Here’s a fun question: what items do you think are wise to purchase, even if you don’t have a specific event or occasion to wear them to — and which items are best left for specific “I am going to wear this to X event” purchases? Even though we don’t belong to a gym with a pool, and we have no vacations planned, I recently bought a non-returnable swimsuit on deep discount, so it’s been on my mind.
For my own $.02: in general, I prefer to “let clothes find me.” I actually hate shopping with an agenda — if I need a new pair of jeans, or a white blouse, or a basic LBD, I have to steel myself for a long and trying shopping excursion (where, at the end, I always seem to pay through the nose for something I only vaguely like). Instead, I prefer to buy things that I actually like (perhaps helped along by the fact that they’re deeply discounted), and that I suspect I might have a use for — some day. Even now, while I hate having to “commit” to my post-baby body (which is a size or two larger than my pre-baby body), I’ve made some purchases and had to argue with myself in my head. Here’s how the conversation goes:
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Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
February can be a great time to buy cashmere on sale. Today I thought I’d see what I could find in the way of simple, classic black cashmere sweaters… Readers, what is your favorite brand for cashmere? Scored any great deals lately?
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Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
  I thought we’d start strong: I think this is a good looking shoe from Naturalizer, available in a black kid leather, black patent leather, and a very attractive shiny red leather. The platform looks just right here — it’s big enough to make the heel height more walkable, as well as the sole more firm, but without looking stripperish at all. Oh, and the kicker: it has 133 glowing reviews at Zappos. It’s $79.Naturalizer – Lennox |
  This Nine West pump has a 5-star rating on Zappos (from 90 reviews) — again, I like the shape of the toe as well as the platform. N.B.: it comes in a pinkey “taupe” as well as a caramel-y “natural.” The black is $79 at Zappos. Nine West – Selene (Black Leather) – Footwear |
 I’m always a fan of Franco Sarto, and this basic pump — with a bit more prominent, but covered, platform — is no different. The black is $89 (and also comes in some more adventurous colors, including “gunmetal metallic” and a leopard print, as well as a muted brown suede).
Franco Sarto – Cicero |
 Cole Haan Air: these are almost such a basic (available in both the 3.5″ style as well as the more manageable 2.25″ heel) that I almost didn’t mention them — but they’re on sale at Zappos so I had to include. The regular Talia was $198 but is now marked to $209; the “mid pump” was $198 marked to $130. Cole Haan – Air Talia Pump |
 Wow: I don’t think I’ve ever seen one shoe offered in so many shades of black. In addition to the black kid leather (pictured) there is the “black crystal snake,” “black goosebumps nappa,” “black patent,” (and then a brown goosebumps nappa and a navy). They range in price from $176 to $355; the plain black leather kid ones are now marked to $209.
Stuart Weitzman – Blog |
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
(L-all)
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
It’s been a while since we rounded up cute laptop sleeves and computer bags here at Corporette, and I thought now might be a great time to do it… I find the plain black laptop bags and sleeves so boring! Readers, have you found any great laptop bags or sleeves? Do you have a preference?
 Love, Margaux has some fashionable designs for both a “commuter carryall” (pictured above) and a laptop sleeve (pictured at right). I really like the fun fabrics in heavyweight cotton, the padding for the laptop, and the multiple compartments for cables and personal things. The commuter carryall can fit laptops up to 17″; the sleeve up to 15″. |
 Aleysa Bags are big enough for a 15″ laptop, and have a fun retro vibe in lovely colors like eggplant and kelly green. They’re $265 at Aleysabags.com. Exquisite Eggplant |
 Personally, I tend to prefer sleeves to computer bags, and I like these colorful ones from StuffItBag. They’re handmade, machine washable, and only $30 per bag — and they have bags to fit laptops from 9 inches to 17 inches. |
 Don’t forget the department stores either — Bloomingdale’s, for example, has a variety of cute sleeves and bags from designers such as Kate Spade (pictured – on sale for $42),Rebecca Minkoff, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Moleskine, Juicy Couture, and Harajuku Lovers. |
 Finally, I always feel like Built is the gold standard — they wear really well, they protect the computer in a lightweight way, and the fun colors makes the bags easy to find in a dark bag. I’m a huge fan of the Built sleeves, particularly. Sold at Amazon and Zappos.com. for $20-$90. |
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
(L-3)
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
I feel like a good black tote bag is something every professional woman needs — particularly if you’re gearing up for interviews. They’re large enough for a folder with your resume, as well as some reading or work (should you find yourself waiting or with some free time), and they’re also great for stashing all of the items you generally carry in your purse. Readers, have you recently purchased any great black tote bags? Do you have a classic that you’ve been using for years?
  I’m not generally a fan of faux leather, but it’s hard to beat the price for this one (at least as far as online sales go): it was $135, now marked to $70. London Fog is a respected name, and I like that it comes with a clutch. It’s 16.25″ at the widest point, 11.5″ high and 5.75″ deep — plenty of space. It was $135, now marked to $69.99 at SmartBargains.com. London Fog “Miranda” Tote & Clutch Set |
 $220 seems like a lot for a nylon bag, but I actually prefer nylon for tote bags because I think it wears better and is lighter weight. This is just a basic black bag, but I like the internal pockets (including one for your ipad and cell phone), and there are removable and repositionable interior dividers. I like it in black for work, but there are a number of fun colors marked 30% off which might be better for a general purpose “tote bag.” The black is $220 at Mandarina Duck. Mandarina Duck Unexpected Shopper |
  Tumi is another brand I know and like, particularly for business bags for men and women. I like the leather and nylon combination of this one, as well as the little details like the feet on the bag and the interior pockets. It’s $345 at Amazon. Tumi Voyageur Derby Business Tote |
I’m actually most excited about this bag — it seems like ages since Kate Spade had a good nylon tote out. I like the hardware for a bit of interest, as well as the feet, interior pockets, and fun lining. It’s $395 at Bloomingdale’s. kate spade new york Nylon Maryanne Tote |
 I like the durability of patent leather for something like a tote bag — it’s easy to clean and can generally take a lot of use. This East/West tote is simple and basic — I like the slim shoulder straps as well as the toggle closure. It’s $475 at Bloomingdale’s. Longchamp Roseau Patent East West Tote |
 Hello, lovah. This Fendi bag has me drooling — the pebbled leather! the contrast stitching! the three interior compartments! It’s even on sale at Bluefly: was $2250, now marked to $1620 (including an extra 10% off). Lovely. Fendi black ‘Roman’ leather ‘Selleria’ medium tote |
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
(L-all)
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
We covered beige pumps back in February when they were first appearing in the stores — but since so many are now hitting the sales racks (and there’s still two months of good weather for them) I thought we’d revisit. Readers, let us know if you’ve found any great shoe sales (especially in nude-for-you colors) in the comments!
  Nordstrom has these simple “Claye” pumps on sale from Nine West. Both the “pink leather” (pictured) and the “off white” could work for different skin tones. They were $79.95, now marked to $39.90 (limited sizes only). Nine West ‘Claye’ Pump |
 Mesh shoe accents get mixed reactions on this site, but I like these very low kitten heels from Ellen Tracy. I like the preppy bow, as well as the fact that your heel is covered a bit. The pumps were $99 — Lord & Taylor have the pumps for the best price ($47.99), but very limited sizes; also check Endless for more sizes (at $70.95). Ellen Tracy Women’s Kylie Pump |
 For those of us who prefer a lower heel, this 2″ heel from Sam Edelman looks lovely. I like the leopard-printed fabric lining on the inside footbed, as well as the super teeny peep. Dillards has the best price ($49.99), but if you’re having trouble finding your size check Endless ($54.45) and Piperlime ($59.99) also. The shoes are also available in black or red patent leather. |
Yes, another kitten heel — love the lattice design on the vamp and the gently pointed toe. There are multiple “nude for me” possibilities from this shoe, including the “beige patent” (pictured here), the pink patent, or (only at Lord & Taylor) a brown patent. The shoes were $185, but they’re now on sale: Zappos has them for $105, Nordstrom has them for $91.90, Piperlime has them for $99.99, and Bloomingdale’s has them for $104.06. Depending on the store, they may also be available in a black and red. Via Spiga – Dolmen (Beige Patent) – Footwear |
  Pour la Victoire continues to be a strong contender with pumps, and I like these 4.25″ high “natural patent” pumps. (They also come in black and red patent.) This shoe was $250, now marked to $149.90 at Nordstrom (lots of sizes still available). Pour la Victoire ‘Loelle’ Pump |
 Even Italian high-end shoes go on sale, as with this Giuseppe Zanotti low-vamp pump. There are very limited sizes left at Neiman Marcus in black and beige, but it’s a great sale: was $550, now marked to $368 plus an additional 25% off, bringing it down to $276 today. Nice! Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Low-Vamp Pump |
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments! Also, don’t forget to check out The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels!
(L-all)
Here’s a fun question: what items do you think are wise to purchase, even if you don’t have a specific event or occasion to wear them to — and which items are best left for specific “I am going to wear this to X event” purchases? Even though we don’t belong to a gym with a pool, and we have no vacations planned, I recently bought a non-returnable swimsuit on deep discount, so it’s been on my mind.
