Wednesday’s Workwear Report: Cap-Sleeve Cardigan
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I need to add some cardigans to my closet to prepare myself for summer air conditioning. This one from White House Black Market would be a great option for spicing up an otherwise basic outfit. The gold buttons are cute and the floral accent gives it a touch of whimsy.
Pair it with a midi skirt and a work-appropriate tee, and you’ll be set to go.
The sweater is $110 at White House Black Market and comes in sizes XXS-XL.
Sales of note for 4/24:
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off your purchase PLUS $50 off $100! Readers love this popover blouse, and their suiting is also in the sale.
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Brooklinen – 25% off sitewide — we have and love these sateen sheets
- Evereve – Now through Sunday: up to 70% off! Markdowns include Alex Mill, Michael Stars, Sanctuary, Rails, Xirena, and Z-Supply
- Express – $39+ Summer Styles
- J.Crew – Friends & Family Event, 30% off your purchase! Good deals on blazers and boots
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything, extra 50% off clearance, and extra 20% off $125+
- Lands' End – 50% off full price styles and 60% off all clearance and sale – lots of ponte dresses come down under $25, and this packable raincoat in gingham is too cute
- Loft – Friends & Family event, 40% off entire purchase + extra 15% off + free shipping
- M.M.LaFleur – This weekend only, save 25% on dresses. Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Nordstrom – 1500+ new women's markdowns
- Sephora – Up to 50% off hair deals today only – includes Shark Beauty tools! (See our recent discussion on how to upgrade the Revlon brush.)
- Talbots – Friends & Family event, 30% off entire purchase – today only, free shipping, no minimum
- TOCCIN – Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off!
- Vivrelle – Looking to own less stuff but still try trends? Use code CORPORETTE for a free month, and borrow high-end designer clothes and bags!
Has anyone ever left a comfortable marriage because you feel like you’re missing out on something more? DH is my best friend and a great dad, but there is zero passion or romance, intimacy happens only once every month or two. I love him, but it feels more familial than romantic at this stage. When our kids were younger, it didn’t matter as much because I was so touched out, but now I wonder if I’m just settling for good enough rather than giving myself the space to see if there is something more for me.
How did you feel about him pre-kids ?
If that is your only issue I’d use my words first with someone who seems to be a good person who cares for you.
If you value the person as a human being–they are good, kind, special and unique in their way, do what you can to stay. The number of good humans on the dating market is very small.
+ 1M to that last sentence.
“Excitement” may come with lives with parents, FICO score is 17, still in a “situationship,” has a rap sheet. IMO I loved the Diane Lane movie Unfaithful and found that it was an excellent movie, it was also a realistic look at how fun things end poorly in a way that sticks when you are north of 25.
How old are your kids now? If you are asking what I would do, I would not leave a comfortable marriage like you’re describing while my kids are still at home.
I would absolutely not divorce over this. A stable, boring family is an incredible gift.
+1. Being married to my best friend is a gift.
+2
Have ya’ll done anything to address the lack of passion? This calls for a romantic trip together if budget allows. I would focus on re-establishing that connection as much as possible.
To be frank, absolutely unequivocally no. You do not do this. Value your marriage, your spouse as a person, and fix this instead of running away.
I’ve been where you are and agree with this comment. Do what you can to re-invest in him. Flirt. Smile. Whatever you need to do. He’s your best friend.
Is it possible he also wishes that there could be more passion or romance but hasn’t been making it the priority, but you could talk this through? Especially if you were feeling touched out before, it sounds like you are describing a phase and a common development in a long term relationship that would eventually happen again with a new partner and would need to be addressed then anyway.
You would be an absolute insane crazy person filled with regret if you do this. No honey no. This is called marriage. You do not throw this away.
this sounds like a midlife crisis or expecting marriage to look like a rom com. invest in your marriage!
Okaaaay, so here I am on the other side of a divorce. Every situation has pros and cons. The pros for me is that I lead a wonderful, independent life. I travel with the children and am able to have life adventures in a way that can’t or won’t happen for a woman with a partner. The cons are that sometimes I miss romantic love in my life. I am beyond happy with my decisions. I didn’t leave because of romance or intimacy (although it was gone). I left because he was an emotionally abusive alcoholic. So it is a different situation but I can offer you a glimpse in single life.
Here’s my 2 cents – it’s not that easy to get l..aid. I am fit, attractive, successful, great personality. I have lots of options! But I don’t like them. The reality is that there aren’t that many stable, good looking (ish), funny, smart guys out there. I am not complaining at all. I love my life. After a traumatizing marriage, I don’t care if I ever end up with a partner again! But you have different motivations for considering leaving, and I think it’s worth noting it’s not guaranteed that you will find passion or romance as a single person.
I have a fashion question for an EMT class I finally got into.
I need to buy a pair of black tactical boots, 3/4 top or higher. What do I look for? I’m going to the uniform shop tomorrow. I’m usually OK in a women’s 9 for anything I can wear with socks (doc martins, etc). Is there a good type to look for? I imagine it’s usually stocked with mens sizes, which is probably OK with thicker socks. I’m just wearing these to class and not otherwise except for mandated ride-alongs. Pleather would be OK as long as they are not uncomfortable.
I also need to buy a stethoscope. Any advice for that?
I’ve done NOLs first aid training before and this is my first non-NOLs one and we just had to take pulses before, so it will be a new purchase and IDK how to figure out what to do. Having one was mandated but not any particular one.
I imagine whatever company is operating the course would have recommendations for what gear to buy?
No — it’s a community college and it’s just a stethoscope and 3/4 boots. Maybe the uniform store will have limited types or some advice (but also: they are selling me something). It’s probably not $$$ since the store outfits county uniformed services. But not my normal shopping scene.
My husband was an NREMT and a firefighter and for class and other non-field work, he preferred mid or high top Vans to boots. Said the boots were hot and needlessly clunky for most applications. If boots are mandated because of toe reinforcement, that’s something to consider. Good
Luck!
I think we have to have them for ride-alongs and those are mandatory. I get that once you pass all this, they maybe let you pick your footwear for further trainings.
I have only run into grave trouble with flat shoes / boots that are too small, now that I think of it. Socks counter any issues with rubbing. It’s pumps / heels that really fail the road test (even if they are fine with in-store walking). I just want avoid buying a Red Wing Shoes level purchase if that’s possible. I know that Walmart sells this sort of item, but imagine that maybe that’s the other extreme of quality.
Totally makes sense.
Avoid the walmart level boots, and consider if you can find a hiking boot you can try on at an REI or outdoor store that also comes in all black. Order those? Probably doable for mid 100s vs Redwing prices, while still being comfortable and safe.
Oh, and get something water repellant/ resistant, if possible.
EMT here – I like a sort of sneaker/tactical boot hybrid (my current pair is from under armor and I can’t find the exact pair, but they’re similar to this: https://reebokwork.com/sublite-cushion-tactical-rb086/). They’re a little lighter/more comfortable than a heavy boot but still reinforced. For a stethoscope, I bought a littman for my class, but you don’t need one that expensive. You don’t use them in the field that much because there is usually too much ambient noise, so it’s mostly just for class.
For stethoscopes I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone not use a Littman. Good luck!
Any recs on where to stay in NYC for a girls weekend in June? Looking to spend no more than $500/night. Also, if you’ve done something like this, did you assume each friend would get her own room or would you offer to share?
How old are you and how even are people’s budgets? At 40+ my priority is my own space and sleep quality over saving a few hundred dollars to share a room.
2 nights in a girls-weekend neighborhood could be $1000. At that point, that’s some good meals out, tickets to something, etc.
We usually share two to a room so we can get a better hotel. $500 in NYC is going to be tough.
+1 – a room with 2 queen beds and 2 ppl per room is my usual approach. I refuse to share a bed in my 40s!
I appreciate having my own room in general, but given this budget in NYC, I would also share two to a room so you can stay somewhere nicer.
Did this and shared. In Weehawken to save $ and enjoy the ferry ride. It’s a weekend to see each other and wouldn’t separate rooms be at odds with that? In NYC you are really just sleeping there, no?
At NYC price point I’d be way more inclined to share, plus you get more time together. I say this someone who both needs my sleep and is a very light sleeper, so it is somewhat dependent on having a compatible friend to share with. Somewhere cheaper, I might lean more toward your own rooms. Obviously individual budgets and sleep preferences differ.
Same.
I know from prior trips that some college friends snore now. We are old enough friends that we have done up to 5/room. 2/room would be ideal now, with the snorers sharing one together.
+1. Gotta love my close, longtime friends!
Park Lane is an affordable place that might be right at your budget. I have stayed multiple times for girls weekends and with my family. It’s right at the edge of Central Park so it’s nice to just go out the front door to the park.
I’m looking for birthday gift ideas for a new friend. She is a producer for ESPN and loves what she does. She loves sports and animals (she has several dogs and cats) and she usually drinks wine when we go out. I’m usually a good gift giver but I’m drawing a blank. I don’t have a large budget – maybe $40. Just looking for something small.
I hope you get a lot of good suggestions. You provided a lot of detail.
I opt out of giving gifts for just this reason–the likelihood of spending $40 on the wrong thing. I’d be more apt to offer to meet up for a post-work glass of wine and cover the birthday girl’s bill. Maybe a specialty cupcake/individual sized cake (chocolate, rum, etc.) in an individual box?
Does she have a favorite team or a college team she likes? I’d get her some cut flowers in those colors (if possible) or just go out for drink / dessert.
I get personalized notepads or notecards on Etsy for this. And don’t let the gift haters talk you out of doing something like this. My other go-to is a luxury lip product, like Dior lip glow.
Yes, but only if you have enough time. Etsy can take forever if you need something by the weekend. I do like the lip glow idea.
Look around, there are some that arrive in a few days.
i like to go with an inexpensive version of something inexpensive– a gift certificate to a real salon for a mani? a nice hand lotion? don’t know where you are but if she’s a newish friend maybe plan to take out for a not expensive but fun meal (like we just want to a pizza place that had a 5 course “supper club” for $40, somthing like that)
A book you’ve recently liked. Theo of Golden is my current go-to recommendation. Related story: I have a male cousin who calls me about twice a year, usually for no reason. Love him, love the calls. Anyway, he called me the other day to tell me about this fabulous book he is reading, and I interrupted to say, “Is it Theo of Golden?” It was. He had not even finished it yet and couldn’t wait to tell me about it.
What would you do?
Job 1- fully remote role finding teapot makers for several different companies. Commission based, averages around 170k a year but fluctuates. Always on because any time off is a possible deal lost. No advancement opportunities.
Job 2- hybrid. 2 days a week in office, hour commute each way mostly on train. Base salary of 200k plus bonus. Find teapot makers just for this company, plus assist with their onboarding. Can take time off. More advancement opportunities. Stable company but this is a new role for them.
Mid 30s, 3 kids.
How good are you at finding teapots? Option 2 sounds better either way, but if you’re really good at it and want to be remote, choose 1.
2 could give you the opportunity to pick up other HR work and broaden your skill set, plus it’s more money and real PTO… the commute 2x a week would be totally fine with me as a tradeoff for that.
also, 1 sounds like the kind of job that is not as hard to find, if you take 2 and decide you’d rather have gone with 1.
This is a really, really good point. If you hate the commute, Job 1 will always exist again. Job 2 might not.
OP here and you’re correct. Job 1 is easy to find, Job 2 more rare especially at the salary they’re offering me.
Part of my hesitation is being a job hopper- I’ve been at my current role for almost four years, but my last two roles were each only 2.5 years. It’s not uncommon in my industry, but I still feel weird about it.
Are you the one who posted a few days ago with a bunch of 2 to 2.5 year stints? If so, and you are a recruiter, I absolutely don’t think of that timeline as job hopping. That seems industry standard. You got answers from people who think that would be a little bit of a red flag if you were an associate at a law firm (which it takes that long for issues to arise). Not in the recruiting world though.
Also, life is freaking short. If you had only been at Job 1 hustling for 6 months, maybe it would be a question. But after 4 years of hustling, go with the stable job, and see if you like it.
Definitely 2. Hour commute isn’t great but only 2x week and mostly on train would make it bearable for me. Sounds like a better long term plan. At this stage in my life (late 30s but no kids) “always on” sounds awful to me. Which do you think you would enjoy more?
2 absolutely no question. How is this even a debate for you?
I’m genuinely curious – why add the second question? Is that something you would say to a person in real life? As in, are you in the habit of asking rhetorical questions that seemed aimed at making the person feel dumb, or are you asking if she really has a reason for considering job 1?
It is putting a fine point on the fact that 2 is obviously the right answer.
It is a really obnoxious way to convey that sentiment. Also, it clearly isn’t, given that she posted it as a question, and folks have thoughts.
HI! I know there are some New Mexico commenters on this board. I’m on the east coast and am desperately trying to find some red chile powder online that isn’t from walmart and doesn’t come in a Ziplock bag.
I only need to do this every few years or so and the past options don’t appear to be available. Options you can share?
I’m not from New Mexico, so I’m probably missing nuances here, but I would look at Penzey’s, the Spice House, and Burlap and Barrel. I’ve been happy with spices from all of these places, and they all sell at least some sizes in glass jars.
I’m having a career crisis. I’m a staff counsel attorney in a non prestigious practice at an insurer. I mostly liked my job but things are shifting in my current gig after I jumped two years ago. It’s Deja vu from the last place and I am so done. I can feel in my bones that I just can’t do this forever, with tiny raises and micro managing and zero prestige.
I constantly feel like I’m selling myself short, settling for such a small job and career. I’m already in my mid forties. Is there any way out of this? do I hire a career coach? Is that even a thing for low achieving professionals? Or am I just worthless after having a less prestigious career?
My law degree can from a good if not great school, I did reasonably well there. I just settled into this for the lifestyle and now that my youngest is in kindergarten I’m ready to do something else.
At some point you have to stop jumping around and settle in and make your situation better. Tired of small raises? Stop being an associate and start doing what it takes to make partner. You will never advance if you keep jumping every couple of years. Advancement takes time and investment.
Does anyone have a Sienna with the slots / rails in the back to adjust the second row of seats? I vetoed this with younger kids because I just imagine how encrusted they’d get — crumbs, diaper blowouts, vomit. I went with an Odyssey then. 15 years later, even the Odyssey has the slot / rail adjustments, and the Sienna has an AWD hybrid. If you have the Sienna in AWD, do you love it? Do you just put other mats over the rails (now it’s mud and dog hair and still some snacks) that you can easily clean? I’m glad they still offer a spare tire when that feature is getting hard to find.
My prior recollection is that the Odyssey felt like more of a driver’s care and the Sienna felt plusher for the passengers but was a very mushy feeling driving experience. I envision needing a giant hauler for 6ish more years.
I loooove my AWD Sienna, and the fact that it’s a hybrid. I’m such a huge fan of this car, I could tell everyone. We do have the rails and honestly I’ve not noticed any issues. We do get it vacuumed out like once a month. I have a 3 and 5 year old, and we’ve had the car since 3 yo was 2 months old.
Also, test drive the Sienna, even my husband who’s very particular with cars, loves driving it. It’s a very nice ride. And truly the AWD/Hybrid part really seals the deal.
I have read your question like three times, and I’m laughing bc it literally never would have occurred to me not to buy a car bc of rails in the back. I know exactly what you are talking about, but I never even considered not buying a car bc of it :) I’ll now think of you any time I go buy a car.
But also, I would just go drive them and see. I had picked out the best car for our family, and went to test drive/hated it. I would just go find the one YOU are most comfortable in, and not worry about the rest.
IDK where people live but we can’t even test drive cars like this because they arrive pre-sold and what on the lot to drive are the worst trim lines (like what is in a rental fleet that often are not the best representation of what the car you want will be like). It is very frustrating.
But the trim doesn’t impact the drive ability? I would drive what you want, and then pick out the trim you like.
AWD Sienna is a beast on snow and ice.
This sweater definitely appeals to me. Reminds me of something I would have worn in the 90’s (I graduated high school in 94, college in 98). It would have been cotton or wool and the flower embroidered onto it.
Need to share something kind of exciting and I know there are other equestrians here!
I am horse shopping (hunters) and my trainer found a really cute mare that is below my budget and has a lot of potential. This will be a project horse for me with the goal of selling in 12-18 months. She’s young and has a little bit of training but we can train her up properly. She jumps cute over tony jumps and is a good mover!
We are trying to figure out schedules to go look at her/ride her. Of course there are more steps to get through before a successful purchase but it’s fun to be excited about a prospect!!
Anyone else have something exciting or fun going on in their lives?!
We’re in the preliminary stages of designing a 4-bedroom guest cottage/pool house with an architect. I’ve never owned a second home, much less a guest cottage at a second home, and I want to make sure we’re covering all our bases. Of course we’re relying on our architect for a lot of this, but figured I’d ask here as well. Whether you’ve owned one or have stayed in one, do you have any suggestions for must-haves in a guest house? Pet peeves or things that would just be nice extras? One thing that occurred to me this morning was to have the architect design custom (maybe even pocket-door type) baby gates at bottom and top of stairs for guests who are coming with babies/toddlers. TIA!
Never enough towel racks. Need a washer dryer for all that pool stuff that will be wet.
Any advice on how to approach this?
I am a very new manager to a report who is new to her role. She is an internal promotion, very curious and interested in learning all that she can about our work, which I do not want to discourage. However, she asks a LOT of questions, sometimes so many and so often that I struggle to focus on my own work. These are good questions, and they are about internal processes or background information that I cannot direct her to look up on her own, nor can I anticipate all of her questions when we first approach a project. Much of the time she does need a response in order to move forward. I do not want to hold up her ability to do her work, but I do need to do my own job and not just be her full-time teacher. We have regular check-ins and she will save up more involved queries for those meetings, but there are still so many little questions that I feel like I am becoming her personal office wiki. How can I better balance this?
Clearly she wasn’t provided with adequate training and documentation. That is your responsibility to provide.
You continue to engage with her. It will abate over time as she grows into the role.
Two thoughts:
– ask her to batch even these little questions – she could send you an email once or twice a day, depending
– as she’s gathering answers to her questions, have her put together SOPs, an onboarding guide, etc so you don’t have to do this again :)
The most effective way a senior partner helped me with this was by asking “can you walk me through what resources you’ve looked at so far?” And then “what do you think our next step should be?” Making her talk about her process like that sharpens her judgment and her research skills.
It sounds like this is a problem that can’t last forever, but also it sounds like the answers need to be better documented so that they can be looked up in the future?
If you don’t have time to answer and she needs a response to move forward, then you may need to be comfortable with her not moving forward, or she may need something else to do when she’s waiting on an answer.