Ask the Editor: Vol. III, No. Eleven

Feb 14, 2022

I have the bar exam next week.  I’m working full-time.  And keeping this blog up is going to be a little tough.  But let’s answer some reader questions to keep the content flowing.

Hi there,

I am starting a new job and will be rebuilding my professional wardrobe after a few years of working fully remotely. In the new role I will be traveling regularly, so I am looking for clothing that works for both travel and in person business meetings. The hard part is finding outfits that are nursing friendly. Do you have any suggestions? Also, do you think suits are still the expectation for business travel or has that changed post-COVID?

Thank you for your time and recommendations.

Much appreciated, KL

In a post-COVID world, the suit rules are relaxing.  A dress and jacket, or a dress and gorgeous cardigan, is a nice option.  I would also recommend a wide leg trouser with a wrap top and blazer or cardigan.

Seraphine has many nursing and maternity items that are professional and stylish.  This dress comes in a wonderful dark green, and you’d never know it was a nursing dress.  For a top to wear under a blazer, this wrap tank from Ingrid & Isabel is nice.  And, of course, there is always a wrap dress.

Hi there – 

I wonder if you’d do a post on Mom of the Bride dresses? My mom is having a hard time finding a dress that isn’t super matronly but that also isn’t tight at the waist. It just seems like there isn’t a lot out there right now. 

Thanks! Whitney

A loose-fitting waist is probably going to yield a more relaxed silhouette, which is going to look a bit matronly.  So let’s see if we can’t find something that threads the needle between tight and merely fitted.  Also, she may want to consider buying a fitted dress one size up and tailoring to fit so it’s not too tight in the wise.

My favorite brand for cocktail and evening wear is Badgley Mischka.  This draped crepe gown in royal blue and this modern, tulip sleeve dress is very cheery.

This Vince Camuto gown is a nice bridge between traditional and current.  I also like their navy, wrap-front gown.  This knot-front Lauren Ralph Lauren dress will flatter the figure in a classic shape.

Other dresses that caught my eye?  This La Femme Jersey Gown and this short Petaluma dress.

Hi Abra,

I need a gift for my Girlfriend (big G).  I just finished my JD and she was really supportive.  I’d like to buy her a necklace she can wear every day.  She isn’t fancy but would appreciate something classic.  My budget is $350, but I’d prefer to pay $250.  

No pearls, no rubies, no fake stones, nothing too long.  I’m not girly and I have no idea where to start.

Rae

What a great gift, and congratulations on your graduation.

Under-$200, Missoma has this gorgeous Malachite pendant and this double-layer chain necklace.  Monica Vinader’s Fiji pendant has a cluster of diamonds for $275.  Vinader also makes this cool necklace set that gives you three necklaces for $315; so you can layer them or wear them separately.  This lapis pendant from Wolf & Badger is nice.  And I know you said no pearls, but what about a black one?

The key to giving a gift like this is to let her know she can return it if she would prefer something else.  Also, never underestimate the power of going to a store and surprising her by letting her pick something she likes.  It makes for a fun shopping day, and you know she got something she wants while preserving the surprise.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}

 

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  1. Allison says:

    For KL- I found tops that I could unbutton, like button ups or cardigans, in any material, best for pumping at work. I could do wraps, but if it’s just the kind that you pull down, vs. untie and actually unwrap, it was uncomfortable. I tended to get milk on my top and it was hard to get the pumping bra insert thing, that holds the pump, on. I hope your return to in person work is great!

    • Rebecca says:

      I second this! I never really got a pumping bra to work right for me, so I found nursing bra + button down to be the easiest.

  2. Sarah says:

    I hope you take the rest of this week and all of next week off to prepare in all the ways you need for the exam. We will still be here and happy to see you when you return. Life is too short to burn yourself out. Good luck!

  3. Kate says:

    YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

  4. k-t says:

    Rae,

    Congrats on the JD. One of my favorite, classic necklaces is a solid collar that my mom got at an art fair a few decades ago. Similar to this: https://www.alexisbittar.com/products/copy-of-thin-collar-necklace

    It has stood the test of time. Figuring out her preferred metal is a good idea.

    Similar options:
    https://www.fineindianart.com/product/sterling-silver-collar-necklace-by-artie-yellowhorse-2/
    https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/rhythm-twisted-collar-necklace/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-ktoI9J1LrjuyF_Rmu73pH6qXIywz_s6XVSfVpUxNbVRnZBjllN7_AaAqTcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

  5. Christine S. says:

    Good luck with the bar exam!!! I know a few other people taking it this month as well! Which jurisdiction are you taking?

  6. Mackenzie says:

    For traveling in a suit, I like the banana republic washable wool suit. Wool by its nature combats smells and its more breathable than faux fabrics. I can also wash them in a delicates bag and let it hang dry and its good to go again. I never wear the suits that I have to dry clean anymore.

  7. Jenn S. says:

    You’ve got this re: the bar exam.

  8. AB says:

    Whitney — I love that Lauren Ralph Lauren pick but if you want to give your mom any other options, check out Tadashi Shoji. I’ve found they have theeeee best options for skimming/flattering the stomach area, while still having a ton of shape and not seeming matronly.

    You got this Abra!

  9. Ral says:

    You’ll do great!

  10. Kate says:

    KL, I’m currently nursing (and pumping at work) and found one piece items to be difficult to use. A lot of tops or dresses that claimed to be nursing/pumping friendly were difficult to use and didn’t actually align well with the pump. I’ve relied on separates for work, either sweaters or tshirts that I could pull up or tops I could unbutton. It’s also much cheaper as nursing/pumping items can be a bit pricey. One note: pumping bras aren’t the most smooth like a regular bra and sometimes I can see the lines of my bras through thinner materials.

  11. Shana says:

    Rae, I got this everyday necklace a few years back and love it! I got it in rose gold and it truly can be worn with anything.

    https://www.danarebeccadesigns.com/lauren-joy-mini-disc-necklace/

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