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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Renttherunway.com



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A friend recently emailed me an article about a new website that allows you to rent special occasion dresses at up to 90% off store prices. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the service yet. Pros: 1) getting a designer dress for a special night at a large discount, 2) same day delivery in New York and 3) they send you an extra size in case one doesn't fit. Cons: 1) the dresses are still on the pricey side, 2) you have to return the dress and 3) even with the extra size, there's a risk you won't like how the dress looks on you. I'm willing to keep an open mind and I'd definitely like to know what Professionelle readers think of this new service.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Art Online

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First of all, congrats to all of my friends who recently found out that they passed the [New York], [Massachusetts], [insert state] bar! My life these days is filled with work, fixing up my apartment, more work, more fixing up my apartment, some food, some sleep, and repeat. This schedule probably sounds familiar to many of you who recently moved to start a new job. I've pretty much taken care of the necessities (couch delivery next week!) so have turned my efforts towards the aesthetic. Read: my walls are totally blank.

Last week, my office mate introduced me to this great website, 20x200. The site offers high quality prints from emerging artists for as little as $20. Each week 2 new pieces are introduced (one photograph and one work on paper). 200 limited edition pieces are printed and sold for $20 (hence the name!). You can buy bigger prints for $50 - $2000. Here are a few of my favorites.




Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Travel Inspiration: Greece

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Stop 3: Greece


To Do: Rent an ATV and cruise around the Greek Isle of your choice, stopping in picturesque villages and ancient temples. Finish the day with a late dinner and drinks at Tropical in Fira, Santorini. The view is to die for and the American music is a welcome change from the constant techno beat that can be found pumping through every island, day or night.

To Eat: Greek salad (which we ate at every meal), Mykonian sausage, Mousaka, and grilled octopus. Yum!

To Wear: The Greek Isles are all about cool breezes, crisp colors, and luxury fit for the fabulously chic. Below is an outfit that will last you through all of those late night parties.

The Crimson Issue?

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Hello from Kansas City! I'm writing you from a cozy little coffee shop called Latteland in the Plaza area of KC. Being in the Midwest with one week to go before I start work has led me to reminisce about school, which in turn reminded me of this article Sarah's boyfriend sent me a while back. I know there's at least one of you out there (you know who you are, you yellow shirt, teal shorts wearing, bracelet matching, you) who likes her men dressed like this:

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Ushering in Autumn

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As many of you know, I've been in Hong Kong and China for the last month or so, traveling and basking in the tropical (if polluted) weather. Today is my last day here so I'm preparing myself for the brisker weather of New York. Once I find an apartment in the city, this will be one of the first Fall pieces I order.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Travel Inspiration: Egypt

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Stop 2: Egypt


To Do: Cruise down the Nile stopping to see awe inspiring temples covered in amazingly preserved hieroglyphics and tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings.

To Drink: Mint tea at a coffee shop as the locals play dominoes nearby.

To Wear: A peak out of the plane window during our flight from Cairo to Aswan revealed the importance of water to all living things. The Nile river snaked through a stretch of lush green vegetation surrounded by endless desert where the water could not reach. The vision was striking and inspired the following khaki and green combination. The pattern on the neckline of this Vena Cava for Gap dress also reminded me the heavily adorned necklaces worn by the pharaohs.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Travel Inspiration: Colorado

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So sorry for the long absence! The bar is finally over! Congrats to those who also took the July bar and best of luck to those in states releasing results in the next couple of weeks. As for me, I will be gearing up for work and continuing to pretend like the end of July, 2009 never happened (at least until November).

I'm currently back in Boston, but have been fortunate enough to have traveled to some pretty spectacular places in the three weeks following the bar: Colorado, Egypt, and Greece. This, and the next two posts, are sort of a mini travel journal; inspiration drawn from three unique cultures and landscapes.

Stop 1: Estes Park, Colorado



To Do: Take a hike. I did it, which means that you can too. Leave the Louboutins at home, stretch those quad muscles, and get ready take in some amazing views and crisp mountain air.

To Drink: Water. Sweet, sweet water. Delicious water is abundant in Colorado and little did I know how precious it was until I left Colorado for Egypt.

To Wear: Being in Colorado reminded me of how pristine yet fragile the Earth can be. It inspired me to look into options for environmentally friendly professional clothing. The following dress, from Nimli.com (a green online retailer) is natural, organic, sustainable, and affordable to boot. It's also gorgeous and completely work appropriate.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Mental Break

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I probably shouldn't be posting this (or posting at all) since the Bar Exam is less than a week away, but here are two of my favorite ways to take a mental break from studying. Also great for those of you already in the real world who need some help getting through a slow Wednesday at work.

1) The Best of Youtube. Here's just one example, visit the website to see hundreds of similarly entertaining videos.



2) Lucky Magazine's list of the top 100 online retailers selling items for under $100

Monday, July 20, 2009

The September Issue

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A documentary about Anna Wintour? It's enough to make me come out of my bar review cave and post.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

News on Women

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Sorry for the brief hiatus. The fear of the bar exam has finally hit...

Today's post is about one of the most informative websites I have seen in a really long time: Newsonwomen.com. The website is written by a former Executive of Chase Bank (and in the interest of full disclosure, the mother of a friend). Newsonwomen.com reports on rising female stars in business, government, education, science, and the arts. The purpose is to use information as a tool for advancing women professionally, and the information is truly inspiring. I urge you all to check it out.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A Suit in a Pinch

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A good friend of mine (not saying who) got a spur of the moment clerkship interview while visiting her boyfriend. Of course she didn't bring a suit with her so she needs to find a suit, buy a pair of shoes, and research the judge all in 24 hours. I figured I'd help her out. These pieces are all from major national retailers so they should be relatively easy to find.


Banana Republic Petite Cotton Suit (209.00): Like me, my friend is petite and definitely does not have time for alterations


J Crew Isabel Dress (188.00): This is a great option if she packed a cardigan. A dress is infinitely more versatile than a suit if the right suit can't be found.


Theory Gabe Suit (660.00): I've never met a Theory suit that wasn't worth the investment. Buying a suit like this will last her a lifetime.

Understandably, my friend is willing to invest in a nice suit since it's something that she will probably wear again, but she already has a million pairs of heels so here are a few very inexpensive, interview appropriate shoes.

Lastly, Good Luck!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Simply Beautiful: Creature Comforts and Kindred

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I hope that Professionelle has become one of your favorite blogs, but I thought that today I would share with you one of my favorite blogs: Creature Comforts. It's where I go each day to escape the dingy cave that is Austin North by simply looking at some beautiful things. The author, Ez, makes the prettiest collages of artwork, crafts, and products.


She also does a Chic for Cheap post each week. This one on office decor seems particularly fitting.


And her latest venture, Kindred, provides gorgeous (and free!) images to download as your desktop along with downloadable note cards. I particularly like the downloadable gratitude notes, where you can make lists of things you are thankful for (great for those days when you need a little perspective).

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Summer Chick-lit Review

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Last month, Professionelle suggested a few public transportation worthy books, but apparently summer is the season for new "Chick-lit" and the New York Times has done the work for me this time. Check out this article for a comprehensive review of the good, the bad, and the downright cheesy books targeting women this summer.


Thanks to Neeraj for the link.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Brilliant Idea: Paperless Post

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We're all used to Evites and Facebook invites, but Paperless Post provides a classier way to send invitations for your upcoming event. The new website offers customizable invitations that are delivered to your guests in an electronic "envelope" like the one below:


Users can customize the paper, font, and motif of their invitation as well as the "envelope" that it comes in. Guests can reply with an RSVP (also on pretty electronic stationary). Unlike Evites and Facebook invites, the service is not free, but it is definitely affordable. Users must buy "stamps." For $5 you can purchase 60 stamps. This service may not be cost effective for a casual weekend barbecue, but may be an inexpensive alternative to sending out pricey paper invitations for your graduation, wedding, or baby shower. Besides, since it's paper-free, it's also green! Below are a couple of examples from a recent New York Times article:



Thanks to Phyllis for this great find!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Etsy Accessories

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Etsy is one of my favorite websites. It's an Ebay for all things handmade and vintage. The website is very hit or miss but there are some great finds. I particularly like it for jewelry and home goods. Below are a few of my favorite pieces. Home goods will be highlighted next week.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Work Bag Feature

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Although in the ideal world you would never have to bring home work, in reality you probably will at some point. Here are some attractive work bags that you could use to carry all your work papers and still look chic at the same time .

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Deal Brief: Spring Steals

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Old Navy is not at the top of most people's list when it comes to work clothes, but the retailer has some great pieces at even lower than normal prices right now. Here are a few work appropriate basics.

Although Tulle describes itself as "hip, funky, and feminine," I spotted some deals that translate well from the street to the office.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Technology Tip: 30 Second Skip on Your DVR



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I love my DVR and I'm guessing you love yours too. It's a professionelle's best friend. How else are you going to keep up with Jill, Bethanny, Jack, Kate, Serena, and Blair when you're spending prime time at the office?

DVRs are also great for skipping through commercials. Turning your "fav" button into a 30 second skip forward button will make skipping commercials even easier and your TV watching experience even more efficient. Push it 4 or 5 times, toggle back once or twice and voila! Click here for directions.

This tip was forwarded to me by a friend who saw it on Lifehacker, a technology focused blog with tips on how to make your life more efficient.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Graduation Dresses

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HLS's graduation is next week. A reader asked for a post with some suggestions for what to wear to graduation or class day. Since most graduations are in the summer and caps and gowns can be hot, it's best to wear something cool. I know there's also the temptation to wear something "springy" but keep in mind that black gowns can bleed in the heat. I've been told by several sources that the HLS gowns we rented will bleed. So here are a few dresses that are darker yet still pretty.


A great opportunity to wear a light colored spring dress is at Class Day where no caps and gowns are required. Here are a few suggestions: