Working Girl's Guide #30: Thanksgiving fits and a breakup deadline

In the spirit of the holiday season, I’m skipping news this week and answering YOUR questions instead— THANK YOU to everyone who submitted these on my Instagram stories. Also getting into countless fit recs, a preview of our Thanksgiving-themed podcast episode, and tips for escaping the Thanksgiving table to check your email.

Let’s get into it.

Q: I wanna break up with my bf but am going to his family’s Thanksgiving

A: Ending a relationship is extremely challenging, so I don’t want to be dismissive of that, but do you know what is SO much harder? Sipping cranberry spritzes while his mom asks when you think her son will pop the question, pretending like you’re all about it, then learning they’re a “go around and share what you’re grateful for” family, and eking out something about how thankful you are for this random dude you don’t even like. You HAVE to do this before Thanksgiving. Then treat yourself to some Black Friday retail therapy.

Q: What the hell do I wear to Thanksgiving?

A: For any and all holiday / Thanksgiving fits, priority is chic roomy comfort!! I love a stretchy dress, can’t go wrong with loose slacks and a sweater, I’m very into cranberry red for November and December (another option I love), and if you’ve found yourself in a Turkey Trot family, a workout set is a must (also great for lounging on Friday).

Q: Do I need to officially put in for PTO Wednesday afternoon or can I just fade away?

A: Do two things: don’t schedule a single meeting for Wednesday if you can help it, block a one-hour hold titled “heads down time” for 2-3pm (no one will bother you after 3 the day before Thanksgiving, so you’re really giving yourself the whole afternoon off), and if your boss asks anything of you, say that you’d love to give that project the effort it deserves, and can you gather your thoughts and circle back early next week? Don’t waste your PTO!

Q: How many time am I allowed to leave the dinner table to “go to the bathroom” to avoid awkward convos?

A: As many as you want, as long as you also answer awkward questions with “that’s an interesting thing to say out loud,” or better yet, just act completely dumbfounded and make your creepy uncle explain to the table EXACTLY WHY he thinks his sexist joke is funny. “Wait, I don’t get it Uncle Jim. Can you explain the punchline to us again?”

Q: How do you sneak away to check emails without your family knowing?

A: DON’T. Unless you’re quite literally saving lives, it can wait.

Took a BAEcation to Cabo because who’s really working this week? Not me! You know who is working though? This yellow dress. Bought it for a bachelorette party I went to a while back, and have found it surprisingly versatile. It’s almost sold out, but if anyone wears an XS, hop on it!!!

I’ve been on the hunt for fits that do well with big meals (you will not catch me in a bodycon around Thanksgiving), and this sweater dress I wore to my friendsgiving fit the bill and was such a hit! And $79 for the dress? Very much slay! You could also belt it, add a heel, even wear it to the office with a trench, hide a pregnancy from your boss for a few months…seriously, it’s very forgiving. Love for the eating - I mean holiday season!

Today’s lazy girl hack is from a crowd-sourced question! Lazy girl skincare is my middle name.

Q: Skincare recs? I’m 33 and it’s taken a dive, plummet, submarine to depths of the sea.

A: First of all, 33 is the new 23, and second of all, I got you: you need to be focusing on hydration (maybe I’m projecting?) and obviously SPF. Here are my favorite daily products: I do Neutrogena sunscreen, SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum, and hydrating masks. These three on repeat and you’re done. I also recently developed acne at age 27 (didn’t know this was possible?), so I linked my favorite invisible pimple patches. I keep it simply because I simply do not have time for redlight masks and regular facials, and you probably don’t either!

Are you in the gratitude spirit? This week, Ross and I are! We’re getting into the importance of expressing gratitude at work and in life with targeted thanks to the most special people in the office, such as Amanda who consistently books meetings between other meetings, creating an unceasing chain of back-to-backs. Thank you, Amanda!

We also get into a much needed analysis of Thanksgiving traditions and question the legitimacy of cranberry sauce and marshmallows on yams on the dining table. Stay tuned for requested advice on what to expect from corporate reorg doom, whether or not to risk a PIP by going on PTO, and how to be more socially outgoing at a new job.

Thanks for reading!