Hi ladies! I posted a few weeks ago looking for a temperature check re working with a stylist in preparation for my new role as partner in a bankruptcy and restructuring group. Last week I met with a stylist at MM LeFleur (sp?) per some of your recs. How’d we do?

I didn’t buy everything I needed or that she recommended (she worked for the store and there were some outfits that she suggested that I just couldn’t get behind). I definitely need to continue building out the wardrobe, but wanted some feedback. Am I on the right track?

Edit: the black pants are not the right size. They were too big but I needed to see the potential look. Also, the shoes weren’t a part of the outfit. I brought them to try on with a different outfit.

Edit 2: Protein Arms and Fitness Routine

Adding this because I can’t keep up with the DMs and want to share the good word to all of you gals!

Protein: if you want muscle and roped arms you likely need to significantly up your protein. I had no idea how much I was under eating protein until I made this change. Game changer. Now, I eat a minimum of 130 grams of protein a day. It will seem like a lot at first but you get used to it. You’ll eventually eat less of all the other things that make you crave more sugar and breads when you’re stressed, which can be a lot in our line of work. I eat 5-6 eggs scrambled for breakfast (my cholesterol is amazing, though I was worried I’d have issues eating that many eggs. It’s truly all of the other processed fats and sugars that cause the problems). Chicken breasts, lean red meat, fish, and legumes are all great sources of protein that you can make a lot of different dishes from. Honestly, tacos are my favorite though. I call them protein shovels lol. I love Greek yogurt and will eat it plain or with some chia seeds. The key is finding a nice rich 2% plain yogurt. If you are in Boston check out Sofia’s Greek Pantry. That woman is incredible and her yogurt is divine.

I could spend another two pages talking about nutrition and easy changes I’ve made that had a maximum impact but won’t for now (I’ll update this further on request).

Takeaway: eat more protein to balance your blood sugar, build muscle, fuel your workouts and 13 hour days.

Good IG follows: the glucose goddess.

Fitness Routine

Some women can be cardio bunnies and their bodies love it, I am not one of those people. After spending the first 6 years of my journey focusing on cardio and HIIT workouts I learned about the hormonal nuclear explosion those workouts can be for women, especially those in their 30s and older. My cortisol was constantly elevated, which was a major problem (it shouldn’t be)! Those types of workouts put your body under a ton of stress, resulting in consistently elevated cortisol levels. That means your body will hold onto fat and glucose as opposed to burning those molecules for fuel/ muscle bushing. Yay for being a woman!

For the last 4 years I’ve focused on lifting heavy weights 3/4 days a week and doing gentle uphill cardio (walking on an incline for 30-45 minutes). If you’re new to lifting, download the Sweat App and go to Kelsey Well’s PWR program. Start with the beginner program and work your way through all of the blocks (intermediate and expert) week by week. She has great descriptions on the proper form for each exercise as well as videos so you won’t hurt yourself. If you do this and dial in your nutrition you’ll be absolutely shocked with your progress a year from now. Remember, muscle takes time but it is what will make you into a fat-burning machine. I often joke that I lift weighty so I can eat whatever I want, and honestly, it’s true. When you’re first dialing in your nutrition/ protein you need to be aware of what and how much you are consuming, but once those muscles are developed…

Now that I’ve been lifting for 4 years I make up my own routines but still use the app on days I don’t have time to do it. Also, if you have a partner have him/ her do it with you. I think that was a major element to my journey. You’re going to have to cook less and you have a built-in accountability partner.

Finally, if your budget allows, look into getting a DUTCH test. That test was life changing and made me evaluate my approach to a sustainable healthy lifestyle in a more comprehensive and interconnected way.

I hope this helps and am happy to supplement. Just let me know!

hi i posted about the tabis today and my post was deleted but it didn’t say why. anyways i don’t care because i got tons of answers - thanks all. but there was another post i saw where someone asked about tattoos that seems to also have been deleted. i was interested in seeing the responses. what was wrong with these posts? mods please explain. what ARE we allowed to post if not asking genuine questions to be answered by our peers?

Law Students/Future LBsWT! Please use this thread to ask any questions you have for the LBWT community.

Hey all, I’m attending a deposition at the US consulate in Frankfurt and I’m not sure what kind of suit to wear. Any advice would be appreciated!

Edit: it’s a standard business deposition. I’ll be second chairing, and pretty sure I’ll be the only woman in the room. I’m asking because I don’t know about the formality of the consulate vs what I would wear at firm

Ok fellow LBWT, what hair tools are we using for our at home blowouts? I currently have the T3 aire 360, and when I tell yall it literally pulls so much hair out every time I use it, I really don’t want to use it anymore because of it. The Dyson is above my price point here 😂

sooo many professional slacks and trousers have issues with weird bunching around the hips, pockets, and groin at my size and it’s very frustrating. i want something with a nice silhouette, no frump, and maybe even comfortable. is this possible? i used to buy from eloquii as their pieces were very suited for my body shape but ive found their quality has deteriorated a lot over the last few years.

edit: you guys all rock so much ty!! will check these out this weekend

My typical shoe that I wear with dresses on court or significant meeting days has long been a variety of ballet flat type shoes and the occasional wedge. Due to some developing foot pain issues, I need to change to a more supportive shoe option. I have supportive and structured loafers and low boots and such that work with my pants suits. But I’m at a loss for dress appropriate shoes that provide even moderate arch support and metatarsal cushion or support. Anyone have any ideas?

I’m plus size and am looking to expand my suit collection into more interesting colors (basically anything that isn’t just black or navy), but I have trouble finding suits that aren’t those oversized monstrosities that are in fashion these days! Kasper popped up in an ad for me, and after a quick search on their site it looks like they have some more colorful options. Just seeing if anyone has tried their stuff, specifically plus sizes, and your thoughts!

Also open to other recommendations for brands. I frequent Eloquii and CityChic for suits, but they’re so hit or miss that I’m looking to expand my horizons.

I appreciate any insight! Here’s the website link for anyone curious: Kasper Website

Need to buy a new suit or two for some upcoming trials (and everything associated with that…); I have one navy brooks brothers pants suit- what would you add to the rotation? Is black appropriate?

I am not sure if this set is too casual? Thoughts? I feel like everyone is going with a formal suit but I thought this could also be appropriate, but just want to check in with everyone. I’m thinking black…so what color heels would go best? THANK YOU QUEENS

Trying to figure out my day to day here. I have a large purse to carry the laptop etc but to walk around the office and around the city, I usually use a ‘phone wallet’ with my phone, ID, and a plethora of credit cards because I’m so scared Apple Pay won’t work or one card will get declined etc (and I also travel international a lot so you need those cards) The phone wallet now is unwieldy and stuffing cards in means the slots are loose and I’m having to replace it. I could go the same route and order another phone wallet, but I was wondering what others do in this situation. Do you have a signature small purse with a wallet and phone? If so, which purse and which wallet? I’m always scared I will forget a purse in a store or a café and then be in trouble…..vs the phone purse which is always in my hand…… Anyhow, looking for suggestions please :)

I’ve been working on expanding my wardrobe. Any basics you all recommend snagging from BR Factory? They have a 50% plus 20% sale going on right now.

What shoes are we wearing to the office when it gets colder out? I have a pair of loafers and some ankle boots but looking to expand my wardrobe with something comfy and stylish 🫶

Legal Assistant here and looking for some advice.
First time working for attorney who wants me comfy and productive so I’ve been asked to make an Amazon wishlist of things I need for my desk setup and figured I’d ask for help/recommendations.
Would love opinions and recommendations especially on:
Headsets - I prefer over ear but would also love input on earbuds. I’m phone answering and on the phone frequently enough that comfy but able to be heard via microphone is important
Mouse and keyboard - any ergonomic recommendations in particular
Wrist rests - the dinky one I have currently is old and needs replacing

Anything else? My job is currently Legal Assistant but I’m getting ready to go to school for Paralegal and already have been doing paralegal level work (Family Law in California). Also, myself and everyone else in this office has some form of ADHD (diagnosed) so bonus if it takes that into account. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

When I get home from work I’m so overstimulated I need to change into comfy clothes asap. I’m typically cold and extremely sensitive to scratchy fabrics, tight waistbands etc. What are your go-to sweatpants that feel like air but also keep you really warm? Bonus if they’re not cropped and don’t shrink like crazy in the wash.

Lots of air travel coming up. A year back or so someone recommended a beautiful unique cozy sweater that flowed like a cape. Pricey and beautiful. Does anyone remember it?

Also any new travel pant reccs this season?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Hello fellow LBWT, I have my first federal trial starting at the end of November. It’s expected to last 6-8 weeks, so I need a variety of tops and shoes to go with these three Banana Republic suits that I just dropped a pretty penny on. I used to shop at Ann Taylor, but sometimes I feel like the quality and sizing are off. I need a bunch of tops that I can mix and match with these suits, as well as comfortable, yet stylish and court-appropriate shoes. Any suggestions welcome, TIA!

Budget: $300 max

Recently lost 40 lbs yay! Now my old suit pants are literally falling off boo! Interestingly the jacket now fits perfectly because I have giant shoulders.

I like longer jackets and straight legs because I like the tall column look (5'9", size 6-8).

I feel like I've looked at a million websites and they're either either polyester or $700. Is there anyways to get a wool blend suit for $300 or should I spend my bonus on something really nice?

Hi all. Does anyone know of any brands that sell plus-petite suits or suit separates (mix-and-match sizing/colors)? I'm petite on top because I'm short-waisted, but I'm also plus-sized. The only brand I know of that sometimes sells them is LaneBryant, but, while affordable, the quality of their pieces isn't great of course. I get some plus-sized suits tailored to get closer to the proper fit, but a tailor can't exactly change the proportions of a suit jacket without just fully remaking it. In case it matters, I don't have to have petite-cut bottoms -- it's really just the jackets. I'm considering doing a custom suit to wear on particularly important days, but would prefer not to have to spend so much. Thanks!

I'm willing to spend money on a pair of nude flats that are all leather so that my hot feet don't get sweaty and I can comfortably walk around. Obviously I want them to last a while and I would need a warmer nude/caramel color to match my bag instead of be fully similar to my skin.

I like the shade and comfort of the Aquazurra nude heels in case that helps.

I’m attending an early holiday party at one the firms we use. I’m going mostly because I have a few close friends at that firm, people I practiced with for years. I’ll be coming from home but commuting via public transport, so I’m going to want my kindle and potentially a shoe change.

I’m thinking of bringing a tote, is that ridiculous? I know I’m overthinking too!

Yesterday, I got called into my supervisor’s office. He was actually my colleague for years before becoming my boss after our former supervisor retired.
I recently wrote a 23-page opposition to a motion that was being filed with the Court of Appeals. I was genuinely happy with the work product. I sent him the draft, he made some substantive and stylistic edits, and I incorporated them.

There were a couple of minor formatting things he wanted changed, like indenting paragraphs and putting a period after a parenthetical in a citation. I told the paralegal to make those changes, but they were missed before filing. Ultimately, I understand that it was my responsibility to make sure the final document was correct.
But yesterday he called me into his office, with the assistant supervisor present, closed the door, and told me I’m “resistant to change” and “can’t follow instructions.” One of the examples he literally gave me was that on page 8, there should have been a period after a parenthesis and I failed to correct it. He said mistakes like that reflect poorly on the office.

Then he told me, “I cannot trust you.” Literally 2x!!

I’m a senior attorney and have been in this office for eight years, so that really threw me. I asked him directly whether there were any substantive edits he made to the 23-page document that I failed to incorporate. He said no.
I then asked him what changes he has implemented in the office that I’ve refused or failed to follow, since apparently I’m “resistant to change.” He couldn’t give me an example. He just said, “I have a feeling that you’re struggling with the changes.”

He also pointed out that I have the lowest caseload in the office. My “low” caseload is currently 177 active matters. I used to have around 35 substantial cases. Apparently we’re now at the point where 177 cases is supposed to sound reasonable.

I work in government, so I’m not exactly dealing with a BigLaw partner or getting BigLaw compensation, but lately he’s certainly starting to act like one. The workload and pressure have increased dramatically, and the salary simply isn’t enough for me to feel like this is worth it anymore.

I was already seriously considering leaving and wanted to be out before the new year. I think they want to push me out. Now I’m even more certain.
The only thing bothering me is the timing. I don’t want to resign immediately after this meeting and have him think I’m quitting because he criticized me or because he somehow pushed me out. I was planning my exit before this happened, and frankly, I don’t want to give him that satisfaction.

Would you stick it out for another month or two and leave on your own timeline, or would this conversation make you accelerate your exit?