Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Colette High-Rise Crepe Bias Pant
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of burgundy pants to wear this fall, and think I may have struck gold with these crepe pants from Vince. I love a crepe fabric for a comfy but still pulled-together office look, and as someone who gave up wearing heels to the office years ago, the 31” inseam is perfect for me to wear with flats.
I think these would look lovely with a camel blazer, but I’m trying to branch out into some more adventurous color combinations, so I’m planning to try them out with a pale pink sweater or a fuchsia blouse.
The pants are $368 at Vince and come in sizes XXS-XL. They also come in four other colors.
Sales of note for 8/28:
- Ann Taylor – End of summer sale, last call — extra 70% off all sale, new markdowns added.
- CVS – Epic beauty sale, $10 off when you spend $30 (Walmart is having its “Beauty Event” as well right now!)
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- J.Crew – Last chance summer styles on sale
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off new arrivals, extra 15% of $100+ orders
- J.McLaughlin – Extra 40% off sale
- Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70%
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
- M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new markdowns 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
- Talbots – End of summer clearance, 70% off markdowns, including lots of colors of the reader favorite cardigan!
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Burgundy is hard. This looks to me like it has gotten too muddy / brown. I like a burgundy of the early 90s lipsticks.
The muddy/brown color is everywhere right now. It seems to be the color that’s in style.
Everything is beige, brown or greige. I hate it.
I love a warm, deep brown!
Beige, gray, etc not so much
I’m a huge fan of burgundy whenever I can find it (it’s just a neutral to me) but these pants aren’t quite it.
I have a pair of burgundy pants from AT that I bought a few years ago, and they are the perfect color. They go with everything and have more brightness than this pair. Unfortunately, they are too small for me at the moment, and it’s such a bummer!
I had the same thought! what would match with these?
White. I can’t think of anything else.
Be more imaginative?
Navy, black, gray, hunter green (maybe, would need to see them next to each other in person), something in the beige/gold/cream realm, many prints that would pick up the burgundy, I have a medium-wash chambray top that I think would even work…
Plus leopard, red, olive.
Do you have a neuroma or problem feet? I’m currently having a comfortable day in Hokas with a metatarsal pad under the problem foot. I need a dramatic rethink to my business formal work shoes (not every day, but weekly in formal meetings that are appropriate to that setting). Where should I be looking for shoes with generous toe room to accommodate the pad on one side or enough thick supportive soles to not murder my feet? I don’t want to go straight to SAS like my grandmother and I sadly care a lot about looking good (and also not looking old). I’ve donated the skinny heels and am restarting with one pair of flats that have some age on them (but otherwise work).
If you’re trying to avoid going straight to SAS, see what you can find from ABEO, Vionic, and Rangoni Firenze.
I don’t know if this is the same SAS as your grandma wore, but I found a pair of SAS sneakers at Nordstrom that are super cute; wore all over NYC with zero problems and they looked great. Linked below:
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sas-7eventy6ix-sneaker-women-multiple-widths-available/7663504?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FShoes%2FWomen&color=444444CBDE
This isn’t a formal work shoe though!
Those look geriatric
Does anyone have IRL experience with the Ann Mashburn flats (with a wee heel)? The Ferragamo Varas are a hair narrow for one foot and the Varina (comes in wide) is too flat. And at their price, would need to be perfect. The Talbots clones are too narrow this year (not in prior years).
Yes, I love those Ann Mashburn buckle flats, comfortable and great quality. I don’t have the foot problems described though so can’t speak to that.
My holy grail sweatshirt was the Forever Fleece quarter zip sweatshirt from Athleta, which I don’t see on their website anymore (at least in Canada). I basically live in these WFH in the winter so I want to pick up a couple more colours. The problem is finding a replacement has basically been impossible!! I am looking for a sweatshirt that fits this description:
-Quarter zip or half zip
-No hood
-Not cropped
-Not slim fitting
-No weird dolman or puffy sleeves
-Fits a size 18
-Reasonable price
Any suggestions? I’ve looked at all the typical retailers and have struck out (Old Navy, Gap, Lululemon, etc). Note that there’s no Target in Canada.
Try Spanx – their athleisure is super comfy and not at all restrictive.
I love my Spanx quarter zip. I machine wash in cold water then hang dry. It’s in great shape with no pilling.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/p/053234/mw/snowdon-melange-womens-fleece/Dark%20Blue/
Would this work? I tend to have good luck with the quality of mountain Warehouse though I buy in person and not online.
Thank you, that looks great! Never shopped there but I think there is a Mountain Warehouse where I am.
Have you tried Poshmark? So much secondhand Athleta on there! Aritzia and Skims may also have what you’re looking for.
I did check Poshmark but there was hardly anything in my size (Canadian Poshmark is separate from the American one).
Suddenly, at 67, my post-menopausal body is sweating like crazy, and my typical deodorant is just not cutting it. I’ve tried the Secret Clinical Strength – anything stronger out there that works for my sweaty sisters?
I have periods when I sweat heavily—not sure there’s a deodorant that can combat that. I think in that scenario you just let the body do its thing.
You can get a prescription from your doctor. They may also run some tests since sweating can be a symptom of some things, but even if it’s nothing, the prescription strength antiperspirant can help.
Botox in the armpit can work miracles for this situation
For an overnight international flight (US to Europe) would you rather have a window seat next to someone you don’t know, or sit in the middle section of the plane, next to people you do know? I’m traveling with adult siblings; my siblings want to sit in the middle section where they can seat together. There is one open window seat, and I can’t decide if I’ll get more sleep there or in the middle section with family. I’ve never done an overnight flight sitting next to someone I don’t know. But, my preference for sleeping would definitely be window seat. We are in economy so not a fancy business class situation (I wish it were!).
I’d pick window bulkhead if it’s available – then if you need to get up for the restroom, you aren’t disturbing sleeping people. And if your family is chatty but you prefer max sleep, you’re free to conk out!
If not, I’d pick an aisle seat in the middle section ideally next to seats that are already taken (like, a couple is in Left Aisle and Middle, leaving Right Aisle open) since they are more likely to climb over each other than over you.
Window. I only do middle next to my husband. Other family members are not going to put an arm around you and make that seat comfortable.
I would want the middle together. I don’t really like sitting next to people I don’t know, and if I travel by myself I always take the aisle seat. I think this is very personal though.
I absolutely don’t want to sit next to people I know, on an international flight. I suppose that reflects that it’s rare that I’m any flight with someone I know, much less family.
So it would be window seat for me.
Window. You can talk to them on the ground.
Window. I can’t sleep in a middle seat. I travel for work and frequently nap in my window seat next to strangers. Wear a sweatshirt and pull the hood over your eyes.
If your family is like mine they’ll spend the whole flight asking whether you’re awake…waking you up in the process… once you finally get to sleep.
I’m leaning into cozy Autumn vibes and would love a slouchy, v-neck, cashmere sweater. Any recommendations that won’t break the bank – budget is ideally under $100, willing to buy secondhand. Thanks!!!
Quince does a decent version.
I realized that my house clothes are looking rough and would like to replace my pilling joggers and dated furry fleece with something just as comfy but less embarrassing if I step outside. I ordered a set from Spanx, which was fine but not the most flattering and I’ve heard they don’t hold up well. I also ordered a set from Varley which felt too fancy to wear around the house. Is there something in between? I used to be an all lulu person but their new stuff is too trendy for me. I don’t mind paying for quality but I don’t want anything that will be fussy to care for.
Athleta, Old Navy, Gap, and Lou & Grey (Ann Taylor loft) all have good options. I’ve bought my mom some of the Quince sets and she’s reported they wear well and are easy to launder.
I love my Vuori joggers and they wear like iron, but I’m only 5’3, so they may not work if you’re taller.
Vuori, maybe? I also have pieces from Athleta that I really like.
I tried some of their stuff when they first became popular but it did not seem well made. Has that changed? That is more the look I think I want, just a plain straight leg or baby wide leg with a quarter zip.
How would you go about finding a physical therapist who would work with you like a personal trainer? 1:1 attention not “intake then come in and do exercises with the masses”
I’ve seen better and worse PTs, but this is the only kind of physical therapist I’ve ever seen.
I should say, I don’t know how to find one besides gathering recommendations, but you’re totally reasonable to expect 1:1 attention the entire appt time. That is normal.
You’re going to look for concierge or cash-pay physical therapy.
Often, insurance reimbursements are so low that PTs see several patients at once, or have a PTA work with patients on specific exercises while the PT roams around the room.
Warning: some cash-pay PTs can be unscrupulous. They won’t refer you out when you need it; they won’t discharge you when you’re healed. Without oversight form an ortho, and with a strong incentive to keep you paying, they will just keep you on until you get fed up with them. (I had this situation and it was brutal.)
I’ve always used insurance and have never dealt with split attention like this. Sometimes the PTA has worked with me on exercises while the PT did something on the computer, but I’ve never been left alone to my exercising or found myself exercising with other patients.
Maybe my form is just that bad!
I’ve never been to a physical therapist who did group work. The very point of a physical therapist is 1:1 attention.
Ask your doctor for a referral.
When my daughter did PT she had a PT assistant who was spotting maybe 2-3 people over an hour and people weee packed in tighter than any gym I’ve been at.
I got a sharp pain in my lower jaw last week for just a minute and since then that whole side has been ever so slightly tender on and off. I already have a dentist appointment scheduled this week to check it out but has anyone gone through this? I have been lucky to have good teeth until now so I’m freaking out a bit about what to expect.
My daughter has this and she got an antigrinding retainer for at night and it seems to help.
Is/was the pain radiating from under the jaw? If you press there does it hurt? If so, it may the the muscle not the tooth.
Not to freak you out but this can be a cardio symptom.
I need to write this out and figure I can entertain everyone else in the process. I’ve gone on 3 dates with a guy from a dating app. I wasn’t sure at first but when we met we got along well, conversation was great, lots of common interests. The thing is I don’t find him that attractive.
It always takes me a little while to feel like I want to garden with someone new so I was giving it some time, and I’m not a 10/10 here either so I wanted to give it a chance but the feelings aren’t there. I just need to end this right? It’s getting to the point where it’s almost rude not to?
A part of it is that there are certain types of facial hair I don’t like at all so I’m like he would probs look much better without it. Obviously I would never ever ever say anything to him but its affecting my thought process.
Never talk yourself into a romantic relationship.
Literally after posting this I realized I was basically looking for permission to break up. Which is something I’ve been working on in therapy – not needing permission for things.
I do prefer to go a little slow, by which I just mean that nothing is happening on the first 2 dates. But by a third date I’ve given it a chance and yeah should be feeling something.
You got it! Seriously this is what “if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no” is for.
Yeah, if you don’t wanna make out after three dates, I think it’s safe to conclude that there’s not enough physical attraction.
I wouldn’t say it’s rude to go on 1-2 more dates before deciding, but you sound like you’re trying to convince yourself to keep seeing him – so for that reason and not rudeness, think you should tell him now.
Please don’t date someone you aren’t attracted to. It is really crappy to be on the other end of that.
I mean, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to not be ready to go all the way after 3 dates. That’s pretty normal. But you probably should at least want to kiss him by now.
This is where I land. A bit more runway is OK.
I really get in my head about this. I’m never going to want to have a one night stand or kiss someone the first time. Honestly the best scenario is when the other person isn’t touchy / doesn’t try anything the first couple dates and lets it happen naturally. Then by somewhere in the 3-5 date range I would want to touch/kiss/know if I’m attracted to them. I do tell people that I prefer to take it slow
and what that means to me.
This guy also has been more touchy than I would prefer. He did tone it down after I asked him to though.
Has anyone done a DIY closet system from one of the big box hardware stores? I had the builder-grade wire shelving in my walk-in closet just completely collapsed on me. (My fault for overloading it with sweaters and blazers, probably!)
With the long weekend coming up, this feels like a good project to tackle. I’d love a custom solution, but that’s not really in the budget right now. At the moment, I’m looking at the Closetmaid Brightwood system, but I’d love to hear if others thoughts!
I am looking for recommendations for high end resorts in Turks and Caicos for March. I will not have kids with me so would prefer not to go to a resort that has a reputation for being family friendly.
I fell into a bad rut of not doing much thanks to depression and some hormonal issues. I started HRT about 2 months ago and am feeling a lot better, like the clouds have parted a bit. I’m still finding it kind of tough to break out of my routines and do things that are more enjoyable than scrolling. Any thoughts/ideas on how to hold myself accountable? Specifically, I want to spend more of my free time doing things outdoors, working out regularly instead of sporadically, and reading instead of scrolling. Fall weather may help with the outdoors part.
Get a brick. It has been a game changer for me after trying to cut back on the scrolling for years.
I have found it helpful to plan out and to think of it as doing things I like. I’m not “not scrolling”, I’m planning a walk in the park. Also, planning ahead reduces the mental load of “better take a walk after work today”, which I find is a huge burden to me. It takes a little while. And even a 10 minute walk is worth it because it helps get you into the routine.
For reading, I’ve found that starting a physical book in a new location helps. Honestly I’ve taken to starting new books at a bar with a glass of wine, and then once I’m hooked I’ll keep reading.
Make specific weekend plans – inside of “go outside,” try “park in Lot A at State Park B and do the loop trail.” Follow up your hike with lunch at a cafe with a book. You need to get back into the groove and get reminded of why you like the outdoors and reading – they’re so much more fun than scrolling! It’s like a muscle and will get stronger the more you exercise it.
Also, remove apps from your phone and/or passwords from your saved logins.
For working out, the first thing is to find an activity you like. I like the variety of doing exercise videos at home. I use videos from Fitness Blender and Monika Fit on YouTube. I started doing 2-3 workouts a week just to get consistent with the habit. I also have to work out first thing in the morning or I’ll find a million reasons to not get it done during the day.
If you want to combine exercise with getting outdoors, maybe you can start with taking a walk and then combing back and doing some stretches.
For reading, I download books via the Libby app and read them on my Kindle. If you really want to lock down scrolling, then get a Brick to lock yourself out of social media apps.
I’m someone who has to start small instead of making a bunch of changes at once. Try to do work in one habit regularly before adding on another one.
I try to take a vacation from scrolling, going off it completely for a week works wonders. But I usually only do it on vacation to be honest.
Might not work for you, but I find just turning on the TV as background when I’m putzing around the house works wonders for cutting down on scrolling. Not streaming, but old school live TV.
I need a pair of black work flats for this fall. I’d like something that has more substance than a ballet flat (or more padding, at least) but isn’t quite as hefty as a loafer. Any ideas?
I know feelings about these are mixed here but I have yet to find a more structured or padded flat than the Sarah Flint Natalie. I would prefer a plain toe but I have two pairs and they are my most worn shoes.
My best friend from my 20s moved across the country 1.5 years ago to my state. We are both in our early 60s, divorced and still working full time. I thought this was going to be great since we were both in the same situation and it has been nice to always have someone to do stuff with, although I do have a full life already with my grown kids, rest of family here, many friends and while I am extroverted I do enjoy my alone time.
Well, at this point I am so sick of seeing her! Just about everything she does grates on my nerves and I feel resentful that I am the only person she knows here and relies on my for everything. I have seen her every weekend since she moved here except this weekend when I finally lied to her and said I wasn’t feeling well so couldn’t do anything just so I could have a weekend to myself, but then spent the weekend ruminating on how resentful I was to have had to lie just to get a weekend to myself. And the only reason I was able to force myself to do this was because we are going away for the Holiday weekend coming up and I am dreading it, so I knew I simply could not see her this weekend and next weekend.
The other thing is that her choices and decisions are so bad that I find it incredibly frustrating. Her life decisions, financial decisions, and her kids and family (even from across the country) all create so much chaos and while it doesn’t affect me directly, thank goodness, I am at a point in my life where I do not want chaos of any kind in or around my life.
I don’t know what to do about this. She would be very hurt if I told her we need to see each other less and I know then she would just be waiting for me to make plans with her. I have stopped inviting her to every social plan or family event or vacation and that helps a bit with the resentment and I just avoid mentioning these things to her.
The things I do recognize that are contributing to this is that I am a people pleaser and that familiarity breeds contempt, but while I recognize this I just don’t know what to do with that information. I am thinking about therapy to help.
Any advice or words of wisdom?