April 2011

Weekend Open Thread

by Kat April 29, 2011 Weekend Open Thread

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

Reader A recommends this dress, noting “I bought it to wear to an evening dinner and dancing gala, but I wanted something versatile that I could dress up and down. This dress really fit the bill. It’s called a day dress, but with sparkly jewelry, a black wrap and killer shoes, it was the perfect little black dress for evening. The crinkle linen really goes well from day to night – with a blazer over it this would fit right in at the office, and with a cardigan I would wear it to brunch over a weekend. I have a large chest, and usually can’t wear empire waists without looking awful and pregnant, but the wide waistband on this one was really flattering to my figure. Plus, there are on-seam pockets in the skirt! They had many more sizes available in the store than they seem to have left online. Some of the online comments found the sleeves restricting, but I did not find that to be the case. Also, the neckline comes to the top of my cleavage – I found it office appropriate for my figure. The hem also hit me just at the knee – the model in the picture is really tall.” Love it! This is totally the kind of dress that I would pass over while browsing online because yes, something about it says “maternity” to me, but do note that this sucker is nearly sold out in regulars, petites, and talls — always a great sign. It was $150 to start, but do note that Banana Republic is offering 30% off your entire purchase through 5/1 with code BRKING30. Banana Republic Crinkle day dress

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Weekly News Roundup

by Kat April 29, 2011 News

Liking these posts? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook — this is the edited version of what we’re reading! (We also Tweet if we hear about a good sale through our CorporetteDeals Twitter feed.)

- Lisa from Privilege has some great thoughts on how to build a work wardrobe: one use case at a time.

- The NYT has a fascinating story about vanity sizing in clothing lines.

- More women than men are getting advanced degrees, says the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Go ladies! Of course, this presents another problem, as noted by The Daily Caller: will women insist on marrying their equals in terms of degrees — or will more women “marry down”?

- Lifehacker shows how to prevent wrist strain created by sitting at the office too long.

- Prevention rounds up 21 prepared/packaged foods that are actually healthy for you.

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Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Crewneck Cardigan

by Kat April 29, 2011 The Personal Shopper (TPS)

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

There are limited sizes and colors left of this cardigan, but considering that it came in 11 colors originally, that speaks really well of the sweater. A good cardigan is gold in spring, summer and fall, particularly when you consider unpredictable weather and overeager air conditioners. This sweater was $44, and is now marked to $24.90 (still available in S-L in the coral and S only in butter). Halogen Crewneck Cardigan

Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.
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Coffee Break – Croco East/West Collins

by Kat April 28, 2011 Coffee Break

I have a number of Dooney & Bourke bags, and every time I pull one out to wear it impresses me — I love the way they keep their saturated color, and I love the quality of the leather and the little details, like the long key fob. Today I’m liking this bright green shoulder purse (also available in a more sedate navy, wheat, or mustard). I always think of this as being a classic shape, and almost the perfect shape for those of us in urban environments: worn over your shoulder, you can tuck the bag’s opening under your arm and make it nearly impenetrable to pickpockets; it’s also harder to snatch if you’re tucking it tightly with your upper arm. It’s $338 at Zappos. Dooney & Bourke – Croco East/West Collins (Grass) – Bags and Luggage

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Emergency Reader Email: Maternity Leave Email (and other messages)

by Kat April 28, 2011 Business Etiquette

My friend F emailed today, noting that her last day in the office before maternity leave is today, and she is wondering what to put in her “out of office” message. Should she say “leave of absence” or “maternity leave”? Furthermore, she’s taking a six-month maternity leave — should she put that in her email, or will the clients (she has too many occasional ones to give each an individual head’s up) freak out if they hear “November”?(Pictured: Baby Bump Love, originally uploaded to Flickr by teefaye.)

For my $.02, I forwarded my other friend C’s out-of-office message, which says simply “I’m out of the office on maternity leave. If you need assistance, please contact my assistant at _____________.” I like this message: it’s clear that it’s maternity leave and not some sort of sabbatical or dangerous health-related thing, and while I know that C is taking six months as well, this omission from her email doesn’t seem glaring. (I’m not even sure the length of the leave is that relevant — after all, my guess is that both C and F will be checking their work email anyway while out on maternity leave — if anything needs a direct response the client will have it soon enough. Alternatively, the OOT message can be changed — you can give your return date when it’s a month or closer.)

But I’m curious — readers, what is your take on maternity leave messaging? What do you say on your email and voicemail OOT messages? Do you think there’s a reason to be vague about the reason you’re out of the office?

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Thursday’s TPS Report: Turquoise Cotton Piqué Bamboo Ring Detail Dress

by Kat April 28, 2011 The Personal Shopper (TPS)

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Reader V suggested this great dress, noting “I thought this was so bright and cute! Love the buckle detail. Comes in teal and orange.” I agree — it’s bright and happy, but a lovely basic (and reminds me a bit of the other blue sheath dress we featured recently). Love that it’s cotton pique, and I think the bamboo rings are flattering and fun. It’s $89 at Bluefly (available in turquoise and orange). Tahari ASL turquoise cotton piqué bamboo ring detail dress