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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 81 Comments · by

Wednesday’s TPS Report: L’ AUTRE CHOSE Blazer

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. L’ AUTRE CHOSE BlazerI've had a thing for green blazers lately, and this wool one is no exception. I like the slightly different fabric on the lapels, as well as the pockets, and I think the single button (while high) could be flattering. I'd wear it with gray or navy trousers, and perhaps throw in a pop of yellow somewhere , even if it were just a shiny gold necklace. It's now $130 at Yoox (was $290), limited sizes only. L' AUTRE CHOSE Blazer 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 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

    • AIMS

      Yeah, I am kind of on fence with this one. Love the color, but I think it might be a bit much for me in a jacket. I think I would prefer the green on a skirt with a navy or gray blazer.

      On an aside, a poster yesterday was looking for a non-puffy Northface type jacket with a hood, to wear on cold, rainy days — lots of NF is on sale on 6pm.com, including this great coat which seems to fit all requirements & is lined, @ 44% off and avail. in all sizes as of right now.

      http://www.6pm.com/the-north-face-womens-lauren-trench-black

        • AIMS

          Aw, thanks, Anonymous! I already spend way too much time here (and on 6pm.com) though . . . :)

      • Erin

        Hmmm I took another look at this coat (saw it this morning on 6PM) after you posted, and am now ordering it.

        I googled the coat and found reviews on Zappos and North Face that are just glowing! Looks like the coat is actually 3-in-1, and the original price is $399 (as opposed to the $298 listed on 6PM), so the discount is even bigger than 44%!

        Here’s hoping it replaces my Lands End full length coat and then some:)

  2. Ekaterin Nile

    I have a similar green blazer, in velvet, and would love some styling suggestions for what to wear underneath it. I’ve tried a cream knit shell but it looks a little frumpy to me. Perhaps I need a different shirt or some chunky jewelry?

  3. Unemployed 3L

    Ladies, I need some advice.

    I recently applied to a dream job. It is not legal per-se but would use my (future) JD. I received an email immediately (appeared to be a form) thanking me for sending in materials and that they would be in contact. It has been a couple of weeks now and I haven’t heard anything. At what point can I send another email to bring my application to the top of their minds? I was thinking of asking them if they need any more materials from me. Is this too pushy? Is a few weeks out too soon/should I wait for a month to pass? Like I said, I really like this job so I wanted to do whatever I could to at least get an interview.

    TYIA!

    • Anon

      I think you’ve let enough time pass by that you can inquire to HR. What kind of job is it? Always trying to think of other areas that use a JD! :)

    • lawyerette

      I think it’s fine to call the HR department and express your interest at this point. It’d be better if you could say something other than “I am very interested.” Meaning: if you had a connection with someone there, or had just read something about the work they’re doing that is interesting to you, etc. If you REALLY want this job and have no ‘inside’ connection, I would look at your school’s alumni list to see whether any alums are working there who might be willing to chat with you about your career (you can tell them you’re applying also).

    • Bonnie

      If anything has changed since you’ve applied, e.g. new grades, you could send them an updated packet. Is this a government job? If so, they are very slow in hiring.

    • MelD

      If it’s a government job that has a set closing date for the announcement, it’s doubtful you will hear anything before that date. For some jobs, it may take a week, for others they may not choose who to interview for 2-3 months after the announcement closes because there is such a huge volume of applications to go through. I’d say wait until at least 2 weeks after the closing date to call HR for those positions.

    • Unemployed 3L

      Thank you all for your advice (and any future advice still coming in!)

      It isn’t a government job, but the posting did have a deadline that is approaching (I don’t want to give too much away in case someone from the job sees this). I guess I could wait until after the deadline, I just sort of thought that it might be best to approach before since our Office of Career Services always tells us that when a company gets a resume of someone they want they will interview them right away. Then again I think our OCS is awful so maybe they’re wrong on this too?

      I swear I get better advice on here in a half hour than I have from OCS in 3 years…

      • AnonInfinity

        I think your OCS is off base in situations like this. If there’s a deadline, I’d imagine that they’re going to wait until the deadline to look at any of the apps.

        I can sympathize with the terrible OCS problem.

      • MelD

        That may have been the case in a good economy where there were only a few applicants for any open position. In this economy, a single entry level opening can have hundreds of applicants. The reality is that it can take an employer some time to be able to find time to go through that many applications, especially when they are for entry level positions where you can’t weed people out for not having enough experience.

      • Ann

        Your OCS is wrong. At my company, if we set a closing date for resumes, we stick to it and won’t start interviewing until after that date. Also, I am interviewing for a couple of positions right now and there are great people’s resumes sitting in a stack in my office, waiting to be called, because we’ve had some other things going on and I just haven’t passed them off to the HR assistant yet. Don’t give up hope and an extra little inquiry doesn’t hurt, just don’t be too pushy or verbose. Good luck. :)

    • SuzyQ

      Did you submit your resume and materials through e-mail or through an on-line form? If so, I hate to tell you that sometimes those things are like a black hole. For example, two times I submitted an application for a position for which I was a perfect candidate, only to find out (through a contact who works at those companies) that they already had an internal candidate in mind, but needed to post the job announcement externally to follow protocol. Two other times, I just got an e-mail rejection with no explanation. Basically, I’m just skeptical about computer submissions and I think it would be best if you could reach out to someone you know there (or could meet through your network).

  4. Cubicle Chic

    Very cute! I like the green and the edging. I’d definitely want to try it on, though, because of it’s high button. That could possibly be unflattering across the chest.

    Nice find!

    • rg

      Yoox has free shipping today…and returns are only $6. So it may be worth it to try. I don’t work for Yoox, I just love the site. And they have great customer service the two times I’ve had minor issues.

      • Legally Brooklyn

        rg–I’m glad you posted about good experiences with yoox. They have a great selection, but after reading some bad reviews regarding customer service and the quality of merchandise, I’ve avoided ordering from the site. Maybe now I should rethink that policy . . .

  6. Res Ipsa

    For some reason, this blazer is giving me the vibe of: usher at old-timey theatre/volunteer docent at local art museum/British boy’s prep-school. I think it’s the pairing with the gray bottoms that it the problem.

    • Unemployed 3L

      I wonder if its just because there doesn’t appear to be anything on top under it? I was thinking this would look really nice open over a sheath dress in this grey color (or a slightly darker grey).

    • EC

      Is it the Masters that gives out green jackets to the winner? That’s what I’m getting!

      • KD

        Yes! It is the PGA Masters that awards green jackets. To my nerdy golf side, that’s even more of a reason to snag this jacket :)

  7. Bonnie

    I’ve been looking for a green or bright blue jacket but shorter than this one. I’m so tired of black, and gray! Any suggestions?

  8. b23

    If it had more buttons, it would be mine oh mine. I need to be locked and loaded, as they say on What Not to Wear.

    • b23

      But Kat, I appreciate the blazer suggestion! I am always on the look out for more blazers, so I’m particularly bummed that I don’t think this one would work.

  9. Louise

    Love, love this color green, and pairing it with gray sounds wonderful.

    I suspect that one, high button favors those without the uber-boob. But I’m going to look for this shade of green in other places…a scarf, perhaps.

  10. Ann

    Just had a big meeting this morning that could bring my firm a lot of business…now waiting on a decision, but would appreciate good thoughts. Today was one of those days where having a great suit really made the difference when I walked into a room full of very senior people…I knew at least I had the “professional dress” thing covered. :)

    • SF Bay Associate

      Sending good thoughts! Just for fun, what suit were you wearing that made you feel so confident?

      • Ann

        It’s one I’ve had but hadn’t worn yet – Pendleton navy blue, with a shorter jacket and wider pants. Navy blue is a little formal for most of my work and clients but it was perfect for today. Totally worthwhile purchase, especially if we end up getting the work!

  11. Barbara

    The color is terrible/hideous (except maybe on St. Patrick’s Day–coming up soon). If I bought this jacket, my cat might mistake it for green grass and Gawd only knows what cats do in the grass!

    Kat, are you getting a commission by pushing these ugly clothes? I think we gals have to take some of these awful outfits with a “green” of salt!

    • OMGawd

      Thank you for sharing, Barbara B. I happen to like this color. Also, it is not Gawd alone who knows what cats do in the grass. I, for one, am aware that they pee and poop, as well as chase squirrels and birds, and sometimes mate.

  12. Tongue-tied

    Sorry for the threadjack, but I’m TERRIBLE at networking and need to overcome my awkwardness/fear for an event coming up. I applied on Monday for a firm job I think I would be absolutely perfect for (meet all the qualifications, have experience in exactly the areas the posting requested). Tuesday, I got an email from the lawschool alumni group for my practice area announcing a networking evening for next week, and the person giving the opening remarks is a partner in this firm. It’s obviously an event intended for schmoozing with other alumni, and I’ve attended them before, but I don’t know what specifically I should say to this partner. Do I mention that I applied to his firm, or do I just introduce myself and try to chat about the field, then email him a follow up? I appreciate any advice!

    • EC

      Check out his bio before the event – does he practice in the area you applied to work in, or a related area? If so, you absolutely should talk with him, and tell him you applied for the job. Make sure you have some other talking points, including asking him about his practice and how he got into doing that work. Don’t monopolize him though – 10-15 minutes, max.

      If he’s in a different field entirely, you should talk with him and try to get a read on how well he knows the firm, and how interested he seems in helping job-seekers (or, better yet, if he’s on the recruiting committee). If he seems connected and/or helpful, tell him you applied. Otherwise, it could just be an awkward and discouraging conversation.

    • AnonInDenver

      You should find out something the firm has recently accomplished then introduce yourself to the partner, let him know you’ve applied for the position, and that one of the things that really makes his firm appealing is that they just [enter accomplishment here]. That way you sound knowledgeable/interested in the firm rather than just focused on yourself and getting the job. That’s my two cents!

    • rg

      Definitely talk to him and tell him you’ve applied. If he’s attending this event, he probably has a vested interest in helping out alums from his school.

      I agree, learn more about what he does and what his firm has done in the past as that may be a good ice breaker. Also, see if you can find out more about whether you shared anything in common at law school (similar activities or maybe a journal?). If he’s coming to an alum event, he’s probably also interested in hearing about younger people’s experiences at his school.

      GL! This sounds like a perfectly timed event to get you a leg up on this job!

    • Tongue-tied

      Thanks for the advice. I’ll feel much more comfortable going in with talking points that don’t revolve around me. Here’s hoping the timing of these events is a sign.

    • 2L NYC

      One thing I like to do — I’m interested in the litigation side — is if there are any new cases that are pending in your district, circuit or in the Supreme Court, talk to the partner about how he thinks about how that case might change the law. Obviously, it should be a case that *could* change the law, but usually people have strong opinions about these things AND even if they haven’t heard of the case — they might become interested because you told them about it and be impressed. It is even better if you can tie this new case to something that the firm has worked on before.

      • Erin M.

        This is really pretentious. Honestly, most attorneys don’t want to talk about things like this. We have to think about law all day at work. I’d be 100x more likely to want to hire someone who talked to me about non-law interests. I can tell from your resume whether or not you’re bright and knowledgeable enough about the law to work here; from a conversation, I want to know whether you’re fun and interesting enough that I won’t hate working with you, not that you read SCOTUSBlog and kiss up to partners.

        Sorry that this sounds harsh, but it’s true and I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way.

        • Tongue-tied

          Maybe I shouldn’t comment since I’m the OP and obviously am not very good at these things myself, but I do wish someone had given me feedback in lawschool when I was trying to network by having conversations like this.

          I don’t see it as pretentious, but I do get a little annoyed when law students talk to me about things like this. First of all, as an associate I have next to no time to spend reading up on pending cases so I generally just feel like an idiot when a student asks me what I think of U.S. v. Doe and how it might impact things since I have no idea what they’re talking about. Second, it’s also offputting when I get lectures from students about some aspect of the law, especially if it’s one that I deal with regularly.

          Rather than trying to impress me with knowledge, I’d rather hear about why you’re interested in x field, what you’re doing in school, or answer questions about what I’m doing. Like Erin said, networking is a good way to show that your personality would fit with a particular firm and that they’d want to work with you.

        • MelD

          You are not. I get so tired of going to events and having people talk about aspects of the law all the time. I think most people would rather hear about anything related you are doing in school now and whether you did anything prior to law school that might help you out in your field of interest. If you’ve made it to the interview phase, you’re probably more likely to get the job by showing you have interests similar to the partners involved than you are by trying to suck up by quoting various cases.

  13. Superb

    I have to defend Kat here because I LOVE this blazer. I won’t be buying it because the top button would not work w/ my DD’s. However, this older vintage style is very flattering and properly aging on my designed by God to look like Barbie self.

    Embarassing story of the day. Yesterday, I was wearing a similar all gray vintage wool blazer from the 70’s (family hand me down.) It has the high button but one underneath it. Often, instead of getting things tailored, I just leave the “breast button” undone, and button the others.

    Well yesterday, I buttoned them all up and thought I was looking stellar. Until . . . I sat down and the breast button shot across my office! Luckily, I was alone at the time and no one saw. Gives new meaning to “locked and loaded.”

    • Ann

      Hey, at least you didn’t put someone’s eye out – and at least it wasn’t a waist button, which happened to me when I tried to squeeze myself into some pre-pregnancy trousers a little too soon post-pregnancy. :)

    • EC

      One of my colleagues was complaining about gaining weight, and 10 minutes later his pants button popped off and the back of his pants ripped down the seam, in front of several people. We still call him “Buttons.” At least you were alone!

    • Alias Terry

      Oh I feel so bad for how hard I just laughed at that visual.
      I am glad you came through the button launch unscathed.

      Had the day from hell at work so I have to thank you for reminding me that it is good to laugh.

  14. Valleygirl

    Just need a little support – I’m the one in the crappy job situation with the hostile work environment… anyway I’ve been applying/ interviewing for positions like a mad-woman (I’m currently in the interview process for 4 positions). I had a great in person interview yesterday, they said they would like to call my references… and it sounded like they were getting to the “about to make an offer” stage and the bomb dropped. They tell me how much they pay (close to a 20% pay cut from what I currently make), the location they’d want me at has double the commute time/distance that my current job has, and in addition to the position they interviewed me for, they found out I do consulting in a more niche field they have to hire from and were giving me the “oh! We could use you to help with this niche area too!! (for free)” – and then I got home from the interview and found out my husband’s company got bought out and his job is disappearing in a month.

    So, for a variety of reasons can’t take the job…. And it doesn’t sound like the best fit anyway – but it’s still a bummer to really want to leave my current position, have what’s close to a way out, and then realize I’m not going to be able to take it.

    • EC

      That’s rough – good luck. *hugs*

      Just a thought; was it a job you think you would like? None of the downsides really sounded like deal-killers to me, unless there is additional information (like kids, or a house you own that’s underwater, or some reason you absolutely can’t handle a pay cut).

      If it is a job you would like, it sounds like a lot of things are in flux right now – could you move to be closer to the job, and reduce your housing costs/commute that way?
      A 20% pay cut is something you need to negotiate; can you live on a 10% paycut? You’re going to need to work out a new budget with your husband unemployed anyway.
      Providing free consulting doesn’t really sound like a dealbreaker, and it also sounds like a way to negotiate for a salary comparable to what you’re making now.

      Just some thoughts! Job hunting is like house hunting – nothing will ever be perfect, so you have to figure out where you’re flexible and where you aren’t.

    • E

      I’d try to see if you could raise some of these concerns with them. Negotiate salary, for starters, and also mention that the market for people with your niche specialty commands more pay (if it does) so if your duties will involve that area, you’d like to be compensated appropriately. Might not go anywhere, but don’t just give up!

      Keeping my fingers crossed for you for the other 3 opportunities!

      • Tongue-tied

        Would assisting them in this niche area create a conflict that would preclude you from engaging in consulting in the area for other entities? If so, that might also give you more leverage to negotiate based on the loss of income you’d sustain from loss of your consulting job.

    • Wicked anon on this one

      Have you done anything to deal with your current hostile situation? I work somewhere where 95% of the people are great and the other 5% are a lawsuit waiting to happen. One of the 5% was making my life miserable – and I was sure this person was setting me up to be fired. Finally, I bit the bullet and talked to the people in charge here about it. I was sure either they would talk to this person and this person would become 100 times worse or they would talk to this person and this person would refuse to work with me going forward, further complicating my life. Instead, they talked to the person and like some miracle, everything is currently better! Not enough time has past to say this is permanent but it seems the powers that be put some fear into this person and said person has shaped up.

      If you have another job lined up, even with a pay cut, it might be worth going out on a limb and seeing if you can fix your current work environment. If that leads to retaliation, at least you have an out.

      • Valleygirl

        I have – spoken both with HR and their lawyer and one of my close friends who is a lawyer… basically the problem person is my direct boss. I do research and he’s the PI on several of the projects I’m on – so it’s not one of the “move to another part of the office” deals. Hence the trying to find a more favorable situation elsewhere.

    • SuzyQ

      I agree with all of the previous posters’ comments. You don’t say anything about whether you are excited about the job, the bonus potential, the potential for growth/promotions, the people, the experience you would get, etc. You only say that it’s a way out of your current job, for which I can sympathize. But if I were in your shoes, I would also want to look at what you want and how that job matches up. Not to say that this is the right job or anything, but I also didn’t read any “deal-breakers” in your posting.

      • Valleygirl

        It’s not an ideal position for me – all of the others I’m in the interview process for are much more suited to my skill set/background/training. I do a specific type of research and evaluation – and this organization is looking to branch it into research – but not sure how receptive they would be to change… so I’m not totally heart broken over it – but it is disapointing.

  15. Veiny

    I’m thinking about undergoing “treatment” for a very prominent vein that has been made only more prominent with age and childbearing. (I’m in my late 30s, most likely done having kids.) It’s on my lower leg, and I’m embarrassed enough by it that I tend to wear pants even in the summer.

    Has anyone here undergone such a procedure, basically to shrink or get rid of a visible, bulgy blue vein? Is it painful? What is the process like? How much does it cost? Do I go to/speak with a dermatologist, or someone else? Do you have any recommendations in/around NYC? (We live in NJ but commute into the City daily.)

    Thanks in advance.

    • SuzyQ

      Haven’t done it myself but a friend did it and loves the results. My brother also does this (he’s an MD) and he says that it’s an easy procedure. He has described it as getting a crochet hook and pulling out the offending vein. Your other veins will compensate. I’m pretty sure it’s out-patient and recovery consists of wearing compression hose.

    • Anonymous

      Haven’t done it but my mom has (salt-water treatment? Something like that) and is so happy– she said it was one of those things where you wonder why you didn’t go for it earlier and avoid agita over not a big deal.

      In the meantime, my own maternal instinct is to point out that no one probably notices it as much as you do. You have other lovely attributes, I’m sure, which is all anyone would notice in shorts or otherwise.

      The vein likely isn’t a big bad deal as-is, but if it bugs you, it isn’t a big bad deal to take care of.

    • Another Laura

      Veiny, I agree that others probably don’t notice but understand why you want to take care of it.

      Yes, a derm is who you see. I had ~20 small veins fixed (short office visit) and it hurt like heck for 2-3 hours, but was worth it. Since you only have one, but bigger, it might be less painful or similar. Now is the time to do it since you have to wear compression hose for ~2 weeks during all waking hours.

      Not sure of the cost. Usually this is covered by insurance if the vein hurts or makes walking painful/difficult. So when you see the doc if it does hurt, mention that as the reason rather than “vanity” and it might get covered. (Rant follows: I still don’t understand why insurance will pay for viagra but not for this stuff. Rant over.)

      Good luck!

  16. Hairy

    My epilator is showing as out for delivery!!! Can’t wait to get home today and give it a try. Here’s to hoping I’ve found my next life-changing Corporette tip! :-)

    • Emma

      I ordered mine from Walmart (all sold out on Amazon!) but still haven’t received an email that it shipped. I plan on using lidocaine cream the first time to numb the skin on my legs… I’m a wimp.

      • Tongue-tied

        Lidocaine is a good idea (I’ve always subscribed to the “bottle of wine can only help” theory of hair removal), but maybe try the spray or gel. The cream might gum up the works on the tweezer plates.

        • Emma

          Thanks for the tip. I was looking at lidocaine products on Amazon, and they seem incredibly expensive. I hope a little goes a long way!

    • rg

      Great! Definitely remember to use an exfoliator at least sometimes to prevent ingrown hairs. I personally like the one from Aveda.

  17. Diane

    I like the cut of the blazer, but green blazers just remind me of old men at church on St. Patrick’s Day.

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