Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Wool-Blend Bouclé Blazer
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Saint Laurent is a little bit out of my budget, but this gorgeous blazer is giving me a lot of inspiration for fall outfits. (I know, I know. Summer has only just started, but this heat wave has me ready for chilly mornings, apple cider, and sweaters.) The tailoring is absolutely perfect, and the chunky bouclé looks perfectly autumnal.
I do like the way they’ve styled it with the tie-neck blouse, but I’d probably do something a little less dramatic for my day-to-day. A simple ivory blouse and chocolate trousers would really let the blazer shine.
The blazer is $5,500 at Net-a-Porter and comes in French sizes 34-38. It’s also available in green.
Sales of note for 7/3 (Happy 4th!):
- Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
- Alexis Bittar – 20% off sitewide thru 7/5
- Alex Mill – 40-70% off some of their favorite, small batch pieces!
- Another Tomorrow – Final days of sale, new styles added
- Ann Taylor – 50% off everything + free shipping — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it's a great separate)
- Athleta – Extra 20% off semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants
- AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
- Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
- Boden -Up to 60% off plus an extra 15% off – readers love these dresses, these blazers, and the brand's fun suiting
- COS – New pieces added to sale, up to 60% off
- DeMellier – Summer sale: Final Reductions (ends soon!)
- Evereve – Extra 30% off sale!
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 20% off sale
- J.Crew – Summer sale – up to 60% off summer styles, and 40% off select cashmere
- 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 (but 10% off sitewide!) (love their new weekender!)
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
- M.M.LaFleur – Sitewide sale, up to 70% off! (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 – 15% sitewide
- Sarah Flint – Extra 30% off select styles (we just ranked these shoes as some of our top 10 most comfortable heel brands)
- Strathberry – Up to 30% off select styles
- Stuart Weitzman – Summer styles now up to 40% off
- Talbots – 50% off your entire purchase + free shipping
- Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off sale
My new office is freeeeeeezing cold. They provided a space heater, and I keep a warm cardigan on hand (it’s essentially a camel colored blanket with arm holes, goes with everything, from J.Crew), but it’s still so cold and there’s a large ceiling vent right over my desk (which I can’t move). Besides a space heater and a sweater, any other hacks/tips/suggestions for staying a bit warmer?
Hot beverages, make friends with whomever controls the HVAC in the building & ask them to turn it down. I’ve done the latter in every building I’ve ever worked in — priceless.
Fingerless gloves. You can still type but I found they really helped.
If you’re allowed, a magnetic vent cover will do wonders
This is a brilliant idea.
If you can’t cover it entirely, I’ve seen people put up a small panel to direct the air flow out instead of down. I’m sure there a more elegant solution available, but I’ve seen it done by just taping a strip of cardboard to hang along the side of the vent at an angle.
This resolved my office’s thermostat war. A white sheet magnet covering most of the vent, with the side pointing away from the desk left uncovered, made the temperature comfortable again.
Or if there’s a damper on the vent- closing it could help a ton!
Electric blanket, fingerless gloves, one of those mug warmer devices even if all you use it for is keeping a mug of hot water warm to hold!
heating pad draped over your chair. Electric-blanket style throw that you use to cover your lap / legs. Fingerless gloves. Undershirt layer. Scarf to wrap around your neck.
Ask the maintenance people if there is a way the air flow from that vent can be diminished or deflected to the side (there may not be, if it’s going to affect your coworkers comfort level. But if you’re in your own office, you might be able to).
Ororo heated jacket. Got that tip from the savvy ladies here, been toasty in cold offices for nearly 4 years.
I have a collection of thick cashmere dusters – open cardigan that is essentially a blanket with sleeves. Since Barney’s is no more, my go to is Neiman Marcus store brand for warm and durable. They are on sale right now for around 200. Also, depends on your office culture, but I managed to get every one to take the problem seriously when I started wearing thick cardigan with an enormous fur collar to prove a point about the AC.
They still make USB-heated fingerless gloves
I’d ask facilities to move your desk so that you don’t have cold air constantly blowing on you.
My electric kettle is a lifesaver when I had this office.
As others have mentioned–an electric throw blanket. I use one in my freezing office and it helps a lot. I got a smaller, lap size one so there’s not so much to fold up.
Any recs for a c*cktail dress, size 16 with sleeves? Early August evening event at a very un-exclusive country club. I’d like to keep it close to $200
I’ve been eyeing the Quince silk dresses… also check city chic
My workhorse flats are all Rothys and Allbirds, and I need to replace a few pairs. Seems like the Rothys redesign is getting a lot of negative reviews, and I’m not sure if Allbirds is continuing to sell shoes after their weird AI spinoff but they don’t have any flats in stock in my size. What other brands should I be looking at?
Margaux. Sam Edelman. Ann mashburn.
+1 – and retire the brands you’re wearing, those all just look sloppy.
I have never understood the appeal of Rothys. Plastic shoes? No, thank you.
In their old iteration they were lightweight, moderately priced, durable, comfortable, and washable. In the no-visible hosiery era, being able to wash your shoes was magic. They were objectively perfectly adequate shoes for people whose feet were not super sweaty.
Now of course the fashion cycle has turned to ensure we all need to buy new shoes (hello capitalism) and allow the next generation to roll their eyes at what the previous generation was wearing because that is what the fashion cycle does.
I personally would rather wear plastic shoes than shoes made from dead animal skin!
It’s getting harder and harder to find leather shoes. A lot of the mid-priced brands are now making their shoes out of plastic (e.g., Dolce Vita). I’d rather wear Rothy’s than fake leather shoes.
Are you not aware of what plastic is made of?
I can vouch for Vionic flats.
I have a shorter haircut that I really love and thought was pretty flattering. Photos are suggesting otherwise. Is this a case of a still image not really capturing the movement and how it looks in real life? Or do I need to consider either growing it out or going even shorter (like pixie short)? Specifically, my face looks really round and the length is possibly not hitting in the right spot. But also, I’ve been through some midlife changes and it’s very possible that this is just how my face looks, lol. How do I suss this out? I’ve had this style for 3-4 years now, so I’m not sure my friends and family would give it to me straight if it actually looks bad.
Did it ever look good in pictures? When you look at older pictures of a different cut does that look better? I think it’s entirely possible that the jowls etc that come with age could require some refining of a short haircut.
I feel like it used to look fine? I’m self-aware enough that I think I would’ve noticed if it looked bad right away. And I get compliments on my cut IRL, so I don’t know. It’s very possible that I need to add another inch or two in length even if I want to keep the same general style. Kind of bums me out.
Ask Reddit they won’t lie
Short hair is tough in the flattering department, it really only looks good on people with very defined features. I’d probably grow it out a bit.
+1. I think it’s hard to pull off unless you have sharp features or a bold sense of style. Otherwise short hair looks blah.
Take more photos and reassess?
I find that candid photos tell a more realistic story than mirrors or posed selfies do, but one bad angle alone isn’t enough to make me redo my whole look.
If the length, shape, and/or texture of a short haircut is even slightly off, the cut will look terrible. Work with a good stylist who specializes in women’s short haircuts to diagnose the issue.
Anyone have furniture from Serena and Lily? Is it well made and comfortable? I don’t have a showroom anywhere near me.
Check the measurememts. I have a set of dining room chairs from them that I bought off of FBMP. As soon as I got them home and sat in them, I realized why they were sold-they’re very low for dining room chairs. I feel like I need a booster seat. Even on FBMP, I paid enough for them that I don’t want to get rid of them but, for the life of me, I can’t figure out why they made what are clearly dining chairs that low to the ground. The quality is fine. Not amazing, considering what they probably cost new, but fine.
Maybe you’re meant to add cushions?
Nope, they’re upholstered. Any cushion is going to look like what it is, a booster seat. I’m looking at ways to add on to the feet, but that is easier said than done.
Are the seats objectively lower to the ground than normal, or is it possible the table you are pairing them with is higher than average?
What is an amazing gift to send a friend after staying with her? We got to catch up after I dropped my son off at a summer camp in her city and with the heat I didn’t want to bring wine or a plant, so I arrived empty-handed… when we went out to dinner we fought over the check but I let her win thinking I’d find something great to send her after the visit. But… what? Her family is wealthy so it’s hard to think of something they don’t have. 2 teens. Budget up to $250. TIA!
I tend to go with consumables – food, flowers, spices, etc. I love Penzey’s spices, Jeni’s ice cream bundles, a special food she loves from Goldbelly that’s hard to get in her area, etc. Or you can just get her a gift certificate to the restaurant you went to if it seems to be a favorite with a note like ‘thanks again for dinner, enjoy your next visit on me, hope to see you again soon!’
Flowers.
Not a rich person, but a handwritten thank you note on a nice card is always appreciated! I would not send a gift, personally, but I understand the want.
This. It shows intent and deliberate effort, particularly if handwritten as opposed to a quick text.
You send a gift after someone hosts you for a weekend plus a note. OP, flowers and consumables are great choices. So is something for your friend. My go-to is a Flamingo Estates gift box. You can do nice olive oils plus a candle for your budget.
Could I just release the pressure a bit that the gift needs to be amazing or great? With a wealthy person who can buy herself anything and has access to a lot, “amazing” is a high bar.
I can get caught in the bind of wanting an amazing, great gift, and then feel like I’ve failed when I can’t think of anything, then I procrastinate and don’t get it done. It’s OK to go with a delivery of flowers, or with wine, or whatever other pedestrian thank-you gesture is out there.
Anything will be fine to show your appreciation! I agree Flaming Estate boxes are nice. I also have been loving American Vinegar Works sampler boxes, if she’s the type to make her own salad dressings or sauces. I have been using these myself and they’re really good.
However, flowers are always welcome. Don’t overthink it, she’ll likely appreciate anything you are thoughtful enough to give.
Echoing this – I am one of those people that can buy myself anything. I appreciate the thought much more than the item. That said, if you are looking for ideas, my go to is grace rose farm. They have lovely heritage roses that look different than your standard florist options.
Another vote for flowers, and for normalizing that they don’t need to be earth-shatteringly beautiful. Just normal, pretty flowers.
I feel like this is something you do for an acquaintance, not an actual friend!
If they like chocolate, Bridgewater chocolates are very fancy and delicious and expensive and impressive. Somebody sent me some once and I loved them.
For non-chocolate lovers, Bequét Caramels are stunningly good. They’re offering free shipping, ending today. https://bequetconfections.com
OMG NEED THESE.
I’m 45 and have been divorced for 5 years. I’ve spent most of those years single. I recently met a wonderful man who treats me well. He’s respectful, successful, funny, warm and handsome. I like everything about him, except his politics. He doesn’t read the news. He voted for Tr ump in 2016 but hasn’t voted since. I talk a lot about politics, and he engages with me politely. We have a lot of back and forth conversations. I’m not sure what to do from here.
I think you have to decide whether his lack of interest in politics and or his 2016 vote are deal breakers for you. And only you can decide that. When I met DH, we were mid-30s. He had never registered to vote, and he first voted in 2024. After being with me for about five years, he started to dip his toes into current events and politics, and I’d say that’s about where he has stayed for the past 10 years.
I have voted in every election, including mid-terms and runoffs, since I was 18 and I work for an elected official right now. But, I don’t enjoy discussing and certainly not arguing about current events and politics in my non-working hours. So DH’s lack of interest is not a problem for me.
I wouldn’t read much into his 2016 Tr ump vote – but I am reading in that you did not support Tr ump. I think a lot of people didn’t realize what a crazy man he would be. If he’s an ardent supporter today, that’s a different question.
I would not match with someone who has, what I consider, far right or far left politics. But I am fine with someone who is just disinterested. My parents love to discuss current events and politics, so this wouldn’t work for them. And that’s why I think this is only a question for you.
Similarly, I’ve also voted. Every election since I was 18 and worked for elected officials for over a decade. I had a relationship with a conservative partner and it was maddening at times. But I genuinely like making people think in different ways, so it was worth exploring our differences.
In an ideal world, both people grow together.
Same. My very Catholic husband was unthinkingly wholly pro life, no understanding of any exceptions, until I said a couple of times, regarding late term abortion, do you think a woman carries a baby for almost nine months and wakes up one morning and thinks nope, I’m done with this, and waddles off to planned parenthood because she has nothing better to do that day and suddenly wants her baby removed like a hangnail? Do you think late term abortions happen on a whim, or maybe are they medical emergencies/serious life events?
What ARE his politics? It sounds like he just doesn’t engage. I’m pretty sick of the whole political scene myself these days, although I do still vote (never for Trump). What are you looking for in terms of politics from him?
That sounds refreshing, I’m so tired of people thinking party line talking points are interesting conversation. I’d dig deeper and find out if you think similarly about things, that’s far more important.
I wouldn’t react too harshly to a 2016 vote (such an innocent time, in retrospect…) – but as someone else who would rather discuss, like, best practices for cleaning the basement with my spouse over politics (and we are in general agreement!), set him free for others if that’s your passion.
Voting for Trump in 2020 or 2024 would be a dealbreaker for me. In 2016, many republicans I know thought the GOP would be business as usual and Trump would say crazy things but not do much.
What are his values?
I wouldn’t date this guy for a lot of reasons. But you haven’t explained why YOU’RE not sure about him. Specifically what is it about his politics? Voting once for trump doesn’t give us much. I think I could be more helpful if you mentioned what exactly is bothering you, especially given that he does discuss things.
A lot of people are going to say “oh who cares, I hate talking politics” that’s fine for them, but you’re clearly bothered by something, which is also fine. Some political beliefs reflect character, some reflect philosophy, some reflect a person’s past and their perspective on it. It’s ok to acknowledge that.
I’m married to someone with different politics than mine (we don’t live in the US, so slightly different, but still challenging). He also doesn’t care about politics as much as I do, he basically cares about one cause and votes for the party that aligns with that. I kind of get the cause because of his family history, but find it frustrating that he doesn’t care enough about other causes for them to influence his vote. With time I think we have both softened each other and somewhat come to see each other’s point of view. We still don’t vote for the same party. We have had some arguments about it, and I sometimes wish things were different, but we otherwise have a lot of common values (which is frustrating to me because those should translate into similar politics in my mind) and a solid marriage and family. Truthfully I hadn’t realized how different our politics were in the early days of dating – if so I’m not sure I would have dated him. But I also think there is value in being able to connect with people beyond politics and my own political idealism has softened with time. No easy answer here but we have been generally happily married for 10 years.
I think you have to decide if this is a dealbreaker for you? I would be maddened if my partner didn’t vote, and while we tend to vote similarly along ideological lines, we sometimes differ (altho always on the D side of the ballot.)
Have you asked him why he doesn’t vote? I would have a different reaction if it’s because he thinks both parties are the same vs he lives in an area that is deeply red/blue and thinks his vote just doesn’t matter, for example.
Agree that generally abstaining from voting because he doesn’t want to support any of the candidates, or because he’s a drop fighting an ocean, is different than just not having a clue and preferring to live in ignorance.
+1 I personally also have little patience for the person who refuses to vote unless a candidate aligns perfectly with their views. People fought and died for my right to vote, even if that means voting for the imperfect candidate who will do less harm.
This doesn’t sound like this guy though, if he’s not that into news or politics.
I feel like “not that into news or politics” is a stunningly privileged take and it would be a dealbreaker for me.
Concert goers, or those exposed to loud noises, does anyone have experience with Loop earplugs or the knockoffs on Amazon? I’m going to a few concerts this summer and typically wear standard earplugs but they muffle the sound a bit and I’m wondering if these are worth the upgrade.
I want to protect my ears and very loud noises trigger migraines for me now, though I also like the outdoor concert experience and want to enjoy and be able to hear the band well.
A friend of mine who loves going to concerts and love music swears by the loop ones. I’d get the original and not a knock off.
+1 for Loop.
As a *very* occasional attendee of loud concerts, I get a lot of benefit from my Amazon knockoff versions! I feel like they soften but do not alter the sound, which was exactly what I wanted.
I’ve used Loop for a number of concerts. You will notice a good improvement with them over the standard foam earplugs from the drug store. Personally, I like Vibes ear plugs better than Loop, but it really is trial and error what works best in the shape of your ears. My friends swear by Eargasm but I haven’t tried them yet.
Eargasm are OK but the noise attenuation is not enough for me. Loop quiet noise attenuation is better but I still find them muffly. I recommend the “Alpine MusicSafe Pro” earplugs for concerts. I wore them on the highest setting for a very loud concert and it was comfortable for me (I am sensitive to noise also).
Recs for a nonstick pan that stays that way? Tired of scrubbing mine.
No such thing, they all need replacing after a few years. Enamel cast iron isn’t nonstick for the people who will say it is. Sometimes you need an easy pan to make scrambled eggs.
Enameled cast iron is non stick if you care for it properly and pre-heat it before you put in foods. Lots of people don’t clean their pans properly and either damage the enamel or don’t properly remove old oil.
We do it all correctly and it just isn’t.
Yeah, I love my Le Creuset but I still have a non-stick for eggs. I got the one recommended by Wirecutter. It wasn’t very expensive and I just accept that it won’t last forever.
+1
Although I have decided that I don’t need an easy pan to make scrambled eggs and just stick with cast iron and stainless steel. It’s nonstick enough for the rare occasion I do make scrambled eggs, and lots of butter works for fried eggs.
I just got the Misen carbon nonstick pans and am happy with them.
I got tired of throwing away worn non-stick pans, so I finally got an actual cast-iron pan. I’d avoided them because taking care of one intimidated me. But it turned out to be a good experiment, and I use it most days. I still keep a non-stick skillet around for use here and there, but use it far, far less.
Hestan probond non-stick. It’s pricy, but worth it, lasts a long time, and you can use it like stainless in the oven.
Replace them every couple of years
Stainless steel works 99% of the time. It took maybe a week to get the hang of it. Keep one non stick pan for eggs, hand wash it, and replace every couple years (or sooner if you notice any scratches).
It really only takes another week or two to get the hang of stainless for eggs too.
Are you able to use stainless for eggs without using a lot of fat? That has been my issue with it. (And for both calorie and taste reasons I prefer not to semi-fry my eggs.)
Yes. You only need a small amount of oil applied after the pan is fully heated. If your eggs come out oily, that is too much.
Yes, if the pain is really hot, all I need is a quick spray from a can of spray olive oil (just don’t spray over a gas burner!).
My 20 year old Lodge cast iron makes great scrambled or fried eggs and it is very rare that they stick enough to need elbow grease. Just basic handwashing.
Definitely a learning curve since cooking on cast iron requires different habits if you are used to cooking on nonstick. I got tired of buying new pans all the time, tired of babying them and still having the coating fuzz up and flake off, tired of hearing about all the associated health hazards. Made the switch a decade ago and haven’t regretted it.
Lodge for the win! I transitioned everything to cast iron and stainless over 3 years ago, and I’m never going back. We love our Lodge pans. Easy to clean, will last for generations, and everything cooks evenly.
Ever since someone taught me the trick to stainless steel (making sure the pan is good and hot before adding any oil), I’ve been happier with my stainless pans than any non-stick pan I ever had.
Just use a regular pan. I’ve never understood the appeal of nonstick pans. You literally just need to put some oil or butter in a regular pan, problem solved
+1 to a regular pan with enough oil. If you have issues with hard scrubbing can I simply suggest that you fill the pan with water the second you take your food out? If your sink is full, put a small amount of water in the pan and stick it back on the stove. Putting water in a pan with stuck on crud and heating it up again will also do most of the work of getting gunk off for you. I grew up in a ‘let dirty pans congeal on the stove for an hour’ and my mom was shocked at how effective my way of letting them pre-soak is.
I’m a stainless steal user. A dash of Bar Keepers Friend will get anything off your pan instantly, no soaking required.
The t-fall set I bought from Costco a few years ago is still holding up perfectly.
Second vote for T-fal. I assume they won’t last forever, but I’ve had them for probably 5 years or so with no noticeable wear. And they’re cheap, so I won’t feel bad when it does come time to replace.
(No dishwasher, generally avoid hard scrubbing (though I don’t have any reason to scrub them), don’t heat without something in it.)
Calphalon. I have had my griddle for 25+ years and a second pair of nonstick for at least 12 years and they are all still nonstick. I am not particularly precious with them but they definitely don’t go in the dishwasher and I don’t soak them. I think they do best if cleaned right away.
GreenPan! Mine are seven years old and still going strong.
I had a terrible experience with these pans and every other ceramic nonstick pan I tried. They do not stay nonstick for very long and are hard to clean.
Swiss Diamond pans. They don’t have teflon — more a surface like an emery board with diamond bits. They are oven safe and stand up to a fair bit of abuse. You will have to replace them eventually, but we get 8-9 years out of ours with very heavy use (pretty much every meal — we have given up on most of our other pans).
Doesn’t exist, terrible for your health and the environment. Get stainless steel. I use it for eggs constantly.
Would anyone like to help me find a dress for a baby shower? I’m going to a baby shower in a few weeks that will also be attended by my ex-boyfriend and his new wife. I broke up with the guy 3 years ago because he couldn’t make a commitment after 2 1/2 years, or even discuss a timeline for a commitment (when we were in our mid-30s already).
Anyways, I want a new dress for the party. Ideally something with short sleeves and a little past the knees. I would like to spend less than $200 and an a size 16.
What’s the new wife like style wise? That’s who you’re dressing for, he won’t notice.
Wear a simple dress with great heels. Shoes get more compliments than dresses IME. Check out the colorful options from Jeffrey Campbell or Sam Edelman.
+1 to this strategy
No idea. I have mutual friends with the ex, but we have all embraced a don’t ask don’t tell policy about the other and I haven’t seen him since shortly after the breakup.
Check out tuckernuck for some cute ideas! Good luck!
I borrowed “Designing Your Life” based on recommendations here and it just was not for me. No hate, just not my flavor. Anyone have an alternate suggestion for a self-help book with similar goals but a very different tone/vibe?
What tone/vibe are you looking for or attracted to?
I found Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak and Richard Rohr’s Falling Upward to be helpful in convincing me that it’s okay to try to find the work my authentic self was created for. The books do not include any “method,” specific steps to take, worksheets, etc.
“What Color Is Your Parachute?” has been recommended here before.
Sorry to start off a Monday with a vent but I’m so tired of being the only one in my family who puts any effort into planning anything fun. I would kill for someone to plan something enjoyable for me, doing all the legwork and bringing a positive attitude and all, just one time. And no, loosely suggesting something I might like and then doing none of the work or even remembering that we were going to do it doesn’t count.
I think the moment that solidified I needed to leave my ex was when he invited a bunch of people for my birthday, did no prep and let me know the day before.
Commiseration. Although, I will point out that the upside of this scenario is that you never have to do something you don’t want to do or go somewhere you don’t want to go. I just planned and flawlessly executed a fabulous vacation for us to a bucket-list destination for both of us. It was many months in the making and nearly perfect. He’s now said he has always wanted to go to a particular European country and can he plan it. “Sure!” I say, knowing full well it will never happen, which is fine with me becaause I have no desire to visit said country. I would love not to be the driver of all the projects, but I am, so I have learned to focus on the silver lining.
Yeah my lovely husband has a good track record in this regard, but these days I am feeling more and more like the Cruise Director (Glee Club is on summer vacation and he’s falling back into I Hate Retirement Mode) and I am not having it.