January 2009

Poll Results – Hair Accessories

by C January 23, 2009 Accessories

About a week ago, we asked what kind of hair accessories were appropriate for the office. As always, the poll is still open, but the preliminary results are in — roughly 50% of you said that as long as the ‘do and the accessory was conservative, anything was ok as long as it worked for you, including jeweled elastic bands, claws, headbands, and more. Another 34% of you thought that “fanciful minimal” best described it — simple, hair-colored type accessories from J.Crew. 13% of you thought bare minimal was best for the office — to the point that the elastic holding your hair back should match your hair color. Only 3% said that anything went, including the feathered headband we’d used to illustrate the quiz.

Commenters lauded a ton of different brands, including:

Goody Colour Collection was designed to match any color hair. Available at drugstores like Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Target (with limited availability at drugstore.com). Their collection includes pretty much everything you can think of — bobbypins, elastics, claws, clips, barrettes, and so forth. Pictured at right: elastics for blonde hair.

One of our favorite brands has always been Colette Malouf. Available at Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, and other boutiques, the twice-yearly sample sale in New York is well worth a trip if you can spare the time. (This is one of the only brands we’ll trust for more fanciful things — we’re a bit bummed we couldn’t find a picture to illustrate some of the more understated yet beautiful elastics and accessories with things like felt flowers and multi-colored glass. Check out some of her previous collections here, here, and here.) Pictured at right: Brown leather teardrop ponytail holder, was $63, now $19 at Bluefly.com

A number of readers extolled the greatness of France Luxe, a brand we previously were unaware of. Sold at Nordstrom, a number of readers noted the “excellent quality” as well as the “comfort and durability.” At right: France Luxe Cutout Jaw Clip, available at Nordstrom.com for $34.

While we’re mentioning Nordstrom, we will note that it seems to have the best online selection of work-appropriate clips and barrettes and claws. Check out, for example, Ficcare ‘Maximas’ Hair Clip, available for $38.

Other places to check for great hair accessories include J.Crew and H&M (surprisingly, neither have much online in this department!).

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Wow — We’re a Finalist in the 2009 Bloggies!

by C January 22, 2009 Fashion

Thank you for your votes for the 2009 Bloggies — Corporette is a finalist!! Please come vote for us as the best-kept secret weblog. (Scroll all the way to the right once you get to the page.) And while we, OF COURSE, absolutely require you to vote for Corporette, we must give a shout-out to [...]

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Thursday’s TPS Report: Boden’s Vintage Rose Top

by C January 22, 2009 Fashion

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. We begin the week in splurge mode, with our most expensive suggestions, and wind our way to Friday, where a less expensive item of clothing might be just what you need to make it to the weekend.

We kind of forgot about Boden until a catalog came the other day — and there are some really great, wearable (and affordable) pieces in their spring line! One of our favorites is this cotton voile top in a rose pattern that, according to Boden, was inspired by a vintage store find in LA. We like the semi-fitted nature of it, the placket and buttons, and, really, the whole vibe. We think it would look great with trousers and a boyfriend or shawl cardigan (preferably one without buttons). Available in navy, mercury gray, grass green, and watermelon pink, all for $58 at Bodenusa.com. Vintage Rose Top

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Suit of the Week: Semantiks Mélange Suit

by C January 21, 2009 Fashion

We really like this black and white combo suit from Semantiks, available at Nordstrom. The piping on the jacket is interesting without being distracting, and the cut of the suit is feminine without being frou-frou. The Semantiks Mélange Jacket is $138, and the Semantiks ‘Moonlit’ Mélange Trousers are $88. There’s a coordinating Semantiks ‘Moonlit’ Mélange Pencil Skirt, also, priced at $68.

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Wednesday’s TPS Report: White House|Black Market’s Silk Blend Polka Dot Dress

by C January 21, 2009 Fashion

There’s a freshness and understated exuberance about this silk polka dot dress that you just can’t match with a plain black sheath. We love the pleats at the jewel neckline, the darts above and below the waist, and even the skinny black patent belt with a bow. Get it for $168 at White House|Black Market. Silk Blend Polka Dot Dress

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Poll — Are politics still taboo at the office?

by C January 20, 2009 Business Etiquette

Somehow, we made it all the way through the election without discussing this: Is it still inappropriate to talk about politics in the office? Sure, places like Fundrace let you know who gave what — and to whom — so the political leanings of your coworkers are much more out-in-the open. Still, the office can [...]

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