Summer Work Staples: The Shirtdress

I don't know about where you are, but it is not spring anymore in Miami (it's not full-on summer yet, either, so I'll enjoy the 88 degree/70% humidity weather while I can). Summer in the office can be a touchy balance, but it's no excuse to let your style wilt. I'll be focusing on some summer style staples over the next few weeks (months? We'll see how many I find) and offering some tips to make them appropriate for the office.

First up: the shirtdress.

I've harped on shirtdresses before, but I'd like to add some special summer notes:

• Length. It is tempting to go a little higher in the hem for summer, but your skirts and dresses should be office-appropriate length year-round. For the most part, this means no more than an inch or two (max) above the knee. 
• Fabric. Structured fabrics are always chic, but I do think you can get away with a nice silk for summer. Avoid anything too clingy or synthetic (breathable is best). Fabric makes a huge difference and can make a modest dress bearable in hot weather.
• Sleeves. Depending on your office, going sleeveless may be a year-round thing or a never thing. When in doubt, I'd choose sleeves. To avoid having to take a jacket or cardi on and off all the time, try a cap sleeve or short sleeve. Three-quarter sleeve dresses in a light breathable fabric can be super-chic, too.
• Double-sided tape. I'm a huge fan of wearing a slip under my dress at all times (or at least a half-slip) but I don't overheat easily. If you absolutely cannot bear to wear a full slip in the summer, make sure to double-stick tape between the buttons. If you choose to go slip-less completely (again, not recommended), I'd double-sided tape the whole way down.
• Pattern and color. It's summer, I get it, you want to lighten up. Have some fun and bring in some lighter colors and basic patterns, but keep your loud prints and colors for the weekend.
• Accessories. When wearing a more casual dress, accessories can take the look from one end of the spectrum to another. A structured bag and closed-toe shoes will ensure you don't look like you're on your way to a summer picnic.

Some ideas to get your creativity cranking...

Pumps
Day Dresses

Love a pop of color in the shoe and the light fun print of this dress.

Day Dresses
Flats

A rosy pink is feminine without being too sweet, and flats are the ultimate practical shoe.


Does your work wardrobe change in the summer? What staples do you rely on in hot weather?

Jungle preppy [outfit]

Target Dress - 2011 - $12 on sale / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on sale / Nine West shoes from Marshalls or Ross - 2011 - $25 (using birthday money) / Banana Republic necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale

One of the biggest changes to my wardrobe now that I'm not in an office anymore is my hemline. For work, I was a staunch knee-length skirter. Any shorter seemed scandalous. Sure, I wore shorter skirts on weekends, but after dressing up all week I usually stuck to plain jeans. 

But now? Well, you've seen me lately. Those longer skirts have been gathering dust in my closet. I must be making up for lost time or something. This dress is one of my go-tos, and I've been switching up belts each time. Today was pink's turn. In my mind, green + pink = preppy. Love it.

A-Baseling we go [outfit]

Francesca's Collections dress - 2011 - $44 / Steve Madden boots from Macy's - 2009 - gift card + $3 / Belt - 2010 - swapped / Kate Spade Doodle necklace - 2011 - gift / Gold ring from Joanna Paige - 2011 - $16 (birthday money) / Nancy Rosetta silver circle ring - 2009 - gift

When in Miami, do as the Miami-ans do. Saturday night, K and I went to our very first Art Basel Miami Beach. I don't know much (ok, anything) about art, but I love looking at it. When we travel to new places, we gravitate toward museums and galleries rather than restaurants, attractions, and other activities. My favorite artist shown was Kate Gilmore, especially her video piece Buster. Check her out. Amazing. Art definitely inspires me, but to do what I'm not quite sure yet. I just love the energy and creativity of it all.

Art Basel is a place to see and be seen. It is one of the largest (if not the largest) modern art fair in the world. Rumor has it that it is now larger than the original Art Basel in Switzerland. Insane. We went Saturday night, and I had no idea what to wear. It took me a crapload of outfits before I settled on the one I finally wore, which was a variation on what I wore for our Christmas card photo this year (but only for about 30 minutes for pics). Check out the pile of discarded clothes that I had to put away at the end of the night:

Oops.

What inspires you? What types of attractions do you gravitate toward when you travel?

Flower power [outfit]

Target dress - 2011 - $6.50 on clearance / Franco Sarto boots - 2010 - gift / random rings on a chain

I have no idea how one would describe my style, but if there's one thing that it characteristically is not is floral (I know floral is not a style, but you catch my drift). I've accumulated a few (very few) floral pieces of clothing throughout the years, but I don't wear them often. I'm just not all that attracted to florals, and even the ones I do like and own, I find difficult to actually wear.

The exception: I've been longing—obsessing, even—over finding the perfect floral minidress to rock with boots (and a jacket when it gets cooler). There's just something so laidback and boho/rocker about that combo. But I'm a picky one and I've spent years trying to find the perfect dress.

This one isn't traditionally floral, and it isn't completely perfect, but for $6, I figured I'd try it out. The sheer top layer keeps the black wearable in Miami, although the built-in slip leaves much to be desired (one should not have to choose between covering bra or underwear). Good thing I have a black slip that I can pin up and slip under for added protection.

The verdict? I like it. The print, the length, the flow. These boots give it a polished hippie vibe, but I think I'll try them with more rugged boots next time for a little grunge.

Is there a style/print/type of clothing that just isn't you but you had to try it anyway?

If you have to ask... [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $30 / Limited maxi dress - 2007 - $20 on sale / Mossimo tank - 2010 - $7 on sale / Steve Madden boots from Macy's - 2009 - gift card + $3 / NY & Co necklace - 2010 - gift

I was going to name this post "Does this match?" And then I realized that if I have to ask, the answer is probably not, but I'll wear it anyway. It was slightly gloomy last week, so I wanted to be more covered up. Plus, boots always make me feel better.

And, of course, after I confessed my recent apathy for shopping last week, I went on a slight bender over the weekend (if by bender you mean dropping $25 at Target for two t-shirts and a 75% off dress). Just when I started getting all cocky about my recent money-saving ways.

What's your take when you question what you're wearing? Do you ask for a second opinion, change, or keep on keepin' on?

Never before seen footage [outfits]

Hey folks! I'm back from my trip! I spent a week with my sister-in-law and her family helping out around the house after they had their new baby earlier this month. Some highlights:

• Getting to spend time with my 3.5 year old nephew that he'll remember. Since before he was born, we've always lived at least 500 miles away, and it kills me that we don't get to see him grow up as closely as we'd like. Now that he's at an age where he notices and remembers things, it's even more important that K and I are in his life (we're his only aunt and uncle).
• Changing my first diaper. I'm pretty impressed that I went 28 years without changing one. Luckily the baby was kind to me (didn't have to do any #2s). He's a keeper, for sure.
• Bonding with my sister-in-law. Growing up with just a brother, I always wished for a sister (in addition, not instead of my bro). My best friends come pretty close, but it is definitely cool to have a sister in my sis-in-law. We've always gotten along, but because of the distance we haven't had the chance to spend quality time just the two of us until now.

I didn't take any outfit pics while I was gone (let's just say I was appropriately dressed for my week's activities...lots of jeans, tees, and flats), but there are quite a few photos taken earlier in October that I never posted, so here you go—never before seen outfits.

10.02.11
Gap tank, swapped dress as skirt, vintage belt, Emilie M bag, Rampage wedges, Nine West glasses (Yes, they're real. I've been wearing contacts since I was 12.)

10.03.11
Target top, Rockabilly jeans, Calvin Klein pumps, Jada's Jewels cuff

10.08.11
Gap Outlet tee, Black Orchid jeans, Franco Sarto boots, Old Navy belt, vintage scarf

10.10.11
BR Factory cardigan, Gap tank, J & Company jeans, Target flats

10.17.11 

Max Studio wrap dress, vintage belt, Nine West Outlet boots, Premier Designs faux pearls

You can totally see the transition from summer to fall in these outfits. I've broken out my fall uniform (which you'll see tomorrow), even though it's still about 80 degrees here. It's only been a few months, but I've definitely acclimated to Miami, and I'm a little worried about how cold Southern California will be over the holidays. First world problems, I know.

Take two [outfit]

W118 by Walter Baker dress from Off 5th - 2011 - $30 on clearance / Gap blazer - 2005 - $40? / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale

Just popping in with this outfit since I wore it last week. (More guest posters to come.)

Now this is more of what I had in mind when I bought this dress. It's a little on the short side, but I could see this outfit working great at a casual networking hour or on a date. I've always extolled the leg-elongating magic powers of a knee-length pencil skirt, but this shorter length is pretty flattering, too. Dilemmas, dilemmas.

What is the most flattering skirt length on you? How do you figure?

Faux-bi [outfit]

Katerina Dress c/o Carissa Rose [review | disclosure] / Nine West peep-toes from Ross - 2009 - $25 / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

I almost titled this post "Who died?" because it looks like I'm going to a funeral. Nope. No one died here. Wore this for a little trip to South Beach to check out a jeweler's proposed designs for a commissioned Dress for Success Miami piece. It was gorgeous. I'm not a rich philanthropist type, but if I were, I'd want one. Time to kick the freelancing into high gear.

My favorite part of this outfit is the belt. The first time I wore this dress, I went with a classic front bow. This time I tried an obi-style. The ties are sewn into the side seams of the dress, but I'm seriously debating taking them off the dress and sewing them together to form an independent waist-tie (and so I can use other belts with this dress). Shouldn't be too hard, right?

Speaking of sewing I've been on a major sewing kick lately. This weekend, I made a new pillow for my office chair (based on this pin), and sewed a little tool belt for my three-and-a-half year old nephew (from this book). Next up: making a baby blanket for my brand new nephew (born on Monday!), new throw pillow covers for the couches, and finally doing this skinny pant DIY. I'm putting it off because even though it looks simple enough on screen, it's slightly terrifying to me to do such a large alteration myself.

Are you a crafter? What kind of crafts do you do?

Keep it simple, sillyhead [outfit]

W118 by Walter Baker dress - 2011 - $30 on clearance at Off Fifth Saks Fifth Avenue / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 / NYC Color nail polish in West Village

It's been a few weeks, but I finally busted out the dress I bought myself for my birthday. Since K's present was so early in the month, I spent my birthday relaxing and doing an itty bit of shopping. I got this dress and new peep-toes from Ross—in total less than $60 of shopping for the day. Now that's what I call a treat.

I fell in love with this dress the instant I saw it, and that is why I only shop clearance racks at stores like Off Fifth (only sales racks everywhere else)...I hate falling in love with something only to find it's out of my budget for that type of item. $30 might be a little pricy for some places—I wouldn't pay that much for a dress at Target, for example—but for something that retailed at $225, $30 is a great deal. Some quick Google-ing after the fact revealed that W118 by Walter Baker dresses were on HauteLook a few months back for around $30-$50 (it was over by the time I found it so I'm not sure if this specific dress was available), so it's not too uncommon to find a deal like this, but I wouldn't have ordered it online anyway because of shipping and sizing.

Like always, the first outing is simple. I've already got my next wear planned out: light gray cami, black blazer, and nude pumps. Or a white button down underneath. Or maybe even over jeans. We'll see.

How would you style this dress?

Don't forget—today is the last day to enter the Jada's Jewels giveaway! Click here for details.

Carissa Rose review and reader discount [outfit]

Katerina shirt dress c/o Carissa Rose (available) / LOFT sandals - 2009 - $10 on sale (similar) / Artisans Lane Turkish Jewelry necklace - 2010 - gift (available in other colors) / Emilie M faux leather bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar)

[Worn: 09.11.11 | To: Church]

I love the look of a crisp button-up, but I know a lot of women have trouble with them. Fit can be off, buttons can gape. And that's for those of us who aren't overly endowed up top. It's even harder to find a good fit when your proportions are not the same as what the manufacturers use (and really, who has those proportions?).

Carissa Rose is a company that specializes in making button-up tops and dresses flatter and fit women with curves and larger chests. Carissa Rose's tops use hook and eye closures spaced about an inch apart to get rid of the gaping problem.

When I first received an email from them, I was intrigued by their mission, but I didn't think it was for me, since I'm not really curvy. I wrote back to tell them that, and they asked for some of my measurements to see if they could work with my size (34B or C bra, 28.5" waist, normal dress size 2/4). They sent me the black Katerina dress in size 6WE and the truffle Olivia shirt in size 4RE.  I finally got around to wearing the dress this weekend, and I have to say...this is my new favorite dress.

Pros

• Lightweight fabric
• Hook-and-eye closure on top eliminates gaping
• Skirt is single piece (no buttons)
• Skirt is straight (not A-line), so it doesn't give off the 50s housewife vibe that many shirtdresses do
• Sash is long and thick, and can be tied in various ways
• Truly knee-length, which is very flattering and elongates the calves

Cons

• The dress is supposed to be long-sleeved, but the sleeves hit 2" above my wrist (I like to roll my sleeves anyway, so this wasn't a big deal for me)
• Unlined

For all my doubts about fitting into clothes made for curvy women, the sizing was perfect...loose enough to roll up the sleeves and be a bit airy, but fitted enough that I didn't get lose my shape. I'm excited to try out the Olivia shirt soon, and of course I'll be back to report on that.

Get one for yourself

Carissa Rose is offering New Professional readers a 20% discount off your purchase with the code THENEWPROFESSIONAL20. Discount expires October 13, 2011. Shop their website, which also includes great sizing and shopping resources for curvy women, and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell me...has fit an gaping prevented you from buying button-up shirts and shirtdresses? Have you tried Carissa Rose?

Disclosure: Carissa Rose sent me two items free of charge for review, but the content of the reviews is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage.

A night out and regional style [outfit]

Esley dress worn as top - 2009 - $63 (similar) / J & Company jeans via Renew Denim - 2009 - $40 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / J. Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Thrifted clutch - 2004 - cheap (similar) / NY & Co. mesh bangle - 2010 - gift (similar) / Tiffany venetian link bracelet - 2011 - gift card + gift (available; similar) / Forever 21 large link bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)

[Worn: 09.08.11 | To: Fashion's Night Out in Coral Gables, FL]

Fashion events are not something that's usually on my schedule, and I always draw a blank on what to wear. Luckily, I have you all by my side and through quick and insightful tweets and Facebook comments, you all (really, all) picked this option: the belted dress and skinny jean combo. Several of you mentioned throwing a blazer on top, so I brought along my trusty black one, making this outfit almost exactly like this previous one.

A few of you mentioned that the jeans might be a little underdressed, but to be honest...I wasn't so sure. But I have to admit...I felt a tad underdressed (there were some women in full-length gowns, but not many). I feel that way a lot here, hence my little personal goal for the month. I've heard from many non-Californians who had been transplanted into the Golden State how laid-back California style was compared to general style elsewhere (especially the Northeast and South), but I never really understood what they were talking about. But I'm starting to.

And so, in the muggy heat, I kept that blazer on all night. And I have you friends to thank.

Have you noticed any regional style differences in your moves or travels?

Mirror-free is not the way to be [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $10 on clearance (available) / Aerosoles suede loafers via Macy's - 2007 - $30 on sale (similar) / Emilie M. bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Dark pearl necklace and matching studs - 2011 - gift (similar) / Ball chain necklace - old - cheap (similar)

[Worn: 09.07.11 | To: Meet w/ Dress for Success Miami and run errands]

I really need to get a full-length mirror. I felt great in this outfit, but that's mainly because I didn't see what the dress + shoes looked like until I got home. My feet were a bit sore (I wore heels Wednesday and ended up spending 4+ hours on my feet), so I wanted to be comfortable. I love the dress and shoes separately, but never again will they be worn together.

Yesterday, I met with Dress for Success Miami/Suited for Success to discuss volunteering options. The organization is basically about everything I love...helping women and men prepare for careers through training and wardrobe. And now that I have a flexible schedule, I wanted to get involved and meet new people. Turns out, what they need help with is what I know how to do, so we have a follow-up meeting next week, and I'm helping at their Fashion's Night Out table tonight.


Where do you volunteer?

[Edit: I couldn't remember where I first saw a necklace worked this way, but now I know it was from Elaine at Clothed Much. She tricked out her pearl strand with a ribbon, which works great if you don't have a shorter necklace that complements your strand. Thanks, Elaine!

Twice as nice

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $12 on sale (available in blue) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / American Eagle outlet chain necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance (similar)
[Worn: 08.17.11 | To: Target]

Ever have one of those mornings when you can't even put your clothes on the right way? I did. As I was about to take this dress off and put it back on the right way, I paused and noticed my reflection in the mirror. My biggest peeve about this dress is how the top sometimes gapes open, and all of a sudden it was a high-necked dress. So I left it. I don't think anyone really noticed, except for maybe the Target employees.

Have you ever worn an item backwards (or upside down or inside out)? What kinds of items work best for this kind of versatility?

Husband's day off [outfit]

 Final Touch top via Heart Clothing Boutique - 2011 - $34 (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available) / Express low-rise flare jeans - 2005 - $20 on sale (similar) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar)

Ever since we got slightly settled in (aka got the air mattress pumped and some ready-to-eat food in the fridge), K has been hard at work prepping for his new job! He is a college prof (hence his hesitance at being pictured on the blog), and school starts next week. Last week, he only took one day off...our anniversary! So what did we do?

Lunch at the Crepemaker

Haircuts at the Hair Cuttery (a traditional back-to-school errand)

Our near-daily Target trip (picked up a cheap iron so he's not all wrinkly on the first day of class)

Dinner at the Oceanaire (my mouth waters just remembering it...yummm)

I went along and got a trim, too, just to ease the growing out from my last cut. Then we got all spiffed up for our anniversary dinner. 

 Converse dress via Target - 2011 - $15 on sale (available online, but not on sale) / Classified glitter flats from random mall store - 2007 - $10 (similar) / Target earrings - 2011 - $6 (similar) / Kate Spade doodle necklace - 2011 - gift (available) / Gold plated leaf bracelet made by my friend S - 2010 - gift (similar, but mine has a chain and clasp on the underside)

Everything seems to happen for us in late summer (August and early September), probably since we've always been tied to the school year somehow. Eight years ago I met a cute fellow-resident-assistant in the dorms at UC Irvine. Four weeks later, he asked me out. Four years later, I moved back to California from NYC to marry him and was whisked off to Northern California. A little over four weeks ago, we left the only state he's ever known to start a new job and a new life in a new city. While it's certainly bittersweet to be so far from home and our friends, I love that we get to share this adventure together, just the two of us. There's something wild and romantic about getting our own little corner of the country to call our own. Don't get me wrong--I love my family and his--but I've always had an independent streak that has kept me from settling down or moving closer to my family. Miami, this unknown spot, barely touched by anyone else in our lives, is ours, and I like it that way. [end gushy rant]

Do you prefer living near friends and family or do you like to stake out your own spot?

Back to School shopping [Guest Post]

Hi everyone! My name is Hope and I write the blog Hope and the Dress Code. I’m a school counselor and work in a district that with a dress code more like a corporation, less like a typical school.

Ok on to why I’m here: It’s almost time to go BACK TO SCHOOL shopping!! This is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives me free reign to go crazy-shopping with no guilt!! Totally kidding of course, I’m definitely working within a budget, but it does give me a set time of year to reevaluate pieces I need/want in my closet. Whether you work in education or not, this is a great time to add some new pieces to your work wardrobe.

My DREAM back to school shopping list is a mix of current trends and more classic pieces:

1. Mid-length skirt
I’m really digging this length, even for a shorty like me. There is nothing I’m more self-conscious about than my skirt lengths are work. The kids should not be subjected to the sight of my thigh when I sit down. Not-so-much appropriate. This mid calf skirt could solve that issue AND look current.

Love:

J Crew- Jardin Skirt

2. Colorful Cardigans
Ok ladies, can you ever have enough cardigans? I think not. I’m coming out of a bit of a neutral kick so I’d love to add bright, vibrant cardigans to my closet. I have read countless blogs with RAVING reviews of the Land’s End Heritage Cardigan. When I checked it out, I couldn’t help but to drool over the number of colors they offer. Since cardigans are such a staple in my work wardrobe and I’m always looking for the next best one.

LOVE:

Land’s End Canvas- Heritage Cardigan

3. Patterned Wrap dress
I’d love about a hundred “built-in” outfits like a simple wrap dress, though I might have to settle for just one or two. All it takes is a couple accessories (or cardigans, see #2) for me to change up the entire look.

Love:

Ann Taylor- Peacock Feather Print Wrap Dress

4. Blazer
Ok probably a lot of you are thinking, “wow she’s a bit behind the times on this one” and to you I say: you’re so right! Being a bit heavy on top, I struggle to find jackets and blazers that are flattering. I’m not exaggerating when I say I do not have a single blazer in my closet that I can wear. I’m really looking for something with more of a casual feel, less “traditional” blazer.

Love:

Loft- OE Missy Cetta Jacket

5. Animal print heels
Since leopard print flats had been on my wish list for over a year now (just couldn’t find the right ones), I decided to amp it up and go for HEELS instead. They appear to be an “in” thing for this fall and I’m always looking for interesting shoes to keep my pencil skirts looking fun.

Love:

Franco Sarto- Luxe

I hope you liked “shopping” with me and a big thanks to Angeline for having me today!

Hope rocks super-stylish and creative outfits all while keeping them within her school's restrictive dress code. Check her out at Hope and the Dress Code.

Last hurrah [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $20 (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl strand - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) 

Outfit analysis: I love how the color gray can be paired with almost any color for a different feel. I love the softness of the pink and pearl, and the pumps keep it ladylike. I just love love love this dress, and hope to find a way to wear it even though I'm not in an office anymore. I wore this last Wednesday for my official farewell happy hour.
___

Goodbyes are hard. Did you know that? The past weekend has been so full of emotion, which is a weird feeling for me. This certainly isn't my first goodbye, but for some reason it's the hardest. Leaving college, I knew I'd be back in Orange County for holidays. I fell in love with New York, but wasn't all that close with any of my classmates so that wasn't so hard. Even our recent farewell trip down to Southern California wasn't too bad, since our families are there and we'll be back. But Davis and Sacramento? This is hard, and I wasn't prepared for this. I thought I'd be fine to keep blogging and packing and seeing friends until we actually get in the car and drive out of state on Friday, but I'm not so sure anymore. I've got some super guest bloggers that will be featured over the next few weeks, but please bear with me through this transition.

How do you deal with goodbyes?

Snap and scrap [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 on sale (similar) / Banana Republic bib necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: When I looked at the weather report for early this week (highs in the 60s/70s), I knew I had to squeeze another wear out of this cozy dress. I've paired this dress with brown before, but the boots and necklace give this a totally different look than last time. This almost has a country vibe, which was great. I had the first of my several goodbye lunches this day, and the flat boots were perfect for our walk across Capitol Park.
___

This weekend, K and I grabbed the last of our stuff from our parents houses. I'd already edited my childhood stuff into one medium sized box before I got married, so this weekend was just a little walk through my college life. I grabbed a few books to keep and put the rest in a donate pile. I took photos of my scrapbook pages, ripped all my photos out of my scrapbooks to scan later, and tossed them. I brought back one plastic bin. I call my process "snap and scrap."

K, on the other hand, hadn't gone through his stuff in ages. He did a quick sift through a few of the boxes, but several others he just brought back entirely to look at here. He brought back 3 bins, 2 large boxes, and two shoeboxes of stuff. He's started going through the bins, but while I'm content to keep a digital copy, K is a little less decisive. He's been asking me what to do with stuff, and I'm at a loss. So far we've edited out an entire box, and the shoebox content will be easy to place, but there's still a lot to do.

Do you part with stuff easily or do you hang as long as possible?