ByKat Hours Updated
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Tuesday’s TPS Report: ‘Staccato’ Ribbed Cardigan

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Classiques Entier® 'Staccato' Ribbed Cardigan

I know the peplum trend is getting a little tired — but I think this is a gorgeous wool/cashmere cardigan.

I like the low buttons, and the almost slouchy feel to it — so many of the peplum tops look as if you either a) have to have a perfect bikini body or b) be Spanx'ed within an inch of your life to wear them.

This cardigan seems like a much more relaxed nod to the trend (and I, of course, love the purple). One thing I don't love: the cowl neck tee it's styled with here. Maybe it's me, but I almost never like a cowl neck underneath a jacket or cardigan — it always just looks fussy and weird. Thoughts?

The cardigan sweater is $178, available in both purple and black, at Nordstrom. Classiques Entier® ‘Staccato' Ribbed Cardigan

Peplum is making a comeback! As of 2024, we like these peplum cardigans from Talbots and Amazon seller Grace Karin. Also check out The Fold!

Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.
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Sales of note for 1/16/25:

  • M.M.LaFleur – Tag sale for a limited time — jardigans and dresses $200, pants $150, tops $95, T-shirts $50
  • Nordstrom – Cashmere on sale; AllSaints, Free People, Nike, Tory Burch, and Vince up to 60%; beauty deals up to 25% off
  • AllSaints – Clearance event, now up to 70% off (some of the best leather jackets!)
  • Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase; extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Boden – 15% off new styles with code — readers love this blazer, these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
  • DeMellier – Final reductions now on, free shipping and returns — includes select options like Montreal, Vancouver, and Venice
  • Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; extra 50% off all clearance, plus ELOQUII X kate spade new york collab just dropped
  • Everlane – Sale of the year, up to 70% off; new markdowns just added
  • J.Crew – Up to 40% off select styles; up to 50% off cashmere
  • J.Crew Factory – 40-70% off everything
  • L.K. Bennett – Archive sale, almost everything 70% off
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Sephora – 50% off top skincare through 1/17
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Summersalt – BOGO sweaters, including this reader-favorite sweater blazer; 50% off winter sale; extra 15% off clearance
  • Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale – 50% off + extra 20% off, sale on sale, plus free shipping on $150+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

243 Comments

  1. Anyone in NYC have a suggestion on where to get nice leather purses cleaned? I have a tan Kate Spade that has some black smudges on it.

    1. You can take it to ArtBag but it will be very expensive ($150 and up).
      Or find a good, trusted cobler. If the Upper East Side works for you, I can recommend someone.

      1. AIMS can you provide the UES rec as i have a mustard botkier bag with black stains I’d love to get cleaned.

        1. Sure! 353 East 77 Street btwn 1st and 2nd avenue. I think it’s called A Plus Shoe Repair, 212 570 1880. The guy who owns it (middle aged, I think his name is Alex) is great. I haven’t done anything complicated but for cleaning and basics, he’s very reliable. If you have any shoes that need fixing, he’s great with that, too. But do not use the jewelry repair/watch guy that’s in the store – he just rents that space from Alex and is not good.

          1. I know this guy! He is near me! Yay! I was so busy b/c the manageing partner has me calling new cleint’s he has brought on to invite them to the firm Holiday party. Because we have cleint’s of all faith’s and religion’s, we are NOT calleing it a Christmas or Hanuaka or Kwanza party, but simpley a HOLIDAY party! Yay!

            The firm is renteing out space at a swanky restraunt in mid – December and we are haveing drink’s and a SIT DOWN dinner. The manageing partner did NOT want to do this (to expensive) but I told him that it was hard to eat standeing up and getting served hot dogs on a stick and suschi, b/c it would be ALL OVER the place after a few drink’s.

            So I convenced him to have a dinner; and we are getting a choice of grilled tuna, roasted chicken, or filet mingion. Personaly I love the filet, but because of my tuchus, I am going with the roasted chicken. I do NOT trust the tuna. FOOEY! b/c the place does NOT get that much business for the restarurant, instead it gets alot of hotel business, but peeople eat somewhere else. YAY!

            I even am goieing to bring my dad, b/c the manageing partner want’s to meet him. My dad has alot of good ideas for the firm if I become the manageing partner, so the manageing partner want’s to see who I am geting all these smart idea’s from! Yay!

  2. I really like this sweater, but I’d wear it with a plain t-shirt or a turtleneck.

    I agree with you, Kat, that a cowl neck under a cardigan looks fussy. I can never get it to lay right. In this picture, it just looks like there’s waaaaay too much going on with the model’s outfit.

      1. Agree with both of you. I think a cardigan is just too “thin” to compete with a busy layer underneath. A blazer on the other hand, might work in some cases.

      1. I do this too when I want to wear a cowl neck with a cardigan. Then my arms still stay warm and I have the extra layer for polish, but the neckline of the cardi doesn’t interfere with the neckline of my top.

  3. I love the color, I don’t love the slouchiness. I think it kind of defeats the purpose of the peplum. Also, I think it ends at an unflattering point for the model.

    Procrastination threadjack: my self-review, which had originally been due at 5:30pm yesterday, is now due today at 5:30pm. My feelings about the reprieve: mixed.

    When I found out late in the afternoon yesterday that the 5:30pm deadline would be relaxed, I admit that my motivation to finish it also relaxed and evaporated.

    I just dread writing these self-reviews so darn much that when my boss asked me when he could see my draft, I showed him a New Yorker cartoon where one person says to the other, “How about never? Does never work for you?”

    1. How lengthy is your self review? I happen to dread writing reviews for others far more than I dread writing them for myself.

      1. It is an online form, that works out to roughly 3 pages of a Word Document.

        I know, I’m being pathetic. I’ve written much longer pieces with less angst and foot-dragging. It’s just that I have a mental block (and writer’s block) when it comes to self-reviews.

          1. Thanks. :-)

            My boss just came by to tell me that there’s another form I need to fill out, that is actually a word doc. It’s somewhat duplicative/redundant, but it is part of the process. This form is only about 1.5pages long.

            Now, having 4.5 pages of self-review to do, I feel slightly less pathetic, slightly more put-upon. A net improvement in my amour-propre quotient.

        2. I hate them too. Ask A Manager did an article in the last week about them which I have bookmarked but not actually read.

        3. Ok, that’s a lot. Mine is far less intense–maybe that’s why I dread it so much less. There are always open ended text boxes on mine, but I put in a couple quick sentences and call it a day. Has never been a problem before (then again–all my previous supervisors have been short and to the point as well!)

          1. Lucky you. :-)

            The problem is that my peers are novelists, regular Leo Tolstoys. So if I just put a few bullets, I’ll look like I don’t care (hmmm….) My peers have set thee standard, and what they do has been, in past years, held up as a “best practice.”

            I want to JSFAMO, but can’t move on until I complete these forms!

          2. When I’m faced with a heinous task like this, I just give myself permission to do a half-assed job, and then go back and fix it later if necessary. Anything to get moving, you know? Then once I’m in motion my nautral awesomeness kicks in and the actual product turns out reasonably well.

          3. I agree with Senior Attorney. I also set up a reward for myself for when I’m finished. I respond really well to rewards. :)

    3. Did you have any kind of plan for the year of projects, etc. you intended to complete? I know that’s fairly unusual outside of my line of work. But going back through your calendar to find highlights of things you accomplished can help. You’ll be fine. You’re awesome! Just say “I am awesome. That is all.”

      I told my students this morning that it’s ok to use Urban Dictionary to look up what things like JSFAMO mean but not for much else. They nodded like they knew exactly what I was talking about.

      1. 90% of my work is a P/L thing, and there are a ton of metrics around that, so it’s a little easier. I have the metrics already, and they’ve been cleaned up by our data group so they’re easy to paste into the electronic form. My problem is I think the numbers should speak for themselves, and I hate providing the narrative/tap-dancing around the #s, even though I know it helps the people evaluating me.

        The 10% of my work that involves special projects are actually easier for me to explain, because I wrote a few paragraphs on those projects explaining them to my manager and updating him when I signed on to do them. I can easily copy-paste and edit those!

        My coping mechanism has been to eat the lunch I brought at 11am sharp. Oops.

        1. It’s often a problem with numbers people that they don’t get adding narrative to reports and presentations. This goes the other way as well, with story people not including statistics. On the 90% where you think the numbers speak for themselves, can you say things like “20% improvement over previous year” or “exceeded target by 12%”? Highlight your awesomeness!

  4. Woah, this cardigan adds 6 inches to the models hips and waistline, so I’m sure I will not look fat at all in this.

    Seriously, why do I feel half the daily pics on this website are completely unflattering?

    1. I already have big hips in proportion to the rest of my body. With this sweater, I can only imagine.

    2. If the waist is nipped in enough to make me look slim there I might be able to handle the added fluff at the bottom. But the cowlneck has to go.

    3. Seriously. I have a “bikini body” and peplum makes me look very wide. I think it’s for people with small hips, no matter what their size is.

      There’s something about the combination of the neckline and the peplum that makes the model look kind of saggy and wide. It doesn’t fit her well, though I’m sure it would look nice on other people.

    4. i’m a high-waisted pear, so i think this would be perfect for me. The waist would nip in, and then the peplum would give me extra room right where i need it and fall over my wider bits without calling attention to them. I love it, its hard to resist!!

      1. This! Sounds like we’re the same shape, Zora, and I think peplums are suuuuper flattering. They make my waist look tiny and float away from my hips. Everything in the country is a peplum right now, so it’s been extremely challenging to not buy ALL THE THINGS.

      2. Exactly. I am precisely the same shape and would wear peplum tops or jackets every day if there were enough in the world.

        1. Also, can I just say I’m going to be so, so sad when this trend goes away. That is the only thing keeping my bank account safe.

    5. Maybe because you are being too critical? I don’t mean to be critical myself or to single you out, but there is so much body criticism here lately. The model does not look bad in this because her waist looks small and her skirt is slim cut. It’s very clear that the peplum is just a peplum, not instahips. Nor do I think her b@@bs look droopy. B@@bs look droopy when they’re droopy and you’re wearing a bad bra. Not the case here. C’mon guys, if we were this way with ourseleves in the mirror, which I really hope we’re not, we would never ever leave the house!

      1. I sincerely disagree. The peplum in cardigan material makes no sense to me. It looks sloppy and adds inches. I am not being too critical. I am looking in the mirror with honest eyes and realizing this adds inches. In addition, I too agree the cut of the V with the placement of the waist draws one’s eyes down (as lines do) and hence makes the boobs appear lower than they are. In addition, a waist is really not nipped in too well in a ribbed sweater material because it would stretch. This is not a criticism of hte model that she has droopy boobs, this is what happens when lines are drawn in ill fitting clothing – as in this horrible cardigan.

        This is not a body issue issue – this is a what not to wear and don’t buy ill cut clothing issue.

        I fail to see any situation in which this cardigan would do any body type any favors for the reasons stated above. I am kind of embarassed this was picked as a choice for today and makes me really doubt any sort of fashion or clothing know how from the person who would choose this.

        1. +1000.

          Adding inches to hips just adds inches. There is no “obviously peplum”, there’s just “obviously inches”

          Can I suggest some episodes of what not to wear to most of you ladies?

        2. So agree. I don’t think it’s a body issue so much as poor length and construction. This just seems to droopy and loose to be flattering on most anyone.

          I basically wrote of the peplum trend as a size 16 hour glass. But I have to say, I recently got a jacket that has become a new favorite with jeans. I think the key why it worked and others in the past haven’t is that it is cut high–so peplum starts slightly below rib cage and ends at my waist and isn’t all that exaggerated. It’s also made out of a tight stretchy corduroy fabric, which means it stays very fitted, and it has three buttons so keeps the eye focused very high . I suppose someone with more of a straight figure might prefer a different ratio in buttons and length. Also, I would never wear the jacket with anything high of waist or too bulky on the bottom. I think this is one of those trends where you really need to be careful about proportion. Has nothing to do with size or self love. I’ve got a lot of both. =)

      2. I totally agree, Adele! I have giant hips, there is nothing in the world i can wear that will ‘hide’ that i have giant hips. Something like this that would float over my hips (instead of being tight across the hips) is perfect, because it draws the eye to my waist and gives that hourglass look. It is so pretty, and I LOVE that Kat picks pieces that work for different body types all the time. Lots of things would never work on me, but i can drool over them, and then when she picks something with exactly my waistline needs, it is a bonus! :o)

  5. I think we’ve solved that what to wear in the 3rd and 4th month of pregnancy problem

          1. Angry Panda is the name of my new band. We sing angry punk rock about exposed zippers and the relation of heel height to gendered identity performance in an overwhelmingly male-dominated work environment.

          3. Will your first studio album be called, “Only B*tches Enforce Boundaries” ?

          5. Panda was obviously kind of jerky. But she has now been made fun of in 3 seperate threads. I don’t think this is necessary, and I think this attitude lately has been scaring off dissenting voices.

          6. I agree a lot of the regulars make themselves into a mean girls mob mentality that I frankly find very disappointing.

            I think some of you should take a long hard look in the mirror. Hiding behing a cloack of anonymity you seem to become high school bullies. . . which i find mostly happens in adults that do not have or did not have growing up many friends.

          7. @anon

            Did you see PANDA’s reply below? I think she’s taking it all in good humor and it’s commendable.

            I completely disagree that being made fun of when you’re a jerk scares off dissenting voices. Plenty of people dissent, but they do so politely, and they’re still well-liked and well-regarded.

            If making fun of someone scares off the jerky behavior, then I have no problem with that. Actions have consequences.

          8. Susan,

            Are you the morality police, cause if so, that’s lofty of you to take on that role. What is jerky and what is not is a matter of opinion, so yours isn’s the law. It must be exhausting policing society to fit into your world’s definitions.

            And see how easy it is to make fun of someone just by pretending to use their name?

          9. Susan that is not panda below, that is someone pretending to be Panda to make fun of her. And other readers that were polite have dissapeared from here after being ganged up on. I realize Panda is not one of them, but lately more semiregulars have been silenced or dissapeared, and only the same handful seem to have “legitimate” opinions. Also, if you are ok with panda being scared off by jerky behavoir, why shouldn’t the regulars be scared off for making fun of another poster (that is also jerky) You all are dissenting with Panda, but not doing it politely. But regulars get passes, and others don’t. this is not the first time i have seen disagreements in threads spill over to other threads where a poster gets made fun of in a totally separate thread.

          10. @anon 12:24 pm
            Completely disagree with you that regulars get passes. This is the pattern I’ve observed:

            1. OP Posts About a Situation, Would like some Advice
            2. Regulars Post Advice, plus some supportive comments, or constructive criticism about a different way to look at things
            3. New-ish Poster, or “Anon” posts with an ad hominem attack on the OP. Usually, it’s the, “if this bugs you, then you are a b*tch” message.
            4. Regulars tell the attacker to chill.
            5. Attacker gets angrier and then calls the whole community here a bunch of “angry, miserable b*tches*
            6. Attacker gets criticized strongly by regulars, and then goes WAAH WAAH I’m BEING PICKED ON.

            It’s known that bullies like to test the boundaries by attacking one person at a time, then many, to see if they can get away with it. If they can, they keep doing it. If they can’t, they quickly turn two-faced and pretend they’re being ganged up on.

            The truth is, they’re not being ganged up on. They’re being told to adhere to the general rules of the community. If you violate the rules, don’t expect to get kid-glove treatment. Don’t open with an attack and then wonder why people aren’t treating you to *tea, hugs & sympathy*. I’m always amazed at how many apologists there are for the bullies. They weren’t there to protect the OP when she was getting attacked but they’re in full force to say, ‘oh boo hoo, poor attacker.’

          11. Susan, In all respect, how is disagreeing that it is not rude to ask if someone is pregnant (the whole of yesterday’s debate) an attack on the regular poster?

            Your just trying to justify your behavior

          12. @ the fake Susan

            Nice strawman. I’m not the morality police, just observing what has been the basis of all human societies — a group’s sharing of certain ideas of acceptable behavior. I’m noting what’s been the norm here.

            And yes, there are standards for jerky behavior. You’re exhibiting jerky behavior. You’re part of the problem. God forbid people actually have rules for behavior that you might have to acknowledge and be held accountable to.

            But if you want to play the moral relativistic game of “there’s no such thing as jerky and it’s all subjective,” then we can all flame you, call you horrible names, tell you you should go kill yourself because nothing you do will ever matter to anything or anyone, and we can pretend it’s not “jerky.” See? Not jerky unless someone’s being the moral police. So be careful what you wish for.

          13. Susan you seem a little crazy, but if my choices are no morality police or you being the morality police, I chose anarchy.

            Toodles,

            PANDA

            Also, i believe my below advice about cutting a toe off is useful in multiple situations, this one included.

          14. @ not buying it

            I’m getting tired of this thread. But here goes – last post on this:

            “PANDA” did not merely disagree that it’s not rude to ask someone if she’s pregnant. PANDA attacked some of the suggestions for a reply (lifted from Miss Manners and other etiquette sites) as rude. Then, when others disagreed with PANDA, she started the ad hominem attacks.

          15. Susan,

            Your fundamental problem lies in your belief that disagrees automatically equals attacks. A foundational literacy flaw I cannot fix on an anonymous internet board. I would like to suggest you to an adult literacy program.

            You may claim this too is an attack, but is it more so than you attacking me for disagreeing (since you disagree with me).

            And the circle is now complete (insert lion king music).

          16. well as a (I think) regular who has been posting less, I have noticed a change in this site. There does seem to be a group mentality, and I think its an actual friendship. But I can see why it would feel like a one v. the world situation. I haven’t noticed that pattern you pointed out except for in Panda’s case. Im thinking about the anon that got made fun of, and SF when her post got mocked as counterpoints. I also think Panda escalated in response to attacks, I don’t think her first post was extremely out of line. I know I have been posting less since I was told I am too harsh. But I certainly don’t think I ever violated the community rules, and certaintly never meant to attack anyone.

          17. @ cfm

            I missed the thread(s?) where you were told you were too harsh.

            And I’m sorry you don’t post enough. I speak only for myself (but don’t think I’m alone in this one), but you have a unique voice and I’ve always appreciated your posts, even though I probably disagree with you 50% of the time.

            Re: pattern
            This happened with the OP whose cleaning lady took the money left out for her, but had some squishy reason as to why she didn’t actually do the cleaning, and kind of left the OP dangling. Some regulars told the OP she was too hard on the cleaning lady, some anons fit into the pattern right away, calling the OP some names, and casting aspersions on her humanity (ouch).

      2. You GUISE are finally catching on. IF you where this I will ask if you’re preggers.

        Also, I will tell you you got ripped off with that price.

        TOodles,
        Panda

          1. This level of irony, alas, is completely beyond my girl, nor is she up to using “you guise” or “toodles.” However, PANDA seems to be making a literary reference to Ellen’s oeuvre by use of cap’s. PANDA may also be up to the polish of a Lourine or Sunshine Girls–we shall see.

      3. Ah ha! So this community is finally having the standard growing pains. I posted in an online forum starting ten years ago, that had similar issues a couple years in. Regulars sometimes think that they matter too much, and those who don’t consider themselves part of the “in” group start trolling. Then the regulars turn on each other over how to deal with the trolls. Eventually, the discussions of who is handling their online life correctly will die down, but not until 20% of the posters get sick of the discussion and leave.

        I have seen this happen with both the music-lovers community forum and my maternity forum. It seems to be just how online relationships work.

        I have been busy taking care of my new baby for the past 6 weeks, so I haven’t checked this site. Had to comment about this phenom though!

    3. haha! As the 13 weeks pregnant poster from last Friday, the FIRST THING I thought when I saw this was “this would be great to wear right now!”

  6. My feet differ in size by about a half shoe-size, and sometimes a full shoe size depending on the brand. Is there any place that sells pairs of shoes with different sizes (e.g, left shoe in a size 9.5 and a right shoe in a size 9)?

    I am so incredibly tired of my right shoe always falling off my foot.

      1. Not sure about women’s shoes specifically, but my dad needs two different sizes and has always gone to Nordstroms.

        1. Yep, I used to work in Nordstrom’s women’s shoes dept. (yes, years ago) and we always did this upon request.

    3. What about a low tech solution like getting an insert to put in the back of front of shoe?

        1. It does help, but you’ll end up with blood on your hose (if you are on team hose) and the Prince will notice.

          1. LOL! That’s what I thought of, too.

            And yes, Nordie’s does this. My aunt has two different sized feet and has been buying shoes from Nordie’s for years. Nordies FTW yet again!

    4. Second that Nordstom’s does this. I’m a size and a half difference, and I’ve never had an issue except where there difference is only a size – some of the stores don’t split if the difference is less than a size and a half. YMMV if you get a manager who isn’t just working there for the summer and has attitude about it.

    5. I think Nordstrom will only do this if your feet are something like 1.5 to 2 sizes different, though you might get a different reaction based on the person helping you.

  7. Last week I asked about hostess gifts for my dad’s first wife who is hosting me for Thanksgiving. I went to Williams & Sonoma (seriously considered the pumpkin tureens ;) ) and ended up with a fancy pecan pumpkin pancake/waffle mix and a nice bottle of real maple syrup. Then I left the store and started wondering if she would think I mean for her to make this for breakfast while I am there? I don’t know why I feel so panicked about this stupid hostess gift!

    What do you think – is the pancake mix an ok hostess gift? If you received it from an overnight guest, would you think the guest meant for you to cook it while she was there? Have you ever received or given a hostess gift that ended up being awkward? I bet there are some funny stories! Thanks ladies!

    1. I think you’re good to go – would be surprised if she took it as a request or expectation. No panicking.

    2. When you give it her, say something like “It was so kind of you to invite me for Thanksgiving that I wanted to give you Christmas breakfast.” It makes it clear that there’s no obligation to serve it to you.

    3. It’s a hostess gift. No expectation that she use it for your visit. If it were a bottle of wine, candle, fancy soap, etc., the same rules would apply. It sounds tasty though.

    4. I think it’s a cute idea and you shouldn’t overthink it. I’d put it in a basket with a cute dishtowel and you can even make a comment (or put on your note) that it’s for her to enjoy after the holiday chaos or something like that to clarify it’s not meant for you.

  8. I despise the peplum trend and can’t imagine why women of normal size would wear them. This outfit makes the model’s b@@bs appear to be even with the top button, and she is way too young for that.

    1. I am petite and don’t love peplum either. My short waist makes the top half looks all scrunched up and boxy, while the bottom half makes my hips uber-wide.

  9. Hey NY r e t t e s! Susan and I are making plans for the weekend I’m there, but I’m wondering if anybody else would like to get together on Wednesday or Thursday evening. I get in on Wednesday afternoon the 28th and will be on my own that night and the next night. I can easily placate myself with shopping and falafel but would love to meet more of you. mamabear, will you be in town then?

      1. mmmmm mamouns… Mmm falafel…

        I’m good either night. e.pontellier has a nyc corporette meetup google group going. Maybe we could coordinate through that?

        1. I’m cool with that. I can either attempt to join the group or you ladies can just tell me when and where to show up. I’ll probably be in an settled by about 5:00 on the 28th so I’m game for whatever, other than a noisy smoky bar.

      2. Seriously – you know there will be one evening where I will be sitting in front of the YES Network, wearing my Yankees fleece, Mamoun’s falafel sandwich in hand.

    3. NOLA, shoot! No i will not be there next week. The following week I will be! Sad. :(

  10. I am making butternut squash for the holiday. Any great recipes? Not soup, and preferrably something that can be easily transported and eatten at room temperature. If I can make it tonight, that would be even better.

    1. Sautee red onions and diced butternut squash. Make wild rice. Mix together. Dress with some sort of vinaigrette dressing (I use Brianna’s french vinaigrette). Eat. Delicious. Be happy.

      1. My comment is awaiting moderation. I have absolutely no idea why.

        Sautee red onions and diced butternut squash. Make w il d rice. Mix together. D re ss with some sort of vi nai grette dressing (I use Brianna’s fr enc h vin aig rette). Eat. Delicious. Be happy.

          1. Sautee red onions and diced butternut squash. Make wild rice. Mix together. Dress with some sort of vinaigrette dressing (I use Brianna’s french vinaigrette).

          2. It was your vinegar dressing with the dreaded “e t t e” suffix that put you in moderation. Dang technology.

          3. b23 – I think the “r e t t e” on the end of the name of the salad dressing is what caught you up.

      2. Heidi Swanson at 101 cookbooks has a variation on this that gets rave reviews from my friends whenever I make it (link to follow). I use butternut squash and in the dressing, I skip the sunflower seeds in favor of avocado and plain greek yogurt for health creamy goodness.

      1. Love the 2nd recipe. I used a grains mix I found at TJ’s instead of farro and roasted the squash seeds to use in place of the pepitas.

      2. I was coming in to recommend the first of these recipes, which I made as Hurricane Sandy survival food and it was DELICIOUS. (And it can be very successfully reheated.) I haven’t made the second but I think it’s a little more Thanksgiving-y than the first, and I highly recommend SK recipes in general.

        PS, just made her recipe for apple cider caramels and WOW. Can’t wait to share those over the holiday (if I can hold out for that long…).

        1. I TOTALLY want to make these! Did you have a candy thermometer or did you do the ice water bowl (I don’t have a thermometer, and not 100% sure I trust the bowl)?

    4. smittenkitchen butternut squash farro salad (I used quinoa), google butternut squash lemon couscous and that’s a similar yet different outcome (no cheese in the lemon/pinenut version)

    6. I’m doing butternut squash skewers. you cook the squash and season to taste w/ olive oil, salt, pepper and whatever other seasonings you desire (i usually use a little cinnamon, nutmeg and cumin). after it cools, cut it into cubes. skewer the cubes w/ fresh mozerella cheese balls (or cube it yourself) and basil. I was skeptical at first, but its delish.

    7. Slice squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out guts. Place flesh side up in roasting pan. Fill pan with as much water as you can without it covering the exposed flesh of the squash. Sprinkle with cinammon/nutmet/allspice/salt. Spray with olive oil. Put in 350 oven for at least 45 minutes. Remove from oven, and scoop out the good stuff into a bowl, discarding flesh. I just mash and add salt to taste, but you could also add a little butter. SO GOOD.

  11. I have made an epicurious.com butternut squash hazelnut lasagna that is delicious – it is easily transported but is probably best served warm. (I am sure if you google it you can find it so that my comment stays out of moderation.) I have also made an epicurious.com butternut squash gnocchi with sage brown butter (same re google); this would be easy to microwave to heat to serve.

    1. These are both lovely dishes. I have had variations of them both and have wanted to make myself. Really, really delish. Both keep well for re-heating later.

      1. Agreed. I spent some time Googling professional women’s organizations in Boston last week and was disappointed in the lack of leads. Any suggestions are appreciated!

      1. Apply. Really. My application was admittedly not my best work at 11pm after a full day of work. Please apply. Or I will be stuck at events not knowing anyone. :-(

        1. I am going to apply next weekend! Let me know if it’s ok for me to say that I know you, member of CLUB, on my app.

          See, people, meet ups are AWESOME cuz now I know the awesome karenpadi in real life! Go to meet ups!

          1. Great! I’ll pay my dues today so it’ll be true–you do know someone in the CLUB.

            Organizing meet-ups is an awesome activity because it counts as “leadership experience”.

    6. Nice! Let us know what you think of it. I’m tempted to apply too…

      1. Do it! We should have a c-r e t t e contingent. We’ll get Kat to speak. :-)

  13. Starting day #2 with an intense headache and day 6 with a back that just.won’t.stop.spasming. I think I may need to cave and go get a massage.

    Any tips for the meantime though? I’ve tried stretching, taken my usual pain killer combo of 2 Aleve and a Tylenol, tried muscle relaxers, but nothing really helps. I just need to get through today and tomorrow; hopefully I’ll have time for a massage tomorrow night.

    1. Do you have a tennis ball lying around? When I get upper back spasms (which is all the time if I skip workouts) I like to lie on my back with a tennis ball under the offending area. I move it around to hit all the tender spots for at least 30 seconds apiece.

      1. I second this suggestion. It hurts so good and will hold you over until you can get a massage!

      2. Thank you! I actually do have a tennis ball in my desk drawer that I used yesterday, and promptly forgot about today. That has greatly helped.

    2. Heating pad for you back? I have had ok results with those sticky pad ones, but I prefer an electric heating pad with adjustable heat settings. Get up and walk around (or just stand up) periodically – set an alarm if you need to. Hydrate for the headache – sometimes a little fat, sugar, and caffeine help me there (croissant plus chai latte or something).

      2. Yes, electric heating pad = awesome. Also try just the upper body portion of eagle pose, which you can do sitting down:
        http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/785

        Once you have your arms in the pose, you can move your arms up and down (slowly) to create a massage-like effect. You can also move your arms down and curve your head or head and shoulders forward. This stretches muscles I find hard to stretch with more traditional poses.

      3. Thank you! I will try all of those. I need to get a discrete heating pad for work for these days.

        Thank you Brooklyn Esq. I will try that! I was trying to do some yoga last night to strech my sciatic area, and my knee would barely bend. I’m not sure what’s up, but I’m thinking I really need to stretch regularly instead of being a lazy bum. :)

    3. Depending on where the spasms are, a hard foam roller ($25 at Target in the sporting goods area) might help release some tension. It was among the few things that offered any relief when I had a similar issue in my mid back this summer. Finally had to go to a chiropractor to get it taken care of when it stretched out to 2+ weeks. It can be miserable and I feel for you!

      1. Ha, I actually have one of these at home with a plastic center that I forgot about! Will be using it when I get home today.

      1. That looks like it would feel amazing on my back right now. I’m going to need to get one of those.

    5. Menthol patches. Smells a little medicinal but really helps with pain management. The suggestions of heating pad and tennis ball are also great — but don’t put off the massage too long! Your headache might well be due to the back pain.

      1. Thank you! I’m sure the headache is connected, especially because my neck/shoulder muscles are also spasming and make it hard to move/lift my arm. I think it’s all just gotten to a point where I need to get it taken care of professionally. I used to go for massages monthly, but thought that was high maintenence and a lot of wasted money. I suppose I’ll have to be a ‘high maintenence’ person, because I am miserable without them!

        1. Cost of massage at regular intervals vs. cost of lost productivity, pain, and general grumpiness has led me to massages every 1-2 weeks when the pain is bad (every 1-2 months when it’s not, plus regular yoga when I’m not in current agony). Your math may differ, but for me, preventive self-care pays. :)

          1. Preventive self-care certainly does pay. My husband was emphatic about the fact that I just need to shut up with the complaining and go get the massage already. I’m sure he’ll enjoy the fact that I feel better. haha.

  14. Travel bat signal to you US ladies – I will be in LA for the bar exam (yikes!) in Feb and will have about five days of vacation afterwards. A friend of mine will meet me and we are hoping to go somewhere for the five days that (1) is relatively warm (2) is relatively lively and (3) has decent nightlife/party scene. I am happy to fly from LA to somewhere (within reason), but would prefer to go East as we will at the end of it be flying back to London. We have already ruled out Hawaii (too far) and Miami (I just went) as well as cold but fun East Coast cities like NY/Boston.

    So far ideas have been New Orleans, Tijuana, Cabo san Lucas, San Diego, Austin and Vegas (although a little cold perhaps in February). Any additional suggestions /thoughts on the above locations would be welcome.

    1. I would only come to New Orleans if it is after Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. Honestly, if you’ve never been here, Mardi Gras is not the best time to see the city. Add the Super Bowl and it’ll be a total zoo (although when the Saints played the Super Bowl in Miami everyone came here to party). It’s just too hard to get around and even get in to restaurants. Hotel rooms are scarce and overpriced.

      Otherwise, February is a great time of year here. It can be chilly but toward the end of the month it’s getting warmer and greener. A little more subdued during Lent but there’s just more seafood. It’s impossible to get into seafood restaurants during Lent. So as long as it’s after Feb. 12th, N.O. is a great choice!

      1. NOLA, my bachelorette party is happening in your city in March. I’m so excited! My hope was that it would be a lull in between crazy busy times and crazy hot/humid times..

      2. Darn moderation! Sorry if this repeats.

        NOLA, my bachelor3tt3 party is happening in your city in March. I’m so excited! My hope was that it would be a lull in between crazy busy times and crazy hot/humid times.

        1. Awesome! Yes, March and April are generally really beautiful here. A great break from the gray and slushy Northeast. It’ll be pretty and green and not too hot or humid.

          Let me know if there’s anything I can help with. I really need to create an email address for this site.

          1. Thanks, I haven’t gotten very far with planning yet. All I’ve determined is that we are staying at the Hyatt French Quarter. But when I get it together for more planning, I will definitely ask for help.

      3. Do not go to Tijuana! It is a very dirty city, and there really isn’t a lot to do there. It is not particularly safe either.

        San Diego will not be warm enough for the pool/beach in February, though it is a lovely city (and there are plenty of other things to do there, just not sure what you are looking for) – temps will likely be in the upper 50s or low 60s.

        Cabo is fun and about a 2 hour flight from LA. You will be there before the spring break rush which is great! Temps will probably be in the upper 70s – 80 during the day. Cancun is another Mexico option, if you prefer to fly east.

        I’ll put a plug in for the Turks and Caicos as well, if you want a beach vacation. It is an easy flight from Miami (or other east coast cities), and would get you a lot closer to London.

        Good luck with your vacation planning! (And bar studying….)

    3. I love San Diego and so I would pick to visit there. I would not go to Tijuana right now though. I don’t think it is safe. Further down into Mexico, particulary tourist areas like Cabo or Cancun are ok, but I would not risk the border towns.

    4. Houw about one of the English speaking islands in the Caribbean, as it will be easy to get back to London from there? I know you can fly non-stop from Nassau, Bahamas to London. Probably from Barbados too, or the BVI.

      1. Oh Barbados! Another great option. And Gus is correct, BA has non-stop flights to London.

      3. Barbados was awesome! We stayed at The Crane resort, if you’re looking for places. They were remodeling while we were there, I bet it is super awesome now. Its a little remote, which I liked, and the whole island is very small, so its an easy cab ride pretty much anywhere you’d want to go.

  15. My husband and I are leaving for the in-laws in a couple of hours and I realized as I was packing last night that I don’t have much in the way of casual clothes. Where do y’all find nice 3/4 and long sleeved tees? Preferably with a pattern or embellishment of some kind.

    1. If you need it by tomorrow, what stores are you near you so we know what your options are?

    2. Banana has been my go-to for these for years, but YMMV. JCrew, too. Also, Express and Limited often have a basic long sleeve or 3/4 in approximately 800 colors.

    3. If you are really leaving in a few hours, I’d hit Target and save the nice/embellished/what you really want for another time.

    5. Not for immediate gratification, but I like Boden for this sort of thing. A bit pricey but I wait for a sale or a promo code. I also like Anthro for cute casual tops. They often have really cute/funky details like lace overlay or interesting accents. But again, I find their stuff is often overpriced at full price so I usually wait to buy them on sale.

    6. I have enough clothes that I can manage for our trip but I just purged a bunch of rarely-worn clothes and realized I hadn’t yet replenished my casual clothes. Having recently moved to the South, I have plenty of cold weather clothes that I brought with me and a lot of summer clothes but not much in the way of casual fall clothes. You know, probably too warm for a sweater but you still want long sleeves?

  16. These are both by way of recs from the hive:

    This wrap top from BR is cute, cozy and flattering, I have it in multiple colors – the material is a little thinner in the back, so you might add a cami:

    http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5043&vid=1&pid=233235082

    I also love this 3/4 sleeve ruched tee, similarly forgiving:

    http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Lookbook/ANN-Online-Exclusives/Ruched-3-4-Sleeve-Top/303330?colorExplode=false&skuId=12907984&catid=cat70008&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1067

    1. Holy moly, that shirt from Ann Taylor is cute, but what is with the ridiculous airbrushing of her arms? She looks like a T-Rex in the green image.

  17. I just wanted to share something that makes me rageful.

    I received an e-mail just now that says …

    “Just wanted to touch base to get your thoughts on this quickly.”

    I HATE this kind of thing, along with the phrases “quick question” and “this should just take a minute.” It’s just a passive-aggressive way of saying, “Put everything else down and attend to my needs.” Also, the question is never, ever quick.

    1. Woah, that’s normal to get emails like that. you sounds super angry. You might want to go to a head doctor about that.

    2. Whoops. I send emails like that often. I really don’t mean to be passive-aggressive!

    3. I send email like this pretty often. Especially if I do need an answer quickly. I loathe the phone though and I know some people prefer, if you need a quick answer, not to email at all and just to call (I never do this because I hate it so much).

      If I don’t need an answer quickly, it’s more “when you get a chance, could you let me know…?”

    4. As someone who does this to people, it’s not personal and it’s not passive aggressive. It’s not “I want to screw up Anne Bronte’s day.” It is just a request that you complete a task.

      I do this to people when 1) the client is freaking out and demanding an answer; 2) it’s something I asked that person to do weeks ago, it fell through the cracks and I just want to close it out; and 3) (most commonly) it’s something the client asked the person to do weeks ago and is wondering why the question hasn’t been answered yet.

      Our days don’t always go as planned. This will only happen more as you have more responsibility. Letting these requests get to you will only expose your immaturity. That’s harsh but I don’t know what to tell you.

      1. @ Karenpadi- Great advice. I tend to be very “schedule-obsessed”, and I realized it was actually hurting my work and productivity (not to mention reputation!).

        Now, I say “Sure! I can help, may I call you back in 5 minutes?”. I “save” what I’m working, take a deep breath, and then help the person.

        BTW-@ “Anonymous” I don’t think that comment is helpful.

        1. Good advice here.

          I’ll cut the OP some slack because I have the pleasure of working with someone who assumes that I’m sitting at my desk eagerly awaiting their Random Request of the Day, which are always presented as a quick request but half the time are not. Honestly, the person just simply has no idea what is and is not quick for me to do for them. A quick call or face-to-face can easily straighten out the request, expectation, and/or timeline with both parties leaving happy.

      2. Agreed. I work for a partner who is very, very busy, and I use “quick question” in the subject line of emails to let him know that I need an answer to a discrete, manageable item, and I need it in short order. It helps him triage.

    5. Is this a common response to Quick Question emails? If it is I have probably irked some people off without even realizing it.

      1. No, it’s not. It depends who asked the QQ, what the QQ is, who received the QQ and what else they have on their plate.

        2. As the original PANDA, only the first one was me. The rest are just someone attempting to be me.

          To the PANDA impersonater, you are not even close to as awesome or clever as I am. Until you reach “cut a toe off” hilarious, I suggest you start small young grasshopper, maybe start as a SLUG. it will be many years until you become PANDA.

          Also, using latin is douchey whoever is attempting to be me. PANDA would never do that, PANDA hates people who use latin phrases.

    6. I agree, there is no such thing as a “quick question”. Then again, it can be considered rude to jump into a question without a softening filler. It’s an email personality thing. I normally just RAWR at the email and fire off what I can if possible.

    7. When I send an email asking a “quick question”, it usually is something quick that just requires a yes/no response or something simple that doesn’t require extra research.

      Sometimes I do need a response quickly due to a deadline I have to meet, so I do my best to phrase it in a nice way (instead of demanding) to indicate that I need a response soon.

      1. Ha, I love this forum. I probably do need a head doctor!

        I tend to get “quick question” on non-essential emails that don’t come from colleagues or clients, so that’s where the rage is coming from! I feel like a lot of people use it as the default.

        1. Forgive their email awkwardness. I used to write like that until I realized it made me sound wishywashy. And I’m not a wishywashy person at all.

          “I was wondering if you could tell me the status of the gummi bears” has now become “What is the status of the gummi bears”.

          1. This is something I struggle with a lot. I tend to compensate for feeling like I’m imposing by softening asks with “Hey, this will only take a minute, but…” or “I have a quick question for you…” I realize this just wastes more of the person’s time, but I don’t want to err too far on the other end of the spectrum and seem too demanding. Ah communication, so difficult at times!

          2. It’s not easy but here are my “rules” for emails:

            – To someone I interact with on a daily basis, they get the TL;DR version of the question.

            – To someone I interact with on a monthlyish basis and/or a higher up, they get the TL;DR version up front with commentary, explanation, history, apology and/or groveling below.

            – To very important/higher up/decision maker people, the email is drafted for the monthlyish category so that my supervisor can translate the info into Upper Level Manager.

            Hope this helps.

          3. KC, I don’t say this because often I don’t know how long it will take. What I think is just quick might not be for them.

            The exception is when I have been waiting for an answer from someone (and I am cc’ing their boss sometimes). I will phrase this like, “This will only take a minute” if they have been dragging their feet on doing it because I want them to just GET ON WITH IT.

          4. @Godzilla and moss

            Thank you both for chiming in with advice. I will keep your points in mind for future requests :)

    8. So… what does one do then if one needs what is a pretty basic inquiry dealt with? Wait 3 days until you have a calendar slot opened? Oh wait, then I/people like me would get yelled at for not doing XYZ thing sooner. Can’t win.

    9. I send emails like that as a way of saying “don’t give this too much time.” I usually send them at times when folks may be tempted to write three-page email responses when a sentence or two of gut reaction would do. Kind of the polite way of saying don’t give this any real priority or take it over as a project–I’m just looking for a sentence or two of feedback.

      1. Agreed! To me “quick question” implies that the question is brief and that the sender doesn’t expect a complex answer (i.e. the answer is expected to be short and simple).

    10. Yeah, I both send and receive emails/IMs like this very often. Doesn’t trouble me, but now I wonder if it bothers my co-workers!

    11. As someone with a specialty practice, I get requests in this format all the time and get that sinking-stomach, ready-to-barf feeling every time. People who don’t know my practice assume there are pat, yes/no answers, when there usually aren’t (maybe I make it look too easy?). Almost no question will “take just a minute” unless it’s verifying something we already discussed or have in the file.

      When a question like that is posed in person, I grin and say, “Famous last words!” to soften the fact that it likely will take significantly longer than person anticipates. If the question is posed via e-mail, I call the person (despite being telephonically adverse) to let them know that I got the request, probe for a bit more info, and explain that it likely will take a significant amount of time and ask if I should proceed anyway.

    12. As a person who asks this question of others, what I typically mean is, “Do you know the answer to X off the top of your head? If not, that’s ok and I’ll keep searchin on my own.” I often ask in person.

    13. I read those emails as, “don’t spend a lot of time trying to reply- just shoot me over what I know is a quick answer.”

  18. I agree – if you can’t put the question in the subject line, it’s not a quick question.

  19. Trying……to eat healthier. I seem to remember a couple of threads in the past few weeks where people were discussing healthy eating tips/recipes. I skimmed over them at the time, but now I’d like to go back and scope things out. Does anyone remember which particular threads they might have been in?

    1. I don’t know, but have you read any of Dr. Weil’s books? I find them helpful.

      BTW- your username wins!

    2. Kat did a great post on Easy Weeknight Dinners and the comments overflowed with great ideas and recipes.

      I think there was also a useful (to me) one called: Controlling Stress-Eating at the Office

      and an older one called Easy Dinners for Busy Women (crockpot recipes, IIRC).

      1. Thanks Susan. I’ll have to scope those out. I’ve been trying to find healthy quick recipes online, but I keep coming up with things like, “Try a salad!” or “Bake a chicken breast!”
        Really?!?! I hadn’t thought of that!

        1. Healthy Choice “Naturals” “Amy’s Lean” are good frozen dinners.

          Tuna salad works, Greek yogurt, raw almonds, easy transportable fruit (apples and bananas), Larabars, Luna bars, Wasa fiber crackers, laughing cow cheese, absolutely no soda, Pop Chips, homemade smoothies, peanut butter and carrots or celery

          That’s all I can think of off the top of my head.

    3. I was (am? Give me strength through the holiday week!) no sugar, no white bread (limited true whole grains) and cutting back on alcohol. It’s made me feel great. Also, I’ve slipped up a couple of times and had sweets and I felt terrible — headache and stomach bloated. That’s made me not even really want to have sweets. Cravings are almost entirely gone. I’ve been eating Greek yogurt, eggs, tons of fresh veggies and fruit, lean meat, cheese in limited quantities when it goes in dinner, beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes and having a cup of tea every night. I have tons of energy and feel great.

      1. Specific recipes — I do a lot of crockpot stuff — white bean chicken chili and other similar foods. I also like quinoa based casseroles — there’s a spinach and cheese one that’s awesome. I read a lot of cooking blogs and just bookmark whatever sounds good and healthy. I also work backwards based on what I’m craving. I get an idea for what sounds good and google a recipe.

        1. Thanks for the suggestions. That is similar to what I am trying to do – whole grains only, lots of veggies and fruit, lean proteins, no sugar, limited fats, low sodium, etc. It seems like there should be some good healthy cooking blogs out there, but I guess I just haven’t stumbled on any yet.

          1. I mentioned the 101cookbooks blog above (in the thread on butternut squash). It’s been really helpful for me in learning to cook healthier with real food (fresh veggies, whole grains, etc.). The recipes are vegetarian, but if you’re not (and I go back and forth), it’s easy to adapt and add meat.

            Learning to use spices and herbs and not overcooking my vegetables (Irish family, I thought bland mushy veggies was normal) has made a tremendous difference in my eating patterns and how I feel. It’s taken a little while, but I’m losing weight too.

      2. This sounds very similar to how we have been eating for the past 5 or 6 months. In the meantime I have lost about 25 pounds, resolved my digestive issues, and have so much more energy. Some of our favorite meals are:

        Breakfast–greek yogurt with cinnamon or egg omlette with sauteed mushrooms and a bit of cheese

        Lunch–salad with protien (grilled shrimp, deli turkey, chicken, or cheese like feta or blue) and a good variety of dressings (some homemade), baked egg dishes (spinach, mushrooms and cheese, chile relleno casserole), bean casseroles (black beans, spinach, artichoke, cheese or black beans mixed with salsa and cheese or guacamole).

        Dinner–stuffed chicken breast (green chile and cheese, spinach and cheese, etc), broiled salmon with a glaze, tilapia fish tacos, baked tilapia, pesto baked chicken. Sides are usually a roasted veggie like broccoli or asparagus or sauteed zucchini and mushrooms. Sometimes baked sweet potato or brown rice too.

  20. have anyone else’s arrows for the previous and next post disappeared? IE 8, if it matters.

    1. Oops, now they’re back. Apparently my browser was stuck on loading something and the arrows load last. Sorry for that.

  21. Etiquette question: I won a $100 gift certificate at a trade show a couple weeks ago. Do I send a thank you note?

    1. NGDGTCO suggests you buy $100 worth of stuff, preferably day old baked goods, to whomever you won the gift certificate from and ship them as a thank you gift.

    2. Only if you want to excuse to contact the company or person doing the giveaway. I don’t think it’s required.

    3. My inclination would be no- did you win it in a raffle situation? They aren’t anticipating one, they want you to use the gift card and potentially tell someone where you got the products you purchase.

  22. Planning on doing stuffed crescent rolls tomorrow for the family thanksgiving extravaganza! So far I’ve got apples, cinnamon, and butter, as well as brie, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Any other ideas of stuff to stuff them with?

      1. Never done it before (I only cook about twice a year) but I’ll let you know how they turn out!

    2. Brie and apricots is a glorious combination, too. I’m jealous, these sound tasty. What if you tried blue cheese with chives or goat cheese and figs for a savory one?

      1. I’ve never had figs (or…even seen one…) but if I’m feeling brave, I might have to try that one. This is turning into quite the potential adventure.

          2. Yesssss I love Bunkster recipes. Thanks. Almost time to break out the peppermint bark!

    4. I’m doing the same so I’m interested in any ideas. I’m hoping my nieces will help with the assembly.

    5. If you’re still looking for savory: chopped spinach and feta, gruyere cheese with poppy seeds and slivers of good deli ham or prosciutto.

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