Splurge Monday’s Workwear Report: Yiyan Classic Blazer
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I have been a fan of M.M.LaFleur since the brand's earliest days, so I was thrilled when they reached out and asked if I would be interested in receiving a piece of clothing from their fall collection. My blazer collection is in need of an upgrade, so I selected the Yiyan one-button blazer in the “toasted coconut” color for maximum autumnal enjoyment.
The fabric is fantastic — it's substantial without being bulky and has just a hint of stretch — and the fit is perfect. MMLF's customer service is top-notch, so when I reached out with questions about sizing, they were able to help me quickly select the best option. (For what it's worth, I'm between two sizes and the smaller size was the perfect fit.)
I've already worn this to a Big Meeting with an ivory blouse and black trousers, and I'm considering buying the coordinating dress to make a full suit.
The blazer is $519 at M.M.LaFleur and comes in sizes 00-20. It also comes in six other colorways, some at reduced prices.
Sales of note for 9/25:
- Boden – Up to 50% off sale + extra 15% off (I'm trying to figure out which color(s) of this sweater I should order…)
- Ann Taylor – 25% off the weekend collection and extra 50% off sale section
- Anthropologie – Extra 50% off sale!
- Athleta – Lots marked down to 40% off; with an Athleta card you get an extra 20% off.
- AYR – Archive sale, up to 60% off
- CVS – Epic beauty sale
- J.Crew – Fall styles start at $39
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off new arrivals, extra 20% off orders $125+
- Nordstrom – over 9800 new markdowns
- M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Extra 40% off select clearance
- Talbots – 40% off one item, 30% off everything else
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Help a girl out. We’ve decided to spend Christmas in NYC, and for this visit, I’d like to find a hotel room that has a little extra space, as we’ll likely be in the room more than normal. Fairly indifferent to what part of town we stay in, as long as it is close to a subway stop. I’d love a suite, although that may be cost prohibitive. I’d welcome any and all suggestions of places to check out.
Also, if anyone has heard of StayAKA, can you let me know about that? Can it be legit? It feels too good to be true – made me think it is a scam. Appreciate any intel.
Finally, if there is anything we must do, let us know. We’ve been to NYC many times, but never at the holidays, so hit me up with your suggestions.
Thank you!
I’ve liked the Incentra in the West Village. It’s such a great walkable area. But because I like it, I’m not more widely versed except for work trips. Can you get access to anything like the New York Athletic Club? That place is amazing (but may not work for everyone).
I recently had a great stay at Radio City Apartments in midtown. Very spacious with a kitchenette, but not outrageously expensive. The only downside was a lot of street noise at night, specifically the pedicabs blasting music. So bring your ear plugs and your white noise.
The Wallace on the UWS is a great location and has suites.
Four season climate friends – Do you seperate winter vs fall in your wardrobe and how much overlap in items/ outfits do you have between the cold seasons?
How do you keep from feeling UGH about getting dressed for commuting and work in Jan and Feb?
My midwest fall through spring can be one unending slushy grey slog. And I’m bored with my clothes, and annoyed with layering, by January.
I have a distinctly May-September wardrobe (linen, lightweights, bright clear colors) that I can make multiple variations of the same outfit from throughout the season and dont really get bored with. And getting dressed is easy.
I’m thinking I need to hold back a favorite piece or two (that I normally would have reached for starting in November) until the new year. Just to keep something to look forward to/ feel like I have variety.
I think this is a perfect opportunity for a month or two of a clothing rental service. I really like Nuuly, but Rent the Runway is a good option too! I always try to rent a “fun” coat or two and it does wonders for getting me out of the house in February.
I have little confidence with my body staying the same size to wear things I own that I have tried on. I have even less when grabbing an armful of clothes to try on in a store (and for anything to continue to fit post-purchase). I have zero confidence that RTR would work for someone going through menopause size flux where the week to week variations are just so weird. Apparently, I have a front stomach now (but didn’t last winter at the same weight) and what I folded and put away for the summer doesn’t look good at all even though it technically fits.
E.g., 64″, 130″, and a lot of larges for bottoms now and not even all of them work; an XL would fall off. Numerical sizes are “just try on everything from 8-12 and hope something fits and flatters.”
My clothes only differ based on weather, not actual season – so anything I’m wearing in October / November is also still in rotation in March / April. Basically summer and not-summer.
So, no linen, velvet, corduroy, dark tweeds, or wool flannel for you or you have all this and just wear it all as it suits you? I feel like this approach actually worked when we wore 3-season worsted wool suiting pieces to work, but not at all for a more casual office.
I do a four season rotation or I get bored of my wardrobe. I do this even though the temperature extremes are not significant. Some favorites I use year round but I change up the combination. I rotate accessories like necklaces, earrings and scarves as well.
For winter I love a long sleeve knee length sheath dress with black tights. For spring summer, I tend to do a midi skirt or dress in a lighter material. I used to default to pants but now I try to mix in a skirt or dress at least once or twice a week so I don’t get bored.
If you wear a sheath dress and black tights, what are you wearing on your feet?
A little bit. Fabric goes by weather, color goes by season. So… my medium-weight knits tend to be more berry colors or dark neutrals for Oct-Feb, but those feel too “fall-winter” for the same high temps in March, so I have some sweaters in more “spring” type colors – moving to greens, pinks, light grays – for early spring weather.
Once the weather cools off I’m tempted to wear all my black sweaters and chunky knits. I try to avoid wearing them until December but it doesn’t always work. I have better luck keeping things fresh with coats, shoes, and accessories. I classify many items as either pre- or post-Thanksgiving, usually based on material and color. My pants and top might feel uninspiring but the outer later looks great. By March I’m sick of everything though and spring clothes are the worst.
Looking for Chicago dinner rec the Friday before the marathon. Staying at the Congress Hotel. Any ideas for something we can still get in to?
Any other marathon weekend recs?
No help with dinner, but other activities, this would be awesome! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nobody-asked-us-with-des-and-kara-tickets-1998515532757?utm_source=marathon-weekend.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=chicago-2026
Are you running or observing ? I’d give you different food options:)
I noticed on the Garnet Hill website they have a new tab for Pre-owned, which leads to a site called Second Nature that resells used Garnet Hill clothing and home goods. They mention sustainability as one reason for the new offering. I’m curious about the profitability of it, and also how the business model works. It seems like a lot of work to process incoming used clothing and bedding for resale. I do like the idea of reducing waste. Has anyone seen this model with other retailers?
Lululemon does it and so does Patagonia. I think it’s a great option if you have favorite items or something you missed out on. I’ve thought about using the Lululemon one to grab leggings for my daughter. I hate paying full retail for her to abuse them at skating practice.
MM La Fleur and Anthro do this (although I think the Anthro items are from their rental).
It really bugs me that Anthro does not have a separate site section or search function for pre-owned items. When I search the main Anthro site, I only want to see new everyday clothing. I do not want a hundred pre-owned items mixed in with the results, or BHLDN bridesmaid dresses, or furniture.
Frank & Eileen does it
I don’t think it will work that well for Garnet Hill since the quality has gone down dramatically but it seems to work well for Patagonia, which is probably not AS high-quality as it was in the 90s but still up there. If you sell back to those companies, you won’t get much and then you’ll see the used item on the page super marked up, though.
What is your go-to fall work outfit? I am having a hard time finding inspiration this fall! I don’t love all of the boxy/slouchy/baggy trends happening right now.
Sometimes the pay-to-play element of this blog is a bummer. There is nothing special enough about this 61% Recycled Polyester, 26% Viscose, 7% Cotton, 6% Elastane blazer to justify that price tag. Surprised this is a recommendation.
What? You don’t have to buy anything?
And for the record, I have that blazer and the fabric is indeed lovely.
Yeah, there is no pay to play here. I think plenty of people just come for the message board tbh. There is no requirement that you buy something in order to participate… So you really do not need to pay for anything.
By pay-to-play, I was referring to the fact that the blog gets a cut of sales off the link shared. They’re motivated only to promote items of which they can get a piece, so occasionally less-than-nice items are touted as something worthwhile.
Lawd, some days I just can’t.
Mondays are for the spendy items. Fridays are for the thrifty. If it works for you, it is worthwhile for you. It’s not a trick or consipiracy.
I’ll be in Colorado Springs for work Wed-Fri. I’ll have time Thursday afternoon to get out and about. Any recommendations for a lunch spot, shopping, etc.? We’re not hikers.
The Broadmoor is beautiful – if you are not staying there, you could go for lunch. You can walk around the public areas of the resort after lunch.
I think Garden of the Gods is worth a visit too. There are nice walking paths, no need to be a hiker in order to enjoy.
You could ride the cog railway up Pikes Peak if that interests you. Again, no hiking required.
We will be staying there, so happy to hear it is beautiful!
Are there any actually evidence-based tips for getting over a cold faster? I’m supposed to visit an aunt in a retirement community for the first time in years this weekend and I obviously need to be recovered first if that’s going to happen.