Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Forever Sweater Tank
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’m a huge fan of the cotton/modal Forever Sweaters from Banana Republic Factory, so I was thrilled to see they’re offering it in a sleeveless shell for summer. It’s machine washable, and while it’s more substantial than a cotton tank, it doesn’t feel too bulky.
Grab it in a few colors and layer it under blazers and cardigans all summer long.
The top is $33-$39 at Banana Republic Factory — with 20% off at checkout today — and comes in sizes XXS-XXL. It’s available in five solids and two fun striped patterns.
Sales of note for 5/8:
- Ann Taylor – Mother's Day Event: 40% off your purchase. Readers love this popover blouse, and their suiting is also in the sale.
- Boden – 15% off new styles with code
- Brooklinen – End of Season Sale: up to 25% off — we have and love these sateen sheets
- Express – $39+ summer styles + 25% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off swim, dresses, and more
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything, and extra 50% off clearance
- Lands' End – 50% off sitewide — lots of ponte dresses come down under $25, and this packable raincoat in gingham is too cute
- Lo & Sons – Mother's Day Sale: Up to 40% off — reader favorites include this laptop tote, this backpack, and this crossbody
- Loft – 50% off your purchase + free shipping
- M.M.LaFleur – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Nordstrom – Up to 25% off
- Sephora – Free same-day delivery for Mother's Day with code
- Talbots – 50% off wear-now styles and all markdowns + 30% off tops, pants, jeans, and shorts
- 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!
What are you getting for your mom for Mother’s Day? I’m a bit behind this year lol
Sometimes nothing, sometimes vintage earrings or something nice if I find it, sometimes a souvenir from a trip I just took, or a book I found that she might like. It fluctuates. This year it’s nothing except my presence :-D Do you have a relevant picture you can get printed and framed?
flowers. I’m behind every year and every year I send flowers.
Craft and art supplies!
Flowers and brunch together. She’s local. Also my kid made her a craft.
Sent flowers.
A hanging flower basket, I always do and have for 15+ years. Sometimes my sisters decide to get her hanging flower baskets too, and we get to see which one my mom likes the best by which one she hangs by her front door.
Nothing, or flowers if I am on my game early enough that year. A phone call and a chat is what she wants so that, she shall receive. I appreciate this about her, esp as the daughter who lives far away.
Potential donor egg mom, if you’re still reading. I used donor eggs and I’m so happy I did. My son is the light of my life and I could not love him more. I only wish I had moved on to them earlier.
Me too. It was a hard process but the end result was worth it.
Has anyone ever replaced just a kitchen countertop? Can you comment on price/difficulty? It’s a tiled countertop with ugly grout and I would love to place quartz there instead but don’t have the funds for a full remodel effort right now. In a VHCOL area.
I did! I wandered into a countertop store, they had a huge sale on a slab I liked and it was shockingly affordable. On my way home I gabbed a sink and faucet from Lowes so it was on hand when they came out to measure.
It was a huge quality of life improvement for relatively little hassle.
We did! It’s going to depend a lot on your kitchen size. To ballpark it, go to the home depot website and put in your measurements. Then double it as the nicer counters are much higher than HD and labor may be a bit higher than HD.
FWIW, we re-did ours in the boston are and went with I think a quartzite. It was about $70/sq ft installed. If you want higher end materials, just call a couple places and ask them the average pricing per sq ft for whatever material you are considering and measure. Also see if they will take your old counter out. Ours included that but our existing counter was granite not tile. You could also consider doing the demo yourself if you are mildly handy and rent a dumpster (we live in suburbia so it’s easy; i appreciate it is not if you are in a hi rise!)
Oh, and you’ll need a new sink/faucet and soap dispenser. Budget $300-$1500 for that depending on your taste.
I feel you on the tile, and if you’re a frequent cook, getting rid of it is a huge improvement in functionality. It’s not hard to replace, and if funds are limited, laminate performs well, looks fine and is cheap. I am a soapstone gal at heart, but laminate does me just fine, and I put my kitchen through a lot.
Unwilling frequent cook :) I don’t like cooking but would love to make this upgrade to make it better.
It’s actually really easy!
I went to a local stone remnant yard and picked out the slab. It’s priced per sq ft. Price wise, granite < quartz < marble. I only paid $600ish for a granite 5foot long counter.
I gave them the dimensions, picked the edge design. First initial visit to measure. Second visit to install.
You can also do this through Home Depot or Lowe’s.
(Quartz cutting creates silica dust that causes silicosis for workers)
My sister did and it was a huge upgrade to her kitchen. She ended up getting a better price at a local countertop store than Lowes. Also, highly recommend taking samples home to see how they pair with your cabinets. The ones she and I liked in the store were totally different in her actual kitchen!
Don’t do quartz. It kills workers and the companies that make it still aren’t taking the risks seriously and trying to evade legal liability. There’s a lot of debate about what safety precautions are adequate, but Australia decided there was no safe way to cut it and banned it altogether
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/us/politics/quartz-countertops-silicosis-liability.html?unlocked_article_code=1.g1A.tWJw.BDI4Pdbvzwnc&smid=url-share
Oh no. :-( And had thought it was more environmentally friendly than a stone countertop because they didn’t need to cut pristine slabs but could use offcuts/waste. Blarg.
Too late for me — new countertops installed already. But they will be there for as long as I live in this house (which is until I die), so there’s that at least.
This is awful. I was taught not to handle diatomaceous earth on an occasional basis without an elastomeric respirator, and these companies aren’t even requiring any PPE at all?
I’m turning 40 this year and considering buying myself a Louis Vuitton bag. I’ve been thinking about it for over 10 years and rationalize not doing it bc it’s expensive and will go out of style. I like the tote but it doesn’t really fit with my life right now and would be kind of gauche at my office, so I’m thinking about buying a crossbody purse. Maybe I’ll regret it, but I can afford it and deserve to splurge on myself a little, in addition to likely trying Botox this year as well. A few questions:
1) Are there other brands or styles I should consider? I’m not as current on designers
2) Is the in store shopping experience still worth it? I’m about 2 hours from a store so could make a day of it. If not, I could buy online. I’m also considering buying used from The Real Real, if I can find one in good condition at enough of a discount.
In your shoes I would look for pre-owned, on the Real Real or even Ebay. Plenty of selection in many styles in great condition, but already depreciated. I’ve never been one to focus on the “experience” of buying something, so would not miss whatever goes on in the store when you buy one. In my last few issues of glossy fashion mags LV ads have featured very used looking bags, so I they’re trying to get everyone to drag those “out of fashion” bags out of the closet and use them – an interesting tactic that seems to have resulted in a notable uptick of well worn Neverfull Totes on my public transit commute.
I like Celine and Ferragamo a lot lately. I would hesitate buying bags from The Real Real as they do not authenticate and they have a lot of fakes. I would look at Fashionphile if you want to purchase used. I love luxury bags so if that makes you happy and you will use it often, I say go for it.
Thanks for the tip on The Real Real. Not OP buit I’ve been hunting for a particular designer bag or two over the last 6 months or so. What si tes are my best bet for authenticity? I’ve never bought anything of value second hand before so this is new to me.. Are Poshmark and Ebay ok?
Do it! I had a really good year and splurged on a (secondhand) YSL crossbody bag and still get a little thrill every time I use it.
Styles and designers are so dependent on your personal style. Try looking on a high end department store website to see what styles and designers you like other than LV (or go in person!). My own personal style is more classic and understated, so I like Celine, YSL, Bottega, and Ferragamo.
There’s nothing wrong with getting a LV purse if you’d like one. I would consider going to a store not because they’re going to particularly “pamper” you (to my knowledge LV trails behind other luxury houses in terms of getting champagne, etc but your milage may vary by store), but because you can see the differences in size in person and try what you like. An Alma BB in epi leather is a classic shape and has been around for more than 50 years IRC. The Speedy in empriente or epi is another good idea. If you have an Hermes near you or want to buy online, an Evelyne is very practical. But I’d buy something fun and enjoy it. You’ll probably not regret a black or simple color leather bag.
I have an Evelyne that is close to 10 years old now and still looks practically new and I have used the heck out of it.
If I were buying new today I’d probably go with either a newer/brighter color of the Evelyne, or something by Bottega Veneta. The quality of LV for the price isn’t quite there for me. Other lesser known brands like Metier, Etro, or Savette might also be good choices. I vote for shopping at a high end store in person to try on sizes but then making a decision afterwards if you’re prone to in store pressure.
I’m turning 40 this year too and if I were going to buy myself a purse like this, I’d go for a Loewe puzzle bag from like 5 yrs ago.
I bought my MiuMiu bag from Fashionphile. I’d been thinking about for atleast a year and was finally ready to splurge on something after a making it through a really hard 18 months at my job. I’m so happy with it and don’t hace any second thoughts about it.
I waited for 1. My bonus 2.the exact color I wanted to come up on resale 3. In excellent or good conidition 4. I made the agreement with myself that I was ok to spend this money and could comfortably afford the purchase.
Do your due diligence on the bag so you dont have regrets about color or style, set your budget, and enjoy.
(When my friend saw the bag, she confirmed it was very my style. Maybe you need a bestie to give you that last layer of comfort?)
LV shopping experience is highly dependent on how busy the store is and the luck of the associate you get. I enjoy it because I still like to touch things and try on bags as I get surprised by what I think I want. If you want the full splurge in person shopping experience, every Loewe store has knocked it out of the park, same for Goyard, Ferragomo and Prada. Those brands tend to be less snooty, and are always welcoming despite my range of looks from hot mess running errands to dressed in expensive stuff. LV I definitely notice a difference in service based on how they size me up.
I ended up with more tickets than I need for the now sold out olivia rodrigo show. What is the most legitimate/easy way to sell them? I’m fine hanging onto them for a while, or selling them now. Everything looks scammy or full of fees or way overpriced. I just want to sell them for what I paid for them and don’t have a specific time frame in which to do it.
(My daughter and her friend are going; both sets of parents tried to get tickets and we both happened to get them! They are pretty expensive.)
Do they have other friends who would want to go and could buy them off you for face value?
That’s what we are thinking will probably happen, they are just expensive tickets so it’s a little awkward. We are hanging onto them for now in case we hear of someone that wants them but I was wondering what a legit way to sell them would be if we don’t find a local taker.
What city? If it’s Chicago can I buy them? ;)
I’ve resold tickets on TicketMaster. They do take a pretty significant cut but I imagine resale prices for Olivia are so inflated you’d still come out ahead easily.
Not Chicago unfortunately! I looked at TM and I guess that just means the buyer has to pay $$$ over my cost if I want to get my money back. But also I guess you pay for the security that you are buying legit second hand ones?
+1 to just using TicketMaster for ease. I made sure to price high enough that I was getting the fees covered on both ends and just considered it a wash.
On the perimenopausal shape shifting theme from yesterday:
I was a +1 size pear forever, but lately I have added some wrapping around my torso and a stomach. Still flat-chested. But more like. +2 sizes down south. Legs below the thigh are not affected at all. I like a t-Rex — I would win any tug-of-war match and if I weren’t in the senior division would think I could take up rugby. I look strong. Like Ox. But my style vibe was straight early 90s corporate minimalism. But here I am in a Sue Sartor flounce dress because they float over my current shape and have pockets. Huzzah!
Can we not? It’s hard enough living in youth obsessed culture without having to have this nonsense day after day. It’s not funny or cute. And I guarantee you guys aren’t reading about their guts after 50. I’m tired of being made to feel like a body that isn’t Barbie is ok to compare to an animal or monster. Enough
Seriously. Every damn day is too much.
What’s wrong with acknowledging that our menopausal bodies change shape? I don’t hate my body, but it certainly is a little more challenging to dress than it was 15 years ago.
And I wouldn’t be so quick to assume that guys over 50 don’t fret about their bodies…
Nothing is wrong with acknowledging that our bodies change with age, but this way of talking about them – comparison to two different animals? – is just, like, okay, why are we doing this?
Because dressing with a +1 size difference is hard enough; the switch to +2 size difference is another level entirely and sometimes posting about it on a fashion blog forum lets us say what we feel without being judged IRL (only by internet trolls who want to police our words anonymously).
It’s weird to make it a cosmetic thing to me. If my aging body needs HRT, thyroid meds, or something done about fibroids, that’s medical, not fashion.
Not gonna lie. I’m really over the perimenopausal conversation that is in my face day in and day out. I say this as a 41 year old. I get that this is newly not taboo, and it’s worth talking about, but it’s incredible how much its in social feeds (yes, targeted algorithms, I know that’s why I’m seeing it), but it’s also on like The Today show and other B-list news that I sometimes have on in the ambient. Then here it’s like an every day topic.
I don’t think I’ve ever complained about recurrent topics here, and I’m grateful for the information sharing we get in this venue as a forever-long-reader myself, so talking out of the other side of my mouth for a moment – I’m glad those who do want to talk about it have a venue for it. But I’m fatigued. I will continue to scroll on my by but consider this my +1 to your comment.
This reminds me of the poster who waxed on about looking like a jowly bulldog. I think it’s meant to be funny but it’s insulting to women aging normally.
I pretty much only buy myself “non-essentials” as a reward. I’m an abstainer and NOT a moderator. I’ll admit that my “essentials” do include treats: weekly fresh flowers from TJs, a monthly massage (covered by insurance!), nice groceries – and I frequently spend on hobbies, socialization , and one big trip a year . I just don’t often buy new THINGS (aka not consumables or experiences). I drive a 21 year old Honda and thrift the lions share of my clothing and apartment decor.
I’m running my first ultra marathon this weekend (likely in the rain…) and would like to get myself a reward for finishing! I’d like to know exactly what I’m getting myself during the race so I can use that as a little extra motivation – I’m a bit undertrained thanks to unexpected work travel.
Probably looking to spend about $150, but this is flexible. Past rewards for accomplishments have included a red light mask, a Diptyque candle, Shark FlexStyle, used road bike, pottery classes, adjustable weights, and a nice necklace with a very small diamond.
30s, single, no pets/kids, live in an apartment. I love the outdoors/sports, entertaining (also going out). My big trip this year is France and Italy (Paris, Loire Valley wineries, Dolomites hiking).
The shipping cost of sending yourself cases of your fave wine from France. Makes for the BEST souvenir and shockingly reasonable considering the prices you get buying direct from the wineries abroad.
I’d buy a lovely bottle of perfume in one of the fancy high end department stores in France.
Sorry – should have clarified. I’d like something I can get (or at least order) this weekend.
I have a separate savings account going for European treats.
Just want to say that I wish I had your discipline and spending habits!
First of all, buy the merch (and don’t count it against your $150). I have a lovely collection of race mugs going on as trophies. My usual post race treat is a massage a couple days afterwards at a nice spa, with a glass of expensive champagne while I sit in the hot tub.
A night out at a winery or tickets to a show or concert!
Does anyone have a Mulberry Bayswater? It’s been fixed in my brain for years after seeing one from afar at the time. I finally have a reason to treat myself and I desperately need a new work tote that projects crisp, executive presence. I’m a no-logo, minimalist design kinda gal – my Cuyana tote of 7+ years is going strong but it’s time to retire the old girl…
I just haven’t been able to see a Bayswater in the wild and hold it myself. I’m happy buying a really high quality one second hand but I’d want to be able to hold it first and get a feel for it before a $$$ purchase like that. I could buy and return from Nordstrom I suppose… is that my best bet to try to hold it? I’m in Boston. No one around me appears to carry in store. I’ll be in Dallas next week with a little downtime and NYC a few weeks later… the SoHo store might carry it but it’s not really convenient to where I’ll be for work in midtown so this will be my last-resort plan. Any ideas or feedback if you’ve owned it?