February 2009

Weekly Roundup

by C February 27, 2009 Fashion

Liking these posts? Follow Corporette on Twitter — this is the edited version of what we’re reading! (We also Tweet if we hear about a good sale.)

- This week’s roundup is fairly depressing, so here’s something that isn’t: Gothamist rounded up some of the best moments from Conan O’Brien’s farewell Late Night show (he’s taking over Jay Leno’s show in a few months.) [Gothamist]

- Would the stock market crashed if there hadn’t quite been so much testosterone on Wall Street? [The Washington Post via World of Wealth]

- Is the recession hitting women harder? PWC is doing a survey. [The Glass Hammer]

- Lifehacker offers advice on how to conduct yourself if you’re laid off. [Lifehacker]

- Finally: we’ve never bought eyeglasses on the Internet, but there are apparently great deals to be had if you do! [Lifehacker]

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Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: Banana Republic’s Geo-Print Tulip Skirt

by C February 27, 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 like the fun geometric print on this skirt, in the shape of the season: the tulip. Tulip skirts, while not for everyone, are a nice way to mix up a working wardrobe, and the price is certainly right on this one: it’s marked down to $39.99 at Banana Republic. Because the print is a bit on the loud side, we’d wear it with all black at the office — perhaps a slim-fitting black sweater or twinset and simple accessories. Women: Geo-print tulip skirt – Black combo

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Thursday’s TPS Report: Anthropologie’s Friendly Terrain Cardigan

by C February 26, 2009 Fashion

We like this cheerful cardigan from Anthropologie for a casual Friday in the spring. At work, we’d wear it with wide-legged navy trousers, a white crewneck knit top, and pearls — then that evening we’d wear it with jeans and something lower-cut for wine and cheese with friends. Available for $98. Friendly Terrain Cardigan

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Suit of the Week

by C February 25, 2009 Fashion

This is a great basic suit for spring, summer, and fall — we love the double-edged collar, the darts for shaping, and the simple and clean skirt. The “acorn” color is a nice counterpart to white or pastel shirts in the spring and darker blues and blacks in the summer and fall. We’d even try [...]

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Tools of the Trade: Cute Office Supplies

by C February 25, 2009 Fashion

No doubt, your employer provides you with plenty of office supplies. Manilla folders galore — great for giving a report a nice crisp look when you give it to your superior. Plain yellow Post-Its, legal pads, Bic pens — it’s all great for meetings and other stuff you must turn in. But for the stuff you keep in your office for your own reference and filings, it makes sense to upgrade to something nicer (prettier), both to make specific folders easier to find and to brighten your own day when dealing with office drudgery. Along those lines, Office Max was kind enough to send us some of their “private label” supplies to review.

Our favorite, by far, was the Divoga Croc 1″ binders. The blue and yellow colors were vibrant and beautiful, while still being professional; the scratch-resistant surface seems very sturdy. We wish there were room on the side for labels, but hey, that’s what label makers are for. For $8.99 each, they’re a great addition.

They also sent us some of the DiVoga “Fashion” binders, which were a close second — the colors were more muted and calming. Although the two binders they sent both looked a bit too girly, the part that would be visible to visitors — the spine — merely looks abstract. We like the fact that the lining of the binder is a different pattern (for example, the one at right is lined in a pale blue pinstripe) and the fact that the binder itself is on the spine, not the back cover. There are a variety of patterns available for this one, and prices start at $4.99 each.

We couldn’t find them on the website, but Office Max also sent along some plastic “side-load document files” that came in matching patterns. They’re sturdy and attractive (we’d almost say more so than the binders, although we can’t put our finger on why), but because they’re a bit like envelopes they’re harder to get into and out of. We’d put more private papers in here — FSA receipts and things with our social security number, credit card bills, et cetera.

While the last two items were a bit on the girly side, the Divoga Journey File Folders were right on point — the paper itself is 30% recycled and has a serious look to it, but the folder itself has a beautiful scrollwork print on it. We’d definitely use these — and at $5.99 for 12 (in three tab positions) we wouldn’t break the bank doing it.

Finally, Office Max sent along some of their private label stationery, the Canterbury thank-you cards. The paper stock is good, and the little details — the lined envelopes, the repeated patterns — make all the difference. Alas, these babies are only available in the store for $17.99.

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Wednesday’s TPS Report: DKNYC Short-Sleeve Dress with Elastic Belt

by C February 25, 2009 Fashion

You cannot go wrong with basic black, and this is nearly a perfect summer dress for an office cocktail party. The short sleeves give you coverage, while the wide v-neck adds some (ladylike) intrigue — and the on-seam pockets give you a place to stick your coatcheck stub or building pass. We’d probably swap out the belt for something more luxurious, and perhaps accessorize with a brooch and some colorful pumps. It’s $129 at Macy’s. DKNYC Short-Sleeve Dress with Elastic Belt