Stuck late at the office or over the weekend, and have something on your mind? Discuss it here.
Pictured: Noritake “Elements Marine” Mug, 12 Oz., available at Macys.com for $11 (was $16)

Liking these posts? Follow Corporette on Twitter — this is the edited version of what we’re reading! (We also Tweet if we hear about a good sale.)

- The L.A. Times has a great profile on J.Crew’s creative director, Jenna Lyons (pictured).

- Does work/life balance exist? Or, in order to rise as high as Sonia Sotomayor, do you have to be a workaholic? [WSJ's The Juggle]

- Studies show women of color struggle to rise in law firms. [MPR] But, allegedly, women are more likely to get hired at law firms than men are. [Let the Curve Do the Work]

- Turns out no one likes the office pool party! [WSJ's The Juggle]

- Some “no duh” advice on how not to get fired over Twitter/Facebook use. [Young Lawyers Blog] For your real life, Lifehacker offers advice on how to avoid sounding stupid: a calculated pause.

- Oh yes — in case you didn’t hear — Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale
is on, meaning there are discounts on this coming fall’s merchandise.

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Today’s reader-suggested TPS comes from reader L, who writes:

I just got the Nine West “Walcott” shoes in black – and they’re perfect. I want them in every color. Not too high a heel, not too pointy at the toes (but also not so rounded they look like toddlers’ shoes) – they’re very comfortable, effortlessly professional, and inexpensive (on sale for $50!). I think the style won’t be discontinued any time soon, I’ve seen different colors introduced each season.

We think these are a great, reasonably priced alternative to the Cole Haan and Manolos out there. Note also that these shoes are available up to a size 12. They’re available at NineWest.com for $50.
Walcott

If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you request otherwise, we’ll refer to you by your first initial only.

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Today’s reader-suggested TPS comes to us from L, who writes that “[t]his Charlotte Tarantola cardigan fits really well and is nice to have in cold offices during the summer.” We’re loving the fun mix of colors and patterns, as well as the ribbed knit panel around the waist. It’s available at Nordstrom.com for $100. Charlotte Tarantola ‘Summerland’ Cardigan

If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.

For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.

We’re loving this beautifully designed and reasonably priced skirt suit from Max Studio. The curve of the seams, the hidden pockets, the slightly rough look to the jacket — we love it all. We’d buy it as a suit but probably end up wearing the jacket a lot as a topper for other outfits. The jacket (FAILLE SEAMED JACKET) is $178 (was $342), and the skirt (STRETCH FAILLE PENCIL SKIRT) is $98 (was $148).

This time last year, here’s what was on our minds…

- 360 Review: Ellen Parsons (of Damages)

- 10 Things to Know About Wearing Button-Down Shirts

- Tool of the Trade: NewSkin for Papercuts

- 5 Tips for Surviving the Day After the All-Nighter

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

We’re lusting after these lovely blue leather flats (with suede insets) from Sigerson Morrison today. We’d wear them with pretty much anything, but particularly gray slacks and a yellow or green blouse. Now $165 at Zappos (they were $299). Belle by Sigerson Morrison – 5736 (Blue Suede) – Footwear

If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.

Today’s reader mail is a good one, and in lieu of a poll we’re going to run this as our open thread today…

What is the best antiperspirant or deodorant to wear with a suit in these hot summer months???

Great question because, face it, on the days when it’s boiling outside everyone shows up at work all sweaty and nasty. Apparently, the difference between the two is that a deoderant stops odor, while an antiperspirant stops sweat. For our $.02, we wear Lady Mitchum gel — it goes on clear, it dries quickly, it doesn’t smell too funky, and it works for us (both to reduce sweat and odor). (Lady Mitchum Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deoderant, available at Drugstore.com for $3.59.)

Readers, any favorites? Any other tricks for staying dry and avoiding sweat?

Further reading:

The Best Antiperspirants [Real Simple]
Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer: Questions and Answers [Cancer.gov]

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

We’re normally against cowlnecks for work, if only because the neckline makes it difficult to add a cardigan or jacket on top of it. But this dress is too lovely not to include. We love the gentle pattern, the nearly elbow-length sleeves, and the slight pleats in the skirt. Ladylike and serious, without being severe. Lovely. It’s available at Nordstrom’s for $158. Donna Ricco Belted Silk Dress

If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.