I always love the accessories at ShopBop, and they’re always what I hit first when ShopBop has some of its legendary sales. This marble necklace is only 30% off, but the bright red marbles and the interwoven chain make a great statement piece for the office. I particularly like the one marble hanging from the clasp in the back. It was $135, but is now available at ShopBop for $94.50. tuleste market Short Woven Marble Necklace
P.S. Note that Max & Chloe has it in purple as well, although at full price.
P.P.S. Just noticed the Anthropologie Semi-Annual Clearance Sale is on right now — lots of cute accessories there, too.
(L-4)
What should one wear if you’re officiating a wedding? Reader W has a unique question, so I thought I’d tackle (even if it is a bit farther than our usual topics)…
I suppose because I’m an attorney and all-around upstanding citizen, I’ve been asked to officiate the wedding of a very good friend this summer! I’ve actually performed one wedding already and I wore a somber black suit that was appropriate for the occasion. However, this time around the wedding and reception will be held during the day at a Northeast yacht club in July (meaning WARM) and the dress code is more of a summery semi-formal. Probably not a black wool suit occasion! I was hoping for your advice on what would be appropriate dress. Naturally, I’ve asked the bride what she thinks and was no help at all (“Wear whatever you want!”), but I still want to be respectful of the bride with NO possibility of upstaging/distracting and taking into consideration I will be feature in the ceremony photos. My initial thoughts are no wacky colors, sleeves or a blazer which can be removed after the ceremony, and minimal accessories. Does this mean I should wear a shapeless beige sack? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
First, congratulations; I think that’s quite an honor. I might first ask what the wedding colors are, and if the bride wants you to work within those parameters. Here are my tips:
1) Wear black. Here in NYC, most women wear black for everything, including weddings, but I know in other parts of the country it’s poor form to wear a black dress to a wedding. I’d talk to the bride about it if you feel uncomfortable — considering that the groom and his men will likely be in black tuxes, it will be a nice visual for all the pictures. [click to continue…]
So a little while ago I was introduced to the good folks at Ellington Handbags — and not only did they send me a bag for review, but they’ve also offered to give one to Corporette’s U.S. readers as well! I truly do love my Eva Tote. First, it’s very rocker chic — love the zipper detailing, grommets, the big rings at the handles, and the seaming. The leather is really supple and soft, and it’s designed quite intelligently — for example, their tech pockets are inside another big pocket, which I think will be super helpful for those times where you just want to jam everything into your bag, and then can’t find it later. (Am I the only one?) There’s an interior keyfob and a light-colored lining, as well as a detachable canvas cross-body strap. Gorgeous.
For the giveaway, if you win you can choose either the Eva (my tote — retails for $229, available in black, gray, cognac, or navy) — or you can choose the slightly more casual nylon twill Mia Folding Tote (retail $169, available in olive and black). In order to win, please leave a comment below (with your email address filled out in the field)– which bag would you choose, and why? [click to continue…]
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
CUSP by Neiman Marcus is having its “First Cuts Sale,” and there are a ton of great dresses from brands like DvF, Tory Burch, Milly, and more — primarily in lucky sizes. For today’s TPS I’m liking this Robert Rodriguez dress. Throw a cardigan or blazer on top of it and I can see it getting some serious wear in the office — yet for some reason I also get a Jazz Age garden party vibe (which I don’t even think is a thing). The dress was $285, but is now marked to $171 at CUSP (and available in XS-L). Robert Rodriguez Two-Tone Dress
Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.
(L-3)
Honestly, today I’m torn between two different Samanta pumps, both available at Amazon. Ultimately I like this Monica Platform Pump better than this one
, in large part because that indigo blue is so, so pretty. I love the cutouts, and I always like a deal. It’s 52% off — was $185, now marked to $88.56. Samanta Women’s Monica Platform Pump
(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’ve gotten a few requests for suggestions for “lightweight blazers” for hot summer months, so I thought I’d round up a few for today’s Hunt. For my $.02: if you’re really going to be wearing a blazer outside or in another hot environment, linen is the way to go — it just breathes so well. Silk is another good choice, but the tradeoff for all that, um, breathing (for both linen and silk) is the mad wrinkling that occurs. Cotton holds up much better (and I always think a cotton pique fabric looks pretty but professional, while a cotton seersucker can be classic) — if you can find a linen and cotton blend, or silk and cotton blend, that may be the holy grail. Right now I’m seeing a lot of blazers with eyelet details — I honestly don’t think they’re appropriate for most conservative offices, but they can be another option if you’re attending an outdoor event. Readers, what is your favorite type of blazer to wear on hot days? Do you have any tricks to keep linen or silk from wrinkling?
[click to continue…]
