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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 65 Comments · by

Weekend Open Thread

Fashion

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Untitled pictureSomething on your mind? Chat about it here.
Pictured: Frivole by Bernardaud After Dinner Cup, available at Bloomingdales.com for $181.

Sale of the weekend: Check out the vast array of boots on sale at www.endless.com.

Comments

  1. IronB

    This is an early weekend thread! It’s only noon on Friday here, I’ve got 5 1/2 hours before I’m officially working the weekend. (However, I will be indeed working the weekend hard :-)

  2. Help!

    I have a friend’s wedding to go to in about two weeks. I have purchased this dress (http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi22947&rootCategory=cat90030&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default&section=Sale&conceptIdUnderSale=cat90030). The dress itself is a little more form fitting on me than on the model and stops right in the middle of my knee with a modest slit in the back. My dilemma is how to accessorize? I was thinking maybe adding a patterned tight, black heels (on the higher side) and a red clutch, but I’m feeling that I need something more. What do you think? Please help me!

    • Help!

      I realize that the link does not work. It’s a plain black dress, form fitting, with cap sleeves, and it stops at my knee.

    • Kathryn

      Would a velvet or satin belt with a jeweled buckle work? A sparkly brooch at the waist or at the pleats’ top? (eBay is a great source if you have time) A major bracelet, for certain–a Chanel-type camellia maybe? A cocktail ring…

      Patterned tights are kind of casual/daytime–sheer black stockings are dressier.

    • Mel

      That sounds too conservative for a friend’s wedding. I’d add a colored or metallic belt, complementing shoes and a nice clutch. Since it’s a wedding, I really think you need to add some color in the accessories and avoid having everything be black except the clutch- be it with jewelry, a belt, or shoes.

  3. IronB

    Your link didn’t work…you have to click find in a store and then it’s tiny. Any other location?

  4. JJ

    Can anyone tell me anything about the sizing of Brooks Brothers skirt suits? Do they actually follow their size charts, or do they do a little bit of vanity sizing, like most brands? If I were to order according to the size chart, will I end up with a jacket or a skirt that is about 4 sizes too large?

    I tried to get an idea by looking at the measurements of Brooks Brothers suit jackets on Ebay, but it was hard to tell if there was any sort of definitive trend in terms of sizing.

    Thanks!

    • A

      I just bought the sharkskin suit (it’s way cuter on… not nearly as ‘stuffy’ looking as the picture) I am 5’2″, 115 lbs and usually wear a size 2. I purchased the skirt in a 2 and it fit perfectly. The size 2 jacket was just slightly large. However, the 4 petite fit me without alteration, as well. Additionally, Brooks Brothers provides complimentary alterations (minor ones – hemming, sleeves, etc). Not sure if you are required to have purchased the product in-store or not. Also, they have a size guide online, that might help, if you know your measurements.

    • Jenny

      I’ve found the Brooks Brothers skirts run quite large. I wear a size 2 skirt from Brooks Brothers, whereas I need a size 6 skirt from Banana Republic or J. Crew.

      • JJ

        Wow, that *is* running large. I know my measurements, the problem is that it seems that 90% of stores’ size guidelines just aren’t accurate. If I go by the Anne Klein size guideline, for example, I should be at least a size 8, but I have a suit from them in a 4 that’s rather loose. I find it’s that way with most brands. I wouldn’t mind so much just buying it and trying it on, except I live in Canada, which means I have to pay for shipping.

        Thanks to both of you for your help! Anyone else? Can anyone weigh in on the relation of the online size guideline to reality? (i.e. are the measurements they give actually correct?)

        Thanks!

        • Marla

          I would just go to a store and try them on and then order online if it’s cheaper/selection is better. I wear a 4 petite or regular depending on the suit, but can get away with a 6 petite or regular with alterations depending on what is on sale. You can return things in-store that you get online. Note that I think the alterations are only free if you are buying something full-price, which I almost never do. I buy most of my suits there and am always happy with the quality.

  5. A

    I am editing a publication for a school… The publication is for a golf tournament. Is “hole in one” or “hole-in-one” spelled with or without hyphens? The dictionary shows it both ways. The online dictionary shows it without. Wikipedia shows it both ways (hyphes being specific to American English). The rules for hyphens seem slightly ambiguous. Does anyone have any rules that could help? Thanks!

    @ Help!… I am a big fan of black dresses with red pumps and very simple jewelry. For winter, I prefer a merlot-type red. Perhaps something like the BCBGeneration Women’s Ariel Peep Toe Pump (search on Endless.com, then the Ruby color). Or, I like to wear just the black dress with gold accessories – this always looks really nice. If you narrow the search to gold on Endless, you will find a huge selection. With red/merlot shoes, I would carry a black clutch. With gold shoes, I would carry a gold clutch (search Endless for those too – great selection).

  6. dr

    O.K., now that the weekend thread is officially weaving, I’ve cut and copied my question from the tps for the day to here.

    basically, I am looking for anyone who’s tried on or seen the following jacket now on sale at J. Crew.

    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/jacketsblazers/jacketsblazers/PRDOVR~18424/99101826608/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294967140~15~~~~~~~/18424.jsp

    original post:

    sorry to hijack or detour us directly into the Weekend Thread…

    Has anyone seen (or more importantly, tried on) this jacket from Jcrew? It is on sale and a lovely, non-stodgy navy. Yes, I work in a more unconventional, fashion-embracing office as a PhD instead of a JD, so it seems this could work with a pattern or contrasting solid underneath – slacks, dresses, skirts. However, I wonder if the lovely looking pleating, despite seeming coutoure, is really too large and ‘much’ for a bustline. Let’s hear about it:

    Just curious, us PhD types often referred to ourselves (back in the day) as having a “Phil Donohue” degree. What’s the insider abbreviation on the JD? A little levity for the weekend as we all sit and write, read, write, and read some more.

    Reply

  7. Kathryn

    Do people actually buy a cup and saucer for $181?

    It’s nice, but….

    I’ve never heard of any fun name for JD or lawyers. I think we get such a crawful of lawyer jokes long before we are even out of law school, it becomes hard to laugh at ourselves…..

  8. Sarah

    got bar results today! passed!

    so excited i want to share with everyone. but i do LOVE the scarf jacket.

    hope everyone else has a great weekend.

  9. C. Z.

    Stuck in the law library working on a memo and outlining all weekend…anything anyone can make me say to get through the rest of this 1L semester?

    • Amber

      I totally relate. I’m a 2L and am also stuck in the library all weekend.

      I have no words of wisdom; just know that you’re not alone.

      • Canadian

        Just know that one day you will be in 3L and you won’t need to care anymore! :D (Meaning that I am not planning on doing much work this weekend).

        • Woman of Color

          I too have succumbed to the disease called “senioritis,” which seems to be a contagious illness among 3L’s. Alas, the fever will be forced to break as exams loom around the corner. Red bull (my liquid crack) will be my lover again. My apologies in advance to my wonderful husband who will soon have conversations with the back of my head as I stare blankly into my laptop. Sigh.

          • MA

            To help with getting through your first year — it’s the most important year ever and it determines much of your near future. Work your ass off, and you will have much better/easier options all through the rest of school and even after.

            And when I say work your ass off, I mean take whatever you think that means and times it by at least 5. It sounds crazy but it’s how it is. . . especially in this economy and outside the top schools.

            Good luck!

    • Mel

      Trust me- I’d rather be a 1L again than where I am now- 2009 grad with no job freaking out about student loans! I think it’s actually a good time to be a 1L because your job options will probably be much better than those of the classes of 2009-2011.

    • Woman of Color

      Trust yourself, and don’t give up everything (study wise) that may have pulled you through in undergrad. Law students are a crazy, high pressured bunch, and they will make you think that you have to come up with some whole new learning style to get through. Granted, you may have to come up with some new ways to synthesize all the information, but do what works for you. Most importantly, have a day when you don’t do anything. I mean no-thing related to law school. Venture out, call your granny, see a movie at 2 in the afternoon – just do something. Your psyche will thank you.

      • Mel

        Great advice. I made the mistake of listening to others my first year and totally bombed. Even if that does happen, don’t give up. You CAN bring your GPA up. I raised my GPA .52 from 1L to graduation by doing what was right for me and not letting others stress me out.

  10. C

    C.Z. – words of wisdom: weather (at least here= miserable). You are lucky to be gainfully engaged this weekend. …and a library- well, it’s just a museum of wisdom. Just wallow in that memo-writing and enjoy it.

  11. may2

    I’m a young professional in the Pacific Northwest and in desperate need of a work-appropriate raincoat. I’ve been looking at Lands End’s Sunshower line of jackets, and wondering if I should go with the classic khaki or black, or if it’s okay to be a bit more daring and buy something like golden yellow (they call it “aztec gold”) or magenta (“iris”).

    Related question: is a khaki coat/jacket appropriate all winter long? Or too light colored for winter?

    • anon

      In the Pacific Northwest, I’d say you’re good with khaki. (I’m from Portland.) I mean, not only are things less formal there, November weather often doesn’t differ markedly from January weather from April weather. It’s just the constant, grey drizzle.

    • KLo

      I adore the golden color that Lands End has been has been using a lot recently! I think if you paired it with a navy accessory (perhaps umbrella, boots, bag, Hermes Twilly …) it’ll be incredibly classic and won’t clash with much at all (I’d venture only certain other shades of yellow). And who doesn’t want some color on a grey day?

      The Iris, though pretty, will be harder with reds.

    • Mel

      I’ve looked at the lines and I have to say I like the pine and navy coats the best, but the aztec gold could be fun for a rainy day. I had a yellow raincoat for two years until the lining ripped to shreds. It was one of my favorites and tended to perk me up. I am not sure if I’d go with the Iris. Too bad they don’t have the seaport color in another style- I absolutely love that color.

  12. newassociate

    Brooks Brothers Clearance is on, including their no-iron dress shirts, for $45-65!! I just picked up three!

  13. mkm

    CZ and Amber (and any other law students suffering through a weekend at the library): look at this experience as many people told you to look at college — be assured that you’ll look back on this time with a greater appreciation for the interesting academic pursuit that this is. I wish it weren’t such a stressful experience, but that’s the hazing part. :) Hang in there, ladies, and try to enjoy it!!

    • Amber

      Thanks :) I have to admit that I did have some dorky fun today practicing my oral argument for moot court.

      But for now, back to the Conflict of Laws outline…

  14. Abby

    Regarding the J Crew Jacket: I’m not sure this is helpful, but I bought a J Crew sweater with a very similar ruffle. I wore it on a casual trip and got compliments everywhere – including from a flight attendant. So, I wore it to work on Friday with a black skirt, as Fridays are more casual, and got more compliments. I don’t know what it is about that ruffle! I’m only 5’3″ and moderately busty, and the ruffle doesn’t overwhelm. I would go for the jacket.

  15. Seventh Sister

    And now for something completely different…anybody have any great ideas for what to wear to a ‘business casual’ professional conference in Florida within the next month?

    I’m in Southern California, but my work wardrobe tends toward the wool and tweedy (my office is both freezing and conservative).

    -Seventh Sister

    • Mel

      Think the opposite of your workplace. People in FL tend to wear bright colors, patterns, and lightweight fabrics. Feel free to wear sandals or open-toed shoes as Florida is generally warm enough for those styles year round. The only time women wear pantyhose is in court, but it does get cool enough inside with the AC to wear a jacket or cardigan. Even with that, you could feel free to wear the yellow jacket recently posted or something else bright and fun and would blend right in.

    • A

      I live and work in Southwest Florida (as far south as you can get before running into the Everglades). It’s beautiful right now – 65 in the morning, 80 during the day. If you’re a bit more north in Florida, it will be a bit chiller, though not by much.

      To a business professional conference, I would wear nice, comfortable slacks or skirt and a sweater set – the sleeveless blouse underneath is totally appropriate outside and the sweater makes it comfortable inside. Black/grey pants & pink sweater set or patterned skirt, black sweater set, etc. My other go-to for a conference would be a sleeveless sheath dress, with a cardigan or jacket – that turquoise sheath dress recently featured on C is a great example.

      I agree with Mel that open-toed shoes are almost always appropriate (court being the exception), although I would probably not wear flip-flop sandals. We aren’t always super bright, but bright colors never look out of place, either.

  16. Joi

    Hi Ladies-
    I had commented last week about how to handle communication with a recruiter- the great news is that I spoke with them on Monday and they will be at a conference I’m attending next week.

    As I mentioned last week, I’m in the sciences- so its a bit more relaxed than the legal community. However, I want to make an excellent impression. Should I bite the bullet and wear a suit every day?

    Thanks for everyone’s great advice!!

    • Jen

      Joi,

      I don’t think that you need to wear a full suit every day. While it is more appropriate for men to do this, women can often get away with a nice top (button up if you want to be more formal) and slacks or a pencil skirt. Or, if you want to be safe, wear the bottom half of a full suit and take the jacket with you. That way you can be more comfortable during the day but you can put the suit jacket on if you are making a presentation or meeting someone important.

      Hope that helps a bit! I’m going to a couple of conferences soon, too!

    • anon

      I wouldn’t wear a suit unless you think that a fair percentage of the other women attending will be wearing suits as well. IMO, it would be worse to stick out as noticably over-dressed, and I don’t think you need to treat each day of the conference as a mini-interview just because the recruiter will be there. On the other hand, if at least some of the women attending will be wearing suits and you feel comfortable doing the same, I would go for it.

    • Lawgirl

      i likey!! Corporette is anti-peeptoe shoes by and large, but I so disagree (and have seen many successful, lawyer women wear peeptoes). Not too sexy IMHO. But would wear a conservative suit on top to balance out the vavavoom..

    • anon

      Cute! I second Lawgirl – at least in Chicago, peeptoes are generally fine, except for court. (Well, maybe except for federal court. State court tends to be more casual and I don’t think judges particularly notice what’s on your feet anyway.) But are these maybe a little wintery for a summer job?

  18. mkm

    I LOVE those!! The heel, though high, is very classic, as is the design of the entire shoe. My office is too conservative for peep-toe shoes, but if they had a closed toe, I’d get them in a heartbeat, heel and all. Gorgeous.

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