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Updated: Jul 26, 2019 240 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Wild Country Blooms Peplum Blouse

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Every year, I end up going back to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale two or three times to pick up items that I missed in my first go-round. Somehow, I didn’t spot this pretty peplum blouse in my first glance, but I think I’m going to place a second order to grab it. (Pro tip: If something you loved was sold out in your size early on, go back and check to see if there have been returns! I’ve scored some of my favorite items that way.) I think this top would look great with this “warm plum” skirt, also from the Anniversary Sale. The blouse is $49.90 (marked down from $79) and is available in sizes XXS–XXL as well as plus sizes 1X-3X. It also comes in black. Wild Country Blooms Peplum Blouse This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support! Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (edited)

Sales of note for 9.10.24

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About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a 30-something lawyer living on the East Coast. She spent seven years as a Biglaw associate in NYC, three years as a partner at a medium-sized firm, and is now in-house counsel for a large company. She loves Diet Coke, '90s sitcoms, and dresses with pockets.

Comments

  1. Ellen

    Kate, I LOVE the darker Wild Country Blooms Peplum blouse, as the darker top looks better on people with long blond hair like me, so I am getting one @ Nordstrom’s this weekend! Thanks for pointing it out. I hope the manageing partner will like it!

    I am taking the day off today, can you believe it? I have met my monthly billing goal, and decided it was to nice of a day to rack up another 20 hours of billing just to get a head for the month of August. So I am going with Myrna today to my Parents house and then spend the night and then drive to the Hamtons! This will be a real mini-vacation for me b/c I may not get back into the office until TUESDAY! YAY!

    Of course, when I do, the manageing partner wants me to start right away on preparing his POWERPOINT for the NY CLE class he is teaching at his law school! I did not go to the same law school so I do not know what their protocol is for POWERPOINT, but I will start with the firm’s LOGOed POWERPOINT that we use for marketing purposes. If the law school wants to use their LOGO, they can just copy and paste my POWERPOINT PAGES into their logo.

    I think this will be a great weekend, as Myrna also will take the time off. She has been working VERY hard at work to do some kind of Spinoff, which she says takes more work then a merger. It seems to me that it would be the other way around, but I am NOT an investement banker. FOOEY! And I do not want to be b/c I have enough to do as an attorney and counselor at law at my firm.

    So anyway, best of the weekend to the ENTIRE Hive, as well as Kat, Kate and Elizabeth (the young one!) YAY!!!!!

    • AIMS

      Haha, never mind – had both this and the Moms page open and posted my comment in the wrong place!

      Cute top, but I can never seem to get peplum tops to land in the right place.

      • Cat

        Ha, me too! Stacey was always my favorite though in reality I’d probably have been Mary Anne…

      • Monday

        +1. I love that this was the first comment, too. I now feel like walking into a room and announcing “I was Claudia.”

        • January

          If it’s a room full of women of a certain age, they will definitely understand what you are talking about. :)

        • pugsnbourbon

          I saw a woman downtown rocking a side pony, denim jacket, big earrings and leather leggings and immediately blurted to my wife, “that’s Claudia Kishi.” She was … confused.

          • anon

            OMG, I love this so much! Curious — is your wife younger than you? Because my sisters, who are 6 and 8 years younger than me, never got into BSC, much to my chagrin. It seems that there is a narrow band separating the BSC lovers from those who thought it was silly.

          • Abby

            When I was 8, I felt SO cool because my brother’s college friends were talking about Babysitter’s Club with me. I’m 27 and I don’t think many girls my age read them, but my niece asked for the graphic novels for christmas last year!

        • lsw

          I laughed out loud. I’m a Kristy, no doubt, except not that athletic. Just bossy.

    • Anon

      I also knew exactly what this was about, was delighted to see a BSC reference and will now be going to the moms page to check out the full conversation.

      Related: shoutout to whoever recommended the Babysitters Club Club podcast awhile ago. Hilarious.

      • AIMS

        This all really, REALLY makes my day (which to this point was slightly nuts so I am just seeing this).

  3. emeralds

    Extremely specific gift help request! My husband was crushing hard on a pair of cufflinks we saw on our honeymoon, but I didn’t have a chance to sneak back to get them for his birthday. They were metal and kind of–right angular and geometric? Rather than just a regular cufflink shape. (Already tried to look them up on the shop’s website but I couldn’t find them.)

    Alternatively, other ideas for a man whose interests include Philadelphia sports, dressing nicely, and outdoorsy stuff? His love language is gifts so I’m trying to honor that and steer away from an experience. (He does enjoy good whisky and beer, but my default “sh*t I’m panicking because his birthday is like, tomorrow” is booze so I’m trying to steer clear of that.) Thanks in advance!

    • Veronica Mars

      I’d call or email the shop and see if they can let you know the supplier name or order them for you.

      • emeralds

        I thought about it, but it’s a tiny little place on another continent–I don’t think there’s any way they could get it to me in time, unfortunately.

        • Fishie

          If it were me, I’d rather the late gift than a less personal one. Order them and give him a card with a pic of the cufflinks. When they arrive it will be like another present all over again!

          I’m a gift-lover and I’m always disappointed when I point something out to my SO like “HEY I REALLY LIKE THIS THING THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT” and don’t get it (I’m talking like a $20 necklace that he could easily walk into the store and buy, not a ten thousand dollar watch). For me it’s not as much the gift as that they are paying attention and went a teensy bit out of their way to make me happy.

          • emeralds

            That’s a really valid point. I think the ship has sailed for this birthday and I’ve got some great ideas down thread, but I will reach out to them and see if I can make it happen for Christmas.

        • anon a mouse

          I’d still try to contact them — they may have sourced from somewhere closer to you! And if nothing else, you could order and stash away for Christmas.

      • emeralds

        He’s already got one (which is one of the problems with gifting for him; if there’s something he wants he just buys it).

    • Anonymous

      Tommy Johns underwear… nice tshirts or a sweater from Everlane… fancy skincare?

      • emeralds

        Will check out the underwear! Costco discontinued his favorite kind and he’s been on the hunt for something else he likes as much.

        • anonshmanon

          My husband is super happy with his ExOfficio underwear, which is pretty pricey but supposedly very long-lived. For the year we’ve had it, nothing has worn out.

      • Anon

        Perry Ellis Men’s Luxe Boxers are my Hub’s favorites, if he likes the silk feeling boxers that aren’t too loose.

    • Ellen

      It must feel great to have a man who appreciates you! I just read on MSN about the awful divorce between Guiliani and his current wife. They are squabbleing over everything. When I was in law school, they were all over each other; he had left his wife (a pretty blond newscaster) for her (she was brunette). Now that she is older (64) and he is much older, she says he is not working b/c he does not want to give her half. He says she should now be working even tho she is a nurse and I am pretty sure well out of practice. It seems to me that once regular $ex is out of the marrage, it can fall apart quickly when you get older b/c you do NOT have kids to keep it together. That is why I want kids RIGHT away!

      For those who haven’t seen the story, here is the link:
      https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/rudy-giuliani-estranged-wife-argue-in-court-over-his-free-trump-legal-work/ar-AAER4Ww?ocid=spartanntp

      • pugsnbourbon

        I’m not from Philadelphia and I don’t follow hockey but I sure do love Gritty. He embodies these chaotic times.

      • emeralds

        Ha! I would love that but Gritty merch would be a thinly-veiled gift to myself, since I follow hockey a lot more than he does. He’s a self-proclaimed bandwagon Flyers fan because he can’t deal with a fourth sport wrecking his emotions.

        …but I think we may need a Gritty item regardless.

      • Anon

        I am from a state that doesn’t understand hockey, dating someone whose family is from Philadelphia and New Jersey. I got a new car earlier this year that’s BRIGHT orange, and his mom calls it the Gritty-mobile. This made me look Gritty up, and I think I’m not a Flyers fan?

        • emeralds

          Ooh girl, as someone else who married into a Philly sports family: Gritty is the living incarnation of Philly sports. Mayhem, strong chaos energy in the eyes, like really pretty weird?? but also charming??? and funny in a way where you’re maybe laughing and crying and worried your property is going to get destroyed but it’s still okay somehow????

          In conclusion, Gritty forever. His Insta is solid gold.

          • Anon

            His Insta is my favorite! My boyfriend’s mom is a suuuuuuper sweet and wonderful lady. We watched the first game of the Stanley Cup with his whole family. When asked who she was rooting for, she wouldn’t say anything other than, “I want the Flyers to win.” And then proceeded to yell some things at the players that made me wonder if she’s a closet psychopath. Basically, this new world is so fun and exciting and I’m definitely wondering if my property will get destroyed.

          • Philly Sports Fan

            I’m from Philly and a sports fan – this description really made me laugh out loud. Thank you!

          • January

            I am not a hockey fan, I am dating a Penguins fan, and I am only interested in the Flyers because of Gritty (much to my boyfriend’s chagrin).

      • Ellen

        I looked up Gritty, and he looks like a Troll. I can’t imagine any woman even thinking of having a guy who look’s anything like Gritty huffeing and puffeing on top of her! That is completely GROSS! FOOEY!

    • FormerlyPhilly

      Definitely call the shop! See if they’ll handle the transaction over the phone and rush deliver them to you.

    • Cat

      You can find cufflinks that are made using old stadium seats for around $200 IIRC — from a quick search, looks like the Vet is one of them?

      • emeralds

        I will totally file this away for Christmas cause it looks like the Vet is one of two stadiums that are sold out, but he would for sure be into this!

        (The other one is the Steelers’. Go PA.)

    • Anon

      Will link later to avoid mod, but google Paul Carpenter art – great philly sports themed artwork, casual clothes, and pint glasses/related ilk.

    • Anonymous

      The Flyers store has a bunch of cool things. I’ve gotten past BFs: cuff links made of hockey pucks, Flyers whiskey stones, coozies, probably some other random stuff.

    • Anonymous

      David Yurman cufflinks from their site? There are so me forged steel that have personality.

    • Dahlia

      I once got my husband cufflinks made from baseballs that were used in actual games, you can pick the team…. they looked very cool.

  4. HEPA vacuum

    Allergist is recommending frequent vacuuming with a good HEPA filter vacuum. I have two ancient ones that are dust choked and probably die for replacing. Any good ones y’all like, especially if they are not $$$?

    • Anon

      I just bought the latest model Eureka from Costco to replace the Eureka I bought from Costco some 10-15 years ago. Vacuum technology has apparently made some strides, because my new one is so much lighter, stronger, and better designed than the old one ever was. I have not compared it to any $$$ vacuums; maybe they are even better, but this one is just fine for me.

    • Anon

      Not a recommendation for a main vaccuum, but weekly vaccuuming, a robot vaccuum with HEPA filter, and a HEPA air filter basically eliminated my indoor allergens from upsetting me at home (outdoor is another story). It seems overkill but it really works and I have to dust far less frequently.

      • Coach Laura

        Yes, we got a Costco vacuum with HEPA and then a Roomba with HEPA and it is amazing how much cleaner our house is.

    • Anon

      Roomba. Run it daily when you’re at work. It has made all the difference in my allergies.

      • Anonymous

        I have a two-story house. Do you get one for each floor? And is it easy to keep it from toppling down the stairs?

        I am thinking I could ruin a Roomba in its first use upstairs.

      • janet

        I have one and am seriously considering getting a second for the 2nd floor. (Although I’ve been known to just pick it up and move it upstairs occasionally.) No allergies but a dog that is 90% fluff.

    • Worry about yourself

      We bought a refurbished Dyson off Groupon for a pretty good price, I’d recommend checking there for good deals on a vacuum.

    • eertmeert

      Not exactly your question, but I just bought the GermGuardian 3-in-1 True HEPA filter Air Purifier, and it’s made a big difference in the air quality in our 1 bedroom, 2 cat, infrequently vacuumed apartment. I can only imagine that the HEPA vacuum plus an air purifier would do a world of good.
      It’s been one of my top 3 purchases of 2019.

  5. Anonymous

    I’m officially having a midlife crisis. What are the best books or journals you would recommend?

    • Anon

      Go on a rafting or backpacking trip. I don’t recommend books or journals because they encourage you to stay in your own head.

      • mascot

        I like this advice. Finding a new challenge can bring lots of clarity. I’m a researcher personality and am always looking all over for the answer. But sometimes, you need less input, not more. Too many voices in your head means that your own voice can gets lost.

    • Anonymous

      “Mid-life crisis” is really, really generic. Can you give us more information about what you’re struggling with and to what extent? “Burned out, depressed, and ready to blow up my life” is different from “bored at the treadmill of work/kids/home” is different from “really sad because I realized that i was mostly average and the career I thought I’d have isn’t in reach.”

      • Anonymous

        I’m struggling with what I want my life to look like in my 50s, 60s, and 70s. Internet games and being a fat drunk don’t seem so great at 44, but the yoga/kale lifestyle doesn’t appeal to me either.

        • anon

          I know you’re in the middle of a crisis, but your humor is intact. Good job. :)

        • Anonymous

          Well, there’s a big swath in between luckily. And I also am a firm believer that you don’t have to “be” one thing. I am occasionally someone who gets up at 4am and runs and drinks a green smoothie after, but I am just as often someone drinks 3 beers at happy hour and eats a giant plate of nachos. Balance.

        • Anonymous

          I am imaging a Gemma-Teller like renaissance as a wise person who is not to be crossed (but minus the killing, but being in good enough shape that a mugger wouldn’t see me as an easy target).

          Good hair
          Good posture
          Keeping my own teeth so I’ve gotten religion about flossing

        • Anonymous

          “Internet games and being a fat drunk don’t seem so great at 44”
          see to me this is living the dream. but I understand it may not be so for everyone.
          Srsly though, I get it. I think there have been several posts here lately from those of us who are late 30s/early 40s who are struggling with the big “what does it all mean” and “is this it” questions. For me, getting involved in stuff that has nothing to do with my job has been a big help. I am volunteering at a women’s organization that helps formerly incarcerated women get back on their feet after release. Could not be further from what I do at my job. It’s helping me hold on to two key ideas: 1. I am not my job/what I do for a living; I contain multitudes and can do lots of things. 2. Much to their surprise, my family can survive without me being there 24/7 when I’m not at work. I don’t need to be there to micromanage household life to maximize their comfort. It’s a help. I don’t have any books to recommend but would recommend talking to a coach or therapist if you don’t hook into something that helps you feel better. Big hugs.

    • anon

      I don’t have a rec, but I commiserate. I must definitely be having a mid life crisis too because lately I bingewatch episodes of 90s Nation (on MTV, featuring nonstop 90s music videos) and lament how I became so old so quickly. lol.

      • Ellen

        And walking if you live in the city. You will feel better, get fresh air and get recognition from employers and men on the street. As women, we have the power! We just have to know how to chanel it properly. And not squander it! You go, Gurl!

  6. Anya

    Do you block off time on your calendar for lunch / breaks? I saw that a coworker had blocked off tome for lunch (30 mins) and afternoon coffee (15 mins). We have a very busy office and idk if he actually takes them, but I thought it was a good way to at least make sure you don’t get booked then. He also booked off some do not disturb time, which I thought was great, we have an open office, it’s needed .

    • anon

      I only book time for lunch when it will be the difference between me eating and not eating that day. So, if I’m in back to back meetings from 10:30-2 that I can’t eat during, or will need time to run and grab food if I didn’t bring lunch that day, then I will block. It would not go over well in my workplace for someone who has a moderately empty calendar to have a rigid hold on a specific time with no flexibility around it, but I also get the impression that my job is a bit more formal than many referenced here.

    • Anonymous

      My husband, who is more busy throughout the day with calls and meetings than I am, does this. Or rather, his assistant started doing it for him when he would start not having time to even use the bathroom between calls. I think it’s a good idea if you’re that boocked up. That said, I know he gets annoyed at his reports who consistently block off large periods of time when he’s trying to get time with them.

    • anon

      Yes, I have a recurrent calendar block for 1hr at my lunch time. Otherwise, my day would end up as a one long back-to-back meeting.

    • anon

      My boss does, and everyone seems to think it’s perfectly reasonable even though it’s unusual in our office.

    • Leatty

      Yes. I block off an hour every day so I can eat lunch and respond to emails. My role requires me to attend a lot of meetings and calls, so if I don’t block off time, I may not get a chance to eat.

    • Carrots

      I do, but I have it marked as tentative – if I end up scheduling a work out class or an actual lunch with someone, then I mark it busy. But if not, it just serves as a daily reminder to get away from my desk for the hour.

  7. Newbie camper needs lightweight boots for triangular feet that are prone to swelling

    Y’all: thanks for the camping tips. I used trail runner sneakers and that was fine because there was no wet grass in the morning. For fall camping boots were suggested, mainly to keep your feet dry. No big need for stability, just walking on trails and through woods with rolling hills. Mainly for water / wet ground / maybe light mud.

    I have some Keens hiking boots. But my feet swell in them and love my crocs by days end. If crocs made hiking boots I’d try them! But what else might there be? My feet are wide at the forefoot and I have narrow heels.

    My husband has a million pairs of hiking boots, all apparently highly specialized, none of which he actually seems to like.

    • Anon

      There are gore-tex coated trail running shoes and you can wear them with gaiters, but unless temperature is likely to be an issue (cold), I choose really light socks (Balega hidden-dry or whatever is their equivalent now) and assume that my feet will get wet.

      • anon

        OMG, please don’t walkfar with wet fet. That’s just asking for blisters, which are the worst!

        • Anon

          If you hike or run in the south, your feet are going to get damp. This approach has worked for multiple 15+ mile technical trail races and overnight hikes over the last 20 years or so. If I’m not tromping through a creek, my feet are getting sweaty – wet is wet… it’s how your system of feet/shoes/socks deals with the inevitable moisture that will make or break you. Different climates have different needs, but around here, one has to accept that their feet are going to get damp and plan accordingly.

          • Anonymous

            Can someone tell me what “technical” means? I see it used a lot but I’m not sure how fabric is different than technical fabric, how a trail race is different from a technical trail race, etc. Not a native English speaker.

          • emeralds

            Technical fabrics are made for athletic performance–think Under Armour, running shorts, synthetic fibers that are made to keep you either hot or cool during physical activity.

            Technical trail races are going to have trickier footing, narrower or single track trails, lots more rocks/roots/obstacles to navigate, or may include some level of pathfinding.

          • Curious

            This is a great question. As far as I understand, “technical” means “requiring advanced methods, technique, or practices.” So technical socks tend to use special weave patterns and fabrics that fight odor, wick moisture, etc. And a technical trail run might involve steep downhills or getting over logs (? — I’m less clear on this one).

          • anon

            Technical means that the terrain has obstacles or is difficult to traverse– it needs some fancy footwork, for lack of a better term. A wide, cleared and level path is not technical, even if it’s steep or the trail is long. A technical trail might be one that has lots of small boulders or rocks, uneven terrain, tree roots, maybe you need crampons if it’s an area that gets icy, there shifting surfaces (I am recalling a narrow trail cut into the side of the mountain- no barrier and sloping down to pool of glacial melt water– covered in loose rocks the size of my foot or smaller that just screamed “tee hee we’re gonna turn your ankle!!!”)

          • Anonymous

            HAHAHA — by these standards, the broken asphalt on my driveway (glass half empty) can be upgraded to a “technical driveway” (glass half full).

    • BaltAtty

      I use La Sportiva hiking boots (narrow shoes are uncomfortable for me); they are water proof and come up above my ankles (stepped into an ankle deep hole filled with water in NH while hiking; my sock was completely dry). I wear them with Darn Tough hiking socks that come up past where the top of the boot comes up and have not had an issue with wet feet.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      My feet are kind of that shape and Merrell hiking shoes fit me pretty well (I just have shoes not boots, so no specific recommendation beyond brand). But I’d just go to REI, tell them what you’re looking for, and try everything on until one feels right.

      • Anonymous

        Agree with the trip to REI to try on everything in person. If nothing fits right, get the salesperson’s advice on additional brands/styles to order and try. I have narrow heels with high arches and found one style of Oboz hiking boots and one style of La Sportiva trail runners that fit. Other styles from the same manufacturers were a bust. You may also need to try multiple sizes.

      • Anon

        If you can, try on the shoes in store with hiking socks and test them on an incline. When you’re going uphill, you shouldn’t feel your heel moving at all. Stomp downhill and check whether your toes touch the front of the shoe/boot (if they touch, get a bigger size or a different boot altogether).

    • Ginjury

      I love my Salomon boots. I have the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots (just copied the name from REI), but I think they have a variety of stability/coverage options in their Ultra line. If there’s an REI near you, I recommend going there and talking to one of their staff. The woman who helped me specifically recommended the Salomons because I have narrow heels and a wider toe-box. They are very waterproof and somehow comfortable even in 80 degree weather.

      I will say that your feet are going to swell if you’re hiking even a few miles. That’s incredibly normal and, similar to running shoes, why it’s recommended that you size up a bit. Is the problem with your Keens maybe just that they’re too small?

      Also, like BaltAtty, I love my Darn Tough socks.

      • Anonymous

        Yes, your feet will swell when you’re hiking. Go shopping for hiking boots in the evening when you’ve been on your feet most of the day (e.g., Saturday evening after you’ve been doing household chores and running errands all day). Wear hiking socks, ideally your own but the REI loaner socks will work if you choose a style similar in thickness to your own socks.

      • Anonymous

        Interesting — I think of ski bindings or boots when I think of Salomon.

        I am pro wool hiking socks, but usually get whatever I can use my Bean Bucks to get (so I have them and a bunch of others). The boots are one whole size larger then my foot, but maybe I need larger still given that I like really cushy socks. I had Merrills pre-children and had to donate b/c my feet grew by .5 size and they just weren’t comfy.

        I probably need to go to an REI when my feet are already tired and screaming at me and see what is tolerable in that state. Thanks! I am so used to stores not being exactly helpful in the shoe arena, but am not really an REI shopper (perhaps that is coming though).

    • anon

      Yes, please invite me up onto my favorite soap box!

      Try Danner (best quality), Vasque, or Merrel. I have not-skinny feet with extremely skinny heels, and I’ve worn hiking boots most days since I was a toddler. Those brands have worked best for me over the years (probably at least 5 pairs of each) but I still obsessively fit each pair in person if I can. The flagship REI has a little tester path with rough terrain and steep slopes; I know you said you won’t be hiking anywhere like that, but it’s still the best way to find out if your toes will jam into the front or the heels will slip.

      Once you have a well-fitted pair of boots, it also depends on how you wear them. Good hiking sock s are thick and cushy, to make up for the extra strain you’re putting on your feet. Lace them with your foot solidly on the floor, squarely below your knee. You do want them tight, but if your feet are swelling you might be lacing them too tight. Becuase of foot-shape, I want looser laces at the bottom (I actually dig my finger in to loosen them) and very tight ones at the top to stop my heels from slipping. Over time they equalize, so I redo that a couple times a day. And going down hills, you do want them super tight, so your foot doesn’t slide down into the front of the boot, but stop at the bottom to reset.

      I know it sounds complicated, but it’s way better than having sore feet! And frankly cheaper than having lots of boots you don’t like ;). It only took me a few years to persuade DH into a properly fitted pair of Columbia boots (very wide flat feet).

      • anon above

        Regarding the size-up-for-thick-socks discussion above, IME, the less casual models from a brand like Danner should already have a looser footbox than dress shoes, to accomodate thick socks. So if the shape fits properly, I always wore my normal size across the board. Sizing up would ruin the fit.

        But its been several years since I shopped for a serious pair (desk job + kinda broke), so they may have changed the sizing. Trail running, lighter fabrics, and hiking shoes were just starting to come into fashion.

    • Anon

      Are you actually going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking? Because my first thought for something to just wear around a campsite would be rubber boots. They’re easier to get on and off and will keep your ankles dry.

      • Anonymous

        OP here: it is a ton of walking. So in dry conditions, sneakers / trail runners are fine. Using crocs as my nighttime slippers to go to the bathhouse (an adult scout volunteer does not go in the woods) was just fine.

        It’s just if there has been a light rain / heavy dew where your shoes could get really went and not get any chance to dry off.

        Summer camping had maybe 25% of adults in sneakers, at least sometimes. Pics of fall camping has everyone not in sneakers but just bringing as emergency spare shoes.

        I feel like such a newb, but at least I wasn’t too Private Benjamin (like show up in my new Golden Gooses)(I am such not a Golden Goose shoe consumer)

        • Io

          Y’know, you can waterproof your shoes. Works best for 100% leather uppers, which can be hard to find. It doesn’t sound like you’ll be hiking through streams or all day downpours, sk just buy some nikwax or silicone spray (nikwax should be available at camping stores and silicone spray is available at DSW).

  8. Minnie

    Does anyone have a good workday hat recommendation? I like to take a walk during my lunch, but I worry about sun exposure, especially on top of my head. (I haven’t found any head-appropriate sunscreen that I like, though I do know they make them!) I have plenty of hats that I wear to the pool, but I’d like to not look totally embarrassing in case I see someone I know.

      • Anon

        No, we’ve discussed this. People can’t possibly know that you both work in an office and wear baseball hats; it’s very unprofessional dontcha know.

      • Minnie

        The problem isn’t in me wearing the baseball hat–it’s what my head would look like AFTER the baseball hat.

    • Anonymous

      I don’t know if this qualifies as not embarrassing, but I like to wear plain colored visors (athleta, lululemon, etc.) so my hair isn’t wrecked but my yet to be wrinkled forehead stays covered.

      • Minnie

        I would go with a visor, but it leaves me concerned about the top of my head! The part in my hair is ripe for burning.

    • MagicUnicorn

      What about a Panama hat? That would offer more coverage than a visor or baseball cap and still be more pulled together than a big floppy beach hat.

    • anon

      I have a straw fedora from Target that doesn’t look too ridiculous with work clothes. As a bonus, it sort of sits on top of my head so it doesn’t wreck my hair the way a baseball cap would.

    • Anonymous

      I have a baseball hat for this. It’s like a…more stylish baseball hat? Not that such a thing exists. But it’s a neutral gray color and has a very small minimalist design on it. I get a lot of compliments on it, for what its worth. I know J Crew monograms baseball caps and I have considered getting a second one with my initials on it because the design on my hat is similar to (but not) a monogram.

      I wear it in a large size and slide my hair through the hole in the back so it doens’t get ruined, but I actually really like the idea of a visor above!

    • Anonymous

      There are some Coolibar hats that aren’t horrible, I live in mine on weekends but I don’t have a habit of going for a walk during lunch (good on you!) so haven’t used it at work

      • Minnie

        Ooh, some of these look very nice. I am surprised at how stylish some of their hats are!

    • Anon

      I have a loose linen shirt that I wear as a jacket (for arm coverage), sneakers, and a straw hat in my work cabinet. I trade my jacket for the shirt, work shoes for the sneakers, don the hat and do my thing. I am now officially over worrying about seeing anyone I know.

    • Anon

      Check out Wallaroo Sydney (or a less pricey alternative from another brand?). Lookes pulled together, washable, breezy, good width of the brim, and rolls up for travel/storage small enough to fit in a tote. Bought it for a 2 week road trip in Spain, I can attest it keeps its shape. Its now my only go-to hat.

    • Coach Laura

      Each year, I get a $12 crushable, packable straw (it’s actually recycled paper and polyester) hat from Costco. Sometimes they have bands, sometimes not. I have one in each car and one for the boat. For $12 if I loose it, I’m ok.

  9. Irish Midori

    Does anyone have any favorite blank notecards? I like to keep some in my desk for random thank you, thinking of you, happy birthday, good job, etc. moments. I have about used up the set I have with a painting of a chicken on the front (It was cute and artsy?) and I need some more, but don’t want to just amazon some hallmark cards if there’s something cool out there. Anyone have a favorite source for this?

    • Monday

      On a whim, I bought a pretty stamp and 3 different inkpads, and then a pack of blank notecards with matching envelopes. I stamp the cover of each card with different ink, or sometimes a combo of more than one ink. I now have an endless supply of unique blank notecards! “Why yes, I made it myself.” (Easiest thing ever, also super cheap.)

      • pugsnbourbon

        I do this too! It’s actually super easy to carve your own stamps if you have $20 to throw at supplies.

        Etsy is also a good source for cheap stamps (you can find some pretty weird ones).

    • anon

      I try to buy these from museum gift stores. Helps me support a museum I care about and blank cards with benign or classic paintings on the front can cover a range of congratulations / thanks / condolence situations.

    • anon in brooklyn

      I bought a set letterpressed with my initials on Etsy. There are lots of vendors who do it, and not that expensive.

        • Veronica Mars

          I ordered some cards from American Stationary too (the “Delightfully Colorful Gift Set”) and I’m really pleased with them. My mom also likes to buy stocking stuffers from Gifts in 24 dot com and I really like the loose paper for grocery lists, etc.

    • MagicUnicorn

      There is a little local card shop around the corner from me with an ever-changing selection of locally made cards. I like to buy a small box of whatever ones catch my eye. Bonus if the design is neutral enough to work for thank you, condolences, birthday, and get well soon, but if not I try to get one fun design and one sedate style.

    • anon

      Honestly? Target has some really cute ones. I also have such a soft spot for everything from Rifle Paper Co. Their prints make me so happy.

    • anon a mouse

      I buy the packs of thank-you cards from Target — they have really cute designs. Otherwise, I have personalized notecards from Silhouette Blue in a couple of different designs — one more whimsical and one more conservative. I also like the blank cards at Trader Joe’s and pick them up on occasion to have on hand.

      • BeenThatGuy

        I pretty much exclusively buy all my cards from TJMaxx or Homegoods these days

  10. Adjunct Lecturer Application

    I’m going to be applying for an adjunct lecturer position at my alma mater law school to teach a seminar in my practice area. I check off all the requirements and a portion of the “highly desirable” qualifications. Any advice from folks in academia or who have done this before for my cover letter and/or resume? Thanks so much!

    • anon

      If your institution is anything like mine, be REALLY clear and provide examples in your cover letter and resume that demonstrate how you meet the specific requirements outlined in the job posting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at someone’s application package and thought, “Well, given their background, I’m sure this person CAN do the job,” but if it doesn’t tick a very specific box (literally, on our HR forms), I can’t add them to the short list of candidates. Or if I do, I’m going to have to do a lot of justifying with HR, and that’s a headache I don’t want if there are others in the pool who clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements. I don’t love this process — I think we weed out a lot of good candidates by being so prescriptive — but that’s the reality I’m working with.

      • Anon

        +1 This is the same in my workplace (state government). The cover letters you would write for positions here are much different from normal cover letters — you have to specifically address each of the KSAs so they’re often two pages long at least and certainly not the same style of writing you would use in a different workplace.

    • Annie

      Call and talk to them — I think a lot of these jobs are given through personal connections.

      • anon

        +1, I am teaching a course now (not at my alma mater law school) and got the job through a professional contact who was already teaching there.

  11. anon

    I’ve realized that I have long abandoned the creative side of me, which was really abundant when I was a kid. My job has creative elements, but I do literally nothing crafty or artistic in my free time. I’m not particularly talented at drawing and have an aversion to needlecrafts. I just want something entirely relaxing to do after my kids go to bed. Any ideas? I’ve toyed with the idea of hand-lettering, but I don’t know where to start. In my ’20s, I made handmade cards, but they were never that … good? I don’t know. Wandering the aisles at Michael’s has not been a winning strategy for Picking a Hobby.

    • LifeScienceMBA

      Jigsaw puzzles. Honestly, I recently rediscovered doing puzzles, and it’s the perfect activity after a long day – you can even do it with your significant other or friends while chatting.

      • anon

        Hmm, that’s an interesting thought! I can see that being especially nice in the winter.

      • anon

        I’ve recently gotten into woodworking. You don’t need a big workshop, I worked in a corner of the mudroom before it was warm enough for the garden.

          • anonshmanon

            I randomly found a nicely shaped curly piece of wood (probably a root from a big tree) and I started cleaning up the gunk from it. Not having the proper tools, I tried a bunch of different brushes, scratched around with screwdrivers and knifes. Through trial and error, I found a good way to remove any wood that’s rotten and reveal the natural grain and knots of the wood. Applied some wax and have a lovely centerpiece that looks like it cost a lot of money. Now on every hike, I’m on the lookout for a nice piece of wood.

          • Anon

            Would love a link to a picture of your wood masterpiece if you wouldn’t mind sharing!

    • Anonymous

      You might rule this out as a ‘needlecraft’ but have you looked at English Paper Piecing? You cut fabric shapes with templates and use a temporary glue (or stitch) the fabric around card then sew together? It can be done on your lap (in front of the tv in my case) and does have a more professional finish than when I used to make cards. It works for small projects as well as larger ones and the glue basting is weirdly satisfying.

    • Anon

      Maybe buy a bluprint subscription for a month and check out some options there?

      For really mindless – coloring. Jewelry making is a bit more focused (and you can end up with a lot of crafty looking jewelry). Cake decorating or bread baking if you want something more useful. Now that I’m looking at bluprint their papercrafting section looks awesome. . .

    • Anon

      If you’re doing this for pure enjoyment, why does it matter if you’re good or not?

      • Vicky Austin

        +3000 forever. Better is the enemy of good. Just make something and see what happens.

    • emeralds

      Adult coloring books? Lap loom? Mixed media and/or scrapbooking? Watercolors? Jewelry-making? Maybe look to see if there’s a local arts center offering workshops–that could be a good place to get ideas, even if the classes themselves don’t fit into your schedule.

      You can actually draw, though, if that’s a thing you’d maybe want to get better at. I feel like beginners underestimate what a technical, practice-able skill is: you have to train your brain and hand to translate what you’re seeing onto the paper. (NB I do not draw at all currently, but did a lot in my younger days.)

      Also, will say as someone making a thoughtful effort to re-connect with my creative side after too many years off: one of the two things that has been the most helpful, is freeing myself from the pressure to produce anything “good.” Just make SOMETHING, even if it sucks, even if you think no one would ever want to put it on their wall or read it or buy it. You’re doing this for you, not for anyone else. And if it never “goes anywhere”–who cares? Every part of our lives does not have to be “successful” by some external measurement.

      • Anonymous

        Adult color books as a concept always makes me snicker.

        Adult + noun = not G rated usually

        • Shopaholic

          I might actually enjoy adult colouring books if they were that kind of adult…

        • Rainbow Hair

          I have one from Molly Crabapple (don’t google at work) (so I can’t actually confirm that’s her name but I think so) and it’s definitely not for kids.

    • Abby

      I’m not sure if this is creative, but I make my own candles. It doesn’t require a lot of effort, but I will shop for cute containers in thrift stores or TJ Maxx, or reuse empty jars. I keep mine simple with soy wax and different scents, but you can add colors/molds.

    • anon

      Man I feel you. Adult coloring books to get you jump started– there are so many amazing options out there! Plus you have the safety net of the lines so it’s more relaxing. I dunno, though—I feel like wandering the halls of Michael’s actually is a good way to get inspired. (Or even pinterest– but beware the rabbit holes/pinterest perfect unreality trap.) What appeals to you? What items or patterns or supplies or textures or images jump out to you and inspire you? Obviously be realistic- I’m usually pretty inspired by raku fired ceramics but that’s not a realistic option for me. But you will be more likely to do a project that really makes you light up when you think about it, and IMO in your position (I am right here with you) motivation/making it a habit is one of the hardest parts.

    • Anonymous

      My issue with artsy and crafty things is that I enjoy the process, but I don’t necessarily want all the products sitting around my house. Hand-lettering sounds ideal. You can start with a workbook and then use your skills to create cards, gift tags, etc. I tried a workbook and found practicing to be pretty relaxing.

    • ATL rette

      I’m a calligrapher and if you’re interested in picking up hand lettering, there are tons of online resources. The Postman’s Knock is one of my favorites for both calligraphy and hand lettering tutorials, plus Lindsey has really clear, concise, thorough instructions in her different lettering packets.

    • Anonymous

      Not sure if this is strictly the kind of artistic you are looking for, but I play an instrument for this purpose. I don’t like the arts and crafts cluttering my home/never know what to do with them. You could pick up a quieter instrument that you could play after bed time (i.e., not trumpet).

    • Rainbow Hair

      Do you have young people around to sew for (or is that too needlecrafty)? I love sewing for my kid, because fit is forgiving and it’s easy to make her things she loves.

      For completely relaxing stuff, I do ‘pour art’ … it’s just a lovely, sort of sensual thing to do. Pouring, mixing, watching, tilting… I really enjoy it.

      I follow Hom Sweet Hom (not a typo) and she emails out weekly “homwork” with hand lettering projects to spark your creativity. I probably only do like one every few months, but sometimes they’re exciting and get me working on lettering again. So there’s a resource for sparking ideas.

      • anon

        My poor mom tried, in vain, to get me into sewing. I hate everything about the process, and the end result is not worth the headache — for me, that is. My two younger sisters really took to sewing and still churn out amazing stuff as adults. I envy them!

    • Amy H.

      Highly recommend “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron for figuring this out. It’s a classic for good reason!

  12. Anon

    This morning I saw a job posted that would be a spectacular fit for me. I work in government and such jobs are fairly rare – in a fit of excitement I immediately wrote a great cover letter and submitted with my resume. I then noticed the expiration date on the posting – which went live yesterday – is middle of next week. It’s a fairly high level position. That means they already have a candidate and are just advertising to say they did right? I can’t imagine it’s even imaginable to find a candidate for a specialized, high level position in under a week, in the middle of summer when people are on vacation. I feel so incredibly disappointed.

    • anon a mouse

      The minimum a job has to be posted is 5 days, so if it’s only open for 5 days, then yeah, it’s probably wired for someone. BUT don’t despair — they may see your resume and reach out anyway, especially if they anticipate more openings. It is not uncommon to interview more than once in a division before the right job fit appears.

      Also? Sometimes the preferred candidate submits a lousy resume that doesn’t make the screening cut, or the candidate changes their mind and doesn’t apply, or the hiring managers decide they want to go a different direction. Prepare for the worst, but it’s not a done deal.

      • anonshmanon

        Agree with this. They probably have a candidate in mind, but that person might not accept the position. Also, since it’s government, they might need to interview several people anyway, so if it’s a good fit for you, you might get an interview. That means you get a lot of facetime with the right people.

        • OP

          This is my issue with all this – I’ve interviewed for a number of positions that ended up going to internal candidates. I’m so tired of being the the person who gets interviewed so they can legitimize a decision they’ve already made. It takes time for me to prepare and go interview, I’m a busy professional, and yet they don’t even bother emailing “thanks but no thanks.” Its dispiriting. Sigh.

          • Anon

            I hear you OP. I understand why companies/government positions have to be advertised that are already destined for a particular person, but I absolutely hate the effect it has on job seekers. And then people get huffy about generic cover letters – well, they are a time investment, and a lot of time the company doesn’t deserve much of your time.

          • anon a mouse

            I’ve gotten two government jobs after I interviewed and was rejected, but the hiring manager passed my name to a person who needed a candidate for a different, better fit job. I know it sounds like catching lightning in a bottle, but it really can improve your chances overall to interview even if you aren’t ultimately selected.
            Also, if you are getting interviewed, it means you have a well-written resume that is making the screening cut, which is honestly more than half the battle for government jobs.

    • Anon

      Just because they have a good candidate in mind doesn’t mean they won’t reconsider for a spectacular candidate. It’s good you threw your hat in the ring. All they can do is say no, and it won’t negatively affect your life if they do, it will just stay the same. It’s always best to go for that chance.

      • anon

        I agree. OP, I feel your frustration because I’m right there with you. I’ve decided to treat interviews as essentially chances to expand my network. Even if I’m not selected for that position, I’m now on somebody’s radar.

    • Anonymous

      Years ago I saw an advertisement for a perfect-for-me job only after the deadline, but applied anyway. The response was “If you come for an interview immediately (i.e the next day) your application can be considered”. I duly went for the interview and got the best job I ever had. Applying after the deadline does not always work (particularly if you have to apply through an HR department), but it my case where I was applying directly to the people who were involved it did work.

  13. Original Moonstone

    There’s a mention earlier on this thread for Designing Your Life. I’m intrigued and see that there’s a book (based on a class), a workbook with exercises, and a bunch of “certified coaches.” Does anyone who has had an experience with Designing Your Life comment on what you got out of it? I’m just starting to read the book nut I’d love to hear what others on this board think.

    • Original Moonstone

      I don’t know why I typed “nut” when I meant to type “and.” That’s not even close.

  14. anon

    Work wardrobe conundrum: Next month, I will be staffing a work event. A state fair, to be specific. We’re required to wear a specific logo t-shirt, with black or khaki bottoms. Luckily, most of the event takes place indoors, but there are outdoor elements and it will be hot and humid. And we’ll probably be walking around the fairgrounds at some point. What do I wear on the bottom? Shorts wouldn’t be work-appropriate, and I’d prefer to avoid jeans/jeggings from a comfort standpoint. Is this an occasion to invest in some sort of casual black skirt? Some sort of lightweight black pant? I have a pair of black capris that are … fine, I guess? I do not excel at this type of wardrobe challenge, if you couldn’t tell. And what do I wear for shoes? If I were going to the fair on my own, I’d be wearing an old pair of running shoes but that’s probably not OK in this context.

  15. Anonymous

    I’m having a family over for a brunch-time play date tomorrow. I was planning on keeping it casual and serving bagels, lox, ect. Is it weird to offer the parents mimosas? Is it weird not to? In my circle brunch=mimosas but im not really used to casually entertaining folks that I don’t know well. Also, should I plan on having a paleo/gluten free bagel alternative? Help!

    • Anon

      I don’t see the weirdness of offering mimosas or foregoing them. If it’s just one family can you ask them if they have any dietary restrictions? I would, however, include some fruit or at least one healthy alternative.

    • Anon

      I would love to be offered mimosas at this event and think we’d probably end up being best friends. I’d call ahead and ask if anyone has dietary/allergy issues before I bought gluten-free alternatives.

      • Anonymous

        Thanks! Yes, I’m hoping they want us to be new best friends and not “those people who drink at play dates.” If this backfires, I might call you ;)

        • anon

          LOL. I’d love a mimosa. You can always drop a “hint” rather than have it out on the table, ready to go (and that way you don’t waste anything if they decline or you read the room and decide not to go for it)– “we’ve also got some prosecco in the fridge and some really delicious mango orange juice if a mimosa sounds good! I might go for one! Really though this juice is amazing, you should try it either way.” Or just “can I get you anything to drink? Coffee, water, juice, mimosa, pepsi?” (I’m thirsty and I also want you to feed me a lox bagel.)

          • Anonymous

            Great script thanks!! Now you and I are best friends. I have Jewish heritage and mostly vegan family so I’m dying to break out the lox!

      • Anon

        You’d be my best new mom friend if you gave me a mimosa. I always found parent gatherings a bit stilted and awkward.

    • Anonymous

      I would err on the side of no mimosas until you know the parents better. Somehow offering mimosas in the morning seems like a much bigger deal than casually offering a beer out of the fridge at 4:00 p.m. My kid’s friends’ parents do drink a bit, but all of them would give me side-eye for breaking out the bubbly on a Saturday morning, even though this would be pretty much expected in my other circles.

      • Anon

        I mean, your kid’s friends’ parents are really judgy and up tight. It is literally a breakfast drink. You’re not offering them pure champagne or a whiskey. But I guess it is a know your circle sort of thing. In my circle it would be perfectly normal to offer and have one or two, but anything more than that while watching children would give the side eye.

    • Anon.

      I think mimosas are fine to offer, as long as you’re not weird about it if they are declined. I don’t drink much when my toddler is around for a variety of reasons, even though he makes me want to badly some days.

      Paleo/gluten free — I think it is perfectly normal to send a quick email/text etc asking quickly “Just grocery shopping for tomorrow’s play date. Any food restrictions I should be aware of?” As a person with food allergies and the parent of a kid with a severe food allergy I am always really appreciative when someone asks ahead of time.

    • Anonymous

      I confirmed no allergies or restrictions, I’m really excited, so I’m probably overthinking this. Any other tips are appreciated.

      The only “play dates” we’ve had are with my cousins. They show up in sweatpants and rummage around for oatmilk and vegan butter while I pour mimosas and we gossip.

      • Anon

        Lol I’m sorry it’s such a non-Southern thing to say “rummage around for oatmilk and vegan butter”. My the cultures around the country/world are so different sometimes in the smallest ways.

        • Op

          Haha. Well they do! We’re not vegans but they know I stock this stuff because I love them to death.

          Might I be considered honorably southern? My credentials are as follows: I love country music (mostly old stuff), have a front porch with a porch swing, and live to entertain people at my house.*

          *the latter two are my understanding of southern culture based on my knowledge of the first.

          • Anonymous

            As a west coast native who has lived in the south for the past fifteen years, I can assure you that there is no such thing as an honorary southerner. My daughter was born here and she’s not even considered a southerner. To be a southerner, you have to be born in the south with parents and maybe grandparents who were also born in the south.

          • Op

            Ahhh! Should have figured! Conversely, if you’ll join me in mimosas and bagels, you’ll be an honorary ny-er to me.

    • Anonymous

      Can I offer you something to drink? We have coffee, soda/seltzer, orange juice, mimosas…Much lower key than answering the door with bubbles in hand.

    • Anon

      Do you know they drink? If it’s only one family I think it’s a bit awkward to offer alcohol – if they decline, you are either drinking alone or the mimosas go to waste and either way it’s kind of uncomfortable. If there are several families attending, it’s much less awkward for a couple people to decline alcohol.

      • Op

        I don’t know if they drink and I agree and that’s why I’m on the fence. They are thirty something professionals in the ny suburbs. I *think* they are reform Jewish, so I’m fairly comfortable they are not religiously opposed to it.

        • Is it Friday yet?

          You’re overthinking this. :) Don’t have premade mimosas sitting on the counter when they arrive – *that* makes it awkward. Have a bottle of champagne/prosecco in the fridge, casually mention it when asking if you can get them anything (“Coffee? Orange juice? Oh – and I think there’s some bubbly in the fridge somewhere if anyone wants a mimosa!”). If they say yes, great, if they say no, smile and move on.

        • Anon

          Are you also Jewish? Because bagels and lox are stereotypical Jewish foods and if you’re not Jewish and are serving these things to your Jewish friends it can easily veer into…cultural appropriation is not quite the right word, but maybe cultural stereotyping?

          • Coach Laura

            I’m not Jewish but often serve bagels, cream cheese and lox for brunch. It’s my favorite. Easy and tasty. Nothing culturally appropriative about it at all.

          • Anonymous

            What?!? Bagel + lox = one of the most common breakfast foods around. Now non-Jewish people can’t eat them in public or serve them to guests? Does this mean I can’t serve tacos because I’m not Mexican, just a white girl from California?

            I think she is mentioning her guests’ religion because she is using it to guess at whether they will be offended if she offers them alcohol.

          • Op

            I have Jewish heritage but don’t consider myself Jewish. My father’s family is Jewish and I grew up eating this every weekend (along with whitefish), celebrating the major Jewish holidays but only occasionally attending a reform temple. I didnt have a bat mitzvah and my mother is a proper (lapsed) catholic so I wouldn’t say I’m Jewish. I think I’m in the clear here but thanks!

            Bagels are mostly just what we eat on weekend mornings (everywhere in ny I think?),plus the lox when any non-vegans are around and we’re feeling fancy.

    • SC

      When I serve brunch, I set up a drink station coffee/milk/sweeteners and orange juice and sparkling. I don’t pay attention to what each person drinks. I have a mimosa. The drink station frees me up to get other food ready while dealing with the kids, and it eliminates any awkwardness of having to offer and decline a drink (not that it should be awkward).

      It’s very common in our circle to drink on play dates and at birthday parties held in someone’s home, or at least for alcohol to be offered. But New Orleans has a more relaxed attitude toward alcohol than much of the US, so this may be a know your crowd thing.

    • NYCer

      I would serve some sort of cut fruit or fruit salad along with the bagels and lox. I know I’m definitely in the minority, but I hate lox and am so-so about bagels, and would be totally happy to just eat some fruit.

      As for mimosas, I think you got some great advice. I wouldn’t set out / open the champagne ahead of time in case they decline, but I think it would be fine to offer. As an anecdote, I drink but would probably pass on a Saturday morning mimosa at a play date.

      • Op

        Dang. Appreciate the honesty,though. I was going to have fruit, should I also have a yogurt parfait situation? Toss together an egg casserole?

        • Anonymous

          No, yogurt parfaits and an egg casserole look like you’re trying too hard. Bagels + fruit is great. Add in the lox and you are one step from crossing the line towards “too fancy for a playdate.”

          What you REALLY need here is coffee. These people will like you much better if you just relax and enjoy yourself. Don’t try too hard to impress them.

        • NYCer

          I fully admit that I’m an outlier (aka weird!) about lox and bagels. I think most people would be thrilled with that line up. :)

      • Anonymous

        I probably wouldn’t either…not because I don’t love them, am opposed, or am judging anyone who does…but they kind of give me a headache and make me worthless for the rest of the day. I might have one with just a tad bit of bubbly if it was already opened for others and then switch to OJ only in a fancy glass. Agree that I’d value a high-quality coffee (maybe even takeout coffee) way more than a mimosa.

    • Anonymous

      The real question here is whether you and your guests have chores to do later that day. If your guests have a housekeeping service and a lawn-care service that take care of everything for them, then they may well be delighted to accept a mimosa. But even though I love mimosas, I will not have one on a Saturday morning because I have to do errands and clean the house that afternoon. Mimosa = end of productivity for the day.

      • Op

        Thanks for the feedback. I’m perplexed as to how a half a glass of sparkling wine renders any adult incapable of simple chores, let alone the childcare and driving home that will be required of at least one of them regardless of the obligations you mention. But I guess everyone is different.

  16. Weird

    Is no one else going to comment on the guy doing the video for this blouse? It looks like they took a random 19 yr old artist off the street and gave him a script. It’s so weird compared to most of these descriptor videos that feature a professionally dressed woman explaining the women’s clothing.

  17. Two Cents

    I just read the Cut article about the Harvard Law professor Bruce Hay. What the what? Forget him for a sec, what are the motives of the two women? Money is one for sure, but it doesn’t seem like that is all. And is Mischa the father of these kids? I’m so intrigued and disgusted and flabbergasted at the same time.

    • Crazy

      I posted about this in yesterday afternoon’s post because seriously WTF was going on here? Also, I assume that Mischa is the father because surely the other woman wouldn’t lose a chance to squeeze money out of whoever the real father is if it weren’t Mischa.

  18. Dani

    What a gorgeous top! I could see it being super versatile! I agree that it would go great with a plum colored skirt; However, I love it with jeans as the model is wearing it too!!! Nordstrom does not disappoint with their sale!

    http://iamdanismith.com/

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