Tuesday’s Workwear Report: Silk Blouse
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
My eyes are always peeled for nice-looking silk blouses for the office, and this one from Kobi Halperin really fits the bill. I love the drapey fit and pleated neckline, and the hint of stretch will make the fit absolutely perfect. This beautiful navy color would actually fill a hole in my wardrobe at the moment, but it also comes in black, ecru, and ivory.
The top is $298 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XS-XL.
Sales of note for 6/26:
- Amazon Prime Day is still continuing! You can check out our roundup here… Also don't forget that sister site Shopbop is offering 25% off a lot of great brands if you link your Prime account, including brands like A.L.C., Aeyde, Alex Mill, Alice & Olivia, Anine Bing, Barefoot Dreams, Beyond Yoga, Birkenstock, Black Halo, Clare V., Cult Gaia, Farm Rio, Ferragamo, Frank & Eileen, Jenni Kayne, La Ligne, Marine Layer, Nili Lotan, Printfresh (!), rag & bone, RAILS, STAUD, Stuart Weitzman, Theory, TWP, Veronica Beard, Vince, White & Warren, Xirena, and Z-Supply
- Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
- Alexis Bittar – End of season sale, up to 50% off
- Another Tomorrow – Seasonal sale, 50% off select styles
- Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale! 300+ new markdowns, extra 50% off al sale styles Readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it's a great separate)
- Athleta – Semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants, and the Pranayama wrap is marked down to $55
- AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
- Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles
- Boden – Summer sale, up to 50% off – readers love these dresses, these blazers, and the brand's fun suiting
- COS – New pieces added to sale, up to 50% off
- DeMellier – Summer sale: Final Reductions
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 20% off sale
- J.Crew – Summer sale – extra 50% off all sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off all stores and sitewide, plus 60% off clearance
- Jenni Kayne – Semi-annual warehouse sale
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
- M.M.LaFleur – Fourth of July sale! 70% off occasion styles (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new arrivals up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Ruti – Semi-annual sale, up to 70% off!
- Sarah Flint – 30% off select styles (we just ranked these shoes as some of our top 10 most comfortable heel brands)
- Splendid – Up to 60% off women's sale!
- Strathberry – Up to 20% off select styles
- Stuart Weitzman – Summer styles now up to 40% off
- Talbots – 40% off your purchase and 6/26 only: 50% off all T by Talbots
- Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off sale
I have a new job and find myself thinking about it all the time, for example, what I want to achieve, improvements, projects, and even conversations I’ve had with colleagues. This position involves a lot of collaboration among peers and is supervisory. I think about it at home, when I am with my family and kids, and before bed. I have never been this way before, have always had hard boundaries between work and life. It just feels like there is so much to do and prove in this job. Anyway, any advice on how to leave work at work?
I think it’s temporary and okay to wait it out. However if it’s bothering you, are there types of activity that you find more all consuming? (For example, taking the family out on a paddle boats on a lake, or something a little more of a break from your usual routine?)
This is what has worked for me:
Long walks are really helpful for triage – like if you can’t stop thinking about it all, go for a walk.
Meditation is really helpful over time generally for helping set thoughts down. Even 5 minutes a day is space where you’re actively practicing watching your thoughts instead of engaging with them. That’s super helpful for me in developing a muscle where I can set thoughts down.
Resetting expectations – I have work thoughts while I’m home and doing life things, but I don’t have to engage with them in the same way that I do when I’m at work. I also don’t really get mad about them. I just let the thoughts play at a lower volume in the back of my head.
Journalling or creating a notes app where you randomly list out the things you are thinking about might help – but don’t let it turn into an active work session where you’re engaging with it. Just a quick note, now you know it’s down and you won’t forget it, so you can stop thinking about it.
I find it easier to let otherwise good but overly intrusive thoughts go if I write them down. Basically a to-do list. Having those items recorded mentally permits me to stop playing through them.
I would wait it out and fill my time with activities that demand complete focus – rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. Activities like yoga or walking let the mind wander too much.
I do all that thinking in the shower. A former colleague of mine even had a name for it: “Shower Thoughts.” Then you let it go down the drain until next time.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a women’s rash guard? Looking for something long sleeve, preferably with a zip, and more fitted style.
I like Lands End and Coolibar.
Lands End no longer makes them with full zippers:-( They were my favorites. I have one from Carve that’s long sleeve and fitted that I’ll wear snorkeling when I really don’t want it to ride up, though a bit heavier than I like
I like left of Friday
Carve or T9 may have zip-up options.
If you’re using it for surfing, don’t get one with a zipper – it’s irritating to lie on.
If not surfing, I am anti rash guard. I’ll wear a coverup on the beach and just my swimsuit in the water. I’m not in the water long enough to worry about sun but there’s nothing worse than wearing a wet rash guard out of the water.
For the beach and other water sports (paddling) I love Patagonia’s SPF Capilene cool daily hoodie
That Patagonia hoodie has been a unicorn for me – and so much Patagonia stuff doesn’t fit me well now (postpartum body) but that thing still does and looks great. It’s my summer uniform.
9:55 here, I clearly spend a lot of time on the beach/water and I love it!
As a pear I can’t wear a lot of Patagonia but I love this hoodie.
Showing my age here, but how do people exchange phone numbers these days? I keep seeing movies where someone has the other person their phone to type it in to their contacts I guess? Getting back in the game and trying to catch up.
This has happened to me a few times – people handing me their phones. It is easier than reading off the phone numbers to each other. You can open up your contacts to create a new contact, and hand your phone to the person so they can enter in their name/phone. Then you text them with your name so they have your contact.
but only if you trust the person. In nightclubs and other flirting/exchanging numbers locations, handing over your phone is a good way to fall for someone who is very quick to venmo themselves money from your phone.
oh yep, good point! I missed that. Completely didn’t think of that aspect. In that scenario I would never hand over my phone to a random person.
I mean this group can find the most paranoid way to answer a question.
I am prohibited by my employer from handing my phone to a random person for data security reasons. Social engineering is a real risk with implications much larger than personal venmo accounts.
it’s a thing, and easily avoided by dictating numbers the old fashioned way. https://abc7.com/post/high-tech-pickpocketing-venmo-scam-transfer-good-samaritan-scammed/11578240/
Why are you using your work phone for personal things? I also have a locked-down work phone, but I also have a personal phone. I would not want my personal apps on my high-security work phone.
Who says I don’t? But for exchanging work numbers, that happens on the work phone.
yeah, this, although it is always in the context of a known quantity (neighbor, friend of a friend, etc).
as far as randos, I do think precautions are wise here, like using passcodes rather than face ID for opening apps like Venmo.
I am way too cynical to hand over my phone to a stranger, even though I have basically all the apps locked down so they won’t even open without face ID or a passcode. I’ll happily ask them for their number and then just shoot them a text that says “Hello from Anon” so they also have my number. If I want to keep in touch, I will follow up later with something like “Great to meet you at the gala, Beth. Would love to connect to discuss your upcoming fundraising plans for museum. How does coffee on Tuesday sound?”
Same. I will type in my number if someone hands me their phone (although it feels somewhat odd to type on someone else’s phone!), but otherwise I will ask for their number and then text them.
you boop your phones together and airdrop it (assuming it’s both iphones)
One person gets out their phone, the other person says: my number is 555-555-5555 and the first person enters that into a text and writes Hi Anon. This is Anon2.
This is the way.
Yep
Some years ago I had little social cards printed up with just my name, cell number, and email address and I am still handing them out. It seems less awkward than exchanging actual phones. (I got them at Vista Print dot com.)
I’m sorry, Senior Attorney, but that is *more* awkward.
In work situations, I’ve found that people still prefer to exchange paper business cards. I had a “virtual card” that peole found confusing and annoying, and people don’t want to put every new person they meet into their contacts, especially in the age of BYOD policies where you are using your personal phone for work.
I find people are more likely to connect on Linkedin while standing there than to use physical business cards. I basically only use my cards to enter raffles at CLEs.
I have sooo many business cards and don’t bother taking them with me any longer. Perhaps in your circle it is seen as a nice quaint affectation, but in my industry no one hands these out any longer. It’s way more common to connect on LinkedIn in the moment.
Love my Kobi Halperin silk blouses. Old school quality.
This will probably out me to anyone who knows me in real life, but I recently contracted oral HSV-1 (herpes/cold sores) from a partner and the initial outbreak is horrific. the lower half of my face has broken out in cold sores and there is one very large spot above my lip (weirdly, none actually on my lips). I’ve seen a doctor and am on antivirals but am spiraling mentally – feeling so disgusting and stupid! Has anyone dealt with this later in life and can give me some hope that this won’t be my life from now on? Aka staying inside, wearing a mask outside,\?
How would this out you? All interesting women have herpes. You aren’t disgusting or stupid and you’ll learn to manage and treat it.
I’m so sorry! A few things that will help – get a standing prescription for Valtrex from your doctor going forward. If you take it at the first symptom, it will cut the duration significantly. Buy a stash of “Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Patch, Hydrocolloid Gel” – they are very thin and will help things heal sooner. Make sure to wear them at night (or a larger hydrocolloid gel patch) – letting the sores dry out and then having them crack is very painful and will prolong healing.
This is so, so common. I’ve had cold sores my whole life because my parents thought it was NBD and passed them on to me as a kid. Having good treatment options has made a huge difference.
My mother also passed cold sores onto me.
I have HSV-2 so similar but different and I am on a daily prescription of acyclovir to prevent outbreaks. Ask your doctor about a preventative or suppressive dose…you have to take it daily but I haven’t had any outbreaks while on the meds for the past few years.
Antivirals are the right thing to do!
If you want to avoid future flare ups, it can help to avoid catching other viruses like cold and flu viruses since HSV-1 can be opportunistic when the immune system is already taking a hit. (And if your immune system is generally lousy, it may be worth getting that checked out to stay ahead of things.)
More people have this than not, so try not to catastrophize.
I have had cold sores since childhood. While they are annoying and embarrassing, they are not a mark of stupidity. Antivirals are great, and so is old-school original Carmex ointment. My outbreaks have become far fewer and less common these days. I know what they feel like as they come on, and I find that treating them immediately (like, within minutes of recognizing the feeling if at all possible) drastically decreases the severity. I keep a little tub of Carmex on my nightstand, at my desk, and in my purse because applying a thick layer of it right away buys me time to get treatment before the sore explodes. Just be sure to use a clean hand to apply it and don’t double-dip into the container.
You’re going to be ok. The first outbreak is the worst. Anti-virals will help. Lysine helps. You can pass this to partners with o r a l. Using anti-virals and avoiding contact if you feel any symptoms is key to prevention. It’s going to be ok.
I’ve also had cold sores since childhood. Valcyclovir (generic valtrex) is the way to go. I echo the suggestion to keep a prescription on hand. I take preventative doses before dental work or prolonged time in the sun – think a beach vacation, not day to day sun exposure. It’s really no big deal. I, of course, don’t kiss my partner or share drinks, etc., when having an active breakout. But, my husband and I have been together for 20 years and he hasn’t gotten them yet.
+1 – I have been with my husband for 18 years and have two kids and nobody else has cold sores.
I’ll go against the grain and say that it’s completely OK and understandable to be upset about this. I know a lot of people prefer the approach of just managing it/describing how common it is and that’s probably healthier in the long run, but I’m here to say that it IS upsetting and it IS a huge drag and it’s OK to wallow for a while if you need to.
I get being upset and mad at yourself. In my own specific way, I’ve been where you are and it stinks. Thinking of you!
It’s okay to be upset about it. There’s possibly an increased risk of dementia even (at any rate, taking the antivirals lowers dementia risk). All we can do is keep up with the antivirals and hope for the best.
There is a big difference between being understandably upset and deciding you are stupid and disgusting for contracting a ubiquitous virus. We aren’t advocating for denialism or toxic positivity. We are point out that this is not a moral failing that the OP should spiral in shame over.
I don’t think it’s a moral failing, but when I set out not to contract a contagious disease and catch it anyway, I do feel like it’s a failing failing. I think shedding the “disgusting” language is a good idea though.
Aw, hugs. You’ve had good advice and I have nothing to add other than “we’ve come a long way since 1982 when Time magazine called herpes ‘the new Scarlet Letter!'” https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19820802,00.html
I am looking for a job in a new field and signed up with a recruiting agency. I was unimpressed by the representative I met with; they clearly had only skimmed my resume in the most superficial way, and had changed my profile in their computer system to introduce inaccuracy. The representative told me that if I independently noticed an opportunity at one of the employers they work with, I should notify them before applying so they could forward my materials.
My dream job was just posted at one of these employers. I am not sure whether the recruiter knows about the position; they have not asked me if I want them to submit me for it. Should I go through the recruiter or not? If I go through the recruiter, it will probably increase the chances of an interview. On the other hand, if the recruiter doesn’t know about the position yet, I don’t want to tip them off and increase the competition.
Do you have an actual agreement with the recruiter? If so, follow that. If not, do whatever you prefer.
So…are the liberals/progressives in your circles upset or happy about today’s Supreme Court ruling on women’s sports? I don’t know anyone who is upset, despite all (or nearly all, I hope) people in my life being very much in favor of gay marriage, equality, and progressive principles in general.
Haven’t spoken to anyone else about it but as a liberal who is very much in favor of gay marriage and doesn’t really care what bathroom anyone uses, it seems like the obviously correct outcome. Women biologically cannot compete with men. Serena Williams is a generational women’s tennis talent and lost to a man not ranked in the top 200. Caitlin Clark probably couldn’t make a D1 men’s basketball team. Etc etc. While I realize that people who tr*nsition pre-puberty don’t have all the strength and height advantages of cis men, to pretend like they’re biologically identical to women is absurd.
Agree 100%
I hate to agree with this Court on anything, but even people as dumb as these justices can see that biological s3x is a real thing and not a social construct.
I don’t know anyone who is upset, similar social circle as you, and not surprised. Whereas most progressive principles are giving rights to others at no downside to them, an ‘even playing field’ is something they want to preserve for others as far as physical strength.
I’m not happy about it, and will continue to train and hopefully compete with all my training partners regardless. We raise each other up, not knock others down.
I am just waiting for the fallout when a high school track coach decides to implement gender spot checks.
i only found out recently that was common a few years ago for women athletes. how disgusting.
https://nwlc.org/the-protection-of-women-and-girls-in-sports-act-reinforces-sexism-and-abuse-in-sports/
Yeah, both of my sisters sent an opposing player to the hospital during volleyball games. If that were to happen today, would someone file, I dunno, a gender complaint? This is a road I don’t think we really want to go down.
Why be exhausting about this topic? I could care less who plays in what league. I’m tired of the othering and bullying over a genuine non-problem. People get hurt in sports, all teams have players with physical advantage, no matter the gender. This is just another way to pick on people and it’s gross behavior.
Well said.
With all the utter carnage in process these days, we are obsessing about a tiny number of people? So ridiculous.
It’s not that tiny a number of people. Shewon dot org has archived over 5,000 medals in 53 sports that girls and women lost to males competing in their sports. One person setting a state or national record in a sport affects every girl competing in the entire state or nation for years to come.
The number of people affected is just not the number of males competing as women. It affects all the women.
It affects every girl in the entire state or nation for years to come? This is just hyperbole.
If a national record is unfairly set, then yes, it does affect all girls and women in that sport for many, many years. The national record is the benchmark for the sport (or international if it’s Olympic, etc.). It’s not just the 10-15 girls on an individual team who are affected.
No, it’s not just another way to pick on people. What’s gross is attempting to undermine the entire purpose of women’s sports.
Yes, it really is. If you cannot see how this is a wedge issue ginned up by the right to create a new outgroup for their base to despise and demonize liberals, then I don’t know what to say except that you have your head in the sand. You are being used. You are a tool.
Setting aside the law, I am on the fence about the very specific issue of school sports. I really do see public policy arguments on both sides and have a great deal of sympathy for a child who is precluded from competing in sports or who believes they are at competitive disadvantage because another child is allowed to compete on their team. Truly. This is a perfect example of the phrase “hard cases make bad law.” But I am sick of how this issue has been dredged to the forefront and used to sow discord and manufacture hate against real, innocent people dealing with their gender identity.
I actually don’t think this is a wedge issue ginned up by the right. I think it’s a really effing stupid position that liberals fully chose to embrace for reasons that are unclear to me, and when others have pointed out that it’s really stupid and directly against the wishes of massive majorities of voters, all they do is double down. Yes, of course the GOP is running with that (an easy win has been handed to them on a silver platter), but they didn’t start it.
There’s advantage (someone is taller, someone has more grit) and then there’s unfair advantage (male musculature in women’s sports, steroids). Only the former is permissible.
Haven’t seen much reaction but the general feeling right now is just being exhausted with everything right now. It’s like care giver burn out but for political topics. Like, what am I supposed to focus my upset feelings on? This decision? The fact that birthright citizenship was even a question? On so on.
As a liberal, former college athlete lesbian I’ve personally had a really hard time with this issue.
As a member of the LGBT community, I do believe that none of us are free until all of us are free. I’m worried about social and political trends that threaten our equal rights and safety. I want trans kids to grow up feeling safe and accepted for who they are.
I also feel so strongly that high level sports were the best thing to ever happen to me (and many of my friends) and I recognize that women’s sports still often get the raw end of the deal compared to men’s sports. I don’t buy any fake straw man argument that kids are transitioning so they can do better in sports. But, depending on when treatment wss started (and what type of treatment is used), there are biological differences that do impact one’s strength, speed, and size.
As an adult athlete, most things I compete in have a non-binary division, but the fields are small and I don’t think there’s enough participants in most high school level sports for that to be the solution. I also of course recognize that being trans ≠ being non binary, but in the adult world it seems like a good compromise.
I was an ardent feminist many years before I knew I was gay. While I feel strongly about protecting the LGBT community, I think I at times feel more strongly about my support for women. I don’t vocalize them but I have strong thoughts about phrases like pregnant person and chest feeding; I worry about very inclusive language coming at the expense of women.
I’ll also admit that no one was out as trans in high school when I was growing up. Heck, barely anyone was out as gay. And I graduated from high school in 2013; my state had already legalized gay marriage. My wife and I have talked a lot about what we’d do if we have a trans kid because it’s challenging and not clear cut to us (totally fine with a social transition but definitely concerned about medical interventions for kids and teens).
And politically, I do worry about being too divisive to voters over kind of niche issues and losing the plot on major issues. LGBT rights are human rights… but so are immigrant rights and women’s rights.
Thank you for taking the time to post this. I agree we should be protecting women’s sports, we have so little to ourselves!
Excellent comment, thanks for sharing
I’m upset that there is any ruling at all.
Any fun ideas for a pool party side dish? I’m usually hosting so I have the mains and other people bring sides. Now I’m going to someone else’s pool and I’m blanking on the sides!
Assuming your group is adults … jello shots. It brings up happy nostalgia memories of pool parties when we were younger. I normally make them less strong that we did in university (no longer 1:1 water to vodka, more like 1 cup hot water, 1/2 cold water, 1/2 vodka) and have fun with putting them in various molds.
What’s the main? If it’s grilling out, something like Texas caviar or fruit salad is nice to balance out the heavier fare.
I would do caprese skewers or sliders.
Adjust for how finger-food / food safety friendly you need to be:
Fruit skewers
Chex mix
Cowboy caviar
Baked beans
Potato salad
Cole slaw
Deviled eggs
Cheese, pickles, olives, crackers
Thoughts on either of these? I’m trying to build out some nice-ish costume jewelry and I’m shocked by how expensive Dorsey is – also open to other brand ideas. The paracord one is definitely more a weekend piece but I think the enamel one works for nicer events? Banana/Ann Taylor/Jcrew quality just doesn’t seem to be there these days or I’d check there. Budget is under $200 per item.
https://veronicabeard.com/products/black-enamel-and-crystal-barrel-necklace-black
https://veronicabeard.com/products/paracord-charm-necklace-navy?variant=46311588528299
Plating always wears off far too quickly for me to want to spend money on it.
Imagine you have two job opportunities:
Job A: For a very noble cause that you fully support and believe in. Toxic boss. Bad culture, frequent re-orgs and layoffs. Requires two days a week in office with a 1-hr commute. High stress. Pay is 120K.
Job B: Consulting with a primary client being one in an industry you do not feel good about, but your actual job does not do any harm. Fully remote. Super nice chill boss and tons of autonomy. Great leadership. Relatively low-stress. Pay is 180K.
Which would you choose?
I’d take Job B and increase my charitable donations/volunteering.
Same, absolutely no question.
B all day long. You had me at toxic boss. Don’t be a martyr. If you have real issues with industry B, take it for now and see where it takes you. It doesn’t have to be forever, but the damage from a toxic work environment can be.
100% B. I don’t care how passionate I would be about job A, I’m never going back to a toxic environment again. I’ve been in toxic workplaces before and they’re detrimental to my health. Add in a long commute and less money? Nope.
How is this even a question, obviously Job B. Literally the only thing Job A has going for it is the noble cause and believe me, you won’t believe in the cause anymore when you’re working for a “toxic boss” in a “bad culture” and constantly fearing you’ll be laid off.
+1 to how is this a question.
Lol and I just saw now on re-read that Job B even pays more! What is this question.
I was in a similar position, job B was for the cruise industry and even though I wasn’t advocating for the pollution simply running the ships burns a soul crushing amount of fuel and I just couldn’t stomach it.
I’ve never had job B but I have had the option and a lot of pressure. I could not stomach it. Even if I were not on those projects, knowing that I contribute to the overall corporate mission was an ethical compromise I could not make.
As a lawyer, this is a lot of my field though. A (liberal) friend of mine works for Jones Day, the firm that reps Trump. Growing up my friend’s dad was an environmental scientist for a major oil drilling company. I have heard them and others justify their position and I am not here to judge their choices, but for myself, I could never.
B no question. You can support the Cause in ways other than your stress and livelihood.
B and maybe keep looking for C (good job in good industry).
B. Absolutely not a question.
Job B.
I started at Job B, left for Job A (although it came with higher pay) and hated every second of Job A. Could not leave that role fast enough. Quit to return to Job B and am much happier.
If Organization A (as opposed to Cause A) was all that noble, they would not allow such a toxic workplace. B all day long!
I have been working really hard on a project for a community group where I’m on the board for the past year; the local government department I need to get approval from has been dragging its feet with a lot of petty objections, which I keep giving them solutions to, and I finally got a long email about how they fundamentally object to the whole project.
They’ve never said any of this before. They could have told me about some of these problems *months* ago, but just quibbled with details. I’m pretty upset and we have a board meeting tonight.
Oof! It’s awful to be blindsided like that! Is there anybody in government who is on your side and can help you save the project?
I mean they were telling you weren’t listening.
Do their objections have merit or is this a personal values bias of the individuals in the dept you are working with?
So I’m finally getting a stupid tattoo removed and the process has been an educational one! People act like tattoo removal can work on all tattoos, but you can get months into the process only to see some fading. I had my 3rd session the other day, thankfully a small tattoo. We have enough fading that I’m going to wait a couple of months to see where it is and apparently I’m lucky to have as much fading as I do. Thrilled to finally get rid of mine, but this has been an eye opener about the whole process and how it works.
oh i don’t mind wet rashguards at all – i started wearing them when my kids were babies because i wanted to make sure i wasn’t putting them in something horribly uncomfortable (but it was so much easier than trying to get sunscreen on a squirming baby) — i have no complaints about them and started wearing them all the time. the sun is my enemy!
Same
+1 – I don’t find wet rashguards uncomfortable and for full days in the sun (water parks, lake days) the sun coverage is unbeatable.