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Weekend Open Thread

Minnetonka Monaco | CorporetteSomething on your mind? Chat about it here. Fringe is trending everywhere these days, especially in shoes. It's easy to find crazy high heels with the fringe details — but these 1.5″ Minnetonkas are bestsellers at Zappos, and it's easy to see why: they're walkable, but still on trend. I like the “dusty brown suede,” but they also come in stone, black, and turquoise suede. They're $64.95 at Zappos. Minnetonka Monaco Wedges (L-all)

Sales of note for 12.13

  • Nordstrom – Beauty deals on skincare including Charlotte Tilbury, Living Proof, Dyson, Shark Pro, and gift sets!
  • Ann Taylor – 50% off everything, including new arrivals (order via standard shipping for 12/23 expected delivery)
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 400+ styles starting at $19
  • J.Crew – Up to 60% off almost everything + free shipping (12/13 only)
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything and free shipping, no minimum
  • Macy's – $30 off every $150 beauty purchase on top brands
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
  • Talbots – 50% off entire purchase, and free shipping on $99+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

58 Comments

  1. I am wearing Lucky Brand Eadda flats that I bought on sale from Nordstrom – seem to be almost identical to the Emmie. I just want to say this is the most comfortable pair of flats I’ve ever worn and my feet are very happy today

  2. I feel like it hasn’t been that long since the last fringe wave. It’s been hideous every time. It will always look ridiculous to see a 22 year girl going to the bar in running clothes (as “athleisure” and not actually for running) and a crossbody fringed bag where the fringe goes to her ankles.

    1. I was gifted an amazing purse that has fringe, but what I like to call orderly fringe. The strips are wider, spaced perfectly next to each other, have small metal pieces at the bottom of each strip, and lays completely smooth when I’m not moving. Its the only fringe I’ve ever liked.

    1. I say big cuff/ stack of bangles as a focus point, and I’d do gold. I’d say earrings too, no necklace.

    2. Statement necklace OR drop earrings (but not both) with bangles or a cuff bracelet. I’d do gold. and I’d probably layer bangles over a watch.

  5. Do any of you guys do a standing desk/ yoga ball chair/ alternative office set up type of thing? I just got a Desk Cycle and I have to say this is seriously the coolest thing. I’m sitting, biking away at my desk as I type this, in heels!

    2. I’ve used a standing desk at work and at home for five years, and it was literally life-changing. I have so much more energy at the end of the day because I’m not sitting for 14 hours.

      1. Do you recommend a particular standing desk model or did you create your own. Love the idea of decreasing my amount of sitting at work.

        1. My one at work is an adjustable one from, I think, Geekdesk. At home I use a plank mounted on two Ikea sawhorses. Two big things that help me: I have shock-absorbing mats (like the kind that restaurant workers and bank tellers stand on) that I use at work and at home, and I don’t wear shoes when I’m standing at either one.

  7. Salary advice requested! I’ve been offered a position at a small boutique law firm in the LA area. I’m just about five years out of law school, and a solid amount of that time is directly relevant experience in the firm’s main practice area. The firm has asked me to provide my requested salary. I did my best to try to get them to to name a number first, but I think I’m stuck throwing out a number first. I plan to present a range, and I’ll be prepared to negotiate on other compensation, benefits, etc. Does anyone have any hard numbers they wouldn’t mind sharing about what they would ask for if they were in my position? Thanks in advance!

    1. I was always taught NOT to present a range. The employer focuses on the low number while you anchor on the high end. I would take a look at the Robert Half salary surveys and stalk salary.com and glassdoor.com and take it from there. I would then name a single number. It’s a negotiation. Aim high. You’re worth it and LA is not cheap.

  8. New job offer today, into reg affairs at a global medical device company. 20% pay bump from the current gig (offer was over the range I gave them), which was also a 20% from the gig before that.

    Now I’ve just got to give notice at my 3 person company…

  9. Any experience with bunion surgery? I am thinking about looking into it. My feet always hurt, now even in flats.

    1. I’m very interested in hearing the responses to this. I’ve wanted it for a long time because mine are painful regularly too. I’ve just never had insurance that would cover much of the cost.

    2. Have you discussed non-surgery options with a doctor? My understanding is surgery isn’t the only option, especially if you get in early enough in the process to help correct the alignment of the bone in the joint.

    3. I’ve had both my feet done. The first time about 6 or 7 years ago and the 2nd one last summer. They can try orthotics first. In Canada the cost is covered if it’s not cosmetic. I was diagnosed with bunions when I was 5 and generally didn’t wear heels so I was covered.

      I had the same doctor both times. The first time my foot ended up amazingly well. The second time isn’t as pretty–I still have a bump where the bunion was and my 2nd toe is still longer than the big toe. They often shorten the 2nd toe by removing a joint and pinning it. I had a harder time with the second, but I’m older. It took longer to heal and I ended up with a stress fracture in the 2nd metatarsal. The big toe, the first metatarsal and the second toe were cut or broken and pinned through the bone, some Dr’s use screws. They use a chevron shaped ?chisel (don’t know the official word) to break/cut through the bunion/base of the big toe and slide the toe over and straighten it. Then any bone left sticking out where the bunion was is cut off.

      I was on crutches for 4-6 weeks both times, you can also use a walker and you wear an air cast or a boot. You can get both done at the same time, but it takes longer to heal. I had no infections or issues after. I missed work both times for 8 weeks, but you can go back earlier if you can sit at a desk and elevate your foot.

      It’s incredibly painful the first few days after the freezing comes out. Despite the pain I’m glad I had it done. Don’t leave them too long–it becomes a more and more invasive/serious surgery if they’re really bad. Hope that helps.

    4. I’ve had both feet done, due to hereditary bunions — one in my early 30s and one in my 50s. Both turned out well, but do plan to be non-weight-bearing on the affected foot for a good six weeks. I rented a knee scooter from goodbyecrutches.com and it was worth every penny. It sounds like you’re at the point where surgery makes sense — when your feet hurt all the time, despite wearing otherwise comfortable shoes.

      1. I will have to eventually. Genetic ones don’t respond to orthotics etc. it just grows. Both parents have them. Dad had good results with surgery. I wear wide-toed flats and loafers- super chic lol. These things just keep expanding by the year and aren’t pretty.

  10. Are the Cole Haan Tali lace wedges and milly wedges the exact same design, except for the bow?

    1. I think the Tali has the Air Nike piece, where Milly doesn’t? But other than that, the look really close to me.

  11. Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto hypothyroid disease, and I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on how to cope with it. I’m also looking for a good endocrinologist in new york, so would really appreciate any recs

    1. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s fifteen years ago, when I was in college. It’s really not been a big deal. Just make sure you don’t run out of medication, and get your TSH levels checked once every six months or so.

    2. I’m probably way too late, but my baby has hypothyroidism. The one piece of advice that I’ve gotten from several doctors, adult friends with the condition, etc. is to only take the name-brand Synthroid and not the generic. Apparently the generic makes it difficult to maintain regular hormone levels.

  12. Anyone had experience with Hashimoto? I just got diagnosed and would really appreciate any advice.

    1. I have Graves– similar. Got on methimizole. Gained 10 lbs on it. Went into remission after a few years on it. It hasn’t been that bad. I get regular blood tests and hope to stay in remission.

    2. I have it. Mine is pretty mild. I take Levothyroxin every morning. I get my levels tested every 6 months to make sure my dose doesn’t need adjusting. I have no symptoms. It’s just important to stay on the synthetic thyroid hormone to prevent further progression, which can be harder to manage, with more symptoms.

      1. Same here. I get tested once a year during my annual exam, and nothing has changed since I was diagnosed six years ago and started taking Levothyoxin. I was pretty scared when I got the diagnosis, particularly because the endocrinologist was a bit of an alarmist about its effect on fertility down the line — but I haven’t had any symptoms, and it sounds like fertility isn’t a problem as long as the Hashi’s is managed.

        1. Agreed re: fertility being non-problematic if the thyroid issue is properly managed. I was diagnosed about a year ago after a miscarriage. I am now 20 weeks pregnant and my OB checks my levels every few months. Pregnancy can have wacky thyroid effects, so they want to keep close tabs on things. My dose hasn’t changed since my diagnosis.

  13. Anyone ever had Hashi’s thyroid disease? I just got diagnosed and would really appreciate any advice.

  14. Hi, I will be starting my summer internship (investment banking) so I bought 3 suits — one of which is black. I was browsing some forums for business formalwear in finance (mostly for men unfortunately) and they said black suits are not appropriate for the office. Is that true? I’d really rather not return my suit since it was a bit difficult to find in my size/price range, but I also want to make a good impression. Thanks in advance!

    1. Black suiting for women is perfectly appropriate for work. Black suiting for men implies a formal non-work event, not a work suit.

    2. Women wear black suits all the time as business formal. I think that a black suit on a man tends to look funereal or like evening-wear, but a black suit on a woman looks normal. Don’t worry about it! Wear your black suit and rock it. Good luck in your internship!

    3. I think black is more acceptable for women than men, and I wouldn’t return the suit, but I would probably focus on navy or charcoal going forward.

      1. I totally disagree with that — I think black is a no go for men at work but great for women.

  15. A couple friends and I (two girls one guy so far) are planning a trip to Toronto for five days in early September and since we’ve never been, we’re looking for suggestions of things to do and eat.

    Generally speaking, we’d like meals to be less than $20 USD a person, and we love eating at small mom-and-pop ethnic restaurant types. We are open to an idea of maybe one fancy meal we can’t get in the DC area.

    We have a couple of touristy things on our to-do list like the CN tower and Casa Lomo, but have no idea of what other things we really must see while we’re there. Are there any good markets or ethnic neighborhoods we can easily access by public transit?

    Speaking of transit, we haven’t locked down on a place to stay yet, so suggestions for airbnb/vrbo or hostels are welcome too!

    TIA!

    1. My husband and I recently spent a long weekend in Toronto and loved it.

      Things we did:
      -St Lawrence Market: local indoor market, Carousel bakery is famous for their pea meal bacon sandwich, which is worth a try.
      -Kensington Market: basically a several-block area with lots of fun little restaurants and food shops. We bought bread from Blackbird Baking Co., which was delicious, but there are tons of different ethnic restaurants as well.
      -Art Gallery of Ontario: really beautiful building designed by Frank Gehry
      -Hockey Hall of Fame: worth it if you’re a hockey fan, skip if not
      -Distillery District: touristy cobblestone street area, but fun to walk around. There is a sake distillery there, and we didn’t do the tour but stopped in for a tasting. The woman who worked there recommended we check out Rikishi for Japanese food; we never made it buy she said that was her favorite.

      Other than that, we walked a LOT – public transit there is great but we enjoy walking and it found it very easy to get most everywhere on foot – through the Annex, University of Toronto campus (beautiful!), over to Chinatown, etc. There are a lot of neighborhoods to explore and the major streets all have a pretty interesting mix of shops and restaurants.

      We heard mixed things about the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) so skipped it due to time, but it might be worth checking out. If you are beer people, Bellwood Brewery and Bar Volo are both worth a visit.

      We stayed downtown near Yonge and King and were really happy with the location, but you could easily stay a bit further out and still access everything easily. Have fun!

    2. My roommate and I went for a weekend a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the Toronto Film Festival – they show movies all the time now and have different exhibitions up, which was very cool.

  16. I’m in the midst of a career pivot and have no idea what to wear. My closet is full of dark serious court suits, my current temporary non-litigation position is in a casual office (read:no suits, men wear jeans and button up shirts, women wear stuff from Ann Taylor loft), and I’m not sure where I’m going to end up long term. But I feel like my wardrobe needs some updates in the meantime.. Any suggestions for versatile work clothes that can be dressed up or down?

    1. Especially for summer, I love colored jeans. I have red, purple and grey skinny/straight-leg jeans that are probably the most versatile items in my wardrobe. I don’t think they read as casual as blue jeans, since most people don’t realize they’re denim. With flats and no jacket, they are quite casual, but if I have a meeting, I can pair them with black heels, a coordinating top, some jewelry, and a black blazer.

      I would recommend looking at the tops you have and seeing if there’s a color or two that can pair with a lot of them. The only drawback is that I feel like my brightly colored jeans are somewhat memorable (in a way that black or grey pants aren’t) so that does slightly limit how often I wear them.

  17. Can anyone recommend a restaurant near Columbus Circle? A friend is coming to visit and will be in that area and we are meeting up for dinner next weekend. Any type of restaurant is good. We both eat pretty much anything except shellfish. I’ll obviously look on Yelp too, but any suggestions would be appreciated!

    1. May be easiest to go uptown a bit from there eg Josie’s. Columbus Circle not great unless you have huge budget. 9th ave near there has a ton of cafes but they are hit and miss.

    2. If you want to stay in Columbus Circle, Nougatine at Jean Georges is a really good deal for lunch if you can swing it, and a bit expensive for dinner. Really amazing food. A voce Columbus is excellent but very expensive. Beautiful views of the park. Bouchon Bakery is ok.

      Uptown I like Jin Ramen (80s), Jacob’s Pickles (84th), Boulud Sud/Bar Boulud (64th), Piccholine (64th) if you are willing to spend a bit (a bit stuffy too), Papperdella (74th), Parm (72nd).

      If you go downtown from there, I like La Masseria (48th), Toloache (50th), Ippudo (46th or thereabouts) in the theater district.

  18. First day of work tomorrow and I was told to wear business formal… nude stockings? or no nude stockings? in a Northeastern city for what it’s worth.

  19. Suits. Is it just a style thing or is it a formality thing to have one button vs two button. And three or four buttons on the sleeves? Thanks.

    1. The number of buttons is a style thing. If you are busty, one button will probably not work for you. The number of sleeve buttons is arbitrary; most jackets used to have four but lately I’ve noticed many have three.

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