitely hard to find renovated places with in-unit laundry and a nice updated kitchen. The one “deal-breaker” on your list that you may want to reconsider is central A/C. If you’re moving in September, there will probably only be about two more weeks max where you’d need central A/C, and the heat won’t be back until mid-June.
For big apartment buildings, one of my friends lives in the Archstone in the Theater District and it’s very nice and right in the heart of everything. You might also want to look in the “SOWA” area which is just south of the South End with a number of new luxury buildings, but still walking distance to everything in the South End.
Ses
I second the SOWA area recommendation. Such good food in that area. Oh, the food. I’ll add that I liked the Longfellow Place apartments in Boston- very convenient and beautiful views from two tall towers. That was about 10 years ago and I’m not sure if they’re still as nice, but I imagine they’re in your price range.
Ruby Lou
They’re still pretty nice (had a friend who lived there recently) but I can’t remember if they have in-unit laundry or not.
Anonymous
If you end up going with Devonshire, I would try to negotiate. I have a friend who lived there and was able to get pretty good amount knocked off her rent by negotiating before signing.
Boston apts
Hmmmm, good to know!! Thanks!
beantownbound?
thank you so much for asking about Boston apts!! I think there was a thread about finding housing in Boston at some point but I cannot find it!
I might be moving there, my ofc would be close to south station and I really wanted to be able to WALK to work. I am guessing that is totally impractical :(
Mmm, bagels.
Why must they line a nice, breezy silk dress in polyester? It’s a pretty dress, but the poly lining makes it impractical for summer. Grr.
Oops!
I was just about to send an email to a very senior colleague about something relating to “Corporate Counsel.” Thank goodness I proofread the subject line before hitting send and noticed I had typed “CorporETTE Counsel” instead!
Westsidebee
Haha, that’s awesome! Glad you caught it.