plaid

Wednesday’s TPS Report: Seamed and Tucked Twofer Dress

by Kat on 05/04/2011 · 110 comments

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

I really like the look of this “seamed and tucked twofer dress” from Max and Cleo. The scoop neck, the puff sleeves, the simple pencil skirt: all look cute but flattering and professional. I might wear it with an opera-length necklace, and perhaps even a bangle worn high on my forearm (so it doesn’t bang around during the day), as well as fun pumps. It was $148, but is on sale at Zappos today for $103.60 (limited sizes only). Max and Cleo – Seamed And Tucked Twofer Dress (Black) – Apparel

(In fact, Zappos seems to have a ton of office-appropriate Max and Cleo dresses on sale today, including many for under $100. Nice!)

Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.
(L-4)

Update: And I just noticed that the flash sample sale site RueLaLa also has Max & Cleo dresses marked to $50ish today. Click here if you need an invite.

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Thursday’s TPS Report: Shetland Wool Plaid Skirt

by Kat on 04/21/2011 · 156 comments

in The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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

This time of the year is always a great time to stock up on classic, timeless items that are now on deep discount simply because the weather is getting warmer. Take this skirt, for example: it’s never going to be an exciting skirt, but it’s made of good materials (Shetland wool, lined in Bemberg), and is a flattering A-line cut — the kind of thing you’ll wear for probably as long as it fits you. It was $168 at Brooks Brothers — but it’s currently marked down to $67.20 (sizes 6-16 still available).
Shetland Wool Plaid Skirt

Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.
(L-2)

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Bargain Tuesday’s TPS Report: Silk Abstract Blouse

by C on 12/22/2009 · 22 comments

in Fashion

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Banana Republic has a ton of stuff marked 40% off, including a lot of basics and great seasonal items like this lovely silk blouse. We like that it’s not quite a plaid, and not exclusively Christmas-y — but still seems every bit as appropriate as the usual Christmas plaid. We’d wear it with a high-waisted skirt and perhaps a long-sleeved, thin-knit turtleneck beneath it. Was $60, now $29, available in sizes S-XL at BR. Banana Republic Womens Silk Abstract Blouse
If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we’ll refer to you by your first initial.
(L-2)

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The Hunt: Card Cases

by C on 11/02/2009 · 74 comments

in Accessories, Business Etiquette, Fashion

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’re always on the hunt for a great card case. At the moment, we’ve been keeping our business cards in our wallet — tucked behind our cash! — but there’s something unprofessional about pulling out a wallet during a business conversation. To us, a great card case has the following factors:

you’re not embarrassed to pull it out in a business setting (unlike, say, a card case that says “Born to shop, forced to work” on it (no matter how true it may be!)
it’s easy to find in the depths of your tote or handbag
it takes a beating from the depths of your tote or handbag
it doesn’t flap open, spilling your business cards across the inside of your purse, where they promptly get frayed and funky.

With that in mind, here are some great examples of business card cases that we would consider buying. Readers, what do you look for in a business card case? Which ones do you carry?

There are a ton of bright and colorful card holders available on Etsy, including this fun lime green one with turquoise lining. As it’s fabric, we’d guess it won’t hold up that well to lots of dirt and grime, but on the plus side it will be very easy to find in your bag. It’s $5 at Etsy: Mini Wallet/Business Card Holder from Etsy seller baffinbags.

We like the metal look of this one, and the pretty — but not overly girly — filigree and color on the top. It’s available at Amazon.com for $10.99 from seller SilverHooks, who has a lot of cute card cases (and purse hooks). Pink Business Card Holder

For a very classic look, we like this polished gunmetal card case at Things Remembered. Pro: The inscription is on the inside of the case, allowing you to put a funny or inspirational quote there if you’d like to. Con: We’re not sure how beat up this would get in a woman’s handbag. Personalized Polished Gunmetal Card Case, starting at $20 at Thingsremembered.com. (If you like the look of this one but want something fancier, check out the plaid business card case at Tiffany’s.

We like the bright colors and the magnetic flap on these leather card cases from Saks. Graphic Image Business Card Case, available at Saks.com for $40.

If you love the signature robin’s egg blue of Tiffany’s, this is your card case. Pro: You’ll always find it in a dark bag. Con: It might get dirty really easily. (Readers, what are your thoughts — is there a risk that in a business environment the owner of this card case might get labeled as a husband-chaser? We can’t decide, but love the case anyway.) Tiffany & Co. Business Card Case, $65 at Tiffany.com. (Hat tip to Marie Claire.)

We like the somber colors of these leather card holders from Vivre, as well as the fact that you can get matching journals and passport holders. Stamped Croc Card Cases, available at Vivre.com for $87. (If you like this but were thinking, “gee, if only it were more expensive,” check out the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Card Case, which looks exceedingly similar, available at Vivre for $390.