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Weekend Open Thread

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Salvatore Ferragamo - Debbie (Nero) - FootwearSomething on your mind? Chat about it here. I came across these shoes while randomly trolling around Zappos, and they totally make me drool. First, Ferragamo is always a brand that is mentioned when we talk about comfortable heels, but the brand is sometimes lacking in a bit of — oomph, perhaps. These sandals pack them aplenty — I'd wear them on a night out with girlfriends or my husband, or depending on my office, I might even try them with a skirt suit at work. They're $595 at Zappos Couture. Salvatore Ferragamo – Debbie (Nero) – Footwear (L-2)

Sales of note for 6/26:

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

321 Comments

  1. I saw the great advice the Alaska interviewee is getting so I’ve decided to ask for help as well. I’m a new attorney (1-3 year associate) at BigLaw. I’m headed to West Africa for work over the summer. What do I wear? Specifically, what do I wear when I’m traveling w/ partners and the client in Nigeria for week(s)? Oil industry clients, most (all?) interactions will be with men. I’m concerned about the heat, about how casual I can go, and about how to minimize sticking out as the sole woman wherever I go. How do I dress to blend in (as much as possible)? It’s both a comfort thing and a security concern. All I’ve gotten from the male partner is “I plan to wear khakis.” My first thought was linen pant suit, but I’m concerned about the likely wrinkling and that the lighter color will be a dirt magnet. Any advice??

    1. I haven’t worked in Nigeria, but am familiar with Central Africa. People are surprisingly more formal there than I would have expected. Also, while showing skin on your chest/arms/shoulders was perfectly fine, showing thighs was a no-no. Not sure what it’s like in Nigeria. Will you just be in big cities? Muslim areas? Linen will wrinkle terribly. Could you wear tailored knee length skirts or pants with nice, short-sleeved blouses? You could also maybe look into some of the travel catalogs (e.g. travelsmith) to see if you can find a lightweight non-wrinkle travel blazer?

      1. I haven’t been to Nigeria, but South Asia sounds similar in terms of being more formal than expected, and also verboten to reveal legs (or shoulders). I had good luck with some of Patagonia’s travel clothing for looking professionaly presentable(ish) and weathering the heat. Long (mid-calf) skirts and travel trouser both worked well, and were made of some miracle fiber (far from linen!) that doesn’t wrinkle, repels dirt, and dries quickly. I also got some short sleeve and long sleeve button down shirts – I think one of the varieties is called “air con” or “tropical” – something that implies that it will keep you cool. A short sleeve cotton or linen sweater might also work with the pants/ skirts.

    2. YAY! I’m from Nigeria, lol.

      Nigerians in the corporate world dress professional – suits (mostly skirt suits), fitted blouses with scarfs around the neck, pumps, the whole shebang. If your suits are made of wool, you might want to go grab 1 that is a summer fabric – in dark gray maybe. On Fridays we are little more casual (wearing traditional garments and plenty of color). Where will you be exactly? If you are in Lagos, Abuja or Enugu, it is more “cosmopolitan” and dressy than in other places like Calabar.

      If you aren’t a “person of color”, you are likely to stick out for that reason alone, more than for being a woman. There are many expatriates in the oil industry so I wouldn’t worry too much.

      It is going to be HOT. Plan to wear blouses / shirts from 100% cotton as much as possible, and to keep your hair off your face. Waterproof makeup, primer and oil control sheets are going to help, so will baby wipes and spare deodorant :) SUNSCREEN. Spf 45. Also, carry a small umbrella for days when the sun may be unbearable.

      For after-work / outside work you can definitely wear summer dresses, khakis, linen pants, sleeveless tops, sandals etc. I caution against shorts of any kind. We really don’t do that ;-) You can show some skin in the major cities (in the South, Southwest, and East), but keep it toned down – slightly above the knee is fine and arms are fine.

      I hope you have a fabulous trip. Nigerians are very hospitable, warm people :-D

    3. What others have said is accurate. Plan to wear a suit (or have a suit jacket available) most days. Keep your legs covered at least to the knees with slacks or a longer skirt – most women will be in skirts. A lightweight fabric like linen or cotton is perfect. Don’t worry if it wrinkles; you can have someone do your laundry and press it for you quite affordably. You can wear a lot more fun colors and patterns than you would in the East Coast US. I skip skin makeup and only wear eye makeup when in tropical climates, but ymmv.

      If you are pale or tend to sunburn, wear a hat every day, not just sunscreen. The equatorial sun is much stronger than we’re used to. Also, don’t expect air conditioning everywhere you go like in the US. Be prepared to sweat a lot. Body odor isn’t as offensive there (or in most places in the world) as in the US, but you may want to bring stronger deodorant than usual.

      1. OP here. Thank you SO MUCH for all the advice. It is really helpful. I hadn’t even thought about the waterproof makeup, sun umbrella, extra-strength deodorant, etc. Can’t thank you enough ladies! I’ll be mostly in Lagos and am really looking forward to it.

        1. I’m a little late here but I’ve lived in very hot, tropical climates and I would strongly suggest purchasing cotton undergarments. Even they aren’t your usual style/the most attractive/most supportive, you will be glad to have them.

          1. Seconded. This is so “normal” to me, I didn’t even think of it. 100% cotton for sure :)

        2. Oh, I can’t believe I forgot to mention this, but if you tend to be sweaty of thigh or foot, I highly recommend an anti-chafing product (I use one called Body Glide) where your thighs rub together or where your shoe rubs. Or you can just wear bike shorts underneath a skirt, if the extra layer doesn’t bother you.

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