tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post4005692793419412623..comments2024-02-15T00:57:03.420-08:00Comments on - Privilege: Absolute Rules For What You Wear, Or, Saturday Morning at 9:07amLPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-14009977820886428262010-02-08T21:49:13.778-08:002010-02-08T21:49:13.778-08:00Thank you to all the wonderful readers and comment...Thank you to all the wonderful readers and commenters for being willing to engage in civil discussion and disagreement. Lovely. Sher, perhaps dyeing ourselves blue WILL be the next thrust to push the style envelope.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-67361469048340196012010-02-08T16:12:32.513-08:002010-02-08T16:12:32.513-08:00This is the most fascinating read I've had in ...This is the most fascinating read I've had in days, in large part because of the comments, in large part because of the civility used, such a nice change from a few other places we have visited lately. <br /><br />Another blogger recently wrote on the topic of pants at Mass on Sunday, with similar comments to these. We really are such products of our upbringing it is amazing, even now.<br /><br />Thank you for making life better Miss LPC,<br />tpWhat Kate Worehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10261712731770567440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-80538678473622391962010-02-08T15:40:41.760-08:002010-02-08T15:40:41.760-08:00I try to get weekly manicures, and if I can't ...I try to get weekly manicures, and if I can't make it in to have them done, I clean up my nails and buff them myself. i think this goes along with good grooming, and good grooming is always professional. I hear you loud and clear that women don't and shouldn't feel made to make glossy every part of their bodies, though I like to be glossy! Ha! I'd love to see more men (heck, every man) pay more attention to grooming his nails and hands! No polish required, just trim them and maintain the cuticles already. Its 2010!Princess Freckleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01194515698171493928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-12202623761760272812010-02-08T14:41:46.994-08:002010-02-08T14:41:46.994-08:00"I pay attention to how I dress so I don'..."I pay attention to how I dress so I don't need to use so many words." <br /><br />This sentence has the kind of relaxing effect on me that is usually only achieved with prescription painkillers.carahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09351483253361159121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-85998633651366130852010-02-08T13:17:48.548-08:002010-02-08T13:17:48.548-08:00I will be interviewing for business school shortly...I will be interviewing for business school shortly and have amusedly followed discussions of American b-school students and aspirants about US corporate culture. The skirt/pants divide seems bottomless indeed (pun intended!). I really was not aware of that it was any issue at all - why not wear both if you feel comfortable in both? <br /><br />My mother, an executive/partner in an advertising agency, refuses to wear her pretty skirts to work. She says they don't make her feel equal and powerful - they somehow underline her femininity when all she wants her clients to notice are her ideas and words.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824165212966541546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-46850636703915502982010-02-08T13:05:53.710-08:002010-02-08T13:05:53.710-08:00I love a good debate. And LPC I'm enjoying rea...I love a good debate. And LPC I'm enjoying reading both sides of the story. Thanks for encouraging polite discussion.<br /><br />For the record. My nails are plain but manicured. During the summer I like to wear beige or a light color polish. My toes I prefer to wear some sort of color year round. Why? not from any rules but from that other James Cameron movie Titanic. Rose was in her 80s and still painted her toes. I want to be like that. ;)<br /><br />Now for clothes. I remember the 1990s where Ally McBeal wore those mini skirt suits to the court room. Again I was influenced by the media/shows. I wore them, but....I know I was not taken seriously in the Corporate world because of it. Yes I was a Cost Accountant, but never could quite get that coveted Controller spot.<br /><br />PS Don't worry. I've matured and won't be going Blue after his latest movie. Though Blue is my favorite color ;)Sherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11724466373032206343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-81363839954677863632010-02-08T05:52:37.041-08:002010-02-08T05:52:37.041-08:00My nails are soft, and tend to split if I use poli...My nails are soft, and tend to split if I use polish. Since I cook, sew, garden and play piano, AND I can't tolerate the look of chipped polish, I keep them short and groomed. ('Manicured' didn't always signify 'polished', btw.) Toenails likewise. <br /><br />To my mind, the elaborate effects are perfect for people without much to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-10468137123802600092010-02-07T21:53:17.298-08:002010-02-07T21:53:17.298-08:00Julia, if "Person A" ever did research o...Julia, if "Person A" ever did research on the chemicals in nail polish, she'd never again insist anyone had to wear it. All cosmetics have chemicals of course, but polishes are in a class by themself. They cross the line into the "toxic" territory.<br /><br />I find it sad that I would be judged because Person A is ignorant of the facts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-55377437292459146972010-02-07T20:56:44.574-08:002010-02-07T20:56:44.574-08:00I think that what land of shimp says takes what I ...I think that what land of shimp says takes what I wrote here to the next level of understanding. Appropriate is about context. And about your goals. Vix, I agree that grooming for women is a loaded topic, way more loaded than the same discussion for men. Thank you everyone for your contribution.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-90092056886494150832010-02-07T20:35:56.544-08:002010-02-07T20:35:56.544-08:00not only do i rock bare nails all year round, but ...not only do i rock bare nails all year round, but i also bite them down to the bone, and sometimes they bleed a little. is it ridiculous that i still consider myself professional-looking when i get dressed up for work? :)Giovannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06395803606683052002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-11209635022151619512010-02-07T16:00:52.910-08:002010-02-07T16:00:52.910-08:00thank you for the great advice. i have never work...thank you for the great advice. i have never worked professionally,<br />but have to admit that i would think it unprofessional of my attorney,<br />banker, or accountant to wear bright colored polish on long nails.<br /><br />how hypocritical is that?myletterstoemilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17555607498974287844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-89096152487749850402010-02-07T14:31:52.990-08:002010-02-07T14:31:52.990-08:00I think "appropriate" differs tremendous...I think "appropriate" differs tremendously by groupings. <br /><br />Just as a for instance, there are also regional trends at play. What is considered appropriate on the East Coast doesn't necessarily translate to other parts of the country. I live in Colorado where business casual, and blue jean Friday is the norm. Many women have natural nails because in almost all that we do, it's considered tony and upscale to suggest that you are frequently outdoors, living an athletic lifestyle. <br /><br />The very things that are deemed appropriate where you are, would have someone stand out as fussy, overdone, and garish where I am. A pretense, or an affectation. <br /><br />Almost all "appropriate" behaviors, and forms of dress are about social groupings, really. Figuring out a pecking order, and a place within the hierarchy, but firm absolutes are difficult to come by, because once you leave a particular grouping (i.e. regional, etc) what was appropriate there, may be the exact thing considered inappropriate elsewhere. <br /><br />To be appropriate in a court of law, or a corporate setting, or any other place, the norm has to be surveyed first. <br /><br />Just as another for instance, people don't dress for dinner here. That's considered appropriate. On a trip to Vancouver BC, which I had assumed would be equally casual, I found my entire family being given startled glances because we were considered to be very casually dressed at dinner. In truth, we'd dressed more formally than we would have in Denver. <br /><br />Circumstance and location are determining factors in "appropriate" levels of almost anything, I could even argue that about religion, based on regional preferences.Land of shimphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15671954452597068904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-25905735325891438592010-02-07T12:26:03.999-08:002010-02-07T12:26:03.999-08:00A Swedish friend once told me, "I pay attenti...A Swedish friend once told me, "I pay attention to how I dress so I don't need to use so many words." <br /><br />When I notice a woman with many visible supports (long fake nails, elaborate makeup), I wonder why she has chosen these effects, what they do for her. I make certain assumptions- though I try to see what a person does before letting my biases interfere.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-61687647646735105882010-02-07T12:15:19.748-08:002010-02-07T12:15:19.748-08:00Fascinating topic. I have to admit, when I meet a...Fascinating topic. I have to admit, when I meet a woman with long, fake fingernails (either French tipped or colored, with designs) I judge her. I immediately do not take her seriously. (Can't believe I'm admitting this!) I prefer short, filed, natural nails. I don't care what shade they are painted in (except blue- I hate that). I think nails without polish are perfectly acceptable as long as they are groomed. Great discussion!The Daily Connoisseurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13843902889491327636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-29388757247532482602010-02-07T10:21:20.038-08:002010-02-07T10:21:20.038-08:00The skirt suit vs pantsuit debates on Corporette a...The skirt suit vs pantsuit debates on Corporette and elsewhere fascinate and sadden me. <br /><br />Whenever I hear the pro-skirt suits brigade say that skirts are more "respectful" or professional, I think of the suffragettes and their bloomers. And whenever I hear the pro-pantsuits brigade say that pants are less distracting and more powerful than skirts, I think of Joan of Arc and her masquerade.<br /><br />[And of course whenever I hear of a judge requiring or, even worse, rumored to prefer skirt suits, I think s/he completely unfit for a position meant to showcase Solomon-like skills. Since I'm far from impartial, I also label the female judges who fall into that camp hypocrites.]<br /><br />To me it's obvious that women competing in the same arena as men--vs just being in the workplace in lower-status roles--will always be a distraction. They "don't" belong, they've never belonged, and if they get to the top it tends to be fairly temporary. The closer they get to the brass ring, the more micro the spoken and unspoken rules around gender-specific isses.<br /><br />[The women who build their own corporate empires, however, seem to have little problem settling in for the long haul, whether they are painted or unpainted, pantyhose'd or bare-legged, etc.]Vixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08676924453001061927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-1334679354867190972010-02-07T09:43:38.438-08:002010-02-07T09:43:38.438-08:00Hostess, words are always welcome, as are you, and...Hostess, words are always welcome, as are you, and Reggie Darling. Thanks for weighing in. ELS, in 1987 I was trying to hide my very evident pregnancy under a long white linen top, a black pleated maternity skirt, and a big-shouldered, Schiaparelli pink linen jacket. Jan, BTW, I am not religious. I concede religion's absolute nature for those who are.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-49137754321443992142010-02-07T09:17:10.444-08:002010-02-07T09:17:10.444-08:00Hello, as a senior managing director in the NYC In...Hello, as a senior managing director in the NYC Investment Bank where I work, I have the following observations:<br />(1) Professional women at my firm and other IBs rarely wear visible nail-polish, and if they do it is in subtle tones of pink or brown that compliment their skin color. Lurid colors and (god forbid) two-tone "french" polishes are strictly for those in support positions. If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, then leave expressive nail embellishments to others.<br />(2) Trousers on women are fine, and appropriate office attire these days, but it's really nice to see a woman wearing a skirt every now and then as it breaks up the tedium and is a pleasant reminder that there are, in fact, attractive differences in the sexes.<br />(3) Regardless of whether one wears trousers, skirts, mu-mus or tin cans to work, your fellow office-mates really to appreciate it when you make an effort and dress up a bit. Helps make the day go by a little bit more pleasantly.Reggie Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-42677627479697124822010-02-07T09:08:33.816-08:002010-02-07T09:08:33.816-08:00Conjures up a few visuals... a murder of crows.......Conjures up a few visuals... a murder of crows....cacaphonic commentaters....cyber babblers...a gaggle of googlers...ok I must stop...I've had too much coffee and it's gone to my head, apologies!hostess of the humble bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06453827257671312902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-37875240569883516352010-02-07T08:28:36.759-08:002010-02-07T08:28:36.759-08:00I have just forwarded your blog to a cousin who is...I have just forwarded your blog to a cousin who is taking a first few (polished?) steps in the corporate world. Where were you in 1987???ELShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10736614879046626605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-36869113948451570402010-02-07T08:27:36.528-08:002010-02-07T08:27:36.528-08:00Harmony is perfect, since it means not everyone si...Harmony is perfect, since it means not everyone singing the same note. Susurration is another word I like.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-71616146286561903172010-02-07T07:30:45.759-08:002010-02-07T07:30:45.759-08:00whoop, commented as my husband (heh). *i* think it...whoop, commented as my husband (heh). *i* think it's perfect, Gold Digger.laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03429404210444847213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-37538764803335156192010-02-07T07:29:25.981-08:002010-02-07T07:29:25.981-08:00perfect, Gold Digger.perfect, Gold Digger.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11309842545341386545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-21832421346123363682010-02-06T21:43:34.051-08:002010-02-06T21:43:34.051-08:00an interesting tidbit from my office:
in the elev...an interesting tidbit from my office: <br />in the elevator, person A said to person B on how much they dislike person C: "I hate how she wears open-toe shoes all summer with no nailpolish"<br />person A to person D (me) as we all realize my unpolished sandaled toes in the elevator: "oh but julia, it's different for you"<br />because A knows I don't wear nailpolish because I'm "green" and somehow the standards are different for someone like me who doesn't wear nailpolish or other makeup because i don't want chemicals on my body. it's ok for me to have "unprofessional" unpolished toes but not for this other person. but probably they just talks about me behind my back like they do about person C.<br />and that's why the rules of society are all f'd up and i don't bother ahering to what people think would be most "professional"Julia (Color Me Green)http://colormegreen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-65883507702849218982010-02-06T20:43:26.808-08:002010-02-06T20:43:26.808-08:00A harmony of commenters?A harmony of commenters?the gold diggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09134199198587591427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-6143959813059100262010-02-06T17:28:08.552-08:002010-02-06T17:28:08.552-08:00T&C Mom, i'll bring popcorn to LPC's t...T&C Mom, i'll bring popcorn to LPC's take on visible tattoos and piercings. <br /><br />you do have a lovely group of commenters, LPC. (can we put our heads together on a collective noun? "murmur of commenters" isn't quite right. ESB's would be a banter of commenters, mine a drift. for now, here, i say a salon, bearing in mind a salon's several venerable meanings.)laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03429404210444847213noreply@blogger.com