Weekend Open Thread: Theodora Dress
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I feel like everyone needs a great summer dress in white or black — and this version from M.M.LaFleur looks fabulous.
I love the circular eyelet (so fresh and lovely!), the collar, the drop waist, and the shorter skirt lining. It feels sophisticated but fun — the kind of dress you could wear with flats on vacation but also with heels for date night.
It's $529, at M.M.LaFleur, available in both white and black.
Some other cute possibilities for chic white summer dresses include these options from Z Supply, Staud, ASTR, Cleobella, and Peixoto. (For some nice black summer dresses, I love these from Michael Stars, Rails, Theory, Staud (exclusive to Shopbop!), Vince — and this stripey one is lovely!)
Sales of note for 4/17:
- Nordstrom – Beauty savings event, up to 25% off – nice price on Black Honey
- Ann Taylor – Cyber Spring! 50% off everything + free shipping
- Boden – 25% off everything (thru Sun, then 15% off)
- Brooklinen – 25% off sitewide — we have and love these sateen sheets
- Evereve – 1000+ items on sale, including lots from Alex Mill, Michael Stars, Sanctuary, Rails, Xirena, and Z-Supply
- Express – $29 dresses
- J.Crew – 30% off all dresses
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything, and extra 50% off clearance
- Lands' End – 50% off full price styles and 60% off all clearance and sale – lots of ponte dresses come down under $25, and this packable raincoat in gingham is too cute
- Loft – Friends & Family event, 50% off entire purchase + free shipping
- Macy's – 25% off already reduced prices + 15% off beauty & fragrance
- M.M.LaFleur – Spring Sale Event – Buy More, save more! 10% off $250+, 15% off $500+, 20% off $750+, 25% off $1000+ (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off if you find any exclusions.)
- Sephora – Spring sale! 20%, 15%, or 10% off depending on your membership tier; ends 4/20. Here's everything I recommend in the sale!
- Talbots – Spring sale! 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns
- TOCCIN – Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off!
- Vivrelle – Looking to own less stuff but still try trends? Use code CORPORETTE for a free month, and borrow high-end designer clothes and bags!
My 11yo grade daughter is well into puberty and has grown all the hairs. She hates them. IMO they are normal length and volume and color, but they are visible, and she (a pale brunet) is really unhappy and wants to remove it all – arms, legs, armpits, and “everything down there.” At her request, I gave her a razor a while back and explained to her the pros and cons of shaving and other types of hair removal. I’d understand shaving of items 2 and 3 and bikini line, but she wants to go much farther than that, and not with a razor but with waxing or threading. WWYD? I’m trying to be nonjudgmental but I also don’t want her to get tied to the bald body look at this young age. And I also don’t want to spend $200/mo on hair removal (we are in a very HCOL area). Advice appreciated!
I felt like this at that age. I was horrified at all the hair. I did shave bikini line, arms, legs, and armpits and still do.
For down there, I didn’t do it but I totally get the desire. I was upset about it for a while. It didn’t mean I wanted the bald look forever or had any particular issues – it was just a big change I needed some time to accept. After a couple years I was over it and completely fine. One option might be at least trimming it with cosmetic scissors. I think I shaved and trimmed, but never more than that.
I personally use an electric razor to “down there” so it’s super short but not shaved or waxed because I get razor burn and waxing bumps. I’d offer her that option as a first step.
Agree. Get her an electric trimmer. It works great and is simple. The hair won’t be gone, but it will be less noticeable.
Some women have very long, dark arm hair and it’s fair to remove that. What about Nair instead of waxing? It’s cheap, pain free, and lasts several days before anything regrows.
Downstairs: I understand wanting to remove it all. I hated the way it poked through my underwear and swimsuit. I lasered it all off, no regrets. Is she willing to try those Sally Hansen heatless wax strips? It’s cheaper than a salon. The alternatives are giving her appropriate scissors to trim or waiting until she’s old enough to get a job and pay for salon visits.
I agree (for me, also mom of pale skinned girls with abundant dark hair). A trimmer (and sometimes scissors to get started with) to get the length manageable so nothing peeks out and then Nair / razor.
I wasn’t comfortable with a lot of spas handling the bits of a minor, both for privacy and hygiene (coordinating with periods, other clients, etc.), never mind anything shady / criminal. I told them that when they are older, more legit medspas (vs the pedicure places that also do waxing) may be a place for investing in laser (which can lighten the load). But a few places I talked to would not even discuss laser on intimate areas for a minor (but they were OK using laser on acne scars on a teen). Plus, that’s a lot of $ and also numbing time (speaking from experience), so I’d want them to at least be able to drive themselves to that for maintenance.
really? i lasered it all off too – no regrets on underarms and legs, but for my p-hair i wish i’d left a small triangle instead of trying to go brazilian. they couldn’t get ALL of the hair because of the placement so now i have to trim even more than i did before because otherwise i have a mullet.
She’s a little girl and I totally get that she still wants to look like a little girl for a while longer. I also think she should be the one to make decisions about her body hair.
Agree, but that doesn’t mean a tween is entitled to decide someone is going to fund hundreds of dollars of spa-level hair removal for her every month.
Right? When I was that age, I desperately wanted a nose job.
I am more for letting younger kids make decisions in a safe manner and not with all the options of an adult to start with. I’d maybe get the upper-lip type press-on cold wax strips as a pilot project and see if that pain is OK. Read all of the packaging and instructions together!!! The big leg-sized one can yank out too much, including skin, or leave a frightening mess (a cat got into one once . . . a can of Crisco did the trick). Hot wax . . . that’s a safety issue that I think requires some skills and safety awareness. I was OK with it as I got older, but I would have wrecked a carpet and maybe a lot else before failing at that age. It’s like riding a bike — a little bit, in steps, not everything at once. Kiddo can get burned or hurt even with a lot of the cold wax strips.
Didn’t say anything about spa-level removal.
To be fair, amateur can be a horror fest. Trim first; then wax. Counterpressure is key. Don’t burn yourself. Don’t dribble.
I don’t think arm hair removal is weird. Mine is long and thin and prone to catching in watchbands, plus I don’t like how it looks, so I either shave or Nair weekly. Thankfully it’s just pale enough that the regrowth during that time isn’t obvious.
i am 50 years old, fair with dark hair and very hairy. i was wildly self-conscious my whole life (double shaved, naired, waxed….) i am now lasered from tip to toe and i really think i would have had better self esteem if they had had it when i was a kid. let her do it. if not taking all of it off down there at least to the bikini line. if you can’t afford it that’s one thing but otherwise…. this isn’t the fight i would pick. it will likely not be permanent bc she’ll have babies and her hormones will surge but in the mean time let her get rid of it and laser is better than the rest.
I found laser incredibly painful. Even with numbing. I’d spend some time working on what is really going to be feasible and see what she can do on her own. Maintenance will be no joke over the summer. My life goal was just being able to go swimming if a spontaneous invitation arose.
I do take my 11 yo get bikini waxes – not brazilians but a pretty aggressive bikini because she is a competitive swimmer and doesn’t want to deal, which I get. We wax her armpits too because the hair is much thinner than when she will be fully adult and the wax lasts a long time.
We are a pretty naked house overall and I have been in full bush camp for a long time and also don’t shave armpits or legs usually, so I’ve tried to set a good example for body acceptance but I also don’t need to wear a high cut swim suit every day, so I’m trying to support her hair removal goals.
get her an electric razor for the bikini line — it limits how much damage she can do. i used to do the cosmetic scissors trim too until I was pregnant and couldn’t see very well and nicked myself so… electric bikini razor.
for arms and upper legs, consider bleach? that was what i did with my arms when i was younger and cared.
other than my wedding i can’t imagine spending this much on a dress for anything let alone white eyelet.
I could see this being a great graduation dress for those schools where girls graduate in white except that it doesn’t ship until mid May. MMLF missed on the timing window with that ship date
Hmm. I can absolutely see buying this for my lifestyle. I’m always looking for something pretty but not too youthful. Summer is the main social season in my area. I have a luncheon this weekend that I’d wear it to. It would be nice to change into for the cocktails and dinner portion of a golf outing. It would be pretty date night at a nicer restaurant in the summer. Mother’s Day brunch or a Memorial Day bbq at the country club would probably see me in something like this. I could realistically see wearing at least once a year for the next five and might splurge if was pretty enough on me in person.
I love this dress.
I agree. This is my kind of summer Dress.
What would you wear for during the day you are at the conference hotel but the actual opening reception isn’t until the evening? You’re going to run into colleagues, maybe do something casual like visit a tourist site. Will be taking just carry-on so trying to keep clothing to a minimum. Would jeans be ok for this? I’ll be flying in jeans and was going to rewear them but concerned it’s a little too casual. (not a lawyer conference, think non-profit).
Whatever I wanted, wouldn’t cross my mind to wear anything special.
Jeans, without a second thought.
I’d wear a normal cute-casual tourist outfit. Jeans are 100000% fine.
Jeans is fine
Anyone feel like shopping for me? I’ll be a wedding guest at a country club in upstate NY in June. I’m a size 16 and 38G on top, so I’m looking for something that doesn’t require strapless/backless solutions. The ceremony and cocktail hour will be outside, so I’d like something that feels breezy if it ends up being 90 degrees. Preferred colors are jewel tones. Budget is $300-$400. Preference for Nordstrom because I have a gift card, but I can look elsewhere!
For ideas: Sue Sartor silk items.
how about these? this was me a few years ago (except im petite too); there just aren’t great options.
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/hybrid/bhldn-blake-square-neck-stretch-crepe-maxi-dress?color=208&curation_id=wedding-guest-dresses-curation&curation_name=Wedding+Guest+Dresses:+LP&type=STANDARD&quantity=1
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/blossom-print-dipped-hem-wrap-midi-dress/8601564?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=401
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/mariellla-floral-cocktail-dress/8552419?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=001
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/mariah-crinkle-pleated-gown/7587760?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=650
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/kay-unger-danielle-sleeveless-lace-dress/8259264?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=450
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/dress-the-population-audrey-embroidered-fit-flare-dress/4797808?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=657
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/womens-ruffle-cap-sleeve-embellished-tiered-midi-dress/8264313?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&fashionsize=size%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16W%2C%201X%2C%2020%2C%20XXXL%7Csize%2FWomens%20Clothing%2F16%2C%20XL&color=002
also check out birdy grey – https://www.birdygrey.com/products/marni-matte-satin-dress-black-fleurs-damour?_gl=1*shz4yb*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwtIfPBhAzEiwAv9RTJoEhIxoSsHZ5BhpzJqRncWEyzbPvSVYEKlJZZ4zxdnj-y0FlNVcu9xoCE2MQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADF5i77hvNBEeu6ko531YXTkzt7sI
Try here! I have several things from them I really like: https://www.citychiconline.com/plus-size-dresses
I do think it’s pretty, but my first thought at this dress was that I could wear it with pearls and high heels . . . while vacuuming.
Haha and maybe a pretty little apron?
I also wondered where this would be appropriate to wear, but didn’t ask because someone would say something like “a breezy bbq!” And I would immediately know our lives are very different. (The bbq’s I go to involve not your best outfits.)
I love this but I feel like it’s what I want to wear on a European vacation and don’t actually have a use case for in my every day life.
I can imagine wearing it to the ritzy neighborhood backyard BBQ, where I would promptly splurt ketchup down the front when a kid runs by and grabs me with cheetoh-fingers.
I would have loved this for my bridal shower! As-is, my fantasy self wears it to a fancy lunch on Harbour Island.
Anytime people talk about buying a ruffle puff, I would wear something like this instead.
Same — I like some tailoring.
yes! i’m seeing it on an italian vacation for some reason
I’d wear the black version out to dinner so much so that I’m seriously considering add to cart…
Same, I like the look of white but will 100% stain it, but I’d buy this in black or navy if it were $100 or if I were rich. Assuming it’s comfortable.
This is a day dress, appropriate for church, baby showers (but not for bridal showers unless you are the bride), fancy brunches, and lunch at the country club with the in-laws. It is lovely and I would buy it if I could wear shirtdresses.
Would love a dress like this in a color. Anyone seen something similar? (Preferably at a lower price point, as long as we’re dreaming!)
H&M has a white eyelet dress with a fitted top and a-line midi skirt. it was $84 but often 20% off in the app.
Has anyone bought a 2026 bedazzler? I never had the OG type for fabric but my teens want to get one and Amazon has too many options. I hate to admit it, but it does look fun (I am crafty, but don’t often use bling). One kid wanted to bedazzle her chemistry atoms and how can I say no?
Maybe a fun question for today – what combination of shops, restaurants, and services are the ideal mix for a small town center that (ideally) would be walkable? I always think about this – my small town has a bunch of banks that no one goes to and various dull offices (think insurance/real estate/travel). Restaurants come and go quickly because there’s no foot traffic.